The first and only bishop from
the world's youngest Catholic Church, in Mongolia, is making his first
visit to Australia to promote Catholic Mission’s 2013 World Mission
Appeal. Bishop Bishop Wenceslao (Wens) Padilla, who will be visiting until September 26, is one of the first three missionary priests who were able to enter Mongolia about 20 years ago, in 1992, after the fall of communism.
During his visit, Bishop Wens will travel throughout the country to share at parishes, schools and donor events, the joys and challenges of building the church ‘from scratch’ in a country known to other missionaries as the ‘hardship country’.
He recalls that when he first arrived, the country, which was mostly comprised of nomadic herders, had no knowledge of Christianity, and was struggling with alcoholism, domestic abuse, minimal government social services and extreme poverty.
Today, throughout the vast and remote country of less than three million people, proudly stand six Catholic churches.
'Jesus said to Saint Peter, "Upon this rock, I will build my church." And I’m thinking that was also addressed to me when I came to Mongolia,' says Bishop Wens.
Bishop Wens, a Filipino missionary priest from the Italian Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and his incredibly inspiring journey of faith in Mongolia, is the focus of Catholic Mission’s 2013 World Mission Appeal entitled ‘I will build my Church’ (Matthew 16:18).
The story will be shared in parishes across the country, as well as via mail and online campaigns, between September and November 2013.