NAYPYIDAW: The importance of peace in Myanmar was the takeaway message that provided food for thought for catechists and young people when they attended an animation program on Feb. 7-9.

Some 29 catechists, young people and priests attended the three-day program at Holy Rosary Shrine in Chanthagone, near Mandalay, organized by Karuna (Caritas) Myanmar. Participants prepared placards that read "Stop War" and lobbied for peace.

Father Christopher Raj, the resource person of the program, said that he was impressed by the attendees' creativity.

"I stress the importance of peace as the Catholic Church designates 2017 as the year of peace and it is very important as the country is still grappling with civil wars," Father Raj, from Lashio Diocese, former chaplain of Karuna Myanmar, told ucanews.com.

Catechists and young people will share the importance of peace and the pope's message on Lent with their respective areas and church ministries.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 1 in 2017.--ucanews.com