02/09/2010VIETNAM Vietnam, U.S. report: the health of Fr Van Ly is in "rapid deterioration" by J.B. An Dang The U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom denounces the worsening conditions of the Catholic priest. The communist regime has stepped up violence and repression against the activists for democracy and human rights. Fr. Van Ly: pray for me and for the victims of Communist persecution. Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) - The U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom in Vietnam denounces the serious health condition of Fr. Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly. The 63 year-old priest, one of the most important political prisoners in the...
02/08/2010ISLAM - EUROPE An anti-burqa law to renew Islam in Europe by Samir Khalil Samir Wearing the all-enveloping outer garment is not a religious requirement, but a cultural tradition from Saudi Arabia. It is the symbol of an attack by extremist Islam on Europe, and this has generated contempt for a certain retrograde form of Islam. A law is needed against wearing full-face veil in public spaces, but what is even more needed is a broad dialogue between East and West that would allow Islam to be modernised and integrated into European culture, and thus have an opportunity to contribute to world civilisation.
02/07/2010VATICAN Pope: Priests, men, poor and weak, transformed into fearless preachers of salvation In the Year for Priests we must pray for priests and for those who are called to the vocation of total consecration. He recalls the Day for Life in Italy and for the "Week of life and family" in Rome. On 11 February, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, the pope will celebrate Mass with the sick in the Basilica of St. Peter.
02/06/2010VIETNAM Formation for a new role for Catholics in Vietnamese society by J.B. Vu The archdiocese of Saigon organizes informal classes for Bible studies, catechism, pastoral and social activities. The meetings are also opportunities to deepen their personal spirituality.
02/05/2010VIETNAM Dissident writer tried for violent hooliganism She had wanted to participate in the trial of democratic activists, but was prevented by police and thugs. In the past three weeks the system has put 16 dissidents on trial. The party defends itself against those who "exploit" democracy and human rights to undermine "socialist society".
02/02/2010VIETNAM More violence in Dong Chiem as police attack three Catholic students by J.B. An Dang The students had gone to church to pray. A group of police agents attacked them. One of the three was arrested. The authorities are preparing reports against the people who protested against the destruction of the local cross. The archbishop of Hanoi is targeted again.
02/01/2010VIETNAM “Patriotic” Catholics” against Hanoi archbishop and Redemptorists by J.B. An Dang The pro-government Vietnam Committee for Catholic Solidarity sides with state media on the Dong Chiem affair, Redemptorist superior says, in trying to lure the archbishop into a trap.
01/30/2010ASIA - VATICAN Vatican: 210 thousand new cases of leprosy every year, ignored by the world And yet the disease is easily treatable. An appeal to the international community and the commitment of the missionaries and associations. The Message of Msgr. Zygmunt Zimowski, president of the Pontifical Council for health professionals.
01/30/2010ASIA The spread of leprosy in the world (overview) Each year approximately 700 thousand cases reported in Asia, Africa and South America. Over 160 thousand just in Asia in 2008. In India 70% of the world population suffering from leprosy.
01/30/2010VIETNAM Vietnam, dissident Pham Thanh Nghien sentenced to 7 years by Nguyen Hong The writer, 32, was arrested in 2008. After a half-day trial, she was found guilty of "propaganda against the state". In the last three months, 14 dissidents convicted.
01/30/2010ASIA Indian Christians at the forefront in the fight against leprosy by CT Nilesh Leprosy, a disease that has always been feared, has also generated a continuing disregard for the sick. Yet for 2000 years Christians have made it one of the fields of their mission. The example of Jesus, St. Francis of Assisi, Fr Father Damien de Veuster, the Apostle of Molokai. Gandhi made the treatment of leprosy one of the pillars of his commitment. The testimony of Fr Vijay Rayarala, PIME, in his ashram Swarga dwar (Gate of Heaven) for the rehabilitation of lepers.
Books
La Cina di Mao processa la Chiesa di Angelo S.Lazzarotto pp. 528
Il rovescio dellemedaglie di Bernardo Cervellera pp. 240