Forty-seven mothers from St. Michael Parish in the Diocese of Myitkyina took part in their monthly spiritual recollection on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Nan Kwi, Myitkyina.

The recollection began at 8 a.m. with Scripture sharing, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, communal prayers, and spiritual reflection. The mothers also attended Holy Mass at 11 a.m., presided over by Fr. Michael Tu Ling, the parish president of St. Michael.

During the recollection, the mothers reflected on the Parable of the Ten Virgins from Matthew 25:1–13. They drew inspiration from its message of staying prepared and vigilant in faith while faithfully carrying out their responsibilities.

In his spiritual reflection, Fr. Michael Tu Ling stressed the important roles and responsibilities of mothers within the family. He encouraged them to examine how they lead their families and how faithfully they carry out their duties.

“A family is built on love. One of the most important responsibilities of mothers is to nurture love within the family, teach family members to care for one another, and create an atmosphere of warmth and affection at home,” Fr. Tu Ling said.

He explained that mothers are responsible not only for providing daily necessities but also for caring for the health, physical needs, and emotional well-being of their husbands, children, and other family members.

Fr. Tu Ling also emphasized that mothers are the first teachers of their children. They have an important duty to educate them not only academically but also in moral values, discipline, respect, and good social behavior from an early age.

He encouraged mothers to teach their children moral values based on the Ten Commandments, respect for teachers, parents, and elders, appropriate behavior in church, and the ability to tell right from wrong.

“Mothers are the teachers of their children. Therefore, before teaching their children, they must first learn themselves. Becoming a mother does not mean that learning should stop. Mothers must continue to improve themselves and become good examples for their children,” he said.

He further explained that mothers play an important role in supporting the dreams and aspirations of their family members. He encouraged them to support their husbands in their work, assist their children in education and future development, and help them learn to make independent decisions.

Addressing the spiritual responsibilities of mothers, Fr. Tu Ling said they must also serve as guides in the faith formation of their children.

“When parents leave an inheritance to their children, it should not consist only of material possessions and education. They must also pass on the inheritance of faith. Teach your children about God from an early age. Guiding them toward the Kingdom of Heaven is one of the most important responsibilities of parents,” he said.

He reminded the mothers that their roles, along with those of fathers, priests, and leaders, are responsibilities entrusted by God—not for exercising power over others but for serving them.

During the 11 a.m. Mass, Fr. Tu Ling reflected on Luke 16:9–15, encouraging Christians to prepare not only for the needs of their present lives but also for eternal life. He explained that material possessions should be used wisely and for the benefit of others as part of one’s preparation for heaven.

He also said that striving to become a good mother is itself a way of preparing for eternal life through the faithful fulfillment of one’s responsibilities.

“We must prepare not only for today but also for the life to come. Striving to become a good mother is also a way of preparing for eternal life. Therefore, let us put the Word of God we have heard into practice in our daily lives and continue to transform ourselves,” Fr. Tu Ling urged.

St. Michael Parish organizes a spiritual recollection for mothers once a month to strengthen their faith through Mass, the Rosary, Scripture sharing, and communal prayer. The gathering aims to help mothers deepen their spiritual lives and renew their commitment to their families.

Through prayer and reflection, the 47 mothers renewed their spiritual strength and reflected on how to better fulfill their calling as nurturers of love, first teachers of their children, and guides in their children’s faith.

By RVA Lisu Service