"The artificial sterilisation of people for family planning purposes raises in itself serious moral doubts. According to the Christian belief, God created man and woman in His likeness, so their dignity binds us to protect and respect life and people’s integrity/health": it was stated by the Hungarian Bishops Conference in a release at the end of the ordinary assembly that took place in the last few days in Budapest. The statement concerns the amendment to the law on artificial sterilisation that was enforced on June 1st. The new legislation explains the Catholic agency Magyar Kurir repeals the restrictions that only allowed people over 35 or people with three natural children to be sterilised. Now, the minimum age is 18. The subjects addressed by the Bishops include the impending publication of the Hungarian translation of the Digest of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. From June 19th to 21st, the Austrian and Hungarian Bishops will take part in a meeting in Mariazell, to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. The Mariazell meeting will also tackle the Sunday celebration, the pastoral in the native language of the local minorities (in Hungarian in Austria and in German in Hungary). In addition, they fixed the date of September 17th for the beatification of Sára Salkaházi, from the Sisters of the Assistance.
