Fr. Dominic Saw Shwe of the Missionaries of Faith (MF) celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his priestly ordination with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at St. Paul Church in Shadau Parish, Diocese of Myitkyina, on September 17, 2026.

Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam of Myitkyina presided over the Eucharistic celebration, which brought together around 1,500 faithful to thank God for Fr. Dominic’s 25 years of priestly ministry and missionary service.

A Priest of Humility, Obedience, and Self-Giving

In his homily, Bishop La Sam highlighted Fr. Dominic’s humility, obedience, generosity, and deep love for God and the faithful.

The Bishop said that while it is difficult for human beings to give everything they possess—their money, time, energy, and even their lives—for others, Fr. Dominic has demonstrated a willingness to give what he has in service to those in need.

He recalled Fr. Dominic’s pastoral commitment during periods of armed conflict in Shadau Parish. Despite the dangers, Fr. Dominic traveled to areas affected by fighting to celebrate Mass and accompany Catholic communities.

“Fr. Dominic was not afraid of death because he had entrusted his whole life to God,” the Bishop said, pointing to his courage as a sign of his deep love for God and his people.

The Bishop also described Fr. Dominic as a priest who loves his parishioners deeply and has dedicated his life to serving them. Concluding his homily, Bishop La Sam prayed that God would continue to work through Fr. Dominic in the years ahead and grant him abundant blessings in his priestly and missionary ministry.

A Missionary Who Inspires Others

Antony Brang Nu, a senior catechist from Shadau Parish, expressed his gratitude for being able to participate in the Silver Jubilee celebration.

“I thank God that I have the opportunity to participate in Fr. Dominic Saw Shwe’s 25th priestly jubilee,” he said. “Fr. Dominic works tirelessly for the mission of God. He is a priest filled with faith and committed to serving the Church.”

Paul Mung Doi, another catechist, described Fr. Dominic as a priest whose ministry is characterized by love, encouragement, and joy.

“Fr. Dominic is a man who loves God deeply and a priest filled with love,” he said. “He always encourages people with his smile and comforting words. When I look at Fr. Dominic and his life, I receive strength and encouragement for missionary work. I thank God that I can participate in his jubilee celebration.”

The celebration also remembered members of the parish who were unable to attend because of the ongoing difficult situation and road closures. Special prayers were offered for them during the celebration.

‘Love One Another as I Have Loved You’

Fr. Dominic chose John 13:34 as the motto of his priestly life: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

The Scripture passage reflects the spirit that has guided his 25 years of priestly service—a ministry centered on love of God and service to others.

During his thanksgiving remarks, Fr. Dominic expressed gratitude first to God for sustaining him throughout his priestly journey. He also thanked his parents, the Missionaries of Faith congregation, the Diocese of Myitkyina for welcoming and entrusting missionary responsibilities to the congregation, the faithful of Shadau Parish, benefactors, and all those who have accompanied and supported him throughout his ministry.

Shadau Parish and the Missionaries of Faith

Shadau Parish was officially established on January 22, 2017, in the Diocese of Myitkyina. Today, the parish has approximately 630 Catholic households with a Catholic population of about 6,740. The pastoral care of Shadau Parish has been entrusted to the Missionaries of Faith (MF), whose priests continue to serve the Catholic communities in the area.

Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam himself is also a member of the Missionaries of Faith.

As Fr. Dominic Saw Shwe marked 25 years since his priestly ordination, the celebration at St. Paul Church served as an expression of gratitude for a quarter-century of service and a prayer that his priestly motto—”Love one another as I have loved you”—will continue to guide his missionary ministry in the years ahead.

By RVA Lisu Service