Help the Church in Need: The Church will do everything possible for peace in Myanmar

On February 1, a military coup toppled the government of Myanmar. 

Four months later, violence continues to ravage the country. Faced with the crisis, Help the Church in Need tries to help the small Christian community that suffers in the midst of this crisis. 

THOMAS HEINE-GELDERN
Executive President, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)
“The Church is demonstrating, with its words and above all with its work, that as a small community in this country it will do everything possible to promote peace and the development of the nation”.

An example of the Church’s work for peace in the country is captured in this image: Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng, kneeling and facing the military forces peacefully. 

The snapshot went around the world and went viral.

She says her brave act was nothing more than a way to defend those who were behind her. 

ANN ROSE NU TAWNG
Sisters of St. Francis Xavier (Myanmar)
“I just wanted to defend the people, as they were in danger. I just wanted to save those people, the young people. That’s why I got down on my knees so that the young people could escape danger ”.

Although only 6% of Myanmar’s population is Christian, some parishes have suffered military attacks. Sister Ann Rose says prayer is key to coping with this crisis.

ANN ROSE NU TAWNG
Sisters of Saint Francis Xavier (Myanmar)
“Although we live in a time of persecution, prayer has been fundamental to my life. Pray the lauds, etc. But also the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has given me strength. From there I got energy to help people and behave that way ”.

Although Sister Tawng appears alone before the military in the photo, she says she felt that God was always with her in the midst of danger. 

ANN ROSE NU TAWNG
Sisters of Saint Francis Xavier
“The Holy Spirit led me to make this gesture. I thought that God was working through me to save these people. I did it because of that”.

The Pope has been one of the world leaders who has asked the most for peace in Myanmar. In May he presided over a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for peace in that country. 

FRANCISCO
“I know that some political and social situations are bigger than you, but the commitment to peace and brotherhood always comes from below. Each one, in his own small area, can make his contribution.”

More than 800 civilians have been killed by military forces in Myanmar since February, and more than 4,000 are in detention.

romereports.com