by Christoper Sharma

In Kathmandu, the feast of the Good Shepherd was devoted to prayers for those who work in difficult situations in the world. For a Nepali priest, "many priests and nuns work amid great difficulties to spread the grace of God in the world. I am an example."

Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - Committed to spreading the word of God, many good shepherds operate amid persecution and violence in a world increasingly full of difficulties and dangers, Fr Andrew Pradhan said yesterday in Kathmandu in his homily for the feast of the Good Shepherd.

"Let us think about how many brothers cannot perform their ministry hindered by the Chinese government, about those who help the weak in India despite the opposition of Hindu fundamentalists, about those who stand firm in the wars of Syria and Ukraine," the Nepali priest noted. "Let us offer our prayers to these great examples of faith."

"Through its sons and daughters, the Catholic Church bears witness to love, even in the midst of war and violence," Fr Pradhan explained. "Let us think about and be inspired by them. May their devotion and sacrifice be always aimed at helping others, and spreading the Good News to the whole world."

Some Buddhists and Hindus attended the ceremony held at Kathmandu's Cathedral of the Assumption, during which the Catholic community offered a special prayer for the new Vicar Apostolic, Mgr Paul Simick.

"Our bishop is responsible for protecting Catholics and promoting their role in the country," said Nabin Subba, a parishioner. However, "he must also think about serving those in need, be they Catholic or not."

At the same time, "We too must help him to give those who want to join Catholicism in our country an ever better welcome," he added. "For us, many challenges lie ahead; yet we need to expand our horizons. We are few in number, and we must therefore improve our quality and numbers."

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