Myanmar Cardinal Celebrates Marian Feast, Emphasizes God’s ‘Eternal Plan’ for All
Thousands of faithful filled St. Mary’s Cathedral on Monday evening, December 8, as the Archdiocese of Yangon solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a cornerstone of Catholic devotion.
His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, presided over the 5:00 p.m. Mass, concelebrated by three auxiliary bishops and over one hundred priests. The liturgy culminated in a nine-day novena marked by evening prayers and processions on the cathedral grounds.
Earlier in the day, Cardinal Bo led the archdiocese’s clergy in a half-day recollection, sharing reflections from his recent participation in the Asian Mission Congress in Penang, Malaysia. He encouraged priests to see that “the story of Jesus becomes our story.”
In his homily during the evening Mass, Cardinal Bo delved into the theological and personal significance of the feast, which commemorates the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin. He framed it not as a distant doctrine, but as a revelation of “God’s eternal plan for humanity.”
He outlined five central themes, beginning with this divine plan conceived “before the foundation of the world.” He contrasted Mary, as the “New Eve,” whose obedience opened the way to life, with the disobedience of the first Eve.
A key point of hope for the congregation was the Cardinal’s insistence that the grace given to Mary is accessible to all. “Holiness is possible for everyone,” he stated, explaining that purity grants courage and that a “YES” to God opens doors to grace.
He affirmed Mary’s ongoing role as mother and intercessor, telling the faithful, “She loves every family. She loves Myanmar. She loves the Yangon Archdiocese.” He also reiterated that devotion to the Eucharist, Mary, and the Pope are essential pillars of Catholic life.
Following the Mass, the celebration continued in a spirit of community with a grand dinner for all attendees, sponsored by donors. The celebration concluded with the participants returning home “with joy and renewed love for the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
By RVA Sgaw Karen Service
