Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Fides Service) - “Tomorrow 2 April we will offer Mass for Pope John Paul II. He will be remembered with sincere affection and gratitude at our pastoral centre in Gudawari and our small parish community here in Kathmandu. A special Mass will be said to commemorate the Pope in the Catholic cathedral of Kathmandu. Our whole community prays for him”, says Fr Pius Perumana, Pro- Prefect Apostolic of the apostolic prefecture of Nepal.
Commemoration celebrations in Gudawari, a small town not far from Kathmandu, will be attended by 135 parishioners and 70 catechumens preparing for Baptism. “Pope Wojtyla is remembered with joy as a man of goodness and mercy. For young people he was a source of encouragement and enthusiasm. For the older Catholics he was an example of how to live suffering and an authentic witness of Christ”.
Fr. Pius explains: “Although most of our people (and also many non Christians) never actually met Pope John Paul II, they loved him and will be forever deeply grateful for all he did for the people of God and for the whole world. At this stage in the history of Nepal we offer the Almighty Father, the prayers, sacrifices and sufferings of our people”.
The Nepalese Catholic community has a total 7,500 souls in a mainly Hindu kingdom (75% of 27 million people). (PA) (Agenzia Fides 1/4/2006 righe 14 parole 143)
