On Sunday, May 16, Pope Francis celebrated a Mass in Rome for Myanmar Catholics on the Feast of the Ascension, underlining his religious and diplomatic efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the troubled Southeast Asian country. Myanmar, once known as Burma, spiralled into violence when military forces took over the country on Feb. 1, Read more
Since the February 1 coup, the Tatmadaw – the official name of Myanmar’s armed forces – has escalated its crackdown on citizens protesting against the military takeover that ousted Myanmar’s democratically elected government. Unfortunately, this brutal reaction is only the latest in a series of repressive moves across Southeast Asia in recent years as political groups, backed by powerful Read more
The military coup in Myanmar has been difficult for many Westerners to comprehend. Why did the generals act when they had effectively been in control of the country since allowing elections in 2011? Why move against civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, when she had gone along with so much of their program, even defending Read more
Pope Francis spoke of his solidarity with the people of Myanmar and appealed to its leaders to show willingness to serve the common good “promoting social justice and national stability”. Myanmar is “a nation that I carry in my heart with much affection, ever since my apostolic visit there in 2017,” he said after the Read more
While religious leaders play a vital part in conveying messages of peace, solidarity and harmony, a prominent Catholic leader in Myanmar has used that important role to decry the hunger and food crisis in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon, who advocates for peace, minority rights and economic justice, has Read more
Over 60,000 factory workers in Myanmar have already lost their jobs since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Among them are those working in the garment factories that supply some of the world’s biggest fashion brands. The United Nations says the situation will worsen; predicting half Myanmar’s garment workers will be out of work. Read more
A new study shows the Catholic church is flourishing beyond expectations in Asia with ordinations well in excess of international averages. As an example, although there are only 750,000 Catholics in Myanmar, the Church in the Southeast Asian country ordained 83 new priests last year. At the same time, only 19 new priests were ordained Read more
A new Human Rights Watch report says young Burmese women are being trafficked to China as ‘brides’ then locked in rooms and raped until they become pregnant. Read more Related Posts:Housing in New Zealand ‘a human rights crisis’, UN…European Parliament calls access to abortion a human rightChina imposes sanctions on leading British Catholic…UK accuses China Read more
LOGOS, the Marist Youth Development agency in Auckland, on November 20 farewelled Tayla Fa’aofo prior to her departure to work at the Marist Asia Foundation in Ranong, Thailand. Tayla will be helping people from Myanmar who have come to Thailand either as refugees escaping conflict and living in refugee camps or as migrants seeking work. The farewell Read more
Myamnar’s Cardinal Charles Bo has been elected as the new president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC). The federation’s purpose is to foster among its members solidarity and co-responsibility for the welfare of Church and society in Asia. Read more Related Posts:Cardinal Dew replaces Bishop Dunn as bishop’s…Top African cardinal uses Easter homily Read more