On 24 May, more than 400 faithful from Chinese Catholic communities across Italy gathered in Padua to mark the Day of Prayer for the Church in China, established by Pope Benedict XVI. At the same time, at the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan in Shanghai, many of the faithful took part in Mass despite heavy rain. The celebration was presided over by Bishop Shen Bin, with prayers offered for peace and prosperity in the country.
In Grozny, men’s attitudes have become increasingly harsh in public debates in recent years, whilst the boundaries of what is acceptable for women are becoming ever more restricted. A paradoxical situation has arisen following the story of a sea rescue of some girls who were drowning, which was criticised on social media because ‘in Islam, touching a woman is forbidden’.
Inaugurated recently in Jordan, the establishment is not just an academic initiative but a project that combines education, interreligious dialogue, and the development of spiritual heritage. The goal is to make Al-Maghtas a centre for study and reflection on early Christianity, where history, theology, and culture intertwine. This vision looks to 2030, when the two-thousandth anniversary of Jesus’s baptism will be celebrated at the site.
On the feast of Pentecost, in Yangon Cardinal Bo announced new services, bringing the number of languages spoken by the Catholic station to 12 in a country marked by an extraordinary diversity of peoples and cultures, but also by the sad reality of conflict dividing communities. Broadcasting in the Akha language will also be very important for Akha communities living in China, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
The Swedish government has singled out the Sri Lankan Catholic activist for his work on behalf of the victims of enforced disappearances during the civil war and previous periods of political violence in Sri Lanka. Founder of Families of the Disappeared, he has been seeking truth and justice for more than 30 years despite intimidation and threats.
Members of the small Muslim group are being denied the right to celebrate the Feast of Sacrifice in Pakistan. A multi-actor movement that includes extremist organisations and public bodies is behind it. A Jamaat Ahmadiya representative spoke to AsiaNews about the “discriminatory treatment” they receive, “and violations of our fundamental rights”.
