Global Church News

The ‘synodal process’ has started. What now?

Oct 20, 2021

Without much fanfare, the “synodal process” of the Catholic Church started in dioceses and parishes across the world on Sunday, October 17, with bishops and priests explaining to the faithful what it is all about.
Myanmar releases 5,600 political prisoners

Oct 20, 2021

According to activists, the mass release is a ploy by the junta to regain international credibility after its exclusion from the ASEAN summit later this month. Three Baptist clergyman from Kachin are among the people released. Some freed prisoners were detained and sent back to prison before they could get home.
Papua Catholics celebrate the ordination of new priests and deacons

Oct 20, 2021

The ceremony took place in the Diocese of Timika, scene of separatist violence in the past. The bishop of Bandung led the ceremony in lieu of Bishop Murwito still recovering from COVID-19. One of the newly ordained priests is a Jakarta-born ethnic Chinese whose vocation developed in the daily relationship with Papua natives, especially the little ones.
Land mismanagement continues to produce hunger

Oct 20, 2021

The 2021 Global Hunger Index ranks Sri Lanka as a country with a “moderate” risk of hunger. One of the problems is farmland management. Anthony Jesudasan notes that 37,000 hectares have not yet to be distributed among young Tamils.
A vocation from Gaza after decades: From the Strip to the world, witnessing to Christ

Oct 20, 2021

Twenty-three year old Abdallah Jeldah has made his vows of religious profession. After the novitiate he will enter the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) and continue his studies in Italy, visa permitting. The vocation was born while attending the parish of the Holy Family. The ideal of peace in justice.
Exhibition marks anniversary of Serbia-Vatican diplomatic relations

Oct 19, 2021

The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States was among the speakers at the opening of the event, hosted by the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.
Parolin: The world needs women's leadership and skills

Oct 19, 2021

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivers a video message on behalf of Pope Francis to participants at the Women’s Forum G20 Italy discussing the theme “A She-covery for all, Uniting Power with purpose for a new Inclusive Leadership”.
Asian Church leaders vow to listen to faithful as synodal process starts

Oct 19, 2021

Church leaders across Asia vowed to listen to the faithful as the diocesan phase of the Synod on Synodality started officially on Sunday, Oct. 17.
St José Sánchez del Río's witness highlighted at Mexican Martyrs Shrine statue dedication

Oct 19, 2021

At the dedication of the statue of Saint José Sánchez del Río at Guadalajara’s Martyrs Shrine, the city’s archbishop highlighted the saint’s witness and encouraged young people to be inspired by his life.
Rising number of baptised among tribal people in Rajshahi

Oct 19, 2021

A few days ago, another 47 ethnic Santal received the sacrament of Christian initiation in the parish of Bhutahara Quasi. “We have been visiting these villages for over seven years,” said Fr Swapon Purification. “More than 70 people will receive the baptism this Wednesday.” “In the past I worshipped nature and trees,” one of the newly baptised said. “Now I turn to Jesus in my prayers.”