The Funeral Mass for the late Fr. Callistus Saw Eh Mwee was celebrated on September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Minor Seminary, Mayanchaung Village, in the Diocese of Pathein.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Henry Eikhlein, with the participation of many priests from the Diocese of Pathein. Brothers, Sisters, lay faithful, and relatives of Fr. Callistus also joined the celebration and prayed for the eternal repose of his soul. The faithful gathered in prayer and thanksgiving, remembering Fr. Callistus’s life and his years of dedicated service to God and the Church.

‘I Have Fought the Good Fight’

In his homily, Bishop Henry Eikhlein reflected on the words of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” These words, he said, beautifully reflected the life and ministry of Fr. Callistus.

At the age of 77, after 46 years of priestly ministry, Fr. Callistus dedicated his life to God and faithfully served the Church. Throughout his journey, he remained steadfast in faith and continued faithfully until he reached the final destination of his earthly life.

“His life stands as a testimony to a long life, long years of dedicated priestly service, and unwavering faithfulness to God,” Bishop Henry said. “Just as those who remain faithful to the end will receive the crown of reward, the priestly life of Fr. Callistus Saw Eh Mwee will remain as a lasting legacy of faith, dedication, and fidelity for generations to come.”

Faithfulness and Perseverance in Priestly Life

Reflecting on the Scripture, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek,” Bishop Henry emphasized the profound meaning of the priestly vocation in the Catholic Church.

“The priesthood is not a commitment for only a few years, but a lifelong vocation dedicated to God,” he said. “Therefore, remaining steadfast and faithful in the priestly life and in the ministry to which one has been called is itself a true reward.”

Despite the many challenges he encountered throughout his life, Fr. Callistus remained faithful, steadfast, and committed throughout his long journey of priestly ministry. His perseverance and fidelity were among the greatest testimonies of his priestly life.

“Through the life of Fr. Callistus Saw Eh Mwee, may we continue to discover the meaning of faithfulness, perseverance, and remaining steadfast to the end in a life dedicated to God,” Bishop Henry said.

A Legacy for Future Generations

Before the Holy Mass began, the Bishop shared a message with the priests, Brothers, Sisters, and seminarians at the various stages of formation. He emphasized that Church leaders and missionaries have devoted their lives wholeheartedly to the service of the Church and have, one by one, gone to their eternal rest in the presence of God. The younger generation is called to preserve and carry forward the footprints, works, and spiritual legacy they have left behind.

The Minor Seminary Formation House in Deimone is a place where future generations are formed and prepared to continue the mission and journey of the Church. Just as the Church today has reached its present state through the dedication, sacrifices, and efforts of missionaries of the past, the younger generation is likewise called to preserve their legacy and continue serving the Church with commitment and dedication.

A Life of Service

Rev. Fr. Callistus Saw Eh Mwee was born on May 22, 1949, in Shirgone, Sinlu. His father was U Maung Nu, a farmer, and his mother was Daw Ah Saw, also a farmer. Both of his parents were Buddhists.

He began his primary education in Sinlu from 1958 to 1963, continued his secondary education in Htugyi from 1963 to 1966, and completed his high school education in Pathein from 1966 to 1970. In 1986, he attended the University of Yangon, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. From 1990 to 1993, he pursued further studies in a Master of Arts in Theology at The Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.

Rev. Fr. Callistus Saw Eh Mwee was ordained to the priesthood on March 27, 1980, at Sinlu. After his ordination, he served as Assistant Priest in Hinthada from 1980 to 1981, Parish Priest of Dawel from 1981 to 1983, and Parish Priest of Zaungdan from 1983 to 1986. He continued his faithful service to the Church throughout his 46 years of priestly ministry.

As the faithful of Pathein Diocese bade farewell to their beloved priest, they entrusted his soul to the mercy of God, confident in the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service