Nepalese Catholic Church grows as Hindus follow Catholics' examples

Published: 2006-06-28

KATMANDU, Nepal (CNS) -- Shopkeeper Paul Pempa Sonam became curious about Christianity when he saw his aunt excited about her new faith. A couple of years later, Sonam, who was Hindu, and his fiancee became Christians together. They were married soon after their baptisms. Even while he was a catechumen for two years, the shopkeeper never missed the weekly Mass with his fiancee at Katmandu's Assumption Church -- the first suitable church building in Nepal that was consecrated in 2000. Catechumens are given special recognition during Assumption Church's Mass -- nearly half the 700 people who attend are non-Christians. Soon after Communion, the majority of those attending Mass line up in front of the altar as the priest touches people's foreheads in a special blessing.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .