Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - "We must reach every person with the Word of God and be role models for society. People closely watch us. They want to follow us as their ideal person. For this reason, we should not only preach to them but must show them the path of Jesus Christ," said Mgr Paul Simick, vicar apostolic to the country, in his homily yesterday during a special Mass celebrated to mark the 'Year of the consecrated life'.
Scores of men and women religious - priests, monks and nuns mostly from the Kathmandu valley - crowded the Cathedral of the Assumption in the Nepali capital. About a thousand lay Catholics attended Mass, praying for the clergy of Nepal and around the world.
"Nepal is struggling to achieve political stability and progress," Mgr Simick said. "At this time, society needs real and selfless leaders. The Catholic clergy should play a leading role in society" and help it move "towards prosperity and peace, with spirituality."
"The country has different races, castes, creeds and classes," the archbishop added. "In such a richly diverse society, Catholic spiritual leaders must work in favour of solidarity and harmony, respectful of other groups and communities." Hence, "I call on all of you to dedicate yourself selflessly to others."