The closing ceremony of Batch 34 of the Lay Zetaman empowerment program was marked on August 13, 2026, with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph’s IDP Camp in Han O Parish, Pekhon Diocese.

Vicar General Fr. Robert Sharbet led the Mass, together with the Director of Lay Zetaman, Fr. Thomas Khun, accompanied by four priests. The celebration brought together the newly trained volunteers, their families, and the community in a spirit of joy and gratitude.

Director’s Message of Encouragement

During the Mass, Fr. Thomas Khun, the director of Lay Zetaman, encouraged the newly trained volunteers not to be afraid of incapability and insufficiency.

“Much is expected from you, and I appreciate and congratulate you for your selfless dedication,” he said.

He acknowledged that experience is often called the best teacher. “I deny it not, but always remember that it is God who gives us strength and life, and perfects us,” he reminded the volunteers.

His words offered reassurance to the young lay missionaries as they prepared to embark on their mission assignments.

Vicar General’s Call to Service

At the closing ceremony, Vicar General Fr. Robert Sharbet invigorated the post-trained volunteers with words of wisdom for their upcoming mission.

He urged them to be prudent and persevere while in the mission field. “Always remember that you are sent not to dominate but to serve,” he said. “Be humble enough, for life is a process of unending learning.”

He also encouraged them to embrace their youth. “Love your youthfulness and take it as a special privilege for the greater glory of God,” he said.

A Day of Jubilation

August 13, 2026, was a day of jubilation and excitement for the 29 young Lay Zetaman volunteers. After one and a half months of formation, it was time for them to be sent out to labor in the mission field with particular assignments.

All the Lay Zetaman volunteers made a profession to serve wherever sent out for at least one year. Their commitment was made in accordance with Gospel values—obedience, chastity, and poverty.

Voices from the Mission Field

A former Lay Zetaman shared her experiences of the countless difficulties and challenges she encountered in the mission, especially in remote areas.

“Amongst these challenges and difficulties, there is also the beauty of simplicity, innocence, and honesty of the indigenous,” she said.

She insisted that it is the God-given duty of every Lay Zetaman to restore the full human rights and dignity to those who are marginalized, especially children.

Her testimony offered both a challenge and an inspiration to the new volunteers as they prepared for their own missionary journeys.

A Joyful Conclusion

After the ceremony, all the attendees were invited to share traditional porridge. Following the fellowship meal, they returned to their own tents with joyful hearts.

The closing of Batch 34 of the Lay Zetaman empowerment program marks another chapter in the Church’s commitment to lay missionary formation in Myanmar. These 29 young volunteers now join the ranks of those who have gone before them, ready to serve God’s people in some of the most challenging and remote areas of the country.

By RVA Kayan Service