Myanmar: Annual retreat of catechists of Yangon Archdiocese held

After two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual retreat of the catechists of Yangon Archdiocese in Myanmar was held from October 2 to 6.

This will be followed by the renewal course from October 7 to 10 in St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church, which is also the Diocesan Catechists Center for Yangon Archdiocese.

This annual retreat is attended by 73 catechists who are active in diocesan activities and 18 young people who are undergoing catechist training.

Among the acting catechists, two males and six females move from their temporary service to permanent service in this retreat.

There was also the ceremony of imparting the vestments to the catechists. During this ceremony, the catechists promised to offer their services through the words read out as written in the pledge of commitment.

They affirmed that they would accept the teaching of the Word of God in heart and soul. They will try to be true disciples and strive to achieve the heavenly crown, and they will try to fulfill their duties and responsibilities cheerfully. 

Auxiliary Bishop John Saw Yaw Han of Yangon Archdiocese spoke to the catechists to keep God-given duties always in their hearts and to teach Catholics about the Word of God and to pray for them.

"God will complete His saving work through you," he told the catechists. "You are called to be supportive of the faithful. Keep on learning and studying the Word of God."

The bishop also told them to appreciate what they have learned from the Word of God, and to make it alive and visible throughout their lives.

"You are to reveal that you are interested in the Word of God and give witness through your lives. The words and lives of the Catechists should be good examples for others," the prelate said.

"As your reading of the Scriptures and your lectures are visible before the faithful, the image of God, which is your good example, should be shining in the midst of the faithful to fulfill the hope of the Church," he added.

The bishop blessed the vestments of the catechists and said these vestments are meant to be a sign of Christ's being with the catechists. It serves as a reminder to catechists that they wear Christ. 

Fasting for one meal and prayer during this annual retreat is one of the remarkable acts during the retreat. They fasted for atonement for the sins of those in need of repentance and the peace and tranquility of the country.

The catechist institute in St. Peter and St. Paul Parish Church came into existence in 1974. Before that, it was in Thone-ze Parish, about 100 miles north of Yangon.

The two-year course for the catechists began in 1978. In the previous years, it was only for six months and it was meant for home missioners who assisted the parish activities, said David U. Tun Nyo, former president of the Catechists of the Yangon Archdiocese.

The charism and activities of the newly established religious congregation from foreign countries in Myanmar (e.g., from the Republic of Korea) are also introduced to the catechists during this event.

It is an opportunity for the catechists to share their mission experiences. They are also inspired by the lectures of the priests of some diocesan commissions. - Saw Hubert/ Sgaw Karen Service