Vietnamese Church brings Formosa victims' protests to Taiwan

During the Angelus, Pope Francis compared the lives of people and the Church to a boat, which face difficulties and trials. "Faith gives us the assurance of a Presence that pushes us to overcome the storms of life, [it is] the certainty of a hand that grabs us to help us cope with difficulties, pointing us towards the way even when it is dark."

Afflicted by wars, emigration and insecurity, Christian communities have now become "a small flock" amid the indifference of the international community. Patriarchs appeal to Pope Francis and the international community. Catholics and Orthodox share the same problems. The end of Christians in the East would be "a shameful stigma for the whole 21st century".

Korean bishops issued an Exhortation today on the rising tensions around the Korean peninsula. North Korea but also "neighbouring countries" are at risk of "hasty unrestrained action" that could lead to the "death of innumerable people" and "deep wounds for the whole of humanity." They call for reduced military budgets and more spending on human and cultural development. They urge using "conscience, intelligence, solidarity, piety and mutual respect". A prayer is set for the feast day of the Assumption, which is also Korean Independence Day.

For the bishop of Niigata, tensions on the Korean peninsula go back 70 years, but new political leaders "have been fueling the existing fire." A solution involving US military aggression would only bring devastating results to everyone. Ten days of praying for peace are being held. Japanese and Korean bishops are working together.

The jihadist group continues to "motivate and enable" global attacks and funnel funds to supporters. Growing attacks in Europe and Asia confirm demonstrate that Isis is an international threat. Special care should be given to radicalized minors returning home after undergoing advanced IS training.

Between 2002 and 2013, the culprits gave land to 29 families in Dong Tam in return for money. Ten of those sentenced are former officials with the Dong Tam People's Committee, and four are former officials from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Office of Land Registration of My Duc district. In Dong Tam, farmers complain that the government is giving 47 hectares of farmland to the Viettel Group. The promise not to prosecute has not been kept.

In today’s general audience, Pope Francis noted that "Jesus saw a possibility of resurrection even in those who have accumulated so many wrong choices." Forgiven sinners are "psychologically relieved", but especially receive "a new life, a life marked by love" like Matthew, Zacchaeus, and the Samaritan woman. "We are all poor sinners, in need of of God's mercy." A Hail Mary is recited for Christian victim of violence in Nigeria and the Central African Republic.

The programme has been implemented in all 21 cities, towns, and districts in Nghe An province. The initiative was launched nationwide on 28 September 2016. The goal is to meet 90-95 per cent of the energy need of children and increase the height of boys and girls by 1.5 and 2 centimetres respectively. Critics view the provincial government’s claim of success as mere propaganda. In 2016, Nghe An was one of the four coastal provinces in Central Vietnam affected by the country's worst environmental disaster.

Proposed mediation by South Korean President Moon Jae-in is backed by China and partly by the US. North Korean and South Korean foreign ministers have their first handshake since Moon took over. The UN resolution supports diplomacy in an attempt to ward off war. Moon and Trump talk by phone.

In the Angelus the ascension of the disciples to Mount Tabor to contemplate the transfigured Jesus, is compared by Pope Francis with the "time of rest and detachment from daily occupations", useful for "reviving the forces of the body and the spirit, deepening the spiritual path" . He reminds that in the summer there are those who "cannot take holidays because they are prevented by age, health or work reasons, economic constraints or other problems."

The polluted area covers an area of ​​30 hectares in Binh Thuận province. Rural and coastal regions in southern and central Vietnam pay a high price for economic development. Government complicity and vague laws allow companies to come up with different ways of waste disposal. In 2016, the discharge of toxic waste from a steel plant caused the country’s worst environmental disaster. China’s Lee & Man Paper Company is now polluting the Mekong Delta.

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