The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition celebrated 160 years of missionary service in the Archdiocese of Mandalay on March 19, gathering in thanksgiving at their newly restored convent.

The commemorative Mass was held at St. Joseph of the Apparition Convent, presided over by Fr. Aloysius Nay Myo Swe, parish priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral. A highlight of the occasion was the blessing of the convent buildings and chapel, recently restored after significant damage from the March 28, 2025, earthquake.

A Model of Faith

In his homily, Fr. Aloysius reflected on St. Joseph as a model of unwavering faith amid trials.

“St. Joseph was a man who always listened to the Word of God,” he said. “Despite facing uncertainty and hardship—even becoming a refugee to protect the Holy Family—his trust in God never faltered.”

He urged the faithful to remain steadfast in faith, especially in times of suffering. “Obedience means surrendering our own will to God. Let us imitate St. Joseph’s virtues by contributing to God, to others, and to our environment with faithful and obedient hearts.”

Witnesses of Gratitude

Members of the SJA congregation shared moving testimonies.

Sr. Regina Moe Moe Khaing highlighted the significance of the jubilee amid recent challenges. “We celebrate this day to thank God for 160 years of mission. Despite the heavy losses from the earthquake, we are grateful for the grace that allowed us to rebuild and restore our home,” she said.

Sr. Geraldine affirmed God’s sustaining presence: “The fact that we continue to stand here today is a testament to His enduring presence and glory.”

Sr. Rosy Tin Myint described the anniversary as a living testimony of divine providence. “Reaching this 160-year milestone is only possible through God’s grace,” she noted.

A Legacy Rooted in History

The SJA Sisters’ presence in Mandalay dates to 1866, when their mission in Upper Myanmar was initiated by Bishop Paul Ambrose Bigandet of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. They were invited to the royal capital to address urgent needs in women’s education and healthcare, receiving strong support from King Mindon.

The monarchy granted land near the royal palace and provided financial assistance. At Queen Suphaya Latt’s request, the Sisters also offered language instruction to royal family members.

Enduring Pillars of Service

Over decades, the SJA Sisters established schools for girls, opened orphanages providing vocational training, and offered basic healthcare through home visits before modern medical systems existed.

Today, their mission continues to evolve. They are engaged in holistic education for students from remote ethnic communities and provide psychosocial support to individuals affected by conflict and trauma. Their humanitarian outreach extends to internally displaced persons, offering food, shelter, and medical assistance. They also operate clinics and home-care services for the elderly and terminally ill.

A Continuing Mission

The SJA Sisters currently serve in multiple locations across the Mandalay Region, including Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Amarapura, Chaung Yoe, Ye-U, Ywadaw, Nabeth, Sink Kaing, and Chauk. Their ministries range from education and healthcare to pastoral care and social outreach.

As the 160th-anniversary celebrations concluded, the Sisters reaffirmed their commitment to the marginalized, maintaining their presence in remote areas where they continue to provide psychosocial support and faith formation.

By RVA Myanmar Service