The Catholic Church in Myanmar is in mourning following the peaceful passing of Bishop Emeritus Abraham Than of Kengtung Diocese.

The beloved prelate returned to his heavenly home early this morning, August 18, 2025, at 6:40 AM.

He was 98 years old.

A Life of Service: From Ordination to Episcopacy
Born on September 21, 1927, Abraham Than dedicated his life to the Church. He was ordained a priest on September 22, 1957.

His leadership journey within the hierarchy began when he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kengtung on December 19, 1968.

He received episcopal ordination on May 11, 1969. Following this, he was appointed the full Bishop of Kengtung on September 19, 1972.

Bishop Than faithfully shepherded the diocese for nearly three decades before resigning at the age of 74 in 2001.

Cardinal Bo Pays Tribute to a Mentor and Colleague
The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM), His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, SDB, of Yangon Archdiocese, expressed profound sorrow and deep gratitude for Bishop Abraham Than’s lifelong dedication.

Cardinal Bo highlighted Bishop Than’s pivotal role in Myanmar’s ecclesiastical history, particularly recalling the establishment of Lashio Prefecture on April 9, 1976.

“When I became the first Bishop of Lashio in 1990,” Cardinal Bo stated, “Bishop Abraham Than was one of my co-consecrators. His support at that significant moment was invaluable.”

The Cardinal emphasized Bishop Than’s long-standing commitment to collegiality: “From 1985 until his retirement, and continuing until Bishop Louis Ca Ku succeeded him in Kengtung, he worked diligently with his brother bishops within the Bishops’ Conference for many years.”

Cardinal Bo also underscored Bishop Than’s pastoral zeal and missionary spirit: “He actively sought support for his vast diocese, inviting several priests from Yangon Archdiocese to assist him, especially in the challenging Special Region No. 4. He tirelessly worked to create new mission territories within Kengtung Diocese.”

Cardinal Bo concluded his tribute by affirming, “The Diocese of Kengtung and the entire Church in Myanmar are deeply grateful to him for his paternal love and selfless service.”

Funeral Arrangements and Cardinal Bo’s Absence
A Funeral Mass for Bishop Emeritus Abraham Than will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Kengtung on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

While Cardinal Bo expressed a strong personal desire to attend the funeral to honor his late colleague and mentor, he regrettably confirmed he will be unable to be present due to unavoidable prior commitments related to a meeting in Rome.

The passing of Bishop Emeritus Abraham Than marks the end of an era for the Church in Eastern Myanmar. He is remembered as a dedicated shepherd, a builder of communities, and a figure of unity whose decades of service left a lasting impact on the faithful of Kengtung and the nation.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service