Sixty-five children from St. Michael’s (Than Win) Parish received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation on April 6, in a celebration that marked a return to communal spiritual life after years of disruption.

Archbishop Marco Tin Win presided over the 6:00 a.m. Eucharistic celebration at St. Michael’s Church. In his homily, he urged the young candidates to become living witnesses of the Gospel.

“The primary purpose of receiving these sacraments is to become individuals who truly know Christ and can testify to their faith wherever they go,” the archbishop said. “This testimony is not just through words, but through the way you live, your speech, your conduct, and your daily work.”

A Call to Counteract a Troubling Trend

The Archbishop addressed a moral challenge of the modern era. He noted that individuals often feel more emboldened to do wrong than to stand up for what is right.

“Nowadays, it seems not everyone is ashamed to do bad things, yet many are ashamed to do good,” he said. “They are hesitant to speak the truth or testify to what is right. To counter this, we must remain steadfast in prayer and practice righteousness daily.”

Restoring Traditions Amid Challenges

The ceremony marked a return to communal spiritual life after years of interruptions caused by natural disasters and political instability.

Catechist Mr. Freddie Myint Zaw, the priest-in-charge who oversaw the religious education of the children, expressed profound joy at the turnout.

“I am deeply moved to see so many children finally receiving these vital sacraments,” Mr. Freddie said. “After the difficulties we faced in previous years, we saw an increase in families seeking these blessings.”

Out of the 65 participants, 16 children received both their First Holy Communion and Confirmation simultaneously.

Voices from the Community

For parents and guardians, the morning was one of deep emotional and spiritual significance.

Desmond Win Kyaw Kyaw Lwin, a parent of two candidates, emphasized the sacraments’ role in family life. “These sacraments are the foundation of our witness. I am overjoyed that my daughters have received this grace. My mission now is to continue raising them so they can grow into people who contribute meaningfully to our Church.”

Susanna, a grandmother who recently brought her granddaughter into the parish’s religious program, shared a personal reflection. “My granddaughter has only been introduced to formal religious education this year after coming to live with me. At home, I teach her the Word of God and how to say the Rosary as much as I can. Seeing her receiving the first blessing today fills my heart with immense happiness.”

The celebration concluded with a sense of renewed hope, as the parish community looked toward a future defined by the “spiritual maturity” the Archbishop called for in his closing blessing.

By RVA Myanmar Service