12/12/2013VATICAN Pope: Fraternity, foundation and path to peace against selfishness, exploitation and abuse Francis’ message for the World Day of Peace. The foundation of the fraternity is the common fatherhood of God. The "Globalisation of indifference". The increasing number of interconnections and communications, "make us neighbors but not brothers." "International agreements and national laws , despite being highly desirable and necessary , are not sufficient by themselves to bring humanity to avoid the risk of armed conflict. This requires a conversion of heart which allows everyone to recognize themselves in their brother". "The succession of economic crises should lead to appropriate rethinking of models of economic development and a change in lifestyle". A "change of heart". Vatican City ( AsiaNews) -
Fraternity among all peoples - which has its foundation in the common fatherhood
of God and in Jesus saw the overcoming of the separation between peoples - is
" basis and the path to peace " in that it
leads to victory over the " globalization of indifference ," that is the
slowly "getting used" to the...
12/12/2013CHINA Hebei, death of emeritus bishop of Tangshan by Jian Mei Shortly before marking his 93rd birthday, Msgr. Liu Jinghe died in his diocese. Reconciled with the universal Church during the pontificate of Benedict XVI, he spent years in Maoist prisons and labor camps. Once free, he held important positions in the Patriotic Association and the board of bishops not recognized by Rome.
12/12/2013MYANMAR Burmese activists want full civil rights, not only freedom, for former political prisoners by Francis Khoo Thwe Yesterday, the Myanmar government released 41 political prisoners to coincide with the opening of the Southeast Asian Games in Naypyidaw. But already two of them have been re-arrested. AAPP leaders note that former prisoners of conscience are subjected to severe restrictions; unfair rules limiting their rights and freedoms should be abolished.
12/12/2013INDIA - VATICAN For Indian Priest, Evangelii Gaudium challenges the people of Mumbai by Nirmala Carvalho Fr Aniceto Pereira, vice rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, talks about Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation. Calling the pope, the "John the Baptist or our generation," he highlights the pontiff's critique of today's culture and economy, which closely touch the Indian city, caught as it is between " glitzy wealth and poverty that kills, spiritually as well."
12/12/2013KOREA Korea celebrates as kimchi becomes part of the world's heritage by Joseph Yun Li-sun The decision was taken at the UNESCO general assembly. The Korean dish is thus added to humanity's 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' because it has "voluntarily" been passed through the generations and represents the communal spirit of Koreans in winter, solidifying their Korean identity.
12/12/2013INDONESIA - ISLAM Society against the government over religion on ID papers by Mathias Hariyadi Parliament's decision to include holder's religious affiliation in identity papers sparks widespread criticism. For many, the inclusion will lead to persecution and abuse, especially of those who do not belong to any of the recognised faiths. According to research by the Setara Institute, the Ahmadi sect has endured the most with 46 attacks out of 122 incidents recorded in the first six months of 2013.
12/12/2013CHINA Baby hatches arrive in China to save abandoned children by Chen Weijun After Xian, Shenzhen will also open a "baby hatch", a small structure equipped to accommodate abandoned infants. Catholic sources tell AsiaNews : " A good step forward in favor of life, which is under constant threat in the country. But we will have to see how it will be managed".
12/12/2013INDIA Card. Gracias: Indian Church condemns the brutal attack on Delhi clergy by Card. Oswald Gracias The archbishop of Mumbai defines police attack (even with batons) on consecrated and lay women as "disgraceful , dishonorable and deplorable”. It is a behavior that " reflects the lack of dignity and respect for women in this country." The cardinal appeals to the Prime Minister of India.
12/12/2013LEBANON - SYRIA Syrian refugees without shelter and under the snow Temperatures below zero and 10 cm of snow. Extraordinary distribution of blankets and fuel coupons. Many camps are makeshift, made of wood and plastic sheeting .
12/12/2013CHINA After 3 years of ignored petitions, a group of demonstrators poison themselves in Beijing The twelve protesters are all from Wuhan, capital of Hubei , where their houses were demolished by the government without any agreement with the owners. They had demanded justice for a long time, but each time were imprisoned, beaten and sent home. In protest they drunk pesticide under the Qianmen tower.
12/11/2013VATICAN Pope Francis is Time's Person of the Year For Fr Lombardi, the pope seeks neither fame not success, but "he will certainly be glad" if Time's choice means that many people understood that "he carries out his service for the proclamation of the Gospel and the love of God for all."
12/11/2013SYRIA Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate: " No news of the 13 Ma'aloula nuns, we do not trust the video" According to video released by Al-Jazeera the women religious held in Yabrud were to be released on December 9. The Greek -Orthodox Patriarchate "concerned" about their condition. Ongoing intense fighting in the area between the army and Islamist insurgents. Two Spanish journalists in Syria to a report on the anti- Assad revolution held captive by Islamic extremists.
The light that this world offers us, Is an artificial one. It maybe a bright light, brighter than the light of Christ, Bright like festive fireworks, Bright like the flash of a camera. Instead, the light of Christ is meek, It is a calm and peaceful light. It is the light of that first Christmas Eve: Without any pretence. It is this: It offers and gives peace... It is a meek light with the power of meekness; It is a light that speaks to the heart It is also a light that offers the Cross. Pope Francis
AsiaNews wishes all our friends and readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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