The Archdiocese of Mandalay convened a one-day youth formation program on Sunday, November 23, drawing over 200 young Catholics for a day of spiritual renewal and leadership training that culminated in the election of a new Diocesan Youth executive committee.

Held at Mother Mary Hall in Chantha Gone Village on the Feast of Christ the King, the event was the local Church’s observance of the 40th World Youth Day. It provided a rare space for fellowship and hope at a time when many young people feel despair.

The day began with praise and worship, followed by a Holy Mass presided over by Msgr. Peter Sein Hlaing Oo, Vicar General of the archdiocese. In a stirring homily that resonated with the country’s context, Fr. Peter urged the youth to pursue integrity and self-mastery.

“It is sad not to know the truth,” he said. “What is sadder is knowing the truth but not being able to act on it.” He critiqued the abuse of power in society, stating, “Some create problems where none exist and worsen the ones that do.” His solution was a call to personal virtue: “Conquering oneself is the true victory that conquers the whole world.”

This message of inner strength was echoed by Fr. Augustine Win Myint, who led the worship session. “In every difficult moment, do not forget to praise God,” he encouraged the young attendees. “Young people are the leaders of the future, and whatever you do, live with God.”

For many participants, the event was a vital refuge. Ma Su, from St. Xavier Parish in Mandalay, voiced the collective anxiety of her generation. She shared. “We young people are losing hope for the future. I came here looking for some relief.”

The program, which included formation sessions and evening games organized by religious sisters, concluded with the democratic election of a new youth leadership team. While the event was a success, Youth Director Fr. Alphonse Aung Ko Latt acknowledged that ongoing instability prevented some from remote or insecure areas from attending.

Despite these challenges, the celebration stood as a testament to the resilience of Myanmar’s young Catholics, offering them not just solace but a tangible path to shape their future within the Church.

By RVA Myanmar Service