Santosh Digal

The intensity of the super typhoon Parma decreases and its path deflects toward Taiwan. Meanwhile, the devastation of the tropical storm Ketsana amounts to nearly two million displaced, 280 deaths and damage amounting to 74 million Euros. An avoidable tragedy with adequate prevention and relief preparations. The bishops call on the population and government to reflect on mistakes.

Church and humanitarian associations compensate for the shortcomings of the government, which lack even an emergency information plan. So far, 106 people are dead, 108 missing and 435,000 people displaced.

A French priest speaks of his experience as a spiritual guide to the youth and accuses the globalised and technological society of confusing, and leading the new generation away from the church.

A Catholic school in Mindanao offers Christian, Muslim and Lumad kids a chance to study religion comprehensively and to share in each other’s customs and traditions to cleanse their mind of hatred and ignorance caused by 40 years of war.

In her visit to Turkey, Filipino President Arroyo urges Islamic countries to contribute to the peace process in Mindanao. In the meantime, the Bishop-Ulama Forum is working on the annual “Week of Peace”, and views the mobilisation of the population as the best path to end the conflict.

This year more than 200,000 Filipinos working abroad have lost their job. A Catholic mechanical engineer tells his story of joblessness, urging others to live the adversity caused by the economic downturn with faith and hope.

A Muslim freelance writer from Mindanao talks about her experience of daily friendship with Christians. Mutual knowledge and respect are a possible way for harmony between the two faiths.

Diocese through the Prelature of Libmanan Development Foundation (Pldfi) helps small farmers to join cooperatives providing high technology for a better quality of agricultural production.

Lack of work each pushes 2 thousand people per day to abandon the country. Many of them emigrate to Muslim countries, where for years they must give up publicly professing the Catholic faith.

Catechism, moments of listening and professional activities for prisoners. Spiritual and practical guidance for their reintegration into society.

Fr. Cecilio Lucero was the victim of an ambush. The police speak of an attack by armed group of 30 men. The 48 year old priest, pastor of St. Josephs in the town of Catubig, was known for his efforts as director of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Catarman.

The passion of a Catholic priest for theatre and dance allows Christians, Muslims and indigenous people who grew up in war to get to know each other, by educating young people to know peace and dialogue.