Faith in Christ best gift for Asian Continent says Vatican official

(Sept.01,2010) “The Church knows that faith in Jesus Christ is the most precious gift that can be given to the people, who live on the Asian Continent,” the President of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Laity said on Wednesday, in his opening address to delegates from about twenty Asian Countries, and over thirty International Lay associations and Ecclesial Movements participating in the Congress of Asian Laity in Seoul, South Korea.
Council President Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko told them that Christians on the Asian Continent are a minority of about 120 million in a total population of almost 4 billion people. But the small flock of Christians are certainly not a timid minority. On the contrary, they are full of vitality and stimulated by hope that comes from faith. The prelate said the Church in Asia has roots from Apostolic times, and it boasts of numerous saints, martyrs and confessors, many of whom were lay people.
During recent decades, the number of Catholics in Asia has grown at an average rate of 4 to 5 per cent per year, the Cardinal observed. But today, they face serious challenges, he said, adding that among the most painful trials that the Church is confronted with on the Asian Continent, is the increase in fundamentalism, which is imposing drastic limitations on religious freedom. He also mentioned many sad cases of discrimination and of outright persecution. However, one of the great reasons for hope in Asia is the increasing number of better trained, enthusiastic and Spirit-filled lay people, becoming more aware of their specific vocation within the ecclesial community, said Cardinal Rylko. He hoped that this Congress will become for all a new school of Christian hope.
In conclusion, Cardinal Rylko told the vast gathering of Pope Benedict XVI’s prayerful message to all those participating in the Asia Congress, saying it is a sure guide for reflection, and an encouragement to continue on their mission of proclaiming the Word of God in the Asian Continent.