The Myanmar Catholic Church bid farewell to Archbishop Paul Tschang In Nam with Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon on September 2 before he leaves for the Netherlands to be the Apostolic Nuncio.
For 10 years, Archbishop Paul, a Korean, served as the Apostolic Nuncio in Myanmar.
Thanking the nuncio, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, said Archbishop Paul "has been a great shepherd, working hard to lead the Myanmar Church."
It was during his term that the Catholic Church gathered as one church for the celebration of 500 years of the arrival of the Christian faith in Myanmar.
"This event is etched in the grateful hearts of our people, giving them a great profile in this multi-cultural country." The presence of the Apostolic delegate during the celebration of the centennial of St Mary’s Cathedral elevated its significance to the region," Bo recalled.
The cardinal noted that Archbishop Paul is "a faithful shepherd, who is willing to spend a long time getting to know Myanmar’s people,"
The nuncio’s term of office coincided with some of the great moments of Myanmar Church history. It was during his tenure that the Myanmar Church was brought onto the map of the Catholic Church when the first Myanmar Cardinal was named.
The Vatican's announcement of the papal pilgrimage to Myanmar was a "miracle" and "wonder of the world," said Bo.
His role in animating and preparing for an event of global significance was memorable. He accompanied Pope Francis to the meetings of the country's leaders and religious leaders.
The nuncio’s untiring zeal resulted in the establishment of a diplomatic relationship between the Holy See and the Myanmar Government. This is a stellar achievement that enhances the profile of the Church. As a difficult time emerged, the nuncio ensured that the Vatican diplomatic corps was present in the person of Msgr. Andrea Ferrante as the permanent charge d’affairs.
Bo thanked Archbishop Paul, saying, "Your fraternal fellowship and personal concern and compassion helped me sail through many challenges."
When three Myanmar bishops arrived, one of whom was due to COVID-19, Nuncio was there to provide spiritual support to the local church.
It was the nuncio’s hard work to identify bishops for Mandalay, Lashio, and Mawlamyine dioceses. His commitment continues to finding bishops for Loikaw, Myitkyina, Kengtung, and Pathein dioceses.
Besides, Cardinal Bo, the Bishops of Myanmar, different religious groups, and hundreds of the faithful took part in the Mass in the evening and farewell program.
On the morning of September 2, the Nuncio inaugurated and blessed the Apostolic Nunciature office room in the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Myanmar (CBCM), Yangon.
After the blessing of the office, he met with the participants of the online content training of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), which took place in CBCM during the visit of the Apostolic Nuncio.
He told the online participants that they are invited to proclaim the message of Christ and that RVA members are to faithfully work according to the teachings of Jesus.
On July 16, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Paul to be the Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands.
"It was a great honor and privilege to work for the Church in Myanmar. It is to convey the fatherly love and prayer of Pope Francis to each one of you," Paul said.
He thanked Cardinal Bo, all the bishops and priests, nuns, and people who attended the farewell program.
"In this time of the trial of our brothers and sisters in Myanmar, Our Holy Father Pope Francis has been following the situation closely. He encouraged dialogue to find out the way for peace and reconciliation among all different parties in violence," the nuncio said.
The military seized power on February 1, 2021, and toppled the democratically elected government.
The nuncio appreciated the participation of the local church in providing humanitarian assistance to the needy and displaced people who have had to leave their homes and villages due to the conflict situation.
As the country faces challenges, the nuncio invited Catholics and church leaders to reread the message of Pope Francis, who visited the country on November 29, 2017. - RVA Sgaw Karen Service
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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