In a strategic move to harmonize spiritual mission with administrative precision, the Catholic Archdiocese of Mandalay convened its first-ever joint summit of Parish Pastoral Councils (PPC) and Parish Finance Committees (PFC) on February 16-17 at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

The landmark two-day gathering, conducted under the guidance of Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese and presided over by Fr. John Soe Tin, brought together representatives from six parishes within Mandalay city. The event marks a significant shift toward a unified governance model designed to increase transparency and pastoral efficacy across the archdiocese.

In his keynote address, Archbishop Marco emphasized that integrating religious affairs with financial stewardship is essential for the Church’s modern evolution. He announced that the Mandalay session would serve as a primary “blueprint,” with plans to export the training model to Pyin Oo Lwin, Kyauk Se, and Taung Dwin Gyi in the coming months.

Fr. John Soe Tin explained that this centralized format represents a departure from previous years, when training was conducted through individual parish visits. “The Religious Affairs and Finance Committees are the dual pillars of our religious community,” he stated. “By convening here, we ensure every member is fully aligned with the rules and responsibilities required of them.”

The summit offered a comprehensive curriculum divided into two distinct focal points. Day one concentrated on pastoral outreach and liturgy, with sessions on the “Word of God,” praise and worship, and charity committees. Attendees organized into five working groups to draft actionable reports on improving spiritual services.

Day two shifted focus to financial integrity, detailing organizational structure, ethical fund management, and standardized operating procedures to ensure church resources are utilized with maximum accountability.

Parish leaders responded enthusiastically to the new approach. Andrews Kyaw Kyaw Naing, treasurer of St. John’s Parish, highlighted the value of peer-to-peer exchange, noting the collective advice would foster more effective work across the diocese.

Francis Xavier Ko No No, vice president of the PFC at Sacred Heart Cathedral, said implementing these ideas would lead to “significant progress across the religious, social, and economic spheres of our church.”

For many attendees, the summit provided long-awaited clarity. Paulina Nan-Mu Aye of St. Xavier’s and Mary Victoria Daw Li Joseph of St. Joseph’s both remarked that the guidance helped identify specific strengths while offering clear paths to rectify administrative weaknesses.

Genevieve Cho Cho Win, treasurer for St. Michael’s, advocated for making the summit an annual fixture. “This meeting has brought new perspectives and reminded us of essential tasks that had been neglected,” she said.

The conclusion of the summit signals a transformative chapter for the Mandalay Archdiocese, prioritizing structured leadership, financial transparency, and renewed commitment to its spiritual mission.

By RVA Myanmar Service