Fr. Mendes: Churches from rich and poor countries support the mission of Caritas Asia
by Francis Chan
For three years the 75 year old priest has led the Catholic body in Pakistan, restoring order and continuity in the work. He invites greater efforts to enhance the formation of young Asians and hopes for funding and responsible personnel to help continue the projects. An appeal to bishops to ensure their support and a wish: that his successor is a layman.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - In the recent past, many Asian churches have supported the work of Caritas Asia: among them are those of the richest countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, but even very poor realities made an important contribution, such as the Churches of India and Bangladesh, who have provided "great help". So says Fr Bonnie Mendes, a 75 year old priest in Pakistan, for three years, regional coordinator of Caritas Asia speaking to AsiaNews. He is leaving his position on having reached the age limit, and today the institute will appoint the new director who, thanks to the "mission" and passion of Fr. Mendes, will work in an efficient structure.
The priest says that from an "extremely difficult" original situation because of “discontinuity of personnel” with a high turnover and frequent vacancies, the reality today has improved and "I can pass on to my successor an institute with certificates, documents and annual reports in order ". He points out that "capacity building is now the biggest need and the most determining factor " and is essential to achieve the goal of youth formation, ready to meet their needs. The new recruits are vital to ensure the work of the various national Caritas and coordinate relationships with partners across the Asian continent. A second challenge, adds Fr Mendes, is to "raise funds, resources and “competent personnel" from all over Asia, to complete the projects.
Caritas Asia has in recent years been able to count on strong support from churches in nations that have a solid economic level such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, who all provided a "significant contribution" during natural disasters or emergencies. However, the priest explains, everyone is called to respond to the appeal because "every country" can provide valuable assistance. As an example he cited the communities of India and Bangladesh, who have supported Mongolia, in the development of agriculture in a dry and hostile terrain, and again Bangladesh, which has exported and shared its model of micro-enterprise.
Fr. Mendes says that the contribution to Caritas Asia "weak" nations as Malaysia and East Timor has "strengthened", particularly with regard to the first which has "great potential" both economically, and in the field of human resources.
Finally, he appeals to the Asian bishops, who "should be interested" in the mission of Caritas. The Office for Human Development of the Federation which brings together the Bishops' Conferences (FABC-OHD) has a "leading role" in ensuring that the prelates and priests are constantly informed of the values promoted by the Catholic Church's social doctrine. And regarding his successor, Fr Mendes hopes he will "keep calm and carry on the work," trying to be "a friend, a guide, a father." Finally, a wish: I hope "it will be a lay person".
The priest says that from an "extremely difficult" original situation because of “discontinuity of personnel” with a high turnover and frequent vacancies, the reality today has improved and "I can pass on to my successor an institute with certificates, documents and annual reports in order ". He points out that "capacity building is now the biggest need and the most determining factor " and is essential to achieve the goal of youth formation, ready to meet their needs. The new recruits are vital to ensure the work of the various national Caritas and coordinate relationships with partners across the Asian continent. A second challenge, adds Fr Mendes, is to "raise funds, resources and “competent personnel" from all over Asia, to complete the projects.
Caritas Asia has in recent years been able to count on strong support from churches in nations that have a solid economic level such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, who all provided a "significant contribution" during natural disasters or emergencies. However, the priest explains, everyone is called to respond to the appeal because "every country" can provide valuable assistance. As an example he cited the communities of India and Bangladesh, who have supported Mongolia, in the development of agriculture in a dry and hostile terrain, and again Bangladesh, which has exported and shared its model of micro-enterprise.
Fr. Mendes says that the contribution to Caritas Asia "weak" nations as Malaysia and East Timor has "strengthened", particularly with regard to the first which has "great potential" both economically, and in the field of human resources.
Finally, he appeals to the Asian bishops, who "should be interested" in the mission of Caritas. The Office for Human Development of the Federation which brings together the Bishops' Conferences (FABC-OHD) has a "leading role" in ensuring that the prelates and priests are constantly informed of the values promoted by the Catholic Church's social doctrine. And regarding his successor, Fr Mendes hopes he will "keep calm and carry on the work," trying to be "a friend, a guide, a father." Finally, a wish: I hope "it will be a lay person".
.png)
See also
