Bangkok (AsiaNews) – The future of the Church “is represented by young people and for this reason we must teach them the true values that make a society great, namely that what counts is not how much we can be happy but how much we can make others happy,” this according to Card Michai Kitbunchu, archbishop of Bangkok, who spoke on Sunday at a prayer meeting titled “Choosing to Love, Choosing to Hope” that was attended by members of the Taizé community.
More than 220 young people from Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Philippines took part in the event held at Bangkok’s Assumption Cathedral. Frère Alois, head of the Taizé ecumenical community since the death of founder Frère Roger, and a fellow brother were present as well.
In his address Frère Alois said that “the various problems that afflict society can lead to a world without hope. In choosing love instead, especially love towards the less privileged, we bear witness to Christ’s love for humanity, the only path in the world’s future.”
“It’s my first ecumenical meeting,” Fr Kanok Sithisant, one the priests present at the prayer, told AsiaNews. “The atmosphere was one of calm and quiet. I was happy to see young people understand the importance of prayer. Some of them came after a long trip. I didn’t expect to see so many; I’m impressed.”
“It was a great opportunity to work with young Buddhists and Muslims. They are our friends and helped us organise everything,” said one of the event’s organisers, Sasithorn Sukkaseam. “Among us friendship is the main thing and this must shape our future.”