His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo’s Homily at Chrism Mass in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Yangon, Myanmar on April 17, 2025

Ten Thank You Words of His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo

1. To the Holy Trinity

A heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the endless blessings, guidance, strength, and for being able to call Abba.

2. To Our Blessed Mother, Mary

Thanks to our Blessed Mother, Mary. It is truly heartbreaking for those who lost their mothers in childhood, and just as sorrowful for churches that lack a spiritual mother. The Catholic Church is blessed to have her as a spiritual mother, honored and venerated her through the ages under many beautiful titles.

3. To Our Holy Father, Pope Francis

Gratitude to Our Holy Father, Pope Francis for his transformative, servant leadership and for his constant prayers and support for Myanmar, reminding the world of it struggles.

4. To the Apostolic Nunciature

We are deeply grateful to our Chargé d ́ Affaires, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, for your tireless leadership, compassionate outreach, and respectful interfaith and all the diplomats in Myanmar. Your efforts have strengthened the Church and ensured regular communication with the Holy See. 

5. To My Brother Bishops in Myanmar

Heartfelt thanks to my brother bishops in Myanmar, especially for your understanding, cooperation, and unity in the mission. Amid political challenges, the presence of young, capable, and passionate bishops brings hope and a promising future for the Church in Myanmar.

6. To the Archdiocesan Priests

I extend deep gratitude to the Archdiocesan priests of Yangon for your unwavering support, obedience, and unity over the past 22 years. Your mutual care and spirit of brotherhood have been a great blessing in leadership.

7. To Religious Men and Women

Thanks to the religious men and women for being the strength and heart of the Church through your prayers, charitable works, and dedication. I am grateful for your unity with the Church and your unwavering faith.

8. To Lay Commissions and Movements

Gratitude to all the commissions: including Foundacio, Focolare, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Legion of Mary, Women’s group, Youth, Parish Councilors, and the Missionary Childhood Association, for your dedication and contributions. Special thanks to those in leadership roles within lay associations for their dedication, which helps the Church flourish and thrive.

9. To the Faithful

I am truly thankful to the Faithful for your enduring prayers and unwavering faith. Especially in these challenging and complex times, you have approached the Blessed Sacrament to pray for the peace of our country, for the Pope, for priests, religious men and women.

10. To Generous Donors

Thanks to all donors for your generous heart to share with others. You work tirelessly to acquire treasures, and when you do, you do not keep them for yourselves but you share them with the Church, the poor, priests, and seminarians.

Ten Words of Apology of His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo

1. For My Leadership

I have served in the Yangon diocese for 22 years. I acknowledge that my leadership has often fallen short, and I sincerely apologize for not fully embodying the spirit of servant leadership. I apologize for not being able to be the same with our Good Shepherd – in seeking the lost, healing the sick, caring for the weak, and clothing the naked.

2. For Failing to Strengthen You

I apologize for not being able to set a good example or strengthen you through the Word of God. As a bishop, it is my duty to uplift you through both word and action. I am sorry for not dedicating enough time and effort to this calling. I apologize for my inability to bring unity when there was division among you.

3. For My Priests

I apologize for my priests. Although many of you have faithfully and joyfully dedicated your lives to the Church, criticism has arisen due to the actions of a few who have struggled with celibacy, style of living, and drinking. I sincerely apologize for their shortcomings. We do not consider them bad, but rather weak.

4. On Ethnic and Racial Sensitivity

Throughout my priesthood and episcopacy, I have never discriminated against anyone based on race or ethnicity. Wherever I serve, I consider myself part of the local community. However, if I have ever used inappropriate words unintentionally such as when I mentioned caste, which hurt some of the faithful, I sincerely apologize. As Scripture reminds us, in Christ there is neither Jew not Greek, slave nor free, male nor female.

5. For Perceived Favoritism

We all live among family, friends, and neighbors. At times, in our closeness with certain individuals, it may have appeared that we were showing favoritism or discriminating against others. Some may have felt ignored or neglected because of this, and for that, I sincerely apologize.  

6. For the Lack of Synodality

For the past four to five years, the Catholic Church has been journeying under the spirit of Synodality. However, in practice, bishops and priests have not always walked together as intended. In decision making, we have not always listened to everyone as we should. This reveals that we still have much to do. I apologize for all these shortcomings.

7. For Negative Remarks to Fellow Bishops

I sincerely apologize for any negative remarks or criticism I have made toward the bishops of Myanmar, both living and deceased.

8. For Misused Time and Resources

I apologize for spending too much time and resources on social activities. I have been thinking and working for the good of all, especially during these difficult times. Still, I understand that some have criticized these actions.  The situation has been so constrained that, even when I wanted to speak out or take action, I often could not. I had no other way but to speak out for dialogue and reconciliation, for that, I sincerely apologize.

9. For My Sins Before God

I stand before God, who alone knows both my external sins and internal sins. I am truly sorry, and I sincerely apologize. God is never tired of forgiving.

10. For Failing to Be Present

I apologize to my priests, to the religious, and to the faithful for not giving you enough time and attention. I also apologize for avoiding those in need of my help, especially the poor, by giving various excuses.