After a challenging journey through rugged terrain, Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam of Myitkyina Diocese made his first pastoral visit to Htingnan (St. John) Parish from February 9 to 11, 2026, discovering a thriving Catholic community hidden in the remote Mali Hkrang Wa Lawng triangle area.

The bishop and accompanying priests were welcomed by parishioners with traditional music, food, and drinks. In a touching gesture reflecting the local economy, community members offered the bishop gold from their small-scale mines—a gift of their livelihood and love.

On February 10, Bishop John celebrated Holy Mass, administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to 116 parishioners, strengthening the faith of a community that has grown steadily since the parish was established seven years ago.

Htingnan Parish encompasses 38 villages, with 321 Catholic families totaling 1,798 parishioners. Despite its isolation, the parish operates five elementary missionary private schools and one boarding school, where students from various Christian denominations receive basic education and catechesis together.

The parish’s geography presents unique challenges. During the rainy season, villagers travel on foot between communities, while access to Myitkyina is possible only by boat—a two-way journey that underscores the region’s isolation.

For visiting clergy, the experience was deeply moving. Fr. Bernard Dashi Tang Ji, Director of St. Luke’s Socio-Pastoral College, a priest for 27 years, expressed mixed emotions. “One may feel guilty. Because I was in the priesthood for 27 years, today I visited Hka Hku Mung for the first time,” he said. “It is a very beautiful place, very valuable to us, and a place of history. However, I could not reach them because of various activities. Today, by God’s grace, we are here.”

Bishop John La Sam, whose ancestral roots trace to the region, spoke with deep emotion. “When I arrived here, I felt very happy. Because our ancestors lived here for many years and worked hard. They accepted and believed in God,” he said. “Their children, we are the ones who worked hard today. Because of their faith, our children have reached the city. I was very grateful to God when we came back to our ancestral homeland.”

Fr. Lucas Dau Hkawng recalled serving in nearby Kachyihtu in 1992. “Even though we live in the mountains, we are very encouraged to see that the church is growing more and more than ever before,” he said, urging unity without discrimination across Myanmar.

Mr. Bruno Tu Nan, a vocalist who accompanied the delegation, noted that Htingnan is among the diocese’s most difficult parishes. He appealed to Kachin people in towns and abroad to remember and support such remote communities. “There are many young people here,” he said. “We who are living in towns remember the poor, weak, small towns and villages, and help them.”

The historic visit stands as a powerful witness to the Church’s commitment to accompany even its most distant members, bringing sacraments, encouragement, and visible solidarity to a community whose faith shines brightly in an isolated corner of Myanmar.

By RVA Kachin Jinghpaw Service