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A Visit of Encouragement and Communion: Father Superior General Anselmo in Myanmar
Roger Kyaw Thu, SVD
During the celebration, Fr. Anselmo introduced himself and shared words of gratitude, hope, and encouragement. Our Provincial also addressed the community, while one of our catechists expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the parishioners for the dedicated service of the SVD missionaries and their eagerness to collaborate further in pastoral ministry.
After Mass, we joined parishioners for a festive meal and had the opportunity to taste several local dishes. Later, we brought our guests to visit the parish church and one of the chapels under our care. In the afternoon, we returned to the SVD Centre in Hmawbi, where Fr. General and the Provincial met with our community for an engaging and fraternal sharing.
That evening, we visited St. Joseph’s Major Seminary, where our confrere Fr. Deva currently serves. Fr. General presided at the evening Mass with the seminarians and delivered a meaningful homily. Afterward, he joined the seminary staff for dinner, where they enjoyed an enriching and friendly exchange. The day concluded as we accompanied them back to their hotel. The next morning, they departed for Thailand.
A Personal Reflection
It was both humbling and heartwarming to meet Fr. General again. To my surprise, he was the one who first recognized me and called out to me at the airport! He recalled that we had met years ago in the United States—once in Washington, D.C., and again at the novitiate in Techny, Illinois, during his English studies. His sharp memory and warm approach immediately put me at ease.
Although his visit was brief, it was filled with grace and encouragement. Fr. General reminded us that the main reason for his visit was “to be with you, my confreres, and to listen to you.” And indeed, he did exactly that—he made himself completely available, taking time to know us and our mission personally.
Even with only one full day, he managed to visit our parish, where Fr. Tuyen and I serve, and the seminary where Fr. Deva works. Our parishioners—especially since this is a newly established parish—were overjoyed to meet him, talk with him, and take photos. His presence was a visible sign that they are remembered and cared for by the wider SVD family.
For me, the visit felt like a family reunion—a moment of closeness, encouragement, and renewed commitment to our shared mission. Through his presence, we experienced what it truly means to be one heart and one soul in the Divine Word.
(About the Author: Fr. Roger Kyaw Thu, SVD, one of the first Divine Word Missionaries from Myanmar, received his formation and education with the SVD in the United States. He now serves as associate pastor at the Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Myanmar, while also assisting with vocation promotion and accompanying candidates discerning their calling to the Society.)
