Myanmar’s newly ordained bishop emphasized that “God’s plan is always greater than our own” at the Thanksgiving Mass at the Marian Shrine in Chanthagone village of Mandalay Archdiocese.   

A special Thanksgiving Mass and honoring ceremony for the newly ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Mindat, Msgr. Augustine Thang Zawm Hung, was held at the Chanthagone Marian Shrine in Mandalay Archdiocese at 7:00 AM on April 30.

Although the official Episcopal Ordination took place on April 27 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon, the bishop expressed his heartfelt gratitude with a Mass at Chanthagone, where originally intended to host the ordination before a devastating earthquake on March 28 forced a change of plans.

Bishop Augustine was grateful to Archbishop Marco Tin Win, members of the clergy, religious communities, generous donors, and local villagers.

In his homily, Bishop Augustine shared reflections on the unforeseen challenges faced during the planning of his ordination. “People plan, but God manages,” he said.

“It was my desire to be ordained at my place, Mindat, but due to the challenges, it became impossible. I gratefully accepted the guidance of His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo and Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’ Affaires, to relocate the ordination in Yangon,” Bishop Augustine added.

He further revealed that Cardinal Bo, who was originally scheduled to preside over the ordination, had to leave for Rome following the passing of Pope Francis, as part of his responsibilities as a cardinal.

In his absence, Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese graciously stepped in to conduct the ordination ceremony.

“God’s plan is always greater than our own,” the bishop emphasized.

“Through all the challenges, I have seen His providence guiding each step,” he added.

Father John Eude Aung Kyaw Khine, parish priest of the Marian Shrine, praised the bishop’s dedication. “Despite his full schedule and the many complications, Bishop Augustine made it a priority to come and thank the faithful of our parish. We are deeply honored,” the parish priest said.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, parishioners performed traditional ethnic dances in tribute to the newly ordained bishop.

Gifts were presented, and the faithful received a blessing from the newly ordained bishop, marking a joyful and meaningful conclusion to the event.

By RVA Myanmar Service