After ten years, priests are still open to learning from fraternal corrections

Priests completing ten years of their priestly ordination gathered at the alma mater Bago Minor Seminary in the Archdiocese of Yangon from February 11-13, 2022.

“Although the ten priests come together to thank the Lord for their ten years journey, if 5 or 6 persons can come together every year, it would be a good opportunity. It can be others ordained in different ordained years too,” said Bishop John Saw Yaw Han, the Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon Archdiocese.

Bishop John Saw advised to record the suggestions for future reference and learning for other priest brothers.

It is a special time for the priests to recall their old days in the seminary by praying, offering the holy mass, playing, chatting which refresh their priesthood after a certain length of time in their different mission locations. Four priests who also completed ten years could not make it to the gathering.

“Whenever there is fraternal correction, the corrected persons should accept the guidance and advise with open, humble and willing hearts instead of retaliating the one who offers the corrections,” said Bishop John Yaw Han.

Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon Archdiocese expressed willingness to be part of this gathering but was occupied with other important events.  

 “We are still ten years in the priesthood and still not yet perfect. We want to be guided, instructed and advised by the senior priests,” said Father Paul Eh Doh Kyaw.

Father Joachim Ne Lin said that faithful are glad to participate in the Synod discussion.

“In the past, people could not share their experiences and could not make known their opinion. It is a great opportunity for  Church members,” added the priest inviting the clergy to listen to the flock.

“A young priest wants to be listened to, regarding certain difficulties or situation he experienced and not only to listen but he is willing to receive the proper or concrete advise or solution to the questions or the problems. Simply listening without providing anything to the young priest who is willing to have specific advice discourages the young priest,”  said Father Joachim.

Father Pius Sein Myint Kyi said the gathering is inclusive to welcome priests who were ordained in other years

Father Paul Klo Htoo, the present Rector of the minor seminary, said that it is a moment filled with joy since the priests could meet each other in the place where they once were nurtured, educated and formed. And now they could see each other and share what they have experienced for the past ten years and encourage each other.

“The young priests are willing that the superiors or the Church leaders do the proper investigations on the reports from Church members. Some of the Church members are, by nature, addicted to reporting without any concrete reasons,” said a priest

Since the situation is different from the previous time and everything is advanced in every way, the anniversary celebrants would like to be upgraded regularly, for example in technology,” said Father Stephen Thet Naing Soe.

The priests were grateful to God and to all who prayed, supported and guided them along the way in their ministry.