Mobile medical clinic in Negombo to rebuild interfaith harmony after Easter Sunday attacks (photos)

The young couple are married with an interreligious rite and each maintain their own faith.  However, the girl's relatives oppose the marriage and accuse the Christian of kidnapping.  The couple is forced to live in a secret location.  He faced trial and their marriage was declared legal.

Bishop Gervas Rozario calls on the faithful to prepare themselves in spirit and body to welcome the coming of Christ. Advent is a “time of waiting and confession". He urges Catholics in tribal communities to celebrate with neighbours in accordance with their own culture.

The war will cost the international community US$ 29 billion in terms of aid. According to a report by the International Rescue Committee, Yemen is most food insecure country in the world. The current situation is the by-product of years of "impunity" and Western support.

The Associated Press has managed to get the original reports of the complaints. Officials under anonymity denounce pressure from the Pakistani government to block investigations that would ruin the "profitable" link with Beijing. Intermediaries earn up to 58 thousand euros for each bride sold, but families are given only about 1,160.

The Holy Land has "never before seen" such a political situation, which generates "instability". Rebuilding from ruins is strengthening a sense of community. Economic migrants to the Holy Land are "an integral part" of the life of the Church. Bethlehem is not only a place but an "invitation" to a different lifestyle.

The Venerable Wonhaeng, leader of South Korea’s Buddhist Jogye Order, visited Pakistan for a week. The founder of Korean Buddhism came from what is now Pakistan. The Jogye Order’s chief abbot met Pakistan’s president and prime minister in Islamabad. Peaceful coexistence between religions in Pakistan is possible.

The proposal is in a message signed by Francis and Al-Tayeb delivered yesterday to the UN General Secretary who expressed his appreciation and support for the initiative.

The Iranian president hopes for the release of those who have demonstrated peacefully and unarmed. He invokes the "religious and Islamic clemency". Activists speak of 208 victims, but according to some deaths would be about 400. At least 200 thousand people involved, 7 thousand arrested but there are no independent confirmations.

The archbishop of Colombo was invited by the Palestinian ambassador to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Embassy. For the occasion, an oil lamp was brought from Bethlehem. For the cardinal, peace will never be achieved unless “Palestinians live with dignity in their own state". The three great religions “must learn to unite people, not divide them” whilst “world powers must not intrude”.

The idea was inspired by the local archbishop’s Advent message to “keep your eyes open for the needs of the poor". The parents and their four-year-old daughter served the guests. The guests also received small gifts. The father is happy “that we are bringing up good Christian kids”.

The Chaldean patriarchate cancelled all Christmas and New Year celebrations. The money saved will go to orphanages and hospitals, to treat the wounded. Christians are part of Iraq’s "reform movement” for a pluralist "new Iraq", but they also need "support" from the West. Christians must "read the signs of the times" and assert that "Christ is for everyone".

From 30 November to 2 December, the movement celebrated a quarter century in the Gulf with meetings, stories, Masses and confessions. The Pope granted Participants a special indulgence. “We are alive because we bring the joy of our encounter with Jesus to others,” said Bishop Padilla.

Huma Younus went missing from her home on 10 October. She was taken 600 km from her home city. Her abjuration was recorded on the same day of her kidnapping. Justice and Peace Commission backs the family’s legal case.

This is what emerges at the end of the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Muscat and Tehran. The Islamic Republic is also in favor of reducing tension in the area, resurrecting the Hormuz peace initiative. The Sultanate is ready to deploy its own means to "launch a constructive dialogue".