THOSE MOST informed among our readers may have heard that among the fifteen new cardinals appointed by Pope Benedict XVI during a ceremony at the Vatican on March 24, three were Asian. The decision gives substance to the papacy's determination to dedicate greater pastoral care and attention to Asia than in the past.
Benedict XVI is therefore, even on this count, in perfect continuity with John Paul II, his predecessor, who, in his Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Asia, declared, 'With the Church throughout the world, the Church in Asia will cross the threshold of the Third Christian Millennium marvelling at all that God has worked from those beginnings until now, and strong in the knowledge that just as in the first millennium the Cross was planted on the soil of Europe, and in the second on that of the Americas and Africa, we can pray that in the Third Christian Millennium a great harvest of faith will be reaped in this vast and vital continent'.
There are important reasons for concentrating on this immense continent. John Paul II had already called attention to the fact that, 'Asia is the world's largest continent and is home to nearly two-thirds of the world's population, with China and India accounting for almost half the total population of the globe. The most striking feature of the continent is the variety of its peoples, who are heirs to ancient cultures, religions and traditions. We cannot but be amazed at the sheer size of Asia's population, and at the intricate mosaic of its many cultures, languages, beliefs and traditions, which comprise such a substantial part of the history and patrimony of the human family'.
By and large, Asia remains unevangelised. Catholics account for a mere 3 percent of the total population. Despite its numerical insignificance, this closely-knit vibrant community is able to make its voice heard in the public square and at the highest levels of government.
Some days ago I had the privilege of interviewing a truly outstanding journalist, Fr. Bernardo Cervellera, who heads Asia News, a Vatican-affiliated news agency. Fr. Cervellera is also this year's winner of the Witness Category of Saint Anthony's International Awards for his untiring missionary efforts in China (see pg.5). At one point of our conversation Fr. Cervellera told me, 'The small Catholic communities in Asia hold great promise: thousands of converts, baptised into the faith, are swelling the numbers of Catholics at a rhythm of 5 percent a year, and the actual church-attendance rate is about 50 percent. In stark contrast to what is happening in North America and Europe, vocations to the priesthood and religious life are on the increase. Korean missionaries are already evangelising Asia and Latin America, Filipino priests and laymen are bringing the faith to the rich in Singapore and to the Islamic countries of the Gulf region. It won't be long now when we will see Asian missionaries evangelising the Old Continent!'
Two great events will mark the Church in Asia this year: the 500th anniversary of the birth of saint Francis Xavier, the great missionary of Asia, and the first Asian Mission Congress. Francis Xavier, a Spaniard born in 1506, was one of Saint Ignatius of Loyola's chief collaborators and closest friends. His titanic efforts in Asia were crowned with success. In 1542 he landed at Goa, India, from whence his missionary voyages spread into the remaining parts of India, and then to Indonesia and eventually as far away as Japan. He died on December 3, 1552, at the age of 46, in the small island of Sancian off the coast of China, in his efforts to penetrate the Chinese mainland.
Besides celebrating this great anniversary, the Church is Asia is also preparing her first missionary congress, due to take place at Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 18 to 22 October.
The theme of the congress is Telling the Story of Jesus in Asia: a celebration of life and of faith. This last event aims to celebrate the joy of sharing one's faith in Jesus Christ.
To the Church in Asia, which John Paul II refers to as the 'continent of hope', go our heartfelt wishes. May our Asian brothers and sisters in Christ receive strength and consolation in the great struggles facing them, and to all of Saint Anthony's Asian devotees we dedicate special prayer intentions at our Saint's Tomb.
Updated on October 06 2016