The Funeral Mass for Father Gilbert Sein Sa Loi was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on October 19, 2026, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church within the Minor Seminary compound in Mayanchaung, Pathein.

The Funeral Mass was presided over by Bishop Henry Eikhlein of the Diocese of Pathein, with many priests participating. The homily was delivered by Msgr. Pius Win Than. Brothers, sisters, lay faithful, and relatives of Fr. Gilbert also joined the celebration and prayed for the eternal repose of his soul.

Gratitude for 29 Years of Priestly Ministry

In his homily, Msgr. Pius Win Than expressed gratitude for Fr. Gilbert’s 29 years of faithful service to God and the Church.

“When a priest passes away, his dedication to God and the love he showed to others throughout his life become a testimony to the kind of person he was and the life he lived,” Msgr. Pius said.

He described Fr. Gilbert as “a simple, calm, patient, and gentle person in his words and actions.” As a result, many people loved and respected him. During his missionary service in Italy, he experienced much love and affection from the Italian people.

“Wherever he went, they warmly welcomed and received him,” Msgr. Pius recalled. “This warm reception was a testimony to his good character and the love he showed to others.”

A Life of Faith That Bears Witness Before Christ

Msgr. Pius reminded the congregation of Jesus’ words: “Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”

“Father Gilbert served as a representative of Christ, bringing the Good News of God’s salvation to humanity,” he said. “Just as God the Father sent Jesus Christ into the world, Jesus Christ also sent priests as His representatives to continue His mission of salvation.”

He noted that Fr. Gilbert’s dedication and service to God and the Church stand as a clear testimony to his life of faith. Because of his pure and sincere heart, simple way of life, and love for others, he gained the affection of many people—not only in his own country but also in foreign lands.

Making the Best Use of God’s Gifts

Msgr. Pius emphasized that Fr. Gilbert made the best use of the talents, strength, and gifts he had received from God. He devoted his hands, his feet, and his time to working for the glory of God and the good of humanity.

“His life was a practical example of loving God and serving others through his actions and dedication,” he said.

Hope in God’s Mercy

The homilist concluded by entrusting Fr. Gilbert to God’s loving mercy and hoping for his eternal happiness.

“At the same time, we pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will forgive his human weaknesses and shortcomings,” Msgr. Pius said. “Let us give thanks to God for Father Gilbert’s 29 years of priestly ministry. Let us continue to pray that his soul may receive God’s abundant mercy and attain eternal peace and happiness in His heavenly kingdom.”

A Life of Service

Fr. Gilbert Sein Sa Loi was born on March 26, 1968, to U Tun Hla and Daw Sophia. He was the sixth child among nine siblings.

He began his primary education in 1974 at Ywathakone Village and later pursued high school education in Pathein. From 1986 to 1989, he studied at Pathein University, graduating with a degree in Zoology.

During his seminary formation, Fr. Gilbert had a special passion for music and was particularly skilled at playing the drums. He entered the seminary in 1991, studied philosophy at St. Joseph Major Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin, and continued his theological studies at St. Joseph Major Seminary in Yangon from 1993 to 1996.

On April 6, 1997, Fr. Gilbert was ordained a priest at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Pathein by Bishop Charles Bo, now Cardinal. Following his ordination, he served in the Diocese of Lashio, as diocesan youth chaplain, and as a professor at Myaungmya Seminary.

In 2000, he was sent to Rome for further studies, where he pursued philosophy for three years. He then served as an assistant priest in the Archdiocese of Naples, Italy, from 2003 to 2014.

In 2014, Fr. Gilbert returned to Myanmar and served as a professor at St. Joseph Major Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin until 2024, devoting ten years to teaching seminarians and forming future priests.

In 2025, due to health concerns, he requested permission from his bishop to take a period of rest. On October 18, 2026, at 12:10 a.m., Fr. Gilbert completed his earthly journey and was called home to the loving embrace of God.

May he rest in peace. Amen.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service