In a powerful testament to resilience and faith, approximately 500 young Catholics from across the Yangon Archdiocese gathered at the John Paul II Youth and Education Center on Saturday, July 12th, for the Archdiocesan Youth Jubilee.

Organized by the Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate Commission under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Marcian Thet Kyaw (Vicar Forane, Yangon Archdiocese & Parish Priest, St. Augustine Church), the day-long event served as a beacon of hope, addressing the palpable fears and complex challenges facing Myanmar’s youth while urging them towards active Christian witness.

Confronting Fear with Faith:
Fr. Marcian Thet Kyaw set the tone in his opening address, acknowledging the heavy burden of fear carried by young people today. “The disciples were filled with fear,” he recalled, linking their biblical experience directly to contemporary anxieties: “the young people have fears, especially… afraid of conscription law, lack of jobs, losing their dreams… we are living and moving in fear.”

He poignantly noted that while 500 gathered in courage, many others remained absent, paralyzed by diverse fears.

“When we have fears, we die twice,” he stated, commending those present.

Highlighting the organizers’ own anxieties, Fr. Marcian challenged attendees to cultivate a positive disposition:

“Those who write down only what is convenient have their lives filled with success.”

He urged them to be “the light in the darkness, in the midst of inconveniences,” fostering the right attitude to face external challenges.

A Message from Rome and a Call to Desire:
Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, brought greetings and blessings from Pope Leo XIV, asking for prayers for the Pontiff and the late Pope Francis, who initiated the Jubilee to “revive the hope that comes from the love of God.”

Msgr. Ferrante extended solidarity to absent youth, especially those suffering. He diagnosed a core societal ill: “The problem we experience today arises mostly from the fact that we have no certain hope, but rather many hopes that disappoint us.”

He cited isolation, uncertainty, war, superficial media, and fast-paced lifestyles as obstacles. “These are challenging times that must push you to… recognize those who truly love you and help you face obstacles with courage,” he encouraged.

Msgr. Ferrante emphasized discerning true desires: “Great desires are those capable of sowing peace, brotherhood, and joy… they think of everyone.”

Warning against “false prophets” and desires leading to isolation or manipulation, he declared: “Desire is a gift from God, because it arises precisely from our need for Him.”

He urged vigilance for God’s call through community, sacraments, and relationships, advising youth to “seek out good teachers” and become “teachers of hope and trust” themselves, witnessing through their lives and choices.

“You are the future, and no one can take this hope away from you… The anchor holds the ship steady even in storms,” he affirmed, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s call to “announce a message of true hope and promote peace.”

He shared the Pope’s poignant response to a concerned mother, Zaira, stressing that God reaches us even in tragedy.

“Peace is built in the heart,” he quoted, urging prayer and dialogue to build a “culture of encounter.”

Msgr. Ferrante concluded the Q&A session by stressing relationships: “Money is important, but it does not give hope… Without friendship is not possible to live… Synodality is to walk together.”

Navigating the Digital Age:
The Jubilee directly engaged with the realities of modern youth.

Artist and actress Agnes Pan Yaung Chel spoke on using Social Media effectively, advocating for tools like Bible apps and the Bible Project.

She shared her prayer life practice and emphasized resilience: accepting constructive criticism while ignoring negativity, leaving it “in the hands of God” for peace.

Students Cyril Satish and Solomon followed with a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI). They detailed its benefits in health, education, business, transportation, and personal assistance since circa 2011, while also cautioning about risks.

Crucially, they explored how AI could be harnessed effectively for Evangelization.

Fr. Hyginus Myint Soe amplified this digital theme, announcing the upcoming canonization of Carlo Acutis (September 7, 2025), the teenager renowned for documenting Eucharistic miracles online.

“Let us use our social media knowledge for the good of all,” Fr. Hyginus urged, while cautioning against digital pitfalls like reduced family communication and the erosion of faith.

He highlighted the Church’s guidance on Social Media Ethics and initiatives like Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) for spreading the Gospel.

Addressing Pressing Youth Concerns:
His Excellency Bishop Francis Than Htun delivered a sobering yet hopeful analysis of the challenges confronting Myanmar’s youth, framed by Pope Leo XIV’s message: “If we are able to listen to the voice of our heart, we will live in love… Peace and unity are based on hope.” He systematically addressed 11 key issues:

1. Job Scarcity: Difficulties for graduates due to politics, economic collapse, and tech shifts.
2. Mental Health: Depression, loss of self-worth, lack of self-determination from social/family pressures.
3. Educational Inequality: Lack of access, insufficient skills, and disinterest due to limited means.
4. Digital Misuse: Wasted time online vs. learning practical skills.
5. Socio-Economic Inequality: Barriers to education based on ability/resources.
6. Directionlessness: Confusion between advice and personal interests; lack of mentors.
7. Family Fragmentation: Eroded intimacy, love, communication; increased conflict.
8. Cultural Erosion: Foreign influences undermining tradition via technology.
9. Substance Abuse: Early drug use impacts health and the future.
10. Political Instability: Uncertainty in education, economy, future, and displacement.
11. Self-Doubt: Lack of confidence in abilities, diminished effort.
    Bishop Francis offered practical counsel: pursue any viable livelihood skills, use screen time productively, and foster learning despite obstacles.

Empowerment and Mission:
Rev. Fr. George Shwe Htun (National Coordinator, Biblical Pastoral Ministry) emphasized Christian joy: “A Christian should be happy always… Jubilee is a time of happiness… rest.”

He urged youth to be active lights, fearing only “death, not in the state of grace.” He stressed life witness, guidance from Christ, and constant prayer.

Fr. Bosco Bo Bo, SDB, reinforced this call to action, quoting St. Paul: “I can do everything with the help of God who strengthens me.”

He outlined three youth ministry goals: total development (mind, body, heart, spirit); responsible freedom; and societal transformation.

“Youth are not to be content… not to forget their future,” he declared.

Eucharistic Celebration and Cardinal’s Charge:
The Jubilee culminated in a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo.

Drawing from Isaiah 61, he framed Christ’s mission: proclaiming good news, comforting, liberating, and declaring God’s favor.

Addressing the pervasive theme of fear, Cardinal Bo stated: “God’s word assures us that the key to overcoming fear is faith.”

Highlighting the 365 biblical instances of “Do not be afraid,” he reassured: “God is greater than anything we face.”

He used Peter walking on water as an analogy: “As long as he focused on Jesus, Peter was able to walk.”

Cardinal Bo lamented the lack of prayer time and urged youth to seek purpose:

“What is my purpose?… You are not here by accident. God has a plan for you… Let us believe that God’s plan is good.” His final charge: “Go home and bring what you have heard.”

The Yangon Archdiocesan Youth Jubilee 2025 emerged as more than a celebration; it was a vital pastoral response to a generation navigating unprecedented challenges.

By candidly addressing fears – from conscription and unemployment to digital pitfalls and societal fragmentation – and offering tangible spiritual tools, ethical guidance for technology, and a resounding message of hope rooted in faith (“Do not be afraid!”).

The Church leadership equipped its young members to be “beacons of hope” and active builders of a better future, both for themselves and for Myanmar.

The Jubilee of Youth served as a powerful affirmation: amidst darkness, the light of Christ, carried by courageous youth, will prevail.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service