The Assumption Church was filled with joy on May 5 as Kanyisein Parish celebrated its 10th anniversary with a thanksgiving Mass and the Sacrament of Confirmation for more than 100 members of the faithful.

Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese presided over the 7:30 a.m. Eucharistic celebration, joined by more than 20 concelebrating priests. Brothers, sisters, catechists, and numerous faithful gathered in prayer and thanksgiving for a decade of growth.

Homily: Thanksgiving Brings Blessings

Before the Mass, Bishop Henry set the tone: “Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. This Mass is offered in thanksgiving to God for His goodness and for all the graces we have received. Over these ten years, we have witnessed the work of God’s mighty hand among us.”

In his homily, the bishop emphasized that the more one gives thanks, the more blessings one receives. He noted that the seed of faith in Kanyisein grew from believing families. “Today, we see and experience the mighty hand of God among us. Like a foundation stone, let us build and promote the future of Kanyisein Parish so that it may continue to grow and flourish.”

Reflecting on the Acts of the Apostles, Bishop Henry recalled how Saint Paul, after being stoned and left for dead, rose again and continued his mission, enduring hunger, sleepless nights, and eventual martyrdom.

“We may never finish speaking about God, but living daily in prayer, love, and receiving the Sacraments is the way of life for believers,” he said. He urged parents to guide their children, calling them “gifts from God” and the future of the parish.

A Decade of Faith

Kanyisein Parish was officially established on May 5, 2016, by the late Bishop John Mhan Hsane Hgyi. The first parish priest was Fr. Gregory Saw Do Soe, who served for eight years. He was succeeded by Fr. Venessy Silbert, the current parish priest.

Since its founding, the parish has been blessed with vocations, producing three priests and three sisters who now serve the Church.

The 10th anniversary celebration was not only a moment of thanksgiving but also a spiritual strengthening for the younger generation through Confirmation. As Bishop Henry prayed, “May the Lord continue to bless Kanyisein Parish abundantly.”

By RVA Pwo Karen Service