Every Sunday on AsiaNews, we tell the story of someone from the Catholic Church in Asia: a person, a community, or an initiative that shows how the Gospel of Jesus is alive across this vast continent.
The celebration in Dhaka of the Jubilee Day of Radio Veritas Asia’s Bengali-language service also provided participants, including some Muslims, with an opportunity to share stories of how, in a country like Bangladesh, this media outlet helps people’s human and spiritual growth, beyond religious barriers. “Every religion inspires us to uphold truth,” said Bishop Romen Boraigi.
A mandate entrusted to over 800 delegates to make Jesus present through their lives in their own countries brought to a close the Great Pilgrimage of Hope, which saw the Churches of the continent gather in Malaysia. Cardinal David: ‘Evangelisation in Asia cannot be shouted: it is relational, respectful, contemplative.’ Card. Ferrao: ‘The hunger for God is deep. The yearning for justice is real. The thirst for meaning among our young people is intense.’
This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the initiative by local Catholic communities dedicating the last Sunday of the liturgical year to the relationship between the faithful and Sacred Scripture. According to some statistics, 36 per cent of Catholics regularly read and meditate on the Bible (half the rate of Protestants). South Korean dioceses offer many online programmes, catering to young people as well as senior citizens.
On the day celebrating the Jubilee of the Poor, a priest from the Diocese of Tokyo reflects on how he included the night-time “tent city” in St. Peter's Square in the Holy Year itinerary with a group of fellow countrymen. ‘An invitation not to judge, but to set out on a journey in our poverty together with others.’
The bishop of Kalookan and president of the Bishops’ Conference spoke about the fate of thousands of people who died during the Duterte years, whose fates have remained under investigation for years, with no answers for their families, this despite an inquiry by the Philippine Congress. To close this dark chapter, an independent body is needed to ensure that courage overcomes fear and accountability prevails over impunity.
In its message on the occasion of Deepavali - which is being celebrated at this time - the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue recalls the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council document that encouraged Catholics to engage in dialogue, recognising the values that every religious tradition brings with it. ‘Hindus and Christians together nurture peace in our homes, communities and societies.’
The Archbishop of Colombo made an appeal to this end during celebrations for the anniversary of the founding of the broadcaster TV Derana. Sri Lankans, who today struggle hard to earn a living, must learn to discern which influences are positive or negative, without passively accepting everything that comes from abroad.
1 October marked the anniversary of the canonisation desired by John Paul II which gave rise to the most conflictual moment in relations between Beijing and the Holy See. In the context of today's dialogue with the Beijing authorities, marking the feast may be cause for embarassment for some but the Chinese Catholic community has the right to remember and honour its martyrs, just like other churches around the world.
In the Noto Peninsula, the Diocese of Nagoya witnessed the joy of the consecration of a new church in Wajima 20 months after a devastating earthquake razed the old one. As a sign of things to come, the new place of worship welcomed some 20 Filipinos who discovered a home amid the tragedy and show of solidarity for this small community.
AsiaNews editorial director Fr. Gianni Criveller comments on the Pope's words on China in an interview released in recent days: "He guarantees the continuity of previous choices, aware that there is time between now and the new expiry of the Agreement in 2028. But he also says he is listening to the “underground” communities that (rightly or wrongly) feel they have been sacrificed. So that the government's narrative is not the only one in this complex and painful ecclesial affair."
Bishop Moon of Cheju, chairman of the Bishops' Conference's Committee for Family and Life, met with Democratic Party lawmakers who are promoting a bill that the Church sees as a path towards unlimited abortions. The issue came to the fore in 2019 after a ruling by the Constitutional Court. For Bishop, “We must move towards respect for life.”
St. Andrew's School in Mumbai - where teachers of different religions work side by side - has promoted a trip in the name of the historic document signed in 2019 by Pope Francis and Imam al Tayyeb. Headmaster Fr. Magi Murzello: ‘A common religious response to the challenge of pluralism and the promotion of diversity as a value rooted in religious freedom.’
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