Office-bearing priests in Yangon gathered at St. Teresa Parish in Ahlone Township this morning for a special Eucharistic Celebration honoring the patron saint of parish priests, St. John Marie Vianney.

The 8:30 am Mass on August 3rd brought together thirteen priests serving in diverse roles, including seminary professors, diocesan directors, chaplains, and national directors and coordinators for Catholic ministries within Myanmar.

The celebrants included prominent figures such as Fr. Noel Naw Latt (Justice and Peace National Director), Fr. Stephen Chit Thein (PMS National Director), Fr. George Shwe Htun (National Director of Biblical Pastoral Ministry), Fr. Patrick Soe Htun (Myanmar RVA Language Services), Fr. Saw Hubert (Coordinator of RVA Sgaw Karen Service) and Fr. Paulinus Myat Kyaing (St. Teresa Parish Priest and National OSC Director).

Following the Mass, a poignant sharing session highlighted the challenges and graces of priestly ministry. Fr. Dominic Savio Jude, Chaplain of the Home for the Aged in Kandawkalay, emphasized three essential qualities for priests drawn from the legacy of St. Vianney and Mother Teresa’s call for holy priests:

1. Being a Good Example: “People see priests as saints,” Fr. Jude stated, underscoring the importance of living a life worthy of emulation.
2. Being Approachable: Priests must be readily available to meet the needs of the faithful.
3. Supplying Demands: Faithfully providing for the spiritual and sacramental needs of the people.

Fr. Patrick Soe Htun, National Coordinator of Myanmar RVA Language Services, offered a deeply personal testimony of obedience and availability.

Detailing his 14-year priesthood involving seven distinct appointments, Fr. Patrick described himself as someone called to “fill up the blanks.”

“My spirituality is obedience and service,” Fr. Patrick shared. “I accept any appointment… I think of myself as a person to fill up the gaps.”

He spoke of relying on divine blessings to manage unfamiliar tasks, keeping his phone available 24/7 for sick calls to assist any parish priest, and finding happiness in fulfilling God’s mission despite difficulties.

“We believe God will never abandon those He calls,” he affirmed.

Sr. Assumpta Lawrence, SJA, brought a perspective from the faithful and religious life. She recounted a formative discussion clarifying that diocesan priests are not “secular” (meaning worldly) but holy men belonging to their dioceses under the bishop’s mission.

She highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s recent address (June 26, 2025), calling priests “friends in the Lord,” a relationship fostering joy, peace, and deep interior life essential for listening to God and the people.

Sr. Assumpta commended the visible brotherhood and unity among the gathered priests, supporting each other through challenges.

Quoting “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” she urged the faithful to support their priests and promised prayers on their behalf for successful missions.

The observance concluded with a period of Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr. Saw Hubert (Coordinator of RVA Sgaw Karen Service).

Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s Homily for the recent Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests (June 27th), Fr. Hubert called on the priests to model their hearts after the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

He led the assembly in praying the Prayer for Priests by St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, interceding for fervent, struggling, lonely, young, dying, and deceased priests.

The gathering served as a powerful moment of fraternity, reflection, and renewed commitment to priestly sanctity and service, inspired by the humble Curé of Ars.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service