Traditionally observed every third Sunday of January in the Philippines, the feast of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) is special for the Filipinos. The devotion is also extended to Macau. It is for this reason that the Sunday masses after Epiphany are devoted to Santo Niño.
Our task for peace in the world and in our respective country and region is peacemaking! The theory of peace urges us to the practice – or praxis – of peace, that is, to peacemaking in our world.
In his series titled ‘Praxis of Peace: Peacemaking in our World’, Fr Fausto Gomez OP shares a simple recipe to achieve the task.
In his first column, he presents the first two requirements for peacemaking in our world today: focusing on Self and God, and Family and Community.
The Gospel narrates Jesus calling disciples to join him in a new mission. Despite successes and failures, including betrayals and denials, Jesus consistently trusts and gently guides them. The disciples experience both joy and disappointment in their journey, yet Jesus doesn’t replace them. Instead, he believes in their potential for growth and contribution to his Kingdom.
The immortal soul dwells in a mortal tabernacle; and Christians dwell as sojourners in corruptible [bodies], looking for an incorruptible dwelling in the heavens.
On January 8, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a coalition of the main Christian denominations in Nigeria, organized a peaceful protest march on the streets of Jos, capital of Plateau state, demanding greater security in the region. A protest attended by around 5,000 people.
In a joyous and sacred ceremony, Adriano Serro Agostinho and Chan Pak Lam Bosco were ordained as deacons for the Catholic Diocese of Macau on December 30, 2023, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards priesthood.
The question of Andrew and his companion is: where do you live (stay / abide)? It is a courtesy question in a first meeting. Jesus does not answer this directly, instead offers an invitation to go and see the place he lives.
We are now in the Sub-apostolic age (2nd century), where we find the Greek Apologists. The first among them are Quadratus, Aristides of Athens, and Aristo of Pella (cf Quasten, I, pp 190-195).
In the remote and captivating islands of Mentawai, west of Sumatra, Indonesia, the Catholic faith thrives amidst challenging landscapes and a unique blend of cultures.
In his concluding column on the theme of ‘Peace’, Fr Fausto Gomez OP reflects on the meaning of nonviolence and how it can present an ethical path to attain justice and peace.