Indonesia’s president signals an end to cycle of impunity
Current ASEAN chair must serve as an example to other member countries in ensuring and sustaining human rights
The Union of Myanmar geographically, ethically and politically falls into 7 Division and 7 states. The Diocese of Pathein is situated squarely in the Ayeyarwaddy Division which is spread over an extensive area of some 18,089 square kilometers and has as of 2009 a population of 5,575,410. It borders...
The diocesan land area of 29, 857 square kilometers includes West Bengal's major urban centers – Kolkata, Kharagpur and Haldia port. The total population of 34,656,781 is a mix of ethnicities and...
Vietnam’s Tac Say Cathedral lives the memory of martyred priest
Vietnam’s Tac Say Cathedral is a telltale example of how Catholicism thrived in many parts of Asia through valiance and martyrdom of early Catholics. The church, also known as Father Diep Church, lives the memory of Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep who served the parish church for 16 years and died a martyr’s death while defending local Catholics in 1946 from persecution of Japanese soldiers.
Malaysian Church’s unforgettable French missionary legacy
The Church of the Visitation in Seremban relishes the treasured legacy of pioneering French missionaries who introduced Catholicism in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding region in the 19th century. The first and oldest Church in Kuala Lumpur became a springboard of evangelization following the arrival of French missionary priest Father Pierre Favre from Paris Foreign Mission Society (MEP). Before settling down in Seremban he carried out missionary activities in the area from hismission station in Malacca.
Brunei cathedral, a haven for migrant Catholics
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption at the heart of Bruneian capital Bendar Seir Begawan, is the largest and mother church in country that caters to spiritual needs of a largely migrant Catholic population. As in other parts of this tiny but wealthy Islamic monarchy, the Assumption Church is a melting pot as majority of about 21,000 Catholics in Brunei belong to the cathedral parish. About 70 percent migrant Catholics are Filipinos, and the rest are Indians, Indonesians, Malaysians, and others.
Nagasaki basilica immortalizes 26 martyrs of Japan
The minor basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan in Nagasaki beholds the sacrifices of Catholic martyrs of the late 16th century who sacrificed their lives for faith. The church stands on a hill where 26 Catholics – Japanese, European, and Indian – were crucified like Jesus for refusing to renounce their faith in 1597. The martyrdom came to global spotlight on June 8, 1862, when Pope Pius XI declared the martyrs as saints. The next year, two French MEP missionaries – Father Furet and Father Petitjean – started construction of the church to honor the martyrs.
Indian woman lawyer sworn-in as judge amid protests
Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri’s appointment was challenged as she had made statements against Christians and Muslims
Indian hardliners ask to stop welfare benefits to tribal Christians
Hindu nationalist body wants tribals who converted to Christianity to be left out of the nation's affirmative action program
Japan premier’s aide sacked over anti-LGBT comments
A majority of members in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are opposed to the legalization of same-sex marriage
Philippine Muslim women call for laws in local languages
Group says women are not participating in local affairs because bills are in English, a language they do not understand
Pakistan PM 'unblocks' Wikipedia website
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority last week gave website 48 hours to remove 'blasphemous' content before blocking it
More than 4,300 killed in Turkey, Syria earthquakes
Despite freezing temperatures outside, terrified residents spent the night on the streets, huddling around fires for warmth
Pope, church leaders draw attention to victims of violence
Pope Francis got right to the point saying, 'Many things are needed here, but surely not more instruments of death!'
