Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese presided over a special Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral early Monday morning, August 25, 2025, marking the second anniversary of his Episcopal ordination and the 29th priestly anniversary of three diocesan priests.

The 6:00 AM Mass, held on the precise date of Bishop Henry’s installation two years prior, drew hundreds of faithful, religious brothers and sisters, catechists, and concelebrating priests.

The celebration honored the decades of service of Fr. John Bosco Bo Ko, Fr. Sylvester Khin Mg Aye, and Fr. Constantine Gaw Thaw Oo.

In his homily, Bishop Henry framed the dual celebration as an occasion for profound thanksgiving. “Today, we give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,” he stated. “It is not only a remembrance of my Episcopal ordination two years ago but also the joyful gift of 29 priestly ordinations of three priests for our diocese.”

The bishop’s address centered on the meaning of the “Kingdom of God,” drawing from the Second Vatican Council’s document Gaudium et Spes and the letters of St. Paul.

He defined it as “a kingdom of truth and light, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace,” noting that its arrival is embodied in Jesus Christ.

Bishop Henry emphasized that the local church itself is a visible sign of this kingdom.

“The existence of the Church is the mission of God,” he said, highlighting the witness of the clergy, religious, and laity present.

He further challenged the congregation to actively participate in this mission, recalling the Vatican II teaching that “every baptized person is a missionary.”

Bishop Henry placed a special emphasis on the duty to nurture the next generation, declaring, “We must take care of the children from one year to eighteen years. They are the future generation… Taking care of them is already building the kingdom of God.”

Concluding his message, the bishop connected the day’s prayers to daily life, urging sincerity in faith and practice. “When we pray, ‘Thy Kingdom come,’ it is a call to live this reality every day,” he said.

The Mass culminated in a final blessing, sending the community forth to continue what the bishop described as their shared missionary vocation.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service