The 12th Graduation and Commencement Ceremony of the Higher Education College (H.E.C.) at St. John’s Parish in the Archdiocese of Mandalay was held on Friday, September 25, 2026, with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Archbishop Marco Tin Win at 8:00 a.m.

Established in 2010, the Mandalay Archdiocese Higher Education College is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to underprivileged young people from different regions of Myanmar. The institution seeks to equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills, faith formation, and experience in community life.

This year’s ceremony marked the college’s 12th commencement. Under the successive leadership of its priests-in-charge, the institution has accompanied 12 batches of young people in their educational journey.

‘Pray for Strength to Rise Again’

During his homily, Archbishop Marco Tin Win encouraged the graduates to remain steadfast in both difficult and successful periods of life, emphasizing the importance of faith, perseverance, and responsible living.

Addressing the graduates, the archbishop said that life would include both failures and successes and urged them to learn how to respond to each with faith and humility.

“Pray for the strength to rise again when you fail, and praise God when you succeed,” he said, urging the graduates to “always put God first” in their lives.

Archbishop Marco also encouraged the young people not to abandon their faith in times of difficulty.

“No matter what difficulties you face in life, strive to live together with God,” he said. He further reminded the graduates that moments of success also require mindfulness so that they do not lose their moral, spiritual, or human values.

Using the image of a growing plant, the archbishop told the graduates that they are currently at a stage of planting and nurturing the seeds of their future.

“Strive so that in the future, this plant will bloom fruitfully and become a shade tree for others,” he said.

‘Attitude, Discipline, Solidarity’

In his address, Tr. Ambrose Sui Thawm Luai, Vice Director of the Higher Education College, reflected on the graduates’ three years of study and community life.

He recalled that the students had entered the college three years earlier as a group of 157 students from different dioceses and backgrounds across Myanmar. Of that cohort, 51 students graduated this year.

“Today, 51 graduates stand united not just as classmates, but as a family bound by a resilient spirit and deep-rooted Catholic faith,” he said.

Tr. Ambrose noted that the students’ experience extended beyond academic study. During their three years at the college, they shared classrooms, dormitories, meals, prayer, and daily responsibilities. With a lighthearted reference to the challenges of waking early for Mass in Mandalay’s heat, he said the students had nevertheless persevered through the demands of college life.

He encouraged them to carry these qualities into their future service, summarizing his message through the college’s “ADS” framework: Attitude—fill their lives with humility, joy, and hope; Discipline—allow integrity and faith to guide their daily decisions; and Solidarity—stand together with the people they serve.

“The world outside is complex and unpredictable. Talent alone is not enough,” he told the graduates. “Go forth, write the next beautiful chapter of your lives, and set the world on fire with the love of Christ.”

Voices of the Graduates

Several graduates spoke about how their three years at the Higher Education College had influenced their personal development, education, and future plans.

Michael Kaung Khant from St. Xavier’s Parish in Mandalay described the college environment as supportive and secure, saying the academic program helped him develop both knowledge and social skills. He said his time at the college gave him greater confidence in speaking, taking action, and assuming leadership responsibilities.

Elizabeth from Bhamo Diocese said she joined the college with the goal of eventually becoming a teacher. Recalling that she had initially been very shy and afraid of speaking with others, she said her confidence had grown considerably. Following graduation, Elizabeth plans to continue her studies while initially volunteering as a teacher in her village, with the longer-term goal of establishing a small school of her own.

Cecilia Kai Ling, also from Bhamo Diocese, said her experience growing up in a mountain village influenced her decision to study at the college. She noted that many children in mountain communities have limited access to education. Her goal is to return to those communities and share what she has learned with children who have had few educational opportunities.

Joseph Nang Zing La Mu, from Bhamo Diocese, joined the college after completing Grade 10 and volunteering at a mission school. He highlighted the breadth of subjects covered by the program, including music, English, computer skills, accounting, and social development. He said he hopes similar mission-based educational institutions can be established in dioceses throughout the country.

A Continuing Mission

As the 51 graduates return to their respective dioceses and communities, the 12th commencement ceremony marked not only the completion of three years of study but also the beginning of a new stage in their educational, professional, and community journeys—carrying with them the college’s vision of faith, service, and solidarity.

By RVA Myanmar Service