St. John’s Private School in Pathein celebrated a decade of providing faith-based education on Saturday, honoring ten years of growth and community during a Thanksgiving Mass at its school compound.

Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese presided over the 7:00 a.m. Mass on January 10, joined by nine priests, religious sisters, teachers, alumni, and students. The school, founded in 2016 under Bishop John Hsane Hgyi, has served 4,061 students and currently employs 83 teachers, including priests and religious from various backgrounds.

In his homily, Bishop Henry acknowledged the difficult journey marked by social challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that the milestone was sustained by grace. “Let us give thanks to the Lord for the many blessings we have received,” he said, thanking parents and teachers for their trust and dedication.

The school community includes students and staff from different religions and ethnicities, reflecting a commitment to inclusive education and harmony. Looking ahead, the bishop expressed hope that the school would one day celebrate its Silver Jubilee, inspired by the “Pilgrims of Hope” theme of the recent Jubilee Year.

He encouraged the community to live for the glory of God through cooperation and care, quoting St. John the Baptist: “He must increase, and I must decrease.”

As St. John’s Private School begins its second decade, the celebration reaffirms its mission of holistic education—forming young minds and hearts within a diverse and resilient community.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service