Ywegone Parish in Pathein Diocese marked a historic milestone on September 21, 2025, gathering in a spirit of deep joy and thanksgiving to celebrate the 175th Jubilee of the arrival of the Catholic faith in their village.

The solemn Jubilee Mass, a cornerstone of the celebrations, was presided over by Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese.

He was concelebrated by the current parish priest, Fr. John Ko Ko, and Fr. Peter Saw Ngwe, alongside religious sisters, catechists, and a large assembly of the faithful.

The event served as a profound moment of remembrance for the sacrifices of the early missionaries and the ancestors who first embraced the Gospel, as well as a renewal of commitment for present-day parishioners to carry this legacy forward.

In his homily, Bishop Henry expressed heartfelt gratitude for the faith journey of Ywegone. He urged the congregation to treasure their spiritual inheritance and to actively share it with the next generation. Reflecting on the Gospel reading from Luke, the Bishop emphasized the daily choice to follow God, stating that true Christian life must be built on justice, truth, and peace.

“True Christian living must be marked by justice, truth, and peace. Without truth, there can be no peace; without peace, there can be no justice,” Bishop Henry said, echoing the words of Pope St. John Paul II. The celebration, therefore, was framed not just as a look to the past, but as a call to ongoing mission and faithful witness.

A Rich History Rooted in Sacrifice

The jubilee commemorates the arrival of the Catholic faith in the area, then known as Kone Haung Village, in 1850. The first seeds were planted by a French missionary, Fr. George D. Carolli, and a dedicated catechist, Saya Hilary U Kyar Phwa. Their evangelization led to the conversion of U Thar Yin and his family, who were originally Buddhists.

The parish’s history is a narrative of resilience. During the absence of Fr. D. Carolli, the catechist Saya Kyar Phwa nurtured the nascent community. The village itself gradually became known as Ywegone during early development efforts. The community has endured significant challenges, including the burning of its original church during World War II and the expulsion of foreign missionaries from Myanmar in 1969.

Throughout these trials, the faith persisted. A new chapel was built in the 1960s by Sr. Teresa of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, and a more permanent Sacred Heart Chapel was later constructed by Fr. Benjamin Kyaw Lwin and solemnly blessed by His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo (then Bishop Charles Maung Bo of Pathein Diocese). The parish flourished with the establishment of vibrant lay associations such as the Legion of Mary, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and a youth group.

A pivotal moment in the parish’s history was the ordination of Fr. Mark Sein Win in 1985, who became the first local priest from Ywegone and later served as its parish priest. This began a continuous line of local leadership, with the current pastor, Fr. John Ko Ko, shepherding the community since 2019.

Over the years, Ywegone Parish was shepherded by many priests: Fr. George D.Carolli, Fr. Berward, Fr. Baylon, Fr. Morelame, Fr. Bauche, Fr. Charbamel, Fr. Lawrence, Fr. Cyril, Fr. Matthew, Fr. Paul, Fr. Philip, and Fr. Joannes.

The local parish priests are as follows:

Fr. Lukar Kyaw Myint (1985–1988)

Fr. John Hsane Hgyi (1988–1989)

Fr. Vincent Thu Hlaing (1989–1994)

Fr. Benjamin Kyaw Lwin (1994–1999)

Fr. Lukar Kyaw Myint (1999–2000)

Fr. Stephanus (2000–2004)

Fr. James Thein Aung (2004–2009)

Fr. Philip Aung Aung Saw (2009–2019)

Fr. John Ko Ko (2019–present)

The succession of parish priests, from international missionaries to local clergy, charts the growth of an indigenous and mature Catholic community. The parish previously celebrated its 100th Jubilee in April 1980.

The 175th Jubilee celebration concluded as it began—with a firm sense of hope. The community of Ywegone Parish rejoiced in God’s enduring presence for over 175 years and recommitted to being stewards of a faith that has sustained them through generations, ensuring its vitality for the future.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service