One year on from violence described as the worst outbreak of anti-Christian persecution in Pakistan, Church leaders say people are both terrified of more attacks and furious that felons have not been brought to justice. Leading clergy in the Diocese of Faisalabad reported that security services warned Christians in Jaranwala against holding outdoor events today …
Continue reading “Jaranwala one year later – no justice, no safety “
Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marked by uncertainty and fear, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli is striving to bring a sense of normality through education. The parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City has made it a priority to ensure that children in the community continue to receive “remedial” schooling. Over 10 months …
Continue reading “Teaching under fire: the mission of the Catholic church in Gaza”
The many holiday camps hosted in various regions afflicted by war and conflict offer young people temporary relief from their suffering as well as the opportunity to engage in carefree activities while growing in faith. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s project partners report that attending one of these camps is the most eagerly …
Continue reading “ACN supports more than 1,600 summer camps worldwide”
The Holy Land’s Christians have suffered a “disturbing rise” in attacks including spitting, physical harassment, damage to property and cemeteries, and disruption of services. (Cover photo: The cross over the Duomo, Holy Sepulchre Church, Jerusalem.) The findings are part of a report by the Jerusalem-based Rossing Center, called Attacks on Christians in Israel and East …
Continue reading “Attacks on Christians are increasing in Israel”
Plagued for months by gangs that plunder, kidnap and terrorize the population, Haiti continues to fight every day for its survival. Amid this terrible situation, the Church in the country remains a beacon of hope, says Fr Baudelaire Martial, a Haitian priest from the Congregation of the Holy Cross (photo), who visited the international headquarters …
Continue reading “Haiti: “We must overcome our fear and bestow hope””
“The Venezuelan people know that the future is in their hands.” In a joint statement, the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (Conferencia Episcopal Venezolana – CEV) highlights the crucial role of the people in defining the country’s future in the elections scheduled for July 28. Venezuela is preparing for presidential elections in 2024 and legislative elections in …
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Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, met on Wednesday, 17 July, with a delegation from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in Jerusalem and expressed his gratitude for the help received. (Cover photo: Cardinal Pizzaballa blessing the Holy City of Jerusalem on April 2nd, 2023, part of the Palms Sunday liturgies). The …
An amendment to the Christian Marriage Act means that girls and boys cannot marry below the age of 18. Though only a first step, this could make it easier to curb cases of abduction and forced marriage of Christian girls in the country. The Catholic Church in Pakistan has applauded the signing into law of …
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Thirty years after returning to Bangladesh, the Jesuits are opening a new novitiate on July 16 in the South Asian country, where Christians are a small minority. By allowing the novices to have their initial formation in their own culture and language, the Jesuits hope to promote vocations. (Photo: from the beginning, the construction process …
Continue reading “Jesuits open first novitiate in Bangladesh with help from ACN”
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) congratulates U.S. legislators for renewed commitments to religious freedom A bill approved by the U.S. Congress will go a long way in helping to fund efforts to promote religious freedom in countries where it is lacking. Pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has expressed its …
