MINDAT (LiCAS News): The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Mindat, Chin state, Myanmar, newly-designated a cathedral, was bombed by the military regime on February 6 amid an ongoing conflict in the region.
The church’s roof and stained glass windows were destroyed, rendering the church unusable, according to Fides. No injuries were reported and the area had recently been evacuated.
News of the bombing only recently came to light. Less than two weeks before the bombing, on January 25, Pope Francis designated the church a cathedral for the newly-formed Diocese of Mindat. In the days leading up to the attack, local Catholics were planning liturgical celebrations, including the ordination of the newly-appointed bishop, Father Augustine Thang Zawm Hung, Fides reported.
The newly-formed Diocese of Mindat has a total population of almost 360,000, with more than 14,000 Catholics and 23 parishes, according to the Holy See.
A local priest, identified as Father Paulinus, told Fides that the faithful are determined to rebuild. He said, “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 added, “We are certain that the Lord will ‘bombard’ us with his grace and blessing: This will bring peace and prosperity to our people.”
Soon after the destruction of the church, Charles Maung Cardinal Bo of Yangon urged Catholics to pray for those who were displaced by the violence of the conflict in Myanmar.
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
Myanmar has for years been wracked by violent conflict following a military coup at the beginning of 2021 in which the military junta overthrew the elected government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, who had promised a new democratic era for the nation. The coup triggered widespread resistance, mass protests, and an escalation of armed conflicts across the country, thrusting Myanmar into its current humanitarian and human rights crisis.
Since 2021, civilian casualties have risen to more than 6,000 according to United Nations estimates, while millions have been displaced. The military junta has killed thousands, detained tens of thousands, and bombed hospitals, schools, and religious buildings. As the local economy has collapsed, the country is on the verge of famine.
The military junta announced an election for 2025 in which only junta-vetted parties may take part.
Since gaining its independence from the United Kingdom in 1948, Myanmar has experienced repeated armed clashes and spent decades under military rule from 1962 to 2011.
Cardinal Bo has highlighted concerns over religious freedom in recent years. While the country protects religious freedom in its constitution, the cardinal noted that more than 100 places of worship were bombed or damaged in the country.
In April 2024, a priest was fatally shot while celebrating Mass in the state of Kachin. The nation has also experienced ethnic-based conflict, with more than 100 distinct groups in the country.
“Let us envision a Myanmar where the divisions of war give way to the unity of peace,” Cardinal Bo urged.
