As Bangladesh faces a deadly start to the year, with 34 lightning-related fatalities already reported, pressure is mounting on authorities to deliver not just early warnings but also practical solutions to protect vulnerable communities.
The Catholic Church in Cambodia celebrated Palm Sunday this year amid the coronavirus pandemic in silence as churches were empty due to strict health protocols.
Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on March 28, wounding 14 people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country’s national police said.
The Apostolic Prefecture of Kampong Cham in Cambodia has donated this week some goods to the provincial government for distribution to people most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Church and political leaders in India have condemned the reported harassment of Catholic nuns who were traveling on a train from Delhi to Odisha last week.
Pope Francis this week lauded the “growing climate of inter-religious encounter and dialogue” in Bangladesh as he congratulated the nation on its 50th anniversary of independence.
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 4, Cardinal Charles Bo warned the people of Myanmar, especially the youth, against “going down the path of violent struggle.”
A special court in India rejected the bail application of tribal rights activist and Jesuit priest Stan Swamy, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in October 2020.
Pope Francis condemned what he described as the “mafia” around the world that are “exploiting the pandemic” and “enriching themselves through corruption.”
The activity, which was participated by about 120 people, included prayers, talks, the performance of the Way of the Cross, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
The Myanmar nun who kneeled in front of police to protect anti-coup protestors has said she was surprised yet encouraged by Pope Francis mentioning her act of courage.
“Once again, and with great sorrow, I feel it is urgent to mention the dramatic situation in Myanmar, where many people, especially the young, are losing their lives to offer hope to their country,” said Pope Francis.
In a joint statement, SIGNIS, Pax Christi International, and the Focolare Movement called for an end to what they described as the “disinformation campaign” by the military in Myanmar to ensure and justify their stay in power.
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon on Sunday has called for the expansion of a day of prayer for the Church in China, established by Benedict XVI, into an octave.
