Hundreds of thousands of young people took part in a variety of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) initiatives during World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal, from August 1 to August 6, 2023. The pontifical charity ensured that persecuted Christians from around the world were not forgotten, reminding those present of their brothers …
Author archives: mariobard
Project of the Week – Ukraine
Mass intentions in the Archeparchy of Ivano-Frankivsk The war in Ukraine has impacted the entire country, including areas where there has been no fighting. Hence, even in the west of the country, people have become poorer. Many have lost their jobs, and pensions and social security payments have become insufficient in the face of the …
ACN increases aid for children and young people in crisis countries
This summer the charity will support close to 400 camps and gatherings, with most of this financial assistance directed to Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of children and youths from countries in crisis, such as Syria, Egypt, Armenia, Ukraine and Lebanon, will be taking part in camps and summer courses funded by international charity …
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India: Anti-Christian violence continues to rage in Manipur
Even leaders of the Hindu nationalist party are beginning to accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of complicity in what has become a widespread attack on Christians. Aid to the Church in Need (CAN) continues to monitor the situation closely. (Photo: A Catholic village burned down by a mob). The situation in the State of …
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Project of the week – Indonesia
A vehicle for an extensive parish The island nation of Indonesia comprises over 17,000 separate islands, over 6,000 of which are inhabited. Geographically speaking, most of them are part of Asia, though some are part of Australasia. With over 273 million inhabitants, Indonesia is the most populated Muslim nation in the world. However, the religious …
Iraq—Patriarch Sako leaves Baghdad in response to the president.
His Eminence Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch and the leader of the Chaldean Church has publicly announced his decision to “withdraw from the patriarchal seat in Baghdad, and go from where I am currently in Istanbul, on a church, mission, to one of the monasteries in Iraqi Kurdistan.” The announcement was made in a statement …
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Pakistan – Christians put in danger by the desecration of the Quran in Sweden
The Catholic Church in Pakistan has condemned the act and says it stands in solidarity with Muslims, calling on Sweden to ensure respect for all religions in society, as the Pakistani Government expressed concern for the security of Church buildings in the country. Christian organizations all over the world have condemned the desecration of the …
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ACN Project of the Week – Sierra Leone
A presbytery for a new parish Sierra Leone’s recent history has been a painful one. Indeed, the consequences of the country’s bloody civil war can still be felt today. Between 1991 and 2002, half the population was uprooted and forced to flee, thousands of people were murdered, and to this day poverty, unemployment, and corruption …
Iraq – Looking for leaders to help rebuild the Church
A gathering of almost 2,000 young Christians in Iraq provides hope for the future and encourages new generations to stay and invest in their country and in their community. International charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) helps make this project a reality. Over 1,800 young Christians from seven archdioceses and over 60 parishes …
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Pakistan – Defender of religious freedom single-handedly stops mob
Religiously, Pakistan is a diverse country. In many respects, Christians are second-class citizens in this country, with a population that is 95 percent Muslim. They face discrimination, kidnappings, and forced conversions to Islam, and anyone who “defiles” the Quran or insults Muhammad can face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Yet the country also has …
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