Youth “Shocked and Surprised” as Myanmar Archbishop appreciates charitable works

Myanmar youth did not expect acknowledgement for reaching out during the third wave of the pandemic and amid political turmoil.

Myanmar Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay held a gift-giving ceremony to Mandalay Catholic Youth Commission (MCYC) members in honor of their selfless charitable work during the third wave of Covid-19 and amid the political unrest on October 2.

Tin Aung Myint Oo, leader of MCYC, said that “we did not know and expected anything like this acknowledgment from the bishop. We were shocked, surprised and happy.”

Archbishop Marco met with the Mandalay Catholic Youth Commission (MCYC) members at the Bishop's house. Along with the MCYC members, the archbishop visited St. Michael’s and St. John’s parishes to encourage brave young people.  

“Myanmar is not only facing a global pandemic but also suffering from cruel political turmoil,” the prelate said.

“When this third wave of Covid-19 severely hit the country we have seen and heard so many miserable stories, people died because of lack of oxygen supply and hard to get medical supplies due to the military restriction,” the archbishop said.

The archbishop appreciated the youth for doing a great job amid the dangers of infection and risk to life “in those miserable times and situations,” when everybody was afraid.

“I have seen and heard how much you have to risk your life and some of your selfless sacrifices for helping the people in need, especially Covid-19 infected patients,” the prelate said.

The archbishop was touched by the concern shown for the people in need.  The archbishop said that the sacrifices moved his heart. As a gesture of affection, the prelate offer gifts of appreciation.

Nay Lin Aung shared his experience with the RVA Myanmar service. Aung is an active youth of  MCYC since the first time the covid-19 pandemic hit the country. “ I am actively involved with the youth because I don’t want any more people to suffer or die.”

Nay Lin Aung felt inexpressible joy as he saw the people who were helped getting better and healthier. “That is the moment I felt that I am a useful person for others,” Nay Lin Aung says.

“ I never expected to be acknowledged by the bishop. When our fatherly bishop appreciated our work, I felt that the church knew what we were doing. That is great energy for us,” Nay Lin Aung admits.

Fr. John Paul Kyaw Thu Win, MCYC director,  says that “the catholic youth charitable voluntary movement is getting stronger and stronger due to the interest of the young people.”

“MCYC is one of the commissions of the Mandalay Archdiocese. All activities came to a standstill with the pandemic. But MCYC changed gears and started helping people during the pandemic with sharing food, face masks, sanitizers, medicine, etc.,” said Tin Aung Myint Oo, a diocesan youth director.