The Philippines, one of the last countries where divorce is illegal, is seeing renewed efforts to legalize it. Despite strong opposition from the Catholic Church, which argues that divorce undermines marriage, the House of Representatives recently passed a bill allowing divorce in limited cases. Proponents argue it’s needed for those in abusive marriages, while opponents, including Church leaders, believe it weakens marital commitment and fails to address the root causes of domestic violence.
On May 18, 2024, newly-discovered fragments of the d’Angers tapestry, depicting the Apocalypse of St. John, were unveiled. Originally commissioned in 1375, this masterpiece suffered severe damage during anti-Catholic persecutions but has now been partially restored. Found in Paris, these vibrant, well-preserved fragments highlight the tapestry’s exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance.
Ten months after the devastating attacks on Jaranwala’s Christian community, hostility lingers, affecting children’s education. The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation steps in with vital aid, from housing to psychological support. Meanwhile, fresh blasphemy accusations in Sargodha spark more violence, critically injuring Nazir Masih. As authorities and religious leaders demand thorough investigations and better protection, the call for justice and interfaith dialogue grows louder.
On May 12, Buenos Aires commemorated the 50th anniversary of Father Carlos Múgica’s murder with a solemn mass at Luna Park. Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva, alongside other church leaders, honored Múgica’s dedication to social justice. Father Múgica’s legacy of sacrifice and commitment to the poor continues to inspire.
John taught that the first child born to a family is “like a bridge; the three become one flesh, because the child joins the two parts”, and form “a family, a Church in miniature”.
The Coptic Catholic community in Kuwait, part of the Apostolic Vicariate of North Arabia, has over 5,000 members and is being led by Father Yassa Ghobrial since August 2022. Despite hardships, these immigrant workers maintain a strong spiritual life, celebrating traditional Coptic rites. Father Domingos Santamaria, a dedicated Goan priest in Kuwait since 1973, is renowned for his extensive pastoral work, having celebrated thousands of sacraments. The community’s faith and traditions persist robustly in a predominantly Muslim country.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa, the brother of Saint Basil, is renowned for his contributions to speculative theology and mysticism. Influenced by Origen, Gregory focused on the creation of man, emphasizing the divine image in the human soul. Saint Gregory also highlighted the active role of man’s freedom in purification.
The Camillian Order, amidst escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, continues its vital work of providing medical care and support to the most vulnerable. Despite facing challenges such as armed gangs and limited resources, Camillian priests and organizations like ‘Madian Orizzonti’ remain committed to their mission of serving the sick and needy.
The European Missionary Childhood Conference (CEME) gathered delegates from 25 European countries in Bucharest to discuss missionary cooperation, inspired by the work of the Pontifical Society for Missionary Childhood. Participants shared experiences, learned about the Society’s activities in Romania, and explored ways to promote missionary activity among children.
The global migration crisis has seen a record number of deaths reported in 2023, particularly on the Mediterranean route. Bishop Dom Miguel Ángel Nguema Bee from Equatorial Guinea emphasizes the root cause of migration as poverty, critiquing ineffective aid distribution by governments.