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The Mission Expands: New SVD Parish in Htantabin, Myanmar
The newly established parish was formally inaugurated in a joyous celebration presided over by Cardinal Charles Bo SDB, Archbishop of Yangon. The occasion was further honored by the presence of auxiliary bishops, around 20 priests from the Archdiocese, and international SVD leadership, including Fr Asaeli Rass SVD, Provincial of the Australia Province.
“This was a big day for us SVDs,” the missionaries in Myanmar shared on social media. “Special thanks to our Cardinal, the bishops, our Provincial Fr Rass, and everyone who came to support and pray with us on this special occasion.”
The new parish, carved out from ten sub-stations of Sacred Heart Parish, is located about 45 minutes from the SVD residence in Hmawbi. The SVDs had already been active in the area, offering pastoral support, social outreach, housing assistance, and training in IT and music skills. Now entrusted with full pastoral care, the SVDs are eager to deepen their missionary presence.
“This is a very low socio-economic area,” said Fr Rass. “But we see this as our missionary calling—to serve those on the margins, as Pope Francis calls us to do. The support of the local church and the warm welcome from the community have been incredibly encouraging.”
Fr Tuyen Nguyen SVD has been appointed parish priest of the new parish, assisted by Fr Roger Kyaw Thu SVD and Fr Deva Savariyappan SVD, who also serves in formation and seminary education.
In his homily, Cardinal Bo thanked the SVD for their commitment to Myanmar despite ongoing civil unrest, economic hardship, and recent earthquakes. “We must continue to hold onto faith and navigate the trials of life with God’s grace,” he said.
Fr Tuyen expressed gratitude and hope as he takes on his new role. “The people here are devout and generous despite many challenges, including youth unemployment and poverty,” he said. “I’m excited to minister among them, supporting not just their spiritual life but also their socio-economic and educational development. With their enthusiasm and collaboration, we can build a brighter future together.”
The inauguration Mass, filled with prayer, music, liturgical dance, and the strong presence of youth, highlighted the vitality and faith of the local community. The event was a testament to the enduring missionary spirit of the SVD and its commitment to “witnessing to the light” in even the most challenging corners of the world.
Source: Adapted from “SVD Takes Up New Parish in Myanmar”, Divine Word Missionaries Australia,
