YANGON: Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon says education is "particularly vital" for Myanmar as it begins its new journey into a more democratic system and has urged Jesuits to play a part in shaping future generations.

Speaking to students and staff of Stonyhurst College, a Jesuit school in the United Kingdom, when he visited May 21, the Salesian cardinal spoke of his "deep appreciation" and "recognition that Jesuits are the best educators," according to the Jesuit Asia Pacific Conference website.

"Education is key," he said. "It is vital for any country … and it is particularly vital for my country of Myanmar as we begin our journey into a more democratic system, a more open society, and as we confront difficult challenges of nation-building, peace-making, celebrating diversity and tackling poverty," he said.

The Catholic Church is present "where the government is not," he said. "We are providing education, health care and livelihoods; we are advocating for our people" ... But we too face limitations," he said, explaining how for 50 years, church schools have been closed, missionaries expelled and church property seized.

"I say to the Government of Myanmar: give us back our schools, and allow us to contribute to educating our people," he said.--ucannews.com