Catholics in Myanmar

Southeast Asian leaders will convene in Thailand this week for two regional meetings on the ongoing Burmese civil war.

Pope Francis offered prayers for the cessation of violence in conflict-stricken nations, with a heartfelt focus on Myanmar during the Angelus on Sunday, November 24. 

A two-day training for the children of the holy childhood was held at Pathein Gon Parish, Kanasoe Kone District, Myanmar, on November 16 and 17, 2024.

Magis Thailand organized a five-day Magis camp for about 100 youths at Chiang Rai St. Xavier's College, Thailand, from October 21–25, 2024.

Arson and airstrikes destroyed more than 60 churches, including Buddhist temples in Myanmar, since the military junta rose to power after deposing democratically elected leaders in February 2021.

“In our aspirant community, sisters are working with young women from various parts of Myanmar, giving gentle guidance so that their lives can be filled with hope in the future and not despair,” Sr Helen Dim said.

“It is time to find true freedom and lasting peace by building reconciliation and giving up hatred, aggression, and hostility,” said Bishop Celso

17 civilians including minors were killed and more than 30 people were injured in an airstrike on Myanmar churches in villages on January 7, 2024.

"We must stand up for those who are oppressed and marginalized, and work to eliminate the systemic forces that keep people in poverty and suffering and bury the innocents before their death," the Cardinal said.

In the face of a health emergency, Myanmar’s military soldiers forcibly closed a church-run health center on November 22. The military personnel also robbed medical equipment from the clinic, driving the most vulnerable seeking medical assistance at a serious health risk.

Young people in Myanmar express a sense of hopelessness due to the regional clashing resulting from the military coup.

The UN’s fact-finding body investigating the Myanmar military junta’s crackdown on opponents of its coup says there is evidence that could point to crimes against humanity.

Church officials are trying to gain the release of charity staff aiding displaced people in Kayah state.

A war-like situation did not stop Catholics in Myanmar to inaugurate the synodal journey on October 17. But the faithful in Myanmar’s Chin State could not join the online service of the opening ceremony of the synodal process.

Catholic children in the archdiocese of Yangon and diocese of Mawlamyaine took part in the ‘One Million Children Praying the Rosary’ Campaign on October 18. Missionary Childhood Association in Myanmar led the rosary campaign focusing on worldwide unity and peace.

Catholic children in Myanmar will join "One Million Children Praying the Rosary," the worldwide prayer campaign by the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), on October 18.

Two new deacons from Myanmar were ordained in Hong Kong on September 15, Memorial Day of Our Lady of Sorrows.

The Cathedral parish in the Diocese of Pathein in Myanmar distributed food supplies — rice, onions, oil, salt, eggs — to poor parishioners on August 22.

Father Girish Santiago, a Jesuit missionary priest now working in Myanmar, shares with us an excerpt of his book on learning the local language

Father John Kyaw Thu Ya, parish priest of Mary Help of Christians in the village of Chaung Yo in Mandalay archdiocese, led a religious procession and veneration of the Holy Eucharist on July 31 to inspire parishioners in the midst of the pandemic.