YANGON (CNS): Charles Cardinal Bo of Yangon, Myanmar, called for patience and tolerance on a day when at least 18 anti-coup protesters were shot dead by government security forces.
Media reported Sister Ann Nu Thawng, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, stood in front of troops on February 28, the bloodiest day since the February 1 military coup. Eyewitnesses said she got on her knees, raised her hands toward heaven and implored: “Don’t shoot, don’t kill the innocent. If you want, hit me.” Her actions shocked the agents, who did not shoot and stopped their advance.
“Today, the riot has been severe nationwide,” said a tweet on @CardinalMaungBo, an unofficial account with a web link to the Archdiocese of Yangon.
“The police are arresting, beating and even shooting at the people. With (eyes) full of tears, Sr. Ann Nu Thawng begs & halts the police to stop arresting the protesters.” The tweet said about 100 protesters escaped from police because of the nun.
In an earlier homily, Cardinal Bo said the streets of Myanmar have seen so much pain, suffering and resistance, according to UCAN.
“Let us all believe in the power of love and reconciliation,” Cardinal Bo said in his homily, adding, “We are all sons and daughters of the same land, same mother Myanmar, and we need to exercise patience and tolerance.”
The cardinal said, “If you want to be a leader, you must serve. Service is the greatest power, not guns. Make peace our destiny, not conflict. Arms are useless. Rearm ourselves with reconciliation and dialogue.”
UCAN reported that hundreds of Catholic laypeople joined by priests and nuns marched in Mandalay on February 28.
The second Sunday of Lent saw violence erupt in at least five cities when police and soldiers opened fire on crowds protesting military rule.
The United Nations (UN) rights office said at least 18 people were killed and more than 30 wounded. Some media reported that as many as 26 died. Tear gas was also reportedly used in various locations as well as flash-bang and stun grenades.
The crackdown has drawn strong condemnation from the UN, the European Union and other countries, including the United States.
The assault on peaceful protests came two days after Myanmar’s envoy to the UN, Kyaw Moe Tun, departed from prepared remarks and called for international action to reverse the coup.
Moe Tun urged the Security Council and the world to use “any means necessary to rescue the people of Myanmar and hold the military to account.”
Despite the crackdown, hundreds of protesters continued to hold peaceful protests in Yangon and Mandalay on March 1.
