Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hakha (Agenzia Fides) - “In this Year for Priests, the Diocese of Hakha is celebrating the historic even of a celebration of the ordination of 18 new priests. It is really a moment of grace and joy for all. May the Lord guide the new priests to continue their mission in joy.” This is how the Apostolic Delegate to Myanmar, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, told Fides in commenting on what remains one of the most important and significant events experienced by the Church of Myanmar in this Year for Priests. Archbishop Pennacchio, presided at the solemn ceremony of ordination, held on 15 November, in Kalaymyo in the Diocese of Hakha, in the presence of many bishops, priests, and religious, with an assembly of over 5,000 faithful.
As Fides learns from the local Church, it was a historic event for the diocese and the entire Catholic community in Myanmar. In the Diocese of Hakha, in particular, the flowering of vocations to the priesthood has been taking place for several years, showing a special moment of grace for the local Church.
Among the 18 newly ordained priests, two are the first fruits of the "Little Way Association of St. Therese Missionary," which is the first group of missionary priests established in Myanmar, co-founded by the Diocese of Hakaha and Mary Doohan, founder and president of the Association in the United Kingdom.
In his homily, the Apostolic Delegate asked the new priests to reflect on the importance of genuine discipleship and the call to "represent Christ, as alter Christus, as Master and Shepherd in their priestly ministry." "This is fundamental for the mission of every priest," he noted, presenting the testimony of St. John Mary Vianney as an opportunity for comparison and an example for everyone.
The Diocese of Hakha, established by Pope John Paul II in 1992, currently has 87 diocesan priests, 2 missionary priests of the Little Way Missionary Association, 58 major seminarians, 460 catechists and a population of over 81,000 Catholics. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2009)
