Pope
Francis celebrated the nation’s first-ever papal Mass yesterday morning when he
conducted an open-air service for an estimated 200,000 people in Kyaikkasan
Sports Grounds in Yangon.
He
called on the crowd to “anoint every hurt and every painful memory” and promote
“the reconciliation and peace that God wants to reign in every human heart and
in every community.”
The
mass was attended by the Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr. Myint Htwe,
Yangon Region ministers, dignitaries from the ruling National League for
Democracy, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon, bishops from
neighbouring countries and thousands of Catholic worshippers.
In
his sermon, the pontiff urged the people of Myanmar to resist retaliation and
reprisals.
“I
know that many in Myanmar bear the wounds of violence, wounds both visible and
invisible,” he told the crowd in Italian that was translated into Burmese. He
said the temptation is to exact revenge, but urged a response of “forgiveness
and compassion.”
The
Pope said he was impressed with the work being done by the Church for all of
Myanmar, efforts that will help the country lift itself both spiritually and
economically.
“I
know that the Church in Myanmar is already doing much to bring the healing balm
of God’s mercy to others, especially those most in need. There are clear signs
that even with very limited means, many communities are proclaiming the Gospel
to other tribal minorities, never forcing or coercing but always inviting and
welcoming.
Amid
much poverty and difficulty, many of you offer practical assistance and solidarity
to the poor and suffering”, the Pope said. As the Pope entered Kyaikkasan
Sports Ground in Yangon yesterday morning, crowds of Myanmar worshippers waved
Vatican and Burmese flags while Francis passed them in the Popemobile, as he
made his way to the temporary altar to offer Mass. Catholics represent a tiny
fraction of the population in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, with a major portion
of Catholics among the Kachin and Shan ethnics in the far northeastern part of
the country.
“Many
of you have come from far and remote mountainous areas, some even on foot,” he
said to the crowd. “I have come as a fellow pilgrim to listen and to learn from
you, as well as to offer you some words of hope and consolation.” Later in the
day, the pontiff met with Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa, the Chairman of State of
the Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. He met with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi on Tuesday. The Pope will leave Myanmar today to travel to Bangladesh,
where he will spend several days before returning to the Vatican.
Myanmar
News Agency
Ref;
The Global New Light of Myanmar
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