The Mandalay Archdiocesan Youth filled Sacred Heart Church in Pyin Oo Lwin with vibrant energy and renewed faith during a two-day diocesan Youth Jubilee celebration held August 2-3.

Gathering under the empowering theme “With the strength that God grants me, I can do all things” (Philippians 4:13), the event offered a powerful blend of prayer, reflection, community building, and spiritual renewal for the next generation of the Church.

The Jubilee commenced with a warm welcome from Fr. Alphonse Aung Ko Latt, Archdiocesan Youth Director, and Sr. Cynthimar Sylvie (FMA).

They introduced the profound significance of the Jubilee Year and emphasized the gathering’s core purpose: fostering unity, deepening faith, and rekindling hope among the youth.

The spiritual heart of the first day was the Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese.

In a poignant symbol of unity and commitment, young people processed into the church through the designated Jubilee Door, proudly carrying the flags of their respective diocesan groups and parishes.

Archbishop Marco’s homily resonated deeply, offering a message of unwavering hope and resilience to the assembled youth.

“We all have hope. As long as we hold on to that hope, we will never fall to despair,” he proclaimed. “The Jubilee we celebrate today reminds us to be firm in our faith, trusting that with God’s strength, we can overcome any challenge.”

Fr. Alphonse directly addressed the context of challenges facing Myanmar’s youth.

“Young people around the world, including in Myanmar, are facing discouragement due to both natural and man-made disasters.

This Jubilee is our way of restoring hope,” he explained passionately.

He called on the young faithful to become “lights of hope” within a fragile society, urging them to actively share their strength and experiences within their parishes and wider communities.

“I hope this Jubilee renews you and gives you the courage to become the future leaders of the Church and society,” Fr. Alphonse added.

Sr. Cynthimar Sylvie reinforced the spiritual foundation of the Jubilee.

“Jubilee is a time of grace and reconciliation,” she stated. “Despite the disasters and discouragements, the presence of Jesus must remain your strength. The Church needs you, and you must never grow tired in learning and preparing for the mission ahead.”

The palpable enthusiasm and gratitude among the youth participants underscored the event’s impact. Gloria Pan Moe Moe Aung from St. Joseph’s Parish, Mandalay, shared, “I’m so happy to see all the youth united. I feel inspired and renewed through this experience.”

Roonie Tin Aung Myint Oo, a youth leader from St. Xavier Parish in Mandalay, noted the encouraging participation: “I see both long-time youth members and new faces. This gives me great joy, knowing that young people are becoming more engaged with the Church’s mission. We must fulfill our dreams together and serve the Church and the people of God hand in hand.”

The Youth Jubilee culminated in group reflections, communal prayer, and a collective commitment from the young attendees.

Empowered by the theme of divine strength and guided by a reignited hope, they pledged to boldly live out their faith in their daily lives and communities.

By RVA Myanmar Service