"On this day we also pray for the transfiguration of this nation. For the last 70 years [since Burma's independence from Britain in 1948], we are looking for the grace of transfiguration of this nation. Like Jesus, leaders can make supreme sacrifices, like Moses, our leaders can lead this nation to peace and prosperity."
"Like Elijah, our nation can proclaim a new Kingdom of hope ruled by great men of peace and wisdom. This remains a dream, but like disciples we are not only to be engulfed by the magnificence of the dream, we need to return to hard life of creating hope and peace. Let it start in each one of our hearts."
Bo, who is also president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, described the coup as "shocking" in an outspoken statement issued after the military detained Aung San Suu Kyi, the country's elected civilian leader, and Burma's President Win Myint.
The UN reports that more than 1,000 people have been arbitrarily arrested and detained in the last month, with some remaining unaccounted for.
Catholic nuns have reportedly taken part in protests held across the country.
The Vatican newspaper published an article on March 1 praising the actions of a nun who was photographed kneeling before a line of advancing police officers in Myitkyina, the capital of Burma's northern Kachin State.
L'Osservatore Romano said that Sister Ann Nu Thawng, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, ran out into the street on Feb. 28 as police fired tear gas at protesters.
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"On her knees, she raised her hands to God and begged: 'Don't shoot, don't kill innocents. If you want, hit me,'" the newspaper reported, adding that the police halted their advance.
Concluding his homily on Sunday, Bo said: "Let our present suffering be a sign that this nation is in the throes of a new birth. Let all of us enter into a mindset of reconciliation and dialogue. A new nation is possible, let it be born through Love."
"Like the disciples, let us get down from our own mountains of virtual reality and come down and meet one another as brothers and sisters."
"Let wars and conflicts become history. Let this nation be transfigured. Let a new nation be born!"