The centenary Jubilee of the existence of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier (SFX) in Kanazogone village took place in Kanazogone Parish in Wakhema Township, Myanmar, on April 8.

The event began with a Holy Mass at 7:00 am on the designated day.

His Excellency Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese was the main celebrant of the Eucharistic celebration.

Before the Mass, Bishop Henry blessed and inaugurated the statue of St. Francis Xavier and then processed with it into the church.

Bishop Henry highlighted, “Remembering the past, observing the present, and preparing for the future. These are the 3 main points of celebrating the Jubilee.”

Bishop of Pathein remembered the one who gave the inheritance of faith and honored them, especially to foreign missionaries, Fr. J. Mourier, who came from France, served as a missionary in this village for 50 years, and passed away there.

“He [Fr. J. Mourier] was extremely responsible. Facing and overcoming World War I and World War II, Foreign missionaries Fr. J. Mourier and the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier bravely worked together in their missionary work. It was because the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier carried out their missionary work in the blood-soaked land that we are able to celebrate this Jubilee,” the prelate continued.

“By the grace of God and because of the plant started by foreign missionaries, we are reaping these fruits today. Taking strength from these points, continue to strive,” Bishop Henry added.

On June 3, 1925, the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier first arrived at the Kanazogone village. The foreign missionary Bishop Fedric Provost (MEP) was in charge of the missionary work.

The Parish Priest, Fr. J. Mourier, worked together with the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier for 50 years in their missionary activities. Their missionary work included establishing the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier convent and starting a government primary school.

They diligently worked hard for the education and spiritual well-being of the children.

The Motto of the Congregation is: SENTIRE CUM ECCLESIA (One with the Church).

St. Francis Xavier is the patron saint of the congregation, and the founder is the late Bishop Alexander Cardot of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP) who was born on January 10, 1857, ordained as a priest on September 20, 1879 and ordained as a bishop on March 19, 1894 and died on October 18, 1925.

Three years later of his Episcopal ordination, he founded the congregation of Sisters of St. Francis Xavier.  

Sisters of St. Francis Xavier Superior, Mother Ann Teresa, said, “I respect Bishop Alexander Cardot’s efforts and founding. I express my gratitude to all the Bishops, Superiors, and Sisters who continued to take responsibility and lead the Congregation after the late Bishop Cadot is commendable.”

The congregation had 454 members.

Mother House of the congregation is located in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar.

The congregation serves in Myanmar, America, Italy, the Philippines, and Thailand, serving in various apostolic ministries across 13 Archdioceses and Dioceses in Myanmar.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service

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