The Sisters of the Congregation of St. Francis Xavier in the Diocese of Pathein in Myanmar marked their fifty and sixty years of service in religious life on October 24.

Sisters Mary Judit, SFX, Mary James, SFX,  and Mary Lilia, SFX, celebrated their sixty years of service in their religious life, and Sisters Mary Genove Cho, SFX, and Philomina Ida, SFX, held the fifty years of their service.

The event started with thanksgiving Mass presided over by Father Henry Eikhlein, the Diocesan Administrator, along with three priests in the chapel located inside the compound of the retired nuns at 6 in the morning.

In his homily, Father Eikhlein said, “Serving fifty years is praising God’s amazing grace. We cannot stop the Jubilants not to give praise to God. But they will continue to praise God’s grace.”

Sister Mary Lilia said, “I am very grateful to God. In addition, it has been completed sixty years Jubilee for God provided and guarded me in everything.”

 “It is unknown how many years more I will continue to live. I do not know how many years He will keep me alive,” said Sister Lilia.

She was posted in the remote parishes for about 50 years. There was no parish where she had never been in the Diocese of Pathein.

“I was eager to go to any parish. I was happiest to tour together with the Pathein clergy around the Diocese of Pathein.  I thank God very much for keeping me still alive in His grace up to now,” Sister Lilia told RVA News.

Sr. Mary Judit who is the same duration of service with Sister Mary Lilia said, “In my mind, God took care of, guard, and instruct me since I became a nun. I relied on God wherever I went, and trust Him.”

Whenever she went to the villages, she had recourse to God. she did not understand anything by herself. She paid attention to God in walk.

“God still gives His graces to me till my current age. I thank Him.”

Sister added, “I was very tired when my turn came to tour on the parishes. I took courage from the passion of Christ while he carried his cross. Until now God guards and gives me graces. I myself can do nothing. I have recourse to God.”

Another Sister Mary Genove Naw Hla Cho remarked that “Jubilee is a great thing and God’s grace.”

She continues by saying, “Although I do not deserve, reaching fifty I accept the celebration arranged occasionally by the Superiors. God blesses the undeserved life and continues to shower His blessings upon me.”

According to her, she served Radio Veritas Asia in Manila for 14 years including the second round for Sgaw Karen Language Service.

“I did not deserve it. But God equipped me. I too wanted that service and served as much as I could,” said Sister Cho.

Jubilee celebration was held after the annual retreat of the retired nuns which was conducted by Father Jeremin Nyi Nyi Htun.

Around 100 participants including priests, nuns, and men religious joined the event. Meal was offered to all guests after thanksgiving Mass.