The Congregation of Providence celebrated its feast day at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at St. John’s Church in Madaukgone Parish, in western Pathein, with Msgr. Pius Win Than presiding over the Holy Mass.

At the beginning of the celebration, Msgr. Pius Win Than welcomed all the priests, sisters, brothers, and faithful who had gathered for the feast day celebration. He then shared the Congregation of Providence’s history.

A History Rooted in Service

In 1816, a woman named Margherita Gaspardis dedicated herself to serving as a teacher under the guidance of Fr. Cajetan Salomoni. Later, another woman joined her in serving orphaned children. Among the early members of the congregation, Theresa and Lucia became well known for their dedicated service. Theresa devoted her life entirely to caring for children and was later chosen as the Superior of the Congregation of Providence.

Fr. Carol encouraged the sisters with the words, “We are going to Calvary.” Inspired by these words, they continued their mission with dedication and perseverance. After the death of Fr. Carol, Fr. Luigi Scrosoppi took responsibility for caring for the congregation. He became the patron saint of the Congregation of Providence, and the congregation celebrates its feast day on the feast of St. Luigi Scrosoppi.

The Congregation of Providence is a pontifical congregation, with many sisters serving in different countries. In Myanmar, 85 sisters are currently serving in different dioceses, including four sisters who are serving at St. John Parish in the Diocese of Pathein.

Love Your God and Your Neighbor

In his homily, Fr. Paschal Ko Ko Aung reflected on the Gospel message of loving God and one’s neighbor. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, a man was attacked by robbers and left half dead on the roadside. A priest and a Levite saw him but passed by without helping him. However, the Samaritan stopped, went to the injured man, cared for him, and helped save his life.

The message reminds us that showing love and compassion to those in need is a true expression of Christian love. As Christians, we are called to live for God and for others. Jesus teaches us to love God with all our heart, all our mind, and all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

St. Luigi Scrosoppi dedicated his life to loving and serving poor and sick people. He served them with his whole heart, mind, and strength. In the same way, the Congregation of Providence continues to follow the example of its patron saint by serving the poor, the sick, and those in need.

God Has Entrusted Us with Gifts

Reflecting on the first reading, the homily also emphasized that God has entrusted His people with many gifts and expects them to bear good fruit. Just as the owner of a vineyard carefully invested time and effort in his vineyard and expected good grapes, God expects His people to bear fruits shaped by His love.

God has blessed each of us and given us various gifts. His greatest gift to humanity is His only Son, whom He sent into the world so that we may have life. Therefore, we are called to use the gifts and blessings we have received for the Kingdom of God.

God expects us to share His love and blessings with others, especially with those in need. He calls His people to be kind, generous, and compassionate toward the poor and suffering. God never tires of reaching out to His people. Throughout history, He sent prophets and ultimately His Son to lead humanity toward salvation. Even when His Son was rejected and killed, God raised Him from the dead and sent the Holy Spirit to guide His people in the way of truth.

God continues to give us the means and opportunities to reach His Kingdom. Therefore, we are called to use His gifts and blessings not for destruction, but to build and develop His Kingdom here on earth.

Closing of the Celebration

Before the conclusion of the Holy Mass, Fr. Raphael Nay Min Tun, Parish Priest of St. John’s Parish, expressed words of gratitude to all the priests, brothers, sisters, and faithful who had participated in the celebration.

Following the Mass, a group photo was taken with the faithful and sisters. Food tins were then distributed to all the participants, bringing the joyful celebration to a warm and generous close.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service