A PIME missionary in the Philippines since 1977, he received the Order of the Star of Italy, one of the highest honours of his country of origin, at the embassy in Manila. Founder of the Silsilah movement for dialogue between Christians and Muslims, he sees this recognition as ‘a challenge to do more to help bring out the good in every person’.
China marks the founding of the People's Republic in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, promising to “stand guard” over the atoll. The Philippines has long claimed that China’s presence is illegal. Chinese authorities recently announced plans to turn the area into a nature reserve.
The death toll rises as the hours pass, with 69 confirmed. The shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan lies in ruins. “May this tragedy awaken in us a deeper sense of solidarity, compassion, and faith in Your providence,” the archdiocese said in a statement.
To mark the 50th anniversary of his fashion house, the great Italian designer, who died on 4 September, wanted to create Casa Mariù, a solidarity initiative for educational facilities in some of the poorest areas of the world. Among the eight projects supported are a centre for the disabled in Phrae and two schools in Suihari and Taytay promoted by PIME missionaries and Caritas.
A large crowd took part in the ‘Trillion Peso March’, united by churches, civil organisations and students to denounce the scandal of flood control funds allegedly involving some 30 parliamentarians and officials. The Church Leaders Council for National Transformation presented five urgent demands, from the return of stolen money to the end of political dynasties.
On Sunday, the 53rd anniversary of the imposition of martial law, thousands of Filipinos are expected to take to the streets in the capital for a peaceful rally against government corruption. Meanwhile, the speaker of the House of Representatives, cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has resigned. For his part, the president is not going to attend the UN General Assembly; meanwhile, anger and indignation on social media are growing.
