Msgr. Bernardino Ne Ne was consecrated and installed as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Taungoo during an episcopal ordination ceremony held at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Taungoo on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

The ceremony began at 9:00 a.m. and was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM), who served as the principal consecrator. His Grace Archbishop Basilio Athai of the Archdiocese of Taunggyi and His Excellency Bishop Celso Ba Shwe of the Diocese of Loikaw served as co-consecrators.

A Day of Grace, Joy, and Hope

In his homily, Cardinal Charles Bo described the episcopal ordination as “a day of grace, joy and hope.” He said the appointment of Bishop Bernardino was not only a blessing for the Diocese of Taungoo but also for the entire Church in Myanmar.

Reflecting on the Feast of the Transfiguration, Cardinal Bo recalled the words of the Father: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). He explained that the Transfiguration took place before Christ’s Passion to strengthen the disciples for the suffering that lay ahead.

The Cardinal connected this message with the current situation in Myanmar, where many people continue to experience poverty, displacement, conflict, and uncertainty.

“Our people are crossing the valley of suffering,” Cardinal Bo said. He emphasized that the light of Christ continues to shine even in darkness. He urged the Church to reflect that light and reminded the newly ordained bishop that “a bishop must witness the light of Christ and not his own light.”

A Vocation of Service

Cardinal Bo emphasized that episcopal ministry is a vocation of service rather than privilege. A bishop, he said, must come down from the “mountain” and walk among people, especially those who are suffering.

He encouraged Bishop Bernardino to bring hope to those in despair, console the wounded, reconcile divided communities, encourage people living in fear, and remain close to those who are neglected.

“People can forget the preaching, but they cannot forget a bishop whom they love,” Cardinal Bo said.

The Cardinal also expressed gratitude to Bishop Emeritus Isaac Danu for his years of faithful service to the Diocese of Taungoo. He thanked Bishop John Gawdy for welcoming the new Coadjutor Bishop with an open heart as a sign of ecclesial unity.

Addressing the faithful of Taungoo, Cardinal Bo called for prayer, cooperation, and love toward their new shepherd. He encouraged priests, religious, families, and young people to walk together in faith and hope.

To Bishop Bernardino, he said that the people entrusted to him were looking not simply for an administrator but for a father. He urged the new bishop to listen patiently to priests, encourage them in times of weariness, correct them gently, and remain close to the poor, migrants, and all who suffer.

Papal Representative’s Message

In his message, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Papal Representative to Myanmar, conveyed the greetings and affection of Pope Leo XIV to the faithful gathered for the celebration. He welcomed the appointment of Bishop Bernardino as a sign of God’s love for His people.

Msgr. Ferrante highlighted Bishop Bernardino’s episcopal motto, “Magnificat anima mea.” He said Mary’s joy in being loved by God can inspire a new vision of life and service.

He encouraged the new bishop to collaborate closely with Bishop John Gawdy and to care for the people entrusted to him with perseverance, hope, and attention. He also called on him to promote peaceful coexistence, reconciliation, and fraternity, particularly at a time when many people are suffering.

“Make God’s love visible and bring His peace with courage, joy and humility,” Msgr. Ferrante urged.

He also recognized Bishop Bernardino’s previous ministry as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, noting that his years of service had strengthened his missionary spirit and apostolic zeal.

New Bishop’s Words of Gratitude

Following his episcopal ordination, Bishop Bernardino expressed profound gratitude for what he described as the “uncountable grace” God had given him. Acknowledging his own imperfections, he said he could not stop praising God for choosing him to serve as a bishop.

He thanked His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, the bishops, priests, religious, and faithful of Taungoo Diocese, as well as those who travelled from different parts of Myanmar to participate in the celebration.

Bishop Bernardino also expressed appreciation to the volunteers, choir, musicians, cooks, benefactors, donors, and all those who contributed to preparing the liturgical celebration.

“I have come to this diocese to walk along with the people of God after the footsteps of Christ,” he said. “I need your prayer, encouragement, patience and understanding. Let us walk with faith, hope and love.”

He pledged to serve the Lord generously and to remain close to the flock entrusted to him.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Bishop Bernardino imparted his first episcopal blessing to the congregation. He celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral the following day, August 7.

The episcopal ordination took place under the theme of the Transfiguration, reminding the faithful that suffering is not the final word and that the light and glory of Christ continue to offer hope amid the difficulties faced by the people of Myanmar.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service