Taunggyi Diocese

2.Taunggyi Diocese

Taunggyi Archdiocese is situated in the Southern Shan State, in the eastern part Myanmar. It was established as a Diocese by Pope John XXIII in 1961. There are 18 townships in the archdiocese. Buddhism is the predominant religion whereas Christianity, animism and a few other religions form the minority.

In civil society, the Diocese comprises 2 zones, namely Loilem Zone and Taunggyi Zone and canonically 2 Vicariates, Taunggyi Vicariate and Loilem Vicariate. There are 9 parishes in the archdiocese; 6 parishes in the Loilem Vicariate and 3 parishes in Taunggyi Vicariate.

The diocese was raised to archdiocese by Pope John Paul II in January, 1998 and officiated by Msgr. L. Bressan, the Apostolic Delegate. Bishop Emeritus J. B. Gobbato, PIME died on August 6, 1999 and was entombed in Taunggyi Cathedral. Msgr. Peter Hla was appointed auxiliary bishop of Taunggyi Archdiocese on May 10, 2001 and was ordained Bishop on Dec. 15, 2001 by Archbishop Adriano Bernardini, the Apostolic Delegate to the Union of Myanmar. Msgr. Basilio Athai was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Taunggyi Archdiocese on June 29, 2008 and was ordained Bishop on Nov. 18, 2008 by Archbishop S. Pennacchio, Apostolic Delegate of Myanmar.

Inspiration
Launch out into the deep. (Luke. 5:4)

Vision
We, as one family of God, centered in Christ, inspired by the word of life and nourished by the Eucharist. As a community of believers, we are an interdependent pilgrim Church, united in love and working for integral evangelization with a faith that does justice.

Mission
To form a discerning Christian communities, to celebrate life and faith in meaningful liturgy and worship, to respond creatively to the needs of the poor and the marginalized, to build and promote communal bonds with people of other faiths and cultures.

Objectives
Overall social targets are: To provide basic needs to the displaced, marginalized and the poor, to support the education of the poor and disadvantaged, to upgrade the level of healthcare, to improve infrastructure in the rural areas, to assist private-sector initiatives, to provide relevant skills training.

Overall spiritual targets are: Strengthening of the religious life, encouraging community participation, building reconciliation and peace, and gearing towards self-reliance.