austraLasia

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Myanmar, 15 March 2021 -- Already 6 weeks after the military coup in Myanmar (Feb1, 2021) we could easily forget our suffering brothers and sisters in Burma (Myanmar). Although almost daily the international news agencies and TV news bring some new images of peaceful protesters being shot or dispersed by the more violent military and police, we may simply forget. Our Catholic community and Salesian Family members in Myanmar are asking us: "Please, pray for us!"

Amidst this domestic battle we are proud to see many young people giving their life for the dignified future of their homeland: "Shooting a good Samaritan in the head” is a gruesome but accurate description of what happened last month to Wai Yan Htun, a 16-year-old boy from Mandalay. He was on his way from his place to a nearby market to work as a porter when he saw peaceful protesters and rescue workers being bullet-sprayed by the Burmese military. Instead of running away for his own safety, he ran towards the killing zone and carried the wounded on his pushcart for emergency treatment. In the process of doing so, he was shot in the head by a military sniper who had the real intent to kill him. Surrounded by strangers in the ongoing chaos, he said he could not hold his life any longer and, with his eyes still open wide, died on the spot.

We are proud of the Catholic religious and priests who expose themselves to stop the military violence: like one Kachin religious sister who pleaded with the military to shoot her instead of the peaceful protesters, and the apostolic administrator of Loikaw, who tried to stop military violent action against the peaceful protests. People of all religions, Buddhist, Christians and Muslims are one with the large population in the CMD (Civil Disobedience Movement) spread all around the country to end the military coup backed only by weapons.

While the military are further stepping up their push to suppress any opposition to their coup with nightly arrests (so far more than 2000 leaders, parliament members and others are in detention) and firing lethal ammunition against the people (so far 80-100 killed), on the other hand already more than 100 policemen escaped to India and more than 600 military also deserted the army as part of the civil disobedience movement.

While the international community is struggling to mount pressure on the military junta, some multinational companies (like Kirin, Japan) are withdrawing and also the Korean Catholic Bishops have requested their government and the international community for concrete steps to support the struggling majority of Myanmar people yearning for peace and a democratic society after a long and gruesome military rule.

Our Salesian family members in Myanmar share their innermost feelings: "Thank you so much for your concern and prayers. We feel very positive about winning the battle. But we too feel that there will be much sufferings before the final victory." In the meantime they are opening a free clinic for the people, supporting the CDM (Civil Disobbedience Movement) for the food and lodging and take too part in these activities.

And at the same time the ordinary Salesian governance (new rectors and councillors) continues,, animation and formation of our prenovices (Thibaw) and preparation of 8 future novices who will begin their novitiate year on 6 May 2021 (Pyin Oo Lwin).

At the end of the day another simple and strong invitation: 'Dear Salesian Family members around the East Asia-Oceania Region) don't forget in your prayers the long struggle of Myanmar people for freedom!'