by Francis Khoo Thwe

Bosco Sawthuya, president of the Catholic Youth Commission, spoke to AsiaNews about the value of the Catholic presence in the country, a source of harmony, unity and solidarity among different ethnic groups. For him, the goal is to contribute to the process of transition currently underway. The seventh National Youth Congress was held from 21 to 26 April, ending in a Mass led by Cardinal Bo.

Yangon (AsiaNews) - Development, better education, a stronger Church presence, religious freedom, social and international relations are the many challenges Myanmar faces in the near future, this according to Bosco Sawthuya, president of the National Catholic Youth Commission of Myanmar (NCYCM).

Speaking to AsiaNews, he said, "We young Catholics are trying to promote as much as we can peace, coexistence, and solidarity, as well as values ​​of unity and participation in the growth process of the nation". For him, the "main" challenge is to "be present" during this period of "transition" in the democratic process, "not only as Catholics but as citizens of Myanmar."

Recently, the young activist attended the "Seventh National Catholic Youth Congress," which took place at the Don Bosco Salesian Centre in Mandalay, from 21 to 26 April.

The event ended with a solemn Eucharistic celebration led by Card Charles Bo, archbishop of Yangon. About 2,000 youth, of both sexes, from different parts of the country, took part in the event.

The congress was supposed to take place in Lashio, Shan State, but for security reasons –ongoing fighting between Burmese troops and the Kokang minority – it was decided to move the gathering to Mandalay.

Many young people, 18 to 25 years, were present; plus a dozen priests who organised meetings and activities.

For Myanmar Catholics, the youth congress (pictured) "was one of the highlights" of the year, said Bosco Sawthuya, because it "brought together young people from different dioceses" and "different cultures and lifestyles".

The days of meeting, discussion and prayer focused on “unity, respect for diversity, and solidarity” between people and ethnic groups. The exercise was “a source of great inspiration” for everyone, the activist noted.

For the NCYCM president, such meetings are important "not only for the Church but also for the whole country" because "only through understanding, solidarity and unity will it be possible to build a peaceful Myanmar".

The Congress’s title ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God’ itself underscored the central place of peace and harmony, at a time in which violence often characterises differences and conflicts.

Cardinal Bo took part in the congress, which also focused on the value and significance of marriage within the Catholic family, and on practical examples of how to deal with issues of critical importance.

"It is still hard to enter the labour force, because of poor education and qualifications,” Bosco Sawthuya said. Still, “there are some signs of growth and development.”

"Our hope is that the opportunities for solidarity and employment among young people will increase around the country,” he added.

“Likewise, we hope that human rights and human dignity will be better respected along with respect for that foremost principle of the rule of law.”

Myanmar is a multi-ethnic nation (with more than 135 different ethnic groups). Although there is no official state religion, Buddhists represent 89 per cent of the population; Christians are 4 per cent (1 per cent Roman Catholic); Muslims 4 per cent; Animists 1 per cent; and others 2 per cent.

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