Mission Comes Alive at the API

Mission Comes Alive at API National Encounter
 
The Asian and Pacific Islander National Encounter took place in Indianapolis this past July, in the days leading up to the National Eucharistic Congress. I had the privilege of attending both gatherings, which, even with the expected lines, parking challenges and meal delays associated with large conferences, were nothing short of heaven on earth. It was amazing and spiritually uplifting to gather and celebrate the Eucharist with so many fellow Catholics: when 60,000 people are joined in worshipping the Holy Eucharist in silence, you just have to soak it all in and thank the Lord!
 
Six hundred people gathered for the API Encounter, which took place at Indiana University’s Hine Hall (another 100, I’m told, were placed on the waitlist). I was able to set up a booth for the US Catholic Mission Association, positioning myself between the Paulist Fathers and the Scalabrinian Sisters. The opening Mass was wonderful, as eleven bishops, 20 priests and six religious orders celebrated with an enthusiastic crowd. 
 
According to Bishop Oscar Solis of Salt Lake City, himself of Filipino descent, there are now over eleven bishops of Asian descent in North America, as compared to just one six years ago, a positive sign of the Church’s efforts to diversify the ranks of bishops. Over seven religious orders were also present at the API gathering, and I was blessed to meet each of them. My own daughter, Ling Ling, is herself a sister of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin Matara, and I couldn’t help thinking how she could have been best friends with all of the young religious sisters in attendance.
 
Cardinal Luis Tagle, Pro-Prefect at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization who attended the API National Encounter along with the Eucharistic Congress, delivered a missionary message, urging that we in the Church “give witness to (Jesus’) universal love…” He also noted the importance of diversity, in which “we see the presence of the creative God.” I also was asked to speak regarding missionary work, sharing my work with USCMA with about 70 participants. Attendees were moved hearing of the many ways in which the poor and vulnerable are serving one another and their communities, and their eyes were opened by encountering the diverse and challenging realities faced by missionaries and the communities alongside whom they serve. It was an honor to speak at the conference, especially in front of some of the religious sisters, who could have easily presented a better talk than me.  
 
Perhaps what I liked best about the conference was the music. They invited Asian young performers who also work with Oregon Catholic Press. Their musical talents were amazing and even the Asians who did not speak English loved their music. Equally important, when I had a chance to talk to them, I was so inspired by their faith. They truly loved singing for the Lord. Alleluia! 
 
Dr. Benjamin OuYang is Chairperson for the Young Adults Committee of the Asian Pacific Catholic Network.  He hosts the Go Forth podcast for the US Catholic Mission Association.