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The Catholic University in southeast Asia. Acclaimed for its diversity and cultural richness, the Asian continent is also known for the poverty widespread throughout its many countries. Thus, much of …More
The Catholic University in southeast Asia.

Acclaimed for its diversity and cultural richness, the Asian continent is also known for the poverty widespread throughout its many countries. Thus, much of the focus of Catholic universities in Asia, particularly in its southeast region, lies in the mission and outreach of those in need.

Br. Armin Luistro, President of De La Salle University Manila in the Philippines, provided his insights during the 23rd General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).

“Obviously, in a country that has a majority of Catholics, and also incidentally a very poor country where the gap between the rich and the poor is growing bigger, Catholic universities take very seriously their role in nation building. And in many instances, we ensure that those services that are essential to people, especially to the poorest, would be filled in by Catholic universities. In a very real sense, we see ourselves as stewards of the nation itself.”

Elsewhere, on the island nation of Taiwan, where much of the population is not even Christian, the Catholic university still plays a vital role in society, as explained by Sr. Anne Therese Falkenstein, a professor at Providence University in Taiwan, who also attended the assembly.

“The Catholic university in Taiwan is a very dynamic place to be. We’re working hard so we’re supporting the social Catholic teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, and we’re also working hard with other religions, especially Buddhism and Daoism to ensure that we can have harmony among our students and among our staff, and that we can help our students see how important a role they have to play in the service of humanity.”

Although in different manners, Catholic universities in Asia are an essential voice and proponent of the people, Christian or not, providing much needed support, guidance and prayer.