A recent study estimates that nearly 40 per cent of children have blood lead levels exceeding the threshold set by the World Health Organisation. The difficulty of preventing disposal in soil or water is compounded by a shortage of facilities for special waste and their poor efficiency.
The Society of Pilar is hosting the world meeting for the first time in the Indian city from 2 to 6 December, concurrently with the exhibition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. Card Ferrão hopes the societies can “inspire the Church” to embrace her “synodal journey". PIME superior general was also present.
Rescued at sea in October 2021, the few dozen Sri Lankan exiles, including children, applied for asylum in the Chagos Islands, which is still an uninhabited British overseas territory (with a large military base). The UK refused to accept them, despite complaints about their conditions, and view the current humanitarian solution as temporary.
Recent studies show that the toxic cloud released into the environment in 1984 continues to impact the health of residents. The site of the US-owned plant responsible for the tragedy still holds over 330 tonnes of toxic waste. No one has ever been seriously prosecuted for the disaster and today, only grassroots associations are taking care of the survivors.
Local authorities have reported killing 16 terrorists in the past week alone. In addition to the threat of the Pakistani Taliban and the claims of the population of Belucistan, new sectarian clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have recently been added. But the response of the executive, focused on internal political dynamics, is considered insufficient.
In northern and eastern Sri Lanka, people held a peaceful day of remembrance on 27 November for their civil war dead. Despite bad weather, they laid flowers, candles, and fruit in Maaveerar Thuyilam Illam, heroes’ final homes. No restrictions were imposed under the new government. Muthukumara, a businessman from Colombo told AsiaNews, that “everyone is a human being,” urging the government “to go ahead with peace.”
In the State of Nagaland, at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians recently recognised by the Indian federal government as a national pilgrimage centre, an initiative to praise God through the beauty of creation. Bishop Thoppil: ‘We no longer use plastic flowers in our churches. Now with the commitment of women in the cultivation of fresh flowers this message is reaching everyone'.
Sree Narayana Guru already a hundred years ago in India brought together representatives of all religions in his ashram to experience fraternal relations. The Pontiff: "Our religious traditions are ways to defeat the culture of individualism, exclusion, indifference and violence".
A native of the same Indian metropolis, 57 year-old Msgr. John Rodrigues has led the diocese of Pune since last year after serving for ten years as auxiliary bishop to Card. Oswald Gracias, who will turn eighty on 20 December next. As of 25 January, he will be at his side with right of succession. He comes from a family in which the widowed mother accompanied all three of her sons to the priesthood.
In Pakistan, police attack the mosques of the persecuted Islamic minority, who are not allowed to worship in public since 1984. Kakhanwali and Faisalabad are the scene of the latest raids, even though structures built before 1984 are protected. Ahmadi spokesman Aamir Mahmood slams the government for using the law against his community.
Local councils forced about a hundred Christians to leave or renounce their faith. The police did not intervene immediately and at least 40 people were forced to take refuge in churches after their property was destroyed. According to some oraganizations, there has been an increase in violence against the Christian community in this Indian State this year.
The People's Alliance for Land Rights has delivered a report to the new government highlighting the injustices faced by farmers: families have lost ownership over land, which is dedicated to this monoculture even when it is unsuitable.
Led by the Substitute for the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Peña Parra, the delegation joined the millions of pilgrims who will pay homage to the relics of Saint Francis Xavier until 5 January. Also present was the organiser of papal journeys, Cardinal-designate Koovakad. The pope has India and Asia “in his heart,” he said. Goa Governor Pillai pays tribute to Christian schools.
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