YANGON (LiCAS News): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar has designated March 26 as a special day of prayer and fasting for peace, urging Catholics to intensify spiritual efforts during the Lenten season as conflict continues to afflict the country.
In a statement signed by Charles Maung Cardinal Bo of Yangon, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, and Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye, secretary general, the bishops called on the faithful to unite in prayer and acts of sacrifice for peace in Myanmar and the wider world.
“For the Catholic Church, the Holy Lenten Season is the time to make more effort for penance, conversion of heart, and the intimate relationship with God,” the bishops said.
“In this Holy Season, the Catholic Church encourages the Catholic Faithful to do more prayer, fasting, and charity,” the prelates added.
The bishops also urged prayers for peace beyond Myanmar’s borders, saying the world needs “special prayers for peace.”
Quoting Pope Leo XIV, the bishops added that peace must be lived out through daily acts of compassion and understanding.
Alongside prayer, the bishops encouraged Catholics to offer concrete acts of sacrifice and assistance during the designated day.
They asked the faithful to pray “that God gives his peace to the world and to Myanmar and that there will be mutual understanding and progress in unity,” to fast in union with Christ’s suffering, and to extend charity by helping “the poor and suffering people.”
The bishops invited Catholics to keep in their hearts the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi for peace as they observe the day of prayer and fasting.
