Home Catholic Church & Asia ‘Empower leaders, heal wounds, unite the Church,’ says Cardinal Bo

‘Empower leaders, heal wounds, unite the Church,’ says Cardinal Bo

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon called on church leaders to embrace the threefold mission of teaching, sanctifying, and governing with compassion as they guide their communities through challenges.

The prelate made the statement in his homily during the consecration of Bishop John Mung La Sam of the Diocese of Myitkyina. Held at St. Luke’s Cathedral, the ceremony drew a large congregation of clergy, religious, and lay faithful.

“The role of the bishop in Kachin is one of profound responsibility, requiring him to teach, sanctify, and govern with deep compassion, courage, and wisdom,” Cardinal Bo said.



“In a land marked by conflict, displacement, and hardship, the bishop must bring the light of Christ to guide the people through their struggles and empower them to rebuild their lives,” he added. 

Cardinal Bo emphasized the importance of teaching as a foundational duty of the bishop, especially in the context of the Diocese of Myitkyina, which faces displacement, moral decay from drugs, and wounds from ongoing conflict.

Quoting St. Paul, the Cardinal said, “‘Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.’” 

He highlighted the need to empower local leaders and catechists to reach remote communities. “In the vast and diverse Kachin context, the bishop must empower local leaders and catechists to care for the spiritual needs of the people,” he added.

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The Cardinal also stressed the bishop’s role as a minister of grace, offering healing to a Church scarred by years of conflict and hardship. 

“The bishop sanctifies the people through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, offering healing to broken hearts and guiding the faithful to a deep trust in God’s mercy,” he said.

Referring to the Second Reading from Acts, Cardinal Bo noted the importance of building local leadership to sustain faith in difficult circumstances. 

“The bishop must raise leaders and support them, ensuring that the Church remains strong and vibrant, especially in times of difficulty and conflict,” he said.

As a shepherd, the bishop is called to govern with humility and courage, fostering unity and addressing systemic issues in the diocese. 

Citing Jesus’ teaching, Cardinal Bo said, “‘Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.’” 

He underscored the need for collaboration among priests, lay leaders, and catechists to address challenges such as poverty and displacement.

“The Gospel reminds us that the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few,” Cardinal Bo said, quoting Matthew 9:35-38. “For the bishop in Kachin, this is a powerful call to action—to inspire others to join the mission and bring peace, justice, and the Gospel to the darkest corners of their land.”

The Cardinal lauded the journey of Bishop John Mung La Sam, from humble beginnings as a jade worker to becoming the shepherd of the Myitkyina Diocese. 

“His life proclaims a timeless truth: God does not choose the qualified; He qualifies those whom He chooses,” Cardinal Bo said.

The bishop’s personal story of perseverance and faith was described as a beacon of hope for the Kachin people. 

“No hardship is beyond God’s power to transform, no life too simple for His glory, and no dream too distant for His love,” Cardinal Bo added.

Cardinal Bo called for unity and collaboration to address the multifaceted crises facing Kachin, including displacement, youth despair, drug trafficking, and poverty. 

He urged the faithful to strengthen their communities and work together to build a Church that reflects the Kingdom of God.

“Like Moses, who shared leadership with wise and understanding men, our bishop cannot carry the burden of this mission alone. He needs the prayers, support, and collaboration of priests, religious, and laity,” Cardinal Bo said.

Concluding his homily, Cardinal Bo encouraged the faithful to embrace the journey ahead with faith and action. 

“The challenges are great, but so too is our faith. The harvest is plentiful. Let us labor in the harvest, knowing that with God, all things are possible,” he said.

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