The newly established Redemptoris Mater College for Asia based in Macau has a role that is central to preparing future priests in the Church’s evangelisation efforts in Asia, and may be sent to different Asian territories, according to Agenzia Fides.
The future priests will start training at the University of Saint Joseph this September.
The College was signed by decree by Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, on Monday, after an audience with Pope Francis. The Congregation is responsible for missionary work and related activities for the Catholic Church.
This initiative is a response to John Paul II’s appeal in the encyclical Letter “Redemptoris Missio” that mentions that there still remains vast regions in Asia to be evangelised. Additionally, it is also in line with the invitation from Pope Francis to the Church to “go out” and proclaim the Gospel.
The College is entrusted, in particular, to two Patrons: Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, and St. Joseph, Custodian of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Furthermore, the memory of the Saints of Churches in Asia will be celebrated “with particular solemnity”.
