Mary Among Asian Religions

December 2023

In This Issue

Editorial

Violence Begets Violence

As of this writing, the war of Israel against Hamas in the Gaza territory is raging and having a devastating impact on the population. Israel is at war against the militant group Hamas for its attack on the country killing 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

WM Special

Motherhood versus Origin

Numerous non-Christians in Asian religions venerate Mary. In Singapore, Taoist devotees see Mary as an example of how cultivating oneself leads to a higher state of being and a divinization of the self.

WM Special

Mary and Female Deities of East Asia

Catholics venerated female deities associated with Buddhism and with Chinese popular religion in different contexts as one way to express their Marian devotions.

WM Special

The Asian Faces of Mary

Non-Christians venerate Mary in Asia. Mary stands as an interreligious bridge that belongs to everyone. She is the most universal religious figure on the continent.

Frontiers

Justice, not violence, will end Israel-Hamas war

Israel continues to brutally and immorally attack and kill innocent Palestinians, especially in Gaza. Hamas also attacked Israel, killing many innocent Israelis. This is a vicious cycle that can only be broken with justice and peace.

Journey Moments

Yes, Lord!

Mary and Joseph’s deep love and faith to the Father led them to say “Yes” to His command. May their complete obedience to God inspire us to also say “Yes” to His plans for us.

Frontline

In 2023 Persecution of Christians Remains Strong

The acts of persecution in Latin America are surprising, considering this is a Christian part of the world. This is because the Church’s influence threatens regimes that hope to be all-powerful.

In Focus

Concluding Our Joyful Journey

We have been sharing a fruitful pilgrimage with Pope Francis throughout 2023. Our voyage has been profoundly enriching, enabling us to appreciate the mind and heart of Papa Francisco. Six pivotal themes have surfaced during our rewarding year-long journey.

Insight

From Exchange of Goods to Sharing of Ideas

Even in our more globalized world, extreme individualism and nationalism have divided and worsened conflicts. To achieve peace, we must learn to be more open to other ideas and let ideals dialogue.

Inside The Holy Book

The Emergence of the Hereafter

The belief in a life after death is not present in much of the Old Testament. Eventually, the celebration of the joy of being alive continues in the faith of the resurrection of the body.

Follow Me

This is the Youth of Christ!

During World Youth Day 2023 (WYD23), Pope Francis indicated some essential steps that allow young people to be the youth of Christ.

Follow Me

The Miracle of a Cow!

I celebrated my 19th priesthood anniversary on September 11, 2023. My vocation journey began many years ago. I was still in elementary school when I began to be drawn to divine things and activities. These indicate that the Lord was preparing me for something bigger than I could have imagined.

Filipino Focus

The Christmas Lantern Festival and Diwali

The Holy Family’s Nativity scene has the most significant Christmas meaning, symbolizing the Messiah’s birth. In Pampanga, Philippines, they have the Giant Lantern Festival. Meanwhile, India has Diwali, their most well-known holiday of the year.

Vatican

Pope Francis to Attend Cop28 in Dubai

Pope Francis is going to attend the Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai that will run from November 30 to December 12. “Yes, I will go to Dubai. I think I will leave December 1 until December 3.

Climate Change

Global Faith Leaders Call for Urgent Action

Representatives of the world’s religions have signed an appeal calling for political leaders at next month’s COP28 climate summit to take meaningful action to respond to the urgent crisis of climate change.

Hongkong

A Bridge Church for China

Hong Kong’s bishop, Cardinal Stephan Chow Sau-yan, (in photo) has reiterated his commitment to making his diocese a ‘bridge church’ that connects the church in China and the world.

Mary Among Asian Religions

December 2023 Issue
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