The Myanmar Sisters of St. Francis Xavier (SFX) in Florida of USA celebrated the 125^th Foundation Day of the Congregation on August 28.

Father Benjamin Kyaw Lwin who is from the Diocese of Pathein in Myanmar and currently working in the USA presided over Mass along with two priests for the 125^th Jubilee at the Church of St. Joseph’s parish in the diocese of St. Augustine in Jacksonville at 3 in the afternoon.

In his homily during the Mass Father Kyaw Lwin said, “Being nuns is not because there is no other choice in life. There are many worldly pleasures to enjoy in a short time and life. Why are you becoming Catholic nuns by choosing a religious life? It is because you love God and want to serve Him.”

Sister Sarah Hnin Phyu, SFX, who is presently working in Florida, said, “I am very grateful to God for my Congregation has completed 125 years.”

“It comes to my mind that we must try harder. Our members are spreading to other countries such as Italy, the Philippines, Thailand, and the USA,” said Sister Hnin Phyu.

She added, “Taking strength and learning from the good examples, selfless service, and great effort of St. Francis Xavier, our patron Saint, who did God’s mission with zealous heart despite many challenges, we are also doing mission our best in the USA although there are many difficulties such as language and culture barriers.”

Another Xaverian Sister Eusebi, SFX, in the same city, said, “I am thankful to God for choosing me as a nun of St. Francis Xavier and giving me good health in serving Him.”

“Moreover, I thank all Superiors who founded this Congregation and all those including my parents and relatives who prayed, and are praying for our Community to reach 125^th anniversary and for being able to serve God with good health.”

Out of seven members of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier in the USA, six are working as religious workers, and one is doing the study.

The Xaverian nuns arrived in Florida in 2003. Their apostolic works are giving spiritual care to patients in Saint Vincent’s hospital and nursing home, catechism courses to children of Myanmar people, leading young people in liturgy, and taking pastoral care of the Myanmar community in Florida, according to Sister Hnin Pyu.

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 local Congregation, which is located in the Diocese of Pathien in the Ayeyarwddy Region of Myanmar, was established in the City of Pathein by Bishop Alexander Cardo, a French, on August 26, 1897. News- Raymond Mahn Kyaw