Archdiocese of Yangon
Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - "Love your neighbor, love first, love your enemies." These are the words of the Gospel, these are the words of Christ, and these are the words that every Christian is called to live in the context of Myanmar, marked by suffering, violence, pain, conflict, the struggle for survival, and displacement. These are words that fill the minds and hearts of Burmese Catholics, who experienced Pentecost as a moment of profound spiritual renewal in their "here and now." How can the Spirit of God be received and lived in Myanmar today, asked the members of the ecclesial movements and associations who gathered in St. Mary's Cathedral in Yangon to celebrate the "Jubilee of Ecclesiastical Movements" on the occasion of Pentecost.
On June 7 and 8, numerous families and many young people participated in the Jubilee celebration, which brought together members of various local and international ecclesial associations and movements from all parts of the country. Despite many difficulties, the faithful set out, moved by the joy of experiencing a shared encounter with Christ, who gives the strength to resist evil and the suffering caused by violence. Among them were many lay believers belonging to the Congregation of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Focolare Movement, the Missionary Family of Christ, and the ecumenical Catholic association "Fondacio," among others. The faithful passed through the Holy Door and marked the celebration with song and prayer. Representatives chosen by the individual movements presented their movements and missions and shared their experiences and activities, such as helping the poor, visiting the sick, praying in community, and caring for the displaced. In the current difficult context, the faithful found themselves as a people of believers who, animated by the Holy Spirit, who inspires the various charisms of life, are the evangelical "salt, light, and leaven" in every situation and in every corner of the country, even amidst hardship and violence. The presence of movements and organized associations of believers proves to be a gift from God, especially for the journey of faith and for the daily lives of families and young people suffering from the widespread insecurity caused by the war and the recent earthquake. Among the testimonies, Ms. Winny of the Focolare Movement reminded those present that "love for one’s neighbor begins at home" and that, in all difficulties that surpass human comprehension, one must keep one's gaze fixed on Christ the Lord, who hangs on the Cross.
In the Cathedral, the faithful were able to adore the Blessed Sacrament and experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Eucharistic celebration followed, presided over by Bishop Francis Than Tun, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Yangon. Raymond Wai Lin Tun, also Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon, emphasized in his homily that the ecclesial movements "live the Gospel in communion with a spirit of personal spiritual renewal and the proclamation of the Gospel" through experiences of catechesis, community life, solidarity, and service to others. They play an important role for the Church in Myanmar because they are "living witnesses of Christ," the bishop said, emphasizing the importance of "being one with the Church." Among those present, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d'Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Myanmar, conveyed greetings and blessings from Pope Leo XIV and asked for prayers for him and his ministry. He then invited everyone to remember Pope Francis in prayer, who prayed so much for Myanmar. "The gift of the Spirit gives life; the Holy Spirit brings us new life, love, peace, and freedom," he said, inviting gestures of solidarity with the faithful who were unable to attend due to insecurity and the earthquake. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 11/6/2025)