When Grace met the Cardinal
Gianna Grace Techamontrikul, 8, interviews Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences in October 2022
This is part 5 of the series "Listening with the heart through generations"
In partnership with Dreikönigsaktion Austria
If not for a miracle, Gianna Grace Techamontrikul, would not be alive today to conduct her first ever interview.
The eight-year-old Catholic girl has been both excited and anxious for weeks since she took up the offer of meeting and interviewing Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the president of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences, during the federation's historic 50th Anniversary General Congress in Thailand.
Due to a complication during her mother's pregnancy, Grace was born extremely premature - at only 25 weeks gestation and 600 grams (1.3 lbs).
With less than 5% chance of survival and practically no chance of living without disability, the doctors told her parents to prepare for the worst.
Her parents, however, did not give up hope and prayed to God for a miracle.
On this sunny afternoon at Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Centre, watched on by her mother - a survivor of severe preeclampsia, Grace was able to ask the cardinal, not only her own question, but also questions collected from youths around Asia by SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication.
How can I explain to my friends about my faith and that God is real?
Gianna Grace Techamontrikul | 8 years old | Thailand
When you are thankful, a thankful person is a happy person. A grateful person is a holy person... a saintly person.
Each one of us, Grace, you have your own cross. I also will have my own cross. Everyday you offer it up to God.
How do we find Jesus amid the chaos and noise and the bad people in the world?
Lito | 18 years old | Philippines
In reality, one is not aware that Jesus is in them already, inside already, in us already.
There are very few that are really malicious on purpose, bad people... when you have Jesus in you, pray for those people.
Is it OK to attend Mass online?
Vivienne | 18 years old | Philippines
Those who are bedridden in their home... attending Mass online is ok.
As far as possible, those who can go to church should go to the church to receive holy communion.
Many young people today suffer from mental health issues stemming from stressful situations and inner turmoil. What can the Church offer to help us?
Calista | 16 years old | Malaysia
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, is very fond of young people. He always says, "Listen to them."
Young people need, from the Church and their parents, to be listened to.
What can young people do to get the Church to listen more to us?
Philabet | 15 years old | India
Synodality means all walking together
Priests and bishops are not the only ones that could do the work of the Church, but also young people; especially young people are generous... they like to be active in the Church.
Is it better to be a Christian and a bad person or a non-Christian and a good person?
Marielle | 25 years old | Philippines
Nobody wants to be bad.
We have to pray for everybody whether they are Christian or non-Christian
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. (Photo by LiCAS.news)
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. (Photo by LiCAS.news)
Grace with Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar and Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay at Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Centre.
Grace with Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar and Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay at Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Centre.
Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Centre, Thailand, during the celebration of the 350th Anniversary of the Church's "Mission to Siam", May 18. (Photo by Nattha Nuchsuwan/LiCAS.news)
Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Centre, Thailand, during the celebration of the 350th Anniversary of the Church's "Mission to Siam", May 18. (Photo by Nattha Nuchsuwan/LiCAS.news)
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