In the rugged mountains along the China-Myanmar border, where harsh weather, difficult roads, and limited access to necessities make daily life a struggle, a Catholic priest continues to dedicate his life to bringing faith, education, and hope to remote communities.

Fr. Peter Zang Yaw Hpung, the first parish priest of Zang Yaw Parish in Khaunglanhpu Township, Myitkyina Diocese, has become a model of missionary commitment through his pastoral ministry and tireless efforts to improve the lives of the local Rawang and Lisu communities.

Born on August 17, 1966, Fr. Peter was ordained a Catholic priest on April 8, 1997. In 2022, he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination—a quarter-century of service to the Church and the people entrusted to his care.

A Parish at the Edge of the World

Zang Yaw village sits in Khaunglanhpu Township, Kachin State, near the China-Myanmar border. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, the area faces significant geographical and economic challenges. It is approximately 571 kilometers from Myitkyina, making it one of the most remote mission areas in the diocese.

Transportation is extremely difficult, particularly during winter, when snowfall, severe cold, and deteriorating road conditions can disrupt travel. The community also struggles to transport food, construction materials, and other essential supplies.

Zang Yaw Parish was officially inaugurated on January 15, 2023, in a solemn celebration attended by more than 1,000 faithful. The inauguration marked an important milestone for the local Catholic community, strengthening the Church’s pastoral presence in this isolated region.

For Fr. Peter, however, establishing a parish is only one part of the mission. His greater concern is to nurture the faith of the people, improve their educational opportunities, and help them build a more secure future.

A Vocation Born from Love for His People

Fr. Peter’s journey to the priesthood began in humble circumstances. His father was a schoolteacher, while his mother had little formal education. Growing up amid family difficulties, he gradually developed a deeper awareness of the challenges experienced by ordinary people in his community.

A question posed to him by Fr. Grang Gam Aung—whether he wanted to enter the seminary—became a turning point in his life. Reflecting on his vocation, Fr. Peter explained that his desire to become a priest grew from his concern for his people, particularly their limited educational opportunities and lack of religious formation.

He came to believe that dedicating his life to the priesthood would enable him to help his people grow in faith, knowledge, and human dignity. This conviction has continued to guide his ministry throughout his priestly life.

Working Alongside His People

Recognizing that spiritual development is closely connected with the material well-being of the community, Fr. Peter has encouraged initiatives to support the parish financially and improve local livelihoods.

One distinctive initiative is the cultivation of black cardamom, a crop suited to the area’s climate and capable of generating income. Under his leadership, the parish has established a plantation of nearly 20,000 black cardamom plants to help raise funds for pastoral activities, education, and other community needs.

Fr. Peter has personally participated in the agricultural work, demonstrating that leadership in the Church can also involve working alongside ordinary people in their daily lives.

“Planting black cardamom is not only about raising funds for the parish. Working the land while carrying out pastoral ministry teaches us that faith, like the soil, must be nurtured from the very beginning through patience and perseverance,” he said.

Investing in Education

Among Fr. Peter’s most important priorities is the education of children and young people. He believes that education can open doors to new opportunities, broaden young people’s perspectives, and help transform communities that have long experienced isolation.

To address this need, the parish has supported children in pursuing their education in Myitkyina and Putao, where they can access opportunities difficult to obtain in their remote hometown. More than 40 children are currently receiving educational support through the Church in these two towns.

“I sincerely hope that one day, when these children become educated, our village will experience significant development and positive change,” Fr. Peter said.

A Missionary Sustained by Faith

The hardships of missionary life in Zang Yaw have not always been easy to bear. Difficult travel conditions, severe winter weather, limited supplies, and the challenges of community development can test even the most dedicated missionary.

Yet Fr. Peter finds strength in serving his own people in their language and cultural context. He also acknowledges the encouragement he receives from the faith, patience, love, and sacrifices of the local community.

Through Radio Veritas Asia, Fr. Peter has appealed to listeners and readers to remember the community in their prayers and offer support. His appeal reflects the reality that missionary work in remote areas cannot be sustained by the efforts of one priest alone—it requires the solidarity of the universal Church.

In the mountains of Zang Yaw, his mission continues through the quiet but meaningful work of nurturing faith, cultivating the land, and investing in children. His story is a reminder that no community is too remote to deserve pastoral care, no child is too distant to deserve an education, and no act of faithful service is too small to make a difference.

By RVA Lisu Service