Myanmar Catholics celebrate return of Loikaw Cathedral

By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS

The Diocese of Loikaw in Myanmar’s Kayah State has seen a sign of hope amid conflict with the return of the Christ the King Cathedral and its pastoral center, which had been occupied by the military since November 2023.

The complex was used as a military base during the conflict that erupted following Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021.

Hope in the community

Bishop Celso Ba Shwe expressed gratitude and joy at the return of the cathedral, describing it as an encouraging moment for the local Catholic community, noting that the buildings remain in need of extensive repairs before they can fully resume their role as centers of worship and pastoral service.

Partial renovations have been made, but the pastoral center still lacks utilities like electricity and water.

The parishioners are gradually returning, allowing the diocese to reorganize its pastoral activities. Yet, the Bishop himself has not returned to reside there. His mission, he said, remains where his people are among the displaced.

Among the displaced

According to the Vatican’s Fides news agency, the conflict created one of the country’s most severe humanitarian crises, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

Bishop Ba Shwe noted that more than 300,000 displaced persons are spread across hundreds of camps throughout the diocese.

Currently the Bishop resides at the Church of Mother of God Sbansu and continues to travel regularly to refugee camps and scattered communities. Many parishes remain empty and closed as families seek safety in the forests, remote villages, and temporary shelters.

“The Church’s presence in the camps is a new form of missionary service,” said Bishop Ba Shwe. Priests and pastoral workers live among the displaced, sharing their daily struggles and offering spiritual support.

“This is a different way of being a priest,” he explained. “Pastoral ministry is no longer confined to church buildings but is carried out wherever the people are.” They continue to celebrate the sacraments as well.

Refugee IDP camps   (AFP or licensors)

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Seeking reconciliation

“There is a spirit of solidarity among the community that sustains them by supporting one another while assisting the donors to enable many to survive,” the Bishop said.

The shared commitment reflects God’s presence among His people as faith remains a source of strength as communities wait for the day they can return home.

With limited access to education, concerns are growing for the younger generations of Myanmar. In response to the situation, religious sisters and Church workers organize informal schools and educational activities using the few resources available.

Despite humanitarian needs, the Bishop called for reconciliation among the people of Myanmar, believing that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and unity among political leaders, armed groups, and authorities.

“We desire peace and reconciliation,” he said. “Without reconciliation, there is no peace.”

Through prayer, encouragement, and closeness to the suffering, the Church in Myanmar continues to bear witness to hope, trusting that God never abandons His people.