ASIA/MYANMAR - Cardinal Bo: "A year of mercy for Myanmar"

Tuesday, 24 November 2015 year of mercy   evangelization   democracy  

Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - "Despite the good news on the elections, Myanmar needs mercy and compassion. As I write this pastoral letter, more than one hundred poor people were buried alive in the landslides of the mine Jade. After five decades of war, poverty and migration, our country needs mercy towards those who suffered and towards those who caused that suffering. Christians can contribute to healing this nation through mercy": says Cardinal Chermes Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon during the presentation of a pastoral Letter.
In the text of the letter, sent to Agenzia Fides, Cardinal Bo recalls the theme proposed by the Pope "Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful" (Lk 6:36) and explains that the theme of mercy will be declined in Myanmar at a personal and communal level. On a personal level, enjoying God's forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation and practicing forgiveness towards others "We need to cleanse ourselves from sin to judge others. We need to develop an attitude of understanding", he notes, appreciating the Buddhist tradition of "mercy and compassion" ("mitta and karuna").
At an ecclesial level "Burmese churches can become islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference", hopes the Archbishop, noting that "in a country of enormous wealth, millions are poor, millions are displaced, millions are outside the country". Now that Myanmar is "on the threshold of hope - he continues - we seek mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation also with the most evil men who perpetrated these crimes", urges Cardinal Bo, inviting to practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy in Burmese society, especially towards the victims of wars, disruption and violence. "While Myanmar is looking for justice, peace and human development after the elections, we Christians are called to renew our spiritual life through mercy and to contribute to building the nation, becoming messengers of peace for a people who have suffered so much" the text concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/11/2015)


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