Christopher Sharma

The clashes follow the death of a Hindu man, punished by Muslims for refusing to join the festivities of Mohammad’s birthday. Hindus fear new violence; Muslims fear arrest for murder. “Pray for peace,” Kathmandu pastor says.

The apostolic vicar proposes to focus on family spirituality, making families "active in the Gospel." The Himalayan nation has many mixed couples and hundreds of conversions to Christianity. The 2016 Plenary of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences also focused on the family.

The Nepalese army will be formed to address the theaters of war and terrorist attacks. China wants to expand its influence and restrain the movements for the liberation of Tibet.

The authorities have banned concerts, fireworks and shows in the capital and two neighbouring districts. For many angry Nepalis, "The Western New Year has been part of our culture” and it is unfair to ban it. The decision will force Christians to cancel festivities, but some will prepare for 1st January with Bible readings.

This year Christians will celebrate Christmas “with greater commitment than in previous years,” said Fr Ignatius Rai, pastor at Assumption Cathedral. The country's constitution guarantees freedom of worship but the government no longer recognises the birth day of Jesus as a national holiday.

They were accused of having forced conversions to Christianity in schools. The judge ruled that there is insufficient evidence against them. Released pastor: "We were happy to be jailed for their faith."

Each year, more than a thousand cases are recorded in the Himalayan country, mostly due to unprotected sex. Migrants are infected abroad, in India and the Middle East. HIV-positive children are denied the right to an education.

Baba Ramdev has invested 1.5 billion rupees (almost US$ 14 million) through an NGO she heads. Nepali laws establish tight controls on foreign funds, and the guru did not have the right permits. His popularity is being used to re-establish a Hindu confessional state.

Prince William also present in the Vietnamese capital to raise public consciousness about the fate of the species at risk of extinction. Kathmandu optimism: "We will reach the targets set four years ahead of time".

The faithful were stopped on the western border with India. They were headed to Buddhist temples in northeastern India. The crackdown stems from China’s threat after India’s president met Tibetan leaders in Nepal.

India’s Pranab Mukharjee visited Nepal on 2-4 November. Afterwards, the Nepali Congress leader visited India where he met the Dalai Lama. Beijing reacted by calling on Kathmandu for explanations. Nepal responded reiterating its support for the ‘One China’ policy.

Purna Nepali is a member of the Nepal Academy and has taught for 30 years at St Xavier School. His songs are famous throughout the country and are used in the liturgical celebrations. "Prayers and God’s blessing led me here."