Buddhist and Catholic leaders gathered at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan, one of Bangkok’s most renowned Buddhist monasteries, to honor the life and legacy of the late Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The ceremony marking his passing underscored the strong ties between Thailand’s Buddhist and Catholic communities.
The event also highlighted Cardinal Ayuso’s commitment to fostering interfaith understanding. His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, the abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon, initiated the proceedings with a merit-making ceremony. Ten Buddhist monks chanted prayers in a traditional rite to guide the Cardinal’s passing beyond this life.
Following the Buddhist rituals, Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, led a Catholic liturgy. Emphasizing Cardinal Ayuso’s lasting impact on interreligious relations, Bishop Sirisut quoted the Gospel of St. John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Vatican News)
The ceremony served as a reminder of Cardinal Ayuso’s mission to unite Buddhist monks and Catholic clergy, demonstrating unity and mutual respect. His efforts have been pivotal in strengthening the relationship between the two religions in Thailand.
Cardinal Ayuso was a prominent figure in global interreligious dialogue. In November 2022, he attended the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium in Thailand, which brought together more than 150 international delegates. The colloquium, themed “Karuṇā and Agape in Dialogue for Healing a Wounded Humanity and the Earth,” focused on compassion and love as means to address societal and environmental issues.*
The colloquium also highlighted growing cooperation between religions. During the event, Thailand’s Buddhist leaders presented gifts to Pope Francis and Cardinal Ayuso, pledging mutual support in promoting empathy and shared responsibility amid global challenges.
Born in Spain, Cardinal Ayuso dedicated his life to interfaith dialogue. His missionary work in Egypt and Sudan provided him with valuable insights, positioning him as a key advocate for Christian-Muslim relations. Under his leadership, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue achieved significant milestones, including the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.
Cardinal Ayuso also accompanied Pope Francis on historic visits to Muslim-majority nations, advocating peace and understanding in areas where Christians are minorities. His dedication to unity has left a lasting impression on interfaith communities globally.
In Thailand, where Buddhism is the predominant religion with approximately 95 per cent of the population identifying as Buddhists, Cardinal Ayuso’s efforts to bridge religious divides were particularly impactful. The country’s diverse religious landscape has benefited from his initiatives, fostering a climate of mutual respect and collaboration.
As Thailand mourns the loss of Cardinal Ayuso, both Catholic and Buddhist communities reflect on his significant contributions to interreligious harmony. Leaders from both religions expressed hope that his legacy would inspire future generations to continue building bridges of understanding and respect.
The ceremony at Wat Phra Chetuphon not only honored Cardinal Ayuso’s life but also reinforced the importance of interfaith dialogue in addressing contemporary global challenges. His efforts exemplified the potential for religious leaders to work together in promoting peace and unity.
In a 2020 interview, Cardinal Ayuso said that he saw dialogue as a way “to open ourselves to the reality of others, while being rooted in our identity, to work for a better world,” adding, “The important thing is the will to dialogue. We do not sin by ingenuity. It is a question of gradually bringing dialogue into people’s minds in order to establish relationships.” (La Croix International)
Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay of the World Council of Churches offered condolences, saying, “In his memory, we shall continue to pursue our endeavors along both the ecumenical and interfaith pathways, with the understanding that sustained dialogue and communication represent the sole means of ensuring peace and protecting creation and all beings.” (World Council of Churches)
* Buddhist-Christian Colloquium in Thailand Calls for Compassion and Joint Action (BDG)
See more
Catholic and Buddhist leaders gather in Bangkok to celebrate late Cardinal Ayuso (Vatican News)
Cardinal Miguel Ayuso Guixot, pioneer of interreligious dialogue, dead at 72 (La Croix International)
WCC extends condolences on passing of Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot (World Council of Churches)
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