Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese presided over the Cross-Raising Ceremony at Yae Cho Gone Village this weekend, delivering a homily that framed the Cross not as a symbol of defeat, but of ultimate Christian victory.

The celebration began with a welcoming ceremony on Friday evening, September 12, where parish priest Fr. Charles S’ Yae Shan and the local faithful greeted Bishop Eikhlein. The main Eucharistic celebration was held the following morning, at 7:30 AM, concelebrated by seven priests before a large congregation.

In his homily, Bishop Eikhlein rooted the event in the village’s history, paying tribute to decades of missionary work. He specifically honored Fr. Raphael Mahn Htun Yin for his 50 years of service evangelizing the community, alongside other priests who nurtured the local faith.

“The establishment of a new parish is not merely an administrative matter but a spiritual necessity,” Bishop Eikhlein stated, emphasizing that regular access to the sacraments is essential for a thriving faith community.

Reflecting on scripture, the bishop articulated the core of his message: “The Cross is not the end—it is the sign of Christian victory.” He drew parallels between the wooden staff lifted up to save the Israelites in the desert and the Cross of Christ, which he said brought redemption and reconciliation to humanity.

He acknowledged the difficulty of embracing personal struggles but urged the faithful to accept their own crosses “with courage, humility, trust, and perseverance.”

Bishop Eikhlein provided practical guidance for living this faith, exhorting the community to pray the Rosary daily, attend Mass faithfully, and unite their personal challenges with the sufferings of Christ.

Following the Mass, the Bishop met with the parish pastoral council. He reminded them that faith is a “treasure entrusted to us by the Lord,” and urged them to safeguard it with the same diligence they protect their homes and land.

The Cross raised in the village stands as a permanent spiritual landmark for the community, signifying Christ’s presence and a call toward holiness.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service