UCA News
Contribute

Myanmar

Masses And Eucharistic Adoration In Cemeteries Help Catholics Pray For The Dead

Updated: November 24, 2005 05:00 PM GMT
Support Asia's largest network of Catholic journalists and editors
Support Asia's largest network of Catholic journalists and editors
Share this article :

Catholics in two Myanmar dioceses went to cemeteries for Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on All Souls´ Day.

"By conducting adoration I wanted people to pray for all their dead, as well as for the souls in purgatory," Father Julian Aung Htoo, pastor of Lashio diocese´s Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish, told UCA News. About 1,500 people took part in the observances in Lashio town, Shan State, 700 kilometers north of Yangon.

At the cemetery, people prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament before going to pray and light candles at graves they were visiting. The adoration program began at 8:30 a.m. and lasted until 3 p.m., but many people stayed well into the night, praying the rosary and singing hymns to the accompaniment of the traditional drum and flute local people use at funerals.

"I have served in many places, but I never before saw an adoration program arranged for the whole day," Reparation Sister Agatha Khaung Htoi told UCA News. "Catholics in Lashio pray so deeply for the departed," she said.

The nun, who helped prepare the Mass and Eucharistic adoration program, explained that Father Aung Htoo assigned every ward in the parish a particular hour for adoration, which ensured a steady attendance during the daylong program.

The cemetery is far from the city and difficult to reach on foot Sister Khaung Htoi, pointed out, saying that not all who were eager to attend were able arrange transportation. Some came by bicycle, and some carried prepared food with them for lunch.

Bishop Philip Lasap Za Hawng of Lashio and the four priests led the All Souls´ Day Mass at the cemetery. Before starting the morning liturgy, Bishop Za Hawng blessed the cemetery and the four priests blessed individual graves with holy water. Two Masses were held at the cemetery that day -- in the morning for those who have died, and in the evening for Massgoers´ personal intentions.

Philip Too Aung, a local Catholic, told UCA News at the cemetery that he comes to pray for his relatives every year. "The Eucharistic adoration program helps me to pray deeply for them," he added.

Similar observances were held in Loikaw diocese. The diocese, which covers Kayah state, is based in Loikaw town, 350 kilometers northeast of Yangon.

Processions including priests, nuns, catechists, students and a musical ensemble entered the three cemeteries in the town, where Masses were celebrated. Afterward priests blessed the graves with holy water while people sang hymns and gathered together in family groups to pray before the graves of their relatives.

Bishop Sotero Phamo Thein Myint of Loikaw led three Masses at Bado cemetery, with some priests from the diocese concelebrating. Five priests and two deacons went to Naungya cemetery, and another five priests to Nannataw cemetery. The diocese also arranged prayer services for the departed Nov. 1-8 at the three cemeteries.

END

(Accompanying photos available at here)

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
November begins with the Feast of All Saints. That month will mark the beginning of a new UCA News series, Saints of the New Millenium, that will profile some of Asia’s saints, “ordinary” people who try to live faithfully amid the demands of life in our time.
Perhaps the closest they will ever come to fame will be in your reading about them in UCA News. But they are saints for today. Let their example challenge and encourage you to live your own sainthood.
Your contribution will help us present more such features and make a difference in society by being independent and objective.
A small donation of US$5 a month would make a big difference in our quest to achieve our goals.
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
YOUR DAILY
NEWSLETTER
Thank you. You are now signed up to our Daily Full Bulletin newsletter
 
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia