"The dramatic situation of Christians who are persecuted and killed in ever-increasing numbers is in front of the whole world - which too often turns its gaze away. In addition to their blood martyrdom, there is also their 'white martyrdom' which occurs in democratic countries when freedom of religion is limited. And this is the daily white martyrdom of the Church in those places ".
PNG bishops: APEC’s success on the backs of the poor
| PAPUA NEW GUINEA – ASIAFr Paul was ordained at the age of 62. For years he worked for Malaysia Airlines. He first expressed a desire to become a priest in 1975, but his family was opposed. After a first refusal by his bishop, he entered the seminary in Rome in September 2015.
The eighth commandment "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” not just about lies, but "it means to live as children of God". Let us ask ourselves: what truth do the works, words, choices of Christians attest to?".
A lay faithful denounces the betrayal of the agreement between China and the Holy See. Priests are obliged to be part of the Patriotic Association, a supporter of a Church that is "independent" of the Holy See. The four priests are known for their pastoral commitment and for the service of the poor and the needy.
At the historic meeting in Casablanca, the Polish Pope spoke of the common faith in the one God and also of human rights, which "have their foundation in God": first of all, freedom of conscience and religion, "protected from external constraints" because freedom characterizes "the dignity of man". A religious freedom, he specified, that needs "reciprocity". And he also emphasized the respect due to every human person, "man or woman"
Last of three children, Fr Martinian grew up in a Catholic family that was his "first seminary". At the age of 12, he wanted to become a priest. As an adult, he wanted a family, a career and a "good life". The turning point came during a meeting with Mgr Paul Tan Chee Ing.
The silence of so many commentators dictated by knockback: The belief that the Sino-Vatican agreement would have ensured smooth waters. Persecution takes place in many regions of the country and with the endorsement of central power. Underground Catholics bitterly suspect that the Vatican has abandoned them. The "papolatry" complex: instead of attending to the truth, things are measured on the basis of whether they are "for or against Francis". The "marketolatry" complex: trade with China is worth all the silences. But, as the Pope says, religious freedom is "a fundamental human right, a bulwark against totalitarian demands".
A bishop should not be arrogant or conceited, not angry and not addicted to wine, one of the most common vices in the time of Paul, not a businessman or attached to money. "The Church has never been born perfectly in order, with everything all right, without problems, without confusion, never. It has always arisen this way ".
At the Angelus, Pope Francis remembers the end of the Great War, and asks everyone to "reject the culture of war". The gesture of St. Martin, of sharing with the poor, "shows everyone the way to build peace". The "poor and generous widow as a model of Christian life to be imitated". "To give to the Lord and our brothers and sisters not something of ours, but ourselves". Thirteen consecrated men and three lay faithful, martyrs of the Spanish civil war, beatified in Barcelona. Next Sunday, November 18, the second World Day of the Poor is celebrated.
In the audience to the members of the Pontifical Council for International Eucharistic Congresses, Pope Francis urges the next Eucharistic Congress in Budapest (in 2020) to be a witness in modern and secularized society, where faith has become marginal. "Spreading a "Eucharistic culture", of "communion", "service", "mercy" in a Europe sick with indifference".
