The SVD Mission in Myanmar took another big step forward this month, taking up the pastoral care of a brand new parish, which was officially inaugurated by Cardinal Charles Bo SDB, the Archbishop of Yangon.

“Big day for us SVDs as we celebrated the inauguration of Annunciation of the Lord Parish aka Bawle Kyun parish in Htantabin Township,” the SVD confreres in Myanmar said on Facebook.

“Special thanks to our Cardinal Charles Bo, Auxiliary Bishops of Archdiocese of Yangon, our Provincial Fr Rass from Australian Province and all who came to pray and support us on this special occasion!”

The Myanmar Mission is among the newest areas of mission for the SVD Australia Province, having been established seven years ago.

Provincial, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD, said it was a privilege to be present for the inauguration of the new parish and to see the SVD mission in Myanmar growing and flourishing.

“I was very moved and inspired that a cardinal, three bishops and up to 20 priests from across the diocese were there for the occasion,” he said.

“It showed their full support for our presence and mission in Myanmar. We could see that they wanted us there and wanted us to be with them.”

The new parish is located in Konkalay village, about 45 minutes from the SVD house in Hmawbi, and in the same region where the SVD has previously been assisting diocesan clergy by ministering in a sub-station of Sacred Heart Parish, a ministry which has included social outreach, helping people with housing as well as learning IT skills and music. The new parish has been formed by carving out 10 sub-stations from Sacred Heart Parish and giving them into the care of the SVD.

“It’s a very low socio-economic area, and we’ve decided, with the confreres there, that this is our missionary calling, to keep on focusing on the people on the peripheries, as Pope Francis called us to do,” Fr Rass said.

“We’ve already been there doing that and have been warmly received by the people.”

Fr Rass said he was inspired by the vitality of the local church, especially the number of young people present at the inauguration Mass.

“They prayed and responded well throughout the Mass and there was liturgical dance and singing. I was very moved by the young people there and to see that they really wanted to be there and be a part of it,” he said.

“Despite what is happening up north and with the recovery from the recent earthquake, the people are holding on to their faith to sustain them in their life in Myanmar.

“It was a wonderful occasion and the SVD is very happy to be there with the people, building this new parish up from scratch and building on the legacy of the Burmese priests who have visited the area before our arrival.”

RVA News reported that in his homily, Cardinal Bo thanked the SVD missionaries for working in Myanmar, despite the many challenges the country faces in the wake of the ongoing civil war, recent earthquakes, and other pressing issues the people face.

He also said that people need to keep their faith and hope in God amid life's realities.

“We have to learn to navigate the situations of life with God’s grace and power,” he said.

The SVD Mission in Myanmar is comprised of Fr Tuyen Nguyen SVD, who has been appointed parish priest of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish, along with assistant priest Fr Roger Kyaw Thu SVD, and Fr Deva Savariyappan SVD, who has served as spiritual director, counsellor, formator and lecturer at St Joseph’s Catholic Major Seminary.

Fr Tuyen said the creation of the new parish acknowledges the SVD’s work and ministry in the local area.

“While challenges persist, including poverty and unemployment among youth, the people are devout, faithful and generous with their time and resources for church activities,” he said.

“They are enthusiastic about the SVD’s involvement and look forward to collaborating with us.

“I am excited to minister among them, supporting their overall well-being including socioeconomic, educational and spiritual development. The community’s eagerness to collaborate and support our efforts will undoubtedly enhance our mission. Together we can work towards a brighter future for the people of this new parish.”

PHOTOS: SVD Myanmar.