In one of the most remote Catholic outposts in the country, near the headwaters of the Ayeyarwady River, five children received their First Holy Communion during an Easter Mass celebrated during the pastoral tour on May 4 by the Parish Priest Fr. Mark Kyi Moe.

In Loi Yang village, part of Lungsha Yang Parish in the Putao Zone of Kachin State, is one of the smallest parishes in the Myitkyina Diocese. The area is so isolated that the parish priest can visit only once a year, making every Mass a rare and precious event.

A Community of Widows and Faith

The village has just 16 Catholic families, eight of which are led by widows. Women outnumber men. About 70 Catholics live here, accessible only by water route. The village sits near Spirit Island (Nat Kyun), a landmark at the source of the Malikha River, one of the tributaries that form the great Ayeyarwady River.

For nearly 40 years, elder Catechist John Zau Phan cared for the spiritual needs of the community. Now aged and in declining health, he has stepped back. The faithful have relied on him for decades, but new leadership is urgently needed.

God Is Closer in Hard Places

During the Easter Mass, Fr. Mark Kyi Moe encouraged the small congregation. He told them that God is especially close in difficult and challenging places. God is a compassionate and caring God who helps the sorrowful and the afflicted, he said.

The five children who received First Holy Communion marked a significant milestone for the village. For many, the sacraments are a rare encounter, made possible only by the priest’s annual journey.

A Catechist’s Critical Role

Recognizing the spiritual needs of In Loi Yang village, the parish priest assigned a catechist in 2025 to serve the community. Joseph Seth Lord Awng completed a year of service. In 2026, he was replaced by Francis Sut Aung, who now takes on the mission of guiding the faithful in this remote corner of Myanmar.

The village’s isolation and the priest’s infrequent visits mean that the catechist is the primary spiritual leader for most of the year. The community’s faith, sustained by such dedication, remains strong despite the hardships.

A Testament to Enduring Faith

In Loi Yang village stands as a testament to the enduring faith of Myanmar’s Catholics in the most challenging circumstances. With limited access to the sacraments, a fragile demographic, and the constant struggle for survival, the village continues to worship, celebrate, and welcome new communicants to the table of the Lord. The Easter Mass and First Communion were not just rituals but powerful affirmations of hope in one of the country’s most forgotten places.

By RVA Rawang Service