When Msgr. Bernardino Ne Ne received the news of his appointment as Coadjutor Bishop of Taungngu, his first reaction was not joy or celebration—it was fear.

“Honestly, I never expected such a responsibility,” he admits, his voice carrying the weight of genuine humility. “My first reaction was one of humility and even fear because I am very aware of my limitations and weaknesses.”

For more than three decades, he has served as a priest of the Diocese of Loikaw, ordained on April 13, 1995, by Apostolic Delegate Msgr. Luigi Bressan. Looking back on his vocation journey, he sees not his own strength but the sustaining hand of God.

“My vocation journey has been marked by many blessings, but also by challenges, doubts, and moments of weakness,” he reflects. “Looking back, I can clearly see that it has always been God’s grace that sustained me.”

A Call to Deeper Service

Though he has carried many pastoral responsibilities throughout his priestly ministry, he often felt inadequate. Yet obedience, perseverance, and trust in God enabled him to continue serving faithfully.

The announcement of his appointment as Coadjutor Bishop came as a profound surprise—one he accepted with gratitude, recognizing it as God’s call rather than a personal achievement.

“Becoming a bishop is not an honor to be sought, but a call to deeper service,” he explains. “It means giving myself more completely to Christ and His people as a shepherd, servant, and father in faith.”

Prayer as Foundation

Prayer has always been the foundation of his priestly life. He believes that without prayer little can be accomplished, but with God’s grace everything becomes possible.

Two biblical passages have continually guided his spiritual journey: Luke 1:37—”For nothing is impossible to God”—and Psalm 121:1-2—”I lift up my eyes to the mountains; where is my help to come from? My help comes from Yahweh who made heaven and earth.”

These Scriptures remind him that God often works through human weakness rather than human strength.

A Vision for Taungngu

As he prepares to begin his episcopal ministry in Taungngu, his first priority is listening.

“I wish to listen attentively to God, to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Taungngu,” he says. “Through listening, I hope to understand the pastoral realities, hopes, and challenges of the local Church.”

His pastoral vision includes strengthening communion within the diocese, promoting evangelization, revitalizing parish life, encouraging ongoing faith formation, and increasing the participation of lay people in the Church’s mission.

He hopes to foster a diocesan community where every person feels welcomed, valued, and called to share in Christ’s mission.

A Message for Young People

Addressing young people directly, he encourages them not to fear God’s call.

“Young people are not only the future of the Church; they are an essential part of the Church today,” he says.

He emphasizes that vocations flourish in families and communities where faith is lived joyfully and authentically.

“Do not be afraid to trust God with your life,” he tells young people. “The Lord knows your dreams, your struggles, and your future. If you remain close to Him, He will guide you toward true happiness and fulfillment.”

A Shepherd’s Heart

Looking back over his priestly life, Bishop-elect Bernardino expresses gratitude to his family, pastors, spiritual directors, formators, and the faithful he has served, saying their witness has strengthened his vocation.

Among the saints, he especially admires those who united deep prayer with humble service. The guiding principle of his own spiritual life remains trust in God’s providence.

“God never abandons those who place their confidence in Him,” he says.

In his message to the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Diocese of Taungngu, he asks for prayers, support, and patience as he begins his new ministry.

“I come among you not as someone who has all the answers, but as a fellow disciple seeking to follow Christ together with you,” he says.

The Deepest Lesson

Concluding his reflections, he shares the deepest lesson he has learned from his appointment.

“What has touched me most deeply about this appointment is the realization that God continues to call and trust us despite our weaknesses,” he says.

He expresses the hope that his episcopal ministry will ultimately lead people closer to Christ.

“I hope that people will remember me not for achievements or titles, but as a bishop who tried to love God faithfully, serve His people generously, and remain close to those entrusted to his care. Above all, I hope that through my ministry people may encounter Christ more deeply and grow in faith, hope, and love.”

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service