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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 aprile 2004 30/04/2004 AFRICA/TANZANIA - “it is not money first, but people first that will bring effective development” says report from Justice and Peace Commission of the Tanzanian Bishops Conference AFRICA/ANGOLA - Technical training and social-health care to help people impoverished by two decades of war ASIA/NORTH KOREA - Caritas Hong Kong assists victims of major train disaster in North Korea ASIA/INDONESIA - Alarm in Indonesia: members of radical Muslim paramilitary Laskar Jihad group land in Moluccas to defend “brother Muslims” and join the “holy war” AMERICA/MEXICO - “To promote new evangelisation it is necessary to be open to pastoral conversion which requires a change of mindset, attitudes… and persevering docility to the Spirit who changes hearts” say Catholic Bishops of Mexico in a Message AMERICA/ECUADOR - Bishops of Ecuador voice concern: “A country which lacks democratic stability and social equity has no future ” and call on everyone to work to help build the homeland of their dreams OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Catholic diocese appeals for help to rebuild mission and school destroyed in accidental fire SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/GUATEMALA - Latin America and Caribbean strive to eliminate hunger ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Bishop Fritz Lobinger of Aliwal resigns ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/INDONESIA - Merauke archdiocese: Archbishop Jakobus Duivenvoorde resigns, Reverend Nicolaus Adi Septura appointed 29/04/2004 VATICAN - “Re-launch mission ad gentes with courage”: Presentation of "Eucharist and Mission" Pope John Paul II’s Message for World Mission Sunday 2004 (24 October) AFRICA/UGANDA - Fierce fighting between army and rebels continues in northern Ugandan district of Gulu ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Mission of dialogue and service for two new deacons in a mainly Muslim district of Mindanao ASIA/INDONESIA - Occult actors in Moluccas conflict: “Tension and fear in Ambon; Moluccas are paying for the electoral campaign in Jakarta ”, Bishop of Amboina told Fides AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Young followers of St Francis of Assisi are on the web with Franciscan Youth International SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ASIA/CHINA - Two suspect cases of SARS confirmed 800 in quarantine to prevent epidemic 28/04/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s weekly teaching at the general audience : “Even in solitude, forsaken by his loved ones, the praying believer is never completely alone, the all merciful God is with him”. EUROPE/ITALY - Xaverian Missionaries in Italy elect new directing staff: Father Pozzobon, new regional Superior, animates vocations pastoral and Missionary Childhood initiatives EUROPE/LITHUANIA - “The red flag of Communism has gone and the flag of Christ flies once again in Lithuania”: Father Marko Mikalonis from Argentina tells Fides about his mission in Pumpenai, Lithuania. ASIA/THAILAND - Motives behind violence in southern Thailand are political not religious Apostolic Administrator of Surat Thani diocese told Fides AFRICA/UGANDA - “Every open door, even only a crack may be an opening for peace” Archbishop of Gulu told Fides ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Catholic Bishop issues message for “Labour Day” SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/MALI - Mali, one of the poorest countries in the world suffers from lack of water and lack of health care FIDES SIGNALS - 5th International Festival of Christian Music: “The world sings about Mary” - Friday 30 April 2004 Don Bosco Palasport Schio 27/04/2004 VATICAN - Thursday 29 April, presentation of Pope John Paul II’s Message for Mission Sunday 2004 on the theme “Eucharist and Mission” EUROPE - Together for Europe: international meeting for church Movements and Communities May 8 at Stuttgart “a soul for Europe” AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - 10 years of democracy in South Africa: “A positive decade all in all, but scars still remain” a local missionary told Fides ASIA/IRAQ - “Terrorism is a threat to Muslims as well” Father Nizar told Fides AMERICA/ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - “Yo también”, local Church programme to help street children in 7 years has reinserted more than 600 youngsters. “The world today needs concrete signs to build hope” Father Luis Rosario told Fides. SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ASIA/CHINA - Chinese health ministry isolates new nest of SARS: 600 in quarantine in Beijing SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Instability, military operations and forced migration of peoples increase risk of spreading HIV/AIDS 26/04/2004 VATICAN - The Pope beatifies six men and women: “With their confidence we too turn to Mary imploring… may the human family find again the paths of justice and peace”. AFRICA - Communicating the positive face of Africa: Harambee International Award 2002 AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Bissau city mine free by the end of 2004. German government funds project through local Caritas offices AFRICA/ANGOLA - a local report on the expelling of Congolese from Angola AFRICA/CONGO - “Children and Youth in society and in the Church: the child a gift of God. Youth, richness and opportunity for our times”: theme of 32nd plenary assembly of the Congo Bishops’ Conference opening today ASIA/KOREA - Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul issues message for national Day for Persons with a Disability ASIA/BANGLADESH - Apostolic Nuncio thanks Catholics in Korea for aid to support missionaries on Bangladesh AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Inform, form, promote and strengthen relations among all those involved in mission in Venezuela: objectives of the 24th Annual Mission Meeting. MISSIONARY PRAYER INTENTION - The Pope’s missionary intention for May 2004 “That through the maternal intercession of Our Lady, Catholics may recognise the Eucharist as the heart of soul of missionary activity ”. Comment by Trappist Nuns at the Convent of Our Lady of San Giuseppe a Vitorchiano (Viterbo). CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/INDIA - Rev. Ornellas Coutinho appointed rector St Francis Xavier Pontifical Inter-diocesan Seminary a Poona 24/04/2004 DOSSIER - FIDES DOSSIER - Religions in the new Iraq DOSSIER - ASIA/IRAQ - “The extremists will not ruin good relations among religion in Iraq”, Father Nizar Semaan told Fides DOSSIER - ASIA/IRAQ - In Iraq Islamic troops under the aegis of the United Nations to stabilise the country: Islamic Conference Organisation’s proposal meets consensus DOSSIER - ASIA/IRAQ - Good relations among religious communities, humanitarian aid from churches and mosques without discrimination: action of Interreligious Council in for peace DOSSIER - ASIA/IRAQ - “Iraqis of all the different religious communities are a united people. It is a mistake to strike mosques” says Prof. Justo Lacunza, Rector of the Pontifical Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies in Rome DOSSIER - ASIA/IRAQ - A year after the fall of Saddam: different religious communities amidst traditional leaders and new radical groups 23/04/2004 VATICAN - “For the past twenty years young people have carried this Cross along the paths of the world, on their shoulders, on sledges, on boats, by air, by car and nothing has ever stopped them…with its eloquent presence this Cross led them to start a journey, to rediscover the meaning of pilgrimage and mission” - Twenty years ago the Pope entrusted to young people the Holy Year cross, now the symbol of World Youth days AFRICA/NIGERIA - Catholics to make a film on prison life in Nigeria AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA - Revolt by mercenaries from Chad does not affect life in the Central African capital. A missionary sends testimony to Fides ASIA/INDIA - India and Pakistan to discuss peace, nuclear disarmament, disputed Kashmir region and persisting problem of drug trafficking OCEANIA/SOLOMON ISLANDS - “Church of Solomon Island, look to the future!”: says Father Michael Aike, first local Catholic priest ordained 36 years an example for priests and laity SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA - Making a dream come true for African children: “Malaria Free Future”, the theme of Africa Malaria Day 22/04/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s Wednesday audience teaching: “Communion with God is the source of serenity, joy, peace, it is like entering an oasis of light and love” AFRICA/BURUNDI - Last resistant rebel group says it is ready to talk about peace. Thousands take part in Peace Initiatives throughout the country organised by local Catholic Action AMERICA/MEXICO - Members of parliament from almost 140 countries promise to protect children: “Handbook for Parliamentarians on Child Protection” presented at 110th International Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union IPU. SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/TANZANIA - A “bank” to help eliminate poverty and AIDS by giving economic assistance and opportunities to poor women in outlying districts of Dar es Salaaam 20/04/2004 VATICAN - Promulgated 15 Decrees: Founder of Dehonian Missionaries among those to be beatified; recognised also the martyrdom of 7 priests and a nun killed during the Spanish civil war and the heroic virtues of a Sister who spent 30 years caring for lepers and a 10 year old girl who offered her suffering for the Church’s missionary work . EUROPA/AUSTRIA - A future for child soldiers in Northern Uganda: “Missio Austria” launches a signature campaign for international commitment to reach peace after 18 years of civil war EUROPE/ITALY - Intercultural Dialogue a tool for peace: 14th African Film Festival, including films from Asia and Latin America. Fides meets one of the founders Annamaria Gallone AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - Caritas network offers emergency assistance following worst cyclones in 20 years with a project costing 522,000 Euro ASIA/IRAQ - Christians in Mosul send humanitarian aid to Muslims in besieged city of Falluja 19/04/2004 VATICAN - At the Sunday Regina Cæli prayer the Pope says: “Jesus is our peace, because he is the perfect manifestation of Divine Mercy” - Appeal for the peoples of the Holy Land and Iraq: “I am especially close in thought and prayer to the families who fear for the safety of their loved ones, particularly those taken hostage”. EUROPE/ITALY “New wine in new skins” : Xaverian Missionaries in Italy open 12th regional Chapter AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Spokesman of Southern African Bishops’ Conference, Father Efrem Tresoldi, comments for Fides election results in South Africa AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Positive results from meeting between Prime Minister and Opposition. Agreement on freedom of press, security for Party leaders and party headquarters, freedom of assembly and demonstration AMERICA/GUATEMALA - Meeting of Central America missionary forces after CAM 2: what pastoral strategies to implement a Missionary plan ad gentes in Central America? 17/04/2004 ASIA/IRAQ - Dossier Fides: Iraq religion yesterday and today 16/04/2004 AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - Italian Xaverian Missionary Giuseppe Mauri killed in car accident: teaching, AIDS assistance and missionary animation were the main occupations of his day AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Small steps for reconciliation between President Gbagbo and 7 Opposition Parties which abandoned interim government of national unity AFRICA/SUDAN - Prospects for peace in Sudan extend also to northern Uganda ASIA/IRAQ - Today 16 April in Baghdad children make their first Holy Communion. Archbishop Athanase Matti Shaba Mattoka, of Syrian Catholics in Baghdad told Fides: “Iraqis of different faiths can live side by side ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Progressive party wins general elections, President Roh entrusted with the re-launching of the economy ASIA/CHINA - Bishop Julius Jia Zhiguo and Easter ASIA/NORTH KOREA - UN Human Rights Commission institutes role of Special Observer for North Korea ASIA/VIETNAM - Mountain peoples continue to flee Vietnam, but the Office of the UN High Commission for refugees in Cambodia which provided assistance has had to close AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Divine Mercy Sunday must promote the building of a Culture of Mercy as part of the evangelising activity of the Church” says Catholic Bishop of Santo André SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - Italo-African vaccine to stop the transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus to children SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Wolisso centre with a population of 400,000 is to have a hospital and a school for training nurses and public health workers CEP APPOINTMENTS - AFRICA/NIGERIA - Rev. Thomas Mbvwakhnkwuot appointed Rector of the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna 15/04/2004 VATICAN - Like Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin, Doctor of the Church, now secondary patroness of the Apostleship of Prayer, everyone can live a life of prayer, charity, and the humility and simplicity of the Gospel”. AFRICA/SOMALIA - Fundamentalists target westerners. 5,000 dollars for a foreigner’s head AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - According to the exit poll the National African Congress is in the lead after elections yesterday; bad organisation affected voting in some parts ASIA/IRAQ - “It is time for the Arab world to condemn acts of terrorism like the brutal killing of one Italian hostages ” says Father Nizar ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Uphold values, avoid taking sides with political parties: Archbishop Fernando Capalla urges priests and religious in view of elections on May 10 AMERICA/BRAZIL - “To face the challenge of a globalised society we want to be a missionary Church with concrete commitment for mission in the Amazon region”: 6th national assembly of organisations of the People of God in Brazil. ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Bishop Francisco F. Claver SJ Vicar apostolic of Bontoc-Lagawe resigns, Rev. Cornelio Galleo Wigwigan appointed FIDES SIGNALS - “Inter-ethnic Dialogue and Reconciliation”: 16 - 18 April in Rome international Symposium promoted by Friars Minor 14/04/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s teaching at weekly Wednesday Audience: Victorious over death, Jesus gives life that will never die to those who accept him and believe in Him… In our day too it is necessary, thanks to the commitment of believers, to make resound the announcement of Christ who died, and who, through the power of his Spirit now lives and triumphs”. VATICAN - The Pope’s Easter Message: “On this the day of your triumph over death may humanity find in you, O Lord, the courage to face together the many evils by which it is afflicted. In particular may it find the strength to face the inhuman and unfortunately spreading phenomenon of terrorism, which denies life and renders dark and insecure the daily life of so many hardworking and peaceful people”. EUROPE/ITALY - Union of Major Superiors in Italy holds National Assembly: “Making hope visible in a changing world...” AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Voting starts in South Africa: National African Congress expected to win despite delusion of part of the electorate ASIA/IRAQ - Christians flocked to Easter Liturgies. Gesture of solidarity with Sunni Muslims in Falluja trapped in the city in crossfire between US troops and guerrilla forces ASIA/INDIA - Popular Bible Correspondence Course in Santali language launched by two Catholics in Bangalore ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Imbuing politics with the Gospel values: a duty for Christians in the 3rd millennium - Catholic Bishops of Korea issue message in view of general elections on 15 April SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - Hope for Africa: St Egidio receives Aquila University Award for anti-AIDS project 07/04/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s Letter to Priests for Holy Thursday: ““Never forget that you yourselves are the first “Apostles” of Jesus the High Priest. Your own witness counts more than anything else”. HOLY EASTER 2004 - "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things". (Lk 24, 46-48). The liberating message of Easter gives rise to new commitment to bear witness at the service of the Church’s mission to proclaim to all men and women that Christ is the Saviour and Redeemer of humanity. We wish you a Holy Easter in the light and the power of the Resurrection of Christ. FIDES SERVICE. EUROPE/FRANCE - East and West celebrate Easter in Lyon: Christians of all denominations will meet at dawn on Easter Sunday for an ecumenical prayer service. EUROPE/ITALY - Trade in minors :trade without frontiers. The present situation according to Italian Magistrate who has opened an investigation: “These are not matters to tackle now and again just to quieten consciences”. ASIA/CHINA/HONG KONG - Hong Kong’s diocesan newspaper Kung Kao Po provides Audio News on the Internet ASIA/TAJIKISTAN - Second Charity Concert of Classical Religious Music in Dushanbe in aid of deaf and dumb children ASIA/IRAQ - “Why the international community united and resolute must stand up to extremist violence here in Iraq ” Father Nizar Semaan tells Fides AMERICA/COLOMBIA - “Easter is not only taking part in religious celebrations…it means making visible God’s passover in our lives which transforms us and calls us to model our lives on the values of the Gospel”: President of the Bishops’ Conference issues message for Easter 2004 OCEANIA/ SOLOMON ISLANDS - Salesian mission flourishes thanks to work of young Italian volunteers: Youth Centre dream is coming true 06/04/2004 SPECIAL ISSUE - RWANDA: genocide of a people is always genocide of humanity SPECIAL ISSUE - Ten years after the genocide, the scars remain but reconciliation advances. SPECIAL ISSUE - What is “genocide»? (Info.) SPECIAL ISSUE - Massacres and colonialism in Africa SPECIAL ISSUE - The silent genocide of Pygmies in central Africa SPECIAL ISSUE - Ethnic genocide of the 20th century SPECIAL ISSUE - The victims of Communist totalitarianism in the USSR SPECIAL ISSUE - VATICAN - The Pope’s anguished and repeated calls during the genocide in Rwanda: “Do not give in to the temptation of hatred and revenge. At this tragic stage of the life of your country, be builders of peace and love” SPECIAL ISSUE - THE MARTYROLOGY OF THE CHURCH IN RWANDA IN 1994 05/04/2004 VATICAN - The Pope begins Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday Mass: “Dear young people do not be afraid to proclaim whatever the circumstances the Gospel of the Cross. Do not be afraid to go upstream!” VATICAN - 8th International Youth Forum comes to a close. Archbishop Rylko tells young participants: “ Not only at university but in life Christ relies on each one of us. “The success of this Forum - Archbishop Rylko concluded- depends on you: now, put out into the deep!” AFRICA/RWANDA - The Office for Social Communications of the Rwandan Bishops’ Conference has announced that on the basis of a recent censure more than one million people perished in massacres in Rwanda in 1994 AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Future of Ivory Coast in the hands of four ruthless politicians ASIA/IRAQ - “A Holy Week of suffering for Iraqi Christians” reports Father Nizar Semaan from Mosul. Palm Sunday processions and Easter Night Vigil Mass cancelled for security reasons ASIA/INDONESIA - Indonesia votes in general elections: “It is fundamental that politics and religion are separate” local Catholic Bishop told Fides ASIA/SRI LANKA - “The new government must focus on peace, freedom and national prosperity Archbishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo told Fides after general elections ASIA/PAKISTAN - In Pakistan Evangelisation over the radio for 38th World Communications Day CEP APPOINTMENTS - AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - Bishop François-Xavier Yombandje appointed Bishop Bossangoa 02/04/2004 VATICAN - Twenty years on the Pope entrusts Rome’s youth with the Cross: “Nourished by the Eucharist, united in the Church, carrying your own crosses, let your faith explode as you tell everyone about God’s mercy!” AFRICA/EGYPT - Concerns voiced by Cardinal Stephanos II Ghattas, Patriarch of Alexandria of Copt Catholics AFRICA/ANGOLA - 338 Street children find a Home at the Arnold Janssen Centre in Luanda which has cared for orphaned children and victims of violence since 1993 AFRICA/GREAT LAKES - Burundi and Rwanda: repatriation of refugees marks important step on the path towards reconciliation in these two countries. Many had not seen their home country for 10 years ASIA/AFGHANISTAN - Three million refugees repatriated in two years: returnees assisted by UN High Commission for Refugees and Christians agencies, particularly Jesuits and Salesians ASIA/INDONESIA - Catholic Maternity Hospital in Ternate, Moluccas, reopens: Christians and Muslims welcome this sign of hope and confidence AMERICA/GUATEMALA - CAM 2 Conclusions officially handed over to diocesan delegates for implementation in ordinary pastoral care: mission must be the basis of diocesan and parish pastoral plans AMERICA/VENEZUELA - “To protect life is a duty for everyone ”: Catholic Bishops of Venezuela launch appeal in the face of a national crisis 01/04/2004 VATICAN - Papal Message to 8th International Youth Forum: “You must build the Church within your Universities, as a visible community which believes, prays, gives account for our hope, and lovingly welcomes every trace of good, truth and beauty in University life.” VATICAN - Pontifical Urban University launches “Affiliated net” project connecting i 92 affiliated Institutes all over the world and enrich missionary formation AFRICA/CONGO RD - “Government minimises Sunday’s assault to save peace process: an act of responsibility to guarantee the country a better future” missionary in Congo told Fides AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Bishops of Guinea Bissau issue statement after elections: “Electorate demonstrated maturity. Political leaders, take a lesson from the people!” AFRICA/UGANDA - “The international community must intervene to help the exhausted people of Uganda exposed to daily vexation by numerous gangs of gunmen”: Superiors of Comboni Missionaries launch appeal following the murder of Italian missionary Father Fulvi. ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Lay Catholics have leading role to play in pastoral care for migrants in Asia: conclusions of “Exodus”, week of formation for Religious and lay Catholics involved in pastoral care of migrants and itinerant peoples ASIA/NORTH KOREA - “The people are hungry for food and peace”: Caritas Hong Kong reports after humanitarian mission in North Korea ASIA/INDIA - “Forced conversions” and freedom of religious minorities: theme of electoral campaign - Bishops urge Catholics to fast and pray that the vote will be peaceful and transparent AMERICA/MEXICO - Materialism, violence and permissiveness are the most dangerous threats to the family. 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