Myanmar: Catholic church bombed, Cardinal prays for peace

Image: Fides

Source: Vatican Media, Fides, Hakha Diocese

The Catholic church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mindat, in the state of Chin, in the northwest Myanmar has been badly damaged in air strikes by the Myanmar army.

This church was recently chosen as the cathedral of the new diocese of Mindat, erected on January 25 by Pope Francis, separating the territory from the diocese of Hakha.

In recent months Mindat has been the scene of clashes between the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) and the Myanmar army.

The CDF, which emerged in opposition to the military junta, managed to take control of the territory and, in January, officially declared the area as "liberated". In several border regions, these militias have allied themselves with ethnic armed groups that have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades.

The bombing of the cathedral took place on February 6, but news of it has only just come to light. Several bombs hit the building, damaging the roof and stained glass windows, rendering it unusable. No injuries were reported, as priests and faithful had left the area due to insecurity and fighting.

Local priests had carried out inspections of the church to plan for upcoming liturgical celebrations, including the consecration of the newly appointed bishop, Father Augustine Thang Zawm Hung, until now parish vicar of the Sacred Heart in Mindat.

The attack has caused consternation among the faithful, although the community has expressed its determination to repair the church.

"We are very sad that our church has been hit by the bombs. It is a wound in our heart. But we will not let ourselves be defeated. We will rebuild it," said local priest Fr Paulinus. "We are certain that the Lord will 'bombard' us with his grace and blessing: this will bring peace and prosperity to our people."

The diocese of Mindat, located in the south of Chin State, has a population of about 360,000 inhabitants, of whom about 15,000 are Catholics, in a region that is predominantly Christian of other denominations. The diocese has 23 parishes, 48 diocesan priests, three religious men, 21 nuns, as well as 40 minor seminarians and seven major seminarians.

A special jubilee pilgrimage led by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon was held on February 9 to the Marian shrine of Nyaungbelin, in the Bago region, ahead of today's feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. More than 3,000 people took part in the pilgrimage, praying for peace and entrusting themselves to the Virgin Mary.

"Bishops, priests, religious and Catholic faithful, together with Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus, have prayed to Our Lady of Lourdes for peace in Myanmar and in the world," said a statement from the diocese.

Cardinal Bo said: "In a world often shrouded in turmoil and conflict, we turn our eyes to Mary, the Mother of Peace. Her unwavering acceptance invites us to cultivate inner peace and to become ambassadors of peace in our troubled world."

On Sunday, Cardinal Bo reflected on the plight of the suffering and how to maintain hope. He recalled how the Blessed Mother and Holy Family had experienced sufferings analogous to those of refugees and the displaced.

"Consider," he urged, "the countless mothers in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps-women who have been uprooted from their homes, carrying their children through unknown and often hostile terrains."

"In every pregnant mother in these camps, we see the face of an anxious Mary journeying to Bethlehem, seeking a safe place to bring her child into the world."

"For every young girl forced to deliver her child in the unforgiving wilderness, we witness Mary giving birth in a humble stable... Their resilience and courage,mirror Mary's serenity amidst chaos, reminding us that peace is not the absence of adversity but the presence of God within it."

Cardinal Bo stressed that in this fractured and divided world, Mary calls us to be bridge builders. Recalling that when Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus, they became refugees in a foreign land, he said, their journey "resonates deeply today as we witness families displaced by conflict and persecution."

At the foot of the Cross, Mary witnessed the crucifixion of her beloved Son, he said, calling it "a pain that pierces the deepest core of a mother's heart." Yet, in her profound sorrow," she did not succumb to hatred or despair, but rather embodied the essence of forgiveness."

"Every mother who has lost a child to violence or injustice, shares in Mary's grief as depicted in Michelangelo's Pietà."

Yet, like Mary, he said, these mothers find the strength to carry on, to forgive, and to become advocates for peace and reconciliation.

"Let us envision a Myanmar where the divisions of war give way to the unity of peace."

The Cardinal noted that some say World War III is already underway in the world, evidenced in "the poor's suffering," "the powerful oppressing the people," "thousands of children dying of hunger when pets in rich countries enjoy the best food," and "where there are more weapon factories than schools."

Recalling the Bishop's appeal to pursue peace, justice, and hope, and to defend human rights, Cardinal Bo said that the Blessed Mother asks us to be peacemakers and to tangibly embody her virtues by supporting displaced families, engaging in interfaith efforts, and advocating for peace and justice.

Finally, Cardinal Bo prayed for the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, who appeared to St Bernadette, bringing a message of hope and healing, and urged everyone, during this Jubilee of Hope, to renew their commitment to building a world where all people can live in peace and dignity.

"May Mary, the Mother of God," he said, "help us give birth to global peace and harmony, especially in Myanmar."