“Embracing Faith: A Mongolian Woman’s Journey to Prepare for Pope Francis”

World Mongolian woman eager to welcome Pope Francis keeps up tea-spilling tradition

The blending of traditions

Perlimaa Gavaadandov, a 71-year-old Catholic devotee in Mongolia, has found a unique way to blend her Mongolian heritage and Catholic faith. Every morning, Gavaadandov performs an age-old Mongolian tradition by splashing a cup of freshly boiled milk tea outside her yurt, offering a tribute to the sky. However, she also takes a moment to pause and say a Christian prayer, crossing herself across the chest. This beautiful blending of traditions is a reflection of Gavaadandov’s belief in the importance of preserving both her Mongolian culture and her Catholic faith.

Gavaadandov is a member of Mongolia’s tiny Catholic minority, which consists of roughly 1,450 individuals. Despite the small number, she is determined to ensure that her cultural heritage remains alive alongside her religious beliefs. She sees it as her duty to teach her children and grandchildren to preserve their valuable Mongolian heritage. Gavaadandov’s dedication to both her cultural traditions and her Catholic faith is a testament to the power of embracing diversity and finding common ground between different aspects of our lives.

An unexpected visit

With Pope Francis scheduled to arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, Gavaadandov and her fellow parishioners are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet him. As the leader of the Catholic religion, Gavaadandov is excited about the chance to interact with him personally. This unexpected visit holds great significance for the Roman Catholic Church, as Mongolia’s strategic location near China offers an opportunity to improve the situation for Catholics in that region.

Gavaadandov’s journey into Catholicism began about 18 years ago when a mission was established in her neighborhood. Initially attracted by the foreigners speaking accented Mongolian, she soon found solace and comfort in her new faith during a challenging time after suffering a leg injury. Over the years, her family, including her grandchildren and husband, have joined her in embracing Catholicism. The news of Pope Francis’s visit to Mongolia has brought a wave of excitement and joy to Gavaadandov and her community.

The challenges of a nomadic lifestyle

One of the unique challenges faced by the Catholic Church in Mongolia is the nomadic lifestyle of its people. Mongolians often travel to tend to their animals, visit relatives, and take care of their various responsibilities. This nomadic way of life presents difficulties for mission priests to stay connected with their parishioners. However, Gavaadandov’s commitment and the dedication of the few native Catholic priests in the country ensure that the faith continues to thrive and spread.

Despite the hurdles, Gavaadandov and her community remain steadfast in their faith. The Catholic Church currently has just two native priests serving a total of nine parishes in Mongolia. Arvaikheer, where Gavaadandov resides, has around 55 converts. These numbers may seem small, but they demonstrate the perseverance and determination of those who have embraced Catholicism in this predominantly Buddhist country.

A reflection on the journey

Gavaadandov sometimes finds herself reflecting on her journey and wishing she had embraced her new faith sooner. She wonders what more she could have experienced, meeting believers from around the world and witnessing the beauty and diversity of various religious traditions. Her sentiments highlight the profound impact that faith can have on one’s life, not only in terms of personal fulfillment but also in fostering connections with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

As Pope Francis prepares to visit Mongolia, it is a reminder of the power of faith to bring people together, transcending borders and cultural differences. Gavaadandov’s anticipation and excitement are shared by Catholics and believers of various faiths around the world. The visit of Pope Francis to this landlocked country serves as an inspiring example of the bridge-building potential of religious leaders, showcasing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.

Sources:

– “Mongolian woman eager to welcome Pope Francis keeps up tea-spilling tradition” by Joseph Campbell. Reuters.
– U.S. State Department Religious Freedom Report on Mongolia.