Rangoon (Fides Service) – It is the radio which carries the “Good News” to Burmese Christians in remote mountainous regions of Myanmar. For some years now Radio Veritas Asia in Manila has broadcast in Burmese, Karen, Kachin and Zomi-chin languages spoken by the many different ethnic groups in Myanmar.
To show their gratitude the Catholic Bishops of Myanmar have decided that special collections on World Communication Day will go to Radio Veritas in recognition of the tireless activity of its operators who evangelise on the air and help to keep the flame of the faith burning brightly in areas which priests and catechists are able to visit only once or twice a year.
In a recent assembly the Bishops of Myanmar voiced appreciation for Radio Veritas Myanmar section mainly funded by offerings from Burmese priests and laity in Manila. The programmes, started in 1978 and increased in quantity and quality for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, have brought excellent results, said Archbishop Charles Bo, Archbishop Rangoon.
Myanmar is governed by a military junta which grants limited religious freedom. The majority of the people, 51 million, are Buddhists. Myanmar’s 600,000 Catholics are free to believe and practice their faith. They evangelise mainly through witness of Christian life style and are highly appreciated for their homes for orphans, disabled, terminally ill patients, lepers open to all, believers and non. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/1/2004 lines 28 words 277)