04/19/2014VATICAN Way of the Cross: "Evil will not have the last word; love, mercy and forgiveness will," pope says In the Cross of Jesus, we find "all the bitterness of the betrayal perpetrated by Judas and Peter, all the vanity of bullies, and all the arrogance of false friends." Yet, in front of so many evils, "we also see the vastness of God's love for he does not treat us according to our sins but according to his mercy." Rome
(AsiaNews) - "Evil will not have the last word; love, mercy and
forgiveness will," Pope Francis said at the end of tonight's Way of the
Cross or Via Crucis, in the stunning setting of 40,000 people gathered around
the Coliseum. As an interpretation of the ills and pains of our time, his words
found an echo in the meditations prepared by Mgr Giancarlo Maria Bregantini on the
journey Jesus took up Mount Calvary.
For the pope, the Cross...
04/18/2014PHILIPPINES Central Luzon: making learning fun in summer camp for 150 "special" children Organised every year by the GUIDE association and its chief and founder Gerry Duwin Dela Zerna, the event this year is set for 25 April to 4 May. The NGO works with children with disabilities, like Down syndrome or other physical and learning disorders. Dedicated, the activist has turned down offers from abroad worth thousands of dollars in order to take care of Filipino children.
04/18/2014INDONESIA Charitable works, confession and Mass fill Holy Week for Indonesian Catholics by Mathias Hariyadi This is a time of meditation, devotions and deep introspection into the faith. In the Archdiocese of Jakarta, families offer small sums of money to fund community-wide projects. The head of the Archdiocese's communications commission releases some videos. During Chrism Mass, hundreds of priests renew their pledge to their bishops.
04/18/2014LAOS - THAILANDIA Thai geologists warn Xayaburi dam is an earthquake risk The huge barrage under construction on the Laotian section of Mekong River is located near active fault lines and is therefore vulnerable to seismic activity. There is a 30 per cent chance of a medium-sized earthquake in the next 30 years, and a 10 per cent chance of a magnitude 7 tremor. Builders claim instead that the project complies with all earthquake safety rules
04/17/2014VATICAN Pope: A priest’s "joy", "anoints", is "incorruptible", "missionary" and guarded by poverty, obedience and loyalty Pope Francis celebrates the Chrism Mass with "his" priests. The priestly joy only flows “when the pastor is in the midst of his flock". Even in "in those moments of listlessness and boredom which at times overcome us in our priestly life (and which I too have experienced), even in those moments God’s people are able to “guard” that joy; they are able to protect you, to embrace you and to help you open your heart to find renewed joy"
04/17/2014MYANMAR Chrism Mass in Yangon: The joy of priesthood is the antidote to clericalism by Francis Khoo Thwe The archbishop of Yangon and 80 priests led the celebration before 1,400 worshippers. The prelate highlighted the "happiness" of being in the service of the community and the "strong relationship" with God. He also noted the importance of community involvement in the practice of faith and parish life.
04/17/2014MALAYSIA - PHILIPPINES MERS first victim in Asia: A Malaysian returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca It is similar to SARS, but with a higher mortality rates: 50 % compared to the previous 10 % . The victim was 54 years old and had contracted the virus Saudi Arabia. First case in the Philippines, a nurse returning from the UAE and now in solitary confinement with family members. WHO estimates speak of 238 infections in 10 different countries, 92 victims so far.
04/16/2014PHILIPPINES Good Friday in Manila: a "journey of penance" to protect the country from natural disasters The Special Way of the Cross will start at 5 am in Pasay City and end in front of Manila Cathedral. All of the capital's 500 parishes will send a delegation. Prelates from areas affected by typhoons and quakes will all attend. Card Tagle calls for "solidarity" with the victims, to be one with those who suffer.
04/16/2014MYANMAR Benedict Rogers: My Easter in Myanmar, the land where I became a Catholic by Francis Khoo Thwe The Asian director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide speaks of his special bond with the country and the Archbishop of Yangon. Water as an element of purification, which unites Catholics and Buddhists who are celebrating major holidays together in 2014. The universality of the Church "does not mean uniformity", but appreciation of the local culture. The Burmese Church is "a vibrant Church".
04/15/2014SINGAPORE Archbishop of Singapore: At Easter Christ conquers death and gives hope of eternal life In his message to the faithful, Msgr. William Goh speaks of "new life" in Christ, a "personal" encounter with the Risen Lord and the joy of proclamation. For the prelate prayer, deep meditation of the Word of God and the life of the community to are fundamental overcoming temptation. He exhorts the faithful to mission with "patience and love".
04/15/2014MYANMAR Kachin, Burmese Army raids rebel stronghold: thousands of refugees and humanitarian crisis by Francis Khoo Thwe A group of local NGOs , including Christian and Catholic organizations, warn of a crisis in the State in northern Myanmar. In the last few days - in conjunction with the census - the fighting has intensified, at least 3 thousand people take flight. Part of the displaced have found refuge across the border in China. Appeals for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks.
04/14/2014VATICAN For pope, the seminary is not a refuge, hence 'Woe do the wicked shepherds' Speaking at a meeting with seminarians at the Pontifical Leonine College of Anagni, Pope Francis reminded them of "the four pillars of education," namely "Spiritual life, strong; intellectual life, serious; community life; and, ultimately, apostolic life". In view of this, it is "better to lose a vocation than take risks with an unsure candidate."
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