Hundreds of the faithful gathered at Kanazogone Parish in the Diocese of Pathein on November 2, 2026, for a special Mass commemorating All the Faithful Departed.

The celebration began at 7:00 a.m. and was led by Bishop Henry Eikhlein, accompanied by about 15 priests. Fr. John Hlwan Moe Naing delivered the homily.

The faithful came to pray for the souls of their beloved deceased parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, and all who have died. Through the Mass, they entrusted their loved ones to God’s loving mercy, praying they may rest in eternal peace.

Before the Mass, Bishop Henry reminded the people that November 2 is a special day set aside for remembering and praying for the departed. He noted that Catholics around the world mark this day through prayer and the celebration of the Holy Mass.

The bishop also praised the long-standing tradition of Kanazogone Parish, where this commemoration has been celebrated solemnly for many years with great participation from the faithful. He encouraged everyone to preserve this beautiful tradition and thanked the parish priests who have faithfully maintained it.

In his homily, Fr. John Hlwan Moe Naing, a professor at Yangon Major Seminary, reminded the faithful that the main purpose of the gathering was to remember and pray for their departed loved ones. He said praying for the dead is a beautiful Catholic tradition and an important spiritual practice.

Referring to a Myanmar proverb, “Those who are lost may be found, but those who have died are eventually forgotten,” Fr. John said this is only partly true for Christians. Although people may gradually forget those who have passed away in daily life, gathering every year on November 2 to pray for them shows they are still remembered and loved.

Fr. John shared a humorous story about a woman in her sixties who was unconscious in a hospital. She told God she did not want to die yet because her children were still young. God allowed her to return, and she recovered. But one month later, she passed away. When she met God again, she asked why He had called her despite letting her live. God replied that He did not recognize her because she had changed her appearance with makeup.

Through this story, Fr. John stressed that God is not concerned with outward appearances but values the sincerity and purity of the human heart.

He also encouraged the faithful to reflect on the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell. He reminded everyone that all people will face death and stand before God for judgment according to their earthly lives. Wealth, education, beauty, and social status give no one special privileges before God. Everyone is equal in His sight.

Referring to Jesus’ teaching about the Pharisees and the image of whitewashed tombs—beautiful outside but unclean within—Fr. John explained that God looks into the heart. He encouraged the faithful to treat one another with love and respect, recognizing that every person is a child of God.

Fr. John reminded the faithful that praying for the departed is an expression of continuing love. At the same time, they too will one day face death and should always reflect on their lives and remain spiritually prepared to meet God.

He urged Christians, especially in today’s world where outward appearances and pretence are common, not merely to present themselves as Christians outwardly but to become genuine followers of Christ guided by sincere faith, love, and good deeds.

On November 1, an evening prayer programme was also held. It began with a solemn procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament to the cemetery. The faithful prayed the Rosary, followed by the Litany for the Faithful Departed and Eucharistic Adoration.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service