Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The Church in Myanmar is growing, in spite of the difficulties. 30 years ago, there were 390,000 Catholics (1978); now there are 650,000 distributed across the 14 dioceses. There is an increase in baptisms and vocations and our future is hopeful.” This is what Archbishop Charles Maung Bo of Yangon told Agenzia Fides in an interview held during a seminar taking place in Rome, organized by Caritas Internationalis. Agenzia Fides asked him several questions on the local Church.
How is the life and mission of the Church in Myanmar?
The Church is active and constantly “giving birth” to new children. The mission is going well in the largest dioceses of Yangon and Mandalay, while in the others it is more difficult, considering the lay of the land. In the past, we had many missionaries who contributed to the spread of the Gospel in Myanmar. Today, the evangelization effort is mainly led, especially in the tribal areas, by the catechists and laity. In addition to the spiritual aspect, we carry out social services, education, and aid for the poor...and many people are asking to be baptized. And the fruits are evident: just 30 years ago, the Catholics of Myanmar numbered 390,000 (1978); now there are 650,000 distributed across the 14 dioceses.
How are relations with the government?
The government respects us: we enjoy freedom of worship and mission. We can carry out pastoral and social activities, however we do have some difficulty with the construction of new churches and missionaries being allowed to enter the country. We respect the authorities and we try to maintain good relations on a local and national level. Sometimes the authorities are afraid that our frequent contact with the Universal Church, outside the country, could lead to an open opposition of the Church against the government. However, in accord with the Social Doctrine of the Church, we do not enter directly into political matters. We try to do all we can to live with this situation and look after the People of God. The Church has always shown herself to be on the people's side, placing her resources at their service, bringing them consolation, aid, and assistance. We are asking the faithful to pray for the nation and we always try to dialogue with civil authorities.
How is the situation as far as vocations are concerned?
Vocations to the priesthood and religious life are on the rise, enough to meet the needs of the Church in Myanmar and elsewhere, in the missions. The interdiocesan seminary in Yangon, the only one for all the dioceses of the country, currently has 300 seminarians. Every year there are about 4-5 ordinations in each diocese. We are hopeful for the future of the Church.
Could you tell us about the commitment of the laity?
The laity are more and more involved in the pastoral work of the Church, in the government, in the organization of communities, in catechesis, and in the evangelization of the most remote villages. We are very happy with the growth and maturing process of the laity in Myanmar, considering there ever greater involvement in social activities.
How are you living this Year of Saint Paul?
For us, the Year of Saint Paul is an opportunity for strengthening our communion with the Universal Church. We held a solemn inauguration of the Year and we are supporting the faithful with readings and meditation of the texts of the Apostle. This is the most important focus. In the Archdiocese of Yangon we are living 2009 as “the Year of the Word of God” and in this sense, Saint Paul will be our model. It is also an opportunity for mission work, especially through the Congregation of the “Brothers and Sisters of Saint Paul,” an institute of Diocesan Right, who have carried out several evangelization initiatives in the Yangon area.
How do you celebrate Christmas?
We celebrate the Mass in all the dioceses and parishes. Christmas is for us an occasion to give our people a clearer message, to approach new people, to live a time of harmony with members of other religions who visit us. My message this year will focus on love for the poorest of the poor: Christ became poor and we can find Him in the poor. Furthermore, Christ is the Word of God, the Word Made Flesh. Thus, I will be reminding the faithful that today the Word of God is our life and source for the mission.
How are ecumenical and interreligious relations?
We have very good relations with the other Christian denominations, especially the Baptists, with whom we hold prayer and formation encounters.
With the Buddhists (the majority of the population) and Muslims, there is a mutual respect and esteem. We cooperate on social projects, as was the case in the humanitarian aid effort following Cyclon Nargis last May. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/12/2008)
