A profound sense of faith and community filled the historic St. Peter’s Cathedral in Pathein this morning as the Diocese of Pathein solemnly celebrated the Feast Day of St. Peter’s Cathedral on the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul.

Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese presided over the Mass at 7:00 AM on June 29, 2025.

The Cathedral was filled with the faithful, who gathered to participate in the significant liturgy marking the patronal feast of both the universal Church and their diocesan mother church.

Bishop Eikhlein’s Homily: Renewal, Unity, and the Living Church

In his homily, Bishop Eikhlein highlighted the triple significance of the day: the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the feast day of St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the feast of the Congregation of St. Paul.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to all priests, religious brothers and sisters, and the lay faithful present for the celebration.

“Even though we celebrate this feast every year,” Bishop Henry stated, “it is to profess our Faith. We all belong to the universal Church. We try to renew the faith and promises we hold.”

He emphasized that this celebration was not confined to Pathein Diocese but echoed throughout the entire Catholic world.

The bishop addressed the significance of the papacy, noting, “Our Pope Leo XIV succeeded in the place of Pope Francis, and also he took the place of St. Peter. It means that Jesus is working in Him. This is our significant sign of Our Catholic Church.”

He encouraged the congregation to strive for a deeper understanding and continual renewal of their personal faith.

Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew (16:18-19), Bishop Henry reflected on Jesus’ words to Peter: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church… Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” He explained this authority, conferred on St. Peter and his successors, extends to bishops, delegates, and ultimately fosters unity among all the faithful worldwide.

“This power,” he continued, “is experienced in confession, where we receive forgiveness of sins, and especially in the Jubilee Year, where we all receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. We must build the faith that we keep in Christ and the Church.”

Faith Amidst Trials: The Lesson of Peter’s Liberation

The bishop then turned to the First Reading (Acts 12:1-11), recounting St. Peter’s miraculous liberation from prison by an angel. “God is so powerful to help his people,” the Bishop declared. He highlighted the response of the early Christians: “They were praying earnestly for Peter to be freed.”

“God showed us miracles amid suffering,” the Bishop of Pathein Diocese asserted. “What we have to do is to pray. God will help you when you are in trouble. Let us ask God to give us peace and to be free from all hardship.”

Concluding Thanksgiving

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Rector of St. Peter’s Cathedral formally expressed gratitude to Bishop Henry Eikhlein, the concelebrating priests, the religious brothers and sisters, and all the faithful who participated in the Mass.

In a gesture of community and fellowship, a meal was offered to all participants, concluding the morning’s solemn and joyous celebration. The celebration served as a powerful testament to the enduring faith and unity of the Catholic community in the Pathein Diocese.

By Pwo Karen Service