La Iglesia en Myanmar
Five centuries of faith between persecutions · Yangon · since 1514
The origins: mercenaries and missionaries (1514)
Catholicism arrived in Burma in 1514 by Portuguese mercenaries. The formal evangelization came in 1722, when Pope Innocent XIII sent the Barnabites missionaries. In 1741, Pope Benedict XIV appointed Father Galizia as the first Apostolic Vicar of Burma.
The impossible identity
In Myanmar, turning from Buddhism to Catholicism is, in social terms, to betray one's own nationality. Buddhist faith is inseparable from Burmese identity. That is why Catholicism took root mainly among ethnic minorities - karen, kachin, chin - who are the most marginalized and persecuted by the State.
The Ne Win dictatorship: schools confiscated (1964-1966)
In 1964 and 1965, the regime confiscated all schools and health institutions built by Catholic missions. In 1966, he expelled all foreign missionaries. The Church was refolded upon herself, confined to her temples.
The 2021 coup and the Church under the bombs
On February 1, 2021, the Burmese army overthrew the civilian government. In areas of ethnic conflict, the army bombed churches that served as a shelter for civilians. Myanmar's 750,000 Catholics - 1 per cent of the population - remain mostly marginalized ethnic minorities who have been keeping faith between persecutions for five centuries.
accompanies Myanmar Catholics
who have been praying in ruins for five centuries
and pray again in ruins today. Amen.