In Myanmar, 2.3 million people were affected by cyclone Nargis. Millions lost their shelter, especially the ‘squatters’ who did not have a land and occupied some of the unhealthy lands as their shelter base.
There were many others who lost their near and dear ones killed in the cyclone. Where the parents died, the children have aged overnight, thrust with the responsibility of surviving and supporting other siblings.
On August 1, Fr Peter Kim Se Mang wrote, "Earlier at 5pm we had a Eucharist at Canisius House presided by Archbishop Charles followed by a dinner and a short programme. This year marked the first ten years of our mission here. The celebration was graced by the presence of around 150 priests, religious, and lay collaborators. Joseph Aik Maung and Francis Htjaru, our two regents, did a great job doing the lion’s share in organizing the event with the help of 21 candidates in Yangon.
On June 21, Fr Paul Pollock, Major Superior of Myanmar, wrote: "I am very happy to announce that Father General has approved the establishment of a new local community for the Jesuits residing in the Yangon area. Together with the decree of canonical establishment, Father General has also approved my appointment of Fr Peter Kim Se Mang as superior of this community. Fr Peter begins as superior today, June 21, 2008, feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga.
Out of the desolation in Myanmar came a ray of good news from our Jesuit brothers. Campion Language Institute opened one week late. Fr Paul Pollock was there for the opening Mass on May 12, 10 days after cyclone Nargis went thru. They have 300 students!
Myanmar Mission members will meet on the GC35 on October 14 – 15 in Taunggyi. The facilitator will be Fr John Lee Hua, who was the delegate/elector from the Chinese Province. Besides the Jesuits residing inside Myanmar, it is hoped that the five scholastics form the Arrupe International residence will also be present. It is time for a “home apostolic visit” for Aung Zaw, Alex Pau Sian Zam, Augustine Pyae Sone, Michael Tu Aung and Stephen Marthay.
On December 15, Fr Paul Pollock wrote, “In January 2008, Fr Tran Van Tro (ASL) will take up his new assignment in Yangon. He will be assigned to the Campion Language Institute and be helping out with the candidates at Canisius House; and also be available for retreats and pastoral ministry as the requests come in.
Some good news from Wilbert Mireh. He has arrived (at last!) in Chuuk on Friday, August 10. Fr James Crogan, the local superior, and Bro Bayu, an Indonesian scholastic, received him at the airport. He is now discussing his teaching assignments with Fr Arthur Ledger, the school director; but tentatively, he will be teaching Religion to Freshmen and Juniors, and Government to the Seniors, with some involvement with the choir group and soccer games.
Fr Paul Pollock attended the meeting of the JCEAO Arrupe Board last July 18. This semester, Thailand-Myanmar has 17 members at AIR (second largest group, after East Timor).
The Jesuit residence, called Berchman’s House, has a new street address: 17-H, Thalawaddy Road, 7 miles, Mayangone Township Yangon, Myanmar.
Six men have been accepted into the Novitiate. They will arrive in Taunggyi on April 28, 2007, together with the four Thai men who are entering first year novitiate.
Let us keep them all in our prayers, and ask the Lord of the harvest to continue to bless us even more!