Farmers are demanding the return of grazing land in Mayilaththamadu and Mathavanai, which is at the centre of a dispute with newcomers from other parts of the country, to whom then-President Rajapaksa granted land. The crisis is having a severe impact on milk production, a vital activity for the local economy.
"When in Hebrew we wish shalòm, we wish for a beautiful, full, prosperous life, but also according to truth and justice, which will be fulfilled in the Messiah, prince of peace". "True shalòm and true inner balance flow from the peace of Christ, which comes from his Cross and generates a new humanity, embodied in an infinite host of saints, saints, inventive, creative, who have devised ever new ways to love.
God "is faithful to his promise". "God's fidelity is a patient fidelity: He is patient with His people, listens to them, guides them, explains slowly and warms their hearts". "God's fidelity always precedes us and our fidelity is always the answer to that fidelity that precedes us".
The Archbishop of Colombo led Easter Mass without worshippers, streamed live, urging the faithful to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ through a new life, as “an instrument of transformation of society.” About 218 people have tested positive so far for the COVID-19 virus.
Conversion is fidelity, "that human attitude that is not so common in people's lives, in our lives. There are always illusions that attract attention and many times we want to go behind these illusions. Loyalty, in good times and in bad times”.
Women were the first to meet the Risen Jesus and bring to the apostles the announcement that carries hope even today. During this epidemic, many women care for others: “women doctors, nurses, law enforcement and prison officers, employees of stores selling basic necessities”. Some of them “are at risk of violence, in a relationship in which they carry too great a burden.”
“Remember what Jesus said: there are two lords, the Lord God and the god of money. One cannot serve both.” “May the Lord be both in our personal life and in our social life”. May he “always help us to choose the announcement: the announcement that is horizon, open, always; may he lead us to choose what is good for people. And never fall into the tomb of the god of money.”
In the Easter Message and before the Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Francis admonishes the international community, calling on all not to allow "fear and death" prevail, instead of the "the Lord Jesus". He remembers the victims of the pandemic, he urges greater support for doctors and nurses. No to international sanctions; cancel or reduce the debt of poor countries. Europe must find unity. Yes to a global ceasefire; no to arms trafficking. "A stable and lasting solution" for Israelis and Palestinians and for the whole Middle East. He also remembers the "populations in Asia and Africa who are experiencing serious humanitarian crises".
At the Easter vigil, Francis recalls that "God is faithful" and does not abandon us. ). Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear: This is the message of hope. It is addressed to us, today. These are the words that God repeats to us this very night. Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope.” The hope of Jesus "places in the heart the certainty that God knows how to turn everything to good."
The government-imposed quarantine has endangered the lives of millions of people, especially migrant workers. Activists in Gujarat help the least with food, medicine and legal assistance. Support for victims of ethno-religious violence in West Bengal. In Pune, a Hindu teacher and a Muslim create a food bank for day laborers.
This year's Meditations were written by 14 people associated with the correctional system, in particular the Due Palazzi prison in Padua. The cross was carried alternately by members of the prison and by doctors and staff from the Vatican Health and Hygiene Directorate. The Pope did not deliver a homily, but gave room for silence before the crucifix of San Marcello.
This morning the Archbishop of Bombay led the Way of the Cross in the cathedral. The relic is a gift from the city of Brescia and the family of Paul VI. Maharashtra is the Indian state most affected by the coronavirus outbreak with 1,364 cases and 97 deaths.
Francis celebrated the ‘In Coena Domini” Mass in an empty St Peter’s Basilica, except for a dozen people present. “Nobody knows their names”. They are “anonymous priests, country parish priests who know the locals. One told me that he knew the names of all the people in the village. ‘Really? I said to him.’ Even the dogs. [. . .] Today I carry you all to the altar.”
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