The Diocese of Pathein held its annual Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting from January 10-12, gathering over 60 members to review its mission, address practical challenges of managing church assets, and plan for its upcoming 75th anniversary.

The meeting at Mayanchaung brought together lay and clerical representatives from the diocese’s three pastoral zones. In his opening homily, Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese framed the gathering as a crucial moment to “review the past and discern the future together,” looking ahead to the diocese’s 75th Jubilee in 2030.

A significant focus of the first day was on the stewardship of church property. Fr. Florence Aung Kyaw Oo gave a presentation on the canonical and pastoral responsibilities of managing temporal goods, emphasizing transparency and accountability. This was followed by a practical session led by two lawyers on defending church assets within the framework of civil law, a timely topic given current social and political challenges.

The council itself has a long history, first established during a 1997 synod under then-Bishop Charles Maung Bo, now His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo, to strengthen collaboration. It was restructured in 2006 and, after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, was reassembled in 2023.

The second day began with a spiritual recollection led by Fr. James Ei Shu, focusing on renewing personal commitment to pastoral service. Bishop Henry, reflecting on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, reminded attendees of the universal nature of the Catholic Church and the importance of constant communion with God in their daily work.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to shared responsibility, as the diocese continues its pastoral journey guided by prayer and a focus on collective stewardship and future growth.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service