Yangon: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar has declared Thursday, 26 March, as a national day of prayer and fasting, inviting Catholics across the country to pray for peace in Myanmar and around the world.
In a letter addressed to the “Children of God,” the bishops urged the faithful to dedicate the day to intense prayer, fasting and acts of charity during the Lenten season.
The appeal was issued by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, together with the conference’s secretary general, Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye. They encouraged believers to turn to God during this time of suffering and conflict.
The bishops noted that the season of Lent is a time for penance, conversion of heart and deeper relationship with God. They said it is also a period when Catholics are called to strengthen their faith through prayer, fasting and charity.
They asked the faithful to offer special prayers for peace in Myanmar as well as in the Middle East. The bishops prayed that God would grant peace to the world and to Myanmar and that people may grow in mutual understanding and unity.
The letter also encouraged believers to remember the prayer for peace of Saint Francis of Assisi. The bishops invited Catholics to fast in solidarity with the suffering of Jesus Christ and offer their sacrifices for the conversion of hearts and unity among people.
They also called on the faithful to perform acts of charity by helping the poor and those who are suffering, especially during this difficult time.
Cardinal Bo and Bishop Saw Naw Aye thanked the faithful for their continued prayers for peace. They recalled the reminder of Pope Leo XIV that peace is built through love, compassion and mutual understanding lived out in daily life.