Human spirit fights back in Burma

As people slowly start to return home after the cyclone in Burma/Mynamar, Archbishop Charles Bo reflects on the huge challenges ahead for communities

Hundreds of people are returning to villages devastated by Cyclone Nargis in Burma/Myanmar - and experiencing mixed feelings of joy and pain.

Some are joyful because their rootless life living in camps is over.

But they also feel pain as they return to their homes where so many of their friends, family and neighbours died. For many, their homes, their schools and their places of worship lie in ruins.

“We begged for our bread for the last few months” says one man, who lives in Ei Ma, part of the Pathein Diocese. “We are happy to be back where our homes used to be.”

Human spirit fights back

Thanks to the generosity of Catholic communities around the world, we were able to reach out to hundreds of people, by providing food, clothes and medical supplies.

Hundreds of young men and women, volunteered to help survivors in the wake of the cyclone.

Now life is asserting itself like an early morning. Farmers have returned to the fields, and children are going back to school.

In the fields, seeds are starting to sprout. The human spirit fights back everywhere you look. Helping communities to rebuild their lives will be a long and winding road. Spiritual healing is a long process.

We are training volunteers in every parish to help people deal with their loss.

Our fellowship continues

As media attention dims, some agencies who rushed in are slowing down their response. But we will stay with our people, and are determined to help communities rebuild in the long-term.

To all those who responded with magnificent generosity, the people of Burma/Myanmar thank you.

When nature colluded with other forces, thousands perished. Our fellowship continues.

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