In a remote village in Myitkyina Diocese, the Catholic Church hosts an ecumenical gathering for Christian Youth
The Catholic Church in Gwi Htu Village, located 16 miles from Myitkyina, hosted a monthly ecumenical prayer gathering for Christian youth from various denominations on January 25, 2025.
The gathering, part of a monthly rotating meeting intended to foster friendship and mutual understanding among young Christians, was held at the invitation of Fr. Patrick Hkawng Re, the Parish Priest of Naung Hkying. He was joined by Fr. Peter Zang Yaw Hpung and Fr. Joseph Chwar Thar.
For the first time in Gwi Htu Village, the Holy Mass was celebrated in the Lisu language by Fr. Peter and Fr. Joseph. Fr. Peter Zang Yaw Hpung delivered the homily.
Fr. Patrick explained the decision to celebrate the Mass in Lisu was intentional. “So that they may see and understand how the Holy Mass is celebrated and how unity is lived in the Catholic Church, it is better to celebrate the Mass in Lisu,” he said.
In his homily, Fr. Peter Zang Yaw Hpung addressed the core theme of Christian unity, tracing its modern roots to the formation of the World Council of Churches in 1948. He cautioned against sectarian divisions, reminding the congregation of St. Paul’s message that believers belong to Christ alone, not to any single leader.
Expanding the vision beyond Christianity, Fr. Peter emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue with Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism. “Dialogue means listening to one another, learning from one another, and accepting what is good,” he stated. He outlined four progressive stages of dialogue, moving from an exclusive focus on one’s own church (Ecclesiocentric) to a broader focus on shared hopes for salvation (Soteriocentric).
“Let us cast out our narrow minds and open our hearts,” Fr. Peter concluded. “Jesus is for everyone… Our Church should not be built only for one group of people, but must be inclusive.”
The event drew about 400 attendees, serving as a vibrant, practical example of young Christians from different traditions praying and learning together in a spirit of openness and shared faith.
By RVA Lisu Service
