Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - "We must reach out to all those who still are not illuminated by the light of Jesus and lead them out of the darkness. It is our task, mine and all of you, to transmit the light of Jesus to all people. Thousands of people are still living in dark traditions and unjust practices. " With these words Msgr. Paul Simick, apostolic vicar of Nepal, urged all Catholics during the celebration of Easter to be missionaries in the country.
Speaking of the resurrection of Christ during his homily at the Easter Vigil, the bishop said: "[We must] reach all people - regardless of their faith - and spread the good news, which helps to establish peace and harmony in the country. We must approach both rich and poor, the privileged and the disadvantaged, the men of faith and atheists, and so on. "
The Easter celebration was also attended by many faithful of other religions, especially Hindus and Buddhists. The Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of the Assumption, where hundreds of people gathered around the altar and received the blessing of the bishop. All present were carrying lighted candles and celebrated Easter with joy. Catholics and non-Catholics accompanied the vigil singing praises to the Lord together.
Although the Nepalese Christian community is not large (about 0.5% of the population), the Catholics present exceeded the number of the faithful of other religious groups. Roshani Shrestha told AsiaNews: "I am here with my family of 5 members. My daughter invited us for the celebration of her baptism and today we are celebrating her and the grace of God. " Thanks to the example of her daughter, Shrestha has decided to convert to Christianity and to spread the word of the Bible to her children and other relatives.
On the night of Easter 12 faithful were baptized. During the baptism Msgr. Simick said: "You are now under the grace of God. Now you have the responsibility to spread the message of God and guide [unbelievers] to the word of the Lord".
After Mass many people expressed a desire to repent and live in the Lord. Ramesh Kuinkel, a young student of the Hindu religion, said after the Mass: "I knew nothing about the resurrection of Christ. I was very impressed and would like to attend catechism and read the Bible. My friends and I want to become Catholics. I hope that God may grant me the grace to realize my desire to live in Him. "
Even the Protestant Christian community celebrated Easter with vigils and services. In Kathmandu, thousands joined in the street during the celebrations, carrying placards and singing praises to the Lord. Compared to previous years, this year the celebrations attracted many more faithful. It is estimated, in fact, that about 50 thousand people e gathered in the auditorium of Khulamanch (in the Nepalese capital) to take part in the ceremony.