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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (AP) -- The Latest on the fatal shooting of three law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (all times local):...
(Vatican Radio) The Jesuit apostolic administrator of the Kyrgyzstan, Bishop Nikolaus Messmer died on Monday at the age of 61. He was the only Catholic bishop in the mountainous central Asian country.Born in 1954 to a family of German descent, Messmer entered the Jesuits in 1975. After his ordination he went to serve the tiny Catholic community in the only existing church of St Michael Archangel in the capital Bishkek. The church was built in 1969 by German Catholics who had emigrated to central Asia following Stalin’s orders to relocate them from the Volga region. The original one story building was expanded in 1981 to house the growing number of worshippers.Besides St Michael Archangel, there are two other parishes in Kyrgyzstan, Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta in Jalalabad and a third in the town of Talas. Jesuit missionaries and a few sisters have been working in the region for several years, travelling from these centres to visit other small groups of Catholics scatt...
(Vatican Radio) The Jesuit apostolic administrator of the Kyrgyzstan, Bishop Nikolaus Messmer died on Monday at the age of 61. He was the only Catholic bishop in the mountainous central Asian country.
Born in 1954 to a family of German descent, Messmer entered the Jesuits in 1975. After his ordination he went to serve the tiny Catholic community in the only existing church of St Michael Archangel in the capital Bishkek. The church was built in 1969 by German Catholics who had emigrated to central Asia following Stalin’s orders to relocate them from the Volga region. The original one story building was expanded in 1981 to house the growing number of worshippers.
Besides St Michael Archangel, there are two other parishes in Kyrgyzstan, Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta in Jalalabad and a third in the town of Talas. Jesuit missionaries and a few sisters have been working in the region for several years, travelling from these centres to visit other small groups of Catholics scattered around the country.
In 1997 Pope John Paul II established a mission territory in Kyrgyzstan and in 2006 Pope Benedict elevated it to an apostolic administration.
Kyrgyzstan is one of the five former Soviet republics of central Asia that emerged as independent countries in 1991. The largely Muslim nation, home to around a hundred different ethnic groups, shares borders with Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
(Philippa Hitchen)
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila has called on Filipino Catholics not to be quick in condemning anybody but instead ‘find gifts’ in people often discredited by society. In his homily during the closing Mass of the 3rd Philippine Conference on New Evangelization on Sunday, he said that there many people who are being treated like worthless and no one cares for them. “Let us be careful. The person we want to discredit might be a gift of God. You don’t throw away gifts. Gifts are treasured,” Card. Tagle told the crowd gathered at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. The cardinal asked the people to be merciful like Jesus who sees a gift even in “wounded sheep”. “Jesus sees a gift even in Judas,” he said. “There’s hope even in someone who had betrayed Jesus.”Reflecting on the Gospel of John, the Archbishop of Manila said God does not want to condemn anybody, but rather seeks sa...
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila has called on Filipino Catholics not to be quick in condemning anybody but instead ‘find gifts’ in people often discredited by society. In his homily during the closing Mass of the 3rd Philippine Conference on New Evangelization on Sunday, he said that there many people who are being treated like worthless and no one cares for them. “Let us be careful. The person we want to discredit might be a gift of God. You don’t throw away gifts. Gifts are treasured,” Card. Tagle told the crowd gathered at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. The cardinal asked the people to be merciful like Jesus who sees a gift even in “wounded sheep”. “Jesus sees a gift even in Judas,” he said. “There’s hope even in someone who had betrayed Jesus.”
Reflecting on the Gospel of John, the Archbishop of Manila said God does not want to condemn anybody, but rather seeks salvation of all people. This means that Christians were also sent not to become signs of damnation but of mercy and love that saves. The prelate became teary eyed when he recalled a Syrian refugee boy he met in Greece last October. He was alone because his parents told him to go. “These are people who are thrown away by situations that they did not create, they did not intend, but they are victims,” Cardinal Tagle added. (Source: CBCPNews)
Caritas Sri Lanka organized an event last week to respond to what they say is an urgent need to reconcile individuals and communities who experienced three decades of ethnic-related civil war. Over 100 Sinhalese and Tamils from Jaffna, Mannar, Kandy and Anuradhapura dioceses gathered at Our Lady of Madhu Shrine's Retreat House on July 15 - 16 to "bring hearts and minds together for national reconciliation." "On the first day they had some fear but that vanished and they became good friends," said Father M. Jeyabalan, who works for reconciliation between the two ethnic groups. "The program helped people understand the importance of reconciliation," he said. "Such programs take place at the community level and pave the way to create sustainable peace," the priest said. "We want to promote inter-ethnic and inter-cultural harmony and create a sustainable peace in the country."The program commenced with a short walk with...
Caritas Sri Lanka organized an event last week to respond to what they say is an urgent need to reconcile individuals and communities who experienced three decades of ethnic-related civil war. Over 100 Sinhalese and Tamils from Jaffna, Mannar, Kandy and Anuradhapura dioceses gathered at Our Lady of Madhu Shrine's Retreat House on July 15 - 16 to "bring hearts and minds together for national reconciliation." "On the first day they had some fear but that vanished and they became good friends," said Father M. Jeyabalan, who works for reconciliation between the two ethnic groups. "The program helped people understand the importance of reconciliation," he said. "Such programs take place at the community level and pave the way to create sustainable peace," the priest said. "We want to promote inter-ethnic and inter-cultural harmony and create a sustainable peace in the country."
The program commenced with a short walk with participants carrying lit candles as a sign of their support and commitment toward the reconciliation process. Input sessions and discussions mobilized the views and opinions of attendants, helping them form an action plan for sustainable peace in Sri Lanka, said organizers. Quintus Anthonypillai, manager of the Social Justice and Sustainable Peace Unit of Caritas Sri Lanka, said that the active involvement of participants showed their commitment to reconciliation. There were "discussions, trauma healing, resolving areas of misunderstanding and trust-building exercises," he said, adding they will continue the process in another two dioceses.
Sri Lanka’s ethnic war began in 1983 and officially ended on May 18, 2009 when the government crushed the Tamil Tigers, who fought for a separate Tamil homeland in the country's North and East. According to the United Nations the war claimed the lives of at least 40,000 civilians in its final days alone. (Source: UCAN)
A Bangladeshi court has indicted 41 people for murder in the 2013 deaths of more than 1,100 people in the collapse of a building that housed five garment factories outside the capital. District Judge S.M. Kuddus Zaman announced Monday that the trial in the Rana Plaza collapse will begin Sept. 18. Masud Rana, who owned the building outside Dhaka, and 33 other people pleaded not guilty when the charges against them were read out in court. Another seven are accused of absconding. If convicted, the defendants could face up to death penalty. A police report submitted to the court called the deaths a ``mass killing.''Regarded as one of the world’s worst industrial disasters, the Rana Plaza tragedy highlighted appalling safety problems and factory workers’ rights in the country's US$25-billion garment industry, the world's second-largest after China's, that supplies garments to international companie...
A Bangladeshi court has indicted 41 people for murder in the 2013 deaths of more than 1,100 people in the collapse of a building that housed five garment factories outside the capital. District Judge S.M. Kuddus Zaman announced Monday that the trial in the Rana Plaza collapse will begin Sept. 18. Masud Rana, who owned the building outside Dhaka, and 33 other people pleaded not guilty when the charges against them were read out in court. Another seven are accused of absconding. If convicted, the defendants could face up to death penalty. A police report submitted to the court called the deaths a ``mass killing.''
Regarded as one of the world’s worst industrial disasters, the Rana Plaza tragedy highlighted appalling safety problems and factory workers’ rights in the country's US$25-billion garment industry, the world's second-largest after China's, that supplies garments to international companies. (Source: AP)
Pope Francis has telephoned leaders of the terror-stricken French city of Nice, asking what he could do to help in the wake of last week’s attack which left 84 people dead and scores wounded.Pope Francis made his call out of the blue on Sunday evening to Paolo Celi, head of "Amitié France-Italie", a national association for Italians living in France, and to Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice.Celi told Vatican Radio that the Pope called at about 7pm Sunday evening “apologizing because he doesn’t speak French very well”.“The first thing he said to me was, ‘What can I do for you?'” Celi said, recalling the conversation before he connected Francis to Estrosi.Celi said the Pope promised to meet “as soon as possible” with the families of the victims.But, he specified, the date is yet to be set.Speaking to Vatican Radio Estrosi said the Holy Father’s gesture has restored in him the energy he needs to go forwar...
Pope Francis has telephoned leaders of the terror-stricken French city of Nice, asking what he could do to help in the wake of last week’s attack which left 84 people dead and scores wounded.
Pope Francis made his call out of the blue on Sunday evening to Paolo Celi, head of "Amitié France-Italie", a national association for Italians living in France, and to Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice.
Celi told Vatican Radio that the Pope called at about 7pm Sunday evening “apologizing because he doesn’t speak French very well”.
“The first thing he said to me was, ‘What can I do for you?'” Celi said, recalling the conversation before he connected Francis to Estrosi.
Celi said the Pope promised to meet “as soon as possible” with the families of the victims.
But, he specified, the date is yet to be set.
Speaking to Vatican Radio Estrosi said the Holy Father’s gesture has restored in him the energy he needs to go forward in this situation.
Estrosi also said the Pope’s telephone call has been of comfort to thousands of people who are supporting the families of the victims.
“The image of all the flowers, the letters, the toys that have been put on the Promenade to pay tribute to the victims is an image that no one will be able to forget, but the Pope’s words and the comfort he brings alleviates this terrible memory and gives strength and hope to all” he said.
For the first time in the history of Pakistan, Pakistani authorities have recognised two members of religious minorities, a Sikh and a Christian, as tribal leaders in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This will allow members of the two minority groups, about 30,000 people, to press for their social, educational, and health rights.Wilson Wazir Masih, a Christian and Gormeet Singh, a Sikh, both are now ‘malik, a Pashto term that means ‘tribal elder’. This entitles them to a government salary, but above it allows them to participate in the jirga (local councils) to settle disputes or hear petition brought to the authorities. Local and federal government officials are required to consult them. This is the first time that such a privilege is granted to members of the Christian and Sikh minorities.FATA is located in north-western Pakistan, on the border with Afghanistan. Most of its 10 million residents are ethnic Pashtun. Fo...
For the first time in the history of Pakistan, Pakistani authorities have recognised two members of religious minorities, a Sikh and a Christian, as tribal leaders in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This will allow members of the two minority groups, about 30,000 people, to press for their social, educational, and health rights.
Wilson Wazir Masih, a Christian and Gormeet Singh, a Sikh, both are now ‘malik, a Pashto term that means ‘tribal elder’. This entitles them to a government salary, but above it allows them to participate in the jirga (local councils) to settle disputes or hear petition brought to the authorities. Local and federal government officials are required to consult them. This is the first time that such a privilege is granted to members of the Christian and Sikh minorities.
FATA is located in north-western Pakistan, on the border with Afghanistan. Most of its 10 million residents are ethnic Pashtun. For years, it has been fertile recruiting ground for the Taliban, who have applied repressive measures on residents like religious tithes. The presence of Islamic militants has forced thousands of people to flee and seek refuge in other parts of Pakistan.
Masih said that he hopes the new measures will change his community’s circumstances for good. “Our people have now become part of the society’s fabric in FATA,” Masih said. “We will now get all the jobs reserved for minorities in FATA, and our children can be admitted to colleges, universities, and other professional institutions.”
Because of this recognition, Sikh and Christian communities will be considered legal residents within the region, and members will be able to apply for scholarships, jobs, services, and assert their rights.“We can now get drinking water, schools, and other amenities for our communities,” Singh added. (Source: AsiaNews)
(Vatican Radio) International Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated on 18th July, inspired by a call made my Nelson Mandela for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices.Since his death, Mandela Day is an opportunity to recognize the legacy of South Africa’s most prominent leader, and the struggles he endured to ensure social justice for all.Established by the UN and the Republic of South Africa, Mandela Day encourages everyone to dedicate 67 minutes of their life to others, as a way of commemorating the 67 years Mandela spent devoting his life to ensure equality and a better South Africa.Vatican Radio’s Georgia Gogarty spoke to Fr. Patrick Rakeketsi, the Associate Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Southern Africa, to talk about the significance of Mandela Day and what must be done to ensure that his vision is carried out.Listen: Fr. Rakeketsi expressed the importance of Mandela Day, p...
(Vatican Radio) International Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated on 18th July, inspired by a call made my Nelson Mandela for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices.
Since his death, Mandela Day is an opportunity to recognize the legacy of South Africa’s most prominent leader, and the struggles he endured to ensure social justice for all.
Established by the UN and the Republic of South Africa, Mandela Day encourages everyone to dedicate 67 minutes of their life to others, as a way of commemorating the 67 years Mandela spent devoting his life to ensure equality and a better South Africa.
Vatican Radio’s Georgia Gogarty spoke to Fr. Patrick Rakeketsi, the Associate Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Southern Africa, to talk about the significance of Mandela Day and what must be done to ensure that his vision is carried out.
Listen:
Fr. Rakeketsi expressed the importance of Mandela Day, particularly in South Africa, explaining that people “from all walks of life” are coming together to help those less fortunate, by going to orphanages, hospitals, retirement homes and refugee centres to give out food, clothing and in some cases pledging money to charitable organisations. He says that “this is all part of the Mandela Day”.
The theme and key message of Mandela Day is “Take Action, Inspire Change”. Fr. Rakeketsi said that this message is heard and people “are adhering to it”. He went on to say that we should aim to “make everyday a Mandela Day”. For young people, he stresses the “name Mandela, the symbol Mandela” is inspiring all people to make changes in order to make a better world.
When asked about whether Nelson Mandela’s vision for “the rainbow nation” had been achieved in South Africa, and is the country what he would have wanted it to be, Fr. Rakeketsi expressed that “there are some moments when we feel that we are not living up to his standards”, however Mandela is “a figure for challenge” and “reconciliatory”. He remains the “political ideal”, and despite “moments of panic and tension”, the figure of Mandela acts as a calming influence and “to look at the future in a better way”.
As leaders of the Catholic Church in South Africa, Fr. Rakeketsi stresses the importance of “keeping the vision” of Mandela alive in people’s minds. A world without racism, discrimination, a world with peace, prosperity, where economies can flourish and people can live together.
Fr. Rakeketsi went on to say that that Mandela’s vision goes well beyond the borders of South Africa, saying that he “touched people’s lives” all over the world. The message for the international community is “to live in peace and to promote justice and equality”. We cannot be controlled by fear, says Fr. Rakeketsi as he refers the terrorist attacks in the last few weeks, and instead calls for open communication as Mandela would have. He asks for world leaders to talk the language of Nelson Mandela, a language of “reconciliation, justice and peace”.
By Junno Arocho EstevesVATICAN CITY (CNS)-- Remembering the victims of the tragic terrorist attack in Nice, France, PopeFrancis prayed that God may give comfort to grieving families and foil the plans ofthose who wish to harm others. "May God, thegood father, receive all the victims in his peace, support the wounded andcomfort the families; may he dispel every plan of terror and death so that noman dares to spill his brother's blood ever again," the pope said July 17 after reciting theAngelus prayer with visitors gathered in St.Peter's Square.Thepope spoke following the July 14 attack during Bastille Day celebrations alongNice's seaside promenade that killed 84 people. The French government declaredthree days of mourning beginning July 16.Ina message following the attack signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vaticansecretary of state, the pope condemned the Bastille Day attack as an "actof blind violence" and expressed his "deep sorrow" and"spiritual closeness" with the French people....
By Junno Arocho Esteves
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Remembering the victims of the tragic terrorist attack in Nice, France, Pope Francis prayed that God may give comfort to grieving families and foil the plans of those who wish to harm others.
"May God, the good father, receive all the victims in his peace, support the wounded and comfort the families; may he dispel every plan of terror and death so that no man dares to spill his brother's blood ever again," the pope said July 17 after reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The pope spoke following the July 14 attack during Bastille Day celebrations along Nice's seaside promenade that killed 84 people. The French government declared three days of mourning beginning July 16.
In a message following the attack signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, the pope condemned the Bastille Day attack as an "act of blind violence" and expressed his "deep sorrow" and "spiritual closeness" with the French people.
Before leading a moment of silent prayer at his Angelus address, the pope said the pain in the aftermath of the massacre in Nice, "in which so many innocent lives, even many children were mowed down, is still alive."
"I give a paternal and fraternal embrace to all the residents of Nice and to the whole French nation. And now, all together, let us pray thinking about this massacre, the victims, and the families," he said.
In his remarks before reciting the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis reflected on the day's Gospel reading in which Jesus visits the house of Martha and Mary.
The pope noted that the sisters welcomed Jesus in different ways: Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his word while Martha busied herself "preparing things" and forgetting "the presence of her guest."
"If you welcome a guest in your house and continue doing things, you will have him sit there -- both of you silent -- as if he were a rock; a guest made of rock," he said.
Instead, Christians are called to be like Mary and listen to Jesus whose word "enlightens and sustains all that we are and all that we do."
"If we are going to pray, for example, before a crucifix, and we talk and talk and talk and then we leave, we don't listen to Jesus. We don't allow him to speak to our hearts," he said.
Reminding the faithful that hospitality is a work of mercy, Pope Francis warned that it is also a virtue that "runs the risk of being left aside," often due to the hustle and bustle of daily life in which people "don't have time to listen."
"I ask you to learn to listen and to dedicate more time to this. The root of peace lies in our capacity to listen," the pope said.
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Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju.
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NEW YORK (AP) -- It's Taylor vs. Kanye, part 242, with a dash of Kim Kardashian....
