The funeral Mass of Rev. Fr. Saw Henry was celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Twantay Parish, Archdiocese of Yangon, bringing together bishops, priests, religious, family members, parishioners, and faithful from different places to pray for the eternal repose of the late priest.

At the beginning of the funeral liturgy, the biography of Rev. Fr. Saw Henry was read, followed by a message of condolence from Rev. Fr. Godwin C. Adike of the Apostolic Nunciature in Myanmar, representing the Embassy of the Holy See.

A Life Devoted to Service

Rev. Fr. Saw Henry was born on January 5, 1982, to U Joseph and Daw Philomina Tin Tin. He was the fifth of seven siblings. He was baptized on February 27, 1982, at Sacred Heart Church in Hmawbi and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on April 7, 1994, at St. Rita Catholic Church in Maubin.

He completed his primary and middle-school education in Kyunpadaythar and Wahtayar villages in Htantabin Township and passed his matriculation examination in Htantabin. He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Dagon University.

In 2004, with the recommendation of Rev. Fr. Louis Ye Myint, then the parish priest of Maubin, he entered St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Bago. He subsequently studied philosophy at the Catholic Major Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin from May 2008 to March 2010, completed his spiritual year at St. Michael’s Seminary in Taunggyi from May 2010 to March 2011, and continued his theological studies at St. Joseph’s Catholic Major Seminary in Yangon from May 2011 to March 2015.

Rev. Fr. Saw Henry was ordained a deacon on December 15, 2015, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mon Hla Village by Bishop John Saw Yaw Han. He was ordained to the priesthood on February 13, 2016, at the National Marian Pilgrimage site in Nyaunglebin by His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo.

Following his priestly ordination, he served as assistant priest at Assumption Church, Twantay, from 2016 to 2019. From 2019 to 2020, he served as parish priest of St. Mary’s Church in Thone Kyaing Village. He returned to Assumption Church, Twantay, as assistant priest from 2020 to 2025. In 2025, he was appointed parish priest of Sacred Heart Church in Phado.

During his ministry in Phado, Rev. Fr. Saw Henry was diagnosed with cancer and began medical treatment. From March 2026, he stayed at the Archbishop’s House and in the hospital while receiving treatment. He died on September 11, 2026, at 5:35 a.m., at the age of 44.

‘I Am the Resurrection and the Life’

The homily at the funeral Mass was delivered by Rev. Fr. Hyginus Myint Soe, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Yangon. Reflecting on Jesus’ words, “I am the resurrection and the life,” he spoke about Christian hope amid grief and the painful separation caused by death.

Recalling his visit to Rev. Fr. Saw Henry at Shwe La Min Hospital on September 8, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Hyginus shared a personal conversation with the dying priest. He asked Fr. Henry whether he was ready to “go home” and whether he was afraid of death. According to Fr. Hyginus, Fr. Henry responded that he was ready and was not afraid. He also expressed his gratitude by simply saying, “Thank you.”

Fr. Hyginus said that he encouraged Fr. Henry to release his attachments, ask forgiveness from God, and prepare himself for his final journey. He then imparted the Apostolic Blessing and plenary indulgence to him.

Although his priestly ministry lasted only about ten years, Fr. Hyginus said that Rev. Fr. Henry had faithfully served the Church and her people. “Although his ten years of priestly service were short, he was faithful to his service,” Fr. Hyginus said.

He also reflected on the suffering Fr. Henry endured during his final illness, describing it as a difficult “way of the cross.” Fr. Hyginus encouraged the faithful not to lose hope in the midst of mourning. “For those who believe in Christ, death is not the end,” he said, emphasizing the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life.

Condolences from the Holy See

In his message, Rev. Fr. Godwin C. Adike expressed deep sorrow at the death of Rev. Fr. Saw Henry and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Apostolic Nunciature in Myanmar to His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo and the entire Archdiocese of Yangon.

Fr. Godwin described Fr. Henry’s death at the age of 44 as a great loss and assured the Archdiocese of the prayers of the Nunciature for his eternal repose. “In the resurrection is our hope,” he said.

Cardinal Bo Expresses Gratitude

At the funeral, Cardinal Charles Bo expressed his gratitude to all those who accompanied and cared for Rev. Fr. Saw Henry throughout his illness. He thanked Mary Hmway Hmway, who cared for Fr. Henry closely during his suffering and remained with him until his death. He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Kyaw Zin, who had cared for Fr. Henry for approximately three months.

Cardinal Bo thanked all those who prayed for Fr. Henry, visited him, and provided financial and other assistance during his treatment.

A Community’s Farewell

Rev. Fr. Benedict Htay Lwin, parish priest of Assumption Church, Twantay, expressed gratitude to the bishops, priests, religious, and faithful who traveled from near and far to participate in the funeral liturgy. He also thanked the choir, the sisters, and groups responsible for decoration, and Rev. Fr. Hyginus Myint Soe for delivering the homily. Special appreciation was extended to the villagers of Byaut Yoe, who prepared food for those attending the funeral.

The funeral Mass concluded a decade of priestly ministry marked by service, sacrifice, and pastoral commitment. The Archdiocese of Yangon commended Rev. Fr. Saw Henry to the mercy of God, entrusting his soul to the Lord whom he served faithfully as a priest.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service