After the February 1 military coup in Myanmar and in the middle of political turmoil, the Catholic Church has already ordained 11 deacons.

Newsroom (October 11, 2021, 12:39, PM, Gaudium Press) According to Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon, the Catholic Church in this predominantly Buddhist country is “young, vibrant and growing”, particularly the priestly and religious vocation, despite the many challenges since the coup.

On October 5, Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw ordained four deacons at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Banmaw City. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and the unstable political situation, only relatives and some priests were allowed to attend the event.

Previously, five deacons had been ordained by Auxiliary Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye of Yangon at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon on September 25. Meanwhile, Bishop Raymond Saw Poe Ray of Mawlamyine performed a diaconate ordination of two young men on May 23.

The Christian community in Myanmar has more than 1,000 priests, about 2,000 religious sisters, and hundreds of catechists helping in the country’s 16 dioceses.

Fighting continues between the military and the combined forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and newer resistance groups. In this way, Catholics suffer terribly; and many churches have been destroyed.

The Banmaw Diocese region has been torn apart by the conflict. It has forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes. The Catholic Church has organized humanitarian assistance, education, and employment activities for people in makeshift camps.

Church activities, including masses and other liturgical services, remain suspended due to the worrying pandemic situation in the troubled Southeast Asian country.

With ucanews information

Compiled by Ena Alfaro