Myanmar: Priests and nuns continue trying to protect demonstrators

Priest urges soldiers not to use force

Source: Fides

Catholic priests and religious in Myanmar are continuing to accompany demonstrators and appeal to the military not to use force.

"We ask not to kill. This is why we have turned to the military. We fear that police officers will kill more young demonstrators. Our presence as people of faith, peacemakers, may help them stop. This is why we are here on the street," said Catholic nuns in the city of Myitkyina, capital of Kachin State.

On 8 March, two young demonstrators were killed and at least seven were injured by police after they took refuge in the complex of the Catholic cathedral. The nuns and Bishop emeritus Mgr Francis Daw Tang tried to convince the police not to use force against unarmed young people. It is believed their intervention prevented a major massacre, but the killing of the two young people has caused outrage, sadness and bitterness.

Despite the ongoing violence, today Catholic faithful and people from various religious communities gathered in silence in front of the Catholic Church of St Columban and prayed for the victims and their families. Among them was the bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Myitkyina, Mgr Francis Daw Tang, who told Fides: "I am retired, but charity does not retire. In this difficult moment for our country, we as Christians are called to offer our contribution of peace, mercy, forgiveness."

Christians in Myanmar are living through Lent, in a time of tension and instability, with faith and with prayer that becomes an action of charity. Sister Ann Nu Tawng, the nun who knelt down in front of the advancing security forces, repeated the heartfelt appeal and said: "We preach and bear witness to evangelical non-violence. Our mission is to announce and live the love of Christ fully, even towards the enemy,"

Today, 9 March, in the city of Loikaw, capital of Kayah state, where 90% of the population are Catholic, hundreds of young demonstrators marched on their way to the Catholic Church of Christ the King. Police tried to stop the demonstrators with street blocks.

Catholic priest Father Celso Ba Shwe, who has administered the diocese since the bishop's death, and a Protestant pastor, tried to pacify the situation. They asked the security officers not to shoot the demonstrators.

Fr Celco told the soldiers: "We will convince them to go home. Give us some time. We do not want any more blood to be shed." His heartfelt and courageous attempt at mediation had an effect: the military only used water cannons and firecrackers to disperse the crowd and there were no casualties.

"Every life is precious. This is what we want to say today with our actions that are only inspired by faith," Father Celso Ba Shwe told Fides.

According to Fides sources, the military junta has ordered increasingly serious repressive measures on the streets, while several independent mass media have been blacked out. It is feared that the junta could impose a strict curfew at any time to prevent all forms of protest.