Myanmar Catholic bishop in critical condition

The Catholic bishop in the Diocese of Loikaw in Myanmar has been rushed to the hospital and is currently in a critical condition, Radio Veritas Asia reported on Dec. 7.

“[Bishop Stephen Tjephe] is in a coma and is still receiving medical treatment,” said Father Philip Aung Kyaw in a message to the church media network.

The prelate was admitted to the General Hospital of Loikaw in Kayah State on Dec. 5.





“The bishop is diabetic. Now his blood pressure is high and the blood vessels in the brain are ruptured,” said the priest.

“In a state of anxiety, the bishop is entrusted in the hands of the Lord, and prayed and anointed by priests for his recovery,” he said.

“Efforts are being made to restore the health of the bishop. Please continue to pray for a speedy recovery,” said Father Aung Kyaw.

Bishop Stephen Tjephe was born on Aug. 1, 1955 and was ordained a priest on March 28, 1984.

He was ordained auxiliary bishop on Nov. 21, 2009 and was later named chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Clergy in Myanmar.

He was appointed Bishop of Loikaw on Nov. 15, 2014, and installed on Jan. 11, 2015.

Related Stories