Missionaries in Myanmar serve a population facing multiple challenges – political, environmental and humanitarian – which have left thousands of people killed or injured and millions displaced from their homes.
Since the military coup in February 2021 the country has descended into turmoil. The military junta continues to deliberately bomb villages, schools, hospitals, and even churches to suppress dissent. The iron grip on power has crippled the economy, disrupted essential services, and pushed millions into poverty. Recent natural disasters have further strained this already fragile nation.
A Desperate Situation
Beyond the ongoing violence, Myanmar’s ethnic minorities face systematic displacement. Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) struggle with inadequate access to food, healthcare, and basic necessities. Many families have been living in overcrowded refugee camps for over three years.
Missionaries of Hope
Despite overwhelming challenges, the Catholic Church in Myanmar provides vital assistance. Priests, religious sisters, and missionaries work tirelessly alongside displaced communities, offering both spiritual support and practical help.
Fr Stephen, National Director of Missio Myanmar, explains:
‘Priests and Religious Sisters are living alongside the people in refugee camps, offering spiritual encouragement and physical accompaniment. Despite having very limited resources they are doing all they can.’
Their presence among the displaced is a true source of hope for many. They bring comfort and faith in a time of uncertainty. However, to be truly effective messengers of hope during the time of crises, the Priests and Sisters themselves also need support – they need our prayers and our practical help so that they can continue their vital ministry.’
‘I am with you, I know you’
At St Joseph IDP Camp in Mandalay, Sr Regina of the Good Shepherd Sisters cares for 512 civil war refugees in makeshift communal accommodation. A trained psychotherapist, she provides psychosocial support to those suffering from trauma, fear, and loss. Sr Regina shares:
‘Many have experienced sudden, tragic deaths of family members in front of them, we try to provide hope by just being with them… telling them ‘I am with you, I know you, I accept you.’ Then they know they are not alone.’
Despite everything, hope persists. As Sr Regina notes:
‘The majority say, ‘We will go home, even if we don’t have a house, we will build a small hut and share together what we have.’ This gives me hope – we will never give up.’
How You Can Help
The brave missionaries on the ground in some of the world’s most desperate situations need our support to continue their vital ministry. Your prayers and donations will make a real difference to them and to the people they strive to show Christ’s love to every day.
- Your donation helps missionaries provide food, medicine, shelter, and hope to some of our poorest sisters and brothers around the world.
- By sharing our World Mission Sunday Appeal with your parish, you are a missionary of hope – reaching out with hope and help and igniting God’s love around the world.
- By praying for missionaries and the communities they serve, you are reaching out with spiritual support, solidarity and hope.
Thank you for being part of God’s global mission!
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With thanks to Missio Aachen for their original material and ongoing support.
