v Candlelight Vigil Planned for Peace and Justice in Palestine
New Delhi , 15 Apr, 2011, 10:50 Hrs (CBCI News)
Even as the Holy Week draws near, our hearts go out to the Christians in Palestine whose entry to their places of worship in Jerusalem during the Holy Week is arbitrarily controlled by the occupying Israeli forces..............More

v Pope John Paul II’s final resting place ready
VATICAN CITY, 13 Apr, 2011, 10:50 Hrs (CatholicNewsAgency)
The final resting place of Pope John Paul II has now been prepared.In a private ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica April 8, the remains of Pope Innocent XI were moved from the altar in the Chapel of St. Sebastian to make way for the soon-to-be beatified Pope John Paul.............More

v Attacks on children condemned
KARNATAKA, 13 Apr, 2011, 10:50 Hrs (UCAN)
Thirty-seven groups belonging to all faiths have publicly condemned a pro-Hindu group’s attack on Christian-run homes for poor children in Karnataka. ............More

v Cardinal Vithayathil laid to rest
KAKKANAD, 12 Apr, 2011, 10:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Tens of thousands of mourners bid a tearful farewell to Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, head of the Syro-Malabar Church (SMC) April 10..............More

v Day of Prayer for Asia Bibi and for victims of the blasphemy law
LAHORE, Pakistan, 12 Apr, 2011, 10:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Around the world people will be in prayer for Asia Bibi, the woman unjustly condemned to death for blasphemy. On 20 April, Wednesday of Holy Week, a “Special Day of Prayer for Asia Bibi and for the victims of the blasphemy law” will be celebrated in Pakistan and in many countries around the world.............More

v Most Rev. Mons. John Moolachira appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Guwahati
NEW DELHI, 11 Apr, 2011, 16:30 Hrs (CBCI News)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed H. E. Most Rev. Mons. John Moolachira, till now Bishop of Diphu, as Coadjutor Archbishop of Guwahati..............More

v Archbishop of Delhi: Anna Hazare Anti-Corruption Commission "Victory of the People”
NEW DELHI, 11 Apr, 2011, 16:30 Hrs (Nirmala Carvalho - Asia News)
"It's a victory for the people." This is the reaction of Mgr. Vincent Concessao, Archbishop of Delhi, to the news that "the government has accepted the demands pf the Gandhian activist Anna Hazare" on the Jan Lokpal Bill............More

v A ‘Jesus Fest’ of 5,000 young Indians for beatification of Pope John Paul II
MUMBAI, 11 Apr, 2011, 16:30 Hrs (Nirmala Carvalho - Asia
Five thousand young people will celebrate the Blessed John Paul II at an event on 1 May in Bandra West, Mumbai. The organiser of the event, Fr Warner D’Souza, director of the Mount Carmel Youth Movement, is of one of Karol Wojtyła’s children............More

Bajrang Dal Activists Allege Conversion, 'Rescue' Orphanage Kids
MANGALORE, 11 Apr, 2011, 10:50 Hrs (Daijiworld.com)
In yet another case of alleged conversion, as many as 41 children were stopped by a group of Bajrang Dal activists when they were waiting for the bus at PVS circle to take them to their native places.............More

v Mass Rally against Sangh Parivar's Vigilante Activities on Apr 11
MANGALORE, 11 Apr, 2011, 10:40 Hrs (Mangalorean.com)
Karnataka Christian Unions' Association held a press meet on Saturday, April 9 in Hotel Woodlands, here, in connection with the continuous raids on Christian institutions over the past few days............More

v Catholic Ashram and Medical College Launch De-addiction Programme for Alcoholics
BELLARY, 11 Apr, 2011, 10:30 Hrs (Bellary Diocese)
Bellary Medical College and the local ashram run by the Franciscan Fathers launched a joint programme for the de-addiction for the victims of alcoholism in Bellary.........More

v The Pope recieves Syro-Malabar Bishops
VATICAN CITY, 8 Apr, 2011, 10:20 Hrs (VIS)
This morning the Holy Father received in audience a group of bishops of the Syro-Malabar rite, on their "ad limina" visit.............More

v Standing against Corruption with Civil Society
NEW DELHI, 7 Apr, 2011, 10:20 Hrs (NUFC)
The National United Christian Forum (NUCF) stands in solidarity with members of civil society in their agitation against corruption.............More

v The Bishop of Sendai: “Thank you” to the Pope and the Universal Church for assistance to displaced people
SENDAI, Japan, 7 Apr, 2011, 10:20 Hrs (AgenziaFides)
Solidarity and support continues to rise for the Church and people in Japan, struck by the earthquake and tsunami: “The aid will help us to rise again after this tragedy,” says Bishop Martin Tetsuo Hiraga of Sendai, expressing his consolation despite the difficult situation at present. .............More

v Workshop on Crisis Communication and MP Region Meeting
INDORE, 6 Apr, 2011, 11:50 Hrs (CBCI News)
A day-long workshop on communication and crisis management was held at Sat Prakashan Sanchar Kendra, Indore, April 4.............More

v Bishop declared venerable
VATICAN CITY, 6 Apr, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
The founder of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament congregation (SABS) Bishop Thomas Kurialassery has been declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI............More

v Pastors attacked
KODUNGALLUR, 6 Apr, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Persecution.in)
Two pastors were attacked by Hindu fundamentalists when they were returning after a prayer service in Kodungallur, Kerala............More

v Thousands mourn Cardinal Vithayathil
KOCHI, 5 Apr, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (UCAN)
Thousands from many religious backgrounds are paying their respects to Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, head of Syro-Malabar Church who died of heart attack on April 1...........More.

v Fires in two refugee camps: over 5,000 civilians without assistance
JHAPA, 5 Apr, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Many questions have been raised about what occurred in Nepal in recent days: two refugee camps in the eastern part of the country were set alight, with a hefty toll of over 700 homes destroyed...........More

v Condolence Message for Cardinal Vithayathil from the President
NEW DELHI, 4 Apr, 2011, 14:40 Hrs (CBCI News)
President Pratibha Patil offered her condolences on the passing of Cardinal Mar Varky Vithayathil............More

v Book on Crisis Management for Church Communicators Published
NEW DELHI, 4 Apr, 2011, 14:30 Hrs (CBCI News)
The CBCI Commission for Social Communications has published the Indian edition of a book on crisis management and communication...........More

v “Fear not, little flock”: Pastoral Letter from Bishops to comfort the faithful
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, 4 Apr, 2011, 13:50 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The Christians in Pakistan are going through Lent “with faith, in prayer, in sharing and in charity, seeking to prepare for Easter in the best way possible, at spiritual, liturgical and pastoral levels ...........More

v More civilian victims and thousands of Libyans taking flight, reports the Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, who still sees “glimmers of peace”
TRIPOLI, 4 Apr, 2011, 13:40 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“Yesterday, April 1, in Sirte, eight civilians, mostly women and children were killed by bombs released by the international forces,” Nishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli tells Fides............More

v Ban on Gandhi book spells bias, feel Church leaders
GUJRAT, 4 Apr, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Church leaders in Gujarat have termed the intention to ban a book on Mahatma Gandhi as “gagging” the freedom of expression Condemning the proposed ban by the Gujarat government on Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and his Struggle with India...........More

v Pope Marks Anniversary of John Paul II's Death
VATICAN CITY, 4 Apr, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI today affirmed that his predecessor was in his prayers Saturday, the sixth anniversary of the Polish Pontiff's death...........More

v Catholics pledge aid to women
AJMER, 4 Apr, 2011, 13:10 Hrs (UCAN)
Catholic women in Ajmer diocese have declared “war” against the killing of female fetuses...........More

v Caritas worker kidnapped, released in Ivory Coast
COTE D'IVORE, 4 Apr, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Caritas Internationalis)
The director of Caritas Abidjan, Father Richard Kissi, has been released unharmed after being kidnapped by an armed group two days earlier...........More

v Deportation order for only Mill Hill missionary in Kashmir
SRINAGAR, 1 Apr, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Asia News)
Fr. Jim Borst must leave the country within 7 days or he will be expelled. He has been in Kashmir for 48 years. Unfounded accusations of proselytism: the Christian population has actually dropped..........More

v Pope Mourns Death of Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil
KAKKANAD, 1 Apr, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI is affirming his sorrow at the death of Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, major archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabars, India..........More

v CBCI Mourns the Death of Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil
NEW DELHI, 1 Apr, 2011, 17:00 Hrs (CBCI News)
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) expresses its deep grief over the sudden demise of Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, the Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam- Angamaly Archdiocese in Kerala on April 1, 2011..........More

v Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil Passes Away
ERNAKULAM, 1 Apr, 2011, 15:00 Hrs (CBCI News)
Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil, C.S.S.R, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, died of cardiac arrest at 2 pm today in Lisie Hospital, Ernakulam..........More

v Christians join tribal convention
NEW DELHI, 1 Apr, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (UCAN)
Christians and human rights activists have demanded the federal government effectively implement laws to protect tribal land. In a resolution passed during the March 28-30 assembly of tribal people, they demanded that indigenous not be displaced from their ancestral land..........More

v Ex-priest asked to represent Libya at UN
NICARAGUA, 1 Apr, 2011, 12:10 Hrs (Washington Post)
Libya has asked former Catholic priest and former United Nations General Assembly president Miguel D’Escoto Brockman to represent its interests at the UN..........More

v Probe demanded into Kandhamal violence
MUMBAI, 1 Apr, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Hindustan Times)
Prominent religious leaders and activists in Mumbai have demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the 2008 Kandhamal violence..........More

v Message to Buddhists: Truth is Necessary to seek peace
VATICAN CITY, 1 Apr, 2011, 11:40 Hrs (VIS)
Made public today was the annual Message to Buddhists for the Feast of Vesakh, issued by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue. This year Vesakh, the most important Buddhist festivity, is celebrated on 8 April in Japan, on 10 May in Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore, and on 17 May in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.........More

v Leaders denounce curbs on worship
MALAYSIA, 1 Apr, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Christian leaders of all denominations have called on the government to commit itself to removing all impediments to the importation, publication, distribution and use of the Malay-language Bible, called the Alkitab.........More

v The situation in Abidjan rapidly evolving; Republican Forces win Yamoussoukro; meanwhile they wait in hope for the Pope's Envoy
ABIDJAN, Cote D'Ivore, 1 Apr, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“The situation in Abidjan is rapidly evolving. We don't know what could happen in the next few hours,” say sources from the local Church in Abidjan to Fides, in Côte d'Ivoire, ........More

v March by 15,000 Catholics to promote life and peace
TIJUANA, Mexico, 31 Mar, 2011, 12:40 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The theme for this year's XI March organised by the Mexican Archdiocese of Tijuana, Sunday, 27 March, is “United for life and peace”. The Pastoral Care Commission for education has been able to aggregate each time a growing number of Catholics and people of good will for this initiative. ........More

v Tribal arrested for converting to Christianity
MAYURBHANJ, Orissa, 31 Mar, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Speroforum.com)
Police have arrested 12 tribals on charges of converting to Christianity in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district.........More

v The Christian heroes in Fukushima, who sacrifice their lives to avoid a nuclear catastrophe
SENDAI, Japan, 31 Mar, 2011, 12:10 Hrs (Agenzia FIdes)
Among the workers who are truly sacrificing their lives in the Fukushima nuclear power plant, to quell the growing radioactivity and to try to secure the power plant, are also some Christians........More

v Priest attacked
KHANDWA, 31 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
A Catholic priest was attacked and seriously injured by three youths on March 30 in Khandwa diocese in Madhya Pradesh.........More

v Study: Parent Involvement Cuts Abortion by 15%
WASHINGTON D.C, 31 Mar, 2011, 11:50 Hrs (Zenit.org)
A new study shows that abortion is effectively reduced by around 15% in states where there are laws requiring parental involvement before minors pursue this option.......More

v Bishop ordained with ‘dual’ approval
GUAUANGDONG, China, 31 Mar, 2011, 11:40 Hrs (UCAN)
Father Paul Liang Jiansen, 46, was ordained Bishop of Jiangmen on March 30, making him the first new bishop in China this year.........More

v Asia Bibi's appeal: “I dream of meeting the Pope”
LAHORE, Pakistan, 30 Mar, 2011, 13:40 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
From her isolation cell in Sheikupura, Asia Bibi, the Christian woman condemned to death for blasphemy, issues her appeal to the world to meet the Pope........More

v Mizoram Churches help fire victims in Tripura
TRIPURA, 30 Mar, 2011, 13:40 Hrs (Christian Today India)
Churches in Mizoram are helping the victims of a recent fire at the Naisingpara Reang refugee camp in north Tripura that killed at least 15 people and rendered thousands homeless.........More

v The nuclear disaster is “a lesson for Japan and for the whole world,” notes Bishop
OSAKA, Japan, 30 Mar, 2011, 13:40 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Alarm is rising amongst the Japanese people with regard to the high levels of radioactivity recorded near the nuclear facility in Fukushima, and even the Catholic Church is asking the “nuclear question”. .......More

v Church promotes scientific research
KOLKATTA, 30 Mar, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (UCAN)
In a bid to motivate more students to take up careers in theoretical science, a Church-run school has held a three-day workshop promoting scientific research.........More

v Catholic church attacked in Rawalpindi. The Archbishop: “Trust in God and in the institutions”
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, 30 Mar, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (Agenzia FIdes)
New alerts in the Pakistani Catholic community: the Catholic church of St Thomas, in the town of Wah Canntt, about 50 km from Rawalpindi, was attacked by a groups armed men last night, Monday 28 March, which resulted in damages.........More

v Bhutto's murderers found: more work needed to flush out killers of Minister Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, 29 Mar, 2011, 17:30 Hrs (Agenzia FIdes)
The Minister of the Interior Rehman Malik announced with satisfaction the Pakistani Government's success in identifying the perpetrators and instigators of the murder of Benazir Bhutto, the political leader and former Prime Minister killed in 2007........More

v Salesian priest appointed coordinator at Rome university
ROME, 29 Mar, 2011, 17:30 Hrs (Nagaland Post)
Salesian Father Jose Kuruvachira has been appointed as the coordinator of the newly launched on-line degree programme in Philosophy at Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome.........More

v Hindu and militant extremists united to sow terror among Christians, denounces an NGO
MUMBAI, 29 Mar, 2011, 17:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
There is a criminal alliance - between various leaders of the army and the Hindu extremist militia - behind the anti-Christian violence which has occurred in recent years in the States of Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and which continues to occur.........More

v Scrap dealers encroach on Christian cemetery
MUMBAI, 29 Mar, 2011, 17:20 Hrs (DNA)
Scrap dealers in Mumbai are trying to encroach on a Christian cemetery embroiled in an ownership battle. The scrap dealers have started piling their stocks on the burial ground in Kurla since the last six months.......More

v Auxiliary Bishop of Osaka: “We will help the fishermen who don't receive government aid”
OSAKA, Japan, 29 Mar, 2011, 17:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The Japanese Bishops and the Apostolate of the Sea are concentrating on helping the fishermen and those people, who, for diverse reasons do not qualify for government aid........More

v Laypeople complete ‘respect’ pilgrimage
KERALA, 29 Mar, 2011, 17:15 Hrs (UCAN)
A lay ecclesial group in Kerala has completed a unique pilgrimage to stress the need to treat women with more respect.........More

v Bishops of Northern Africa: “No to war. We will make the Pope's appeal our own”
RABAT, Morocco, 29 Mar, 2011, 17:15 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“The Bishops of Northern Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya), who are faced with the processes of historical development concerning Arab countries and especially the Maghreb, wish to reaffirm our urgent appeal to find an end to this painful conflict, just and dignified for all........More

v Christians to step up hunger strike
KATHMANDU, 29 Mar, 2011, 17:10 Hrs (UCAN)
A hunger strike in Kathmandu by Christians to force the government into giving them burial plots entered its sixth day today, with the government yet to respond to their demands.........More

v “Thank you, Holy Father, for your beautiful words of peace”: testimony to Fides from the Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli
TRIPOLI, Libya, 29 Mar, 2011, 14:15 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“The Holy Father's appeal was wonderful news and gives us great comfort. The Pope spoke words that affirm the need for reconciliation, peace and dialogue,” says Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, to Fides........More

v Pope encourages Indian bishops
ROME, 28 Mar, 2011, 13:15 Hrs (CatholicCulture.org)
With a sharp change of course, Pakistan has stopped its campaign at the United Nations concerning the contempt of religion, accepting the need to reconcile freedom of religion and freedom of expression.......More

v Tourism ‘should be part of theology’
CHENNAI, 28 Mar, 2011, 13:15 Hrs (UCAN)
Tourism must be included in theological studies in Asia because the Church has not addressed the subject of tourism within the framework of theology and ethics, say Christian theologians........More

v Damaging of statues anger church
CHENNAI, 28 Mar, 2011, 13:10 Hrs (UCAN)
Tourism must be included in theological studies in Asia because the Church has not addressed the subject of tourism within the framework of theology and ethics, say Christian theologians........More

v Pope Reiterates Concern for Libyan Civilians: Calls For Renewed Efforts to Find Peaceful Solution
VATICAN CITY, 28 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI is reiterating his concern for the civil population of Libya and urging the international community to pursue a peaceful solution........More

v Contempt of religion and blasphemy: at the UN, Pakistan changes course
GENEVA, 26 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
With a sharp change of course, Pakistan has stopped its campaign at the United Nations concerning the contempt of religion, accepting the need to reconcile freedom of religion and freedom of expression.......More

v “Celebrate life from its beginnings”: today is the Day for the Unborn Child
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, 26 Mar, 2011, 12:40 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“Recalling the Annunciation, we may say that God made the decision to participate in the history of humankind. He assumed all the vicissitudes of human existence. God loved us so much that he became one of us, grew in the womb of a woman, born of her, lived and eventually died as we do........More

v Pope Affirms Richness of Living Diversity in Union: Receives in Audience Bishops of Syro-Malankara Church
VATICAN CITY, Pakistan, 26 Mar, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The richness of the traditions of a particular rite or Church come to full spiritual fruition when lived in communion with the universal Church, says Benedict XVI........More

v Another Bhatti will continue his brother's mission, but minority rights not among the top priorities for Government
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, 26 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The appointment of Paul Bhatti, brother of murdered Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, as “Special Advisor” for Religious Minorities by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, to manage the affairs of religious minorities at a federal level “can be seen as a sign of hope for minorities” says Fides sources in the Christian community in Pakistan.......More

v India’s Anti-Christian Violence in 2008 Linked to Terrorists
NEW DELHI, 26 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (CDN)
Right-wing terrorists played a key role in attacking and killing Christians in Orissa and Karnataka states in 2008, one of the Hindu extremist suspects in anti-Muslim bomb blasts has told investigators, leading to renewed demands for a probe by India’s anti-terror agency.......More

v Orissa: another Christian killed in Kandhamal
BHUBANESHWAR, 26 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (AsiaNews)
In Orissa, Christians continue to suffer from persecution. On 10 March, Angad Digal, a Catholic man from Mondasoro (Kandhamal), went missing. Local sources say he was killed in Tilakapanga, where he travelled in the company of a couple of Hindu acquaintances.....More

v Delhi Observes Romero Day
NEW DELHI, 24 Mar, 2011, 16:20 Hrs (CBCI News)
Romero Day was observed in New Delhi on the 31st Anniversary of the assassination of Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador.......More

v US Bishops Tap Radio to Promote Marriage in Spanish
WASHINGTON D.C, 24 Mar, 2011, 12:10 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The U.S. bishops' conference is aiming to help Hispanics form and keep healthy marriages: A media initiative using radio spots will be profiling "marriages that inspire" starting next month..........More

v Archbishop Romero's Death Anniversary Observed
WASHINGTON D.C, 24 Mar, 2011, 12:10 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The U.S. bishops are marking the March 24, 1980, assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador by calling for greater aid to Latin America..........More

v Mumbai Christians condemn Qur’an burning
MUMBAI, 24 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Deccan Herald)
Christian organisations in Mumbai have condemned the burning of Qur’an in a Florida church..........More

v Orthodox church head to visit Bangalore
BANGALORE, 24 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Deccan Herald)
The head of the Indian Orthodox church and the Apostolic Throne of St Thomas, Mar Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II will visit Bangalore on Saturday.........More

v Delhi court allows extradition of Bhopal Gas tragedy accused
NEW DELHI, 24 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (DNA)
A court in Delhi has allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to extradite Warren Anderson, an accused in the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy case.........More

v The first priestly ordination for parish of Ding Hai in the Diocese of Ning Bo, 160 years after its formation
NING BO, China, 24 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
More than 2,300 of the faithful took part in the solemn celebration of priestly ordination for Fr Tang Hai Zhou, celebrated on the Solemnity of St Joseph, 19 March, at the parish of Ding Hai in the Diocese of Ning Bo, Zhe Jiang province.........More

v Candle light vigil for Japan’s calamity victims
NEW DELHI, 24 Mar, 2011, 11:50 Hrs (ReligiousIndia.org)
Religious and civil society groups held a candle-light vigil in different parts of the country to express solidarity with the people of Japan reeling under the effects of earthquake and tsunami.........More

v Obama Lights Candle at Archbishop Romero's Tomb
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, 24 Mar, 2011, 11:50 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The current archbishop of San Salvador has called U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to the tomb of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero a "global event" that could help to improve the image of the slain archbishop worldwide........More

v Bishops condemn the burning of the Koran in the U.S.; three days of prayer and fasting after violence against Christians
MULTAN, Pakistan, 24 Mar, 2011, 11:40 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The Bishops of Pakistan, together in Multan for the Assembly of the Episcopal Conference, have strongly condemned the incident two days when Pastor Terry Jones set fire to the Koran........More

v “I am not afraid of the bombs, but rather the inability to try and dialogue,” says the Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli
TRIPOLI, LIBYA, 24 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“I am not afraid of the bombs, but rather the inability to try and dialogue to find a peaceful solution,” says Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, Libya, to Fides........More

v Religious minorities “urge an independent Commission of inquiry to investigate Bhatti's murder”
ISLAMABAD, 23 Mar, 2011, 16:40 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Religious minorities in Pakistan call on the Government to institute a independent Commission of inquiry, directed by a Supreme Court Judge, to investigate the homicide of the Federal Minister for Religious Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti........More

v Church marks ‘Romero Day’ against injustice and human rights violations in India
MUMBAI, 23 Mar, 2011, 15:40 Hrs (AsiaNews)
Celebrations are set to begin this Thursday in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata to commemorate the “Martyrdom of the Great Prophet”. For the president of the Commission for Justice, Peace and Development, “we are emphasising the need to follow his example by fighting for the rights of the marginalised through non-violent methods of protest.....More

v Muslim-Christian meditation and Eucharistic Adoration on the 15th anniversary of the abduction of the monks of Tibhirine
LYON, France, 23 Mar, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
At about 1.30 am on Wednesday, 27 March 1996, seven French Trappist monks were kidnapped from the convent of “Notre Dame de l’Atlas” in Tibhirine, south-eastern Algeria by a group of about 20 armed men.......More

v Bishops appeal for food for the people hard-hit by drought
NAIROBI, 23 Mar, 2011, 14:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“Emergency Response Fund for Kenya 2011 Drought Appeal” is the appeal recently launched by the Archbishop of Nairobi, Cardinal John Njue, on behalf of the Bishops of Kenya.......More

v Left leaders try to mend fences with Church in Kerala
KERALA, 23 Mar, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (MSN)
Leaders of left parties in Kerala have called on the heads of the Catholic Church in a bid to settle any possible differences ahead of the assembly elections in the state......More

v Christians launch political party in Tamil Nadu
MYLAPORE, 23 Mar, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Christians in Tamil Nadu have launched a political party in the state, where a legislative assembly poll is scheduled for April 13.........More

v President Obama to pay tribute to Archbishop Romero, “the voice of the voiceless”
SAN SALVADOR, 23 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The President of the United States of America, Barak Obama, at the conclusion of his visit to Latin America, will visit the grave of Archbishop Oscar A. Romero the day before the thirty-first anniversary of the violent death of the Archbishop of San Salvador, who was killed on 24 March, 1980.........More

v Catholic nurses battle to stop deadly virus
RAJSHAHI, Bangladesh, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Catholic health workers have launched a battle against an outbreak of encephalitis spread by the deadly Nipah virus, which is threatening people in the diocese of Rajshahi in northwestern Bangladesh........More

v Catholic nurses battle to stop deadly virus
RAJSHAHI, Bangladesh, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Catholic health workers have launched a battle against an outbreak of encephalitis spread by the deadly Nipah virus, which is threatening people in the diocese of Rajshahi in northwestern Bangladesh........More

v The death of Bishop Hao, a simple and virtuous man with a strong faith in God and a sincere loyalty to his episcopal ministry and to the Church
CHINA, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
On 9 March, at the age of 94, Bishop Andrea Hao Jinli of the Diocese of Xiwanzi-Chongli (Siwantze), Hebei province (mainland China) passed away. The Bishop was born on 30 November 1916 to a traditional Catholic family.........More

v “War does not solve anything,” says Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, where the people are fleeing
TRIPOLI, Libya, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“We heard a heavy bombardment on the outskirts of the city. Tripoli is emptying, the population fleeing from fear of being bombed,” says Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, Libya, to Fides. .......More

v Christians to fight Kerala elections
KERALA, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (UCAN)
The first political party launched by Catholic lay people in Kerala has decided to contest state assembly elections slated for April 13.........More

v The Pope at the Angelus: “that a horizon of peace and concord may dawn as soon as possible on Libya and on the entire region of North Africa”
VATICAN CITY, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
An appeal to guarantee the safety and security of Libyans and their access to humanitarian relief, was launched by the Holy Father Benedict XVI after the recitation of the Angelus prayer, Sunday, 20 March........More

v Irish Bishops Reiterate Commitment to Safeguard Children: Mark 1-Year Anniversary of Papal Letter on Abuse Crisis
MAYNOOTH, Ireland, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The bishops of Ireland are reiterating their commitment to ensure the safety of all children and protect them from all forms of abuse in a "short, but very important" pastoral letter.......More

v Vatican Urges Support of Holy Land Collection: Appeals to Faithful to Promote Peace in the East
VATICAN CITY, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The Congregation for Eastern Churches is urging Catholics worldwide to support the Good Friday collection for the Church in the Holy Land.........More

v Complaint against Mumbai airport for damaging cross
MUMBAI, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:10 Hrs (DNA)
A complaint has been filed against the Mumbai airport for damaging a 100-year-old cross.........More

v Mass for the Japanese people, fundraising continues
HONG KONG, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Next Saturday, 26 March, in the cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Diocese of Hong Kong will come together to celebrate Holy Mass to “invoke the protection of the merciful Lord for the Japanese people and reinforce moral support for the earthquake victims and relief workers”......More

v Indian bishops start Ad Limina pilgrimage
NEW DELHI, 22 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Vatican Radio)
The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has begun its four phase Ad Liminia pilgrimage to the Holy See.........More

v Romero Day Observance
NEW DELHI, 21 Mar, 2011, 13:40 Hrs (CBCI News)
Archbishop Oscar Romero (1917-1980) was a pastor par excellence, and a prophet of liberation who was martyred for the cause he had espoused. Even 31 years after his assassination, he continues to be an icon of faith-doing-justice........More

v Priest Calls for Action Against Child Pornography - Meter Association Founder Urges Cultural Revolution
VATICAN CITY, 21 Mar, 2011, 13:10 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The founder of a protection agency actively battling pedophilia and child pornography is calling for better ways of policing Internet sites, especially in certain countries, that proliferate these crimes........More

v BJP legislator gets bail again
ORISSA, 21 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (UCAN)
The Orissa High Court March 18 granted bail for a second time to a Hindu legislator convicted of committing murder during anti-Christian violence in 2008......More

The archdiocese of Bangalore has announced rupees 1,000,000 for the rehabilitation of earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.....

v 3,000 Indians attend Kachchathivu feast
KACHCHATHIVU, Sri Lanka, 21 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Colombopage.com)
Over 3,000 Indians took part in the annual Kachchathivu Feast of St. Anthony’s Church. The Sri Lankan navy made necessary arrangements for those attending the March 19-20 feast on Kachchathivu Island......More

v Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week" Enters Top Ten of The New York Times Best-Sellers List
NEW YORK, 19 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (insightscoop.typepad.com)
Pope Benedict XVI's new book, Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration, released worldwide on March 10th, has broken the Top Ten on The New York Times best-sellers list. .......More

v Time is running out for Iraq’s Christians, says archbishop
LONDON, 19 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (catholicchurch.org.uk)
Iraq’s ancient Christian community has run out of time and will disappear soon, a senior Iraqi churchman has said.......More

v Vatican Welcomes Court's OK to Crucifixes in Schools
VATICAN CITY, 19 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The director of the Vatican press office is welcoming today's ruling from the European Court of Human Rights, which found that crucifixes can be displayed in Italy's public schools.......More

v Workshop on Public Relations and Crisis Management Held
GUWAHATI, 18 Mar, 2011, 11:10 Hrs (CBCI News)
A workshop on Public Relations and Crisis Management Skills was organised at North Eastern Social Communications (NESCOM), Guwahati in association with CBCI Commission for Social Communication......More

v Bishops Worldwide Affirm Solidarity With Japan
OSAKA, Japan,, 18 Mar, 2011, 11:05 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The disastrous March 11 earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan has elicited a major show of solidarity from bishops worldwide......More

v Vatican's Ecumenism Leader Meets With Russian Patriarch
MOSCOW, Russia, 18 Mar, 2011, 11:05 Hrs (Zenit.org)
On his first official trip to Russia, the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity met Wednesday with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.....More

v Christians oppose move to deny benefits
MADHYA PRADESH, 18 Mar, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (UCAN)
Christians in Madhya Pradesh are opposing the state government’s plan to remove them from the list of groups that enjoy special government benefits......More

v Archbishop pats Kandhamal Christians’ faith
ORISSA, 18 Mar, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (UCAN)
The outgoing head of the Catholic Church in Orissa has praised Christians of Kandhamal for setting an example of living the faith in a hostile environment......More

v Candlelight Prayer For Japan Quake Victims
BANGALORE, 18 Mar, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (SAR News)
The Archdiocese of Bangalore will hold a candlelight prayer meeting for the victims of the devastating quake-fed tsunami in Japan, at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on M.G. Road in Bangalore, March 17......More

v Christians eager for annulment change
MANGALORE, 17 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (UCAN)
Godwin D’Souza is happy that some lawyers and businessmen in Mangalore have taken up the cause of Catholics who face criminal cases for remarrying after Church annulment.....More

v IMS priest to head CHAI
SECUNDERABAD, 17 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (Religiousindia.org)
Indian Missionary Society Father Tomi Thomas has been appointed to the top post of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI).....More

v Thousands in Peru to Mark Day of the Unborn
AREQUIPA, Peru, 17 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Maternity is something positive -- far from a frustration or a negative experience.That's the certainty pro-life marchers in Peru want to promote with their fifth annual rally for life and family, commemorating the March 25 Day of the Unborn.....More

v Irish Bishops Send St. Patty's Day Greetings: Affirm Concern for Emigrants; Recall Patrick Was a Migrant
MAYNOOTH, Ireland, 17 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (Zenit.org)
St. Patrick's struggles are being echoed by many Irish today struggling to live and integrate in new cultures, according to the bishops of the nation.....More

v Iraqi Bishop: Christians Ready to Claim Right to Exist - Visits Ireland for Release of 2011 Report "Persecuted and Forgotten"
DUNDALK, Ireland, 17 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
It is said that one of the Islamic fundamentalists who assassinated Father Ragheed Ganni in 2007 screamed to his victim before killing him, "I told you to close the church. ... Why are you still here?"....More

v Catholic accused of blasphemy died in prison: not convinced about a heart attack, the Church calls for clarity
KARACHI, Pakistan, 17 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Agenzia FIdes)
Regarding the case of Qamar David, the Catholic condemned to life in prison for blasphemy was found dead yesterday, 15 March, in the Karachi jail.....More

v Christian accused of blasphemy dies in prison, Masihi Foundation expresses “fear for Asia Bibi”
KARACHI, Pakistan, 16 Mar, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Agenzia FIdes)
The death of Qamar David raises many questions, a Pakistani Christian falsely accused of blasphemy, who has been imprisoned since 2006. David was found dead on 15 March.....More

v “No to nuclear power plants,” says Indian Jesuit after the Japanese tragedy
BANGALORE, 16 Mar, 2011, 15:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
To ensure development that is truly sustainable, solid, safe and respectful of humanity and of Creation, India should abandon the idea of relying on nuclear power for energy production. So said Fr Ambrose Pinto SJ in a statement sent to Fides....More

v Disabled people in danger of falling victim to trafficking
KARACHI, Pakistan, 16 Mar, 2011, 15:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
To live with a disability in a city like Karachi is already a hardship. Now there is the added issue of trafficking in disabled people, destined to beg in the neighbouring villages....More

v New Coadjutor Archbishop for Calcutta
KOLKATTA, 15 Mar, 2011, 14:50 Hrs (CBCI News)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. Thomas D'Souza, till now Bishop of Bagdogra, as Coadjutor Archbishop of Calcutta....More

v Asia steps up response to quake crisis
JAPAN, 15 Mar, 2011, 14:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Religious and humanitarian organizations throughout Asia are stepping up efforts to provide assistance and donations to people suffering after the largest earthquake ever recorded.....More

v Salesians to win back name in court
NEW DELHI, 15 Mar, 2011, 14:20 Hrs (UCAN)
Salesians are to go to court to fight a move by a man in a central Indian state to trademark the name of Don Bosco.....More

v Muslims condemn Christian worship ban
JAKARTA, 15 Mar, 2011, 14:20 Hrs (UCAN)
Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (NU),the country’s second largest Muslim organization, expressed concern at the level of intolerance shown in the recent ban of Taman Yasmin fellowship in Bogor, West Java.....More

v Church leaders ask youth to be firm in faith
NEW DELHI, 15 Mar, 2011, 13:50 Hrs (UCAN)
Church leaders and activists in India have expressed concern over the youth drifting toward destructive activities, saying that the trend was harmful for a developing society....More

v Organizers Japanese Prelate: Our Lives Are in God's Hands - Nuclear Accidents Continue at Power Plant
SAITAMA, Japan 15 Mar, 2011, 13:50 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Bishop Marcellino Taiji Tani of Saitama is affirming that life is a gift from God, as his country suffers from the effects of a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami....More

v Organizers Prepare for "Green" World Youth Day: 100% Natural Logo Contest Launched
MADRID, Spain 15 Mar, 2011, 13:40 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Organizers of the upcoming World Youth Day in Madrid are reporting their efforts to make the event environmentally friendly and 100% natural.....More

v Bhramyaman Pathabhavan”: mobile school for 40 students from disadvantaged villages
KOLKATTA, 15 Mar, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
A recent official survey shows that in the most remote and disadvantaged villages in the District of Hooghly, near Calcutta, there are still many children not attending school or who stopped going very shortly after commencing.....More

v Bishop of Sendai: “Our mission is to bring hope”; an extraordinary meeting of Bishops planned
SENDAI, Japan, 15 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
It is a tragedy that has had “a strong emotional impact on society.” The citizens are “exhausted and disorientated”: for this reason the Japanese Bishops will have an emergency meeting in Sendai on 16 March, and give thanks to the Pope for his words which instil “courage and hope”.....More

v The Pope prays for the earthquake victims in Japan and “for all those who are suffering due to these tremendous events”
VATICAN CITY, 15 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“The images of the tragic earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan have left everyone extremely shocked,” said the Holy Father Benedict XVI on Sunday, 13 March, after reciting the Angelus...More

v Christians begin fast for peace
MANGALORE, 15 Mar, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Mangalorean Catholics)
Christians in Mangalore, who witnessed a wave of attacks against them two years ago, have started a 21-day fast and prayer vigil for safety and peace in this southern Indian town.....More

v Fr Benedict Rego passes away
MANGALORE, 15 Mar, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Daijiworld)
Fr Benedict S Rego, a priest of the diocese of Mangalore who was commonly known as Fr B S Rego, passed away on Sunday, March 6 evening in a private hospital in Mangalore after prolonged illness....More

v Jacobite Syrian Bishop, Polycorpus Mar Geeverghese, No More
PUTTUR, 15 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Daijiworld)
Jacobite Syrian Church Bishop, Polycorpus Mar Geeverghese (78), breathed his last due to cardiac arrest in a hospital in Iritty, Kannur, in Kerala, on the night of Sunday March 6.....More

v Priest dies in Sendai disaster
SENDAI, Japan, 15 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
The diocese in Sendai, close to the centre of the earthquake that flattened large areas of northern Japan last Friday, has lost a Canadian priest....More

v 'Justice and Peace' calls for “more commitment to capture the masterminds behind Bhatti's murder”
LAHORE, Pakistan, 14 Mar, 2011, 14:10 Hrs (Agenzia FIdes)
The perpetrators of Shahbaz Bhatti's murder are unknown, but, highlights the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Pakistani Bishops, there are things about which we can be certain: “There are extremist groups who want to sow hatred and intolerance in society....More

v Caritas Japan launches a campaign of solidarity throughout the Country
NAGOYA, Japan 14 Mar, 2011, 14:05 Hrs (Agenzia FIdes)
A campaign of solidarity for the victims of the earthquake and the tsunami that struck the North of Japan was started on 13 March, by Caritas Japan in all Japanese churches....More

v Holy Father Begins Lenten Retreat
VATICAN CITY, 14 Mar, 2011, 14:05 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI is asking for prayers for himself and the Curia, who began today their annual Lenten spiritual exercises, which this year are focused on John Paul II and the theology of the saints....More

v Pontiff "Deeply Shaken" by Japan Quake: Renews Spiritual Closeness, Affirms God is Near
VATICAN CITY, 14 Mar, 2011, 14:05 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Pope Benedict XVI is renewing his spiritual closeness to the people of Japan in the wake of a 9.0 magnitude quake and resulting tsunami that left more than 1,600 dead and some 10,000 missing...More

v Youths complete national tour
NEW DELHI, 14 Mar, 2011, 14:00 Hrs (UCAN)
A group of young people has completed a two-month-long awareness tour across India, saying the response they received was “beyond expectation.”..More

v Goans to restore Vaz monument
GOA, 14 Mar, 2011, 13:45 Hrs (UCAN)
An abandoned church where the Apostle of Sri Lanka prayed some 300 years ago will have a new look when the Goan Church renovates it to mark the tercentenary of the saintly priest’s death...More

v Bishop Thumma Bala appointed Hyderabad archbishop
HYDERABAD, 14 Mar, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (TOI)
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Bishop Thumma Bala as the new Archbishop of Hyderabad. The Hyderabad archdiocesan office made the announcement on March 12....More

v Women’s Day Celebrated: “Women Are Life-Givers and Home Makers”
BELLARY, 14 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (bellarydiocese.in)
“Women are not merely house wives and housekeepers; they are truly life givers and house makers”, declared, noted social activist Dr. BG Kalavathy here in Bellary..More

Caritas Japan is mobilizing to respond to the ten meter tsunami that struck in the region of the Diocese of Sendai today.

v Mysore Cemetry Vandalised. Christ's Statue Broken
MYSORE, 12 Mar, 2011, 11:15 Hrs (SAR News)
A Catholic cemetery at Pushpagiri in Mysore was vandalised on Thursday with graves desecrated, tombstones broken and a large statue of Christ fractured...More

v Trust registers Don Bosco title, priests fume
MUMBAI, 12 Mar, 2011, 11:15 Hrs (DNA)
The Salesian priests who run the Don Bosco educational institutions, including a school in Mumbai, have lost the ownership of the title ‘Don Bosco’ to a trust in Madhya Pradesh that has registered the name as its own...More..

v Benedict XVI: Priesthood Is a Vocation, Not a Job
VATICAN CITY, 12 Mar, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The priesthood is not a profession, to be engaged in part-time, but a full-time and perpetual vocation, says Benedict XVI. ..More..

v In book, pope presents Jesus as reconciler, not political revolutionary
VATICAN CITY, 12 Mar, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (CNS)
"We explained to the Pope the situation of Christians in Pakistan, where to witness to the faith can sometimes lead to death. The Holy Father seemed very concerned. He expressed his solidarity and his support and assured us of his prayers..More..

v Japanese Church 'in shock' after massive earthquake and tsunami
TOKYO, Japan, 12 Mar, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (CNA/EWTN News)
Catholic relief workers are mobilizing to help the victims of a tsunami caused by the largest earthquake in Japanese history on March 11. The waves are expected to reach countries throughout the Pacific Ocean, including New Zealand, the Philippines and Indonesia...More..

v Pakistani priests meet the Pope: “From him, words of hope”
VATICAN CITY, 11 Mar, 2011, 12:15 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
"We explained to the Pope the situation of Christians in Pakistan, where to witness to the faith can sometimes lead to death. The Holy Father seemed very concerned. He expressed his solidarity and his support and assured us of his prayers..More..

v Official recognition of Shahbaz Bhatti by institutions
LAHORE, 11 Mar, 2011, 12:15 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Streets that lead to the village of Kushpur, in Punjab, will be named after Shahbaz Bhatti; the President of Pakistan Ali Zardari – by request from the executive, led by Premier Gilani – has decided to confer Bhatti with the coveted “Hilal-e-Shuja’at”..More..

v Catholic Bishop of Orissa: recent violence against Christians social, not religious, in nature
MALKANGIRI, 11 Mar, 2011, 12:15 Hrs (Asia News)
The Evangelical Fellowship India (EFI) has expressed concern about the number of anti-Christian attacks against tribal people of Malkangiri, Orissa...More..

v Spare Us Polling Duty, Bengal Christian Urge Election Commission
KRISHNAGAR, West Bengal, 11 Mar, 2011, 12:10 Hrs (SAR News)
Christians in Nadia and Murshidabad Districts in West Bengal have urged the electoral authorities in the poll-bound eastern State to spare them from election duty on Good Friday, April 22, 2011, the day Jesus Christ was crucified...More..

v Book On Christians’ Contribution To Gujarat To Be Released Shortly
AHMEDABAD, Gujarat, 11 Mar, 2011, 12:10 Hrs (SAR News)
Journalist Navin Macwan and Jesuit writer, Father Varghese Paul are jointly editing a bulky book in Gujarati on the Christians’ contribution in various fields...More..

v Gujarati Christian Poets’ Meet Held
NADIAD, Gujarat, 11 Mar, 2011, 12:10 Hrs (SAR News)
Gujarati Christian Press Council (GCPC) held a daylong meet for poetry recital and distribution of prizes to the winners of poetry and short story writing competitions, March 6...More..

v BJP legislator surrenders
ORISSA, 11 Mar, 2011, 12:10 Hrs (UCAN)
A state legislator convicted of murder following 2008 anti-Christian riots in Orissa has surrendered before a local court more than a month after the Supreme Court withdrew his bail...More..

v Caritas Asia elects new president
BANGKOK, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:40 Hrs (UCAN)
Caritas Asia elected Bishop Isao Kikuchi of Niigata as its new president today at its annual meeting in Bangkok...More..

v Asians focus on tradition for Lent: Lenten appeals are aimed at helping raise awareness and funds to combat poverty
BANGKOK, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:35 Hrs (UCAN)
Churches in Asia are emphasizing the traditional practices of special prayers, fasting, abstinence and charitable works during Lent that begins today..More..

v Missioner’s killer files review petition
ORISSA, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:35 Hrs (NetIndian)
Dara Singh, who is serving life sentence for burning alive Australian missioner Graham Staines and his two minor sons, has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the verdict...More..

v Lent for Christians in Pakistan: prayer and a “Caravan for Shahbaz”
ISLAMABAD, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:35 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Mass and prayer vigils were celebrated in more than 500 churches in Pakistan yesterday, concluding three days of mourning to remember Catholic Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, killed on 2 March in Islamabad...More..

v Asia Bibi speaks about Minister Bhatti: we need to protect religious minorities
LAHORE, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Asia Bibi, from her isolation cell in jail in Sheikhupura, Punjab, expresses her “pain and concern for the death of Minister Shahbaz Bhatti”. Her lawyer, seeing her yesterday, reported this to Fides ..More..

v Zardari meets with family of Shahbaz Bhatti: his brother Paul close to becoming Minister for Minorities
ISLAMABAD, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Paul Bhatti, the oldest brother of Shabhaz, the Minister for Minorities who was killed on 2 March, seems close to taking his brother's position as the new Federal Minister for Religious Minorities in Pakistan...More..

v Clashes in the neighbourhood of Cairo's garbage collectors: missionary who works there gives testimony to Fides
CAIRO, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“We hope that these remain isolated incidents, because we are seeing what I have been saying for some time, namely that all the sins of Egyptian society will come to the surface,”says Fr Luciano Verdoscia to Fides..More..

v Anti-Christian Violence Erupts Again in India
BHUBANESHWAR, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:25 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Christians in the Orissa state of India have been undergoing repeated violence since December, with a particular increase over the last month...More..

v US Bishops Launch African Scholarship Fund
WASHINGTON D.C, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:25 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The U.S. bishops are launching a scholarship program to fund education projects in Africa...More..

v ‘Think globally’, says top Jesuit
BANGALORE, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (UCAN)
The superior general of the Society of Jesus has urged Jesuits in South Asia to undertake new works at the international level...More..

v Archbishop opposes renaming Bhopal
BHOPAL, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (UCAN)
The head of the Catholic Church in Madhya Pradesh has joined groups opposing a government move to rename the state capital of Bhopal...More..

v Orissa women rally for peace
KANDHAMAL, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (UCAN)
Some 4,000 Christian and Hindu women rallied for peace and development in the strife-torn district of Kandhamal in Orissa...More..

v In historic verdict, Indian Supreme Court says no to euthanasia
MUMBAI, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:15 Hrs (Asia News)
The judges reject author’s petition for active euthanasia for a nurse paralyzed since 1973. Doctors confirm: "she takes food in a normal manner and responds with facial expressions" and she also reacts “in an intermittent manner to commands, expressing sounds." The verdict greeted with joy in the hospital...More..

v Christians Hold Peace Rally In Bellary; Demand Rejection of Somsekhar Report
BELLARY, 10 Mar, 2011, 11:10 Hrs (Bellarydiocese.in)
Thousands of Christians marched peacefully to Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Bellary last evening, demanding rejection of Justice Somsekhar Commission Report on attacks against Christians...More..

v Muslims torch Christians’ houses
THAKURGAON, Bangladesh, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (UCAN)
Seven houses were burnt and several people badly injured after a group of Muslims attacked a Christian village in northwestern Bangladesh yesterday..More..

v Urgent measures to counter violence against women in Asia
HONG KONG, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Violence against women in Asia is a widespread phenomena that affects the whole continent and that the governments must face and counter with urgent measures:..More..

v At the Angelus, the Pope remembers “the moving sacrifice of the life of the Pakistani Minister Shahbaz Bhatti” along with numerous others who have died and the “growing humanitarian crisis” in Libya
VATICAN CITY, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“I am continuously following with great concern the tensions which are currently being manifested in various countries of Africa and Asia,” said Pope Benedict XVI after reciting the Angelus..More..

v Church mourns ‘friendly’ minister
MADHYA PRADESH, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:20 Hrs (UCAN)
Church leaders in Madhya Pradesh are mourning the death of a former federal minister who befriended religious minority groups...More..

v Buried alive, she makes most of her rebirth
LATUR, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:10 Hrs (TOI)
Sunita Aralikar was just 16 days old when she was buried alive by her illiterate father, a day after her mother passed away...More..

v Colombian Bishops: Adoption Isn't a Right: To Deny It to Same-Sex Couples Isn't Discrimination
BOGOTA, Columbia, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:10 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The Colombian bishops are expressing opposition to the adoption of children by same-sex couples, pointing out that it is not a right and hence to deny it is not discrimination..More..

v Irish Bishops Call for End to Wartime Sexual Violence - Highlight Issue on Today's 100th International Women's Day
MAYNOOTH, Ireland, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:10 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Marking today's 100th International Women's Day, the Irish bishops' Council for Justice and Peace is focusing attention on the wartime crime of sexual violence...More..

v Still on a high note at age 83
MANGALORE, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (UCAN)
To help soothe most people’s fears surrounding death, an octogenarian nun has released an album of devotional music in Karnataka...More..

v Director Named for Vatican's New Finance Authority
VATICAN CITY, 9 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The cardinal-president of the Vatican's Financial Information Authority has tapped an Italian expert on money laundering to direct the institution...More..

v Protest on Wagah border: Killing of Bhatti, Pak Minorities Minister
PUNJAB, 8 Mar, 2011, 12:25 Hrs (CSF.org)
The entire Christian community of Punjab, India, came together at Wagha Border today the 5th March 2011 from 11 A.M to 3.00 P.M to protest against the brutal assassination of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti at Islamabad at the hands of Islamic Terrorists. ..More..

v CÔTE-D'IVOIRE - The religious leaders of Côte d'Ivoire: “Do not turn a political crisis into a religious conflict”
ABIDJAN, 8 Mar, 2011, 12:25 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Christian and Muslim leaders in Côte d'Ivoire, in condemning the destruction of two mosques on 25 February in Yopougon, warn people not to turn the political crisis affecting the Country into “a religious conflict.”..More..

v EGYPT - “Internal divisions in Egyptian society will eventually need to be addressed,” says Fr Verdoscia
CAIRO, 8 Mar, 2011, 12:25 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“In Egypt there are various issues which will need to be addressed sooner or later, one of which regards relations between Christians and Muslims,” Fr Luciano Verdoscia tells Fides..More..

v Card. Tauran: “We remember in Shahbaz Bhatti the authentic hope of the Cross”
VATICAN CITY, 8 Mar, 2011, 12:25 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“We give thanks to God for having placed an authentic martyr in our path, a witness to Christian faith, who was able to 'say' and 'do'. Shahbaz Bhatti is a reminder that in the Cross we find true hope: the Cross propels us to give our lives for others,” said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran..More..

v Spain's Bishops to Youth: Join Us This August! Extend Official Invitation to Madrid's WYD
MADRID, 8 Mar, 2011, 12:20 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Young people are not passive recipients of the Word of God, but protagonists in building up the Church, according to the hosts of the next World Youth Day...More..

v Minister apologizes for cross demolition
IMUMBAI, 8 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has apologized to the Bombay archbishop for the demolition of crosses in a Catholic stronghold. ..More..

v Diocese presents Women’s Day gift
INDORE, 8 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
Indore diocese has distributed sewing machines to women in slums as part of its celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8). ..More..

v Mercy killing plea rejected by court; nurses happy
MUMBAI, 8 Mar, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Indian Express)
The nurses at a Mumbai hospital were jubilant after the Supreme Court rejected the petition for mercy killing of a woman lying in a permanent vegetative state for the past 37 years...More..

v Asian Church responds to NZ quake
BANGKOK, Thailand, 7 Mar, 2011, 12:15 Hrs (UCAN)
Churches in Asia are calling for prayers and support as rescuers have officially given up hope of finding more survivors of New Zealand’s deadly earthquake..More..

v PAKISTAN - Dialogue, compassion, religious freedom: Shahbaz Bhatti's legacy
MULTAN, 7 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“It has been a grave loss, but we Christians in Pakistan want to transform the death of Shahbaz Batti into a prophecy of the Resurrection....More..

v Benedict XVI receives Iceland President
VATICAN CITY, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:50 Hrs (VIS)
The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today: "This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, president of the Republic of Iceland...More..

v Vatican Recruits Youth to Foster Jewish-Christian Relations
IPARIS, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:50 Hrs (Zenit,org)
The Vatican's committee on relations with the Jews and its Jewish counterpart concluded their 21st meeting Wednesday in Paris. But before the "dialogue experts" set to work....More..

v Pontiff Recommends Mentors for Young Priests
VATICAN CITY, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:50 Hrs (Zenit,org)
Benedict XVI is recommending that newly ordained priests be assigned mentors from among older clergy to help in living the vocation in a balanced way.....More..

v Pope to Begin Lent With Visit to "Station Church" - Ash Wednesday Is March 9
IROME, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:40 Hrs (Zenit,org)
Benedict XVI will begin Lent with a visit to the Lenten Station Church for Ash Wednesday, the Basilica of St. Sabina on the Aventine......More..

v Chile's President Piñera Visits Pontiff
VATICAN CITY, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:40 Hrs (Zenit,org)
The president of Chile has assured Benedict XVI that he shares with him a commitment to protect life from conception till natural death.....More..

v Caritas Seeks Aid for Migrants in Libya
ROME, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:40 Hrs (Zenit,org)
Caritas teams are tying to assist the thousands of people seeking to leave Libya as the country spins toward civil war.....More..

v GUATEMALA: Bible in the K’iché language, the most widespread Mayan language
GUATEMALA CITY, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
During the study of the post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini, Bishop Julio Cabrera of Jalapa, presented the recent publication of the Bible translated into K'iché, the most popular of the 22 Mayan languages spoken in the country...More..

v Church people welcome directive to monitor paid news
NEW DELHI, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Church media persons have welcomed an election commission directive to set up committees to monitor and investigate paid news in states bound for legislative assembly polls in India.....More..

v Catholics rally against civic body’s demolition drive
MUMBAI, 7 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Hindustan Times)
Catholics in Mumbai staged a rally to protest the civic body’s drive to remove crosses on streets in the city....More..

v Pakistan: Bhatti “killed for religious hatred” which is being fueled in public schools: missionary's analysis
ISLAMABAD, 4 Mar, 2011, 11:50 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Shahbaz Bhatti was killed “because he was a Christian, an infidel and a blasphemer.” His assassination is part of a “religious war to eliminate those who wish to amend the blasphemy law.....More..

v Pakistan: Closed schools, prayer and Christians protesting about Bhatti's murder, tomorrow the funeral
FAISALABAD, 4 Mar, 2011, 11:40 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The Christian community in Pakistan, convulsed by grief after the murder of Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, is reacting to the event with spontaneous demonstrations of peaceful protest, ...More..

v Pope recieves Chilean President
VATICAN CITY, 3 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (VIS)
The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:"This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Sebastian Pinera Echenique, president of the Republic of Chile.....More..

v United States: Priest found dead in his parish in Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE, 4 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
A Catholic priest was found dead, victim of an apparent suicide according to the police report. Agents were called to Barnard Road and Los Ebanos Boulevard on the morning of Monday, 21 February, ....More..

v Mumbai to waive burial charges for Christians
MUMBAI, 4 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Dnaindia.com)
The Mumbai civic body has decided not to charge for the burial of a dead body in Christian and Hindu crematoriums...More..

v Council for probe to find Malegaon-Orissa link
NEW DELHI, 4 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Hindustan Times)
Fearing renewed threats to the minority community, the All India Christian Council has demanded an independent probe by the National Investigating Agency to find whether the accused who attacked Muslims in Malegaon aided anti-Christian riots in Orissa and Karnataka.....More..

v Activists protest against mining law
PHILIPPINES, 4 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Filipino environmental activists on Thursday marked the 16th year of a law liberalising the country’s mining industry with protest action including a march to the presidential palace in Manila....More..

v Church pleads not to resume executions
TAIPEI, 4 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
A veteran Catholic prison ministry leader has called on the Taiwan government to abolish the death penalty, as the jsustice minister indicated another round of executions may take place in a few weeks....More..

v Declaration on assasination of Pakistani Minister Bhatti
VATICAN CITY, 3 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (VIS)
Given below is the text of a declaration made this morning by Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. concerning the assassination of Shabbaz Bhatti, the Pakistani minister for minorities....More..

v Church groups condemn Pakistan minister’s murder
NEW DELHI, 3 Mar, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (IANS)
Christian groups in India have condemned the murder of Pakistan’s Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti. The brutal assassination is symbolic of the chaos to which Pakistan is heading,....More..

v LIBYA - “The Countries that claim to respect human rights welcome Eritrean refugees from Tripoli”: new appeal from the Apostolic Vicar to Fides
ERITREA, 3 Mar, 2011, 11:45 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“Help us to get the Eritrean refugees out of Libya. They are just people who want to live in peace” Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli in Libya tells Fides..More..

v Muslims ask Catholic radio to modernize
SILIGURI, 3 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Julian Das)
Muslim listeners in a northeastern Indian state told a Catholic broadcast agency from the Philippines to keep pace with modern technology. ...More..

v Msgr. Frederick V. Pereira passes away
MANGALORE, 2 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Fr Francis Rodrigues)
Msgr. Fredrick V. Pereira the former Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore went to the heavenly abode at 11.30 a.m. on Sunday, 27 February, 2011. ....More..

v Fr. Mathew Ullattil, CSC, passes away
TRIPURA, 2 Mar, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Dr. Paul Pudussery, csc)
Fr. Mathew leaves behind a wonderful legacy of life that is worth examining and emulating. A life that was deeply rooted in God, and propelled by a profound desire to reach out to the poor, disadvantaged and the neglected of the society....More..

v Religious Congregate to Count Their Blessings
VIJAYWADA, 1 Mar, 2011, 14:00 Hrs (Sr. Benigna Menezes)
Observing the World Day of Consecrated Life (WDCL) on February 27, the religious of the Diocese celebrated together their blessings as they gathered together in Maris Stella College in Vijayawada.....More..

v Speaking, Understanding the Language of the New Media
VATICAN CITY, 1 Mar, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (VIS)
At midday today, Benedict XVI received participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications who are currently meeting to reflect on the question of language and new technology....More..

v Pope Stresses Duty to Promote Truth About Abortion
VATICAN CITY, 1 Mar, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Abortion is often touted as a solution, but in reality it destroys both women and men, Benedict XVI is affirming....More..

v Intercultural Aspects of Social Communication: Interview With Father Luca Pandolfi
ROME, 28 Feb, 2011, 16:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The Pontifical Urban University of Rome is attempting to train professionals to use modern means of social communication in an increasingly intercultural world......More..

v Chinese Bishop, Imprisoned for Decades, Dies At 90
VATICAN CITY, 28 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Bishop Augustine Hu Daguo of the apostolic prefecture of Shiqian, Shihtsien, in the Chinese province of Guizhou, died on Feb. 17 at the age of 90....More..

v Holy See Expresses Grief Over Libya Situation
GENEVA, 28 Feb, 2011, 15:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The Holy See is expressing "consternation and grief" due to the bloody repression of the protests taking place in Libya at present, said Archbishop Silvano Tomasi.....More..

v Vatican Aide Sees Promise in Arab Countries Unrest
VATICAN CITY, 28 Feb, 2011, 14:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
No one has a constitutional right to convert another person to one’s religion, says the Supreme Court judge who headed a bench that recently made controversial remarks on religious conversion.....More..

v Court issues warrant against Orissa priest
ORISSA, 28 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (UCAN)
The Hindu fundamentalist, ruling political party in Karnataka, India has dropped charges against 338 Christians which was brought against them when they protested against attacks on churches in 2008....More..

v Propagation of faith no unrestricted right: judge
NEW DELHI, 28 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Hindustan Times)
No one has a constitutional right to convert another person to one’s religion, says the Supreme Court judge who headed a bench that recently made controversial remarks on religious conversion.....More..

v Christians dismiss Karnataka ‘bribe’
KARNATAKA, 28 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Church leaders in Karnataka have dismissed a state government offer of funds for Christian welfare schemes as a sham...More..

v Priests accept ‘brokenness’ and apologize to victims
NEW DELHI, 28 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
A group of Catholic priests ended a three-day seminar Feb. 25 accepting their “brokenness” and apologized to those “wounded by us.”..More..

v Church dismayed overn dalit rights delay
NEW DELHI, 28 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
The attorney general’s advise to the federal government to go slow on granting special privileges to Christians of dalit origin has shocked the community.....More..

v Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil appointed Secretary of the Pontifical Council
NEW DELHI, 25 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (CBCI News)
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil as the new Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. ..More..

v Charges Against Christians Dropped
BANGALORE, 25 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (All Voices.com)
The Hindu fundamentalist, ruling political party in Karnataka, India has dropped charges against 338 Christians which was brought against them when they protested against attacks on churches in 2008....More..

v Justice Saldanha Releases Report on Karnataka Anti-Christian Violence
BANGALORE, 24 Feb, 2011, 14:15 Hrs
Justice Michael Saldanha, who conducted an independent Peoples Tribunal Enquiry into the anti Christian violence that rocked Karnataka made public his report, giving the first copy to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the president of the community’s apex national body – The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in Mumbai...More..

v Christians Brave Downpour To Protest Commission Report On Church Attacks
BANGALORE, 24 Feb, 2011, 14:15 Hrs (SAR NEWS)
Thousands of Christians braved sudden showers February 21 to protest against the Justice Somasekara Commission report that had absolved the culprits involved in the attacks on Christians in different parts of Karnataka in 2008...More..

v Human rights denied to ethnic and religious minorities
DHAKA, Bangladesh, 24 Feb, 2011, 14:15 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Living conditions for ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh are very difficult and their human rights are continually denied and trampled on, states the Hotline Human Rights Bangladesh” (HHRB) to Fides...More..

v Pope presented with 2011 Pontifical Yearbook: revised statistics of the Catholic Church
VATICAN CITY, 24 Feb, 2011, 14:15 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
This morning the Pontifical Yearbook was presented to the Holy Father Benedict XVI. From reading this book we may gain an update about the life of the Catholic Church around the world...More..

v Nun expelled for using too much Facebook
MSPAIN, 24 Feb, 2011, 14:15 Hrs (CathNews India)
A Spanish nun has been asked to leave her convent for spending too much time on social networking site Facebook....More..

v Pope Recalls Victims of New Zealand Earthquake
VATICAN CITY, 24 Feb, 2011, 14:15 Hrs (VIS)
During today's general audience, the Pope recalled how "a new and powerful earthquake, even more devastating than the one last September, has struck the city of Christchurch, in New Zealand..More..

v Yet Another Delay in Dalit Christian Affirmative Action Case
NEW DELHI, 24 Feb, 2011, 14:15 Hrs (Christian Post Contributor)
The Indian government is expected to seek another adjournment – for the 19th time – in a case concerning affirmative action right of India’s 17 million “low caste” Christians scheduled to be heard on Thursday...More..

v Da Vinci comes to life in modern India: Hindu artist explores the Last Supper
KOLKATTA, 24 Feb, 2011, 14:15 Hrs (Zenit.otg)
"Around the World in 80 Years"A Hindu artist, who has completed some 25 works on the Last Supper, says the inspiration behind her impressive tally came from Italian Rennaissance painter Leonardo Da Vinci...More..

v Vatican Radio: Around the World in 80 Years - "Is Not the Catholic Church the First Global Social Network?"
ROME, 20 Feb, 2011, 16:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)

"Around the World in 80 Years" is the slogan of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Vatican Radio (1931-2011).....More..

v Spiritual preparation begins for the delegation from Macao for WYD in Madrid
MACAO, 20 Feb, 2011, 16:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Monthly preparatory courses have begun for the delegation from the Diocese of Macao which will travel to Madrid next August to participate in World Youth Day (WYD)...More..

v Plans Revealed for Beatification of Pontiff
VATICAN CITY, 20 Feb, 2011, 16:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The Vatican has revealed the five main events that will surround the beatification of Pope John Paul II this May, which it said promised to be "a great ecclesial event.".More..

v “Blasphemous” and “enemy of Islam" anyone who opposes the blasphemy law
LAHORE, 20 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Anyone who opposes the controversial law on blasphemy (art. 295b and 295c of the Pakistani Penal Code) “is considered blasphemous and an enemy of Islam”, sustain radical Islamic groups who intend to lock down the law and discourage all the voices that are raised for its revision or abolition......More..

v Visa restrictions for Christian missionaries who want to go abroad
SEOUL, 20 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The South Korean Government has imposed limits on issuing visas for Korean Christian missionaries who want to go abroad, especially to countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, which are mostly Islamic....More..

v Bangladesh mourns pioneer bishop
BANGLADESH, 20 Feb, 2011, 15:00 Hrs (UCAN)
The Catholic Church in Bangladesh is mourning the death of retired Bishop Francis Anthony Gomes, former prelate of northeastern Mymensingh diocese who passed away at 9:30pm February 17.....More..

v Bishops protest over report ‘whitewash’ - Probe into anti-Christian violence nothing more than politically motivated propaganda, critics say
BANGALORE, 20 Feb, 2011, 13:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Eighteen Catholic and Protestant bishops in the southern Indian state of Karnataka today staged a sit-in to protest about an enquiry commission report on church attacks.....More..

v The days of the Egyptian revolution according to a missionary's testimony
CAIRO, 18 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Fr Renzo Mandirola, SMA missionary (Society of African Missions) sent Fides his testimony on the recent events in Egypt, which occurred from 24 January to 12 February.....More..

v Sherry Rehman, promoter for amending the blasphemy law, incriminated for blasphemy
LAHORE, 18 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Sherry Rehman, Parliamentarian from the Pakistan People’s Party, the woman who presented the motion to the Pakistani Parliament to modify the blasphemy law has been formally charged with blasphemy...More..

v “Confirming the identity of the missionary vocation of the priesthood: conclusions from the first Meeting of the European Fidei Donum priests in America
COLUMBIA, 18 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
“Grateful to God for our vocation to mission ad gentes - 52 diocesan priests, based in our dioceses in Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland and Spain - we attended the 'First Continental Meeting in Latin America of European Fidei Donum missionary priests', held in Bogotà from 7 to 11 February 2011...More..

v Benedict XVI Greets Russian President
VATICAN CITY, 18 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI received in audience today Dmitry Medvedev, the president of Russia, during which the two spoke of a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations and collaborate in the promotion of human and Christian values.....More..

v Cardinal Affirms John Paul II's Impact on India - Underlines Holiness, Courage of Pontiff
LONDON, 18 Feb, 2011, 11:15 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, who just returned from a visit to India, underlined the impact of Pope John Paul II on that country...More..

v US Moves Closer to Prohibiting Tax-Funded Abortion
WASHINGTON D.C, 18 Feb, 2011, 11:15 Hrs (Zenit.org)
A U.S. bishops' aide welcomed today a committee approval of the Protect Life Act, which would apply federal policy on abortion funding and conscience rights to the health care reform law promoted last year by President Barack Obama....More..

v Priest’s decomposed body found in Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI, 18 Feb, 2011, 11:15 Hrs (UCAN)
A priest belonging to Palayamkottai diocese in Tamil Nadu was found murdered in the pastoral center.....More..

v Diocese honors Hindu social worker
INDORE, 18 Feb, 2011, 11:15 Hrs (UCAN)
A diocese in Indore has chosen an octogenarian Hindu social worker as the first winner of an award that honors its long serving bishop.....More..

v Death of Mgr. Hu Daguo underground bishop of Shiqian
GUIYANG, China, 18 Feb, 2011, 10:40 Hrs (Asia News)
This morning, Msgr. Augustine Hu Daguo, underground bishop of the Diocese of Shiquian (Guizhou Province) passed away. He was 89 years and had spent decades in the camps and restrictions because of his faith....More..

v Christian Aid welcomes UK aid to India
UNITED KINGDOM, 18 Feb, 2011, 10:30 Hrs (Christian Aid)
Christian Aid has welcomed the UK Government’s allotment of one billion pounds aid to India in the next four years......More..

v Bangalore: Bishops to Hold Dharna on Feb 18
BANGALORE, 17 Feb, 2011, 17:30 Hrs (Outlook India)
The Bishops of various churches will hold a dharna here tomorrow to express grievances of the Christian community and to voice their demands, including a CBI inquiry into attacks on Christian communities and places of worship in Karnatka....More..

v Mangalore Diocese to organize silent protest march
MANGALORE, 17 Feb, 2011, 17:30 Hrs (CBCI News)
The Catholic Diocese of Mangalore together with different Churches and secular minded associations will be organizing a mammoth silent protest march and protest rally in Mangalore as to oppose and outright rejection of the report of the Justice B. K. Somshekar Commission....More..

v Priestly Vocations Increasing Worldwide
VATICAN CITY, 17 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The number of priests ordained has increased worldwide, while the number of those who have given up the exercise of the priesthood has decreased noticeably, reported L'Osservatore Romano.....More..

v Catholic priest sues businessman for defamation
KERALA, 17 Feb, 2011, 15:00 Hrs (UCAN)
A Catholic priest in Kerala has sued a Muslim businessman for defamation. Father George Panackal, who directs the Divine Retreat Centre in the southern Indian state, has demanded an unconditional apology from K.A. Rauf for alleging that he accepted money to hush up a sex scandal. ...More..

v High-level meet to discuss quota for dalit minorities
LUCKNOW, 17 Feb, 2011, 14:30 Hrs (TOI)
The Congress-led UPA government has come under sharp criticism from minorities for ignoring their demand for reservation by refusing to scrap clause three of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950, which excludes Muslim and Christian dalits from reservations....More..

v Nun attacked; police arrests mahout
IDUKKI, 17 Feb, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (UCAN)
An Adoration nun was attacked in public by a drunken mahout on Feb. 15 in Idukki, Kerala....More..

v People march for anniversary of first church
CALICUT, 17 Feb, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (UCAN)
More than 1,000 people joined a 120-kilometer trip to mark 75 years since the establishment of the first Syro-Malabar Church in India\’s Malabar region..More..

v Church rues ‘needless deaths’ on border
CAMBODIA, 17 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (UCAN)
The Catholic Church in Cambodia says it deeply regrets the “needless loss of human life” during border clashes with Thailand last week and appealed for a peaceful resolution to the dispute....More..

v Failure to back protests may cost Egyptian church
AFRICA, 17 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Catholic Herald)
Two priests with close links to Egypt have told the Catholic Herald that they fear the Egyptian Catholic Church may have lost credibility over its failure to back the protests that led to the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak..More..

v Nepal parish gets three new priests
NEPAL, 15 Feb, 2011, 15:00 Hrs (UCAN)
An ordination ceremony for three priests in Nepal’s remotest parish, has given villagers there a chance to celebrate and an early opportunity to meet their new spiritual advisors..More..

v Missing Jesuit found after a month
BHUBANESHWAR, 15 Feb, 2011, 11:45 Hrs (UCAN)
A Jesuit Brother who went missing from Tamil Nadu a month ago was found in Orissa on Feb. 15...More..

v Mangalore court dismisses challenge to bishops’ authority
MANGALORE, 15 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
A civil court in Mangalore has dismissed a Catholic lay group’s attempt to challenge the authority of bishops to formulate rules for Church bodies...More..

v Benedict XVI to Enjoy Gondola Ride in Venice - Program Published for May Visit to Northern Italy
VATICAN CITY, 15 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
This May, Benedict XVI will enjoy the sites and sounds of Venice as many visitors before him -- on a gondola ride through the canals of the ancient city....More..

v Cardinal Rouco Gives Pope WYD Backpack
VATICAN CITY, 15 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Cardinal Antonio María Rouco, the archbishop of Madrid, gave Benedict XVI the first of thousands of World Youth Day backpacks to be distributed to participants ahead of the August event. ..More..

v Pope to Lead Consistory for 3 Canonization Causes
VATICAN CITY, 15 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI will preside over an ordinary public consistory regarding the cause of canonization of three blesseds...More..

v 'Purity and Impurity resides in the mind - Mother Teresa
KOLKATTA, 15 Feb, 2011, 13:00 Hrs (By Mini Joseph)
The eighth SIGNIS India National Assembly from February 11-15, 2011 at Seva Kendra Kolkata, saw packed sessions with some 300 persons, including 120 SIGNISmembers, sisters from the Missionaries of Charity (MC) and the youth, attend four sessions on Mother Teresa. ..More..

v Aide: Vatican Radio an Example of Evangelization - Father Lombardi Urges the Use of Technology to Spread Word of Christ
VATICAN CITY, 15 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Vatican Radio, which just marked its 80th anniversary, shows how technology can be at the service of peace and evangelization, says its director...More..

v Russian President to Visit Benedict XVI - Event Expected to Aid Catholic-Orthodox Relations
VATICAN CITY, 15 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will visit Benedict XVI this week in a gesture that will promote friendship and cooperation, says an official of the Holy See embassy in Russia. ..More..

v Muslims rally against Christian attacks
BOMBAY, 15 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Muslims have staged a rally in Mangalore to protest against attacks on Christians by Hindu radical groups...More..

v Cardinal Gracias: “In memory of John Paul II, a message of peace for India today”
BOMBAY, 15 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The memory, 25 years ago, of the Visit by Pope John Paul II to India was “for Christians and for the entire population, a strong call to respect human dignity and the role of religion in one's life, also in the public arena...More..

v Asia Bibi and the anti-blasphemy campaign: the UN and Obama “follow the Pope”
LAHORE, 15 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
That the new Government of Pakistan “is committed to the genuine respect of human rights throughout the Country and to protect the rule of law” is what the Masihi Foundation is calling for from the new Government of Pakistan – in a statement made to Fides – after the reshuffle and the reduction in departments by Prime Minister Raza Gilani...More..

v “Egyptians are proud of portraying an example of democracy to the world” says Fr Verdoscia
CAIRO, 15 Feb, 2011, 12:30 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The situation has partly returned to normality. There are small demonstrations throughout different areas in Egypt,” Fr Luciano Verdoscia, a Comboni missionary who works in Cairo tells Fides...More..

v Pontiff Laments Tragic Deaths of 4 Gypsy Children
VATICAN CITY, 14 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The deaths of four Gypsy children, who were killed on the outskirts of Rome when their makeshift shelter burned to the ground, has Benedict XVI calling for a more just and solidary society ..More..

v Pope: Community Life Is Expression of the Church
VATICAN CITY, 14 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
While community life might help to attract vocations to the priesthood, or help priests avoid a life a solitude, it's true value is that it's a "path for immersing oneself in the reality of communion," says Benedict XVI....More..

v Pentecostal pastor arrested in Kerala
KERALA, 14 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Police in Kerala have charged a Pentecostal pastor for alleged blackmail and defamation.Pastor T.S. Balan was arrested for publishing an article in an online magazine which allegedly defamed a couple and for demanding 1 million rupees (US$22,220) from them, Anil George, a police official, told ucanews.com Feb. 11...More..

v Seminar slams attacks on minority rights
NEW DELHI, 14 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (UCAN)
A seminar on minority rights heard Church leaders expressing serious concern over increasing attempts to erode minority rights in India....More..

v Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, appointed as the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar
VATICAN CITY, 12 Feb, 2011, 17:30 Hrs (CBCI News)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, as the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. The ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome, on Friday, 11th February, 2011...More..

v Artists Hold Camp to Celebrate Mother Teresa’s Compassion
KOLKATA, 12 Feb, 2011, 17:30 Hrs (CBCI News)
A four-day Art Camp organised by the Indian Christian Artists Forum was held in Kolkata, February 6-10. The camp was aimed at paying homage to Mother Teresa in the year of her first birth centenary....More..

v Mumbai to get more burial grounds
MUMBAI, 12 Feb, 2011, 17:30 Hrs (TOI)
The Maharashtra government has decided to increase the number of burial grounds in Mumbai to solve the crunch...More..

v Papal Itinerary Branches Out During Youth Day Trip: University Professors on List of Pope's Audiences
MADRID, 11 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
When Benedict XVI is in Madrid this August for World Youth Day, he will be meeting with various groups in addition to the young people. World Youth Day organizers released the provisional schedule for the Aug. 16-21 gathering, which includes papal events for the second half: The Pope will be in Spain from Aug. 18-21...More..

v Pope Urges Entire Church to Promote Vocations
VATICAN CITY, 11 Feb, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI is underlining the necessity for every member of the Church to promote religious vocations. ..More..

v Church gives hope to desperate farmers
NAGPUR, 11 Feb, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (UCAN)
Balaji Saneswar says he wouldn’t be alive today if it hadn’t been for a Church program that helps families rebuild their lives. A year ago, the Hindu farm laborer from Vidarbha in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, contemplated suicide because of lack of work resulting from crop failures..More..

v Indonesia urged to live up to its principles
JARKATA, 11 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Alarmed by an upsurge in religious violence, the Indonesian Association of Catholic Intellectuals (ISKA) has urged the government to firmly uphold the national ideology of Pancasila (five principles)...More..

v Press Conference to assess results of the Pauline Year
VATICAN CITY, 11 Feb, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (VIS)
At 11 a.m. on Thursday 17 February in the Holy See Press Office, a conference will be held to present an assessment of the Pauline Year (which took place from 28 June 2008 to 29 June 2009). The occasion will also be used to present the book "L'Anno Paolino" by Graziano Motta.
..More..

v New church opens for leprosy sufferers
THAI BINH CITY, Vietnam, 10 Feb, 2011, 11:45 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Patients at Vietnam’s largest government-run leprosarium have welcomed the opening of a new church in the colony that will meet all their religious needs...More..

v The work of fundamentalist Christian preachers at the root of inter-religious violence
TEMANGGUNG, Indonesia, 10 Feb, 2011, 11:45 Hrs (Zenit.org)
At the root of the violence in Temanggung (three churches attacked) “there is discontent, disharmony, discomfort, and verbal violence coming from Christian fundamentalist preachers,” explains Father Benny Susetyo, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue of the Indonesian Bishops Conference...More..

v Pope Remembers "Catechist of the Centuries"
VATICAN CITY, 10 Feb, 2011, 11:45 Hrs (Zenit.org)
St. Peter Canisius' 16th-century catechetical efforts were so fruitful in Germany that Benedict XVI says even his father's generation still referred to the catechism as the Canisius..More..

v Pontiff Greets Bishops From Focolare Event
VATICAN CITY, 10 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI today greeted a group of bishops who are participating in a fellowship event sponsored by the Catholic lay Focolare Movement..More..

v Death of Salesian nun mourned
GUWAHATI, 10 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
Church people in northeastern India have mourned the death of Salesian Sister Margaret Greppi, a pioneer of girl child education in the region for more than seven decades...More..

v Church urged to help tribal people integrate with other communities
RANCHI, 10 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (UCAN)
A Jesuit social scientist is urging the Church in Jharkhand to help tribal people integrate with other communities for the sake of the state’s development...More..

v Three churches attacked, a priest struck; for Bishop Pujasumarta it is “orchestrated violence”
SEMARANG, Indonesia, 9 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (AgenziaFides)
Three churches attacked, a Catholic priest struck, clashes between protesters and police. This is the balance sheet following a day of tensions in Temanggung, a city in the Archdiocese of Semarang, in central Java...More..

v Pakistan - Government reshuffle: Ministry for Religious Minorities disappears
ISLAMABAD, 8 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (AgenziaFides)
A government reshuffle is approaching in Pakistan: while negotiations are buzzing between political leaders, the government led by Prime Minister Gilani, the People's Power Party (PPP), will suffer a drastic reduction of ministries, and among those eliminated will be the Ministry for Religious Minorities, currently led by the Catholic Minister Shahbaz Bhatti..More..

v Strong fears for violence against Christians during days of Hindu festival
BHOPAL, 9 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (AgenziaFides)
Strong fears for anti-Christian violence in Madhya Pradesh, the central Indian state, with the upcoming Hindu festival, “Narmada Samajik Kumbh” to be held from 10 to 12 February and which will see thousand of Hindu activists united from fundamentalist groups such as RSS and VHP...More..

v At the Angelus the Pope hopes that Egypt “may rediscover tranquillity and peaceful coexistence, in a shared commitment for the common good”
VATICAN CITY, 9 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (AgenziaFides)
In his Address prior to reciting the Angelus on Sunday, 6 February, taking his cue from Sunday's Gospel passage, the Holy Father Benedict XVI emphasised how Jesus, through these words directed at his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth.... You are the light of the world,” he intends to give them “the meaning of their mission and of their witness”. ..More..

v Second Meeting Of Special Council For Middle East
VATICAN CITY, 9 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (VIS)
The second meeting of the Special Council for the Middle East of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops took place in the Vatican on 20 and 21 January...More..

v Indian diocese fights illegal mining
VMANGALORE, Karnataka, 9 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
Officials of Bellary diocese have welcomed a directive from the National Minority Commission (NCM) to the Karnataka state government in southern India to set up a committee to investigate illegal mining on Church property...More..

v Korea Church launches anti-abortion drive
KOREA, 9 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
The Korean Church has launched a project to prevent abortions by mobilizing relevant Catholic institutions to assist single mothers after they give birth. The Pro-life Activities of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea (CBCK) launched the “New Life Project” with a Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral this week, ucanews.com reports. .More..

v Hindus, Muslims welcome papal envoy
RANCHI, 8 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (UCAN)
People from various religions welcomed papal envoy Cardinal Cormac Murphy O' Connor when he visited Ranchi on February 4. The cardinal visited the capital of tribal-dominated Jharkand sate to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II 25 years ago...More..

v Pakistan - Government reshuffle: Ministry for Religious Minorities disappears
ISLAMABAD, 8 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (AgenziaFides)
A government reshuffle is approaching in Pakistan: while negotiations are buzzing between political leaders, the government led by Prime Minister Gilani, the People's Power Party (PPP), will suffer a drastic reduction of ministries, and among those eliminated will be the Ministry for Religious Minorities, currently led by the Catholic Minister Shahbaz Bhatti..More..

v Pontiff Lauds Internet's Benefits for Seminarians, Asserts Central Role of Theology in Education
VATICAN CITY, 8 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The Internet is a valuable tool for seminarians, not only in their studies, but also in their pastoral ministries, says Benedict XVI...More..

v Secretary Clarifies Pope's Organ Donor Status
ROME, 8 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI's private secretary has clarified rumors about the Pope's organ donor card, saying that after election to the See of Peter, it automatically became invalid.Monsignor Georg Gänswein made this clarification in a Feb. 5 letter to a German doctor who was using the Pope as an example in order to promote organ donation...More..

v Pontiff Prays for Peace in Egypt
NEW DELHI, 5 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Cplash.com)
Benedict XVI is affirming his attentiveness to the current conflicts in Egypt, and is offering prayers for peace in that land. Today is the 13th day of protests attempting to oust President Hosni Mubarak, 82, who has reigned in Egypt for almost 30 years..More..

v Benedict XVI: The World Is Nostalgic for God
VATICAN CITY, 7 Feb, 2011, 11:45 Hrs (Zenit.org)
Benedict XVI is affirming that the world of today is nostalgic for God, even in places where he is denied. The Pope stated this Saturday in his homily during a Mass for the episcopal ordination of five clergy. ..More..

v A Book in the Backpack with the Pope's Autograph
ROME, 7 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (ChiseaExpressonline.it)
The writing and publication of a "Catechism of the Catholic Church" was one of the greatest undertakings of the pontificate of John Paul II. But also one of the least understood and appreciated. While still a cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger made a decisive contribution to that undertaking...More..

v Western region Communicators Meet underlines need to do more to promote Communication
NEW DELHI, 7 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (CBCI News)
The Church must respond to the mandate given to us by the Holy Father in his message for Communications Day 2011, if we are serious about being ready for the future",asserted Mr Allwyn Fernandes a media expert....More..

v Senior journalist Dr Ronald Fernandes conferred with ICPA award
MANGALORE, 5 Feb, 2011, 15:30 Hrs (Coastal Digest.com)
The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) on Saturday honoured veteran journalist Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes with ‘Fr. Luis Carreno Award-2011’. The award was conferred on him by Mangalore Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza during the 17th National Conference of ICPA held at Shanthi Kiran, Pastoral Centre....More..

v The Republic's Apex Court commits one more faux pas
NEW DELHI, 5 Feb, 2011, 11:30 Hrs (Cplash.com)
The recent decision of the Supreme Court bench to expunge certain key lines in their judgment on the Dara Singh appeal just 4 days after pronouncing the verdict in open court, has most damaging implications...More..

v A Sachar for Christians?
NEW DELHI, 5 Feb, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Times Of India)
Five years after the Sachar Committee debunked the myth of Muslim appeasement with startling revelations about the extent of the community's socio-economic deprivation, Church groups and other Christian organizations have decided to mount a campaign for a similar study of the Christian reality in India. ..More..

v Hate campaign in run-up to Narmada Kumbh creates scare among MP Christians
NEW DELHI, 5 Feb, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (IndianChristians.in)
A fact finding team recently spent three days in the Mandla-Jabalpur region and is deeply concerned over imminent threats to the Christian community. Two million attendees are expected during the Narmada Samajik Kumbh from 10-12 February 2011 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh..More..

v Book on Social Teaching of John Paul II Released
NEW DELHI, 4 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (CBCI News)
A book containing the social teaching of John Paul II was released yesterday at Teen Murti Bhawan by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, the Papal Envoy at the silver jubilee celebrations of John Paul II’s first pastoral visit to India. ...More..

v Symposium Celebrates John Paul It’s Legacy
NEW DELHI, 4 Feb, 2011, 12:00 Hrs (CBCI News)
The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) organized a symposium on the teachings of Pope John Paul II at Teen Murti Bhavan on February 3 to mark the 25th anniversary of his first pastoral visit to India....More..

v NEPAL - More than one and a half million child labourers, 24% are girls
KATHMANDU, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
According to an International Labour Organization (ILO) report, documenting Nepal's sizeable population of child labourers, this year one million fewer children are working in Nepal than a decade ago...More..

v MYANMAR: In rural areas, 23 health workers per 10,000 people: doctors prefer clinics and hospitals in cities or they emigrate
YANGON, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
At the recently held UN World Health Organization (WHO) second forum on human resources for health in Bangkok (25-29 January), experts sought new strategies to attract and retain health workers in the most remote areas....More..

v All absolved: Report on anti-Christian violence “dishonest and full of prejudices”
BANGALORE, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
Praise from Hindu militant fundamentalists, strong protests from Christian leaders: these are the reactions recorded by Fides after the publication of the Report on anti-Christian violence that occurred in the state of Karnataka in 2008....More..

v President Aquino, confirm the policies for respect for life, request from activists in the “Month for Life”
MANILA, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:20 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
President Benigno Aquino should “confirm, absolutely and with legal measures, not just with words, that the Government intends to pursue family and demographic policies in complete respect for the value of human life,” ...More..

v Papal Delegate Calls Consecrated Persons to Bear Witness to God’s Love in the World
NEW DELHI, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (CBCI News)
Papal Delegate Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor urged religious to seize the opportunities presented by today’s world to bear witness to Christ and his message of saving love. ...More..

v Papal Delegate Unveils John Paul Statue
NEW DELHI, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (CBCI News)
Papal Delegate Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor installed and blessed a statue of Pope John Paul II in the Sacred Heart Cathedral premises here, February 2. The event marked the silver jubilee of the first pastoral visit of Late John Paul II to India....More..

v 4 Nobel Prize Winners Given Peace Award in Vatican: Pontifical Academy of Sciences President Honored
VATICAN CITY, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
On Saturday in the Vatican, the World Federation of Scientists honored four Nobel Prize laureates who have distinguished themselves for promoting science at the service of peace....More..

v Church Isn't Dissuaded in Dialogue, Cardinal Affirms
VATICAN CITY, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Zenit.org)
The Catholic Church is committed to dialogue with Islam, despite the latest violence against Christians, and even if the Egypt-based Sunni Islam authority has announced a dialogue-freeze. ...More..

v Burned effigies of the Pope and Minister Bhatti: dismay of Christians
LAHORE, 3 Feb, 2011, 11:00 Hrs (Agenzia Fides)
The radical Islamic groups gathered in the “Tehrik Tahaffuz Namoos-i-Risalat network” (TTNR, “Alliance to defend the honour of the Prophet”), burned effigies and mannequins representing the Pope and the Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, as well as the Christian symbol of the Cross....More..

v Cardinal Murphy O’Conner Leads Unity Prayer
NEW DELHI, 2 Feb, 2011 (CBCI News)
The Silver Jubilee of Late Pope John Paul II’s first Pastoral Visit to India was commemorated in New Delhi, February 2, with an Ecumenical Prayer meeting at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption, of the Church of North India here...More..

v Archbishop Sheen's cause goes on despite irresolution over tomb
PRETORIA, Illinois, 2 Feb, 2011 (Zenit.org)
The Vatican will have to decide about the fate of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's crypt, but support for the cause of his canonization is going forward..More..

v Church commemorates Pope John Paul II’s visit
NEW DELHI, 2 Feb. 2011, 11:00 Hrs: (UCAN)
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Feb. 1 launched a 10-day program in New Delhi to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s first visit to India..More..

v Vietnam to Host FABC-2012 Meeting
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 2 Feb. 2011, 11:00 Hrs: (Zenit.org)
The 2012 meeting of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences is expected to be hosted by Vietnam. Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Mân of Ho Chi Minh City reported the FABC decision last week. ..More..

v Listening Church’ highlighted during colloquium
BANGALORE, 2 Feb. 2011, 11:00 Hrs: (UCAN)
The Church was a “listening Church” at a recently concluded colloquium of religious thinkers and officials, the leader of India’s Catholic theologians says. “The colloquium was unique..More..

v A prayer for the Holy Land
VATICAN CITY, 1 Feb. 2011, 11:30 Hrs: (Radio Vaticana)
Pope Benedict XVI joined the International Day of Intercession for Peace in the Middle East Sunday, with a prayer to God to converge hearts and minds for concrete solutions for peace in the Holy Land.. More..

v Australian Anglicans plan for their ordinariate
AUSTRALIA,1 Feb. 2011, 11:30 Hrs: (Catholic Culture.org)
Australian Anglicans who are interested in entering the Catholic Church will gather at Coomera this week for a 3-day conference, planning for the establishment of a new ordinariate in Australia..More..

v Church leaders follow Egyptian unrest with interest, concern
VATICAN CITY, 1 Feb. 2011, 11:30 Hrs: (CNS)
Church leaders were watching the unfolding political drama in Egypt with a mixture of hope for reform and concern over potential violence, said the head of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. More..

v India's justice minister wants federal probe into attacks on Christian churches
NEW DELHI, 1 Feb. 2011, 11:00 Hrs: (Catholic Culture.org)
With Christian leaders in India angrily denouncing a report that absolved local officials from responsibility for the violent attacks on Christian churches in the Karnataka state, the law minister, Veerapa Moily, has called for a CBI probe. More..

v Cardinal's Homily at Italian Bishops' Meeting - "Beyond Our Words the Word Resounds"
ANCONA, Italy, 31 Jan. 2011, 14:00 Hrs: (Zenit.org)
Here is a translation of the homily Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, gave Thursday at the conclusion of the bishops' permanent council meeting.. More..

v Northeast Church mourns death of Czech missioner
DIMAPUR, 31 Jan. 2011, 13:45 Hrs: (UCAN)
Hundreds of people Jan. 28 attended the funeral of a Czech Salesian missioner who served the Church in India for more than three quarters of a century. Father John Med died on Jan. 25 at Imphal, capital of Manipur, after prolonged illness. More..

v Commission clears police, govt in anti-Christian violence
KARNATAKA, 31 Jan. 2011, 11:45 Hrs: (UCAN)
A government commission that investigated anti-Christian violence in Karnataka Jan. 28 reported that “no true Hindus” had a role.  More..

v Pope recieves members of Orthodox-Catholic Commission
VATICAN CITY, 31 Jan. 2011, 11:45 Hrs: (VIS)
Today in the Vatican, the Holy Father received thirty members of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches.. More..

v Human Rights Watch: Asia Bibi, symbol of persecuted Christians
ISLAMABAD, 31 Jan. 2011, 11:30 Hrs: (Agenzia Fides)
The widespread fanaticism, intolerance and violence paint a gloomy picture for the respect of human rights in Pakistan: according to the international organization “Human Rights Watch” (HRW) in its 2011 report. More..

v Indian missionaries and sisters ready to bring the Gospel to Bhutan
CHENNAI, 31 Jan. 2011, 11:30 Hrs:(Agenzia Fides)
Much attention, curiosity and interest has been attracted within the missionary world, especially in India, regarding the news of the possible opening of the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan to the Christian faithth. More..

v Youth Turnout Strong at US March for Life
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 27, 2011, 10:45 Hrs:(Zenit.org)
The annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., had a new energy this year due to a significant youth presence among the hundreds of thousands of protesters. More..

v Young Religious Told Relevance of Media
NEW DELHI, Jan. 27, 2011, 10:30 Hrs:(CRI)
Conference of Religious India organized a seminar to prepare the young Religious as future leaders.  More..

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