Indian-origin Father James Bharataputra was credited to be the founder of the Velangkanni Marian Shrine “Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni” in Medan, Indonesia.
Union Minister of Minorities John Barla strongly refuted allegations of conversion by Christian groups. “After so much contribution, there is no respect. Why are there allegations that we convert people? No, we don’t convert people,” he said.
St. James’ Catholic Church and Mary Mercy Kindergarten were inaugurated in Pursat city, Cambodia, by Apostolic Prefect Bishop Enrique Figaredo of Battambang on January 25.
In his homily, Bishop Lobo said, “Though unworthy to shepherd the diocese, that was erected in 1977, it was by the strength of God that led me to take up many challenges; I did what God desired during my tenure, I served the diocese as Bishop.”
Talitha Kum Philippines (TKP) launched an advocacy and awareness activity together with a prayer rally on February 4, Saturday, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Holy Spirit School Gym, Quezon City, Philippines. The theme of this event will be “Journeying in Dignity.”
Filipino Catholic bishops will gather in at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila from January 28 to 30 for their 125th plenary assembly. The meeting involves discussions on a broad range of topics affecting the faithful in the country.
Pope Francis insisted that our indifference to violence is ‘sacrilegious’ and grieves God, being a serious motive that offends God. He was speaking at the concluding vespers of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, on January 25.
Myitkyina Diocese in Myanmar inaugurated a new parish in Zang Yaw village, located about 355 miles (571 kilometers) from Myitkyina, on January 15. The new parish comprises of 11 villages, with about 500 people in the population.
The religious leaders at the Asian interfaith conference on ‘Towards Strengthening Interfaith Action Networks for Combating HIV and AIDS in Asia’ affirms solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS.
“We, the CCBI Bishops, must not forget our task of being a headlight called to lead the Indian society to higher levels of justice, equality, inclusivity, solidarity and unity, based on the Gospel's values,” Archbishop Girelli.
In his message for the 57th World Day of Social Communications on the theme “Speaking with the heart”, Pope Francis encourages everyone to communicate “with open heart and arms.”
Bosco Khant Lu Thit was awarded for his outstanding drawing from St. Ignatius Center in Poland. He was awarded on January 22 in St. Peter and St. Paul Parish, Yangon, where he lives, after Sunday Morning Mass with the presence of the Mass attendants.
Cardinal Tagle, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, encouraged the bishops to tell the story of love in order to promote communion and participation in the Church and the society.
Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay Archdiocese presided over the Jubilee Mass at St. John’s Church, Mandalay, where the six pioneer FMM sisters arrived in 1898 to look after the lepers . There were over 200 Lepers, whom they served, despite language barrier and other hardships.
The event aimed at listening to the stories of various religious leaders in the country on the impact of the activities of Asia Foundation in the field of “interreligious dialogue.”
