24-hour Global Day of Prayer for peace in Myanmar
Vatican news
Four years after a coup in the country, aid to the church in need will be divided on February 1 into prayer, so that people around the world can participate in this global initiative.
By Kielce Gussie
Four years after the coup of February 1 in Myanmar, which has changed power of the government democratically elected to the army, the country remains involved in a conflict.
To mark this tragic anniversary, the pontifical aid of the church foundation in need (ACN) requires a world day of prayer 24 hours a day in Myanmar.
24 hours of prayer
On Saturday, February 1, the headquarters of ACN and 23 national offices, as well as people around the world, will meet in prayer with “a spirit of solidarity and hope”. Whether it is to join Australia, Cameroon, Scotland or Guam, all will be able to participate because the day will be divided into a quarter of prayer – led by the various national offices of ACN.
The Executive President of ACN International, Regina Lynch, explains the importance of this initiative, saying that the day is “an opportunity for everyone, whatever their place of origin, to unite in a collective plea for peace and reconciliation ”.
Lynch stresses that this World Day is dedicated to victims as well as “our brothers and sisters who experience attacks, hunger, lack of electricity and means”. The danger and risk did not prevent the priests and the religious of the country of their mission: they travel for days to reach distant parishes.
Current challenges
Rather than penetrating over the years, the conflict has intensified. The United States Peace Institute describes 2024 as “particularly devastating for the Myanmar army, marking its worst losses in history”. Following violence, more than 3.3 million people were moved internally and at least 5,300 civilians were killed.
February 1 will also serve as a recall of the millions of people who still live with the effects of violence – those displaced by their homes, young people who face a difficult future and religious who risk their lives to provide help to people in need.
(Tagstotranslate) Myanmar
Vatican news
sc