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The Loreto Sisters of South Asia, headquartered in Kolkata, ‎formerly Calcutta, are currently marking 175 years of their presence in the region.  “Remember, Reimage, Renew,” is the ‎theme of the year-long jubilee celebration that officially kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass on December 30, in Kolkata’s Science City auditorium.  

Last week, in the first of a 2-part telephone interview with the superior of the Loreto Sisters of South Asia, Indian Sister Anita Braganza, we came to know a lot about her order.  She narrated how a young group of 7 sisters and 5 postulants belonging to the  Institute of the ‎Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), better known as the Loreto Sisters, landed in Calcutta, on Dec. 30, 1841, four months after setting sail from Ireland, never to return home.  This ‎intrepid band of women was commissioned by their Superior in Dublin, Mother Teresa Ball who appointed the eldest of them all, Sr. Delphine ‎Hart, barely 23, as their leader.  They came in response to the Calcutta Catholic community’s request for education of their girls.  After landing in Calcutta, the nuns ‎never looked back, and today they number 135 professed nuns, 14 novices and 8 candidates in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, engaged in 51 different ministries.

Sr. Braganza talked about how their original foundress Mary Ward, an Englishwoman began her ministry in the 17th century England where the Catholic Church was persecuted by the Protestants.  Far ahead of her times, Mother Ward envisioned an active apostolic women’s order, headed by a woman, not a bishop, with members dressed in the ordinary habit of the people, and modelled on the spirituality of St. Ignatius and his constitution.  However, Church authorities were not ready for all this and so she ran into problems with them.   She went about Europe establishing schools, but because of the Protestant persecution, her association with the Jesuits and other historical reasons, her order was suppressed.  Several of her centres and works continued functioning independently, some under bishops.  One such centre came to be known as the Irish branch of the Loreto Sisters, pioneered by Mother Teresa Ball, under whose leadership the first group of nuns ventured out of Ireland and landed in India on Dec. 30, 1840. 

Well today, in the final of this 2-part telephone interview, we asked Sr. Anita Braganza whether it is true that the Loreto institutions are meant only for the rich. 

Listen: 

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The Pakistani National Assembly on Monday, passed a law amending some criminal laws. The bill awaits the president’s approval and then for the first time, sectarianism, mass lynching and forced conversions will be punished. The explicit aim of the legislation is to improve the conditions of the country’s religious minorities.

Speaking to AsiaNews, some activists expressed their satisfaction with the initiative, which, however, needs the final signature of the president.

"These measures were crucial to save our country,” said Samuel Pyara, a Christian, president of Bright Future Society. “Mob justice has become a part of people's mind-set. There was a great need to make it a punishable offence and we appreciate the government’s action.”

The Parliament on Monday passed the bill, titled the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2016, and now requires formal assent of the president to become an act of the parliament. It amends the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) 1860; the Police Act 1861; the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898; the Qanoon-i-Shahadat 1984 and Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

The bill’s statement of objects and reasons says that “terrorism, sectarianism and extremism have gripped the entire country and these acts have become the order of the day. The country is passing through an extraordinary situation, which requires stringent measures to be taken to curb this menace that has infiltrated society.”

The bill was moved by parliamentary secretary Rana Mohammad Afzal on behalf of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan after Speaker Ayaz Sadiq turned down requests of opposition members to send it to the concerned committee.

Giving background, the speaker reminded the opposition members that the bill had originally been passed by the National Assembly in May last year, and was later approved by the Senate with some minor amendments. Mr Sadiq ruled that since the bill had already been deliberated upon in the committee and the house, therefore, there was no need to refer it to the committee again.

Sectarianism

Through the new law, the punishment for the offence of ‘deliberately using words to hurt the religious feelings of any person’ has been enhanced from yearlong imprisonment and unspecified fine to imprisonment extendable to three years and not less than one year, and/or fine of Rs500,000.

The amendment prescribes the same punishment for inciting religious, sectarian or ethnic hatred by using loudspeaker, sound amplifier or any other device.

The new law has also amended various sections of the over 150-year-old Police Act 1861. One of the amendments to Section 23 of the Police Act, outlining duties of a police officer, has included prevention of sectarian and hate speeches and proliferation of hate material by any person, organised group, organisation or banned outfit in their basic duties.

The new law also suggests enhanced punishments for “officers guilty of any violation of duty, willful breach or neglect of any rule, regulation or lawful order made by a competent authority” increasing it from confiscation of three-month salary or imprisonment not exceeding three months to imprisonment of up to three years with Rs100,000 fine.

Under the new law, every person opposing or not obeying the lawful orders of superiors or violating the conditions of any license granted by a district superintendent or assistant district superintendent of police for the use of music or for the conduct of assemblies and processions will now have to face imprisonment for up to three years with fine, under an amendment to Section 32 of the Police Act.

Previously, the sentence for the offence was a fine not exceeding Rs200.

False information

Through an amendment to Section 182 of the PPC, the punishment for ‘giving false information to a government servant that causes him to use his lawful powers to injury’ has been increased from a maximum of six months to up to seven years in case the offence about which information has been given is punishable with death and five years in case it is punishable with life imprisonment.

Forced marriages

The new law has also suggested punishment for cases of forced marriages of minor girls or women, belonging to minority groups.

The existing section 498-B of the PPC reads: “Whoever coerces or in any manner whatsoever compels a woman to enter into marriage shall be punished with imprisonment of description for a term which may not be less than three years and shall also be liable to a fine of Rs500,000”.

In the amendment, a proviso has been added to provide for a sentence of up to 10 years and not less than five years and a fine of up to Rs1 million in the case of a girl child as defined in the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1992, or a non-Muslim woman.

Lynching

A new clause has been inserted in the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, defining the term “lynching” and suggesting punishment for it.

The new clause reads: “Whenever any individuals, an organised group or a mob by taking the law in own hands inflict punishment on a person accused or suspected of a crime by causing him a hurt or his death, every such individual, a member of such group or a mob is said to commit lynching.”

In recent years, Pakistan has seen several incidents of mob violence. Christian leaders have repeatedly complained that most remain unpunished. The latest involves the acquittal of 115 people accused in connection with a fire that swept through an entire Christian neighbourhood in Lahore late last month.

Pyara Samuel, president of Bright Future Society, who filed an appeal to the High Court in Lahore against the Joseph Colony verdict, believes that the new legislation could be a valuable tool for Christians.

Sohail Ahmad Raza, director of the Interfaith Relations Minhaj ul Quran international, spoke about the abduction of Christian and Hindu women to force them to marry their kidnappers.

“It is wrong morally, legally, socially as well as at a human level. Forced marriage is not allowed in Sharia (Islamic law) and results from illiteracy,” he said, adding that “Those who use mosque loudspeakers to incite hate and violence are simply insane and disturbed people".

Alongside support, the new law also has its critics. Hafiz Ghulam Abbas is one of them. "It pains rulers when ulemas speak of righteousness and truth from mosque minarets,” said the head of the Tehreek Labaik Ya Rasool Allah in Lahore, a group in favour of the blasphemy law.

“Why stop adaan (call for prayer) when a simple street hawker can use a sound amplifier. We reject this amendment and will make sacrifices" against it.

Source: Dawn; AsiaNews

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The just-ended 1st Luanda International Theological Week in Angola has been described as a success. The event which brought together theologians from around the world was in particular attended by Rectors of Theological Seminaries in Angola, Professors of the Faculty of Theology at the Universidade Católica de Angola (UCAN), priests, pastors of  Christian Churches in Angola, academicians and researchers. Also in attendance were senior seminarians in their 4th year of Theology,

The theme of the Theological Week was, "Theology in the face of today's challenges in Africa."

During discussions and presentations, Theologians sought to reflect on what Theology has to say about some challenges facing the continent of Africa today such as, wars, hunger, disease and youth unemployment.

One of the keynote speakers at the event was Diocesan priest from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Father Bénézet Bujo. Fr. Bujo is a leading Theologian and a Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology at the University of Fribourg. He spoke about Jesus Christ as "Our Ancestor" and as the "Ancestor Par Excellence" or Jesus the "Proto-Ancestor."

The Archbishop emeritus of Huambo, in Angola, Francisco Vitti hailed the conference as a success.

In his closing remarks, the Archbishop of Luanda, Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias, congratulated participants on the high level of reflections and presentations. He recommended the deepening of themes discussed.

(Anastácio Sasembele in Luanda)

Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va

 

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IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring

By Junno Arocho Esteves

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Each week dozens of newlyweds, dressed again in their wedding gowns and tuxedoes, come to the Vatican to receive a special papal blessing as they begin their lives together.

"It's always been a dream of mine, since I was little, to come to the audience and see the Holy Father and see the newlywed couples. It's always been a very special way to celebrate a marriage," newlywed Kelly Michelle Byrne told Catholic News Service.

The Australian bride and her Scottish husband, Geaspar Byrne, were married in Scotland Feb. 4 and were at the Vatican four days later to attend the weekly general audience with Pope Francis.

Couples from around the world who have celebrated their wedding recently are given special "sposi novelli," that is, "newlywed," tickets to the audience and are seated in the VIP section.

They have a chance to greet the pope and receive his blessing and a special rosary.

In their sharp suits and flowing white gowns, they stand out from the thousands of pilgrims waving flags and dressed in sporty attire. Complete strangers on the street or in the audience hall shout out congratulations and tourists take their photos.

Bravely sporting a plaid Scottish kilt despite the chilly temperatures, Geaspar said it was important as practicing Catholics for his wife and him to receive a blessing from the pope and to hear some encouraging words as they embark on their marital journey.

"Personally, I'm very positive on his messages about integration and thinking of other people. Everything he says is useful advice for marriage," he told CNS Feb. 8.

Couples married two months or less may request the special audience tickets. They will be ushered to the front if they arrive at the Vatican wearing their wedding attire and carrying a copy of their sacramental marriage certificate, signed by a priest.

Newlyweds from the United States come as well.

Mercy Sister Mary Juanita Gonsalves, assistant coordinator of the Bishops' Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican, told CNS that between 2014-2016, there were about "1,000 individuals who requested newlywed/'sposi novelli' tickets through our office."

St. John Paul II made a point of addressing a special greeting to married couples during the weekly general audiences in the first months of his pontificate. Since then, his successors have continued the tradition of greeting and blessing newlywed couples after delivering their catechesis.  

Addressing the newlywed couples Feb. 8, Pope Francis encouraged them to "trust in the help of providence and not just in your own abilities."

"A marriage without the help of God cannot go forward; we must ask for it every day," the pope said.

Pope Francis "is very close to young people just like St. John Paul II was. When he speaks, it's in a simple manner that everyone understands. Today, he encouraged us to always ask for the Lord's help," said Marco Damiani.

Married to Stefania Dec. 8, Marco said that meeting the pope was a crowning moment after months of marriage preparation in their parish.

Stefania told CNS the papal audience was a sign of a new beginning in their lives together with the support of the church.

Catholic marriage is important "because there is a strength that is given to us. Doing it alone through your own strength isn't enough; you won't be able to go anywhere. It's like having another" helping hand, Stefania said.

When they met the pope at the end of the general audience, they told him the joyful news that they were expecting their first child.

"We asked him to bless us and the new child we are expecting, and he wanted to know when the baby will be born. We told him in September and then he gave us his blessing," Marco said.

Stefania added that Pope Francis also "told us to dream about the baby first," advice that ties into an image the pope often uses to describe how God cares for his children.

"We, each one of us, has been dreamed of by (God) like a father and a mother dream of the child they are expecting. And this gives us great reassurance," the pope said Oct. 13, 2016.

Catholic newlyweds aren't the only ones hoping to receive some encouraging words from the pope.

Seelan Mathiyaparanam, a Hindu, told CNS he enjoyed being with his Catholic wife, Camilla Yogaseelan, as they shared an important moment for her and her faith.

"It was very important for my religious belief that I meet the pope and receive his blessing. I would be really amazed if I get that," Camilla said before heading into the audience hall and having her wish come true.

She also said she hoped the pope "will bless us with a lot of happiness and love and that he will guide us on a religious path."

Simone and Elisa Corpo, a newlywed couple from Rome, said they were inspired by Pope Francis' "positivity and trust" in their new life together as husband and wife and that it was "important to receive his blessing."

"We will never forget this day," Simone said as Elisa smiled and added, "It's a special day, an emotional day; in one word: unforgettable."

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Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju.

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By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The exploitation of any person is a crime, but the exploitation of a woman "destroys harmony" in the world, Pope Francis said.

Commenting on the Genesis story of God creating Eve, Pope Francis told people at his early morning Mass Feb. 9 that the creation story emphasizes how the world needs the qualities women have.

Men and women "are not the same, one is not superior to the other, no," the pope said. "It's just that men do not bring harmony. She is the one who brings that harmony that teaches us to caress, to love with tenderness and who makes the world something beautiful."

After the creation of Adam, the pope said, "God himself notices the solitude" of Adam, who "was alone with all these animals."

God could have said, "'Hey, why don't you take a dog, who will be faithful, to accompany you through life and two cats to pet.' A faithful dog is good, cats are cute -- at least some think so, others no, for the mice no!" the pope said.

But Adam still felt alone, so God decided to make a suitable companion for him. In the Genesis story, God casts a deep sleep on Adam, the pope noted, so it is reasonable to assume that before Adam saw Eve, he dreamed of her.

"To understand a woman, it is necessary to dream of her first," the pope said. And when Adam awakes, he recognizes her immediately. After all the birds and animals were created, Adam sees Eve and says, "Ah, this time, yes!"

Too often when people speak about women they talk in terms of function, "'woman was made to do this' -- No!" the pope said. The woman herself is special and "without her the world would not be the same."

"Often we hear people say, 'In this company, this institution, there must be a woman to do this or to do those things,'" he said. "It's true that women must do things and that she does things like all of us do," but her purpose does not lie in a task, but in the qualities she brings.

"Exploiting a person offends humanity," he said, "but exploiting a woman is something more, it is destruction, it is turning back, it is destroying harmony."

"Woman is harmony, poetry, beauty," the pope said. "Without her, the world would not be as beautiful, it would not be harmonious."

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NEW YORK (AP) -- For years, the champion at the Westminster dog show was treated to quite a victory lap: Visit the morning TV shows. Up the Empire State Building. Lunch at Sardi's. Bark on a Broadway stage....

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ROME (AP) -- The World Health Organization says China has taken steps to end its once-widespread practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners but that it's impossible to know what is happening across the entire country....

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SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) -- A report released Thursday estimates more than 2.5 million immigrants in the country illegally live in the metropolitan areas of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, which have pledged to fight President Trump's plans to expand deportations....

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JERUSALEM (AP) -- A Palestinian opened fire and stabbed shoppers with a screwdriver near a busy open air market in central Israel on Thursday, wounding at least six people, police said....

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BEIRUT (AP) -- Syria's fronts are on fire despite a cease-fire reached in December between the rebels and the government....

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