There is demand for Christian literature in India and the market is
expanding: says to Fides, Fr. Saju Chackalackal, Carmelite of Mary
Immaculate (CMI) and director for the evangelization and pastoral care
of his congregation.
"Many, both educated people, and the people of villages and cities,
express their desire to obtain and own a copy of the Bible and in
particular the New Testament. There is a widespread desire to have
access to Christian literature that helps the faithful to have a clear
and thorough idea about the contents of faith of Christianity and the
Catholic Church in particular", notes Fr. Chackalackal.
The priest reported that Carmelite missionaries and other congregations
require Bibles and Christian literature to give to people, Christian and
non-Christian, who sincerely seek to know more about Jesus Christ, he
said.
"Given the increasing number of requests, the funds at the disposal of
our department of evangelization and pastoral care are insufficient,
especially if we think of the missions of North India", remarks Fr.
Saju.
"Bibles in English or in local languages are needed and this, according
to our missionaries, opens a very significant opportunity for the
Christian community: one must satisfy a thirst for knowledge about Jesus
Christ", the priest told Fides.
The CMI is a male religious institution, born in the Syro-Malabar
Church. It is the first Catholic religious congregation founded in
India. Today missionaries work in Asia, Brazil, North America, South
Africa, Kenya and Europe.