Santosh Digal

Philippine artist, Tomas Concepcion, has painted a portrait of the missionary under which the signatures of Christians and Muslims asking for his release will be added.

According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, the new law, which will enter into force on 15 July, is creating panic and insecurity among the people and it could result in gross injustice.

The spokesperson for the Philippine Bishops Conference has implored kidnappers to free the Pime missionary abducted yesterday in Mindanao on his way to mass. A spokesperson for Islamic separatists condemns the act and promises the movement’s full collaboration with authorities.

The official announcement of the missionary’s abduction was made by Col Godofredo Paderanga, a Filipino Army officer stationed in Mindanao. Father Bossi is the third Italian priest kidnapped in the area in the last ten years.

Babuh Balma, an ethnic Tausug and a Catholic, is devoting her life to feed abandoned Muslim children in Mindanao, refugees from civil war and poverty. The dignity of serving the poor goes hand in hand with inter-faith dialogue.

A Filipino school teaches children how to protect the environment. The Sunshine International School in Daraga caters to both Filipino and international students and has become a symbol of a global initiative to address the world’s environmental problems.

Bishop Joel Z. Baylon has endorsed a film that teaches young people the values of honesty and justice. In a recent survey the Philippines top the list as the Asian country with the most corrupt political and economic systems. The movie, a contemporary and daring analysis of the disturbing culture of corruption that is so pervasive in Filipino society, pushes young people to reflect and more.

Risa Bondoc, a 12 year old Philippine child, should have died at 18 months: thanks to the intercession of the future saint she is healthy and one of Manila’s brightest pupils. She will be present at Maria Eugénie’s canonization, who saved her from certain death. During the same ceremony the name’s of Giorgio Preca, Simone da Lipnica e p. and Charles of St. Andrew, will be written in the role of the saints.

Rev Berlin Guerrero, who was abducted on Sunday, was found yesterday, apparently tortured after police arrested him. Guerrero’s Church has condemned the abduction saying that it is probably part of a wider police crackdown against those who are fighting for the rights of workers and the poor.

The Archbishop of the Philippine capital turns 75 on August 10th and in accordance with cannon law must resign from his post. Manila’s priests are convinced that he will continue to lead the Archdiocese.

Created in 1953, the social service agency of the Archdiocese of Manila, plans to offer free education plan as part of a wider scheme to help 300,000 poor families over the 2006-2010 period.

A group of more than 300 volunteers from every religious background offers pastoral care as well legal counselling and primary education to prison inmates in Manila.