A group of migrant workers were promised well-paid construction jobs but were instead handed over to the Russian military. After only 21 days of training, they were sent to the battlefield. Seventeen reportedly died on their first day of deployment. One returned home severely injured after crawling kilometres to safety. Two suspected traffickers have been arrested.
State authorities halt all operations in health camps. At least 56 women underwent tubectomy this way. The performing doctor justifies himself by saying that it "is a common practice" all over the state.
Msgr. Anil Couto underlines the seriousness of the arson attack on a place of worship in the capital of India. President of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC): "Failure of the central government and the local administration. The authorities must protect the places of worship."
Jibon William Gomes, a 39-year-old Catholic, told AsiaNews the incredible story of his life. "My birth took place in a bathroom." When he fell head first, he developed cerebral palsy that affected the left side of his body. But his "mother's love and God's compassion" led him to an incredible road, full of pain but also "memorable" joy. "I would like to be a living example" for those who are not handicapped. "Life is wonderful."
On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, NGOs and activists launch appeals to the government for the protection of women in the workplace. Unions call for women to come together "in associations" and speak with "one voice". Condemnation of slavery and the exploitation of child labor.
"We talked with the authorities about violence. It is forgetfulness of God, and not His glorification, that generates violence. This is why I insisted on the importance that Christians and Muslims working together for solidarity, for peace and justice”. "Our journey of ecumenical dialogue is also the path to our unity, the unity of our Catholic Church, which is brought about by the Holy Spirit. We must let him do this, welcome him, be inspired by him".
On the feast day of the Apostle of the Indies, patron saint of missions and the East, the archbishop of Mumbai assess the state of the Indian Church. Catholics needs to understand, study and live more deeply their faith. Christianity "is like a jewel in our life which must be polished to make it shine more brightly."
The Archbishop of Mumbai comments to AsiaNews on the destruction of the church of Saint Sebastian in the capital: "The arson attack should be strongly condemned and that cannot be condoned. It threatens the development of our nation". The fire completely destroyed the altar, sacristy and choir. The chancellor of the archdiocese: "The fire was deliberately started, we found the cans of kerosene."
Amid the solemn moments with political and religious leaders, Francis found time to meet ordinary people, those living on the "edges", the sick, people like Middle Eastern refugees, members of Turkey's tiny Christian communities, and the bed-ridden Armenian patriarch. For Turkish Christians and Muslims, he is an authoritative but approachable figure, a model for politicians.
Mgr Paul Simick talks to AsiaNews about his mission for the Church of Nepal. In a "very diversified country in religious, cultural, ethnic and linguistic terms country," it is urgent to focus on "dialogue". Admitting to growing spiritual hunger in the country, Catholics must respond "with openness to other faiths" and "share our identity without fear."
"Many may know the science, theology well, so many! But if they do not do this theology on their knees, humbly, like children, they will not understand anything. It will tell them many things, but they will not understand anything". " We ask the Lord, in this Advent season, to bring us nearer to his mystery and to do so the way that He wants us to do: the way of humility, the way of meekness, the way of poverty, the road where we feel sin".
Orthodox, Anglican, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu representatives together with Francis signed the Declaration of Religious Leaders against Slavery. "This crime 'against humanity' masquerades behind apparently accepted habits, but in reality creates victims in prostitution, trafficking in persons, forced labor, slave labor, mutilation, the sale of organs, drug use , child labor ".
The section of the road that runs by St Anthony's Catholic School, Lahore's cathedral and the archbishop's resident has been renamed after the Air Force group captain, a leading member of the local Catholic community. Leading officials from the Pakistani Armed Forces, as well as members of the late hero's family and ordinary citizens attended the ceremony. For Catholic priest, the dedication is "an honour" for the entire "Christian community".
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