Delving into the intricate tapestry of interfaith relations, several Buddhist and Catholic leaders in Thailand recently convened at the revered Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok. Their gathering was a heartfelt tribute to the late Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, the esteemed Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
On December 1, a solemn ceremony unfolded at this iconic Buddhist temple, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, to commemorate Cardinal Ayuso’s legacy and life’s work. The event underscored the profound connection between the Buddhist and Catholic communities in Thailand, nurtured by the Cardinal’s unwavering commitment to fostering mutual understanding among different faiths.
His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, the abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon, led a merit-making ceremony for the Cardinal. Ten Buddhist monks joined in chanting prayers, a ritual believed to guide the Cardinal’s soul on its journey.
Following this, Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, conducted a Catholic liturgy. Quoting the Gospel of St. John, he emphasized the transformative power of sacrifice: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” This poignant verse highlighted Cardinal Ayuso’s enduring impact in fostering interreligious connections.
The ceremony served as a moving testament to Cardinal Ayuso’s life mission, uniting Buddhist monks and Catholic clergy in a profound display of unity and respect. A global luminary in interreligious dialogue, Cardinal Ayuso had recently participated in the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium in Thailand, emphasizing compassion and love as crucial elements in addressing societal and environmental challenges.
The colloquium exemplified the growing cooperation between faiths, symbolized by a significant gesture where Thailand’s Buddhist leaders presented gifts to Pope Francis and Cardinal Ayuso. This gesture signified their mutual commitment to promoting empathy and shared responsibility in addressing global crises.
Originally from Spain, Cardinal Ayuso dedicated his life to interfaith dialogue. His extensive experience as a missionary in Egypt and Sudan endowed him with a unique perspective, making him a pivotal figure in fostering Christian-Muslim relations.
During his tenure, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue achieved significant milestones, such as the historic signing of the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.
Cardinal Ayuso’s legacy extends beyond boundaries; he accompanied Pope Francis on groundbreaking visits to Muslim-majority nations, advocating for peace and understanding in regions where Christians are minorities. His steadfast dedication to unity has left an indelible mark on interfaith communities worldwide.
As Thailand mourns his passing, Catholics and Buddhists alike seek to honor Cardinal Ayuso’s remarkable contributions to interreligious harmony, aiming to inspire future generations with his legacy.
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