Amid the political and health crises Catholic widow, Yvonne Mary Marlar donated cash and food to priests, men and women religious, and the lay groups of St. Vincent de Paul, teachers, youth, and the funeral service existing around and in Pathein city located in the Diocese of Pathein in the Ayeyarwaddy Region of Myanmar on May 14.

The event started at 8 AM at the Aspirant House of St. Francis Xavier’s Sisters located in the Cathedral compound.

During the event, the 72-year-old widow thanked all clergy, religious Brothers, Sisters, and the representatives of the lay groups by saying, “I am grateful to priests, nuns, men religious, and all of you for coming.”

She has no biological child, but an adoptive one only. She owned a small restaurant namely “Shining Star” in Pathein.

Marlar was born in the city of Mandalay in the middle part of the country. Her husband was ‌a Lieutenant General who passed away in 2005. She migrated to Pathein, the capital city of the Ayeyarwaddy Region in 2000 when her husband was transferred.

“In my life, what I, at first, have to overcome is the temptations regarding religion, and donations,” shared Marlar.

Secondly, the Catholic widow told the participants about prayers.

“About the prayers, she said, there is no shortcut. In prayer, fasting is required so that our prayer is answered.”

“God knows the best in prayer. But as I said, no shortcut in prayer.”

Father Raphael Htun Nay Khaing, the educator of the seminarians in the diocese of Pathein, said, “I am pleased to have this opportunity. I appreciate Marlar’s generosity very much for she donates out of her generous heart.”

“When I saw the invitation card entitled “the Donation of the Widow”, I felt something. Why? Because it reflects the widow’s donation in the scripture,” recalled Sister Mary Teresa, the foundress of the community of the Sisters of St. John Paul II in the Diocese of Pathein.

“It is relevant to Anty Marlar. She is a woman of great faith. As she believes, she puts it into practice,” she remarked.

“I wish she may continue to live according to her faith with great generosity.”

Another Sister Ada from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, said, “I am very happy to join this event held by Anty Marlar for I see her generosity, love, and service every year.”

“I got encouragement from her sharing about prayer without fasting cannot be heard. It makes my spiritual life more strengthened.”

The total amount of cash Yvonne Mary Marlar donated was 50 lakhs (Around three thousand US dollars).

Marlar who is one of the parishioners of the Cathedral parish of Pathein diocese is also a member of St. Vincent de Paul in the diocese.

Father Robert Nyan Linn, the assistant to the Cathedral parish, expressed his words of thanks to Mary Marlar.

“I am grateful to Marlar for her generous donation. She gave donations out of her generosity. Wherever she went, she would offer donations.”

The Catholic widow always prays for the country and the world by trusting in God. In the last part of her talk, Marlar prays, “Almighty Father, you are the only one who can change these situations in the world and Myanmar.”

“It was my regular prayer for the world and Myanmar,” she added.

Around 30 people including priests, nuns, and men religious participated in the donation ceremony of the widow.

As a thanksgiving to God, Mary Marlar would give alms to religious persons and the people in need every year. -local news by Raymond Mahn Kyaw