Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - Yesterday 7 October Catholics all over India marked a national day of prayer for peace and reconciliation in Myanmar, during which they expressed solidarity with the Burmese people. The day, organised by the Justice and Peace Commission of the archdiocese of Delhi, included also a peaceful procession through the streets of the capital. Catholic priests, sisters and lay people were joined by Buddhists and members of other religions to walk with lighted candles and pray for the people of Myanmar suffering violence and repression.
The participants prayed for freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and expressed solidarity with Burmese Buddhist monks who faced the fury of the Myanmar military junta demanding peace and respect for human dignity. The participants called on the government of India to stop trade with Myanmar, especially arms, petroleum and gas, and to sever economic ties with Rangoon.
Also in the Philippines, Catholic individuals and group were joined by civil associations in a peaceful march through the streets of Manila calling for an end to repression in Myanmar. Philippines civil society and politics made another request: to expel the government of Myanmar from ASEAN, Association of South East Asian Nations, which is building an economic and political community on the model of the European Union. The participants also expressed full solidarity with Burmese opposition leader Ms Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Bishops urged all Catholics in the Philippines to pray and offer Masses that the violence may cease and a peaceful solution to the crisis in Myanmar be reached. The people of the Philippines lived a similar experience in the years of dictatorship and martial law: and this is why they are especially close to the Burmese people at the difficult time. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/10/2007 righe 26 parole 264)
