Yangon: In a letter send out to all brother Bishops of Asia, President of the Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo says, Pope’s recent encyclical Fratelli Tutti (Brothers All) echoes Asian realities.
“Our Asian realities are echoed in the urgent message of Fratelli Tutti,” says Myanmar Cardinal.
“Asia is at the crossroads,” he says cautioning, “The path we take will decide the inheritance we leave to our next generation.”
“Will it be wasted or saved?,” ponders 72-year old Cardinal.
The social activist Cardinal further asks, “Will Asia choose individual greed or commit to the common good?”
Attempting to answer his queries the Salesian cardinal says, “Much depends on how we rebuild society after coronavirus. Many governments in Asia are attempting to return to tried and failed economic and social models, so urgency is appropriate.”
Reflecting on the role of Christians he says, “As Catholics we may be but a minority in all countries except Philippines and Timor Leste, but the frank tone of pope Francis encourages us to speak strongly to all as brothers and sisters.”
Echoing pope Francis, the cardinal decried the social evil of death penalty prevalent in 18 of the 27 countries of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
He also highlighted the ongoing suffering of the Rohingya people calling it “a scar on the soul of my own country, Myanmar.”
Pointing out the plight of Asian migrants the cardinal says, “We feel deeply the tensions among peoples and we seek opportunities to respond to the ongoing conflicts in parts of Asia. Our hearts burn for millions who must migrate simply for their survival.”
The cardinal continues, “We weep at the destruction of our beautiful rain forests which regenerate our sick planet and give life to our indigenous peoples.”
“There is more than one pandemic in the world now against which we must develop the vaccines of compassion, solidarity and justice,” the cardinal tells, “exposing these underlying systemic ailments of racism, inequity, hate speech, disregard for the poor, the elderly and the unborn, trafficking of women and children – all are with us in pandemic proportions.”
The cardinal concluded his letter appealing brother bishops to heed to pope’s invitation to take up, “dialogue, respect and generosity towards every human being.”
Bishop Charles Bo started his episcopal ministry from LASHIO the poorest diocese of Myanmar on China border infested with insurgency and militant groups. He is a pastor with the smell of the sheep as pope Francis would say! God bless him!
He seems to be the most forthright and courageous Cardinal in Asia. God give him strength.