Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese blessed and officially opened a new clergy house at Ywegone Parish in Pathein Diocese on March 25, administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to 148 faithful during the same celebration.

The Holy Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church began at 7:00 a.m. Fr. John Ko Ko, the parish priest, joined Bishop Henry and ten other priests in concelebrating the liturgy. Brothers, sisters, catechists, and many faithful gathered for the occasion.

Before Mass began, the bishop reminded the congregation that the day was the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. “Today is also a day for us to give thanks and ask for blessings,” he said.

A Parish with Deep Roots

In his homily, Bishop Henry noted Ywegone’s place in the diocese’s history. “Ywegone Parish is a community of faith with a long and rich history. It stands as one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Pathein,” he said.

He identified the three oldest parishes—Pathein, Myaungmya, and Ywegone—as already established even before the arrival of French missionaries. Generations of priests have faithfully served the parish, he said.

The bishop reflected on the new clergy house, quoting Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

“The building of such a house is not only the result of human effort but also a sign of God’s grace and blessing,” he said. He acknowledged the effort, sacrifice, and perseverance required from the parish priest and all who worked together.

He noted that the mission has reached 175 years and now continues into its 176th year. “To carry forward this long and faithful journey, the responsibility now rests upon the younger generation—especially those who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation today,” he said.

Mary, Full of Grace

Turning to the day’s Gospel, the bishop reflected on the Annunciation. “The angel Gabriel, sent by God, greeted her, saying, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you,'” he said. These words form the prayer Catholics recite daily.

He encouraged the faithful to embrace prayers that deepen their faith. “We should never go to bed without the prayer of grace. The prayer of grace is what sustains our very life and being,” he said.

A Message of Gratitude

Fr. John Ko Ko offered words of thanks following the Mass. He noted that the celebrations were occasions for deep thanksgiving, particularly during the Lenten season.

“To all our generous donors, what each of you have offered is known in your own hearts—and it is also known to God,” he said. He chose not to name donors individually, following the teaching: “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

He expressed gratitude to Bishop Henry for blessing and inaugurating the clergy house. He thanked all priests, brothers, sisters, and faithful for their presence, prayers, and support.

He offered prayers and best wishes to all who received Confirmation. “May God continue to bless you abundantly and guide you to take an active part in the mission of the Church,” he said.

Above all, he gave special thanks to God for granting the grace to open the clergy house. “All your generous contributions have been duly recorded, but more importantly, they are known and treasured by God,” he said. “For your kindness and generosity, may God bless you abundantly.”

By RVA Pwo Karen Service