Twinning Relationship
In him was life, and that life was the light of all. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (Jn. 1:4-5).
Dear Friends,
Warm greetings from a cold and snowy Central Asia. Our hopes are that your Christmas season and New Year celebrations have been joy-filled and have allowed for some renewal so that each of us can echo the ageless call of the saints: “nunc coepi—now I begin!” Life in the Catholic community in Kyrgyzstan throughout the past year has brought much for which we are truly grateful. Mostly, we are grateful for the many daily blessings that we receive—and for the people, including yourselves—through whom we experience kindness and generosity. God continues to be faithful and present to His simple Church in our country as elsewhere. Through His goodness, the three main apostolic priorities of the Catholic Church have each moved forward during this time: In the south of Kyrgyzstan, preparations are made for a move of priests and sisters to the major regional center of Osh. There we will be able to strengthen the effort to reanimate the presence of the Church through pastoral, spiritual, academic, and charitable works. In brief, Christianity will be more visible and more accessible. In the capital, the endeavor to construct the new cathedral church continues. We have received most permissions and have been able to gather resources necessary to begin the actual construction of the pastoral center and church building.
Our third area of special focus, the effort to strengthen pastoral service to people spread throughout the northern region is underway. Because of the wonderful generosity of benefactors, we have been able to provide space for chapels in two towns. Catholics here are finally able to gather in their own communities.
Undoubtedly, one of the most wonderful and directly “practical” graces of this year has been the arrival of Mother Teresa’s Sisters (MC’s) to open a home in Bishkek! Their presence has brought an immediate and marvelous witness to people of different religions and a great consolation to our own parishioners. They join the School Sisters of St. Francis and Consolata Missionaries to provide that presence which is irreplaceably unique to women religious in a local Church.
As always, the most significant grace is ongoing pastoral service to our communities and our ability to assist others in a modest yet evident witness of charity. Our various works with the poor, with youth, and in the training of active laity for enhanced engagement and responsibility in the life of the Church remain sources of encouragement and hope.
The war in Ukraine and rather serious economic difficulties experienced by the people in this region of the world continue to bring social change and tensions. This dynamic brings much which causes continued, grave concern. We realize that 2023 will be a time that includes harsh struggle for so many—here and elsewhere. Ours is a challenge and call for “sober hope” in that realism that is Christianity, i.e., accepting all the temporary but real, unfolding of events here and now—always in the light of and in context of eternity—and for that ongoing conversion which alone will allow God to work with and among us. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all.”
This is our prayer for you and your families: that the Light which brings life and encouragement will continue to grow. We remain always deeply grateful for your support and accompaniment of our communities here. We ask for your prayers and promise ours for you and for those who are close to you. May God bless all of us in abundance and with the ever-increasing desire to know, love, and serve Him.
--Fr. Anthony Corcoran Apostolic Administrator of Catholics in Kyrgyzstan Epiphany 2023
WhatsApp: Католическая Церковь
Facebook: Католическая Церковь Кыргызстана
