Jeremy Lim

It is an effort against time before the new version is officially launched on 27 November, first Sunday of Advent. In a message, the archbishop urges the faithful to study it. “The new translation is deliberately closer to the original Latin, so that it captures more fully the theological and spiritual meaning of the original text,” he said.

The newly appointed secretary general of Caritas Internationalis, Michel Roy, recalls the value of the commitment of each individual: "We are people who come together to help the poor and promote justice." Archbishop Chia: "Bring the love of God to our brothers and sisters throughout the world."

The city-state’s seventh president will take the oath of office on Thursday. Close to the ruling party, he said he would be an active check and balance on the government, “a president for all Singaporeans.” The narrow-margin victory shows a politically divided society.

In his speech to the party of independence, Lee Hsien Loong said that the city-state has been able to cope with "well" the crisis. But the future remains uncertain and the "unresolved problems" of Europe and the United States could undermine global growth. On the domestic front the subject of immigrants and an increase in inequality between citizens remains.

The city-state has "ambitious goals" in terms of environment and an "efficient" approach in pursuing them. It beat 21 other cities and is rated ‘well above average’ in management of waste and water resources. Every citizen has available 66 square meters of green area, against an average of 39 square meters.

Christian group gains 3 per cent over 2000 because of the sense of community and protection Churches provide. The number of single people and people with no religion is up, marriage and fertility rates are down. The percentage of Muslims is unchanged (15 per cent). Buddhism loses 10 per cent.

In his message to Catholic schools, Mgr. Nicholas Chia explains the Church's position on premarital sex and contraceptive methods. He reaffirms the importance of "having the courage of our convictions" to defend and bring the values of the Church to all aspects of school life, so that students do not receive conflicting messages.

In 2010, the country pulled out of the recession thanks to tourism and services. The government plants measures to check inflation and reduce the income gap. Together with Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand, Singapore is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The city-state’s Housing and Development Board (HDP) hits the one million mark since its creation in 1960. Called Treelodge@Punggol, the latest project is eco-friendly with solar power, rainwater collectors and a playground fashioned from recycled materials.

The former deputy premier accuses the government of having ties with Israel. Along with him, three other members of Pakatan Rakyat, the opposition coalition, have been suspended. This move brings the Barison Nasional, the ruling party, to regain a majority of two thirds, lost for the first time in 40 years with the 2008 elections.

In Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas, publicly owned burial space for non-Muslims is running out. Traditionally, Christians avoid cremation, and private cemeteries are very expensive.

The government will finance the reconstruction of the church unfairly destroyed in 2005. The decision of the Supreme Court.