The Thanksgiving Mass for the Silver Jubilee of Sisters of Charity was celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Myaungmya Parish, Diocese of Pathein, Myanmar, at 7:00 am, on May 1.

The Jubilee celebrants are Sr. Martha Bipyana Tin May Thwe, Sr. Martina Peteru, and Sr. Josie Paul.

His Excellency Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai of Mawlamyine Diocese presided over the Eucharistic celebration.

“The Jubilee we are celebrating now is not just for a festive gathering, but for rejoicing. God did not call us because I am good, perfect, capable, or talented; by His grace, God called us and chose us. Therefore, this is a time to give back praise and thanks for God’s blessings,” Bishop Maurice said in his homily.

He highlighted that God’s calling us as saints is a joy for us. There are four reasons to rejoice: God loves us, God calls and chooses us, God is with us, and God saves us.

The bishop encouraged, “We should not only thank God when there are no difficulties; in any situation, we must praise and thank God. This is the purpose of celebrating the Jubilee.”

One of the Jubilee celebrants, Mother Superior Sr. Martha Bipyana Tin May Thwe, thanked all and said, “There are many things to be grateful for in my life, because this calling is not because I am worthy, but because of God’s love and mercy. To this day, I have been blessed in many ways, especially by my parents, siblings, relatives, benefactors and friends who have been praying for me from behind the scenes.”

Bartolomea founded the Sisters of Charity, or the Sisters of Maria Bambina, in 1832.In Italy and other countries, they are known as the “Sisters of Maria Bambina.” In Myanmar, the congregation is known as a charity congregation.

The congregation arrived in Myanmar on February 26, 1916. At that time, due to poor transportation, it took about 9 months to reach Myanmar. They arrived in Kengtung first. In 1935, they re-established their congregation in Loikaw, Kayah State.

Their charism involves imitating Christ the Redeemer and continuing the message of Christ’s love through works of charity.

The motto of the congregation is “Walk with sacrifice, the path of love.”

Activities of the congregation are caring for the disabled, the abandoned, the elderly, the homeless, the sick, orphans, and looking after boarding school students. It elevates the lives of young people.

Mission work is being carried out on 5 continents: Africa, South America, North America, Europe, and Asia. There are a total of 348 convents and 3158 sisters.

 The Mother House of the congregation is located in Italy. Currently, they are living in Taunggyi. In Myanmar, 37 communities and 207 sisters serve in their mission work.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service