Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Karuna Mission Social Solidarity Myanmar
Yangon (Fides News Agency) - Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS), internationally known as Caritas Myanmar, celebrated its 25th anniversary, reaffirming its mission of charity and closeness to the poor and suffering.
The Catholic aid organization, which supports over one million people annually through its extensive network, operates today in a dramatic context marked by the civil war following the 2021 military coup and the devastating effects of two powerful earthquakes in Myanmar in March 2025.
The anniversary celebrations, held in Yangon over the past few days, brought together religious leaders, Caritas staff, clergy, members of religious orders, donors, volunteers, and international partners, and were characterized by one word: gratitude. All those present expressed their appreciation for the work of Karuna, which reaffirmed its commitment to supporting needy communities throughout Myanmar.
Among the guests at the jubilee celebration, Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, emphasized: “What we do is very important, but how we do it is even more so. We are an expression of Christ’s love and witnesses to it.” He encouraged Caritas Myanmar to continue bringing “love and the Good News of the Gospel” to people across the country.
The Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, expressed gratitude for Caritas Myanmar’s 25 years of service during a Mass in Yangon. He described the organization’s work as “love made visible.” He recalled Caritas’s invaluable commitment in times of peace and especially in times of crisis, when they are marked by conflict, displacement, poverty, and social hardship.
The Cardinal thanked “the countless staff members, volunteers, priests, and religious who have silently continued their mission despite pressure and difficulties.” “For love drives us,” he said. In light of the current challenges facing Myanmar—the country is in the midst of a “polycrisis”—Cardinal Bo emphasized that Caritas continues to be a “life-saving hand” amidst conflict, economic hardship, and widespread suffering. “Despite the difficulties, we continue to love,” he said, calling for “new hope and peace for Myanmar.”
Monsignor Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d'Affaires of the Holy See in Myanmar, conveyed the greetings and prayers of Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the Jubilee. “This 25th anniversary is a milestone through which we thank the Lord for the progress we have made and renew our commitment,” he declared, praising Caritas Myanmar for its assistance in humanitarian emergencies, including Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and the 2025 earthquake, and encouraging the organization to continue its relief efforts despite the crises. Over the past 25 years, Karuna has supported communities throughout the country through humanitarian aid, educational initiatives, emergency relief, and social development programs. The organization has 16 diocesan offices. To respond to the crises triggered by the conflict and the 2025 earthquake, it operates in over 5,200 villages and refugee camps. The primary beneficiaries of Karuna's programs are those most vulnerable and affected by the fighting: internally displaced persons, rural and isolated communities, and families who have lost their land and livelihoods due to conflict or natural disasters. The focus is on women and children who are at increased risk of exploitation and malnutrition in unstable contexts. There is also a special treatment and inclusion program for HIV/AIDS patients – a disease that has one of the highest incidence rates in Southeast Asia in Myanmar. (PA) (Fides News Agency, 4/6/2026)
