Dear Columban Friends,
I’m reaching out to share an inspiring opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in Myanmar, formerly Burma. As you may know, this beautiful country has faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic hardship, and the ongoing effects of natural disasters.
Columban Fr. Kurt Zion Pala lives and works in Myanmar. Despite the danger and challenges, Fr. Kurt remains committed to his work helping young people. He recently shared with me his experience with an Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp:
“Better Together,” was the theme for this year’s Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp. We gathered about 43 youths from the five major religions present in Myitkyina, Myanmar. The Christian participants were the largest group with 20 participants (two from the Kachin Baptist Church, five from the Anglican Church and thirteen from the Roman Catholic Church). The Buddhist participants were the second biggest group with nine participants. The Hindu and Sikh communities had five participants each. The Islamic community had four participants.
Myitkyina is a beautifully diverse city but without social cohesion and dialogue this diversity can also lead to conflicts between communities within communities. The pilgrimage of interfaith dialogue among young people here in Myanmar continues until we reach our destination a place of hope and peace for all the peoples of Myanmar.
During camp, we went on a pilgrimage to five important places of worship here in Myitkyina, the St. Columban’s Church (Roman Catholic), Ram Janki Mandir (Hindu), Sikh Gurdwara (Temple), Panthay Masjid (Muslim), and lastly the Pain Nay Gauwng Monastery. Pilgrimage is an important ritual of many groups like Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. Often it is a pilgrimage to a holy place to seek God’s blessings and forgiveness.
Having visited all five sacred places, we all headed back to our camp venue and prepared for the final night of cultural food exchange and entertainment. The participants prepared various food and snacks. After the delicious supper and having enjoyed the tastes of the different food and snacks, the group gradually started preparing for the closing program to show their different dancing and singing skills.
The night was long and fun as each group presented song and dance items highlighting the beautiful diversity in Myanmar. The last group to present was the Kachin Christians who led the participants in dancing the Manau. We danced in one line following one person at the head of the line.
Columban missionaries in Myanmar hope for a future where every individual has access to food, shelter, healthcare, sustainable employment, religious freedom, and education. We believe that by empowering young people in their communities, we can help create lasting change. It is only with the support of generous donors like you that we can try to make a difference.
Your life-changing gift today helps to restore hope and a brighter future for the people we serve. Together, we can help transform challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people in Myanmar.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Fr. Al Utzig | Director, U.S. Region
The Missionary Society of St. Columban is entrusted by the Holy Father with part of the Church’s mission to spread the Faith and saving work of Christ.” (Vat.II) The Society works under the guidance of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and under the leadership of the bishops. We are listed in the U.S. Official Catholic Directory published annually by P.J. Kennedy and Sons. As such, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service recognizes us as a religious not-for-profit corporation, therefore contributions to our work are tax deductible. We employ no outside professional fund-raisers and pay no commissions.