World

Global Solidarity: How Catholic Communities from Bangladesh to South Korea are Helping Earthquake Victims and Fighting for Human Rights

March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 adminWorld

Even in the midst of their own struggles with natural disasters, the Catholic communities of Bangladesh continue to extend a helping hand to those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Through prayer, donations, and solidarity campaigns, these communities are repaying the international aid they have received in the past. Meanwhile, in South Korea, Caritas is mobilizing for an emergency fund to support the earthquake victims, and the Catholic bishops are advocating for the abolition of the death penalty.

Formation at every level should be strengthened: Fr Cyril Law

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023 adminFaith & Life, Local, World

In an interview with O Clarim, Fr Cyril Jerome Law, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Macau, speaks about his participation in the Asian Continental Assembly on Synodality. He highlights the multilingual and multi-cultural dimension of the local Church in Macau and the need for effective communication. Fr Cyril further believes that Catholics in Macau can contribute to the synodal process by engaging in spiritual conversation and promoting the Church’s teachings through pastoral outreach.

Eastern Churches need to adapt new posture and unite to save Christianity in the Middle East: Iraqi Cardinal

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 adminWorld

Iraqi Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, emphasizes the urgent need for unity among Eastern Churches to safeguard the future of Christianity in the Middle East. Building bridges with Muslims is also essential, says the patriarch.

Catholic Church in Laos and Cambodia to focus on young people and new technologies

March 5, 2023March 5, 2023 adminWorld

The Catholic communities in Laos and Cambodia are facing significant challenges in training local clergy and reaching out to young people. With only 0.5% of the population in Laos and 0.1% in Cambodia being members of the Roman Catholic Church, the bishops are focusing on creating “prospects of hope” among those who are left behind in society. The lack of local clergy and language barriers are just a few of the challenges they face.

“We have to be prepared for whatever may come”

March 3, 2023March 3, 2023 adminWorld

The elevation of Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão to the rank of cardinal, last August, was an uplifting moment for the Goan Catholic community, and viewed as a significant encouragement to tackle the challenges confronting the Indian Church.

Former Sri Lankan president, govt officials ordered to compensate victims of 2019 Easter attacks for negligence

February 26, 2023February 26, 2023 adminWorld

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on January 13, 2023, former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and four other senior officials were found negligent for failing to take necessary preventive measures to stop the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks that shook the nation. The court ordered them to pay compensation of 100 million rupees (US$273,000) to the families of the victims who filed the case. The verdict was well received by the Sri Lankan population, especially among the Catholic community who were the most targeted by the attacks. The country’s Catholic Church further says it suspects a larger conspiracy and demands that the names of the instigators and the unstated objectives of the sinister plan be revealed.

Earthquake in Syria and Turkey: Parish house offers shelter to quake-hit local families in Antakya

February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 adminWorld

The parish house, a low-rise building, has withstood successive shocks. The city’s great mosques, or the Orthodox or Protestant churches, did not have the same luck. With its doors open, the parish house now welcomes the displaced families who live nearby.

Caritas Macau launches fundraising effort for earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria

February 14, 2023February 14, 2023 adminLocal, World

Caritas Macau has launched a fundraising campaign to collect donations for the victims of the earthquake that devastated eastern Turkey and northern Syria last week. The Catholic aid agency opened bank accounts in five local banking institutions and will place donation boxes across the city. The initiative, Paul Pun told O Clarim, will run until May.

International Day of Human Fraternity: Religious Intolerance, Abductions, Forced Conversions of Christian Minors Still Prevalent in Indian Subcontinent

February 9, 2023February 9, 2023 adminWorld

The Declaration on Human Fraternity is an important annual event that celebrates the signing of the declaration by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Even as religious extremism increases in some regions of the Indian subcontinent, we reflect on the importance of respecting individual freedom of choice and consent in matters of belief, in order to foster a culture of goodness, peace, and fraternity.

40 Young Catholics to Represent Macau at World Youth Day: Preparation Includes Leadership Workshops, Spiritual Retreat

February 8, 2023February 8, 2023 adminLocal, World

Forty Catholics and catechumens aged 18-35 years old will represent Macau at the 37th edition of the World Youth Day. The Diocesan Delegation will travel to Portugal in late July and remain in the country for two weeks. The pilgrimage will include time in Fatima and an opportunity to be with thousands of other young Catholics and Pope Francis. The Diocesan Youth Commission will offer several leadership and formation workshops over the next few months to help the participants prepare for this life-changing experience.