The Diocese of Pathein marked 17 years of the Seminary Alumni Fellowship with a gathering on July 19 at St. Mary’s Church at Marygone Parish in Pathein Diocese, bringing together clergy and lay faithful to celebrate a journey of faith, friendship, and shared vocation.

The Holy Mass began at 7:00 a.m., presided over by Msgr. Pius Win Than and concelebrated by Fr. William Win Naing, Parish Priest of Marygone Parish. The Mass was attended by Seminary Alumni members, brothers and sisters, catechists, and the faithful, who gathered together in faith and thanksgiving.

Homily: A Call to Repentance and Vigilance

In his homily, Msgr. Pius reflected on the Scripture readings, emphasizing the call to live each day with a spirit of true repentance. “Genuine repentance enables us to acknowledge our weaknesses and, through God’s grace, transform them into strengths,” he said.

Drawing from the parable of the wheat and the weeds, Msgr. Pius highlighted God’s patience and mercy. “In this world, good and evil continue to exist side by side. Those who have chosen the path of goodness must remain faithful and persevere in living virtuous lives until they reach their final goal,” he said. “At the same time, those who are living in sin are still allowed to repent and return to God.”

He warned that at the time of God’s judgment, anyone who has failed to repent will suffer the loss of eternal life. “Today’s Word of God invites each one of us to embrace a life of repentance and ongoing conversion,” he said.

Media: A Tool for Good or Evil

Msgr. Pius also addressed the role of media in modern society, noting that it can be used for education, evangelization, and social work, but can also spread false news and morally corrupting content when misused. He urged the faithful to use media consciously, wisely, and responsibly.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, he emphasized the responsibility of parents to monitor and guide their children’s media use. “Without proper guidance and supervision, such use can affect not only children’s physical health but also their emotional, moral, and spiritual development,” he said.

Challenges as New Beginnings

During the alumni meeting, Msgr. Pius shared an inspiring example of a shoe company that sent two employees to Africa. One saw only a problem—people did not wear shoes—while the other saw an opportunity—people had not been introduced to shoes. He encouraged the alumni not to see challenges as darkness but as new beginnings and opportunities for growth.

“With hope, faith, and a positive attitude, challenges can become opportunities for new possibilities,” he said.

New Spiritual Director Appointed

The Seminary Alumni Fellowship of the Diocese of Pathein was founded by the late Bishop John Hsane Hgyi on December 15, 2009, and has now completed 17 years. Currently, the fellowship has 19 members, including Msgr. Pius Win Than and Fr. William Win Naing, with the remainder being lay faithful from different walks of life.

On July 14, Bishop Henry Eikhlein officially appointed Fr. Matthias Saw San Win as the Spiritual Director of the Seminary Alumni Fellowship for a term of five years, beginning in 2027. Bishop Henry joyfully expressed that if Fr. Matthias continues to have the desire and willingness to serve, he may continue beyond the initial term.

The new appointment marks a significant step forward for the fellowship as it continues its journey with renewed faith, unity, and hope under God’s guidance.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service