My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we stand within the sacred embrace of Lourdes, a place where heaven touches earth—a
sanctuary of miracles, hope, and divine mercy. This holy ground has witnessed countless
pilgrims seeking solace, healing, and the tender intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. As we
gather on this blessed feast day, let our hearts swell with gratitude for the boundless love of our
Blessed Mother, and let us open ourselves to the wonders that faith can unveil.
Mary, Mother of Peace
In a world often shrouded in turmoil and conflict, we turn our eyes to Mary, the Mother of Peace.
When the angel Gabriel brought her the news that she would bear the Son of God, her heart
was not troubled by fear or doubt. Instead, she embraced God's will with a serene and trusting
spirit, saying, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."*
(Luke 1:38). Her unwavering acceptance invites us to cultivate inner peace and to become
ambassadors of peace in our troubled world.
Consider the countless mothers in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps—women who
have been uprooted from their homes, carrying their children through unknown and often hostile
terrains. In every pregnant mother in these camps, we see the face of an anxious Mary
journeying to Bethlehem, seeking a safe place to bring her child into the world. For every young
girl forced to deliver her child in the unforgiving wilderness, we witness Mary giving birth in a
humble stable. Their resilience and courage mirror Mary's serenity amidst chaos, reminding us
that peace is not the absence of adversity but the presence of God within it.
Mary, Mother of Reconciliation
Mary's life is a profound testament to reconciliation. When she visited her cousin Elizabeth, the
barriers of age and circumstance dissolved in the warmth of their shared joy. The infant John
leaped in Elizabeth's womb, and Mary proclaimed the Magnificat—a song overflowing with hope
and the promise of God's mercy. This encounter teaches us the power of reaching across
divides, of healing broken relationships, and of uniting in faith and love.
In a world fractured by divisions—be they political, cultural, or religious—Mary calls us to be
bridge-builders. When Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus, they became
refugees in a foreign land. Their journey resonates deeply today as we witness families
displaced by conflict and persecution. Mary's example challenges us to reconcile with those we
consider strangers, to extend compassion to the marginalized, and to seek unity where there is
discord.
Mary, Mother of Forgiveness
At the foot of the Cross, Mary witnessed the crucifixion of her beloved Son—a pain that pierces
the deepest core of a mother's heart. Yet, in her profound sorrow, she did not succumb to hatred
or despair. She embodies the essence of forgiveness, reflecting the very words of Jesus:
"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."* (Luke 23:34). Mary's capacity to forgive
in the face of unimaginable suffering teaches us that forgiveness is a divine act of love that
liberates both the giver and the receiver.

Every mother who has lost a child to violence or injustice shares in Mary's grief as depicted in
Michelangel's Pietà. Yet, like Mary, these mothers find the strength to carry on, to forgive, and
to become advocates for peace and reconciliation. Their journeys are powerful testimonies to
the unyielding strength of a mother's love and the transformative power of forgiveness.
A Universal Mother for All
The veneration of Mary transcends religious boundaries. In the Quran, Maryam is honored as a
woman of purity and unwavering faith. She is the only woman mentioned by name, esteemed
for her obedience to God's will and her role in the miraculous birth of Isa (Jesus). In Surah
Maryam (Chapter 19), her story is told with reverence, highlighting her trials and God's
protection over her. This shared admiration invites us into interfaith dialogue and mutual
respect, recognizing that Mary's virtues are universal—she is a mother to us all.
A Beacon of Hope: Veterans' Reconciliation
Each year, veterans from opposing armies gather in Lourdes to proclaim peace—an
extraordinary act of reconciliation and unity. These veterans, once adversaries on the battlefield,
now stand shoulder to shoulder, united in their commitment to peace. Shortly after World War II,
members of the French and German militaries met at Lourdes to reconcile and heal the wounds
of war. They embodied the spirit of forgiveness and began a tradition that continues to this day.
Men who fought each other were melted by Our Lady’s love and they came to celebrate that in
Lourdes. They came for the annual pilgrimage of militaries from 35 nations to celebrate peace.
This powerful example of reconciliation highlights how Mary's loving intercession can heal even
the deepest wounds.
Drawing inspiration from this profound example, let us pray that the parties in conflict in
Myanmar may come together at the Marian shrine in Naw Hlang Pine. May this sacred place
become a haven of peace and reconciliation, where enemies embrace as brothers and sisters in
Christ. Let us envision a Myanmar where the divisions of war give way to the unity of peace,
where all people can live in harmony, and where Mary, the Mother of Reconciliation, guides our
steps towards lasting peace.
A Call to Action
One European bishop, speaking poignantly during a grand Mass in the Lourdes basilica,
remarked, World War III is already underway in the world – he was talking about the world war
of poor suffering, the world war of the powerful oppressing the people, the world war of
thousands of children dying of hunger when pets in rich countries enjoy the best food, the world
war where there are more weapon factories than schools. He implored the faithful to focus on
peace, justice, and human rights, urging us to become “witnesses for hope.” Let us heed this
urgent call by embodying Mary's spirit—actively working towards peace where there is conflict,
fostering reconciliation where there is division, and extending forgiveness where there is hurt.
She is the reconciler. In countries like Egypt her shrine the place where people from all religions
come together while war rages in nearby countries.
Living Mary's Message
As we celebrate this feast, Mary asks us to be the peacemakers. Be the bearers of the light of
reconciliation. Today we take a solid vow on this feast day for the following

1. Cultivating Inner Peace: Through prayer, reflection, and trust in God's plan, let us find
the serenity that Mary exemplified.
2. Being Agents of Reconciliation: Actively seek to heal divisions—within our families, our
communities, and across the world. Engage in dialogue, listen with empathy, and build
bridges of understanding.
3. Practicing Forgiveness: Release the hold of past grievances. Forgive others as we have
been forgiven, and encourage a culture of mercy and compassion.
Extending Our Reach
As we depart from this sacred place, consider tangible ways to embody Mary's virtues:
- Support Displaced Families: Offer assistance to refugees and IDPs through charitable
organizations or community initiatives. Your support can provide shelter, education, and hope to
those in desperate need.
- Engage in Interfaith Efforts: Promote understanding and respect among different religious
traditions. Participate in interfaith dialogues that celebrate shared values and common
humanitarian goals.
- Advocate for Peace and Justice: Use your voice to stand up against injustice. Write to your
representatives, support policies that promote human rights, and educate others about the
importance of peacebuilding efforts.
Our Lady of Lourdes, you appeared to St. Bernadette to bring a message of hope and healing.
Intercede for us now, that we may carry your message into the world. May we become beacons
of hope, channels of God's peace, and messengers of His infinite mercy.
A Jubilee Year of Hope
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are reminded of Mary's role as the Mother of God and the
Mother of all humanity. Her steadfast faith and unwavering love continue to inspire us to seek
peace and harmony in our world. As we celebrate this Jubilee, let us renew our commitment to
building a world where all people can live in peace and dignity. May Mary, the mother of God,
help us give birth to global peace and harmony, especially in Myanmar.

Amen.