ASIA - “We are called to take back to our dioceses the precious indications we are receiving ”, say Asian Bishops taking part in Study-Seminar organised by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples ”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - To learn, to absorb precious indications and experiences and then return to the ministry in their own dioceses: with this spirit Asian Bishops are taking part in the Study Seminar for newly appointed Bishops organised in Rome by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.
Bishop Paul Toppo of the diocese of Raigarh in India, told Fides: “We are finding these spiritual and pastoral indications most useful, for example reflections on the figure of the bishop as a ‘father to priests’. The importance of dialogue. In India Christian communities are threatened by Hindu fundamentalism: and a bishop must be open and prepared for dialogue which is a very important aspect in India and all over Asia. It is part of our efforts for evangelisation: dialogue can open the door for mission”.
Bishop Paul Ponen Kubi of the diocese of Mymensingh in Bangladesh, is also pleased with the Seminar: “an excellent school of formation for new bishops- he told Fides - it explains our duties, tasks and services the different aspects of the ministry of the Bishop: a shepherd who cares for his flock; a dispenser of the Sacraments; an evangeliser. We are new bishops and we need to gain experience and here we are preparing to carry out our ministry in the best possible manner. I will have put these suggestions into practice in a Muslim country, Bangladesh, with an attitude of openness to people of all cultures and religions: as a bishop I will strive to build harmony”.
Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang, auxiliary of Hakha diocese in Myanmar, “this experience lived with bishops from all over the world reveals in a small way the universal face of the Church animated by people with the same faith, hope and charity. Some of us are very young and this precious formation will be most useful when we return to our dioceses in countries distant from each other. In Myanmar I will strive to apply these indications and help priests and faithful in spiritual and material difficulty. All of us will be called to put the messages received into practice in our own respective context”.
From Oceania, Archbishop Alatati Lui Mata’eliga of Samoa-Apia diocese told Fides: “I am very happy to be here. I am a new bishop and have much to learn, particularly with regard to a missionary bishop’s relationship with the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and how the Congregation’s activity is organised. I am learning about the bishop’s responsibilities and duties. This will be of great help for my mission as a bishop in Oceania. The seminar is a wonderful opportunity to meet bishops from other parts of the world and to realise that we are never alone in our ministry. We must build communion and work together to proclaim Jesus Christ. A priority in Samoa will be to build communion with other Christians. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/9/2006 righe 32 parole 324)