Seven Sisters of the Little Way Sisters of St. Therese professed their perpetual vows during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Church in Kalaymyo on September 30, 2026, committing themselves to a life of prayer, service, and faithful witness to the Gospel.

Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang of Kalay Diocese presided over the Mass, with 23 priests and one deacon participating in the celebration. Around 1,000 faithful gathered to pray and celebrate with the Sisters on this significant occasion.

‘Live as Little Flowers for the People’

In his opening remarks, Bishop Felix urged the seven Sisters to follow the footsteps of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, whose spirituality inspired their religious congregation. He encouraged them to live like “little flowers” among the people through humility, simplicity, love, and faithful service.

A Retreat of Preparation

In preparation for their perpetual profession, the Sisters made a retreat led by Rev. Fr. Mark Vum Khan Cin, SDB. The retreat provided them with an opportunity to deepen their vocation, reflect on their commitment, and prepare spiritually for their final profession.

Fr. Mark also preached the homily during the profession Mass. Reflecting on the daily Gospel, he encouraged the Sisters to remain faithful amid difficulties and challenges. Drawing on the words of St. Paul, he reminded them that God gives us the strength to overcome difficulties. He also encouraged the Sisters, following St. Paul, to recognize their weaknesses and to “boast” in them, trusting in God’s grace and power.

Perpetual Profession

Following the homily, the seven Sisters publicly made their final profession of vows, consecrating themselves to God for the rest of their lives.

After the Mass, the newly professed Sisters signed the profession documents in the presence of Bishop Felix, their Superior, and the faithful gathered for the celebration.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Sr. Merchellina Naw Ei Thin Zar May expressed gratitude to Almighty God and to all those who had accompanied them throughout their vocation journey. She thanked the co-founders, Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Mang Thang and Miss Mary Dohan, as well as Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang, the bishops, their parents, benefactors, formators, and all those who had prayed for and supported them.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Sr. Maria Van Nei Kim, Superior General, formally announced the rights and responsibilities of the newly professed Sisters as members of the Little Way Sisters of St. Therese.

The Seven Sisters

The seven Sisters who professed their perpetual vows are:

1. Sr. Lucia Win Kyi — Mindat Diocese
2. Sr. Merchellina Naw Ei Thin Zar May — Taungoo Diocese
3. Sr. Maria Lun Ho Nuam — Kalay Diocese
4. Sr. Maria Goretti Mung San Cing — Kalay Diocese
5. Sr. Theresa Naw Li Kham — Taungoo Diocese
6. Sr. Maria Goretti Hau Lawh Kim — Kalay Diocese
7. Sr. Theresa Cing Lam Dim — Kalay Diocese

Their perpetual profession marks a new chapter in their consecrated life as they seek to live the spirituality of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus through simplicity, humility, prayer, and loving service.

A Joyful Witness

The celebration was a joyful witness of religious consecration for the Church in Kalay Diocese, as the seven Sisters entrusted their future completely to God and committed themselves to serving the people in the spirit of the “Little Way.”

For the faithful who gathered, the profession of vows was a powerful reminder of the beauty of religious vocation and the importance of supporting those who answer God’s call. As the Sisters begin their new chapter of service, they carry with them the prayers and blessings of the entire diocesan community.

The congregation has a total of 233 sisters, of whom 192 have professed perpetual vows, while the remaining 41 are awaiting their perpetual profession.

The Little Way Sisters of St. Therese continue to serve across Myanmar, including Kalay, Hakha, Mindat, Mandalay, Yangon, Banmaw, and Taunggyi, living out their charism of humility, simplicity, and trust in God’s love—following the example of their patron saint, who taught that even the smallest acts of love can become great in the eyes of God.

By RVA Tedim Service