杏MAP导航

This was the moment the Catholic community in Myanmar had been patiently waiting for, since the  in the country two days ago. As he acknowledged in his homily, many of the faithful had come to Yangon from remote, rural villages or mountainous communities and had journeyed for several days on foot, by train, bus or the uncomfortable, open-sided trucks that are the most common form of transport here. They鈥檇 been camping out close to the sports ground since Monday, in anticipation of  this historic, first papal Mass on Burmese soil.

Myanmar's turbulent history

The Kyaikkasan ground itself, built under British rule as Rangoon鈥檚 racecourse, is closely connected to the turbulent past century of the country鈥檚 history. During the years of military dictatorship, following the 1962 coup, it was used as a temporary detention centre. Following the death of Burma鈥檚 most famous diplomat, former U.N. Secretary General, U Thant, his coffin was briefly displayed here, before being seized by students protesting against the military鈥檚 refusal to honour their globally respected political leader.

Healing memories of the past

杏MAP导航 Francis in his homily alluded to this turbulent history, noting how 鈥渕any in Myanmar bear the wounds of violence鈥� and are searching for ways to heal 鈥渆very hurt and every painful memory鈥�. While we often try to do this through anger and revenge, he said, it is only through forgiveness and mercy that we can truly find healing in our hearts. He described this loving mercy, modelled by Jesus on the Cross, as kind of 鈥渁 spiritual GPS鈥� that unfailingly guides us, even when we seem to have lost our way.

Witnessing to love and compassion

The pope praised the small flock in Myanmar for its tireless work among the poorest and most vulnerable people, mentioning especially the local Caritas and the Pontifical Mission Societies. But there are many other small groups of Catholics, up and down this country, working in schools and clinics, refugee camps and rehabilitation centres, quietly witnessing to those values of loving kindness and compassion.

'Stirring experience' for small flock

For all those people, this was truly a unique event, quite unimaginable until just a few months ago when the papal visit was first announced. Cardinal Charles Bo, at the end of Mass, described it as a 鈥渟tirring experience鈥� for this little flock.  An event that may hopefully, in some small way, be part of the national healing process that鈥檚 so urgently needed here.

Listen to the report:[ Audio Embed 杏MAP导航 Mass in Yangon]