Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yangoon (Agenzia Fides) - The Church in Myanmar is steadily growing in the faith and in charity. Evidence of this is being seen in the Diocese of Myitkina, in northern Myanmar, that has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Columba. As a statement sent to Agenzia Fides explains, a Mass was celebrated by the Apostolic Delegate in Myanmar, Bishop Salvador Pennacchio, concelebrated by Bishop Francis Daw Ang, Bishop of Myitkina, Archbishop Paul Grawng, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, and other Bishops of the country. Many priests and religious attended the celebration, along with nearly 5,000 lay faithful.
It was an event that gave great hope to the Diocese, that gave thanks to the Lord in recalling the past half-century of pastoral life in which the Church has been able to carry out activities and live in faith, hope, and charity.
In this part of the country, the seed of the Christian message was brought by priests of the Society for Foreign Missions in Paris (MEP) and the Missionaries of Saint Columba in the 19th century. The construction of the Cathedral, which began 50 years ago, is a visible sign that the Gospel message has penetrated into the society, has converted hearts, and has brought life, peace, brotherhood, and reconciliation to this portion of the Birman people.
In his homily, the Apostolic Delegate recalled the diocese’s history of evangelization, showing his gratitude towards the missionaries that have brought the Good News and to all the priests, religious, laity, and families that have lived in this Christian faith tradition and have transmitted it from generation to generation. Bishop Pennacchio asked those present to continue on this path of love and living in charity and in the mercy of God.
Following the Mass, the people organized festivals, dances, and theatrical performances in celebration of the event and the Apostolic Delegate inaugurated the new Pastoral Center for the diocese, located near the Cathedral. The place will be used for pastoral activities of catechesis with the youth, children, and adults, as well as for formation courses, prayer, and service projects.
The Diocese of Myitkina has 76,820 faithful, 36 priests, 92 religious, and 484 catechists that carry out activities in 18 parishes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/4/2008; righe 31, parole 377)
