Fourteen Sisters of St. Francis Xavier were honored for their lifelong commitment during a Jubilee Mass at St. Peter Cathedral on Monday, November 17, 2025.

The morning ceremony, which drew a large congregation, recognized five sisters celebrating 50 years of religious life (Golden Jubilee) and nine sisters marking 25 years (Silver Jubilee). The Mass was presided over by Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese and concelebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon Archdiocese, alongside several auxiliary bishops.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Eikhlein set a tone of gratitude, calling the day “special and blessed” within the Jubilee of Hope, and giving thanks for the lives of the jubilarian sisters.

The homily, delivered by Bishop Francis Than Tun, delved into the profound theme of “Not Faith, but Faithfulness.” He used the powerful example of St. Mother Teresa, who, despite decades of spiritual dryness and doubt, never ceased her charitable works and prayers.

“Even though she doubts God, she never failed to do spiritual exercises and charitable works,” Bishop Than Tun stated. “The spiritual lesson from this is not faith, but faithfulness.” He connected this to the sisters’ own journeys, noting that their ability to reach these milestones was not due to perfect faith, but to their steadfast faithfulness to their vocation through all challenges.

Following the Mass, Cardinal Charles Bo offered words of encouragement, urging the sisters and all present to embody three principles: “gratitude for the past, enthusiasm for the present, and hope for the future.” He emphasized that a spirit of gratitude is the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life of service.

The voice of the jubilarians was heard through Sr. Rose Phillip Nan Nwe Pyone, who expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of her fellow sisters. “Reaching 25 and 50 years… has been possible only because every step we took was guided by God’s light, protected by His care, and sustained by His gracious gifts,” she said, also thanking the mothers, formators, and supporters who shaped their paths.

In personal interviews during a reception, the sisters reflected on their decades of service. A common thread of reliance on God’s grace and the strength found in the Eucharist wove through their stories.

“Religious life is not easy; we have to face many hardships and failures, but in God we can overcome all these,” shared Silver Jubilarian Sr. Christine Nilar Aye.

Golden Jubilarian Sr. Maria Olivia Lazing Kaw Lum expressed humble gratitude, stating, “I am not worthy to receive the golden jubilee. God is a loving God.”

The celebration, which culminated in a group photograph and a festive breakfast for all attendees, served as a powerful testament to a simple, yet demanding, truth: that a life of service is built not on fleeting feelings, but on a daily choice of steadfast faithfulness.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service