Hundreds of Catholic pilgrims gathered at the newly designated Padre Pio National Shrine in Sinlan Village, in Pyin Oo Lwin, on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese, served as a significant moment of prayer and reflection for the faithful from across the country.

The event, which drew a large crowd, underscored the growing importance of the site as a central pilgrimage destination to find a message of resilience and hope in the saint’s legacy amid ongoing national challenges.

In his homily, Archbishop Tin Win drew direct parallels between the sufferings of Saint Padre Pio and the current experiences of many in Myanmar.

He urged the congregation to embrace the saint’s motto, “Pray and do not lose hope,” as a guiding principle for living their faith with courage.

“Padre Pio prayed not only with words, but with his whole heart,” the archbishop stated. “Despite the many restrictions placed on him during his life… he remained steadfast, bearing every physical, mental, and spiritual suffering in union with Christ.”

Archbishop Marco emphasized that this example is profoundly relevant today. “This message continues to guide us in living our Christian faith with courage,” he said. “Like Padre Pio, we are called to offer our daily struggles with faith, cultivate compassion, and deepen our commitment to prayer.”

The celebration was marked by personal testimonies from pilgrims who attributed healing and blessings to Padre Pio’s intercession.

Daw Anthony Ma shared that her sight was restored following eye surgery after she prayed to the saint.

Another devotee, Aunty Maria Lu Bu, expressed her long-standing faith, saying, “Whenever I pray to Padre Pio, my petitions are fulfilled.”

Dr. Margaret Cho Lay Ma, a volunteer at the festival’s health clinic, reflected: “Each year, I come to serve with my medical knowledge. Padre Pio has blessed me in many ways, helping me face challenges and live peacefully.”

The Padre Pio Shrine and church in Sinlan village were constructed between 2022 and 2024, made possible through the generous contributions of the donor family—U Da Shi Awng Htun, Daw Teresa Hwng Nan, and their daughters, Mary Seng Nu Mai and Agatha May Seng Htoi, from Lashio.

Fr. Lucas Swin Za Lian, M.S., the parish priest and a member of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, expressed gratitude for the successful event. “I am very happy that a new national pilgrimage site dedicated to Padre Pio has been established in the Mandalay Archdiocese,” he said, thanking donors, volunteers, and the pilgrims for their participation.

While the liturgical feast of Padre Pio falls on September 23, the celebration was held on September 20 for the convenience of the devotees.

The event not only honored the saint but also firmly established the Sinlan Village shrine as a vital center for spiritual renewal and a beacon of courageous faith for Catholics across Myanmar.

By RVA Myanmar Service