June 29, 2011 THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT OF MY LIFE - SIXTY YEARS AGO, 29 JUNE 1951, JOSEPH RATZINGER WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 ... June 28, 2011 ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINEPope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... June 28, 2011 PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAINThe Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... June 28, 2011 POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATIONPope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... June 28, 2011 Vatican NewsPope Benedict XVI THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT OF MY LIFE - SIXTY YEARS AGO, 29 JUNE 1951, JOSEPH RATZINGER WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 ... In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 (Milestones: Memoirs 1927-1977) – Joseph Ratzinger remembers with vivid simplicity his ordination to the priesthood. The great German Catholic Cardinal, Michael von Faulhaber (1869-1952), distinguished biblicist and patrologist, Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1917, who during the dark years of the Third Reich had become one of the most courageous critics of Hitler’s regime, laid his hands on the 24-year old deacon in June 1951 and on his older brother Georg and 42 other young men. “We were more than forty candidates, who, at the solemn call on that radiant summer day, which I remember as the high point ... PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAIN The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD). The Holy Father is due to depart by plane from Rome's Ciampino airport at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 19 August, landing at midday at Barajas airport in Madrid where a welcome ceremony will take place. At 7.15 p.m. that day he will join a group of young people to pass under the Puerta de Alcala in the city's Plaza de Independencia, before moving on to Plaza de Cibeles where youth from all over the world will be gathered to greet him. On Friday 19 August the Pope will ... THE POPE'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message ... On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message for the XXVI celebration of World Youth Day to be held in August 2011 in Madrid, Spain. We republish that message here: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” Dear Friends, I often think back on the . There we had an experience of a great festival of faith in which the Spirit of God was actively at work, building deep communion among the participants who had come from all over the world. That gathering, like those on previous occasions, bore rich fruit in the lives of many young people and in the life of the whole ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have come to Rome for tomorrow's Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles: His Eminence Emmanuel, metropolitan of France and director of the office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; His Eminence Athenagoras, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the metropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, vicar general of the metropolitan of Switzerland. AP/ VIS 20110628 (80) POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
June 28, 2011 ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINEPope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... June 28, 2011 PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAINThe Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... June 28, 2011 POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATIONPope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... June 28, 2011 Vatican NewsPope Benedict XVI THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT OF MY LIFE - SIXTY YEARS AGO, 29 JUNE 1951, JOSEPH RATZINGER WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 ... In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 (Milestones: Memoirs 1927-1977) – Joseph Ratzinger remembers with vivid simplicity his ordination to the priesthood. The great German Catholic Cardinal, Michael von Faulhaber (1869-1952), distinguished biblicist and patrologist, Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1917, who during the dark years of the Third Reich had become one of the most courageous critics of Hitler’s regime, laid his hands on the 24-year old deacon in June 1951 and on his older brother Georg and 42 other young men. “We were more than forty candidates, who, at the solemn call on that radiant summer day, which I remember as the high point ... PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAIN The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD). The Holy Father is due to depart by plane from Rome's Ciampino airport at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 19 August, landing at midday at Barajas airport in Madrid where a welcome ceremony will take place. At 7.15 p.m. that day he will join a group of young people to pass under the Puerta de Alcala in the city's Plaza de Independencia, before moving on to Plaza de Cibeles where youth from all over the world will be gathered to greet him. On Friday 19 August the Pope will ... THE POPE'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message ... On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message for the XXVI celebration of World Youth Day to be held in August 2011 in Madrid, Spain. We republish that message here: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” Dear Friends, I often think back on the . There we had an experience of a great festival of faith in which the Spirit of God was actively at work, building deep communion among the participants who had come from all over the world. That gathering, like those on previous occasions, bore rich fruit in the lives of many young people and in the life of the whole ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have come to Rome for tomorrow's Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles: His Eminence Emmanuel, metropolitan of France and director of the office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; His Eminence Athenagoras, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the metropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, vicar general of the metropolitan of Switzerland. AP/ VIS 20110628 (80) POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
June 28, 2011 PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAINThe Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... June 28, 2011 POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATIONPope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... June 28, 2011 Vatican NewsPope Benedict XVI THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT OF MY LIFE - SIXTY YEARS AGO, 29 JUNE 1951, JOSEPH RATZINGER WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 ... In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 (Milestones: Memoirs 1927-1977) – Joseph Ratzinger remembers with vivid simplicity his ordination to the priesthood. The great German Catholic Cardinal, Michael von Faulhaber (1869-1952), distinguished biblicist and patrologist, Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1917, who during the dark years of the Third Reich had become one of the most courageous critics of Hitler’s regime, laid his hands on the 24-year old deacon in June 1951 and on his older brother Georg and 42 other young men. “We were more than forty candidates, who, at the solemn call on that radiant summer day, which I remember as the high point ... PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAIN The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD). The Holy Father is due to depart by plane from Rome's Ciampino airport at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 19 August, landing at midday at Barajas airport in Madrid where a welcome ceremony will take place. At 7.15 p.m. that day he will join a group of young people to pass under the Puerta de Alcala in the city's Plaza de Independencia, before moving on to Plaza de Cibeles where youth from all over the world will be gathered to greet him. On Friday 19 August the Pope will ... THE POPE'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message ... On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message for the XXVI celebration of World Youth Day to be held in August 2011 in Madrid, Spain. We republish that message here: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” Dear Friends, I often think back on the . There we had an experience of a great festival of faith in which the Spirit of God was actively at work, building deep communion among the participants who had come from all over the world. That gathering, like those on previous occasions, bore rich fruit in the lives of many young people and in the life of the whole ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have come to Rome for tomorrow's Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles: His Eminence Emmanuel, metropolitan of France and director of the office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; His Eminence Athenagoras, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the metropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, vicar general of the metropolitan of Switzerland. AP/ VIS 20110628 (80) POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
June 28, 2011 POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATIONPope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... June 28, 2011 Vatican NewsPope Benedict XVI THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT OF MY LIFE - SIXTY YEARS AGO, 29 JUNE 1951, JOSEPH RATZINGER WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 ... In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 (Milestones: Memoirs 1927-1977) – Joseph Ratzinger remembers with vivid simplicity his ordination to the priesthood. The great German Catholic Cardinal, Michael von Faulhaber (1869-1952), distinguished biblicist and patrologist, Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1917, who during the dark years of the Third Reich had become one of the most courageous critics of Hitler’s regime, laid his hands on the 24-year old deacon in June 1951 and on his older brother Georg and 42 other young men. “We were more than forty candidates, who, at the solemn call on that radiant summer day, which I remember as the high point ... PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAIN The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD). The Holy Father is due to depart by plane from Rome's Ciampino airport at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 19 August, landing at midday at Barajas airport in Madrid where a welcome ceremony will take place. At 7.15 p.m. that day he will join a group of young people to pass under the Puerta de Alcala in the city's Plaza de Independencia, before moving on to Plaza de Cibeles where youth from all over the world will be gathered to greet him. On Friday 19 August the Pope will ... THE POPE'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message ... On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message for the XXVI celebration of World Youth Day to be held in August 2011 in Madrid, Spain. We republish that message here: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” Dear Friends, I often think back on the . There we had an experience of a great festival of faith in which the Spirit of God was actively at work, building deep communion among the participants who had come from all over the world. That gathering, like those on previous occasions, bore rich fruit in the lives of many young people and in the life of the whole ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have come to Rome for tomorrow's Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles: His Eminence Emmanuel, metropolitan of France and director of the office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; His Eminence Athenagoras, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the metropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, vicar general of the metropolitan of Switzerland. AP/ VIS 20110628 (80) POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT OF MY LIFE - SIXTY YEARS AGO, 29 JUNE 1951, JOSEPH RATZINGER WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 ... In his essential and limpid autobiographical account published in 1997 – the original German is entitled Aus meinem Leben. Erinnerungen 1927-1977 (Milestones: Memoirs 1927-1977) – Joseph Ratzinger remembers with vivid simplicity his ordination to the priesthood. The great German Catholic Cardinal, Michael von Faulhaber (1869-1952), distinguished biblicist and patrologist, Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1917, who during the dark years of the Third Reich had become one of the most courageous critics of Hitler’s regime, laid his hands on the 24-year old deacon in June 1951 and on his older brother Georg and 42 other young men. “We were more than forty candidates, who, at the solemn call on that radiant summer day, which I remember as the high point ... PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAIN The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD). The Holy Father is due to depart by plane from Rome's Ciampino airport at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 19 August, landing at midday at Barajas airport in Madrid where a welcome ceremony will take place. At 7.15 p.m. that day he will join a group of young people to pass under the Puerta de Alcala in the city's Plaza de Independencia, before moving on to Plaza de Cibeles where youth from all over the world will be gathered to greet him. On Friday 19 August the Pope will ... THE POPE'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message ... On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message for the XXVI celebration of World Youth Day to be held in August 2011 in Madrid, Spain. We republish that message here: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” Dear Friends, I often think back on the . There we had an experience of a great festival of faith in which the Spirit of God was actively at work, building deep communion among the participants who had come from all over the world. That gathering, like those on previous occasions, bore rich fruit in the lives of many young people and in the life of the whole ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have come to Rome for tomorrow's Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles: His Eminence Emmanuel, metropolitan of France and director of the office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; His Eminence Athenagoras, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the metropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, vicar general of the metropolitan of Switzerland. AP/ VIS 20110628 (80) POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
PROGRAMME OF THE POPE'S AUGUST TRIP TO SPAIN The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for ... The Holy See Press Office has released the programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Madrid, Spain, for the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD). The Holy Father is due to depart by plane from Rome's Ciampino airport at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 19 August, landing at midday at Barajas airport in Madrid where a welcome ceremony will take place. At 7.15 p.m. that day he will join a group of young people to pass under the Puerta de Alcala in the city's Plaza de Independencia, before moving on to Plaza de Cibeles where youth from all over the world will be gathered to greet him. On Friday 19 August the Pope will ... THE POPE'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message ... On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message for the XXVI celebration of World Youth Day to be held in August 2011 in Madrid, Spain. We republish that message here: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” Dear Friends, I often think back on the . There we had an experience of a great festival of faith in which the Spirit of God was actively at work, building deep communion among the participants who had come from all over the world. That gathering, like those on previous occasions, bore rich fruit in the lives of many young people and in the life of the whole ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have come to Rome for tomorrow's Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles: His Eminence Emmanuel, metropolitan of France and director of the office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; His Eminence Athenagoras, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the metropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, vicar general of the metropolitan of Switzerland. AP/ VIS 20110628 (80) POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
THE POPE'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message ... On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th, 2010, the Vatican issued Pope Benedict's Message for the XXVI celebration of World Youth Day to be held in August 2011 in Madrid, Spain. We republish that message here: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” Dear Friends, I often think back on the . There we had an experience of a great festival of faith in which the Spirit of God was actively at work, building deep communion among the participants who had come from all over the world. That gathering, like those on previous occasions, bore rich fruit in the lives of many young people and in the life of the whole ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have come to Rome for tomorrow's Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles: His Eminence Emmanuel, metropolitan of France and director of the office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; His Eminence Athenagoras, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the metropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, vicar general of the metropolitan of Switzerland. AP/ VIS 20110628 (80) POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received members of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have come to Rome for tomorrow's Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Apostles: His Eminence Emmanuel, metropolitan of France and director of the office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union; His Eminence Athenagoras, bishop of Sinope and auxiliary of the metropolitan of Belgium, and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, vicar general of the metropolitan of Switzerland. AP/ VIS 20110628 (80) POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
POPE BENEDICT XVI GREETS ECUMENICAL DELEGATION Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome ... Pope Benedict XVI greeted a special delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, which is here in Rome to mark the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul. For many years now, since the renewed impetus to work toward Christian unity that was among the responses to the 2nd Vatican Council, Rome and Constantinople have exchanged official delegations on the Patronal feasts of the respective sees: the Feast of St Andrew for Constantinople and the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul for Rome. In his remarks to the ecumenical delegation on Tuesday, Pope Benedict said, “Your participation in this, our feast day, like the presence of our representatives in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew, expresses the true ...Roman Curia PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
PRESENTATION OF TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to ...VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the twenty-sixth World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid from 16 to 21 August. The conference was presented by Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Yago de la Cierva, executive director of WYD 2011; Elsa Vazquez Maggio, an international volunteer, and Jose Antonio Martinez Fuentes, secretary general of WYD 2011. "Each World Youth Day is an extraordinary experience for a Church which is friend to young people, which shares their problems", said Cardinal Rylko. "A Church which places ... SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRINE OF WERL VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in ... VATICAN CITY, 25 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter, written in Latin and dated 17 June, in which the Holy Father appoints Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Marian shrine of Werl, in the German archdiocese of Paderborn, due to take place on 2 July. The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Wilhelm Hentze, provost of the metropolitan chapter, and Msgr. Theodor Ahrens, canon of the metropolitan chapter. BXVI-LETTER/ VIS 20110627 (100) PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
PRESENTATION OF NEW VATICAN MULTIMEDIA PORTAL VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held ...VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present the new Vatican internet portal "news.va", which will be inaugurated by the Pope tomorrow, 28 June, eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Participating in today's event were: Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office; Giovanni Maria Vian, director of the "Osservatore Romano" newspaper; Gustavo Entrala, founder and director of the 101 advertising agency, and Thaddeus Jones, an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Archbishop Celli expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to present the new ... DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorised the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes: MIRACLES - Servant of God Mariano Arciero, Italian diocesan priest (1707-1788). - Servant of God Jean-Joseph (ne Alcide Lataste), French priest of the Order of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic of Betania (1832-1869). - Servant of God Maria Ines-Teresa of the Blessed Sacrament Arias Espinosa (nee Manuela de Jesus), Mexican foundress of the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Missionaries of Christ for the Universal Church (1904-1981). - Servant of God Hildegard Burjan ... AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B ... VATICAN CITY, 27 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. - Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. - Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile. - Cardinal Roger Etchegaray president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum". On Saturday 25 June he received in separate audiences: - Fra' Matthew Festing, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by an entourage. - Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. - Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP ...Appointments PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop ... VATICAN CITY, 28 JUN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Milan (area 4,208, population 5,334,788, Catholics 4,887,661, priests 2,870, permanent deacons 118, religious 7,316), Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Msgr. Antonio Ferreira da Costa, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as bureau chief of the same section. NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20110628 (100) Video Channel June 28, 2011 World News OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
OBAMA ALLA RICERCA DI UN ACCORDO SUL DEBITO - I REPUBBLICANI CHIEDONO PIÙ TAGLI ALLA SPESA PUBBLICA MA SENZA AUMENTI DELLE TASSE La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più ... La partita del debito rischia di trasformarsi in un banco di prova molto difficile per Barack Obama. Tra poco più di un mese, se un’intesa non sarà raggiunta, il default sarà matematicamente certo e le conseguenze — dicono i maggiori analisti — potrebbero dimostrarsi catastrofiche.Il presidente statunitense (Ansa) Il Paese non sarà più in grado di garantire la restituzione dei prestiti. L’ultimo round di negoziati si è svolto ieri, alla Casa Bianca. Da parte repubblicana — attualmente controlla la Camera — c’è una disponibilità a prendere in considerazione provvedimenti che impediscano esiti disastrosi per l’economia, ma solo in cambio di forti tagli alla spesa pubblica e senza aumenti delle tasse. Per Obama, invece, se da una parte è giusto ... VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
VATICAN RADIO'S LATEST NEWS Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. Listen to the latest news broadcast produced by Vatican Radio's English Service. GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
GREECE FACING TWO-DAY GENERAL STRIKE Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of ... Greece's government is bracing for a 48-hour general strike that begins today as lawmakers debate a new round of austerity reforms designed to win the country additional rescue loans needed to avoid bankruptcy. Unions are angry at a new € 28 billion austerity program that would slap taxes on minimum wage earners and other struggling Greeks, following months of other cuts that have seen unemployment surge to more than 16 percent. The package and implementation law must be passed in parliamentary votes this week so the European Union and the International Monetary Fund release the next installment of Greece's € 110 billion ($156 billion) bailout loan. More than 5,000 police were to guard Athens' city center, with union protest ... TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
TENSE CALM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in ... Two people were injured yesterday in a bomb explosion in northeastern Nigeria. It was the third day of violence in the city of Maiduguri, which on Saturday two people killed by gunmen, and a series of bomb attacks on Sunday which killed at least 25 people. The authorities blame the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement. Christians in the region are now concerned for their safety. “The are rumours, especially when we get close to the weekend, that the Boko Haram would like to strike,” says Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, the head of the Nigerian office of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. “There is fear, but there is also security consciousness, in order to see that ... REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
REFUGEES FLEEING DROUGHT-STRICKEN SOMALIA Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a ... Millions of refugees fleeing Somalia have created a humanitarian crisis in East Africa where severe droughts have contributed to a surge in people leaving the war-torn nation for Kenya and other neighbouring countries. The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya contains over 350,000 people, but was built to hold just 90,000. The ongoing conflict in Somalia has sent refugees across the border for years, but now the weather is making the problem worse. “The drought that started last October still has a lasting effect on those people,” explained Red Cross Press officer Yves Van Loo. Some families walk through sand and searing heat for more than a month looking for food, water and shelter in refugee camps across the ... EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
EUROPE-FIFTEEN MILLION POOR PEOPLE IN EUROPE AT RISK OF HUNGER Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid ... Rome (Fides Service) - The Regulation 562/2011 adopted by the European Commission on June 10, cuts 80% of food aid for the poor provided by EPFA (European Program of Food Aid). This means that about 15 million Europeans are at risk of hunger. The European Federation of Food Banks (EFFB) therefore launches an appeal to the European Council of Agriculture Ministers in order to reach an agreement on new forms of funding. The International Council General of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Caritas Italian adhere to the request. In a statement by EFFB, of which a copy was sent to Fides, stressed that the European Commission's decision to cut down the budget of the ... ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
ASIA/INDIA-JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS FOR DALITS: FASTING FOR CROWDS OF CHRISTIANS New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious ... New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - It will be a fast that falls in a rare moment of political importance for religious minorities and for the whole Indian society: as reported to Fides by local sources, the Christians of India have announced that from 25 to July 27 the initiative of a national fasting in crowds is to bring to the attention of the government the age-old question of dignity and human rights, but also the social and economic promotion of the Dalits, the "outcasts", the mass of people (250 million) that are the lowest level of the social scale in India, in a society that - although has formally abolished the caste system - still lives and respects it in practice and even ... BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
BOMB ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 25 Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri ... Suspected members of a radical Islamist sect threw bombs at a drinking spot in Nigeria's northeastern town of Maiduguri on Sunday, killing around 25 people. Witnesses said the attackers threw three sets of explosives from the back of motorbikes and appeared to be targeting police officers. The National Emergency Management Agency said it was working with other rescue teams to evacuate the injured. The military said the perpetrators were suspected members of the Boko Haram. The sect, which says it wants a wider application of strict Sharia Islamic law in Nigeria, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast 10 days ago outside the national police headquarters in the capital Abuja. Boko Haram's former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was shot dead ... LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
LIBYA'S REBELS PUSH TOWARD TRIPOLI Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic ... Rebels in Libya's western mountains said they have advanced and are battling Muammar Gaddafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pressure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' are claiming an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 80 kilometers from the capital Tripoli. The gains follow weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition forces have slowly pushed Gaddafi troops back toward the capital. Amidst these claims of advancement, Gaddafi's government remains defiant. Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said Gaddafi will remain in Libya, but wouldn't confirm that the leader is still in the capital. Meanwhile, just over 100 Libyans arrived in ... AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
AMERICA/MEXICO-A GROUP OF CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS KIDNAPPED BY GUNMEN IN VERACRUZ Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday ... Veracruz (Agenzia Fides) - The House of Migrants ("Hermanos en el Camino"), directed by father Alejandro Solalinde, reported that last Friday, June 24, a train which left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Veracruz, was intercepted by an armed commando of ten people who kidnapped a group of unknown Central American immigrants. According to information gathered by Fides, the incident happened at the station of Medias Aguas, in Veracruz. In a statement the authorities of the Casa del Migrante, run by the Catholic Church, explain that on "Friday, June 24 at 9 o'clock the train left from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, heading towards Medias Aguas, Veracruz. About 250 people jumped on the train. There was heavy rain and the train carriages manoeuvered, some ... June 28, 2011 Church in the World ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
ANOTHER PAUL - THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A 6TH CENTURY IMAGE OF THE APOSTLE IN THE CATACOMBS OF ST. GENNARO IN NAPLES A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational ... A year after the discovery of the cell of the apostles in the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla, another sensational discovery has been found in the catacombs of St. Gennaro in Naples. The restoration of an arcosolium has revealed a great figure of St. Paul who is turned towards one of the deceased in acclamation. The image, which is from the first years of the 6th century, is one of the most intense of late antiquity, before the Apostle became an icon of Byzantine civilization.The fresco found in Naples His face, extremely expressive and characterized by the particular physiognomy of a philosopher, is similar to the Roman representations of the same period and those brought to light a few ... ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
ALL THE VATICAN NEWS ONLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the ... Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See. The portal, to be found at www.news.va includes the best of our own Vatican Radio site, but also the latest news from the newspaper, l’Osservatore Romano, from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, from VIS, the Vatican’s Information Service and from the Misna missionary news agency. Available initially in English and Italian, the new site uses some of the latest digital technology to offer audio and video streaming, plus high quality images and a twitter feed providing instant news headlines to smart phones and other mobile devices. The new ... "FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
"FOR THE RELIGIOUS WOMEN WHO WORK IN MISSION LANDS, SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES OF THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL AND LIVING SIGN OF CHRIST'S LOVE" - COMMENT ON JULY’S MISSIONARY INTENTION 2011 Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of ... Vatican City (Fides Service) - Blessed Pope John Paul II said that the words of St. Paul, "for the love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5, 14), should be a stimulus for the religious to evangelize in mission lands, since it is the duty of consecrated people to work around the world to strengthen and expand the Kingdom of Christ, bringing the proclamation of the Gospel everywhere, even in regions further away (cf. VC 78). One must not forget that consecrated life is an essential part of the Church, it belongs undeniably to the mystery of its life and its holiness (cf. LG 44). In Churches of new foundation, the presence of consecrated life is necessary, because it reveals the ... ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
ASIA/CHINA-THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVANGELIZATION Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the ... Shi Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) - According to information received by Fides, the majority of the Chinese Catholic community celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 26th with the celebration of the Eucharist and the solemn procession, thus transforming it into an opportunity for evangelization. Among the various initiatives which we know about, some are mentioned below. More than 2,000 faithful attended the solemn Eucharistic procession from the parish of Fan Ga Da, of the diocese of Xian Xian (today Cang Zhou), in the province of He Bei. At 7am on Sunday 26 June, after the solemn Eucharist, the Eucharistic procession started from the parish, reached the Marian shrine, the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, and finally, on the ... AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
AMERICA/BOLIVIA-TRAINING, DOMUND AND BISHOPS’ LETTER: ASSEMBLY OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORS OF THE PMS Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a ... Trinidad (Fides Service) - The National Assembly of diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Bolivia, in Trinidad, a town 600 kilometers from La Paz is on, during which several issues will be discussed concerning training. The meeting will be held from June 27 to July 1. Monsignor Eugenio Scarpellini, National Director of the PMS in Bolivia, reported in the note sent to Fides that "the first part of the meeting is devoted to the study and reflection on the Bishops Pastoral Letter 'Catholics in Bolivia today, the presence of hope and commitment ', which concerns the Bolivian reality and perspectives from our faith point of view". Since at the meeting there are a number of new diocesan directors, it ... AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
AMERICA-EVEN IN AMERICA THE DAY OF CHARITY OF THE POPE, "A SIGN OF COMMUNION WITH THE POPE AND THE RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS" Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different ... Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - The Day of charity of the Pope is celebrated around the world, even though with different dates but still close to the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. As far as the American continent is concerned, in Argentina the Day is celebrated on 2 and 3 July, with the slogan "Love is the force that changes the world". As written by father Osvaldo Leone, head of the Commission, which organizes the Day in Argentina, it is "an appropriate gesture to express the filial support of the Catholics to the Holy Father, praying for him and for his mission as Universal Pastor". Recalling the slogan Fr. Leone chose, he adds that "it is an invitation to ... AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
AFRICA/UGANDA - THE REFUGEES LEARN HOW TO MAKE HAND-CRAFTED PRODUCTS WITH THE HELP OF JRS Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee ... Kampala (Fides Service) - As part of an initiative to help the urban refugees to achieve greater self-sufficiency, JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) has launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, a new training course for refugees which will allow them to learn the basics for the production of handicrafts. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the first course was attended by a group of five refugees, who learned to make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, belts, postcards, bags, in addition to acquiring skills in the field of embroidery, using local materials easy to find, such as paper, wood beads and vegetable fibers. "It was a valuable opportunity for us: instead of giving us a fish ... EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
EUROPE/ITALY-BLESSED CLEMENTE VISMARA: "ENTHUSIASTIC MISSIONARY, RESOURCEFUL AND HOLY" Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of ... Milan (Fides Service) - About 8,000 faithful crowded Duomo Square in Milan yesterday, June 26, to attend the Mass of beatification of Fr Serafino Morazzone, Father Clemente Vismara, PIME missionary, and Sister Enrichetta Alfieri, of the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret. The Holy Mass was presided by the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, concelebrated by more than 300 bishops and priests, while the rite of beatification was presided by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. On the day when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Cardinal Tettamanzi emphasized in his homily the deep relationship that links the three Blessed to the Eucharist: "loved ... ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
ASIA/INDIA-AN ARCHBISHOP WILL WORK WITH GANDHI’S GRANDDAUGHTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and ... Guwahati (Fides Service) - An Archbishop will work for peace and reconciliation beside Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter and Vice President of the "Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti", an organization committed to promoting the values of non- violence and civil rights in India. His Excellency Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop of Guwahati, known for his commitment to peace, has recently received the visit of Gandhi and the proposal, which was welcomed, to work together. Because of his skills as peacemaker and the results obtained in the complex context of northeast India - areas troubled by ethnic, tribal, territorial, religious, political tensions - the Archbishop has recently been proposed for nomination for the Prize Nobel Peace Prize (see Fides 06/06/2011). The initiative ... AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
AFRICA-PROJECTS AND CENTERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN DIFFICULTY Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in ... Rome (Fides Service) – For decades in many African countries, village communities have provided aid and protection to children, especially in rural areas, where children, in the absence of parents, were entrusted to elder members or relatives. The current situation which sees the emergence of the uncontrolled urbanization problems, the bloody civil wars and AIDS, exposes children and young people to difficult realities. The Salesians and the Salesian Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work tirelessly for them. As announced by the agency Ans, in Uganda, Kampala-Namugongo, since 2007 the Salesians have taken care of a center which houses about 150 children and street children. The project’s aim is the social promotion of these disadvantaged young children, to whom are ...
inundado por um mistério de luz que é Deus e N´Ele vi e ouvi -A ponta da lança como chama que se desprende, toca o eixo da terra, – Ela estremece: montanhas, cidades, vilas e aldeias com os seus moradores são sepultados. - O mar, os rios e as nuvens saem dos seus limites, transbordam, inundam e arrastam consigo num redemoinho, moradias e gente em número que não se pode contar , é a purificação do mundo pelo pecado em que se mergulha. - O ódio, a ambição provocam a guerra destruidora! - Depois senti no palpitar acelerado do coração e no meu espírito o eco duma voz suave que dizia: – No tempo, uma só Fé, um só Batismo, uma só Igreja, Santa, Católica, Apostólica: - Na eternidade, o Céu! 
