ASIA/THAILAND - Asian Mission Congress - New Hope for Asia

Chiang Mai (Agenzia Fides) - The spacious hall filled with people and colours was the splendid setting for the final act of the Asian Mission Congress. The participation of many Tribals in their costumes at the closing Mass rendered the composition of the participants all the more varied. With the delegates, in their traditional dress, one had the impression that this ecclesial event represented the whole of Asia, in its diversity and richness.
The Liturgy was enriched with personal gifts sent by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI who wished to be present with a message and the gift of a chalice, which the FABC will keep for use at the next Asia Mission Congress . The words of Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, the Pope’s special envoy, summarised effectively the spirit of the delegates in these intense days of discussion and reflection on the theme of evangelisation in Asia.
Asia is a continent where martyrdom has always accompanied proclamation - the Cardinal recalled -, the figures of the Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese martyrs etc… help to found the certainty that we are at the dawning of a new era for the whole continent. Some situations of martyrdom still exist to today and continue to forge the value of witness in the fire of suffering . At the end of the Celebration while many delegates prepared to take the road for home, there were reciprocal greetings in the words of Saint Paul, with which the Cardinal had ended his homily: “Woe to me if I did not proclaim the Gospel!”
The delegates before returning to their communities expressed profound gratitude for the exquisite hospitality and organisation on the part of the Thai Church. They departed with a still deeper sense of having heard of the wonders the Lord works among his people, marvels which each delegate will take back to share with his own Church to contribute to the narration of the Story of God for every man and woman in every time and place. (M.R.) (Agenzia Fides 23/10/2006; righe 24, parole 330)