As Asia’s population approaches four billion, or more than half of the world’s population, the continent presents startling contrasts of wealth and poverty. While its governments range from the autocratic to the democratic, Asia has the potential for exponential economic growth and significant advances in science, health and technology. But the cost of development must take social justice and environmental values into account. In Asia the U.S. encounters ancient cultures and values from which it could learn much, as well as markets and trade opportunities that could benefit both Asia and the U.S. At the same time, robust Asian economies are potential competitors that could challenge the U.S.’s economic dominance in the world. With the U.S., Europe and giants such as China and India competing for critical natural resources, the globalized economy will demand political considerations – and concessions – of the U.S.
The Office for Global Concerns depends on the experience of Maryknoll missioners in Asia, who are deeply involved in many aspects of their hosts’ lives – religious, social, political and economic. Maryknoll personnel act as partners in diverse apostolates – in parish ministry, health work and education. Missioners work with persons with HIV and AIDS and with special needs. They support those living on the margins – people who are displaced, refugees, foreign workers – as they seek to promote peace, social justice and the integrity of creation.
The recent surge of 4,000 Rohingya migrants that fled Myanmar and Bangladesh in April and May illustrates a story rooted in discrimination and ostracism based on anti-Muslim bias that permeates the Buddhist-majority nation of Myanmar.
Fr. Thomas J. Marti, MM, a Maryknoll Father serving in Seattle, WA, wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Sr. Helen Graham, MM, who serves in the Phillipines, wrote the following reflection which was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Maryknoll missioners have served in Nepal for many years; currently, Fr. Joe Thaler lives and works in Kathmandu.
Opportunities for Cambodian workers to share in the prosperity of that country’s garment industry come at the price of exploitation and abuse.
Myanmar has seen rays of hope as it moves away from the military junta to a more inclusive, democratic system of government. The Catholic community was given a boost in December 2014 when Pope Francis named Charles Bo the country’s first cardinal.
Fr. John McAuley, MM, has spent much of his mission life in Asia.
The following update, published in the March-April 2015 NewsNotes, was prepared by Fred Goddard, a former Maryknoll lay missioner who served for several years as the executive coordinator of the Maryknoll Affiliates
Fr. Jack Sullivan served many years in Hong Kong. “Let us rejoice that our Brother Francis is calling us to awaken and repent; let us rejoice that the nations of the world are finally awakening to the challenge to save our earth, to save ourselves, to love each other and all creatures so loved by God.”
Despite popular objections to the government’s plans to build a naval base on South Korea’s Jeju Island, construction has moved forward, even as villagers have documented environment damage.
Cecelia Aguilar Ortiz, who served as a Maryknoll lay missioner in Thailand, wrote the following reflection.
The following reflection, prepared by Maria Montello, a Maryknoll lay missioner serving in Cambodia, was published in A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, available from Orbis Books.
Sr. Helen Graham has served in the Philippines for many years.
Ask U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to contribute to the Green Climate Fund.
Over a month after they started their pro-democracy street occupations on September 28, the most surprising thing about the “umbrella movement” campaigners in Hong Kong is that they are still there.
The following reflection was prepared by Cecelia Aguilar Ortiz, a former Maryknoll lay missioner in Thailand
Kathy Morefield, a Maryknoll Affiliate serving in Cambodia, wrote the following reflection.
Sr. Lu Ahrens has served in Cambodia for many years.
