Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Children) - Children of all ages in the Indian state of Rajasthan enjoy puppet shows, the traditional means to pass on popular traditions and myths. But instead of telling the usual tales and stories, these puppets speak about the life of Jesus and the apostles, Old Testament personalities such as Jona, David, Saul and Joseph. They also converse on important matters such as rights of women and children, the right/duty of every child to have an education, world peace environment protection.
It was Fr. Clarence Dias of Ajmer-Jaipur diocese in Rajasthan, rector of the St Teresa Seminary who thought of using traditional popular theatre as a means of catechism for children and evangelisation of non Christians. The Rector organised courses for his seminarians in the art of puppet theatre and how it can be used to promote dialogue and formation at the social and cultural level. The rector is convinced that these “these low cost mass-media, which have a wide popular audience can be efficient channels to promote and spread the values of the Kingdom of God”. Christians have been present in this area since the 17th century and in the diocese of Ajmer-Jaipur there is a community of 15,000 Catholics.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/05/2005 Righe: 17 Parole: 186)
