Myanmar: ACN calls for prayers for new bishop

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) calls for prayers on the occasion of the episcopal ordination of Monsignor Celso Ba Shwe as bishop of Loikaw, capital of the state of Kayah, in Myanmar.

Kayah has a considerable Christian population and is in one of the regions most affected by the violent conflicts that have raged across the country since the military coup on February 1, 2021.

In this difficult time, Monsignor Celso Ba Shwe, currently the administrator of Loikaw, will succeed Bishop Stephen Tjephe, who died more than two years ago. Bishop-elect Celso has previously shown his courage and strength of character: when protests began in Loikaw in May 2021, he acted as mediator between the unarmed protesters, many of whom were Christians, and security forces. ACN thanks God for his commitment and service to the poorest and most marginalized people.

Due to the civil war, only few priests, religious, and faithful can take part in the consecration and installation of the new bishop. So ACN asks all its benefactors and friends to join in a special prayer June 29, in an expression of closeness and support for the new bishop of Loikaw and his flock, so that they may be encouraged by the great family of the universal Church. Let us invoke, from different parts of the world, the gifts of the Holy Spirit – counsel, wisdom, understanding, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord – to sustain Bishop Celso in his difficult work.  

Let us pray for Myanmar, its people, the Christian community, priests and religious of the state of Kayah, and BishopCelso Ba Shwe, the new shepherd of the Diocese of Loikaw.