The Cross is made from two pieces of driftwood collected after the flood in June 2025. - Photo: Kurt Zion Pala
Our Kachin land, its mountains, land and the rivers face the threat of deforestation, excessive mining and the construction of Myitsone Dam destroying the existing ecosystem and biodiversity in the area. The Cross is made from two pieces of driftwood collected after the flood in June 2025.
From the mountains to the North water flows to two rivers that eventually become the Ayewarrady River. Years of mining along the riverbanks and the deforestation of the mountains in the North, has led to flooding in many areas of Kachin State destroying livelihoods and endangering lives of many people. The Mali Hka Cross is a symbol of the suffering and destruction of the the environment, the mountains, forests and rivers, the animals and birds of Kachin land.
It is also a symbol of the Kachin people's suffering and pain - displaced not only by the war but also by the impacts of mining, deforestation, tissue - banana plantation and flooding. Pope Francis calls us to hear the cry of the Earth and the cry of the Poor. Just as Jesus, taking up the cross, accepted his burden; we accept responsibility for the damaged Earth. In the light of the encyclical letter Laudato Si of Pope Francis, let us care for our Common Home, so that all our created brothers and sisters may experience abundance of life.
But the Mali Hka Cross is also a symbol of the resilience and hope of the Land and its people. Christ died on the cross to give us new life and new hope. We are living through a critical time in human history. The Resurrection of Christ inspires us to live in a new way – to live simply and sustainably; in order that the Earth is restored and humanity and all of creation rise into His new life.
Columban Fr Kurt Zion Pala lives and works in Myanmar.
