Discontent with the institutions in India continues to grow following the arrests of leaders of the “cockroach” movement. According to Jesuit Father Sebasti L. Raj of the Indian Social Institute, the success of the mobilisation hinges on remaining independent of political parties and being open to different religious and cultural communities.
Free copies of the Gospel of St Luke were handed out. Memorising works of mercy makes it “easier to fulfil them”. As the adulterous woman stood in front of Jesus, they were like “misery and mercy, facing each other,” like us when we go to the confessional. “God does not nail us to our sins; he does not identify us with the wrongs we have done.” Instead, “He wants to free us” so as to make us into “new creatures”.
Organised by guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the World Culture Festival celebrates 35 years of the Art of Living Foundation. Held on the banks of the sacred Yamuna River, the event has generated a great deal of controversy. For Lenin Raghuvanshi, the event fuels religious extremism. It also violates environmental rules, according to Ram Puniyani.
During today’s Jubilee audience, Francis said that "By washing the Apostles' feet, Jesus showed how God acts towards us, and set an example of his ‘new commandment’ to love one another as he has loved us." Speaking to the participants in a course organised by the Roman Rota, the pontiff said that "the verification of the validity of a marriage represents a major possibility”. Those who have experienced a failed marriage “should be helped to follow this path as smoothly as possible."
The project is the largest investment ever made in Sri Lanka. Announced in September 2014 under former President Rajapaksa, it was blocked following criticism from fishermen, activists and Catholics. An area of 269 hectares will emerge next to the capital with shopping malls, luxury apartments and a Formula One racetrack.
The affected region is part of the diocese of Mymensingh, home to nearly 5.5 million people. Villagers have to walk two kilometres to fetch water. Many “drink polluted water” and “get sick. For expert, drought "is the first cause,” but farmers’ water use is also crucial.
Fr. M C George Menamparampil speaks of the work of Salesian educators to save the children from the street, from child labor, from child marriages. Past pupils of Don Bosco schools include four federal ministers of the Hindu nationalist government. "Without our help, poor and tribal pupils would never have become what they are today". Their mission has one goal: "To be messengers of God's mercy."
A petition is circulating destined for President Sirisena. So far, some 50,000 people have signed on. For business executive, "Every Buddhist celebration is a holiday. Why shouldn’t we participate in the Passion of the Lord?” At present, Good Friday is a holiday only for banks and government offices.
The arson attack took place early yesterday morning. The Grotto of Our Lady is part of the St Sebastian Church, but is located on a private property outside the building. The owner of the land, a Christian activist, filed a complaint. Since “no valuables had been stolen,” said the owner, “we realised that the act was done only to offend our religious feelings”. Meanwhile, parishioners set up private security.
The auxiliary bishop of Ranchi talks about the challenges of the apostolic mission of the Church, and in particular those in the field of health and education. In "remote areas of India only the Church takes care of the poor". Card. Baselios Cleemis confirmed as president.
The woman, in prison on charges of blasphemy, is a target for Islamic radicals, who are clamoring for her death. The threats have increased since the hanging of Qadri, who murdered Bibi’s defender. Priest: "Let us pray and fast for her safety and that of all the other prisoners."
The provincial assembly is cracking down on violence against women. Under new legislation, husbands can be punished for their violence. However, the law has not yet been enacted. For a Catholic mother, “husbands will have to be more careful because neighbours can call the police.” For a Muslim widow, the law “can only make matters worse. Our in-laws never forget.”
A former post office inspector, the new bishop’s vocation began when he was already an adult. As a missionary with the Paris Foreign Missions Society, he worked in China. During his stewardship of the society, the number of missionary vocations rose. In his view, developing the mission in Asia has a good impact on the missionaries’ native Churches.
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