Tea Tradition: A Mongolian Woman’s Anticipation for Pope Francis

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

A Blend of Faith and Tradition

Perlimaa Gavaadandov, a 71-year-old Catholic devotee in Mongolia, showcases the harmonious coexistence of her faith and traditional Mongolian culture. Every morning, Gavaadandov continues an age-old tradition by offering a tribute to the sky through the ritual of splashing a cup of freshly boiled milk tea outside her yurt on the grasslands of Mongolia. However, after completing this sacred ritual, she also pauses for a brief Christian prayer, crossing herself across the chest.

Gavaadandov believes it is essential to preserve Mongolian traditions alongside her Catholic faith. As a devout Catholic, she instills these values in her children and emphasizes the importance of passing down this valuable heritage to future generations. Gavaadandov’s commitment to maintaining both her cultural identity and religious beliefs serves as an inspiration to many.

An Exciting Encounter with Pope Francis

With the highly anticipated arrival of Pope Francis in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, Gavaadandov and several fellow parishioners eagerly await the opportunity to meet him in person. As the leader of the Catholic religion, Gavaadandov is particularly thrilled to have this unique chance to engage with him. She expresses her excitement and anticipation, eagerly looking forward to following his every step during his visit to Mongolia.

A Journey of Faith and Discovery

Gavaadandov’s journey to Catholicism began approximately 18 years ago when a mission was established in her neighborhood. Curiosity initially attracted her to the mission, where foreigners spoke Mongolian with distinctive accents. During a difficult period following a leg injury, Gavaadandov discovered solace and spiritual fulfillment in her newfound faith. Over time, her family, including her husband, grandchildren, and children, embraced Catholicism alongside her.

Gavaadandov’s path to Catholicism was not without its challenges. As a nomadic people, Mongolians have a migratory lifestyle, making it difficult for mission priests to maintain consistent contact with parishioners. Nonetheless, Gavaadandov’s determination persevered, and she continued attending church services, supported by her strong belief in the Catholic faith.

A Surprising Papal Visit

The unexpected visit of Pope Francis to Mongolia has stirred a sense of astonishment and excitement among the country’s Catholic community. Mongolia, with a population of approximately 3.3 million, holds strategic significance for the Roman Catholic Church due to its proximity to China. Given the Vatican’s efforts to enhance the situation of Catholics in China, the papal visit to Mongolia carries considerable importance.

The logistical challenges posed by Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle have placed constraints on the ability of mission priests to maintain connections with parishioners. The Mongolian people engage in upcountry visits to tend to their animals and care for their relatives. These journeys limit opportunities for regular interaction with the mission priests. Nevertheless, the Catholic community in Mongolia has remained strong, with just two native Catholic priests serving a total of nine parishes.

Mongolia’s Religious Landscape

Mongolia’s religious makeup reflects a melting pot of diverse faiths. Approximately 60% of Mongolians identify as religious, with Buddhism being the predominant religion, accounting for 87.1% of believers. Muslims make up 5.4% of the population, followed by Shamanists at 4.2%, Christians at 2.2%, and adherents of other religions at 1.1%, as reported by the U.S. State Department.

Reflecting on the Journey

Gavaadandov sometimes finds herself contemplating what her life would have been like had she embraced her newfound faith at a younger age. She wonders about the missed opportunities to connect with believers from around the world and experience the beauty of different cultures. Nevertheless, her unwavering faith and dedication to her Catholic beliefs continue to inspire those around her.

Conclusion

Perlimaa Gavaadandov symbolizes the harmonious integration of faith and tradition, exemplifying the ability to embrace religious beliefs while preserving cultural heritage. As Pope Francis embarks on his historic visit to Mongolia, Gavaadandov and her fellow parishioners eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with him and showcase the resilience and diversity of the Catholic community in Mongolia.

Through her commitment to both her Catholic faith and Mongolian traditions, Gavaadandov serves as a reminder of the universal human desire to find meaning and purpose through spirituality while treasuring and upholding cultural identities and legacies. Her journey of faith and discovery resonates with individuals facing the complex task of navigating the intersecting realms of faith, tradition, and identity.