YANGON (AGencies): “May the blood and sacrifices of countless innocent people, along with Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, serve as an offering to ending the violence that is occurring throughout the Nation,” Charles Maung Cardinal Bo of Yangon said in a February 16 message of condolence following murder of Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, a priest from the Archdiocese of Mandalay, who was brutally killed by militants in Myanmar on February 14, RVA News reported on February 18.
Cardinal Bo, the president of Myanmar’s Bishops’ Conference, appealed for an end to the ongoing violence and urged authorities to take action to prevent such tragedies in the future. He expressed deep sorrow and prayed, “May God the Father, the Lord of all life, comfort your mourning hearts and ours.”
Father Ye, who was 44-years-old, was found by parishioners in the compound of the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kan Gyi Taw village in the Sagaing region’s Shwe Bo district, UCAN reported. He had been stabbed multiple times and his body mutilated.
The nature of stab wounds and the violence show that the killers targeted the priest, according to Fides, citing unnamed sources. Police have yet to establish a motive. RVA News reported on February 18 that 10 men from Kan Gyi Taw had been arrested on suspicion of committing the murder.
“We urge those responsible to take appropriate action and ensure justice is served so that such incidents do not occur again in the future,” Cardinal Bo said.
The apostolic nunciature in Myanmar also condemned the killing with Monsignor Andrea Ferrante, the chargé d’affaires expressing his “profound sadness” and denounced “every attack on life and human dignity.” He called on priests, religious, and missionaries to remain steadfast in their mission despite the dangers.
“Rooted in his love. May each one be a sign of the merciful presence of the Father who welcomes his children and heals their wounds,” Monsignor Ferrante said.
