More than 75 priests, including retired clergy, gathered for the Annual Priests’ Retreat of the Diocese of Pathein from October 26 to 30, 2026, at the Diocesan Hall, for a sacred time of renewal and reflection.

The retreat was preached by Bishop John Saw Yaw Han of Kengtung Diocese, who opened with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the priests and Sisters of St. Francis Xavier who supported him throughout his life and priesthood.

“Coming back to Pathein today makes me feel as though I have returned to my own family,” Bishop John said. “I feel truly happy and joyful.”

‘Are You Making Time to Be with Me?’

In his opening talk, Bishop John reflected on the busy life of a priest—celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, caring for the sick, developing parishes, and addressing pastoral challenges.

“Amid all these activities, it is as though God is asking us a question: ‘You are busy doing many things for Me, but are you making time to be with Me?'” the Bishop said.

He warned that priests can gradually become less intimate with God while doing God’s work. “Because we are so busy working for God, we may no longer make time for Him. We may postpone our prayer, telling ourselves, ‘God will understand.’ When we repeatedly make such excuses, our hearts can gradually drift away from God.”

The Tree and the Branches

Using the image of a tree, Bishop John explained that when a branch is cut off from the trunk, its leaves may remain green for a short time but will eventually wither and dry up.

“In the same way, we must never allow our priestly lives to become disconnected from God,” he said. “When we grow distant from God, our spiritual lives can gradually become dry and lifeless.”

He noted that this spiritual dryness can affect preaching, pastoral ministry, the celebration of Mass, and evangelization. “Our personal abilities and speaking skills are valuable gifts, but if we rely solely on these abilities, it may become difficult to bear lasting spiritual fruit.”

Questions for Reflection

Bishop John invited the priests to quietly reflect on their relationship with God:

• When was the last time I spent time alone with God?
• When was the last time I spoke to God in sincere and heartfelt prayer?
• Do I give God first place in my daily activities?
• Am I so busy doing God’s work that I have forgotten the importance of being with God?

“These questions are not intended to make us blame ourselves, but rather to awaken and renew our relationship with God,” he said.

‘God’s View Is Different’

The Bishop contrasted the world’s view of success with God’s perspective. “The world tends to measure success by visible and tangible results. However, God’s perspective is different. He does not look only at our outward achievements; He also looks into our hearts.”

He emphasized that prayer must be the foundation of priestly life. “We must recall the beginning of our vocation, listen to God’s voice, and renew our efforts to nurture our spiritual lives.”

A Retreat of Renewal

Throughout the four days, the priests reflected on topics including the priest’s intimate relationship with God, priestly obedience, priestly zeal, God’s blessings in challenges, Mary as Mother of Priests, and walking together in synodal conversion.

The retreat concluded on October 30 with a session on general discussions and information sharing led by Msgr. Pius Win Than, followed by Holy Hour, Vespers, and Papal Blessing.

As the priests return to their parishes and ministries, they carry with them Bishop John’s final encouragement: “Let us not become people who merely do God’s work, but people who live in communion with God. Let us not simply follow our own desires, but become people who listen to and obey God’s will.”

In the quiet moments of the retreat, these 75 priests were reminded of what matters most: not what they do for God, but who they are before God.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service