In the Asian and African Missions

Of the many problems We could discuss here, We shall mention a few which seem to Us the most important.

At the Lay Congress in Manila an authorized spokesman discussed a task whose precise nature and concept have to be established by the Church's hierarchy, but which, in its thousand forms, must be carried to completion by laymen. The problem is to utilize Catholic forces-and these can be very considerable-so that national life can develop peaceably, free from extreme nationalism and national antagonisms in spite of all the bitterness which has built up over the past, joining the values of Western culture to those of national culture, and adapting the usages of the Church to those local customs and practices which are not objectionable.

Except in the Philippines, Catholics are in a minority among the peoples of Asia. This is also true of the greater part of Africa. For this reason Catholics should distinguish themselves all the more by the example they give. In particular, they should take a great interest in economic, social, and political phases of public life. As a matter of fact, they have won the esteem of non-Catholics wherever they have done this. And since Catholic social thought is still little known in Asia, European and American universities should be willing to help Asian and African Christians who wish to prepare themselves for public office.

Competent teachers must be trained to work in schools of every level. Both in Asia and Africa Catholic schools are highly regarded by non-Catholics. For our part, We wish teachers of religion would take great care not to separate doctrine from life.

A word on the use of catechists. Asia and Africa have a population of a billion and a half, among whom are about 26 million Catholics, cared for by 20,000 to 25,000 priests and 74;000 catechists. If the teachers who are often the best catechists, are counted into this last figure, it reaches 160,000.

The catechist is perhaps the classic example of the lay apostle, both by the very nature of his profession and because he makes up for the shortage of priests. It is said that, at least among African missionaries, a missionary with six catechists accomplishes more than do seven missionaries. The reason is that a competent catechist works in familiar surroundings and is quite familiar with local languages and customs; he makes contact with individuals more easily than does the missionary from a far-off land.