Myanmar 14 February 2021 -- After 1 February, the daily Eucharistic adoration in one Salesian community in front of the Blessed Sacrament broadcast LIVE we witness this cry of the heart: "Oh Lord, my God, let this country's life return to democracy! or 'Lord Jesus, have mercy on us, sinners'.. And we may also get from one sister social media pages their community rosary prayers with candles and songs, while hundreds of other clergy and religious are walking in the streets of many cities and townships in peaceful but loud protests calling for peace and justice.
As the top United Nations human rights body adopted a resolution 12 February, calling on Myanmar’s military to release the nation’s elected leaders and other officials and refrain from using violence on protesters, also the Holy See expressed its closeness with the people and urged for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Through the daily news - from the Vatican news, the BBC, Al Jazeera or few of other mainstream media in the EAO region we can follow the unfolding story after the military coup in Myanmar: the big picture of large protest all around the country led mostly by the younger generations, starting violent dealing of the military and the police, position of the Catholic community in the streets and also the strongly growing 'CDM' - Civil Disobedience Movement. But after two weeks this situation makes less news.
Also through the vibrant SNS (dozens of local TV, Catholic institutions or personal FB pages - the most wide spread means of communication in the country) we can gain an insight into how our fellow Salesian family members in Myanmar feel: we get to know of the sacrifices of many who participate in the CDM peaceful protests, since they left their workplace or even government housing; we get to know of leaders who simply disappear and the lawful leaders of this nation still silent behind bars. The young people who are in the frontlines deserve our special prayer attention - this generation didn't experience the fearful atmosphere of junta rule in the past.
It's heart-warming to know that our confreres dedicate daily time to Eucharistic adoration and Rosary prayer for their country. We are proud that even in this turbulent social-political situation our fellow Salesians are eager to find creative ways how to reach out to the poor and troubled people.
Many around the East Asia - Oceania region may ask: how can we now express our closeness to the people of Myanmar in a more effective way? We start from our daily concrete prayers for the 54 millions of people living in this beautiful country, we may still send our greetings and encouragement through the internet.
Yes, we are one family!
Especially in difficult times we stay close to our sisters and brothers of Myanmar!
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- AustraLasia 5563 (I) Prayers for Myanmar are requested
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