Uganda: Walking With The People
The diocese of Moroto, in the north of Uganda, has around 400,000 inhabitants of whom just over half are Catholics living in ten parishes and served by thirty-six priests. Since 2014, the diocese has been led by a Comboni bishop, Damiano Guzzetti. He writes as follows. The town of Moroto is becoming increasingly busy with […]
African Military Spending Was Down
According to a report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), African military spending was down by 0.5% to an estimated $42.6 billion in 2017, or 2.5% of global military spending. “This continued the downward trend from the post-Cold War peak reached in 2014, although the decrease tapered off in 2017. Despite three consecutive ears […]
South Sudan: More Than 200 Child Soldiers Released
Two hundred and seven child soldiers have been released by armed groups in South Sudan, part of a series of planned discharges that should see nearly 1,000 children return home over the coming months. The move, facilitated by the United Nations, follows the release of 300 children by armed groups in early February. “No child […]
Philippines: Church Leaders Condemn Killing Of Young Priest
Catholic Church leaders have spoken out to condemn the recent brutal killing of a young priest, Father Mark Anthony Ventura, 37, from Gattaran town in the province of Cagayan. Father Mark was shot by an assassin at Barangay Piña Weste gymnasium on the outskirts of Gattaran town after celebrating the Eucharistic mass on the 29th […]
Africa And ‘Gaudete et Exsultate’: In Search For Holiness
Pope Francis has written a new Apostolic Exhortation on “the call to holiness in Today’s World”. The Latin title “Gaudete et Exsultate” which translated into English means “Rejoice and Be Glad.” The words are taken from the Gospel of Matthew (5:12) at the end of the discourse on the Beatitudes. According to Pope Francis, humanity […]
Africa and Digital Revolution
Internet penetration is creeping up in Africa, bringing the prospect of digital dividends to a continent long marked by digital divides. “Africa has reached a penetration which has broken the barrier of 15 %, and that’s important” says Nii Quaynor, a scientist who has played a key role in the introduction and development of the […]
Our Lady In China
0ne of the characteristics of Chinese Catholics is their deep and affectionate devotion to the Virgin Mary, expressed in the Marian shrines spread throughout the country. Some of them are particularly significant, such as the Sheshan sanctuary in Shanghai, the Donglu Marian basilica in Hebei and the Banshishan pilgrimage site in Shanxi province, as well […]
Nicaragua: Catholic Bishops – “The Government Has Just One Month To Satisfy Society’s Demands”
Demonstrations around the country took place in response to the Ortega administration’s announcement of social security reforms. Protests have claimed 42 lives and left more than 400 injured. The Catholic bishops’ conference of Nicaragua has accepted an invitation to mediate talks aimed at calming the Central American country, which has been roiled by protests over […]
Nigeria: Two Priests Killed In Cold Blood
Together with the priests, 19 people were also killed. The Catholic bishops ask the president to consider stepping aside to save the nation from complete collapse. The massacre happened at dawn on Tuesday 24th April. The attack happened during the 5.50am daily morning Mass, which is always well attended in the parish of St Agnatius […]
South African Activists Win Prize After Ending Nuclear Deal
Two grassroots activists Makoma Lekalakala and Liz McDaid are the African winners of this year’s Goldman Environmental Prize. A long the years they have built a broad coalition to stop the South African government’s massive secret nuclear deal with Russia. South Africa currently has one nuclear power station, Koeberg, operated by the state-owned electric utility, […]