A newly renovated church, a new grotto, and a new compound gate were blessed on April 19 in this rural village in Bago Region, as the local Catholic community celebrated a day of thanksgiving and milestones.

The 7:30 a.m. Eucharistic celebration at Chaung Zauk Village, Nyaunglebin Parish, was presided over by Auxiliary Bishops Francis Than Htun and Noel Saw Naw Aye of Yangon Archdiocese, joined by 15 diocesan and religious priests. About 300 faithful attended, including Catholics from neighboring villages and Yangon.

Homily: Faith as Living Witness

In his homily, Bishop Francis Than Htun emphasized that faith is not merely knowledge but a living witness expressed through praise and service. Praising God means recognizing freely received gifts and acknowledging God’s love manifested through others, he said.

The bishop reflected on Christian life as a journey of finding happiness amid hardships, noting that true difficulties arise when one is distant from God. He recalled that Jesus alone was born in a manger and died on the cross, demonstrating the path of sacrifice that leads to peace.

Speaking on the Resurrection, Bishop Francis noted that although there is a burial place of Jesus, it is not a focus of inquiry, because Christ is truly risen. He observed that the Resurrection was first revealed to women, and that many of Jesus’ disciples gave their lives witnessing to this truth. Such courage, he said, reflects authentic faith.

Following the homily, the bishop consecrated the church altar, and the celebration continued.

Honoring a Golden Jubilarian

After Mass, Fr. Matthew Moo K’Paw, a native of the village, was honored on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. Approaching 80 years of age, he said he accepts the life God has given him with gratitude and requested prayers so that he may continue to serve as long as his health permits.

Gratitude and Recognition

Fr. Albert Khin Maung Win expressed thanks to the bishops, priests, and all benefactors. He gave special thanks to major donors who supported the renovation of the church, the construction of the grotto, and the church compound gate.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to donors who contributed 2,500,000 kyats and above toward the church project. The celebration concluded with group photos and a grand lunch.

Three Priests from One Village

Chaung Zauk Village has produced three priests: Fr. Matthew Moo K’Paw, Fr. Albert Khin Maung Win, and Fr. Gregory Phaw Htoo. The day’s events stood as a testament to a small community’s deep faith and its enduring fruitfulness for the Church.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service