South East Asia

Focusing on youth, the Church urges parents and children to further their understanding of justice and peace by looking at the example of Jesus and its social doctrine. Mgr Joseph Đinh Đức Đạo cites the example of Card Văn Thuận who went to jail but lived a life of “forgiveness and charity for his fellow men”.

The local leader of Nadhlatul Ulama demand police intervention against the head of the Shiite community Tajul muluk. According to the indictment he is fomenting sectarian divisions and promoting "illegal teachings " about Islam.

The opposition leaders registers in the electoral rolls. She is competing for a seat in Parliament in the constituency of Kawhmu, south-west of Yangon, one of the areas hardest hit by Cyclone Nargis in 2008. A crowd observes the official registration, paying homage to the Nobel Laureate

The world economy will grow by only 2.5, compared with forecasts of 3.6. Eurozone, U.S., China, India, Japan all se downward trend. Growth in developing countries will be 5.4, 1.4 in rich countries,. Need to promote social welfare and infrastructure programs. Food prices fall by 14%, but the problem of food will remain crucial for poor countries.

Index loses 53 per cent in three years. It is a measure of maritime shipping costs for commodities like minerals and grains (with the Pacific Ocean as the hub). The recent decline reflects trends in industrial output in Asia, especially China.

Peter Doan Vuon and relatives oppose the seizure of land and activities, held since 1993. The government, in an arbitrary manner, ordered its seizure and sent in the military. In response, they mounted an armed defense - without killing or injuring anyone – of their property. Political leaders and ordinary citizens sympathize with the man considered a hero.

Even if the government does not give answers or to the Holy See, or diplomats, or to friends of the Vatican and China, it is important that "no one forgets about them." The Chinese government's official response when asked is always: "We do not know." "We need to pray first," "but we must also appeal to those who are holding them."

Leader of the Saffron Revolution of September 2007, violently repressed by the military. One of 300 political prisoners, released last week by order of President Thein Sein, he talks about efforts "feeble" and changes in the democratic path "outward appearance".

Two members of the Islamic party and the Democratic Party pkb PDI-P who were participating in a ceremony Sunday with the congregation of the Church Yasmin were insulted and verbally assaulted. The congregation has had to interrupt the liturgy, and move elsewhere, but even there the radicals have prevented the celebration. The inertia of the central government and the complicity of the mayor.

During the Year of the Dragon, AsiaNews asks President Hu Jintao and ambassador Ding Wei for the release of three bishops and six Chinese priests who have disappeared in police custody or are in forced labour camps.

Parents and priests are the “mediators” who can help young people discover their vocation, especially that of total consecration. He greets representatives of Rome’s migrant communities on World Day of Migrants and Refugees and invites people to take part in the Week of prayer for Christian Unity from 18 to 25 January.

Celebrations begin today in Pasay City on the 80th anniversary of the Pontifical Missions Society. Filipino Catholics are urged to bear witness to Christ in society and spread the Gospel in the world.