Myanmar. On 6 and 7 August 2022, the FMA of Myanmar, Province of Mary Our Help (CMY), celebrated the 150th anniversary of the FMA Institute.
On 6 August, in the Diocese of Mandalay, at the grotto of Mary Help of Christians in Anisakan, Pyin Oo Lwin, the FMA of the Communities of Mandalay lived the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Msgr. Lucas Dau Ze, Bishop of the Diocese of Lashio; by the Superior of the Preprovince of Mary Help of Christians (MYM), Aung Zaya, SDB; by 14 Salesians of Don Bosco, and 15 priests from the Diocese of Mandalay.
Present were 20 religious belonging to different Congregations, representatives of the Past Pupils, parents of the students, teachers, young people of the three Communities and the Primary pupils, as well as about 800 parishioners.
Msgr. Lucas Dau Ze encouraged the FMA by affirming that, as God says, “This is my beloved Son”, today He also says, “The sisters are my favorite daughters and I am happy with them.” The Bishop expressed his wishes and prayers for vocations, so that there will be many, not only calls, but choices for the FMA Institute.
After the final blessing, the FMA expressed their gratitude to God and to all those present who joined in the celebration for the anniversary of the Institute. After the closing song, together with the young students from all the communities, they greeted the Bishop and all those present with the hymn of the 150th anniversary of Foundation of the FMA Institute. As an expression of gratitude to God, the FMA then offered dinner to all the faithful present at the Holy Mass for the 150th anniversary.
On 7 August 2022, in the Diocese of Yangon, with the same joy, the sisters of the Communities of Yangon renewed their vows in the presence of the Educating Communities. The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, SDB; by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Yangon, Msgr. John Saw Yaw Han; by the Bishop of Methamaucum, Msgr. Noel Saw Naw Aye; by twelve priests and some religious of other Congregations.
The celebration began with the procession to the altar and the presentation of the flags of the Church, the FMA Institute, the country, and the 5 continents, which symbolize unity and collaboration in the Church, the Institute, the country, and the union among all the FMA of the world.
Quoting the words of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, “Every stitch is an act of love for God”, Cardinal Bo urged us to use time wisely and with the intention of doing good to society, especially in this moment of difficulty and he encouraged the FMA to be women of God who do ordinary things in an extraordinary way, as did Mother Mazzarello.
The young people of both Dioceses, with pupils from the FMA and SDB of Yangon and Mandalay, accompanied the celebrations joyful singing led by the FMA.
During the celebrations, ten FMA from Yangon and eighteen from Anisakan, Diocese of Mandalay, renewed their “covenant of love with God”, before the Cardinal, the Bishops, the priests, and the faithful.
In Hlaing Thar Yar, Yangon, at St. John Bosco Community, about 600 people attended the meal prepared by some women of the parish. Students from Yangon Vocational Training Center took care of guest service.
