Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mandalay

General characteristics of the Archdiocese

Mandalay archdiocese

[http://www.ucanews.com/html/ucan/html/institute/html/images/dps-my_mandalay_map.gif] Mandalay archdiocese is located in the central part of Myanmar. It covers about 76,774 square kilometers and comprises the southern part of Saging division, almost the whole Mandalay division and the eastern part of Magwe division. The archdiocese has the suffragan dioceses of Myitkyina, Bamaw, Lashio and Hakha.

The population of Mandalay is 8,634,600. Mandalay is not only the second largest city in the Union of Myanmar, but also the principal city in upper Myanmar. It was also a historically significant kingdom at the time of the ending of the Myanmar Royal Dynasty. Mandalay is the historical old capital, a capital of Myanmar culture, Buddhist Sanana and Myanmar traditional arts and crafts, a city which abounds in historical sites, cultural memorials and Buddhist edifices.

Its original name, given by King Mindon Min (AD 1853-78), was "Yadanabon Naypyidaw" which means "The Treasure Heap City." But it has come to be known as Mandalay as it lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Only two kings resided at Mandalay, King Mindon and his son King Thibaw Min (AD 1878-85), who was the last Myanmar king. Mandalay is the Myanmar city in which Buddhism flourishes to the highest degree.

Most of the Myanmar people are Buddhist. A few are Muslims and Hindus. Ethnic groups in the city include Myanmar, Kayin, Karen, Tamil and Chinese. The language used in the diocesan territory is Myanmar.

Ordinary of Mandalay Archdiocese

[http://www.ucanews.com/html/ucan/html/institute/html/images/dps-my_mandalay_paul_zinghtung_grawng.gif] Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Grawng was born on March 20, 1939. He was ordained a priest on March 27, 1965, and appointed Bishop of Myitkyina on April 3, 1976. His episcopal ordination was on July 9 that year. On June 16, 2003, Bishop Grawng was installed Archbishop of Mandalay. He is now president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Myanmar and chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Christian Family and Philosophy Department, National Catholic Major Seminary. He is also chairman of Animation.

Address: Archbishop House, Corner of 25th and 82nd Streets, Mandalay

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Previous Ordinaries

Bishop Charles Bo (Apostolic Administrator, 2002-2003)

Archbishop Alphonse U Than Aung (1987-2002)

Archbishop Aloysius U Ba Khin (1965-1987)

Archbishop Joseph U Win (1955-1965)

Bishop Joseph U Win (1954)

Bishop Foulquier (1906-1930)

Bishop Cardos (1902-1906)

Bishop Usse (1893-1902)

Bishop Simon (1888-1893)

Bishop Bourdon (1872-1887)

Statistics

Catholic Population

As of 2003, Mandalay diocese had 22,371 Catholics in 23 Parishes, representing 0.15 percent of the 15 million people in Mandalay, Sagaing and Magwe Division.

Diocesan and Religious Priests

Diocesan priests: 38

Religious priests: 13

Transitional: 2

Religious Brothers, Sisters

Religious Brothers: 8

Religious Sisters: 75

Lay Missionaries, Catechists

Catechists: 39 (salaried)

Seminaries, Houses of Formation

Major seminary:

St. Joseph's National Catholic Major Seminary (Philosophy Department)

No. of seminarians: 87

Address: (National Seminary) Institute of Philosophy, 22 Cherry Road, Pyin Oo Lwin.

Phone: [phone]

Rector: Father Martinus Myint Soe

Minor seminary:

St. Thomas' Intermediate Seminary

No. of seminarians: 60

Address: 35th and 69th Street, Mandalay,

Phone: [phone]

Rector: Father Philip Tin Htun

St. Aloysius' Minor Seminary

No. of seminarians: 108

Address: 75, Circular Road, Pyin Oo Lwin.

Phone: [phone]

Rector: Father Cyprian Aung Win Staff: Father Christopher

External links

* [http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmndl.html Catholic-hierachy.org]
* [http://www.ucanews.com/html/ucan/html/institute/html/dps-my_mandalay.html Union Of Catholic Asian News]
* [http://mdy.cym.googlepages.com Mandalay Catholic Youth Commission]