Thirty-two catechists from across the Lukse Zone in Mindat Diocese have completed a four-day renewal course aimed at strengthening their faith and skills for ministry.

The training, held from October 26 to 29, 2026, in Lukse Village, Mindat Township, was part of a diocesan-wide initiative organized by the Diocese of Mindat.

The course carried the theme: “Renewed in Faith, Formed in Christ, and Sent to Evangelize.”

Participants came from eight parishes across the zone. They included two catechists from Lukse Parish, four from Htilin, five from Shingbawk, two from Chat, four from Vungkhum, six from Kihta, four from Shet, and three from Cühkheh. A retired catechist and a parish council chairman also joined the gathering.

The parish priest, Fr. Constantine Thang Aung Thang, coordinated accommodation and hospitality. Local faithful from Lukse, Chaghem, Mevong, Khoilung, and Shithmoi villages showed great generosity. They donated vegetables, firewood, and other daily necessities, and took turns preparing and serving meals for all participants.

The sessions focused on two main topics. Msgr. John Om Se presented “Who is a Catechist and What Qualities Should a Catechist Possess?” across five sessions. Fr. Joseph Ki Khui Om led five sessions on “The Safeguarding Policy of the Diocese of Mindat for the Protection and Safety of Children and Vulnerable Adults.”

The spiritual program included the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, preaching, spiritual reflections, and Eucharistic Benediction. These were led by Fr. Sebastian Khaw Gei Ghung, Fr. Constantine Thang Aung Thang, Fr. Paulinus Phe Ha, and Fr. Timothy Ling Maung.

The Lukse Parish Choir, Sayama Maria Ghung Myu Mang, and local youth members provided support by supplying blankets and materials. They also spent their midday hours teaching the catechists to practice K’Cho hymns, building a strong sense of Christian solidarity.

Documentation, including video recording, photography, and interviews, was coordinated by the RVA K’Cho Service of Mindat Diocese, specifically Fr. Timothy Ling Maung and Mr. Paul Shing Ki Gei.

Catechist Gabriella shared her experience: “It was very effective for us to have this renewal course. We came to know new religious knowledge. As we are far apart from one another, we cannot meet very often. Now we meet again and we take courage from one another. Thanks to all the lecturers.”

Catechist John Shing Law Ki expressed, “I was invited by the parish priest to do God’s work, but I was not a trained catechist and I needed to know all this knowledge from this renewal course. It is a treasure for me in my mission. It shows me how to do my mission in the near future. I am happy to work with the one I admired when I was a child. Thank you all.”

The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) Sisters at Lukse provided a steady electricity supply from their convent throughout the program.

The course concluded at 11:30 a.m. on October 29. A farewell meal was served before the catechists returned to their parishes.

The success of the program reflected the shared cooperation, generosity, and hard work of priests, catechists, parishioners, and benefactors.

Heartfelt thanks and praise were offered to Almighty God for His blessings, guidance, and protection throughout the entire program.

By RVA K’Cho Service