Catholics in Myanmar marked Pentecost with a renewed call to live the Gospel of love and solidarity amid the country’s ongoing violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis.
“Love your neighbor, love first, love your enemies.” These words from the Gospel—described as the very words of Christ—resonated during a two-day celebration of the “Jubilee of Ecclesiastical Movements” held on June 7–8 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon.
The gathering brought together families, youth, and lay members from various ecclesial movements across the country, according to a report by Fides, the Vatican’s missionary news agency.
Organizers said the faithful, despite facing insecurity, war, and even a recent earthquake, came together for “a moment of profound spiritual renewal” in their lived experience of faith.
“Set out, moved by the joy of experiencing a shared encounter with Christ, who gives the strength to resist evil and the suffering caused by violence,” read a message shared with the participants.
Among those in attendance were members of the Congregation of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Focolare Movement, the Missionary Family of Christ, and the ecumenical Catholic association Fondacio.
Each group presented its mission, including service to the poor, visiting the sick, praying in community, and supporting displaced persons.
In the current context of war and widespread insecurity, the faithful described themselves as a community “animated by the Holy Spirit” and called to be the evangelical “salt, light, and leaven” in every situation.
Ms. Winny of the Focolare Movement reminded participants that “love for one’s neighbor begins at home” and urged them to fix their gaze on Christ “in all difficulties that surpass human comprehension.” “One must keep one’s gaze fixed on Christ the Lord, who hangs on the Cross,” she said.
The celebration included the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It concluded with a Eucharistic Mass presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Francis Than Tun of the Archdiocese of Yangon.
In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Wai Lin Tun emphasized that ecclesial movements are “living witnesses of Christ” and that they “live the Gospel in communion with a spirit of personal spiritual renewal and the proclamation of the Gospel” through catechesis, community life, and service.
Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Myanmar, conveyed greetings and blessings from Pope Leo XIV and asked the faithful to pray for the pope’s ministry. He also invited prayers for Pope Francis, “who prayed so much for Myanmar.”
“The gift of the Spirit gives life; the Holy Spirit brings us new life, love, peace, and freedom,” Msgr. Ferrante said, encouraging solidarity with those unable to attend due to conflict or natural disasters.
