Despite the worry, the clergy of the Diocese of Pathein in Myanmar successfully held an annual retreat from October 11 to 14 at the Diocesan Hall inside St. Peter’s Cathedral Compound located in the City of Pathein.

Father Henry Eikhlein, the Diocesan Administrator, said, “I thank each priest who involves in the annual retreat amid the worry. I am satisfied for their involvement and bringing almsgivings and food materials from their respective parishes.”

Regarding the successful annual retreat, Father Eikhlein remarked, “This 2022 retreat had been successfully done. It started on October 10 evening to 14 full days. I praise God’s gratitude for a well-done retreat. Thanks all too.”

The Diocesan Administrator continues by saying, “We worried about the retreat. The fact we worried about was that we were about one hundred priests who would assemble. There might be interruptions such as census, and along the way, the consequences of the explosion in the city, if there is an explosion in the city, there might be interrogation or disturbances. But nothing happened and everything went smoothly.  

Father Matthias Saw San Win, the parish priest of Hinthada, was a retreat preacher, and his topics were the psychology of Religion and the Goodness of God.”

St. Peter’s Cathedral parish priest Father Felix Soe Win commented, “This year is better than the past. I could participate well in my spirituality. The talks of the preacher were simple and precious. And then his schedules were very good and not tight. I enjoyed it a lot.”

Diocesan Treasurer Father Cyril Win Maung said, “This year is a quite difficult time. I had worried for many priests would come for the annual retreat at a hard time. I tried to prepare everything beforehand. But as I expected that there were many almsgivings generously given this year. Thanks a lot for more than enough. Not only cash but also raw materials which were fish, and vegetables were given. May the Good Lord show many blessings upon the donors. Throughout the retreat, I offered my prayers for them.”

The annual retreat of 2022 started at 8 pm on October 10 with the recitation of the rosary, saying night prayer, and listening to the night points of the preacher.

Daily the day of the retreat begins with collective morning prayer, and Holy Mass and ended with the night points of the preacher.

News-Raymond Mahn Kyaw