Kathmandu, 32 years of "Couples for Christ": the family is successful if based on faith
The lay movement has organized three days of prayer and testimony in the capital's cathedral. The group spreads the Christian values of family, helping Catholics and non Catholics in their faith and search for work. . A non-Christian: "I was impressed by the way of life of Catholic families and I want to be with them".
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - To celebrate 32 years of the lay movement "Couples for Christ", dozens of Catholic families came together for three days in Kathmandu's Assumption Cathedral, praying and sharing their faith experience. The group was founded 32 years ago, it aims to spread the values of the Christian family, helping Catholics and non Catholics in their life of faith and search for work.
Many of the witnesses were from families who have overcome their difficulties through faith. Gyan Rai is a pilot and his daughter decided to follow in his footsteps, in becoming a pilot: "If I were not a Catholic - he says - I'd be lost among those who live in confusion and stifled by" problems. Prayer, however, "heals us, it increases our confidence and inspires us to succeed in life. I believe that true success lies in the spiritual life, full of prayer and positive feelings. "
Josh B. Niraula is a prominent figure in the Christian community of Kathmandu and now runs some educational institutions: "To be successful in the activities that we carry out - he explains - we need peace and reflection, things that we obtain through prayer. Jesus has always been my guide and I have never done anything but follow him".
"Couples for Christ" was born in 2003, says Chirendra Satyal, and "from that moment not only I but many couples have benefited from it. Today, despite the poverty, problems and the instability of the country, Catholic families live beautiful lives and are active in the work. Some are entrepreneurs and create jobs for others. " "Prayer – he continues - inspired me to work for the poor and marginalized and it must be at the center of everything"
The lay movement generates interest among non-Catholics. Dinesh Yonjan attended the three-day meeting in Kathmandu even if he is not a believer: "I am delighted and inspired by living with Catholics. Observing the success of Christian families, I started to feel close to them. I asked permission to attend their meetings and they welcomed me. Then I found a lot of people like me. Now I want to pray and follow Jesus".