Phekon Diocese

4.Phekon Diocese

Pekhon diocese is situated in the southern part of Shan State, in eastern Myanmar. There are five townships in the diocese. They are Pekhon, Pinlaung, Naungtaya, Hsi Hseng and Mawkmai. The diocese covers an area of about (16,240 square kilometers), and is mostly hilly and mountainous. It borders Taunggyi diocese in the east and north, Mandalay diocese in the west, Loikaw diocese in the south and Taungngu diocese in the southwest. The population in the diocese is about 235,000. Buddhism is the predominant religion whereas Christianity, animism and a few other religions are the in the minority. Ethinic minorities are the Shan, Paoh, Intha, Kayan, Kayah and Lisu. The diocese was originally part of the Archdiocese of Taunggyi, Evangelization works started in the late 19th century by PIME Missionaries. The mission territory was made a diocese by Pope Benedict XVI on Dec. 15, 2005, as a suffragan of Taunggyi archdiocese.It was inaugurated as a new diocese by Monsignor Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Delegate to the Union of Myanmar, on April 1, 2006. Monsignor Peter Hla, who was elected Auxiliary Bishop of Taunggyi in 2001, was installed its first bishop on the same day.

Vicar Foranes (Zonal areas)
• Pekhon Zone
1. Pekhon
2. Mobye
3. Kuntha
4. Lunke
5. Hsi Hseng
• Santa Maria Zone
1. Santa Maria
2. Hwarikhu
3. Han-O
4. Nanki