austraLasia #1805

  Welcome to Darkhan's newest Catholics!

DARKHAN (Mongolia): 8th April 2007 -- Mongolia's second largest city, Darkhan, near the border with Russia, has practically doubled its number of Catholics after the Easter Vigil this year, with 15 new members. This brings the total number of Catholics in Mongolia to some 360, the majority of them being in Ulaan Baatar. Those most recently baptized have been through an RCIA process and are all 17 years of age, or older.  Today, Easter Sunday, three babies were baptized - their parents are Catholics already.  The adults will also receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
    The 100% growth rate in Darkhan comes after just two years of Catholic presence in Darkhan, nourished by two communities of consecrated life - Salesians and Missionaries of Charity. The Salesian presence, community and parish, is housed in a rather large former hotel. They are there, and active amongst the people partly at the behest of local government officials who are delighted with the work that both the Salesians and the Missionaries of Charity do by way of education and social assistance. The two communities work in closely, especially on behalf of poor families.
    The Salesian presence in Darkhan is typical - school for children and even older young people who wish to make up for lost time in education. English is regarded as a desirable learning comodity, but computer skills are not far behind.  Some 80 students attend regular classes.  But many more young people attend the regular Oratory or youth centre activities which are open to all.  The centre also offers them the opportunity for a quiet place for study and reading.
    Mongolia, for Salesians, belongs to the Vietnam Province.  The Rector Major is just setting out today to visit the Province.  More on that as the event unfolds.
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