Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 30: A special Way of the Cross devotion was held on Sunday, March 30, in the open-air premises of the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte. The prayer service was dedicated to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, March 27.

A large gathering of Christian faithful participated in the solemn observance, meditating on the final hours of Jesus Christ and offering prayers and sacrifices for those affected by the disaster. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which was also felt in neighbouring Thailand and southwestern China, caused widespread destruction.

According to Myanmar’s military government, more than 1,700 people have lost their lives, with over 3,400 others injured. The tremors also impacted Thailand, where at least 18 people were reported dead.

The earthquake struck near Mandalay at midday, followed minutes later by a powerful 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The disaster led to the collapse of buildings, bridges, and roads, severely damaging infrastructure in the city of over 1.7 million people. The impact was also felt in Bangkok, Thailand, where reports indicate at least 17 casualties.

The prayer service at Infant Jesus Shrine served as a moment of solidarity, interceding for the victims and their grieving families while calling for global support in the wake of the tragedy.