Rev. Fr. Vincent Thu Hlaing: A Faithful Servant of God and His People

The Funeral Mass of Rev. Fr. Vincent Thu Hlaing was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, at St. Mary’s Church, Marygone Village. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Henry Eikhlein, Bishop of Pathein, and concelebrated by more than 42 priests, together with religious brothers and sisters, catechists, and approximately 700 faithful. The congregation included not only Catholics but also Buddhists and other believers, reflecting the deep respect Fr. Vincent had earned across religious boundaries.

Before the Funeral Mass, five Buddhist monks from Marygone Village came forward to offer words of tribute and honor. They spoke warmly of Fr. Vincent’s life of charity, humility, and service, especially his generosity and concern for the welfare of his native village. Their presence and words were a moving testimony to Fr. Vincent’s commitment to harmony, compassion, and mutual respect among people of different faiths.

Rev. Fr. Vincent Thu Hlaing was born on 20 November 1955 in Marygone Village, under Ywegone Parish, into a devoted Christian family. He was the son of Mr. Remmy and Mrs. Monica Nita, who nurtured him in faith, prayer, and a spirit of service from a young age. These early family values laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to God and His people.

At the age of 11, he left his village to pursue his education at a minor seminary. After completing high school in 1972, he attended college in Pathein, where he studied Mathematics. During this time, he was deeply influenced by a respected priest and gradually became aware of God’s persistent call in his life. After six months of discernment, he recognized his vocation to the priesthood, which he always attributed to his profound and lifelong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

From 1978 to 1986, Fr. Vincent studied Philosophy and Theology at St. Joseph Catholic Major Seminary, Yangon, where he prepared himself diligently for priestly service. Responding faithfully to God’s call, he was ordained a Deacon on 6 December 1986 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Yangon, by Archbishop Alphonse U Than Aung. On 4 April 1987, he was ordained a Priest, together with Frs. Zawzimus and Carolus Su Naing, at Ywegone Parish by Bishop J. V. Sequeira of the Diocese of Pathein. He chose as his priestly motto the words from Micah 6:8: “Love the good things and walk humbly with God.” This motto became the guiding principle of his priestly life.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Henry Eikhlein, Bishop of Pathein.

During his years of service in the Diocese of Pathein, Fr. Vincent faithfully served in various pastoral assignments. He was appointed Assistant Priest at Myaungmya Parish (1987–1990), followed by service as Parish Priest at Thayetchaung (1990–1991), Ywegone (1991–1993), and later at Pathein Parish (1994–1999).

Throughout these years, Fr. Vincent lived a simple life and generously shared his resources. He supported the Diocese of Pathein, the Congregation of the St. Francis Xavier Brothers and Sisters, and especially his native village, with particular concern for education and the formation of young people.

In 1999, Fr. Vincent was invited by Bishop George Fitzsimmons to serve as a missionary priest in the Diocese of Salina, United States. Although he was initially hesitant due to language barriers and cultural differences, he prayerfully discerned God’s will and eventually accepted the invitation. He thus became the first Burmese priest to serve in the Diocese of Salina.

Originally intending to stay for only three years, Fr. Vincent remained for more than two decades, serving faithfully and gratefully among the people of western Kansas. Upon his arrival, he spent time in Independence, Kansas, where he studied English at a community college and learned to drive. He immersed himself in the language and culture by listening to the radio and watching television, demonstrating his humility and determination to serve well.

After one month in Independence, he was assigned to St. John the Baptist Parish, Beloit, where he served alongside Fr. Henry Baxa. Beloit became his “first love” in the Diocese of Salina, a place where he experienced great joy and a sense of belonging. Throughout his years in the United States, Fr. Vincent often expressed deep gratitude to the American Church and to the Diocese of Salina for welcoming him as a member of their family.

His pastoral assignments in the Diocese of Salina included:

St. John the Baptist, Beloit (1999)

St. Augustine, Washington & SS. Peter and Paul, Morrowville (2000–2002)

St. Francis of Assisi, Norton & St. Joseph, New Almelo (2002–2015)

St. Frances Cabrini, Hoxie & St. Martin of Tours, Seguin (2015–2025)

Despite living abroad for many years, Fr. Vincent never sought American citizenship, a clear sign of his enduring love for his people, his family, and his homeland.

Fr. Vincent celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Priesthood on 5 February 2012, and his 39th Priestly Jubilee on 7 December 2025, both marked with gratitude and joy in his native place. On 1 February 2026, he passed away peacefully at the age of 71 in his home village of Marygone.

His death is a great loss to the Diocese of Pathein, the Diocese of Salina, and all who were touched by his gentle spirit, faithful service, and humble love.

Homily of Rev. Fr. Carolus Su Naing

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Carolus Su Naing recalled a significant moment in the history of the Diocese of Pathein. In 1987, three deacons were ordained priests by Bishop J. V. Sequeira at Ywegone Parish, with thousands of faithful in attendance. Despite the large gathering, the celebration concluded peacefully and harmoniously, thanks in part to the cooperation of a Buddhist monk who helped maintain order. This, Fr. Carolus noted, was a powerful sign of interreligious harmony and mutual respect.

Reflecting on his life, Fr. Carolus described him as a priest of humble and gentle heart, deeply rooted in his diocese and sincerely devoted to his people. His love for his native village was expressed through concrete actions, particularly in his support for education and community welfare.

Fr. Carolus emphasized that although he served abroad for 26 years, his heart never left his homeland. His decision not to acquire foreign citizenship revealed his lasting attachment to his people and the Church that had formed him. His life, Fr. Carolus concluded, was a quiet yet powerful witness to priestly fidelity, faithful to God, faithful to the Church, and faithful to the end.

At the conclusion of the homily, Fr. Carolus recalled his personal request that all priests sing the song “Sunset” at his Funeral Mass. The song beautifully expresses Christian hope, a peaceful surrender of life into God’s loving hands and trust in eternal rest.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

We humbly ask all the faithful to continue praying for the repose of the soul of Rev. Fr. Vincent Thu Hlaing and for comfort and strength for his family and all who mourn his passing.