Priests, religious, and family members associated with the Archbishop House of Yangon Archdiocese gathered on July 26th to observe Parents Day, a day dedicated to honoring parents and caregivers through prayer and reflection.

The observance centered on special prayers offered for parents, both living and deceased, and extended to all individuals who shoulder the responsibilities of parenting and caring for the young.

The highlight was an Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, SDB, Archbishop of Yangon, alongside fellow priests, specifically for parents and benefactors.

In his homily, Cardinal Bo placed profound emphasis on the theme of gratitude.

“On the day of Parents and Benefactors, the very important word is GRATITUDE,” the Cardinal declared.

“We are to be grateful people. If you forget the language of Gratitude, you will never be on speaking terms with happiness. A grateful person is filled with happiness.”

Cardinal Bo urged the congregation to cultivate gratitude towards God, parents, benefactors, teachers, and all who do good.

“Our favorite attitude should be gratitude,” he stated, adding a powerful insight: “Unless we give thanks to those who do good to us, what we have received is not yet truly ours. Only when we give thanks to the giver, whatever we have received will become truly ours.”

He stressed that gratitude must be expressed generously and sincerely, sharing a personal anecdote.

The Cardinal recalled being deeply impressed during a dental visit by the dentist’s constant thanks to his assisting nurse for every small task.

“It was very nice to hear,” Cardinal Bo remarked.

Conversely, he advised humility when receiving thanks and lamented that some dismiss the necessity of expressing gratitude.

Drawing from the Gospel story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, where only one returned to give thanks, Cardinal Bo noted its enduring relevance: “This story has been more than two thousand years already, but still today, there is only one person out of ten who knows to give thanks for what he receives. Each one of us needs to try to be that one person who gives thanks for whatever graces he receives.”

The Cardinal issued a clear warning against unspoken appreciation: “Silent gratitude is not useful and has no meaning at all. It is to be expressed.”

He critiqued the attitude of some young people who feel no need to thank their parents, believing care is merely a parental duty.

Cardinal Bo concluded by linking gratitude directly to profound personal virtues: “Those who know gratitude are always happy. Those who know gratitude are always forgiving. Those who know that gratitude is holy.”

The celebration served as both a tribute to parents and caregivers and a powerful communal reminder of the transformative power and sacred duty of expressing heartfelt gratitude.

By RVA Sgaw Karen