East Asia

"The hope of the world lies completely in the blessing of God" who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. The 4 sisters killed in El Salvador 40 years ago "lived their faith with great generosity: they are an example for all to become faithful missionary disciples".

The three Democrat leaders were sentenced to prison: 13.5 months for Wong; 10 months for Chow; 7 months for Lam. At 7 am this morning, a raid by 20 policemen led to the arrest of university student Keith Fong Chung-yin. His crime is possession of laser lights and obstruction of justice. The Baptist University Student Association: "Since the passing of the security law, the communist authorities in Hong Kong have been carrying out large-scale retaliation and disseminating terror in the city."

The robot that separated from the spacecraft has begun to collect lunar material: it will be used to study the origin and history of the solar system. Powered by solar panels, the exploration module will collect about 2kg of rocks and debris. The return scheduled for mid-December. Another success for China's space program.

The seven set up stands marked “SAVE 12” and collected letters to send to the prisoners. A sign was also displayed on Amah Rock. The trial of the fugitives is expected to start in a week or two.

In addition to masks, social distancing and hand washing, there is the risk of an "afternoon" Christmas Mass, or indeed none altogether: The European Union is suggesting the elimination of all liturgical celebrations, replacing them with online events! We argue about the time of Mass, while we are getting used to the fact that the state is a "healthcare" state that manages (instead of serving) our wellbeing. Christmas is the Life that enters darkness and the shadow of death: The Child Jesus of the oriental icons is wrapped as in a shroud, similar to that of Christ in the tomb.

The revelation comes from a US expert who cites Japanese intelligence sources. Senior leaders of the regime and family members of the dictator Aaso vaccinated. The medicine was made available to the Chinese government in the past three weeks. Doubts in the scientific community on the efficacy of the Beijing vaccine.

The media celebrate the "homecoming after 160 years". The work was stolen in 1860, after the destruction of the Yuanmingyuan by the Anglo-French troops. For the Chinese Communist Party, the theft of sculptures is a symbol of the "century of humiliation". The bronze horse head was donated to China by tycoon Stanley Ho. Two Jesuits, Castiglione and Benoist, were among the architects and decorators of the Yuanmingyuan.

Japan's NEC will build the UK’s ultra-fast Internet after London bans Chinese technology. India picks Rakuten, another Japanese hi-tech giant. They join Finland’s Nokia and Sweden’s Ericsson. The US boycott campaign against Huawei is working.

Francis sends a message to the Ecumenical Patriarch on the feast day of Saint Andrew, teh Patriarchate’s patron saint. The "primary duty" of Christians is to offer an example of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation to a world where war will end when people realise that they are brothers and sisters.

During the Angelus, Pope Francis noted that "The Lord never abandons us" and this can help overcome "fear and discouragement" along with "pessimism, closure, and apathy" at this time of pandemic. The pontiff urged the faithful to pray for the new cardinals.

At the Altar of the Chair in St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis celebrated Mass with the new cardinals created in yesterday’s consistory. “[W]hy should we be caught up with earthly concerns?” “Why should we look for ‘patrons’ to help advance our career?” “Some people seem to think that being compassionate, helping and serving others is for losers. Yet these are the only things that win us the victory”. “When the Church worships God and serves our neighbour, she does not live in the night. However weak and weary, she journeys towards the Lord.”

Commentary (in Italian) on the Gospel of the Sunday before Advent B (Mark 13:33-37).