Fides News - English

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

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

by Mauro Armanino

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Link correlati :Leaflet - Concilium Sinense

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

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

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

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

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

by Stefano Lodigiani

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

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

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

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

ASIA/INDIA - Appointment of auxiliary bishop of Verapoly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASIA/INDONESIA - From Flores to Turkey: the mission of the Daughters of the Queen of the Holy Rosary

Sat, 11 May 2024 21:37:05 +0200

Izmir - The one carried out by the Daughters of the Queen of the Holy Rosary, an Indonesian religious congregation founded in 1958 in Larantuka, on the Indonesian island of Flores, considered "the Catholic heart of the nation", is a mission always in name of the Virgin Mary. On the island, evangelized by the Portuguese, the Virgin is venerated above all as Queen of the Rosary and various religious congregations, associations and brotherhoods are dedicated to this title. Marian devotion is the popular amalgam that animates the faith of the people and the numerous vocations to religious life are a testimony to this: in a dynamism that is always a source of hope, the Daughters of Our Lady Queen of the Holy Rosary have about twenty young women who join the congregation every year.
Religious women play an important role because, as Indonesian women, they can do much to promote greater respect for women in Indonesian society, working with families and young people, helping to create greater awareness and respect for the dignity of women.
But within the soul and charisma of the institute there is also missionary concern: the order was founded by Archbishop Gabriel Manek, SVD, Vicar Apostolic, today Servant of God, who belonged to the Society of the Divine Word, which is a missionary congregation, and by Mother Anfrida van der Werff, S.Sp.S . The foundation was a response to the situation of the local Church, lacking priests and religious, but it was above all an expression of gratitude to God for his care towards the Christians of Larantuka, who preserved their faith in Christ for more than two centuries, despite being deprived of the pastoral care of priests, only thanks to the devotion to Our Lady and the daily prayer of the Rosary. In memory of that historical moment, the congregation of nuns was entrusted to Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary.
In 2020, in Turkey, in the midst of the pandemic, the Sisters of Ivrea who worked in the Italian school and helped the Holy Rosary Parish in Alsancak, in the Izmir area, left. The local priests, after a search effort, reached the Sisters Daughters of the Queen of the Holy Rosary in Indonesia, who expressed a willingness for a missionary presence. Thus, after an inspection by the Mother General, Sister Gratiana and the Provincial of Europe, Sister Sofia, the nuns, welcomed by Archbishop Martin Kmetec and once they had obtained the necessary permits to enter Turkey, settled in Izmir.
Two young nuns, Sister Magdalena and Sister Yona, arrived in the parish in 2024 and were welcomed with joy. From the first moment, the nuns won the sympathy of the faithful with their smiles and with the service they began to carry out in the liturgy, singing, visiting families, the elderly and the sick, as well as in supporting the catechists in the preparation for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.
The Indonesian nuns have started an intensive Turkish language course and dedicate themselves every day to welcoming visitors and pilgrims, trying to bear witness to their faith in Christ with simplicity, meekness and poverty of spirit.
Describing their spirituality and charisma, the nuns say: "Our mission is to participate in the mission of Christ and build the Kingdom of God by preaching His Word to the poor, the sick and the needy. The congregation is entrusted to the care of Our Lady Queen of the Rosary, and as sisters we are called to imitate Mary, the Servant of the Lord. Mary was the one who faithfully followed the Lord Jesus to Calvary, so she is a model for us on how to follow Christ. She is also the Teacher of spiritual, apostolic and community life. In our daily lives, we strive to be mothers and sisters to those we encounter and, in the spirit of thanksgiving of the Magnificat, we serve God and his people with joyful hearts and simplicity". Theirs is a precious presence in Turkey that, local faithful say, will bear much fruit.

AMERICA/HAITI - Father Massimo Miraglio: There is insecurity in the capital and there is a lack of food and infrastructure, but the situation is improving”

Fri, 10 May 2024 13:18:04 +0200

by Antonella Prenna

Port au Prince - The news arriving from Port au Prince in recent months describes a dramatic situation, with constant shootings and violence between armed gangs. "At the moment there seems to be a slight improvement in the situation," reports to Fides Father Massimo Miraglio, Camillian missionary and parish priest of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the remote village of Purcine. "Just in the last few days I have received information from local sources that the situation has improved in the last week. They tell me that things have definitely become much quieter and therefore everyday activities have resumed. Of course, that doesn't mean that the situation has normalized, because the problems are still big, people still live in a city where there is uncertainty."

“The problem of displaced people is still enormous,” explains the missionary. “We must not forget that there are at least a hundred thousand displaced people who have left their homes to find shelter in very precarious tent cities, and that many have had to leave the capital to find shelter in the provinces. The food problem is just as serious. Containers have not arrived on the island for months, more precisely since March 4, and despite the efforts of the World Food Program to distribute food, it is not enough. In addition, all facilities have been destroyed and vandalized, especially medical facilities, which are therefore closed and do not provide services. “Some embassies and offices are tentatively beginning to reopen.”

A second aspect to be taken into account concerns the progress of the UN mission,” said Father Massimo. “In the past week, the preparation of the UN mission has accelerated. Air Force planes from the southern United States initially brought war materials to equip the Port-au-Prince police and army with new weapons. Next came materials to build a base near Port-au-Prince airport to accommodate the first group of Kenyans, expected at the end of the month. Dozens of U.S. Air Force flights are expected in the coming weeks to bring construction materials and skilled personnel to build this base and oversee the security of these first UN facilities."

In addition to the UN mission, an international police mission that is intended to support the Haitian police and army in restoring peace, stability in Haiti and combating gangs, there must be a comprehensive plan to provide concrete support to the population, the missionary emphasizes, “while military intervention to restore peace and stability is urgent, humanitarian assistance to a population exhausted by months of violence, fighting and instability is equally urgent. "It is absolutely paramount to consider military and international police operations to establish stability, but it is equally urgent to begin massive distribution of food and essential supplies," he says.

"It appears that the United States has recently intervened with another significant contribution to better support this mission," reports Father Massimo. "Certainly the UN intervention is important and could pay off, but without the significant political and economic contribution from the United States, it would be another failure. An hour and a half from Miami, nothing happens without the United States keeping a close eye on everything. It is to be hoped that the United States will set up the Transitional Council to support civil society. "We really support it and launch a project, a meaningful development program, that lays the foundation for a positive process that will gradually lead Haiti out of this dramatic situation."

"From a political point of view," continues Father Massimo, "the news is quite positive, since the Transitional Council, established under the auspices of the Caribbean Community and under the watchful eyes of the United States and the international community, seems to be working. A meeting was recently held with the former government, which is currently still in office because a new government has not yet been formed, where they agreed to take action, which shows the willingness of the members of this Council to work together , to lead Haiti out of the crisis and take the Caribbean island to elections as soon as possible, probably in late 2025, to give it constitutional status, legal status and legality. Let us hope that this is the beginning of a positive development, let us hope that the international community takes Haiti's situation to heart and commits to supporting the country in a consistent and transparent manner." It is a very delicate moment and the situation is still very difficult. “The next few weeks will show us whether we are really on the right track,” said Father Massimo.

Another important step in reopening the country to the outside world would be the reopening of Port au Prince's Toussaint Airport in early June, which is currently closed to civil and commercial flights. Security inside the airport and material brought into the country by the United States is provided by the American army, while security outside the airport is provided by the small Haitian army and police. It is hoped that the port, or at least one of the two ports, will be opened to incoming containers as soon as possible.

Father Massimo concludes with the invitation to prayer and underlines the importance of the Pope's appeals for peace and reconciliation, the recent words of the Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin during the conference on the Caribbean country organized by the "Academia de Líderes Católicos", where he "the "demanded everyone's attention". "Surely," said the Camillian, "these are all things that show the Church's desire to assist Haiti in this very delicate and important moment in its history."

AFRICA/CHAD - After elections on May 6th: President Deby declared winner

Fri, 10 May 2024 13:00:01 +0200

N'Djamena - "The celebrations lasted late into the night, with the military firing into the air," report local sources from N'Djamena, capital of Chad, where yesterday interim President Mahamat Deby Itno was declared the winner of the presidential elections of May 6 . "The fire from Kalashnikovs and machine guns continued in the center of the capital until one o'clock last night. We do not know whether and how many people were wounded or even killed by the bullets that fell to the ground during these shots," our sources say. "The military also fired in the southern districts of the capital, but in this case it was more a form of intimidation than celebration. This is the opposition's electoral stronghold." According to the still incomplete official results announced by the Electoral Commission yesterday, May 9, Deby won with 61% of the vote, while his main opponent, Prime Minister Succès Masra, received just over 18% of the vote. Shortly before the official results were announced, Masra claimed in a video that he had won the election and thanked Chadians for “choosing change.” The election is also being contested by the opposition because it was difficult for the 2,300 election observers who have to confirm the legitimacy of the election to be present at all polling stations in the country. "However, the vote was peaceful. We will wait and see how things develop in the coming days. Chad's future also seems uncertain because the president's camp appears to be internally divided," our sources concluded.

ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - WYD in Korea will be an opportunity for interreligious fraternity and friendship with Buddhists

Fri, 10 May 2024 12:53:50 +0200

Seoul - The "synodal" style is expressed not only within the ecclesial community but is also characteristic of Christians who "go forth", ready to walk together with all men of good will to build a better world: it is with this conviction that the World Youth Days which will be celebrated in Korea in 2027 will also have a connotation of interreligious meeting and a favorable opportunity to build bonds of friendship and fraternity with believers of different faiths. Thus, on the occasion of the Buddhist festival of Vesak, Msgr. Peter Soon-taick Chung, Archbishop of Seoul and president of the Korean WYD Organizing Committee, sent a message to the Buddhist community, emphasizing the desire for unity between the different religious communities in view of WYD in Seoul 2027. This message, addressed to the
Korean Jogye Buddhist Order, expresses its "sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 2568th anniversary of the birth of the Buddha" and hopes that, "like the radiant light that emanates from the nine-storey pagoda of Hwangryong Temple and the lanterns that adorn the surroundings of Gwanghwamun, may the profound teachings of the Buddha shine upon the entire world".
This year, it is noted, Vesak takes on the added significance of coinciding with "Teachers' Day": an opportunity for all people of good will to sincerely strive to emulate the boundless compassion of the Buddha" in the delicate and important work of the education of children and young people.
Furthermore, reading the slogan of this year's Vesak, namely "Peace of mind, happiness of the world", the archbishop's message highlights "the urgent global imperative of peace and happiness", affirming that the religious communities must “unite in solidarity and cooperation, devoting themselves tirelessly to promoting the cause of peace.” Like the “International Buddhist Expo” initiative which was held in Seoul last April and which brought together young people beyond religious borders, we hope that the same will be true for the next World Youth Day in 2027 in Seoul: "We fervently hope that it will be a joyful celebration of the spirit of youth, encompassing young people of all religious faiths. We sincerely invite you to join us as faithful companions on our spiritual journey within the Buddhist community,” said Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, O.C.D. This message echoes that sent on the occasion of Vesak, the holiday commemorating the birth, enlightenment and departure of Buddha, by the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, which highlights the common responsibility to promote reconciliation and resilience, values deeply rooted in Christian and Buddhist religious traditions and fundamental tools for building a conflict-free world. Buddhism is widespread and practiced in Korea by approximately 23% of the population. It arrived in Korea from China between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD and established itself as the major religious and cultural influence in the following centuries. The vast majority of Buddhist temples in Korea belong to the Jogye order, linked to the Zen tradition. The country's oldest and most famous temples, such as the Bulguksa and Boemeosa temples, are directly managed by the Jogye order, which has its headquarters in Jogyesa, in the center of the capital Seoul.

AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Jihadist attack at dawn in the Macomia district; the population flees into the forest

Fri, 10 May 2024 11:37:49 +0200

Maputo - Since the early hours of today, May 10, an attack carried out by jihadists linked to the Islamic State has been underway in the district of Macomia, in the province of Cabo Delgado, north of Mozambique. Local sources describe the situation as traumatic, since around 5 a.m., some 500 jihadists entered the Xinavane neighborhood in the capital of Macomia and started shooting. The population, panicked, took refuge in the forest to protect themselves. In recent days, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for attacks on two villages in the Chiúre district of Cabo Delgado province. During the attack on the village of Siripa on May 6, the jihadists claimed to have burned two churches, a school and more than 190 houses. In the ranks of the jihadists, in addition to locals, there are several foreigners, including citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local sources. These attacks come as the gradual withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community military mission from Cabo Delgado province is underway. SAMIM has been present in Cabo Delgado since mid-2021, and in August 2023, SADC approved an extension of another 12 months, until July 2024, in line with a phased withdrawal plan. The first contingent to withdraw was from Botswana on April 5, followed on April 7 by troops from South Africa and Lesotho. The only SAMIM mission partner that still has troops on the ground is Tanzania, which has a separate bilateral security agreement with Mozambique that could continue beyond the official end of the SAMIM mission on July 15. South Africa was the main contributor, sending some 1,500 troops to Cabo Delgado, responsible for security operations in the Macomia district itself. The Mozambican government intends to replace the SAMIM contingent with a reinforcement of the Rwandan army and with a reinforcement of local militias.

AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Bishop Fikre: “Healing our social and spiritual fractures through prayer, love and justice”

Wed, 08 May 2024 12:01:48 +0200

Addis Ababa - "By remaining neutral, free from ethnic sectarianism and political influence, religious leaders can play an important role as mediators and in building a culture of peace and reconciliation," says Teshome Fikre Woldetensae, Coadjutor Bishop of the Eparchy of Emdeber and Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Ethiopia, commenting on the serious political and social crisis that has gripped the country for several months. "The entire population can actually rely on local social values," he said in a recent interview with a local television station. “We were once considered a people of faith and humility, but today this is being challenged by the daily and ongoing conflicts and wars that continue to result in a state of general insecurity and extreme poverty. Blood is flowing everywhere," says the statement sent to Fides. “Religious institutions and the government have the responsibility to lead young people on the right path of development and not into war,” continued Bishop Fikre. “We are entrusted with the task of showing them the path of truth, love and justice. Our young people face unemployment and desperation. We must stop sending them to fight and protect them from human traffickers, help them follow the right path and let them live happily in their own country. Our social and spiritual fractures heal through prayers, good will, good deeds, love and justice," emphasizes the Secretary General of the Ethiopian Bishops' Conference. "Above all, we shepherds of the land are more responsible than anyone else before God, who has entrusted us with the life of the land and has asked us to look after his flock."