Myanmar cardinal thanks CBCP for gesture of solidarity

MANILA – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM) has thanked Filipino clergy members for praying for their people and their country which is currently in a state of political unrest.

In a letter to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) dated July 18 and made public Wednesday, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, CBCM chairperson, said they appreciated the efforts of Filipino bishops and priests.

“Your fellowship at these very challenging times in our history is a moving gesture. With grateful sentiments, we, the Myanmar Catholics, deeply appreciate the communion of the Church In the Philippines through its prayer day on 19th July, designated as Martyr’s day in Myanmar in memory of the sacrifice made by our founding fathers. You have chosen to mark it as a Day of Solidarity with Myanmar,” he said.

Cardinal Bo said they are deeply touched by the CBCP’s initiative to hold a nationwide prayer and observe a day of solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

“These noble gestures continue to heal our people,” he added.

The letter was addressed to CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles and Fr. Carlo Rosario, assistant secretary general.

“We owe a great debt to the Philippine Church and the people for welcoming our men and women when they come for their training. Your accompaniment has empowered the Church here,” he said.

The cardinal added that their people are suffering and they face threefold existential threats to their dignity — coup, Covid-19, and a collapse of the economy.

“The tragic Way of the Cross our people tread for the last five months has been an excruciating period of anguish. Hundreds died in the conflict, Covid waves carried away unknown numbers, to be burled unsung and unwept in their last moments,” the CBCM official said.

“In these sorrowful moments, our sister Churches like yours stand by us, with Intense prayer, campaign for peace and reconciliation and consistent support to our people,” he added.

On July 19, bishops and diocesan administrators celebrated with Myanmar in commemorating its “Martyr Day” where parishes tolled church bells and prayed the Prayer of Solidarity with Myanmar in all masses.

Myanmar has been in political unrest since February 1 after the military seized power in a coup from the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Over 800 people have so far been killed in the military’s crackdown against anti-coup protesters.