Msgr. Celso Ba Shwe was canonically installed as bishop of Loikaw by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo on June 29, Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.
The new bishop is currently the administrator of the Diocese of Loikaw following the death of Bishop Stephen Tjephe more than two years ago.
In his homily during the episcopal ordination, Cardinal Bo emphasized the importance of having a bishop who understands the struggles of the people.
“He is already the shepherd who lives among the sheep and has come here with the smell of the sheep, knowing their tears, their brokenness, their shattered ness,” said Cardinal Bo.
Cardinal Bo praised Ba Shwe for the leadership that he has provided as administrator, which “has won the admiration of all.” The prelate said, “You have reached out to thousands of faithful in their need of sacramental and physical needs.”
“You have kept the church united, you have been inspired all by your courageous and calm presence. You were the healer, consoler, committed priest, energetic preacher of hope,” said Cardinal Bo.
Cardinal Bo urged the clergy “to join hands to support” the new bishop. He also commended the church workers, especially the religious men and women, who are “wounded healers, reaching out even when you were affected”.
In May 2021, Msgr. Ba Shwe played the role of mediator between the unarmed protesters, among whom were many Christians, and the security forces to prevent violence to erupt.
The Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) called for prayers for Bishop Ba Shwe and for the city of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah state, where 90 percent of the population are Catholics.
The group said Loikaw is one of the areas “most affected by the violent conflicts” since the military coup of 1 February 2021, started.
“Let us pray for Myanmar, for its people, for the Christian community, priests and religious of the state of Kayah, and for bishop Celso Ba Shwe, shepherd of the diocese of Loikaw,” the group said in a statement.
“Let us invoke, from different parts of the world, the gifts of the Holy Spirit – counsel, wisdom, understanding, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord – to sustain Bishop Celso in his difficult task,” it added.
