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April 30, 2019

Churches have been targets of attack in South Asia, Southeast Asia

Filipino women hold placards during a Sept. 3, 2016, protest in Manila condemning the bombing at a market in Davao. Experts cite a heightened danger for more than 150 million Catholics and other Christians across South and Southeast Asia following the April 21, 2019, Easter bomb attacks that killed more than 250 people and injured 500.

BANGKOK - Several experts believe the threat to churches in South and Southeast Asia has increased following the Easter bomb attacks that killed more than 250 people and injured 500.

Published in International
July 26, 2015

Religious face uncertainties, questions of acceptance ministering in Southeast Asia

Nuns attend a Mass for the profession of vows for the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hung Hoa Sisters in Son Tay, Vietnam, Oct. 29, 2011.

MANILA, Philippines - Sr. Margaret Maung doesn't wear a nun's habit, but a traditional "longyi" and a simple blouse.

Experience has taught the provincial superior of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in Myanmar to embrace the country's cultural dress even while representing her faith.

Published in International
January 10, 2015

In Philippines, spirituality includes warfare against forces of darkness

Msgr. Jesus-Norriel Bandojo, a priest in the the Office of Exorcism of the Manila Archdiocese in the Philippines, gives a blessing and says a prayer of deliverance over "sacramentals" in late October at the archdiocese offices' chapel to ward off the pos sibility of evil forces attaching themselves to the religious items.

MANILA, Philippines - In the months leading up to Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines Jan. 15-19, Church leaders emphasized "spiritual preparation," such as a special prayer for the Pope at the end of each Mass and a reminder to carry out small acts of kindness toward the less fortunate.

Published in International
January 8, 2015

Pope Francis in Asia to promote reconciliation, recovery

Men and women carrying replica statues of the Black Nazarene walk under a banner of Pope Francis during a procession in Manila, Philippines, Jan. 7. Millions of devotees are expected to attend the annual procession of the Black Nazarene Jan. 9. The Black Nazarene, a life-size wooden statue of Christ carved in Mexico and brought to the Philippines in the 17th century, is believed to have healing powers in the predominantly Catholic country.

VATICAN CITY - Interreligious reconciliation and recovery from natural disaster will be major themes of Pope Francis' Jan. 13-18 visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, according to the Vatican spokesman.

Published in International