A sea of mourners flooded the village of Pyin Oo Lwin as over 5,000 people defied ongoing violence to pay their final respects to Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, the Catholic priest tragically murdered on February 14. The solemn farewell took place at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, where Archbishop Marco Tin Win led an emotional funeral Mass, offering prayers and condolences to the grieving community.

The ceremony was marked by heartfelt messages from the Apostolic Nunciature in Yangon and the Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, reflecting the deep sorrow and solidarity felt across the country. Reports from Fides News Agency highlighted the immense reverence in which Father Donald was held, as his life of service and dedication touched countless lives.

During his homily, Archbishop Tin Win issued a powerful condemnation of the ongoing cycle of bloodshed, stating, “Violence only leads to death and destruction; it is always a defeat.” He called on all armed groups to abandon conflict and pursue peace and reconciliation, while entrusting Father Donald’s soul, his family, and the mourning faithful to the protection of the Virgin Mary. “May Our Lady guide him to paradise and shield all under her mantle, offering comfort and hope,” he prayed.

Father Donald, the first parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, was deeply committed to his community, especially in the field of education. With formal schools shuttered due to civil unrest, he took it upon himself to organize informal learning initiatives for children, ensuring their education continued despite the war’s disruptions. His efforts to provide both academic and spiritual nourishment made him a beloved figure among the people he served.

His brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the region, with the local community demanding justice. The People’s Defense Force (PDF), the armed resistance group controlling the area, has launched an investigation, detaining ten men from Kan Gyi Taw—the village where Father Donald was killed. These individuals have been transferred to a PDF-administered court outside the military junta’s jurisdiction, as authorities seek to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Father Donald’s tragic death is yet another grim chapter in Myanmar’s ongoing turmoil, which has claimed countless lives and displaced millions. As violence rages on, the Catholic Church remains steadfast in its call for peace, urging all factions to lay down their arms and embrace reconciliation in a nation torn apart by conflict.