Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antioch (Fides Service) - “The pastoral year 2004 of the Catholic Church in Antioch was marked by four pillars: catechesis, charity, hospitality, dialogue ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue ”, said Franciscan Friar Domenico Bertogli who works at the Catholic mission of Antioch on the River Oronte, serving a small by lively community of faithful.
With regard to catechesis Father Bertogli said: “For ten years now we have offered regular catechesis courses, a ‘school of faith’ modelled on the Neocatechumen Way, popular with Catholics and Orthodox and also non Christians anxious to learn about Christianity. During Lent we have catechesis three times a week focusing on conversion, adult rediscovery of the faith, discovery of God’s love for every man and every woman. After five weeks of catechesis a group of 20 people (including four not yet baptised ) decided to form a community (the third in Antioch) and start a journey of growth in the faith”.
Through its Caritas office this local Church fulfils its vocation to work for unity and charity: “We work with the Orthodox Church - Father Bertogli explained- to help those in need, Christians and Muslims, involving the local community, the national Caritas office and Caritas in other countries. We have a fund to solve many small and big difficulties encountered by the many poor and sick who knock at our door. We have a programme to help abandoned mothers with children with no source of income. We have arranged a place in the parish called ‘Corner of Hope’, where they meet and share experiences and where they put hand made items for the home, embroidery work, knitwear on sale for pilgrims and visitors”.
Antioch is important in the history of Christianity and Christians from all over the world come here to discover the roots of the faith. Father Domenico said: “We tell them about the history of our city and welcome them to Eucharist celebrations in St Peter’s grotto which is always a very spiritual experience. This year we have also an increasing number of groups of Turkish school pupils and students who come to learn about Christianity ”.
The fourth pillar of pastoral care in Antioch is dialogue ecumenical and inter-religious. “Ecumenism in Antioch - the Friar concludes - is part of daily life: solidarity, mutual respect, sharing at Christmas, Easter, the feast of St Andrew and the feast of St Peter and Paul. We have good relations with the Jewish community too and our inter-religious dialogue with Muslims is based on witness and sharing of life, as well as relations of mutual trust and esteem with the local authorities. The Catholic community presented the Mufti with a copy of Message which the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue addresses every year to Muslims for the feast at the end of the Ramadan month of fasting. The mayor of Antioch, Mrs Iris Sentürk, a Muslim sent a message of good wishes for Christmas to all Christians in the city”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2004 righe 38 parole 387)
