A Catholic convent in the diocese of Phakone in the Shan State of Myanmar was hit by artillery shells of the junta soldiers on November 6.
Myanmar army fires heavy artillery shells in Phekone Township in Shan State. According to locals, the Convent of the Sisters of Reparation in the Jeroblo ward was attacked and damaged, but no one was injured.
The Sister Superior at the Covent said, “Clashes started around 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, November 6. While I was praying the rosary to Mama Mary and God, the building was shaken like an earthquake occurred while the Convent was hit. I screamed and was so afraid.”
She added, “While I was hiding in the kitchen, an artillery shell fell beside me, but it was not explosive although the ground floor was cemented.”
“The soldiers came and took it away the next day.”
The nun continues saying, “I thank Mama Mary and God very much for protecting me from great danger.”
While clashes between people defense forces and junta soldiers in Phekone broke out, the superior sister stayed alone while her two companion sisters were away to help the victims of Covid-19 in another place.
At 4 pm on November 6, heavy artillery shells were fired at Phekone town by the 422nd Battalion based in Moebye, causing some houses and the roof of the kitchen of the Convent to be damaged, according to local defense groups.
About 15 houses were affected. An official from the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) said that heavy artillery fire also hit one of our Catholic convents.
Military forces have been conducting heavy operations in Phekon and Moebye in southern Shan State three days ago. There is increasing tension due to clashes between local security forces and military soldiers.
A KNDF official said that all troops were stationed in Phekone, and security was tightened inside and outside the city. Fighting has continued in Khaung Ei since yesterday. Now they are quiet.
Military forces fired heavy artillery shells at the town. Three days ago, residents of Phekone and Moebye townships were forced to flee their homes due to the recent clashes.
The diocese of Phekone in Shan State in Myanmar consists of a Catholic majority.
“Most young Catholics become People Defense Forces (PDF) fighting against the junta soldiers due to the injustices in the country,” remarked the nun.
According to the local reports, many Catholic churches in Phekone and Loikaw dioceses, which are neighboring dioceses, were also attacked and damaged due to the regional wars.
Catholics are the majority living in the diocese of Phekhone in Shan State and Loikaw in Myanmar.
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