The Diocese of Pathein joyfully celebrated the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul on June 29 with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Peter’s Cathedral, presided over by Bishop Henry Eikhlein and concelebrated by 14 priests.

The 7:00 a.m. Mass drew a large gathering of religious brothers and sisters, catechists, boarding children, and faithful, who came together to reflect on the witness of the two apostles whose lives of faith, sacrifice, and missionary spirit continue to inspire the Church.

Bishop Shares Highlights of Ad Limina Visit

In his homily, Bishop Henry shared details of the recent Ad Limina visit to Rome, where 19 bishops from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar (CBCM) met with Pope Leo XIV from June 1 to 5.

“We are very grateful for the loving prayers and support of our brothers and sisters throughout Myanmar for the successful completion of this visit,” the bishop said. “May the grace and blessings of the Lord always be upon everyone.”

The bishops visited various dicasteries of the Holy See, meeting with heads of more than ten departments to discuss the situation of Catholics in Myanmar, challenges faced in daily life, and matters related to worship and pastoral ministry.

On the final Friday at approximately 10:00 a.m., they had an audience with Pope Leo XIV lasting about one and a half hours. During this meeting, they shared the current situation in Myanmar, the struggles and efforts of the faithful, and various pastoral concerns, seeking guidance and encouragement for the Church’s mission.

A Tradition of Unity

Bishop Henry explained that the Ad Limina Visit is a significant ecclesial practice expressing the unity of the Church and the communion between Catholic bishops and the Pope.

“This is a tradition that has been going on for many years,” he said. “There are a total of 17 dioceses and archdioceses in Myanmar governed by Catholic bishops, and all of these dioceses are in communication with the Vatican.”

He noted that at every Holy Mass, the Pope’s name is mentioned and prayed, along with the names of respective bishops and archbishops. “This practice is a unique and lovely tradition of the Catholic Church, and a sign of the unity and oneness of the Church.”

‘Who Do You Say That I Am?’

Turning to the feast day, the bishop reflected on today’s Gospel, where Christ asks his disciples: “What do people say about me?” and then, “Who do you say that I am?” St. Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

“The Church is built on the rock called Peter,” Bishop Henry said. “Therefore, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated with great solemnity in Rome and around the world.”

He reminded the faithful that Saints Peter and Paul are revered as the main pillars of the Catholic Church. Just as Christ asked the apostles, He continues to ask each one of us the same question today.

“Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we become members of the Catholic Church. Yet that alone is not enough,” he said. “Each of us is called to ask personally: ‘Who is Christ to me?'”

Citing St. Paul’s teaching, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,” the bishop encouraged the faithful to confess with their lives that Christ is the Son of the living God—not only with words, but through concrete actions and faithful witness.

“This is the gift and invitation of today’s Feast of Saint Peter’s Church,” he concluded.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service