After World War II the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions returned to their convents in Sittwe and Thandwe and were soon involved in their educational and pastoral ministries. At that time, a very good friend of Sisters donated a Kyese, a Myanmar instrument, a triangular brass gong which weighed almost ten kilos.
Everyday Sisters used the “KYESE” instead of the usual bell for calling forth people to rise from sleep and get ready for the new day. At the sound of the gong throughout the day at 6.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m., and 6.00 p.m., Sisters assembled to recite Angelus to commemorate the Incarnation, when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (see John 1:14)..
In using “KYESE”, the Sisters not only commemorate the Incarnation, but foster a deeper connection to God and Mary. They not only anchor their daily lives in faith but express their love of community life, and their deep appreciation for the cultures and traditions of Myanmar people.
Now, in every community, we use the Myanmar gong “KYESE” as a conclusion rite after the Liturgy of the Hours. We usually tap the gong with the mallet very lightly three times. The vibration sounds of the gong carry the blessings of the Creator God – our oneness with all our loved ones, and with all creation. We go forth to share the good news of joy and healing for all. In our thoughts and prayer we bring the spiritual, material, physical and emotional needs of all that is created to our God present everywhere through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
We ring the KYESE three times:
1. to consciously embrace the triune God present in and among us;
2. to show our respect for, and our call to be at one with all creation;
3. to share the good news with all peoples, and our loved ones who are near and far.
The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in Myanmar are convinced of the guidance of the Church and the Congregation in their lives. They are aware of their need to live out the congregation charism of contemplation, communion, and mission in an ever-changing world.
I am Noreen Mya Sie. I made my first profession as a Sister of Our Lady of the Missions in 1966. In our province here in Myanmar, I have been involved in teaching, leadership, formation, and at the Catholic Religious Conference of Myanmar (CRCM). I love it that I have been called to the world community of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, and with so many others am committed to bringing about the reign of God in today’s multi-cultural and globalised world.
At present, I am our Province Archivist, and every day I am enriched by learning more about our pioneer sisters, their different ministries and the hardships they endured. Their experiences encourage me to more forward freely and courageously. It is great that I can make this journey with so many others in this age of technological advances.
What a beautiful instrument! I am impressed by its use and the significance of the three gentle rings. I would love to visit an RNDM Community and experience the symbolic use of the Kyese. Thank you for sharing this reflection about the Myanmar gong. It would be an enhancement to my Centering Prayer gatherings in Canada.