On September 1st, 2026, the Catholic faithful from St. Mary Parish, Lukse in Mindat Diocese gathered in solemn prayer and heartfelt gratitude to observe the 11th death anniversary of their beloved pioneer priest and faith-father, Monsignor Paulinus Mang Ha Gei.

A Day of Mourning and Remembrance in Southern Chin State

On September 1st, 2015, the Catholic Church of Southern Chin State suffered a profound loss when Msgr. Paulinus Mang Ha Gei passed away. His departure left deep sorrow throughout the region, as thousands of the faithful mourned a shepherd who had given his entire life to their spiritual and temporal well-being. Eleven years later, his legacy remains vibrant, and the community continues to honor the sacred day of his passing with profound reverent remembrance.

A Pioneer Native Priest and Faithful Servant

Along with Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Mang Thang, Msgr. Paulinus Mang Ha Gei was among the very first pioneer native priests to emerge from Southern Chin State. Both were ordained into the priesthood on April 28, 1973, laying the cornerstone for the growth of the local Church. In 1983, Fr. Paulinus was assigned to Mindat Parish, where he remained steadfast in his pastoral duties until his final breath on September 1, 2015. His extraordinary zeal, unwavering pastoral care, and holy life earned him the noble honorific title of Monsignor from the Holy See in Rome.

A Living Saint, Educator, and Father to the Youth

To the people of Chin State, Msgr. Paulinus was widely revered as a living saint who lived out his priesthood through direct, compassionate action. Beyond his sacramental duties, he cared deeply for the human and social development of his people:

• Hostel and Youth Ministry: Every year, he personally opened his doors to support and host around 100 young boys as boarders. Under his guidance and fatherly care, these boarders grew up to become Catholic priests, religious sisters, engineers, teachers, and prominent professionals serving society today.

• Rural Education and Healthcare Initiatives: Driven by a desire to uplift poor and remote communities, Msgr. Paulinus actively dispatched teachers to rural villages to ensure children received a proper education, and sent trained nurses to remote areas to provide vital medical care to those in need.

Commemorative Memorial Mass led by Bishop Augustine

To mark his 11th death anniversary, a special Memorial Mass was celebrated on September 1st, 2026, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lukse. Bishop Augustine Thang Zawm Hung of Mindat Diocese presided over the Holy Mass alongside five concelebrating priests. The solemn liturgy was offered for the eternal rest of Msgr. Paulinus Mang Ha Gei, as well as all deceased clergy, including Fr. Anthony Ling Khui Shing, Fr. Paschal Ling Om, Fr. Alphonse Yaw Ling Ha, and Fr. Nicholas Khui Shing Tam of the Mindat Diocese.

Bishop’s Homily: Target-Aimed Prayer

During his inspiring homily, Bishop Augustine recalled fond personal memories of ministering alongside Msgr. Paulinus. Highlighting Msgr. Paulinus’s wisdom on spiritual discipline, the Bishop quoted one of his most famous spiritual teachings:

“Prayer is like an archer who aims at his target. When we pray, we must aim directly at what we want to ask for.”

Concluding Blessing and Living Out His Legacy

At the conclusion of the solemn Memorial Mass, the congregation united in prayer as Bishop Augustine delivered the final episcopal blessing upon the faithful. With hearts filled with gratitude, hope, and renewed faith, the community concluded the holy celebration, sending the assembly forth to carry on the sacred mission Msgr. Paulinus began.

Msgr. Paulinus Mang Ha Gei will forever remain a spiritual hero, a compassionate benefactor, and a true faith-father to the Catholic community of Southern Chin State in Myanmar. It is through his selflessness, foresight, and dedication that the Catholic faith took deep root in the hearts of the Chin people. As the diocese reflects on his life, the community continues to pray for the eternal peace of his soul, promising to hold his words and example close to their hearts for generations to come.

By RVA K’Cho Service