‘Half the diocese displaced, but we carry on’

Recently appointed by Pope Francis, the prelate told that the situation of the local Church – founded by the fathers of PIME – is “typical of this context” of civil conflict. Among the internally displaced are also many priests and nuns living in tents on the edge of the forest. The diocese was without a bishop for nearly two years.

Loikaw () – The Vatican has appointed Msgr. Celso Ba Shwe bishop of the diocese of Loikaw, capital of the eastern Burmese state of Kayah, one of the places most affected by the civil conflict, but also one of the cities where the Christian presence in Burma is most established. For nearly two years, the diocese did not have its own pastor after the death of mons. stephen jephe.

“I am very excited,” the new bishop told . “It is a difficult situation, but God has asked me to do something for my people. I am happy, but also subordinate to the will of God and for this reason I will try to do my best. It is a great responsibility and a great challenge that they have given me”.

Since the coup in February 2021, with which the army overthrew the previous civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and started a brutal internal conflict, the local Church of Loikaw, founded in 1988 by PIME missionaries, has been the target of repeated bombardments. Tens of thousands of people fled seeking refuge in other towns and in the forest.

“The situation of the diocese is typical of this reality,” explained Mons. Ba Shwe, referring to the civil war. “There are 40 parishes in the diocese, but half are displaced. Many priests and nuns are also staying in tents in refugee camps or in the forest,” added the prelate.

“In the two years that we did not have a bishop, I was a diocesan administrator. It was very demanding because we expected that the crisis [tras el golpe de Estado] It will last a few months and instead after more than two years we are still in this situation. It is a trauma for me to see my people suffer and I am a bit tired, but I know that God will help and protect me in this task,” continued Bishop Shwe.

Born in 1964 in Moblo, a village that is part of the Loikaw diocese, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Yangon State University before entering St. Teresa’s minor seminary in Taunggyi. He then completed his theological studies at St. Joseph’s Major Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin and Yangon.

In 1994 he was ordained a priest and later held various positions. Among them are parish assistant in Doungankha, diocesan director of volunteer and youth evangelizers, attorney general of the Burmese Bishops’ Conference in Yangon, parish priest in two different parishes, vicar general of Loikaw and, finally, diocesan administrator since 2020.

“Many people of good will have helped me in the last two years,” admitted Msgr. Bashwe. “Parishioners, volunteers, sympathizers, foreign and national benefactors. With everyone’s support we can move on and do something good here,” he said.