In his Easter message, Pope Francis said “only an infinite mercy can bring us salvation” and he mentioned Belgium, Turkey, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast and Iraq. Terror is a “blind and brutal form of violence which continues to shed blood in different parts of the world”. He also spared a thought for Syria, Yemen and Libya and urged people not to forget about migrants and refugees.
Via Crucis meditations at Rome’s Colosseum include themes varying from abuse to those fleeing war-torn countries.
Refugees, abused children and broken families were among Stations of the Cross’ reflections led by Pope Francis on Good Friday.
During a “Way of the Cross” meditation in Rome’s Colosseum the Pope took part in prayers for those couples whose marriages had broken down and the downtrodden “ruthlessly cast aside by a rich and careless society.”
We are witnessing a heightened focus on public school curricula by many stakeholders, primarily NGOs and a variety of emerging pressure groups.
This is a welcome development.
Much is being said by way of informed analysis and constructive criticism that the ministry could benefit from: on the content of the curricula, the modes of teaching/learning, and the disconnect between the output and societal needs.
This heightened focus is, in part, a result of decades of dissatisfaction with the outcomes.
For the first time in eight years, under 35-year-olds will finally be able to travel to Jerusalem for the celebrations at least. The Israeli authorities have issued 847 permits, granting 95 per cent of requests.
Belgium’s bishops say they are “dismayed”, while airport chaplains are all available to offer spiritual support to those in need of it.
The programme is not only intended for entertainment. It is rather educational, as it is part of the regional and international efforts designed to treat the scourge of extremism and terrorism. How is it so? This can be done by exposing the future generations to free competition, as well as to art and culture. It is also designed to forestall any chance of having them filled with thoughts of hatred and exclusion, rather than thoughts of love and construction. In this spirit, I followed with the millions of people the first part of The Voice Kids programme which ended recently.
At Palm Sunday Mass,on March 20, Pope Francis emphasised that “too many act like Pontius Pilate, denying justice” and he urged faithful to see the cross as “the royal seat of God”. He added: "If the mystery of evil is unfathomable, then the reality of Love poured out through him is infinite”.
Accounts of peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims. A report from the “Holy Land” school founded by the Franciscans in the West Bank. Most of the children enrolled here are Muslims. The headmaster, who is also the parish priest, and the local Imam say: “Passion for education is of prime importance here, we educate children about coexistence and mutual respect”.
In his landmark document on creation, the Pope pointed out that his namesake St Francis of Assisi was so close to the natural world that he even preached to the flowers.
The US president’s visit to the island from 20 to 22 March is going to be a historic event, a sign of an easing of tensions and of friendship among peoples. The Pope’s role in this has been a discreet but efficient one.
