Pathein (Fides Service) - More than 10,000 people gathered for the ordination of Bishop John Hsane Hgyi, new auxiliary of Pathein diocese in south-east Myanmar. The celebration, on 22 March was presided by Archbishop Adriano Bernardini Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand and Apostolic Delegate to Myanmar. Various bishops of Myanmar concelebrated. Special guests included two Buddhist monks and non Catholic citizens.
In his address, Bishop Hgyi said when he received the news of his election, from Archbishop Bernardini, he was reluctant to accept aware of the great responsibilities of a Bishop. But after praying at length he accepted the charge recalling that "for a long time the parishioners had payer for a new auxiliary bishop".
Bishop Hgyi was formerly rector of the national major Seminary in Yangon. The day after the episcopal ordination, which means that from now onwards he will serve beside Bishop Charles Bo SDB of Pathein, Bishop Hgyi ordained seven deacons as priests for Pathein. During the ceremony the new bishop thanked the authorities for their collaboration and asked those present to ask to God to bless the diocese of Pathein.
According to the Pontifical Year Book 2003, the diocese of Pathein has 69,588 Catholics on a territory with a population of about 4.7 million. There are 29 parishes and 54 diocesan priests, assisted by 34 Brothers and 134 women religious. (Fides Service 7/4/2003 EM lines 17 Words: 230)