6
5
4
3
2
1
LOIKAW, Myanmar: It was a touching, yet unique experience of sharing the message of the Risen Lord with the suffering brethren of our soil surviving in insecurity, uncertainty, scarcity and urgently in need of all kinds of humanitarian and spiritual assistance. They are internally displaced, evacuated from their homelands due to the civil war to the Nanbawan village, which is about 8 miles far from Taunggyi.
On 18th April, we, 18 junior sisters during the month of intense formation, accompanied by Sr. Agnes Petha, superior of ‘Our Lady of Peace House’ community and Sr. Evelyn Htwe Htwe Nyo, coordinator of the group, went to that camp. There were about 300 persons of different age, including small babies, children, pregnant mothers and the elderly. With the donation received from the province and from Karuna Dispensary, we arranged some basic foodstuff for all the families. Together with the people gathered in a place previously prepared for the meeting, we started our programme with an opening prayer and Easter song. One of the junior sisters delivered them an Easter message, expressing our solidarity with them and encouraging them to continue to be steadfast in Christian faith on their passion journey and hope in Jesus Christ, died and risen. It was followed by sports and games for the children and distribution of Easter eggs and packets of snacks, foodstuff and nutrition for each family. All the people were very happy and grateful. Then, led by the children, the sisters in pairs visited the houses in the camp, listening to their sad stories and anxieties, visible in their eyes. It was a very difficult test of faith for them to see their homes burnt to ashes and businesses totally destroyed by the shelling and bombing. We were deeply touched when we witnessed even menfolk shedding tears.
Our presence was a source of consolation and a sign of God’s nearness to all of them. After reaching back home, we shared our apostolic experience. We feel challenged to continue to do whatever we can to alleviate the distressful situations. We kindly request all the sisters of our Institute to pray and support the suffering people of our nation.