Yangon (AsiaNews/Ucan) – The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Myanmar (CBCM) exhorted the faithful to cut down on “external” Christmas celebrations – games, songs and parties - in order to focus on “prayer and adoration until the country finds peace and prosperity”. The statement was referring to the Advent and Christmas celebration.
According to UCA News during a special announcement on December 3rd, the bishops of Myanmar invited lay people, priests and the faithful to focus all their energy to promote peace. The country formally known as Burma, has experienced unrest since September after a violent government crack down on peaceful protests led by Buddhist monks. At least 15 people were killed and several monasteries were forced to shut down.
“We would like to exhort all the faithful of the dioceses”, the message said, “ to cut down on the external forms of celebrating the feast such as carol singing, Christmas parties and similar gatherings, and spend much time in prayer, fasting, contemplation, and in adoration of the Eucharistic Lord”.
The letter signed by the Archbishops Paul Zinghtung Geawng, president of the CBCM, and by Charles Bo, secretary general, arrived after a meeting on November 30th between the bishops of Myanmar in Yangon and the Apostolic Nuncio of Myanmar, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio.
Father Joseph Soosay, secretary of the National Liturgy Commission, likewise suggested Catholics "need to celebrate Christmas after realizing its essence." He explained that the call for more low-key celebrations derives from the need to "guide the people's spirituality to celebrate Christmas meaningfully."
