Fides News - English

AFRICA/KENYA - Floods: In view of the increasing number of victims, the bishops ask for solidarity with those affected

Thu, 16 May 2024 12:48:30 +0200

Nairobi - The floods that have hit Kenya since March have so far claimed at least 289 lives, according to to figures presented by the authorities in Nairobi on May 14. Rains could continue as a result of Cyclone Hidaya, which hit neighboring Tanzania on May 4. Kenya suffered only minor damage from the cyclone, but forecasters said rainfall and flooding could continue throughout the month. In addition to the death toll, the floods left nearly 293,000 people homeless and destroyed nearly 10,000 hectares of crops. Although meteorologists have linked the increase in flooding to climate change, some Kenyans believe the situation has been made worse by the government's lack of investment. For example, in Mathare, a settlement on the outskirts of Nairobi, residents attributed the flooding to poor maintenance and frequently clogged sewers that led to water backup. The government has ordered the evacuation of houses built on river banks or other places where there is a high risk of being swept away by floodwaters. However, the evictions were criticized by the opposition, who pointed out that the government has no relocation plan for the people who lost their homes. Meanwhile, in their May 7 statement, the Kenyan bishops called the floods a "catastrophe" and called on the government to intervene quickly to help people "struggling to cope with the immediate aftermath of this disaster" and "the rains continue to fall, exacerbating the already dire situation."
"Now is the time to utilize resources allocated for such crises effectively," said the Bishops. "We call for swift action to save lives, protect property, and, in areas where the rains have subsided, begin the necessary work of rebuilding and rehabilitation".
"Adults must take the lead in ensuring the safety of our children, particularly in areas prone to flooding. People should not take unnecessary risks. We implore communities to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding every member, especially the most vulnerable," they said in the statement
signed by the President of the Kenya Catholic Bishops' Conference and Archbishop of Kisumu Maurice Muhatia Makumba.
The Bishops recall the collection of essential goods for people affected by the floods and say: "The response has been good so far and we plead for more support to aid those in desperate need". "Let us show our love and compassion through generous acts of charity, reflecting the teachings of Christ in our actions."

ASIA/INDONESIA - One hundred years since the first meeting of bishops in Indonesia: bearers of hope in anticipation of the Pope's visit

Thu, 16 May 2024 12:18:52 +0200

Jakarta - For a hundred years, the mission of the Church in Indonesia has been to be a bearer of hope, and the task of the bishops has been to lead a "community of hope" that moves together for the good of the Church and the nation ", said the Indonesian bishops on the occasion of the centenary of the first meeting of the then vicars and apostolic prefects of Indonesia in 1924. In an extraordinary general assembly in May, the bishops' conference held a meeting yesterday, May 15, as part of a program full of various initiatives, in which 37 bishops, two cardinals and the Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia took part in a mass and ceremony presided over by the Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, to inaugurate the new building that houses the Bishops' Conference of Indonesia , in central Jakarta.
The President of the Bishops' Conference and Bishop of the Diocese of Bandung in West Java, Antonius Bunjamin , recalled the centenary and said that "at a time when there is uncertainty in society, the Catholic Bishops' Conference is expected to be a "community of good hope" in Indonesia. The Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Piero Pioppo appreciated the fact that the KWI "works with other institutions and organizations in the spirit of the 'common path' to further develop the Church and the nation", emphasizing in particular the spirit of synodality. "Walking together for the good of the church and the nation" is the official theme of the current bishops' meeting. "In the current mission of the church, the Indonesian bishops are inspired by and refer to the mission of Jesus and his disciples," said the Nuncio and pointed out that over the past hundred years the conference has always followed the compass of "development of the Church and the nation", "Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia next September will certainly strengthen the morale and faith of our community", he said, hoping that "a strong missionary spirit will be ignited to spread the Good News of Jesus." With regard to the visit of Pope Francis, the nuncio continued, the State's commitment to the Church will take the form of the contribution of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its specific department, the General Directorate for Catholic Communities, which has guaranteed full cooperation. As Director Suparman explained, the authority will "provide financial assistance to religious organizations, particularly in remote or neglected areas, for the renovation and restoration of places of worship and educational institutions." The vicariates and apostolic prefectures that had emerged since the beginning of the 20th century met for the first time in 1924 to agree on a common direction on various questions of church life and relations with the civil authorities, the Dutch colonial rulers at the time. The meeting, held on May 15 and 16, 1924 at the Jakarta Cathedral, was the first gathering of the bishops present in the Indonesian archipelago and was presided over by the Vicar Apostolic of Jakarta, Bishop A. Van Velsen.

AFRICA/BENIN - Father Giovanni Benetti: Mission means "being fascinated by Jesus Christ"

Thu, 16 May 2024 11:51:48 +0200

Calavi - "Mission means being fascinated by Jesus Christ and trying to be a mirror of his goodness, wherever the breath of his Spirit leads us," says the Italian missionary Father Giovanni Benetti, a priest of the Society of African missions, who has been working in Benin for two years as a formator at the Brésillac Spirituality center in Calavi. "It is 'loving' that gives meaning to 'setting out'."

"I find myself in the midst of many young people who, together with the formative fathers and friends of the centre, foster a climate of brotherhood and simplicity," the missionary continued. "I take part in the spiritual accompaniment of these young people, in the preparation of retreats and training courses and in the various meetings for the formators. Depending on the time available, I also try to carry out my pastoral service in some of the surrounding parishes, especially on Sundays."

At the "Center of Brésillac" the seminarians of the Society of African Missions take part in the "International Year of Spirituality". This is a year of vocational study in an international context in which about 50 seminarians from all over the world take part, mainly from various African countries, but also from India and the Philippines. "This year 2023-2024," adds Father Benetti, "the Italian Anselmo is also there" .

"There is a lot of work - says Father Giovanni - and requires a great sense of responsibility, because it concerns the vocation and therefore the life of the seminarians, the future missionaries of the Society, who, from me and the other confreres, provide an authentic Christian. "This requires humility that allows the formators to deal with problems and to delve into the personal history of these young men on their path to the priesthood and to missionary commitment without borders".

Calavi, a suburb of the large city of Cotonou in the south of the country, has a tropical climate. "The Anopheles mosquitoes, the vectors of the malaria pathogen, are widespread here; I try to fight them with mosquito nets and mosquito spray. The water is not drinkable, so you have to filter it or boil it," the missionary concluded.

ASIA/MYANMAR - Regular Army Airstrikes: Two Churches hit in Chin State

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:10:48 +0200

Kalay - Air strikes by the Burmese regular army hit a Catholic church and a Baptist church in the village of Lungtak, in the town of Tonzang, in the Burmese state of Chin, western Myanmar. The bombardment, which took place between May 11 and 12, also destroyed five houses and villagers have been terrified ever since. As local Fides sources confirmed, the affected Catholic church is under the Catholic Diocese of Kalay, and the local parish priest Titus En Za Khan was able to escape into the surrounding forests along with the faithful. "The violence continues to impact the civilian population, especially in the area of Sagaing, part of the diocese of Kalay," a local Catholic observer told Fides. The village of Luntak was attacked by the Burmese Air Force to eliminate rebel groups and was then occupied by Burmese troops along with two other villages. The regular army is taking action against fighters from the Chin National Army and the Zomi Revolutionary Army , another local military formation. As the Chin Human Rights Organization , an NGO with special advisory status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, notes, violence continues and prevails in Chin State, with its majority Christian population and there is a serious humanitarian crisis among the civilian population. At this stage of the conflict - given the military successes of the resistance forces, which have seen the armies of ethnic minorities join forces with the People's Defense Forces in the fight against the military junta that came to power in the 2021 coup - the regular Burmese army is stepping up in an attempt to regain ground, aerial bombardments, resulting in indiscriminate attacks on civilian homes, schools and churches, and worsening the humanitarian situation in many areas of the country. The armies of ethnic minorities, which have organized themselves since independence to fight the central government, are now making an important contribution to the ongoing conflict. These include the Kachin Independence Army in Kachin State, the Arakan Army in Rakhine State, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army in Shan State, the Karenni National Progressive Party , the Karenni Nationalities People's Liberation Front and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force . In Chin State in particular, on the border with India and Bangladesh, resistance fighters from the Chin, Magwe and Rakhine areas have in recent weeks captured the town of Kyindwe in the Chin Hills of the Arakan Mountains, which is strategically important for the control of the area.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Attack on Macomia: food supplies looted

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:03:20 +0200

Maputo - New details have emerged about the attack on Macomia, capital of the district of the same name in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado . The economy in Macomia was on the upswing after operations by the Southern African Development Community military mission, the Rwandan contingent and the Mozambican army appeared to have regained control of the province. But as Tanzania strengthened its defenses and control of movements beyond its borders, Rwandans provided security in Mocímboa da Praia and Palma, and the Mozambican army operated in the remaining regions, the jihadists once again turned their attention to the districts that were recovering from the wave of destruction and looting of the last six years. In recent days, agricultural products have been gathering in Macomia to be sold at the city's important market. In addition, the city is home to important facilities and camps of several international humanitarian organizations operating in the region. In the May 10 attack, the jihadists stole food from private stores and the World Food Program warehouse, which was then loaded onto at least 10 vehicles stolen from the humanitarian organizations. The attack was preceded by the infiltration of jihadist elements among the local population and the displaced, which facilitated the progress of the more than 100-strong commando that stormed the city around 4:30 a.m. According to residents of the city, the jihadists had precise information about the deployment of the security forces, which they had received not only from infiltrators but also possibly from corrupt elements within the military. The soldiers suffered heavy losses, at least 18 soldiers were killed. The jihadists appear to have adopted a placating attitude towards the civilian population. On the one hand, they allowed them to take part in the looting, on the other hand, they called for a rally where they claimed that they were not angry with them, but only with the military, and even apologized for the damage caused. At around 1 p.m., the commandos withdrew from Macomia, taking with them the food destined for the Mucojo area, still in rebel hands, and some hostages taken among the employees of some NGOs.

ASIA/KUWAIT - Nuncio Nugent: "We cannot change the world but we can create fraternity and a climate of trust"

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:33:24 +0200

by Antonella Prenna

Kuwait City - "I arrived in Kuwait in the middle of the Covid period, in February 2021, and presented my Letters of Credence in May of the same year although the obligation to wear a mask and all remote procedures persisted." Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent is Apostolic Nuncio of the Vicariate of North Arabia, which includes Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. "In all the official meetings that I have had upon my arrival, everyone has expressed their admiration for the Holy Father, for his person, for what he is doing, especially here, in the context of fraternity," declared the Nuncio in a meeting with Fides Agency.

"When I arrived, the Emir was no longer in such good health, he died last December. So he left the tasks of government to his trusted delegates and at first it was difficult for me to touch on important issues. I talked about my proposals to do something to encourage interreligious dialogue, since here in Kuwait there is no official forum for dialogue, unlike Bahrain and Qatar, where there is already something underway. When I was received by the King of Bahrain, I felt his feeling of brotherhood and welcome, as well as that of the Emir of Qatar. I was impressed by the hugs and respect they showed me. Each of these countries is different, has small nuances, stories and traditions. Everything we do here is done with a missionary perspective of the local Church.

"In Madagascar ," says Archbishop Nugent about his first assignment as nuncio, "everything focused on the concrete life of the Church and the mission of the Church. Also here, in the Gulf countries, we tried to promote as much as possible the presence of the Church in these predominantly Muslim countries. Every weekend I celebrate mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Holy Family to maintain contact with the people, with the living presence of the Church. On Saturday mornings I celebrate with the Carmelite Sisters of India, who run a school, and then I make pastoral visits to the parishes of the three towns of the Vicariate. When I arrived in 2021, before the appointment of the current Apostolic Vicar of North Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi, Bishop Paul Hinder, who is currently in Abu Dhabi, was the Apostolic Administrator, but due to Covid restrictions he could not travel easily. During that time I replaced the bishop by imparting Confirmations. In all countries I have always tried to have contact with the dioceses and parishes. I continue to make pastoral visits, I participate in celebrations and meetings also because in this way the faithful feel gratified by our presence among them. Many live here for work and are alone, without their families, and it is very important to make the presence of the Church felt. The Bishop's visit is a bit like that of a father visiting his children."

"It's been three years since I arrived and I am very impressed by the reality of Kuwait. Simple people with an authentic and well-rooted faith, a deep devotion despite all the problems and difficulties they encounter daily. Despite the variety of rituals, languages and cultures, there is a certain harmony. Being together, celebrating together, each community with its traditions and mutual respect, makes it very clear that the Church is great. Perhaps in Europe we do not have the perception of how alive the Catholic Church really is in these predominantly Muslim countries, or even think that it barely exists. But when you are there you discover that it is alive and very lively. Seeing thousands and thousands of people attending these small churches impresses me, encourages me and strengthens my faith. The Abu Dhabi document on Fraternity, dated February 4, 2019, was well received, especially in Bahrain. Here in Kuwait we have distributed the documents, even in universities. Some are interested, but the vast majority know very little about it. "It hasn't reached common knowledge yet."

"In the diplomatic headquarters of the missionary countries where I have provided my services - first in Madagascar and then in Haiti - the Nunciatures, the figure of the Nuncio, have different characteristics from those that exist, for example, in Europe. It is a very important presence for the local Church. When I was in Madagascar I visited the Dioceses in the most remote places, traveling for up to a week from one village to another to get to know the local realities up close. Likewise, in Haiti, I visited all the dioceses and parishes several times. Upon arriving in the Gulf countries, I inevitably found many differences, mainly due to the fact that they are three countries located on three different continents. While in Haiti and Madagascar one of the priority problems was accessibility, given that often there are no passable roads but dirt tracks and rivers that have to be crossed by boat, here in the Vicariate of North Arabia I had an easier impact at the level of structure, but different at the level of mission, of personal commitment. In Kuwait, with Muslims, I try to maintain or create contacts. We maintain friendly relations with several families, for example, every year at the end of Ramadan, after Iftar, there is a tradition of family visits. Every night, some of them open their houses to receive whoever wants to come and say hello. I go very often to see those who invite me and greatly appreciate this availability, showing great respect for the Cross that I carry. There is great esteem and welcome because it draws their attention when the Nuncio enters their homes."

"Our work is a bit like that, we cannot change the world but we can create relationships, friendships, brotherhood and an atmosphere of trust. And that is what I try to do especially here in Kuwait. We are in contact with a group of young Muslims, we have coffee together, we talk about everything, including religion but not primarily. They are very open, we talk about politics, social life, we address the problems that families have that, like almost everywhere, fall apart. In short, we share the same problems as in the West. I always learn a lot from them too. With the Nunciature we want to show that the Holy See, the Church, is present and we are here with our Co-Cathedral of the Holy Family. People are very proud of the fact that the first Gulf country to have relations with the Holy See was Kuwait where the seat of the Apostolic Nunciature is located."

Archbishop Nugent, speaking of Saudi Arabia, mentions the great change that seems to be taking place at least in certain strata of society. "Young people are opening up much more towards the West, although tradition is still deeply rooted here. Let's say that this is the most particular of the Gulf countries. Qatar has become a reference for foreign policy and is completely different. Pope Francis' visit to Bahrain was a very important moment. Receiving the Pope in a country in the Gulf area was also a hope to improve relations in all Muslim countries, but we must always take into account the concrete reality."

AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - When the death of the poor does not appear in the news

Tue, 14 May 2024 14:04:06 +0200

by Mauro Armanino

Ouagadougou - They were killed on Monday May 6th. They made the mistake of trusting the military and the "Volunteers of the Fatherland" who accompanied them. They thought their ID card would protect them. A total of 21 people in a courtyard in Moualoungou village and 130 people in Tambi Bounima village, pregnant women, men, children and passers-by, were executed without cause by the military convoy that set off. They are poor, farmers, almost all of them Christians, and therefore the military regime that is in power in Burkina Faso does not even have the right to receive news of their death. They disappeared, never existed, were swallowed up by violence, which responds to violence with the same blindness. Already last February or March, several people from Bibigou and Soualamou in the Gourmanché region of Burkina Faso were killed along the road. Witness accounts are certain and there are images taken on cell phones.
Meanwhile, the farmers, held hostage by the demand for a per-person "tax", conversion to jihadist armed groups or the exodus, without anything, are hiding in the bush or seeking refuge and safety across the border. Human rights are not respected and there is censorship, said the catechist. Since November last year, the European Union has been calling on the military authorities in Burkina Faso to investigate allegations of killings of civilians in various parts of the country. The human rights organization Human Rights Watch, for its part, accused the authorities of killing 223 civilians, including 56 children, in two villages in February 2024. The ordeal of the people of Burkina Faso continues, amid massacres by armed groups and the military supported by the “volunteers of the country”, which is moving further and further away from the path of peace.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - Kidnapping of students: over 1,680 kidnappings in the last 10 years

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:58:11 +0200

Abuja - Nine students are still in the hands of the kidnappers who on May 9 attacked the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi state, northern Nigeria. An unknown number of armed men broke into a lecture hall where students were preparing for their first semester exams, scheduled for May 13. After intimidating the students and firing several shots in the air, the kidnappers fled, taking 24 students with them. On Sunday, May 12, police announced that 15 of the kidnapped students were released after a fierce battle between security forces and the gang. There are currently nine boys still in the hands of the kidnappers. In Nigeria, terrorists and armed gangs often attack schools and academic institutions to kidnap students and sometimes teachers. According to the UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, in the decade since the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok on the night of April 14-15, 2014, more than 1,680 students have been abducted in various attacks on schools. According to Munduate, in addition to students, school staff have also suffered a high toll in victims and kidnappings by armed gangs in these ten years: 60 kidnapped and 14 dead in more than 70 attacks on schools.

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Christians in prayer and on pilgrimage for the beatification of Akash Bashir

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:53:34 +0200

Lahore - "The life of the Servant of God Akash Bashir is an inspiration and a ray of light in Pakistan and in the world plagued by terrorism and unrest," says Father Lazar Aslam OFMCap, a Capuchin priest who lives and works in Lahore, to Fides. During the month of May, the Catholic community of the Archdiocese intensified its prayers for Akash Bashir, the first Servant of God in the history of Pakistan. Many pilgrims visit his tomb, especially young Pakistanis: "His faith in God motivated him to protect and serve his community and led him to perform a gesture of extreme selflessness in the face of a suicide bomber," recalls the friar. Akash Bashir was born on June 22, 1994 in Pakistan in a humble family and attended the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Lahore. He lived a simple life, had dreams for his future, lived with his family, had friends at school and at work, enjoyed sports, and prayer was part of his life. On March 15, 2015, a Sunday morning, a suicide bomber tried to enter the “St. John's Church” in Youhanabad, a Christian district of Lahore, where over a thousand believers were attending mass at the time. Realizing the situation, Akash did not hesitate to sacrifice himself to prevent the bomber from causing a massacre in the church. On March 15, 2022, the seventh anniversary of his death, the Church of Lahore opened the diocesan phase of the canonical process to recognize his martyrdom. Father Aslam recalls: "Jesus taught that the highest form of love is to lay down one's life for one's friends, and his selfless actions reflected these teachings. Akash's final statement, 'I will die, but I will not let you in', perfectly expresses his courage and dedication". "His story," he says, "is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith, resilience and sacrifice. It gives hope and inspiration to Christians in Pakistan and beyond. His life reminds us to embody an unwavering faith and to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. His extraordinary path will continue to guide and enlighten our community." According to Father Nobal Lal, rector of the Community of Salesians of Don Bosco in Pakistan, the deep experience of Salesian spirituality derived from Don Bosco's "preventive system" had "a profound and personal influence on the human and spiritual formation of Akash." "It led him to develop a deep understanding and friendship with Christ. Before he began his ministry, he often paused to pray for a moment at the grotto in the courtyard of St. John's Catholic Church. The three basic principles of Salesian spirituality - the preventive system, holistic education and love of God - had a great influence on his development of faith and were important pillars that determined his path," he notes. "In this month of May we pray intensely for the beatification of the Servant of God Akash Bashir, a former disciple of Don Bosco," shares Father Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General of the Salesians. The postulator underlines: "For the Christians of Youhanabad, for the Church of God in Pakistan and for the entire family of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Akash, with his great faith, is exactly this: a beacon, an example to follow. Many go to his tomb to pray and ask for intercession". "He had committed himself to living as an honest citizen and a good Christian, as Don Bosco wanted, and had volunteered to provide security in his parish church at a time when the situation in Pakistan was worrying due to the threat of suicide bombings that targeted religious places", recalls Father Cameroni. "This young Salesian, the first Pakistani on the path to the honor of the altars, represents all Christians and all young people who are courageous and proud of their faith," he concludes.

AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - Peace negotiations in Kenya: Not everyone is convinced of the initiative

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:43:53 +0200

Juba - A new round of peace negotiations between the South Sudanese government and the Non-Signatory Opposition Group began on May 3 in Nairobi . Since the civil war in South Sudan erupted in 2013, the parties to the conflict have appealed to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development , Ethiopia, Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda, the Community of Sant'Egidio and now Kenya for mediation. These efforts have resulted in two important peace agreements and an agreement on the unification of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement , but these have not yet been implemented. South Sudanese President Kiir's request for this new intervention and the NSOG's acceptance of Kenya's role as mediator followed Kenyan President Ruto's proposal on March 22. The politician shared with the NSOG a “roadmap” and mediation project with a time frame of 18 months from January 2024 to June 2025. However, local sources report that not all of them are convinced by this move by President Ruto. Given that Kenya has a history of secretly arresting and deporting activists in Juba, and given his significant business interests in South Sudan, they doubt that Ruto is a suitable mediator for the peace process in South Sudan. A note distributed by Remember Miamingi, a South Sudanese governance and human rights expert, said South Sudan is far from achieving peace, stability or democracy. The Kenyan initiative may increase the number of "inactive" opposition groups in Juba, but it is unlikely to secure the peace that South Sudan desperately needs. In view of the elections that have already been postponed and are now scheduled for December 2024, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development Cardinal Michael Czerny, visiting South Sudan had the closeness of the Pope and the Holy See to the South Sudanese people and renewed the appeal to the country's leaders to "commit to peace and stability on the path to a democratic transition." For his part, President Kiir expressed hope that the mediation would produce positive results. "We hope that opposition groups share a similar belief and desire for peace in South Sudan, which, once fully achieved, will bring lasting stability and economic development to the region," he said.

VATICAN - The 'Concilium Sinense' of Shanghai "between history and present": International Conference at the Pontifical Urbaniana University

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:54:17 +0200

Rome - Shanghai, May 15, 1924: the “Primum Concilium Sinense”, the First Council of the Catholic Church in China, begins in the Cathedral of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Bishops, Vicars General, religious and priests, most of whom were born in distant countries and came to China as missionaries, gather under the presidency of Archbishop Celso Costantini, Apostolic Delegate in China, with the task of revitalizing the mission of the Church on Chinese territory in the light of “Maximum Illud”, the Apostolic Letter written by Pope Benedict XV in 1919. In this letter, the Pope emphasized that faith in Christ "does not belong exclusively to a certain nation", and that becoming a Christian in any part of the world does not mean "giving up one's national rights to submit to foreign tutelage".

The Council of Shanghai formulated detailed provisions to promote and accompany the flourishing of a native church, with Chinese bishops and priests being entrusted with the leadership of local communities. The council decrees contained concrete provisions to counteract the colonial mentality that had also penetrated church practices.

One hundred years later, an International Conference in Rome looks back on this synodal experience to understand its meaning and relevance for the development of the Catholic Church in China and the dynamics of apostolic work in the age of globalization.
The Conference is entitled "100 years since the 'Concilium Sinense': between history and the present". The Conference, organized by the Pontifical Urbaniana University in collaboration with Fides Agency and the Pastoral Commission for China, will take place on Tuesday, May 21, in the Aula Magna of the University, which is part of the Dicastery for Evangelization .
The Conference program includes contributions from the Bishop of Shanghai Joseph Shen Bin, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Missionary Dicastery. In addition, the contribution of prominent academics and researchers from the People's Republic of China is expected, such as Professor Zheng Xiaoyun and Professor Liu Guopeng, from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, who will give their presentations during the conference.
The day will open with a greeting from Professor Vincenzo Buonomo, Pontifical Delegate and Grand Rector of the Pontifical Urbaniana University, followed by a video message from Pope Francis.

Link correlati :Leaflet - Concilium Sinense

AFRICA/DR CONGO - North and South Kivu: More clashes between army and M23

Tue, 14 May 2024 11:30:10 +0200

Kinshasa - Two people died yesterday, May 13, in the bombing of the village of Minova, in the Kalehe region, in the province of South Kivu, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo . According to a local civil society leader, the artillery shells came from the area occupied by the M23 rebels in Masisi in the neighboring province of North Kivu. Two more shots were fired in Kitalaga, two in Rudahuba and one in Kiata. Yesterday there were also violent clashes between M23 rebels and soldiers of the Congolese army and their local allies in several locations in the Masisi area. The ongoing conflict in North Kivu therefore risks spreading to the neighboring province. The civilian population is the main victim and is now also being hit by heavy weapons fire. The government in Kinshasa accuses the M23 of being supported by the Rwandan army. Meanwhile, on May 11, a mass was held at the Notre-Dame de Fatima parish in Kinshasa in memory of the victims of the May 3 bombing of two refugee camps in Lac Vert and Mugunga, near Goma, the capital of North Kivu .
According to the current state of affairs, there are 18 dead and 32 injured. In his homily, Father Eric Mashako condemned what he sees as "war crimes" and called on the international community to intervene to put an end to the drama in the eastern Democratic Republic. Joseph Nkinzo, spokesman for the personalities and communities of Greater Kivu, stressed the importance of national unity in these difficult times and said that all Congolese should invoke divine grace for peace in the east of the country.

AMERICA/ARGENTINA - The grateful memory of Father Carlos Múgica remains in the hearts of his people, 50 years after his assassination

Mon, 13 May 2024 13:35:37 +0200

by Stefano Lodigiani

Buenos Aires - “Father Carlos still urges us today to strengthen in each neighborhood a community that organizes itself to accompany the life of our people, and he challenges us to fight against all types of injustice, to maintain an intelligent dialogue with the State and society. He teaches us not to let ourselves be carried away by ideological colonization, nor by the culture of indifference. We ask the Lord that the principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church bear fruit in our communities and, through them, throughout the nation.” This is an extract from the letter of the Holy Father Francis for the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Father Carlos Múgica, which was read during the solemn Eucharistic concelebration held on Sunday, May 12 at the Luna Park stadium in Buenos Aires. Aires, presided over by the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge García Cuerva, and concelebrated, among others, by the president of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, Oscar Ojea, and Monsignor Gustavo Carrara, vicar general of the archdiocese. The Bishop of Rome underlines in his letter that any ecclesial celebration is “much more than a historical commemoration”, it is in fact an opportunity to renew our fraternal and committed presence “with those who carry heavy crosses”. Francis therefore urges and encourages us to continue to place ourselves body and soul alongside “those who suffer from all kinds of poverty”, to seek places of integration by excluding those who disqualify others, to bridge the existing gap “not through silence and complicity, but by looking each other in the eye, recognizing mistakes and eradicating exclusion.” In his homily, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge García Cuerva, recalled that Father Carlos was “the Pastor of the Church who dedicated his life to Jesus and the Gospel, in the convulsive and violent Argentina of the 1960s and 1970s. He then took inspiration from a prayer by Father Mugica, “Meditacion en la villa”, to highlight certain aspects of reality which remain relevant 50 years later: the situation of children and young people, drug trafficking, poverty, social hatred, clashes, corruption, individualism, injustice, hunger... “Help me”. Carlos Mugica therefore simply asked the Lord," concluded the Archbishop. His faith led him to the frequent and profound experience of prayer; an aspect which many of those who admired his activity and kindness did not appreciate; were perhaps not conscious; the long moments spent in front of the Tabernacle in humble and hidden prayer. Fifty years later, during this Mass, we come to ask God's help, because we recognize, like Carlos, our fragility. We are not heroes. We are men and women of faith who want to be faithful to the Gospel; we cannot do it on our own, and that is why, with Father Mugica, we say : “Help us, Lord, do not let us fall: Help us Lord, do not let us fall from your hands. We need you so much.” Father Carlos Múgica was an Argentine priest , belonging to the clergy of Buenos Aires. He came from an upper-class family, after enrolling in law school, he felt his calling after visiting Rome for the Jubilee in 1950 and entered the Seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1959. He spent his first days of ministry mainly among families in working-class and less developed neighborhoods. A university teacher, he also became famous for his weekly homilies broadcast on the municipal radio station. He founded the Third World Priests Movement and the “Cura Villeros” movement. His positions and the government positions he holds earned him criticism from the most conservative Argentine newspapers and even from some of the clergy. In the climate of strong opposition at the time, he was also the subject of threats. On Saturday May 11, 1974, Father Carlos had just celebrated mass when Rodolfo Almirón, an agent of the Argentine Anti-Communist Alliance , fired five shots in his direction. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. His remains have rested in the parish of Cristo Obrero since 1999. Pope Francis said of him: "He was a great priest who fought for justice." To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragic death of Father Carlos, a series of events was organized and began a month ago, on April 11, in the parish of Cristo Obrero. During what was called the “Month of Mugica”, events, masses, celebrations and popular expressions were organized in memory of the Argentine priest. A summary video was also made on his life and ends with the motto of this “Mugica Month”: “Father Mugica lives in the hearts of his people”. “That evening, 50 years ago, after celebrating Mass, after drinking the blood of Christ from the chalice, Father Múgica also shed his blood for his friends,” recalled Msgr. Gustavo Carrara, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, during the Mass he celebrated at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 11, in the Cristo Obrero parish, next to the priest's tomb. On the same day, another suffrage celebration took place in the parish of San Francisco Solano, in the Villa Luro neighborhood, where the priest was murdered. “Father Carlos Múgica was not only generous with the poorest, and he was,” said Msgr. Carrara, “but he was much more deeply evangelical, because he was a friend of the poorest. The true Evangelical approach is not only to be generous, but to enter into friendship, to share life. This is why Father Carlos gave his life for his friends, gave his life for this neighborhood, gave his life for the cause of the poorest and most humble. And that is his legacy.

ASIA/INDIA - Tensions in Manipur affect voter turnout: Christians pray for reconciliation and peace

Mon, 13 May 2024 13:18:59 +0200

Imphal - In Christian churches in Manipur, believers are praying "for real reconciliation and peace", while in the north-east Indian state the tensions following the inter-ethnic violence that broke out a year ago are still felt: this is what was evident above all during the two election days for the Federal Parliament , when the polling stations were almost completely deserted. In the last few days, the Manipur Catholic Youth Organization called for a prayer and solidarity meeting at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Imphal to mark the first anniversary of the violence that broke out in the state on May 5, 2023. The Archdiocese of Imphal has invited all the faithful of the various communities as well as all people of good will from other religious communities to a time of fasting and prayer to "achieve the conversion of hearts so that true peace may flourish in Manipur", commemorating the beginning of the violence a year ago. Since then, ongoing clashes between two ethnic communities have left about 200 dead and thousands injured and caused the destruction of 200 villages and 7,000 houses, 360 Christian churches or chapels and some synagogues. Currently, the population continues to live in makeshift shelters organized by the state government and NGOs to accommodate 60,000 displaced people, while the two warring communities have been separated by a "buffer zone" - to bring about initial pacification - but tensions continue to remain dormant, as the reasons for the violence have not been resolved by politicians. The Archbishop of Imphal, Linus Neli, recalled “those terrible and harrowing days.” “We should intensify our prayers for peace and justice among all people,” he says. Meanwhile, the “All Manipur Christian Organization” brought together believers from all denominations in the “Tangkhul Baptist Church”. The Dimapur Christian Forum in the neighboring state of Nagaland also held a solidarity prayer for peace in Manipur to commemorate the violence and call for deep peace. The faithful in other Indian states of the Archdiocese of Delhi joined the celebration in spirit and prayer. As the Indian federation goes through the long process of general elections - on different polling days depending on the location - polling stations in Manipur were almost deserted amid the ongoing climate of fear. Even the candidates did not campaign because they were threatened by armed groups, while the population boycotted the polls to protest against the state government and the federal government, which were accused of not doing enough to stop the violence and address the underlying problems. The conflict largely stems from land rights issues after a state court granted the Meitei, who make up 53% of the population, the same rights to "tribal status" as the Kuki, a group that makes up less than 20% of the population, and thus the possibility of access to land ownership that was previously reserved for ethnic minorities. “The abstention,” say local sources, “is a signal to the institutions that have not yet found a solution to the problem.” In this state of 3.6 million inhabitants, there are only two seats to be filled out of the 543 in the Indian Parliament.

ASIA/INDIA - Appointment of auxiliary bishop of Verapoly

Mon, 13 May 2024 12:50:32 +0200

Vatican City - On May 11, the Holy Father appointed the Reverend Antony Valumkal, until now rector and parish priest of the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom in Vallarpadom, Kochi, as auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Verapoly, India, assigning him the titular see of Magarmel.
Msgr. Antony Valumkal was born on 26 July 1969 in Eroor, in the archdiocese of Verapoly. He studied philosophy and theology at Saint Joseph’s Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosophy in Alwaye, Kerala.
He was ordained a priest on 11 April 1994 for the same archdiocese.
After ordination, he held the roles of deputy parish priest of Little Flower in Pottakuzhy , director of the archdiocesan minor seminary , parish priest of Saint George in Karthedom , and director of Saint John Paul Bhavan Minor Seminary in Kakkanad . After receiving a licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from Saint Peter’s Pontifical Institute in Bangalore, India, he went on to serve as spiritual director of Saint Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Alwaye, and was in charge of two churches in Chowara and Parapuram of the parish of Thottakattukara . Since 2021 he has been rector and parish priest of the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom in Vallarpadom, Kochi.

ASIA/INDIA - Appointment of coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Jhansi

Mon, 13 May 2024 12:46:46 +0200

Vatican City - On May 11, the Holy Father appointed the Reverend Wilfred Gregory Moras, of the clergy of Lucknow, until now rector of Saint Joseph’s Regional Seminary in the diocese of Allahabad, as coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Jhansi, India.
Msgr. Wilfred Gregory Moras was born on 13 February 1969 in Neerude, in the diocese of Mangalore, and studied philosophy and theology at Saint Joseph’s Regional Seminary in the diocese of Allahabad.
He was ordained a priest on 27 April 1997 for the diocese of Lucknow.
After ordination, he first held the roles of formator at Saint Paul’s Minor Seminary in Lucknow , secretary to the bishop , and deputy head of Saint Ann’s School in Palia . After obtaining a licentiate in missiology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome , he served as head and director of Saint Francis School and Hostel in Nigohan and head of Saint Anthony’s School in Barabanki . He received a doctorate in missiology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome and went on to serve as director of the Nav Sadhna Regional Pastoral Centre in Varanasi . Since 2021 he has been rector of Saint Joseph’s Regional Seminary in Allahabad.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - In the north of the Country: Two jihadist attacks within two days

Mon, 13 May 2024 12:41:31 +0200

Maputo - Jihadists fighters linked to the Islamic State carried out two major attacks within two days in the Cabo Delgado province, northern Mozambique. The attack on Macomia on May 10 was followed on Sunday May 12 by the attack on the village of Missufine, in the district of Ancuabe, which began at around 6 p.m. local time and lasted at least 4 hours, forcing the population to flee the village.
In the meantime, the population of Macomia has returned to the city after the jihadists who occupied it left. During their attack on Macomia, the jihadists, numbering at least 100, also attacked the local base of the South African contingent of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique , which is in the process of withdrawing . Most of the South African soldiers had already retreated to Pemba in order to be out of the country by July. A small contingent of South African soldiers remained at the Macomia base. After the jihadist attack, the South African military sent reinforcements from Pemba. According to security forces, the jihadists attacked Macomia in four groups from different directions. A source reports that a contingent of the Rwandan Defense Forces stationed in Mocimboa da Praia, the coastal town northeast of Macomia, also tried to intervene but was stopped by a strong rebel contingent. Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and the Ministry of Defense have also confirmed the attack on Macomia, but appear to attribute the repelling of the attack solely to the Mozambican army. Médecins Sans Frontières points out that "six years after the start of the conflict in Cabo Delgado, people still live in fear and violence has not abated. The conflict has displaced thousands of people in the province. Between February 8 and March 3, nearly 6,000 people fled Macomia.” Meanwhile, French energy giant TotalEnergies is exploring the possibility of resuming work on a $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in Cabo Delgado province. The project was already suspended in 2021 due to instability caused by jihadists.

AFRICA/GUINEA - Appointment of coadjutor archbishop with special faculties of Conakry

Mon, 13 May 2024 12:32:57 +0200

Vatican City - On May 11, the Holy Father appointed the Reverend François Sylla, of the clergy of Conakry, Guinea, until now rector of the Benoit XVI Major Seminary of Kendoumayah, as coadjutor archbishop with special faculties of the same archdiocese.
Msgr. François Sylla was born on 9 April 1972 in Siboty, in the archdiocese of Conakry. He attended the minor seminary and the Jean XXIII Preparatory Seminary of Kindia, and studied philosophy and theology at the Saint Augustin de Samaya Major Seminary of Bamako, in Mali.
He was ordained a priest on 21 November 2004 in Conakry.
After ordination, he first held the role of parish vicar of Conakry Cathedral . He was awarded a master’s degree in comparative law of religions at the Faculty of Theology of Lugano in Switzerland , and went on to provide pastoral service in the San Giovanni Battista – Induno Olona parish of the archdiocese of Milan . After receiving a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome , he went on to serve as chancellor of the archdiocese of Conakry , judicial vicar and president of the Metropolitan Tribunal of Conakry , and president of the Union of the Clergy in Guinea .
Since 2020 he has been rector of the Benoit XVI Major Seminary of Kendoumayah.

AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - Catholic community in Katchari: Faith, joy, resilience and courage despite violence and hunger

Mon, 13 May 2024 12:30:31 +0200

Kantchari - The two Redemptorist missionaries, Father Maxime and Father Clément, live and work in the Burkinabe town of Kantchari, on the border with Niger, which has been hit by terrorist attacks that have led to devastation and famine.

"We arrived in Kantchari on October 5, 2023 and found an almost deserted town. The population consisted mainly of internally displaced people and locals who could not leave the town. There was neither food nor medicine," reports Father Clément Kourossangama, parish priest. "The few products that some crooks managed to smuggle into town were extremely expensive and unaffordable for most. As if all that wasn't enough, we were surrounded by cannons and those who ventured out of the city were killed."

“The people were waiting for us, the return of the fathers was a great sign of hope,” the Redemptorist continued. Despite the shooting, the faithful attended mass when we arrived and that gave us a lot of encouragement too. They showed great faith, joy, resilience and courage. We didn't have enough guests, and the little money we collected we used to provide people with basic necessities. Yet, under cannon fire and in the midst of a starving population, we continued to proclaim Christ as best we could."

"Despite the renewed attacks, we insisted on celebrating Mass and the faithful attended until the situation got out of control," reports the missionary. "When the military intervened, the terrorists had already killed several civilians and taken away livestock, barns and everything else.
In these moments of great panic, while the celebrant hurried to finish the mass and send the assembly away as quickly as possible, we noticed that the population was heading straight for the parish to seek refuge. The intervention of the army stopped the attack, but the hearts of the people were devastated and there were corpses in the arms of some families. What should you say to the parishioners during Sunday mass?

“During this time, the entire population encouraged each other,” continued Father Clement. “Around Christmas the cannon fire eased somewhat and it was hoped that a convoy with food would arrive. The hoped-for convoy finally arrived about ten kilometers from the entrance to Kantchari, but the renewed attacks resulted in enormous loss of life.”

"Unfortunately," said the missionary, "the violent attacks resumed at the end of March, albeit to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, there remains hope for a better future, especially because a lot is being done on the security front.
In the parish we continue to celebrate, pray, sing and dance. Those who have passed through Kantchari know that this people likes to sing and dance... until the kyrie", underlines Father Clement. “But it is not always easy to preach when you are faced with people who have often fasted for days. Whatever happens, we hope for a better tomorrow and that is what keeps us moving forward with the community members and the entire population.”

ASIA/MYANMAR - The civil conflict causes more than three million displaced people

Sat, 11 May 2024 21:47:04 +0200

Yangon - In the last six months, the number of displaced people in Myanmar has doubled, reaching a total number of more than 3 million, according to Stephen Anderson, UN Humanitarian Coordinator and resident in the country. This confirms a growing humanitarian crisis in the nation. Since October last year, the number of displaced people in Myanmar has seen a drastic increase, coinciding with the intensification of armed resistance led by the People's Defense Forces and various ethnic groups in the north and west of the country, in response to the military coup in February 2021. Clashes have intensified and government forces have launched massive reprisals, causing immense suffering among the civilian population.
According to the UN statement, more than 2.7 million people have left their homes since the army took power, and more than a third of them are children. These displaced children face great difficulties in accessing education and adequate nutrition, putting their future at risk, according to the UN. In addition, half of the displaced people in Myanmar are confirmed to come from the northwestern regions of Chin, Magway and Sagaing. The statement also notes that the "Displaced are struggling to survive amid a widespread humanitarian crisis that has left a total of 18.6 million people in need in the nation, one million more than the previous year. Those in need include 6 million children". At the moment, almost a third of the country's total population requires urgent humanitarian assistance.
Finally, the Burmese army is waging intense fighting against ethnic Karen fighters to regain control of the town of Myawaddy, located near the Thai border. This city is considered strategic due to its importance as the main commercial center with Thailand.
According to estimates by independent organizations, more than 6,000 civilians have been killed in Myanmar since February 2021. More than 20,000 people are detained for political reasons, including democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is serving a 27-year sentence for alleged corruption.