austraLasia #3368
With the reformed government allowing greater access, the faithful could travel from all the parts of the country. There were Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists proclaiming the peace-making attraction of our Lady in a country which has recently experienced inter-religious attacks. Even from the war-torn Kachin area there were nearly 1,000 pilgrims. They came in search of peace.
The celebration was attended by nearly 200 priests, two archbishops and over 300 religious. The huge crowds attended midnight mass and the preaching by Archbishop Charles Bo and listened attentively to his clarion call for justice, peace and human development.
Year after year, this shrine is proving to be a great attraction to the people of Myanmar. Our Lady’s capacity for attracting and consoling people from all walks of life, from every creed was once again affirmed with the sea of humanity that sought the feet of our Mother. They went back spiritually energized by the mutual show of faith and fellowship in the national shrine.
Archbishop Bo's words rang out clearly: "This is a night of hope. A sea of humanity is gathered at the feet of Our Lady today. We gather today at midnight. This night is pregnant with hope. This is a night of hope in which we Catholics and other Christian brothers and sisters from different parts of the country are gathered here for the celebration of the feast of our Lady of Lourdes." But one message in particular, perhaps the real solution to the internecine strife that has troubled this emerging democracy, is worth special note: education:
"We served the nation faithfully through education. Up until the 1965 nationalization the Catholic schools were well-known and well liked because they gave birth to good professors, politicians, doctors, educated people and ministers including Minister U Aung Min and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (NLD). The Church and State used to work together for the welfare of the nation. But a myopic view set in from 1964 onwards. After 1965, people’s education and morality went to dust and the Church in Myanmar was overtly and covertly persecuted. This is an historical opportunity for all of us to reconcile, rebuild our nation. Church is known for its commitment to education and health and human development. Church serves all. As we stand at the feet of Our Lady of Peace, Church pleads for genuine peace based on justice."
NYAUNGLEBIN (Myanmar): 11 February 2014 -- Historic crowds thronged the national shrine of Nyaunglebin shrine this year. A colorful crowd of 100,000 Christians and non-Christians alike from all communities expressed their universal love for the Mother of Myanmar.
With the reformed government allowing greater access, the faithful could travel from all the parts of the country. There were Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists proclaiming the peace-making attraction of our Lady in a country which has recently experienced inter-religious attacks. Even from the war-torn Kachin area there were nearly 1,000 pilgrims. They came in search of peace.
The celebration was attended by nearly 200 priests, two archbishops and over 300 religious. The huge crowds attended midnight mass and the preaching by Archbishop Charles Bo and listened attentively to his clarion call for justice, peace and human development.
Year after year, this shrine is proving to be a great attraction to the people of Myanmar. Our Lady’s capacity for attracting and consoling people from all walks of life, from every creed was once again affirmed with the sea of humanity that sought the feet of our Mother. They went back spiritually energized by the mutual show of faith and fellowship in the national shrine.
Archbishop Bo's words rang out clearly: "This is a night of hope. A sea of humanity is gathered at the feet of Our Lady today. We gather today at midnight. This night is pregnant with hope. This is a night of hope in which we Catholics and other Christian brothers and sisters from different parts of the country are gathered here for the celebration of the feast of our Lady of Lourdes." But one message in particular, perhaps the real solution to the internecine strife that has troubled this emerging democracy, is worth special note: education:
"We served the nation faithfully through education. Up until the 1965 nationalization the Catholic schools were well-known and well liked because they gave birth to good professors, politicians, doctors, educated people and ministers including Minister U Aung Min and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (NLD). The Church and State used to work together for the welfare of the nation. But a myopic view set in from 1964 onwards. After 1965, people’s education and morality went to dust and the Church in Myanmar was overtly and covertly persecuted. This is an historical opportunity for all of us to reconcile, rebuild our nation. Church is known for its commitment to education and health and human development. Church serves all. As we stand at the feet of Our Lady of Peace, Church pleads for genuine peace based on justice."
