Earthquake Relief for the Diocese of Loikaw, Myanmar

May 18, 2025

Dear Faithful,

In the spirit of global solidarity and Christian charity, we bring to your attention the urgent needs of our brothers and sisters in Myanmar, who have been struck by a devastating earthquake in March 2025. The Diocese of Loikaw, located in the eastern part of the country, was among the areas most severely affected. Hundreds have died, homes and churches have been destroyed, and countless families have been displaced—left without shelter, food, or access to medical care.

Bishop Celso Ba Shwe of the Diocese of Loikaw, has reached out in deep humility, asking for our prayers and support as they undertake the long and painful journey of rebuilding. In response, Archbishop José H. Gomez invites all parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to hold a special collection in support of our suffering Catholic family in Myanmar.

This appeal is not only a humanitarian call—it is a response to the Gospel mandate to love one another and bear each other's burdens. Through your parish’s generosity, we can offer tangible help and hope to a Catholic community clinging to faith amid destruction.

We encourage parishes to hold this special collection on the weekend of May 24-25, 2025. All funds raised will go directly to aid relief and rebuilding efforts in the Diocese of Loikaw.

Donation Instructions:

Please make checks payable to The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, with “Myanmar Earthquake Relief” written in the memo line. Mail contributions to: The Pontifical Mission Societies, Mission Office, 3424 Wilshire Blvd, 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

For online donations, please visit: https://missionsla.org/product/donate. Be sure to specify “Myanmar Earthquake Relief” in the memo box. A QR code is included for parish bulletins to facilitate direct giving online.

For any questions, contact The Pontifical Mission Societies, Mission Office at (213) 637-7223 or missionoffice@la-archdiocese.org.

Let us unite in prayer and compassion as one body in Christ, reaching across oceans and borders to lift up our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Thank you for your unwavering generosity and faithful witness to the mission of the universal Church.

In Christ,

Rev. Jim Anguiano                                           Monsignor Terrance L. Fleming, S.T.D. 

Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia                  Archdiocesan Executive Director