CATHOLIC WORLD LAST WEEK
(CWLW)
18-24 Mar, 2019
18-3-19
New Bible Commentary launched for Arab-speaking Christians 18-3-19
In Australia, Catholics, Maronites, Anglicans and Coptic Orthodox were present at the Merrylands East Presbyterian Church on 17 March for the launch of the Arabic Contemporary Bible Commentary – a breakthrough after a gap of nearly 1000 years- written by Arabs, for Arabs, in their own language.
10 years in the making, the book contains the writing of 48 different Arabian Christian scholars from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Kuwait. Reverend Riad Kassis, director of Langham Scholars and one of the book’s seven editors, said the book represented a new level of unity among Arab Christians. Their common thread is their love of God and the application of His word to everyday life.
“It’s a landmark in the history of the church. For Arab Christians to work together on the Arabic commentary is a way of demonstrating unity. This becomes crucial in a context where violent acts of division on religious grounds destroy the social mosaic of the region.”
El Salvador bishops criticize proposal for civil-war amnesty 16-3-19
The Catholic bishops of El Salvador have raised objections to a proposed law that would grant amnesty for crimes committed during the country’s civil war in the 1980s. The bishops said that the proposal would protect wrongdoers without offering any reparations for victims. The proposed legislation responds to an order from the country’s top court, which directed legislators to prepare a law that would provide for a just settlement of civil-war claims.
Vatican diplomat criticizes stigmatization of motherhood in some nations 18-3-19
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, addressed a meeting of the UN Commission on March 15 on the Status of Women. He said that “while many countries fear that the decline in fertility will lead to economic and cultural tipping points, their public services and protection programs regularly fail to extend to mothers and families the kind of social justice and the economic and employment assistance that would enable them to satisfy their noble desire to enjoy the beauty of motherhood.”
Original ‘Scala Sancta’—stairs Jesus mounted to face Pilate—exposed in Rome 18-3-19
The original Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs, believed to be the stairs that Jesus climbed to be judged by Pontius Pilate, have been opened to the public, after restoration work that exposed the 28 original marble steps.
The steps were reportedly brought back to Rome from Jerusalem by St. Helena in 362, and are now located beside the church of San Lorenzo, on the piazza of St. John Lateran basilica. As a pious devotion, pilgrims have traditionally mounted the stairs on their knees. But for years the marble steps themselves had been protected by wooden planks.
Restoration work, begun last year, exposed the marble steps, which are deeply grooved by the traffic of countless pilgrims over the centuries. The stairs are marked by inlaid crosses, apparently dating back to the 4th century, and by grates that were fixed in the marble, reportedly to protect spots that were stained by Jesus’ blood.
India: Cardinal Gracias urges voters to protect democracy, spiritual life 18-3-19
Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, the president of the Indian bishops’ conference, has released a pastoral letter urging voters to uphold democracy and revive India’s status as a “spiritual nation,” as parliamentary elections loom in coming weeks. India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Hindu nationalist body, faces a challenge from the secular Indian National Congress.
Hundreds of millions of people will be voting for members of the national parliament from April 11 to May 19 in the world’s largest democracy.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ruled India Since 2014, with Narendra Modi serving as prime minister. The party is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a militant Hindu nationalist organization.
Cardinal Gracias states that the Catholic Church does not identify herself with or side with any political party but “we feel called to give some general guidance to our people for the good of our country.” The cardinal says all citizens have a duty to exercise their right to vote and calls on parish priests to “impress on our people this obligation.” He says the elected representatives (1) must work for an economy that seeks specially to help the poor and under privileged, (2) Ensure a totally safe environment for all people, particularly women and children (3) Safeguard the rights of tribals - India’s marginalized indigenous community - over land, water and forests (4) Take particular care of Dalits [the low-caste Indians who were once called Untouchables] and ensure they are not discriminated against, and granting equal rights to all Dalits, including those who are Christians and Muslims, (5) Promote communal harmony and a spirit of national integration through inter-religious dialogue and understanding, and (6) Take steps to protect the environment, preserving the riches of nature for future generations.
Christians in India are only 2.3 percent of the population.
Pope declines Cardinal Barbarin’s resignation 18-3-19
Pope Francis has declined to accept the resignation of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, who was convicted last week of failing to report a priest’s sexual abuse of boy scouts. Citing the presumption of innocence, the Pontiff indicated that he would wait for the result of the cardinal’s legal appeal. However, Cardinal Barbarin said that for the good of the Lyon archdiocese, he will step aside and allow the vicar general, Father Yves Baumgarten, to take control of the archdiocese.
(21-3-19) Meanwhile, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, France, told in a 19-minute French television interview that he has made mistakes but not those he has been accused of.
Tenderness Is Fundamental Aspect of their Work to Help the Ill – Pope to Camillians 18-3-19
Tenderness and Christianity must go hand in hand. Pope Francis stressed this on March 18, 2019, when addressing the Camillian Charismatic family, stressing how loving service to the sick, means being also tender.
Pope Francis reminded them that they are accompanied and guided in their work to the ill by the Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick and Mother of the Consecrated.
Rome: Pope Reminds Court of Auditors of Important Role in Serving Common Good 18-3-19
Pope Francis on March 18, 2019, received in audience, on March 18, 2019, the officials of the Court of Auditors, noting the important role they play in deterring corruption by public officials. The Court of Auditors in Italy has consultative, review, and jurisdictional functions, including monitoring public finances and the administration of the state. Pope Francis described financial corruption as “one of the most lacerating wounds of the social fabric, as it gravely harms both from an ethical and an economic point of view.” He also said: ‘The Court of Auditors, in the exercise of controls over the management and activities of public administrations, is a valid tool for preventing and affecting illegality and abuse.’
Morocco - Moroccan Christians call for greater religious freedom: appeal to the Pope 18-3-19
Pope Francis will visit Morocco on March 30-31. The Committee of Moroccan Christians has written to Pope Francis two weeks ahead of his visit, asking for the intervention of the Holy See on a theme which is very important to them: religious freedom in the country.
The baptized represent only 1.1% of the population (about 380 thousand out of 33.6 million inhabitants, mostly Muslims) and are mostly of evangelical confession. In the open letter, some "violations of the religious freedom of Christians" are reported and also accuses Moroccan security forces of "playing an important role in the persecution of Christians by proceeding to make abusive arrests". In the text the Committee says that some Moroccan authorities have "arrested and mistreated people for proclaiming their religion or taking part in prayer services at covert churches, tortured and insulted them and confiscated their identity documents. and even deprived some identity documents for having proclaimed their religion or joined prayers in clandestine churches. In addition, Moroccan authorities also expelled hundreds of foreigners accused of "proselytism".
Djibouti - The mission of Caritas: to be close to the poor 18-3-19
"Our mission is to be close to the poor. Whatever faith they profess and ethnicity they belong to. Whether they are immigrants or local citizens". Francesco Martialis, Director of Caritas Djibouti, describes the spirit with which the organization, that belongs to the Catholic Church, operates.
Djibouti is a Muslim country where the Catholic Church, with 5000 members, is not allowed to carry out evangelization, but is allowed to work in the social sphere. “we can work freely with the people and for the people. A work that is appreciated and recognized". Most Catholics are soldiers of the French and Italian bases and members of the United Nations mission in Djibouti. The local diocese, led by Italian Bishop Giorgio Bertin, counts on three priests and thirty sisters.
Djibouti is a small State wedged between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. Islam is intolerant and totally foreign to the tolerant religious tradition of the Djiboutians.
There are various projects. The main one deals with street children, potential victims of human trafficking. A thousand of them receive medical care, clothing, food, but also education (French, English, mathematics, art) and schooling. Drugs and prostitution are prevalent among the migrants - Oromo Ethiopians.
Africa - Tropical cyclone Idai causes destruction and death in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi 18-3-19
A violent cyclone called "Idai" has hit, between 14 and 17 March, three African states, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, where it has killed at least 157 people in a provisional toll (126 between Mozambique and Malawi, 31 in Zimbabwe), left hundreds more missing and stranded. The effects of bad weather affect more than a million and a half people, according to UN figures and official government sources. Rural areas are the most affected, with tens of thousands of isolated people, destroyed roads, bridges and homes, no electricity or communications. 
El Salvador - The Archbishop of San Salvador: "No to the 1993 draft law, yes to true national reconciliation" 18-3-19
Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas of San Salvador expressed on Sunday 17 March his disagreement regarding the current draft law on national reconciliation and asked the deputies to reject it, as it favours impunity. "We join this cry by expressing our disagreement and great concern regarding such bill, because it would be an ineffective law, like the totally unfair 1993 amnesty law, which instead of protecting and compensating the victims, will make them victims again, and will go to protect the real perpetrators, favouring impunity", he said at a press conference after Saturday's mass.
"We ask the deputies to reject this bill and to promulgate a law of reconciliation in the spirit of the sentence of the Constitutional Chamber of 13 July 2016, of true reconciliation, through the exercise of a justice that protects and provides reparation to the victims", added the Archbishop.
Catholic Church is an 'integral part of China' 18-3-19
The Catholic Church in China is a fundamental part of Chinese history and can play a leading role in promoting the common good of all its citizens, says Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
“The Catholic Church in China is not a ‘foreigner’ but an integral and active part of Chinese history and can contribute to the edification of a society that is more harmonious and respectful of all,” the cardinal wrote in the preface of the soon to be launched “The Church in China: A New Departure.”
The book edited by Father Antonio Spadaro, SJ, editor of La Civiltà Cattolica, comes at a particular moment in the history of relations between the Apostolic See and China, following the signing of the provisional agreement on the nomination of bishops that took place in Beijing last September.
Popular Lenten play in Bangladesh beset by adversity 18-3-19
On the first Friday of Lent, hundreds of ethnic Garo Catholics gathered to watch a five-hour play about the life of Jesus at a church in northern Bangladesh.
The troupe has performed Jishu Nila, about the teachings, tribulations and death of Christ, in villages and cities around the country for several decades each March with the tacit backing of the Church.
However, they fear this form of artistic evangelization may soon perish unless parishes help cover their costs by setting up a fund to support the actors, who are all unpaid. The troupe would very much like a church authority to support it so it can be performed in parishes and ensure it has a future.
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Flash flood kills 70 in Papua 18-3-19
At least 70 people have been confirmed dead and many more are missing in the wake of a flash flood that swept through villages of Indonesia's Papua province on the weekend.
Flooding after a March 16-17 downpour displaced more than 4,000 people and caused widespread injuries in the Sentani area, near the provincial capital, Jayapura.
A Papua police spokesman, Ahmad Musthofa Kamal, said 69 people were reportedly still missing.
19-3-19
Dalai Lama says his successor will come from India 19-3-19
The Dalai Lama has said that his successor—believed by Tibetan Buddhists to be the reincarnation of the original Dalai Lamai—will arise in India, rather than in Tibet. The Chinese government has pronounced that no Dalai Lama can be accepted without the approval of the Communist Party. The 83-year-old Dalai Lama made his prediction as he accepted a Pacem in Terris award from the Davenport, Iowa diocese, USA.
Philippine priests told to take threats seriously 19-3-19
A Filipino priest who relocated in fear for his life has warned fellow priests to take threats seriously but not to be cowed from speaking the truth.
Father Amado Picardal, a Redemptorist priest, said his life has been in danger since he criticized killings linked to the government's anti-narcotics drive. He said he was fortunate because he received advance information about the plot. Admitting his concern for his personal safety, Father Picardal sought a transfer, but continued speaking out against the killings.
Last week, three Filipino priests claimed to have received death threats for criticizing President Rodrigo Duterte's policies. Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan has also reported receiving threats after speaking out against killings in his diocese.
Asked what the Church should do in the face of such threats, Father Picardal said it should "vigorously exercise its prophetic mission."
Earlier, Cubao Diocese in the Philippine capital expressed concern over threats received by several priests.
China extends ban on foreigners in Tibet as uprising feted 19-3-19
Tibetans commemorate in March a peaceful uprising in Lhasa against the tyranny of Chinese rule decades ago that sent the Dalai Lama into exile.
The revolt on March 10, 1959, was bloodily suppressed by Beijing, resulting in tens of thousands of Tibetans fleeing to nearby countries like India, Nepal and Bhutan. Since then, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has exercised totalitarian control over Tibet, leading to sporadic protests.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) declared March 10 the statutory anniversary of the uprising. This year marks its 60th anniversary.
The CCP has raised its alert level which has included that foreigners be banned from entering Tibet about this date.
Priests back opposition candidates in Philippine election 19-3-19
Several Catholic priests in the Philippines have unofficially thrown their support behind opposition candidates in upcoming national elections in May, despite warnings for them to remain neutral, according to a church official.
Father Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the social action secretariat of the Catholic bishops’ conference, said the priests are supporting candidates because of their "track record and what they stand for." However, he said the members of the clergy have been warned against openly supporting candidates in public. "We agreed that they will not endorse [candidates] publicly," said Father Gariguez.
Elderly Ahmadi released from Pakistani jail after blasphemy sentence cut 19-3-19
An 83-year-old Ahmadi man has been released from prison after serving more than three years on charges of blasphemy in Pakistan.
Abdul Shakoor was released from Faisalabad prison in Punjab province on March 18.
He was arrested in December 2015 after being accused of selling an Ahmadi interpretation of the Quran, the Islamic holy book. A month later, on Jan. 2, 2016, he was jailed for five years under blasphemy laws and three years under the Anti-Terrorism Act. On appeal his jail term was reduced.
In February, Johnnie Moore, commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), called on Pakistan to immediately release Shakoor.
His release comes a few days after the U.S. criticized Pakistan for its treatment of Ahmadis and other religious minorities.
20-3-19
Solve the mystery and learn the sacraments 20-3-19
Her novel Saving the Bishop reaches children and adults alike in teaching the sacraments in a fun, educational way.
Ms Julie Moran of Australia, using the pseudonym Jordan Knottman, has written a novel ‘Saving the Bishop’ which reaches kids and adults alike in teaching the sacraments in a fun, educational way.
The book focuses on primary school twins Dan and Maura who solve puzzles and uncover a mystery as they search for answers on the Church’s sacraments. Ms Moran wants both children and parents to read it as, according to her, there is benefit to reading with parents.
The book is written for those preparing to receive Confirmation before First Holy Communion.
“Parents will be able to talk about their own experiences and what they went through and all of that,” Ms Moran says. “I’m hoping a lot of that will take place.” Teaching young children theological concepts and traditions is very difficult, but stories solve that problem, she says.
‘Thy will be done’ is the theme of Pope’s General Audience 20-3-19
‘God’s will indeed is for the salvation of all mankind,’ is what Pope Francis emphasized as he explained one of the petitions of the ‘Our Father.’ The Pope has been treating in his Wednesday General Audience the Lord’s Prayer – the Our Father. Here are his words:
In our continuing catechesis on the “Our Father”, we now turn to the third invocation, “Thy will be done”. We see God’s will revealed in the Person of Jesus: to seek out and to save that which is lost. If we do not appreciate this, we risk misunderstanding the meaning of the third aspect of the “Our Father”. We can affirm, however, without a doubt, that God’s will is indeed for the salvation of all mankind. Our prayer, then, is offered by children who know their Father’s heart and are certain of His loving plan. This prayer, moreover, inspires in us the same desire for the Father’s will as we see in Jesus, especially when, in the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this chalice from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Lk 22:42). Jesus is crushed by the world’s wickedness, yet He abandons Himself faithfully to the Father’s will. We can do likewise, for the conviction that God will never abandon us is more than a hope. It is a certainty!
Pope brings 14 men and women a step closer to sainthood 20-3-19
Pope Francis took 14 men and women a step closer to sainthood, among them an Italian missionary martyred in Myanmar and 7 bishops killed for their faith in Romania.
The Pope authorized on March 19 the promulgation of 8 new decrees, recognizing the heroic virtues of 4 Italian nuns and an Italian priest, a miracle attributed to the intercession of a Spanish nun and the martyrdom of 8 men.
A decree recognized a miracle through the intercession of Spanish nun Sister Maria Emilia Riquelme y Zayas (1847-1940), foundress of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and of the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate.
A decree recognized the martyrdom of 7 Romanian bishops killed under the country’s Communist regime between 1950 and 1970. They are Valeriu Traian Frentiu, Vasile Aftenie, Ioan Suciu, Tit Liviu Chinezu, Ioan Balan, Alessandru Rusu and Iuliu Hossu.
A separate decree recognized the martyrdom of Italian PIME missionary to Myanmar Father Alfredo Cremonesi (1902-1953). In the aftermath of World War II, Fr. Cremonesi became a victim of the conflict between government troops and the Karen rebels. He gave his life for his flock.
According to five other decrees, official enquiry for beatification may proceed for Italian diocesan priest Father Francesco Maria Di Francia, Italian nun Sister Maria Hueber, Italian nun Sister Maria Teresa Camera, Italian nun Sister Maria Teresa Gabrieli and Italian nun Sister Giovanna Francesca dello Spirito Santo.
Pope urges support for victims of Cyclone Idai in southeast Africa 20-3-19
Pope Francis is urging prayers and support for the many victims of Cyclone Idai, which has caused widespread destruction and flooding in the southeast African nations of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
“In recent days, great floods have sowed mourning and devastation in various areas of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. I express my pain and closeness to those dear people.” With these heartfelt words, Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the families of the more than 350 people killed by Cyclone Idai, as well as his solidarity with the millions of people affected. The powerful storm made landfall on the coast of Mozambique on 14 March before spreading death and destruction halfway across southeast Africa.
Pope Francis made the appeal at the Wednesday General Audience on March 20.
Malawi - "While we struggle together to respond to the disaster which has befallen us, we appeal to all Catholics and people of good will, donor agencies and our International development partners to spare the little they might have to support our brothers and sisters who are trapped in this catastrophic condition". This is the appeal made by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), where thousands of people were affected by the devastating floods that hit the southern and central parts of the country.
Mozambique - The archdiocese of Beira, in Mozambique, in addition to offering material help to cyclone victims, has set up an emergency commission to respond to the crisis caused by the passage of Cyclone Idai, which has already killed more than 400 people in Mozambique alone
Colombian diocese has served 1 million meals to Venezuelan migrants 20-3-19
The Diocese of Cúcuta in Colombia reported this week that it has provided 1 million meals to Venezuelan migrants affected by the humanitarian crisis in their country.
In a statement released March 18, the diocese thanked the volunteers and donors who since June 5, 2017, have provided support to those affected by the emergency at the Colombian-Venezuelan border. Despite blockades at the border, 3,800-4,200 Venezuelans fleeing their homeland arrive daily at the Diocese of Cúcuta’s Divine Providence House.
Under the socialist government, the country has seen hyperinflation and severe shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and millions have emigrated.
Australian bishops’ conference calls for 5.6% increase in minimum wage 20-3-19
Catholic Church calls for living wage for Australian families. Neither employers nor governments are doing enough to support low-paid Australians, and particularly Australian families, the Catholic Church has told the Fair Work Commission. The bishops’ conference “argued that the minimum wage be increased by 5.6% i.e. from $719.20 per week to $760.00 per week,” according to the statement. (An Australian dollar is currently worth 71 US cents.)
20-3-19
South Africa – Young South Africans reflect on the Synod and call for an IMBISA Youth Day” 20-3-19
The young representatives of seven countries of southern Africa gathered to reflect on the conclusions of the Synod of Bishops in October, on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment, and above all to offer concrete indications and suggestions to the respective Episcopal Conferences, so that the Synod can be realized in their communities and in the entire South African region.
Fr. Dumisani Vilakati, of the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) Pastoral Department, the event took place from 5 to 8 March, on the initiative of IMBISA.
The discussion, according to Fr. Vilakati, revealed the hunger for young people to have constant contact and communication among themselves. The idea of having a large gathering of youth, akin to World Youth Days, was mooted as a forum for faith sharing in the region. Catch phrases were: "We want an IMBISA Youth Day" or "We want an IMBISA Youth working group".
South Korea - Cardinal Yeom: human life is inviolable, No to abortion and death penalty 20-3-19
"Every human being has a sacred and inalienable dignity, and life is inviolable from the moment of conception. What we should do is accept every life as it is from the moment of conception under the responsibility of the father and mother. Furthermore, given that every life is under the common responsibility of our society, we should try to improve the general systems of social assistance to help parents give birth and raise their children": this is what Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo jung, Archbishop of Seoul, pointed out, speaking to the pro-life movements in South Korea, gathered in the "Youth Pro-Life Rally", held recently in the Korean capital, under the guidance of the Episcopal Commission for family and life. About a thousand young Koreans took part, but also priests, religious and leaders such as Cardinal Yeom and Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, apostolic Nuncio in Korea.
The gathering resolved to say No to abortion and No to death penalty.
Burkino Faso - "No news yet of the missing priest", says the Bishop of Dori 20-3-19
"We have no news of Fr. Joël Yougbaré, parish priest of Djibo since last Sunday, 17 March", says Bishop Laurent Dabiré of Dori, in the north of Burkina Faso, on the border of Mali.
"Research has been going on so far without any results" said Bishop Dabiré, according to whom nothing can be excluded at the moment: "Fr. Joël may have been kidnapped or lost himself along the road or had an accident". The Bishop adds, however, that the area where the priest disappeared is unsafe due to the presence of jihadist groups, and therefore "we are very worried".
What we do know is that after celebrating Sunday Mass in Bottogui, Fr. Joël Yougbaré was returning to his parish along the Djibo-Tongomayel-Nianguel-Sergoussouma-Bottogui road. Sensing his absence even by 4:30pm, the deputy priest of Djibo tried in vain to call Fr. Joël's cell phone.
Given the record of jihadist’s murders and kidnappings, there is reason for worry.
Bishops see Indian poll as minorities' big chance 20-3-19
Christian leaders and activists are rooting for minority groups, whose rights have long been overlooked in India, as the country prepares for six weeks of polls in the world's biggest democracy.
"The coming elections are going to be very important for the country's overall future, and especially for minority groups," said Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, a spokesperson for Indian bishops.
"Every time elections are held in a democratic set-up, the marginalized and unrepresented class gets a chance to make its voice heard. That's why this is such a decisive time," he said.
The elections, divided into seven phases, will run from April 11 to May 19. Some 900 million eligible voters will elect 543 members of parliament.
Bishop Mascarenhas said the parties and candidates "must ensure hate doesn't get any space."
"We expect that whoever comes to power will ensure the protection of all citizens, irrespective of their cast, creed or religion," he said.
International rights groups have accused the government of failing to act against Hindu radicals, who took the BJP's victory as a mandate for their efforts to make India a Hindu nation while stepping up their campaigns of violence against other religions.
New chapter for minority religions in Pakistan 20-3-19
Catholic educators are lauding Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad for recognizing the human rights of people following minority religions in Pakistan.
A chapter titled “Human rights in Islam and other religions” adds the teachings of Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism to a human rights textbook for students in grades 11 and 12. The latest edition dedicates seven pages to Biblical teachings.
Forgery case revives controversy involving Indian cardinal 20-3-19
A financial controversy involving an Indian cardinal has turned murkier after police filed criminal charges against a 70-year-old priest accusing him of presenting a forged document before a bishops’ synod to tarnish the cardinal as corrupt.
Police in the southern state of Kerala have charged Father Paul Thelakat with forgery, using a forged document for cheating, and being part of a criminal gang for furtherance of a common interest.
The Syro-Malabar Church, based in Kerala, has been embroiled in a financial controversy since November 2017 after a group of priests accused Cardinal George Alencherry and two priests of selling off land and incurring a loss of some US$10 million. The Vatican has appointed an administrator to run the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, in the place of Cardinal Archbishop Alencherry.
Court bails Indian priest accused of molesting woman on bus 20-3-19
A court in India’s Meghalaya state has granted bail to a Catholic priest three days after he was arrested on charges of molesting a woman by touching her hand in a crowded moving bus.
The additional judicial district magistrate in Garo Hills on March 19 granted bail to Father Biju Joseph, a member of the St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) congregation.
Father Joseph was sent to judicial custody on March 16 after a 27-year-old woman complained to police that the priest had touched her hand in a bus travelling from Assam to Meghalaya on the night of March 15.
21-3-19
More than 1 million people face hunger as rains fail in Kenya 21-3-19
Speaking in Nairobi on March 20, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) President, Archbishop Philip Anyolo (Kisumu Archdiocese) and President of Caritas Kenya Archbishop Martin Kivuva (Archdiocese of Mombasa) said that a poor rainy season is threatening to culminate into a major humanitarian crisis. The Church of this East African country is now calling for an urgent response from all actors.
The food security situation in Kenya has deteriorated following the poor performance of the 2018 rains. This has led to below average crop performance increasing the number of malnutrition cases.
Kenya’s Catholic Church, government and humanitarian agencies and reports from local media indicate that as of this month, March, the food insecure population in that country has reached 1,111,500 people.
Address inequality in health care access, Pope urges pediatricians 21-3-19
“In our time, in fact, increasingly often prevention and treatment become the prerogative of those who enjoy a certain standard of living, and therefore can afford it,” Pope Francis told members of the Italian Federation of Primary Care Pediatricians on March 22. “I encourage you to work to ensure that this inequality is not added to the many others that already afflict the weakest, but rather that the health system assure assistance and preventative care to all, as rights of the person.”
Pope inaugurates programming for peace at the Scholas Occurrentes 21-3-19
At the Scholas Occurrentes headquarters in Rome, Pope Francis inaugurated a training project “Programming for Peace” on March 21 for the educagtors of the Scholas, the organization founded 20 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by Archbishop Jorge Boergoglio, now Pope Francis. It is an international project with the help of computer experts and aims to teach millions ofyoung people to code and learn to code and learn the use of new technologies with an ethicalperspective.
Malta’s president meets Pope 21-3-19
Catholicism is the state religion of the Mediterranean nation of 449,000. Church-state collaboration, European integration, and migration were among the issues that Pope Francis and Vatican officials discussed on March 21 with President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.
Montreal officials oust crucifix from City Hall 21-3-19
In Canada, a crucifix that has hung on the wall of Montreal’s City Hall since 1937, reminding city officials to let God guide their decisions, will be taken down for a renovation project, never to be put back, local sources have reported.
Making the announcement at an executive council meeting this week, Laurence Lavigne-Lalonde, the city councilor said on March 21, “The crucifix was installed during an era that was completely different than the one we live in today.”
Cameroon - Central African Capuchin father assassinated in Chad 21-3-19
Capuchin Father Toussaint Zoumalde was killed in Ngaoundere, Cameroon, as he was returning to his Baibokoum fraternity in Chad. According to a statement by the General Custody of the Capuchins for Chad and the Central African Republic, Fr. Toussaint Zoumaldé had gone to the diocese of Bouar, in the western part of Central Africa, from which he hails, in order to conduct training for local priests. In the night between 19 and 20 March unknown people attacked him and killed him in Ngaoundéré (Cameroon) where he stopped to rest.
Fr. Toussaint (born in 1971) had worked extensively as a journalist for Radio Siriri, of the diocese of Bouar, and composed several religious songs.
Nigeria - Found dead body of a priest kidnapped a week ago; the bishop denounces the lack of interest on behalf of the police 21-3-19
Father Clement Rapuluchukwu Ugwu, the Catholic Priest of St. Mark Catholic Church, Obinofia Ndiuno in Ezeagu Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Nigeria, was found dead on March, 20. He was reportedly abducted on March 13, 2019, in his parish. It was gathered that the gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, had shot him before they took him away.
Bishop Callistus Onaga of Enugu decried the spate of violent killings around the country. The bishop regretted that security agencies could not rescue Fr. Ugwu despite their assurances even as the abductors were making withdrawals from his account through his Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.
The body of Father Ugwu was found at a place less than 20 kilometres from his house.
Nicaragua - Government-opposition dialogue resumes: release of political prisoners and electoral reform 21-3-19
"Today, Wednesday, March 20, 2019, thanks to the work of the Apostolic Nuncio, as witness and supporter of the dialogue, and of the envoy of the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OSA), negotiations of the national dialogue has resumed.” This was stated in a joint statement by the government and the opposition during which the Nuncio, Archbishop Waldemar Stanislaw Sommertag, read the agenda.
In the text, the two parties communicate the commitment formally assumed by the government to release within a maximum of ninety days all the persons arrested "in the context of events that occurred after April 18, 2018", ie those who are considered political prisoners by the opposition and from the international community. The parties concerned will also work on electoral reform.
India's festival of colours worries environmentalists 21-3-19
Social activists and environmentalists in India are concerned over the burning of trees and wide use of toxic materials during the traditional Hindu festival of Holi.
Holi, the spring festival of colours marking the end of the winter season, comes on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna in the Hindu calendar. This year it falls on March 21. People splash coloured paint and dye at each other and distribute sweets as they celebrate the victory of good over evil, commemorating the burning and destruction of a demoness named Holika.
Environmentalists have raised issues against feeling of trees, emission of smoke and use of synthetic colours.
Holy island feast helps Sri Lankans, Indians bury the hate 21-3-19
Over 6,500 Sri Lankans and 2,100 Indians came together to celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of seafarers, on Kachchathivu Island March 15-16, with many Sri Lankans using the occasion to pray for national reconciliation.
This uninhabited, Sri Lanka-owned isle hosts the pilgrimage every year, providing a rare window for Sri Lanka's Tamils and Sinhalese to mingle after years of war. It also brings fisher folk from both nations together to cement their fraternal bonds in the face of adversity. Those ties were almost destroyed in 2017 after the Sri Lankan navy killed an Indian fisherman for alleged transgression of territorial boundaries.
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Joseph Manuel, a Tamil Catholic from Sri Lanka and a regular pilgrim, said Indian fisherman use more high-tech ways of catching fish near the shared maritime border, which the Sri Lankan side believes gives them an unfair advantage.
Given the potential tension, Sri Lanka's navy is responsible for organizing and overseeing the annual festival on Kachchathivu, which India ceded to Sri Lanka in in 1974 under a maritime compact.
"This is our only opportunity to pray with people from another country, and also with different ethnic groups from our own country," said Mary Nileeshia, a Sunday school teacher from Negombo. "This year we prayed for national reconciliation," she said. The Antony shrine was set up in 1905. The pilgrims attend holy Mass led by a bishop and camp out under the sky. said Nileeshia who made the pilgrimage with six friends.
It takes Indian fishermen about two hours to reach the island, in Jaffna Diocese, from their homes in Rameswaram, a town on Pamban Island in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Mobile app helps Indonesian Catholics grow in faith 21-3-19
Ekatolic is the name of a mobile application developed seven years ago by a Surabaya parishioner, in East Java, Indonesia. It has become very popular and is helping many to have easy access to the Bible and its commentary, the Mass readings etc. 
Its developer Bernardus Dominicus, now 34, has made the application work on Android and iOS platforms and so it is accessed by laypeople and clerics. His initial difficulties in developing the programme were overcome, thanks to the help from a generous benefactor.
The Bible daily readings, reflections, saints’ biographies, Mass schedules and a podcast called Daily Fresh Juice containing daily reflections delivered by priests, nuns, and the laity from across the country and abroad, a support in the spiritual needs of those with disabilities, Mass texts and songs, as well as an alarm to remind people about Angelus and Divine Mercy prayers – all these are provided today in Ekatolic app. The application has been accessed by nearly 1 million people so far in Indonesia and abroad.
On the anvil: social media access and a geographical feature giving the nearest Mass locations to.
Dominicus says he will always take pride in having offered his skills to so many people and to glorifying God. “People can now easily access the Word of God, anytime and anywhere," he says.
22-3-19
Pope’s condolences for Iraq’s ferry tragedy 22-3-19
Pope’s condolences for the victims of the sinking of a ferry on the Tigris River in Mosul, Iraq on March 21 was conveyed in a telegramme to the local ecclesiastical and civil authorities by the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
Pope Receives Turkey’s New Ambassador 22-3-19
Pope Francis on March 22, 2019, received in audience H.E. Mr. Lütfullah Göktas, ambassador of Turkey to the Holy See, on the occasion of the presentation of his Credential Letters.
Pope marks 1150th anniversary of the death of St. Cyril 22-3-19
Pope Francis received in audience on March 22, 2019, a delegation of members of parliament of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, on the occasion of the 1150th anniversary of the death of Saint Cyril.
The 1150th anniversary of the death of Saint Cyril, whose mission, jointly with that of Saint Methodius, left an indelible mark on the history, the art and all the culture of your countries, the Pope said. “This is a propitious occasion to deepen the spiritual and cultural riches inherited from the two brothers of Thessalonica: they are a moral patrimony to cherish and value ever more.”
He reminded them that you are called to rediscover the intrinsic bond that exists between the Gospel and their cultural identity, re-evaluating their Christian roots to build a society in which mutual acceptance and reciprocal solidarity may be achieved.
Italy - "For the sake of my people I will not keep silent": Day in memory of the martyr missionaries 22-3-19
The biblical verse "For the sake of my people I will not keep silent" (see Is 62,1), chosen as the theme of the 27th Day of prayer and fasting in memory of the missionary martyrs that is celebrated annually since 1993. The date of March 24 was chosen as the day of San Salvador Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero's assassination, which took place in 1980, while he was celebrating Mass, beatified on May 23, 2015 and canonized by Pope Francis on October 14, 2018.
“As Christians, missionary disciples, bearers of the Good News of Jesus, we cannot remain silent in the face of evil. To do so would mean betraying the mandate entrusted to us," says Missio Italia in its brochure, quoting the magazine’s director.
Pope Francis continually recalls that "today there are more martyrs compared to the first centuries".
During the year 2018, 40 missionaries were killed in the world, mainly priests: 35, the largest number hailing from Africa.
Kenya - Bishops’ appeal: Over one million people affected by the effects of drought 22-3-19
Over one million people are at risk of hunger and malnutrition in Kenya. The alarm is raised by the Bishops of Kenya in an appeal which states that "in March, according to the assessments conducted by the Catholic Church, the government, humanitarian agencies and local media reports, food insecurity has reached 1,111,500 people. The Food Security situation in Kenya has deteriorated following the poor performance of the 2018 short-rains, which led to below average crop performance and inadequate replenishment of rangeland resources. The dams have run dry because of oppressive heat.
Thailand - Elections: the nation in search of democracy 22-3-19
On March 24, the first general elections in Thailand will be held after five years of military rule. "People are hoping for a peaceful vote that will bring Thailand towards democracy," say local sources. With the 2014 coup, for the twelfth time in the nation's history, after the end of the absolute monarchy in the 1930s, the military overthrew the government. People are wondering whether the country will be free of military.
Philippine bishop allows priests to forgive sin of abortion 22-3-19
A bishop in the central Philippines has allowed priests in his diocese "to absolve the grave sin of abortion" during the Lenten season.
Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan from Eastern Samar province made the announcement in a bulletin released on March 21. Newly ordained priests, however, cannot do so.
The Catholic Church punishes women who have abortions with excommunication except if the bishop gives absolution. "This penalty of excommunication means that those who undergo an abortion, together with whoever plays an active role in allowing an abortion to take place, are separated from the prayers of the Church the world over," said Archbishop Oscar Cruz, an expert in canon law.
The archbishop, however, said a bishop can delegate to his priests the ability to absolve those who committed the sin from excommunication for a given number of times. Archbishop Cruz warned that granting this ability to priests is not a license to commit abortion.
Rights groups join to fight hate ahead of Indian election 22-3-19
Groups of Indians including Christians are on a campaign to popularize a “manifesto against hate" aiming to block political efforts to garner votes by dividing citizens on religious lines through hate speeches.
Indians are set to elect members to their 543-seat national parliament in a seven-phase election from April 11 to May 19. The world’s largest democratic exercise has almost 900 million eligible voters, an estimated 80 percent of them Hindus.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won the 2014 election primarily on a plank of pro-Hindu promises, is seeking a second term covertly campaigning for majority Hindu votes.
The manifesto was prepared by United Against Hate, a confederation of rights group formed in 2017 after a series of incidents of mob lynchings and violence targeting religious minorities, tribal and Dalit people.
The manifesto demands the revocation of certain laws enacted by the Modi government that target and discriminate against religious minorities such as Christians and Muslims. The new government should make a law to prevent violence targeting particular communities, it says.
Persecution Relief, an ecumenical Christian forum, claims it recorded 600 incidents in 2017 of violence against Christians, including destruction of churches, threats and harassment, social boycotts, hate campaigns, abductions, murder, physical violence and attempted murder.
Vatican honours missionaries in Timor-Leste 22-3-19
The Holy See has honoured on March 19 four priests and a nun for their distinguished service to the Catholic Church in Timor-Leste. Holy See representative, Archbishop Marco Sprizzi, presented them with the Decoration of Honour, which is given by the pope to laypeople and clergy for outstanding contributions to the Church.
The recipients were native-born Timorese Father Francisco dos Santos Fatima Barreto and Father Francisco Tavares, Italian Father Eligio Locatelli, Portuguese Jesuit Father Jose Alves Martins, and Canossian Sister Maria Chioda.
23-3-19
Pope accepts resignation of Chilean Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati 23-3-19
Pope Francis accepted on March 23 the resignation of Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, Archbishop of Santiago, Chile, pending an investigation into alleged clerical sexual abuse cover-up.
A Vatican statement said the Pope had named Bishop Celestino Aós Braco of the Chilean city of Copiapó, as “apostolic administrator” to run the Santiago archdiocese until a new archbishop is named to succeed Ezzati.
Santiago’s Court of Appeal rejected on March 22 Cardinal Ezzati’s motion to dismiss the case and remove himself from the probe. Ezzati has repeatedly affirmed he never concealed child abuse committed by members of the clergy in his diocese or obstructed justice.
\Pakistan - Christian and Hindu girls kidnapped and converted to Islam: a national action plan is urgently needed 23-3-19
"It is urgent that the new Pakistani government of Imran Khan puts serious and effective measures in place to protect Christian and Hindu girls, who suffer continuous physical and moral violence": this is the appeal of Anjum James Paul, Catholic secular leader, teacher in a public school and President of the "Pakistan Minorities Teachers Association". The leader notes that "the Holi Festival has become a day of mourning for the Hindus as two sisters, the 13-year-old Ravina and 15-year-old Rina, who live in Sindh, were kidnapped on March 20 and forcibly converted to Islam" . Paul notes that "similarly, Sadaf Khan, a 13-year-old Christian girl, was kidnapped, converted to Islam and forced to marry a Muslim man in Punjab last February." He asks: "We strongly urge the government to guarantee the lives of Pakistani Christian and Hindu women and to take measures to stop the scourge of kidnappings, conversions and forced marriages, addressing the violation of the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan."
24-3-19
Pope at Angelus: ‘don’t take advantage of God’s patience’ 24-3-19
Pope Francis addressed the faithful on Sunday March 24 at the Angelus urging them to move out from their comfort zones and open their eyes and their hearts to those in need.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading on the third Sunday of Lent, the Pope explained it speaks to us of God's mercy and of our conversion.
In the parable of the barren fig tree narrated by Luke, he said, the gardener asked the master to be patient and pleaded for an extra year, during which he promised to cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it to stimulate the tree’s productivity.
The Pope explained that the master represents God the Father and the gardener represents Jesus, while the fig tree is the symbol of an indifferent and arid humanity.
He said Jesus intercedes with the Father on behalf of humanity and begs Him to wait and give humanity more time, so that in it may bear the fruits of love and justice.
Pope Francis, however, said “We can rely greatly on God's mercy, but we must not abuse it”.
After the Angelus Prayer, Pope Francis urged for a peaceful solution to the Nicaragua socio-political crisis, and he said he is praying for the many victims of violence in Nigeria and in Mali.
Pope Francis also recalled the beatification on March 23 of Mariano Mullerat i Soldevila in Spain, upholding him as a model for Christians.
The Pope also recalled the Day in Memory of Missionary Martyrs which is marked on 24 March.
“During 2018,” he said, “many bishops, priests, nuns and lay faithful around the world suffered violence, while forty missionaries were killed: almost twice as many as the previous year”.
Pope Francis pointed out that it is a “duty of gratitude for the whole Church” to keep in mind this contemporary ordeal of brothers and sisters who are persecuted or killed because of their faith in Jesus. It is also a stimulus, he said, “to courageously witness our faith and our hope in Him, who on the Cross, defeated hatred and violence forever with his love”.
Pope Francis reminded the faithful that on Monday, 25 March, he will undertake a pastoral journey to Loreto, in Italy’s Marche region, where he will visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
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