Myanmar junta desecrates another Catholic church

Sep 23, 2022

SHAN: A Catholic church has been desecrated by junta soldiers who used it as a kitchen and laid mines around the building, according to Church sources.

The junta’s act came after occupying the Mother of God Church in Mobye town, southern Shan state, for several days before retreating from the church this week, following casualties in fierce fighting with local defence forces.

Dirty floors and pews covered with dust along with cooking pots and military uniforms were seen inside the church, according to a video posted by local defence forces which went viral on social media.

Parishioners were urged not to go near the church building as the army had laid mines near it.

“Damage to the church which is a holy place of God is a result of being attacked by the devil,” an exiled Myanmar priest said on Facebook.

“It’s so sad to see and it’s like destroying our hearts,” a Catholic laywoman said.

Pekhon diocese is one of the worst affected areas along with the nearby Loikaw diocese in neighbouring Kayah state amid the escalating conflict.

At least six parishes in the Pekhon diocese have been abandoned while churches including the Sacred Heart Cathedral have been repeatedly attacked and damaged due to the ongoing conflict, according to Church sources. -- ucanews.com