Four Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition (SJA) celebrated 25 years of religious life on Thursday, honored for decades of service that have taken them from remote medical clinics to radio studios and classrooms.

The Silver Jubilee Mass for Srs. Maria Se Khaw Lam, Cecilia Kho Sen Lun, Lucia Thandar Aung, and Rose Mary Myint Myint Htwe were held at the St. Joseph’s Retreat House on January 22, presided over by Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai of Mawlamyine Diocese and concelebrated by Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese.

In his homily, Bishop Maurice framed their journey through the lens of radical gratitude. “When we are grateful for everything, everything changes for the better,” he said. He urged gratitude not only for “the bouquet offered to our face” but also for “the knife at our back,” presenting the jubilee as a witness to a life poured out in service.

The four jubilarians—Sr. Maria Se Khaw Lam, Sr. Cecilia Kho Sen Lun, Sr. Lucia Thandar Aung, and Sr. Rose Mary Myint Myint Htwe—shared personal reflections drawn from their diverse ministries over the past 25 years.

• Healthcare in the Peripheries:
  Sr. Maria Se Khaw Lam recounted her long medical mission, which often required traveling to remote villages by motorcycle or on foot, day and night.
  “The exhaustion of a midnight call or a missed meal vanishes the moment I see the smile of a mother and her newborn,” she said.
• Media and Human Development:
  Sr. Lucia Thandar Aung reflected on her 13 years of service with Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), describing her journey as one sustained by divine providence through both bitter and sweet experiences. She shared her hope to focus in the future on children’s education and vocational development.
• Education and Empowerment:
  Sr. Rose Mary Myint Myint Htwe, who pursued studies in the Philippines, spoke of overcoming language and cultural barriers in order to bring specialized knowledge back to serve local youth.
  “Knowing that my teaching truly helps my students is my greatest satisfaction,” she said.
• Selfless Service:
  Sr. Cecilia Kho Sen Lun emphasized gratitude for being chosen to serve despite human weakness.
  “I am grateful that God uses me to address the needs of others without regard for my own,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to the mission entrusted to her.

The celebration highlighted the diverse yet interconnected ways the SJA Sisters have served as a pillar of healthcare, education, and pastoral support in the Mandalay Archdiocese, often for the most marginalized communities. Their quarter-century of commitment stands as a testament to faith expressed through practical, enduring service.

Special Note of Gratitude

A special word of appreciation was extended to Sr. Lucia Thandar Aung, former Coordinator of the Radio Veritas Asia Myanmar Language Service, in recognition of her dedicated years of media ministry.

From her early service as a Radio Shortwave Producer in Quezon City, Manila (2012–2015), to her work as an Online Producer (2015–2018), and later as Producer and Myanmar Service Coordinator in Mandalay (February 1, 2020 – April 30, 2025), Sr. Lucia’s journey has been a testimony of faith, dedication, and selfless service.

Her leadership, voice, and compassionate presence left a lasting impact on colleagues and on the many lives reached through RVA’s mission. As she begins a new chapter of service, she carries with her the love, prayers, and deep gratitude of the entire RVA family. May God continue to bless her abundantly in all that lies ahead.

By RVA Myanmar Service