The Archdiocese of Mandalay held a thanksgiving Mass and appreciation ceremony on Sunday, November 8, 2026, to honor the donors, benefactors, and volunteers who helped restore Sacred Heart Cathedral after the devastating earthquake of March 28, 2025.

The celebration began at 7:30 a.m. with a thanksgiving Mass at the cathedral, presided over by Archbishop Marco Tin Win. After the Mass, a ceremony was held to recognize those who had supported the restoration through money, technical expertise, professional services, physical labor, and prayers. The archbishop gave a message of thanks, and commemorative certificates were presented to benefactors.

In his address, Archbishop Marco stressed the importance of faith in God’s protection. He recalled that shortly before the earthquake struck, he had instructed all pastoral groups across the archdiocese to hold Eucharistic Adoration and pray for peace in Myanmar.

He remembered that churches across the archdiocese were holding Adoration and prayers when the earthquake hit. Despite the disaster, no one was injured, and everyone escaped safely.

The archbishop described this as a testimony to the power of faith in the Blessed Sacrament and gave thanks to God for protecting the faithful.

He also expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity shown by Catholics in Myanmar and around the world. He particularly recalled the generosity of dioceses across the country, including Banmaw and Myitkyina, which gave financial help to earthquake-affected communities in Mandalay even while facing their own difficulties.

“Knowing that Catholics worldwide stood with us gave us immense strength,” he said. He thanked all who continued to offer help and encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer, assuring them that God never abandons His people.

Parish Priest Fr. Aloysius Nay Myo Swe also thanked everyone involved in the restoration. He explained that, under the archbishop’s guidance and in collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Youth Council, the parish community worked together to restore the church’s interior and bell tower.

He highlighted the contributions of engineers, designers, construction workers, supervisors, parishioners, and people of goodwill from different Christian communities and backgrounds.

Fr. Aloysius said the celebration was meant to recognize everyone who contributed, not only those who received certificates. “Everyone who contributed is a donor,” he said. Certificates were given to those who donated at least MMK 1 million due to time limits, but he stressed that every contribution was valuable.

Several donors and parishioners shared their joy. Daw Tin Tin San said seeing the cathedral restored brought her great joy and strengthened her determination to keep supporting the Church. Peter U Kyin Sein, a PPC member, described the restoration as the result of more than a year of dedicated cooperation.

Augustine U Myo Lwin recalled his sadness at seeing the cathedral damaged. But watching the community unite to restore it brought him great happiness. He noted that the renovated interior was even more beautiful than before, creating a peaceful atmosphere for prayer.

Another donor, Daw Khin San Yee, expressed gratitude for being able to contribute, even in a small way, and thanked the priests and committees for their leadership.

The celebration ended as a moment of thanksgiving, solidarity, and renewed commitment. Beyond honoring financial benefactors, the occasion highlighted the collective efforts of clergy, religious, parishioners, professionals, volunteers, and people of goodwill who worked together to restore the cathedral.

The restoration stands as a testament to faith, unity, generosity, and the enduring spirit of the Catholic community in Mandalay after the March 28, 2025 earthquake.

By RVA Myanmar Service