A solemn memorial Mass marked the fourth anniversary of the death of Bishop John Hsane Hgyi this morning at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Pathein.

Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese presided over the 6:00 AM service, attended by priests, religious brothers and sisters, and faithful from the diocese.

Bishop John Hsane Hgyi, who shepherded the Pathein Diocese from 2003 until his death on July 22, 2021, succumbed to COVID-19 at precisely 6:00 AM four years ago.

He was widely remembered for his unwavering dedication, working tirelessly for his mission until the very end.

“Today we remember and give thanks for our late Bishop John, who served this diocese faithfully for 18 years,” reflected Bishop Eikhlein during the service.

He highlighted the enduring impact of Bishop John’s pioneering online ministry, a work deemed “so effective for the people in Myanmar and other countries,” which continues actively today. Gratitude was extended to OSC Pathein, RVA Pathein, and all supporting staff.

Ad Gentes: Continuing the Legacy

The central focus of the commemoration was the official opening and blessing of the Ad Gentes Music Studio, established to perpetuate Bishop John’s vision.

Bishop Eikhlein explained the profound significance of the name “Ad Gentes” (To All Peoples), drawing inspiration from the day’s Gospel reading about Mary Magdalene.

“Mary Magdalene saw the risen Lord… she went and shared the Good News with His Apostles,” Bishop Eikhlein stated. “She was the first one to do Ad Gentes – to proclaim the Good News to all peoples. She is called the Apostle of the Apostles.”

He connected this missionary impulse directly to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), specifically its decree “Ad Gentes” on the Missionary Activity of the Church, promulgated by Pope Paul VI on December 7, 1965.

“Ad Gentes means to proclaim the Good News to all the nations,” Bishop Eikhlein emphasized. “This studio, opened in remembrance of the Year of Jubilee and the Legacy of Bishop John Hsane Hgyi, is founded on this same call.”

A Studio for Mission

The Ad Gentes Music Studio is envisioned as a powerful tool for evangelization and cultural expression.

“We can proclaim the Good News to all peoples from this Music studio,” Bishop Eikhlein declared.

He extended a warm invitation: “We welcome all people to come and record their songs, both gospel and social songs,” underscoring the studio’s openness to serving the wider community.

Expressing hope for the studio’s longevity, Bishop Eikhlein urged all members to “keep this Studio for a long time and to keep the Legacy of Our Late Bishop John Hsane Hgyi.”

Special thanks were given to participating youth and friends from other studios.

Theological Foundation

Prior to the studio blessing, the theological bedrock of the initiative was reinforced.

Monsignor Pius Win Than and Father Isidore read aloud from the “Ad Gentes” decree. This foundational document revitalized the Church’s understanding of its core identity, stating unequivocally that “the Church in nature is Mission,” and spreading the Gospel is a fundamental duty of all its members.

The decree grounds the Church’s mission in the life of the Holy Trinity, explaining that “the missionary impulse flows from the Love of the Father, who sent the Son and the Holy Spirit to bring salvation to all humanity.”

This underscores that mission is “not a secondary activity but is of the very essence of the Church.”

The inauguration of the Ad Gentes Music Studio stands as a tangible commitment by the Pathein Diocese to continue Bishop John Hsane Hgyi’s legacy of outreach and evangelization, embracing modern means to fulfill the ancient command to bring the Good News to all peoples.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service