The Sisters of St. Francis Xavier in the Diocese of Pathein in the Ayeyarwaddy Region of Myanmar celebrated the 125^th foundation anniversary of the Congregation on August 26.

The celebration of the foundation day started with a thanksgiving mass for Jubilee at the chapel of Pre-postulants at 6 in the morning.

Father Henry Eikhlein, the Diocesan Administrator, along with ten priests presided over Mass attended by members of Xavierian nuns, Religious Brothers, and some Catholics.

In his gospel reflection based on Mathew 25: 1-13 about ten virgins during the Eucharistic celebration Father Eikhlein said, “Internal reality is crucial., and he warned the mass attendance to “Stay awake.”

Quoting St. Paul’s words, he continues saying, “My grace is sufficient for you.,” and everything is already given.”

The Administrator shared Theologian insights about spirituality with the participants by saying that “Spirituality is awakeness.”

Sharing spiritual fathers’ insight, Father Eikhlein said, “Spiritual life is a spiritual combat; a combat of head and heart,” and he encouraged the attendance to nurture goodwill and a good heart.

After thanksgiving mass, Mother Superior Ann Teresa who is a birthday celebrant, extended her thanks to the Diocesan Administrator, priests, guest religious, and the lay people.

In an interview with Ayeyar Alinn Journal, Sister Rose Philip Nan New Pyone, the first counselor of Mother Superior, said, “when I, as a Xaverian member, look back and observe the 125 years of the Congregation, whatever happened, God was present.”

She continues by saying, “I was surely aware that the situation of the Congregation was not free from God’s hands, and I praise and thank God very much for His graces.”

 “I remember our founder Bishop Alexander Cardo for his selfless service to our Congregation despite various difficulties and thank him.”

The community has become a good big tree full of fruits and flowers and good shade for the needy people as our father and founder willed, according to Sister Pyone.

The nun gives thanks to those St. Joseph’s Sisters who took care of the Xaverian Sisters’ Congregation for fifty years.

“These Sisters of St. Joseph nurtured the young St. Francis Xavier’s young daughters who started walking until they reached the age of the adult,” noted the first counselor, and continues saying, “With great patience and love, they faced many hardships.”

“After giving all necessary things and guidance when we are of age, they departed from us. For this reason, I remember all their gratitude today, and I want to say thanks to all of St. Joseph’s Sisters and the members of their Congregation,” appreciated the nun.

She gives special thanks to all Arch/bishops who invite them with full trust to serve in their Arch/dioceses, and to those priests who collaborate with them in doing the mission.

“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to extend my thanks to all those who supported us in various ways, and loved and encouraged our Community through finance, and prayers.”

Singing competition was held among the nuns in the respective groups to make candidates in the formation house know more about the Congregation, how to survive as a Xaverian Sister in the community and serve, and to be good nuns.

There are 452 members with sixty Juniors in the Congregation. Xaverian Sisters are doing missions in thirteen Arch/dioceses out of sixteen in Myanmar.

As foreign missionaries, some members are working in Florida in the USA, Italy, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The Congregation was established in the City of Pathein by Bishop Alexander Cardo, a French, on August 26, 1897. News-Raymond Mahn Kyaw