by Christopher Sharma

Siddhanta Chhetri, 25, just received his First Communion. Looking at his journey of faith, he calls on others "to go to church and talk to the priests." Many of his Hindu peers "live a barren spirituality, are confused about their future and often fall into drugs."

Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - "I want to share the Word of God with young people, with my peers, who feel lost and confused. All young people should go to church," said Siddhanta Chhetri, 25, a Nepali university student who received his First Holy Communion on Sunday in Kathmandu's Cathedral of the Assumption.

Speaking to AsiaNews, the young convert from Hinduism to Catholicism explained how "attending church" helped him overcome many of the problems he had before.

"I see thousands of young Nepalis, especially Hindus. They are confused and live a barren spirituality," Chhetri said. "They have many difficulties because they lack a true guide."

"I too had many doubts about my life and career. Then, when I started going to church on a regular basis, I got talking to priests and other Catholic youth, and then I found my way. "

"Hinduism encompasses traditional and superstitious practices," he said, "that lead many young people to a spiritual desert. This has pushed many kids towards crime or drug abuse. By contrast, what I learnt from the Church is that spirituality is a great tool for success. Catholics are satisfied people because they are steadfast in their faith in Jesus and live according to the Word of God."

Chhatri undertook his journey to the catechumenate at the Cathedral of the Assumption.

"At present, we are training more than 20 people," catechist Bhim Rai told AsiaNews.

"We serve anyone in need," said Fr Richard Rai, a priest at the cathedral. "People come to us for advice and we listen and help them as best we can. Many visit our church, Catholics and others. Many learn to live in Christ."

• nepal
• hindu
• convert
• catholic