05/23/2012CHINA - VATICAN Card. Zen: Day of prayer, consolation of the Universal Church for persecuted Chinese Catholics The bishop emeritus of Hong Kong underlines the importance of prayer on May 24, feast of Our Lady of Sheshan and Our Lady Help of Christians. The Day requested by the Pope shows his "concern" and care for the Church in China. The regime has found more subtle tools of persecution, and continues to hamper pilgrimages to Sheshan. Paris (AsiaNews / EDA) - The World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, which is celebrated
tomorrow, May 24, is a "consolation" for the Chinese Catholic
communities still persecuted by a regime that wants to dominate them. The Day
is also an expression of the Pope's care and "concern" for the...
05/23/2012INDIA Kerala Catholic priests build new housing for the poor of Changanassery by Nirmala Carvalho The St. Mary Athirampuzha (Syro-Malabar Church) will host three buildings on its land for 21 families. People will use it for 15 years, after paying a nominal rent. The goal is to educate young people to make them self reliant. The project is funded by the parishioners of the archdiocese.
05/23/2012CHINA The Party shows no pity for "counter-revolutionaries" Sick, elderly or in prison for decades: the communist government continues to persecute anyone who has uncovered political scandals or has requested, in 1989, a reform against corruption and for democracy in China. The cases of Lu Jiaping and Li Yujun, still targeted by the authorities.
05/23/2012VATICAN Pope: in prayer we learn the beauty of being children of God General audience, Benedict XVI speaks of what St. Paul says regarding the action of the Holy Spirit in prayer. "The problem of a father who is not present for his children, is a widespread problem in our time and the father figure is often not perceived as sufficiently positive in people's daily lives''
05/23/2012LIBYA Franciscan nuns, a quiet witness of charity among Libyan Muslims Sister Bruna Menghini and three fellow nuns did not flee from Yefren (150 km from Tripoli) during the civil war. For more than 40 years, she has worked with the sick, the elderly and people left to fend for themselves in the predominantly Muslim country. Friendships and dialogue with Muslims were nurtured by small acts of charity and love. The bad blood left from clashes between Gaddafi supporters and rebels as well as the country's disorganisation cast a shadow on June's elections.
05/23/2012INDONESIA Umar Patek, who masterminded the Bali and church bombings, asks for forgiveness by Mathias Hariyadi Dubbed 'demolition man', the Muslim extremist acknowledges his guilt and errors. "I am sorry for my misdeed," he said. Reactions from ordinary Indonesians are mixed. Some hope for real redemption; others suspect he might be trying to avoid prison.
05/23/2012BANGLADESH Missionaries in Bangladesh to support families and migrants by Maria Gomes At the Jesus Worker Centre the Missionaries of the Immaculate (linked to the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, PIME) help young people to enter the world of work. Key intervention in difficult cases. Recently, they prevented a woman from abandoning her son. Her partner did not accept that the boy was born from a previous relationship. Today, they are a happy family.
05/23/2012EGYPT Egypt votes for new president amid disappointment and hope Challenge between Muslim or military candidates, or from Mubarak establishment. Many Christians support moderate Muslim, Abdul Moneim Aboul Fotouh. The Army tries to maintain its military and economic power. The economy suffers from few foreign investments, drop in tourism, high price of food and energy.
05/22/2012EGYPT Islamo-Christian violence in Minya: life imprisonment for 12 Copts, eight Muslims acquitted The conviction for the death of two Muslims, during the assault on a Christian village. At the base of the fighting, a street brawl, which ended with a beating. Activists and legal experts criticized the ruling, which is not appealable. Only the military council has the power to seek a new trial.
05/22/2012CHINA - VATICAN Tourists, not pilgrims, welcome in Sheshan by Bernardo Cervellera Catholics from China are "advised" to stay home on the pope's World Day of Prayer. Only Shanghai Catholics can celebrate Mass 24 May. "Security" and changes in the country's leadership are given as the reason. Meanwhile, the China Daily advertises tours to Sheshan to visit the observatory, taste the local cuisine, see protected animal species and stop at local golf courses. Reciting 'Salve Regina' is banned however.
05/22/2012VATICAN The family founded on marriage key for personal growth The VII World Meeting of Families on the theme: "The Family: Work and Celebration", which will take place in Milan from May 30 to June 3. One million people are expected for the final mass which will be celebrated by Benedict XVI.
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