Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam of Myitkyina Diocese visited Namti Parish on September 20, 2026, bringing hope and spiritual nourishment to some of the diocese’s most vulnerable faithful—more than 1,000 internally displaced persons living at St. Teresa Catholic IDP Camp.

The Bishop visited the camp, celebrated Sunday Mass, and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to seven adult faithful, a moment of grace amid the ongoing hardship faced by displaced families.

Parish priest Fr. Peter Lazum Naw Bawk and parishioners warmly welcomed the Bishop and accompanying priests. The Bishop was joined by Fr. Bernard Dashi Tang Ji, parish priest of Edin and rector of St. Luke College, and Fr. Paul Tiwa Zau Sham, Director of KMSS (Karuna Myanmar Social Services).

‘God Is Always Waiting to Bless Us’

In his homily, Bishop La Sam delivered a message about authentic Christian living, reminding the faithful that God’s blessings are not automatic but flow from a life lived according to His will.

“The God we believe always blesses us. He is always waiting to bless us,” the Bishop said. “Sometimes we are blessed, we are God’s children who deserve it, but we don’t live according to God’s will. Only children who become Christians and do good works receive God’s blessing.”

He challenged the congregation not to rely on nominal Christianity but to embrace a living faith.

“Do not think that you will be blessed by becoming a Christian or a Catholic from birth,” he warned. “You must do God’s will by following the commandments of the Lord Jesus. Today we must remember that when you became a Christian, you must not just be a name, but you must live the true Christian character that the Lord Jesus wants.”

The Bishop emphasized that even those who have lived in sin for many years can receive God’s blessing through repentance.

“We may have lived in sin for many years, with bad habits and attitudes. God is ready to bless you today if you repent,” he said.

A Camp of Displaced but Not Abandoned

St. Teresa Catholic IDP Camp currently houses 480 IDP households with more than 1,000 individuals from Lawa, Wara Zup, Lagawng, Dum Bung, Jahtu Zup, San Pya, Awng Ra, and Hkumtsai Yang villages. The camp has been home to Lawa parishioners who arrived since March 2025, displaced by the ongoing conflict in the region.

Despite the difficult circumstances, the visit of the Bishop brought a sense of normalcy and spiritual comfort to the community. The celebration of Mass and the administration of Confirmation marked a significant moment for the seven adults who received the sacrament, deepening their commitment to the faith.

Encouragement for Sisters and Students

After the Mass, the Bishop and his companions visited Myo Oo, where they met with St. Paul Sisters and boarding students, offering words of encouragement and support.

The pastoral visit reflected the Church’s ongoing commitment to accompanying those affected by displacement and conflict in Kachin State. Through the presence of the Bishop and the sacraments, the faithful at St. Teresa IDP Camp were reminded that they are not forgotten—neither by their shepherds nor by God.

As the community continues to face uncertainty about their future, the Bishop’s message resonated deeply: God is always ready to bless those who turn to Him with repentant hearts. In a place of displacement and loss, that message offered something invaluable—hope.

By RVA Kachin Jinghpaw Service