The Catholic community of Kangon village in Pathein Diocese celebrated a significant milestone on November 22, marking the 25th Silver Jubilee of Christ the King Church with a Mass that blended gratitude for the past with hope for the future.

His Excellency Bishop Henry Eikhlein presided over the 8:00 a.m. jubilee Mass, which was also attended by priests, religious, and faithful from Ywegon Parish. The celebration served as a dual testament to enduring faith—both in the life of the church and in the families that fill its pews.

In his homily, Bishop Henry framed the day around the theme of thankfulness. “2025 is the year of Jubilee, so also today is the silver jubilee of the Christ the King Church,” he said. “Together with the faithful, we give thanks to God for all the blessings that we have.” He echoed the words of the late Pope Francis, reminding the congregation that “every day is a day of thanksgiving,” and that gratitude is a direct path to joy.

The ceremony held special significance for seven married couples from the parish who renewed their marriage vows during the Mass, celebrating their own longstanding commitment alongside the church’s anniversary.

The history of the church, read aloud by Saya Sylvester, traced the community’s journey of faith. From a simple bamboo structure in the 1970s to a wooden church and finally, the construction of the current building beginning in 1996, the narrative highlighted decades of lay initiative and pastoral dedication. The church was formally blessed on November 26, 2000, by the then-Bishop Charles Bo, now His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo.

Bishop Henry connected the church’s physical resilience to the spiritual strength of its people. “Our Church stands strongly in the midst of bad weather,” he noted, symbolizing a faith that has endured through generations. He urged parents to be the primary catechists for their children, stating, “We have to keep our faith and share it with our children.”

Celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King, the jubilee also carried a profound theological message. The bishop explained that Christ’s kingship is “not like the earthly kingdom,” but a “kingdom of love.” He called on the faithful to allow Christ to reign in their hearts through prayer and the sacraments.

Before the final blessing, Parish Priest Fr. John Ko Ko expressed gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the celebration. The joyous event culminated in a shared meal, reinforcing the bonds of a community that has built, sustained, and now celebrates a quarter-century of worship and witness.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service