Political unrest did not stop 16 Catholic nuns from dedicating life to serve people

Despite political unrest and pandemic, sixteen religious women made their perpetual profession in St. Peter’s Cathedral church, in Pathein, Myanmar.

On February 1, nuns belonging to the congregation of St. Francis Xavier became finally professed members to serve the people.

Bishop Justin Saw Min Thide of Pha-An, Bishop Alexander Pyone Cho of Pyay, and Bishop Saw Noah and Bishop John Saw Yaw Han, Auxiliary Bishops of Yangon archdiocese celebrated mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral church, in Pathein, along with priests, nuns and lay faithful.

Bishop Saw Yaw Han was the main celebrant.

“Getting closer to God is getting closer to people. Putting God in the heart is putting people in heart,” said Bishop Saw Min Thide encouraging the nuns to be closer to God.

The prelate advised the nuns, “while living in a congregation; we are to appreciate, praise and encourage others (nuns). If one gives courage, one will have it.”

The nuns serve in Pathein, Yangon, Pyay in Bago Region, Myitkyina, Bamaw in Kachin State, and  Loikaw, Karenni State in Myanmar.

Sister Colette Merci, SFX, former Mother Superior, says, “I am very grateful to God for His graces for the growing number of vocation and protecting our congregation since the beginning.”

Sister Daria Dar Dar, SFX, one among sixteen from the Archdiocese of Yangon, told RVA News that “God gave me strength to be able to vow for life, despite many crises and challenges.”

“I thank my parents, teachers, friends, and benefactors who pray for us and our successful celebration,” added Sister Dar Dar.

Sister Rolanda Phan Hgyi Lar, SFX, confessed that “there are many challenges and difficulties with seven years (of the preparatory period). There are times I failed.”

She continues, “But I can get up by imitating Jesus’ Calvary. Finally, with God’s graces I could decide to make my perpetual vow.”

The nuns encouraged all Catholics who suffer military atrocities and injustice at the hands of soldiers to pray to God for His protection with faith.

“We are saddened and in solidarity with them. We offer prayers for them so that they may be protected by God from dangers and save them all,” the nun said.

The Sisters of St. Francis Xavier’s Congregation serve in Myanmar, America, Italy, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The Congregation was founded by Bishop Alexander Cardot, a French missionary, MEP  in Myanmar, a country earlier known as Burma.