CATHOLIC WORLD LAST WEEK
(CWLW)
22-24 Apr, 2019
22-4-19
Pope Francis’s Easter Message ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (To the City and the World) 21-4-19
“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Easter!”, Pope Francis said from the loggia of the blessings (central balcony) of St. Peter’s Basilica. “Today the Church renews the proclamation made by the first disciples: ‘Jesus is risen!’ And from mouth to mouth, from heart to heart, there resounds a call to praise: ‘Alleluia, Alleluia!’”
He prayed that the Risen Christ be the hope for the Syrian people, victims of ongoing conflict, Lebanon and Jordan facing refugee-influx, the Middle East, torn by continuing divisions and tensions, particularly Israel and Palestine, Libya with its defenceless people forced to leave their homes, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon and Sudan with its recent political uncertainty, the civil and religious authorities of South Sudan waiting to open a new chapter in the history of their country, Ukraine whose people are suffering because of conflict, the American continent experiencing difficult political and economic situations and Nicaraguan people waiting for peace.
He had a special word concerning Sri Lanka, that had some of its churches and hotels victimized by fanatics with deadly bombs:
“It is with sorrow and heartache that I received the news of the grave attacks that today, the very day of Easter, have brought grief and sorrow to several churches and other gathering places in Sri Lanka. I wish to show my heartfelt closeness to the Christian community, struck while gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence. I entrust to the Lord those who were tragically killed and I pray for the wounded and all those suffering from this tragic event.”
Before the many sufferings of our time, may the Lord of life not find us cold and indifferent, the Pontiff said. He added: Christ is hope and youth for each of us and the for the entire world.
Dear brothers and sisters, Christ is alive! He is hope and youth for each of us and for the entire world. May we let ourselves be renewed by him! Happy Easter!
Arab nations, Al Azhar condemn Sri Lanka blasts 21-4-19
A number of Arab nations and Al Azhar Islamic institution in Cairo condemned the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka that killed more than 200 people.
Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have denounced the “terrorist explosions’ and offered consolences to the families of the victims and people of Sri Lanka.
In Cairo, Al-Azhar, the Sunni Muslim world's foremost religious institution, also condemned the "terrorist" attacks. "I cannot imagine a human being could target the peaceful on their celebration day," said Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the institution's grand imam. "Those terrorists' perverted disposition goes against the teachings of all religions," he said in comments published on Al-Azhar's Twitter account. "I pray that God grants patience to the families of the casualties and recovery to the injured," added Sheikh Tayeb.
Two Muslim groups in Sri Lanka and the secretary general of the world's largest organisation of Muslim nations also issued statements condemning the attacks.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's chief Yousef al-Othaimeen described them as "cowardly attacks" that targeted innocent worshippers and civilians. Some 57 nations are part of the OIC, which is headquartered in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea city of Jeddah.
The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka says it mourns the loss of innocent people in the blasts by extremists who seek to divide religious and ethnic groups. The All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama a body of Muslim clerics, says targeting Christian places of worship cannot be accepted.
Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar signed a landmark document, “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.”
Venezuela’s Maduro pays tribute to ‘rebel Christ’ as cardinal urges him to welcome US humanitarian aid (Breitbart) 22-4-19
On Good Friday, Venezuela’s Socialist strongman tweeted, “The rebel Christ who never bowed to the Roman Empire and who gave his life for our salvation, in his teachings we get the strength to continue building a prosperous Venezuela.”
Cambodia’s small Church announces 294 baptisms on Easter night 22-4-19
Buddhism is the official religion of the Southeast Asian nation of 16.4 million. 97% of Cambodians are Buddhist, and 2% are Muslim.
‘Islamic State’ kills 35 Syrian fighters in ‘comeback’ attack 20-4-19
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Saturday that the "Islamic State" (IS) jihadi group killed at least 35 Syrian government soldiers and allied fighters in attacks over the past two days. According to the monitoring group, four senior army officers were among the dead.
Security analysts say "Islamic State" continues to be a potent fighting force.
On feast of St George, Pope gives Rosaries to young people 22-4-19
On his Name Day (George), Pope Francis (originally Jorge Bergoglio) donated — through the Office of Papal Charities — six thousand Rosaries from World Youth Day to young people from the Archdiocese of Milan. The youth were going to take part in a Mass celebrated in St Peter’s Basilica on 23 April by Milan’s Archbishop, Mario Delpini.
Pope recalls 70th anniversary of first papal TV appearance 22-4-19
Pope Pius XII appeared on television on Easter Sunday in 1949. “Venerable Pius XII spoke to the viewers of French TV, underlining how the gazes of the Successor of Peter and those of the faithful could meet through a new means of communication,” Pope Francis said at the Urbi et Orbi message on Easter day.
Pope exchanges greetings with the Chief Rabbi of Rome 22-4-19
Pope Francis wished Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni a joyous Passover: “May the God of mercy accompany you with his blessing and grant you peace and harmony.” The Chief Rabbi, in turn, offered “cordial wishes for [Easter] joy, serenity and health, for consolidation and beneficial relations of friendship and collaboration. May your prayers for good be heard.”
Punjab leader praises Christians’ contribution to society as government recognizes Easter Monday as holiday 22-4-19
In Pakistan, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has greeted the Christian community on Easter.
“The Christian community is peace loving and we respect them and share their joys,” he said. He said Easter is the time to guide the humanity to welfare of humanity and promote pious qualities. “Islam teaches us to respect Hazrat Essa (AS) (Jesus) as this is part of our faith. Brotherhood, harmony and forgiving are teachings of Hazrat Essa (AS),” he said. Buzdar said the Christian community has rendered valuable service for the development and progress of Pakistan - and in education and humanitarian service too.
Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ijaz Alam has felicitated the Christian community on Easter and said the government has announced holiday on Monday (April 22) for Christians.
Sri Lanka - Colombo Cardinal condemns bombs attacks in Sri Lanka 21-4-19
Colombo -- The Archbishop of Colombo, Albert Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, condemned the deadly attacks on churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday (April 21) in a series of bomb blasts that claimed at least 290 lives and leaving more than 500 people injured.
The police said that it was the worst violence to hit the island since its devastating civil war ended a decade ago in 2009. Cardinal Ranjit urged Sri Lankans not to "take the law into their own hands" after a series of explosions targeting churches and people hotels. "I condemn, to the utmost of my capacity, this act which has caused so much death and suffering," he said.
He also urged people to donate blood to help the injured and pray for their speedy recovery. It is so sad, so tragic and shocking. The dastardly attack was mainly on Christians in Churches and others in hotels.
One of the explosions was at St. Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic church in Kochcikade, Colombo, a tourist landmark. A second blast hit St Sebastian's Church during Easter Mass, killing dozens. Pictures from the site showed bodies on the ground, blood on the church pews and a destroyed roof.
Soon after the first two church blasts, police confirmed that the Zion church in the east coast town of Batticaloa had been hit, along with three high-end hotels in the capital - the Cinnamon Grand, the Shangri-La and the Kingsbury. Later in the afternoon, two people died in a strike at a hotel in the south of Colombo, and a suicide bomber killed three police officers as they raided a house in a northern suburb of the city.
There were fears the attacks could spark a renewal of communal violence, with police reporting late on Sunday there had been a petrol bomb attack on a mosque in the northwest and arson attacks on two shops owned by Muslims in the west.
In the meantime, the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC) Charles Cardinal Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, sent a letter of solidarity and condolence to Cardinal Ranjith on 21 April in the wake of the serial bomb blasts that rocked the island nation. The head of 19 Episcopal Conferences of Asia also stated, “I also extend the prayers of Brother Bishops and Faithful of all member countries of the FABC.”
In the years since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009, there has been some sporadic violence, with members of the majority Buddhist Sinhala community attacking mosques and Muslim-owned properties. That led to a state of emergency being declared in March 2018.
Theravada Buddhism is Sri Lanka’s biggest religion, making up about 70.2% of the population, according to the most recent census. It is the religion of Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese majority.
Hindus and Muslims make up 12.6% and 9.7% of the population respectively. Sri Lanka is also home to about 1.5 million Christians, according to the 2012 census, the vast majority of them Roman Catholic.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government imposed a nationwide curfew after the blasts that also left 500 wounded. The curfew was lifted on Monday but schools and colleges remained closed on Monday and Tuesday. Soldiers armed with automatic weapons stood guard outside major hotels and the World Trade Center in the business district.
The news came hours after it was revealed that an improvised bomb discovered at the main airport in Colombo had been defused.
Among the 32 foreigners killed were British, US, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Portuguese and Japanese..
The attacks were mostly targeted at high-end hotels in the capital and churches where worshippers were attending Easter services.
According to reports, Sri Lanka's police chief Pujuth Jayasundara issued an intelligence alert to top officers 10 days ago, warning that suicide bombers planned to hit "prominent churches".
"A foreign intelligence agency has reported that the NTJ (National Thowheeth Jama'ath) is planning to carry out suicide attacks targeting prominent churches as well as the Indian high commission in Colombo," the alert said. The NTJ is a radical Muslim group in Sri Lanka that was linked last year to the vandalisation of Buddhist statues. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged that "information was there" about possible attacks and that an investigation would look into "why adequate precautions were not taken".
India's Dalit Christians may come in from the cold 22-4-19
Ending the denial of social welfare benefits to Dalit Christians, who hail from a group formerly known as untouchables, is among the undertakings given during campaigning for India's national parliamentary election.
For almost seven decades, political parties have ignored the demands of Christians of Dalit origin for welfare measures enjoyed by others, particularly Hindus. "This has been a long-pending demand of the Catholic Church and we are happy some political parties are now raising this issue and making this part of their election manifestos," said Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary-general of the Indian bishops' conference.
He was referring in part to a statement by Chandra Babu Naidu, chief minister of India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh, who told representatives of various churches that he would end discrimination based on religion. Naidu has been consistent in supporting Dalit Christians, but some critics see his latest statement as a ploy to weaken political rival Jagan Mohan Reddy, who enjoys the support of many Christian Dalits.
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A non-binding resolution was passed in the state legislature on Feb. 6 asking the federal government to respond positively to Dalit Christians' demand for welfare benefits. Naidu's regional party is an ally of the Indian National Congress party, archrival of Prime minister Narendra Modi's pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has been accused of ignoring Dalit demands on the welfare issue since it came to power nationally in 2014.
Bishop Mascarenhas, in relation to Naidu's offer, sounded a note of caution, stating that equality rather than special provisions was being sought. "All we want is security and dignity as equal citizens of the country as guaranteed in the constitution."
India's constitution provides for the uplifting of socially and economically weak sections of the population by allowing quotas in jobs and educational institutions as well as direct financial support for students.
But Christians of Dalit origin are denied many benefits on grounds that their religion does not follow the Hindu caste system.
The discrimination began in 1950 when a presidential order lifted restrictions of benefits to Hindu Dalits. In 1956 Dalit Sikhs were added and in 1990 benefits were extended to Dalit Buddhists, although these religions also speak for an egalitarian society without caste. A petition challenging the presidential order of 1950 has been pending in the Supreme Court since 2011. The court is examining whether these benefits should be extended to Christians and Muslims of Dalit origin.
The Indian National Congress party and its allies are working to unseat the BJP government in New Delhi in a seven-phase election that began on April 11 and is scheduled to conclude on May 9.
Pope Francis and Catholics in Asia stand together with suffering Sri Lanka 22-4-19
Pope Francis and religious leaders across Asia have expressed their Christian unity and condolences after the terror attacks in Sri Lanka that killed more than 300 people on Easter Sunday.
The pope used his Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi address to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square in Rome to speak about the bombings of churches and hotels that devastated the island nation. "I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence," he said. "I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event.
“I wish to express my heartfelt closeness to the Christian community [of Sri Lanka], wounded as it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence.”
In Pakistan, which has suffered many similar attacks on Christians, that too on Easter day, the Centre for Legal Aid and Assistance (CLAAS), a non-profit law firm which takes up cases of persecuted Christians, is holding a protest on April 22 against terrorism. “Humanity died this Sunday. Satan is using religion in terrorism,” said CLAAS national director Joseph Francis.
In a joint statement on behalf of Pakistan’s National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), Archbishop Joseph Arshad (chairman), Father Emmanuel Yousaf (national director) and Cecil Shane Chaudhry (executive director) said the attacks were evidence of a rising tide of extremism and radicalization all over the world. Governments need to improve security measures specifically for worship places. Easter Masses around Pakistan were cut short following the attacks.
Christian and Muslim leaders in Indonesia have condemned the attacks across Sri Lanka.
Bishop Dominikus Saku of Atambua, chairman of the Indonesian bishops’ Commission for Justice and Peace, called the bombings “brutal attacks.” The prelate urged Asian nations to improve their security standards, particularly in places of worship and public facilities, to prevent similar attacks.
Anwar Abbas, secretary-general of the Indonesian Ulema Council, called on Sri Lankan police to immediately bring the perpetrators of such “inhumane crimes” to court.
In the Philippines, Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon said the attacks were "extremely evil" and "blasphemous" because they happened on Easter Sunday. So too did Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamiz in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao and Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga
Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the archbishop of Bombay, said the Church in India is “deeply saddened and pained” by the attacks. He said that he had phoned Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo and offered “the prayerful solidarity of the Church in India.” Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary-general of the Indian bishops’ conference, said the violence in Sri Lanka “affects and pains everyone in India.” Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal said the attackers have neither religion nor a god.
Holy Cross Father Liton H. Gomes, secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh, condemned the “brutal, heinous act of terror.”
Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul sent a condolence letter to Sri Lankan Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo on April 22.
In Muslim-majority Malaysia, the Council of Churches of Malaysia issued a statement condemning the atrocity as it warned of forces around the world attempting to promote intolerance.
In Myanmar, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon said he felt “sincere anguish at this tragedy that has taken a toll on scores of innocent human lives on the very day when we celebrate world over the victory of life and goodness over death and evil.” So too did Bishop Alexander Pyone Cho of Pyay.
In Thailand, Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, the archbishop of Bangkok, sent a letter of condolence to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka expressing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand’s “deep sorrow and spiritual solidarity with your priests, religious and all Sri Lankan faithful.”
Pakistan farmers reel from flash floods 22-4-19
Caritas Pakistan has surveyed flood-affected villages in the wake of Holy Week storms, that killed 29 people and caused extensive crop and other damage, in order to respond to urgent needs.
An estimated 150,000 tonnes of wheat were destroyed. Wheat is the most important staple food in Pakistan and it is grown by 80 percent of the country's farmers.
Media reports say the tempest struck southern and central Punjab province on Palm Sunday, April 14, with torrential rain and strong winds lasting for three days.
Caritas teams have been conducting an initial rapid assessment in four dioceses and one apostolic prefecture. Caritas disaster management teams are helping to identify loses and list the most affected families in order to efficiently provide emergency relief. The Caritas teams are coordinating responses with district government officials, other non-government organizations and local business communities.
Pope Francis’ Remarks at Easter Monday Regina Coeli 22-4-19
Pope Francis prayed the Regina Coeli on Easter Monday (Italy calls it the Easter of the Angel) with the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He offered a reflection, recalling the Easter joy that continues this week.
The Resurrection of Christ is the most shocking event in human history, attesting to the victory of God’s Love over sin and death and giving our hope of life a rock-solid foundation. What was humanly unthinkable happened: “Jesus of Nazareth…God raised Him up, freeing Him from the pains of death”.
Pope gives chocolate egg to the poor 23-4-19
On April 23, the feast of St. George (and his name day), Pope Francis gave a 20-kilogram chocolate egg to the poor who were dining at a Caritas soup kitchen in Rome. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, brought the gift.
Venezuelans return to religion 23-4-19
“Buffeted by political and humanitarian crises, one of Latin America’s least religious countries, Venezuela, is turning to faith,” according to a report. One parish priest in the nation’s capital said, “All my Masses are full, which has never happened before.”
In Bangladesh, Easter celebrated as national holiday for first time in 30 years 23-4-19
After 30 years, Bangladeshi Christians celebrated Easter as a holiday this year. Sunday is not a holiday in Bangladesh.
India’s Supreme Court to consider whether women may pray in mosques 23-4-19
In 2018, India’s high court ruled that a Hindu temple could not bar women of menstruating age from entering. “Patriarchy in religion cannot be permitted to trump over element of pure devotion borne out of faith and the freedom to practice and profess one’s religion,” the chief justice wrote in his ruling. Now, India’s Supreme Court is going to consider whether women may pray in mosques.
Australia - "Evil will not have the last word": Church in prayer for the victims of the attacks in Sri Lanka 23-4-19
"Attacks like these always represent something atrocious, but even more so when the target is the faithful who are celebrating the Resurrection. We don't know who planned the explosions or what the reason might have been. But we want to emphasize that, whoever is responsible, this attack has something demonic in its planning and execution. We also know that acts of violence such as these will not have the last word. This is what Easter teaches us. "It is what Archbishop Mark Coleridge, President of the Australian Bishops' Conference, said following the series of suicide bombings that struck Sri Lanka on 21 and 22 April 2019.
Bishops call for restraint after Sri Lanka terror attacks 23-4-19
Catholic bishops have urged Sri Lankans to stay calm and act with prudence and restraint following the Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 300 people.
After the death toll rose to 310, April 23 was declared a national day of mourning and the country observed three minutes of silence at 8.30 a.m. as a tribute to victims of the terrorist attacks.
The government has blamed a local Islamist group called National Thowheeth Jama'ath for the suicide bombings that hit three churches and three upmarket hotels packed with tourists. It believes the group was helped by an international network. Meanwhile Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks in retaliation of the attacks on two mosques in New Zealand. More than 500 people were hospitalized after Sri Lanka’s worst violence since its civil war ended in 2009.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka said it expects the government to conduct an immediate inquiry and urged citizens to remain calm. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said he was concerned that authorities had not acted immediately after receiving prior information of possible terror attacks. He also urged citizens not to harm any person of any other religious faith.
The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka called on the Christian community to remain calm and refrain from being misled by rumors during this time of crisis. It also urged the government and security forces to take all steps necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice.
All Catholic-run schools in Sri Lanka have been closed until April 29 as a precaution due to the security situation.
Myanmar cardinal steps up fight to stop dam 23-4-19
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has made a passionate plea to all stakeholders to stop any effort to dam the Irrawaddy River.
In a video message marking Myanmar’s New Year on April 17, he appealed to Myanmar and Chinese leaders not to resume the stalled Myitsone Dam project. “We are deeply concerned and worried. There are signs that extreme pressure is being brought on our leaders to restart the Myitsone Dam,” Cardinal Bo said. “Millions stand to lose their livelihoods. Environmental and economic catastrophes are already predicted by the scientific community.”
Filipino prelate admits Church's failure to instill morals 23-4-19
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan has admitted that Philippine church leaders have failed to educate the conscience of Catholics, especially on social issues.
He cited as proof the large number of Catholics who blindly believe the government's claim that the bloody war on drugs is for law and order. The bishop claims to have received death threats after criticizing the war against illegal drugs launched by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.
Bishop David said the biggest lie in the anti-narcotics war is its claim that the killings, which have reportedly claimed the lives of about 30,000 people, are meant to eradicate illegal drugs. He said the lies are accompanied by a systematic operation that includes blocking access to justice for families of drug war victims and the use of social media to lay the false foundations for the campaign.
Speaking during a conference in Manila via video from an undisclosed location on April 22 due to "security concerns," Bishop David reminded Filipinos that "if people can compartmentalize their faith, then [church leaders] failed in education."
Catholic villagers choke on Thailand's deadly smog 23-4-19
In a remote hillside village in the mountainous Mae Taeng district of Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand, the air was once crisp and clear with the scent of pines and wild flowers wafting in the breeze. Only wood smoke from hearths in bamboo shacks and outdoor cooking fires fouled the air here and there.
But now for weeks on end a thick haze has been blanketing this hamlet of ethnic Karen tribes people. The Catholic villagers, most of whom eke out meager livings as subsistence farmers, have found themselves caught up in an unfolding environmental calamity. Surprisingly, in nearby Chiang Mai, a historic city nestled in the foothills of undulating mountain ranges, the miasma of toxic air has been even worse.
Easter party cuts across religious divide in India 23-4-19
Some 3,000 people including Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs joined Christians this year in celebrating Easter at an event in central India's Bhopal city aimed at promoting religious tolerance.
Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal was the main organizer of the inter-religious gathering in the capital of Madhya Pradesh state on Easter Sunday.
"Religious fanaticism is not restricted to one country, but has now become a major concern for peace-loving people across the globe, irrespective of their religion," he told the gathering.
Gyani Dilip Singh, a prominent Sikh, said a pall of gloom descended upon the gathering as they learned about the series of explosions that rocked Colombo on Easter Sunday, targeting three churches and some hotels taking a toll of over 310 lives and injuring more than 500. "After we heard the news of the terror attacks, we decided to tone down the Easter program a bit," said Father Maria Stephen, the archdiocesan public relations officer.
Nonetheless, Archbishop Cornelio said he was "greatly pleased" to see politicians, religious leaders and members of the public participate with "great enthusiasm" at his invitation to "share our joy of Easter."
Heritage churches closed following Philippine earthquake 23-4-19
Several old churches in Pampanga province have been closed following a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the northern Philippines on April 22. At least 11 people have been reported killed while 24 others were missing, most of whom were residents of the town of Porac.
The Archdiocesan Committee on Church Heritage in San Fernando, about 80 kilometers north of the capital Manila, announced that all heritage churches were closed to the public. The committee said no activities would be allowed inside the churches, which will be cordoned off.
Among the structures reportedly damaged by the earthquake was the bell tower of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in the town of Porac. Also reported damaged was the belfry of San Agustin Parish Church in Lubao. Cracks were also reported to have appeared in the ceiling of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, inside the Holy Rosary Parish Church in Angeles City and at the parish church and convent of St. James the Apostle parish in Betis. Several cracks were also seen on the belfry of Santa Rita de Cascia parish Church in Santa Rita, Pampanga, and at the Apung Mamacalulu Shrine in Angeles City.
The earthquake also triggered several landslides in Zambales province, killing a 6-year-old child in San Marcelino.
24-4-19
Man arrested at New York cathedral had booked hotel near Vatican 24-4-19
Marc Lamparello, who was arrested last week when he tried to enter St. Patrick’s cathedral in New York carrying containers of gasoline and lighter fluid, had reserved a hotel room in Rome, not far from the Vatican, officials have revealed. Prosecutors charged that Lamparello planned to burn down the cathedral, then board a flight to Rome the next day.
Catholic churches closed in Sri Lanka 24-4-19
Catholic churches in Sri Lanka have been closed indefinitely after the Easter Sunday bombings that claimed more than 300 lives. The country’s Catholics, who make up about 7% of the population, will not have access to public Mass until further notice. Security officials called for the precautionary measure. The country’s military has been called in to assist police in searching for those responsible for the bombings, for which the Islamic State has claimed responsibility.
Remember Catholics, archbishop asks Macron, in wake of Notre Dame fire 24-4-19
Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris has reminded French President Emmanuel Macron that Notre Dame is a Catholic church, in response to Macron’s public statements about the nation’s role in rebuilding the basilica. “It would have been nice if there had been a little word of compassion for the Catholic community,” the archbishop said, “because after all it’s the Catholics who make the cathedral of Notre Dame live. It’s not a museum!”
Rwanda’s bishops apologize for suggesting release of genocide convicts 24-4-19
The Catholic bishops of Rwanda have issued a public apology for a statement in which they suggested the release of prisoners who are serving time for their roles in the country’s massacres of 1994. The bishops acknowledged that their appeal for clemency had opened new wounds, particularly at a time when the country is observing the 25th anniversary of the bloodshed.
General Audience: Pope: We can be confident god will forgive us, when we ask with contrite hearts 24-4-19
We can be confident that the Lord will forgive us, when we ask forgiveness with contrite hearts…
Pope Francis stressed this during his first General Audience, April 24, since Easter Sunday, as he continued his catechesis on the Our Father. Here are his words:
In our continuing catechesis on the “Our Father”, we now consider the expression: “as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Since everything we have, including our very existence, comes as a gift from God, we are always in his debt, for our life was not simply willed, it was also loved into being. We can be confident, then, that the Lord will always forgive our trespasses when we ask him with contrite hearts. Yet this grace also calls us to forgive others, just as God has forgiven us. We see this in the parable of the unmerciful servant, who though having his own enormous debt written off, in turn refuses to cancel a much smaller debt owed to him. The message is clear: if you refuse to forgive, then you will not be forgiven. God, however, grants every Christian the grace to be able to transmit to others the precious gift of forgiveness, which we can do with a word, an embrace, or a smile.
Federal court: Catholic charity must place foster children with same-sex couples 24-4-19
In the US, a federal appeals court has ruled that Catholic Social Services of Philadelphia must agree to place foster children with same-sex couples. City funding for the Catholic agency was cut in accordance with a new non-discrimination rule in Philadelphia. The ruling endangers the future of the agency, at a time when hundreds of foster children are waiting for placement.
‘No one should be permitted to finance’ terrorism, leading Vatican diplomat emphasizes 24-4-19
Addressing the UN Security Council at a recent meeting, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, said that “it is indispensable that effective measures be adopted to prevent terrorism in all its forms, including by draining and cutting off its financing resources.” He cautioned that counter-terrorism measures should not “inhibit the capacity of non-governmental and charitable organizations to provide humanitarian aid to vulnerable groups or persons.”
Christians in Mosul celebrate Easter, pray for return of those who fled 24-4-19
“Before ISIS took over the [Iraqi] city, there were more than 15,000 Christians in Mosul,” according to a report. “However, in spite of the defeat of the jihadists, only about 30 [Christian] families have returned to the city.” Hence the Mosul Christians have prayed on Easter day for the return of those who fled.
Mexico - The Church for the defence of human rights: the Secretary of the CEM in the Chamber of Deputies 24-4-19
"What does the Catholic Church do in Mexico today in favour of the dignity of the human person and the rights that derive from it?" Auxiliary Bishop Alfonso Miranda Guardiola of Monterrey, the Secretary General of the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM), answered this and other questions on April 23 on the subject, in his presentation to the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, of the human rights agenda of the Church in Mexico.
Accepting the invitation of the Commission on Human Rights, the Bishop in his report identified first of all the fundamental elements to understand the relationship between the Catholic Church and the commitment to the defence of human rights, therefore indicated current challenges, drawing on the pontifical magisterium. Moving on to the Mexican reality, he recalled that, according to the CEM National Observatory, there are 20 Human Rights Centres (religious, parish and diocesan) operating in the States of Mexico, Coahuila, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Quintana Roo.
These Centers for the promotion and defense of human rights are part of the 2,466 social works of the Catholic Church in Mexico, which include, among others: 35 listening and reception centers for victims of violence, 119 homes for migrants, 34 centers for children and women living in street situations, 8 centers for attention to relatives of missing persons, 97 commitment groups for prisoners and inmates, etc. "Thousands of lay people, men and women religious and priests collaborate daily so that this great social work of the Church becomes Love and justice in action," the Bishop pointed out.
Dominican Republic - Politicians who do not know how to be fathers of families cannot be fathers of the Fatherland 24-4-19
Archbishop Freddy Antonio de Jesús Bretón Martínez of Santiago de los Caballeros, in the Dominican Republic, gave a harsh criticism of the political class during the Easter Vigil, stating that "in the country there are politicians who do not know how to be fathers of family and yet they want to be fathers of the Fatherland ".
The Archbishop said that it is increasingly necessary for people to follow Christ, trying to be consistent with words and deeds. Furthermore, Bishop Breton pointed out that a priest or any servant of the Lord who does not allow himself to be filled by the Holy Spirit is a danger to society.
During his homily, during the vigil celebrated at the headquarters of the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), reference center for diocesan youth ministry, the Archbishop reiterated that not everyone can aspire to be a leader or to be an authority, because in many cases, honesty is lacking. Only those who have irreproachable moral conduct, and are worthy examples for society, should be part of the ruling class. Archbishop Freddy Bretón has also highlighted the great work parents have to do with their children, and as citizens, so that society can go in the right direction.
Central African Republic - Cardinal Nzapalainga celebrated Easter with 500 detainees 24-4-19
"It is our duty to show them tenderness and love," said Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Archbishop of Bangui, who celebrated Easter with about five hundred prisoners in the Ngaragba prison, in the capital of the Central African Republic. "The faithful have mobilized to prepare food and gifts to bring joy to our brothers who are imprisoned here. We took advantage of this moment to baptize some of them who voluntarily agreed to change their way of life. I ask those responsible for the prison in Ngaragba to take care of the prisoners, not to oppress them, but to treat them with full dignity as human beings "said Cardinal Nzapalainga. On this occasion the representative of the prisoners of Ngaragba deplored the poor living conditions of the prisoners, and in particular "the precarious conditions in which some of them serve their sentences. Half of the Central African prison population is held in Ngaragba.
Sri Lanka - The funeral "with tears and pain" of those who lost their lives in the Easter attacks 24-4-19
Church leaders, Catholic families and people of various religions paid respect to their loved ones  killed in the April 21 attacks, who were buried on April 23rd. The Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith, presided over a memorial Mass for these deceased in the church of San Sebastiano in Negombo, north of Colombo, which was one of the targets of Easter Sunday explosions. "With tears and sorrow, we bury our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the tragic accident" said Cardinal Ranjith during the community funeral, and urged everyone not to lose hope in God and to pray for peace and security in the country. 
Meanwhile, President Maithripala Sirisena announced that he intends to reorganize the security forces and the police under his control as soon as possible. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinga admitted that the police had information on suicide attacks against churches and luxury hotels before Sunday, but did not act on them. More than 321 people were killed and more than 500 were injured. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the series of bomb attacks on three churches and three luxury hotels.
Police guard New Delhi churches after Sri Lanka attacks 24-4-19
Security has been beefed up at churches in Indian capital New Delhi after a series of suicide bombings killed more than 300 people in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Armed police are guarding Sacred Heart Cathedral in the capital and asking churchgoers to pass through metal detectors. They also frisk visitors who enter the 88-year-old building. Similar security measures have been put in place at most of the 200 churches in the city, police spokesperson Madhur Verma told media. They have also deployed special vehicles carrying trained anti-terrorism personnel outside prominent churches, which are also under the surveillance of plainclothes police officers checking for suspicious movements, according to Verma.
The cathedral attracts thousands of people, including non-Christians, at Christmas and Easter when church officials inform police, who take care of crowd management, traffic regulations and security.
Sri Lankan cardinal dismayed by govt inaction on terror warnings 24-4-19
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has said Sri Lankan officials who failed to act on warnings about the planning of the Easter Sunday bombing attacks should be sacked.
The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the coordinated blasts that killed at least 359 people and injured more than 500. A domestic extremist group, National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), has also been implicated. More than 40 suspects have been arrested.
Following the bombings, it became known that Sri Lankan authorities failed to act on intelligence warnings that terrorists had planned the attacks, including how they would target Catholic churches.
Cardinal Ranjith — who is the archbishop of Colombo — said that the behaviour of high-level officials, such as Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, who failed to act on the information was absolutely unacceptable. “These kinds of officials should be immediately sacked, removed from these positions. And human beings who have a feeling for the needs of others and for the people must be inserted into these positions,” Cardinal Ranjith said. The government has reportedly said it had been warned three times in recent weeks that a possible attack during the holy holiday was imminent.
The cardinal said if he had been warned about the terrorists’ plans he would have cancelled Easter Sunday Masses and even Holy Week events.
Philippine priests told to check churches following quakes 24-4-19
Church leaders in the Philippines have called on parish priests to ensure the structural integrity and security of churches following a series of strong earthquakes in recent days. At least 16 people were reported killed and more than two dozen are missing.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila directed priests in his archdiocese to check churches for possible cracks or damage following a 6.1 magnitude earthquake on April 22 and a 6.4 magnitude quake on April 23. Father Reginald Malicdem, chancellor of Manila Archdiocese, said the cardinal has asked priests to check parish rectories, pastoral halls and schools and take "appropriate action."
Cardinal Tagle also told the clergy to attend to people who might be hurt or displaced by the quakes.
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga in Bataan province said three parish churches in his diocese sustained minor damage.
25-4-19
Chilean legislation imperils confessional seal 25-4-19
The lower house of Chile’s parliament has approved a bill that would require clergy—as well as police, teachers, and civil servants—to inform authorities about any credible reports of child abuse. The legislature rejected an amendment that would have exempted priests from reporting crimes that were mentioned in sacramental confessions. The bill now goes to the country’s senate.
The voice of God resonates in the heart, not in the ears, says Pope 25-4-19
“The presence of God is not perceived with the ears, but with faith”, said Pope Francis on April 25 morning as he received in audience the members of the Italian Federation of Associations for the Deaf, inviting them to revive their faith to feel ever more the closeness of God, “so that His voice may resonate in the heart of each person, and be heard by all”. In this way, he explained, “you can help those who do not ‘hear’ the voice of God to be more attentive to it”, thus making a meaningful contribution to the vitality of the Church.
Benin - "We pray that the elections will be peaceful," says the Diocesan Director of the PMS of Cotonou 25-4-19
"The Church invites the faithful to pray so that the Lord will inspire us to find ways to get the country out of the crisis linked to legislative elections", says Fr. Augustin Placide Houessinon, of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (POM) of the Archdiocese of Cotonou, on the eve of the vote for the renewal of the Parliament to be held on April 28th. "The opposition felt excluded after in March, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENA) published the list of parties that could participate in the elections. Only two progressive and republican parties have been selected, both close to President Patrice Talon "recalls Fr. Augustin. "Everyone says in words that they want inclusive elections with the participation of every political formation, but the block persists and it is not clear to what level it is. We invoke the help of the Lord so that people may open themselves to his grace so that the elections are peaceful and free for the good of the country."
Mexico - Is the solidarity with migrants over in Mexico? 25-4-19
US President Donad Trump has increased public pressure on Mexico to do more to cut off the flow of Central Americans crossing its territory. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador reiterated that his government has not changed position regarding immigration policy: if Mexico has expelled thousands of migrants in recent months, it has also issued more than 15,000 humanitarian visas that allow them to stay and work in the country. Faced with this situation in the south of Mexico, the Catholic Church is increasingly committed to these vulnerable groups. So said Bishop Alfonso Miranda Guardiola, Auxiliary of Monterrey and General Secretary of the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM), in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies on April 23. If at first the Chiapas population had shown solidarity with the Central American migrant caravans, which was not historically part of their way of life, it is now showing intolerance towards the growth of the migrant population that lives in its streets, looking for food or money.
Human chain in India honours Sri Lankan blast victims 25-4-19
About 100 people including Muslims held hands to form a human chain in front of New Delhi’s Sacred Heart Cathedral to pay homage to the victims of suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka that killed 359 people, mostly Christians.
Leaders from Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths joined hands on April 23 to express solidarity with families of victims of the Easter Sunday blasts. "Here we are praying for grieving families and for Christians to have courage and hope after this most dastardly attack. I can’t recall such a large number of martyrs in recent history," said Islamic scholar and politician Maulana Mahmood Madani. The violence in Sri Lanka “is an attack on all of us. We must and we can fight against those who want to destroy us or tear us apart,” said Father Felix Jones, secretary of Delhi Archdiocese’s Commission for Interfaith Dialogue.
Participants sang hymns praying for those who perished in Sri Lanka. Flowers were placed in front of the cathedral, fortified with unprecedented security, and candles lit in memory of the dead, who included 40 foreigners including 10 Indians.
Philippines kicks off Catholic youth celebration 25-4-19
At least 15,000 young Catholics attended the first day of this year's National Youth Day celebrations being held in the central Philippine province of Cebu.
Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu welcomed the delegates on April 24 at a sports centre by telling them that to "trust in the memory of God and His memory is not the hard disk that saves and archives all our data. He entered the sports centre by riding a big motorbike onto the stage.
"God’s memory is a heart filled with tender compassion," said the archbishop. "One that finds joy in deleting from us every trace of evil. So, God deletes evils in our hearts. He deletes our sins," he told the gathering of young people.
He said the weeklong National Youth Day celebration this year is part of 2021’s "grand celebration" of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. 26-4-19
Latvia’s president meets Pope 26-4-19
Pope Francis received in audience on April 26 the President of Latvia, Raimonds Vejonis. The Pope made a 4-day apostolic journey to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estoniain September 2018.
Pope meets president of Bosnia-Herzegovina 26-4-19
Pope Francis met on April 26 Milorad Dodik, who currently heads the joint presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Their conversation centered on coexistence and reconciliation among the peoples of the country, according to a brief Vatican statement.
Canadian imams join bishops in condemning Sri Lanka Easter attacks 26-4-19
“Both our religious traditions speak of peace, love, and justice for all humanity,” the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Canadian Council of Imams said in their joint statement. “It is abhorrent to see the people of Sri Lanka, whether gathered to worship on the feast of Easter, or with family and friends in hotels, subjected to acts of hate and complete disregard for human life.”
Archbishop Dal Toso to the Vietnamese Bishops: "a Church with a special vocation in the evangelization of Asia" 26-4-19
The Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People (CEP) Archbishop Giampietro dal Taso, the president of the Pontifical Mission Works, speaking to the Bishops of Vietnam: the local church has "a special vocation in the evangelization of Asia": "You have a special responsibility to carry out the main task of the Church, which is the missionary mandate. To the Church in Vietnam, God has entrusted a special responsibility for evangelization ".
United States - Global initiative for religious journalism 26-4-19
Religion News Foundation (RNF), Religion News Service (RNS), Associated Press (AP) and The Conversation announced a global initiative of religious journalism, an attempt to spread the religious news of events happening in the United States and in Worldwide area. This initiative includes the creation of a global journalistic desk for religion, aimed at providing a balanced coverage of the main world religions, with an emphasis on the explanation of religious practices and principles underlying the events current and cultural movements.
Managed by journalists from the RNS, a subsidiary of RNF, the AP and The Conversation, an independent editor of comments and analysis made by academic experts, the desk will produce a multi-format journalism of a religious nature, aimed at improving general understanding and analyzing the significance of developments in the world of faith.
The initiative is funded with an 18-month grant of $ 4.9 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to RNF. It has been one of the largest investments in religious journalism for decades.
Mexico - If workers cannot go to the parish, we take the parish to the company 26-4-19
The "personal parishes for companies" are an initiative born shortly before the arrival of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mexico City of Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, and supported by him. The goal is to bring the Church closer to people who want to be part of it, but face the obstacle of long working days, long distances and the most convulsive traffic in the world. If the workers cannot go to the parish, we bring the parish into the company, they then thought in the archdiocese.
Three parishes have been active for about a year at the Roshfrans, Bimbo and SICASA companies, which respectively produce oils and lubricants, food and air-conditioning, sanitary and electrical systems. A fourth parish is being created. The priests who deal with it administer the sacraments regularly, offer spiritual assistance and catechetical and biblical formation to the workers at company offices.
Indian archbishop seeks politician's apology for insulting Christians 26-4-19
Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore has sought an apology from a pro-Hindu politician for describing Christians as dishonest and unpatriotic.
Archbishop Machado, who heads the bishops’ council in Karnataka state, said K.S. Eshwarappa, a senior leader of the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), should publicly apologize for his statement.
The politician’s “uncalled-for remarks” are “condemnable and highly deplorable,” he said in an April 24 statement. The politician should “withdraw his statement and tender an unconditional apology to the Christian community,” he added.
Eshwarappa, a former deputy chief minister of Karnataka, reportedly told media during his election campaign on April 9 that his party intentionally avoided having Christians as BJP candidates. “The Christians, like the Muslims, were not given party tickets [in the state] because Christians are not loyal to the country and not honest too,” Eshwarappa reportedly said.
Archbishop Machado said he delayed making a public statement about the politician’s remarks to avoid being misinterpreted and people giving a “political colouring to it.”
Wounds to Indonesian seminarian stir up stigmata fever 26-4-19
A Capuchin seminarian from North Sumatra has become an online sensation in Indonesia after images were circulated showing him with what appear to be wounds similar to those suffered by Christ during his crucifixion. The wounds are similar to what the Catholic Church calls stigmata — the wounds inflicted on Jesus during his crucifixion.
Images that went viral on social media in the last several days show seminarian Tedy Dundru, who hails from Flores, with wounds to his feet, hands, left torso and eyes.
His relatives and church leaders in Medan Archdiocese, where he studies theology and philosophy, said the wounds in the images were authentic. One family member, Luis Aman, said Dundru has suffered these wounds before. “They first started when he entered a convent in 2010,” he said.
Before joining the Capuchins in 2016, Dundru joined the Xaverian Missionaries and spent time at the Lamanabi Trappist Monastery in East Flores. "In the monastery, he also experienced the same thing," said Aman, who said the wounds were causing Dundru a lot of pain. While in the monastery, the wounds would subside and then reappear, Aman said.
“The Capuchin Order had sent him to Italy for treatment, but a number of medical specialists have failed to cure it or explain the cause," he said. “The family has so far been reluctant to talk openly about it, because they are confused and are unsure what is happening,” Aman added. 27-4-19
South Sudan - "The peace agreement is like a vow made to God" say the leaders of Christian confessions 27-4-19
"His Holiness Pope Francis kissed the feet of our leaders, as if to say, I am a servant, now you serve your people in South Sudan, this is the true message of Easter" says the Easter message of the leaders of the Council of Churches of South Sudan, recalling the gesture of Pope Francis that on 11 April at the conclusion of the spiritual retreat in the Vatican, of the political leaders of South Sudan. In their message, the leaders of the body that brings together the main religious confessions of the country (representing the Catholic Church is Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro of Juba) urged the South Sudanese to celebrate the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord with sincerity and truth, and to work incessantly for peace. "We are saying that peace is good; reconciliation is possible; and unity is the best "concludes the message by referring to the agreement signed on September 12 in Addis Ababa by the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, and by the rebel leader, the former Vice President Riek Machar, to resolve the conflict of December 2013.
Kazakhstan - Caritas Almaty: a WhatsApp chat to support parents of children with Down syndrome 27-4-19
Here is a new initiative by Caritas Almaty. "A very important part of our work on the project to support parents of children with Down syndrome is the possibility of communicating even at a distance mothers and fathers with our team members. This is extremely important for parents who can feel supported in their daily commitment to education and rehabilitation of their children. Furthermore, communication is an important service for the "new" parents who have joined the group, because it allows them to know the fundamental bases of our work. We have launched a chat using the "WhatsApp" application: in this way we can keep in touch with all the parents involved in the work of the Caritas Center ". Periodically, in the chat, video tutorials will be uploaded in Russian and Kazakh in order to "provide answers to the most common questions sent from parents.”
India - Sunday of Divine Mercy dedicated to the victims of the attacks in Sri Lanka 27-4-19
"To offer our closeness and solidarity to the victims of multiple attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, we will observe the Divine Mercy Sunday, April 28, as a day of prayer and solidarity with the Church and the people of Sri Lanka" : announced by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao, the President of the Bishops' Conference of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Goa and Daman. The President reports: "During the celebration of the holy masses, on that day, all the Catholic communities in India will offer God special prayers for the faithful departed, for the wounded and families affected, who are immersed in grief because of these senseless attacks, entrusting them to the mercy of the Father ". The Church in India also organizes prayers or procession with lighted candles that can be organized in all local communities, "inviting all men of good will and believers of other faiths to pray with us for peace and harmony in Sri Lanka and all over the world "the Bishops say.
Pope sends aid to migrants stranded at the US border 27-4-19
Pope Francis has donated 500,000 dollars to assist migrants in Mexico. The funds, from the Peter’s Pence collections, will be distributed among 27 projects promoted by sixteen Mexican dioceses and religious congregations, which requested assistance in continuing to provide food, lodging, and basic necessities to the migrants who have come from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala- only to find the US border closed. 28-4-19
Pope at Regina Coeli: ‘Jesus’s gifts of peace, joy and mission’ 28-4-19
Pope Francis addressed the faithful in St. Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Regina Coeli Prayer with a reflection on the Gospel of the day.
He recalled how on the second Sunday of Easter Jesus appeared to the Apostles who had plunged into bewilderment and fear after the capture and death sentence of their Master, revealing that he brought peace as a fruit of his victory over evil. “The Risen One brings authentic peace, because through his sacrifice on the cross he has achieved reconciliation between God and humanity and has overcome sin and death”, the Pope said.
He recalled how the apostle Thomas, who had not witnessed first-hand the extraordinary event of the Lord’s appearance in the Upper Room, needed Jesus to come forward to dispel his disbelief, inviting him to touch his wounds.
“Those wounds represent the source of peace, because they are the sign of the immense love of Jesus who defeated the forces that are hostile to man: sin, evil and death”, he said.
The second gift that the risen Jesus brings to his disciples, Pope Francis said, is joy. The evangelist, he explained, tells us that “the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord”. And reiterating that the Easter season is a time of joy, the Pope said “Jesus’ resurrection is the greatest reason for our joy” as he has destroyed the obstacles and negative forces of the world which prevent us from being truly joyful.
In addition to peace and joy, Pope Francis continued, Jesus also brings mission to his disciples.
He says to them “As the Father has sent me, I send you” putting into motion a new dynamism of love which, the Pope said, is capable of transforming the world with the power of the Holy Spirit.
This love, he said, is spread through the Apostles and their successors, but also through all the faithful.
The Risen Jesus, Francis explained, entrusts every Christian with the task of announcing the wonderful event of his Resurrection.
Safe passage for refugees from Libyan detention centres 28-4-19
During the Regina Coeli prayer Pope Francis expressed his concern for the predicament of migrants and refugees held in detention centers in Libya.
He appealed for the evacuation, especially of the women, the children and the sick, as soon as possible, through the safety of humanitarian corridors.
Pope prays for victims of South Africa floods 28-4-19
Pope Francis asked the faithful at the Regina Caeli prayer to join him in praying for the victims of floods in South Africa.
Seventy people reportedly died in floods that ravaged parts of the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa's southeast.
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