China cites "international law” and “the UN Charter" to stand with Venezuela (while not respecting it in the South China Sea). Xi Jinping calls on South Korean President Lee to make the “right strategic choices”. A former Japanese defence minister is concerned about a possible domino effect involving Taiwan. India is cautious in order to keep a door open for Trump on tariffs.
A reflection by the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Mumbai on the growing contrast between images of the Indian prime minister in churches at Christmas and his silence on attacks against these same places by people ideologically close to him. ‘Calling violence an act of violence is not an act of enmity: it is a gesture of hope.’
In the city of Bareilly, members of the Hindu nationalist groups Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad protested in front of a Catholic church on 24 December, accusing a school of offending Hinduism during Christmas celebrations. The diocese rejected the accusations and explained that this was a serious distortion of the content of the theatrical performances, which were dedicated to social issues and universal values. Bishop Ignatius D'Souza once again denounced the climate of growing religious intolerance.
In a statement, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India slammed the “alarming” escalation of attacks and violence on the eve of the holiday. In one incident, a visually-impaired woman was insulted and harassed. In Kerala, a 24-year-old man linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was arrested for attacking children singing Christmas carols.
The award, which recognises individuals in Mumbai who carry on the spirit of the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, was given to a woman who, starting with the wounded of the Arab Spring in Egypt, created an NGO and a hospital that cares for burn victims throughout the Middle East. ‘Mother Teresa taught us that service is not measured by greatness but by sincerity.’
The Thurumbar, a caste providing laundry services who are discriminated even by Dalits, can send their children to study at the Life Empowerment Center in Acharapakkam. Thanks to the latter’s foundress Juliyes, who grew up among this marginalised group, solidarity is also extended to the Irula, an equally poor tribal community.
