Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - "In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, and He gave us the ministry of reconciliation. God was in Christ and through Him embraced the whole world": With this awareness, the Archbishop of Yangon, His Exc. Mgr. Charles Maung Bo, in his Easter message, sent to Fides Agency, invites Christians and all men of good will in Myanmar to be promoters of reconciliation".
The people of Myanmar were "for 50 long years, a crucified nation", nailed "to a cross of suffering, injustice and oppression".
In the message sent to Fides, Archbishop Bo mentions the points that offer hope, as the new democratic season, the new freedom of opinion and expression, the new openness to civil society, calling them "signs of the resurrection". "We hope and pray that it is not an illusory dawn". He points out that even today there are "nails" that can throw darkness on the new Myanmar hopes: "land grabbing"; religious hatred fomented by fascist groups; economic neo-liberalism; the continuing conflicts in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities and refugees.
The key message of the Resurrection - the prelate continues - is Reconciliation". This year, the Christian Holy Week occurs in conjunction with the Buddhist Thingyan festival - the Water Festival, a time of reconciliation, brotherhood and celebrations throughout the country. The Archbishop of Yangon also hopes that every believer can experience "reconciliation" within families, between the different communities of the country - still marked by conflict and suffering, and a reconciliation with creation itself, in a nation "blessed with vast natural resources". "Christ reminds us of our great responsibility to forgive especially those who have sinned against us", says the message, "there can be no reconciliation without genuine forgiveness".
Finally, in the text sent to Fides, Archbishop Bo becomes ambassador and supporter of a new campaign called "Words like flowers", launched on social media by the Burmese blogger Nay Phone Latt, as opposed to "hate speech" disseminated by groups promoting religious extremism. "The destiny of our great nation - he concludes - is unity in diversity, which ensures a future of peace and prosperity" (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/04/2014)
