Dario Salvi

Fr. Livio Maggi recently visited the Asian country, for the centenary of the diocese of Kengtung. The missionary speaks of a reality of "greater freedom", "movement and ideas." But also underscores the danger of a growing secularism and materialism, similar to neighboring Thailand. Catholics in Myanmar must be open to the universal Church.

The federal minister and APMA are ready to help Asia Bibi but the family has not asked for it or for legal protection. To avoid abuses in the name of the blasphemy law, dialogue with Muslims and Pakistani society is necessary. Some NGOs and groups in Pakistan are using the case to raise money.

In an interview with the family of the girl accused of blasphemy, who was released today on bail, Misrek Masih said, "my world collapsed. I was scared." He thanks APMA activists for their work. Faith in Jesus helped him find hope. Paul Bhatti thanks his brother Shabbaz for showing "me the path to follow."

Aye Chan Naing calls for full citizenship for the Muslim minority. He calls on exiles to come home to contribute to the process of democratisation from within. The involvement of new politically active generations must be supported with better education. Today, opposing a dictatorship is not enough; building a nation is a must.

Fr. Mario Ghezzi, PIME missionary, tells AsiaNews about mission in Phnom Penh. Faith is "fragile" and must be "supported and sustained." The crisis of Buddhism has left the country without moral guides. Charity, through Christ, the way to evangelize. Practical help to poor, sick and needy has become an example to imitate.

A year since the murder of Pakistan's Minority Affairs minister, his brother Paul talks about his legacy and work on behalf of Pakistani Christians. A new university and vocational school will open bearing his name. Masses and prayer vigils will be held on 2 March across Pakistan.

For dissident Tint Swe, Aung San Suu Kyi's election to parliament will bring change but the opposition will not have much weight in the corridors of power. The population backs the struggle and the vote is a "stepping stone", but the new Burmese president is no Gorbachev. He will implement General Than Shwe's plans.

Mgr Saldanha joins the campaign because “it is a question of religious freedom”. The archbishop of Lahore expressed the solidarity of the Pakistani Church, “close in suffering and prayer”. He urges the media to report on human rights violations around the world.

The conversion of a 30 year old mother of two children, working in an NGO in contact with children with AIDS. Attending her first mass she was struck by the sign of peace. She studied the catechism with a nun and was baptized, having opened her eyes "to see the Holy Spirit." The birth of Jesus is an invitation to "be not afraid".

Some 30 years after the fall of the blood-drenched regime, the country still bears the “social and personal” scars caused by violence and slaughter. Anxiety, stress and depression affect more than 10 per cent of the population, but are seen as “ghosts to be rid off through rituals”. A Catholic health care worker talks about her work and the need for more facilities to meet the emergency.

The Special Adviser to the Prime Minister warns that provoking extremism is not the right way to solve the problems of Christians. He promotes a policy of dialogue, capable of restoring "unity" to civil society and the country. The international community's support and the meeting with the leaders of the Islamic world. Faith in Christ, to follow in the footsteps of his brother’s vocation.

Tint Swe, member of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, underscores the strength of the pro-democracy movement, stronger now after 20 years of military regime. Recent changes in the country are “interesting”, but he suspects that they are just another way for the military to stay in power. Only pressures from the international community can bring real change.