Myanmar. On 28 March 2025, at 12:50 (6:50 CET), a violent earthquake of magnitude 7.7 – followed by a second shock, 12 minutes later, of 6.4 – hit Myanmar, with its epicenter in the Mandalay region. The city was devastated by the collapse of bridges and buildings, resulting in deaths, injuries, and people who were lost under the rubble.
The earthquake has also affected neighboring Countries, in particular Thailand, where striking images and videos of the collapse of a 30-story skyscraper under construction in Bangkok have spread quickly on social media.
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians are present in the region of the epicenter at Chantagone, Anisakan and Pyin Oo Lwin.
The Provincials of Mary Our Help Province (CMY) of Cambodia and Myanmar, and of Saint Mary Mazzarello Province (THA) of Thailand immediately contacted the Superior General, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, to inform her that all the Sisters are well.
However, the buildings where the communities reside, along with the works, have suffered considerable damage, in particular Blessed Laura Vicuña Community of Chantagone, from which they write:
“The walls of the complex have collapsed and also the two-story building where the Training Center in Computer Science and Accounting is located has been hit. The ceilings have collapsed and at that time, about 5 girls were in the house while Sister Mary, an elderly sister, accompanied by Sister Rosalyne, was at the clinic for some medical treatment. The Animator, Sister Elizabeth, and two other young Sisters were at a seminar in another community. They returned immediately after learning the news.
As can be seen in the photos, the rooms are destroyed and we cannot sleep in that building. All power lines have been cut, so there is no electricity, thus we have to conserve use of the phone and the internet data load is very slow.
Tonight, the Sisters and the girls will sleep in the preschool building that has only the ground floor and has walls solid enough. Houses in the village of Chanthargone were also destroyed. We thank you for your concern and prayers for our Sisters.”
The Sisters reported that the Community of Saint Mary D. Mazzarello in Anisakan was also affected and the walls of the House are full of cracks.
The Holy See sent a telegram from the Holy Father, signed by Secretary of State Parolin, to the civil and ecclesiastical authorities of the Asian countries:
“Deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the earthquake in South-East Asia, especially in Myanmar and Thailand, His Holiness Pope Francis offers heartfelt prayers for the souls of the deceased and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. His Holiness also prays that emergency personnel be supported in the care of the wounded and displaced by the divine gifts of fortitude and perseverance.”
The most affected cities in Myanmar are Mandalay, Saigaing, and Naypyidaw. The authorities have declared a state of emergency, with a request for international support for relief operations. A few hours since the disaster, it is still not possible to define the toll of victims and wounded, but certainly there are thousands of displaced people who cannot sleep in their unsafe houses, with floors covered by rubble.
The Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians offers concrete support to the population and relies on the generosity and solidarity of all. Contributions and offerings can be submitted as indicated on the FMA Institute Website, designating as the reason Earthquake Emergency Myanmar.
Preghiamo e offriamo per il caro popolo che soffre
Preghiamo per il caro popolo del Myanmar e per tante persone che hanno perso la vita o tutti i loro beni. Preghiamo anche per voi sorelle perché l’Ausiliatrice vi accompagni in questo periodo di donazione e solidarietà che si è presentato. Ricordiamo tanti giovani che abitano con voi. La preghiera della comunità educante è per il vostro caro popolo. Un grande abbraccio
Preghiamo veramente per voi e per tutti i paesi che soffrono. Vi siamo tanto vicine. Un forte abbraccio
Rezamos por todos nuestros hermanos afectados por el terremoto.
Bien chères sœurs, nous vous portons dans nos prières, que le Seigneur vous bénisse et que la Vierge Marie vous protège, ainsi que toute la population si fort éprouvée. Sr Rosa
Ringraziamo il Signore per l’incolumità delle nostre sorelle e dei ragazzi, coraggio vi accompagniamo con il nostro affetto e le nostre sorelle, abbiamo fiducia che con l’aiuto di tutti le mura andranno a posto.
Quando un membro soffre è tutto il corpo che sente il dolore.
Carissime sorelle, rendiamo grazie a Dio che la vostra vita e quella dei destinatari sia salva.
Vi portiamo nella nostra preghiera.
Dear and people of Myanmar and Thai we are with you in spirit at this hour of Earthquake and natural disaster. We pray that God and our blessed mother Mary help of Christians protect you and reach out to all to set right every thing
May the whole world rise up to the situation and generous help the afflicted , the poor , elderly and children. Jesus have mercy on our FMA communities and Srs. Protect them from all harm. Amen
Preghiamo per I popoli affettati in mezzo a quests tragedia naturale