Christopher Sharma

Birgunj Chief District Officer inaugurates the new, Turkish funded facility, a move seen as an act of defiance against Indian authorities who fear the spread of Islamic values ​​and practices within India.

At the closing ceremony last Saturday, the apostolic vicar stressed the need to boost evangelisation across the country. Two nuns, a catechist and a priest receive the first award named after Bishop Anthony Sharma, Nepal’s first bishop.

Nepal’s Home Affairs Minister justifies the decision by the need to reduce the number of religious feast days. Christians see the influence of "anti-Christian tendencies”. Christmas was declared a public holiday eight years ago, when Nepal became a secular state. Christian leaders also slam Article 156, which bans conversions.

The Asian Development Bank released its annual Outlook yesterday. In 2015-2016, growth will be only 1.5 per cent, lower than last year’s (3 per cent) when the quake hit. Short-sighted economic policies, corruption, slow reconstruction, and India’s embargo are among the main factors. Experts look favourably on Nepal’s rapprochement with China.

Almost a year after the earthquake, thousands of people still live in emergency conditions, without electricity, water, and basic health services. Activists and international NGOs have denounced irregularities in the use of funds. Ordinary Nepalis complain about delays, inefficiencies and discrimination. The real victims "have not received anything."

The Apostolic Vicar Msgr. Simick urges faithful to help the Catholic community grow through witness and having more children. Slow growth of Nepalese faithful, compared to the non-Catholic population. During the Vigil 35 adults received baptism.

Jyoti Shrestha participated in the Mass along with scores of Hindus and Buddhists. "In our religion, many suffer from discrimination, whilst in Christianity there is equality." For Apostolic Vicar Mgr Paul Simick, who led the liturgy, "We have to think whether we are ready to die for Jesus or not. If we are not ready to die for him, then we must at least be prepared to live for Jesus”.

Although against the law, the practice of child brides for dowries is still widespread in the country. Educated girls cost greater sums of money because they must marry a higher-ranking man. To spend less, thousands of poor families withdraw their daughters from the schools. Activist: "It 'a chronic problem."

AsiaNews meets Ravin, Angel and Alisa, some of the young Catholics participating in a retreat. They want to be a "good example for their peers." Angel says that the secret of her joy "are the teachings of Jesus." Participants include young people of different faith, a young man confesses: "My Catholic friends live in a dignified way and do not ruin their lives with drugs".

In Karnali region no rain since July. It is one of the poorest areas of the country, with the lowest level of education. Shortage of irrigation equipment, the only source of water are ponds, which, however, are dry. Crops lost; the exodus of young people; residents forced to sell cooking pots to buy food.

Prime Ministers Oli and Modi sign a seven-point agreement that includes a new transmission line, funds to rebuild quake-damaged homes and roads, cooperation between arts academies, and new road infrastructure. A group of experts will vet ways to mend relations damaged by India’s embargo.

Christians and non-Christians testify to a real improvement in living conditions thanks to the gift of mercy. A Catholic caterer was "terrified" by the consequences of the earthquake on its activities, but with "prayers and retreats every difficulty has been resolved." Missionary of Charity: "The god of money against spiritual values."