Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Pope Benedict XVI has addressed a Letter in Latin to Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, metropolitan Archbishop of Naples, his special envoy to the Asian Mission Congress, in Chang Mai Thailand 19 - 22 October. The appointment of Cardinal Sepe was made public on 19 August. The mission accompanying Cardinal Sepe is composed of Fr Livio Maggi, PIME, Superior regional of the Pontificio Istituto Missioni Estere in Thailand and Cambodia also parish priest of "Our Lady of Lourdes Church" Lam Pang, diocese of Chang Mai, and diocesan bursar; and Rev. don John Baptist Somkiart Trinikorn, of the clergy of the archdiocese of Bangkok, Rector of the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Center, Bangkok.
In his letter dated 20 September the Pope says he appointed Cardinal Sepe his special envoy at the request of Cardinal Kitbunchu, archbishop of Bangkok, to have a Cardinal to represent the Pope at the Asian Mission Congress. As the Pope’s Special Envoy Cardinal Sepe will preside liturgical celebrations, intervene, testify the Pope’s special love for the part of the Church which is in Asia, and also assure members of other religions of the Pope’s warm greetings.
The Asian Mission Congress is organised by the Evangelisation Office of the FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences) with the support of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and the Pontifical Mission Societies and active collaboration of the Church in Thailand . The theme chosen for the Congress is “The story of Jesus in Asia: a celebration of faith and life”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 9/10/2006 - righe 21, parole 290)
