The Myitkyina Parish Mother Community celebrated its 43rd Thanksgiving Ceremony on October 31, 2026, at the St. Columban Assembly Hall.

The annual event brought together mothers from villages across the parish for a day of song, dance, and spiritual reflection.

This year’s opening ceremony was a lively affair, with mothers’ groups from various villages performing traditional songs and dances. A special highlight of the 43rd anniversary was a Bible Competition focused on the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit. The event is held once a year at the parish level to unite the women of the community.

The gathering serves a crucial purpose beyond celebration. Myitkyina parish is home to many working families who often lack the time to study the church’s teachings and history. The program was designed to explain the core purpose of the church and its teachings to the people. By bringing the community together, the parish hopes to bridge this gap.

Attendance is consistently strong, with between 300 and 500 women participating in the annual ceremony. To maintain this connection, the community also offers bi-monthly feedback and morning training sessions. These sessions focus on the importance of mothers in the family, the church, and social development. About 200 women regularly attend these trainings.

The impact of these programs is clear. The training helps women gain self-confidence and feel valued within the congregation. Organizers note that when mothers focus on their faith, their families are less likely to face problems. It improves communication within the home and helps families live in peace.

Participants shared their joy and the benefits of the event

Mrs. Scholastica, a long-time attendee, said, “I am very happy to see that this donation box opening ceremony is being held better than ever. This year’s specialty is that we have included a competition about Our Lady and the Holy Spirit from the Bible. They became closer to the Bible, they became more aware of the Bible, and they were able to walk in it.”

For newcomers, the experience was equally powerful. Mrs. Veronica, a first-time attendee, shared, “Today, I have seen the benefits of mutual friendship, different talents from all walks of life, and this is a mutually beneficial event.”

The ceremony also has a practical, charitable component. Mrs. Rosa Nhkum Ban Htoi, the Parish Women’s Association Leader, explained that the donations collected from the box opening ceremony are used to help the youngest and smallest parishes in the diocese once a year.

The 43rd Thanksgiving Ceremony was not just a milestone, but a testament to the vital role of mothers in nurturing faith and strengthening the community in Myitkyina.

By RVA Kachin Jinghpaw Service