Discussion begins at 15:32
Members of the press are invited to contact Astrid Delayre, Catholic Mission Communications Officer, for access to interviews with Cardinal Marengo and coverage of the events he will be attending. Please email directly at adelayre@catholicmission.org.au.
Interfaith dialogue is key to shaping a harmonious future. It enables people from different religions and backgrounds to express themselves freely and work together towards building a sustainable society. This is especially the case in Mongolia, where interfaith dialogue between religious leaders is foundational to future cohesion.
While accounting for only a small proportion of the country’s population, the Catholic Church has a seat at the table among the main religions, allowing it to take part in important discussions.
Today, the work of the Catholic Church in Mongolia focuses on providing social services to the people, thanks to the missionaries on the ground. Their work is made possible because of the mutual understanding and respect that exists for each other’s values and traditions, a key teaching of the Gospel.
His Eminence Cardinal Giorgio Marengo I.M.C., Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, defines the Gospel values as “universal and open to all cultures and traditions”.
Cardinal Marengo, who has ministered in Mongolia for more than 20 years, sheds light on the nuanced approach of “whispering the Gospel”, a concept introduced by an Indian missionary in Asia, Monsignor Thomas Menamparapmpil, Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati. This method underlines the importance of establishing deep, personal connections before sharing the Gospel’s message, an approach that Cardinal Marengo has embraced throughout his missionary work.
Over the years Cardinal Marengo has developed a deep understanding of Mongolian culture, valuing soft speech as a sign of respect and confidentiality. This approach not only honours the delicate nature of religious discourse but also embodies the deep-seated reverence that underpins the missionary’s presence in Mongolia, making every word, whispered in trust and respect, truly precious. As Cardinal Marengo explains:
"I found that expression included the most important aspects of evangelisation. Because we whisper only when there is a relationship already established
between individuals…a deep relationship that has been built over a long time.”
“It calls for the process of entering into a society as we all do as missionaries and building up relationships or friendships with people around us. Then the content of this whispering is the Gospel.”
