02/09/2010PHILIPPINES Maguindanao Massacre: murder charges for 197 members of the Ampatuan clan The news was announced today by executives of the Philippines Department of Justice. Evidence confirms Andalo Ampatuan sr. former governor of Maguindanao as the instigator and organizer of the massacre on November 23 that killed 57 people. He is the father of Andalo Ampatuan jr. already in jail charged with 41 murders. Central to the charges the 12 witnesses and former members of the Ampatuan sr clan. heard during the son’s trial. Cases also brought against police and army accused of taking part in the organization of the massacre. Manila (AsiaNews) - 197 members of the Muslim Ampatuan clan have been charged as the organizers and perpetrators of the Maguindanao massacre last November 23 that killed 57 people. Philippines Department of Justice today confirmed the charges against Andalo Ampatuan...
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.
02/08/2010PHILIPPINES Manila: young Taizé community members pray in silence by Santosh Digal Titled ‘Trust on earth’, the fifth pilgrimage organised by the Taizé community took place in Makaty City (Manila). More than 3,000 people from around the world participated in the event, which began on 3 February. Some Muslims were also present.
02/08/2010THAILAND New Bishop of Udon Thani: the proclamation of Christ is the duty of all believers by Weena Kowitwanij Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai, consecrated on 6 February, launches a missionary appeal to all Catholics in the diocese. The prelate pays "special thanks" to his predecessor and parents, who supported him in the choice of the priesthood. The special blessing of Benedict XVI.
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.
02/08/2010INDONESIA Bekasi, anti-Christian persecution continues. A Protestant church targeted by Mathias Hariyadi A crowd of 200 Muslims launches intimidating messages at the faithful and prohibits the use of a local church for Sunday services. The attackers claim to be residents of the area. Protestant pastor denies this: “definitely strangers". From 2009 to now at least 17 Christian churches targeted.
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.
02/06/2010MYANMAR The Burmese junta to accelerate the privatization of state enterprises 110 companies auctioned including ministerial and government owned factories, ports, warehouses and cinemas. Dictatorship wants to make companies more competitive in a market perspective. China targets gas and petrol.
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.
02/05/2010PHILIPPINES Election 2010: Filipino Church providing 45,000 volunteers to prevent fraud by Santosh Digal The Parish Council for Responsabile Voting yesterday launched an information campaign in Manila. Volunteers will fan out in each parish to explain how to use electronic voting machines. Monitoring group chairwoman says the Church has a mission to help the nation hold free and fair elections.
_0209_-_filipina-kiiled-maguindanao-massacre.jpg)
_0208_-_Taizé.jpg)
_0208_-_Ordination_New_bishop_(600_x_450).jpg)
_0205_-_Elezioni.jpg)
_0205_-_Papua.jpg)
