The Brothers of St. Francis Xavier celebrated two milestones on March 21: the 25th Jubilee of two brothers and the First Profession of two others, in a ceremony that honored eight decades of religious service in Myanmar.

The Mass at the Brothers’ Chapel in Mayanchaung in Pathein was presided over by Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese, joined by priests, brothers, sisters, teachers, family members, and the faithful.

A Congregation Born in Hardship

In his homily, Bishop Henry noted the congregation’s origins during World War II.

“The Order of the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier was founded during the Second World War,” he said. “Because of those difficult times, the Brothers have a deep understanding of the meaning of hardship to this day.”

He encouraged pride in a church born amid difficulties. “Let us also continue to pray. The existence of this church in Myanmar is also a special grace of God.”

The bishop celebrated the 25th Jubilee of Br. Jimmy George and Br. Sotero, together with the First Profession of Br. Basil Nay Linn Aung and Br. Ambrose Chit Thae Bo.

The Challenge of Following Christ

Bishop Henry reflected on the Gospel passage about putting God first.

“Whoever comes to me must be ready to put God first,” he said. “They cannot be my disciple if they love their father, mother, brothers, sisters, or even their own life more than God.”

He explained that when Jesus spoke of “hating” family, he meant putting God above all else. Those who follow God must always place God first.

“This is a place where they are trained spiritually, mentally, morally, and physically to serve God,” the bishop said. “If you want to follow me, you must deny yourself. If you want to follow me, you must take up your cross and follow me.”

He noted that this challenge was given by Christ to his disciples over 2,000 years ago. “This was his standard, so the final word is renunciation.”

A General Superior’s Testimony

Br. Wilfred Hla Aung, recently chosen as the General Superior, shared his thoughts on being chosen for leadership.

“I believe that being chosen as the General Superior is a divine choice, inspired by the Holy Spirit,” he said. “Being chosen is both a joy and a sorrow. I have not yet served in a parish, and I have mostly driven, so I have little experience. I am a little nervous about taking on such a heavy responsibility. But I believe that God will always help and guide me.”

He drew inspiration from Christ choosing fishermen as his first disciples. “Christ chose a fisherman who did nothing. ‘I will make you fishers of men,’ Christ said. I also took this incident as my own.”

He pledged to work for unity among the brothers and encouraged them to be good examples to others and to show love for one another.

A History of Service

The Congregation of St. Francis Xavier Brothers was founded on January 1, 1942, by foreign missionary Bishop Federico Giuseppe Provost. The Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 1992. As of 2026, the congregation has more than 80 years of history.

The congregation’s motto is “We will practice what we preach.” Its charism is to witness God’s Good News using the gifts and abilities they have.

The purpose of the order is to attain personal holiness by observing the three vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, to spread the Kingdom of God, and to assist priests in every way possible.

Currently, Bishop Henry Eikhlein oversees the congregation. The General Superior is Br. Wilfred Hla Aung, with four advisory brothers: Br. Jude, Br. Aloysius, Br. Martin, and Br. Matthew.

More than 70 brothers serve in various dioceses across Myanmar.

The bishop concluded by asking for prayers for all the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier, that they may continue serving God with health, enthusiasm, and joy.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service