Archbishop Petrus Turang of Kupang has appealed to Catholic businessmen in the country to take active measures to help improve the living standards of poor Catholics.

“It is time for Catholic businessmen to look beyond their own welfare and see the reality of life around them. There are many Catholics who need to be freed from poverty,” the prelate said.

His appeal came during his homily yesterday at a Holy Mass to open the 2nd National Meeting of Catholic Professionals and Businessmen (PUKAT) at Christ the King Cathedral in Kupang, capital of East Nusa Tenggara province.

The meeting, which is being held at the governor’s house and attended by about 200 Catholic professionals and businessmen from Denpasar, Jakarta, Kupang, Makassar and Surabaya, ends on August 9.

“Showing concern and making promises are not enough. You must act,” he said.

He suggested the businessmen pay particular attention to education and health issues.

“These areas are not only the responsibility of the government and the Church,” he added.

Archbishop Turang later expressed hope that the three-day meeting will encourage the businessmen to play a significant role in national development efforts.

Mikhael Utama, who heads PUKAT, responded by saying the association will do what it can.

“We will try and provide more employment opportunities,” he said, adding that association members will also offer scholarships to qualified students from poor families.

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