The lights of Easter Vigil illuminated a community marked by suffering. After three years, some faithful returned to the Church of Christ the King. It had been occupied by the Myanmar military, forcing the local population to flee. Bishop Celso Ba Shwe has remained with the displaced in the forest. “We ask God for a time of peace and reconciliation,” he said.
On 6 April in Bantayan, artificial structures were installed to restore marine biodiversity and support a model of responsible marine management. The project is promoted by Archbishop Alberto S. Uy and Caritas Cebu. Fish habitats have been created and local livelihoods strengthened, in line with the teachings of the encyclical Laudato Si’.
The thousands of people employed on large ships, mostly Filipinos, Indians, and Indonesians, are unable to disembark or be repatriated, while those who were set to leave have suddenly been left without work. Psychological pressure and uncertainty are growing among crews. While the human cost is ignored, business remains the priority, this according to Scalabrinian missionary Father Paulo Prigol who spoke to AsiaNews.
The epicentre was about 129 km off the coast of Bitung at a depth of 33 km. The main quake was followed by at least 29 aftershocks, the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.5. A 69-year-old woman died in Manado. The roof of a church collapsed. Church authorities are assessing its safety for Holy Week celebrations.
The sacred image is expected to arrive in Manila on 13 June. The goal is to strengthen the faith and give hope to the faithful across the country. This pilgrimage seeks to be "as open as possible" and welcome "people from all over”. A stop is planned at the 132nd Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference.
Out of 107 recorded cases, 43, or about 40 per cent, involve parliament. This is the highest figure in the last 11 years, when the survey began. For the report, it is "a mirror held up to our society." Meanwhile, the arrest of a journalist is fuelling fears about freedom of the press and information.
