Jesuit university honors Buddhist monks of Myanmar for their courage

Published: 2007-12-20

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) -- Jesuit Father Stephen A. Privett, president of the University of San Francisco, presented an honorary degree to Buddhist monks from Myanmar Dec. 14, saying the honor would keep their "struggle for democracy in the minds and hearts of those of us who enjoy the freedoms they are struggling to achieve." In mid-August, Buddhist monks began leading peaceful demonstrations against spiraling inflation, corruption and the continued suppression of democracy by Myanmar's ruling military regime. They were joined by tens of thousands of other people in Yangon and other towns. It was the largest anti-government display since the military violently suppressed a 1988 pro-democracy uprising. In September, the military reacted with a violent crackdown on the protesters. Thousands of people, including monks, were beaten and arrested; some demonstrators were killed. The government's official death toll was 10, but a U.N. investigator said 31 died. As many as 700 of the protesters reportedly remain jailed. "These are extraordinary, modern-day heroes and persons of faith committed to building a better world, even at the risk of arrest, beatings and death," Father Privett said.

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