Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Fides Service) - “We need lasting peace. We continue to shelter homeless impoverished families in our churches, pastoral centres and schools. We are concerned for the people in the grip of poverty. We suffer with them, we are close to them, this is our mission. We hope and pray peace will triumph” said Mgr. Pius Perumana, pro-Prefect Apostolic in Nepal, on the telephone with regard to the difficult situation in Nepal.
On 14 March Maoist rebels started a three week transport block to convince King Gyanendra to call elections. Kathmandu is cut off from the rest of the country vehicles cannot leave or enter the capital. The rebels control all the main roads leading to the city, blocking supplies of prime necessity. The objective is to make Gyanendra - more than a year since his coup when he took more power and reduced freedoms - to step down from the government and call democratic elections. Ten years of conflict killed 13,000 people and violence continues to strike mainly civilians.
Fr. Pius says in the first days of the block life in Kathmandu is more or less normal. Pastoral care for the small Catholic community of 7,500 in a population of 27 million continues despite daily difficulties. Kathmandu Pastoral Centre organises activities for young people, children, women’s groups as well as catechism, basic education and professional training. (Agenzia Fides 16/03/2006 Righe: 27 Parole: 277)
