The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier (SFX) celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the former Mothers General, Margaret Mary, and Marci Colette on September 29, 2025.

His Excellency Bishop Henry Eikhlein of the Pathein Diocese presided over the Jubilee Mass to honor five decades of their religious dedication.

The solemn celebration commenced at 6:00 AM in the chapel of the Retired House of St. Francis Xavier (Bethany).

Bishop Henry was joined at the altar by seven priests, the sisters of the Congregation, novice sisters, boarding girls, youth, and a large gathering of lay faithful.

In his homily, Bishop Henry reflected on the enduring legacy of the two former Mothers General, describing them as “two holy women whose lives bore witness to God’s love.” He identified prayer and faith as the twin pillars that sustained their half-century of service.

“Prayer is not optional but foundational,” the bishop stated, emphasizing that it is the “constant union with God” that provides strength and direction. He warned that without a foundation of prayer, one cannot remain faithful in one’s vocation or face life’s challenges with courage.

Drawing from the Gospel of John, Bishop Henry also reflected on the nature of faith, noting that it grows not through human reasoning but by God’s grace. He underscored the inseparable link between prayer and faith, stating, “Because we believe, we pray; and through prayer, our faith deepens.” He called on the congregation, especially the sisters, to renew their commitment to these pillars.

The Mass honored the lives and service of both Mothers, who each professed their first vows on February 1, 1978, and their perpetual vows on September 4, 1984, before the late Bishop Joseph Mann Erie.

In a retrospective shared with the congregation, Mother Margaret Mary recounted her unexpected path to religious life, which began when Brother Anthony of St. Francis Xavier asked if she wished to return her God-given talents to Him.

“If God chooses to use me, He will call me in His own way. My duty is simply to dedicate myself fully,” she said. She served as Mother General of the Congregation from 2000 to 2012.

Similarly, Mother Marci Colette shared that religious life was not her initial plan. She recalled obeying a call to Pathein, realizing in retrospect, “This was the place God Himself had chosen for me.”

She described facing significant trials, including a daunting mission to manage RVA Sgaw Karen in the Philippines.

“Discouraged and uncertain,” she turned to Scripture, where Psalm 81:10—”Open your mouth, and I will fill it”—gave her the courage to accept. Her guiding principle throughout her service, which included leading as Mother General from 2012 to 2018, was a simple prayer: “Your will be done.”

The jubilee celebration served as a profound reminder of the impact of a life dedicated to faith and service, inspiring a new generation within the Congregation to follow the path forged by Mothers Margaret Mary and Marci Colette.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service