Asian

As Hong Kong tensions intensify, Catholics call for cool heads

More than 1,000 Catholics prayed during a candlelight vigil for Hong Kong to solve its political crisis in a peaceful, nonviolent manner. Organizers of the Aug. 8 vigil said they hoped the faithful can remain solely a prayer movement so that tensions ease in the weeks long series of mass demonstrations by Hong Kong citizens […]

Church media in Philippines meet to fight ‘fake news’

Catholic media workers from across the Philippines met in Batangas province to discuss strategies to spread church teachings and how to counter the spread of “fake news” especially among the youth. Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, host of this year’s National Catholic Media Convention, reminded participants about the importance of “renewal for truth” when working […]

Inter-religious leaders in Pakistan urge protections for religious minorities

Catholic and other religious leaders signed a joint resolution on August 8 encouraging the Pakistani government to adopt policies to protect religious minorities. The leaders held a press conference in Karachi on August 8 organized by Aid to the Church in Need – Italy and by local advocate Tabassum Yousaf. In attendance were Fr Saleh […]

Macau to host new seminary for Asian evangelization

A new seminary to train priests for all of Asia will open in the Chinese territory of Macau in September. The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples has entrusted management of the Redemptorist Mater College for Evangelization in Asia to the Neo-catechumenal Way, uca-news.com reported. The seminary was established by a decree signed on June 29 […]

On anniversary, Japan’s bishops renew hope for nuclear-free world

With the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, the bishops of Japan are renewing calls and prayers to build peace by abolishing nuclear weapons worldwide and promoting integral human development. They also expressed hope that Pope Francis’ visit in November and his expected calls for peace will strengthen people’s […]

Catholics appeal to Bangladesh PM to help return ‘seized land’

Ethnic indigenous Catholics joined by priests, nuns, Muslims and Buddhists, have staged a protest rally and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to get back land allegedly grabbed by a Buddhist monk in southeast Bangladesh. About 200 people, mostly Catholics from ethnic Tripura and Marma communities, staged a human chain program in front […]

Cardinal Zen Warns Pope Francis; Vatican Directives For Church In China May Lead To “Death Of True Faith”

The bishop emeritus of Hong Kong has spoken out forcefully against the Vatican’s newest “pastoral document” for the Chinese Church which gives reasons for why priests should register with the Communist government. Joseph Cardinal Zen presented nine criticisms to Pope Francis and Pietro Cardinal Parolin on a recent trip to Rome, on July 1, that outline […]

Avoid ‘evil spirit’ ritual, Vietnamese Catholics warned

Leaders of Vietnam’s most active archdiocese have urged local Catholics to follow church instructions on worship and avoid deviant ritual practices claimed to caste out evil spirits. Bishop Joseph Do Manh Hung, apostolic administrator of Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese in the communist nation’s south, and Auxiliary Bishop Louis Nguyen Anh Tuan, said some local […]

Eviction-facing Indian Catholics to fight Muslim charity’s claims

Goans oppose tourism project near 16th century basilica