CHurches in brief
Czech republic: missionary initiatives and projects in IndiaNational office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Czech republic invites all the people of good will to participate at the 9th National mission pilgrimage associated with celebration of the 6th Children’s mission day, both to take place on 28 May in Tábor and Klokoty in southern part of Bohemia. The programme will start with the mass, followed by the cultural performances, exhibitions and information about missionary work in developing countries. Whole day there will be a possibility to support financially projects of the Pontifical Mission Societies aimed to help poor and suffering children in India. The pilgrimage will be preceeded by the visit of Indian national director of PMS, Mgr. Ignaci Siluvai, in Czech republic on 14 – 19 May. He will meet the representatives of the Pontifical Mission Societies and the Catholic church in Czech republic to thank them for their help in improving the life conditions of people in India. In the meantime, past May 7th in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Msgr. Jan Vokál was ordained 25° bishop of Hradec Králové by the Secretary of State card Tarcisio Bertone, by the archbishop of Prague Msgr. Dominik Duka (outgoing bishop of Hradec Králové), as well as by the former Apostolic nuncio to Germany Msgr. Erwin Josef Ender. The new bishop of Hradec Králové was born in 1958, he was ordained bishop by Blessed John Paul II in 1989. In 1991 he entered the Vatican Secretary of State where he served until his Episcopal appointment by Benedict XVI past March 3.Slovakia: Family Day in 13 towns and villages”Come and say it aloud”: with these words organisers of the Family Day 2011 in Slovakia exhort all citizens to show their positive attitude towards marriage and family life. As was announced at the press conference on 10 May, 13 cities and villages all over the country will participate in numerous activities to support the International Family Day celebrated on 15 May, this year with main theme “Facing poverty and social exclusion of families”. Wide range of events will take place during the weekends from 14 May to 29 May, with an official support of the minister of labour, social affairs and family, Jozef Mihál, as well as the president of the Council for the family of the Bishops’ conference of Slovakia, Mgr. Milan Chautur. “Family is the school of humanity where we learn about mutual love and respect, that’s why its role is indispensable”, says an official declaration of the Forum of Christian Institutions, main coordinator of the project, at the occasion of the Family day 2011. More information on the website: www.denrodiny.sk.Romania: meeting with Catholic media officers”Social network, a provocation for Church communication” is the theme of the 11th National Meeting of Catholic Media Officers in Romania, that was opened on May 10 in Snagov, near Bucharest. The Conference promoted by the Commission for Relations with the Media of the Romanian Bishops’ Conference (CER), in conjunction with the Centre for Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Bucharest brought together some 30 media officers that include diocesan media coordinators, men and women religious and youth pastoral care directors. The debate focused on the way in which the Internet is affecting religious understanding in everyday life, along with social media strategy and web 2.0. Panel lectures were delivered – in person or via skype connection – by international experts that include Fr Antonio Spadaro (www.cyberteologia.it), Juan Narbona (web editor of the Opus Dei IT Department), Leo Spadaro (CEI IT Department). “Romania is placed fourth at world level as regards Internet connection speed; 35.5% of the overall population goes online; over three million Romanians have a Facebook account. Nowadays the realm of faith is ever more prodded by social networks and as Church communicators we cannot fail to be involved”, said Fr Francisc Dobos, Secretary of CER’s Social Communications Commission.Hungary and Slovakia: military ordinaries together for St. Cyril and MethodiusContribute to development of brotherly relations between Slovak and Hungarian nations in mutual respect and peace – this is the aim of the forthcoming meeting of military ordinaries of both countries, Mgr. Frantiek Rábek and Mgr. László Bíró, due to take place on 14 May in Zalavár in southern part of Hungary, the place which in 9th century served as residence of the Slavic prince Pribina. Bishops will jointly commemorate arrival of St. Cyril and Methodius to the region at the memorial of both saints, followed by the celebration of the mass in the local church, in the presence of representative of Hungarian Ministry of defence. Homily will be delivered by the head of the Military ordinariate of Slovak republic, Mgr. Rábek. His visit to Hungary represents a part of preparation for the celebration of the Holy Year of St. Cyril and Methodius 2013 in Slovakia.
