Young Cebuanos greet papal legate Myanmar Archbishop Charles Maung Cardinal Bo upon his arrival in Cebu, Jan. 24, 2016. (Photo: Roy Lagarde)
CEBU City, Jan. 27, 2016 – Papal legate Myanmar Archbishop Charles Maung Cardinal Bo reiterated the need for sharing of the world’s resources in a bid to fight off poverty.
During the fourth day press conference of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC), the Holy Father’s official representative to the IEC called for the equal distribution of food in all countries, particularly in his homeland, Myanmar. The prelate previously urged the people to “declare a third World War” against poverty during the IEC Opening Mass at the Plaza Independencia on Jan. 24.
Poverty in rural areas
“All the [Burmese] generals and Yangones get 90 percent of the resources of the country while 80 or 85 percent of the [Burmese] people are poor,” Bo told the media.
Poverty in Myanmar is largely concentrated in rural regions of the country, where the people rely only on agricultural work.
The papal legate also stressed the need for “assistants” in the churches of all regions in Myanmar as well as in Christian communities. He said the Church, government, and communities in the world need to have a “system where resources and the riches are shared.”
The cardinal said the Burmese people are expecting a smooth transition of government, from its current junta administration to a democratic one, led by the famous Aung San Suu Kyi.
Filipino faith and hospitality
Bo said he has a lot of things to report to Pope Francis, including Filipinos’ hospitality, good cuisine, and the people’s smiles.
“This reception is the warmest welcome I have received,” stressed the prelate.
Bo, however, said the most important thing he will report to the Holy Father is the faith of the people.
“Despite all the natural disasters, the only thing that mainly remained with the Filipinos is faith. Faith in the Church, faith in the Eucharist and faith in God,” he explained.
He praised the zeal of Filipinos, particularly those working overseas, in spreading the Catholic faith all over the world. (John Gabriel M. Agcaoili / CBCP News)
