ASIA/MYANMAR - Archdiocese of Yangon reflects on Pope Benedict XVI’s message for World Peace Day and declares 2007 “Year for Children”

Tuesday, 16 January 2007

Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - The celebration of World Peace Day, January 1st will continue through the year 2007 for the Archdiocese of Yangon in Myanmar with special in-depth reflection on Pope Benedict XVI Message for the recurrence: “The human person, the heart of peace” and with a diocesan decision to dedicate the year as the ‘Year for Children’.
This special year was inaugurated with Mass in Yangon Catholic cathedral presided by Archbishop Charles Maung Bo. The year will focus on promoting respect and protection of children who are abandoned, abused, forced to fight wars or to work, deprived of their basic rights.
The year will focus on the Holy Father’s reflections in his message including the transcendent origin of human rights. “Peace is both a gift and a task to which all are called so the tree of peace may grow ” the Archbishop told those present urging the diocesan community to face the new year with optimism and hope, without fear or anxiety because, he said, “we are blessed, we are chosen and destined for the eternal banquet in heaven”.
Besides local Catholics, many non Christian men and women of good will who took part in the Catholic celebrations for the Day said they intend to participate in future reflections on the Pope’s Message to offer their own small contribution towards building a nation and a world of peace and brotherhood. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/1/2007 righe 25 parole 251)


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