Parishioners of M’dap Parish in the Mindat Diocese gathered on August 22 to celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, concluding a nine-day spiritual journey of prayer and devotion.

The celebration brought together the faithful for a solemn concelebrated Eucharistic liturgy, followed by an awards ceremony for outstanding students and a symbolic ritual of burning prayer intentions.

A Nine-Day Spiritual Journey

In the days leading up to the solemnity, the parishioners of M’dap Parish embarked on a nine-day novena dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Throughout this period of intense prayer, reflection, and community devotion, the faithful prepared their hearts to honor Mary’s royal title and motherly presence.

As part of this tradition, participants wrote down their personal prayer intentions, hopes, and petitions on small letters. They placed them at the foot of Mary’s altar with deep faith, trusting that their requests would be carried to God.

Solemn Eucharistic Celebration

The climax of the spiritual preparation unfolded on August 22 at approximately 10:00 AM, as the parish community assembled in the church for the official Feast Day Mass. Parish Priest Fr. Peter Ghung Khaw Gei, alongside Fr. Michael Aung Ling and Fr. Timothy Ling Maung, RVA K’Cho Service Coordinator, presided over the Mass.

Together, the priests led the congregation in giving thanks for the spiritual graces bestowed upon the parish family through the heavenly protection of Mother Mary.

Homily on Mary’s Queenship

During the homily, the parish priest delivered a profound message explaining the theological foundation of Mary’s Queenship. He emphasized that Mary’s royal dignity is intrinsically linked to the Kingship of her Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns supreme over heaven and earth.

Just as King Jesus extends His divine love and care to all of creation, Mother Mary continually watches over humanity with tender maternal devotion.

The priest connected this feast to the Feast of the Assumption celebrated on August 15, illustrating how Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven naturally leads to her coronation as Queen of Heaven.

Clarifying Catholic doctrine, he reminded the faithful that Catholics do not pray to Mary as an ultimate end or as God Himself. Instead, believers ask Mary to intercede on their behalf. Just as earthly neighbors pray for one another in faith, Mary brings our petitions directly to God’s throne.

Honoring Academic Excellence

Following the conclusion of the Mass, the focus transitioned to honoring the young scholars of the parish community. The parish organized an awards ceremony to acknowledge outstanding students who achieved academic success in their studies.

Fr. Michael Aung Ling personally presented the gifts and certificates to the students. He encouraged them to continue pursuing knowledge, faith, and virtue while serving as positive examples for the younger generation.

Symbolic Burning of Prayer Intentions

Before the final blessing, the congregation participated in a deeply moving spiritual ritual. The written letters containing the parishioners’ personal prayers—collected since the beginning of the novena—were reverently burned in a container outside the altar space.

As Marian hymns resonated throughout the sanctuary, the smoke rising from the burning paper served as a visible representation of the people’s prayers ascending directly to heaven through Mary’s powerful intercession.

Community Fellowship

The feast day celebration concluded with the final blessing imparted by the celebrating clergy. Demonstrating the spirit of Christian charity and gratitude, bags of rice were distributed to all participants and families who attended the event in honor of the feast.

To round out the memorable day, a special festive lunch was provided for the priests, catechists, and invited teachers. The meal offered everyone an opportunity to share in warm fellowship and celebrate the strength of their parish community.

The celebration in M’dap Parish stands as a testament to the enduring devotion of the Catholic faithful in Mindat Diocese and their deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven.

By RVA K’Cho Service