Santosh Digal

In view of the presidential election in 2010, the bishops are asking for "greater participation" and initiatives aimed at promoting the "common good." The prelates announce a year of prayer "for peace" and a "change in the country's politics." 50 million voters are going to the polls.

The Asian Development Bank calls on South-East Asian countries to adopt “green” policies. Experts predict a GDP loss ranging from 2.2 to almost 7 per cent if appropriate measures are not taken. The Catholic Church urges the faithful to respect the environment.

Catholic religious leaders are “responsive” to workers and their problems, open to pro-active intervention to protect their rights. Church and trade unions are working on a seven-point plan to protect workers, migrants and the poor.

Crisis Management Committee says it lost contact with kidnappers. Muslim religious leaders call for the release of the International Red Cross worker. Filipino government says Italian man is in a hut in Indanan forest.

Printed in 1593, it is the oldest example of Christian literature in the local language. It is based on the teachings of Cardinal Bellarmine, a theologian and doctor of the Church. The only existing copy is kept in the U.S. Library of Congress in Washington.

After the Pauline Year Catholics are urged to pray to “build peace” and encourage “lay participation in social change”. Bishops’ Conference chairman says the initiative is designed to help the “moral regeneration” of the country ahead of the May 2010 presidential elections.

Climate change and human behavior are putting their lives in jeopardy. They include the elephant in Brunei, and the deer in Laos. Their disappearance could bring drastic changes to the lives of 500 million people in the area. The archbishop of Manila calls for the intelligent use of natural resources.

The bishops invite young people to consecrated life, and ask parents to give their children full freedom of choice. Many families ask their children to find a job to guarantee them economic support in their old age. In the capital, there is one priest for every 20,000 faithful.

The comments of Fr. Angel Calvo, who confirms the cautious optimism expressed by the Filipino interior minister. At least five ulemas have established contact with the kidnappers and have asked for the release of the hostages. Concerns raised by the health conditions of Italian Eugenio Vagni. Christians and Muslims pray for their liberation.

Holy Week is accompanied by traditional local ceremonies that unite families and gather the neighborhood together. Cardinal Vidal calls upon young people to reject the "simplistic ideas" of today's society.

In his Palm Sunday message, Card Gaudencio Rosales tells the faithful that in times of economic crisis even a “simple donation” can be the sign of a true desire for change. Since 1975 Caritas Manila promotes Easter initiative in favour of the needy.

The work of the missionaries has fostered the emergence of schools, parishes, hospitals, promoting dialogue between Christians and Muslims. The message of peace and development is stronger than the violence, kidnappings, and the killings of missionaries and teachers. Educational projects for tribal populations.