Catholic News
News from the Orient – October 4, 2024
In this week's news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L'Œuvre d'Orient, Christians in Lebanon suffer bombardment, the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin is re-consecrated in Armenia, and a new Chaldean parish opens in France.
EU Bishops echo Pope’s call to pray for peace on October 7
European Bishops rally around Pope Francis’ and Cardinal Pizzaballa’s appeal to observe a day of prayer, penance and fasting for world peace on October 7, marking one year since Hamas' terrorist attacks on Israel that sparked the ongoing conflict.
Lebanon: Number of children killed in Israeli strikes soars
As Israeli forces continue to pound Beirut after the deadliest West Bank strike in decades, UNICEF is raising the alarm about the number of children killed and injured in Lebanon since the start of this latest phase of Israel‘s campaign to decapitate Hezbollah, and it relaunches its appeal for a ceasefire and support in delivering humanitarian aid.
Claretians to highlight power of prayer in 2024 Word Conference
The Claretians in the Philippines are set to hold this year’s Word Conference with a focus on prayer, drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ declaration of 2024 as a Year of Prayer.
Catholic Lecturers’ Association in Jakarta welcomes new management
The Indonesian Catholic Lecturers Association (iKDKI) Jakarta Region has held its Regional Management inauguration for the 2024-2029 term at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia.
Pope: Custody of Holy Land ‘a mission of peace and dialogue amid conflict’
Pope Francis writes the preface for the new book, “Like a Pilgrimage - My Days in the Holy Land” (Ts Edizioni), written by the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, together with Italian journalist Roberto Cetera from L’Osservatore Romano. It was presented during the Franciscan Festival in Bologna on Sunday, September 29.
These farmers will save the world
Regenerative farming is changing the lives of rural communities across the globe. India’s Andhra Pradesh Community-based Natural Farming initiative empowers already 1 million farmers to restore soil health and productivity naturally, demonstrating the global potential of sustainable agriculture to nourish people and regenerate the planet.
Pope Francis receives President of Kyrgyzstan in audience
Pope Francis holds a private audience with Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Kyrgyzstan, in the Vatican.
Cameroonian Bishops announce a collection for flood victims
The floods that have hit Cameroon in recent months have caused loss of life and enormous material damage. Those mostly affected by the deadly floods are in Mayo-Danay, a Far North Province of Cameroon. As Caritas Cameroon cannot respond to all requests for help, the Cameroon National Episcopal Conference has invited all parishes to organise a collection this Sunday, 6 October.
Study groups present work, goals to Synod
At the first General Congregation of the Synodal Assembly on October 2, members of the ten groups established by the Pope in February to explore theological and canonical aspects of various themes, along with representatives of three other Commissions, explained the work accomplished up to this point and the outlook for the future.
Dominican Republic to deport 'illegal' Haitians
The Dominican Republic announces it`s starting mass deportations of Haitians who are illegally in its country. Authorities say this could involve as many as ten thousand expulsions per week.
Synod Briefing: Assembly fasting and praying for peace on 7 October
The newly-renovated Holy See Press Office hosts a press conference to shed light on the opening of the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality.
Pope to close conference focused on ending inequalities in Rome
On October 25, an initiative that began 50 years ago will conclude in the Basilica of St. John Latern. Originally held from February 12 to 15, 1974, the conference, “The Responsibility of Christians in Response to the Expectations of Charity and Justice in the City of Rome.” was known as one dedicated to the “ills of Rome.”
Holy Land: Education as a crucial tool of hope in the darkest of times
As Israeli bombs continue to strike schools in the Gaza Strip, the General Director of the Latin Patriarchate Schools in Palestine and General Secretary of Christian Schools in the region, speaks of the effect of the ongoing war on students and of his commitment to teach peacemaking and conflict resolution through dialogue.
Maronite bishops express sorrow for mass displacement in Lebanon
With the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Maronite bishops discuss how the violence has led to thousands being forced to leave their homes.
Decarbonising churches: How an English diocese is turning theory into reality
The Diocese of Salford, led by Bishop John Arnold, is driving the decarbonization of Church buildings through the "Guardians of Creation" initiative, aligning with Pope Francis' call for urgent environmental stewardship.
UNICEF decries 4 Gaza school strikes in 24 hours
In a post on X, UNICEF calls for an end to escalating Israeli air strikes on schools in the Gaza Strip. The most recent strikes devastated a school for orphans and another sheltering families.
Pope: Prayer allows the Spirit to change our hearts
Pope Francis pens the preface to the book, “As Jesus Taught Us: The Prayer of Pilgrims of Hope” (Edizioni San Paolo), which will be released on Wednesday, October 9. The text is a collection of the Pope's reflections on prayer, some unpublished.
Nepal floods displace thousands, Catholic Church calls for global aid
The Pro-Vicar Apostolic of Nepal has appealed for global aid and solidarity in the wake of devastating floods that have led to one of the country’s worst natural disasters in recent decades.
Catholic schools mourn losses in tragic bus fire in Thailand
Catholic schools have expressed sorrow and offered condolences to the families of the students and teachers who lost their lives in a tragic bus fire on Tuesday in Thailand.
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