South East Asia

From celebrations for the 60th anniversary of Fr. Zimbaldi’s ordination to the priesthood to baptisms celebrated at Easter, the small community in northern Thailand confirms its vitality. The "missionary" spirit of children, who invite parents to attend mass. The blessing of the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, in Akha tribal village.

As it sounds the alarm, WHO warns of a "global threat" to public health. The parasites are resistant to artemisinin, the most effective drug available today. Now there are fears that the strains might spread to Africa, where 90 per cent of all deaths already take place.

Evangelisation and participation in community life were discussed at the Pastoral Conference of the Diocese of Palangkaraya. The meeting ended with a reminder to all Catholics about their role and the social issues they face. The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St Mary's Cathedral in the presence of thousands of faithful.

Francis confirms 44 young people from around the world, one of the events for the Year of Faith. “The new things of God are not like the novelties of this world, all of which are temporary; they come and go, and we keep looking for more. The new things which God gives to our lives are lasting”. Christ gives us "the strength to swim against the tide " and overcome our fears. "With him we can do great things." "Hold on to your ideals." At the Regina Caeli an appeal for the Bangladesh tragedy, that "the dignity and safety of the worker is always protected."

People's Committee launches smear campaigns and threats against diocesan clergy. They are charged with having promoted prelates’ reflections on the draft reform of Constitution. Frontal attack against bishops and priests, for fear that desire for change is growing among population.

Protests resume in the agricultural area bought by a Chinese company, which wants to clear it to make room for a copper mine. In November protests white phosphorus was used against demonstrators.

In the Year of Faith, the parish of Vuon Xoai celebrates the mission among the Montagnards. A 800 km long journey to bring the Word of God and celebrate Mass "every two weeks." The faithful ask for the creation of a stable community and the presence of priests. A " long cultivated” wish.

For environmentalists and experts, a "colossal" business revolves around the tokay gecko. Commonly found in the forests of Southeast Asia, the lizard is now in gradual decline. Catching the reptile to use as a basic ingredient in drugs is "disproportionate". Its supposed benefits have never been scientifically demonstrated.

A tribute to the founder of AsiaNews monthly magazine: as a priest and an evangeliser through journalism, rather than the mission's worldwide reach, he opened Catholic hearts.

The Burmese government has ordered the release of more than 50 political prisoners in response to the European Parliament's decision to lift economic and trade sanctions on Myanmar. The ban on arms sales remains. Kachin activist criticizes the move by Brussels, because "there is still no real desire for change."

The decision is announced in a letter dated 18 April, ostensibly because some jury members could not attend the hearing for "family reasons". Others believe the government is retaliating against recent allegations of human rights violations made by the European Union and the United States. No date has been set for the next hearing.

At the general audience Francis talks about the return of Jesus for the final judgment. "In this time of crisis, do not forget the poor and the little ones," because "we shall be judged by our charity." "What is asked of us is to be prepared for the encounter: prepare yourself for the encounter, a beautiful encounter, our encounter with Jesus." Appeal for the bishops kidnapped in Syria, "let the bloodshed cease", provide “humanitarian assistance to the population" and work on a "political solution to the crisis."