The Myanmar Diocese of Pathein gathered on September 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the death of Fr. Martin Narbaitz, MEP, a French missionary hailed as a foundational figure for the local church.

Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese led a solemn Mass at the Sacred Heart Church in Myaungmya, Ayeyarwady Division, a structure built by Fr. Martin himself, before hundreds of faithful, religious, and clergy.

In his homily, Bishop Henry painted a portrait of a tireless missionary who dedicated his life to the people of Myaungmya.

Fr. Martin arrived from France in 1946 at the age of 34 and served for 34 years without returning home or contacting his family, a sacrifice the bishop emphasized was made of “tears, sweat, and even blood.”

“He poured out his life for the people of Myaungmya,” Bishop Henry stated, reminding the congregation of their duty to preserve the heritage of faith entrusted to them.

Recalling his own experience, Bishop Henry shared: “I myself lived at the boarding school under Fr. Martin’s guidance during my high school years. It was he who sent me to the Sacred Heart Minor Seminary. Before his final departure, I met him at Kandaw Myay Church in Yangon. Just one week later, I received the sorrowful news of his death.”

He issued a direct call to the young generation, urging them to embrace the future by following the example of missionaries who “sowed the seeds of faith, often at the cost of their very lives.”

The biography of Fr. Martin, detailed in the ceremony, underscores a legacy built on three pillars: faith, education, and harmony.

His visionary work included founding the National Catechist Training School in 1965 to empower lay leaders and establishing a high school to provide quality education, which was later nationalized.

In a remarkable act of dedication, he sold his family vineyard in France to finance the construction of the enduring Sacred Heart Church, replacing a former wooden structure.

His missionary zeal was notably inclusive. He traveled with catechists to villages of all races and religions, preaching and promoting education, which fostered significant intercultural respect and harmony.

He also established boarding schools for children of all backgrounds and focused on training youth to become missionaries themselves.

Fr. Martin returned to France for medical treatment in 1980 and passed away shortly after. He was honored by his homeland as a model missionary priest.

His legacy, the Diocese affirms, continues to inspire the community of Myaungmya and beyond.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service