Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Fides Service) – The Catholic Church in Nepal, a small community of 6,000 among a population of 23 million, is celebrating since two of its members received a national award from the hands of the King. Two foreign missionaries, a Sister and a Jesuit priest, were given recognition of their outstanding service in educating young people. This is the first time that a nun receives a Royal Award, although it is the fourth act of recognition for the work of the Jesuit Fathers present in Nepal for many years. Local Catholic sources tell Fides that the award is proof of the esteem that the Royal Family and the nation have for the Catholic community and for the Church’s contribution to society especially in the field of instruction.
King Gyanendra in person presented the prize to Sister Margaret Mary, a Mary Ward Sister, who is headmistress of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Kathmandu, and to Jesuit Father Eugene Watrin who founded St. Xavier’s College also in capital, and the only Catholic college in Nepal. Sister Margaret, aged 49, came to Nepal from India 11 years ago. Whereas 82 year old Father Watrin, an American, has served in Nepal for 50 years. The missionaries were among a group of 500 presented with the annual Royal Award for outstanding contribution to the social, economic, and cultural progress of Nepal and the Nepalese.
Pupils at St. Mary’s, many of whom are non Christians, and students at St. Xavier’s College were very proud of the award given to their teachers. They said they were happy to attend Catholic schools where the high level study curriculum is taught with competence and enthusiasm. This recognition of the service rendered by Catholic education comes in a non Christian mainly Hindu country while very often in ‘Christian’ countries Catholic schooling is taken for granted, or even criticised. (PA) (Fides Service 28/11/2003 Lines: 38 Words:396)
