Myanmar Military Regime Bombs Newly-Designated Catholic Cathedral in Chin State Leaving Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Ruins

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a newly-declared Catholic cathedral in Myanmar was bombed by the country’s military regime.

The attack, which took place last week, left the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Mindat severely damaged, shaking the local Catholic community.

Destruction in Chin State

The airstrikes hit the church in Chin State, Myanmar’s only Christian-majority region, on February 6.

While no casualties were reported since the area had been recently evacuated, the destruction was extensive.

The church’s roof and stained-glass windows were shattered, making it unfit for use, according to reports from Fides, the information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

A Church with Newfound Significance

The attack came less than two weeks after Pope Francis officially designated the church as a cathedral for the newly-formed Diocese of Mindat.

The local Catholic community had been preparing for important celebrations, including the consecration of their new bishop, Father Augustine Thang Zawm Hung.

The sudden bombing has left the faithful in shock but not without hope.

A Determined Community

Despite the devastation, the local clergy and parishioners are determined to rebuild.

Father Paulinus, a local priest, expressed both sorrow and resilience.

“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,” he said.

“We are certain that the Lord will ‘bombard’ us with his grace and blessing: This will bring peace and prosperity to our people.”

A Call for Prayer and Support

Following the attack, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon urged Catholics worldwide to pray for those displaced by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

The violence has forced many to flee their homes, adding to the region’s growing humanitarian crisis.

The Diocese of Mindat serves nearly 14,000 Catholics within a total population of about 360,000. With 23 parishes, the community remains strong in faith despite the hardships they face.

As they work to rebuild their beloved cathedral, their unwavering spirit stands as a testament to their deep faith and resilience.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn