Caritas Myanmar celebrated its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of service, with a two-day gathering held on May 23–24 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon, bringing together Church leaders, Caritas representatives, clergy, religious, donors, volunteers, and international partners.

The Jubilee celebration highlighted gratitude for the Church’s charitable mission and renewed commitment to serving vulnerable communities across Myanmar amid ongoing social and humanitarian challenges.

The first day featured a Jubilee message from Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, who emphasized that charity is rooted in encounter and love.

“Love is the law written on our hearts. Love is an action. It is the relationship between people. It is an encounter,” Dutton said.

He reminded participants that Caritas is not only about delivering assistance but also about how service is carried out.

“What we do is very important, but how we do it is even more important. We are the expression of that love and witnesses to it,” he said, encouraging Caritas Myanmar to continue bringing “more love and more good news” to people throughout the country.

The Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated on May 24 at 10:00 a.m. Before the Eucharistic celebration, Dr. Richard Win Htun Kyi, former National Director of Caritas Myanmar, presented the history of Caritas Myanmar.

In his homily, Cardinal Charles Bo expressed gratitude for the 25-year journey of Caritas Myanmar, describing it as “love made visible.”

“This is not simply an institutional celebration. It is a celebration of love made visible,” Cardinal Bo said.

He reflected on Caritas Myanmar’s service during times of peace and crisis, including floods, conflict, displacement, poverty, and social hardship.

“We thank God for countless workers, volunteers, priests, religious and collaborators who quietly continued their mission despite pressures and hardships because love compels us to move forward,” he said.

Continuing his reflection in Burmese, Cardinal Bo emphasized that charity is not merely an emotion but solidarity with those who suffer.

“Caritas Myanmar stands with internally displaced people, helps families facing hardship, provides education to children, and journeys together with people in difficult times,” he said.

The Cardinal also acknowledged Caritas Myanmar’s connection with the global Caritas family and expressed gratitude to the leadership of Caritas Internationalis and to partners supporting humanitarian efforts.

Reflecting on Myanmar’s current challenges, Cardinal Bo stressed that Caritas remains a “life-saving hand” amid conflict, economic difficulties, and widespread suffering.

“Although difficult, we have to keep on loving. Although we do not foresee the future clearly, we must continue to live in hope,” he said.

Marking Pentecost Sunday, he prayed for wisdom for Caritas leaders, strength for workers, greater unity among dioceses, and renewed hope and peace for Myanmar.

Monsignor Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’Affaires of the Vatican to Myanmar, conveyed greetings and prayers from Pope Leo XIV on the Jubilee occasion.

“The 25th anniversary is a milestone through which we thank the Lord for the journey made and renew our commitment,” Monsignor Ferrante said.

Quoting Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, he stressed that charity seeks out the weakest and calls Christians to solidarity.

He praised Caritas Myanmar’s response to humanitarian emergencies, including Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and the 2025 earthquake, and encouraged continued service despite crises.

“Do not allow yourselves to be discouraged by difficulties and crises,” he said. “This is an opportunity for new trust in the Holy Spirit who guides the Church.”

The celebration concluded with words of gratitude from Mr. James Ngun Hre, National Director of Caritas Myanmar, who thanked Church leaders, clergy, religious, diplomatic representatives, donors, partners, volunteers, and Caritas workers from Myanmar’s dioceses.

Special appreciation was extended to parish leaders of St. Mary’s Cathedral, organizing committees, donors, volunteers, and all those whose contributions made the Silver Jubilee celebration possible.

Caritas Myanmar serves as the social and humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church in Myanmar. It has supported communities nationwide through humanitarian assistance, education initiatives, emergency response, and social development programs over the past 25 years.

By RVA Sgaw Karen