The Catholic Church in Pathein Diocese marked a significant milestone on May 13 with the official opening of Marygone Parish, a new ecclesiastical jurisdiction comprising 13 villages and 230 Catholic families.

The 7:30 a.m. ceremony at St. Mary Church was led by Msgr. Pius Win Than, Vicar General of Pathein Diocese, joined by eight priests, brothers, sisters, catechists, and 300 faithful. Fr. John Ko Ko, parish priest of the mother parish, conferred the church key to newly appointed parish priest Fr. William Win Naing.

History of Marygone Village

The history of the village was read by Assumpta Nant Htet Htet Kyaw. Marygone Parish is situated in Khattayar Tract, Tharbound Township. The village was founded by U David and Daw Mary, from whom the name “Marygone” derives. It began with two families and gradually grew.

Priests and sisters served in the village over 70 years ago. When they left due to conflicts, Saya Gyi U San Tin led the community. Since then, Marygone was under Ywegone Parish until Bishop Henry Eikhlein officially established it as a new parish.

Homily: Guiding People to the Living God

In his homily, Msgr. Pius Win Than reflected on St. Paul’s words to the Athenians, who had an altar inscribed “To an Unknown God.” Many people today are similarly searching for the unknown God, he said, yet remain unfulfilled.

“The God whom I proclaimed is in fact the one whom you worshiped without knowing it,” Msgr. Pius said. “God is in our midst and present in the lives of those who seek him.”

He explained that a new parish is opened primarily so that the faithful can receive the sacraments regularly and easily. Through the Church, believers come to know the living God through the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.

The Vicar General noted that the Holy Spirit guides believers to the truth, and he asked for the Spirit’s help for the new parish priest to guide his people. Noting that the day was the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, he consecrated the new parish to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A Word of Welcome

After Mass, Fr. William Win Naing acknowledged that 13 is sometimes considered an unlucky number, but said, “Today is the feast of Fatima, so it is good for us because our Blessed Mother will take care of us and protect us from dangers.” He emphasized the message of fasting given by Our Lady at Fatima.

Fr. John Ko Ko expressed gratitude to the mother parish, saying, “Marygone is the land of Mary, so we should consecrate our new parish to our Blessed Mother. We should imitate the faith and humility of the Blessed Mother in our lives so that our parish will grow both spiritually and physically.”

Msgr. Pius Win Than officially conferred the new parish priest to the faithful of Marygone Parish. The celebration concluded with group photos and expressions of thanksgiving to all who attended the historic opening.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service