Follow the Catholic example to build a better country," Nepali PM tells young people

14 Aug.2013: Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Khilaraj Regmi celebrated the International Youth Day on Monday (12 Aug.) by praising the Christian sense of dedication. Young Catholics "show us various ways to serve the nation. They are an example to follow, especially now that our country is in a time of change,” the prime minister said speaking on television. "They do a lot for everyone and are not after money. They are to be imitated," he added.
The Prime Minister cited the case of Pushpa Basnet, who in 2012 won the CNN Hero Award. Her work in support of prisoners "was born from the teachings received in Catholic schools," he said. Basnet studied at St Xavier College in the capital.
Fr Lawrence Maniyar, former Jesuit superior in Nepal said "Our educational work has played an important role for young people and their future. Several pioneers in the social field have studied with us. We greatly appreciate the words of the prime minister," he added.
Despite threats and attacks suffered in recent years, including the terrible attack against Kathmandu cathedral, Nepal's Catholic community has grown in the recent past. Today it can count on 7,000 members, or approximately 0.45 per cent of the population. Its work, especially in the educational field, is known and respected throughout the country. In 2011, the government made Christmas a national holiday, allowing Christian processions and events in which hundreds of people of other faiths participate each year.
Source: Asianews