The National Direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Myanmar, in collaboration with the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Missionary Union and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, organized a national training course from October 14–16, 2025 at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar Complex in Yangon.
This program, titled “Missionaries of Hope in Action,” sought to unify the understanding and practice of the four Societies—the Propagation of the Faith, St. Peter the Apostle, Missionary Childhood, and Missionary Union —while deepening participants’ theological and pastoral awareness of the Church’s universal mission.
The formation course brought together 58 participants from all 17 dioceses of Myanmar, including diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies, project coordinators, and procurators; rectors of diocesan seminaries and religious Superiors and project representatives from 15 congregations.
The first day of the training focused on introducing the missionary nature of the Church in Catholic teaching and offered a comprehensive study of two societies: the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle.
The second day’s sessions aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the two remaining Pontifical Mission Societies—the Pontifical Society of the Missionary Childhood and the Pontifical Missionary Union —and to share best practices from dioceses actively engaged in missionary work. Father Stephen Chit Thein then presented and explained the Messages of Pope Francis for the World Mission Sundays and the Address of Pope Leo XIV to the Pontifical Mission Societies. His presentation invited participants to reflect on the enduring missionary vision of the Popes and how their messages inspire the Church today to go forth and proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion.
The concluding day focused on leadership reflection, strategic planning, and strengthening accountability and transparency in mission-related projects.
All sessions inspired a renewed zeal for evangelization, improved administrative competence, and enhanced transparency in managing missionary support. By providing theological insight, practical skills, and pastoral motivation, the Pontifical Mission Societies in Myanmar have taken a decisive step toward greater communion with the Universal Mission of the Church.
