ASIA/MYANMAR - May Father Donald's sacrifice "serve as an offering to put an end to violence": messages from the representative of the Holy See and the Bishops of Myanmar

Yangon (Agenzia Fides) - "The Holy See expresses its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, the religious communities and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Mandalay," is expressed in a message addressed by Monsignor Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d'Affaires and Representative of the Holy See in Myanmar, to the Archbishop of Mandalay, Marco Tin Win. They pray "for the eternal rest of the priest who was the victim of unjustified violence." The condolence message read to the faithful during the funeral Mass celebrated yesterday, February 16, refers to the death of the Catholic priest Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, murdered on February 14 in his parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Archdiocese of Mandalay (see Fides, 15/2/2025).
The text expresses solidarity with the local community wounded by violence and invites priests, religious, missionaries and believers to "continue their mission with zeal, despite all difficulties, following the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd". "Rooted in his love", it continues, "may you be signs of the merciful presence of the Father who welcomes his children and heals their wounds". The text entrusts the faithful suffering from the ongoing conflict to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is described as "the certainty of our hope", so that she "sustains the Burmese people in a spirit of communion, unity and solidarity".
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Myanmar also expressed its deep solidarity with the people of Mandalay: "The Catholic Church throughout Myanmar mourns with Archbishop Marco Tin Win, the priests, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Mandalay and the parents and relatives of Fr. Donald Martin Ye Naing Win. May God the Father, the Lord of all life, comfort your and our grieving hearts," reads the message of condolence from the Burmese bishops, who express their deep shock and sadness and hope that "the blood and sacrifices of countless innocent people, together with that of Fr. Donald Martin, may serve as an offering to end the violence that is raging throughout the country". "May the spirit of brotherhood be reawakened from these shocking experiences: we urge an end to violence," write the bishops, calling for peace.
The message, signed by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, President of the Bishops' Conference of Myanmar, states: "The heinous act committed against Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win cannot be forgotten. We therefore call on those responsible to take appropriate measures and ensure that justice is done so that such incidents are not repeated in the future." (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 17/2/2025)

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