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Vatican establishes new diocese in Myanmar
Calgary, May 24, 2010 (zoage.com): The Vatican Radio reported on May 22, 2010, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI erected Kalay diocese from territory that used to be part of the Hakha Diocese in Myanmar. The Pontiff also appointed His Excellency Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang as the first bishop of the new diocese.
“It’s a historic day, not only for the Church but also for the Zomi in Myanmar.” said Clement Shoute.
"The formation of a new diocese within the Roman Catholic Church totally rests on the decision made by the Vatican. It’s not something the local community can demand or organize. The appointment of a bishop and formation of Kalay diocese , all this decisions are made by His Holiness guided the Holy Spirit.”
The priests and bishops of the Hakha diocese, part of which Kalay diocese was seperated, have been working for the Church serving the people in the Lord for the last since the formation of Hakha diocese 20 years ago,and it’s not an easy separation.
"Although we are now in 2 dioceses, we are one in the Holy Spirit” said Fr. Andrew, parish priest of Tedim.
Kalay diocese has 20 parishes, 26 diocesan priests, 84 Religious, 29 seminarians and 120 catechists. St Mary’s Church in Kalay will be the diocesan cathedral, according to the Holy See’s Bulletin.
The diocese is situated in north western Myanmar bordering India Myanmar mainly inhabited by the Zomi ethnic groups who are also know as Chin. The total population within the diocese is 1.3 million, of which 49,000 are Catholics. The diocesan territory covers 3 townships of Chin State; Tedim, Tonzang and Chikha, and 6 townships of Sagaing Division; Tamu, Kalay, Kalewa, Phaungbyin, Mawlaik and Homalin.
General Information
Type of Jurisdiction: Diocese - Erected: 22 May 2010
- Metropolitan: Archdiocese of Mandalay
- Rite: Latin (or Roman)
- Country: Myanmar
- Square Kilometers: 22,235 (8,588 Square Miles)
About the Bishop of Kalay diocese
His Exellency Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang was born in Gamngai village, Tedim, on Christmas Day, 1959, the oldest brother among eight siblings. He entered St. Aloysius Minor Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin and studied Philosophy and Theology at St. Joseph National Major Seminary in Yangon.
After being ordained a priest in 1990, he served as parish priest for a few years before leaving in 1993 for studies in Rome. From 1995 to 1997, he attended a diplomatic course at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. He then served one year as secretary at the Apostolic Nunciature in Madagascar, Africa, before being transferred to Bangladesh, where he served as secretary at the nunciature 1998-2002. From 2002 to 2004 he served in the same capacity in Morocco. Then he returned to Hakha diocese and was appointed chancellor.
For his episcopal motto, Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang chose, "Behold, I come to do your will, O God," taken from the Letter to the Hebrews.