MANDALAY (UCAN): Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay, Myanmar, concelebrated the ordination of six new priests with Salesian Bishop Lucas Dau Ze, from the Diocese of Lashio, at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Nazareth Apostolate School, Anisakhan, near Pyin-Oo-Lwin, on June 24.
Due to Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) restrictions and the volatile political situation, only the parents of the newly ordained priests and a few faithful were allowed to take part in the event, although the ceremony was livestreamed on YouTube by the vice provincial of the Salesians of Myanmar.
The six new priests come from various ethnic backgrounds in Kachin, Chin and Kayah states, where thousands of people have been displaced due to the current conflict and are in desperate need of food, medicines and shelter.
Addressing the priests, Archbishop Tin Win highlighted the prophetic, teaching and shepherding roles of priests.
“As a Salesian and religious priest, take responsibility and accountability and have obedience to your superiors,” the archbishop said.
He also urged the new priests to serve the community by following the example of Jesus in serving others.
“As a priest, we will give sacraments and celebrate the Eucharistic celebration, but it is not just celebration and it’s a participation, giving and sacrifice,” he said.
Father Bosco Zaya Aung, provincial of the Salesians in Myanmar, expressed joy and gratitude over the blessing from the Good Lord for the congregation, particularly in these very difficult times.
The Salesians arrived in Mandalay, the second largest city of Myanmar, in 1939. They were then asked to go to the Lashio region in Shan state where the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions had already established the first Christian communities.
The Vice Province of Mary Help of Christians has around 60 religious and two bishops—Charles Cardinal Bo and Bishop Dau Ze—along with hundreds of lay volunteers. Salesian priests serve communities in Yangon, Mandalay, Myitkyina, Kalay, Anisa Khan, Pyin-Oo-Lwin and Thibaw.
