Despite uncertainties, the climate at election time is more serene thanks to Pope Francis’ recent visit After much agonising, the people of the Central African Republic are about to vote. The presidential and legislative elections, initially planned for 18 October and then 27 December, are expected to take place this week. Contrary to what...
Twilight of a Church – The Exodus of Middle Eastern Christians Since 2003 (the Iraq war) and especially since 2011 (Arab spring) the exodus of Christians from the east has been increasing. Some reports give only ten years for end of Christianity in the Middle East. This seems to be a pessimistic view, but...
Christmas message from Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart in Syria Dear friends, Here we are, for a fifth year now, celebrating the Feast of the Nativity as bombs are raining down. I do not know how many of you have lived through such a depressing and sad experience, but I can assure you it is painful...
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE from Cardinal Charles Maung Bo – Yangon, Myanmar ——————————————————————————————————— Peace to all people of Good Will Dear Brothers and Sisters in Myanmar, Merry Christmas. May the message of Incarnation fills you with Joy. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light (Is 9:1) We have every reason to celebrate with...
Christmas 2015 – Christmas of Hope The second Christmas, My People and my Church Are exiled As Joseph, Mary, Jesus..in Bethlehem, in Egypt Refugees in foreign lands, Nearby or far . Away from their homes, their green fields. Their churches being empty or destroyed They will pray under tents, caravans or in rented halls, Their...
Will the Christians of Iraq one day be able to live the joy of Christmas? The feast of the birth of Christ—bearer of justice and peace—building love among people, is one of the greatest feasts celebrated by millions of Christians around the world and particularly in Iraq. A true feast is always an occasion...
Twilight of a Church – The Exodus of Middle Eastern Christians Since 2003 (the Iraq war) and especially since 2011 (Arab spring) the exodus of Christians from the east has been increasing. Some reports give only ten years for end of Christianity in the Middle East. This seems to be a pessimistic view, but...
HAITI A solar generator for a parish in Basse-Voldrogue, where there is no mains electricity For the past year and a half Father Stanley Fleuriot has had to sit in the dark every evening for there is no electricity supply in his new parish of Saint Anne of Basse-Voldrogue. In fact he lives in...
BULGARIA Support for the life and work of religious sisters Catholics make up only a very small minority in the total population of Bulgaria. Out odf a population of around 7.3 million, there are only about 80,000 Catholics living in this country. As a Catholic priest or religious you need to have a great...
Sharp drop in attendance at Year of Mercy inauguration despite massive security measures The opening of the Year of Mercy took place amid unprecedented security with 5,000 soldiers and police deployed around the city and special police units patrolling the River Tiber on jet skis and speed boats. The authorities even imposed a no-fly...
