“The focus of both celebrations is different. CNY is about Thanksgiving and family reunions, while Lent calls us to the discipline of fasting, abstinence, sacrifice, prayer, and almsgiving,” Archbishop Simon Poh said.
“We want to thank God for the sacrifices of all Asians who keep the planet young with [the] precious gift of children,” said Cardinal Sebastian Francis.
The Penang Catholic Diocese in Malaysia celebrated the creation of Bishop Sebastian Francis as a Cardinal by the Vatican with a Thanksgiving Eucharist on January 14.
“Alas, we also see that the pursuits for money and power have seen rampant explorations of oil without regard to the pollution and harm caused to our natural ecosystem," said Bishop Joseph Hii.
“The pro-life and pro-family advocacy in the Philippines is weakening. The culture of death is making inroads in this country,” said Fr. Shannen Boquet
The report explored religious and ethnic identity and attitudes towards other religions; and different patterns of religious belief and practice across religious communities and countries.
An Asian bishop said that “triple dialogue,” which revolves around religions, cultures, and the poor, is the “lifeblood” of the Catholic Church in Malaysia.
“As long as we don’t get caught up in labels, and remember that the whole world is present, symbolically, and the whole world is listening, and the whole world is engaged in this process,” Bishop Sebastian Francis said.
A Malaysian bishop who is set to be elevated to the cardinalate next month said that his appointment is a vital decision for Pope Francis who wants to implant the Catholic faith in every culture, particularly in a diverse region such as Asia.
