A solemn Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Our Lady Help of Christians Hall in Nazareth Seminary, Anisakan, near Pyin Oo Lwin. The event honored the 50th Golden Jubilee of sacerdotal ordination of His Eminence Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, SDB, and Rev. Fr. Edward Sein Myint, SDB, as well as the 25th Silver Jubilee of Rev. Fr. Mariano Soe Naing, SDB.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Golden Jubilarian Cardinal Charles Maung Bo. Present at the liturgy were Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese; Bishop Lucas Jeimphaung Dau Ze of Lashio Diocese; Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon; along with clergy, religious sisters, seminarians, and lay faithful from various dioceses across the country.

Following the Holy Mass, a ceremony was held to honor the jubilarians featuring choral performances, traditional cultural presentations, and the presentation of commemorative gifts.

Fr. Mariano Soe Naing: Vocation is God’s Grace

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Mariano Soe Naing, SDB, reflected on the essence of the priestly vocation.

“The greatness and spirit of sacrifice in a priest’s life are not self-derived,” he said. “Vocation is purely a manifestation of God’s grace and action. God bestows grace upon those He calls to fulfill His mission.”

He emphasized that a calling is not intended for personal advancement, but to serve others. True priestly life, he said, is defined by humility and faithful service.

“Our Golden Jubilarians have navigated 50 years of ministry through joy, sorrow, criticism, and praise, steadfastly leading missionary efforts,” Fr. Mariano said. “Every Jubilee offers an occasion for each priest to self-reflect on whether they are faithfully carrying out the duties entrusted to them by God.”

Fr. Edward Sein Myint: Prayer and Love as Foundations

Expressing his gratitude, Rev. Fr. Edward Sein Myint, SDB, emphasized the spiritual foundation of ministry.

“First and foremost, I render thanks to God and to everyone gathered today,” he said. “Reaching 50 years of priestly ministry despite human imperfections is entirely by God’s grace.”

He reflected on the two vital instruments God has granted humanity: prayer and love. “Prayer connects us with God, while love fosters meaningful bonds with those around us,” he said. “Grounded in these, no adversity or external hindrance can prevail.”

Cardinal Bo: God is Faithful

In his anniversary message, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, SDB, shared personal reflections on five decades of service.

“Fifty years ago, when hands were laid upon me, and I was anointed with holy oil, I could not foresee what the future held,” he said. “Yet, one truth remains absolute: God is faithful.”

He acknowledged that endurance was not due to their own strength or perfection, but because God’s grace sustained them.

“Vocation is not a solitary journey,” the Cardinal said. “I extend my sincere gratitude to my brother priests who walked alongside us—encouraging us in moments of weariness, correcting us in error, sharing in our joys, and standing firm with us during adversity.”

He reflected on the beauty and responsibility of the priesthood. “Though the priesthood is a beautiful calling, it carries significant responsibilities. Over these 50 years, I have striven to serve God and His people faithfully.”

The Cardinal acknowledged human frailties and shortcomings—times when they failed in speech, action, or encouragement. “Yet through every joy, trial, success, and failure, God has never abandoned us,” he concluded.

The Jubilee celebration in Anisakan was a moment of profound gratitude and reflection for the Salesian community in Myanmar, honoring three faithful servants of God who have dedicated their lives to the mission of St. John Bosco.

By RVA Myanmar Service