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.