The new bishop of Loikaw diocese in Myanmar said it is a “trauma” for him to see people in his diocese suffer.
“I am a little tired, but I know that God will help and protect me in this task,” said newly appointed Bishop Celso Ba Shwe of Loikaw, capital of the eastern state of Kayah, one of the most affected areas by the political conflict in the country.
Pope Francis named him new bishop of Loikaw on March 29, 2023, succeeding Bishop Stephen Tjephe who died in December 2020.
In an interview with AsiaNews, Bishop Shwe said he is “very excited” of his appointment.
“It is a difficult situation, but God has asked me to do something for my people …. I will try to do my best. It is a great responsibility and a great challenge that I have been given,” he said.
The Church of Loikaw, founded in 1988 by Italian missionaries, has been under attacked since the conflict erupted in February 2021. Places of worship have been bombed and tens of thousands of people have fled to other villages and the forest.
“The situation of the diocese is typical of this reality,” said Bishop Shwe. “There are 40 parishes in the diocese, but half are displaced. Many priests and nuns are also hosted in tents in refugee camps or refugees in the forest,” he said.
Born in 1964 in Moblo, a village of Loikaw, Bishop Shwe obtained a degree in history from Yangon State University before entering the St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary in Taunggyi. He completed his theology studies in St. Joseph’s Major Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin and in Yangon.
In 1994, he was ordained priest and held various positions, including that of parish assistant in Doungankha, diocesan director of voluntary evangelizers and youth, attorney general of the Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar in Yangon, parish priest in two different parishes, vicar general of Loikaw and finally from 2020 diocesan administrator.
“Many people of good will have helped me in the last two years,” he said. “With everyone’s support we can move forward and do some good here,” said the new prelate.
