Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sr. Kannikar Iamtaisong
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – In an emotional gesture of interreligious fraternity, Buddhists and Catholics gathered this December 1 at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan), one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok, to honor the memory of Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot.
The Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue died on November 25 in Rome, at the age of 72, from cancer. The commemorative ceremony, widely reported by local media, highlighted the significant contribution of Cardinal Ayuso Guixot to interreligious dialogue and to strengthening ties between religious communities.
Many remember his presence and his words during the VII Buddhist-Christian Colloquium, which was also attended by Pope Francis, held in Thailand in November 2022. On that occasion, which brought together more than 150 delegates from all over the planet, Thai Buddhist leaders presented gifts to the Pontiff and Cardinal Ayuso as a symbol of mutual support in the face of global challenges, in which all human beings, regardless of their creed, are involved, from conflicts to caring for the environment.
Yesterday's commemorative ceremony was structured in two moments. First, the abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon, Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, led a moment of prayer together with ten Buddhist monks, who sang litanies from their traditional rite to guide the passage of the soul. Later, the President of the Bishops' Conference of Thailand, Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, celebrated a liturgy of the Word, proclaiming the passage from the Gospel of John: “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (cf. Jn 12:24-26).
During his homily, he recalled the spiritual and pastoral legacy left by Cardinal Ayuso Guixot.
All this took place in a specially prepared room, where a photo of the Cardinal was placed in the centre, surrounded by traditional Buddhist offerings. On either side of the room, two altars were arranged: on the left, the Catholic altar, with a crucifix, two candles, an open Bible and a tablecloth embroidered with the papal coat of arms; on the right, the Buddhist altar, decorated with flowers and candles. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 2/12/2024)
