Non-Catholics to join hundreds of young people on Lent march
On 1st April, participants will leave Lamidanda at 8 am and travel to Lakure Bhanjyang, ending with a large Mass.
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – Hundreds of non-Catholics are preparing to take part in a Lent march on 1st April in the northern hills of Lalitpur district in the Kathmandu valley. The march will start at 8 am in Lamidanda and end with a large Mass in Lakure Bhanjyang.
"Many people are not registered as Catholic, but when we visit their homes they have images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary,” said Fr Bill Robinson, Jesuit superior, who has spent 30 years in Nepal. “They read the Bible and wear the rosary around their neck. Although they live a Catholic life, they do not declare themselves as such, perhaps out of fear of the Hinduism that was practiced before the country became secular."
"Nepal is a beautiful country and trains many priests and sisters who preach all over the world,” said Mgr Stephen Lepcha, bishop of Darjeeling (India). “For this reason, Nepali Catholics should not only renew their faith in God, but also accommodate a large number of those who want to become Catholic."
Prakash Ghimire, 22, who spoke to AsiaNews after Mass in the Assumption Cathedral, said that he told his friends about taking part in the Lent march, and "They are got ready to participate.”
“After taking part in some Masses, I realised that Jesus is my best way of life,” he explained. Eventually, “I began to share this thought with my friends and groups.”
“Some youth groups are active in many sectors, including social service, work and education. Many of us are preparing to join the Lent march and rented vehicles to get to the departure point. "
Kalpana Bhandari, 25, is a university student. "I am not Catholic,” she said, “but I follow Catholic values and I found respect, harmony and peace in them.” Hence, “I think that the Lent march has great value because it entails spiritual sharing”.
For her, “Priestly guidance also adds meaning and values to our lives. I have been taking part in this march for a few years and this year some new friends will attend."
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