Summary
Church leaders across Asia, including Fr. Girish Santiago of the Jesuits in Myanmar, are urging the faithful to unite through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity during this year’s Lenten season. This call for solidarity is centered on the ongoing conflict and suffering in Myanmar since a military coup five years ago. The coup led by the junta resulted in nationwide unrest and armed conflict, plunging Myanmar into an enduring humanitarian crisis marked by displacement, economic hardship, and social divisions. Fr. Girish recalled February 1, 2021, as a turning point when the military seized power, ending a decade-long democratic transition. As Jesuit leaders gather for their annual assembly in Vung Tau, Vietnam, participants emphasized the need for collective service across cultures and vocations. The meeting addressed practical concerns such as formation programs, collaboration among ministries, healthcare support, and youth initiatives. Participants reflected on St. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth,” highlighting that mission depends solely on divine grace. This year’s Lenten journey is particularly urgent given wars, displacement, economic hardship, and natural disasters affecting many parts of Asia. The gathering reaffirmed its commitment to continue standing in solidarity with Myanmar’s suffering people, seeking peace, reconciliation, and restoration of dignity.
Key Topics
Myanmar, Jesuits, Lenten prayer
