Over 200 Catholic religious men and women convened at St. Mary’s Cathedral on October 8, 2025, for a Religious Jubilee, celebrating their past service and reinforcing their mission of hope for a nation facing challenges.

The event, uniting 20 different congregations from across the Archdiocese of Yangon, served as a powerful showcase of the Church’s vibrant religious life. Under the overarching themes of “gratitude, enthusiasm, and hope,” senior clergy delivered addresses that connected timeless spiritual values with contemporary struggles.

At 8:45 a.m., His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, delivered the Welcome Address. He recalled the words of Saint John Paul II during the Great Jubilee of 2000, noting that every jubilee calls for three important attitudes: gratitude for the past, enthusiasm for the present, and hope for the future.

“With Jesus We Are Heroes, Without Jesus We Are Zero”

Speaking with inspiration, Cardinal Bo reflected that gratitude is the mark of holiness. “A grateful person is a holy person,” he said. “We are grateful for health, for life, for our vocation, and for the inspiration of our founders.” Citing the Gospel story of the ten lepers, the Cardinal reminded the faithful to be like the one who returned to thank the healer.

On the second point, enthusiasm for the present, the Cardinal encouraged the Religious to live joyfully in the present moment. “Past is history, future is mystery, and the present is a gift,” he said. “Killing time is suicide.

Finally, he urged everyone to look to the future with hope, especially in a world facing uncertainty and negativity. “This is the Jubilee Year of Hope,” he said. “Even in times of discouragement, we are called to wait in trust, to pray with the Psalms, and to find hope in simplicity, humility, and meekness.”

The keynote speaker, Rev. Fr. Philip Soreh, OP, delivered a robust talk on consecrated life as a “life of building bridges.” He cautioned against spiritual extremes, warning that “rootedness without openness leads to fanaticism,” while “openness without rootedness leads to superficiality.”

Fr. Soreh also tackled modern technological challenges, offering a pointed reflection on artificial intelligence. “What we use must remain a good servant, not a bad master,” he advised the congregation. “Do not leave the Holy Spirit jobless because of AI.” He emphasized the irreplaceable value of human community, noting, “If there is no laughter in the community, something is wrong.”

His Excellency Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye reinforced the call for authentic witness, defining consecration as being “set apart — to let God use us one hundred percent.” Echoing Pope Francis, he stated, “the Church must be like a hospital — going out to the wounded.” He explicitly called for increased collaboration, saying, “There should not be competition, but cooperation and familiarity among us,” a direct appeal for unity among the Archdiocese’s diverse religious orders.

The jubilee was not only for reflection but also for celebration. Congregations showcased their unique charisms and ministries—spanning education, healthcare, and social work—through video presentations and exhibitions.

The day culminated in a solemn Jubilee Eucharistic Mass presided over by Cardinal Bo.

In his homily, the Cardinal returned to the theme of joy, asserting that “a happy Religious attracts others to Christ.” He reminded each person of their unique value in God’s creation, stating, “Each one of us is unique — an original. There is no copy.”

The event concluded with a formal announcement of an upcoming media catechism program, highlighting the Church’s ongoing efforts in evangelization.

The Archdiocese of Yangon is served by 42 of the nation’s 51 religious congregations. The day concluded with participants strengthened in their mission to be witnesses of God’s love, embracing the future with renewed gratitude and hope.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service