Mission

In the Indian state of West Bengal, two PIME Fathers and two Sisters of the Immaculate accompany a Christian tribal community that is very poor but proud of its roots.

The sisters founded by Fr James Alberione celebrated their centenary and 70 years of presence in India. Card. Gracias: 'An occasion to question ourselves again on the proclamation of the Gospel in this Easter time'. The encounter between liturgy and Indian tradition in the experience of the Divya Kala Kendra.

Celebrations were held yesterday for the diocesan Catholic weekly, a respected voice in India and beyond. In his speech, the cardinal recalled the commitment to promoting dialogue and the legacy based on quality information. Fr. Irudayasamy delved into the topic of artificial intelligence. An award to AsiaNews correspondent Nirmala Carvalho.

The German-born Jesuit missionary died in recent days at the age of 87. He founded Pusat Musik Liturgi (Pml), a highly successful center. He composed more than 1,800 liturgical pieces with Paul Widyawan. In 2018 he had been the target of a serious attack by Islamic fundamentalists.

Thanks to a workshop set up in 2020 by an Italian foundation that works with prisoners in the world's most tormented places, the parish of the Holy Family continues to be able to celebrate the Eucharist. Arnoldo Mosca Mondadori: "A light of hope, despite all the horror".

Archbishop Kikuchi today conferred episcopal ministry on the Italian PIME missionary called by Pope Francis to join him as auxiliary bishop. "As I have loved you" the chosen motto. In his thanksgiving, the new bishop recalled Msgr. Mori who passed away a few weeks ago, "From Heaven help us to be a welcoming Church to those who seek refreshment."

Archbishop Louis Nguyễn Anh Tuấn of Ha Tinh, who participated in the recent synod, offers his testimony. He speaks about the joy of the faithful for Pope Francis's letter, their expectation about his visit, the solidarity Christians showed during COID-19, all of which boosted their confidence. Can Vietnam be a model for relations between the Vatican and China? This “will not be easy for China because of the different context.” Vietnam wants to open up to the world. The Vietnamese can be “good citizens” as well as “bear witness to the Gospel.”

Archbishop Msgr. Gilbert Garcera presided over the solemn mass, along with other bishops and priests. Hundreds of the faithful were present to pay tribute to the work of the women religious. In his homily, the prelate emphasized their contribution through "prayer, adoration and sanctification."

The commitment of the Archdiocese of Mumbai to its mission, in an area of Maharashtra where more than 11% of the population belongs to aboriginal groups, traditionally on the margins of society. P. Malu: "We meet people in their situation, often walking on dirt roads, uphill to get involved in their lives". Crad. Gracias: "We proclaim the message of the Gospel with our lives".

The archbishop emeritus of Ranchi passed away yesterday at the age of 84. An ethnic Oraon, he was appointed bishop very young by Paul VI. In 2003 Pope John Paul II made him the first Indian aboriginal cardinal. The encounter with Jesus changed his people and “their strong faith in Jesus Christ continues to liberate, transform, and empower them,” he said. He was friends with Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

The patron saint of missions is also a reference point for Catholic communities in Asia, which have made her known to many non-Christians. On Oct. 15, Pope Francis will issue an apostolic exhortation dedicated to her 150 years after her birth.

During the Angelus, Francis appealed for action as tens of thousands of people flee the Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan. In October, the pontiff urges the faithful to pray the Rosary for peace and the evangelization of peoples. On 6 November, he will meet children from all over the world to learn from them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to them.