Under the banner “Pilgrims of Hope,” the Catholic Church in Myanmar solemnly celebrated its National Jubilee celebration on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon on the evening of June 22, 2025.

His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM), led the celebration, entering through the Cathedral’s Jubilee Door accompanied by 22 bishops representing all 17 dioceses, Archbishops, priests, and Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’ Affaires to Myanmar.

The Cathedral and its grounds were filled with faithful participating in the historic Eucharistic celebration.

In his opening remarks, Cardinal Bo set a poignant tone, acknowledging the nation’s strife: “Though many could not come, 22 bishops representing all 17 dioceses are present. Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi – the Body and Blood of Christ, a Feast of Unity. Yet, our country, Myanmar, is in peril. Let us pray for peace in Myanmar and the world.”

Echoes of Hope from Rome

Delivering the homily, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante invoked the words of Pope Francis from the opening of the Holy Door in Rome on Christmas 2024: “We remember Pope Francis who proclaimed the Jubilee to celebrate ‘the Hope that does not disappoint’. This is the season of hope… inviting us to discover the joy of meeting the Lord, calling us to spiritual renewal, and committing us to the transformation of our world.”

He framed the National Jubilee on Corpus Christi as a profound grace: “Together, aware of the challenges and concerns in our hearts and experience, we give thanks to God for saving us and giving us hope, while imploring Him for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

His greeting extended explicitly to those suffering across Myanmar: the displaced due to violence or disasters like earthquakes and floods, those unable to attend due to insecurity, the sick in body and spirit, and those joining spiritually via Radio Veritas Asia Myanmar Services and the CBCM’s Social Communication Office.

The Eucharist: Source of Love, Hope, and Unity

Central to Msgr. Ferrante’s homily was on the profound significance of the Eucharist. He described it as “the revelation of God’s infinite love for everybody,” declaring: “Looking at Eucharist we say: ‘Love exists and because it exists things can change for the better and we can hope.'”

He strongly emphasized the Eucharist as “the sacrament of unity,” uniting the faithful into “one body, the holy faithful people of God,” affirming belief in the true presence of God within it.

Reflecting on the Gospel story of the blind beggar Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52), as referenced by Pope Leo XIV, Msgr. Ferrante underscored that “there is no cry that God does not hear.” He paralleled Jesus’s question to Bartimaeus – “What do you want me to do for you?” – with Christ’s presence in the Eucharist, asking the same of each believer today.

Salvation, he stressed, comes through faith, renewing the profession of faith with the words of St. Peter: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God” (Jn 6:68,69).

A Call to Mission and Reconciliation

Msgr. Ferrante articulated how receiving the Eucharist transforms believers into instruments of Christ’s love, extending hope “to a world wounded by war, by hatred, by the culture of death, by lack of faith.”

He paid special tribute to missionaries, past and present, in Myanmar, noting their work amidst hardship brought “abundant fruits of good,” including religious life, education, and social care.

He highlighted their strength drawn from Eucharistic adoration and urged the faithful: “I invite you to visit Jesus during your days; he is waiting for us, to restore and console us.”

He called on all present, “nourished by the body and blood of Christ,” to be missionaries bringing “peace, hope and consolation” according to their vocation.

Echoing Pope Leo XIV’s encouragement, he described the faithful as “pilgrims of hope,” rooted in the Cross of Christ.

The effectiveness of the Church’s mission, he insisted, depends on unity and self-giving love modeled on the Eucharist: “Let us not allow ourselves to be held back by our habits, by fear, by our opinions and by resignation. Be grateful and proud of your mission.”

Msgr. Ferrante concluded with a call for reconciliation with God and neighbor through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, invoking the Holy Spirit for guidance and entrusting the faithful to the Blessed Virgin Mary to help them welcome Christ in the Eucharist.

Post-Celebration and Thanks

After the Jubilee Mass, His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo delivered words of thanks, resonating with Msgr. Ferrante’s message: “As we adore the blessed sacrament, it reminds us that we are to unite in the Living Lord.”

Cardinal Bo singled out the powerful phrase “Love exists” as striking his heart amidst a world of danger and hatred, emphasizing the need to care for families and thanking missionaries while warning against division.

His Excellency Bishop Francis Than Tun, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon and head of the National Jubilee Committee, formally expressed gratitude to the Archbishops and Bishops of Myanmar, priests, religious, faithful, and all contributors who made the celebration possible.

The Jubilee events continued with exhibitions in the parish hall of St. Mary’s Cathedral, showcasing images, photos, and activities from Jubilee celebrations held across the Archdioceses and Dioceses of Myanmar.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service