The faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Pathein, Myanmar, to celebrate the Memorial Mass for the late Bishop John Gabriel at 6:00 AM on August 14, 2025.

Thirty-one years to the day since the passing of their beloved shepherd, Bishop John Gabriel, the Diocese of Pathein came together not in mourning, but in solemn, grateful remembrance.

His Excellency Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese stood at the altar, flanked by four concelebrating priests.

The pews held the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, religious brothers, and a congregation reflecting the deep respect still held for the diocese’s fourth bishop.

Wisdom Forged in Faith

Drawing from the life of Bishop John Gabriel and the day’s Gospel (Matthew 18: 21–19:1), Bishop Henry Eikhlein offered a homily rich in reflection.

He painted a vivid picture of Episcopal leadership.

“Consider Bishop John Gabriel,” Bishop Henry began, “His guidance was not born of earthly cunning, but of divine wisdom, much like King Solomon who pleaded with God for understanding to lead His people.”

He emphasized that true shepherds of the Church lead not by their own strength, but with wisdom granted by God and guided by the Holy Spirit. “Bishop John Gabriel,” he affirmed, “led his sheep with precisely that God-given wisdom – a wisdom that steered, protected, and nurtured this flock.”

The second reflection cut to the heart of the Gospel message: forgiveness. Bishop Henry spoke of it not as a burden, but as liberation.

“Forgiveness,” he declared with conviction, “is true freedom. To withhold forgiveness, or to live without receiving it, is to dwell in a trap – a prison of resentment and isolation.”

He urged the gathered faithful, clergy, and religious alike to embrace this divine imperative. “Let us faithfully follow the example set by our leaders in Christ. Forgive one another. Only then can we live as God intends: as His truly free children, unshackled by the past, walking in the boundless love He offers.”

Honoring at the Tomb: A Legacy Endures

Following the profound liturgy, a quiet procession formed. Led by Bishop Henry, the clergy, religious sisters and brothers, and the laity moved towards the final resting place of Bishop John Gabriel.

There, amidst the hallowed quiet of the cathedral precincts, they gathered around his tomb.

Heads bowed in unison as Bishop Henry offered a final, heartfelt prayer, a collective moment of gratitude that transcended the decades, honoring a life dedicated entirely to God and His Church.

A Shepherd’s Brief Journey: Bishop John Gabriel

The memory honored that morning belonged to a son of Pathein. Born John Gabriel on February 7, 1938, to U Gabriel and Bibiana Daw Nan Byit, he was the youngest of nine siblings.

Answering God’s call, he was ordained a priest on April 9, 1964, pouring his energy into pastoral care and the sacramental life of his community.

His episcopal journey unfolded swiftly:

• January 30, 1988: Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Pathein and Titular Bishop of Arae in Numidia.
• April 27, 1988: Ordained a bishop.
• December 7, 1989: Appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Pathein.
• February 22, 1992: Succeeded as the Fourth Bishop of Pathein.

His devotion to his diocese was unwavering. Bishop John Gabriel was remembered as a deeply committed shepherd, entirely dedicated to the spiritual well-being of his flock.

Yet, his tenure as diocesan bishop was tragically brief. After only two and a half years of leading the diocese he loved, he passed into eternal life on August 14, 1994.

Though he departed before seeing the full flowering of his pastoral efforts, the wisdom of his leadership and the depth of his faith, recalled so powerfully on this 31st anniversary, remain indelible marks on the heart of the Church in Pathein.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service