“I Have Received Far More Blessings Than I Had Ever Asked For”: Cardinal Bo Marks 77th Birthday

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon, marked his 77th birthday with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral on October 29, 2025.

High-ranking Church officials, including the Papal Representative to Myanmar, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye, and Bishop Raymond Wai Lin Htun, the Auxiliary Bishops of Yangon, and Bishop Peter Tin Wai of Pyay Diocese, concelebrated the Mass. The congregation also included numerous priests, over a hundred seminarians, and religious men and women from various congregations.

In his homily, delivered first in English, Msgr. Saw Francis, Rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral, framed the event as more than a celebration of passing years. “Faith transforms time into grace, and a life’s worth is measured by love and dedication to God and His people,” he stated. Reflecting on Cardinal Bo’s decades of ministry, Msgr. Francis cited Scripture, saying the Cardinal had continually answered the Lord’s call to service and love for the Church.

Continuing in Burmese, Msgr. Francis traced the Cardinal’s life journey, noting the significance of the number seven throughout his milestones: baptism a week after birth, entrance into the Salesian congregation at 17, priestly ordination at 27, episcopal ordination at 37, appointment as Bishop of Pathein at 47, Archbishop of Yangon at 57, and his elevation to the College of Cardinals at 67.

Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, brought greetings from the Holy See. He conveyed the Holy Father’s prayers and appreciation for Cardinal Bo’s “dedicated pastoral leadership in Myanmar.” Describing life as a “marvelous gift from God,” Msgr. Ferrante emphasized that each birthday opens new chapters of faith and service.

In a heartfelt response, Cardinal Bo expressed his gratitude for the messages and prayers. He shared a personal childhood memory of offering his weekly allowance to the church donation box while praying to one day become a priest. “Looking back, I have received far more blessings than I had ever asked for,” the Cardinal reflected.

He used the anecdote to encourage the faithful not to underestimate small acts of generosity. “I encourage everyone not to underestimate small acts of generosity and to remember the importance of helping and supporting others,” Cardinal Bo said. He concluded by asking for continued prayers for himself, the Church, and the nation during these challenging times.

Following the Mass, attendees offered birthday greetings and gifts to the Cardinal. The event culminated in a grand dinner hosted at the Archbishop’s House for the bishops, priests, religious, and faithful who had gathered to honor their spiritual leader.