3192 Celebrating 111th National Marian Feast in Nyaunglebin, Myanmar
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Celebrating 111th National Marian Feast in Nyaunglebin, Myanmar

NYAUNGLEBIN (Myanmar): 11 February 2103 -- The 111th National Marian Feast commemorating Our Lady of Lourdes, opened with the Novena prayer and Mass on 1st February 2013, in Nyaunglebin town. It concluded on 9th February with the Night Mass led by the Archbishop of Yangon.

During the Novena, many pilgrims from the whole country came on day pilgrimages. Others stayed for days. Starting from 7 February, pilgrims increased in numbers. On 9 February, the last day of the feast, thousands of pilgrims filled the whole compound of the Marian centre.

Masses were offered throughout the whole day in different languages, and Confessors were available. In front of the Marian Grotto, a large number of pilgrims prayed the rosary. In the evening of 9th February, the whole compound was packed with pilgrims. Many pilgrims slept in their own cars parked outside the compound. Some hired rooms and houses. Practically the whole town of Nyaunglebin was filled with pilgrims.

The Marian procession, led by Archbishop Charles Bo, carrying the Blessed Sacrament, started at 5:30 p.m. and concluded with Benediction at 7:00 p.m. Pilgrims joined the procession saying prayers, Rosary and singing songs of praise to God and Mary. Priests, religious, lay faithful, numbering around 70,000 pilgrims joined the procession. The whole town payed respect to the pilgrims in the procession.

The highest point of the pilgrimage was the Mass at 10:30 p.m. The Archbishop of Yangon and Bishop of Hpa-an presided and 76 priests concelebrated.

The Prelate preached on the theme "Trust" drawing lesson from the trust of Blessed Virgin Mary. Mainly he emphasized God's trust in man, and man in God; the trust of parents and children; the trust of teachers and pupils; the trust of government leaders and citizens.

He asked, “Why do we trust another person?” He gave the answer, “because of fidelity, keeping one's promise and reliability.” He said, “God is our Father “Abba” whom we can always trust, because he is faithful and keeps his promises. Mary is our example for trust in God.” He expounded the life of Blessed Virgin Mary in brief emphasizing her trust in God amidst the mystery of suffering, to the point of her son's death on the Cross.

The Prelate encouraged the pilgrims to have trust in God who is our Abba and who loves us, and to pray with trust, and not to be discouraged when things do not happen according to our will at our own time. He said, “Wait for God’s own time. He knows the best for us.” He also exhorted the pilgrims, to be generous with God who in turn will be generous with us, even abundantly. Especially he encouraged them to be generous and courageous in renouncing bad habits and sins.

While reflecting on the trust of the government and citizens, he recalled the history of Myanmar since 1962. He said, “The people of our country lived in darkness with fear for 50 years. We were kept silent and our eyes were closed.” He continued, “Now the situation is changing. We are at the dawn of the day, starting to see the light that gives us brighter hope.”

He also emphasized the current conflicts in the country between the government army and KIA. He said, “There was not a year without war and fighting in the country since the time of Independence in 1948. We need to learn that war will not solve the problem, but will increase hatred, killing one another and destruction.” He continued, “From our own history, we have learned enough that the dictatorship will not help the country and the people. We need to discuss, negotiate and find out ways and means for peaceful solution. What is the benefit of fighting between Army and KIA?” He answered, “Only dead bodies, refugees, lack of food and safety, lack of education and the increased suffering of children and women.” He pleaded all not to solve the problem with arms and fighting, but to sit down at one table, to talk, listen, give time and build trust.” “Those who have more power and authority have greater responsibility”, he said. “It has been over 60 years of fighting and killing. We had better stop all fighting; we are all tired.”

Finally, the Prelate asked each pilgrim, to start by changing oneself. “It is necessary to change oneself, if we want to change our society, our country and our world.”

The National Marian Shrine in Nyaunglebin town is recognized and approved by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar as the Marian Center for the whole country. There are also many Marian Shrines in other Dioceses of Myanmar. This Nyaunglebin Marian Shrine is the best known and most visited centre not only during the time of the feast, but also throughout the whole year.