Myanmar Church Leader, Cardinal Charles Bo, welcomed Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’affaires of the Vatican to Myanmar, and his companion Msgr. Daniel Tumiel on October 9.
The event took place during the parish feast of St. Francis Assisi in Yangon, Myanmar.
The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM), Cardinal Bo, said, "Your presence here is to say that the universal Church sustains pastoral care for the Church in Myanmar. Our hearts are filled with joy as we welcome Msgr. Ferrante, who is our Chargé d'affaires.
A Chargé d’affaires is a diplomatic official who temporarily takes the place of an ambassador.
"We remember with great gratitude Pope Francis, who continues to be concerned and interested in this country," Bo said.
Archbishop Paul Tschang In Nam was Apostolic Delegate to Myanmar from August 2012 to 2017 and Apostolic Nuncio to Myanmar from August 2017 to July 2022. On July 16, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands.
Cardinal Bo said, "Our deep appreciation to His Excellency Paul Tschang In Nam, former Nuncio, and Msgr. Tumiel whose prompt engagement helped facilitate Msgr. Andrea’s arrival in this country."
Bo, Archbishop of Yangon described the situation in Myanmar as a million people in need of humanitarian assistance; thousands of displaced people living in the jungle, fleeing from their homes, forced to hide; and the challenges of normal life.
"The events of today and the presence of our dear friends from the Universal Church assure us that God intervenes in many ways and He will never abandon us. Faith is a great gift and needs to be strengthened amidst all this darkness," Bo said.
The Myanmar Church Leader stated that Pope Francis sustained concerns for this nation and God’s people by the presence of Msgr. Ferrante and his friend, Msgr. Tumiel.
In his brief speech, Ferrante said, "During this time of pain and uncertainty, it is to entrust our lives to the acting presence of Jesus. For this reason, Jesus comes among us in His simplicity so that it assures hope and conversion, both personal and communal, for the good of all, especially for our brothers and sisters who suffer from violence."
Msgr. Andrea recalled Pope Francis’ words to convey his paternal closeness to all Myanmar people and their pastors on July 18.
Msgr. Tumiel acknowledged the rich beauty of Myanmar in culture, history, nature, and its people, who are worthy of admiration for their beauty.
Tumiel said, "It is a great opportunity to be here together to express the closeness and unity of the Universal Church with the Myanmar Church in the constant presence of the Holy See in the person of Msgr. Andrea Ferrante." - Hubert Saw
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