Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) – A Letter from the Apostolic Vicar, distributed in all the parishes, schools, and Church entities, and a full calendar of events have marked the Year of St. Paul in Nepal, where the small Catholic community hopes to celebrate it as an occasion for internal formation and evangelization towards the outside world.
As Agenzia Fides was informed by local Church sources, 50 new catechists will receive training using the Letters of Saint Paul, in a study course lasting from October 2008 to Lent 2009. The intention is to prepare pastoral workers in such a way that they can transmit the teachings to the local community, the parishes, and associations, thus spreading the Pauline spirituality.
Other major events on the life and work of the Apostle to the Gentiles will be geared towards priests, religious, and faithful of the Vicariate. Seminars will be held at the Kathmandu Pastoral Center October 9-11 and 28-30 of 2008 and expect a large participation from among the faithful as well. There will be events allowing for a gathering of the various components of the Church in Nepal, which should be a positive manner to promote unity within the community.
Spiritual retreats for clergy and religious will be held March 23-29 and March 30-April 5. In the local communities of the Vicariate, materials on the events has been distributed: a small booklet with prayers and meditations on Saint Paul and a video that narrates the life and work of the Apostle.
In order to maintain the attention of the faithful and ensure continuity in the reflection on Saint Paul, the Apostolic Vicariate has suggested that every parish, once a month, have a homily or catechesis on the Year of Saint Paul, that spiritual retreats be organized, and that activities be held for children and young people based on Saint Paul. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/7/2008)
