A new Marian Grotto was blessed and opened in Zin Pyun Gone Village on March 4, adding a sacred space for prayer in the Maryland mission area of Pathein Diocese.

Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese presided over the 8:00 a.m. ceremony, joined by seven priests. Many faithful gathered to witness the blessing of the statue and tomb dedicated to the Mother of the Apostles.

The Fruit of Faith

In his homily, Bishop Henry reflected on the meaning of the new shrine. He noted that in Latin, the word for prayer expresses the fruit of faith. It means praying as you believe.

“Today, the Zin Pyun Kone village of the Maryland Mission is dedicated to the Mother of God,” the bishop said. “The behavior we see today—the participation in religious ceremonies, the construction of religious buildings, the donations—all these things are based on faith.”

Faith drives believers to pray, he explained. Their actions reveal what they hold in their hearts.

“So, believers in this village, your entire behavior reflects your faith,” Bishop Henry said. “Today, let us dedicate this village to the Mother. May all the residents in this village feel the protection of the Mother.”

History of Devotion to Mary

The bishop traced the Church’s deep devotion to Mary through the centuries. Successive popes have called for the world to be consecrated to her.

He recalled Pope John Paul II, who followed the request of Our Lady of Fatima to consecrate the entire world to her. But this devotion is not new, the bishop noted.

From the very beginning of the Church, Mary was present with the Apostles at the descent of the Holy Spirit. Since then, she has continued to watch over and protect the entire Church.

“The life of the Church, founded by her Son, Christ, is the life of Mary,” Bishop Henry said.

After receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples preached and died for their faith. Their first message was that Jesus had risen. The Church spread from Jerusalem to other places.

“The Catholic Church came to us,” the bishop said.

Successive popes have declared Mary the Mother of the Catholic Church, especially during the Second Vatican Council.

“That is why the Mother of the Church is the Mother of us all,” Bishop Henry concluded. “Let us all consecrate ourselves to her.”

The new grotto now stands as a visible sign of this ancient devotion, inviting the faithful of Zin Pyun Gone to deepen their trust in Mary’s maternal care.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service