The Archdiocese of Mandalay is currently hosting the Christian Life Program (CLP), a spiritual formation course organized by Couples for Christ (CFC) Myanmar. Running from July 12 through August 30, the weekly program takes place every Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at St. Michael’s Church in Than Win.

Genevieve Cho Cho Win, the program organizer, noted that the CFC Mandalay chapter grounds its mission in 1 John 1:3–4: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.”

Call to Repentance and Active Witnessing

Addressing attendees on the theme of “Repentance and Faith,” Fr. Paul Thet Khaing, Spiritual Director of CFC-Myanmar, emphasized the connection between humility, prayer, and divine grace.

“When we pray, we must approach God with humility and genuine repentance,” Fr. Thet Khaing said. “If we ask in faith, His blessings are already prepared for us.”

Fr. Thet Khaing highlighted that personal faith experiences must translate into active evangelization. “Every CFC member here has encountered God personally. Proclaiming and sharing these personal testimonies is the essence of mission work,” he explained. “Gathering to share about God recharges our spiritual strength.”

He cited the transformation of Saint Paul—from a persecutor of early Christians to one of the Church’s greatest Apostles—as an example of true conversion: “Repentance without inner transformation is meaningless. Genuine repentance requires the courage to humbly confess our faults before God and align our lives with His will.”

Local Leadership Drives Ministry Growth

Established in Myanmar approximately 12 years ago, Couples for Christ traces its global origin to the Philippines. While past formation modules relied on international trainers, current regional conditions have led local coordinators to step up and lead the program, with guest priests invited on a rotating basis.

The Mandalay chapter remains CFC’s primary base in Myanmar, boasting over 150 officially registered members. The chapter holds monthly assemblies on the first Sunday of each month to discuss faith and share testimony. Small ministry teams conduct household evangelization through home visits, while specialized leadership training modules equip local coordinators and facilitators.

“This program helps cultivate deeper intimacy with God,” Cho Cho Win added. “We believe it will fortify the faith of our community and prepare members to serve where the Church needs them most.”

Participant Perspectives

Participants highlighted the practical and community-focused nature of the program. Mavel, a first-time attendee invited by a friend, noted: “Discussing the material in groups after each presentation helps solidify the lessons. I used to just go through the motions of being a Christian, but this program has deepened my understanding of how to live out scripture daily.”

Maria Than Than Htay, who converted to Catholicism after marriage, shared how the community enhanced her spiritual journey: “I used to attend Mass on Sundays and leave without knowing much scripture. Joining CFC has opened up the depth of the Bible for me. The community offers genuine encouragement and spiritual nourishment.”

The CLP continues to serve as a vital formation program, strengthening the faith of Catholic families and equipping them for active participation in the Church’s mission.

By RVA Myanmar Service