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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 giugno 2005 28/06/2005 VATICAN - This evening in the cathedral of Rome, St John’s Basilica, solemn opening of the Cause for the beatification and canonisation of Pope John Paul II VATICAN - Benedict XVI consigns the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The Compendium is a new announcement of the Gospel … may it give new impulse to evangelisation and catechesis” EUROPE/ITALY - “All the Churches for the whole Church”: national meeting of regional and diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies will discuss identity and service of the PMS Delegate EUROPE/SPAIN - “Reasons why marriage and adoption should remain unchanged”: Hazteoir sends paper to Congress members in view of June 30 vote. “We trust that the fact that so many countries have not undertaken this sort of reform may provoke serious reflection” AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Several killed or injured in disorder following results of first round presidential elections:. “local police unable to control demonstrations without having recourse to lethal force still uses Stalinist methods” AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - “Yesterday’s strike was a sign of serious social unrest caused by widespread unemployment” Communications’ office of the Southern African Bishops’ Conference told Fides ASIA/IRAQ - “Continuing violence does not deter Christians from rebuilding churches, publishing Catholic newspapers and even opening Catholic web sites” Fr Nizar Semaan told Fides ASIA/HONG KONG - “Spirituality Day for Catechists in the Year of the Eucharist” to encourage deeper spiritual life ASIA/INDIA - Bihar Centre for inter-religious prayer and dialogue to promote friendship and co-operation among people of different faiths ASIA/BANGLADESH - “The Muslim authorities appreciate the Catholic community very committed in the field of education” Archbishop Paul Tschang In-Nam, papal nuncio in Bangladesh told Fides AMERICA/PERU - “To be here to receive the pallium is an experience of communion with the Vicar of Christ and a reminder of my commitment to serve the particular Church to which the Lord called me”: Fides spoke with Archbishop Pedro Barreto of Huancayo in Rome to receive the pallium CEP APPOINTMENTS - AFRICA/TOGO - National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies appointed SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Little girl of 4 is first to die of Dengue fever in a recent outbreak in the north of the country SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Alarm for spread of TB: 11,600 new cases every year 27/06/2005 VATICAN - In the imminence of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul the Pope asks Our Lady Queen of the Apostles to watch over ‘the Church and her missionary activity all over the world’ and he encourages people to respect and protect life “also with correct and prudent behaviour on the roads” VATICAN - The Pope tells Bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands: “be courageous witnesses to Christ, vigilant in seeking new ways to teach the faith so that the power of the Gospel can permeate their way of thinking, standards of judgement, and norms of behaviour” EUROPE/SPAIN - Thursday June 30 another massive protest in favour of family rights: June 18 Pro-Family demonstrators will take to the streets again after the Premier refused their request to meet him AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - The family of the local Church in Burkina welcomes new deacons including five Camillian Brothers AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference welcomes G8 promise to cancel debts of poor countries ASIA/PILIPPINES - Manila prepares for funeral of Cardinal Jaime Sin “We have lost both a brother and a friend” AMERICA/PERU - “My meeting with John Paul II”: as the Cause for the Beatification of Pope Wojtyla opens in Rome, thousands of Peruvians will remember and pay tribute to the late Pope MISSIONARY PRAYER INTENTION - The Pope’s missionary prayer intention for July 2005: “For the baptised all over the world: whatever their state of life may they be committed to transforming the world with the light of the Gospel”. Comment by Sr M. Antonieta Bruscato, Superior General Daughters of St Paul DSP 24/06/2005 ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - Bishop of Ambositra appointed ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/INDIA - The Pope creates the diocese of Gulbarga and appoints first bishop 23/06/2005 VATICAN - Cardinal Sodano to confer solemn Blessing on new Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of St Paul in Rome(Basilica of St Paul’s outside-the-walls) VATICAN - Living Sunday Liturgy in a spirit of mission: ideas for a “Missionary Comment for Sunday Liturgy” at CIAM web site EUROPE/SPAIN - Diocesan delegates for missions and directors of Pontifical Mission Societies discuss ‘Prospects for mission in Asia and greater attention for youth’ AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Probable run-off between former Presidents Malam Bacai Sanha and Joao Bernardo Vieira AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - In a message for 45th anniversary of independence Catholics Bishops say the people deserve to be told why the June 30 elections have been postponed AFRICA/MALAWI - Impeachment for President Bingu wa Mutharika. “Democracy is threatened” says a missionary in a country on the brink of famine, ASIA/TAIWAN - “Adoring the Eucharist with Song”: Year of the Eucharist Religious Music Concert in Tainan diocese ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Catholic schools offer education to Gospel values from which the nation stands to gain AMERICA/ARGENTINA - “Day for Culture of Life and Eucharist”: reflection on the close connection between the culture of life and the Eucharist on Saturday 25 June in Buenos Aires AMERICA/ARGENTINA - “Mission at the heart of the Church in Argentina and the educational aspect has a privileged place in the formative concern of the National Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies”: over 600 animators attend 3rd National Meeting for Animators of Holy Childhood and Mission Adolescence OCEANIA/SOLOMON ISLANDS - A Church “communion of communities” in the Pacific Ocean: Fides speaks with the Archbishop of Honiara 22/06/2005 VATICAN - The Pope comments on Psalm 123: “The Almighty sides with victims and the persecuted who cry to him day and night” - the Pope confirms convocation of 2nd Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of Cardinal Jaime Sin Archbishop emeritus of Manila: Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples sends condolences EUROPE/SPAIN - June 18 Pro-family demonstration was only the ‘beginning” of a massive unprecedented family movement. Many other similar events to defend true marriage and the family could follow if government refuses to meet the demands made. EUROPE/ITALY - Meeting on healthcare in Africa: Italian NGOs build a bridge of assistance, research and solidarity with the sick AFRICA/TOGO - “We offer words of comfort to all. May Mary Queen of Peace protect the destiny of our country”: Catholic Bishops address the nation AFRICA/SUDAN - “Power sharing between people who live along the Nile and those who don’t is the reason for Sudan’s conflicts” a Comboni missionary tells Fides EUROPE/AFRICA - The Church in Togo wants to make the nation’s difficult situation known to public opinion, it calls for help for the people in danger of losing courage: final Message issued after Meeting between Italian missionaries and local Church in Togo ASIA/INDIA - Another convent attacked in Bihar - Cardinal Toppo speaks to Fides: “Let’s not generalise: India is still an example of tolerance and harmony” ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Day of prayer for national unity and reconciliation: culture of confrontation must give way to culture of harmony ASIA/CHINA - Catholics mourn and pray with affection and gratitude for Cardinal Jaime Sin a giant of faith for all Asia ASIA/HONG KONG - Workshop for catechists on how to teach children about the Mystery of the Eucharist AMERICA/UNITED STATES - “American Moslems can help promote better understanding between East and West” Imam Yahya Hendi Moslem chaplain Georgetown University, Washington told Fides SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/BENIN - Religious and military doctors on mission in Benin “restore light” to the blind, 21/06/2005 VATICAN - Holy See press office announces that Pope Benedict XVI will travel to Köln (Germany) for the 20th World Youth Day EUROPE/ITALY - Opus Dei all over the world will mark 30th anniversary of the death of Saint Josemaría Escriva on Sunday 26 June AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Dramatic report from Luhwinja and Burinyi in south east Democratic Congo where war never stopped: although our country is rich we have to beg for clothes AFRICA/ZIMBABWE - “Countless numbers of men, women with babies, children of school age, the old and the sick, continue to sleep in the open air at winter temperatures near to freezing” Catholic Bishops of Zimbabwe protest against government’s shanty town operation ‘clean up’ ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Cardinal Jaime Sin Archbishop emeritus of Manila dies after a long illness: a figure of reference for the Catholic Church in the Philippines and the history of the entire nation ASIA/INDIA - Tura diocese in north east India, an oasis of dialogue and harmony where the local Church helps Tribal subsistence farmers improve their life ASIA/HONG KONG - In preparation for World Youth Day in Germany 120 young Hong Kongers camp to “discover our treasure” OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Government promises better treatment for asylum seekers and refugees: local Church welcomes the move ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - OCEANIA/WALLIS AND FUTUNA - Bishop of Wallis and Futuna (Pacific Islands) resigns, successor appointed 20/06/2005 VATICAN - At the Angelus prayer the Pope recalls the painful situation of refugees: “may people who live away from their own country feel that the Church is a homeland where no one is a stranger” VATICAN - Benedict XVI receives Bishops of Madagascar on ad limina visit: “Help the faithful acquire an illuminated faith, rooted in an intimate encounter with Christ. Inculturation of the faith in Malagasy culture remains an important goal” VATICAN - First International Meeting on Pastoral Care for Street Women: “An insult to fundamental values common to all cultures and peoples, values rooted in the very nature of the human person” said Cardinal Fumio Hamao EUROPE/PORTUGAL - Cardinal Sepe greets Boa Nova Mission Society gathered in Fatima for 75° anniversary: “You are a precious gift for the Church in Portugal and the whole Church because with fidelity you incarnate that which is its primary duty which cannot be renounced: Evangelisation” EUROPE/ITALY - St Charles Borromeo Fraternity welcomes 8 new priests and 9 deacons for mission in parishes, schools, universities, prisons and hospitals EUROPE/SPAIN - An enormous tree firmly planted which no one can ever uproot - “numerous groups of people are anxious to defend the Christian roots of Europe: we must come out of our homes and churches and defend them in the streets " Ignacio Arsuga told Fides AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - “Our country’s poverty is a result of widespread corruption” Archbishop Fulgence Rabeony of Toliara President of the Bishops’ Conference of Madagascar told Fides AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - “Compared to 30 years ago the regional and ethnical factor is much more keenly felt” local observer comments first round of presidential elections AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - Info: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Pro-life Archbishop of Seoul and human cloning scientist face to face ASIA/HOLY LAND - Directory of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land now also in English ASIA/TURKEY - Pontifical Antonianum College and Mustafa Kemal University in Turkey meet for 9th ecumenical symposium “Paul the Apostle, from Tarsus to Antioch: Archaeology, history and religion” ASIA/INDIA - Violence on Christians five attacks in a month: Catholic Bishops call on government to protect religious personnel SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - Burkina Faso has first centre for babies born with HIV/AIDS 18/06/2005 VATICAN - New Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic presented this morning to Pope Benedict XVI EUROPE/PORTUGAL - “75 years of mission with Him”: Boa Nova Missionaries celebrate 75th anniversary in Fatima EUROPE/SPAIN - “Many jurists are convinced that the proposed law is unconstitutional. Assigning a child to grow up with two mothers or two fathers would be a social experiment using a child”: Fides interview with Vice president of the Spanish Family Forum promoter of today’s pro-family demonstration in Madrid ASIA/TAJIKISTAN - “We firmly support the pro-family demonstration in Madrid: this is not only a question of religion, it concerns of the whole of humanity because the aim is to legalise what is contrary to the law of nature” Superior of Catholic Mission in Tajikistan told Fides ASIA/TURKEY - Turkey’s Christians and Muslims are against homosexual ‘families’, local Church voices support for pro-family demonstration in Spain AMERICA/ARGENTINA - “We hope the Spanish government will realise that this law undermines the family which is the essential foundation of societies and nations and will reject this move to replace the law of nature with disorder which would threaten peace and justice” say organisers of International Congress on Life and the Family in Buenos Aires AMERICA/PARAGUAY - “I encourage Spain’s families: may the power of God’s love help them defend the family and life” said Archbishop Pastor Cuquejo of Asunción ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AMERICA/PANAMA - Resignation of Bishop of Colón-Kuna Yala and appointment of successor 17/06/2005 VATICAN - “The commitment of the Catholic Church to the search for Christian unity is irreversible” the Pope told the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches from Geneva VATICAN - The Pope addresses new ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Guinea, Malta, New Zealand, Rwanda, Switzerland and Zimbabwe: “the first challenge is solidarity between generations, solidarity between nations and between continents for an ever more equal sharing of the planet’s resources among all men and women” EUROPE/ITALY - “What is a child missionary? How can we lead children to love mission?”: diocesan and regional Holy Childhood operators gather for 2nd National Meeting EUROPE/SPAIN - Pro-family and real marriage demonstrations in front of Spanish embassies and consulates in Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Argentina to coincide with June 18 Pro-family demonstration in Madrid EUROPE/SPAIN - Madrid World Capital of Families: 15 international federations in 60 different countries, over 1,000 NGOs and at least 30 million individuals support June 18 Pro-family demonstration AFRICA/REPUBLIC OF CONGO - “Moral decadence in the West is starting to affect Africa” a mission in the Republic of Congo told Fides. “Therefore I welcome the pro-family demonstration in Madrid on June 18” AFRICA/UGANDA - The Catholic Bishops of East Africa are convinced AIDS will be defeated, Africa must not lose hope ASIA/PAKISTAN - Multan Pastoral Institute : united in prayer with the Church in Spain we defend the rights of the family and the unborn child ASIA/NEPAL - Although extremely poor, families in Nepal have a keen sense of family- Nepal’s Catholics support Spain’s struggle for the family ASIA/INDIA - Indian Catholics fully support Spain’s pro-family demonstration: the family is sacred for every culture, religion and people! ASIA/CHINA - In the Year of the Eucharist Catholic community in north-east China marks 100th anniversary of foundation AMERICA/PERU - “We wish the Madrid demonstration massive support from all over Spain, a country to which we owe the precious gift of the faith” Provincial Superior St Paul Mission Society in Peru and diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Arequipa told Fides 16/06/2005 EUROPE/RUSSIAN FEDERATION - Catholic Archbishop in Moscow assures full support to pro-family efforts by Catholic faithful and Bishops in Spain because what is at stake is ‘the family as God created it’ EUROPE/SPAIN - Muslim and Jewish communities in Spain assure support for demonstration pro-family and real matrimony. At least 20 bishops will take part AFRICA/EGYPT - “It is paradoxical that the tiny Christian community here which has to struggle every day to preserve its special identity should bear the consequences of moral relativism in Europe” a Catholic priest in Cairo told Fides commenting the June 18 pro-family demonstration in Spain AFRICA/RWANDA - “As African Christians today we look with dismay at Europe for so many centuries the beacon of Christianity and now slipping ever further down the slope of de-Christianisation” Catholic Bishop of Gikongoro tells Fides AFRICA/MOROCCO - “Difficulties we experience can help us discover God’s plan for us” Catholic Bishops of North Africa say at the end of a plenary meeting ASIA/SRI LANKA - “This matter touches the very essence of family life whether Christian or not”: Catholic Church in Sri Lanka assures Spanish Catholics full support in their struggle to protect the family ASIA/INDIA - Night of terror: criminals attack Catholic convent in Rajasthan ASIA/BANGLADESH - “It is up to the laity to bear witness and reawaken awareness of the beauty of the family”, said Xaverian missionary Fr. Garello fully supportive of pro-family demonstration in Spain OCEANIA/SOLOMON ISLANDS - Catholics in the Pacific Ocean express full support and prayer for June 18 Pro-Family demonstration in Spain 15/06/2005 VATICAN - Benedict XVI comments Psalm 122: The just have entrusted their cause to the Lord and he is not indifferent to their imploring eyes, he does not ignore their invocation, or disappoint their hope VATICAN - First International Meeting for Pastoral Care to Liberate Women on the Streets: every year one million women and girls are victims of prostitution rackets, human trafficking, sex tourism EUROPE/IRELAND - “Witness to the Faith” theme for Mission Month and Mission Sunday 2005 in Ireland: may the example of numerous missionary martyrs draw more and more young people to follow Christ EUROPE/SPAIN - Spanish Bishops give unanimous support to June 18 pro-family demonstration organised by Spanish Family Forum: “this cause is not only just, it is extremely serious because one of society’s most precious goods is at take” EUROPE/SPAIN - Society offers full support to pro-family demonstration in Madrid: “the government must realise that Spanish society rejects any changes in matrimony” AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - “The family, born of humanity’s God-given natural law must be supported always” says President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Madagascar AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - “You must be mad in Europe, how can two men get married?” parishioners in Bissau ask Italian missionary Fr Dioniso Ferraro. Africans support Spanish demonstration pro-family and pro real-marriage ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - “The Church in Korea is with you!” Korean Bishops’ president tells Spanish Bishops ASIA/MONGOLIA - The “small Catholic flock” in Mongolia under the patronage of the Holy Family of Nazareth unites in spiritual solidarity with Spanish families to protect the family where life is nurtured and cherished ASIA/PAKISTAN - It is right and dutiful to protect life and the family: Bishops of Pakistan offer full support to Church in Spain for pro-family demonstration on 18 June ASIA/HONG KONG - Communications experts, Catholic and non, say minority groups deserve more space in the media SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/BELGIUM - Brussels plan to fight poverty with nanotechnology SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - A medical team of doctors of the St John of God Hospitaller Brothers Association for Distant Patients and the Italian Airforce launches second humanitarian mission to Africa 14/06/2005 EUROPA/ITALY - “Matters regarding human life cannot be decided with a vote”: says Prof Luigi Alici, President of Catholic Action Italy with regard to the referendum on fertility treatment laws EUROPE/ITALY - “If we resist syndromes of defeat or victory this can be new time of encounter between believers and non and for the centrality of Parliament”: S. Egidio Community comments Referendum on Fertility Treatment EUROPE/AUSTRIA - “Silent majority wins: a sign of growing awareness of the need protect life” Fr. Leo Maasburg national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Austria told Fides EUROPE/SPAIN - More than 1,000 NGOs from 25 different countries support June 18 demonstration in Madrid in favour of real matrimony and the family EUROPE/SPAIN - Double standards: path denied to June 18 Pro-Family demonstration granted to Gay Pride parade AFRICA/CÔTE D' IVOIRE - Dramatic testimony from Fides Cesco at Salesian mission in Duékoué west Cote d'Ivoire where 15,000 people are sheltering AFRICA/SOMALIA - The weight of the clan still makes itself felt: Somali President barred from landing in Somalia’s “temporary” capital ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Results of referendum in Italy encourage Catholics in Korea and everywhere to continue the fight to protect the life of the unborn child ASIA/INDONESIA - Tsunami affected families gradually return to normality: Australian religious institutes and Caritas continue to help ASIA/CHINA - Tai Yuan diocese hold first Eucharistic Congress and celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral AMERICA/ARGENTINA - “The Catholic identity of Cultural Centres and young people in public life”, Salta 2nd meeting of Head of Catholic Cultural Centres in the Southern Cone SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - Malaria, AIDS and Ebola: meeting with Ugandan expert and Piero and Lucille Corti Foundation at St. Mary’s Hospital di Lacor 13/06/2005 VATICAN - The Pope reminds parents that they are “called to help their children discover the value and importance of responding to Christ who convokes the entire Christian family to Sunday Mass” and announces a special October 15 Meeting of Catechesis for children who made their First Holy Communion during this year EUROPE/GERMANY - “Italy’s non vote in the referendum on fertility treatment law is an example for the rest of the countries in Europe” Dr Norbert Martin, Professor of Sociology and member of the Pontifical Council for the Family tells Fides EUROPE/SPAIN - “The maturity of the laity is becoming a realty. Their reaction is more than ever urgent and necessary today” said Eduardo Hertfelder, President of the Spanish Institute for Family Policies commenting the large non-vote in Italy’s referendum to relax fertility treatment laws EUROPE/SPAIN - Bishops of Spain support 18 June pro-family demonstration: Spain faces a matter of the utmost moral and social importance to which citizens must respond with clarity and decision EUROPE/ITALY - Overseas Catholics in Italy unite to support Italian believers: “With their abstention Italian Catholics protected life and remained faithful to Church teaching” AFRICA/CÔTE D'IVOIRE - St. Thérèse Salesian mission makes another pressing appeal: urgent aid needed in the Duékoué area for over 15,000 civilians who have lost everything AFRICA - “The G8 decision to cancel debts of the poorest countries is excellent news”: Fides hears from the voice of the Church in Africa AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - UN High Commission for Refugees organises repatriation of Angolan refugees from Democratic Congo ASIA/HOLY LAND - Vox returns to give voice to solidarity in the Holy Land ASIA/HONG KONG - Bishop John Tong, Auxiliary of Hong Kong, presides opening of new parish for Korean Catholic immigrants OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Blessing of foundation stone for new Catholic University in Sydney ready by end of 2006 11/06/2005 VATICAN - Benedict XVI addresses Bishops of South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho: “Catholics in your region constitute a minority. This presents many challenges which require dedication on the part of the Church to tend the flock effectively and, at the same time, remain faithful to her missionary commitment” EUROPE/GERMANY - World Youth Day will emphasise ecumenism AFRICA/LESOTHO - “The Catholic Church is the country’s first institution for education” Bishops from Lesotho on ad limina visit to Rome told Fides AFRICA/LESOTHO - Info: AMERICA/BRAZIL - “The tendency to equal homosexual unions with the natural family is a sign of a serious crisis in civilisation. Society must resist this pressure and guarantee special protection for the family based on the union of a man and a woman” Secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Brazil told Fides 10/06/2005 VATICAN - Benedict XVI receives delegation of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations: “The spiritual patrimony treasured by Christian and Jews is itself the source of the wisdom and inspiration capable of guiding us toward a future of hope VATICAN - Cause for beatification and canonisation of Pope John Paul II to open on June 28 in Rome’s Cathedral St John in the Lateran AFRICA/NAMIBIA - “The local Church contributes towards national development in Namibia, oasis of stability in southern Africa” Catholic Bishops tell Fides 09/06/2005 VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI delivers important address on the Family to open Rome’s diocesan Ecclesial Congress (part III) “We must not only strive to overcome relativism in our work of forming people, we are also called to counter its destructive predominance in society and culture.” 08/06/2005 VATICAN - At his general audience the Pope teaches on Psalm 110: “Prayer is contemplation of the mystery of God and the marvels he works in the history of salvation” VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI delivers important address on the Family to open Rome’s diocesan Ecclesial Congress “the story of the love and union of a man and a woman in the covenant of matrimony is assumed by God as the symbol of the history of salvation” ASIA/HONG KONG - Long procession through the streets on Corpus Christi: the Eucharist helps us realise we are all one family ASIA/HOLY LAND - New magazine for Palestine’s Christian youth “to instil hope and help them say no to hatred and war” ASIA/INDIA - For Catholics in Orissa threats are a daily reality, the situation is unbearable: Catholic Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar launches appeal through Fides ASIA/CHINA - In a few years the Catholic community in Heng Shui has grown again to 300 members AMERICA/BRAZIL - "It is contradictory that after all the progress made by science and psychology politicians have the nerve to claim that for the first 15 days of life the embryo is not yet a human person” says Bishop Odilo Pedro Scherer, auxiliary of São Paulo and secretary general of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference AMERICA/MEXICO - “We cannot be silent and impassive before the crashing violence which continues to bloody this part of Mexico and the silent wave no less destructive of drug-dealing”: Bishops of north east Pastoral region of Mexico launch pressing appeal OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Four years of continuous drought drives desperate farmers to suicide. Catholic Archbishop stresses the sacred value of life and calls on local authorities to provide adequate assistance for drought stricken farmers and families 07/06/2005 VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI opens Rome’s diocesan Ecclesial Congress with an important address on the Family “The various present day forms of dissolution of matrimony, free unions and "trial marriages" and even pseudo-matrimony between people of the same sex, are instead expressions of an anarchical freedom which wrongly claims to be authentic liberation of the human person”. VATICAN - “The universal Church and its mission consists in proclaiming the Gospel to all peoples therefore the Internet can serve as a useful tool for this purpose” the President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications told Catholic web masters AFRICA/CÔTE D' IVOIRE - Dramatic telephone call from Duékoué: “How long can the miracle last? More than 15,000 people now sheltering at our mission” AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - National Mission Office of the Italian Bishops’ Conference meets Italian Missionaries operating in Burkina Faso AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - The tragic situation in Madagascar prisons. Trinitarian Father Angelo Buccarello former prison chaplain in Antananarivo ASIA/INDIA - In the world’s largest democracy 109 Christian homes are demolished to meet demands of RSS a movement of extremism neo-nationalist ever further from the spirituality and tolerance of a millennial creed ASIA/HONG KONG - Hong Kong diocese starts school of evangelisation on-line ASIA/CHINA - Mgr Giuseppe Wang founder of the Chinese speaking Catholic community in Rome and father to all Chinese immigrants the Italian capital dies at the age of 79. Funeral 8 June at Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica in Rome CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/INDIA - National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies confirmed 06/06/2005 VATICAN - At the midday Angelus prayer Pope Benedict XVI recalls the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the centenary of Blessed Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, patron of migrants. He also calls for prayers for the “concerning situation in Bolivia” and the release of Italian humanitarian volunteer kidnapped in Afghanistan EUROPE/GREAT BRITAIN - The Apostleship of the Sea comes home to celebrate and to relaunch spiritual assistance for millions of men and women seafarers engaged in the international shipping industry EUROPE/GERMANY - “Extraordinary number” of volunteers: 31,145 helpers from 119 different countries sign up for 20th World Youth Day in Germany AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - “We are still a young democracy which must give more attention to moral values and social justice”: Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier Archbishop of Durban told Fides AFRICA/TOGO - Increasing number of Togolese seek safety in other countries, says UN High Commission for Refugees AFRICA/CHAD - Chadians called to the polls to amend the country's Constitution ASIA/CHINA - Bishop John Wang Xixian who spent 21 years in prison for the faith dies at the age of 79 after a long illness ASIA - Migration in central Asia: questions, figures, prospects in a report by the International Organisation for Migration ASIA/INDIA - Lay Catholics play important part in Church life in India agents di evangelisation, courageous witnesses of Christ even in hostile environments AMERICA/ARGENTINA - “From the moment of conception the human embryo is an individual person who gradually develops and grows until the culminating moment of birth": Dr Hna Elena Lugo President of Bio-ethics Commission in Buenos Aires told Fides AMERICA/BRAZIL - Continental Meeting of members and consultors of the Pontifical Council for Culture and presidents of Bishops’ Commissions for Culture OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Religions must unite to defend the value of the family says Cardinal Gorge Pell Archbishop of Sydney ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/ BURKINA FASO - The Pope accepts resignation of Bishop of Dédougou and appoints successor FIDES SIGNALS - Catholic University of Argentina hosts series of videoconferences on bio-ethics 04/06/2005 AMERICA/BOLIVIA - “Today more than ever we are called to put ourselves at the service of our people to promote dialogue among all sectors of society”: Bolivian Bishops issue statement on serious national crisis AMERICA/BOLIVIA - In a joint Pastoral Letter leaders of Christian Churches in Bolivia appeal to all sectors of society, institutions and government to put aside personal interests and defend life above all else 03/06/2005 VATICAN - Mission Study Courses offered by the Pontifical Missionary Union at the beginning of the third millennium: “The Catholic School on Mission” and “Medicine and Mission” EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - Sunday 5 June popular consultation on recognition of same sex unions. “the proposal is an unacceptable imitation of the law on matrimony” Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Switzerland told Fides AFRICA/CÔTE D' IVOIRE - Land dispute sets fire to west Côte d'Ivoire. Christian forgiveness is the only path to peace AFRICA/BURUNDI - Local elections: “An important test for the future of our democracy”. Tension, shooting and possible intimidation, hand grenade explosion kills voter at polling station ASIA/HONG KONG - In the Year of the Eucharist 400 people take part in pilgrimage on the history of Catholicism in Hong Kong ASIA/INDIA - First church dedicated to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - World Environment Day, the local Church proposes themes on creation protection and bio-ethics ASIA/CHINA - May the month of Mary closes with pilgrimage to Hu Zhuang Marian Shrine AMERICA/BRAZIL - Mission at the service of Peace: presentation of handbooks for mission campaign 2005. “Promoting Peace is a question of being faithful to the missionary mandate of Jesus Christ” ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/TAIWAN - Bishop of Hsinchu resigns SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - China signs new 52 million dollar agreement with Global Fund for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria 02/06/2005 AFRICA/CÔTE D' IVOIRE - Fides hears missionary’s tragic story of massacres in western Côte d'Ivoire: “We have opened our mission to shelter some 12,000 men, women and children running for their lives” AFRICA/BENIN - Four wards, two rooms for medical staff, two store rooms for medicines and food: Camillians hope to open new hospital for people suffering from AIDS AFRICA/SUDAN - After last year’s severe drought now heavy rains threaten people in southern Sudan with serious food shortage Catholic Bishop of El Obeid told Fides ASIA/TAIWAN - Archbishop Cheng of Taipei makes pastoral visit to St Joseph’s parish to celebrate Pentecost ASIA/HONG KONG - Hospital volunteers exchange experience to promote a culture of charity ASIA/INDIA - In Orissa state where Hindu fundamentalism prospers Catholic Home is only haven for people with leprosy OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Canberra diocesan monthly marks 200th edition CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/INDIA - New Rector appointed for Morning Star College inter-diocesan Seminary at Barrackpore ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AMERICA/BARBADOS - Bishop of Bridgetown resigns SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ASIA/TAIWAN - Camillian Fathers open new centre for children with mental disability 01/06/2005 VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI’s Wednesday audience teaching: “Christ, God-with-us, is not content to look at us kindly from his throne of glory, he immerses his very self in human history becoming flesh, that is a fragile reality conditioned by time and space” VATICAN - “To welcome Jesus and carry him to others is the true joy of the Christian! Let us follow and imitate Mary, a profoundly eucharistic soul, and our whole life will be a Magnificat”: the Pope said at the end of the month of May, the month of Mary EUROPE/SPAIN - "The family is important. For the right to a mother and father. For freedom": 18 June in Madrid thousands of families will protest against proposed law which offends and undermines marriage and the family EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - Proclaiming the Gospel in Europe today: innovation and tradition. The secretaries of Europe’s bishops’ conferences meet in St. Gallen, Switzerland AFRICA/UGANDA - The tragedy of AIDS central theme at 15th Plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops of Eastern Africa opening today in Uganda AFRICA/SOMALIA - War Lords want to condition installation of new Somali government AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Encourage missionary spirit in the Church and increase Brazilian society’s awareness of the Amazon region” one gaol of National meeting 9-11 June OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Religious leaders unite to call for a revision of immigration system which they say should show more respect for human rights 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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