The parishioners of Ywar Thit Kone church in the Diocese of Pathein in the Ayeyarwaddy Region of Myanmar held the 75th parish anniversary on May 24.

The event started with the blessing of the gate and the concrete route along in front of the church, and Mass at 7 in the morning.  

Father Henry Eikhlein, the Diocesan Administrator, along with 13 priests including the parish priest, Father Mark presided over the Mass.

In his homily, Father Eikhlein said, “No adventure and sacrifice, no future. For 75 years, many people shed their blood, sweat, and lives on this holy land. It is the place they settled.”

“This is the reason why we celebrate the occasion today. We acknowledge the service and sacrifices of so many people including all former parish priests both the living and the dead,” he added.

 According to the history of the Myanmar Church, the parish of Ywar Thit Kone was initiated by Father Philip and three nuns of St. Francis Xavier, namely Sister Pascha, Sister Ardella, and Sister Emmanuel, in 1947.

“It is a very honorable celebration that we honor Father Philip who set the foundation in this holy land and village,” added Father Eikhlein.

The native old priest Father Josephat Soe Lwin told RVA about his experience with the story of the parish.

“There was a parish established in the village of Zaungdan is located in Ingapu Township. The parish priest of Zaungdan Father Nazareth was killed due to racial conflict,” said Father Soe Lwin.

According to the native priest, the assistant priest Father Philip who was touring learned the news of the death of Father Nazareth and did not go back to the clergy house.”

“Father Philip later searched for the three nuns who fled the conflict. When he found them, he brought them to the village of Yar Thit Kone in 1947. From that time onward, that village became a parish center,” recalled Father Soe Lwin.

The present 52-year-old parish priest Father Mark also recalled, “I had seen Father Philip since I was a child.”

“My parents stayed with Father Philip, the departed parish priest, inside the parish compound for one month, when they received the sacrament of marriage.”

“The seed of faith that Father Philip sowed was strongly rooted. I thank God for celebrating this jubilee,” he continued.

Sister Rosy Htay along with her two nuns who are currently working in the parish of Ywar Thit Kone said that they did not expect that the jubilee celebration would take place this year because of political unrest in the country.

The nuns thought that the anniversary would happen when there is a peaceful situation in Myanmar.

“I feel sorry for not being able to sufficiently decorate the church inside and outside. We are surprised that the celebration of the 75th anniversary did take place splendidly,” said Sister Rosy.

The 71-year-old retired teacher Daw Kyi Win said, “I am delighted for being still alive at this age of mine. Many other people rejoice like me. Some prayed that they might be still alive to celebrate this 75th anniversary. But sadly, some have already died.”

The celebration ended at around 10 in the morning. About 500 people attended the event.

Within 75 years, Ywar Thit Kone parish gave birth to four priests, 11 nuns, a man religious, and one major seminarian. Local news by RVA Pwo Karen Service