Massacres in Kenya and India, Catholic Church in Delhi Razed, Christian Missionaries labeled enemies of Hinduism, UN attacks Vatican (again) and more ..

"Don’t let the Church become just another NGO"—Pope Francis tells Swiss Bishops 
CATHOLIC HERALD

Vatican World War II archives to be opened soon—Pope tells Israeli newspaper 
CATHOLIC CULTURE

"Curia reform will foster collegiality"—Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga 
VATICAN INSIDER

Over 100 Keralite pilgrims who went to the Vatican to attend the canonization of St Chavara Kuriakose Elias and St Euphrasia are 
understood to be "missing," triggering speculation that they have gone underground in search of jobs to eke out a living in Italy (No doubt there are a flock of priests saying "Oh well, this is understandable" but, I wonder just how those involved reconcile their actions before God. Deceitfulness and transgressing the laws of a host nation do not strike me as being the best ways of laying a foundation for one’s future. Western societies need to make a clear distinction between those fleeing war and persecution and those participating in economic migration) 
DECCAN CHRONICLE

Catholic school boards can’t be wished away just yet Our forefathers came up with the artful compromise of separate schools in the 19th century, but updating it will take a few more years of forbearance (While properly managed Catholic schools offer great hope for the Church, they are increasingly viewed as "inappropriate" and "unwanted" and which is a great shame) 
THE STAR

Israel’s government on verge of collapse as coalition partners turn on Benjamin Netanyahu (This would be a travesty because Netanyahu has done more for Israel than many are willing to admit) 
NATIONAL POST

Christian missionaries labeled "Enemies of Hindus" Agenzia Fides reports that Christian missionaries are identified among the five biggest enemies of Hindus during the World Hindu Congress which took place in Delhi this week. The congress blamed Christians (along with others) for being 
"anti-Hindu" and 
"weakening Indian society". The Congress said of Christian missionaries that they 
"wickedly introduce the value system of their own western societies." Whether the World Hindu Congress equates America’s Hollywood to be a reflection of the Christian faith (as some argue in the Middle East), I do not know, but that Christian missionaries introduce the value systems of "their own western societies," what exactly are they referring to? Many missionaries in India make enormous sacrifices of their time and resources to travel to that land and bless those who are needy. These include qualified teachers, medics and those in construction, all of whom sacrifice holidays and "family time" in order to give to others. I have several friends who are among those making regular visits to poor parishes across India. Is it the financial aid which the World Hindu Congress is criticizing? Or perhaps the love shown by those who donate their services without charge to those who otherwise could not afford medical treatment or, in some cases, education? Or is it perhaps the love and concern that they oppose? Either way, in our "new" world what is becoming clear is that Christianity has fewer friends and an increasing number of enemies who are glad to voice their disdain towards Christ and His followers. 
ALETEIA

Ten Children Kidnapped in Mali—Another Agenzia Fides report cites how armed Islamists have abducted ten children in northern Mail, two of who died trying to escape. We are constantly being told that "Islam is peace" and that for us to think anything else is wrong. Fair enough, but while not all of Islam is violent it is certainly the case that a very high proportion of those involved in acts of violence are in fact Muslim. How are we to respond to this and what are our political and religious leaders doing to guide and educate society in these matters beyond constantly telling everyone that "Islam is peace?"  
ALETEIA

Nick McKinnel named as 
new Bishop of Plymouth
BBC

Pope Francis was not tough enough with Turkey (I tend to agree. A growing economy with a rapidly growing contingent of militant Muslims. Let us hope that Turkey turns out to be a force for good in the Middle East and not simply a catalyst for more tension. But, I have my doubts)  
CATHOLIC HERALD

Thousands quit Lutheran Church in Finland after its Archbishop came out in favor of same-sex "marriage"—Thousands of people have resigned from the Lutheran Church in Finland after its Archbishop said he rejoiced “with my whole heart” following the government vote to legalize same-sex "marriage." (Well done to those congregants standing-up for their convictions and not caving in to government  pressure to 
"conform to sin." We pray the Lord will lead you to a new home. I would "normally" have extended unhesitating open arms to our Protest brothers and sisters, and still do, but for the "niggle" I have that we may not be able to guarantee our own adherence to Scriptural values in the long term. The Church universal has entered a time of great testing, or so at least I suspect!)  
INDEPENDENT

"As long as we are on the side of good, we are invincible" —Ukrainian Catholic leader (I’m not sure about "invincible" but if one is innocent of misdeeds and wrongdoing, and if one seeks to defend freedoms and protect those who are vulnerable, and if one’s trust and confidence in God is greater than the resources of man, then yes, I believe we can be confident that the One in whom we trust will guide things to a conclusion in which good will be served. However, history teaches us that this "good" may not occur quickly or in the way we sometimes imagine) 
CATHOLIC CULTURE

Serbian man beats woman to death in Germany for helping girls who were being harassed 
DAILY MAIL

Archbishop Martin says 
celibacy not Vatican dogma and could be changed. Dublin’s Archbishop Diarmuid Martin says the celibacy of Catholic priests is not part of the Vatican’s dogma and, therefore, is an issue in the Church that could be addressed. 
IRISH CENTRAL

Archbishop to make property available for homeless—
Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has made a diocesan property available for emergency homeless accommodation in the center of the capital. Earlier today Archbishop Martin had described the capital as
"deeply divided" (Well done Diarmuid) 
RTE

Islamic militants murder 36 Kenyan quarry workers (God help those areas affected by Islamic militants and God forgive the Church and Western governments for their appalling apathy) 
DAILY MAIL

Boko Haram escalates terror campaign in Nigeria Militants have attacked the northeastern Nigerian town of Shani, a largely Christian town in Borno State. 
“They started throwing bombs into houses"—eyewitness reports 
CATHOLIC CULTURE

"Militant Islam is causing a national disaster"—Kenyan Bishops 
CATHOLIC CULTURE

ISIS affiliate kills American oil worker in Sinai 
AL ARABIYA

Problems for Iraq’s Christian refugees are "totally overwhelming," says nun 
“After four months of exile there are no signs of hope that the situation here in Iraq will be resolved peacefully,”
CATHOLIC CULTURE

ISIS leader’s wife and son arrested at Lebanese border 
DAILY MAIL

Malaysian Christian students told to wear headscarves and sent outside to pray (Who will speak up for Christians being persecuted in Malaysia?) 
CHRISTIAN TODAY

The Catholic Church’s aspirations for Asia After decades of fraught relations between the Holy See and Beijing, rapprochement appears to be on the agenda at long last. But the Catholic Church in Taiwan will pay a price, says Frank Sieren 
DW NEWS

Catholic church burnt to ground in Delhi (Following news yesterday that a Church in Edinburgh had been burnt, we now discover that yesterday a church in New Delhi has been burnt and that, as with Edinburgh, arson is suspected. 
The message is "loud and clear" to all Muslims
—
Wherever you see Christians and Jews .. kill them, rape their women, steal their belongings, torch their places of worship. Destroy, destroy and destroy!) 
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMESTHE HINDU

One in six children viewing pornography at school (What may have started out as the preserve of a "few" seems to be heading towards becoming the norm. Social studies are building credible links between indulging in pornography and participating in "lewd," "depraved" and even violent sexual acts. As Catholics and Christians we are to walk away from such things and to raise our children to appreciate doing the same. Our joy and fulfilment comes from wholesome relationships, chief among which is our closeness to God. Passing this on to our children (through example) is one of our highest callings as parents. Regarding the lack of pastoral supervision at schools, I can only recommend that the parents come together and demand that the school guarantees that children are protected from illicit material. As should be evident by now, Christian society is under full assault). 
CHARISMA

Dutch doctors see euthanasia as source for organ donations (What are they saying, that they now promote euthanasia because it has a beneficial impact on the availability of human organs?) 
CATHOLIC CULTURE

~ ~ ~

Online troll or therapist? Atheist evangelists see their work as a calling. Two years ago, 
“Max” was a devout Catholic who loved his faith so much he would sometimes cry as he swallowed the Communion wafer. Then came the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, where 20 schoolchildren and six adults were murdered by a troubled gunman. At that moment, a bell went off in his head, he said, ringing 
“there is no God, there is no God.”
RELIGION NEWS