Cardinal Charles Bo urged Catholic catechists in Yangon to become messengers of hope and peace in communities affected by insecurity and displacement, calling on them to teach children to reject hatred, discrimination, and violence.
Bo made the appeal as 79 catechists from the Archdiocese of Yangon concluded their annual recollection and renewal course on Oct. 20 at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church.
The Oct. 13-20 program brought catechists together for prayer, spiritual reflection, and renewal of their mission in the Church.
Bo acknowledged the challenges catechists face, including financial hardship, limited resources, difficult travel, and the struggles of communities affected by insecurity and displacement.
“You came here to renew your strength. Now you are being sent out to renew the faith of others,” Bo said.
Reflecting on John 1:43-51, the cardinal cited Jesus’ words to Nathanael, “You will see greater things than these,” as a message of hope and encouragement for catechists serving in difficult circumstances.
Bo said catechists are called not only to teach about Jesus but also to help children, young people and families encounter Christ through their teaching and personal witness.
He urged them to form children in kindness, patience, forgiveness and practical love, while helping them recognize the dignity of every person.
Amid Myanmar’s continuing difficulties, Bo called on catechists to teach children to reject hatred, discrimination and violence and to embrace forgiveness, compassion and reconciliation.
He also encouraged them to strengthen their friendship with Jesus through prayer and Scripture, continue their formation and work with priests, religious, parents and fellow catechists.
Bo told participants that their efforts remain valuable even when they receive little public recognition or see few immediate results.
He compared their ministry to planting seeds and encouraged them to trust that God would bring growth from their faithful service.
According to archdiocesan figures, the Archdiocese of Yangon has 101 catechists, including 55 full-time and 29 part-time catechists, while 17 are elderly.
One catechist has served for more than 66 years. Five others have served for more than 50 years, while three have dedicated more than 25 years to catechetical ministry.
Bo thanked the catechists for their faithfulness, prayers, sacrifices and dedication, particularly those who have spent many years serving in parishes, villages and remote mission stations.
He reminded them that the conclusion of the retreat marked not the end of their spiritual journey but the beginning of a renewed mission.
Bo again invoked Jesus’ words, “You will see greater things than these,” encouraging the catechists to trust that their sacrifices and dedication would bear fruit in the lives of children, families and future generations of the Church in Myanmar.
