Record crowds at Myanmar Marian Festival:
Archbishop's clear call to allow the Church to
pursue education
NYAUNGLEBIN (Myanmar): 11
February 2014 -- Historic
crowds thronged the national shrine of Nyaunglebin shrine this
year. A colorful crowd of 100,000 Christians and
non-Christians
alike from all communities expressed their universal love for
the
Mother of Myanmar.
With the reformed government allowing greater access, the
faithful
could travel from all the parts of the country. There
were
Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists proclaiming the peace-making
attraction
of our Lady in a country which has recently experienced
inter-religious
attacks. Even from the war-torn Kachin area there were nearly
1,000
pilgrims. They came in search of peace.
The celebration was attended by nearly 200 priests, two
archbishops and
over 300 religious. The huge crowds attended midnight
mass and
the preaching by Archbishop Charles Bo and listened
attentively to his
clarion call for justice, peace and human development.
Year after year, this shrine is proving to be a great
attraction to the
people of Myanmar. Our Lady’s capacity for attracting and
consoling
people from all walks of life, from every creed was once again
affirmed
with the sea of humanity that sought the feet of our
Mother. They
went back spiritually energized by the mutual show of faith
and
fellowship in the national shrine.
Archbishop Bo's words rang out clearly: "This
is a night of hope. A sea of humanity is gathered at the
feet of Our
Lady today. We gather today at midnight. This night is
pregnant
with hope. This is a night of hope in which we Catholics and
other
Christian brothers and sisters from different parts of the
country are
gathered here for the celebration of the feast of our Lady
of Lourdes."
But one message in particular, perhaps the real solution to
the
internecine strife that has troubled this emerging democracy,
is worth
special note: education:
"We served the nation
faithfully
through education. Up until the 1965 nationalization the
Catholic
schools were well-known and well liked because they gave
birth to good
professors, politicians, doctors, educated people and
ministers
including Minister U Aung Min and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
(NLD). The
Church and State used to work together for the welfare of
the nation.
But a myopic view set in from 1964 onwards. After 1965,
people’s
education and morality went to dust and the Church in
Myanmar was
overtly and covertly persecuted. This is an historical
opportunity for all of us to reconcile, rebuild our nation.
Church is
known for its commitment to education and health and human
development.
Church serves all. As we stand at the feet of Our Lady of
Peace, Church
pleads for genuine peace based on justice."
