CATHOLIC WORLD LAST WEEK
(CWLW)
17-23 Dec, 2018
17-12-18
Pope sharpens attack on death penalty, a ‘state crime’ 17-12-18
Pope Francis has sharpened his criticism of the death penalty, saying that previous Church teachings in support of capital punishment were “more legalistic than Christian.”
In a December 17 address to members of the International Commission against the Death Penalty, the Pope said that he ordered a change in the wording of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a way of “taking responsibility for the past” and acknowledging the flaws in past statements of Church teaching. He repeated that the death penalty is “always inadmissible.”
“The Church cannot remain neutral” on the issue of capital punishment, the Pope insisted. He argued that lethal force can only be used to stop aggression, and any other use of deadly force, such as capital punishment, “can only be considered an illegal execution, a state crime.”
Primate chosen for independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church 17-12-18
Meeting in Kiev on December 15, Ukrainian Orthodox bishops elected 39-year old Metropolitan Epifanyj of Perejasalv-Khmel'nitsky to become the primate of an autocephalous (self-governing) Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The election of the new Ukrainian Orthodox leader took place at a “Unification Council” convened under the aegis of the Patriarch of Constantinople. Earlier, Ukrainian Orthodox Church was part of the Russian Orthodox Church. The new primate will take the title of Metropolitan of Kiev.
Happy 82nd Birthday, Pope Francis! 17-12-18
Pope Francis celebrated his 82nd birthday on Monday, 17 December. The Pope chose to celebrate his birthday this year a day early, by throwing a small party for himself and a group of children who are receiving medical care from the “Santa Marta” Paediatric Dispensary inside the Vatican. The children surprised him with a huge cake and the Pope thanked them, expressing how glad he was to be with them. He greeted families and staff from the Santa Marta Dispensary.
Pope invites poor people to Christmas lunch 17-12-18
In the spirit of Christmas, Pope Francis invited a group of poor people to a lunch offered by the athletes of Italy’s military finance police, said the Office of Papal Charities.
On behalf of Pope Francis, the Office headed by the Pope’s official Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, invited the poor people to the Christmas lunch on December 18 hosted by the Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Gialle (Yellow Flames Sporting Group) at the sports centre of the Guardia di Finanza (Finance Police), at Castelporziano, close to the seaside.
Pope Francis receives Italian Prime Minister Conte, Slovakian President 15-12-18
The Italian Prime Minister was received in audience by the Pope on 15 December. They discussed issues such as social inequalities, migration, the environment, and peace. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte assumed office in June. On 14 December, the Pope received the President of Slovakia, Andrej Kiska, in audience and accepted his invitation to visit Slovakia.
In one year 52,000 displaced by violence in western Niger: UN 17-12-18
More than 52,000 people have been displaced by violence since January in western Niger, an unstable area hit by jihadist incursions near the poor west African country’s border with Mali, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said. Across the country, more than 156,000 people have been displaced, while there are more than 175,000 refugees, according to the UNHCR.
National Year of the Laity concludes in Brazil 17-12-18
The National Year of the Laity has concluded in Brazil. The year’s goal was to promote the “identity, vocation, spirituality, and mission of the laity ... recognized in their dignity as sons and daughters of God, bearers of the common grace that emanates from Baptism ... partakers of the priestly, prophetic and royal office of Christ.”
Cardinal Tagle challenges Filipino President Duterte on ‘bullying’ 16-12-18
Cardinal Luis Tagle of Manila appeared to level criticism at President Rodrigo Duterte in homily during a pre-Christmas novena (Simbahan Gabi), denouncing those who abuse positions of power. “Do not bully anyone,” the cardinal said. “Do not use your power to become rude... Your position doesn’t give you the right to destroy others.”
Man arrested for planning Christmas attack on St. Peter’s Basilica 17-12-18
A 20-year-old Somali national arrested last week in Bari on terrorism charges allegedly wanted to stage an attack at St Peter's Basilica in Rome at Christmas, according to wiretap recordings. Mohsin Ibrahim Omar, who also goes by the name Anas Khalil, is believed by DIGOS special security police in Bari to be linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) in Somalia and to be in contact with one of its operating cells. "December 25 is coming," he allegedly said in recordings contained in case documentation.
"The 25th is Christmas... the churches are full. "Let's put bombs in all the churches of Italy. Where is the biggest church? It's in Rome?," he said, according to the wiretap, apparently referring to St Peter's.
Egypt - The government of al-Sisi renovates and regulates over 500 churches 17-12-18
On the occasion of the inauguration of the national social construction plan in recent days President Abd al-Fattah al-Sisi renewed his commitment regarding the renovation of churches destroyed by the "Muslim Brotherhood": a dossier that was neglected by the previous governments. At the same time, the government is working to legalize other Christian holy buildings and is granting permits for the construction of new Coptic churches and institutes.
DR Congo - Fears are being accentuated over the vote of the 23rd December 17-12-18
The elections of December 23rd in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are at risk, where on December 13th, 8,000 electronic voting machines were destroyed following the fire that broke out in the depot where they were kept in Kinshasa. The equipment was destined to the seats of the 19 municipalities of the Congolese capital.
40 million Congolese are expected to elect on Dec 23 the Head of State, 500 deputies of the National Parliament and 715 regional deputies spread over 26 local assemblies.
In addition to the lack of the delivery of electronic voting machines, there are delays in the distribution of the electoral reports to be filled out, which are printed in South Africa and which still have to arrive in the DRC. Once they arrive in the Country, these materials must be sent to the 75,563 seats, 21,699 polling stations and 179 local centers for the writing of results disseminated on the entire territory of the DRC, a territory very poor in road infrastructure.
Bishops have reiterated that the Church does not support any candidate for the presidential elections.(20-12-18)
According to the latest information, given the delays in setting up the vote, the elections could be postponed for a week.
"The National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO) is ready to send more than 40,000 election observers. It will work closely with the other election observation missions to cover the other 35,000 polling stations.
India - Acts of vandalism in a Catholic church in Assam: alarm for Christmas 17-12-18
On December 15th some vandals entered the complex of the Catholic church of St. Thomas in the village of Chapatoli, in the diocese of Dibrugarh during the night, broke a statue and a Marian monument into pieces, damaging the crucifix and devastating the church.
The local community is in turmoil and the police have stopped two suspects. Local politicians have expressed solidarity with the Christian community, promising contributions to repair the damage. Bishop Joseph Aind, at the head of the diocese of Dibrugarh, condemned the attack and requested a thorough investigation.
"Waster India", NGO in Mumbai, has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court asking the court to invite the governments of all the Indian states to provide adequate security measures for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
Pope grants minor basilica status to 2 Philippine churches 17-12-18
The Vatican has approved a request from two Philippine dioceses to elevate two churches to minor basilica status, a privilege granted by the pope.
Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao confirmed on Dec. 16 that the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Quezon City is now a minor basilica.
Also granted the same privilege was St. John the Baptist Parish Church, also known as the Shrine of La Virgen de Milagrosa de Badoc, in Ilocos Norte province. Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag also announced in a circular in his diocese news of their church's elevation.
Corruption in Indian state concerns church leaders 17-12-18
Despite Christians forming 90 percent of Nagaland's 2 million people, the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gained political prominence and became part of the state government following an election in February, which many say was the result of alarming levels of corruption among the political leadership.
Many in political circles admit the BJP's "resourceful politics" helped to win seats, reducing the effect of the powerful Nagaland Baptist Church Council's appeal for voters to stay away from the BJP.
"Corruption is eating into the inherent virtues of simple Naga people," said Father John Kavas, principal of Don Bosco School in Kohima. The church understands that corruption is a major vice that needs to be addressed in Nagaland, he added.
The Catholic Church in Nagaland has "started educating the people, especially students, about the ills of corruption and how it affects society. In fact, it has already affected them," Father Kavas said.
Church condemns Bangladesh election violence 17-12-18
A church official has joined rights' defenders to condemn political violence ahead of Bangladesh national elections that has already left at least 10 people dead and injured many more.
The national poll for the 300-seat parliament of the Muslim-majority South Asian nation is scheduled to be held Dec. 30.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the ruling Awami League-led Grand Alliance, in power since 2008, is seeking a third consecutive term. The opposition alliance, Jatiya Oikya Front (National Unity Front) led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is vying to return to power after more than a decade.
"An election is a festival for democracy, but we cannot see any mood but fear," Father Anthony Sen, convener of Justice and Peace Commission at northern Dinajpur Catholic Diocese, said. "Violence and deaths have instilled panic among people and they fear it will intensify in the lead up to the election." The sorry state of electioneering is a result of politics of power and annihilation in the country, as well as failure of the Election Commission, the priest said.
Much will depend on whether the Election Commission can ensure the 2018 poll is seen as credible.
Intolerance in India a temporary phase, says nation's former president 17-12-18
Indians will protect the nation's religious and cultural diversity against intolerance, former Indian president Pranab Kumar Mukherjee told a Christmas gathering organized by Catholic bishops.
There were more than 500 invited guests at the Dec. 13 program in the capital, New Deli, including ministers from incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and Christian leaders.
"We are definitely going through troubled times," the former president said in a veiled reference to allegations that Modi's pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tacitly supports violent Hindu fanatics.
"Divisive tendencies, intolerance and prejudiced 'fear of the other' seem to be defining us today, but it is a temporary phase and the idea of India will prevail."
Manila prelate warns of abuse of power 17-12-18
The Catholic archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, has warned against abuse of power as he kicked off the Philippines' traditional nine-day early morning celebrations to usher in Christmas on Dec. 16.
The church leader took the opportunity to remind Filipinos against bullying and the use of "power to coerce others."
"The secret to happiness is still the same: do not belittle others," said the cardinal. "Do not bully anyone. Do not use your power to disrespect others," said the archbishop in his homily at Manila Cathedral where he celebrated the first of the nine early morning Masses (Simbang Gabi).
He did not name the President, although in recent weeks President Rodrigo Duterte said bishops should be killed for criticizing his administration, adding that one bishop had even wished him dead.
18-12-18
In World Day of Peace message, Pope bids politicians build culture of peace 18-12-18
In his message for the 52nd World Day of Peace, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of political leadership in building a culture of peace.
The text of the papal message, “Good politics is at the service of peace,” was released by the Vatican on December 18. The World Day of Peace is celebrated each year on January 1. On that day the Pontiff traditionally delivers his message to members of the Vatican diplomatic corps.
In his message for the 2019 observance, Pope Francis cautions against the temptations that can prompt political leaders to damage the cause of peace. He mentions political corruption and economic inequality, racism and fear of strangers, mistreatment of migrants, and degradation of the environment. Peace, the Pope writes, “is the fruit of a great political project grounded in the mutual responsibility and interdependence of human beings.”
Organizers of February conference tell bishops to meet abuse victims 18-12-18
The chief organizers of a February Vatican conference on sexual abuse have written to the presidents of the world’s episcopal conferences, asking them to meet abuse victims, “to learn first-hand the suffering that they have endured.” The organizing committee, which includes Cardinals Blase Cupich and Oswald Gracias, also asked the bishops’ representatives to complete a questionnaire that was designed to help prepare for the meeting. The organizers stressed the need for “a comprehensive and communal response” to the problem.
Pope appoints new editor-in-chief of L’Osservatore Romano, new director of Communications office 18-12-18
Andrea Monda is appointed the Vatican newspaper’s new editor. Monda, 52, succeeds Giovanni Maria Vian, 66, the paper’s editor-in-chief since 2007; Vian assumes the title of editor emeritus.
Pope Francis has named Andrea Tornielli as the Dicastery for Communication’s new editorial director. Tornielli coordinates La Stampa’s Vatican Insider website.
UNESCO leader meets Pope Francis, who affirms importance of humanities 18-12-18
Audrey Azoulay, director-general of the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO), met Pope Francis on December 17. Following the meeting, she said that the Pope “reaffirmed his support for UNESCO, and in particular shared our holistic vision of education, which accords a large place to humanities.”
Catholic groups raise concerns that climate rulebook not ambitious enough 18-12-18
Catholic participants and observers criticized a “lack of ambition” by government negotiators at a U.N. conference on climate change that ended Dec. 15 with agreement on a rulebook to implement the 2015 Paris climate accord.
The final document that emerged from the 24th U.N. Conference of Parties, or COP24, in Katowice, Poland, outlines a careful balance among the needs and concerns of the most developed nations, emerging nations and poor countries whose inhabitants already are experiencing the effects of climate change.
Australian bishops: find refugees a home, rather than deporting them 18-12-18
As Australians prepare to celebrate Christmas, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has implored politicians around the country to end the “intolerable situation” for refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island.
“Our politicians are rightly committed to maintaining secure borders and an orderly migration program,” said Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane, the president of the bishops’ conference. “We always need to be asking if we Australians could be more generous in the number of people in humanitarian need we receive each year as part of our orderly migration program.”
Syria - From pain to hope. The Christmas of the monastic community of Deir Mar Musa
18-12-18
Pain (alam) and hope (amal) are two words composed in Arabic "from identical letters but with a completely different meaning: two words however closely linked by a bond that manifests itself in a clear and tangible way in prayer and close to God". This is how the "Christmas letter" begins sent these days to friends, benefactors and acquaintances by the monks and nuns of Deir Mar Musa, the monastic community founded by the Roman Jesuit Paolo Dall'Oglio, who disappeared in Syria at the end of July 2013 while he was in Raqqa, at that time a stronghold of the jihadist groups at war with the governmental army of Assad. In that letter Sister Houda Fadoul, current head of the community, recalls that "true spiritual consolations come to us from God in moments of prayer", while the possibility of giving a Christian response when we ourselves are struck by pain can only flow from the imitation and companionship of Christ, when we "unite our sorrow with that of our beloved Jesus, offering it to God for a world of justice and peace".
Mexico - Security in Guerrero cannot be entrusted to armed civilians, it is urgent to create a "national police" 18-12-18
The security in the state of Guerrero cannot be left "in the hands of armed civilians", it is necessary to create a national police that is militarized, to ensure the safety of citizens: the Archbishop Leopoldo González González of Acapulco supported these statements by Governor Hector Astudillo Flores, after the emergence of the "city police" and self-defense groups on the Costa Grande. This project coincides with what was announced by the new President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador: in order to face the violence in Mexico it is necessary to create the "National Guard", composed of 50,000 elements, besides dividing the Mexican territory among 150 Security Coordinators who will work with the state police.
Myanmar commission calls for evidence of Rohingya abuse 18-12-18
Myanmar's internal commission of inquiry into rights' abuses in troubled Rakhine State against Muslim Rohingya has called on people to provide evidence of violations by Myanmar's armed forces.
Individuals, groups, witnesses and alleged victims have been called on to submit their accounts, with supporting data and evidence such as audio and video recordings as well as photographs and any relevant documentation, no later than Jan. 31, 2019.
The move has been met with skepticism from a leading rights group and Rohingya refugees who have little faith in the commission.
Christmas guards for Indonesian churches 18-12-18
Nearly 50,000 churches across Indonesia, including some previously attacked by terrorists, are to be guarded during the Christmas period.
The massive operation is to involve more than 90,000 police and soldiers and a moderate Muslim youth group will join the protection effort. National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen Dedi Prasetyo said that Christmas security this year will be focused on churches in 13 provinces, including on the main islands of Java and Sumatra as well as Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, North Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua. The deployments would be to "anticipate" possible security threats, Prasetyo added.
Among the churches to be tightly secured is the Santa Maria Church in Surabaya, East Java, that was attacked by suicide bombers on May 13.
Children's rights group commends Miss Universe winner 18-12-18
A children's rights group in Manila, Philippines, has praised this year's winner of the Miss Universe pageant, Catriona Gray, for her work with children in slums even before she won the crown.
"We highly commend her efforts in giving the world a glimpse of the heart-wrecking condition of Filipino children," read a statement from the group Salinlahi Alliance for Children's Concerns.
During the pageant coronation event on Dec. 17 in Thailand, Gray, who has been working in the slums of Manila, said that a "lack of child support, not poverty" is killing the dreams of children.
When asked what is the most important lesson she learned in life, and how she would apply it to her time as Miss Universe, the Filipina beauty said she would do her best to teach people to be "grateful."
Philippines exports priests for Christmas Masses 18-12-18
Filipino priests are being "exported" this month for the "Misa de Gallo," the traditional nine-day early morning Masses that usher in Christmas in the Philippines.
Father Roy Bellen of the Office of Communications in Manila Archdiocese said some parishes abroad, especially in the Middle East, "borrow" priests from Manila for the celebrations. "Because they know that we have this tradition, they request a Filipino priest," said Father Bellen, adding that foreign priests working with Filipino migrants "don't understand our culture."
The Misa de Gallo, which became a Filipino tradition after the arrival of Spanish colonizers about 500 years ago, is a novena of Masses from Dec. 16 to Christmas Eve.
19-12-18
Welcome God’s Christmas surprises, Pope tells audience 19-12-18
At his Wednesday general audience on December 19, Pope Francis said that celebrating Christmas entails “welcoming on earth the surprises of heaven. “The greatest surprise of all is that God himself becomes a little Child, born in humility and poverty,” he said. The Holy Father told the audience that we celebrate Christmas best “if like Joseph, we make room for silence; if, like Mary, we say ‘Here I am’ to God; if, like Jesus, we are close to those who are alone; if, like the shepherds, we go out of our enclosures to be with Jesus.”
Iran: Crackdown on Christians continues with reports of beatings 19-12-18
At least seven Iranian Christian converts have been arrested in Iran in the last two weeks, including two sisters who allegedly have been beaten.
Shima Zanganeh, 27, and her sister, Shokoufeh, 30, were arrested by Intelligence Service officials in their homes in Ahvaz, capital of Iran’s western Khuzestan province, on 2 December, reports Mohabat News. They were taken to Amanayeh security offices in Ahvaz and then transferred to Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz on Wednesday, 12 December.
The sisters appeared in court last week and were granted conditional release on a bail of 500 million tomans (approximately US $50,000) each. However, the bail was delayed because, as some said, the authorities wanted the wounds and bruises of the beatings to fade away before releasing the woman.
Kenya - Cardinal Njue: "It is urgent to speedily investigate the death of Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Njoroge Muhia 19-12-18
"We need to clarify the circumstances and reasons of the murder of Fr. John Njoroge Muhia killed on December 10th", said Cardinal Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi, during Fr. Njoroge’s funeral Mass, in what has been described as a highway robbery.
In his homily, the Cardinal hoped that "this whole matter will be handled in a transparent way" also to "give consolation to the family". Turning to the relatives of the murdered priest, Cardinal Njue said "It is not the easiest of situations when you see your son gone, we ask you to remain calm and let us all pray for him. It is not the easiest of occasions - humanly speaking, it is very weighty and painful, particularly when we hear about the circumstances under which Father Njoroge left us."
Taiwan - Small steps towards understanding the authentic meaning of Christmas 19-12-18
In Taiwan, where Christians form only 1% of the populations, Christmas causes a lot of celebration in the shops, commercial centres and hotels but without the presence of Baby Jesus. Catholics try to bring to people’s aware the meaning of Christmas even though through small events.
"During Advent we perform 'the Song of the Star', sometimes in government building or in some schools, says Fr. Giuseppe Didone, Camillian missionary in Taiwan. Now, some shops or firms call us to sing, to receive the blessing of the Child Jesus. To try to give a religious meaning of Christmas, we have replaced the figure of Santa Claus with an Angel, who distributes sweets and religious images. Even the guests of our centre for the disabled are involved in this activity: we go with them to sing even in markets, where we are warmly welcomed". The missionary says he is able to see some change in people’s understanding.
Pakistan - For Christians a Christmas under impressive security measures 19-12-18
Over 1,500 policemen are employed in the twin cities of Islamabad-Rawalpindi to guarantee the security of churches, neighbourhoods and Christian institutions, during the Christmas period. Similar provisions concern other major Pakistani cities, such as Karachi and Lahore, where terrorist threats are to be avoided. The special plan to protect the religious celebration of Christmas in Pakistan, ordered by the police authorities, is ready to be implemented, and the police units have already started to visit the churches to see the places and prepare adequate protection measures. The police also organized training sessions for volunteers serving in churches.
Iraq - Iraqi Parliament rejects the appointment of Christian Hana Emmanuel as minister for refugees and migrants 19-11-18
The House of Representatives of Iraq, called to express itself on the appointment of three ministers chosen by Premier Adel Abdul Mahdi to complete his cabinet of government, rejected the candidacy of Christian Hana Emmanuel Gorgis at the helm of the Ministry for immigration and refugees. Among the 276 deputies present at the parliamentary session, even 4 of the 5 elected representatives in the 5 parliamentary seats reserved for Christian minorities chose not to grant their trust to the Christian minister candidate because of alleged Church interference in political life.
Regarding the controversial candidacy of Ms. Hana Emmanuel Gorgis, the Chaldean Patriarchate on December 17, said, “When the Church intervenes in public affairs, it is never for private interests" and does not want to replace civil institutions, but only intends to collaborate in promoting justice and respect for the rights of every human being.
Brazil - The Baniwa women have earned the respect of the community thanks to the Church 19-11-18
In the Baniwa society, the traditional role of women was to take care of their children, their husbands, their jobs, "today things have changed, now we have the freedom to speak", says Maria Bitoca Castro, a retired teacher who belongs to the Baniwa people, one of the 23 indigenous populations who live in the Alto Río Negro region, in the diocese of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, in Brazil. The Baniwa, an ethnic group from Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia, have a population estimated at around 15,000.
Maria Bitoca explains that in the indigenous communities the role of women is very important: today, for example, there are catechist women who take care of pastoral work, something that did not exist in the past. "I think it is very important for us, women are respected by the community and they have earned respect thanks to the help of the Church", recognizes the teacher.
Australia - Bishops' appeal for Christmas: "Let's find refugees a home" 19-12-18
Archbishop of Brisbane, Mark Coleridge, President of the Australian Bishops' Conference, expressing, in the name of the Episcopate, said, “This Christmas, the Bishops ask politicians "to consider a fresh return to Canberra in the new year. We cannot afford to have the plight of refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island made even worse by making their futures the subject of bitter electoral disputation in the year ahead. Let’s find them a home."
Vatican mission oversees Chinese underground bishops stepping aside 19-12-18
A Vatican delegation has travelled to China to oversee the placement of formerly illicit bishops into dioceses that had been run by underground bishops.
The arrangements were made between a Vatican delegation led by Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli and seven former illicit bishops from the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and two underground bishops from Mindong and Shantou dioceses of eastern China respectively at a Beijing meeting on Dec. 10.
Bishop Zhan Silu said that he and six other former illicit bishops would become bishops of their respective dioceses. According to China's state-run Global Times on Dec. 14, Bishop Guo Xijin of the underground church community of Mindong, in Fujian province, promised to take up a post as an auxiliary bishop. He would stand aside for Bishop Zhan who will become the diocesan bishop.
The underground and government-sanctioned churches in Mindong would merge following the handover.
Indian court refuses to quash sedition case against Jesuit 19-12-18
The top court in India's Maharashtra state has refused to quash a case against an 82-year-old Jesuit rights' activist priest accused of aiding a banned Maoist movement.
The Bombay High Court rejected the application of Father Stanislaus Lourdusamy to quash the case, with the bid to have charges dropped based on a contention that he continues to be only a suspect until investigations are complete, church officials said quoting court documents they received Dec 17.
Charges against the priest, including sedition, were filed under stringent laws covering the prevention of so-called 'anti-national activities'.
In August this year, Maharashtra state police raided homes of nine human rights activists, including that of the priest, linking them with a January 2018 violent clash between socially poor Dalits formerly known as 'untouchables' and upper caste Hindus in the state's Bhima Koregaon village.
Police suspect the incident, which killed one person and injured at least 30 policemen, was aided by Maoists involved in subversive activities. Police also linked the nine rights workers with a public meeting, held in the state's Pune city Dec. 31, 2017, before violent clashes occurred. Five of them were put under house arrest. The other four, including the priest, have not yet been arrested.
Police have said they are also investigating whether there was involvement by the rights workers in a plot to kill Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Father Lourdusamy has been convener of an organization called Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee and prisoners in Jharkhand include arrested Maoists.
In September, he described the case against him as "a complete concoction and absolute falsehood."
The priest has sought to create awareness among tribal and Dalit people on their rights over their land and underground minerals. The priest complained that as well as having a case of sedition foisted on him, authorities were now trying to link him to banned organizations.
Church leaders seek justice for slain Indian journalist 19-12-18
Catholic and other church leaders have joined journalists and rights' groups in demanding a detailed investigation into the murder of an investigative reporter – a tribal Christian – in India's eastern Jharkhand state.
The body of Amit Topno, who extensively covered a local tribal resistance movement, was found under a bridge near the state's capital, Ranchi, Dec. 9. An autopsy found that he had been shot through the head, media reports stated. No one had been arrested as of Dec. 19.
"We want a free and fair investigation into his murder," said Father Davis Solomon, a Jesuit social worker based in Ranchi. "He was particularly active in digging out corruption in villages of the state where his work was focused."
Aceh cancels New Year parties 19-12-18
Aceh, the only province in Indonesia that applies Shariah, says its traditional ban on New Year's Eve celebrations will be enforced more strictly this year, including in hotels.
Aminullah Usman, mayor of Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, said letters have been sent out warning people "not to hold parties, set off fireworks, and blow horns" on New Year's Eve. "These practices are not in accordance with Islamic Shariah law," he said on Dec. 18. Usman said, they would allow religious activities for non-Muslims, including Christians who can hold Masses.
Indian Christians seek Christmas protection 19-12-18
Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been asked to ensure police protection for Christians in the lead-up to Christmas amid fears of attacks by hard-line Hindu militants.
The ecumenical Christian group Persecution Relief has sent a letter on 14 Dec. to Singh making the request and backing it up with a list of violent incidents during past Christmas periods.
Indian Christians seek Christmas protection 19-12-18
Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been asked to ensure police protection for Christians in the lead-up to Christmas amid fears of attacks by hard-line Hindu militants.
The ecumenical Christian group Persecution Relief has sent a letter to Singh making the request and backing it up with a list of violent incidents during past Christmas periods. "There is high tension, unrest and a sense of deep insecurity among the Christian minority community during this season," stated the Dec. 14 letter requesting the deployment of police personnel at Christian churches and institutions across India. "There have been many occasions where churches, Christian institutions and Christian homes were attacked by anti-Christian, right-wing religious fanatics."
The persecution of Christians, who comprise just 2.3 per cent of India's 1.3 billion population, increased after the BJP came to power federally in May 2014.
20-12-18
Bishops of Madagascar call for peaceful, transparent election 20-12-18
The Bishops of Madagascar call for “wisdom, maturity and a sense of duty” as voters go to the polls in a presidential run-off in the African island nation.
The voting on December 19 Wednesday morning will decide the next president of Madagascar. The two men looking to lead the country are both formers presidents. Marc Ravalomanana was elected in 2002, but was ousted in 2009 after protests led by Andry Rajoelina, who assumed the role of president.
As the country goes to the ballot box, the Bishops Conference of Madagascar have stated: "To go to the polls is a duty for every citizen”, they asked everyone to “make a free choice, according to conscience". The Bishops also call on the representatives of all institutions to "do everything possible to promote truth and transparency in the management of election results” in the interests of credibility and peace.
The Madagascar Bishops underline the importance of having a new president who is a reconciler and re-unifier and one who will be a leader to all the people in the country.
With reservations, Holy See officially welcomes global migration compact 20-12-18
On December 19, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement expressing the Holy See’s official position on the recently adopted ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.’
However, he spoke against the inclusion of terminology, principles and guidelines which tend to undermine the intergovernmental nature of the process and the transparency needed to reach consensus. He clarified that We do not consider abortion, access to abortion, or access to abortifacients as part of “sexual and reproductive health” and “sexual and reproductive health-care services.” He also added the clarification “The Holy See understands the term "gender" as grounded in biological sexual identity, male or female.”
Nadia Murad, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner, meets Pope Francis 20-12-18
Pope Francis gave audience to Nadia Murad, the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner. Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi human rights activist, was held captive for three months as the Islamic State swept across Iraq in 2014. She is the author of “The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State.”
India - The Archbishop of Bangalore: at Christmas, less expenses for celebrations and more attention to the poor 20-12-18
"It is urgent to listen to the voice of the poor, to share and to alleviate his suffering. Our love for the poor and the marginalized will lead us to receive the blessings of the Lord": said the Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka, in southern India.
The Archbishop asked the communities to pay more attention towards those who have become homeless and have lost everything because of natural disasters, and has asked parish priests to avoid huge expenses for religious celebrations, and instead save money in favour of the poor. "Jesus Christ was born among the poor and the defenceless in a stable in Bethlehem", he recalled.
The Archdiocese has already raised over 141 million dollars for flood victims in the Kodagu district, in the state of Karnataka, devastated by the floods, together with Kerala, in August.
Brazil - Devastating fire in Manaus: diocese and parishes to the rescue of those who have lost everything 20-12-18
On Monday 17 December evening, a serious fire broke out in the Educandos district, in the southern part of the city of Manaus, which destroyed around 600 houses in the district. People had to leave their homes without being able to take anything, to be safe in the face of the rapid spread of fire. After more than four hours of intense work, the firefighters managed to control the fire.
The Redemptorist priests of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help immediately started to welcome the victims of the tragedy to the church, as did other churches and adjacent schools. In addition to the parish, the Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida has also launched a campaign to raise aid for families. The Archdiocese of Manaus also called for a gesture of solidarity with the parishes and mission areas, joining the efforts of Caritas Manaus to help the victims of this tragedy.
Genetically edited twins and the issue of 'superhumans' 20-12-18
The claimed creation of the world's first genetically edited babies — twin girls in China — has stirred debate amid profound ethical and spiritual implications.
This includes conflicting views on the desirability or otherwise of a future with so called "superhumans" bred with disease resistance and other perceived advantages. One fear is that such predestination would overwhelmingly only be available to the rich and influential. The poor, meanwhile, would continue to be subject to the whims of nature, including congenital defects and susceptibility to maladies.
The disclosure sparked an international furore. However, Father Joseph Tham, a professor in the school of bioethics at the Catholic Church's Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, said he was not surprised by the news as such a case of genetic editing was going to happen sooner or later.
Many matters of concern will arise in the form of ethical issues, he warned. For example, there is the question of what happens to the embryo as an experimental product after it has been modified.
Father Tham also stressed that the Catholic Church's position is that embryos should not be used as an "experimental product."
Myanmar bishop to visit internally displaced 20-12-18
A Catholic bishop in Myanmar's troubled Kachin State is planning Christmas visits to camps for people displaced by violent clashes between rebels and government forces.
Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam said he aims to give moral support to those in internally displaced person's (IDP) camps. "I'm going to give the message of holiness and patience to the IDPs who have longed to return to their homes after getting peace," Bishop Gam said.
State bans Christmas in parts of China, Santa included 20-12-18
As Christmas approaches, officials in China have requested strict controls on festive celebrations as the country continues its crackdown on religions at the end of a year that has seen stepped-up persecution of Christians. Shops and street vendors alike are reportedly being banned from selling wares considered "controversial" by the state in various parts of the country.
Meanwhile, some underground churches — including those organized at people's homes, and others not sanctioned by the officially atheist, communist government — have been warned not to hold any gatherings. People have been instructed to "clear away all Christmas stickers, banners, signs, light-box advertisements and other related promotional items."
Indonesian Church slams funeral cross desecration 20-12-18
Indonesian Church leaders have strongly condemned a requirement that resulted in the removal of the upper part of a burial cross for a dead Catholic before he could be buried in a public cemetery in Yogyakarta.
The stipulation was a result of protests against the cross from Muslims. Semarang Archdiocese condemned the incident in a Dec. 19 statement, calling it "a violation of the constitution that contradicts the state's ideology of Pancasila" which respects diversity.
According to Semarang Archdiocese' Commission for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, the upper part of Sugihardi's burial cross was cut off before he was allowed to be buried on Dec. 17 because Muslim groups claimed the cemetery was a special one for Muslims. And the wife of the deceased was forced to sign a letter of approval drafted by the Muslim chiefs.
Father Paulus Christian Siswantoko, executive secretary of the Bishops' Commission for the Laity called the affair another example of "growing and deepening religious intolerance" in Indonesia.
Pakistan education religious bias claimed 20-12-18
New research by a bishop's commission reveals that there is an over-emphasis on religion in Pakistan's education system, often with a bias against non-Muslims.
"Subjects like social studies and languages have almost 40 percent religious material which non-Muslim students have to study," according to the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), the Catholic Church's human rights body in Pakistan. "Except Islam, no other religion or its concepts, are part of education policy."
As well as being communally divisive, this approach to education in the provinces was detrimental to improving literacy levels. The NCJP research found that non-Muslim religions were often referred to in a pejorative way and some teaching material included religious bias, hatred and the citing of historical facts out of context.
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Pope vows action on abuse, decries divisions in Church, in address to Roman Curia 21-12-18
Pope Francis renewed his promise to root out sexual abuse, and at the same time warned against divisions in the Church, in a December 21 address to leaders of the Roman Curia.
“Let us be clear that before these abominations the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whosoever has committed such crimes,” the Pope said of sexual abuse. He insisted: “That must never happen again.” He said he “would like to give heartfelt thanks” to honest reporters who “sought to unmask these predators and to make their victims’ voice heard.”
Pope Francis went on to look across the past year, in which he remarked that “the barque of the Church has experienced—and continues to experience—moments of difficulty, and has been buffeted by strong winds and tempests.” Among these difficulties the Pope listed first the plight of immigrants, and went on to decry the bloodshed spilled in many conflicts around the world and the plight of Christians suffering for their faith. He then turned to problems within the Church, saying that the world’s sorrows should not “make us overlook the counter-witness and the scandal given by some sons and ministers of the Church.”
The Pope said that the Church suffers from another internal affliction, marked by those who “betray their vocation, their sworn promise, their mission and their consecration to God and the Church.” Without specifically naming names or listing offenses, he explained that he was thinking of those who “sow weeds, division, and bewilderment.” He said that these people, who included bishops, are subject to the influence of “the Great Accuser” who “brings division, sows discord, insinuates enmity, persuades God’s children and causes them to doubt.”
He also added that the year 2018 had seen a successful Synod on young people, progress toward Vatican reform, the addition of new saints to the Church calendar, and the witness of countless faithful priests, religious, and lay Catholics.
To be happy, be holy, Pope tells Vatican employees 21-12-18
In a December 21 audience with Vatican employees and their families, Pope Francis said that he wishes for them “to be holy, to be happy.” He cited the adage of Leon Bloy that “the only great tragedy in life is not to be a saint.” The Pope said that happiness is found in sanctity, and cautioned employees against gossip at work, saying that it causes sadness.
Cameroon - The auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda kidnapped twice by separatists 21-12-18
"They threatened that they’re going to kill us", said Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi, the auxiliary of Bamenda, in the English-speaking part of Cameroon, who was detained twice this month by armed groups.
On 5 December he attempted to travel from Bamenda, the capital of the North West region, to Kumba, 170 kilometres to the south west, intending to celebrate mass. However, on the road near Batibo his car was stopped and held up by a group describing itself as the “Amba Boys”. "They saw that I was a Roman Catholic bishop, but they were not willing to listen to me, they demanded my phone and the phones of my driver and his brother," he said.
The next day the bishop once again encountered an armed group on the road towards Buea. He was due to celebrate mass on 7 December.
He had been warned that a group of nuns also had difficulties on the road. Nevertheless, Bishop Bibi went ahead with his journey because he was "doing missionary work".
South Korea - Cardinal Yeom: "At Christmas, let's build peace in Korea" 21-12-18
"The word peace was the most important topic in our lives in this year. Who should be the first to respond to the human desire for peace, full-blown peace with God’s orders, grounded with love and justice? We Christians are called to be the first peace builders in this world". This is what Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop of Seoul, said in the message sent to his community for Christmas.
Syria - A "Roofless Crib" in Damascus 21-12-18
This year the task of preparing the Christmas crib in the Cathedral of Damascus was given to the young who had started meeting together after 8 years of violence and dispersion. In the representation of the Nativity, the figures of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and Child Jesus in the manger are exposed outdoors, and are not covered by the roof of a stable or a hut. As an explanation, the young people say: a crib without a roof represents the 13,000,000 Syrian refugees who are homeless and have no roof of their own. The child Jesus is one of them.
Pakistan - Christmas, an opportunity to share the love of God and promote peace and interreligious harmony 21-12-18
The Christian faithful in Pakistan take the opportunity of Christmas to share the feelings of joy and peace with the Muslim communities. "The Church in Pakistan is fully committed to promoting social and interreligious harmony", explains Bishop Samson Shukardin, who is at the head of the Catholic diocese of Hyderabad.
"It is our mission to reach out to our neighbours to share the love of God, the love that Christ, born in this world, gives us". The birth of Jesus brings love, joy, hope and peace. It is up to us to bring this message of love, joy, hope and peace to every human being during this Christmas season", continues the Bishop.
Argentina - The Bishops to President Macri: the social situation is worrying 21-12-18
The concern of the Argentine Church for the social situation of the country and for the increase of "new divisions in society" was expressed by the Executive Commission of the Argentinian Episcopal Conference (CEA) to President Mauricio Macri, during the usual meeting to exchange Christmas greetings, which took place on 20 December at the Government building.
Vatican and Vietnam to upgrade ties 21-12-18
Vatican and Vietnamese officials have agreed to upgrade relations through the appointment in the near future of a permanent papal representative to Hanoi.
A Vatican delegation for a Dec. 18-20 visit, during which the agreement was reached, was led by Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, under-secretary for relations with states.
One of the aims of the talks was to help resolve bitter disputes over confiscated church properties.
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