By Fr. Václav Klement

       EAO Region, 5 June 2021 -- Yes, we may already have forgotten the suffering of the Myanmar people, but every day innocent Myanmar civilians and young people are being killed by the military, including yesterday (June 4): "A middle-aged man on a motorbike was shot dead by regime forces in Loikaw city, Kayah State at around 1 PM. He was shot in the head and stomach when junta forces opened fire randomly in a residential area in Mine Lone Ward". Since the coup on February 1, the military junta has killed 845 and arrested 5,652 people according to data from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP)."

       Through the independent media we get daily update of the very tense situation: with the ongoing resistance of ordinary people, ever more united against the military junta; their protests (dawn demonstrations or flash demonstrations with the young people or monks in the streets of the cities of towns), the ongoing random violent harassment by the military every night and day produces more victims. In some parts of the country the different ethnic group local armies are fighting the military junta; some kind of civil war.

       However the international community seems to ignore the suffering of Myanmar's citizens - so far, no concrete action aside from small 'restrictions'. So far no government is recognized yet there is the NUG (National Unity Government) that was established by the elected Parliamentarians. Even multinational companies continue their business with the military junta (annually amounts almost to 4 billion USD).

       In this situation it is encouraging to witness the ongoing prayer of Salesian Youth around the EAO region. Really simple and small gestures, but we believe in the energy of prayers! In past few days there was the Gwangju Salesian High School (KOR) Rosary and Drama about/ for Myanmar; in Japan SYM (GIA) and online Rosary prayer for Myanmar , and the Weekly Vietnam (VIE). Don Bosco video news reports on the recent struggle of Myanmar youth. And other EAO provinces are praying as well.

       Our confreres from Myanmar are aware of our closeness and share that "We are very grateful to you for your encouragement and prayers. Things are here really unpredictable and we are living in uncertainty, day by day. It's quite risky to move from one place to another even within our country. One simple suspicion is enough to be arrested. Kindly keep us in your prayers - since we sometimes face risks and sometimes challenges of face different nature!"

       At the same time our 'Mary Help of Christian' Vice-province is blessed this year with many vocational fruits: "Among the present 9 first year pre-novices, there are 3 boys who stayed in Nazareth for four years and another two boys who stayed there one year as volunteers. Also 3 of the MYM 'old' novices in Cebu are slowly preparing for their first profession and 6 deacons are slowly preparing for their priestly ordination in a few weeks time. This year 2021 is really a blessed time for our Vice-province."

       During this month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus let us keep our Myanmar Salesian Family members deep in our prayers.

       "Thank you so much for passing to us the prayers from our brother Salesians. We really feel encouraged. God bless you! Praying for you with love!"

       Related EAO solidarity events online:

• Japan SYM (Rosary for Myanmar - 30 minute prayer event)
• Korea Gwangju High School (14:30 - 19:00 min section)
• Vietnam SDB Weekly News (3:00-4:20 min)

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