Myanmar archbishop welcomes a Christmas of reconciliation and freedom

December 24, 2012 - Christians in Myanmar, especially young people, expect "above all peace, joy, prosperity and reconciliation" this Christmas, says Archbishop Charles Bo of Yangon. He told AsiaNews agency that celebrations are going ahead "without difficulty" and "permits are no longer needed as in the past", which is why there are "positive signs "in terms of" religious freedom". In a message ahead of Christmas the archbishop of the economic and trade capital of Myanmar, formerly Burma, spoke of the “power of empty hands” demonstrated in "the power of great people in history" who won the hearts of the people, like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa "without the use of force". “The child born in a cradle, had nothing in his hands," he said. Commenting on the spirit of Christmas he said that every believer is called to "share what they have with the poor and marginalized" in the name "of hope and forgiveness." A powerful God, he adds, was made flesh "in the body of a new-born baby" who appeared apparently "vulnerable and defenceless" so that all of us "could love him and love our brothers." Referring to the positive developments in Myanmar during an eventful year, Archbishop Bo said, “The Church shares in this work of nation building” and feels "close to the people of Myanmar." This year we do not need special permits to celebrate the Mass and this "is a good sign in terms of religious freedom". The archbishop was to celebrate the Christmas Eve midnight mass at Saint Mary's Cathedral, in Yangon, to which he had invited several ambassadors and diplomats. On Christmas Day Catholics and other Christian communities are to hold a common prayer service and lunch at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity of Yangon. The Minister for Religious Affairs and the governor of the region are attending the event, to which President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi have also been invited.