In a solemn and spirit-filled ceremony at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on August 29, 2026, the Archdiocese of Mandalay elevated five devoted seminarians to the Sacred Order of Deacons.

Presiding over the 7:00 AM Mass, Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese conferred the holy orders upon Brothers Joachim Aung Thet Oo, Jude Shane Htet Aung, Noel Soe Htun Thu, Martinus Ye Thu Aung, and John San Min Htun, marking a pivotal step in their journey toward the priesthood.

The cathedral, situated at the bustling corner of 82nd, 25th, and 26th Streets, was filled with clergy, religious sisters, and lay faithful who had gathered from across the region to witness the historic rite and offer their steadfast prayers for the newly ordained.

In his homily, Archbishop Marco underscored the profound weight of the sacrament, reminding the ordinands and their families that ordination is not a reward for piety but a binding, sacred obligation.

“In truth, bestowing ordination is entrusting a sacred duty; accepting ordination means taking on profound responsibilities from the Church,” the Archbishop declared.

He elaborated on the specific mission of the diaconate—proclaiming the Gospel, serving at the altar, and embodying charity—urging the new deacons to root their ministry strictly in Holy Scripture and the unwavering guidance of the Church.

He also called upon the entire archdiocese to sustain them through continuous prayer and spiritual solidarity.

The paths to this milestone reflect a remarkable tapestry of diverse backgrounds, personal trials, and unshakable resolve.

Deacon John San Min Tun from Shwebo recounted growing up in an interfaith household, navigating the spiritual blend of a Christian father and a Buddhist mother before finding his anchor as an altar server inspired by a local priest.

Meanwhile, Deacon Noel Soe Htun Thu of Zaw Gyi Village traced his vocation back to the simple yet profound sight of a parish priest celebrating Mass—a memory that now fuels his ambition to dedicate his ministry to youth outreach, aiding the impoverished, and bringing comfort to the distressed.

For Deacon Martinus Ye Thu Aung, who comes from the remote stretches of Taungdwingyi Township, the ordination serves as a direct mission to bridge the gap for marginalized children in underserved areas who, like him, rarely saw clergy in their formative years.

In a powerful testament to physical and spiritual resilience, Deacon Jude Shane Htet Aung, also from Zaw Gyi Village, candidly shared his harrowing experience of tearing a knee ligament in 2024—a severe setback that tested his faith and left him grappling with doubt. Yet, his recovery solidified his conviction, and he now encourages future seminarians to remain steadfast despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Deacon Joachim Aung Thet Oo from Ye-U reflected on the strenuous rigors of seminary life, advocating for self-denial and daily perseverance as essential cross-bearing in the service of God and the faithful.

Emotions ran high as families witnessed their sons take this sacred vow of service. U Myint Aung, father of Deacon Jude, expressed palpable relief and immense pride, recalling the initial anxieties he harbored when his son first entered the seminary.

“Because God chose him, he has received his ordination today, and I am deeply happy,” he shared, his voice heavy with emotion.

Elizabeth Mai Phyu Phyu Win, sister of Deacon Martinus, voiced a hopeful prayer that her brother’s dedication would inspire younger generations within their family to consider religious vocations, pledging her unwavering prayers as he steps closer to the priesthood.

The ordination of these five men marks not an end, but a vigorous beginning of their lifelong service to the Archdiocese of Mandalay.

As they step forward into their diaconal duties—preaching, baptizing, and serving the poor—the community stands united in faith, confident that these new shepherds will lead with compassion, steadfastness, and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

By RVA Myanmar Service