Catholic priests, nuns, and laity in the diocese of Pathein in the Ayeyarwaddy Region of Myanmar attended the funeral service of the Pwo Karen Baptist pastor Kyaw Soe Latt, which was held at the Baptists’ church in the city of Pathein on September 4 and 5.

Father Henry Eikhlein, the Diocesan Administrator, who went with priests, nuns and laity, said, “Latt is the pastor of the Pwo Karen Baptists’ Church in Pathein. As a Catholic Church, we ecumenically paid respect to our Christian brother.

“He is also a person who should be prayed for because he dies at the age of 50. What I want to say is that he can continue to work much. For this reason, everybody feels sorry for him. Anyhow, he has ended his duty and responsibility. We together with other Christian brothers and sisters prayed for him including his bereaved family, and bid the last farewell to him,” regretted Father Eikhlein.

The Administrator continues by saying, “It was not the first time I went to a Christian denomination. In the past, I used to participate either in the funeral service or wedding celebration of the Baptists.”

“We are very much united with other Christian brethren whether Pwo Karen or Sgaw Karen Baptist Churches in the city of Pathein.”

 Accompanyed by Father Jeremin Nyi Nyi Htun, Father Wilfred Myint Soe, the parish priest of Myaungmyat, who was familiar with the deceased Pastor, accompanied Father Henry Eikhlein. 

Francina, a parishioner of the Cathedral parish, told Ayeyar Alinn that there were so many wreathes around the coffin of Pastor Latt.

“I was very much pleased to see a lot of garlands, and I learned that so many people loved Pastor Latt who was kind and cordial. I felt so sorry when I heard about his biography which was read out by someone.”

Pastor Kyaw Soe Latt was an active member of the ecumenical movement in Pathein city where eight Christian Churches exist.

Father Justin Min Thit Lwin, the assistant priest to the Cathedral parish, who with nuns and Aspirants of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, attended and prayed at the funeral wake, said, “We showed the Christian unity and God’s love to the mourning family by praying for the soul of Pastor Latt at the Baptist church.”

“We used to meet and pray together during the time of Christian unity service in Pathein by going around the churches every day in the week.”

Baptists’ Pastor Kyaw Soe Latt was murdered by his male domestic worker at his home according to locals.

Father Eikhlein said, “He died of the violent attack. I never stand for any violent act. It should not happen again.”

“I strongly condemn such violent act which I cannot accept,” said Francina.

Ayeyar Alinn learned that Kyaw Soe Latt’s old mother stays with his wife and daughter in the city of Pathein. News-Raymond Kyaw Aung