National Institute of Catechist which located in the Diocese of Pathein in Myanmar opened its academic year 2022-2023 on June 17.

Father Henry Eikhlein, the Diocesan Administrator, along with three priests presided over mass for the opening academic year in the morning.

In his homily, Father Eikhlein said, “It is graceful to come back for the academic year,” and he urged the students to “learn and study with great effort.”

In addition, the Administrator encouraged the educators to “give not merely knowledge but also disciplines, spiritual, moral, and pastoral practices.”

Father Eikhlein instructed the students to work together with their Bishop, and priests when they go back their respective dioceses after academic year.

“You might experience difficulties in your mission fields when you go back to your diocese. But never give up. Continue to stand for the role of Catechists,” exhorted the Administrator.

Father Albert Nyan Soe Nyein, the Rector of the Institute, said, “There are currently 41 students in number. The first-year students are 30, and the second year 11.”

The students came from the respective dioceses in Myanmar such the dioceses of Hakha, of Kalay, of Myitkyina, of Bamaw, of Pyay, and of Pathein according to the rector.

Father Nyan Soe Nyein continues saying, “Due the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute was closed for one year. At that time, 12 students remained in the formation house. The next year we opened the academic year with the 12 remaining students. This year we could divide two groups: first year and second year.”

“There was no difficulty in opening the academic year, according to the rector.

Father Albert Nyan Soe Nyein commented, “Nowadays, the population of people who want to be catechists are going down.” For this reason, he requested the Catholic faithful to pray that many people may be enthusiastic in vocation to catechists. 

The National Institute of Catechists is located in the town of Myaungmya which belongs to the Diocese of Pathein in the Ayeyarwaddy Region of Myanmar.

Currently, there are three priests, four religious men and women, and one senior Catechist who are educators in the Institute.

Father Richard Bo Ni, one of the educators, said, “I have worry that many difficulties might come when we open the academic year in one hand,” and he continues, “On the other hand, the students have opportunities to learn the religious subjects by opening the academic year.”

Father Bo Ni added, “I am happy to have privilege to teach the students this year, and he remarked, “Nothing happens when we started classes. Consequently, I am very grateful to God.”

Honoring Father Martin Narbitz who was a French missionary and a founder, the formation house was named St. Martin’s Institute for Catechist. Local news-Mahn Kyaw