Religion becomes a family affair for Catholics in Mongolia

Published: 2004-04-21

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia (CNS) -- Religion is becoming more and more a family affair for Catholics in Mongolia. After Mass on Easter, Utgatogoldor Zoljargal said Easter would always be very special for him and his family, "because our whole family received baptism," he told UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Wearing a light brown "deel," a traditional Mongolian gown with a colorful silk belt, and sporting a cowboy hat he bought for the occasion, the 28-year-old teacher was accompanied by his wife, Oyuntuya, and their 5-month-old son. Oyuntuya, 25, stood next to her husband, nodding and smiling as he talked. The baby she cradled in her arms wore a violet silk deel, bright belt and crown-like Mongolian hat. He also was wearing carefully embroidered traditional boots and a golden silk vest that his grandmother had sewn for him. "We know that we live differently from other families here, because we are a Catholic family," Oyuntuya said. "We pray the rosary every day and have dinner together. We use the time to talk over things that are important to us," she said.

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