Demonstrations in Yangon and Lashio. The UN condemns the use of lethal bullets, tear gas and stun grenades against protesters. Aung San Suu Kyi in court. A Yangon police chief, Tin Min Tun, says he "does not want to serve under the present military regime." Tom Andrews, UN human rights expert in Myanmar: Words are insufficient. Action must be taken.
A Christian's mission, Francis said at the Angelus, is "ignite little lights in people's hearts; be little lamps of the Gospel that bring a little love and hope ". In Lent a "fast" from gossip. A prayer for children suffering from rare diseases.
Commentary on the Gospel of the 2nd Sunday of Lent B (Mark 9, 2-10).
The theme from Ps 103: 3: "He forgives all your sins". A guide "to offer some suggestions to allow parishes and Christian communities to prepare themselves to live the initiative 24 hours for the Lord.”
A multi-ethnic rally was held today to show the international community that Myanmar’s many ethnic groups can live together without harsh military rule Indonesia's foreign minister, Ratno Marsudi, scarps a visit to Myanmar. Protesters gathered in front of the Italian Embassy.
The court had asked to delay the repatriation. The UN had asked for a check for the presence of political refugees and asylum seekers. For more than a year, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has not been allowed to visit migrant detention centres.
The G7 group condemns the military violence, calls for the release of political prisoners and supports the "demand for democracy and freedom" of the population. The EU has decided on targeted sanctions and the blocking of humanitarian aid to Naypyidaw government. Indonesia’s U-turn (which "supports the people of Myanmar"). A Malaysian court stops the repatriation of 1,200 illegal migrants, some in need of the right to asylum.
This year's work program for Catholics has been drawn up by bishops and the Patriotic Association. Deepen the history of the Party, the Long March, Socialism, aligning with the leadership of Xi Jinping. A Theological Forum on Sinicization is also planned. More than a "pastoral" program, it is a political program in which the "independent and autonomous Church" is exalted.
10 bishops issue a message: calls for no bloodshed and a return to dialogue and hope for democracy. A pressing invitation to reconciliation, in unity with Buddhists.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Yangon, Mandalay and other cities. Yesterday other demonstrations in Myitkyina, Monywa, Pagan, Dawei, Myeik, Lashio. Priests, nuns, Christian faithful demonstrated in Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggu, Loikaw, Kengtung. Singapore also condemns violence and demands a return to democracy.
The Gospel of the first Sunday of Lent reminds us of “this cunning enemy, interested in our eternal condemnation, our failure”. Yesterday afternoon Francis visited Ms Edith Bruck, a poet who survived the Holocaust.
Mya Thwate Thwate Kaing died yesterday after being wounded by police in Naypyidaw. The United Kingdom imposes sanctions on three generals; Canada on nine officials. The United States, India, Japan and Australia are demanding a quick return to democracy. Protesters take to the streets in Yangon and Myitkyina.
The Holy See’s total revenues reached € 260.4 million against € 310.1 million in expenses, with an expected deficit of € 49.7 million in 2021. Most spending (68 per cent) will go apostolic activities; 17 per cent will pay for patrimony and other assets management, and 15 per cent to administration and service activities.