Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Fides Service) – The year 2003 was one of difficulty marked by violence. Many families suffered losses of loved ones. The little Church in Nepal, (6.000 souls amidst a population of 23 million), stood by to offer comfort and encouragement to one and all. Jesuit Father Lo Pius Perumana pro-Prefect Apostolic in Nepal reports to Fides Service. Here is part of his moving letter.
“Another year is coming to an end soon. The year 2003 will be remembered in Nepal as one of the most difficult years in the recent past. It began with a violent note and then came the peace talks with the Maoists and finally the unexpected break down of the talks as the parties could not agree to anything fundamental. We also saw the government changing more than once in this period The violence, extortion, killing goes on and the total number has reached about 9000 now, the saddest part no solution is in sight to the problem yet. So many people who have lost their loved ones, apart from the livelihood and the infrastructure all over. What Christmas are they going to have? Will they ever have a Christmas, the trauma of seeing their loved ones killed right in front of their eyes!!!
“The Church too went through all these along with our brothers and sisters. One of our day care centre and health post were bombed and set fire, extortion from many of our institutions and disruption of normal life almost regularly. In spite of all these adverse circumstances we have not given up hope but continued to serve the people of this land sharing their joys and sorrows. Our new Pastoral Centre is ready (at least partially, due to paucity of funds) and we begin our first programme their on 2nd January for the South Asian Youth.
“We hope and pray that the coming year may bring us renewed hope and may this Christmas remind us that the Lord has not abandoned his people. Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.”
As the year draws to a close the government in Kathmandu, anxious to reach an agreement with the rebels, has announced an amnesty for rebels who surrender by 12 February. The date when the conflict broke out eight years ago, plunging Nepal into fear and economic decline, frightening away tourism and heightening already widespread poverty.(PA) (Fides 19/12/2003 lines 38 words 428)
