Reflection. The Journey from the Head to the Heart
The journey from the head to the heart is only 8 inches long, yet many people do not quite make it in their lifetime. This journey happens when we take the road of humility and value kindness, respect, and love. I read a story about a monk trying to save a scorpion on a leaf […]
Oral Literature. Jabari and the three tests
There once lived a King who had seven strong sons. When the day arrived for the eldest of them to leave the family home, he explained to his father that he longed to travel to a distant land and requested a sailing boat, together with some food and money. The king provided him with these […]
Senegal. Stories of colours and pains
In Saint Louis, in the north of Senegal, boat building is one of the most deeply rooted activities among the population at large. The bright colours and texture say a lot about their owners, their profession and their goals. Fishermen and migrants share both space and an uncertain future. Mamadou is sitting on a wooden […]
Myanmar. They survived the Loikaw inferno
Former Burma has become an open-air prison since the military junta took power three years ago. Little news manages to arrive from a country where communications are precarious. Kayah State is one of the worst affected. The testimony of the bishop of Loikaw and the story of the missionaries in the refugee camps on the […]
The Asian Faces of Mary
Non-Christians venerate Mary in Asia. Mary stands as an interreligious bridge that belongs to everyone. She is the most universal religious figure on the continent. Professor Michael Chamboni, coordinator of the Asian Catholic Studies Initiative, explains why. At Novena church, the most famous church in Singapore, it is not uncommon to see Muslim and Hindu […]
Herbs & Plants. Africa. Vernonia amygdalina. The bitter leaf
Vernonia amygdalina, (family Astaraceae) is a medicinal herb commonly known as bitter leaf. This plant is indigenous to tropical Africa and has enormous medicinal uses and is regarded as a gold mine by many African communities. The plant is normally found along rivers and lakes, in forest margins, wood land and open grass land in […]
Oral Literature. The Hare and the Crown bird
One day the hare and his friend the crown bird went together on a journey. They were going to visit the house of hare’s uncle. They travelled over hills and valleys until they came to a river. Beside the river, an old woman was washing herself. “Please”, the old woman asked the hare, “help me […]
Belize. The Maya. The art of basket weaving
Mayan arts and crafts are an exclusive manifestation of their lifestyle and dominant culture. Their skills and talents prove that they were an advanced civilization that developed technologies, ideas, concepts, designs, and architecture that still amaze us today. There have been discoveries of elaborate Mayan sculptures, artifacts, paintings, pottery, and innovative creations and designs. Like […]
Global military spending surges amid war, rising tensions and insecurity
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), total global military expenditure reached $2443 billion in 2023, an increase of 6.8 per cent in real terms from 2022. This was the steepest year-on-year increase since 2009. The 10 largest spenders in 2023 – led by the United States, China and Russia – all increased […]
Talitha Kum against people trafficking
Fifteen years ago, Talitha Kum was established as an International Network of Consecrated Life against Trafficking in Persons by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG.) A long journey of commitment alongside many exploited people. We talk about it with Sister Abby Avelino, the international coordinator of the Network. “We live in a world where […]