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        <title>Fides News English</title>
        <description><![CDATA[Fides News]]></description>
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        <lastBuildDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:58:02 +0100</lastBuildDate>
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            <title>ASIA/HONG KONG - Day for Consecrated Life offers renewed encouragement in promoting vocations</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25999&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – Those who chose the consecrated life should be a bridge of communion “with intelligence, wisdom, and discretion,” and everyone should work to promote vocations, “not only to the priesthood, but to religious life as well.” These are the recommendations made by Bishop John Tong of the Diocese of Hong Kong, which he made at the celebration of the Day for Consecrated Life celebrated on February 2 in the Parish of Christ the King. According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), over 400 priests and religious men and women participated in the solemn liturgy for the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, renewing their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Reflecting on the close bond between religious and the diocese, the Bishop advised those present to place utmost attention in the areas of formation of vocations, the pastoral ministry of the Church, and the immigrant faithful present in the area, especially activating the groups established in each parish for promoting vocations. Lastly, Bishop Tong highlighted that he had “witnessed with joy the active participation of the laity in the life of the Church,” however “the role of priests and consecrated persons is irreplaceable.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 09/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AMERICA/BOLIVIA - World Day of the Sick: experience of sickness and suffering can become a ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=26000&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[La Paz (Agenzia Fides) - On February 11, the Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of the Sick. This celebration is a special moment in Bolivia, which invites all men of good will to turn our attention and prayer towards our sick and suffering brethren. The Bishops of Bolivia, evoking the Second Vatican Council, stress the important task of the Church in taking care of human suffering. The Pontiff himself, in his message for World Day of the Sick, has cited the work in this area carried out by the various dioceses and religious institutes, thanking these workers whom he calls a valuable "heritage" of the Church.
In Bolivia, there are many events organized by the Church for this celebration. Archbishop Jesús Pérez of Sucre will celebrate a Mass in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, during which there will be the laying on of hands and blessing of each patient. Bishop Sergio Gualba, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Santa Cruz, in his homily last Sunday, announcing the World Day of the Sick, said: "This day is useful in helping us to understand that with the grace of God when it is accepted and lived everyday life, the experience of illness and suffering can become a school of hope." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AMERICA/ARGENTINA - Crowning of Mary as “Queen of the Missions” at yearly PMS Diocesan ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=26002&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – On February 23, the Parish of St. Mary of Bethany in Buenos Aires will host the solemn coronation of Mary as “Queen of the Missions,” coinciding with the celebration of the opening Mass of the Annual Assembly of Diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Argentina. The ceremony will be presided by Archbishop Adriano Bernardini, Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina. The celebration will also be attended by bishops and priests, including the National Director of the PMS, Father Oswald P. Leone. After the celebration, the image of Mary, Queen of Heaven, will be carried in procession from the church to the National Headquarters of the PMS. 
The PMS Argentina have prepared a web page to explain the devotion to Mary, Queen of the Missions, which contains the story of the devotion, the meaning of the image, the novena in honor of Mary, Queen of the Missions, a few articles on Our Lady in the missions, the Missionary Rosary, Marian prayers and hymns to Mary from the missions, and a gallery of images very wide. 
Reading the history of devotion, we learn that the title of "Queen of the Missions" seems to have just arisen in the first half of the twentieth century. Vincentian missionaries in Spain published a magazine from 1935 to 1956 called "Queen of the Missions," which says that already in the 1930s, Mary was honored with the title. However, its inclusion in the official Marian titles of the Church took longer. In the final invocation to the Virgin Mary at the end of modern missionary documents written in the 20th century by Benedict XV (Apostolic Letter Maximum illud, 1919), Pius XI (Encyclical Rerum Ecclesiae, 1926) and Pius XII (Encyclical Fidei Donum, 1957), Mary is always referred to as “Queen of the Apostles.” Only in the encyclical Princeps Pastorum of John XXIII, in 1959, is she invoked as "Queen of the Missions." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AMERICA/PERU - Missionary Challenge of the Secular Institutes in Latin America and the Caribbean</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=26003&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Lima (Agenzia Fides) – From February 3 to 7, the Peruvian capital city hosted the 10th Latin American and Caribbean Congress of Secular Institutes, on "The Missionary Challenge of the Secular Institutes in Latin America and the Caribbean." The meeting was held at the John Paul II House, in the town of Santa Rosa - Ancon, and was promoted by the Federation of Secular Institutes in Peru and the Confederation of Latin American Secular Institutes (CISAL), in order to come together for days of intense prayer and fellowship. Among the speakers who took the floor were: Father Jose Luis del Palacio, Director of the Pope John Paul II House and leader of the Neocatechumenal Way in Peru; Mrs. Maria Cristina Ventura, CISAL President of Mexico; Father Jose Valverde, SJ.; Dr. Luis Solari de la Fuente. Bishop Lino Panizza Richer, OFM Cap. of Carabayllo, Secretary General of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference, presided over the inauguration ceremony. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AMERICA/HAITI - “The people of Haiti also need songs, music, and celebration in order to face ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=26004&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Port-au-Prince (Agenzia Fides) - “This is my first experience of international aid abroad,” says Br. Luca Perletti, Consultor General of the Camillian Order and professional male-nurse who has been working in Haiti for weeks. “I am struck by the number of young volunteers, many without reference to institutions, who have come out here to help." Brother Luca continues the story with his visit to the community of sisters "Little Sisters of Jesus," an international community of six sisters located in a neighborhood of the capital. "Their house is at the end of a narrow road made impassable by debris, carcasses of cars, and the many people that call the street home. All around there is great movement, but also peace. For years, the neighborhood, has been divided into zones whose leader is working with the nuns in solving everyday problems. Here, for example, in the distribution of food, six Little Sisters deliver the necessary food for the families of each sector in sheer peace and tranquility! The house is a small headquarters, where they stock the goods (not many), where there are meetings, prayer, and people come together. Faithful to their charism of silent work, these sisters share the life of the people, in all forms, even that of sleeping on the sidewalks, given the precarious state of construction. For the last few days, they have been back at home, after the Italian Fire Brigade gave the OK for habitability. Their house is reached by an extremely narrow two-way road that winds around the sprawl of houses and you cannot help but slow down when you come upon a nearby grammar school that was reduced to rubble here, on January 12. Nearly 200 children were participating in the afternoon classes. 25 survived. 20 bodies were recovered, but the rest are still buried. Around it, life goes on normally. A few meters away, loudspeakers broadcast music at high volume. They are songs inspired by one of the many denominations of Protestant churches that, in this climate of drama, offer an immediate consolation. The gathering brings together hundreds of people who come to seek a consolation in the songs and words of hope. What a contrast to the peace, serenity, and organization of the six sisters I just met! But the people of Haiti also needs this song, music and celebration to be able to face the struggles of everyday life! And as we leave the district, I am amazed by words left on a wall: Adieu Port-au-Prince: Haiti never die." (AP/LP) (Agenzia Fides 9/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>ASIA/INDONESIA - Post-tsunami Aceh offers hope to Haiti</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=26005&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Medan (Agenzia Fides) – God can turn an evil into good. From a tragedy can come hope and new life. This is the message that the Province of Banda Aceh (North Sumatra Island), destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, offers to Haiti, hit by the earthquake of January 12. According to official figures, in Haiti there are 112,000 dead, 196,000 wounded, and 2 million people in need of basic humanitarian assistance, including 200,000 orphans. 
In Aceh, the tsunami of December 2004 devastated the area, leaving 160,000 dead and over 500,000 displaced persons, flattening entire towns and villages. Aceh, was called a "renegade province", a place of terrorists and separatist movements. It is the Indonesian province that since 2002 has enforced the Sharia law, which concerns non-Muslims. Five years after the disaster, today Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, is the symbol of "the triumph over the tsunami,” a place with a high quality of life, with inter-religious harmony, and where "there has been a rebirth that offers hope to the world, especially to the people of Haiti," Archbishop Antonius Sinaga, OFM Cap of Medan tells Fides. Medan is the main city of North Sumatra. He says the tsunami was the impetus for a new beginning. 
Archbishop Sinaga tells Fides: "People today are very open, humanly and socially speaking. Banda Aceh has become an international city and from the tragedy of the tsunami a very different city, socially speaking, has emerged. There is great gratitude for the aid that came in from other countries, especially from the United States and European countries, the so-called 'Christian countries', which enabled them to rebuild more than 140,000 homes." 
Thanks to the aid, a total value of over $ 6.7 billion, as many as 1,700 schools, 996 public buildings, 36 airports and ports, 3,800 mosques, 363 bridges, and over 20,000 km of roads were built. "It is understandable why today the citizens of donor countries are called friends or even brothers," notes the Archbishop. 
"The improvement is significant: the city has pacified at all levels. There are no social nor inter-religious tensions, and the political climate is very favorable. The social and economic welfare is higher than in other areas of Sumatra," continues the Prelate. 
"Christians live freely and in peace. The Catholic Church has established a good relationship with the government and the civil authorities, in a climate of dialogue and peaceful confrontation. Even relations with local Muslim leaders are good," said the Archbishop, reassuring even on another point: the Sharia. 
"The Islamic law, in force in the Province, is not a problem. The authorities, the media, and the courts have been saying that it applies to Muslim citizens and that believers of other religions can live freely. It must be said that this is very clear on the official level, while at the popular level - especially in remote villages and cultural traditionalists, which have not been in contact with modernity - the situation is more difficult and there are restrictions that sometimes cause problems for the population. 
Thus, some groups working for human rights, such as the Indonesian NGO "Kontras," denounced "the violation of human rights and the Indonesian government legislation itself, in the application of punishments under Sharia law." 
"Despite everything, the overall social conditions of the population and of Christians (4,000 faithful out of a population of about 3.5 million people in Aceh) have improved considerably,” the Archbishop emphasizes. “And there is hope for the future. Certainly, the Catholic Church is not authorized to create new social institutions, like schools and hospitals, but hopes are growing. As for our intention to open a clinic in Aceh, the governor has told us to support this project although he intends to revisit it at a time when the social and cultural climate in Aceh would permit it. I think that moment is approaching," says Archbishop Sinaga. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>ASIA/CHINA - Chinese Catholics appreciated and recognized by society and the media</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25988&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Beiijing (Agenzia Fides) – A Catholic has been chosen by major Chinese national media and by the votes cast on-line, to be among the list of “Top 10 People of 2009,” and a Catholic university student, who died saving a child, was presented by provincial and municipal authorities as a moral model of courage and dedication: they are two recent and eloquent testimony of how Chinese Catholics today are valued and recognized by society and by the Chinese media in general. 
According to information received by Agenzia Fides, Wang Ping An (Ping An means "Peace"), a Catholic farmer of 71 years of modest means, has spent over 23 years taking care of the elderly, abandoned children, sick, lonely, disabled, and has welcomed hundreds into his home. He accompanied 63 elderly people  in the final stretch of their earthly life, taking care of everything, even their funeral. In 2000, he built a house with 50 simple rooms, taking out a loan, to give a home to all those who do not have one. During the pilgrimage to Rome in 2007, offered by a benefactor, he attended the General Audience with the Holy Father: to him this was the greatest reward, the dream of his life. Today, after the selections from among thousands of people, he has been elected as a candidate among the "Top 10 People of 2009" that have moved all of China, by the Commission composed of representatives of major Chinese media sources such as CCTV (China Central Television), the Xin Hua Agency, and People Daily, and the popular votes cast on-line. The award ceremony will be held for the Chinese New Year and will be broadcast live on CCTV in the early evening. But he, in his peasant simplicity has often stated: "Jesus taught us 'Whenever you did to this to the least of these my brethren, you did unto me.'" 
The young Catholic university student John Huang Chuan Ding, age 21, of the parish of Nan Guan, in the Diocese of Bao Ji, in the Province of Shaan Xi, died on January 27 to save a 5-year-old boy who had fallen into an icy river. At his funeral, celebrated on February 3 and attended by over 3,000 faithful, including fellow university students, provincial and municipal authorities, all were deeply moved. "An example for all citizens of Bao Ji", "a heroic college student, courageous, of great moral height," "the best university student," are among the titles he was given by the authorities who have officially presented him as a model. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 08/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>VATICAN - “The Church in the Service of Love for the Suffering” - Twenty-fifth Anniversary of ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25989&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Celebration activities for the XXV Anniversary of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers and XVIII World Day of the Sick, which will close on February 11, will begin tomorrow, February 9. The meetings will begin with the exhibition "The Church at the Service of Love for the Suffering," featuring 28 paintings by the painter Francesco Guadagnuolo. The main subject of the paintings on display and Pope John Paul II, who 25 years ago instituted the Congregation, and its relationship to suffering. Monsignor José L. Redrado, OH, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, explained that "the painting exhibition is intended to be an artistic/cultural accompaniment to the religious celebrations scheduled for the 25th anniversary of the Congregation. They will be three days that will reflect on the title of the Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, dedicated to the occasion: "The Church at the Service of Love for the Suffering." In the same spirit, a classical music concert has been organized which will also feature the piano duet by German pianist Rolf-Peter Wille and Lina Yeh from Taiwan, along with the Junior Orchestra of the “Conservatorio Santa Cecilia” in Rome. Among the highlights of the day is the International Symposium, scheduled for February 9-10, that will focus on the Apostolic Letter "Salvifici Doloris" and the Motu Proprio "Dolentium hominum," with which Pope John Paul II established the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers. On the morning of February 11, the 18th Day of the Sick, the relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous are expected to arrive in the Vatican and a Solemn Mass will be presided by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Basilica. Following the celebrations, there will be a procession along the “Via della Conciliazione” and a prayer with the Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, organized by UNITALSI, which is scheduled to end in St. Peter's Square. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>EUROPE/SPAIN - “Give Life, Sowing Hope”: 15th Diocesan Day for Health Pastoral Care</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25990&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Fuenlabrada (Agenzia Fides) – The 15th Diocesan Day for Health Pastoral Care, organized by the Diocesan Delegation of Health Pastoral Care, will be celebrated Saturday, February 20th, at the Hospital of Fuenlabrada. During the meeting, there will be a presentation of the "Give Life, Sowing Hope" campaign and its goals: to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Day of the Sick, take advantage of and disseminate the great pastoral commitment of this day, assess the impact in Christian communities, place attention on health and society; celebrate 25 years of life and hope in the Day of the Sick and give a new impulse to its celebration, as a means to renew the Church's evangelizing activity in the world of health. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>ASIA/THAILAND - Home for disabled children run by Camillians organizes yearly Day for Children</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25991&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – Every second Saturday in January, Thailand celebrates the "Day for Children". This year, the day was January 9, and the St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand and the Lat Krabang Home for Disabled Children, a home for disabled children run by the Camillian Religious Order, in collaboration with the Thai Red Cross, has organized many activities for children. On this occasion, the children of the Kevorkian Foundation also joined the children from the community center adjacent to the Camillian Center. In addition to the various organized games, prizes, and food available to all children, each of them made a little performance. In the month of January, 4 new children with mental disorders, physical, and multiple disabilities were taken in to the home. Thanks to several volunteers, the children went to see a movie and had dinner outside. In addition, a group of students from Rungsit University made a video on the lives of children living within the House of Camillians, to use as publicity for the Center. It features the story of a blind child who can play the guitar, bringing out the abilities of disabled children. Also, some scenes were shot in the physiotherapy room and in the activities and study halls, where the children carry out their daily activities. In the activities room, there are children who have problems with mental development and autism engaged in planting bean seeds, as well as drawing and painting. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AMERICA/EL SALVADOR - “The situations of violence are extremely serious and threaten the ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25992&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[San Salvador (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Church in El Salvador has today proposed to seek help from other nations, especially the United States and Brazil, to combat violence in the country, which she sees as “very serious” and something that “threatens to overwhelm society.” “One can receive aid from other nations, especially the United States, for assistance strategies in this area,” said Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas of San Salvador, in a press conference after Sunday Mass, citing Brazil or “so many friends." Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is highly regarded in El Salvador, has plans to visit the country in late February. 
"The escalation of violence has no limits: just as good is infinite because it comes from God, so evil cam be without limits,” said the Archbishop. “If society tolerates and allows an increase in violence, then where are we going? We must put a stop now, to put an end to this situation. Now.” Archbishop Escobar Alas commented on the climate of violence that rages in the smallest country in America: the year 2009 ended with the frightening figure of 4,365 murders, the highest in the last 10 years according to police statistics. And the year 2010 began with the same rhythm. The Archbishop described the "deeply worrying level of violence" in El Salvador, referring to the massacres recorded on the night of Saturday, February 6, when at least five people were killed and six others were injured, and to similar episodes on February 2, when seven suspected gang members were killed by an armed group. 
"One thing is clear to everyone: the situation of violence is extremely serious and threatens the collapse of society, so we must respond promptly and effectively," said Archbishop Escobar Alas. In January alone, in El Salvador there were 404 murders, which means an average of 13 every day, according to the National Civil Police (PNC). On January 30, the Conference of Bishops issued a document calling on the entire community to reflect on the country that "is suffering an epidemic of violence" and asked that action be taken to work against it. The Bishops are very clear when they write: "Not even countries at war lose as many lives as ours from violence... putting into practice the teachings of Christ, we can establish social peace.” (CE) (Agenzia Fides 08/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AMERICA/COSTA RICA - Laura Chinchilla: first woman elected President of Costa Rica</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25993&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[San Jose (Agenzia Fides) – In Costa Rica, for the first time a woman was elected to lead the country. Laura Chinchilla Miranda, topping the polls, managed to climb the last step. In fact, from 2006 to 2008 she had been the First Vice-President of the Administration of Oscar Arias (Nobel Peace Prize 1987). Representative of the “Partido de Liberación Nacional” (PLN), a left-wing party, won 47% of the votes against 24% of the left-center candidate Otton Solis. The newly elected President, age 50, has called for dialogue with her political opponents and the different social sectors, promising to continue the policies of her predecessor Arias: improving the quality of health, education, security, and ensure support for marriage. 
Her official presentation took place on November 28, 2009, during the "March of the Life and Family", supported by the Catholic Church, in which 50,000 people demonstrated against abortion and gay marriage. Her presence caused amazement among both the majority and opposition. During the campaign, the presidential candidate visited 3 radio stations, including "La Paz del dial," and in one of the programs said: "My vision is to promote life. I do not understand how there are parents who teach their children to respect animals, but then they are capable of sacrificing a human life." 
Yesterday, Sunday, February 7, Election Day, Archbishop Hugo Barrantes Ureña of San José, President of the Bishops' Conference, celebrated at 7:00 Mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral to which all candidates for election were invited. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 08/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>EUROPE/IRELAND - National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies appointed</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25994&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on January 1, 2010, appointed Fr. Gary Howley of Saint Patrick's Missionary Society, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Ireland for a five-year term (2010-2014).
The new National Director was born October 25, 1952 in Clonmel (Diocese of Waterford and Lismore) and, after studying theology in Kiltegan, was ordained priest on June 7, 1980 in the Church of Saint Mary, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, by the Bishop of the Diocese of Abakaliki, Nigeria. From 1980 to 1985 he worked in the Diocese of Abakaliki (Nigeria) as pastor and in the minor seminary. From 1985 to 1989, he worked in Ireland in the office for the promotion of St. Patrick's Society for Foreign Missions, and in 1990/1991 he was parish priest in the Archdiocese of Lusaka (Zambia). In 1991/1992 he studied journalism in the United States of America. Upon his return he was: Director of the magazine of the Society of St. Patrick "Africa" (1993/2003), Secretary of the Religious Press Association (1995/2001), the Regional Superior of St. Patrick Missionary Society (2004/2008), Executive Member of the Irish Missionary Union (IMU) (2004/2008). (SL) (Agenzia Fides 8/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Local Catholic Church running international program for AIDS patients</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25995&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) - “This event honors the commitment and success of the Catholic Church in caring for the world’s largest population of people with HIV,” said CRS (Catholic Relief Services) South Africa Country Representative Ruth Stark, during a ceremony that took place in Johannesburg. The “event” she refers to is the transferring of the program AIDSRelief of the CRS into the hands of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC – Bishops of South Africa, Botswana, and Swaziland).
AIDSRelief provides care and assistance for over 60,000 people in the three southern African nations, where the highest level of HIV patients is registered. The program is financed by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), whose funds are sent to South Africa by CRS.
“We are proud of and grateful to the people on the ground, recognizing that the work of providing treatment services and care for children happens at local level. It is there that the dedication and commitment of project staff, professional and untrained, rising to unbelievable challenges, often in quite difficult circumstances, is played out over and over. The commitment and hard work of care givers and project personnel is what holds it altogether,” said Sr. Alison Munro, Head of the Office for AIDS of the SACBC.
In her speech, Sr. Alison recalled the history of the last 10 years of the AIDS Office of the Southern African Bishops' Conference, which has the task of coordinating the efforts of the Catholic Church in South Africa, Botswana, and Swaziland in favor of those who suffer from the disease. The religious sister also highlighted that the Church in South Africa receives aid in this work from other Catholic organizations as well: Cordaid (Holland), Trocaire (Ireland), and Cafod (England and Wales).
The program is mainly directed towards children and is still only a “drop of water in the ocean.” But, as Sr. Alison recalled, “the ripple effect is impossible to measure.” Thanks to the free distribution of antiretroviral medicine, the majority of the people in the program survive and are able to live their lives with a greater dignity. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AFRICA/GUINEA - “Tensions caused by underdevelopment in the area at the root of clashes in ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25996&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Conakry (Agenzia Fides) – "A simple traffic accident that has caused an explosion of violence reveals a worsening of Guinean society and, in particular, of that area of the country," a source from the Church in Guinea told Fides after clashes in N'Zérékoré, which have resulted in two deaths and about forty wounded. 
N'Zérékoré is a town in Guinea's Forest region, about 1000 km from the capital Conakry, in eastern Guinea. The incidents erupted on Friday, February 5, following a trivial argument between a woman of Guerzé ethnic background, a Christian, who tried to cross a road that was blocked by police for the prayer of Muslim faithful, of Malinke ethnic background, who had not found a place in the nearby mosque. The quarrel then degenerated into clashes between the two ethnic groups. The authorities have imposed a curfew and sent a government delegation to N'Zérékoré, to meet with local religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim. The latter urged the population to remain calm. 
"The political tensions of recent months in Guinea have aroused atavistic conflicts among the Malinke Muslims from Mali and Guerzé Christians, but I do not think there is any link to current political events in the country," Fides sources say. 
"These tensions related to the division of lands and resources have been exacerbated by the fact that for about 20 years, during the government of President Lansana Conté (1984-2008), the Guinea Forest Region, where N'Zérékoré is located, was abandoned in itself," says Fides' source. "There are no infrastructures or roads, or programs of real development. To travel the 1,000 km that separate N'Zérékoré from the capital, it takes 20 hours. The only existing economic activities are carried forward by a number of multinationals: the area is in the process of deforestation due to the massive destruction of valuable trees by a Chinese company, while an American company exploits the important iron ore deposits. These activities cause severe environmental damage without offering benefits to local communities, such as jobs or the creation of an infrastructure accessible to all. To export the iron ore, for example, they use a private airport operated by the mining company." 
To understand the causes of recent violence, (in addition to yesterday's, there were also those of 2006 and 2007) one must have an understanding that goes deeper than a simple description of "clashes between Christians and Muslims." (LM) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/MALAYSIA - Evangelical Church in Borneo presents case for using “Allah” in the Bible</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25997&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Kuala Lumpur (Agenzia Fides) – The saga over the use of the name “Allah” for Christians in Malaysia is still holding court in Malaysian society, note sources of Fides from the local Church. 
The Evangelical Church "Sidang Injil Borneo” (SIB), meaning “Evangelical Communities of Borneo," is a Protestant denomination rooted mainly in Malaysian Borneo that has filed a case in the High Court of Appeals and Special Powers, to obtain permission to use and distribute Bibles and other pastoral publications in the "Bahasa Malaysia" language, which uses the word "Allah" to refer to God. The High Court has set March 5 for the first hearing with representatives of the Evangelical Church, to examine the delicate issue, which enters into the already well-known saga that filled newspapers in January: the case brought forward by the Catholic Church, particularly "The Herald," for the use of the word "Allah" in its edition in "Bahasa Malaysia." 
The “Sidang Injil Borneo” Church, in a ten-point declaration sent to Fides, calls for government recognition of its right, constitutionally protected, to use and distribute Bibles in “Bahasa Malaysia" and “Bahasa Indonesia,” two very similar languages that use the word "Allah." 
The SIB Church was established in 1928 and became widespread in Peninsular Malaysia in 1993, using "Bahasa Malaysia" almost always for worship, liturgies, and publications, as it is the only common language among the natives of Borneo. It is one of the largest Christian churches in Malaysia and has over 500,000 faithful, and 600 churches across the nation. One of them was attacked in the wavee of violence against Christian places of worship, following the High Court's decision that was favorable to the Catholic Church, in early January. 
The leader of the SIB, Jerry Dusing, is appealing the ban issued by the Government on Bibles and publications that use the word "Allah,” as the community has been "stifled in worship and pastoral ministry." Bibles circulating in the congregation were also seized, along with those sent from Indonesia, all in "Bahasa Malaysia" or "Bahasa Indonesia" (see Fides 20/10/2009). "Religious freedom is our right," said Dusing. The leader also criticized the approach of the government to grant only the faithful present in Malaysian Borneo (namely in the two states of Sabah and Sarawak) to use the word "Allah" for worship (because "its use is traditional for native Christians in East Malaysia," says the executive). These are all issues that the SIB will present to the judge in court. 
Meanwhile, after the arrest and detention of three young people accused of taking part in attacks against Christian churches that occurred in January, police investigations are continuing and have led to the arrest and detention of four other young Muslims: four unemployed youth between ages 18 and 29, accused by prosecutors of conducting arson attacks, which places them at risk for having to serve up to 20 years in prison. 
In the list of 18 places of worship that have suffered attacks or acts of vandalism between January 8 and 27, following the incident which has ignited public opinion in Malaysia, there are: 11 Christian churches and a monastery, three mosques and two Muslim prayer rooms, and a Sikh temple. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/PAKISTAN - Shazia and violence against Christian women in Pakistan</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25998&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – The sad story of Shazia - a Christian girl who was raped, tortured, and killed by her employer, a wealthy Muslim lawyer in Lahore (see Fides 25/01/2010) – is "a reminder to the public and the international community of the violence against women in Pakistan, especially against Christian workers," sources of the Church in Pakistan tell Fides. 
According to the Pakistani NGO “Alliance Against Sexual Harassment,” 91% of domestic workers say they have suffered abuse or sexual violence. Plus, "Shazia, who was young and belonging to a minority religious community was particularly vulnerable," notes the NGO. According to the organization, each year there are numerous complaints of similar cases and kidnappings suffered by workers, who are often torn from their Christian families and forced to marry wealthy businessmen and convert to Islam. 
In 2009, the reported cases of violence against women (Christian or not) increased by 13%, says the Aurat Foundation, active for over 20 years in the defense of women in Pakistan. And many cases remain unknown. According to data compiled by the Foundation, in 2009 there were 1,052 murders of women, 71 cases of rape with homicide, 352 rapes, 265 gang rapes, 1,452 cases of torture, and 1,198 abductions. 
Some of these cases concern even young girls, as was the case in the recent incident of a 4-year-old child who was raped and killed on January 31 in a village near Faisalabad, in Punjab. 
"The situation is worrisome," noted Fides sources. "Social discrimination against religious minorities is widespread. There are many abuses against women, perpetrated by Islamic militant groups, but also by members of the middle class, as occurred in the case of Shazia. The government must take serious steps to ensure the freedom and rights of women in Pakistan." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2009)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/TAIWAN - Legion of Mary celebrates 60 years in Taiwan</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25981&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Tai Pei (Agenzia Fides) - On February 21, 1950, in a small room in the parish of Hua Sha, the first community of the Legion of Mary was begun in Taiwan. Sixty years later, its over 2,300 members, present in 206 communities on the island, are preparing for the solemn celebration of 60 years on the mission in Taiwan, which began January 1, 2010 and will end on February 20, 2011, with the theme: "Imitating Christ, Use Charity – Where is the Mother is, there is also the Son." The members of the Legion of Mary in Taiwan, through the spread of devotion to Mary, are actively engaged in pastoral work in catechism, evangelization, and social service, so that through love for the Mother, Her Son may become more known and loved. They are great collaborators with the priests and present a rich source of vocations to the consecrated life. 
According to information sent to Agenzia Fides, on the program of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary, the Solemn Mass in honor of the "60 years of the Legion of Mary in Taiwan" will be held on February 27, while a seminar for youth members of the Legion of Mary will be held on August 15. October will feature an important work of charity on the island, and on December 8, they will celebrate the day for the consecration of all family members. Finally, on February 20, 2011, there will be a Closing Ceremony for the celebration of the 60th anniversary. 
The Legion of Mary is a lay movement founded in Dublin September 7, 1921 by Frank Duff, after his discovery of the "True Devotion to the Virgin Mary" by St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort. The Servant of God Frank Duff was thus able to draw from this text a deep understanding of the vital and fundamental role of the Virgin Mary in the work of the redemption of the world. Today, the Legion of Mary has over 3 million members. The Irish missionary Fr. W. A. McGrath, head of the mission of Han Yang, in the Province of Hu Bei, of the Columban Missionaries, brought this movement to Chinese soil in the 1940s. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 06/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Intermirifica.net” - a missionary opportunity</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25982&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Porto Alegre (Agenzia Fides) – The Continental Meeting of Catholic communities called "Mutirão de Comunicação” from Latin America and the Caribbean (Muticom) which was opened on February 3, closes today in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Muticom, which is organized by the Bishops' Conference of Brazil, by CELAM, by the Catholic Bishops of Latin America for Communication (OCLACC) and other agencies of the Church, was inaugurated by the President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Archbishop Claudio M. Celli. 
In his speech, Archbishop Celli, speaking of the "Church as a living body in an Internet-oriented society," presented the first comprehensive on-line Catholic media catalog. This new link, with a “Wiki” format to it, is a collaborative effort among editors logged into the system. It is also encouraged by CELAM, SIGNIS, and other international Church entities. The presentation of "intermirifica.net" offered the opportunity for Archbishop Celli to consult the participants in the Muticom, noting that in Brazil alone there are over 180 Catholic radio stations, while throughout the entire African continent there are just under 200 Catholic radio stations, and that opportunities for synergies, exchange, and mutual cooperation are now opened. 
Fr. Ariel Beram, official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, interviewed by Agenzia Fides on first impressions from the portal intermirifica.net, reported that "for the missionaries it presents an opportunity to create establish contact among the media, as well as within their own religious congregation." He then added: "You cannot plan a missionary activity without objective knowledge of the resources on which we depend. In this sense, Intermirifica.net will help reveal the specific situation of different contexts are to be evangelized...For us, the media emphasizes the catholicity of the Catholic Church, where respecting the charism and sensitivity of the missionaries, we feel like part of a big family." The Muticom, which was held at the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, brought together specialists from 37 countries who reflected on the central theme: "The Processes of Communication and Cultural Solidarity." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 06/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/HAITI - “At times I feel so helpless, but knowing that I have many people praying for ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25983&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Port-au-Prince (Agenzia Fides) - “There are no words to describe the devastation of the earthquake on this city.  All over the city there are signs -- 'We need help - water, food, medication, tents.' 'Please help us NOW!' Rich and poor have lost everything here - yet you still hear people singing, especially songs of praise to God for saving them.” These are the words of Colette Cunningham, a 49 year-old Irish volunteer who, having just returned to her native Ireland after working in Zambia with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), offered her services in Haiti. Her testimony was sent to Agenzia Fides by Sister Janet Fearns, FMDM, Communications Coordinator of the National Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in England and Wales (Missio).
Cunningham writes from Haiti: “I am now working with CRS, on Public Health Communication for the camps...I am also working with children who are traumatized from the event and doing some trauma counseling with them. There is one little girl called Anne- Delianne, she is 4 years old. She was trapped under her home for 4 days with a stone on her head. It caused a pressure sore on her forehead and when she came to the clinic she had a hole there and one could see her skull bone. She began to tell me that she was trapped and that she could hear her granny crying and calling her name. That made her sad so she told granny not to cry because she was not going to die and that Jesus was taking care of her. She was successfully rescued [and] her physical injuries could be repaired by a skilled trauma and reconstructive surgeon from the UK.” Cunningham describes how although little Anne-Delianne had remained mute after the trauma of the earthquake, through her conversations with the child, she eventually helped her to gradually return to her old self of “smiling, singing, and skipping.”
Colette Cunningham continues: “Yesterday in one of the camps, a girl was lying down under a tarpaulin because she has a leg injury -- on the tarpaulin she and her family had written 'Jesus is my security.' At times I feel so helpless but knowing that I have many people praying for me helps me to continue doing the little I can to help this terrible situation.” (AR) (Agenzia Fides 06/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AFRICA/MALAWI - Malawi President's election as President of African Union, inspires hopes and fears</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25984&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Lilongwe (Agenzia Fides) – On January 31, the 14th African Union Summit elected the Head of State of Malawi, Bingu wa Mutharika, President of the Union. In his acceptance speech for such a highly pursued office, Mutharika stated the priorities of his presidency: food security, continental infrastructure (roads, ports, etc. ..) and energy, and peace-keeping on the continent. 
"In Malawi, the whole government sings the praises of the President elected to the leadership of Africa. [They think] Malawi will become famous and be known on the continent. Even the opposition is happy about that," Agenzia Fides was told by Fr. Piergiorgio Gamba, Montfortian missionary that has been living and working in the country for 30 years. 
But what is the response of the population? "The first concrete result of the appointment of EU President Bingu wa Mutharika has been the addition to the state budget (submitted to Parliament for approval) of a billion Kwacha (about 4.9 million Euros) to spend in the first six months of Mutharika's term in office," says the missionary. "They are expenses for meetings, travel, and other staff that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes available to the President for his high office. The African Union is unable to finance his expenses, so why should we have to pay, the people of Malawi ask." 
"This happens in a country where the Ministry of Education denounces the lack of 6,000 teachers for schools where in some cases, the average student/teacher ratio is 1 teacher for 200 pupils, while the standard should be 65 students per teacher. The opposition wants to know the details of the expenditure prior to signing a blank check for an investment that could offer different opportunities, which are hard to quantify," said Fr. Gamba. 
"I hope that this international office will encourage the government to make "democratic" choices in the country, before trying to give lessons in freedom and cooperation to the rest of the continent. In any case. the year 2010 will be really important for Malawi," concludes the missionary. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AFRICA/CONGO DR - Yet another military operation in east Congo causes concern among missionaries</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25985&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – The  launch of a new military offensive in North and South Kivu (eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo) against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda raises several questions on the part of missionaries in the "Peace for the Congo" Network. A note sent by the Network to Agenzia Fides notes that "the Congolese military authorities have announced the termination of the Kimya II (see Fides 19/11/2009) military operation waged against the FDLR and the beginning of a new operation called “Amani leo” ("Peace now" in Swahili). These are two things that raise some questions." 
"If, according to official statements, Kimya II was a success for having achieved its goals, why has it been stopped and not continued?" the missionaries are asking. Perhaps, because the official statements, highly positive, do not correspond to reality and have been contradicted by the last report of the UN Group of Experts for the DRC and several human rights groups have said clearly affirmed the failure of Kimya II, which not only failed to disarm and repatriate a significant number of Rwandan rebels, but was also unable to dismantle the structure of local control and prevent their return in some mining areas from which they had been removed. These failures are aggravated by the additional humanitarian crisis that comes as a result of the "side effects" of the operation: killed civilians, burned villages, rape, theft, displacement, ... " 
According to the "Peace for the Congo" Network, the new operation, Amani Leo, "does not promise to be any different, as there has been no change in leadership personnel. However, it affirms that it will be less offensive and more defensive, in comparison with Kimya II. Perhaps they have seen that the best way to combat the FDLR attacks is to reduce the military pressure on them and increase opportunities for political dialogue and negotiations? This is what is hoped. Moreover, military operations against the FDLR have been used to divert public attention, nationally and internationally, from the great problems of the Great Lakes Region: the illegal trade of mineral resources, lack of democracy and dictatorial tendencies, violations of human rights, non-respect of national sovereignty, and inviolability of borders, attempts of expansionism and hegemony, corruption, impunity, salary payment problems ... "conclude the missionaries. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/INDIA - “White Book” on violence, to bring reconciliation and justice to Orissa: appeal ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25986&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) – The government should establish a "White Book" on the state of Orissa, to address and resolve "neutrality and transparency" issues of displaced people, land restitution, and the right to a peaceful life. This is the appeal expressed to Agenzia Fides by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Bhubaneswar, the diocese where anti-Christian violence broke out in August 2008. 
The Archbishop issued the appeal following the visit of a delegation of European Union representatives to the district of Kandhamal, the area of the violence. 
"Despite the proclamations of the administrators, dignity and human rights of Christian victims of the violence of 2008 are still very far from a minimum standard of normality. After fifteen months of violence, thousands of refugees are still living on the streets, in makeshift shelters with no hope of returning to a decent life, subjected to constant threats,” the Archbishop told Fides. 
Let us pray for lasting peace and reconciliation in Orissa, which is only possible through a transparent justice: that is, allowing the refugees to return to their homes," says Archbishop Cheenath. "We are opposed to a ghettoization of the district of Kandhamal." 
The Archbishop denounces the inadequacy of local government in making a neutral and transparent effort to ensure rights for those who are without a home. He also assures of the strong commitment of the Catholic Church in the process of treatment and rehabilitation of displaced persons: "We are approaching the monsoon season and their living conditions could deteriorate even more, and that would cause a humanitarian disaster," he said with alarm. 
Initially, after the violence of 2008, the displaced families were about 11,000, for a total of about 54,000 persons. Of these, 1,200 families have left the area to move to other states. Today, about 6,000 families live at best, camped in barracks on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, capital of Orissa, and about 300 families are still residing in refugee camps set up by the government in the Kandhamal district. More than 4,440 families live in tents or makeshift shelters in various towns and villages of the state. Only 1,100 families have received a minimum of humanitarian assistance from the government or NGOs. The Church is doing everything possible and meanwhile, has helped to rebuild some 2,500 homes, but this is still a fraction of the work of humanitarian and reconstruction that is needed. 
Many refugees tried to return to their homes, but have received threats and intimidation by Hindu extremists, in the absolute indifference of local civilian authorities. 
"The path of justice is of utter importance," notes Archbishop Cheenath. "Today the perpetrators of violence and murders are still free, despite the testimony of eyewitnesses, and many defendants were acquitted. We are requesting a special investigation into the events in Kandhamal," added the Archbishop. 
The key points to be included in the "White Book" on Orissa are, according to the Prelate: the compensation due to the refugees for destroyed property, employment and the right to work, and the question of land, which remains the primary element of survival for families in the area." Treading on the right to land, they deny these families the basic sustenance, along with education and health care. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/BRAZIL - Bishop Lara Barbosa on the “Clean Card Law”: “We are open to dialogue, but ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25987&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) – The Movement for the fight against electoral corruption (MCCE) in Brazil, led by the Catholic Church and several social activists, today resubmitted its request to Congress not to amend the bill that vetoes the participation of candidates who have judicial proceedings in the October elections. The organization said it is open to dialogue to discuss the law (also called the “Clean Card Law”) that is being examined by the Chamber of Deputies, but opposes "radical changes" of the initiative that was proposed by Congress and the Parliament members of the opposition party. 
The bill was delivered to Congress in September 2009 with the support of half a million signatures collected by MCCE. The vote is scheduled for March and the penalties, that come into force in the presidential, legislative, and gubernatorial elections in October, should be set no later than June. 
"Brazilian society does not expect further delays in the discussion and approval of this theme that is among the primary interests of all citizens," said a statement written by the Secretary-General of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops, Bishop Dimas Lara Barbosa. For high-level politicians covered by the "privileged forum", which allows them not to be judged by an ordinary judicial body, the proposed legislation provides a right of veto, without a first-degree conviction and would be sufficient that a court would accept the lawsuit. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 06/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/INDONESIA - Archbishop of Medan tells Fides there is interreligious dialogue and ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25970&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Medan (Agenzia Fides) – There have been no interreligious tensions in northern Sumatra following the recent violence against two Protestant houses of worship. "These are rare events, occurring in specific circumstances. Over the past five years, the situation in Sumatra - particularly in the Province of Aceh - has much improved in the social, human, and religious aspects," Fides learned in an interview with Archbishop Antonius Sinaga, OFM Cap, of Medan, Metropolitan Archdiocese with the two Dioceses of North Sumatra, Padang and Sibolga, under the umbrella of its ecclesiastical jurisdiction. 
"As for the inter-religious relationships, especially between Muslims and Christians, I am not worried. In fact, I am very confident. The isolated incidents of anti-Christian violence (especially against the Protestant denominations) depend on contingent factors and are not the result of a widespread hatred. For example, in the latest incident (two prayer rooms of a Pentecostal community were set on fire near Padang, North Sumatra), the fire was started by a radical Muslim leader who came to visit the province and a group of fanatics who followed him. The incident was condemned by many local Muslim leaders." 
What is very important, the Bishop points out, is the politics of local government: "At the public level, the local government in Sumatra has adopted and defended the idea of pluralism and plurality in society, as has also occurred nationally, in accordance with Pancasila, the five cardinal principles of the Indonesian nation, which guarantee freedom for the believers of recognized religious communities.” 
It is true that one form of controlling the growth of Protestant Christian communities and is by denying or lengthening the process of permits to build new churches. And even the “visibility and noise” of the Christian liturgies of the Pentecostal denomination at times elicits reactions from small Islamic fundamentalist groups, who fear Christian proselytizing. 
Also, in North Sumatra there is a potential conflict within the Batak ethnic communities, who live mainly in southern Province of Aceh that includes Christians and Muslims, and there is, therefore, considerable pressure to convert to Islam placed on Batak Christians, in an attempt to realign the two factors, ethnic group and religion. 
But, even considering this scenario and this complexity of elements, as Fides is told by Indonesian Church sources, "we must also keep in mind those not-so-far-off days (late 90s) of suffering in which churches were burned each year in Indonesia, which was a worrying phenomenon that reached very high figures: about 800 churches were burned or attacked between 1996 and 2000. Or we can think of the anti-Christian violence that took place in the Moluccas and in Sulawesi between 1999 and 2001. Since then, there has been obvious progress.” 
Also, Indonesia's largest Muslim organizations - such as Muhammadiyah (about 30 million followers) and Nahdlatul Ulama (about 40 million followers) – have condemned such incidents. Even authoritative and influential media have condemned the violence, as shown in the last editorial in the Jakarta Post, entitled "Stop Church Burning." “The overall assessment of interfaith harmony in Sumatra and throughout Indonesia is positive and we hope to see continued improvements," Fides' source concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, President of Bishops' Commission on Family and ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25974&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Manila (Agenzia Fides) – "Presidential candidates should be clear on the issues that concern the respect for life and family. If they call themselves Catholics, there can be no dichotomy between the faith and the public service to which they are called." This is what Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of San Fernando, President of the Bishops' Commission on Family and Life, said in an interview with Agenzia Fides. The Commission published, in late 2009, a “Catechism on Family and Life for the 2010 Elections,” that outlines the Church's position and asks leaders to “cultivate morality, enlightened by faith," and thus, not supporting laws that violate the right to life and rights of families. 
The document has generated wide debate in the press, in public opinion, and in politics in the Philippines in this intense phase of the electoral campaign that precedes presidential elections next May. The Catechism, in particular, has had the effect of "forcing" presidential candidates to express an opinion for or against a piece of legislation being debated in the Philippines Congress: the Reproductive Health Bill. 
The bill aims at legalizing and promoting practices such as abortion and contraception among young people as a means of birth control in the Philippines. Recently, the Filipino Congress, given the sensitivity of the matter and the divisions in public opinion declined to consider and vote on the law, postponing it until after the election. 
This measure of Congress has caused strong reactions in the press, which has viciously attacked the Catholic Church, accused by the leading Philippine newspaper, “The Philippine Daily Inquirer,” of being "unjust and immoral in itself," trying to impose a moral on the nation, and trying to limit the freedom of citizens and prevent population control. 
Archbishop Aniceto has told Agenzia Fides of the answers to these accusations, which will appear in a public statement: "We have repeatedly condemned injustice and immorality, both in public life and in the Church. We have repeatedly spoken out against corruption and called for transparency in politics, especially in view of the elections. Today, the issue of so-called 'sexual and reproductive health' is a new national political agenda and it demands a clear response from the Church and from those in public office. We intend to continue forward and present the Filipino people with the guidelines of the Social Doctrine of the Church. We want to expose the pitfalls in the text of the law being debated in Congress and the pressures being made on the Philippines in this area from some UN agencies and from the United States, who favor means of population control that violate the right to life. We want to inform citizens on this delicate matter of conscience that needs the light of faith." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>VATICAN - Pope's Message for Lent: “creating just societies, where all receive what is ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25975&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ” (Rm 3, 21-22) is the theme for the Message of the Holy Father for Lent 2010. Benedict XVI focuses on the meaning of “justice.” “What man needs most cannot be guaranteed to him by law...Material goods are certainly useful and required – indeed Jesus Himself was concerned to heal the sick, feed the crowds that followed Him and surely condemns the indifference that even today forces hundreds of millions into death through lack of food, water and medicine – yet 'distributive' justice does not render to the human being the totality of his 'due.' Just as man needs bread, so does man have even more need of God.” 
In examining the cause of injustice, the Pope affirms that it is the fruit of evil and “does not have exclusively external roots; its origin lies in the human heart, where the seeds are found of a mysterious cooperation with evil...man is weakened by an intense influence, which wounds his capacity to enter into communion with the other. By nature, he is open to sharing freely, but he finds in his being a strange force of gravity that makes him turn in and affirm himself above and against others: this is egoism, the result of original sin.”
The “profound link” between God and justice towards our neighbor is also indicated in the Hebrew word for the virtue of justice: “sedaqah,” which in fact means “on the one hand full acceptance of the will of the God of Israel; on the other hand, equity in relation to one’s neighbor (cf. Ex 20, 12-17), especially the poor, the stranger, the orphan and the widow...In order to enter into justice, it is thus necessary to leave that illusion of self-sufficiency, the profound state of closure, which is the very origin of injustice.”
“The Christian Good News responds positively to man’s thirst for justice,” the Holy Father affirms, in that the justice of Christ is above all “the justice that comes from grace, where it is not man who makes amends, heals himself and others...God has paid for us the price of the exchange in His Son, a price that is truly exorbitant. Before the justice of the Cross, man may rebel for this reveals how man is not a self-sufficient being, but in need of Another in order to realize himself fully. Conversion to Christ, believing in the Gospel, ultimately means this: to exit the illusion of self-sufficiency in order to discover and accept one’s own need – the need of others and God, the need of His forgiveness and His friendship.”
The Message concludes by recalling that “strengthened by this very experience, the Christian is moved to contribute to creating just societies, where all receive what is necessary to live according to the dignity proper to the human person and where justice is enlivened by love,” and expresses his hope that the penitential time of Lent may be “a time of authentic conversion and intense knowledge of the mystery of Christ, who came to fulfill every justice.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 5/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>ASIA/CHINA - Catholic community of He Bei promotes family and Christian marriage in preparation ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25976&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Shai Jia Zhuang (Agenzia Fides) – In anticipation of Chinese New Year, which is a very important traditional celebration marked by family unity and given the many challenges that today's society poses to the family and the Church, such as divorce, separation ... He Bei Catholic communities are promoting several initiatives in relation to the family and Christian marriage, news of which has also been sent to Agenzia Fides.  
Aware of the needs of the rural area, where couples live long periods of time separated by migration for employment purposes, the Center for Social Services of the Diocese of Heng Shui led courses to promote the family and marriage in several villages, taking advantage of the return of migrant workers for the celebration of the New Year. The priests and 5 volunteers of the Center, along with a psychologist and priest, Fr. Hu Qiu Cheng, led a meeting of 2 hours in each village to explain the meaning of life, marriage, and family life. In each of the places that hosted the meeting, there were not only hundreds of local faithful in attendance, but there were also several from nearby villages, including several non-Catholics. 
Another initiative is taking place at the parish of Wu An in the Diocese of Han Dan, which has established a prize for the "Model Couple" who promote Christian family life and marriage in society, especially among young people today. "The real, live witness is the best sermon," said the priest. The parish is always celebrating wedding anniversaries together, to remind everyone of "the indissolubility and the importance of family harmony, built on a solid foundation, i.e. the Christian one." (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 05/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/MEXICO - 14th National Holy Childhood Association Congress aired live on the Internet</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25977&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Chihuahua (Agenzia Fides) – The 14th National Congress for the Holy Childhood Association and Youth Missionaries (CONIAM), organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies of Mexico is taking place in Chihuahua in Mexico, February 4 to 7.  The main objective of CONIAM is to awaken the missionary spirit in children and adolescents in Mexico, to strengthen the work of the Holy Childhood Association and Youth Missionaries (IAM), and promote them in places where they are not yet established. For 28 years (since 1982) now, Mexico has been celebrating the Missionary Congresses for children and adolescents, the current one being the 14th. The Congress of the IAM is held every two years in a diocese in the country, and is considered a great way to awaken the missionary awareness among families and group leaders, in order to respond to the missionary mandate of the Risen Christ. 
This time the host diocese is the Archdiocese of Chihuahua, and the slogan is: "Your life, Father Maldonado, has called us to the Mission." Father Maldonado (1892-1937), a diocesan priest of Chihuahua, worked with the Tarahumara Indians. He was brutally murdered in the town where he was pastor, at a time of intense persecution of the Church by the Mexican government. John Paul II declared him blessed in 1992 and canonized him in 2000. 
The Congress brings together thousands of children and adolescents ages 8-15. The opening and closing are particularly intense moments of prayer and celebration, as all the participants gather for a special Mass. One of the most significant moments at the closure of Congress, is the Missionary March, where children and young people sing, dance, cry, and applaud while walking. The novelty of this Congress 2010 is that PMS of Mexico has worked to make the live webcast of this event possible, so that those who cannot attend can experience it live through the website: www.ompemexico.org.mx. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 05/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/ECUADOR - 100th anniversary of the birth of Bishop Leonidas Proaño, Bishop of the ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25978&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Quito (Agenzia Fides) – 100 years after the birth of Bishop Leonidas Proaño, the Ecuadorian Bishops' Conference and the entire national community have celebrated this anniversary with great devotion and the commitment to help even the littlest of society learn of the person and work of the "Bishop of the Indians" as he was known. Bishop Proaño was born January 29, 1910 in San Antonio Ibarra and died August 31, 1988 in Quito. Even the National Assembly unanimously paid tribute to the "Bishop of the poor and the Indians," who left behind a legacy to respect the principles of transparency, justice, social equality, and human rights. 
The Bishops' Conference of Ecuador has entrusted to Bishop Julio Terán Dutari, Bishop of Ibarra, the task of remembering the person, ministry, and legacy of Bishop Proaño. Bishop Terán Dutari writes: "Among all the merits of Bishop Proaño, I must emphasize its enormous value as Pastor of the Church, perhaps controversial in the past, but now indisputably recognized by all." He cites a statement from Pablo Cardinal Muñoz Vega, his illustrious contemporary, who said: "This is an Ecuadorian and Latin American Bishop of undoubted influence, both inside and outside Church circles." 
A Bishop Proaño happened to live the period of change after Vatican II. Bishop Terán Dutari continues: "The Conference of Latin American Bishops in Medellin was a concretization of the Gospel and of Vatican II, in that moment Latin America was experiencing. And its announcement was love for the poor, so that the Risen Christ would work among them, so that from among the poor a new community of faith would arise, of hope for all. This was the secret of Bishop Proaño: to live the richness of a Christian life in community, transforming the sociological poverty, with a true spirit of evangelical poverty ... The route of Bishop Proaño until his death appears to be that of a faithful pastor under the continuous guidance of the Holy Spirit. He faced signs of contradiction and opened roads to discern and keep moving forward. And today, he remains a bright witness for those near and far to remain vigilant in hope before God's work in the history of our peoples."(CE) (Agenzia Fides 05/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AFRICA/CONGO DR - Religious leaders from 4 Central African nations willing to mediate ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25979&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Kisangani (Agenzia Fides) – "Peace has no political or religious color. In order for our peace efforts to succeed, we must support them with prayer. Let us pray together for peace in our hearts, pray for the victims, pray that those who took up arms may be converted to peace, and we pray that the resolutions and recommendations of this conference may bear fruit, "said Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa of Kisangani, in his homily at the closing Mass for the conference (see Fides 30/1/2010) of religious leaders on the issue of Ugandan rebels of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army). 
The conference was held February 2 to 4 in Kisangani (capital of the Eastern Province, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo). It was attended by religious leaders of the areas where the LRA is active: northern Uganda, eastern DRC, southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic. In particular, the delegations were composed as follows: 5 representatives of South Sudan, 2 from Uganda, 3 from Central, 8 from the DRC, in addition to the Interior Minister of the Eastern Province, in representation of the provincial government. 
Conference participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative and expressed their hope that it will help restore peace in the region. At the end of the sessions, a regional committee was established, composed of 9 members representing the various delegations and responsible for formulating proposals for negotiations with the LRA. In his closing speech, the Archbishop of Kisangani said that religious leaders are ready to mediate in peace negotiations with the guerrilla group if it is asked of them. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AFRICA/KENYA - Proposal to insert Constitutional clause denying that changes definition of ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25980&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - Strong opposition has arisen from the Church of Kenya in regards to the proposal of the Parliamentary Commission for the Revision of the Constitution to amend the clause that defines the beginning of life. Under the new proposal, the definition of the beginning of life would change from conception to birth (see Fides 25/1/2010). 
Fr. Pascal Mwambi, a Kenyan priest and expert in bioethics, has sent Agenzia Fides an explanation of the religious, ethical, and scientific reasons that show the need to recognize the rights of the embryo. "The parliamentary select committee, which I believe is composed of experts from various related areas cannot affirm that life starts at birth unless motivated by other selfish motives and anti- life mentality ready to destroy many lives before birth," says priest. “Biologists, scientists and doctors should not be ashamed to affirm empirical facts about the process of new human organism right away from fertilization. After seven weeks (embryo stage),the new organism has all the organs formed awaiting gradual development...There is no single moment we can say that he or she isn’t a human person. There is a autonomous and continuous growth of the baby together with a cross dialogue with the mother who should be the first “Advocatus ventrus” (advocate of the womb) to the child.” 
If the concept that life begins only at birth, implicitly denying the rights of the embryo, were to be approved, says Fr. Mwambi, "then doors are open for all manipulations, research and experiments on the embryo." Furthermore, "with the precocious (premature) diagnosis of the pregnant women, any indications of abnormalities, hereditary, genetic, chromosomal pathologies will lead to eugenic or selective abortion so long as the unborn baby is not a living person juridically recognized. The same denial will lead to medically assisted ways of fertilization which will ignore or replace the conjugal act, therefore separation between sexual union and procreation.” 
“We are still at the right track so long as the draft is not yet approved. Its not a matter of just changing the clause in the draft but a matter of saving lives of future generations,” said Father Mwambi. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>VATICAN - Bishops of England and Wales come to pray in Propaganda Fide Chapel where Cardinal ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25967&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of England and Wales have recently been in Rome, upon the occasion of their first ad Limina visit during the papacy of Benedict XVI, on January 24 – February 4. On their visit, they also wished to visit two places connected to the life of Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890): the “Capella dei Magi” (Three Kings Chapel) and the Cardinal Newman Chapel, both located at the “Palazzo di Propaganda Fide,” headquarters of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (CEP) and the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Mission Societies. On February 3, the Bishops, led by the President of the Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster and accompanied by the Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, were hosted by Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Archbishop Sarah, Secretary of the Dicastery, and Secretary Adjunct Archbishop Piergiuseppe Vacchelli. 
After a meeting discussing the situation of the local Church and the most urgent challenges, the Bishops gathered in the the Three Kings Chapel for a Mass concelebrated by Cardinal Dias, Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor, and Archbishop Nichols, which was also attended by several members of the Congregation's Staff.  The President of the Bishops' Conference spoke on “the constant call to conversion” that should reside in the heart of every man and that was seen so clearly in the life of Cardinal John Henry Newman, who will hopefully soon be beatified. The Archbishop also spoke of the great longing that Newman experienced for a “universal and infallible authority,” which was what “eventually led him here.” In fact, Newman was not only ordained a priest and said his first Mass in the chapel in what is now the headquarters of the CEP, but he also resided there and attended classes at the Urban College, originally located inside the building. Archbishop Nichols called Newman “a remarkable convert” and said that it was “moving for us to be in this place, where we come so close to him.”
As Archbishop Nichols mentioned at the close of the Mass, this visit to the Chapel of the Three Kings, site of the ordination of Cardinal John Henry Newman as a Catholic priest, had been a “precious part” of their visit to Rome and would remain forever in their memory. 
After the Mass, Agenzia Fides was privileged to speak briefly with Bishop Michael Campbell, OSA of Lancaster (England), who commented that the “forthcoming beatification of John Henry Newman, a great Englishman,” was an “important event” in the Catholic Church, but also in terms of the ecumenical situation in England, as he is “revered by Catholics, Anglicans, and all as a scholar, a gentleman, and a saint.” (AR) (Agenzia Fides 04/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>VATICAN - Benedict XVI at General Audience: “a missionary fire must always burn in the heart of ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25968&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The missionary witness of St. Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers, known as the Dominican Friars, was underlined by Pope Benedict XVI during his General Audience on Wednesday, February 3. Born in Spain, in Caleruega, around the year 1170 into a noble family, Dominic distinguished himself with his interest in the study of Sacred Scripture and love for the poor. Ordained a priest, he was elected a canon of the cathedral chapter in his diocese of origin, Osma. The Bishop of Osma, who estimated his spiritual qualities, then brought Dominic with him into Northern Europe, to carry out several diplomatic missions. The Holy Father said: “While traveling, Dominic became aware of two great challenges for the Church of his time: the existence of people who were not yet evangelized, in the northern limits of the European continent, and the religious scourge that weakened Christian life in southern France, where the action of some heretical groups created disturbance and a falling away from the truth of the faith. Missionary work on behalf of those who do not know the light of the Gospel and the work of re-evangelization of the Christian community thus became the apostolic goals that Dominic intended to pursue.”
Dominic was entrusted by the Pope with preaching to the heretical group of the Albigensians. Dominic accepted this mission enthusiastically, which he carried out precisely with the example of his poor and austere existence, with the preaching of the Gospel and with public debates. He dedicated the rest of his life to this mission of preaching the Good News. His sons would fulfill St. Dominic's other dreams: the mission ad gentes, that is, to those who did not yet know Jesus, and the mission to those who lived in the city, especially in the universities, where new intellectual tendencies were a challenge for the faith of the well-educated.”
Benedict XVI also reflected on the urgency of the mission today: “This great saint reminds us that a missionary fire must always burn in the heart of the Church, which drives incessantly to take the first proclamation of the Gospel and, where necessary, to a new evangelization: Christ is, in fact, the most precious good that men and women of all times and all places have the right to know and to love! And it is consoling to see how also in the Church of today there are so many -- pastors and lay faithful, members of old religious orders and of new ecclesial movements -- that with joy spend their life for this supreme ideal: to proclaim and witness the Gospel!”
There were two values that Dominic considered essential to the success of his mission of evangelizing: community life in poverty and study. Dominic and the Dominicans presented themselves as beggars, that is without ownership of land to administer, which made them more disposed to study and itinerant preaching and constituted a concrete testimony to the people ... Secondly, Dominic, "with a brave approach, wanted his followers to acquire a solid theological training.” At the time of Dominic's death in 1221, in Bologna, the Order of Preachers was widespread in many countries of Europe. Dominic was canonized in 1234. Concluding his catechesis, Benedict XVI highlighted the two essential parts of Saint Dominic's apostolic action: Marian devotion and the values of the prayer of intercession for apostolic success. Finally, the Pope invoked the intercession of Dominic of Guzman, so that through him God may continue to enrich the Church with “authentic preachers of the Gospel.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 4/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AMERICA/HAITI - Bishop Dumas, President of Caritas Haiti: “The people need a helping hand. ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25969&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Rome (Agenzia Fides) – "The first aid after the earthquake was distributed by personnel from the Catholic Church, beginning with the Nuncio and the various religious communities that are located throughout the country. Even for first aid medical care, health services of religious were always the first in helping the population in the first moments after the earthquake.” This is what Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-a-Veau, President of Caritas Haiti, said in answering a question from Agenzia Fides after the press conference held at the headquarters of the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome on February 3. 
The President of Caritas Haiti has described the situation in the island, putting forward some proposals for the reconstruction, and appealing to the President of the United States of America. The Bishop told reporters that the press can turn the tragedy of this moment into solidarity and aid for the "post"-tragedy, to keep it from becoming a "forgotten emergency." 
The figures supplied by the Bishop were: over 180,000 dead, most of 185,000 injured, over 200,000 missing, and only a community of nuns, the Daughters of Mary, lost 15 religious. 1,500,000 people are internal refugees in the country. Many people and families are still traumatized and feel sick every time the earth shakes, and this occurs repeatedly. In the capital, 75% of homes are destroyed, but there are other cities within the country who have lost almost everything and have not made the news. People are starting to go to Canada, France, and the USA. Even for those who remain, it is hard to find the essentials such as rice, beans, pasta. There are no more supermarkets, or even hospitals and government buildings. They have lost all the archives of documents, so there are no points of reference. 
"But the Haitian people are a people who have dignity, they want to get up," said the President of Caritas Haiti. The reaction to the disaster of the common people is still free of violence and this is important, as the police have almost halved since many are dead and the survivors are trying to provide for their families. "People need a helping hand,” the Bishop continued. “Enough talk about this ordeal. Enough with the controversies. This should be a time for reflection." The problem presents itself for the future. Education cannot take place because there are no schools. 15 major churches in Port-au-Prince are gone, starting with the Cathedral. There are no houses for priests and religious who were in charge of these parishes. We will rebuild and think whether it is worth going back to the drawing board. We must consider the local church; there are institutions that can channel the aid. A first calculation estimates that about 30 million Euros will be needed for this endeavor. But beware, resolving things does not mean without the collaboration of the Haitians." 
As for the work of Caritas, the Bishop stressed that it must act "quickly and efficiently," and continued: "Therefore, we demand that the aid is not militarized. We should not demean the people and the country. Now is the time for gratuity. I saw Americans and Cuban doctors work together; that says it all. Our neighbor has helped us so much. Santo Domingo has donated large amounts of food aid and of all kinds, and not everyone knows that Santo Domingo has often regarded Haiti as a being somewhat inferior." Bishop Dumas once again reiterated: "The people of Haiti should become protagonists in their own story. Haiti deserves respect." So, he appealed to the President of the United States of America and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Barak Obama, asking that America "do more" in light of its geographic proximity, and that President Obama may use all his authority to offer effective aid. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 04/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AFRICA/NIGERIA - &quot;We are all concerned about the power vacuum created by the absence of ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25971&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Jos (Agenzia Fides) – "Nigerians are very worried and confused about the risk created by a serious power vacuum," Agenzia Fides was told by Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama of Jos (Nigeria), where there are growing pressures on President Umaru Yar'Adua to resign or transfer his powers to Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan. The Head of State has been hospitalized in Arabia since last November and does not seem capable of performing his duties at a sensitive time in the political life of Nigeria. The clashes in Jos (see Fides 20/1/2010) and the announcement of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to suspend the cease-fire in southern Nigeria, are events that require a secure and solid direction of the country. For this reason, appeals are being made by various organizations and personalities in Nigeria asking that Yar'Adua implement the Constitutional measures enumerated in case of absence or disability of the President. On Tuesday, February 3, 17 major newspapers and media in Nigeria launched an appeal for Yar'Adua to either resign or transfer powers to his deputy within seven days. If Yar'Adua does not comply, it would be necessary to initiate impeachment proceedings in Parliament. 
"Conferring full powers to the Vice-President does not imply that once recovered from his illness, the President cannot return to rule the country," says Archbishop Kaigama. "This is only a temporary measure, as Nigeria urgently needs a strong political leadership in facing the problems that are emerging. We must reduce the rising tension in the country, giving full presidential powers to Vice-President Jonathan, who otherwise cannot implement all the measures necessary to ensure peace." 
"Here is an example,” says Archbishop Kaigama. “When we gathered in the Presidential Villa to discuss the situation in Jos (see Fides 2/2/2010), the Vice-President was not playing the role of the President, because he has not been conferred the ad interim powers of the Head of State. As Vice-President, he has limited powers." 
As for Jos, Archbishop Kaigama says that "the situation is improving day by day. A delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has come to express the solidarity of all Christians in Nigeria to the population that suffers from the fighting." 
In southern Nigeria, last October the MEND declared a truce and accepted the amnesty offered by President Yar'Adua. The rebels claim that the absence of the President has hampered the application of the amnesty and that they now threaten to resume hostilities. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 4/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>ASIA/HONG KONG - Trappists in Hong Kong celebrate long-awaited perpetual vows of two monks</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25972&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – The monastery of Trappist monks in Hong Kong dedicated to "Our Lady of Joy", usually marked by its silence and prayer, on January 30 held a great celebration for the perpetual vows of two monks. The joy was immense, not only because after so many years the monastery which had only two elderly monks has two new vocations, but also because their religious profession was held during the Diocesan Year for Priestly Vocations. As Abbot Anastasius Li Sun affirmed, before hundreds of participants in the ritual: "I hope that everyone will especially remember vocations for the diocese, religious institutes, and the monastery." 
According to reports from Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the two monks, who visibly moved, took their vows before the congregation, firmly reiterating their commitment to devote themselves to the contemplative life "by observing silence, prayer, work, and a life of holiness." 
The Abbey of Our Lady of Joy in Hong Kong is highly regarded and respected on the island and also on the continent. The 16 monks built their own beautiful monastery on the mountain that was once the most remote desert island, a gift from the Hong Kong government to the monks when they fled from the mainland in 1950, taking with them no more than the tunics they were wearing. With their hard work and dedication, the monks have turned this place into a spiritual oasis on the island, which is also home to various species of wild life. 
The Trappist-Cistercians, founded at Citeaux in 1098, arrived in China's He Bei Province in 1883 and founded the "Our Lady of Consolation Abbey,” who was the first Cistercian monastery in Asia. In 1928 they founded another, “Our Lady of Joy Abbey,” also in He Bei. The order was dissolved by force in July 1947 and the monastery was destroyed in August of that year. But the monks did not give up, and in 1947 they moved to the city of Cheng Du, in the Province of Si Chuan, and then to Hong Kong in 1950, with the 16 remaining monks who rebuilt the Our Lady of Joy Abbey. In 1986, they opened the monastery of "The Holy Mother of God in Nan Tou, Taiwan. Today, living in the monastery in Hong Kong are 17 monks: 9 priests and 8 brothers. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 04/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AMERICA/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - “Life triumphs” in new Constitution of Dominican Republic</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25973&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Santo Domingo (Agenzia Fides) – The new Constitution of the Dominican Republic guarantees the right to life from the moment of conception until natural death. The press department of the Bishops' Conference of the Dominican Republic has informed Agenzia Fides that "after a long battle with pro-abortion groups and against the international interests lobbying for the government to ensure that the new Constitution approved the right to kill (abortion), life has triumphed." “The Catholic Church - continues the text - had become the opposition and this has been criticized and has been the subject of sarcasm, but in the end God has permitted that our Constitution respect life from conception until natural death.” 
Following a debate which lasted about seven months in Parliament (which later became the National Assembly of Revision), and the new Constitution of the Dominican Republic has been approved and it supports and "defends life from conception until natural death." After the official announcement by the President of the Assembly, Reinaldo Pared Perez, the President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernández, said that the new Constitution is "the Constitution of the XXI Century." 
The new Constitution that outlaws abortion came into force on January 26, the day of Juan Pablo Duarte (the main "Father of the Nation" of the Dominican Republic) and was approved by the Dominican National Congress. Defense of life has been one of the most controversial issues during the Assembly, which finally approved Article 37 of the Constitution, which states that "the right to life is inviolable from conception to death. The death penalty cannot be established, declared, or applied in any case whatsoever." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 04/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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            <title>AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - Bishop of Mahajanga resigns, successor appointed</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25956&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on February 2, 2010, accepted renunciation of the pastoral government of the Diocese of Mahajanga (Madagascar), presented by Bishop Joseph Ignace Randrianasolo, in accordance with can. 401 § 2 of the Code of Canon Law. He is succeeded by Bishop Roger Victor Rakotondrajao, Coadjutor in the same Diocese. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 3/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - Bishop of Ouahigouya appointed</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25957&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on February 2, 2010, appointed Fr. Justin Kientega of the Diocese of Koudougou, Bursar of the Diocese, as Bishop of the Diocese of Ouahigouya (Burkina Faso).  
Fr. Justin Kientega was born on July 7, 1959 in the parish of Temnaoré, in the Diocese of Koudougou. After primary school, he entered the Minor Seminary of Koudougou and later the Major Seminary of Ouagadougou and in that of Koumi, in Bobo-Dioulasso. He was ordained a priest on July 25, 1987 for the Diocese of Koudougou. After his ordination, he carried out the following tasks: 1987-1992: Assistant Pastor at the Parish of St. Alphonse Reo; 1988-1992: Diocesan Chaplain for the Holy Childhood Association, 1992-2002: Pastor of the Cathedral of Koudougou, 2002-2007: Studies for a degree in Health Pastoral Ministry at the Camillianum Institute in Rome, 2007-2008: Vicar of the Parish of “Notre Dame de la Réconciliation de Burkina in Koudougou, from 2008: Diocesan Bursar and Chaplain of the Regional Hospital Center of Koudougou.
The Diocese of Ouahigouya, built in 1958, is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Ouagadougou and has an area of 19,126 sq.km. and a population of 1,200,000 inhabitants, of which 100,000 are Catholics. There are 62 priests (53 diocesan, 9 Fidei Donum), 13 religious brothers, 99 nuns, and 15 major seminarians. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 3/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AFRICA/KENYA - Kenya celebrates 100th anniversary of Consolata Missionaries</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25958&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - "It is true that as Consolata Missionaries you have lived the desire of your Founder: To make people know God's love," said Archbishop Peter Kairo of Nyeri (Kenya), at the celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, in Mathari (Nyeri) this past January 30. According to a report from the CISA Agency in Nairobi, nearly 5,000 faithful attended the Mass in Thanksgiving.
Archbishop Kairo spoke of how the love of God had led the Sisters to leave their countries and come to Kenya to serve. The Archbishop of Nyeri placed the example of Sr. Irene Stefani, “Nyaatha,” whose tomb was blessed prior to the Mass, highlighting that her dedication to “bringing consolation to the sick, not only in Nyeri but also in Gikondi parish where she died.”
Archbishop Kairothen mentioned the living example of Sr. Graziella Paladin, age 81, a Sister that continues to carry out prison ministry.
Sr. Jacinta Theuri, the Regional Superior of the Consolata Sisters in Kenya in her speech termed the jubilee celebration a “special event that marks our rebirth, a new beginning. We have come 100 years, we are here today and we want to look forward to another 100 years. Consolata Missionary does not mean you are a sister, a priest or a brother, it means a person who has experienced the love of Christ deeply in his life.” 
Sr. Jacinta took the opportunity on behalf of all the Consolata fathers, brother and sisters to ask for forgiveness to anybody who has been wronged in any way by the Consolata Missionaries. "Forgive us because we want to start the new century with this word of forgiveness. I think that when we learn to forgive, we become true carriers of consolation."
Also present at the occasion was the Nobel Peace Prize Laurate, Professor Wangari Maathai, a “product” of the Consolata Sisters. "My mission in life is to remind people that we are part of the environment. The mission of the Consolata Missionaries is to console and reconcile we need to console and reconcile with the environment,” Wangari said.
The Consolata Missionary Sisters is an International congregation founded on January 29, 1910 in Turin by Blessed Joseph Allamano (Ten years after the Consolata Fathers).They arrived in Kenya in 1913.
Today, the Congregation boasts of 746 members worldwide: 700 finally professed, 38 juniors and 8 novices. Presently, there are 80 sisters working in Kenya in seven dioceses - Mombasa, Nyeri, Marsabit, Maralal, Embu, Nairobi, and Meru. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Publication of Proceedings from First International Forum on Migration ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25959&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[New York (Agenzia Fides) – The proceedings of the First International Forum on Migration and Peace, that was held in Antigua, Guatemala on January 29th and 30th, 2009 are now published in both the English and the Spanish versions. This Forum was organized by the Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN). During the two days of the Forum, which had the theme "Borders: Walls or Bridges?," 218 experts shared, at the international level and in particular in the context of the American Continent, their comments, endeavors and ideas for the promotion of a truly human and peaceful coexistence of all as a universal right. 
The proceedings collect the presentations, discussions and comments of the participants who came from almost all the American countries, with contributors also from Europe and Asia. There were representatives of governments and international organizations; of the academia and the media; of ecclesial and civil societies organizations, migration experts, migrants' organizations together with a number of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, like Guatemalan Rigoberta Menchú, UNHCR, Red Cross and Doctors without Borders. The proceedings of the Forum are now published in two volumes, one in Spanish and one in English. Copies of the publication are now available at: Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN), 27 Carmine Street, New York, NY 10014-4423. E-mail: secretary@simn-cs.net.  (SL) (Agenzia Fides 3/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/BOLIVIA - Feast of Presentation of Jesus marks launch of Permanent Mission for pastoral ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25960&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - The Archdiocese of Cochabamba continues its path of evangelization by sending missionary disciples from the ecclesial community. Underlying this commitment is the belief that "we are all missionaries,” even if we made different life choices, and we have an awareness of our role in the life and mission of the Church. For these reasons, all pastoral workers were invited to the launch of the Permanent Mission, which took place on February 2 at 7pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Cochabamba. 
The celebration began at 3 different places, the Parish of Compañia, where all the laity came together from parishes of the Archdiocese; in the Parish of Santo Domingo, where the priests came together; and at the Franciscan Center, where all representatives of Consecrated Life gathered. From those points, there were three processions to the Cathedral. 
The Archdiocese of Cochabamba has an area of 32,306 km sq. and includes 13 of the 16 provinces of the department (political division) with the same name. The population living in the Archdiocese is 1,266,314 inhabitants (as of 2002). The Archdiocese has 66 parishes, 28 of which are in Cercado province, the capital of the department, and form the "Vicaria Episcopal Ciudad," while the others are in the rest of the provinces that make up the Archdiocese and form four Episcopal Vicariates: Ayopaya -Capinota, Sacaba-Chapare Valle Alto, and Valley Bajo. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 03/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/ARGENTINA - International Missiology Course underway</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25961&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – The International Missiology Course, organized by the John Paul II Center, began January 25 at the National Headquarters of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS). This is the XXVIII Course in Missiology, which will end on February 13, where about 60 people who are participating from all over the country: priests, seminarians, and lay people. Also present were students from Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Venezuela and missionaries of various nationalities (Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia). The course is approved by the Pontifical Urban University and has the support of the Argentinean Bishops' Conference, through the Bishops' Commission for Missions. 
According to information sent to Fides, the Opening Ceremony was presided by the National Director of PMS in Argentina, Fr. Osvaldo Pablo Leone, and Victorina Ramos, coordinator of the John Paul II Center for Missiology, that depends from the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU). Also present were the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, from the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows. 
As those responsible explained, the course offers not only an opportunity for individual training, but also calls others on to share the wealth of their missionary experiences in fellowship, study, prayer, and the mission, "along with other brothers and sisters of different cultural expressions who, faithful to Jesus, continue to give their lives to Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 03/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/CHINA - 11th Evangelization Course at Parish of Fu Shun begins activity in 2010, promoting ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25962&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Fu Shun (Agenzia Fides) - "The dogma, principle of evangelization; spirituality, the soul of evangelization; the Holy Scripture, an instrument of evangelization; the Sacraments, root evangelization" were the topics covered during the 11th Course in Evangelization held at the Parish of Fu Shun in the Diocese of Liao Ning, with the aim of promoting evangelization through the active participation of all people. According to information received by Fides, in a study week, January 18 to 23, over 270 faithful parishioners from 7 districts participated in study and sharing, accompanied by 6 priests, 8 religious sisters, and 3 seminarians. Also, Bishop Pei Jun Min of the Diocese of Liao Ning, presided at the opening of the course, encouraging everyone to "assume the mission according to his vocation." 
The parish priest, Father Wang Jian Xin, said: "With this initiative we opened the evangelizing activities of the year 2010. Those who have attended the course will take what we shared to all their communities, to amplify basic Christian evangelization." The Parish of Fu Shun, with over 7,000 faithful, is a very active community. Earlier this year among 80 Extraordinary Ministers of Communion and catechists were “sent out” during a solemn celebration. The Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, founded in 1941, now has about sixty religious who are active in pastoral work in evangelization and social services, particularly healthcare. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 03/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/INDIA - Christian refugees from Orissa, a “shame” to hide</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25963&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) – The tremendous suffering of the displaced Christians in Orissa, victims of anti-Christian violence which occurred in August 2008, continues. As Agenzia Fides learns from the Church in Orissa, the refugees have been attacked twice: first when they were expelled from their villages by the fury of Hindu extremist groups who burned their homes and stole their property, and the second incident: in recent days, as the local government of Orissa - after a long tug - has finally authorized the visit of a delegation representing the European Union (EU) in the well-known Kandhamal district, the site of anti-Christian violence. 
The presence of refugees camped out in the streets as best they could, their apparent conditions of marginality and poverty, the absolute lack of any social assistance, the state of abandonment in which they live, would have been obvious signs of the irresponsibility and indifference of the local government in the face of this distressing situation. The civilian officials have decided to "clean up" the area to be visited by the delegation of the EU, arriving on February 4 and 5. 
So, about 100 people from 21 poor families of 11 Christian villages - now housed in makeshift tents, where they are struggling to survive – have been forced to rapidly evacuate of the town of Gudaigiri, where they had established themselves in the aftermath of the violence. 
The local Church tells Fides: "They are on the brink of despair, unable to return to their villages because they have been wrongfully occupied by Hindu extremists, who continue to threaten them. They suddenly had to leave the refugee camps closed by the government. They have been refused and marginalized in villages or towns where they seek refuge and relief. They continue to suffer harassment, threats, and violence." Now, their presence is unwelcome by the Government of Orissa, which will seek to show the Delegation of the EU only those homes that have been rebuilt, telling how the area of Kandhamal has returned to complete normalcy and harmony.
"The situation is very serious. We wrote a letter to the National Commission for Minorities, to explain this blatant violation of the rights of these refugees, who are Christians and people of India," said John Dayal, head of the All India Christian Council, an ecumenical organization that defends the rights of religious minorities in India, in explaining the situation to Fides.  "At the moment there is no news of where the refugees have been transferred. It should be noted that more than half the 5,600 houses that were destroyed or burned in Kandhamal are still yet to be rebuilt. Meanwhile, no one cares about the employment of these people, which would be the first tool for survival with dignity, nor about the education of their children. " (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/JAPAN - “Vocational blogs” to inspire enthusiasm for the priesthood and religious life</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25964&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Tokyo (Agenzia Fides) – The spark of a vocation could come through the Internet. This is what has been affirmed by the new task force dedicated to the promotion of vocations, recently established by the Catholic Church in Japan. This is what Agenzia Fides has learned from the Bishops' Conference. It involves a group of people who will monitor the subject of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life throughout Japan, seeking solutions to the most glaring problems and emerging issues, and propose practical guidelines for giving a boost to vocations in Japanese land.
The team is chaired by Archbishop Jun Ikenaga of Osaka and the Bishop Jun'ichi Nomura of Nagoya, and includes priests, theologians, experts, religious, and laity.
The committee started from an analysis of the situation, identifying the root causes of the shortage of vocations in Japan, mainly a result of the individualistic and materialistic culture that does not leave room for the transcendent dimension of man.
Among the new resources being identified to broaden the scope of the apostolate and the promotion of vocations, is the anticipated launch of "vocational blogs" on the Internet, and also using traditional recourses. It is hoped that it will be a new approach to generating enthusiasm and a reawakening of vocations in Japan. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Don Orione spiritual family entrusted with care for immigrants in Changwon, ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25965&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Changwon (Agenzia Fides) – "Today, February 2, Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and World Day for Consecrated Life, a discreet yet important event was held in Changwon, a coastal city in South Korea: the founding of a Don Orione community in this Asian nation." These are words spoken by the Superior General of the Sons of Divine Providence, Fr. Flavio Peloso, upon signing the agreement with Bishop Han Myeong Ok of Masan, who authorized the presence of the “Opera Don Orione” in South Korea, specifically in the city of Changwon. The Bishop has entrusted the family of Don Orione with the pastoral care of the many immigrants who come to work in the industrial city of Changwon, one million of inhabitants, who live in very precarious conditions and in great need. 
At the moment, the “Orionini” are able to use a social center of the diocese and will live in a large apartment building. "For the past ten years, Korea was among our hopes and desires in Asia, after the Philippines and India,” the Superior General said. “Now it has become a reality. After personal contact after the first exploratory insertion in 2006-2007, now our two Korean brothers, Fr. Bernardo Seo Young-Tae and Fr. Andrew Kim Tae Gun, along with Belarusian Fr. Yury Prakapiuk form the first community residing in Korea." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 3/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - AU Summit concludes, focus on crises in Somalia and Madagascar and ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25966&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Addis Ababa (Agenzia Fides) – The conflict in Somalia, the peacekeeping operation in Sudan, and the political crisis in Madagascar were the main themes of the African Union Summit which ended yesterday, February 2, in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. 
According to the chairman of the AU Commission, Jean Ping, in Sudan "considerable progress has been made in the implementation of the inclusive Peace Agreement of 2005, but the challenges of an unprecedented magnitude require constant attention from the international community.” Sudan is preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections in April this year, while in 2011 the referendum on the independence of South Sudan is expected. It is precisely the possibility of a victory for supporters of independence south Sudan that worries international observers. "We must work with the Sudanese leaders to promote peace in the country," said the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the AU, Ramtane Lamamra, while UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has expressed support for maintaining the unity of Sudan. "We do this by fully respecting the will of the Sudanese people, but we must in any case make the unity of the country attractive," said Ban. From statements to the press by Sudanese leaders emerge, however, the reality that South Sudan is now moving towards independence. According to an official from Sudan, the international community's role should be to to ensure a peaceful period after the referendum. 
The AU has called for "the illegal regime of Madagascar to put an end to attempts to impose unilateral solutions to the crisis," threatening the imposition of sanctions. The strong man of the island, Andry Rajoelina, has unilaterally declared legislative elections next March, putting an end to negotiations with other political movements in Madagascar (see Fides 17/12/2009). 
With regard to Somalia, during the Summit of the IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development, which includes 6 countries of Eastern Africa), issued a statement in which it expressed concern about the extension of the actions of terrorist groups in Somalia into relatively stable regions of Somaliland and Puntland (see Fides 1/2/2010). 
The President of Malawi, Bingu wa Mutharika, was elected President of the AU, in place of Libyan leader Gaddafi. The new President of the AU said that among the priorities of his mandate will be the continent's food security, infrastructure development, and energy. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/HAITI - Apostolic Nuncio accompanies Bishops of Dominican Republic to pray before tomb ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25950&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Port-au-Prince (Agenzia Fides) – The Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, told Agenzia Fides of his meeting with the Bishops of the Dominican Republic (DR) and with the Bishops of Haiti, which took place just several days ago to express genuine solidarity and commitment to continue helping the people of Haiti after the earthquake of January 12. 
On Friday, January 29, the Cardinal Archbishop of Santo Domingo and President of the bishops' Conference of the Dominican Republic, along with five other Bishops and the Rector of the Catholic university "Mater et Magistra," went to meet with Haitian bishops to express their condolences and solidarity. 
Their plane arrived at 8:15am. "I welcomed them at the airport - says Archbishop Auza - then I accompanied them to the headquarters of the Haitian Bishops' Conference (CEH), and at approximately 9:10, the meeting began. The President of the CEH, Archbishop Louis Kebreau, SDB of Cap-Haitien took the floor. Then, the Cardinal of Santo Domingo gave a formal speech. Shortly afterwards, he made the delivery of a check for $100,000 USD, to help the Church of the neighboring country." 
Some Haitian Bishops offered their comments. In the exchange of ideas, all the Bishops of the DR said they would ensure continued aid with food and other items, and help in the reconstruction of the country. The Bishops of the Dominican Republic showed great interest on the question of the future arrangement of the 240 seminarians survivors (out of 256), some seriously injured, as the two major seminaries (philosophy and theology) were both destroyed. 
After the meeting, there was a visit to the tomb of the late Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, His Excellency Joseph Serge Miot. During this visit, we said a prayer together. 
The Apostolic Nuncio then accompanied the guests to see the devastated part of Port-au-Prince, especially the institutional headquarters and state government, and they also saw the remains of the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Residence. The comment of the Bishops was unanimous: "The destruction has been utterly complete." It was a visit of just over five hours. The plane left to return to Santo Domingo at 2pm. 
Agenzia Fides once again wishes to thank the Apostolic Nuncio for this testimony from Port-au-Prince. 
(CE) (Agenzia Fides 02/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez: The people of the Dominican Republic ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25951&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Santo Domingo (Agenzia Fides) – Agenzia Fides has received a letter from the Cardinal Archbishop of Santo Domingo and President of the Bishops' Conference of the Dominican Republic, Archbishop Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez, in which he recounts the situation of its neighboring country of Haiti after the earthquake that destroyed much of the city of Port-au-Prince and left behind a large number of dead and wounded. 
The Cardinal writes: “As for the wounded, although the foreign troops and doctors could attend to many on site, in hospitals, in clinics, and in other institutions in the Dominican Republic, adults, adolescents, and children continue to arrive, in need of surgery, other clinical treatments, medications, and hospitalization.” “The people of the Dominican Republic have carried out an admirable work of solidarity with their brethren of Haiti.” 
"As regards the work of the Catholic Church, the two Archdioceses of Santo Domingo and Santiago and the nine other dioceses have all been active. Many church groups have traveled to Haiti, bringing staff to support the homeless and nurses. We have had numerous fundraising collections and have delivered to the Haitian Bishops' Conference a sum of  $100,000 USD, as well as several collections for food, medicine, drinking water, clothes, etc., which were sent from various institutions," writes Archbishop Lopez Rodriguez. 
Despite the fact that his letter was written before the meeting with the Bishops of Haiti in Port-au-Prince on January 29, His Excellency gives voice to a reality without precedent: the immediate help offered by the neighboring nation of the Dominican Republic. We all know that even now, a large part of aid by land is coming in from the Dominican Republic and also, the people of the country have expressed exemplary solidarity. Here, in the testimony of the Archbishop of Santo Domingo, we hear the voice of the Catholic Church, among the largest groups working in this country that shares the same island hit by the earthquake. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 02/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AFRICA/NIGERIA - Meeting on the Jos crisis:  &quot;a fruitful meeting which concluded that ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25952&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Jos (Agenzia Fides) – "It was a positive and fruitful meeting," Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama of Jos told Agenzia Fides, after attending a meeting at the Presidential Residence in Abuja, with the Vice-President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, regarding the incidents that broke out January 17th in Jos, the capital of the Plateau State (see Fides 20/1/2010 ). The meeting was attended by the Governor of Plateau State and other local personalities, including some major national leaders, as well as Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which brings together main Christian denominations in Nigeria. 
Archbishop Kaigama described the meeting to Fides: "It was a very frank and direct meeting, in which everyone could express the bitterness, anger, and fears of their community, whether Christian or Muslim. In this way, we reach a better understanding of each other's positions and the underlying causes of the crisis. I can say that the discussion showed that religion is not the cause of the clashes. The real causes of tensions and violence are social, political, ethnic, economic, and even involve clashes between different personalities. When attacking a church or a mosque, it is done because both are the most visible sign of the community that you want to hit, not because they are places of worship." 
In his address, Vice-President Jonathan (who is currently acting as Head of State in the absence of President Umaru Yar'Adua, who was admitted to a foreign hospital in November) has stressed that the Plateau State is a 'hinge' which serves as a liaison between the Muslim north and Christian south, and that "although in the past there have been some minor social conflicts, what we have seen recently is somewhat embarrassing, and we must consider a solution together, to put an end to it." 
At the end of the meeting, a committee of 15 members (including Archbishop Kaigama) was established to seek a lasting solution to the crises of the Plateau State. 
Archbishop Kaigama tells Fides of an initial assessment on what religious leaders can do to resolve the problem: "Religious leaders must prevent religion from being used as a scapegoat when tensions arise between communities. We must act now to try to restore peace and avoid using language that incites anger, preaching peace and reconciliation instead." (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 2/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AFRICA/CONGO DR - Solidarity of the Church in Isiro with LRA guerrilla war victims</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25953&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic community in Isiro, in the Equator Province in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Sunday, January 31, held a procession and a Mass to remember and pray for the victims of Ugandan rebels of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army), in solidarity with those who have been wounded, tortured, or kidnapped by rebels, attracting the attention of the public and the authorities on this serious problem. For some time the Ugandan rebels have plagued the region by attacking defenseless villages. 
In the absence of the Bishop of Isiro, Bishop Julian Andavo Mbia, the Mass was presided by Msgr. Dieudonné Abakuba, Episcopal Vicar, and concelebrated by a dozen priests, in the presence of 800 faithful. 
"We are gathered here to celebrate the Eucharist and to commemorate our fellow victims of the LRA, and to express our solidarity with all who suffer," said Msgr. Abakuba homily. "We do not understand why this is happening today, but we can see these events with the light of faith. May the Lord open the hearts of the country's authorities to seek solutions. Many people have left their villages for fear of further attacks, the dead have been left without burial. Nobody likes to have to be an evacuee. We must help our brothers who bear the brunt of this suffering. We are gathered here to share with our brothers, the pain and assets we have. What we have received from the Lord is not only for us, but is for the good of all. May we open our hearts and hands to relieve the suffering of others. We are called to communion and understanding." 
In his testimony, Fr. Tatsima Baldwin, head of the diocesan Caritas, said: "IDPs are people like us, who because of the LRA rebels have lost their children, spouses, parents, property, and home. We do not even know the fate of some who fled into the forest." 
Today, February 2, an interfaith conference on the crisis caused by the LRA has begun, convened by Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa of Kisangani (see Fides 30/1/2010). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 2/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>ASIA - Women in Asia, amidst violence and poverty, find their strength in the Eucharist</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25954&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Dhaka (Agenzia Fides) – "Violence against women is widespread in South Asia. There is a great poverty among women. In South Asian societies, prejudice and discrimination against women is the dominant culture. Religion, particularly the Catholic faith, is for women a way to regain their dignity, self-esteem, and identity" says Virginia Saldhana, Executive Secretary at the Office for the Laity and the Family of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC). Saldhana was interviewed by Agenzia Fides, during a recent seminar of the FABC dedicated to women in South Asia. 
Forum, held in Dhaka (in Bangladesh), and entitled "Women Living the Eucharist in South Asia," was attended by religious, lay, and predominantly Catholic women in the countries of the region. The seminar focused on the main problems affecting the status of women, encouraging local churches to respond with their own commitment to the challenges imposed by the lack of rights and dignity of women. 
"We tried to explain to women that they should live the Eucharist with meaning: not only as a refuge for their suffering, but as a source of strength to work towards the human and social development of their condition," Virginia Saldhana told Agenzia Fides. 
"Taking the initiative is risky at times. From the Eucharist, our women can draw the courage to be bread broken for others," she adds, as they explained the experiences told by several women during the meeting. 
"We reflected on the life of the Virgin Mary and how she lived her life in the Eucharist. Her example had a powerful impact on all the women participating, who appreciated the model of Mary as a woman who continues to speak to them in the XXI century," said the FABC Secretary. 
"Women are an essential part of the mission of the Church and for them to live the fullness of Christian life also means working so that their true dignity is upheld," said Saldanha. 
"For our part, we want to encourage every local Church in Asia and recognize the vital role of women in the Church's mission: the family, community, church ministry, interreligious dialogue," she concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - New report on protecting Aboriginal peoples</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25955&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – Reduce the presence of Aborigines in Australian prisons, protecting the native language to support the development of local Aboriginal communities...these are among the proposals contained in the new report issued by the Council for Human Rights in Australia, a governmental association that conducted a research study on conditions and perspectives of Aboriginal communities in Australia. 
The study results were sent to Fides and have been presented to the Australian Parliament, which is committed to pursuing the economic and social development of the Aborigines and their progressive integration into the social fabric of Australia, while retaining their cultural identity. 
Currently, the Aborigines in Australian society number about 470,000. The government, with the help of several NGOs and a strong commitment from the Catholic Church, has launched programs for human development, education, and solidarity, to contribute to growth and development of these communities. 
The commitment of the Australian government comes in the wake of the recommendations offered by the recent UN report on the situation of indigenous peoples in the world ( "State of the World's Indigenous People"). According to the document, more than 370 million indigenous people around the world live in poverty and suffer from deprivation in healthcare, education, employment, and human rights and it is the duty of the government to intervene to promote their human, economic, and social rights. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/2/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>VATICAN - Benedict XVI at the Angelus: “Charity is what distinguishes the Christian,” entrusts ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25944&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “For now, while we are in this world, charity is what distinguishes the Christian. The Christian’s whole life is summed up by charity: what he believes and what he does. For this reason, at the beginning of my pontificate, I wanted to dedicate my first encyclical precisely to the theme of love: 'Deus caritas est.'” This is what the Holy Father Benedict XVI mentioned in his address prior to the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, January 31, which he dedicated to the so called “Hymn to Charity” of the Apostle Paul, proclaimed in the readings at Mass that day. “In the end, when we will meet God face to face, all the other gifts will disappear; the only one that will remain in eternity will be charity, because God is love and we will be like him, in complete communion with him.”
After the Angelus, Benedict XVI spoke on the World Leprosy Day being celebrated that day: “The last Sunday of January is World Leprosy Day. Our thoughts immediately turn to Father Damien de Veuster, who gave his life for these brothers and sisters, and whom I proclaimed a saint last October. To his heavenly protection I entrust all those people who, unfortunately still today, suffer from this disease, and all those health workers and volunteers who give themselves for the sake of a world without leprosy. I greet in particular the Italian Association of the Friends of Raoul Follereau.”
The Pope also mentioned two initiatives related to the theme of peace, recalling the second Day of Intercession for Peace in the Holy Land and the “Peace Caravan” of the children of Catholic Action in Rome. Two of them, who were accompanying the Holy Father, read the Message of Peace and then set two doves to flight from the Vatican window. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 1/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/HAITI - Situation of religious communities after the earthquake</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25945&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Port-au-Prince (Agenzia Fides) - The Haitian Conference of Religious has drafted a preliminary report, although still incomplete, on the situation of religious communities following the earthquake. A copy of the report was sent to Agenzia Fides. The following is the information we have been provided:
Clerics of Saint Viator: Villa Manresa and the house at Grand Goave destroyed; Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul: houses are severely damaged, one nun killed (Sister Brigitte Pierre); Daughters of Wisdom: houses and schools destroyed, 6 sisters and one employee killed; Daughters of Mary: schools and houses destroyed, 13 nuns, including the Provincial Superior, and 3 employees killed; Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians: house and school destroyed; Daughters of Mary Immaculate Queen: house and school destroyed, 2 sisters and 8 girls killed; Friars Minor: destroyed house; Brothers of the Sacred Heart: house and school destroyed; Christian Brothers: provincial house and 3 schools destroyed, 2 religious brothers/priests dead; Missionaries of the Sacred Heart: house of philosophical studies destroyed; Montfortians: house, school, and churches destroyed, 11 victims; Oblates of Mary Immaculate: house destroyed; Little Sisters of St. Teresa: 5 houses and 2 schools destroyed; 4 sisters, 7 teachers, and 60 students dead; Holy Cross Fathers: house destroyed, 1 dead; Little Brothers of St. Teresa: 5 houses destroyed, 2 religious dead; Salesians: house and school destroyed, 3 victims; Sisters of Charity of St. Louis: damage to houses; Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi: damage to housing, school destroyed; Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny: house and school destroyed; Sisters of St. Anne: house and school destroyed, 1 Sister dead; Dominicans of the Presentation: house destroyed; Sisters of Christ Marie Alphonse: an orphanage and school destroyed; Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception: house and school destroyed; Spiritan Fathers: house and school destroyed, 1 dead; Sisters of Charity of St. Hyacinthe: house, novitiate, and schools destroyed; Religious Sisters of Jesus and Mary: house destroyed; Society of the Sacred Heart: house destroyed; Marianists: house destroyed; Scheut Missionaries: house destroyed; Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: house destroyed. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 1/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/PARAGUAY - &quot;Popular Piety in the Document of Aparecida; The Continental Mission in ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25946&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Asuncion (Agenzia Fides) – The goal is to share, analyze, and reflect on the pastoral work done in the field of popular piety and its ability to promote the study of popular piety and shrines in the Latin American culture, from the Biblical, catechetical, liturgical, and missionary perspective of the Church . Bishop Marco Antonio Ordenes of Iquique (Chile), Chairman of the Department for Popular Piety and Shrines in the CELAM, has invited all rectors of shrines in the region of the Southern Cone countries, to attend the meeting on "Popular Piety in the Document of Aparecida; The Continental Mission in Shrines and Sanctuaries." The Department of Mission and Spirituality of CELAM has scheduled this meeting for May 24-27 2010, at Casa Marianella in Atyrá, Paraguay. 
Pope Benedict XVI has emphasized the "rich and profound popular religiosity, which is the soul of Latin American peoples"and presented it as "the treasure of the Catholic Church in Latin America." He has urged people to promote and protect it. This way of expressing faith is present in various forms in all social sectors, in a large number of people who deserve our respect and affection, because their piety "reflects a thirst for God which only the simple and poor can know. " "The religion of the Latin American people is the expression of the Catholic faith. This is a popular Catholicism," deeply inculturated, which contains most valuable dimension of the Latin American culture (DA 258). "The pilgrim experiences a mystery that surpasses him, not only the transcendence of God, but also the Church, which transcends his family and his neighborhood. At the shrines, many pilgrims make decisions that mark their lives. These walls contain many stories of conversion, forgiveness, and gifts received, that millions can tell." (DA 260). (CE) (Agenzia Fides 01/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/GUATEMALA - Message from Bishops at close of yearly Assembly: future of Guatemalans is ...</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25947&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) – After holding their Assembly January 25 to 29 2010, the Bishops of Guatemala released a final document entitled: "Let us Live Charity in Truth," a copy of which was sent to Agenzia Fides. During the meeting, the Bishops assessed the past two years and elected to the Permanent Council of the Guatemalan Bishops' Conference (CEG). The Chairman is Bishop Pablo Vizcaíno, the Vice-President is Bishop Rodolfo Valenzuela, and Bishop Bernabe Sagastume was elected as Secretary. 
The document begins by thanking all those who have worked in such a laborious yet humble manner, in pastoral ministry: priests, religious, and lay people, especially the catechists. They then present the situation in the country. The bishops note that "the number of murders has not fallen. Bus drivers, women, whole families have been murdered, in some cases in brutal and extremely cruel circumstances." The Bishops continue: "Although the law on arms and ammunition has been issued, an effective disarmament has not been put in place and in many parts of the country's armed men exercise control over the population, according to their will and whim." 
The document also notes that the health situation remains very precarious and there are large areas of rural poverty. The Bishops ask everyone to apply the Gospel to stop the violence, and mention: "Poverty in Guatemala is the result of a system in which the state protects the interests of the few at the expense of the majority. This system generates inequality and exclusion. The original plan of God was harmony among the Creator, humanity, and creation." 
Having reiterated that "as a Church, we have the responsibility and duty to propose principles that protect the lives of the men and women of Guatemala," the Bishops indicate in this respect 6 important points: take rapid steps for new laws, develop an integral model to promote the common good, keep in mind that government finance is for the common good, consider other measures in mining, approve the Rural Development Act, and that all Guatemalans have their future rooted in freedom, justice, truth, and solidarity, towards a sustainable peace. 
The document, which concludes by invoking the blessing of the "Santo Cristo Negro," is dated January 29 and signed by the President, Bishop Pablo Vizcaíno Prado and the Secretary, Bishop Bernabe Sagastume. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 01/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>AMERICA/MEXICO - National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies confirmed</title>
            <link>http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=25948&amp;lan=eng</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on January 15, 2010, confirmed the appointment of Fr. Guillermo A. Morales Martinez as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Mexico for another five-year term (2009-2014). The appointment is effective July 16, 2009. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 01/02/2010)]]></description>
            <author>Fides Service</author>
            <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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