Centenary Jubilee Celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church, Kyaiklat Parish, Yangon Archdiocese, Myanmar took place on May 4, 2025.

In his homily, His Excellency Bishop Noel Saw Aye, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon Archdiocese, said that the Centenary Jubilee Celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Kyaitlatt is a time of unity, forgiveness, and blessing for us.

“It is not only a 100-year celebration for the Church but for all the people who believe in the Risen Lord. Our destination is important, and that is to attain the heavenly Kingdom.”

Bishop Noel invited all to thank the former missionaries, each other, and to forgive each other since our Lord forgives us.

“Jubilee journey is hope,” said the prelate.

Before the final blessing of the Eucharistic Celebration, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Charge’ d’ Affairres to Myanmar, delivered a speech.

“The centenary celebration is at the heart of the Jubilee of the Church with the theme, ‘Pilgrim of Hope‘. One Hundred Years is a long, religious, cultural, and social history full of meaning and hope,” Msgr. Andrea said.

Msgr. Andrea prayed that the centenary of the foundation of the parish community may renew their awareness and commitment to always being a living community in the Church of God.

Echoing the words of the late Pope Francis, Msgr. Andrea said, “Pope Francis, on a visit to a parish in Rome, pointed out three signs that help to understand if a parish is doing well: prayer, when people pray in Church and at home, because prayer transforms everything. The second sign is active charity: caring for the needs of brothers, sisters, families, children, and young people. Today, more than ever, we must pay attention and listen to young people. In this regard, I would like to thank the valuable cooperation of the Tamil Parkavakula Progressive Federation (TPPF), which is exemplary in active charity. The third mutual love: that you love each other and do not criticize each other; avoid gossip.”

Msgr. Andrea encouraged the faithful that after one hundred years of the history of this Church, today the Lord was asking everyone for a renewed commitment and responsibility to be a living and united community, which bears witness to ecclesial communion, builds bridges of friendship, promotes peace and dialogue, and welcomes the least.

“We live in a time of divisions, wars, tensions of all kinds, bewilderment, and despair. We must not be discouraged, for the Lord is with us; the sign is that after a hundred years the community is alive and active,” Msgr. Andrea emphasized.

Msgr. Andrea asserted that we are all called to live with greater courage and hope, anchored in the faith of the risen Christ. Faith that is shared and cultivated in a community is capable of changing hearts, making people better, and giving rise to authentic relationships.

“Be builders of faith, hope, and charity, demonstrating by the example of your lives that it is worthwhile to follow Jesus,” Msgr. Andrea continued.  

At the end of the Centenary Eucharistic Celebration, U Peter (owner of Sein Thone Lone Company), who represents the Parish Council, delivered words of thanks to everyone who contributed to the centenary Jubilee celebration of the Parish Church.   

Fr. Terence Anthony, the parish priest, had organized the faithful near and far for the major renovation of the Parish Church, days and nights, so that it may be beautiful, attractive, and admirable to the faithful. He managed the construction of the Jubilee Cross, the Water fountain garden, Adoration Chapel, and 14 Crosses for the Way of the Cross.

Since about 60 years ago till now, the Parish has given birth to Priests, Religious Sisters, Educated People, and Entrepreneurs.

By RVA Sgaw Karen