Columban lay missionary Michael Javier lives and works in Myanmar. Photo: Michael Javier
In the midst of their constant struggle for justice and peace, the Kachin people never cease to amaze me with their faith, the way they practice it through words, but most especially, through actions.
At Columban Central House, we receive so many invitations to different events each week. Most of these are prayer services for birthdays, wedding ceremonies, funerals, various anniversaries, and thanksgiving. Yes, they hold a prayer service for any life event, and they invite most Catholics to pray and celebrate with them.
Apart from these events, there are also prayer services done in every household in the community. These are usually done by four different groups at different times every Sunday. These groups are: the Nawku hpung (church group), a group of young and adults together; the Kawa La hpung (fathers’ association); the Num hpung (mothers’ association); and, the Ramma hpung (youth group). This tradition of house-to-house prayer began with just one group. However, the large number of people who joined made it impossible to visit every household in the community. So, they decided to break them into four groups. In the Philippines, it is quite similar to our Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) where prayer service is done in different houses.
Michael sharing about the readings of the day. Photo: Michael Javier.
Having been invited by these groups and having participated in their services, I noticed a particular order or steps they follow. First, an announcement is made by the Catechist in the church before the Eucharistic celebration ends, informing the faithful of the names of the host family in each group, for them to know which household to go to. When they are gathered in their respective places, the Catechist will ask the head of the family to write or say their prayer intentions, most of which are for thanksgiving, prosperity, good health for each family member, and peace. Then, basic prayers are said, followed by worship songs and the reading of the gospel, or any other readings for the day. Somebody will then share their own reflection on the reading.
Sometimes they would ask me to share my own reflection based on my personal experience. Since I am not that fluent in their local language, someone would translate some English words I used in order for them to get the message I wished to convey. The Catechist will now offer the prayer intentions of the host family, followed by the praying of the Holy Rosary and singing of songs for the offertory. It ends with a final prayer and a prayer to the guardian angel. The whole service usually takes an hour or less. It is common for the visitors to remain for a while to share snacks or a meal prepared by the host family. At this point, something wonderful can be observed. With the help of some neighbours, food will be prepared in the kitchen. The mother usually cooks the food while the children are tasked to serve the food to the visitors.
Michael with the fathers group prayer service. Photo: Michael Javier.
Thus, the prayer service is not just a way to get in touch with God, but also a way to get in touch with one another, particularly with those who don’t go to the church regularly for some reason. Here, no one is discriminated against. The leader would ensure that everyone is invited and informed in advance, whether or not they attend Mass regularly.
This scenario of communal celebration can also be observed during big celebrations in the parish, where everyone partakes of the food prepared, regardless of one’s status in the community and in the church. Despite the uncertainty brought by the ongoing internal conflict, the people remain faithful to God, to the Church, and to one another. They truly enriched my faith. Working as a lay missionary in this Kachin land, I feel truly blessed.
May their prayers be heard and answered by our Creator, through Jesus Christ and Mary!
Columban lay missionary Michael Javier lives and works in Myanmar.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin
