VATICAN - Papal Message: “Vast horizons of mission are now opening up before the lay men and women of Asia in their efforts to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The increasing numbers of committed, trained and enthusiastic lay persons is thus a sign of immense hope for the future of the Church in Asia,” said the Holy Father Benedict XVI in his Message sent to the Congress of Asian Catholic Laity being held in Seoul from August 31 to September 5, 2010. The event was organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, with the theme: “Proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia Today.”
The Pope recalls how Asia, home to two-thirds of the world's population, “is currently undergoing unprecedented processes of economic growth and social transformation.” Thus, “Catholics are called to be a sign and promise of that unity and communion – communion with God and among men – which the whole human family is meant to enjoy.” They have been entrusted with the great mission “of bearing witness to Jesus Christ, the universal Savior of mankind. This is the supreme service and the greatest gift that the Church can offer to the people of Asia.”
In order to assume this mission, the laity “need to become ever more conscious of the grace of their Baptism and the dignity which is theirs as sons and daughters of God the Father,” says the Message sent to the President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, highlighting that “in union of mind and heart with their Pastors, and accompanied at every step of their journey of faith by a sound spiritual and catechetical formation, they need to be encouraged to cooperate actively not only in building up their local Christian communities but also in making new pathways for the Gospel in every sector of society. Vast horizons of mission are now opening up before the lay men and women of Asia in their efforts to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel.” Here, the Pontiff cites the example of conjugal love and family life according to Christian married love and family life, their defense of God’s gift of life from conception to natural death, their loving concern for the poor and the oppressed, their willingness to forgive their enemies and persecutors, their example of justice, truthfulness and solidarity in the workplace, and their presence in public life. Thus, Benedict XVI expresses his gratitude for “the outstanding work of the many catechists who bring the riches of the Catholic faith to young and old alike,” recalling the contribution to the formation of the laity by apostolic and charismatic movements, the activity of associations and ecclesial movements dedicated to the promotion of human dignity and justice. “Along with the many individuals and groups committed to prayer and works of charity, as well as the contribution made by pastoral and parish councils, these groups play an important role in helping the particular Churches of Asia to be built up in faith and love, strengthened in communion with the universal Church and renewed in zeal for the spread of the Gospel.”
At the conclusion of the Message, Benedict XVI says he will pray that “the present Congress will highlight the indispensable role of the lay faithful in the Church’s mission and develop specific programs and initiatives to assist them in their task of proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia today.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 2/09/2010)