Myanmar Rawang Catholics mourn for Stephen Zang Yaw Sin, a catechist who passed away

Catechist Stephen Sin was loved by the villagers, both Catholics, and non- Catholics, because of his approachable and straightforward lifestyle. 

In 1950, he was born at Hkau Lan Phu, which is under Putao Parish in the diocese of Myitkyina Myanmar. He converted to Catholicism at the age of 32 by the inspiration of some of his Catholic relatives. 

When he became a Catholic, a little knowledge about the Church did not quench his thirst for God. Thus, he approached Father Peter Gareng, Putao parish priest at that time. He went to St. Luke College, Catechist Institute, to be a catechist by the priest's recommendation.

When he became a Catechist, he was assigned to many poor villages. He served there happily. As he was from Rawang ethnic minority, he spoke Rawang Language fluently and Lisu language. Besides, he could talk the Kachin language too. 

A neighbor named Cecilia Ah Du was amazed at the catechist faith. "I see him praying before the Marian Shrine (Grotto) every evening though he was being busy all the time," said Cecilia to RVA. 

In 2003, he moved to his current village Chyat Pawng Chan which is now under the guardianship of Myo Thit Gyi parish in Myitkyina Diocese. Looking after the small village where 20 Catholic households stay, he was enthusiastic about building a church since there was nothing yet.

One of his friends Patrick Yaw praised the catechist's patience and courage. He said, "he is quite patient and brave enough to take initiatives in any sphere. I remember he and some of his friends went to Hpakan to beg donations to build the church."

The church from the village was finished, with wood and thatches in 2007. But the Church now has been rebuilt with bricks.

He has left many trademarks. One of those was his initiative for RVA Rawang Service.

"He was the one who first participated in audio programs in Rawang language from Kachin RVA programs," said Father Peter Zang Yaw Phung. 

Father Peter congratulated him for his passion and love for Rawang Catholics.

"Because of his hardworking, RVA Rawang Service happened to exist until now," he stated.

He served in RVA Rawang Language Service from 2010 to 2020.

On January 31, 2022, he died in the hospital because of COVID related illness.

"We will miss him. We can no longer hear his calm voice. It is really painful," confessed Ci Ma Ye, a villager.

With inputs from Chwar Thar