Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon told children gathered in Twantay that they do not have to wait until adulthood to become missionaries, urging them to live out their faith through daily acts of kindness, solidarity and peace.
The prelate delivered the message during the centenary celebration of World Mission Sunday at Assumption Catholic Church in Twantay Parish, Yangon Archdiocese, on Oct. 18.
Around 1,650 children joined the gathering organized by the Yangon Archdiocesan Pontifical Mission Society under Father James Kyaw Lin Htun, its archdiocesan director.
“You do not have to wait until you become a priest, a sister, a bishop, or a grown-up to become a missionary. You can be a missionary today!” Bo told the children.
The cardinal said missionary work is not limited to priests, religious sisters, bishops or adults, and can begin wherever children live, study and meet others.
Reflecting on the biblical message, “Arise, shine, for your light has come,” Bo encouraged the children to welcome lonely classmates, share food with those in need, help others and stand beside children who are bullied or excluded.
He also cited Jesus’ missionary command in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations … and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Bo urged the children to begin their missionary work in their homes, schools, parishes and communities by serving their families, welcoming others, sharing with the poor and praying for those who suffer.
He also encouraged them to promote peace and friendship among people of different backgrounds and religions.
The cardinal asked the children to remember those affected by conflict, hunger, displacement, illness and other hardships in Myanmar and around the world.
He ended his homily by urging them to become missionaries of hope, joy, love and peace in their everyday lives, stressing that they did not need to be famous or possess special abilities to serve as missionaries.
After Mass, Father James reminded the children of their missionary responsibility to love, serve and pray for others.
Father Stephen Chit Thein, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Myanmar, explained the purpose of contributions made on the feasts of the Epiphany, Good Shepherd Sunday and World Mission Sunday.
He said the contributions are sent to Rome to support evangelization initiatives and the spread of the Christian faith, and encouraged the children to take an active part in the Church’s missionary mission.
Sister Rufina Yuzana Aung of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood also gave the children a brief explanation of the history of World Mission Sunday.
World Mission Sunday was established by Pope Pius XI in 1926. The 2026 observance marks its 100th anniversary under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission.”
The annual observance is dedicated to prayer, the Eucharistic celebration and financial support for mission territories worldwide.
