Myanmar Christians, Muslims and Buddhists pray at Our Lady's Shrine
Feb.12,2014: In Myanmar, Archbishop Charles Bo of Yangon, led the solemn celebrations
marking the 112th anniversary of the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Nyaunglebin.
At least 100,000 people participated in the pilgrimage. In his homily, the prelate
spoke of an historic opportunity for reconciliation. He said Myanmar’s government
must give up its aggressive nature and repair the damage already done to the innocent.
He also paid tribute to its martyrs, who, for five centuries, played a crucial role
in the life and evangelisation of the Asian country. The Marian shrine is located
about 145 km north of Yangon, in the diocese of Yangon. Between 7 to 9 February,
thousands of people - Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus – flock to the site
to pray to Our Lady, asking for intercessions for themselves and the country. This
year, the Myanmar government imposed fewer constraints and restrictions on pilgrims
coming to the shrine thus many more people from all over the country were encouraged
to make the pilgrimage. Prayers centred on bringing peace to the country and for
an end to sectarian violence, particularly between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine
State. More than 200 priests, 300 religious and 3 archbishops led the celebrations.
Source: AsiaNews