Vietnam: The art of weaving “Zeng”
The Ta Oi is an ethnic group living in A Luoi a rural district of Thua Thien-Hue province in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam. The women of the Ta Oi have long been renowned for their skill at weaving “zeng” – a particular type of brocade. It is not only sophisticated but is […]
Mexico: The Old City of Morelia
What is known today as the city of Morelia was built in the Guayangareo Valley, a land inhabited by the Tarascans. The Tarascans forged a powerful empire with Tzintzuntzan as its capital, which was never conquered by Aztec expansionism. When the European conquerors triumphed in Tenochtitlan and began to extend their rule throughout the subjugated […]
Father Jacques Mourad’s story of being held hostage
He was rector of the Mar Elian shrine and parish priest of the Syrian Catholic community of Qaryatayn in central Syria when he was kidnapped by ISIS militants in 2015. Father Jacques Mourad tells us his story and also gives us a picture of the reality of life today in Syria. The sanctuary of Mar […]
Mexico, the Raramuri: being part of nature
The Raramuri or Tarahumara are an indigenous group of the Sierra Tarahumara in the State of Chihuahua, in northwestern Mexico. Their life is the example of people in harmony with nature. The Raramuri people lead a very active life and have a close relationship with nature. In fact, many moments and events of their life […]
Oral Literature: The Water in Olive Lake
Long, long ago, a mother and her son lived by Olive Lake below Olive Mountain. The mother was very, very old and could not work anymore. Her young son rented a plot of land from the landlord and laboured on it all the year round. But despite his industry year in and year out, their […]
Uganda: Giving away the bride
With the Ankole people in the Western part of Uganda, the bride’s parents hand her to the groom’s parents during a special ceremony called Okuhingira. It was one month already since Mbabazi’s fiance Byaruhanga paid her bride price to her parents and since her wedding was just two weeks away, Mbabazi’s parents organised her okuhingira […]
Qhapaq Ñan (Inca road system): Symbol of integration
The Qhapaq Ñan is an extraordinary set of roads constructed by the Incas. This network connects several Andean villages and sites that highlight the Inca ancestral architecture. This road system was a route of trade and it contributed greatly to cultural exchanges. The Qhapaq Ñan is an extraordinary set of roads, which is said to […]
Chiara Lubich: A Spiritual Leader
This year marks the centenary of the birth of Focolare Movement founder Chiara Lubich. She is considered to be one of the most influential spiritual figures of the twentieth century. The Movement has moved beyond its origins in the Roman Catholic Church and now involves Christians of many Churches around the world. Silvia Lubich chose […]
South Africa: Sangomas, the traditional healers
Sangomas, the South African traditional healers, mainly work in the rural areas of the country. Since 2007, they have been legally recognised in South Africa as ‘traditional health practitioners.’ They have a large clientele and claim to be able to cure lots of different illnesses by using plants and bones of animals. The room where […]
Oral Literature: The Hare and the Baboons
The day was very hot. The hare was on his way to a distant waterhole to quench his thirst when he met a party of baboons hurrying along the path towards him. “Where are you going?” they asked. “Are you ill, that you look so miserable?” “I am well, thank you, but I am greatly […]