“We are a Good Friday people”: Mandalay archbishop marks one year after Myanmar earthquake
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Myanmar earthquake, which struck on March 28 2025, Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay—one of the most affected areas—has recalled in a letter sent to the benefactors of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) the suffering endured by his people and expressed gratitude for the help received.
“In recent years, the people of Myanmar have endured a series of crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, political upheaval, conflict and displacement, the collapse of the economy, and repeated natural disasters,” the prelate notes. “These hardships could have broken the hope of many institutions. Yet, by God’s grace, the unity of the faithful and the generosity of priests, religious, and catechists have sustained our Church.”
The archbishop recalls that the earthquake left “collapsed homes, destroyed villages, and many families who lost loved ones and everything they possessed,” and stresses that “many continue the difficult journey of rebuilding their lives”.
He also highlights the aid received from ACN: “In the midst of this suffering, your generosity has been a powerful sign of hope. Through your support, food, medicine, shelter, and comfort reached many who were injured and displaced. More than material help, your kindness reminded our people that they were not forgotten.”
Despite some progress in reconstruction, the situation remains fragile for many communities due to ongoing armed conflict and the lack of basic services.
In this context, the archbishop invites people to live this moment through faith: “As we approach Palm Sunday, we remember how Jesus entered Jerusalem with hope, even as His path led to the Cross. Our people know this journey well—from suffering toward hope.”
“Indeed, we are a Good Friday people, moving through the silence and uncertainty of Holy Saturday, yet trusting that the dawn of Easter will come.” And he adds: “The Cross is not the end; it leads to the Resurrection.”
In communion with the universal Church, “led by our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV,” the archbishop trusts that Myanmar “will one day witness the dawn of peace, reconciliation, and renewal”.
“Through your compassion, you help us remain wounded healers and pilgrims of hope among our people. On behalf of the Archdiocese of Mandalay, of the Church and the people of Myanmar, I sincerely thank you and assure you of our prayers,” he concludes.
Aid to the Church in Need invites all benefactors and friends of the charity to join the day of prayer, penance, and fasting on 26 March, called for by the Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar to ask for peace, “especially in the Middle East and in Myanmar.”
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