The Catholic Archdiocese of Mandalay marked the anniversary of its Heart Foundation with a Thanksgiving Mass and commemorative ceremony at Sacred Heart Cathedral on July 4, honoring the legacy of the foundation’s late founder, Archbishop Emeritus Paul Zing Htung Grawng, while highlighting the organization’s ongoing medical mission.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Marco Tin Win, with clergy, religious sisters, lay faithful, and representatives from various parishes gathering at the historic cathedral to pray for the soul of the founder and give thanks for the foundation’s years of service.

A Legacy Born from Personal Struggle

In his homily, Archbishop Marco recounted the providential history behind the establishment of the Heart Foundation, tracing it back to the personal health struggles of Archbishop Emeritus Paul Zing Htung Grawng.

“Archbishop Paul assumed his pastoral duties as the shepherd of the Mandalay Archdiocese in 2002,” Archbishop Marco shared. “By 2005, his health began to decline, leading to frequent hospitalizations due to a severe cardiac condition.”

In 2009, doctors discovered that three of the Archbishop’s coronary arteries were blocked. Because specialized open-heart surgery was unavailable in Myanmar at the time, he was flown to Singapore for treatment, supported by funding from his Kachin family network, local clergy, religious communities, and the diocesan faithful.

Following his successful surgery, Archbishop Paul chose not to retain the remaining balance of the medical funds raised for him. Instead, he proposed utilizing the surplus donations to launch a dedicated healthcare initiative.

“He expressed a profound desire to establish a foundation that would assist underprivileged individuals suffering from similar cardiac ailments,” Archbishop Marco stated, adding that successive archbishops and diocesan committees have since maintained the stewardship of this vital ministry.

Expanding Healthcare Outreach

Following the liturgical service, an official anniversary ceremony commenced. The foundation presented certificates of honor to institutional and individual donors across various parishes to recognize their sustained financial support.

Fr. John Soe Tint, Head of the Heart Foundation, reported that the organization currently subsidizes and manages the regular medical care of more than 30 chronic heart patients.

Alphonse U Kyaw Min, President of the Heart Foundation, emphasized a two-pronged approach: providing financial subsidies for cardiac care and advancing public health literacy through community seminars on cardiovascular diseases and preventative care.

To streamline patient intake, the foundation utilizes the St. Xavier Charitable Clinic within the Mandalay Archdiocese as its primary screening and operational base. Prospective beneficiaries must present a cardiologist’s formal diagnosis, demonstrate at least two weeks of continuous medical supervision, and undergo an in-person clinical assessment.

Clinical Rigor and Patient Impact

Fr. Augustine Win Myint, co-leader of the foundation, contextualized the medical initiative within the broader healing ministry of the Church. “When we care for these patients, we participate directly in Christ’s ministry of healing,” he said.

Dr. Phu Thet Nwe, the Clinic In-Charge, detailed the critical logistics involved in sourcing hard-to-find cardiovascular pharmaceuticals. “Patients on anticoagulants face extreme risks. Improper dosages can lead to either hemorrhagic strokes or ischemic strokes. This is why regular clinical follow-ups every one to three months are vital,” she explained.

For beneficiaries, the foundation’s support represents a vital buffer against soaring healthcare costs. U Aung Naing Oo, diagnosed with coronary artery disease in 2016, expressed his gratitude: “Specialized cardiac medications have become prohibitively expensive, and the foundation’s uninterrupted monthly supply has been lifesaving.”

Maria Daw Hla Hla Myint, another long-term beneficiary, highlighted the relief the foundation brings to low-income families. “Receiving a consistent three-month supply of medication has stabilized both my health and our family’s finances,” she said.

Reflecting on the impact of the ministry, volunteer committee member Daw Moe Moe Hlaing noted that the foundation serves as an essential safety net for vulnerable populations. “Being able to contribute our time and energy to this institutional work ensures that those in distress are never left entirely without options,” she said.

By RVA Myanmar Service