MUMBAI, India - Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon has emphasized the significance of peace during Holy Week, reflecting on the devastating impact of conflicts both in Ukraine, considered the birthplace of Jesus, and in our own homeland.
As the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar and the President of Federations of Asia Bishops Conferences, Cardinal Bo urges people to unite in fervent prayer for peace.
In his heartfelt message titled "Embracing the Dawn of Peace: A Call to End the Long Nights of Conflict and Fear," the cardinal invites individuals to embark on a sacred journey through the season of Lent, a time for self-reflection and reconciliation. He emphasizes the resounding call for peace that emanates from Pope Francis's heart and resonates throughout our wounded world.
Together, let us kneel in solidarity and implore the Almighty to dispel the darkness of conflict, ushering in a new dawn of hope and harmony. Cardinal Bo urges us to seek the divine gift of peace infused with justice, guiding us towards a brighter future.
Rather than allowing our abundant human resources to wither amidst the turmoil of war, he encourages us to cherish and nurture them for flourishing. Investing in the next generation is investing in lasting peace.
Referencing Pope Francis's address to bishops on January 8, Cardinal Bo acknowledges that the world is increasingly affected by conflict, with the distinction between military and civilian objectives no longer respected. He points to the events in Ukraine and Gaza as clear evidence of the harm inflicted upon civilian populations.
In his Lenten Message, Cardinal Bo underscores the importance of embracing dialogue and reconciliation as the foundations for our collective journey towards peace. He urges us to cultivate hope within our hearts, steadfast in our resolve to eradicate the divisive forces of hatred and strife.
Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis's teachings, the cardinal emphasizes the need to revive our hope and trust in the Risen Christ, who conquered death and granted us true life. This hope brings light, overcomes discouragement, fosters solidarity, and counteracts the seeds of violence sown by a culture of indifference and confrontation.
Together, let us pledge to transform instruments of war into tools of peace and replace fear with unwavering trust. Cardinal Bo calls for our words to echo the universal language of fraternity and for our actions to be guided by the pursuit of peace.
In this sacred quest for peace, let us invoke divine grace to soften the hearts of those trapped in violence and empower them to embrace the path of reconciliation.