Asian Churches meet on youth in the Diocese of Phan Thiết
The Marian Centre in Tàpao (Vietnam) recently hosted a meeting of youth ministry leaders, promoted by the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. Unemployment, identity crises, and cultural pressures are among the main challenges facing the continent's younger generations. The aim is to have a “close, compassionate, and patient” Church that stands by them.
Phan Thiet (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Marian Centre in Tàpao, Diocese of Phan Thiet (Vietnam), hosted on 16 to 18 September a meeting of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) with youth ministry leaders and directors from across the continent.
Centred on the theme “From the Bangkok Document to the Commitment of Young Asians: Communion, Participation, Mission”, the event brought together delegations of bishops, men and women religious, and lay people from numerous Asian countries in an atmosphere of communion, prayer, and shared reflection.
Opening the proceedings, Bishop Giuse Đỗ Mạnh Hùng of Phan Thiết, described young people as "not only the future, but God's present."
Bishop Emmanuel Kanon Rozario of Barisal (Bangladesh), head of the FABC Office for the Laity and the Family, spoke instead of the main challenges faced by young Asians today, most notably unemployment, identity crises, and cultural pressures.
Mgr Allwyn D’Silva, auxiliary bishop emeritus of Bombay, reiterated some of the content of the Bangkok Document, the pastoral plan drafted by the Assembly of Asian Churches held in the Thai capital in 2022, underscoring the need for a synodal, missionary Asian Church attentive to emerging pastoral priorities.
Noteworthy addresses were made by Shawna Rebello on the protection of minors, and by Fathers Omar Fernandes and Nigel Barrett (India), who spoke respectively on pedagogical approaches and the opportunities and pitfalls of digital technology in youth ministry.
The second day was devoted to practical training. Bishop Phêrô Nguyễn Văn Viên, auxiliary bishop of Vinh and head of youth ministry in Vietnam, celebrated Mass, inviting participants to recognise God's new ways and be transformed by His Word.
During the workshops, led by Fr Orman Fernandes, participants were divided into groups to tackle some crucial issues in the lives of young people today: social media use, body image, gender identity, mental health, and addictions.
Each group linked its reflection to a biblical passage and proposed concrete actions to implement with young people.
On the final day, the delegates discussed how to be a close, compassionate, and patient Church alongside young people.
Two specific presentations focused on caring for our common home – with a workshop highlighting the need for environmental responsibility – and on the role of women in the Church and society, starting with the example of the Virgin Mary, whose devotion is so deeply rooted in Tàpao.
Closing the proceedings, Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, on behalf of the various delegations, expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese Church, particularly the Diocese of Phan Thiết, for the fraternal welcome they received.
The local bishop, Mgr Đỗ Mạnh Hùng, reciprocated, encouraging everyone, especially young people, to return to their countries as witnesses of hope.
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15/03/2023 19:09
