South East Asia

185 directors take part in a course to improve knowledge and experience of social workers inside and outside of the 150 parishes.

The conflict is about not only haves and have-nots but also about two different ways of envisaging society. PIME missionary says red-shirts have brought together all anti-government groups with Thaksin operating behind the scene to get back into power. About 90 per cent of the population wants peace and is concerned about the crisis’ impact on the economy, especially tourism.

Demonstrators march through the streets of the capital carrying coffins on their shoulders after the death of 21 people - including a Japanese cameraman - in the clashes with police, over 800 injured. The political crisis has serious repercussions on the national economy: the stock market collapses, major Thai companies post negative results.

His return to Vietnamese capital sooner than announced by the same prelate who had gone to Rome to undergo medical treatment. New rumours on the possibility that the prelate will be removed from the archdiocese, as repeatedly requested by local authorities.

Extremist group is blamed for the 2004 Australian Embassy attack and the 2007 Marriot Hotel bombing. Police sources say terrorists were planning to attack the president’s private residence. Two suspects were able to escape. Women are now joining the jihad.

The Muslim majority region has been a theatre of war between the army and Islamic rebels for over 40 years. Fr. Randy Glore Rendora and Sr. Claire Marie R. Sy, both missionaries in the province of Lanao del Sur (Mindanao), tell AsiaNews about their experience of inter-faith dialogue among Muslims.

Benedict XVI expresses his ‘profound sorrow’ for the 96 victims of the air disaster, most of the Polish leadership. The hymns of a group of nuns. The memory of Divine Mercy Sunday, desired by John Paul II to mark the canonization of Sr. Maria Faustina Kowalska. Priests familiarise people with "the infinite Mercy," like the Cure d'Ars. On May 2, the pope will travel to Turin for the exhibition of the Shroud.

While in Hanoi ASEAN delegates discuss future strategies for economic growth, millions of migrants from the countryside, abandoned by the government, live in miserable conditions. In Ho Chi Minh City alone over 2 million young people arrive in town with the hope of improving their living conditions.

Anti-government demonstrators attack a military base. Soldiers responded with water cannons and rubber bullets. More than 90 people injured. Thai authorities shut down "Peoples Channel" TV for a second time, the satellite channel accused of fomenting violence. Yesterday leaders of the protest had restored broadcasts.

Abortion, AIDS, violence, divorce, sexual abuse are widespread throughout the world as a sign of moral decay. But some groups have decided to only speak of the abuse of priests. Attacks against Benedict XVI try to diminish his prestige and his commitment to the truth of life. The "evil forces" join forces: first Ratzinger was "too strict" now he is "too tolerant and lax”.

The "People's Channel" shut down after the declaration of emergency rule. According to the Thai prime minister it broadcast "misleading" information Over 6 thousand officers guarding the building. Enhanced security measures in the capital with the arrival of 33 more thousand soldiers. Arrest warrants against seven revolt leaders.

The preliminary investigation by the Diocese of Nantes into the death of 15 missionaries, priests and lay people, has been completed. Among those who died “for their Christian faith”, five are Laotian, one priest and four lay people. The documents collected are now on their way to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints for the official process of beatification.