Thousands of young people are back on the streets to protest the actions of the Election Commission following investigations into the purging of the voters’ list. The auxiliary bishop of Bombay calls for democratic participation that is “impartial, transparent and accountable”.
The archbishop of Mumbai defines police attack (even with batons) on consecrated and lay women as "disgraceful , dishonorable and deplorable”. It is a behavior that " reflects the lack of dignity and respect for women in this country." The cardinal appeals to the Prime Minister of India.
Like a father or a mother, God "becomes small" to be closer to us. We can hear what he says but also how he says it. We must do what the Lord does, do what he says and do it how he says, i.e. "with love, with tenderness, [and] with that condescension towards the brethren."
Francis’ message for the World Day of Peace. The foundation of the fraternity is the common fatherhood of God. The "Globalisation of indifference". The increasing number of interconnections and communications, "make us neighbors but not brothers." "International agreements and national laws , despite being highly desirable and necessary , are not sufficient by themselves to bring humanity to avoid the risk of armed conflict. This requires a conversion of heart which allows everyone to recognize themselves in their brother". "The succession of economic crises should lead to appropriate rethinking of models of economic development and a change in lifestyle". A "change of heart".
Fr Aniceto Pereira, vice rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, talks about Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation. Calling the pope, the "John the Baptist or our generation," he highlights the pontiff's critique of today's culture and economy, which closely touch the Indian city, caught as it is between " glitzy wealth and poverty that kills, spiritually as well."
The highest Indian court has overturned a 2009 judgment of the High Court of Mumbai , which had decriminalized homosexual acts. LGBT associations complain and accuse the Islamic and Christian religious organizations of lobbying to reinstate the ban. Card. Oswald Gracias, "No to gay marriage, but the Christian community is against any form of discrimination. Homosexuals have the same dignity as any other human being."
God "did not send his Son to condemn, but to save" and "he who believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is already condemned," and in this sense "the judgment has already begun". New appeal against hunger in the world. America, land of welcome, “a land capable of respecting human life at every stage".
Two women were arrested for distributing leaflets about Christianity . A mob of extremists threaten to launch a mass protest , to punish "those who practice conversions”. President of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC ), tells AsiaNews: "A shameful attack, as planned nationalist forces step up pressure on Christians at Christmas".
Mgr Anil JT Couto, along with other members of the local clergy, was taking part in a protest for the rights of Dalit Christians and Muslims. Police apparently beat the religious leaders present, charging the crowd with water cannons. Several people have been injured. For Card Gracias, "violence on priests, religious and nuns" is a disgrace for India. The country "cannot move forward as long as one part of society is discriminated and deprived of something on religious grounds."
For Fr Lombardi, the pope seeks neither fame not success, but "he will certainly be glad" if Time's choice means that many people understood that "he carries out his service for the proclamation of the Gospel and the love of God for all."
"The Lord comforts us with tenderness." God the powerful "is not afraid of tenderness." "" When a Christian forgets hope, or worse loses hope, his life has no meaning. It is as if his life was in front of a wall: nothing".
The Archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Catholic Bishops paints a portrait of the South African leader " icon of peace and reconciliation." Today, Heads of State and dignitaries from around the world participate in the celebrations in honor of Nelson Mandela. Card. Gracias recalls 27 years in prison lived "with great courage and dignity, never ceasing to pursue the values of peace, love and reconciliation."
Francis concelebrates morning Mass with the Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts, Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak . Recognition for "the right for Christians to live peacefully where they were born , in the homeland they have loved as citizens for two thousand years , to contribute as always to the common good".
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