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Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. It is situated some seventy km from the coastline of Turkey, a hundred or so from that of Syria and five hundred from Egypt; it faces Lebanon and the Holy Land. Cyprus is a crossroads of history, of culture, and also of […]

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Austria: a “sensible” interfaith dialogue

The harmonious living together of Christians and Muslims needs “sensibility”, says the Ecumenical Council of Austrian Churches (Örkö) in a communiqué issued in Vienna in recent days. Underlining its own “interest in peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims in this country, the Ecumenical Council renewed, a year after the international conference of imams held in […]

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CCEE/CEC: meeting with Muslims

The joint Committee for relations with Muslims in Europe of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) met in Leicester, in England, from 3 to 6 May. News of the meeting is given in a CCEE press release, which reports that “the committee met with two […]

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ECUMENISM & DIALOGUE

CCEE: Cardinal Erdö and Bartholomew I

“A genuine theological revival is taking place in the Orthodox world and the need is felt to raise the level of theological formation. I hope the Orthodox Churches may find ways of developing their intensive pastoral care in mutual cooperation with the Catholic Church, and in the exchange of experiences and know-how for the success […]

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OCIPE

Fifty years for Europe

“Acting on various levels, at the local level as well as that of the decision-making centres, the Church has a great role to play in the construction of Europe, by promoting and consolidating fundamental values, which revolve around the dignity of the human person”, said Bishop ADRIANUS VAN LUYN of Rotterdam, President of COMECE (Commission […]

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Georgia: a centre for the disabled

The disabled in Georgia, due to the utter poverty that reigns in most families, have to cope with their physical and psychological infirmities in a climate of total abandonment and are generally considered a burden for the family. To help alleviate the suffering of these people, the hospital order of St. Camillo de Lellis has […]

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Austria: dying with dignity

Dying “not by the hand” of others, but “taken in hand” by others: recalling the words of the late-lamented Cardinal Franz König, the President of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, spoke at an international conference on the end of human life held in the castle of Hartheim, in Austria, at the end of […]

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LIFE

Portugal: Pro-Life Week

The Portuguese Church is preparing to celebrate Pro-Life Week (13-20 May). Its theme this year will be: “Human happiness, God’s concern”. By introducing Pro-Life Week in 1994, the Episcopal Commission for the laity and the family, following a suggestion of John Paul II in 1991, has aimed to “arouse a recognition of the meaning and […]

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England: “from foreigners to citizens”

A mass in various languages in the Catholic Cathedral of Westminster, a procession of parishes and religious groups and a rally in Trafalgar Square: that’s how the Catholic Church of England and Wales recently participated in the action day organized by the association Strangers into Citizens. The association is campaigning for illegal immigrants who have […]

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Bulgaria: first priest ordained after 55 years

The first Bulgarian Catholic priest was ordained on 5 May, after 55 years. He is Father Stefan Calapish of the diocese of Nicopolis (Northern Bulgaria). According to Vatican Radio, the celebration was attended by all the members of the Bulgarian Bishops’ Conference, the Apostolic Nuncio of the country, Msgr. Giuseppe Leanza, many priests, men and […]

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