Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) - "Our humble service is to help modern society to find a soul. In the Year of Faith it is necessary to restore faith in the different contexts of life. In Asia it must seek common ground with people of different beliefs, in order to contribute to the search for truth": is what says to Fides Agency His Exc. Mgr. Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati (India) and head of the Office for Evangelization in the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), talking about how the Catholic communities in Asia will live the Year of Faith.
The argument, explains the Archbishop, was examined during a seminar organized by the FABC in Bangkok in recent days, with the participation of 39 among Bishops, theologians, pastoral workers, leaders of ecclesial movements, on the theme "A vision of faith for Asia." The consultation is planned to explore the themes of the Synod on the New Evangelization, offered ideas on how faith can be lived in Asia, in different contexts of life, in different countries and in different sectors of society: politics, economy, universities, mass media, art and entertainment. The participants talked about the proclamation of faith in the Indonesian context, characterized by a tolerant Islam or in the Vietnamese context, characterized by a Communist approach, but with an increasing openness; in Myanmar in the process of transformation or in Sri Lanka, where "the enthusiasm of reconciliation" is lived; in Singapore, where the youth is very dynamic, or in Hong Kong, where faith must be brought in the business world; in China, where there is a strong demand for the sacred, or in the Philippines, marked by the culture of new technologies.
"An experience of encounter with Christ is the beginning of everything," said Manoj Sunny, leader of the "Jesus Youth", which has about 40,000 young people in over 30 countries in Asia.
According to prof. Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, Chancellor of the St. John's University in Bangkok, which has 10,000 students in its campus, mostly non-Christian, education can be a powerful tool to guide young people in their search for meaning: In this context, the message of Christ becomes more convincing.
Eric Manlang, founder of the pro-life party in the Philippines, asserted that "Christian values can be brought to the political field," but one must "be willing to pay the price," building credibility "through a righteous life, transparency, service to the common good."
On the topic of married life, prof. Pushparajan and his wife Angela, from Bangalore (India) note that "it is not a bed of roses, but with the power of the Word of God, every challenge becomes a mystical experience, and faith transforms everything."
Fr. Mervyn Fernando, from Sri Lanka, and Fr . S.M. Michael from India, have agreed that a greater commitment to scientific research does not weaken faith, but reinforces it. While Acharya Sachidandanda Bharati from Nagpur (India), has called for a "mystical approach" to human problems and Fr. Leonardo Mercado from the Philippines added, "it is very useful and effective in the Asian context."
Archbishop Menamparampil concludes: "One should not think that a sophisticated society, like today, sophisticated responses are necessary. What the human heart is waiting for is a simple answer, inspired by faith. The Gospel that people understand better is translated into the lives of those who proclaim it". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2012)
