by Francis Khoo Thwe


The archbishop of Yangon and 80 priests led the celebration before 1,400 worshippers. The prelate highlighted the "happiness" of being in the service of the community and the "strong relationship" with God. He also noted the importance of community involvement in the practice of faith and parish life.

Yangon (AsiaNews) - Mgr Charles Bo, archbishop of Yangon, in his homily during this morning's Chrism Mass focused on the "happiness" of priests, the essence of the priesthood and clericalism.

During his address, the prelate turned directly to the co-celebrating priests, and asked them if "they were happy" for the choice they made.

He then added that, according to a recent survey, 92.4 per cent of priests live their vocation with joy, compared to 45 per cent for the laity, who are often "dissatisfied" with their lives.

Mgr Bo explained that the reason for the greater happiness among priests lies with "the inner sense of peace, a strong relationship with God, the vision of celibacy as a personal call from God, obedience to their bishop, spiritual exercises and service to the people."

The Chrism Mass is the ritual that precedes the Easter Triduum, which begins in the afternoon with the 'In Coena Domini' Mass during which the holy oils are consecrated. The chrism is the oil used in baptism, confirmation and priestly ordination; the oil of the catechumens is used for those preparing for baptism; and the oil of Anointing of the Sick intended, as the name indicates, is used for the benefit of sick people. Priests and their bishop celebrate the service together; they also renew their priestly pledge.

Scores of Catholics came from all the parishes in Myanmar's economic capital to attend the celebration of Holy Thursday, the first of its kind in Yangon. The local Catholic community used to occasion to rally around its priests and show them affection, support and closeness. At least 80 priests and more than 1,400 worshippers took part in the service.

In his homily, Mgr Bo directly addressed the faithful, asking them if they "loved" their priests. "I am sure you love them," he said "but it is not enough to say 'we love our priests '. I want you to show them your love and appreciation."

Citing Pope Francis, the prelate also encouraged the priests to be close to their flock and serve people, especially those who are suffering.

The archbishop warned priests and the faithful from the risks arising from clericalism, urging them to live with greater intensity their lives in the community, in the practice of their faith as well as in the decisions of everyday life, in running the parish and supporting it. What is more, "A priest," he noted, "does not own his parish, nor does a bishop his diocese."

The Archdiocese of Yangon has 42 parishes with 103 priests, who serve more than 70,000 members out of an overall population of more than four million people.

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