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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 maggio 2004 31/05/2004 VATICAN - The Pope says at the Regina Cæli prayer: “Conformed by the Spirit to Christ the new Adam, believers become his witnesses, sowing hope, spreading mercy and peace.” VATICAN - The Pope presides 1st Vespers Pentecost: "it is my hope that the spirituality of Pentecost will spread in the Church giving new impulse to prayer, holiness, communion and mission ” VATICAN - For thirty years the International Centre for Missionary Animation (CIAM) has served the Church “to reawaken the desire for holiness in all the agents of mission”. EUROPE/ITALY - New missionary presence in the world of the internet: on line web site of Missionaries of Mary, Xaverian Sisters AFRICA/MOROCCO - “Cold and lucid strategies are behind the hands of terrorists” Father Lacunza, Rector of the Pontifical Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies ASIA/CHINA - Funeral of Bishop Agostino Zhao Jing-Nong ASIA/PAKISTAN - Another young Catholic dies of beatings: Samuel Masih, in prison on charges of blasphemy died in hospital of beatings received in prison ASIA/NEPAL - First Catholic Pastoral Centre: a step forward for a “little Church but with lots of enthusiasm” in Nepal SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - Even in rich countries children’s sicknesses are a worry. “Measles, Mumps and German Measles are no joke”. Italian health ministry launches anti-measles campaign. In 2002-2003 there were 28,000 cases of measles reported and 8 were mortal. 29/05/2004 AFRICA/UGANDA - President of Holy See’s Council for Justice and Peace Cardinal Renato Martino visits war torn Uganda: solemn Mass on June 3 to commemorate Ugandan Martyrs. AFRICA/ANGOLA - A forgotten war. “The Church has no political interest in the crisis in Cabinda, but it cannot remain silent in the face of the tragedy afflicting the people ” says Catholic Vicar General of Cabinda diocese ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - More than 2,000 priests, religious and laity at the service of children: National Congress for Catholic Educators in Korea ASIA/CHINA - Hebei: two Catholic priests detained by police for five days are released but no sign of two arrested Bishops AMERICA/PERU - “Send me Lord I will be your missionary!” more than 2,500 children attend National Missionary Childhood Day to renew their commitment. AMERICA/COLOMBIA - “New missionary challenges demand team work of priests, religious and laity... Sound formation for lay missionaries”: conclusions of 1st National Missionary Meeting for Religious 28/05/2004 VATICAN - New challenges for ecumenical, interreligious and intercultural dialogue in the world of human mobility: 16th plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples EUROPE/POLAND - "Carrying love to the Whole World": two day Missionary Childhood Congress in Poland EUROPE/ITALY - Internet to evangelise the world: 2nd meeting for Catholic net surfers EUROPE/ITALY - Papaboys forum promotes new young opinion movement “Europa Cristiana” AFRICA/SUDAN Now that southern Sudan war has ended, tragedy in Darfur must not be forgotten AFRICA/SWAZILAND - Letter from the African forest: Italian missionary Father Angelo Ciccone fifty years of giving lepers love and hope ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Education and catechesis and social assistance: Marist Brothers in mostly Muslim area of southern Philippines welcome local novices ASIA/QATAR - “Religious freedom antidote to fundamentalism”: 2nd International Conference on Christian/Muslim Dialogue opens in Doha ASIA/INDONESIA - Vote candidates committed to fighting corruption and promoting social development: Bishops advise Catholic in view of presidential elections on 5 July AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Silver microphone” award for best programme in evangelisation goes to “Children evangelising Children” radio programme broadcast from Belém involving local Missionary Childhood MISSIONARY PRAYER INTENTION - Pope John Paul II's missionary prayer intention June 2004: “That religious freedom - a fundamental right of humankind - may meet with ever growing respect in Asian countries.” Comment by Archbishop Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Agra, India SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - Smoking kills 13,500 people every day. World No Tobacco Day: various initiatives, ranging from “Feel Free to Say No” campaign promoted by the European Commission, to the 6th national conference “Tabagismo e Servizio Sanitario Nazionale” organised by the Italian Higher Institute for Health 27/05/2004 EUROPE/SPAIN - “We are the Church precisely because we send missionaries…missionaries are most obvious proof that we are Church ” says Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio Ma Rouco Varela, in a pastoral letter for Diocesan Mission Day in Madrid. AFRICA/SUDAN - Points of peace agreement signed yesterday ending civil war in southern Sudan. Conflict in western region of Darfur still unsolved. AFRICA/CONGO RD - Fighting in Bukavu east Congo. Uncertainty with regard the dimensions of the episode AFRICA/SENEGAL - Crowds mourn Cardinal Hyacinthe Thiandoum one of 30 African bishops who attended Vatican II. Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples sends local Church message of condolence: “In love with God and mankind, he strove to build peace, harmony and unity in his country”. AFRICA/CONGO RD - Confusion reigns in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the scene of fighting for the past few days ASIA/INDIA - National paper front page cartoon offends India’s Christians: Catholic Bishops protest AMERICA - Death toll of floods in Dominican Republic and Haiti rises to 2,000. Local Church takes active part in providing relief aid 26/05/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s weekly teaching at the general audience: God is Judge, but he is also Saviour; he condemns evil and rewards fidelity and justice but above all love.. VATICAN - Renewal in the Spirit movement welcomes call to pray with the Pope to invoke copious outpouring of the gifts of the Spirit upon the whole Church EUROPE/SPAIN - “New evangelisation will be possible only when Christians let themselves be filled by the Holy Spirit with love for Jesus to enable them to become builders of ecclesial communion, overcoming activism and willing to be a reflection of the Risen Lord at every moment of life””. Pentecost Sunday Day of Lay Catholic Apostolate AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - The unknown plight of Great Lakes refugees in South Africa: an Italian Scalabrini missionary reports to Fides AFRICA/MALAWI - Opposition calls for repeat of 20 May elections. Protests and violence. Catholic media are threatened AFRICA/UGANDA - North Uganda: “The world’s most serious humanitarian emergency” says AVSI delegate for Africa ASIA/TAIWAN - In rich societies the custom to exclude the aged must be overcome: commitment of Church in Taipei ASIA/CHINA - Highlight of celebrations for Marian month of May in China: Feast of “Mary Help of Christians” at Dong Lu shrine ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Korean fidei donum priests will be sent on mission to the United States to care for overseas Catholics ASIA/INDIA - Chain suicides among farmers in Southern India ruined by poor harvests and heavy bank debts: Caritas comes to aid of stricken families AMERICA/PERU - The Rosary, nourishment for evangelising mission. “Instead of speeches and explanations of spiritual themes people need to experience the living God and this is only possible through prayer ” says Bishop of Chosica. AMERICA - At least 300 killed and hundreds missing in floods raging through Dominican Republic and Haiti OCEANIA/SOLOMON ISLANDS “The media and the family - A risk and a richness ”: forum for media and pastoral operators in Solomon Islands reflects on Pope John Paul II’s message for the Church’s World Communications Day marked this year on 23 May. SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/MALI - 70% of children infected by waters of Niger River and risk long term damage to vital organs. More than 250 million people in the world have Bilharziosis 25/05/2004 EUROPE/ITALY - The Pope who acted to save Jews. Vatican Secret Archives reveal the whole truth about Pius XII. Book by Matteo Luigi Napolitano and Andrea Tornielli. Fides Service met one of the authors AFRICA - African Union inaugurates new Council for Peace and Security charged with promoting peace on the continent AFRICA/MALAWI - Mixed feelings: a missionary sends Fides a comment after accouncement of election results AFRICA/IVORY COAST - “Dialogue at deadlock” locale Church sources told Fides commenting the battle in Ivory Coast between President and Premier AFRICA/LIBERIA - Disarmament of Liberian factions proceeds. Tragedy of refugees trying to return to Liberia ASIA/CHINA - A wedding is not a show of family wealth, it is the celebration of a Sacrament ASIA/TAIWAN - Strengthen the spirit of faith, hope and charity in every parish: local communities set to work ASIA/INDIA - Indian Social Institute now NGO accredited with the United Nations ASIA/EAST TIMOR - East Timor’s president makes symbolic act of forgiveness towards pro-Indonesia militia guilty of being involved in massacres following referendum on independence ASIA/SRI LANKA - Efforts to resume negotiations to restore peace: priorities of new government BOOK REVIEW - Giuseppe Franzelli - MONDO COMBONIANO - Ed. Emi (Italian only) FIDES SIGNALS - Scouts and Guides and rights of children and adolescents: listening to produce change. AGESCI Seminar at Bracciano 5 June 24/05/2004 VATICAN - The Pope urges families and institutions to “use the media with prudence and wisdom” so the they may provide “opportunities for education, cultural enrichment and spiritual growth”. He also invited those who will be in Rome to a special Vigil of Pentecost in St Peter’s next Saturday evening. EUROPE/AUSTRIA - “Do not hide your faith!”: Bishops of central Europe voice 7 requests at the end of “Pilgrimage of Peoples” to Our Lady of Mariazell EUROPE/ITALY - Religious music is language everyone understands: a people which no longer sings is no longer a people ASIA/CHINA - Parish in inner Mongolia adopts pastoral programme to draw more people to church and frequent reception of the Sacraments ASIA/TAIWAN - Focolare Movement reaps fruits of 25 years of service and evangelisation ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Christians and Buddhists united to promote harmony and prosperity: Catholic Bishops address message to Buddhist leaders for the feast of Vesakh ASIA/INDIA - A stable government to lead the country to an era of peace, prosperity and social harmony: local Church in India expresses hopes for the future ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - OCEANIA/NEW ZEALAND - Wellington: Auxiliary Bishop John Dew appointed Coadjutor Archbishop ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - OCEANIA/NEW ZEALAND - Dunedin: Bishop Leonard Boyle resigns, Reverend Colin Campbell appointed Bishop of Dunedin 22/05/2004 VATICAN - “Train qualified personal, build new health structures, guarantee medicines” Angola’s health minister Ms Albertina Nahosse Henrique Hamurkwaya illustrates her programme VATICAN - “Africa: a extraordinary resource of good for humanity” says Cardinal Martino at the end of a Conference on Africa and globalisation promoted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace AFRICA/MALAWI - Malawi still waiting for results of presidential and political elections AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - “Obscure powers exploit ethnic frustration to steal regional resources” Cardinal Etsou Archbishop of Kinshasa affirms in a statement on wars in Africa’s Great Lakes region. ASIA/PAKISTAN - Despite pressure from Muslim fundamentalists local Church continues legal action after murder of 19 year old Catholic boy Anjum Javed, Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha, President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference told Fides AMERICA/PERU - Bishops’ Solidarity Campaign 2004 focuses on tragedy of adolescent mothers: 13% of girls aged 15 to 19 are already mothers or are expecting their first baby. AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Torture: American society in a moral dilemma 21/05/2004 VATICAN - “A new forum for proclaiming the Gospel”: interview with Father Claudio Pighin, author of “Pastorale della Comunicazione” Pastoral of Communication published recently EUROPE/AUSTRIA - Austrian Shrine of Mariazell spiritual heart of central Europe: about 50.000 to 80.000 Catholics expected to walk on Pilgrimage of Peoples marking the end of “Katholikentag Mitteleuropeo” VATICAN - “Africa is not adrift”: message of conference on development in Africa organised by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace ASIA/CHINA - Mother of Mercy Hospital offers a week of free medical check up and treatment to women: a way of transmitting the Blessed Virgin Mary’s spirit of mercy, love and service for all people ASIA/INDONESIA - President Megawati visits Ambon amidst tension and fear - Political, social and religious leaders strive to prevent another conflict ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Eliminate corruption from public life: a task for the new president of the Philippines: the Church is a “watchman ” for morality in the country’s social and political life ASIA/SRI LANKA - Dialogue and unity with Buddhists, no to “immoral” conversions: Catholic Bishops pay a visit to Sri Lanka’s leading Buddhists AMERICA/COLOMBIA - “Transformed by the Cross we proclaim Jesus”: Catechesis in preparation for national Missionary Childhood Day SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - “Blood, a gift of Life”: is the title of a campaign to mark the first Blood Donors Day in Johannesburg, where donors provide 100% of the blood necessary to the country’s hospitals 19/05/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s weekly teaching: “Blessed the man whose guilt is removed and whose sins are forgiven!”: a call to live with our eyes set on heaven putting first the "things of heaven". AFRICA - Death of Cardinal Hyacinthe Thiandoum, for 38 years Archbishop of Dakar in Senegal AFRICA/CHAD - “Military mutiny in Chad connected with conflict over the border in Sudan” local sources told Fides AFRICA/SENEGAL - “For all the people of Senegal, Christians and non Christians, Cardinal Thiandoum was one of the most significant personalities of our country” successor of late Cardinal tells Fides ASIA/CHINA - First Catholic dispensary opened in China to show God’s love by caring for the sick: first step to building a Catholic Health Care network ASIA/HONG KONG - Diocesan Centre for Pastoral Care of Workers hold Round Table discussion on unemployment and how to promote development AMERICA/GUATEMALA - “We will make our parish missionary”: 23 May opens year of preparation for National Mission Congress called by Bishops Conference for May 2005 SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - Cooperazione Italia contributes 268 million Euro to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and malaria SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/RUSSIA - More than 4,500 Russians including 240 children under 14 have died of AIDS since registration of cases started 18/05/2004 VATICAN - The Courage of Mercy VATICAN - To John Paul II: Peter, the “Rock” of our day! VATICAN - The Pope receives the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples: “ Integration at the social level and interaction at the cultural level are therefore the necessary presupposition for authentic peaceful co-existence among individuals and nations ”. VATICAN - Day of Study organised by Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace 21 May to reflect on Social and economic development of Africa in the era of globalisation: EUROPE/GERMANY - New national director of Pontifical Mission Societies-Munich takes office. For Cardinal Wetter, Germany needs to “renew its spirit of mission”. ASIA/IRAQ - Torture, Islam for abuse fighting Islam for peace, as Iraq struggles to stay on the road to democracy ASIA/HONG KONG - Diocesan group shares experience and plans for effective evangelisation ASIA/CHINA - Mainland Catholics mark 80th anniversary of the first Council of the Church in China Primum Concilium Sinense and the founding of the Shrine in honour of Our Lady “Mary Queen of China” ASIA/THAILAND - “The Asian Face of Christ”: theological symposium organised by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences AMERICA/ARGENTINA - “We not only want to be a nation, we need to be a nation whose identity is passion for truth and commitment for the common good ” the Bishops say after plenary assembly of the Bishops’ Conference SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - Tumours caused by virus can be prevented SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - Less than 7% of the world’s six million new cases of AIDS every year receive proper medical treatment. World Health Organisation starts annual meeting 17/05/2004 VATICAN - The Pope canonises six new Saints: “Authentic peace is the fruit of Christ’s triumph over evil, sin and death. All who follow him faithfully become witnesses and builders of his peace.” AFRICA/SUDAN - Peace talks for peace in Sudan resumed. “Refugees returning south could be convinced to vote for the government in a possible referendum on disputed border regions” local source told Fides AFRICA/ANGOLA - “Respect rights of farmers” says Archbishop Zacarias Kamwenho of Lubango, who denounces illegal confiscation of land VATICAN - The Pope receives in audience Plenary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue: “The years to come will see the Church ever more committed to meeting the great challenge of interreligious dialogue... However all religious relativism and indifferentism must be avoided and every effort made to offer with respect to all, joyful witness to the "the hope we nourish" ASIA/HONG KONG - People with mental disabilities deserve all the love we can give them, says Auxiliary Bishop of Hong Kong Bishop John Tong Hon at the inauguration of a new Catholic Care Home ASIA/TAIWAN - Pastoral Letter “Adoring the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, giving our people loving care” to mark 80th anniversary the proclamation of Mary as “Queen of China” on the occasion of the Primum Concilum Sinense (15 May 1924 - 12 June 1924) ASIA/CHINA - Abandoned babies receive tender loving care from Catholic Sisters ASIA/INDONESIA - Not only bombs undermine peace in the Moluccas: history shows false news create hatred, tension and instability ASIA/INDIA - The Christians of India call on new government to strengthen the nation’s secular traditions of democracy and freedom 15/05/2004 VATICAN/CANONISATION DEL 16 MAY - Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962): a mother who gave her life to save that of her fourth child VATICAN - “Communion and solidarity between Africa Europe”: second preparatory meeting for a Symposium of Bishops of Africa and Europe in Rome 10 to14 November. AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Supporters of the President and Opposition interpret differently UN position with regard crimes committed in Ivory Coast AFRICA/ANGOLA - ‘Blood diamonds’ not only from blood shed in war zones but also from exploited ‘slave’ miners AFRICA/MALAWI - Supreme Court of Justice calls for postponement of 18 May elections ASIA/CHINA- All through the month of May Catholics flock to shrine of Our Lady of SheShan ASIA/HONG KONG - Diocesan children lead liturgy, heralds of the Good News ASIA/CHINA - Together official and underground Catholics at funeral of Bishop Francis Xavier Guo Zhengji pay last respects to bold witness of the faith ASIA/INDIA - “Close to families, helping to educate the poor”: theme for next Assembly of the ancient Eastern Catholic Syro-Malabar Church rich in faith and vocations ASIA/HOLY LAND - The new Franciscan Custodian of the Holy Land is Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, one of the youngest ever Custodians ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/THAILAND - Archbishop Lawrence Khai Saen-Phon-On of Thare and Nonseng resigns ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/JAPAN - Bishop Francis Keiichi Sato of Niigata resigns, Rev. Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, appointed ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/JAPAN - Bishop Joseph Satoshi Fukahori of Takamatsu resigns Bishop Francis Xavier Osamu appointed ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Rev. Héctor Epalza Quintero, P.S.S appointed Bishop of Buenaventura ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Reverend Father Gaston Kashala Ruwezi appointed new Bishop of Sakania-Kipushi 14/05/2004 VATICAN/CANONISATION 16 MAY - Paola Elisabetta Cerioli (1816-1865): the uplifting and development of society starting from the family EUROPE/LITHUANIA - “50 years of atheism failed to extinguish the flame of the faith among these people”: Father Marco Mikalonis, missionary from Argentina shares with Fides his first Easter in Lithuania. AFRICA/KENYA - Nairobi Archdiocese celebrates for the ordination of six priests and 5 deacons ASIA/INDIA - From Pakistan Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha, President of the Pakistan Bishops’ Conference, welcomes Congress Party victory in India ASIA/TAIWAN - An Exhibition of photographs of Pope John Paul II draws enthusiastic visitors, Catholics and non ASIA/CHINA - Local Catholic parish blesses non Christian wedding couples and spreads the value of Christian love AMERICA/GUATEMALA - “One of our greatest concerns is the situation of violence insecurity in which our people have to live ” says Catholic Bishops’ Conference SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/BRAZIL - In the whole of America, Brazil had almost 96% of the 39,939 new cases of leprosy registered in 2002. Government campaign to eliminate leprosy in Brazil by 2005 13/05/2004 VATICAN/CANONISATIONS DEL 16 MAY - Nimatullah Al-Hardini (1808-1858): the «Saint» of Kfifan, a man of God and a man of science. VATICAN - The Pope addresses General Chapter of the Pauline Fathers and Brothers: “Be first of all men of prayer and joyous witnesses of unswerving loyalty to Christ. At the head of every project, may there be the divine Master, towards whom must converge all apostolic and missionary activity in a field, that of social communications, most important for new evangelisation.” VATICAN - One quarter of the initiatives to help people suffering from HIV/AIDS are run by Catholic organisations: the contribution of the Pontifical Society for Missionary Childhood VATICAN - The Pontifical Society of St Peter Apostle supports 80.000 seminarians in formation all over the world: “changing the mentality and encouraging shared commitment for missionary cooperation ” AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU Appointment of Catholic woman as minister for the family and to overcome poverty meets with approval AFRICA/CONGO RD - Tragedy of forced Congolese repatriates expelled by Angola: national Caritas intervenes AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Tragedy of forced Congolese repatriates expelled by Angola: national Caritas intervenes AFRICA/NIGERIA - Calm charged with tension in Kano northern Nigeria after recent clashes. Fides sources say hundreds were killed in the violence AFRICA/UGANDA- “A Concern for Peace, Unity And Harmony in Uganda” Easter Message of the Catholic Bishops essential to understand the present national situation ASIA/INDIA - General elections, tolerance wins: in peace, harmony and social progress - Congress Party in the lead: Bishops’ Conference spokesman tells Fides ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Prayer, forgiveness, reconciliation in 20 years of Christian-Muslim dialogue in southern Philippines for Silsilah Movement founded by a Catholic missionary from Italy ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Corruption, unemployment, poverty: emergencies the new President will have to face without delay FIDES SIGNALS - Looking for something at Fides? Now you can find it a the click of a mouse SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - “The right to life cannot depend on geography.” Appeal to fight AIDS in Africa launched by international conference organised by the Sant’Egidio Community 12/05/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s weekly Teaching “We must never let ourselves be ensnared by the obscure tangle of desperation, when all seems lost…neither must we allow ourselves to fall into the illusion that we can save ourselves with our own resources.” VATICAN/CANONISATIONS 16 MAY - Josep Manyanet (1833-1901): honour, imitate and propagate the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth AFRICA/NIGERIA - Clashes in northern Nigeria. “At least one Catholic church has been destroyed by Muslim extremists” Fides receives dramatic report AFRICA/SUDAN - 150,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad, 1 million internally displaced person in Sudan: growing concern among humanitarian organisations for situation in Dafur ASIA/PAKISTAN - The Church in Pakistan has “new martyr”: tragic death of Javed Anjum, young Catholic boy who died after 5 days of atrocious torture inflicted by Muslims extremists bent on making him renounce his faith ASIA/HONG KONG - Hong Kong International Film Festival institutes a Catholic Culture Prize ASIA/TAIWAN - The “TaoYuan Centre of Formation for the Apostolate ” promotes prison pastoral CEP APPOINTMENTS - AMERICA/CANADA-QUEBEC - Mrs Huguette Le Blanc new National Director Pontifical Mission Societies Canada Quebec ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Mgr Marie Daniel Dadiet new Metropolitan Archbishop of Korhogo and Rev. Bessi Dogbo new Bishop of Katiola 11/05/2004 VATICAN - Pope John Paul receives the general assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies: “I am happy to know that you are in the process of updating your statutes. This means you are ever more determined to carry out your mission of “mercy and peace”. VATICAN/CANONISATIONS MAY 16 - Don Annibale M. Di Francia (1851-1927): prayer for vocations, service to the poor and the little ones VATICAN - General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies: presentation of reports of activity of Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith and Pontifical Missionary Union EUROPE/ITALY - Missionaries of Africa, White Fathers start 26th General Chapter: how to meet the new challenges of mission in Africa AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Democratic Republic of Congo still the focus of regional interests. An analysis ASIA/INDIA - With education and development programmes Catholic missionaries help Tribals in under-developed communities become recognised citizens with full social and civil rights ASIA/TAIWAN - Spring Assembly of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference re-elects members of commissions and outlines commitment for evangelisation OCEANIA/NEW ZEALAND - “Honest and constructive debate to settle differences between Maori and Pakeha (people of European origin) ”: Bishop Peter Cullinane, president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference CEP APPOINTMENTS - AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - Rev. Pierre Claver Malgo new Rector of Saint John the Baptist Seminary in Ouagadougou FIDES SIGNALS - VATICAN - Sylvester II Pope, Scientist and Homo Europeus: Day of Study to close 1000th anniversary of the death of a man who saw with a prophetic spirit the importance of Europe extended eastwards and soundly established on its Christian roots 10/05/2004 VATICAN - During his reflection at the midday Regina Cæli prayer the Pope encouraged those present to pray to Mary support of Christians and the whole world: “Since Christ loves with inexhaustible love” so too the immaculate heart of his Mother Mary has “the inexhaustibility of a mother ”. VATICAN/CANONISATION 16 MAY - Don Luigi Orione (1872-1940): “father of the poor and benefactor of the abandoned " VATICAN - Mission is a challenge which draws young people today: General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies examines proposal to create a universal Missionary Youth Movement. EUROPE/GERMANY - Europe has the necessary resources to build brotherhood united under the banner of love EUROPE/ITALY -246 million of the world’s children work, 60% in Asia, 29% in Africa, 8% in Latin America and 3% elsewhere: first Children’s World Congress on Child Labour AFRICA/MALAWI - “We urge all registered voters to turn up in large numbers and to vote wisely”. Christian leaders issue message in view of May 18 elections AFRICA/ANGOLA - United Nations programme reopens Juvenile Courts in Angola ASIA/TAIWAN - To mark the 20th anniversary of TaoYuan Apostolate Formation Centre Hsinchu diocese plans to establish a Diocesan Bible Society ASIA/HONG KONG - Debate on euthanasia gives rise to extra solidarity and care for seriously ill patients ASIA/HONG KONG - “Word of Love, Word from the Heart”: prayer meeting for Vocations organised by diocesan Commission ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences issues working paper for its next Assembly in August on the theme “The Asian Family towards a Culture of Life” ASIA/INDIA - Final act of political elections while there is growing debate on the presence of Christians in civil and political life FIDES SIGNALS - VATICAN - Exhibition “ Seekers of the Truth ” scientists dialogue with faith SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY For new human law - AIDS therapy in Africa where 30 million are infected and 700,000 children die every year: International Conference organised by Sant’Egidio Community 08/05/2004 VATICAN - The work of the Annual General meeting of the Pontifical Mission Societies continues with the revision of the statutes VATICAN - Urban College offers missionary Church 14 new deacons from Africa and Asia EUROPE/ITALY - “Why the Church”: Fides interviewed Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos about Mons. Luigi Giussani’s latest literary labour. AFRICA/UGANDA - Christian testimony of a prisoner about to be executed but convinced of God’s compassion ASIA/CHINA - Death of first Bishop of Bameng, Bishop Guo Zhengji, a bold witness to faith in Christ ASIA/JAPAN - A gift of flower seeds with a message from Papal Nuncio welcomes new born babies at Red Cross hospitals all over Japan ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Special Mass for 20th anniversary of the canonisation of Korea’s 103 Catholic martyrs ASIA/TAIWAN - Cardinal Paul Shan encourages Taichung diocese to promote a spirit of evangelisation among parish communities ASIA/HONG KONG - Members of the Canossian Third Order take part in annual retreat reflecting on “How to live the Canossian charisma” ASIA/HONG KONG - Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Care of Workers discusses problem of jobs for middle aged unemployed 07/05/2004 VATICAN - “We must help our sister Churches in difficult situations, who need to be sustained with prayer, sacrifice and material assistance” said Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe addressing the Annual General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies AFRICA/BURUNDI - Burundi: parties and guerrilla movements. INFO AFRICA/ANGOLA - Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo unite efforts to attend to problem of foreigners expelled from Angola AFRICA/SUDAN - United Nations and Human Rights Watch launches alarm for situation in Darfur, west Sudan AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Caritas Guinea Bissau marks 25th anniversary of service and assistance ASIA/ NORTH KOREA - With its 2004-2005 Plan for Humanitarian aid in North Korea Caritas Hong Kong aims to help more than 500,000 children and offer wide range of social support ASIA/NORTH KOREA - Not only victims of recent train tragedy: hunger threatens more than 6.5 million people in North Korea AMERICA/UNITED STATES - According to the fifth annual State of the World’s Mothers report issued by Save the Children one million babies and 70,000 adolescent mothers die every year in developing countries OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA - For 25 years on mission in the South Pacific: Salesians’ contribution to the evangelisation and education of the people of Papua CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/INDIA - Rev. Victor Joachim Machado appointed rector of St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary in Mangalore CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/INDIA Rev. Rethinam Vincent Mathias appointed rector of Inter-diocesan Christ Hall Seminary in Madurai CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/INDIA - Rev. Alphonse Devasahayam appointed Rector of St Paul Apostle Inter-diocesan Seminary at Tiruchirapalli FIDES SIGNALS - Saturday 8 May: Christians of different Churches and Communions “TOGETHER FOR EUROPE ” - International event involving more than 150 Movements, communities and groups. FIDES SIGNALS - EUROPE/ITALY - The faculty of Bio-Ethics at the Pontifical College Regina Apostolorum in Rome, has organised a Congress “ The rice of hope. Biotech helps look ahead” to fight underdevelopment and food shortage which cases hundreds of thousands of cases of blindness and other diseases in poor countries BOOK REVIEW - Andrea Tornielli - “La PASSIONE, i Vangeli e il film di Mel Gibson” (The PASSIONE, The Gospels and Mel Gibson’s Film) Publishers PIEMME Preface by Vittorio Messori, postscript by Gianfranco Ravasi. x 06/05/2004 EUROPE/ITALY - “The Church, a life which encounters other lives”: presentation of a new book by Mons. Luigi Giussani “Perché la Chiesa”. AFRICA/NIGERIA - “This is not a war about religion” local Church sources in Nigeria tell Fides with regard to violence in central Nigeria AFRICA/UGANDA - “400 prisoners on death row. Ten years ago there were 90. The death penalty does not reduce crime” says Father Agostoni, missionary in Uganda, expert in prison pastoral ASIA/JAPAN - A year of evangelisation reaps harvest of 83 new adult Christians in a Tokyo parish ASIA/INDIA - Salesian heads NGO promotes technical training for young people in view of jobs in various sectors of the economy ASIA/PHILIPPINES - “The country needs a new era of peace and stability”: a local Missionary takes a look at the social and political scenario on the eve of May 10 elections AMERICA/USA - “I will put up a fight if anyone tries to remove the Crucifix from classrooms” says Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim chaplain of Georgetown University AMERICA/BOLIVIA - “Poverty is still a major problem in our country” say Catholic Bishops of Bolivia: “the majority of the population experiences poverty which in many cases is extreme”. SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - More than 200 million people in developing countries affected by “duodenal jardis” carried by parasite, Italian Health Institute organises workshop SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - Test for Health Systems: what can be done to win the challenge to guarantee everyone’s right to health? SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - VATICAN - “Access to medicines in poor countries”: CUMVIVIUM organisation founded by the International Federation of Catholic Pharmacists in collaboration with representatives of Vatican office and pharmaceutical companies meets the press 05/05/2004 VATICAN - The Pope’s weekly audience teaching: “Christ is the Lord of the history of salvation, which is manifested in the Church and achieved through the blood of his cross, source of peace and harmony for the entire human vicissitude ” AFRICA/CHAD - More than 50,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad moved to safer camps AFRICA/CHAD - Catholic Bishops voice seriously concern for fast deteriorating social and political situation in Chad and surrounding region and call on political leaders to “save Chad from a foreseeable tragedy AFRICA/RWANDA - “Peace is built by offering opportunities for development and reintegrating former soldiers and child soldiers” say Catholic Bishops of Rwanda and Burundi AFRICA/UGANDA - “We are against the formation of local militia groups because this could lead to ethnic conflict” says Archbishop Odama, Catholic Archbishop of Gulu in north Uganda ASIA/INDONESIA - Results of elections: Golkar Party scores a victory, General Wiranto is back on the scene INDIA - An “unreasonable and arbitrary” measure: missionary head master of two Catholic schools expelled from Kashmir ASIA/INDIA - Catholics rejoice: the Holy See grants title of International Shrine to St Thomas Shrine in Kerala AMERICA/VENEZUELA - The Catholic Church in Venezuela to open National Office for people whose human rights are violated 04/05/2004 VATICAN - The Annual General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies opens on May 6:: educate and form Catholics to know and love the missions and to collaborate in spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. AFRICA/BURUNDI - “There is no crisis in the peace process ” local Church source in Burundi tells Fides after former rebels decide not to participate in government AFRICA/KENYA - “Progress made in last 15 months but much remains to be done” say Catholic Bishops of Kenya AFRICA/IVORY COAST - National press opinions divide with regard to UN report on clashes in Abidjan on 25 March ASIA/ SOUTH KOREA - Diocese inaugurates new Cathedral complex to help the faithful grow in faith and strength for the mission to announce the Gospel to all men and women ASIA/VIETNAM - Holy See delegation makes annual visit to Vietnam to voice the Pope’s affection and concern for the local Catholic community which in return assures him of its loyalty and love ASIA/PAKISTAN - Education to peace in schools programme launched by Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue AMERICA/GUATEMALA - New Central American Commission for Missions COMCAM will nurture missionary spirit and support Central America’s four ad gentes mission programmes AMERICA/PERU - The Peruvian Embassy to the Holy See signs an agreement with the Federation of Catholic Organisations of International Voluntary Service (FOCSIV) CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/PAKISTAN - Rev. Rufino Anthony appointed rector of Christ the King Seminary in Karachi CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/THAILAND - Rev. Joseph Virasak Vanarojsurit confirmed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - A world government action plan with most effective solutions for 10 planetary emergencies 03/05/2004 VATICAN - On the annual Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Pope ordains 26 new priests for his diocese of Rome: “You have been ordained priests in an era in which, also here in Rome, there is a powerful cultural tendency to want to make people forget God... If you are filled with God you will be authentic apostles of new evangelisation, because we can only give what we possess in our heart” VATICAN - The Pope speaks of Europe at the Regina Cæli prayer: “If the unity of the peoples of Europe is to be lasting is cannot be only economic and political. Today the soul of Europe is still one because it refers to common human and Christian values.” AFRICA/LIBERIA - Disarmament proceeds but Catholic Radio Veritas in Monrovia denounces: “Some of the rebels are moving weapons across the border to Ivory Coast instead of handing them to the United Nations ” AFRICA/BURUNDI - Great success for Catholic Action Peace March in Burundi. Since January 964 demobilised child soldiers have returned home ASIA/INDONESIA - Could more than 12,000 radical Laskar Jihad Muslim paramilitaries be ready to land in Moluccas? The Pope prays for peace in the archipelago INDIA - “Give us today our daily rice”: new Caritas India president launches campaign ASIA/PHILIPPINES - HOPE Campaign for Honest and Peaceful elections launched by local Church in view of May 10 vote SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/PERU - Caritas Puno in Peru opens two new healthcare centres in remote areas SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - VATICAN - Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesu provides tele-medical care for children overseas with an Important agreement to benefit children in South America AFRICA/ANGOLA - Bishop José de Queirós Alves appointed metropolitan Archbishop of Huambo 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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