ASIA/MYANMAR - Apostolic Delegate visits diocese of Kengtung, which has just held diocesan synod

Kengtung (Fides Service) - The Catholics of the diocese of Kengtung, east Myanmar recently had the joy of a visit by the Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio. The Delegate was warmly welcomed to the Cathedral compound by Bishop Peter Ca Ku of Kengtung, numerous priests and religious and about 5,000 people. The visit coincided with the end of the diocesan Synod and in the presence of a large congregation the Archbishop presided the closing Mass during which he prayed that the Synod would bear rich fruits of conversion and evangelisation.
The Delegate told the community he brought with him the special Blessing of Pope Benedict XVI upon the work of the synod and upon the whole community of 54,000 Catholics, 27 priests and 96 men and women religious and the whole population of the diocese about 870,000 people mainly Buddhists.
Archbishop Pennacchio also visited Kengtung diocesan seminaries and encouraged the young men studying for the priesthood to follow Jesus on the path of life. He also concelebrated at a Jubilee Mass on the occasion 25th anniversary to the priesthood of Bishop Peter Ca Ku.
Kengtung was first evangelised by Italian PIME missionaries. In April 1927 Kengtung was made an Apostolic Prefecture, in 1950 it became Apostolic Vicariate, in 1955 it was raised to the rank of diocese and entrusted to Bishop Fernando Guercilena PIME
Catholics like the rest of the people are poor and life is not easy, but, sustained by the continual concern of the Holy See's Apostolic Delegation, they are strong in their faith and anxious to share with others the Good News of Jesus Christ. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/5/2007 righe 25 parole 258)