The 50th anniversary of the religious profession of Sister Rita Mary and Sister Veronica Mary Khin Nyein from the Congregation of Servants of Mary (OSM), also known as Servite Sisters, was celebrated with a Jubilee Eucharistic celebration at Sacred Heart Church in Kyauktan, Yangon Archdiocese, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The Jubilee Mass began at 9:00 a.m., and Bishop Raymond Wai Lin Htun, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon, presided over it and delivered the homily. Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon, concelebrated the Mass together with priests, religious sisters and brothers, and many faithful who gathered to give thanks to God for the two sisters’ five decades of consecrated life.

‘Fifty Years of Jubilee Is a Great Thing’

In his homily, Bishop Raymond described 50 years of religious life as a significant witness to faithfulness and perseverance.

“Fifty years of Jubilee is a great thing,” the bishop said, emphasizing that remaining faithful to one’s promises and vows for half a century is not easy. He noted that the sisters’ perseverance was not achieved by their own strength alone, but through God’s grace, guidance, and support.

The bishop said that a Jubilee is a time of joy, thanksgiving, and grace, when the faithful look back with gratitude at the blessings received throughout the years.

Both Sr. Rita Mary and Sr. Veronica Mary have served in different mission areas across Myanmar, including places in Upper and Lower Myanmar. Bishop Raymond acknowledged the sacrifices and challenges they encountered during their years of ministry, noting that their service required them to live and work among people from different backgrounds and in difficult circumstances.

He expressed gratitude that, despite the struggles they experienced, the two jubilarians now look back on their years of service with joy, satisfaction, and a sense of fulfillment.

A Spirituality Rooted in Mary’s Sorrows

The Jubilee celebration also coincided with the commemoration of Our Lady of Sorrows, which Bishop Raymond connected with the spirituality of the Servite Sisters. He reflected on the sorrows experienced by the Virgin Mary throughout her life, from the difficulties surrounding the birth of Jesus and the flight into Egypt to the suffering of witnessing her Son’s Passion and death on the Cross.

Mary endured these sufferings faithfully and treasured them in her heart. Bishop Raymond said that the Servite Sisters seek to follow this Marian path by sharing not only Mary’s joy but also her sorrow, compassion, and willingness to serve.

Reflecting on the seven sorrows of Mary, the bishop recalled the prophecy of Simeon that a sword would pierce her heart and described the profound suffering Mary experienced as she accompanied Jesus on the Way of the Cross.

In this spirit, he recognized the two sisters’ own sacrifices and years of service. Sr. Veronica Mary, in particular, has devoted much of her ministry to the education of children and service to the poor, while both sisters have faithfully contributed to community life.

A Call to Continue Serving

The bishop also encouraged the jubilarians to continue their service after the Golden Jubilee. He noted that, although they have reached an advanced age, they are not retiring from their vocation. Their continued presence in the religious community can be a source of encouragement and support for younger sisters.

He encouraged them to share the wisdom and experience they have gained during their 50 years of religious life with the younger generation.

Fifty Years of Consecrated Service

Sr. Rita Mary was born on June 18, 1952, in St. Lazarus Parish, Insein, to U Maurice and Daw Regina. The eldest of five siblings, she entered the congregation’s formation house in Thingangyun and made her first temporary profession on September 15, 1976. She made her perpetual profession on January 4, 1984, and celebrated her Silver Jubilee on January 4, 2002.

Sr. Veronica Mary Khin Nyein was born on January 12, 1954, in Nabet Village, Mandalay Archdiocese, to U Aye Maung and Daw Aye Si. The fifth of six siblings, she entered the congregation’s formation house in Thingangyun and made her first temporary profession in 1977. She made her perpetual profession in 1984 and celebrated her Silver Jubilee on January 4, 2002.

Both sisters have taken as their motto the words of St. Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Throughout their religious lives, the two sisters have expressed gratitude for the grace of their vocation and have encouraged young women to consider the call to religious life. Their ministry has included service to the poor, commitment to community life, and accompaniment of others with a maternal spirit. Although advancing age and physical weakness have limited their abilities, the sisters continue to offer themselves in service according to their capacity.

At the conclusion of his homily, Bishop Raymond invited the faithful to continue praying for the two jubilarians, particularly for their health of mind and body and for God’s continued blessing upon their lives and ministry.

The Golden Jubilee celebration became an occasion for the Catholic community to give thanks for 50 years of faithful consecrated service and to honor the enduring witness of Sr. Rita Mary and Sr. Veronica Mary.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service