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Gospel Saints Papal Teaching Congregation Pontifical Mission Societies Urban University Mission texts Animation Statistics From the Holy See Testimonies Martyrology Jubilee 2000 Church life Missionaries Religious institutes Movements & Associations Catholic universities Culture History Art Cinema / Photo Radio & tv Music Poetry Health Technology Geography News 360° Dossier In-depth study Interviews Stories Book review Children’s corner		INDEX marzo 2004 31/03/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s weekly teaching: “Christ is the Lamb sacrificed and risen, the great interpreter and Lord of history who reveals the secret thread of divine action in history.” EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - The Church in Europe and new religious movements: seminar promoted by Council of Catholic Bishops' Coferences of Europe (CCEE) AFRICA/SUDAN - From Sudan Bishop Macram Max Gassis of El Obeid comments for Fides the arrest of Hassan al-Turabi AFRICA/UGANDA - Comboni missionary found dead at mission house in Gulu, northern Uganda AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Dramatic impasse. Dialogue between the President and the Opposition stalls. Ivory Coast stands at crucial point in history AFRICA/ANGOLA - “Angola on the path to Hope”: Catholic Bishops of Angola issue pastoral letter on 2nd anniversary of peace agreement ASIA/INDIA - New nation wide plan to stop the advance of AIDS launched by fully committed local Catholic Church ASIA/PAKISTAN - Catholic schools mark “Pakistan Day”: commitment to build a modern, liberal and tolerant country 30/03/2004 VATICAN - “Young people and universities: bearing witness to Christ in the university environment” - starting tomorrow 8th International Youth Forum organised by the Pontifical Council for the Laity VATICAN - “Missionary and evangelising dimension of adult catechesis”: Prof. Ramon Peralta Pontifical Urban University EUROPE/ITALY - Infective diseases in infancy, problems, treatment and prevention: Italian Society of Pediatric Infectivology 4th National Congress ASIA/MALAYSIA - Programme of new government led by Abdullah Badawi: eliminate corruption promote transparency, give special attention to ethnic and religious minorities ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - A “new mission” in the Church and society: Korean Catholic Lay movement valorises contribution of the elderly ASIA/EAST TIMOR - Reconciliation and national harmony: Bishop elect Alberto Ricardo da Silva of Dili tells Fides about his mission AMERICA/MEXICO - Poverty which afflicts entire peoples and nations, focus of the first day of a pastoral visit to Mexico by Cardinal Martino, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace MISSIONARY PRAYER INTENTION - Pope John Paul II’s Mission Intention for April 2004: “That the missionary spirit of "ad gentes" may become a theme of reflection and a matter of constant commitment in the ordinary pastoral activity of the Christian community” Comment by Rev. Father Antonio M. Pernia SVD, Superior General Society of the Divine Word SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALIA - About 30 more volunteers will be enlisted to show effectiveness of antiretroviral drug in Kaposi sarcoma therapy not related to HIV 29/03/2004 VATICAN - The Pope recalls the tragedy of thousands of children: “The little brothers and sisters of ours who suffer from hunger, war and illness make an anguished appeal to the world. May their mute cry not go unanswered!” - appeal to build the civilisation of love in the “beloved region of the Great Lakes ”. EUROPE/UNITED NATIONS - Task-force to promote Right to Development: Franciscans and Dominicans appeal to UN AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk forward. Get up and vote. Get up, take an interest in your country” Southern African Bishops Conference urge people in view of elections next month AFRICA/CONGO RD - Calm returns to Kinshasa after violence on Sunday night in which two government soldiers were killed and several injured AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Opposition to hold another demonstration today. “Situation calm for the moment” local sources tell Fides ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - In the name of truth, local Catholic Churches in Korea and Japan write a new history of their countries to heal wounds inflicted in the past and promote reconciliation 27/03/2004 DOSSIER FIDES SPECIAL LENT 2004 “Humanity cannot close its eyes to such a tragedy! What have these children done to deserve such maltreatment?” (John Paul II - Message for Lent) 3 - CHILD SOLDIERS DOSSIER - AFRICA/UGANDA - “I was a girl soldier”: the story of Paska DOSSIER - AFRICA/UGANDA - In 18 years of civil war rebels have enlisted 35,000 children. AVSI Association of Volunteers for International Development assists children who escaped their captors DOSSIER - AFRICA/SIERRA LEONE - “The most difficult thing is to help the youngsters forced to kill to find their identity again” says Xaverian missionary in Sierra Leone who helps rehabilitation of child soldiers in Sierra Leone DOSSIER ASIA/MYANMAR - Only education can rehabilitate former child soldiers in this country with a sad record number of tiny troops: Archbishop Charles Bo of Yangon talks to Fides DOSSIER ASIA/SRI LANKA - Yesterday brutalised and indoctrinated, today loved and educated to love: “Some former child soldiers are now teachers. This is our peace process, not talking at a table but acting in daily life, ” Father Pinto Humer told Fides. DOSSIER AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Guerrilla and paramilitary are causing irreparable damage to Columbia using children in fighting: more than 11,000 says Human Rights Watch. DOSSIER AMERICA/COLOMBIA - “Children involved in armed combat, are not only subject to maltreatment and abuse they are also targets for assassins”: National Pontifical Mission Societies Director in Colombia told Fides. ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC R. CONGO - Rev. Marcel Madila appointed auxiliary Bishop of Kananga 26/03/2004 EUROPE/ITALY - “Children helping Children… across all five Continents”: a CD-ROM to fund 5 solidarity projects with the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood. EUROPE/KOSOVO - “Could it be that to create more violence someone is trying to turn ethnic clashes into religious conflict?” preoccupied people in Kosovo are asking after destruction of Serb Orthodox churches AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Ivory Coast is ever more divided after clashes with police and demonstrators yesterday in which 25 people were killed and many injured. The saddest thing is that no one thinks of the good of the nation EUROPE/ITALY - Four hundred thousand people in flight in northern Uganda: “Africa Mission - Cooperation and Development” provides emergency humanitarian aid. ASIA/INDIA - Catholics in Aizawl celebrate centenary of the first local baptism and community: it was the Salvatorian Fathers who first planted the seed of the Gospel among these peoples ASIA/HOLY LAND - A Catholic seminarian in Jerusalem describes daily life in the Holy Land AMERICA/ECUADOR - 101 child workers rescued from heavy labour at refuse dumps: Santo Domingo de los Colorados city council committed to eliminate child labour 25/03/2004 VATICAN - “Witnesses and martyrs inspire us to pray, encourage us in the apostolate, confirm us in the faith: the story of heroic witnesses of faith and martyrdom in the Eastern Catholic Churches in the 20th century AFRICA/IVORY COAST - At least 11 people killed Opposition demonstration interrupted: crucial hour for Ivory Coast AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Bishops concerned about tension, call for cancellation of Opposition demonstration scheduled for today March 25 AFRICA/ CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - Crowds gather for the conclusion of the diocesan Year of the Rosary in Berberati: four days of prayer and catechesis on Mary and the Eucharist ASIA/THAILAND - Solemn blessing of Saint Joseph’s of Ayutthaya, first mission church in Siam, now newly restored: the little church stands as a witness to the work of missionaries ASIA/PHILIPPINES - The challenge of migration in Asia and the Church’s solutions Chiesa: Scalabrini fathers organise Week of Formation AMERICA/COLOMBIA - National Day of the Unborn Child: “Love, the Cradle of Life ”. AMERICA/PERU - “Protect life at every stage, combat any danger which threatens the life of the unborn child”: Peruvian Bishops’ Family Commission issues message for ‘Day for the Unborn Child’ SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/ BURKINA FASO - “Religious and the terminally ill ”: a reflection by a Camillian Religious who accompanies terminally ill AIDS patients to their last breath CEP APPOINTMENTS - AFRICA/CHAD - Rev. Gregoire Njebe Ngarmandji appointed Rector of St. Mbaga Tuzinde Major Seminary 24/03/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s weekly audience teaching focuses on the Feast of the Annunciation which, “on the one hand takes us back to the beginning of our Redemption and on the other encourages us to turn our attention to the Paschal Mystery”. On the Day for Missionary Martyrs the Pope remembers “priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful killed in mission lands”. VATICAN - “We cannot and we must not forget our missionary martyrs, the memory of their sacrifice is a precious treasure”: Cardinal Sepe presides Mass for Day of Commemoration of Missionary Martyrs at the Propaganda Fide Chapel in Rome AFRICA/CONGO - Archdiocese of Brazzaville commemorates Cardinal Emile Biayenda abducted and murdered 27 years ago AFRICA/CONGO - “I cannot be silent before the tragedy of my people ” says Catholic Bishop of Nkayi ASIA/HOLY LAND - European Religious Leaders appeal for peace in the Middle East: “Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders in the region must play a direct role to resume peace process” ASIA/PAKISTAN - Refugees on Pakistan-Afghanistan border assisted by international agencies and Salesian Fathers ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Beatification cause of Korea’s second Catholic priest who could become the country’s first non martyr Saint 23/03/2004 VATICAN - Pope John Paul II will be awarded Aachen City Charlemagne Prize for great European Achievement 2004 in the Vatican on 24 March VATICAN - The Church and the battle against HIV/AIDS: Pontifical Council for Health Care issues paper AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate start new mission in Guinea Bissau geared for dialogue with Muslims and Animists ASIA/JAPAN - “People with AIDS are our brothers and sisters”: a Japanese nun in front line to combat prejudice and help people with HIV/AIDS AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Amidst hopes and fears Ivory Coast waits for outcome of Opposition demonstration on March 25 ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Padayon Centre run by the Emmanuel Community engaged in building interreligious harmony and serving the poor, marks 1st anniversary ASIA/MALAYSIA - Election victory for moderate Islam led by Abdullah Badawi: relief among ethnic and religious minorities AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Promoting a spirit of communion and formation for young people: objectives for Meeting of Diocesan Youth Pastoral Delegates in Colombia AMERICA/PERU - Many of Peru’s children live in difficult conditions: poverty, child labour, child soldiers, domestic abuse: Doris Portocarrero, directress of Peru’s National Initiative Group for Children’s Rights speaks to Fides SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - World TB Day: TB kills 2 million people every year. Tests and treatment outdated, vaccination has less effect, special care for children needed 22/03/2004 VATICAN - “A person, although seriously ill and prevented from performing his or her most important functions is and will always be a person, never a vegetable or an animal”: the Pope tells participants at Conference on “Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas” EUROPE/SCOTLAND - Concerned about speedier divorce proceedings proposed in new Family Law Bill, Scotland’s Cardinal urges for more counselling to protect marriage, the traditional building block of every society EUROPE/GERMANY - “Aid to the Church in Need” soon to open national office in Poland the first in a former Communist country EUROPE/GERMANY - “Pray!”: a book of prayers written by the young for the young in preparation for World Youth Day in Germany 2005 EUROPE/KOSOVO - “Education and economic development, priorities for Kosovo, antidote to ethnic and religious violence”: Fides speaks with AVSI Kosovo humanitarian project leader AFRICA/CHAD -100,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad receive concrete international solidarity. Jesuit Refugee Service and UNHCR provide assistance and safety AFRICA/GREAT LAKES REGION - National armies where former tribal enemies march shoulder to shoulder are one condition for peace in Great Lakes countries ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Laity Meeting: leading role in the local Church committed to promoting family values and evangelising society SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - “A patient in a vegetative state cannot be seen as a burden for society”. Conclusion of International Conference on “Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas” SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - avian flu: new alarm a month after last reported outbreak 20/03/2004 DOSSIER - VATICAN - “The blood of missionary martyrs hope for the world” Interview with Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. DOSSIER - MARTYROLOGY 2003 DOSSIER - CHART OF MISSIONARY MARTYRS 2003 DOSSIER - HOW MISSIONARY MARTYRS ARE COMMEMORATED IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD DOSSIER - EUROPE/ITALY “Persecuted but not Abandoned” (2Cor 4,9): 24 March 12th Day of Prayer, fasting and charitable works in memory of Missionary martyrs DOSSIER - Archbishop Michael Courtney gave his life for the people of Burundi to whom the Pope had sent him as an apostle of peace. DOSSIER - Comboni Father Mario Mantovani murdered by a young man whom he had baptised. DOSSIER - Brother Anton Probst, Claretian brother, known to all as Mbuta, the elder brother DOSSIER - Sister Czeslawa Lorek: “What can I do for the Pope? How can I help him? I know, I’ll go on mission!”. DOSSIER - Marko Makuec Shir, martyr catechist in Kutum, Sudan DOSSIER - José Castillo, killed after 5 years of missionary work for social Pastoral and defence of human rights DOSSIER - Annalena Tonelli, 35 anni in Africa: “to everyone she communicated enthusiasm” 18/03/2004 VATICAN - On Sunday 21 March the Pope will beatify 4 Servants of God, two Italians and two Spaniards EUROPE/ITALY Martyrology 2003: 36 missionaries killed while spreading the Gospel. Saturday 20 March Fides Dossier in preparation for the 12th Day of Prayer and Fasting in memory of missionary martyrs. VATICAN - The religious mission of the Church includes defending and promoting fundamental human rights: Cardinal Martino affirms at International Conference on “Women and Human Rights”. EUROPE/AUSTRIA - Cardinal König “The Friend of the Missions”. The Pontifical Mission Societies in Austria will dedicate the next issue of their missionary magazine to the Cardinal Archbishop emeritus of Vienna who died recently. EUROPE/LUXEMBOURG - “Together on the roads of the world” : European Delegates of the Pontifical Society for Missionary Childhood will meet 21 - 24 March in Luxembourg. AFRICA/SUDAN - UN High Commission for Refugees Unite prepares to assist repatriation of more than 3.6 million Sudanese refugees ASIA/PAKISTAN - Evangelisation through music in Lent looking towards Easter: Catholic “Wave” studios announces new production ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/KENYA - Archbishop Silas Silvius Njiru of Meru resigns, he is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Salesius Mugambi ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/INDIA - New Ecclesiastic Province of Raipur created and first Archbishop appointed SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ERUOPE/ITALY - Running for health: Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital will run in Rome Marathon 17/03/2004 VATICAN - Missionary Stations of the Cross prayer recalls suffering of children in the world: a response to Pope John Paul II’s call for Lent 2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s teaching at the Wednesday audience: “The face of Christ, messianic King is the irradiation of the Father’s glory. He is the Son in the fullest sense and therefore the perfect presence of God among humanity ”. VATICAN - What sort of assistance should be given to patients in a vegetative state? International Conference on “ Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas” opens today in Rome EUROPE/BELGIUM - The family must be a priority for the European Union: COMECE statement AFRICA/KENYA - Discussion about presidential powers: government withdraws from National Constitutional Reform Conference ASIA/CHINA - Chinese police release Catholic Bishop Wei Jingyi arrested on 5 March ASIA/JAPAN - Catholic students in Japan fight trafficking and sexual abuse of minors ASIA/ PHILIPPINES - “Reconciliation will only come through forgiveness” say Christians and Muslims leaders in the southern Philippines AMERICA/BRAZIL - Render operative principle lines of evangelisation in Brazil: one of the most important objectives of the 6th Meeting of Organisms of the People of God AMERICA/PERU - “Lord, show me your way!” is the slogan of the Inculturation Work Shop for missionaries in the Apostolic Vicariate of San José del Amazonas: knowing and valorising Amazon regional myths to integrate them in the work of evangelisation AMERICA/USA - Iraqi Christians in the United States: a community spiritually united and strong SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE - Mutant tuberculosis virus develops resistance to drugs used to treat the disease and threatens Europe 16/03/2004 VATICAN - How to connect the Christian City with Worldly City which seems to ignore God? Atheism and religious indifference at the centre of the recent plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture AFRICA/ CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - “After a year of changed regime, social and economic situation still uncertain” says Bishop Mathos Auxiliary of Bangui AFRICA/BURUNDI - National Liberation Forces rebels continue to fight to prove only they can restore peace in Burundi ASIA/BANGLADESH - Holy Cross Congregation concludes celebrations for 150 years of evangelising activity in Bangladesh ASIA/PAKISTAN - Muslims and Christians share evening meal to break the Christian Lenten fast: Muslim leaders welcome Christian delegation to Pakistan’s most important Mosque AMERICA/HAITI - Dialogue, tolerance, truth, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation are values needed for rebuilding the nation and respect for institutions: Catholic Bishops of Haiti issue message to the people. AMERICA/ARGENTINA - “Children are the central focus and the first addressees of our evangelising mission”, says Bishop José Luis Mollaghan, Bishop of San Miguel. FIDES SIGNALS - 18 March: International Conference at Regina Apostolorum Pontifical College “Women and human rights ”. 15/03/2004 VATICAN - The Pope speaks of the tragedy in Madrid: “Above all those who believe in God, Creator and Father of all men and women must feel the need to work to build a world of more brotherhood and solidarity despite the difficulties and obstacles encountered. VATICAN - “You dear university students have an important role to play in building a united Europe, firmly rooted in the spiritual traditions and values by which it was shaped”: the Pope’s entrust this task to university students whom he met for the 2nd European Day for University Students VATICAN - The Pope addresses the Plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture: “It falls to Bishops and the faithful to identify and take into consideration the essential questions and longings of the men and women of our times and to dialogue with individual persons and with peoples to promote, in an original and inculturated manner, the message of the Gospel and the person of Christ the Redeemer.” EUROPE/PORTUGAL - The family: first school of solidarity: The more solidarity is lived in the family, the more hope there will be for a future with more solidarity AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Tension rises in Ivory Coast amidst rumours of a coup and attacks on magistrates AFRICA/CHAD - “135,000 refugees on the Chad Sudan border must be moved to safety by May before rain season starts” says Laura Boldrini UN High Commission for Refugees. Archbishop of N’Djamena appeals for help ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Christians assist family of Muslim bus driver shot dead for trying to prevent kidnapping of little Christian school girl. Missionary in the Philippines tells of many such stories of Christian-Muslim reciprocal solidarity ASIA/INDIA - Indian Catholic Press Association marks 40th anniversary “The Catholic community was among the first to take an interest in the field of the media, often thanks to work of missionaries”, Father Babu Joseph, spokesman of the Indian Bishops Conference told Fides SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - International Congress on “Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas “ SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - HIV/AIDS treatment: a luxury for the rich. In a continent where 290 million people live on less than a dollar a day not many can afford costly HIV/AIDS treatment 13/03/2004 DOSSIER - LENT 2004 - “Humanity cannot close its eyes to such a tragedy! What have these children done to deserve such maltreatment?” (John Paul II - Message for Lent) 2 - CHILD LABOUR DOSSIER - SLAVES OF MANY OWNERS. DOSSIER - ILO: CHRONOLOGY OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILD LABOUR. DOSSIER - AFRICA/BENIN - Little girls in Cotonou: education changed the lives of many little girls DOSSIER - AFRICA/BENIN - “Child labour is a modern form of slavery ” says Father Claude, in front line to fight the plague of street children in Benin DOSSIER - AFRICA/ANGOLA - “To eliminate the scourge of child labour parents must be made to realise that that children are not the property of adults ” says Father Benedito who runs a Home for Children in southern Angola DOSSIER - ASIA/PAKISTAN - “To uproot child labour a greater effort must be made to eliminate poverty”: Archbishop Lawrence Saldhana, President of Bishops’ Conference tells Fides - The local Church provide child workers with free afternoon schooling DOSSIER - ASIA/INDIA - The Church keeps close watch on child labour: religious institutes and lay associations provide valid assistance DOSSIER - AMERICA/BRAZIL In Brazil the child’s “working week” grows with the child: 12 hours for a 5 year old to 37 hours for a 16 year old. Particularly serious problem of domestic work: little girls kept in semi-slavery and often abused. DOSSIER - AMERICA/PERU Archdiocese of Huancayo denounces: to support their families more than 3000 children work on building sites, mines, plantations 12/03/2004 VATICAN - “Christ hope of Europe” - Tomorrow University students all over Europe join Rosary prayer with Pope John Paul II in live links with capitals of new EU member nations EUROPE/SPAIN - “There can never be any moral justification for terrorism”: Spanish Bishops’ Conference voices firm condemnation of bomb blasts in Madrid yesterday EUROPE/SCOTLAND/SPAIN - On behalf of the Bishops and Catholics of Scotland Cardinal Keith O'Brien expresses deepest sympathy to the people of Spain after the terrifying terrorist attacks yesterday in Madrid EUROPE/SPAIN - “Faced with the tragedy which struck Spain yesterday, new evangelisation should constantly underline the urgent need for conversion of heart, because only a heart which is converted, can open to forgiveness, love and respect for human rights and is therefore able to respect the lives of others”: Archbishop Francisco Pérez González, National Pontifical Mission Societies Director and Archbishop Military Ordinate speaks to Fides AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - People of Kivu fear fresh outbreak of fighting: forty illegal arms depots found by police: appeal to international community EUROPE/ITALY - Closure of supplementary process on the fame of holiness of Cardinal Guglielmo Massaja, “Abuna Messias”, great evangeliser in Ethiopia who defeated smallpox which was decimating the Galla AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - More than 170 people missing and 32 dead in the wake of fierce cyclone “Gafilo” in Madagascar. ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Bishops-Ulema Conference channels Government grants to poor people for development projects in southern Philippines ASIA/INDIA - Christians request is granted: Good Friday will remain a bank holiday in Karnataka state ASIA/PAKISTAN - Muslims and Christians called to share solidarity projects: 430 people attend meeting organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Interreligious Dialogue AMERICA - “We condemn these acts of violence which are unfortunately becoming daily recurrences in our cities”. The Council of Bishops Conferences of Latin America voices solidarity with the people of Spain with whom they have profound connections of history, language and traditions AMERICA/ARGENTINA - National Meeting of Pontifical Mission Societies Diocesan Directors: analysis of missionary progress during the year 2003 in the different dioceses and study of CAM2 conclusions FIDES SIGNALS - Lent 2004 - “Humanity cannot close its eyes in the face of such an appalling tragedy! What evil have these children done to deserve such suffering?” - Tomorrow 2nd Fides Dossier on the plight of children SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - AIDS, the disease today: “there is an AIDS of the rich and an AIDS of the poor ” says Italian Camillian Brother Grigoletto in mission in Burkina Faso 11/03/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s weekly audience teaching: “To counter all forms of evil the just man puts faith, goodness, forgiveness and the offering of peace ”. VATICAN - Holy See Press office statement with regard to arrest of Chinese Bishop VATICAN - The Pope prays for victims of terrorist attacks in Madrid AFRICA/NIGERIA - Nigeria’s religious leaders stress the importance of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue for solving serious social problems AFRICA/SIERRA LEONE - “The commencement of the work of a Special Court for Sierra Leone is another step in the process of a return to normality” says Catholic Bishop of Makeni AFRICA/CONGO RD - “Allô Elections”: new Catholic two-monthly periodical will follow electoral campaign preparing for Congo’s elections in 2005 ASIA/INDIA - “Christian are small in numbers but they can be important for the vote in India. We hope that fundamentalist Hindus do not prevail ”: Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in India speaks to Fides ASIA/INDONESIA - Building a culture of peace and reconciliation: Lenten commitment in Jayapura diocese AMERICA/VENEZUELA - A referendum, contemplated by the Constitution, can serve, in times such as these, to catalyse and relieve tension SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/MALI - 100 eye operations in 10 days, restoring the sight 100 Africans is the result of a first “Restore Light” mission of St John of God Brothers SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ASIA/INDONESIA - More than 400 people die Dengue fever in the past year in 32 of Indonesia’s 38 provinces SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/EL SALVADOR - Dengue fever alarm: since the beginning of the year 436 cases reported 10/03/2004 VATICAN - The Pope address participants at Plenary Meeting of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications: may the Inter Mirifica document give inspiration “to continue your mission of helping those who work in this vast field to animate it with a humane and Christian spirit" VATICAN - “There is no rise in the number of atheists in the world”, according to survey on ‘non belief and religious indifference’ carried out by Pontifical Council for Culture in preparation for annual Plenary 11-13 March in the Vatican VATICAN - New "Directory on the Pastoral Ministry of the Bishop”: an aid for Bishops in their complex ecclesial service to meet the needs of the Church and of society today. AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - Gafilo cyclone swings around to strike Madagascar a second time. Unconfirmed reports of Ferry missing off Malagasy coast AFRICA/CONGO - A year after the peace pact which put an end to hostilities in the Pool region, government takes stock of progress made ASIA/INDIA - Catholic Bishops of India appeal to the electorate to cast ‘responsible vote’ in April general elections ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Seven year old Catholic school girl kidnapped in Jolo, southern Philippines, rescued by security forces ASIA/VIETNAM - ‘Make Lent a time of prayer, sharing and evangelisation’ say Vietnamese Bishops AMERICA/PERU - Enrolment started for 10th Missiology Course organised by the National Mission Centre on basic themes of the Church’s universal mission and elements to facilitate the evangelising mission of pastoral workers SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - New outbreak of cholera: 60 dead and 15,000 infected in two months 09/03/2004 VATICAN - “The Christian faith at the dawn of the new millennium and the challenge of non belief and religious indifference”: Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture EUROPE/ITALY - 600 million of the world’s people suffer from some sort of disability: 80% live in developing countries. “Cuamm-Doctors with Africa” discuss the situation AFRICA - UN High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers appeals to international community to support the repatriation of millions of African refugees ASIA/CHINA - Arrest of Catholic Bishop Wei Jingyi; from China a call for prayers ASIA/IRAQ - “The new constitution is a step forward for a democratic and united Iraq and an example for other countries in the region ” says Father Nizar Semaan, a local Catholic priest ASIA/SRI LANKA - Guarantee peace and religious freedom: Catholic Bishops of Sri Lanka issue message to political leaders and voters in view of 2 April elections ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Evangelising Korean society with an eye on North Korea and the rest of Asia : task for the Legion of Mary which is marking 50 anniversary in Korea ASIA/PHILIPPINES - New service for communications with the media and agreement with State University of Mindanao: initiatives of Silsilah interreligious movement in southern Philippines AMERICA/HAITI - “A serious humanitarian disaster threatens. As always the people of Haiti are the loses. Every new crisis leaves them poorer and more vulnerable ”. A report from Haiti AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Giving of its poverty the Church in Colombia sends missionaries to West Africa: three Eudist Missionaries will open a new mission in São Tome and Principe, faithful to their motto: “We were born in Ocana to be missionaries to the world”. CEP APPOINTMENTS - EUROPE/AUSTRIA - Bishop Ludwig Schwarz confirmed National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies 08/03/2004 VATICAN - The Pope says at the Angelus: ‘Total trust and confidence in God gives the interior light which transfigures the human person making him a witness of the Resurrection’. The Pope appealed for Africa, the Middle East, the Holy Land and Iraq: “I would once again urge all to take the path of forgiveness and reconciliation”. VATICAN - Vatican II Decree “Inter Mirifica” 40 years on: Pontifical Council for Social Communications Annual Plenary Assembly VATICAN - “Ethics is not a restriction for business, it is an opportunity which qualifies its efficiency and objectivity”: said Cardinal Martino at the end of an international Conference for Christian Business Executives. Soon available, Compendium of Catholic Social Teaching and Report on Poverty in the Era of Globalisation. AFRICA/CAMEROON - Death of Missionary Bishop Jean Pasquier OMI, emeritus of Ngaoundere AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - Cyclon Gafilo causes havoc. Caritas mobilises to provide relief aid AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Association of Community Radios at the service of democracy in Democratic Congo AFRICA/CONGO - First Justice and Peace Commission in Brazzaville archdiocese committed to promoting fair management of national resources ASIA/INDIA - An archbishop and a team of religious mediators restore peace among conflicting ethnic groups in north east India ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Coherence, credibility, commitment for human rights: local Church issues guidelines for general elections scheduled for 15 April ASIA/PAKISTAN Christian and Muslim students fast together in Lent and Ramadan at St Lawrence Catholic School in Lahore ASIA/PAKISTAN - Solemn Mass for entrance of Archbishop Evarist Pinto, newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Karachi AMERICA/VENEZUELA - “What future are we building ?”: pressing question raised by Catholic Bishops of Venezuela a country shaken by recent acts of anarchy and violence. AMERICA - Appeal for peace, brotherhood and hope Salesian Rector major and Regional Superiors in America a continent in a dramatic situation: “In these times of globalisation deformed and held hostage by the economy we put our stakes on globalisation with a human face for the good of our peoples ”. SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - 44 million dollars to fight AIDS which has already infected 82,000 people in the Dominican Republic 06/03/2004 VATICAN - The challenge to harmonise profit and solidarity underlined by the Pope in his message to Christian executives attending a Conference organised by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace EUROPE/ITALY - Cause for the beatification of Opus Dei Prelate Alvaro del Portillo: opening diocesan stage in Rome Cardinal Ruini said: “An exemplary Bishop of extraordinary spiritual depth ”. AFRICA - Tragic conditions of 2 million refugees and millions of displaced persons in Africa focal point of Geneva Conference organised by UNHCR ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/EAST TIMOR - Rev. Alberto Ricardo da Silva appointed Bishop of Dili, Bishop Basilio do Nascimento appointed Bishop of Baucau SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - In 2000 some 1.892,000 Europeans were affected by cancer and 1.156.000 died ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AMERICA/PERU - Rev. Juan Tomas Oliver Climent appointed New Coadjutor Bishop of Requena Vicariate Apostolic SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - CARIBBEAN/CUBA - AIDS: delegates from 14 different countries meet to discuss ways to fight the disease of the century 05/03/2004 VATICAN - Pressing appeal from the Congregation for the Oriental Churches to help the Church in the Holy Land in urgent need of prayer and concrete solidarity “to sustain the presence of the Christian community in the Holy Land ” EUROPE/ITALY - “In their service in Argentina the sons of Don Orione fulfil the passionate longing of their Founder to render more dignified the life of the humble people”: Don Orione Director General comments appointment of Orione Bishop as Bishop of Anatuya diocese, one of the poorest in Argentina AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Land is at the centre of clashes in Ouragahio, in central southern Ivory Coast, 8 killed and 11 wounded AFRICA/ CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - Tension in Bangui due to student protests and presence of Haiti’s ousted President Aristide ASIA/TAJIKISTAN - Growing Catholic community in Tajikistan welcomes two new priests from Argentina AMERICA/URUGUAY - “Trust in the Holy Spirit and pray for the missionary and evangelising courage of the early Christians to transform the Church and the world with witness of your life”: the Bishop of Florida in Uruguay issues Lenten Message CEP APPOINTMENTS - AMERICA/EL SALVADOR - Norberto Jose Marroquin Renderos appointed National Director Pontifical Mission Societies SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - “We cannot play with life: science has its times which must be respected”: Doctor Campisi speaker at “Stem Cells Science and Conscience” tells Fides. 04/03/2004 EUROPE/SPAIN - Hispanic America Day: “Efforts for evangelisation must not wane, they must increase to meet new challenges ” AFRICA/BURUNDI - Elections postponed? So far only rumours possibly to see the reaction of the international community AFRICA/SUDAN - International humanitarian organisations mobilise to help victims of war in Darfur western Sudan ASIA/HOLY LAND - Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem issues Lenten Message: “However, the human person in this land is not called to live in a state of permanent war...those who impose oppression have the duty to put an end to it so that the land might then know the security and peace that are so much desired” ASIA/TURKEY - Friars Minor in Istanbul open new International Fraternity Centre for dialogue with Orthodox Christians and followers of Islam AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Communion is our horizon and our dream we want to open our frontiers to bear witness to what we have seen and heard” says newly elected President of the National Mission Council COMINA. AMERICA/COLOMBIA - “Women in the Church and Society Today”: course on the anthropological, philosophical and theological aspects of women and their role in the Church and society SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ASIA - United Nations: drug abuse continues to spread FIDES SIGNALS - EUROPE/ITALY - Conference on “Stem Cells, Science and Conscience” 03/03/2004 VATICAN - Study Seminar on the social responsibility of businessmen and globalisation, promoted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on the eve of the publication of a compendium of the fundamental principles of Catholic Social Teaching. EUROPE/SCOTLAND - “Love one another”: for Lent Cardinal O’Brien recalls Jesus' commandmentand calls Christians in Scotland to defend Christian schools, assist refugees and reject a draft Sexual Health Bill at variance with Catholic teaching EUROPE/ITALY - Poor and abandoned youth “weigh on the conscience of society which wants and has globalised its economy but not its commitment for the development of peoples and the promotion of the dignity of every human person” says Salesian Rector Major Rev. Chavez AFRICA/CAMEROON - Caritas in Africa decide to build solidarity fund for emergency aid AFRICA/LIBERIA - Sierra Leone refugees return from Liberia where they fled for safety. Liberian refugees head homewards from neighbouring countries ASIA/IRAQ - “The people who plan and execute these acts want to prevent Iraq from becoming free and democratic ” Father Nizar in Ninive tells Fides AMERICA/PERU - “Brother, sister your life is mission!” : Missionary Animation Course-Workshop organised by Callao diocese AMERICA - “As families evangelise their milieu, they transform daily life into an extraordinary meeting place with God” say the Bishops of the Church in America SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/CAMEROON - HIV/AIDS virus infection rate is twenty times higher than ten years ago SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA - Critical food shortage in five Latin American countries 02/03/2004 EUROPE/SPAIN - Preparations for the canonisation of Blessed Giuseppe Manyanet y Vives, the “prophet of the family”: “every home must become the home of Nazareth”. AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Government and former rebel leaders welcome UN decision to send 6.000 peace keepers AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - “Moral integrity, honesty and competence”: Bishops outline the profile of the ideal candidate for legislative elections ASIA/NEPAL - Death of founder of first and only Catholic college in Nepal Jesuit Missionary Father Watrin ASIA/KOREA - Commission for the Abolition of the Death Penalty will increase its efforts AMERICA/COSTA RICA - “The evangelising mission of the Church has been consolidated on the Continent, mission ad gentes is becoming a determinant and incisive force which is renewing the Church”: CAM 2 Conclusions approved and consigned. AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Family of lay Franciscans on mission to help alcoholics and to evangelise among Venezuelan youth FIDES SIGNALS - EUROPE/ITALY - Loreto 1-5 September 2004, Catholic Action National Meeting. The Pope will beatify Alberto Marvelli, lay member of AC SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - VATICAN - In 2003 the Portal of the Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital registered more than one million visitors. Recently a European Union survey put the Portal www.ospedalebambinogesu.it among the ten best sites for user friendliness and innovative services quality 01/03/2004 VATICAN - At the Angelus prayer the Pope says “Lent calls us to make a special effort on our spiritual journey” urging those present to make Lent “a generous competition in showing solidarity” with children especially those in most danger and difficulty VATICAN - Papal Message for 19th World Youth Day: “If we want to see Jesus we must let ourselves be seen by him! Dear young people, let Jesus look into your eyes so that you have will have an ever greater longing to see the Light to savour the splendour of Truth.” EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - “We must take care of the brothers and sisters in the faith living in the land of Jesus Christ where Christianity was born” say Bishops of Switzerland calling Swiss Catholic to be generous in giving to the Holy Week collection which this year will go to help Christians in the Holy Land AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Bishops of Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cape Verde and Mauritania devote Lenten reflection to children in need AFRICA/REPUBLIC OF CONGO - Bishop of Kinkala in south east Congo makes pastoral visit to villagers still suffering effects of war 1998-2003: “Forgiveness is the only path to the Resurrection ” AMERICA/NICARAGUA - “Conversion of heart and caring for little ones with love” is the Lenten message from the Bishops Nicaragua. Sunday 14 March collection for abandoned children AMERICA/HAITI - Situation still unsettled in Haiti after departure of President Aristide. Local eyewitness reports SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - “Train doctors and nurses in health-care as well as sociological and cultural subjects” this is the aim of a Masters in Medical Care for Migrants and Refugees, Homeless people and Poor people SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ASIA/JAPAN - Bird Flu spreads: confirmed a new area of infection FIDES SIGNALS - 100 anniversary of the birth of Karl Rahner: Pontifical Lateran University organises Study meeting for a critical reading of Rahner’s theology Archivio 2005 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DICEMBER Archivio 2004 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DICEMBER Archivio 2003 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DICEMBER Archivio 2002 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DICEMBER

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