AMERICA/PERU - “THE CHRISTMAS OFFER OF FORGIVENESS AND NEW LIFE MUST NOT BE LEFT TO PASS IN VAIN: MESSAGE OF PERUVIAN BISHOPS FOR INTEGRAL RECONCILIATION BASED ON TRUTH AND JUSTICE”

VATICAN - INDIAN PRIESTS, SISTERS AND BROTHERS UNION HOLDS CHRISTMAS-CULTURAL-HOMECOMING-FEST-2003

ASIA/HOLY LAND - CHRISTMAS 2003: YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD CARRY MESSAGE OF PEACE WITH CONCERTS IN JERUSALEM AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN MUSIC STUDENTS

AFRICA/BURUNDI - CATHOLICS PLAN CHRISTMAS SOLIDARITY FOR RETURNING REFUGEES NOW THAT GOVERNMENT AND REBELS HAVE MADE PEACE

AMERICA/CHILE - “CHRISTMAS ON THE STREETS 2003”: UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND FAMILIES PREPARE FOR TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE SOLIDARITY NIGHT TO SHARE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF JOY AND HOPE WITH BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN NEED

AFRICA/IVORY COAST - REBELS REJECT 15 DECEMBER DISARMAMENT DATE PROPOSED BY PRESIDENT GBAGBO. MISSIONARIES ASK FOR PRAYERS THAT CHRISTMAS MAY BRING PEACE AT LAST

VATICAN - THE POPE SAYS AT ANGELUS PRAYER: “TO PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS MEANS REAWAKENING HOPE FOR PEACE AMONGST OURSELVES AND IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. HOW GREAT IS THE WORLD'S NEED OF THIS PEACE! I REPEAT MY CALL TO THE LEADERS OF THE GREAT RELIGIONS: LET US UNITE EFFORTS TO PREACH NON-VIOLENCE, FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION!”

ASIA/HOLY LAND - FRIARS TELL PILGRIMS: “COME, INVADE THE HOLY LAND!” COME TO BETHLEHEM FOR CHRISTMAS