Francis’ message to the Burmese bishops: “May you enable the Catholic community to continue to play a constructive part in the life of society by making your voices heard on issues of national interest, particularly by insisting on respect for the dignity and rights of all”
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“The Church in Myanmar witnesses daily to the Gospel through its works of education and charity, its defence of human rights, its support for democratic rule. May you enable the Catholic community to continue to play a constructive part in the life of society by making your voices heard on issues of national interest, particularly by insisting on respect for the dignity and rights of all, especially the poorest and the most vulnerable”. It is the message that Francis addresses to the 22 Burmese bishops, received in the Archbishopric of Yangon, the Pope’s residence these days in Myanmar.
This is the last public appointment of the day, before the informal meeting that Francis will have with the Jesuit community. In his speech, the Pope groups his thoughts “around three words: healing, accompaniment and prophecy ”. First, healing. The Gospel we preach is above all a message of healing, reconciliation and peace. Here in Myanmar, that message has a particular resonance, as this
country works to overcome deeply-rooted divisions and to build national unity. For you, whose flocks bear the scars of this conflict and have borne valiant witness to their faith and their ancient traditions, the preaching of the Gospel must not only be a source of consolation and strength, but also a summons to foster unity, charity and healing in the life of this nation.”
Bergoglio then recalled that the Catholic community in Myanmar “can be proud of its prophetic witness to love of God and neighbor, as expressed in its outreach to the poor, the disenfranchised, and above all in these days, to the many displaced persons who lie wounded, as it were, by the roadside.” The Pope then asks that his thanks be offered “to all who, like the Good Samaritan, work so generously to bring the balm of healing to these, their neighbors in need, without regard for religion or ethnicity.”
The second word is accompaniment . Francis explains that “A good shepherd is constantly present to his flock” and asks the Burmese bishops a “special effort to accompany the young”, and to “be concerned for their formation in the sound moral principles that will guide them in confronting the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
The third word is prophecy. “The Church in Myanmar witnesses daily to the Gospel through its works of education and charity, its defense of human rights, its support for democratic rule. May you enable the Catholic community to continue to play a constructive part in the life of society - the Pontiff concluded - by making your voices heard on issues of national interest, particularly by insisting on respect for the dignity and rights of all, especially the poorest and the most vulnerable.” An invitation not to withdraw, despite being a minority. An invitation not to keep quiet in the face of human rights violations.
