The account of Sister Lenita D’Souza, an Indian doctor with the Sisters of Maria Bambina, who has been on the front line alongside a driver and three nurses in helping the victims of the disaster that struck a month ago. ‘If we don’t get the children back to school, we will soon lose an entire generation. We must rebuild not only homes but also lives.’
Upon his arrival in Spain, Benedict XVI greets the Royalty and explains the reasons for his being in Madrid and why young people are there. "It is an immense joy for me to listen to them." WYD, an economic boost to the country, but also " a message of hope like a pure and youthful breeze, with rejuvenating scents which fill us with confidence before the future of the Church and the world." Building a society with respect and tolerance.
The event took place on 16th of agoust in Jaffna. Hundreds of journalists, trade unionists and activists from various parts of the country joined the protest, triggered by the beating of the news editor of Uthayan, a Tamil-language newspaper that has often criticised the government and the military.
At the welcoming ceremony, Benedict XVI greets the young people present, but also those who have not come and calls all to rediscover faith in Christ "because his message of hope and love has echoed in the hearts of those who do not believe or have strayed from the Church". The gifts of the youth, coffee, rice, bread and salt, a garland of flowers, a sombrero.
Fr. Cedric Prakash, SJ, director of Ahmedabad based Prashant centre for Human Rights expresses concern about the government's reaction to protests against corruption. "Corruption is a problem of great magnitude in the country, and should be addressed at every level. "
On Minorities Day, President Zardari recognised the trust set up by Paul Bhatti to continue the work of his brother, a Catholic minister murdered by Muslim extremists. The government says it will defend minorities; yet, anti-Christian violence continues across the country.
At the general audience in Castel Gandolfo, Benedict XVI that tomorrow he will join the gathering of young people in Spain. He urges the faithful to find time every day to "nourish their spiritual life and contact with God."
Under an amended criminal code, heavy sentences could be imposed on anyone inducing others to convert or not to respect Hindu traditions. Killing cattle for the meat would be outlawed. Non-Hindu religious leaders want separate legislation and a commission to protect religious minorities.
St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church was desecrated on Monday. It is the first attack against a Syro-Malankar community in Pune, Maharashtra. A ceremony to purify the building was held yesterday. Anti-Christian violence is also recorded in Kerala.
A young teacher and a priest left Orissa for Madrid to take part in the World Youth Day. “If I am lucky, I’ll meet Benedict XVI personally during the WYD,” the teacher said. “I’ll talk to him about Christians in Kandhamal and their faith, which is strong despite the suffering they endured during the pogroms of 2007 and 2008.”
The fundamentalists plan to celebrate “Protecting the Faith” day to commemorate Swami Laksamananda Saraswati, who was killed by Maoists. His murder unleashed a wave of violence against Christians, who were innocent of the crime. John Dayal, secretary general of the All India Christian Council, calls for the most stringent of measures to prevent violence.
Opposition parties accuse him of conspiring to bring Maoists back into power. A new constitution now cannot be drafted by the deadline of 31 August. President Yadav calls for a new coalition government.
30 children received baptism and first communion in the Cathedral of the Assumption of Kathmandu. The invitation of the Bishop Sharma to imitate the Virgin Mary to be true disciples of Jesus
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