Cardinal Bo mourns death of Asian liberation theology’s “giant”

Jan 11, 2019

YANGON: Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, head of the Catholic Church in Asia, on January 2 mourned the death of Jesuit Fr Samuel Rayan, hailing him as the “giant” of the Asian liberation theology.

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow and humility that I dedicate my first message as president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) to pay homage to a giant of Asian Liberation Theology, Jesuit Fr Samuel Rayan who died today (Jan 2),” the cardinal said in his condolence message.

“Being a radical humanist, Fr Rayan was convinced that the human person in community is the object of God’s special love. He spoke for the care of the earth, concern for life and commitment to people. His theologising was deeply rooted in his life, his land and his commitment to Jesus the Liberator,” the Salesian cardinal added.

The Myanmar prelate, who succeeded Cardinal Oswald Gracias of India as the FABC president, noted that, for Fr Rayan, the central mission of the Christian faith in Asia is its insertion into the concrete and daily life of the people, especially of the most marginalised and oppressed members of the social body.

“May Fr Samuel Rayan rest in peace in Jesus the Liberator,” the cardinal concluded. -- Matters India