In response to the military coup in Myanmar, Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace expressed solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

Bishop Malloy’s statement follows:

“On February 1, the military in Myanmar took control of the country, arresting many democratic political leaders and activists, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. Since the coup, protesters have gathered peacefully around the country, calling for a return to democracy. Pope Francis has condemned the coup and expressed his solidarity with the people of Burma and called on its leaders to work for the common good. I echo the call by the Holy Father and the bishops of Myanmar on the need for dialogue as a way forward toward peace and reconciliation.

“On behalf of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, I wrote a solidarity letter to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar and have asked U.S. government officials to carefully consider the insights the local Church can offer towards achieving a just resolution to the current crisis. As protests continue in Myanmar, I call on all Catholics and people of good will to pray for the people and leaders of this land.”

Amid the turmoil in Myanmar, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo has appealed for five ‘transfigurations’ for his nation and in each person, and has warned against losing the faith.

The Cardinal of Yangon and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) expressed this in a Feb. 28 homily for the second Sunday of Lent which he has provided to Exaudi for the occasion. The day’s Gospel reading according to Mark was when Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor.

Reminding that Lent calls us to become a new being with a new heart, he added that it specifically “calls us to transfigure into God’s children.”  But, the Asian cardinal warned, transfiguration is a challenge in the social media era. “Social media, especially Facebook, is a virtual hell where hatred rules supreme;  good people become violent in that virtual hell, destroying others.  Humanity is disfigured…

“On this day when we contemplate  transfiguration, we need to be extremely cautious about virtual reality and our mental health.”

FEATURE: Cardinal Bo: Amid Myanmar Turmoil, Appeals for Five ‘Transfigurations’