By Matters India reporter

Yangon, May 31, 2019: The head of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences has congratulated Narendra Modi on the occasion of his swearing-in as the Prime Minister of India for a second five-year term.

“On behalf of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) which has 26 member countries of Asia, and on my own behalf, I extend my heartiest congratulations to you and to the Bharatiya Janata Party,” Cardinal Charles Maung Bo said in a letter addressed to Modi.

“I have been impressed by your dedicated mission of service for India and your concern for her neighbors, particularly with your government’s ‘Look East Policy’ and leadership to the BIMSTEC countries—Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand which are dependent on the Bay of Bengal,” said the cardinal, who is also the archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar.

“I want to assure you of our prayers and best wishes for you and your new team as you lead your country, our neighbour, in building a strong and inclusive India,” wrote the cardinal who was in Kolkata in April to visit his ailing brother Bernard.

The cardinal had a special prayer remembrance for the new leadership in India as well as her teeming millions at the celebration of vespers in Yangon archbishop’s house. He prayed for “health, wisdom and strength for the prime minister to carry out the great responsibilities entrusted to him.”

The Church leader also offered prayers “for a New India which gives hope and energy to youth, empowers women especially in rural areas, opens new and sustainable opportunities for the poorest of the poor, especially the ethnic and religious minorities’ living up to his slogan “sabke saath, sabka vikas, sabka biswas” (with everyone, progress for all, every one’s trust).

Concluding the letter, 71-year-old cardinal wrote, “Allow me to extend the prayers of Brother Bishops and Faithful of all FABC member countries along with our president U Win Myint who was present at the swearing-in ceremony.”

The FABC comprises bishops’ conferences from 26 countries.

Cardinal Bo took over as head of the Catholic Church in Asia on January 1.