More than 1,500 children from 32 parishes across the Archdiocese of Yangon gathered at St. Mark Catholic Church in Yemon Village on October 18 to mark World Mission Sunday.
The event, led by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, placed young people at the center of the Church’s missionary call, according to a report by Radio Veritas Asia – Myanmar Language Service.
In his welcome remarks, Cardinal Bo said the presence of the children reflected “the vital role of the young as missionaries of the Church.”
The celebration coincided with the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, which Cardinal Bo described as a fitting reminder that “every Christian—priests, religious, catechists, and laity alike—is called to be a missionary.”
Beside the altar stood an image of Blessed Carlo Acutis, canonized on September 7, 2025. The young saint’s example of holiness and creativity became the heart of the day’s reflection.
“Carlo Acutis was a devout youth known for his deep faith, love for the Eucharist, and talent in computer technology,” Cardinal Bo said, recalling that the teenager, born in England to Italian parents in 1991, died of leukemia at the age of 15.
Quoting the saint, he told the children: “All people are born originals, but many die as photocopies.” The cardinal urged them not to chase worldly fame but to find happiness in God, adding, “Happiness is looking towards God; sadness is looking towards yourself.”
He encouraged the young congregation to follow Acutis’ example of “holiness, prayer, and joy,” reminding them that true missionary work begins with a heart rooted in the love of Christ.
After Communion, the children sang a World Mission Sunday hymn composed by one of their peers, symbolizing youthful creativity and unity in the Church’s mission.
Before the final blessing, Msgr. Ferrante conveyed the greetings and blessings of Pope Leo XIV, who reminded Catholics that World Mission Sunday unites more than a billion faithful in prayer and solidarity with missionaries around the world.
Reading the Pope’s message, he said: “On World Mission Sunday, the whole Church prays, united, particularly for missionaries and the fruitfulness of their apostolic labors.”
He underscored that the presence of missionaries “is a sign of Christ’s love for humanity, especially for the poor and the marginalized,” encouraging the children to live as “Missionaries of Hope Among the People.”
The celebration was organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of the archdiocese. Rev. Fr. James Kyaw Lin Htun, Diocesan Director of PMS, thanked the clergy, parents, volunteers, and media partners who helped make the event possible.
For the host community, it was both a spiritual and joyful occasion. “It is a moment of pride and grace,” said Susan, a young parishioner of St. Mark Church.
In his closing message, Rev. Fr. Stephen Chit Thein, National Director of PMS, reminded the young participants that missionary life goes beyond preaching. “It is fulfilled through prayer, exemplary living, and acts of generosity,” he said.
Celebrated every third Sunday of October, World Mission Sunday calls Catholics to renew their support for the Church’s mission of evangelization. In Yangon, that mission came alive in the faith and joy of its youngest believers.
