Pope Francis named Monsignor Celso Ba Shwe as new bishop of Loikaw diocese on March 29, 2023.
Bishop Shwe succeeded Bishop Stephen Tjephe, who died in December 2020.
Bishop Shwe was born on July 22, 1964, in Momblo village. He was awarded a bachelor’s degree in history at the Yangon State University before entering Saint Theresa’s Minor Seminary in Taunggyi (1988). He completed his studies in philosophy and theology at Saint Joseph’s Major Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin and in Yangon (1989-1994).
He was ordained a priest on April 16, 1994, for the diocese of Loikaw.
He has held the following roles: parish assistant in Doungankha (1994-1995); diocesan director of Voluntary Evangelizers (1995-1999); diocesan co-procurator (CBCM) (2000-2009); parish of the Sacred Heart, Phasaung (2009-2010); since 2010, parish priest of the Christ the King Cathedral, vicar general of Loikaw and, and from 2020 to date, diocesan administrator of Loikaw.
