The Holy Bible Sunday Mass was celebrated at 7:00 a.m. on September 27, 2026, at St. Peter Cathedral in Pathein, beginning with the solemn enthronement of the Holy Bible—a powerful visual reminder of the Word of God’s central place in the life of the Church.

The Mass was presided over by Fr. Raphael Phone Naing Oo, Parish Priest of St. Peter Cathedral, who delivered a homily that called the faithful to move beyond merely reading Scripture to living it.

‘The Holy Bible Is Not Merely a Book’

In his homily, Fr. Raphael emphasized the transformative power of God’s Word.

“The Word of God transforms people’s hearts. The Holy Bible is not merely a book, but the living voice of God,” he said. “Therefore, it is not enough simply to read the Bible; true Bible reading means putting the Word of God into practice and living according to it.”

He called on the congregation to embrace the mind and attitude of Christ, following the example of St. Vincent de Paul, whose feast day is celebrated on September 27.

“Like St. Vincent de Paul, we are called to show our love for God through practical works of charity and compassion,” Fr. Raphael said. “When we encounter people around us who are suffering and facing difficulties, let us strive to help and care for them in practical ways.”

First-Ever Bible Reading Competition

As part of the Holy Bible Sunday celebration, a Bible Reading Competition was organized by Ma Francisna, a member of the Pathein Diocese Bible Ministry Team. The competition was held on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with Sr. Marcella Ada, Sr. Marie Shwe Zin Oo, and Brother John Gabriel of the St. Francis Xavier Congregation serving as judges.

The purpose of the competition was to honor St. Jerome, the biblical scholar and translator of the Bible whose feast day is celebrated on September 30, and to encourage children to develop a deeper interest in reading and studying the Holy Bible.

In previous years, the Bible competition in Pathein Diocese was conducted in a written examination format. This year, however, the Bible Reading Competition was held for the first time in the diocese—a significant milestone in the Church’s efforts to foster love for Scripture among the young.

Around 50 participants took part in the competition, divided into three age groups.

Group 1 (Ages 6–8): First Prize – Maung Martino; Second Prize – Victoria; Third Prize – Mary Saung Hnin Aye

Group 2 (Ages 9–12): First Prize – Naw Rizar; Second Prize – Mary Hnin Moe Sat; Third Prize – Sebastian Su Kyal Sin Thun

Group 3 (Ages 13–16): First Prize – Nwe Christina; Second Prize – Ma Nay Chi Tun Tun; Third Prize – James Khun Aung

A Celebration of Word and Faith

The Holy Bible Sunday celebration featured a variety of programs aimed at honoring the Holy Bible and encouraging children and young people to read and study the Word of God more deeply. The celebration began with the hymn “The Lamp,” followed by words of appreciation for the Holy Bible delivered by Fr. Maurice Thein Than.

The program continued with “The Bible for Everyone” and a group song performed by the Pre-Postulants. The Holy Spirit was then invoked through hymn, and children presented a drama depicting the life and works of St. Jerome, followed by a dance performance.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Fr. Maurice Thein Than gave a blessing with the Holy Bible, bringing the Holy Bible Sunday celebration to a successful close.

Fr. Augustine Aung Soe Naing and Fr. Lucas Moe Zaw Oo are serving as the priests responsible for Bible ministry in the Pathein Catholic Diocese, and Holy Bible Sunday is being celebrated in the parishes where they carry out their ministry.

The celebration served as a powerful reminder that the Word of God is not confined to the pages of a book but is meant to be lived out in acts of love, compassion, and service—following the example of Christ and the saints who devoted their lives to its study and proclamation.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service