Sister Bernadette Myo Pan and Sister Helen Zin Mar Kyi Lwin, members of the Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation, made their perpetual profession on August 22, 2026, at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church in Insein Township, Yangon Archdiocese.

The Eucharistic celebration began at 9:00 a.m. and was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Raymond Wai Lin Htun, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon Archdiocese. His Excellency Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye, also Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon, concelebrated together with several priests. Religious men and women, family members, friends, and parishioners joined the celebration. The ceremony was also livestreamed on the RVA Sgaw Karen Service YouTube channel.

Homily on Consolation and Service

In his homily, Bishop Raymond reminded the congregation that every Christian is consecrated to God through baptism. At the same time, religious women and men offer themselves to God in a particular way through the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

Reflecting on the charism of the Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation, Bishop Raymond referred to Isaiah 40:1: “Comfort, comfort my people.” He explained that the congregation’s mission of consolation is expressed not only through words but also through concrete service in education, healthcare, social work, pastoral ministry, and missionary activities.

“First of all, we are to experience consolation from God and then share that consolation with others,” Bishop Raymond said. He encouraged the two newly professed sisters to become instruments of God’s consolation, especially for people experiencing war, natural disasters, conflicts, displacement, and other difficulties.

Drawing on the Gospel account of the Good Samaritan, the bishop reminded the faithful that Christians are called not simply to ask who their neighbors are, but to become neighbors to others. “You, too, go and do likewise,” he said, encouraging the sisters to offer their lives in service to those in need.

The Profession Ceremony

During the profession ceremony, the sisters received rings as a sign of their covenant with Jesus Christ and their total and perpetual consecration to God. Sr. Carmen Villalon Letelier, Superior of the Delegation of Asia, subsequently read the definitive incorporation of Sisters Bernadette and Helen into the Institute.

The offertory procession included symbolic gifts expressing the sisters’ mission. A candle represented the light of Christ, which they are called to bring as hope and consolation to the world. A bag symbolized generosity, responsibility, and their commitment to assist others. A plant represented their consecrated lives, rooted in Christ and growing in faith, love, and prayer so that they may bear fruit for others.

Superior’s Message of Encouragement

Sr. Carmen Villalon Letelier, Superior of the delegation of Asia of the Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation, expressed her joy at returning to Myanmar to accompany the sisters at this important moment in their vocation. She recalled first meeting them during her visit to Myanmar in 2014 and witnessing their enthusiasm as they began their vocational journey.

She thanked the two sisters for their availability, faithfulness, and courage in placing their lives entirely in God’s hands. She encouraged them to renew their “yes” to God every day, including during times of difficulty, darkness, and loneliness.

Sr. Carmen reminded the sisters that their vocation is always a gift from God and urged them to remain faithful to their consecration through prayer and perseverance. She also encouraged them to keep Jesus at the center of their lives and to become signs of consolation, mercy, and hope wherever they are sent.

Biographies of the Newly Professed

Sister Bernadette Myo Pan was born on August 4, 1990, in Hpa Kant Parish of Myitkyina Diocese, Kachin State. The eldest of five children, she joined the Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation in Manila, Philippines, on June 17, 2017. After serving in Myanmar from 2017 to 2022, she went to Mexico for further studies and later to Spain in 2025 for further experience and formation in preparation for perpetual profession. She is currently serving in the Myanmar mission.

Sister Helen Zin Mar Kyi Lwin was born on December 22, 1992, in Tamakone Ywar Thit, Pyay Diocese. The only child of her parents, she graduated from Pyay University and joined the Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation. She made her first profession on June 9, 2018, at the congregation’s novitiate house in Manila, Philippines. She served in Myanmar from 2018 to 2023 before going to Spain for further studies and formation. She has now returned to serve in the Myanmar mission.

Expressions of Gratitude

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sister Helen expressed gratitude to the bishops, priests, religious congregations, parish community, relatives, friends, and all those who supported their vocations. She also thanked those who contributed to the celebration, including the choir, cooks, and those who decorated the church and stage, as well as all who prayed for them.

Sister Bernadette expressed her words of gratitude in Spanish.

The celebration concluded with a festive lunch and entertainment, bringing together the Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation, their families, friends, religious communities, and parishioners to give thanks for the sisters’ lifelong commitment to God and the Church.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service