SW News: In the Muslim-majority Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan, the minuscule Catholic minority is rejoicing as plans are afoot to build the country’s first cathedral. There are reports that construction will begin in the coming months in the capital Bishkek.

The foundation stone was blessed by Pope Francis during his visit to neighboring Kazakhstan. It is expected that the new cathedral will be blessed in three years. There are close to 1,500 Catholics in the Apostolic Administration of Kyrgyzstan. For believers in the capital, there is a church which is located in an isolated suburb. It was only last year that the road to this church was paved. It is taken care of by Jesuit priest Fr Damian Wojciechowski, who also happens to be the treasurer of the Administration.

The opening of the cathedral coincides with the development of the capital. Speaking to Fides, Valerii Dil, advisor to President Sadir Japarov said, “The construction of the new church will also have an international significance. Our Republic adheres to democratic principles and that of the freedom to profess one’s faith. The construction of the cathedral is proof of this.”

At present, the existing church in Bishkek suffers from acute space constraints. However, the proposed cathedral will have ample space for cultural and spiritual activities. Fr Damian said that the Church has always engaged in charitable activities in this nation where corruption and poverty are widespread. It currently runs a shelter for single mothers and one for children and disabled young people.

According to Apostolic Administrator Fr Anthony James Corcoran SJ, while blessing the foundation stone of the future cathedral, the Holy Father reminded those present of the significance of the Catholic minority in Kyrgyzstan and their mission to help those who are needy. He said that Catholics and their Muslim brethren have the goal of making the world a better place.

It was in 1999 that Pope St John Paul II erected a sui iuris mission in Kyrgyzstan and in 2006, Pope Benedict XVI created the Apostolic Administration. There are three churches in Bishkek, Jalal-Abad and Talas. Catholics who are in scattered communities are served by missionary priests occasionally. Apart from the Jesuits, the community is served by the School Sisters of St Francis, Consolata Missionary Sisters and the Missionaries of Charity. There is also a diocesan priest from Slovakia.