Regarding our 16th AFCMA Congress (Kyoto, Japan)

In the end of this Jubilee Year of Mercy it gives me great joy to offer a message to the Asian Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (AFCMA) on the occasion of the 16th Congress. The theme “What Should We Do for the Least of Our Brethren?” (Matt 25:40) is a fitting conclusion to the Jubilee Year of Mercy which will end on Nov 20th.

The Jubilee Year of Mercy is an invitation by the Holy Father to encounter love, kindness and unbounded generosity. Pope Francis is offering you the opportunity to experience the incredible mercy of God. Encountering mercy means encountering God. It can transform your life, your vocation as healthcare professionals and your ability to embrace life. The closing of the Holy door in St Peter’s Basilica does not signify the end but rather mark the continuation of your journey to develop a deeper love relationship with God not only as a Catholic doctor but also in every aspect of your life.

In many countries in Asia where Catholics are a distinct minority, there is a temptation to put Christ aside in dealing with your patients. If we adopt this attitude, then our work which constitute a large part of our lives will soon become meaningless. If we allow God into our daily lives, regardless of how mundane it is, then like St Teresa of Liseux, we can be sanctified in doing whatever God has called us to do.

There is still much to be done to improve the healthcare situation in Asia especially in developing countries. In this era of increasing secularisation, the Catholic doctor may find it difficult to practise according to his faith. The anti-life and anti-family movements which St Pope John Paul prophesied will afflict modern society are becoming more vocal and influential. For example in certain countries doctors who refuse to refer patients for abortion can lose their jobs and even be sent to jail. In the face of such overwhelming odds, it may seem that the effort of one person is but a drop in the ocean. Yet as Mother Teresa says, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean but the ocean will be less because of the missing drop”.

In ministering to the sick and the suffering, you as Catholic Doctors should be guided by a precise and all-round view of the human person” created in the image of God and endowed with a God-given dignity and inalienable human rights”. (Ecclesia in Asia 33) Solidly rooted in charity, the Catholic healthcare worker continues Jesus’ own mission in caring for the weak and sick.

FIAMC that AFCMA through its national guilds have been particularly active in mission outreach and defending the teachings of the Church magisterium. I exhort you to continue to use your profession to bring God’s love to others in the footsteps of Jesus the Divine Physician. Let us unite our efforts and prayers so that we can continue to be courageous witnesses of the Kingdom of God.

Vivere Christus est (To live is Christ)

Ermanno Pavesi

Secretary General