Cardinal Bo at Synod Mass: Myanmar's Christians are "on an exodus"

The Myanmar Cardinal, Charles Maung Bo, addressed the "crisis" in Myanmar and the Asian environment while reassuring all attendees of God's companionship on their voyage ahead during the Synodality's Mass on October 23 at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Cardinal Bo described the Christians of Myanmar as being "on an exodus," but despite facing impossible challenges, they cling to their faith and keep their eyes on the cross.

"Homes have vanished, churches have suffered the brunt of cruelty, and the Way of the Cross is a painful reality in many parts of Asia," he said, as cited by Vatican News.

In spite of this, "like the faithful women who followed Jesus along the Way of the Cross, the Church in Myanmar and Asia," the Cardinal added with an abundance of faith, "invests in the hope of reconciliation."

The President of the Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) also emphasizes how deeply concerned the bishops of Asia are about the harm that climate-related disasters are causing to the environment.

Bo said that the significant population of indigenous Christian communities, particularly in the South China Sea, central India, Vietnam, and Myanmar, are "protectors of nature, but they have also suffered from modern ideologies, colonization, and resource exploitation."

In observance of FABC's 50th anniversary, the organization sought to draw the attention of the international community to the extensive deforestation that is occurring, threatening the vitality of the planet's forests as well as the violent treatment of indigenous populations.

However, the Cardinal is still grateful that the Church in Asia has remained vibrant and young despite being faced with numerous challenges throughout history. After all, Asia is the cradle of the world's major religions, and it is where Jesus was rooted and first taught about the gospel.

The Cardinal also speaks about hope, peace, and justice that he believes were produced at a month-long gathering of synods and synodality in Rome.

He said that the synodal journey is about healing and reconciling the world, and the only way to save humanity is to forge a world with optimism, harmony, and fairness.

He also mentioned, "Amidst this Synod, one of our grave concerns is the legacy we will leave for the next generation."

Myanmar's Cardinal is highly concerned that the environment that will be left to the next generation is jeopardized. He emphasized that the environment has only been borrowed from the young, and the inheritance due to them is a more peaceful world with the integrity of creation intact. However, it is lamentable that "Global warming has devastated communities and the livelihoods of millions, threatening to slip away from the next generation."

Despite everything, Bo said that the Lord assures us that he has a plan for each one, for the church, and that our journeys will align with Him.

"As we embark on various journeys in life and faith, we often find ourselves uncertain of our destination, yet we are called to venture into the unknown, guided by our unwavering faith."

At the end of his message, Cardinal Bo wished “each and every one of you a blessed and inspiring journey ahead.”