443 youth of Yangon Archdiocese receive Sacrament of Confirmation

As many as 443 young people of Yangon Archdiocese were confirmed on the Pentecost Sunday, June 5 by Cardinal Charles Bo, Bishop John Saw Yaw Han and Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye.

The recipients of Sacrament of Confirmation were from St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon and other parishes in the Archdiocese such as St. John Maung Htaw Lay, St. Theresa, St. Mark in Yemon, Epiphany Church, St. Jude Church, St. Augustine Church, Infant Jesus Church, Fatima Church, and St. Anthony Church.

In his homily, Cardinal Bo said that having wisdom means being capable to differentiate reality and imitation. 

“We are to differentiate real happiness from God and worldly happiness. It is not always easy to understand God and our faith,” he said. 

Right judgment means having the ability to distinguish right and wrong. 

“After knowing the right and the wrong we will get away from sin. We will speak out the truth boldly. We are to recall courage and models of ancient Christians who gave up their lives for their faith courageously,” the cardinal said.

“We need to know the will of God in our lives. We are to love, respect and remember God through daily meditation, scripture reading, Holy Mass, adoration, rosary and other forms of prayers. We are to have fear of the Lord after the examples of many saints, who accepted death rather than sin,” he explained. 
 
The Holy Spirit renews the face of the earth. Bringing the young people into the same place makes the strength of the Church visible. Since it is the birthday of the Church, these young people are seen as the future energy of the Church.
 
“We are encouraged by the presence of these young people. I pray that each may be inspired by the Spirit to discern the right path in their call and have the right determination,” said Father Hyginus Myint Soe, rector of the Cathedral. 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Archdiocese could not administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

The event was live-streamed on the Social-Media of St. Mary Cathedral, Yangon and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar-Office of Social Communication. Thousands of Myanmar nationals in different countries followed the event. 

“It is the very first time to have such a festive celebration amid the pandemic. It makes us recall the grand celebration in the past. Many online followers said that the event is a cause of homesickness for them. They were willing to join the event physically,” said Father William Soe Min Thu who is the associate pastor of the Cathedral Parish. - Sgaw Karen Service