Ulaanbaator (Fides Service) - The Church in Mongolia is rejoicing for forty new members baptised at Easter in the three Catholic parishes of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaan Baator, increasing the community by one quarter: the 137 Catholics are now 177.
Speaking with Fides Service Reverend Father Wenceslao Padilla, Prefect Apostolic of Ulaanbaator, Mongolia, says: "We are delighted that the Catholic community in Mongolia has been enriched with these new members. Today more and more people are wanting to know more about the faith. Talk of a possible Papal visit here is increasing public attention. People trust us more, they stop me on the street and they know I represent the Catholic Church in Mongolia. In the past people were almost ashamed to say they belonged to any other religion except Buddhism. But today Mongolians are better informed and they show more trust and openness towards us. The high number of new baptisms shows that people want to belong to the Church and to take an active part in Church life."
The group of catechumens baptised at Easter consisted of 3 children and 37 young people aged 15-30 who had all completed a two year course of catechism. The Baptisms were celebrated in three parishes: 29 at Our Lady of the Assumption, 10 at the St Peter and Paul's, 1 at the Good Shepherd Church. "There was great rejoicing, everyone was so happy - Fr Padilla explains - Many non Christians came to the Easter liturgies wanting to know more about our faith in Jesus Christ". Besides formation in doctrine, Holy Scripture and liturgy, the programme of catechumenate, called School of Charity, offered the catechumens a chance to experience the local Church's work at its centres of social service.
In the meantime Mongolia is anxiously awaiting confirmation of a possible visit by Pope John Paul II. "This would be an unforgettable event - says Father Padilla - As the local Church authorities, we have already set up special committees in view of the visit: programme, liturgy, logistics, media relations, culture. We are ready to start preparation. We are accelerating work on a new church of Saints Peter and Paul, the first real Catholic church in Ulaanbaator, which should be ready by the end of July. The 200 workmen are working hard. We hope the Holy Father will make us the gift of his presence and that he will be the one to consecrate and inaugurate our new church". PA (Fides Service 28/4/2003 EM lines 35 Words: 422)