Ecclesia in Asia

In parishes across the country but also in the diaspora of migrants in every corner of the world, the tradition of Simbang Gabi, the dawn celebrations on the days of the Christmas novena, is renewed. Bishops' Conference president Msgr. David: "They help us to truly welcome Christ into our lives."

Archbishop Louis Nguyễn Anh Tuấn of Ha Tinh, who participated in the recent synod, offers his testimony. He speaks about the joy of the faithful for Pope Francis's letter, their expectation about his visit, the solidarity Christians showed during COID-19, all of which boosted their confidence. Can Vietnam be a model for relations between the Vatican and China? This “will not be easy for China because of the different context.” Vietnam wants to open up to the world. The Vietnamese can be “good citizens” as well as “bear witness to the Gospel.”

At least four people were killed and dozens injured in a very serious attack against Christians at the university in the Muslim-majority city in Mindanao, which was the scene of five months of war in 2017 after a local Islamist group took control and proclaimed Islamic State. Philippine bishops' president Msgr David: 'Killed while professing their faith. But the Church will go on working for peace'.

In an exclusive account, AsiaNews is publishing the thoughts of the Turkish prelate who was ordained bishop yesterday. He is committed to dialogue, rebuilding, and working to consolidate the local Church. In his homily, the vicar of Istanbul noted the new bishop can be “an instrument of consolation and a messenger of hope” to a community marked by the earthquake. Today he had lunch with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew and led his first Mass with young people.

A missionary with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, he has been serving the poor near Seoul for over 30 years, in a highly competitive society that refuses to see the least.

The Archbishop of Beijing expected in a few days to return Chow's visit to the Chinese capital in April. Words to the diocese from the new cardinal after his journey to Rome for the Consistory and Synod: "Even in Hong Kong we are divided: let us take a few steps to reach out to those who are far from us, both in the physical and digital worlds."

The first session of the Synodal Assembly ended with a vote of the synthesis report. On many issues, the latter highlights the convergences, open questions and proposals that emerged during the work in Rome. Below, we publish chapter 5 on the relationship between mission and inculturation, which is a major issue for many Churches in Asia. The typically Asian image of "taking off one's shoes" to meet others is offered to the whole world.

On the eve of the Assembly that opens in Rome and where two of its own bishops will also be present, the Catholic Church in Vietnam sent a message to the faithful indicating the theme of enhancing the mission of the laity in 2024. "In Vietnam, due to historical circumstances, combined with difficult living conditions and a misunderstanding of doctrine, some live their faith passively. But the heritage of faith transmitted by the blood of the martyrs is entrusted to each of us".

The Royal University of Phnom Penh, Missions Étrangères de Paris, and local historians are behind the conference, which drew young researchers interested in a history that began five centuries ago, well before the French protectorate. For Fr Legnani, from PIME, it was important to remember all those who share “history and suffering with the Khmer people.”

In Pagadian, South Zamboanga province, the foundation promoted by St. Columba missionaries celebrated its anniversary of supporting poor families with children with disabilities. Educational pathways, home care and help with job placement the activities brought forward. But above all, the elimination of prejudice.

Back from the WYD in Lisbon, the Asian nun chosen by Pope Francis among the president delegates of the October Assembly tells AsiaNews about her expectations for the Synod: "Living in a country where we Christians are a minority has taught me to listen, to try to understand, to pray to understand where the Spirit is guiding our conscience. And to understand that before anything else we must love everyone like Jesus." Archbishop of Tokyo Msgr. Kikuchi: "Proud and grateful for the role assigned to you."

Sister Marie and Sister Teresa brought new life to the congregation of the Lovers of the Cross in Kompong Cham after the fall of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. As they say in their testimony, their journey began in the 1990s, and went hand in hand with the country’s reconstruction.