Sacred Heart’s Church in Myaungmya, Myanmar, hosted a special Jubilee celebration for grandparents and the elderly on Sunday, July 27, led by priests from Pathein Diocese.

The event underscored the Catholic Church’s reverence for elders and the vital role of family in faith formation.

Father Raphael Htun Nay Khaing, Spiritual Director of the National Catechists’ School, presided over the Eucharistic celebration.

In his homily, he connected the Church’s recent Parents’ Day observance with the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly—established by Pope Francis to coincide with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne.

Three Pillars of Reverence and Responsibility
Fr. Raphael anchored his message in Scripture and tradition:

1.“Honor Your Father and Mother – You Must Do It”:
Citing the Fourth Commandment, Fr. Raphael declared honoring parents a non-negotiable duty.

He linked parental care to divine love: “Our parents look after their children not only by nature but also by the love of God the Father.”

He recalled Abraham’s intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18) and God’s promise of blessings for those who honor their parents (Exodus).

“Jesus obeyed His Father and Mother till the end,” Fr. Raphael noted, highlighting Christ’s instruction to John from the Cross to care for Mary.

2. Parents as Teachers and Witnesses:
Fr. Raphael emphasized parents’ sacred duty to impart faith and morals.

“Our parents are catechists… Their duty is to teach catechism and prayer,” he stated, drawing parallels to John the Baptist teaching his disciples and Jesus’ teaching prayer. “They are called to guide and lead us to the good life as visible disciples.”

3. Parents as Signs of God’s Love:
“From before birth through adulthood, parental care mirrors God’s enduring love,” Fr. Raphael taught.

He evoked the late Pope John Paul II, stating families must “show people around us” God’s love through their lives.

“As God protects His children, so a father protects. As God is patient, so a mother is patient. They share the love of God.”

A Call to Action and Reconciliation
Fr. Raphael urged practical responses: expressing love, living with or accompanying elderly parents, praying for them, and seeking forgiveness.

“We need to ask for pardon from our parents for our failures. Reconciliation is a healing,” he said, reaffirming the biblical promise:

“Those who honor their parents will get a blessing.” He invoked St. Padre Pio’s exhortation: “Love your parents.”

Celebration of Gratitude
Following Mass, the parish expressed tangible gratitude in the parish hall.

Grandparents and elders received presents and were honored through joyful singing and traditional dancing.

The jubilee celebration concluded with a final blessing, sending the community forth with a renewed commitment to cherish their elders.

The event highlighted the Church’s deep regard for the elderly as pillars of faith, wisdom, and living witnesses to God’s enduring love within the family and the wider community.

By RVA Pwo Karen