The ship with 81 refugees was rescued by the New Delhi coast guard which refuses to allow it dock and wants it to return to Bangladesh. The Dhaka Foreign Minister: "We are under no obligation". Already eight dead on board.
A Christian's mission, Francis said at the Angelus, is "ignite little lights in people's hearts; be little lamps of the Gospel that bring a little love and hope ". In Lent a "fast" from gossip. A prayer for children suffering from rare diseases.
Commentary on the Gospel of the 2nd Sunday of Lent B (Mark 9, 2-10).
The theme from Ps 103: 3: "He forgives all your sins". A guide "to offer some suggestions to allow parishes and Christian communities to prepare themselves to live the initiative 24 hours for the Lord.”
The content sparked a social media campaign. In a letter to Pakistan’s prime minister, Prof Anjum wrote that “racism is a crime against humanity and is the enemy of pluralism, peaceful coexistence and social harmony.”
The complaint filed after a school suspension for harassment. The bishop speaks of "lies" fabricated out of “revenge". It all started with the reaction of a Hindu teacher who instigated the complainant because of the delayed payment of her salary.
The 83-year-old Jesuit is set to make another appeal. Suffering from Parkinson's, he is in prison on terrorism charges. Two days ago, the Bombay High Court ordered the release of poet and activist Varavara Rao, 80, for health reasons, in prison since August 2018 for the same reasons. For Father Mascarenhas, a “government that cannot tolerate democratic dissent can so easily abuse” security laws.
65-year-old Catholic sculptor Mondol says he has obtained immense blessings from God as a reward for this work. He testified: “I was a simple security guard and not very educated, but after I started making religious statues, I obtained what I asked of Almighty God. I have gained prosperity, honour, peace and security in my life."
The PCol report points the finger at government leaders in office at the time, including the former prime minister and police chief. Despite warnings, they did not take the necessary steps to prevent the attacks. The report also calls for the ban of a radical Sinhalese Buddhist group (the BBS).
At the ceremony commemorating the centennial of the “Nankana massacre,” Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics minister claims that Pakistan respects and protects non-Muslims whilst India commits ‘atrocities” against them. Activists and clergymen are dismissive of such claims. Rev Bashir cites a long list of abuses, from sexual assault to false accusations of blasphemy.
Anti-conversion laws are not “deterring people”. Many, “including lay Hindus, ask us why the government is so afraid of Christianity,” said Archbishop Leo Cornelio. These laws “are instruments of persecution targeting Christians,” explained Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians”.
The Diocese of Bijnor in Uttarakhand remains mobilised to help residents in Chamoli District, devastated by a disaster two weeks ago. Concern is growing about by a developing lake in high altitude. If it should give way, it could cause a new flood downstream.
Catholics have protested over the slow pace of the investigation, possible cover-ups, and lack of compensation. Hundreds of people lost their lives in the premeditated attack, bemoans a leader of the silent protest. “We will not bow our heads” until justice is done, says prelate.
This year's work program for Catholics has been drawn up by bishops and the Patriotic Association. Deepen the history of the Party, the Long March, Socialism, aligning with the leadership of Xi Jinping. A Theological Forum on Sinicization is also planned. More than a "pastoral" program, it is a political program in which the "independent and autonomous Church" is exalted.
