World News
Dedication of shrine in Myanmar fulfills dream of local Catholics
Published: December 30, 2003
MANDALAY, Myanmar (CNS) -- When the archbishop of Mandalay dedicated a new grotto for Our Lady of Lourdes, the act fulfilled a dream for local Catholics. Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Grawng of Mandalay led a procession carrying a Marian statue to the grotto and presided at Mass Dec. 16 at the new parish shrine in Monywa, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Monywa, on the east bank of the Chindwin River, about 60 miles west of Mandalay, is a major trade center for India and Myanmar. During his homily, Archbishop Zinghtung Grawng encouraged Catholics to emulate Mary by showing concern for their neighbors. He also asked the parishioners to be grateful to the Blessed Mother "for the gift of this grotto." Father Peter Myo Aung, pastor of Monywa parish, told UCA News that it was the dream of local Catholics to build the grotto. The pastor said they believe that God has blessed them, through the Blessed Mother's favor, by giving them the grotto.
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