Cardinal Bo appeals to make 2017 the Year of Peace

By Card. Charles Bo, SDB
Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar

EAO, 29 December 2016 -- During this Christmas season before the New Year 2017 our hearts are deeply touched by numerous war and violence (37 armed conflict zones) around the world, in the Middle East, many African countries as well in Asia. Also the Rector Major, Fr Ángel invited us in his 2016 Christmas message to pray in very concrete way for peace! In our EAO region there is one country that witnessed during last 60 years the impact of never ending domestic war. It’s probably the longest civil war in the world. Not less than 75 different armed groups already signed a peace-treaty but the violent clashes are never ending. Let’s take the heartbreaking invitation of our fellow Salesian Card. Charles Bo to our New Year Day celebrations, prayers and Eucharist!

Brothers and Sisters of Myanmar

“Happy New Year!”

Every year we greet one another with this message.

Sincerely there is no happiness in many parts of this country. War goes on in many parts. For more than 200,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the camps, there NO happy new year.

The war that started sixty years is rages on. Cambodia solved its conflicts, Vietnam solved its wars. All of them are in the path towards peace with prosperity. We are involved in an unwinnable war. Agony and displacement of all people is the only result.

The silent majority of Myanmar was just a spectator to the chronic war in Myanmar. Let us come together for peace. It is time for us to come together – all religions, all ethnic groups – for making 2017 really Happy New Year.

Peace with Justice is possible. Peace through negotiation is possible. Armed response has failed.

So we urge all religions to observe January 1st 2017, as a day of Fasting and Prayer for peace.

Let all of us flock our monasteries, churches, temples and mosques carrying placards and flags depicting the words STOP ALL WARS!

Let us spend the day in prayer for peace and a day long fast to change the hearts of all people.

End all wars! Make 2017 the year of Peace!

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