“I pray that each and every one of my Myanmar Brothers and Sisters become the ambassadors of peace and reconciliation,” said Christmas Message of Charles Cardinal Bo., SDB, Archbishop of Yangon in his Christmas prayer on 21 December.

“God is so indulgent to Myanmar. The graceful people from every tribe, the plentiful natural resources, the spiritual wealth of Myanmar: all these are the envy of others. This is indeed a golden land, God’s own favorite country,” he said.

Despite all these great blessings, Myanmar is today known in the world for the wrong reasons. Myanmar is dragged to an international court. Big words are used against this country, the Cardinal said.

“Myanmar needs to understand the world’s concern about the suffering of people from Myanmar. At the same time, the world needs a greater understanding of Myanmar. Myanmar as a nation has its own legitimate reasons for security. Countries all over the world take security precautions,” he said, “The world needs to understand the struggle democracy faces in this country. The international community needs to accompany this nation of a fledgling democracy. All stakeholders are trying to recast in the new Myanmar. Any sanctions will adversely impact our simple people.”

“The international events involving Myanmar today can force a relapse. Another relapse would be a shattering journey through a slippery rock. The people of Myanmar need understanding, advising, accompanying by the international community, not condemnation. Any sanction without consideration for the welfare of ordinary people will be a sad commentary on the world’s concern for our people. That is the message of Christmas,” said Charles Bo.—Taryar