Myanmar nun among BBC's 100 Women of 2021

Sr Tawng pleads with security forces

Source: Vatican News/BBC

A Catholic nun from Myanmar, who stopped security forces from attacking unarmed demonstrators by kneeling in the road in front of them, has been named as one of the BBC's top 100 inspiring and influential women of the year.

Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng showed incredible courage in the face of great danger on 28 February, when she went down on her knees and spread out her arms before security forces, pleading with them not to attack unarmed protesters sheltering in the clinic where she serves the sick.

The 45-year-old nun who belongs to the Sisters of St Francis Xavier, was ordered to leave immediately, but stood her ground, saying: "Just shoot me if you want to. The protesters have no weapons and they are just showing their desire peacefully."

The video of her daring act went viral on social media, and went to be shown on mainstream media around the world.

"The Catholic nun became a symbol of Myanmar's protests following the military takeover" of Myanmar in the coup of 1 February, the BBC said.

"Sr Ann Rose Nu Tawng has openly spoken of protecting civilians, especially children. She trained as a midwife and has led a life of service for the past 20 years, recently looking after Covid patients in Myanmar's Kachin state," the BBC added.

Sr Tawng told Global Sisters Report: "I could do such a thing because God blessed me and used me as His tool and the Holy Spirit also blessed me with courage. ... I was using my own life to delay the time so that the young people could have time to run away. That was a small act, but by doing this with big love, this act appealed to the international community and got publicity. I deeply feel that this was also God who wanted the world to know the situations in Myanmar."

Pope Francis said: "I too kneel on the streets of Myanmar and say: stop the violence," the Holy Father said on 17 March, in what was a reference to the nun. "I too extend my arms and say: let dialogue prevail!

Cardinal Charles Bo commented on a message on 11 April, Divine Mercy Sunday: "The world watched with awe at the great sacrificial witness in front of the tsunami of evil.. I commend the witness to the redemptive love of the sister, which inspired many to appreciate the Catholic Church and the religious life. Out of the darkness, simple acts of generosity shine with great power."