The Shompen tribe in the Nicobar Islands is threatened with extinction by an Indian government project to develop “India’s Hong Kong” on Great Nicobar Island. Bishop Selvaraj of Port Blair voices concerns over the project’s impact on the tribe and the environment, but efforts to appeal to New Delhi have been in vain.
Crucifixion was a punishment given to them by the governor. In contrast, that voluntary decision made by Jesus to undertake the suffering is what made it salvific. For suffering to become salvific, it must be voluntary and for love!
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the third article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that in a world where sin is often denied and God forgotten, Lent calls us to confront the darkness within ourselves. Sin disrupts our relationship with God and others, leading to disharmony and unhappiness. As we journey through Lent, let us turn away from sin and embrace love.
Tertullian makes a great contribution to theological thought. He is the first writer in Latin who used the term ‘Trinity’ (Latin: Trinitas) and also introduced the doctrine of ‘three Persons’ in ‘one Substance’.
The recent meeting of states endorsing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons highlights global disarmament efforts. Japanese activist Hirotsugu Terasaki, representing Soka Gakkai International, collaborates with the Holy See to mobilize against nuclear weapons, emphasizing solidarity and cooperation. The story of Saint Agnes, whose statue survived the Nagasaki bombing, serves as a stark reminder of nuclear devastation.
The passage today includes what is known as the golden verse in the Bible. The whole plan of redemption is summed up in John 3:16—God so loved the world as to give up his son to redeem humanity, to give us eternal life!
Catholic priest Fr Edwin Gariguez and others push to protect the Verde Island Passage in the Philippines, aiming to safeguard biodiversity and assist affected fishing communities after an oil spill. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference also calls for justice and opposes industrial plans, advocating for ecological integrity and fishermen’s rights.
It is only in the absence of priests that we are able to fathom the vital role that they play in our salvation. As human and weak as they are, they are still indomitable instruments of God’s grace. It is our duty as lay Catholics to sacrifice and pray for them.
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the second article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that Lent emphasizes penance through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The Church Fathers stress the importance of these practices, especially prayer for the poor. Fasting must be accompanied by almsgiving to be meaningful, and almsgiving is considered an act of justice and charity. Charity, especially during Lent, covers a multitude of sins and embodies all virtues.
The story of Saint Hippolytus reminds us to be wary of the dangers of human pride, but it also shows us how humility and God’s grace can win in the end.