Amid ongoing hardship and a partially damaged church compound, the faithful of St. Michael’s Church in Mandalay gathered on September 29, 2025, to celebrate their patronal feast with a message of unwavering devotion, self-examination, and communal unity.

The evening Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr. John Aye Kyaw and attended by a large assembly of priests, religious, and laypeople from across the Mandalay Archdiocese, served as a powerful testament to the community’s resilience.

In his homily, Fr. John Aye Kyaw issued a direct challenge to the congregation, urging profound personal reflection. “In our daily lives, how many times have I defied God?” he asked the faithful. He emphasized that faith must be lived in community, stating, “We must help one another, pray together in unity, and support each other during times of difficulty.”

The physical state of the parish grounds underscored the need for such solidarity. The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Tin Maung Htun, recounted how the main church building withstood a massive earthquake with only minor damage—a fact he attributes to the protection of St. Michael. While renovations to the church are complete, the presbytery remains under construction, forcing priests and residents to live in temporary tents within the compound.

“The situation has been difficult, but we continue to endure with faith,” Fr. Augustine said. Due to these ongoing challenges, the annual feast day procession was canceled, and celebrations were observed with simplicity.

Inspired by their patron saint’s obedience, parishioners demonstrated deep personal devotion. Their prayers, offered to St. Michael, reflected both personal spiritual battles and concerns for the wider nation.

Bernadette Nu Nu Lwin prays for protection from temptation, while David Jude offers prayers for peace in Myanmar and protection from natural disasters. Catherine Ma Khin Myat Aye seeks closeness to God and strength for her son, a deacon, on his vocational journey.

Despite the scaled-back festivities and the visible signs of disruption, the celebration was defined not by loss but by perseverance. The community of St. Michael’s honored their patron not with a grand ceremony, but with the enduring pillars of devotion, unity, and hope.

By RVA Myanmar Service