2010-08-25 15:40:58

Congress of the Laity “Proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia today”


(Aug.25, 2010) From all the Catholic Communities of Asia, 400 delegates will gather in Seoul, South Korea from August 31st to September 5th for a conference titled “Proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia today”. The initiative was convoked by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, in collaboration with the Korean Church Commission for the laity. The Vatican department already has the tradition of holding regional conferences. This one in Asia is however, urgently needed because Asia is witnessing a growth in the number of baptized and Christian communities. At the same time, the Continent is becoming the star in the world’s political and economic scene but often with styles that are far removed from respect for individual dignity and opposed to Christianity.
The Congress will begin with an Eucharistic celebration and continue with a series of interventions, namely – the history of the Church in Asia; evangelization and the gift of Jesus Christ for Asia and the testimony and commitment to religious freedom on the continent. This latter issue has been entrusted to the director of Asia News, Fr. Bernardo Cervellera.
Another issue, and one that is very much alive and present in Asia today is that of martyrdom. Personalities from the Pontifical Council have been invited to speak on the laity in the mission of the Church. Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, Chairman of the Department has been entrusted with the concluding statement. Each session will allow for Round Table debates, open floor discussions and presentations on the life of the faithful in various Asian countries. The discussions will serve to deepen some areas and priorities for evangelization, such as the renewal of parishes and pastoral mission of the family; the identity of Catholic schools, evangelization and pastoral care of youth, the role of women in Church and in society, and lay participation in politics and workplaces.
The Congress will close September 5th with an Eucharistic celebration in Myongdong Cathedral in Seoul and the delivery of the missionary mandate to all participants.










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