St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Bago celebrated the Jubilee of Seminarians as the Yangon Archdiocese observed the Jubilee of Seminarians. A special Eucharistic Celebration, held on June 28th, drew together seminarians and formators to mark this significant event.

His Excellency Bishop Stanislaus Min Ko, Coadjutor Bishop of Hpa-An Diocese in Karen State, presided as the main celebrant of the Jubilee Holy Mass.

The liturgy served as a focal point for reflection on the priestly vocation and the formative journey within the seminary walls.

The homily, delivered by Fr. Mercian Thet Kyaw, offered a powerful challenge to the seminarians.

He emphasized that the priesthood extends far beyond liturgical duties. “To be a priest is to be the helper of the poor,” Fr. Mercian declared. “It is not enough to offer the Mass only. We are to strive to be useful persons for the Church and society.”

He urged immediate action, stating that future priests shouldn’t wait for ordination to begin their service: “Not letting the time pass in vain, seminarians should make use of the time and daily opportunities to enhance their knowledge and abilities to be effective instruments for the good of the people.”

Quoting the late Archbishop Gabriel Mahn Gaby, he likened St. Joseph Minor Seminary to a “principal life-giving river” in the Archdiocese. He called on the minor seminarians to embrace self-denial, carry their daily cross, and follow Christ with full-time dedication.

Seminarians Share Their Calling
The Jubilee also provided a platform for seminarians to share their personal vocation stories:

Linus Saw Eh Do Say from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Nyaungleibin, spoke of witnessing the profound impact of scarce priestly visits in his village, where the arrival of a priest became a unifying event for sacraments and community. Inspired by the scripture “The harvest is great, but the laborers are few,” he felt called to join the seminary.

Patrick Htoo Eh Lin from St. Lazarus Parish in Insein, a seminarian since 2019, recounted childhood awe watching priests celebrate Mass and distribute Communion. His understanding deepened over time, and the life of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, marked by prayer and sacrifice, resonated strongly. “I will keep on learning till I become a priest,” he affirmed.

John Paul Saw Myat Min Thu from Saut Waing Gyi Village, St Andrew Parish, Nyaungdon feels called to follow in the footsteps of a Bishop and priest, who were blood brothers from his native village – a legacy he now aspires to continue.

Formators Highlight Dignity, Discipline, and Grace
Seminary faculty emphasized the profound nature of priestly formation:

Rev. Fr. Peter Thein Soe, a Major Seminary professor, stressed the unique dignity of the priesthood, quoting Luke 10:16 and St. John Chrysostom: “Paying respect to the priest is paying respect to God.”

He highlighted the priest’s role in freeing people from sin and bringing them closer to God – a grace surpassing even that of angels.

He underscored the critical importance of prayer (Mass, Confession, devotion), discipline, continuous learning, and collaborative evangelization. “Daily activity in the Seminary is already the work of a missionary,” he noted.

Rev. Fr. Francis Dass, Spiritual Director, explained the Jubilee as a “Year of Grace,” a unique opportunity for seminarians to experience mercy, forgiveness, and seek sanctification through plenary or partial indulgences.

Rev. Fr. Paulu Klo Htoo, Rector of the Minor Seminary, framed the local celebration as uniting with global seminarians who marked the Jubilee in Rome days earlier. “Our seminary is like a sort of Kindergarten,” he said, “and the seminarians should be encouraged and supported by priests, religious, parents, and all the faithful.”

A Symbol of Growth
Marking the occasion, four Betel Plants were ceremonially planted within the seminary grounds, serving as a lasting symbol of growth, commitment, and the hope nurtured during the Jubilee of Seminarians.

The event served as both a celebration and a powerful reaffirmation of the call to priestly service.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service