The feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the celebration in honor of Our Lady of Good Health of Velankanni were joyfully celebrated at St. Anthony Church in Shwe Aik, St. Michael Parish, in Myitkyina on September 8, 2026, drawing more than 100 faithful and guests to the small but vibrant Catholic community.

The Holy Mass began at 10:30 a.m. and was presided over by the parish priest, Fr. Michael Tu Ling. The homily was delivered by Fr. Rafael, who shared reflections on Our Lady of Good Health and encouraged the faithful to seek the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession for the gift of health and healing.

Although there are only 35 Catholic households in Shwe Aik, more than 100 faithful and guests took part in the celebration. Their presence reflected the deep faith, devotion, and love of the local Catholic community for the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Praying for the Gift of Health

In his homily, Fr. Rafael shared several accounts related to Our Lady of Good Health of Velankanni and spoke about the great devotion shown to her by Catholics in many parts of the world. He invited the faithful to pray especially for the gift of health through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The priest encouraged everyone to pray not only for their own health but also for their families, for those who are sick within their communities, and for the healing and well-being of the people of Myanmar and the entire world.

Through the intercession of Our Lady of Good Health, the faithful were invited to place their hopes, sufferings, and prayers before God.

What Gift Can We Offer Mary on Her Birthday?

Reflecting on the celebration of Mary’s birthday, Fr. Rafael invited the congregation to consider an important question: “When we celebrate someone’s birthday, we usually offer a gift. What gift can we offer to Mary on her birthday?”

He explained that the greatest gift the Blessed Virgin Mary desires from her children is not simply flowers or material offerings, but a good and faithful life. Referring to the Wedding at Cana, Fr. Rafael recalled Mary’s words to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you.”

These words, he explained, point to Jesus Christ. Mary always leads her children to her Son and invites them to listen to His words and live according to His teachings. Therefore, the best gift that Christians can offer Mary on her birthday is to become faithful followers of Christ by listening to His Word and putting His teachings into practice in their daily lives.

Becoming Light for Others

Fr. Rafael also encouraged the faithful to make their devotion to Mary meaningful through acts of love and kindness toward others.

“If we offer beautiful flowers to Mary, we should also try to make the lives of others more beautiful. If we light candles in honor of Mary, we should also become a light for others,” he encouraged.

The celebration of Mary’s birthday, therefore, is not merely an occasion for prayers and festivities. It is also an invitation to imitate her faith, humility, obedience, and love.

As the faithful celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Good Health of Velankanni and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they were encouraged to seek the gift of health and healing through her intercession. At the same time, they were reminded that the most meaningful birthday gift they can offer to Mary is a life lived according to the teachings of her Son, Jesus Christ.

The celebration concluded in an atmosphere of faith, prayer, and joy, as the faithful entrusted themselves, their families, their communities, Myanmar, and the whole world to the loving intercession of Our Lady of Good Health.

By RVA Rawang Service