Global Church News

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  Dutch missionary to be expelled

  Feb 19, 2021

  Otto Rudolf De Vries has been helping workers in Manila since 1991. Accused of taking part in protests organised by terrorist groups, he must leave the country within 30 days. His expulsion falls under Duterte's disputed anti-terrorism law.

  
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  Yangon, twenty seven ethnic groups united in march against the coup

  Feb 19, 2021

  In a historic first diverse ethnic groups march in unison. Military junta claims "national unity" to exploit the mineral, wood, water and oil resources found on their lands. The strikes continue with hundreds of thousands of participants. The army uses rubber bullets and water cannons. There have been around 500 arrests so far.

  
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  Spain: The Diocese of Ourense pioneers green energy

  Feb 19, 2021

  The future of the planet and of humanity depends in part on the manner in which we produce energy. Thanks to the impetus of Pope Francis and of the encyclical “Laudato sí” to journey toward a different, more ecological lifestyle, the Spanish diocese of Ourense is pioneering the use of renewable energy, in order “to make the energy used by the Church the most ethical possible.” Due to the difficulties in welcoming such innovations, the conversion has not been easy.

  
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  Catholic education in Australia marks 200th anniversary

  Feb 19, 2021

  The Catholic Church in Australia celebrates 200 years of its contribution to education in the country. The Bishops, in a pastoral letter, highlight the distinctive contribution of clergy, religious and laypeople to this significant milestone in the life of the Church.

  
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  Harbin: Lent fast includes no TV, smartphones, Internet and fake news

  Feb 19, 2021

  In his pastoral letter for Lent, Fr Joseph Zhao urges the faithful to renew their baptismal life, suggesting a “rational use of communication tools”, overcoming virtual “fast food” by reading and copying the texts of the Bible.

  
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  Catholics in Qaraqosh, Iraq, call it ‘miracle’ that Pope will visit

  Feb 18, 2021

  The largest Syriac Catholic congregation in the world is preparing physically and spiritually for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Qaraqosh, Iraq.

  
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  Ashes mark beginning, not end, of new life, says theologian

  Feb 18, 2021

  Ash Wednesday and Lent are a time to recall that new life emerges from the ashes and that spring blossoms from the bleakness of winter, said a noted Italian theologian.

  
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  Korean, Japanese Bishops oppose discharge from Fukushima plant

  Feb 18, 2021

  Scientists, environmentalists and fishing groups are against the idea of releasing contaminated water into the sea.

  
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  The Wall of Jesus stands tall in Pakistan

  Feb 18, 2021

  Catholic philanthropist's project benefits needy Christians and Muslims in Lahore

  
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  Philippine Bishops give churchgoers Lenten pointers

  Feb 18, 2021

  Prelates tell Filipinos not to lose hope as Ash Wednesday launches Lenten season