“Called to serve with love” was the theme chosen by three of the Jesuits in Myanmar for their priestly ordination, which took place on 13 October in Taunggyi. Thanks to Archbishop Basilio Athai, who ordained them, it was the first ever Jesuit ordination to happen in the Taunggyi Archdiocese, which was the first to welcome Jesuits back into the country since their expulsion from it in the 1960s. Besides the Jesuits currently in the country and several diocesan priests, some friends, families and relatives of the ordinands were present for the gracious occasion.

Newly ordained priests, Fr Joseph Thang Ha SJ, Fr Jerome Aye Min SJ, and Fr Gerald Lukwe SJ, with Myanmar Jesuit Region Superior Fr Girish Santiago SJ and Archbishop Basilio Athai

The call for Gerald Lukwe, Jerome Aye Min, and Joseph Thang Ha came amidst the worsening political and economic conditions of the country, following the Covid pandemic and the violent military coup d’état. Having firsthand experience of their families and relatives being displaced and made homeless because of the ongoing wars in various parts of the country, they felt that they had been called to respond to the great signs of the time.

“As a priest, I want to work for the marginalised, the poor, the sick, and the old people, starting with the sacramental ministries,” shared Gerald Lukwe.

Jerome Aye Min wants to share what he has learnt in his theological studies in his pastoral service. “As I am called to act with justice, peace, and love, I hope to be pastorally closer to the people who are in need,” he said.

Fr Joseph Thang Ha shared: “I hope that I may be faithful in my priestly vocation and pastoral ministries, accompanying the youth and the suffering people in Myanmar. I also pray that I may have the spirit of Magis to do more for other people, serving the suffering people in Myanmar.”

As newly ordained priests, they have been missioned to continue doing the pastoral ministries they have already started in the service of the faithful, including the internally displaced persons who have lost their homes and livelihoods. This service, as they have already shared, requires a lot of dedication and love, through which they hope to bring about God’s greater glory. [Myanmar Jesuit Region]