NEW ROCHELLE, NY (March 28, 2025) Salesian Missions and the global Salesians of Don Bosco network is working to respond to the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake that struck on Friday, March 28, 2025.

How Salesian Missions is responding:   

• Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has created a dedicated fund to respond to this emergency: salesianmissions.org/myanmar-earthquake. 
• Salesian Missions is working with the Don Bosco Network, which coordinates disaster relief efforts on behalf of the Salesians worldwide. 

Resources for journalists:  

 To request an interview with Fr. Michael Conway, SDB, director of Salesian Missions, please send an email to media@salesianmissions.org  

• Press Center  
• Overview of Salesian presence and programs in Myanmar  
• Previous MissionNewswire articles about Salesian programs in Myanmar  

STATEMENT FROM:  Fr. Edward Sein Myint, SDB, located in Anisakan, *Myanmar   

  A devastating earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck Myanmar on March 28, with its epicenter located in the Sagaing Division, which borders the Mandalay Division where Anisakan is situated. The tremor caused significant destruction and left communities reeling in shock.  

 The earthquake brought widespread devastation, especially in Mandalay City, where numerous high-rise buildings, pagodas, mosques and churches were reduced to rubble. The iconic Sagaing Bridge, spanning the famous Irrawaddy River, also suffered severe damage, with parts of the structure collapsing into the river — a heartbreaking sight for locals.  

Impact on the Salesian Community  

 The Salesian community in Mandalay was severely affected by the earthquake. The St. John Paul II Chapel suffered extensive damage, with its façade and parts of the walls collapsing. Tragically, two faithful who were present for Adoration were injured. The building housing street children also sustained significant damage, including to its ceiling and sections of the walls.  

 In the confreres’ quarters, plaster fell from the walls of several rooms, and the corridor leading to the dining room was damaged. Thankfully, no confreres were injured. However, two of the faithful and one child sustained minor injuries.  

 In Anisakan, which houses many religious buildings of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), the earthquake caused widespread structural damage. The St. Joseph Chapel in the Provincial house Community suffered cracks at the back of the altar, and the statue of St. Joseph was broken at its pedestal — a symbolic reminder of the disaster’s impact on the spiritual and physical fabric of the community.  

A Symbolic Gesture of Global Solidarity  

 In a symbolic and heartfelt gesture, Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard addressed the earthquake during this morning’s Chapter Assembly in Turin. He exhorted the assembly to pray in a special way for the people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar, and invited the provincial of Myanmar, Fr. Bosco Zeya Aung to brief about the situation. Fr. Attard also assured him that the Salesian world would immediately help out to contribute to the immediate relief efforts for those affected. His words were a powerful reminder of the global Salesian family’s commitment to solidarity and action during moments of crisis.  

A Plea for Prayers and Support  

This natural disaster strikes Myanmar at a time of great political instability, making humanitarian aid, transportation and communication extremely challenging. The Salesian communities, along with the local population, are struggling to respond to the urgent needs of those affected.  

“We humbly request your prayers for our people during this time of calamity,” said Fr. Edward Sein Myint, the Superior of the Community. “The road to recovery will require not only material assistance but also spiritual solidarity as we support one another in rebuilding our lives and faith.”  

Salesian Spirit in Action  

In the true spirit of the Salesian mission, the communities in Myanmar remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the most vulnerable. Despite the challenges posed by the earthquake and the ongoing political crisis, their dedication reflects the charism of Don Bosco: bringing hope and healing to those in need, even amidst adversity.  

As the communities begin to assess the full extent of the damage, the prayers, solidarity, and support of the global Salesian family will be crucial in helping Myanmar recover from this tragedy. 

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.  

Contact: media@salesianmissions.org