by J.B. Vu

The Church on the continent celebrates half a century of the Asian Social Institute (ASI). In Ho Chi Minh City an international seminar in the presence of Cardinal Turkson, who recalled its commitment "to promote and apply" the social doctrine of the Church. ASI President: "proud" of contribution to formation.

Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) - The Church in Asia has celebrated 50 years of Asian Social Institute (ASI), born in 1962 in the Philippines and which has contributed - over time - to the development of the continent, deepening studies and knowledge in sectors of the economy and society. Born in Manila, its work in the field of scientific research has reached several other countries through collaboration between research institutions and universities. Marking the fiftieth anniversary, the leader of the institute wanted to focus attention on the theme: "50 Years of Commitment to Total Human Development: Reaping the Harvest and Planting Seeds on New Ground". And in the context of the celebrations, an international seminar was held a few days ago in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which was also attended by Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

In his speech, the cardinal pointed to the encyclical Caritas in Veritate - published by Pope Benedict XVI in June 2009 - and stressed the commitment to "promote and apply" the social doctrine of the Church, as the distinctive work of the members of ASI. For this reason he confirmed the approval of the Pontifical Council for the work of Asian Catholic Institute, which  "in 50 years has worked diligently to shine [...] the light of the Christian faith and the love of Christ ", in spite of constant and changing issues in Asia and the world.

Mina Ramirez, ASI president, spoke of the mission of the institution, in light of the challenges posed by modernity and unique relationship with the Asian continent, its history, culture and problems that characterize it. In particular, the Catholic activist and scholar praised the cooperation established over time by the Asian Social Institute with a number of universities, centers and congregations of the Church in Vietnam, demonstrating the link between the faithful of the two countries. "I am proud - she added - to have contributed to the formation of two doctors, 70 experts in social disciplines, economists and hundreds of students who have attended international community development." At the moment, says Mina Ramirez, ASI is an active co-operation in partnerships with the university and work and social affairs in Hanoi.

In a book dedicated to 50 years of ASI, Vietnamese scholar Vu Nhi Cong, thanked the institute for the "knowledge and skills" learned during his years of study, which proved to be "fundamental" to "direct" his professional and human journey. "I was able to use what I learned - said the man - and I put in my curriculum as a teaching methodology" both at university, and at the headquarters of Caritas Saigon.

 

• vietnam
• phillipines
• asian
• social
• institute
• pontifical
• card.
• turkson
• formation