The Archdiocese of Mandalay celebrated the annual Feast Day Mass of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Zawgyi Village on July 18, drawing clergy, religious sisters, and hundreds of faithful from across the region for a day of worship and community outreach.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration, which commenced at 8:00 AM, was led by Rev. Fr. Joseph Thet Lwin. Fr. John Eude Aung Kyaw Khaing delivered the homily, focusing on the contemporary relevance of the patron saint’s legacy of service.

Following the liturgical service, a major charity distribution was held on the church grounds. Sponsored and organized by local benefactor U Myint Wai and his family, essential provisions—including rice, cooking oil, and monetary donations—were distributed to every attendee in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul’s mission to aid the needy.

A Call to Action

In his homily, Fr. John Eude Aung Kyaw Khaing expounded on the profound meaning of Christian charity (para-hita), urging the congregation to move beyond passive faith.

“St. Vincent de Paul stands in the Catholic Church as a definitive witness to charity,” Fr. Aung Kyaw Khaing stated. “Throughout his life, he demonstrated that true charity means actively working for the benefit of others. It requires us to constantly ask how we can alleviate the suffering and solve the problems of those around us.”

He emphasized that authentic charity is inherently missionary and must be expressed through tangible action rather than mere words. “It is not about public ostentation, but a dedicated mission to serve the marginalized, the poor, and the orphaned. As Christians, our lives are not meant to be lived in isolation, but in service to our neighbors,” he added, calling on attendees to emulate the saint’s example.

Renovation and Renewal

The event marked a significant milestone for the parish, which recently completed extensive renovations to its sanctuary. The parish priest, Fr. Michael Ko Ko Gyi, noted that the feast day—traditionally held on July 19—was moved to July 18 to accommodate a larger gathering of clergy and parishioners.

“Thanks to God’s grace and the support of our benefactors, the church renovation is complete, providing a more comfortable space for our parishioners to worship,” Fr. Ko Ko Gyi said. “We are deeply heartened to see the faithful travel from both near and far to join us in unity. The celebration was a resounding success.”

A Homecoming

For many attendees, the event was a deeply personal homecoming. Christine, a parishioner from St. Michael Parish in Than Win, shared her joy at returning to the church for the first time since her childhood.

“The last time I attended this feast, I was ten years old,” she said. “Returning now in my seventies, I am proud to see the enduring impact of the St. Vincent de Paul societies in our dioceses, which continue to provide critical support to the poor and abandoned. It inspires all of us to contribute what we can.”

The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, as the community united in gratitude and service, reflecting the enduring legacy of St. Vincent de Paul.

By RVA Myanmar Service