LOIKAW DIOCESE

GENERAL INFORMATION LOIKAW DIOCESE
Loikaw Diocese located in Kayah State, is the smallest of all 14 States and Divisions in Myanmar. It covers an area of 4,500 square mile, mostly hills and mountains. It is bordered with Thailand in the East, Shan State in the North, and Karen State in the West and South. The population of Kayah State is about 301,187 resulting in an average population density of 17 persons per sq. km. About three quarters of the population are ethnic minority groups; Kayan, Kayaw, Kayah, etc.. while the remaining quarter are Burmese, Shan and Karen.
Christianity and Buddhism are the two dominant religions in Kayah State. This place is regarded as the stronghold of Catholicm in Myanmar. Efforts have been made to reach out or have dialogue with people of other religion.
The 15 years brief history of Loikaw Diocese actually began with the arrival of zealous, self-sacrificing and lifelong dedicated PIME Missionaries in 1868. All present areas of the dioceses of Taungngu, Taunggyi, Kengtong, Lashio and Loikaw have been almost exclusively evangelized by these great PIME apostles out of whom at least four priests died a martyr's death, many preferred and actually laid down their lives in the missionary lands.
It is recorded that Rev. Fr. Antonio Cazzuloni, PIME, was the first missionary to have visited and resided in Solyaku, 20 miles from Loikaw in 1893. From there, missionary activities were extended to Yado, Hoya, Dorawkhu, Moso, Ghekaw, Dolasaw, Mawchi, Shadaw, Taunggyi and Kengtong as part of Taungngu Diocese.
In 1960, the diocese of Taunggyi inclusive of the whole Kayah State was established with territories taken from Taungngu Diocese. The tireless efforts of the first Bishop, Msgr. J.B. Gobatto, produced abundance of Catholics, priests and religious and it was felt that Kayah State with Loikaw as capital was ready to be a diocese on her own.
The prophetic vision of Rev. Fr. Paolo Manna (a candidate to sainthood) in 1907 that Loikaw should be established as a center from which to expand the evangelization works in the whole of Kayah State came true on April 22, 1989, when His Holiness John Paul II erected the diocese of Loikaw and created its first Bishop Msgr. Sotero Phamo from Kayah soil.



Establishment:

Loikaw Diocese was officially established on April 22, 1989 with territory taken from the Archdiocese of Taunggyi, consisting of 7 Townships, within the Kayah State, Eastern Part of Myanmar.
Soon after its erection as the new diocese in 1989, Loikaw Diocese continued with the Little Evangelizers program which was instituted a year before in 1988. After four years of evangelization activities in Shadaw area, there was a conversion of about 3500 people. Since then (593) young people joined Zetamans and committed at least 3 years services happily. Their zeal and dedication proved that lay people can contribute immensely in the missionary work. Even five of them lost their lives while working in the field of evangelization.
The institution of the Diocesan Pastoral Council on February 5, 1993 has been a big step in the building up and growth of the diocese. Every parish formed its own Pastoral Council to coordinate the apostolate activities of every pious association in the diocese such as Catholic Action, St. Anne's Association, Legion of Mary, Youth, Daughters of Mary, Catechists, Zetaman, Kyaungdagas, Religious and Priests.
The evangelization work of the Church is not limited only to the spiritual aspects but it covers the integral human being based on the teaching of the Church. To promote human and social development in the diocese, Loikaw Karuna was founded on August 23, 1993 and it began the works for all in basic health, education, rural water supply, agriculture and community development animation courses.
The Diocesan Pastoral Centre constructed in 1990 for clergy and administration office was completed and blessed in 1995.
The first Diocesan Pastoral Congress was held on April 17-18, 1996 participated by the then 24 parishes. After presentations and proposals were made by parishes , institutes and other associations, decisions and plans were laid down for future pastoral activities for the diocese.
The diocese celebated its Tenth Year Anniversary on April 22, 1999. The anniversary celebration was marked by the second Diocesan Pastoral Congress held on April 17-21, 1999. The primary objective of the Congress for the diocese was to become a self-governing and self-evanglizing Church.
On the occasion of the Millennium Jubilee celebrated on November 25, 2000, the new Christ the King's Cathedral was consecrated. The occasion was solemnized with the ordination of 7 new priests attended by over 30,000 faithful ,4 Bishops, 200 priests and 300 religious.
The diocese had its third Diocesan Pastoral Congress on May 21-23, 2003. With its aim towards a participatory Church, the congress urged every faithful to actively get involved in all the liturgical leading roles of the Church and to begin the self-supporting projects by Sunday donation, regular contribution of tithe and giving Mass offerin by every family.
Loikaw Karuna celebrated its Tenth Anniversary on December 10-12, 2003 reevaluating the role it has played in sectors of social development, education and rural health-care. It is the goal of Loikaw Karuna to become witness of God's love and for the evangelization work of the local Church.
In communion with the Universal Church, the diocese is celebrating the Eucharistic Year from October 2004 to October 2005 at diocesan level. Diocesan Eucharistic Day was celebrated on November21, 2004 with ordination of 5 new priests atended by over 10,000 faithful. The program also consisted of the Holy Eucharist adoration by groups and concluded with the Eucharistic procession in the evening.
In brief, as far in 15 years, the following is the data of the present Church of Loikaw Diocese.
1989 2006
Population 147,397 301,187 Christians 70,000 97,898 Catholics 38,814 64,074 Percentage 26.33 % 24.74% Parishes 11 30
Associate Parishes 3 Villages 173 219 Priests 32 97 Religious Sisters 76 150 Catechists 127 193 Little Evangelizers 36 160 Major Seminarians 23 Minor Seminarians 92 St. Joseph Brothers 2 2 Little Brothers of St. Francis Xavier 2
Lay Apostolate Associations 11 11

Vision
"Proclaiming, Worshiping and Witnessing Community of God"

The Catholic Church of Loikaw is a community that is one in spirit, nourished by the Word of God, proclaiming, witnessing, and working for evangelization and human development that is rooted on charity and peace so that all may have life in abundance.

Mission
To see our vision we commit to
-Build a church that is participative, inculturated, selfreliant and missionary in outlook
-Engage dialogue with other religions by mutual understanding and cooperation
Touch the hearts of the people, especially the poor through charitable assistance, socio-economic projects, educational understanding and the use of modern media communication.

Program Thrusts

Reconciliation and Peace
Relief and Welfare
Catechetical Formation
Health
Basic Education
Poverty Alleviation

Our Stragetic Goal

People in Loikaw live in peace and harmony with dignity, hope and spiritual motivation for service founded on the social teachings of the church for a deeper sense of responsibility to church, family and for one another in education, health and economic improvement.

Our Stragetic Framework

Our Framework for development is founded on the Catholic social teachings. Realizing the need for reconciliation and peace among tribes and people of different religions and serving everyone regardless of religious belief, peace shall be the end goal of our activities. The means to achieve this is relief and welfare for the displaced, catechetical formation, health services, basic education and poverty alleviation. Families, youth and children participating in the programs shall be given religious instruction and understanding of faiths for harmonious relationship with others.

His Excellency
Bishop Sotero Phamo
(Bishop of Loikaw)

Date of Birth 23.11.1943
Ordained Priest 18.03.1972
Ordained Bishop 22.04.1989
Address Diocesan Centre
Catholic Church
LOIKAW 09011
Kayah State
MYANMAR
Tel: 083-21388
Fax: 083-21285
E-mail: sphamo2006@yahoo.com
Postings
1972-1989: Assistant Parish Priest - Han O
Parish Priest - Hoya-Loikaw
Rector of Catechistate in Moso
Professor in Major Seminary - Yangon
Rector; St. Theresa's Seminary,Taunggyi
Parish Priest of Loikaw
1989: Bishop of Loikaw Diocese
Sept. 2002 - Sept 2003: Apostolic Administrator of Yangon
Archdiocese, Bishop of Loikaw Diocese
Sept. 2003: Bishop of Loikaw Diocese


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Vicar General: Msgr. Jerome Thari
Procurator: Fr. George Alvin
Chancellor: Fr. Riccardo Gnieri

Presbyterial Council:
01. Bishop Sotero Phamo Ordinary
02. Msgr. Jerome Thari Vicar General
03. Fr. George Alvin General Procurator (Financial Administrator)
04. Fr. Riccardo Gnieri Chancellor
Vicar Forane: Deemosoe Zone
05. Fr. Paul Pi Pi Vicar Forane: Loikaw Zone
06. Fr. Theodoro Shwe Aung Vicar Forane: Phruso Zone 07. Fr. Patrick Plureh Vicar Forane: Phasaung Zone
08. Fr. Dominic Doh Parish Priest of Nanattaw
College of Consultors:
01. Msgr. Jerome Thari
02. Fr. George Alvin
03. Fr. Dominic Doh
04. Fr. Riccardo Gnieri
05. Fr. Theodoro Shwe Aung
06. Fr. Patrick Plureh
07. Fr. Paul Pi Pi
08. Fr. Giovanni Dee Di

Financial Council:
01. Bishop Sotero Phamo
02. Msgr. Jerome Thari
03. Fr.George Alvin
04. Fr. Paul Pi Pi
05. Fr. Theodoro Shwe Aung
06.U Gregorio Htitha 07.U Augustino Phabu

Vicar Foranes
01. LOIKAW - Loilemlay - Mailon
- Shadaw - Doukhu
- Douvero - Minsu
- Doumyalay - Kayanthayar
- Nanattaw

02. DIMOSO - Nanmekhon - Dotada
- Doungankha - Dotacha
- Dorokhu - Donoku
- Tananukhew - Lewo
- Dounganrou

03. PHRUSO - Maphrose - Hoya
- Ghekaw - Moso
- Dolaco - Khabe
- Dongekhu - Rodokho

04. PHASAUNG - Mese
- Mochi
- Bawlakhe

Diocesan Pastoral Council (Curia) 01. Bishop Sotero Phamo President
02. Msgr. Jerome Thari Secretary
03. Fr. Riccardo Gnieri Chancellor
04. Fr. Paul Pipi Parish Priest, Loikaw
05. Fr. Dominic Doh Parish Priest, Nanattaw
06. Fr. Pius Thant Zin Parish Priest, Nanmekhon
07. Fr. George Alvin Procurator, Director of Cetaman 08. Fr. Benardino Nee Ne Rector of Intermediate Seminary- Nanattaw
09. Fr. Giovanni Dee Di Rector - Seminary Loikaw 10. Fr. Joseph Prepha Director - Youth
11. Fr. Riccardo Gnieri Vicar Forane of Dimoso
12. Fr. Patrick Plureh Vicar Forane of Phasaung
13. Fr. Theodoro Shwe Aung Vicar Forane of Phruso
14. Sr. Senior Sisters of Charity
15. Sr. Senior Sisters of Reparation
16. Sr. Senior Sisters of Good Shepherd
17. Sr. Senior Sisters of St Joseph
18. Sr. Senior Sisters of Missionaries of Faith
19. Sr. Senior Servite Sisters
20. Sr. Senior Sisters of St. Francis Xavier
20. U Fabian Chairman - Pastoral Council
21. U P. Maung Soe Vice Chairman - Pastoral Council
22. U Saw Marko Secretary, Pastoral Council, E.C.
23. U Ignatio Pan Zu (Asst. Secretary- Pastoral Council)
24. Daw Libreta Treasurer
25. U Nyi Nyi Htun Member of P.C.
26. U Khun Htet Member of P.C.
27. U Member of P.C.
28. U Luka Head of Catechists
29. Daw Annuciata Bo Bo Legion of Mary
30. Daw Libreta St Anne
31. Ma Annuciata Sha Shya Daughters of Mary
32. Maung Nyi Nyi Htun Youth
33. U Gregory Shwe Aung Adviser
34. U Htyaru Phruso-Laity
35. U Michael Dimoso-Laity
36. U Chit Ni Nanmekhon- Laity
37. U Joseph Win Chin Loikaw-Laity
38. U Majore Ba Aye Doumyalay-Laity
39. U Saw Marko Nanattaw-Laity
40. U Ignatio Moe Thawk Kyedaw
41. Daw Lucy Than Catholic Teachers
42. U Francis Neereh Diocesan Adminstration Office


HEADS OF DIOCESAN COMMISSIONS

Commission for Ecumenism Fr. George Alvin
Commission for Youth Fr. Joseph Prepha
Commission for Zetamans Fr. George Alvin
Commission for Laity Fr. Paul Pi Pi
Commission for Family Fr. Casimiro Thanklo
Commission for Immigrants Fr. Stephen Tjephe
Commission for Karuna(Caritas) Fr. Louis Gabriel, MF
Commission for Communication Fr. Francis Soe Naing
Commission for Liturgy Fr. Phillip Aung Nge
Commission for Interreligious
and Ecumenism Fr. Pius Thant Zin
Commission for Bible
Pastoral Ministry Fr. Alphonse Thai

Offices
01. Diocesan Administration Office
02. Diocesan Catholic Action Association Office
03. Diocesan Catholic Karuna Office
04. Diocesan Catholic Youth Office
05. Catechism Committee Office
Committees Diocesan Administration Office
01. Financial Committee
02. Holy Childhood Fund Committee
03. Education Committee
04. Little Evangelizers (or) Zetaman Committee
05. "Moe Thawk Kye Daw"Committee
06. Ecumenical Movement Committee
07. Catholic Karuna Committee
08. Committee for St. Martin's Home for the Aged
09. Catholic Action E.C.Committee
10. Damayon Committee
11. Catechism Committee

Human Resource of Karuna Loikaw
01. Fr. Louis Gabriel, MF - Director
02. U P. Maung Soe - Office Administrator
03. Paul Themoi - Project Coordinator
04. Lawrence Mai - Project Manager (Emergency Relief)
05. Usevius - Project Manager (Aggriculture)
06. Bosco - Head Sector (IDP)
07. Luca - Head Sector (Water Supply)
08. Paulu Byareh - Head Sector (Loans)
09. Marie Lay - Head Sector (Education)
10. Nilar Khaing - Head Sector (Health)
11. Aye Aye Aung - Head Sector (Project Coordinator)
12. Nan Zay Ya - Head Sector (Health)
13. Naw Htoo Htoo Lay - Accountant
14. Juliana - Clerk, Computerist
15. Rossa Htun - Cleanner

Human Resource of Pastoral Administration Office
01. Rev. Fr. Louis Gabriel
02. Rev. Fr. Francis Soe Naing
04. Genevieve Tu Tu

Human Resource of Diocesan Administration Office
01. U Francis Nireh - Office Coordinator
02. U Gregorio - Asst. Office Coordinator
03. U Augustino Phabu - Branch Clerk
04. U Bernard Ka - General In charge
05. Nan Day Sia - Computer/Typist
06. Kyi Pyar Aung - Accountant, Disbursed
08. U Saw Marko - General Accountant
07. U Joseph - Office Assistant
08. Francis Than Naing - Office Assistant

Media Office

01. Fr. Francis Soe Naing - Director
02. U Bosco - Studio In Charge
03. U Acardio - Asst. Studio In Charge
04. U Louis Abel - Recorder, Video
05. U Stanislaus - Recorder, Video

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OTHER INSTITUTES

I. Diocesan Center
(Ordinary) H. E.Bishop Sotero Phamo
(Procurator) Fr. George Alvin
(Retired) Fr. Lawrence Yado
(Bishop's Office) Fr. Francis Soe Naing

II. St. John Baptist's Seminary (Tenth Standard)
Naung Yah, Loikaw
(Rector) Fr. Giovanni Dee Di
(Assistant) Fr. Paul Maphroi

III. St. Peter's Intermediate Seminary (Post Tenth)
Nanataw, Loikaw
(Rector) Fr. Benardino Nee Ne
(Spiritual Director) Fr. Joseph Prepha

IV. St. Peter's Boarding House Dougankha
Fr. Peter Htoo Bwe Mu (MF)
Fr. Dominic Saw Shwe

V. St. Paul's Catechistate Doungankha
(Rector) Fr. Mariano Tarry
(Associate Director) Fr. Benedetto Beni

VI. Zetamans Naung Yah (B), Loikaw
(Director) Fr. George Alvin

VII. Loikaw Diocesan House Yangon
Fr. Robert Byareh

VIII. Catholic Major Seminary, Institute of Philosophy
Pyin Oo Lwin
(Professor) Fr. Charles Borromeo
IX. CBCM Yangon
(General Procurator) Fr. Celso Ba Shwe
proccbcm @ yangon. net.mm

RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS

I. Sisters of Charity
01. St. Gerosa's Convent Loikaw
(Provincial Superior) Sr. Agnes Petha
(Superior) Sr. Mary Agnes

02. Novitiate Loikaw
(Superior, Novice Mistress) Sr. Rose Mary Rhodi

03. Holy Rosary Convent Loikaw
(Superior) Sr. Lucy Win

04. St. Joseph's Convent Dimoso
(Superior) Sr. Marina Josephine Ai

05. Mary, Help of Christians' Convent, Nanmekhon
(Superior) Sr. Rose Mary Khin Pan

06. St. Martin, Home for the Aged
(Superior) Sr. Virginia Johns

07. St. Ann's Home, Le Wo
Sr. Beatrice Lucrei

08. Our Lady of Mercy Home Hose
(Sister In Charge) Sr. Agnes Ma San Myint

II. Sisters of Reparation

01. Loikaw M. Sup. Maria Teresa Angela
02. Doungankha-St. Joseph's Home M. Sup. Rufina Fina
03. Doungankha - Parish M. Sup. Agnese Mu Ta
04. Catechistate M. Sup. Justina Maria Lou O
05. Hoya M. Sup. Christina Aurelia
06. Dorokhu M. Sup. Teresa Regina
07. Dolaco M. Sup. Andreina Lazarus
08. Ghekaw M. Sup. Agnese Angela
09. Phruso M. Sup. Louisa Hte Mo
10. Nanattaw M. Sup. Edvige Magdalena
11. Maphrose M. Sup Carmilla Shie Mo
12. Shadaw M. Sup. Mary Asunta Htjomo
13. Doumyalay M. Sup. Margarita Htu Re
14. Moso M. Sup. Francesca Maureen

III. Sisters of Missionaries of Faith
01. Novitiate Mailon
(Regional delegate,
Novice Mistress) Sr. Christine Tee

02. St. Joseph's Convent Mailon
(Incharge) Sr. Flora Aye
03. Virgin Faithful Convent Dousanbu
(Aspirant Mistress) Sr. Maria Goretti Naw Beauty

IV. Sisters of the Good Shepherd
Doukhu Convent, Loikaw
(Superior) Sr. Maria Goretti Lwin

V. Sisters of St Joseph of Apparition
Naung Yah (B) Convent Sr. Rose Mary Htun (Superior)
Loilemlay Convent Sr. Evelyn Aye (Superior)

VI. Servite Sisters
Minsu Convent Sr. Corona Mary
Phruso Convent Sr. Sophia

VII. Sisters of St. Francis Xavier
Khabe Convent Sr. Jennifer


MEN RELIGIOUS

VIII. Little Brothers of St. Francis Xavier
Phruso Bro. Titus
Bro. Giovanni
IX. St Joseph's Brothers
Diocesan Center Br. Marco
Hoya Br. Dee Di

Lay Apostolate Associations and their members
01. Catholic Action 3867
02. St. Anne's Association 4017
03. Daughters of Mary 3469
04. Catholic Youth 4214
05. Legion of Mary 319
06. Catholic Teacher's Association 150
07. Catholic Worker's Association 100
08. St. Dominic and St. Agnes Association 66
09. St. Teresa's Youth 600
10. St. Mary Madalena Association 331
11. St. Christopher Association 41


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