Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Archdiocese of Pathein
Pathein (Fides News Agency) - The new Catholic Church of St. Remigius, located in the village of Taungyagone, in the Diocese of Pathein, in central-western Myanmar, is “a gift of the Holy Spirit, a sign of God’s work that continues despite uncertainty and insecurity,” said Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein, who presided over a Eucharistic celebration for the consecration and official opening of the church building.
During the Mass, celebrated on May 3 in the presence of priests, men and women religious, catechists, and numerous faithful, 70 young people also received the sacrament of Confirmation. “The Spirit renews the face of the earth. The Lord sends his Spirit; he does not abandon us,” Bishop Henry emphasized, urging those present “to always hope, in every circumstance,” continually remembering and acknowledging God’s works.
The Spirit of God, he said, addressing the confirmands in particular, “makes you missionaries, so that you may reach the most distant places and those who are alone, displaced, or marginalized, bringing a word of gentleness and the consolation of God’s love.” “Your heart, transformed by the Holy Spirit,” he added, “is filled with love and generosity, and thus becomes nourishment for your neighbor.”
Giving thanks to God for the gift of the new church, Bishop Henry noted that “God has blessed the parish of Taungyagone and will continue to do so, with the abundance of his gifts.” He expressed confidence that, despite the current difficulties, "young people will continue to bear witness to the faith and spread love and reconciliation throughout society and the region marked by conflict and suffering."
According to Father Peter Saw Ngwe, parish priest of Taungyagone, the celebration represented "a significant moment for the local Catholic community" and is "testimony to the growth and vitality of the Church in the Diocese of Pathein, which looks to the future with hope and confidence in the renewing power of the Holy Spirit."
Pathein is the fourth largest city in Myanmar and the capital of the Ayeyarwady region. Located about 190 km west of Yangon, it lies on the banks of the Pathein River, the western branch of the Irrawaddy Delta. As local sources tell Fides, the security situation in the Pathein area has deteriorated since the beginning of 2026, as the civil conflict has reached this region, which is controlled by the central government and was previously considered stable. The insecurity stems from the fact that the Arakan Army and allied resistance forces are moving from the neighboring state of Arakan into Pathein, forcing the regular army to rapidly reinforce its defenses. Violent clashes continue in the municipalities surrounding Pathein, and the rebels are attempting to seize control of the main communication routes. The fighting has had serious consequences for the civilian population, displacing thousands of people in the last six months.
Out of a population of over 7.5 million, there are 65,000 Catholics in the territory of Pathein. (PA) (Fides News Agency, 9/5/2026)
