Bangkok prepares for Christmas and evangelization of Asia
Christmas messages have been dispatched by Cardinal Kitbunchu and the Nuncio, Mgr Pennacchio. A chocolate Christmas tree 5.40m high has been made to promote a fund for tsunami victims.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) The wish that one may live "in the light of Jesus", the memory of tsunami victims and preparing for next year's meeting for the evangelization of Asia all these were at the heart of Christmas messages sent to Bangkok by Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu, president of the bishops' conference and the Nuncio, Mgr Salvatore Pennacchio.
The Vatican representative expressed the special blessing of Benedict XVI and exhorted Catholics to prepare themselves for an event which will take place in October next year, when Thailand will have the honour of hosting the meeting of evangelization in Asia, on the theme "Tell all Asians about Jesus Christ".
"As shepherds of his flock, we are called to be proud to proclaim our faith by bearing witness to Him in our daily life. Thus those who still do not know Him may learn about Him from our model as 'Christians'."
The Cardinal said: "Jesus stays among us in a special way through the Eucharist and He is among us when we proclaim the Good News". He is the "Word and the true light, which gives light to each man". In the name of all the bishops, the cardinal sent a blessing and a wish for "a life of light in Jesus".
For his part, Mgr Pennacchio, on the anniversary of the tsunami tragedy, offered a prayer so that the "friendship gained during the relief may be restored and peace may return to the three southern provinces".
Meanwhile, to mark the anniversary of the tsunami, a unique initiative has been launched, which could find its way to the Guinness Book of Records. The Amari Atrium Hotel of Bangkok has a chocolate Christmas tree which is 5.40mhigh, 2.80 wide and weighs 200 kilos. Made of Belgian chocolate, the tree would beat the current record set in 2001, with a tree which was only 2.30m high and 1.20 wide. The tree has served to launch a fund for the Chaipattana Foundation in memory of the tsunami. The Thai word "Chaipattana" comes from "Chai" which means "better progress" and "pattana", which means "development" and so it means "for better development". The foundation works for the development of depressed areas and for aid to victims of natural disasters.
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