Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw Diocese met with internally displaced persons (IDP) representatives from Banmaw on August 18, 2026, at St. Thomas Hall in Myitkyina, offering words of encouragement and solidarity to those forced to flee their homes.

The Bishop was accompanied by Fr. Luke Hpa Shan Lum, Director of KMS of Banmaw Diocese, Fr. Laurence Jangma La Nu, and Fr. Francis Maran Awng Seng Naw. The meeting brought together representatives of the displaced faithful who have sought refuge in Myitkyina following the escalation of fighting in Banmaw in December 2024.

Bishop’s Message of Hope

In his encouragement message, Bishop Raymond reminded the IDPs that they are not alone in their suffering.

“We are the Universal Church,” he said. “Therefore, we must follow the leadership of the relevant Diocesan Mission, Local bishop, priests, and catechists.”

He encouraged the displaced faithful to remain close to priests and catechists and to have the opportunity to contribute to the Church. He urged them to obey and to ask for help when needed.

The Bishop advised the IDPs to contact the Karuna Office and its staff wherever they come from. He encouraged them to reach out to their Diocese for assistance.

“In difficult times, we must believe in God and pray,” Bishop Raymond said. “When the darkness passes, the light will come.”

His message offered a powerful reminder that hope endures even in the midst of suffering and displacement.

Voices of the Displaced

The IDP representatives expressed their gratitude for the meeting and the Bishop’s words of encouragement. One representative shared how deeply moved they were by the visit.

“I am very pleased that the Bishops and priests took the time to meet and give us advice,” one said. “Thank you God, my Lord and the fathers.”

Another representative expressed appreciation for the Church’s efforts to advocate for Myanmar on the international stage. “I was happy and encouraged that you met with the Pope and presented to the whole of Myanmar. The Pope himself prayed for the whole of Myanmar,” they said.

One IDP representative spoke of the relief they felt after meeting with the Bishop. “I felt that I was able to meet with the Bishop and relieve my anxiety,” they said.

Another representative emphasized the importance of staying connected to the Church amid the crisis. “Although the refugee crisis has become difficult, the relevant diocesan Bishop and priests have been encouraged to inform the relevant diocesan Bishop and priests about the refugee camps,” they said.

“Even if we lose our homes and possessions, we can never lose our faith,” one representative declared. “I was very happy to receive the blessing of the Bishop. He also remembers and prays for all the IDPs who are suffering in the forests.”

The Displacement Crisis

In Myitkyina alone, there are over 300 families and more than 1,600 faithful from Banmaw Diocese. The displacement began following the December 2024 conflict in Banmaw. Faithful from Banmaw Diocese have fled to the east, west, north, and south, seeking safety wherever they can find it.

The meeting with Bishop Raymond provided a moment of spiritual strength and pastoral care for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. His presence and message of solidarity reminded the displaced faithful that even in exile, they remain part of the Church family.

The Bishop’s visit to Myitkyina and his meeting with the IDP representatives underscore the ongoing commitment of the Catholic Church in Myanmar to accompany those who suffer, particularly in regions affected by conflict and displacement.

By RVA Kachin Jinghpaw Service