Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Fides Service) - “Catholic community hopes and prays that elections in February may lead to a return to peace in Nepal,” said Fr Pius Perumana, pro-Prefect Apostolic of Nepal, as Christians prepare to take part in a regard to a peace prayer rally in central Kathmandu on 27 January. Christians of various confessions, human rights groups and associations will take part. The rally has been organised in view of elections on 8 February which the people hope will mark the return of peace in Nepal.
Fr. Pius explains: “In general the country is ruled by violence. However in the capital life is normal thanks to army protection and road blocks. But people in rural areas and in the mountains live in fear of sudden attacks by the Maoist rebels. Elections are scheduled for 8 February, but it is still not certain that they will take place. The Opposition wants to postpone the vote and has called for a boycott because before the elections it wants to discuss changes in the Constitution; King Gyanendra, who last year dismissed the government and took full power, wants the vote to obtain a sort of popular approval. People are tired of political instability and violence on the part of the rebels also ambiguous in their policies and whose attempts to reach an agreement are viewed with scepticism”.
The pro-prefect adds: “We all hope dialogue will resume and that the sides will reach the longed for lasting peaceful solution. This is the motive for which Christians of different confessions will hold a public peace prayer rally on 27 January in which human rights activists will also take part. The whole Catholic community in Nepal is hoping and praying for peace”.
With regard to the situation of the Church Fr. Pius says: “As a small minority we live in relative tranquillity sharing the anxieties and conditions of the rest of the people. A new project is almost complete and is awaited with interest and appreciation. The Missionaries of Charity, Sisters of Blessed Mother Teresa, will soon open another Home in Nepal. They already have one in the capital. The new one will be in Pokhara. The Home will offer assistance to various categories of needy people: abandoned old people, children, orphans, terminally ill, and poor girls and unmarried mothers. Nepalese Sr Nirmala, who took over from Mother Teresa as Superior of the Missionaries of Charity, is in the country at the moment making the final decisions. The people are proud of her presence, her work and the project which will be completed in a few months”. (Agenzia Fides 25/1/2006 righe 33 parole 358)
