From Hollywood to Bollywood, and across various streaming platforms, the range of content available in the UAE is increasingly diverse. Amid a varied demographic landscape, movie theatres have become spaces for fostering a sense of belonging, rather than serving merely as commercial venues. Yet, cultural consumption and choices are also influenced by geopolitical tensions, at times leading to the boycotting of certain films.
Even if the government does not give answers or to the Holy See, or diplomats, or to friends of the Vatican and China, it is important that "no one forgets about them." The Chinese government's official response when asked is always: "We do not know." "We need to pray first," "but we must also appeal to those who are holding them."
During the Year of the Dragon, AsiaNews asks President Hu Jintao and ambassador Ding Wei for the release of three bishops and six Chinese priests who have disappeared in police custody or are in forced labour camps.
Parents and priests are the “mediators” who can help young people discover their vocation, especially that of total consecration. He greets representatives of Rome’s migrant communities on World Day of Migrants and Refugees and invites people to take part in the Week of prayer for Christian Unity from 18 to 25 January.
Three day meeting in Bangkok ends, bringing together 50 Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Confucian personalities as well as those from ethnic minorities. Indian Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil coordinated the event, explaining that the initiative is to address globalization and try to points of unity and exchange.
At Mass for the Epiphany, Benedict ordains two new bishops, Nuncios to Ireland and Georgia. The Magi "scientists" who sought above all the truth, ignoring the opinion of men. The bishops must be courageous heralds of the Gospel, regardless of dominant opinion. They must become instruments of the " God’s restlessness" for all men; become "stars of God" to lead people to Christ.
At the Angelus, Benedict XVI reaffirms the significance of the feast of the Epiphany, Jesus is the sun that illuminates the existence of man and of peoples, and the Church is entrusted with the announcement of this mystery of salvation. Best wishes to the Eastern Churches that celebrate Christmas tomorrow (according to the Julian calendar). An invitation children for Holy Childhood Mission Day. The announcement of a Consistory with the appointment of 22 new cardinals. The list includes the prefect of the Congregation of Propaganda Fide, Mgr. John Tong, bishop of Hong Kong, His Beatitude, George Alencherry, major archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabar (India).
On the 45th World Day of Peace - the theme of "Educating young people in justice and peace" - Pope Benedict XVI speaks of a "critical educational challenge." Education is not only "instruction" the relativistic culture devalues the meaning of education. The task of the family, school and religious communities. The Angelus with tens of thousands of faithful from all over the world.
Mgr James Su Zhimin, 80, has done 40 years in prison; Mgr Cosma Shi Enxiang, 90, has spent 50 years. No one talks about them whilst the Chinese government says it “does not know where they are”. Many fear they might die under torture as other bishops have done before. The Vatican should demand their release as a condition for dialogue. A campaign is launched on their behalf in 2012.
The Arab uprising spread like wildfire and every Arab country felt its effects. However, the changes must be seen against the backdrop of the Islamist rise to power. Christians are afraid but must cooperate with Muslims. Syria’s case and the bishops’ reaction are a case in point. The West is confused and Obama discredited. A year on, here is a review of what happened in the Arab world.
Finding an answer to "faith fatigue" is the true "reform" that the Church has needed in recent years. World Youth Days have a sense of belonging to the Church, the gift of their time, adoration of God, awareness of need of forgiveness, joy in being loved by God
About one-third of the world’s people—2.18 billion—are classified as Christians, according to a Pew Forum survey. About 50.1 per cent of them are Catholics. In 100 years, the followers of Christ have increased four-fold but growth has left their proportion of the overall population almost unchanged. Significant increases have been recorded in Asia, which has the largest minorities, in China and India.
General Audience dedicated approach of the Incarnation. The external aspects, while beautiful and important, must not absorb the meaning of a festival that celebrates "the mystery that has marked and continues to mark the history of man, God became man and dwelt among us". And still does so today. In these days we must not forget the needy.
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