Catholic News 2
LE BOURGET, France (AP) -- The latest on the U.N. climate conference outside Paris (all times local):...
LE BOURGET, France (AP) -- France crafted an unprecedented deal to slow global warming by cutting and then eliminating greenhouse gas pollution, urging climate negotiators from nearly 200 nations to adopt it Saturday....
WASHINGTON- The United States has a moral obligation to protect unaccompanied children and families from persecution in Central America, said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, October 21. Bishop Seitz is an advisor to the USCCB Committee on Migration and a member of the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).The humanitarian outflow, driven by organized crime in the northern triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, continues, with nearly 40,000 unaccompanied children and an equal number of mothers with children having arrived in the United States in Fiscal Year 2015."If we do not respond justly and humanely to this challenge in our own backyard, then we will relinquish our moral leadership and moral influence globally," Bishop Seitz said.Bishop Seitz pointed to the human consequences of U.S. policies which are designed to deter migration from the region, i...
WASHINGTON- The United States has a moral obligation to protect unaccompanied children and families from persecution in Central America, said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, October 21. Bishop Seitz is an advisor to the USCCB Committee on Migration and a member of the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).
The humanitarian outflow, driven by organized crime in the northern triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, continues, with nearly 40,000 unaccompanied children and an equal number of mothers with children having arrived in the United States in Fiscal Year 2015.
"If we do not respond justly and humanely to this challenge in our own backyard, then we will relinquish our moral leadership and moral influence globally," Bishop Seitz said.
Bishop Seitz pointed to the human consequences of U.S. policies which are designed to deter migration from the region, including U.S. support for Mexican interdiction efforts which are intercepting children and families in Mexico and sending them back to danger, in violation of international law.
Bishop Seitz recommended an end to these interdictions and the introduction of a regional system which would screen children and families for asylum in Mexico and other parts of the region. He also called for Congress to approve and increase a $1 billion aid package proposed by the Administration.
"If we export enforcement," Bishop Seitz said, "we also must export protection."
Bishop Seitz recalled the words of Pope Francis before Congress in September, when he invoked the golden rule in guiding our nation's actions toward those seeking safety in our land.
Quoting the Holy Father, Bishop Seitz repeated to the committee, "'The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us.'"
"Mr. Chairman, I pray that time, and history, will conclude that we honored this rule in meeting this humanitarian challenge," Bishop Seitz concluded.
Bishop Seitz' testimony can be found at http://www.usccb.org//about/migration-policy/congressional-testimony/upload/seitz-ongoing-migration.pdf
Keywords: Bishop Mark J. Seitz, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Congress, Senate, Committee on Migration, migration, unaccompanied children, violence, Pope Francis
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Norma Montenegro Flynn
O: 202-541-3200
(Vatican Radio) Ethiopia currently boasts the most booming economy in Africa and one of the top five fastest growing economies in the world. For the 10th consecutive year, the East African nation has reported an increase in GDP, with annual growth averaging 10% over the past decade, according to government statistics.Yet in rural areas, drought and food shortages still threaten parts of the country and earlier this autumn the UN launched an appeal for funds to support over 8 million people still dependent on foreign aid.Along Ethiopia’s northern border with Eritrea 100.000 refugees live in four overcrowded camps, overseen by a large military presence. Close to the border, in the town of Sheraro, the Maiani General Hospital is helping care for thousands of patients, including refugees from the nearby camps.Luca Attanasio recently visited the hospital and talked to its director, Esayas Tiezazu, about the vital role of its health facilities in this remote part of the country.Li...
(Vatican Radio) Ethiopia currently boasts the most booming economy in Africa and one of the top five fastest growing economies in the world. For the 10th consecutive year, the East African nation has reported an increase in GDP, with annual growth averaging 10% over the past decade, according to government statistics.
Yet in rural areas, drought and food shortages still threaten parts of the country and earlier this autumn the UN launched an appeal for funds to support over 8 million people still dependent on foreign aid.
Along Ethiopia’s northern border with Eritrea 100.000 refugees live in four overcrowded camps, overseen by a large military presence. Close to the border, in the town of Sheraro, the Maiani General Hospital is helping care for thousands of patients, including refugees from the nearby camps.
Luca Attanasio recently visited the hospital and talked to its director, Esayas Tiezazu, about the vital role of its health facilities in this remote part of the country.
Listen to the full interview:
He says the facilities are good for the local community, especially mothers who no longer have to travel 95 kilometres to the nearest hospital. The most common problems that are treated at the hospital are malaria, leishmaniasis, trauma and snake bites, he said, while up to 700 babies are delivered each year...
Lavinia Incocciati is a midwife and supervisor of the maternity department of the hospital. She talked to Luca Attanasio about the importance of providing ante-natal and post-partum care to women who are all suffering from dietary related anemia:
She says that building the hospital in such a remote area is very important for people in the rural villages and along the border area….she tells the story of one refugee mother from Ethiopia who gave birth in a camp but was then taken to hospital where her baby received the necessary care…
From November 18th to 21st staff from the Maiani hospital took part in an international congress entitled ‘Blood and Skin: new perspectives for neglected diseases’. The conference, held in Ethiopia, was organised by Professor Aldo Morrone, president of the Mediterranean Institute of Haematology and one of the founders of the hospital, which was inaugurated in 2014. He told Luca about the significance and the goals of that encounter:
He says that while such international conferences are normally held in Western countries, it is also important to gather in Africa and bring together experts with knowledge and experience of local diseases. As well as providing valuable support for research, the conference also helped to promote two campaigns, one against childhood diarrhea, the second highest cause of child mortality in the world, and the other against counterfeit drugs which kill over 100.000 people in Africa each year.
(Vatican Radio) Archbishop Leo Cornelio SVD, of Bhopal on Thursday, received the prestigious International Human Rights Award for the year 2015 at the India Islamic Centre, New Delhi in a glittering ceremony organized by All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice.The Archbishop was nominated for the award by the council for his outstanding contribution for peace, harmony, protecting human rights and service to humanity. During the Ceremony, the President of Human Rights Council commented, "Dr. Leo Cornelio is a renowned philanthropist, humanitarian, compassionate, thoughtful and a person respected far and wide. His Humility to accept this prestigious award on the occasion of the Human Rights Day, he added, will continue to add dignity and encourage people to make strides in the direction of serving humanity."The Award titled " Ambassador of Peace" was presented in the presence of various state dignitaries, legislators, bureaucrats, me...
(Vatican Radio) Archbishop Leo Cornelio SVD, of Bhopal on Thursday, received the prestigious International Human Rights Award for the year 2015 at the India Islamic Centre, New Delhi in a glittering ceremony organized by All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice.
The Archbishop was nominated for the award by the council for his outstanding contribution for peace, harmony, protecting human rights and service to humanity. During the Ceremony, the President of Human Rights Council commented, "Dr. Leo Cornelio is a renowned philanthropist, humanitarian, compassionate, thoughtful and a person respected far and wide. His Humility to accept this prestigious award on the occasion of the Human Rights Day, he added, will continue to add dignity and encourage people to make strides in the direction of serving humanity."
The Award titled " Ambassador of Peace" was presented in the presence of various state dignitaries, legislators, bureaucrats, members of the Human Rights Commission, Social Activists, Religious Leaders and Social NGOs.
Speaking to the editor of ‘Bhopal Link’, the Archbishop said that the Award has humbled him to serve humanity more diligently. He said “it is an award for the people of M. P., for their unity to promote a violent free society.”
The Archdiocese of Bhopal, along with other Diocese of M.P. congratulated Dr.Leo Cornelio for receiving this prestigious award and wishes him the best for the future. Fr. Maria Stephen, the Archdiocesan PRO for M.P. Region said it is an honour for the entire people of M.P. and hoped that it would encourage all the sections of the society to build a better world where human rights and dignity will prevail.
Bethlehem, South Africa, Dec 12, 2015 / 06:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Jubilee Year of Mercy is a time to reach out to others as “missionaries of God’s mercy,” the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference said on Tuesday. They cited Pope Francis’ words from his proclamation of the Year of Mercy: “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.” “It is this mercy which has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,” the bishops said in a Dec. 8 pastoral letter. “Just as God is merciful, so we are called to be merciful to each other.” The bishops’ conference includes the bishops of Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland. Their pastoral letter on the Jubilee Year of Mercy was authored by Bishop Jan de Groef of Bethlehem. The letter encouraged Catholics to make the sacrament of Confession central to the Year of Mercy. They should celebrate confession, not only undergo it. Confession is “...
Bethlehem, South Africa, Dec 12, 2015 / 06:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Jubilee Year of Mercy is a time to reach out to others as “missionaries of God’s mercy,” the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference said on Tuesday.
They cited Pope Francis’ words from his proclamation of the Year of Mercy: “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.”
“It is this mercy which has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,” the bishops said in a Dec. 8 pastoral letter. “Just as God is merciful, so we are called to be merciful to each other.”
The bishops’ conference includes the bishops of Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland. Their pastoral letter on the Jubilee Year of Mercy was authored by Bishop Jan de Groef of Bethlehem.
The letter encouraged Catholics to make the sacrament of Confession central to the Year of Mercy. They should celebrate confession, not only undergo it. Confession is “a joyful encounter with the Lord, full of mercy and compassion,” they said, adding that it should be celebrated “regularly throughout the year.”
The bishops encouraged all Catholics to become “missionaries of God’s mercy.” They asked that the period be “a time of renewal for all of us,” marked by outreach especially to non-practicing Catholics.
The bishops encouraged Catholics in their personal prayer, Bible studies, and other meetings to choose for reflection a parable that speaks about God’s mercy, like those of Luke chapter 15.
“Being filled with the love and mercy of God, we shall be stimulated to reach out to others in corporal and spiritual works of mercy,” the bishops said. “Pope Francis invites us to ‘rediscover these corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead’.”
“He urges us ‘not to forget the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead’.”
The Jubilee of Mercy is an Extraordinary Holy Year that began Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica. The door will close Nov. 20, 2016 with the Solemnity of Christ the King.
Those who pass through a designated Holy Door can obtain a plenary indulgence if they are properly disposed, have gone to confession, receive the Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of the Pope.
The Pope has also encouraged all bishops to name a Holy Door at a popular church or shrine in their diocese. Bishop de Groef announced that the Holy Door for the Bethlehem diocese would be found at the Marian shrine of Tsheseng, a village in the Free State province more than 50 miles southeast of Bethlehem.
Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in the cathedral of Bangui, the Central African Republic’s capital, during his late November visit to Africa.
NEW DELHI (AP) -- Two cities. Two very polluted cities. And two very different ways of dealing with twin public health crises....
LE BOURGET, France (AP) -- The latest on the U.N. climate conference outside Paris (all times local):...
LE BOURGET, France (AP) -- French leaders touted a draft climate deal to slow but not stop global warming, announcing what they call an ambitious but realistic compromise Saturday outside Paris. After years of gridlock, world leaders hoped the unprecedented pact would be approved by nearly 200 nations later in the day....
WASHINGTON- The United States has a moral obligation to protect unaccompanied children and families from persecution in Central America, said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, October 21. Bishop Seitz is an advisor to the USCCB Committee on Migration and a member of the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).The humanitarian outflow, driven by organized crime in the northern triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, continues, with nearly 40,000 unaccompanied children and an equal number of mothers with children having arrived in the United States in Fiscal Year 2015."If we do not respond justly and humanely to this challenge in our own backyard, then we will relinquish our moral leadership and moral influence globally," Bishop Seitz said.Bishop Seitz pointed to the human consequences of U.S. policies which are designed to deter migration from the region, i...
WASHINGTON- The United States has a moral obligation to protect unaccompanied children and families from persecution in Central America, said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, October 21. Bishop Seitz is an advisor to the USCCB Committee on Migration and a member of the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).
The humanitarian outflow, driven by organized crime in the northern triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, continues, with nearly 40,000 unaccompanied children and an equal number of mothers with children having arrived in the United States in Fiscal Year 2015.
"If we do not respond justly and humanely to this challenge in our own backyard, then we will relinquish our moral leadership and moral influence globally," Bishop Seitz said.
Bishop Seitz pointed to the human consequences of U.S. policies which are designed to deter migration from the region, including U.S. support for Mexican interdiction efforts which are intercepting children and families in Mexico and sending them back to danger, in violation of international law.
Bishop Seitz recommended an end to these interdictions and the introduction of a regional system which would screen children and families for asylum in Mexico and other parts of the region. He also called for Congress to approve and increase a $1 billion aid package proposed by the Administration.
"If we export enforcement," Bishop Seitz said, "we also must export protection."
Bishop Seitz recalled the words of Pope Francis before Congress in September, when he invoked the golden rule in guiding our nation's actions toward those seeking safety in our land.
Quoting the Holy Father, Bishop Seitz repeated to the committee, "'The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us.'"
"Mr. Chairman, I pray that time, and history, will conclude that we honored this rule in meeting this humanitarian challenge," Bishop Seitz concluded.
Bishop Seitz' testimony can be found at http://www.usccb.org//about/migration-policy/congressional-testimony/upload/seitz-ongoing-migration.pdf
Keywords: Bishop Mark J. Seitz, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Congress, Senate, Committee on Migration, migration, unaccompanied children, violence, Pope Francis
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Norma Montenegro Flynn
O: 202-541-3200
