Singapore Myanmar Catholic Community celebrates 25 years of existence

Myanmar Catholic Community in Singapore (MCCS) celebrated 25 years of existence with a two-day celebration at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Singapore on February 11-12.

Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye of Singapore Archdiocese presided over the Jubilee thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai, Monsignor Patrick Saw Zay Han and six other priests on February 12.

The cardinal encouraged the participants, "You need to be a good example of a Myanmar Catholic," and "You need to be conscious that not only you represent the church but also you represent your country. You are the ambassadors of Myanmar."

Cardinal Goh emphasized that evangelization can increase their faith, "We evangelize ourselves when we evangelize others."

The cardinal urged the Myanmar Catholics in Singapore, "I want you to go out and evangelize your own Myanmar community, not Catholics alone," because "there are many who are searching for God, but you also have a responsibility to your country and to the church as well."

Over 1400 participants and honourable guests from various congregations participated in this MCCS 25th year of existence event.

Bishop Maurice encouraged them to walk forward together by commending the relentless efforts of MCCS for their service for 25 years.

Father Joseph Kace from Pekhon Diocese, Myanmar, served as a chaplain for MCCS from February 2018 until now.

President of MCCS, Dr. Edwin Thet Naing, said, "MCCS prepared for this 25th-anniversary event five years ago." He expressed his gratitude to Cardinal William Goh, Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai, and all the guests of honour. 

Myanmar nuns – Sister Maria Goretti Dau Nyoi and Sister Matilda Aye Hla from the Religious Institute of Sisters of Saint Joseph the Apparition (SJA) are of great help in the mission, especially in counselling, among other activities like teaching catechism, leading home rosary devotion, and bible-sharing sessions.

MCCS was blessed to have Monsignor Patrick Saw Zay Han as he was posted to the Apostolic Nunciature, Embassy of the Holy See in Singapore, in July 2021.

After the Mass, refreshments are served at St. Gregory Hall to all the participants.

The traditional band led the guests of honours to St. Gregory Hall for refreshments.

MCCS has the mission to be a Catholic Community of faith and prayers, serving its members to grow together in faith, love, and service while away from home. – By Htun Min Zaw (MCCS)