Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has urged church leaders to focus on building God’s people rather than physical structures, especially in times of crisis and suffering.
He made the call during the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Raymond Wai Lin Htun on March 19, the feast day of St. Joseph, emphasizing that true episcopal ministry must prioritize the mission of serving the faithful over “egoistic grandiose plans.”
“David had a grandiose plan to build a temple but was asked to build the people of God first. God’s mission, Missio Dei, differs from ours, and when we obey, like David, we’ll see God’s graces,” the prelate said in his homily.
Addressing the bishop-elect directly, he continued: “Dear bishop-elect, like David, you’re called to steward a kingdom ‘not made with hands’ (2 Cor. 5:1). Not concrete buildings. Be a different kind of builder. Build many God-inspired missions, Build peace, build unity, and build hope in this Jubilee year.”
Cardinal Bo stressed that Myanmar’s ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises demand a pastoral response centered on healing and solidarity.
“You’ll be a master builder when you build your people. Let them build their dreams. Create healing hope for our wounded people. Thousands need your healing presence, words, and ministry,” he told the new bishop
The ordination of Bishop Htun took place during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope in Myanmar, a context Cardinal Bo used to further underscore the need for Church leaders to embody servant leadership and offer tangible hope.
He praised the bishop-elect for his humility and dedication, likening him to St. Joseph, “a quiet worker, embodying the virtues of humility and steadfast faith.”
Bishop Htun’s episcopal motto, “In that hope we are saved”, was cited by the cardinal as a fitting vision for a nation seeking peace and stability.
“May your Episcopal ordination bring that hope of peace that would save our people,” Cardinal Bo said.
