ASIA/MYANMAR - Christmas in a cave for refugees from Loikaw

Loikaw (Agenzia Fides) - The celebration of Christmas took place this year in an extraordinary setting for the faithful Catholic refugees in the diocese of Loikaw, in eastern Myanmar. Gathered in the shelter of a cave in the mountains, where they have settled to escape the bombings, the refugees participated in a mass presided by Bishop Celso Ba Shwe of the diocese of Loikaw. On this unique altar, erected in the depths of the rock, the words of consolation and hope typical of the Christmas message resounded. In the previous days, priests, religious and lay people worked with dedication to transform the interior of the cave into a sacred space, capable of hosting hundreds of refugees. These families, who fled the city about two years ago, seek refuge in areas less affected by the armed conflict that continues to devastate the region. The area is the scene of clashes between the Myanmar army and the Popular Defence Forces, together with ethnic militias that have been demanding greater autonomy for decades. Inspired by the traditional Christmas song "Tu scendi dalle stelle" by St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, which evokes the arrival of the Baby Jesus in a humble manger, Bishop Celso recalled the symbolic connection between the birth of Christ and the adversities faced by Burmese refugees. During the homily, he proclaimed: "Do not be afraid: I bring you a message of joy, a joy that today will be shared with all the people. Today, in the city of David, a Savior was born for you, Christ the Lord. Let us open our hearts to hope." The theme of hope, also central to the Jubilee Year, fuels the desire of the faithful to return in 2025 to the cathedral complex of Christ the King in Loikaw. This emblematic place of worship was occupied in November 2023 by the Burmese army, which transformed it into a military base. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/12/2025)

Share:

christmas

---

---