by Yaung Ni Oo

Myanmar Catholics launch solidarity projects for Kachin and Shan refugees, fleeing the war. Those taking part in the Christmas initiative include Patrick Lee Kum, in prison for sharing a post regarding the army chief. He faces up to three years in prison, but his thoughts turn to the displaced. Objective: to provide a meal for all at Christmas.

Yangon (AsiaNews) - Solidarity initiatives in favor of the displaced Kachin and Shan, forced to flee the ongoing war between the Burmese army and local rebel militias. Fundraisers to distribute one meal during the Christmas lunch and medical examinations to assess the health status of those living in refugee camps.

This is the spirit of Advent and the beginning of the Year of Mercy for Catholics in Myanmar, who are preparing to celebrate the feast of the birth of Jesus with special attention to people in need. On 13 December last they celebrated the opening of the Holy Doors in Yangon, Pathein and in most dioceses, with masses (with the renewal of baptismal promises and the creed), functions, singing and catechism.

However, in addition to this stories of charity and helping others are arriving from the former Burma in response to the appeal launched by Pope Francis, who has on several occasions urged the faithful to reach out to the most needy.

Those involved in these projects include Patrick Lee Kum, a Christian Kachin jailed recently – under the media law - for sharing a post on Facebook about the army chief Min Aung Hlaing. Now he faces up to three years in prison.

His health conditions in a prison cell in Yangon have deteriorated and, to date, the various court hearings for the purpose of his release have been to no avail. Despite the difficulties and the prospect of spending Christmas in prison, his thoughts turn to the displaced Kachin and Shan in refugee camps; tens of thousands of people displaced by the war, which continues to this day in spite of the much-vaunted peace deal between ethnic groups and the outgoing government.

Speaking to colleagues and activists from behind bars, he regretted that this year he will not be able to personally bring humanitarian aid to refugee camps in Kachin territory, where people face extreme cold and lack of food.

However, Patrick Lee Kum expressed its full support for the campaign created and launched by Catholic activist Labang Khon Ja, entitled "Sharing is caring".

These Christmas activists intend to collect "1000 kyats for the Christmas lunch" to be distributed to all guests of the refugee centers. Because the birth of Jesus, say the activists, is an invitation to "be together at all times, sharing and caring for others even in difficult situations." No prison cell, they add, can stop Patrick from pursuing his ideals of "love, care sharing".

The project has received the enthusiastic support of youth groups and Catholic associations of Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, confirming that "heart" is "equal for all" regardless of religion, nation, ethnic group. Local Catholic sources point out that it is easier to encounter baby Jesus "in the poor, children, the abandoned and neglected by society, in those who have no food at home because of the war."

Another Christmas charity initiative is that of the singer and actress Chit Thu Wai (a former medical student), from the parish of Our Lady in Yangon. She recently visited refugee camps and used her expertise to check the health of refugees and arrange medical care where needed.

• myanmar
• burma
• catholic
• church
• charity
• refugees