On February 1, a military coup overthrew the government of Myanmar.
Four months later violence continues to rage on throughout the country. Now, Aid to the Church in Need is stepping in to provide extra support to priests, religious sisters, catechists, and needy families in Myanmar.
Dr. THOMAS HEINE-GELDERN
Executive President, Aid to the Church in Need
“The Church is emphasizing both in her appeals and still more by her work, that as a small minority in this country, she will do everything possible to promote peace and the development of the nation.”
Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng is just one example of the Church's struggle for peace in Myanmar.
A month after the coup broke out this photo of her kneeling before the military forces begging for peace went viral on social media.
Yet Sr. Nu Tawng says her courageous act was merely a way of defending those behind her.
SR. ANN ROSE NU TAWNG
Sisters of St. Francis Xavier
“I only wanted to defend the people since they were in danger. I just wanted to save those people, the young people. For this reason I got on my knees to let the young people escape from the danger.”
While only 6% of Myanmar's population is Christian, places of worship including Christian churches have been targets of military attacks. Making the value of prayer all the more important.
SR. ANN ROSE NU TAWNG
Sisters of St. Francis Xavier
“Even though we live in times of persecution, prayer has been fundamental in my life. Prayer during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has given me this strength, it's from there that I got the strength to help others and to act in this way.”
Although Sr. Nu Tawng is shown alone before the military in the photo, she says that God was always with her amid the danger.
SR. ANN ROSE NU TAWNG
Sisters of St. Francis Xavier
“The Holy Spirit led me to make this gesture. I thought that God was working through me to save these people. For this reason I did it.”
Pope Francis has been one of the world's most outspoken global leaders on the crisis in Myanmar. In May he dedicated a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica to pray for peace in the country, and encouraged Christians to promote peace in their own lives.
POPE FRANCIS
'I know that some political and social situations are bigger than we are. Yet the commitment to peace and fraternity always comes from below: each person, in small ways, can play their part.'
Over 800 civilians have been killed by military forces in Myanmar since February, and over 4,000 are currently being detained.
