More than 500 Legion of Mary members gathered before dawn on March 1 to celebrate 70 years of Marian mission in the Pathein Diocese.

The Platinum Jubilee Mass was held at the Marian Grotto in Mayanchaung, Pathein. Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese presided, joined by 11 concelebrating priests. Religious sisters, novices, and hundreds of faithful joined the 6:00 a.m. celebration.

‘We Live by Her Magnificat’

In his homily, Bishop Henry reflected on the Marian spirituality that has sustained the Legion for seven decades.

He quoted the Blessed Virgin’s Magnificat: “The Almighty has done great things for me; holy is His name.”

Legionaries are called to live by Mary’s spirit of humility, gratitude, and trust in God, the bishop said.

The founding of Pathein Diocese in 1955 coincided with the Legion’s arrival in 1955–1956.

“For seventy years, Mother Mary has protected and guided our diocese,” Bishop Henry said. He invited all to give thanks for her maternal care.

He recalled that the Legion of Mary was founded in 1921 in Dublin, Ireland, by Frank Duff. It has since grown into a worldwide movement with about 14 million members.

The Lifeblood of the Legion

The bishop highlighted the Legion’s core works: praying the Rosary, holding regular meetings, visiting families, strengthening the weak in faith, and reaching out to those who have strayed.

“If I were to point out one of the strongest groups in the Catholic Church today, it would be the members of the Legion of Mary,” he remarked.

Fidelity to the Rule of the Legion and daily recitation of the Rosary are the movement’s lifeblood, he reminded the faithful.

Looking ahead, Bishop Henry expressed hope that Legion membership in the diocese would grow to more than 5,000 within five years.

“What will remain with us after this Jubilee is prayer,” he said.

Lent: A Call to Faith and Trust

The Jubilee fell on the Second Sunday of Lent, offering a spiritual connection to the Marian mission.

Reflecting on Abraham’s call, the bishop drew a parallel between the father of faith and the Legionaries. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland for an unknown land, he obeyed in trust.

“Let us imitate Abraham as we journey through Lent with faith and obedience,” the bishop urged.

He also recalled the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, where Jesus revealed His divine glory. The faithful are invited to listen and deepen their trust in Christ.

“Our Mother is the Mother of Christ and the Mother of us all,” Bishop Henry concluded. “Let us rely on her throughout our lives—for our villages, our families, and our communities.”

Gratitude and Historical Journey

Fr. Raphael Phone Naing Oo, in charge of the Pathein Zone, expressed gratitude to God. He thanked all bishops, priests, religious, and lay members who have guided the Legion over 70 years.

He also thanked members from the three zones—Pathein, Myaungmya, and Hinthada—for organizing the Jubilee celebration.

The Legion of Mary in Pathein was officially established in 1956 under Bishop George U Kyaw. Saya Mahn Alexsi oversaw the three zones.

In 1967, during Bishop Joseph Mahn Erie’s time, Brother Anthony of the Little Brothers of St. Francis Xavier was appointed in charge. The Brothers continue to assist the Legion’s mission today.

Over the decades, the diocesan commission has received pastoral support from successive bishops, including Bishop John Hsane Hgyi and Msgr. Maurice Nyunt Wai, now Bishop of Mawlamyine.

A Jubilee of Hope

Seventy years is not merely a number. It is a testament to faithfulness, perseverance, and Marian devotion.

As the Legion of Mary in Pathein Diocese steps into a new chapter, the Jubilee stands as a reminder. Prayer remains its foundation. Mary is its model. Christ is its ultimate mission.

Entrusting the future to Our Lady, the faithful of Pathein renew their commitment to be courageous apostles.

In the spirit of the Magnificat, all generations may continue to proclaim: “The Almighty has done great things for us.”

By RVA Pwo Karen Service