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Category: In Focus
In Focus

Four-in-One, One for All

“Unity in diversity” is a trite and often overused concept that describes how coalitions are able to exist and work towards achieving a common goal. However, this same hackneyed phrase is perhaps the best expression to illustrate how Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet was able to negotiate a peaceful settlement of the country’s political crisis from 2013 to 2014, making it the Nobel Committee’s choice for the 2015 Peace Prize.

Jose Maria M. Villarama II | Journalist
In Focus

Golden anniversary of Ad Gentes

As the Church celebrates the fiftieth anniversary (1965-2015) of Ad Gentes, the Vatican II document on mission, it is enlightening to recall the evolution and content of this pivotal document within the Council; one discovers an interesting and dramatic story! The material presented here unfolds in three areas: (1) key moments of the Ad Gentes journey during the Council; (2) brief synopsis of Ad Gentes itself; and (3) recent reflections by Pope Benedict, a member of the “Missions Commission” that drafted Ad Gentes.

James H. Kroeger, M.M.* | Theologian
In Focus

No Turning Back

To be at the forefront of evangelization is every missionary’s life and purpose. Fr. Randy Recalde, who has been serving in the mission in Pangoa in Peru since 2011, shares how his interest to become a missionary began and how he continually finds the hope and inspiration to continue preaching and reaching out to God’s people despite the heavy challenges.

Fr. Dave Domingues | Comboni Missionary
In Focus

Praise Be! Now What?

Even before the Pope’s much-awaited eco-encyclical Laudato Si hit the websites and bookshelves, it already caused a stir among those who are hoping to use it to further environmental, and even political, agenda. With its release and with a scathing admonition from the Pope to the world’s decision-makers for their failure to stifle the climate change crisis, the Vatican now trusts that the Pope’s reflections will resonate within the august halls of policy-making institutions, both national and international. More importantly, the Church hopes to instill an “ecological conversion” in everyone – before it’s too late to save our common home.

Joey Villarama | Journalist
In Focus

Are Women Religious Still Religious Women?

After the overhaul of the religious life by Vatican II, many religious women are still struggling , if not confused, about their “new calling.” Up until today, their actions are being misunderstood, even by the Church itself, because of this re-orientation. However, many women religious are convinced that the direction they have taken is appropriate and is a reflection of the true and the same apostolic service they have committed to before the Council.

Dianne Bergant, CSA | The Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP distinguished professor of Old Testament Studies
In Focus

Today’s Catholics in the Land of Jesus

Christmas and Easter are the two times of the year that provide more social visibility for Christians in the Holy Land. But these “visible” Christians are likely to be pilgrims, mere transients, who go on tours, usually to Bethlehem and Jerusalem. One cannot help but wonder: who are the real Catholics and Christians who live in the land of Jesus? Where and how do they live?

Fr. Manuel A. L. Ferreira | Comboni Missionary
In Focus

The Loss of Cultural Diversity

Back then, cultural identity was simply defined by natural selection, geography, and locale-specific customs and traditions. However, because of migration, rapid trade and industrialization, cultural identity is easily blurred, if not constantly shifting or evolving. Factors that influence such rapid change seem to be easily accepted, but is the loss of identity, as a result of these factors, really worth it?

Leonard Pollara | Organic Sage Consulting
In Focus

Saving Lives

Mapuordit Hospital has been a life-saving institution through the generous dedication of missionaries and lay people prepared to serve, to heal and to rekindle hope in the distressed hearts of many South Sudanese people. Bro. Rosario, a Comboni Missionary Brother, is the key not only in running the Hospital but also in creating human resources to meet the basic medical needs of a people still striving to build their lives after the cruel war.

By Fr. Dave Domingues | Comboni Missionary
In Focus

The Dying And Those Mourning Need Our Care

With further advances in treatment techniques and counseling and rethinking of theological premises, hospitals’ pastoral care becomes even more critical in the lives of patients and families. Is pastoral care relevant in the contemporary scene? Absolutely!

By Rev. John S. Wintermyer | Contributor
In Focus

The Family In Crisis

The family has always been regarded as the nucleus of society, the “domestic Church” in the Catholic manner of speaking. Values, education, and how children eventually turn out in life depend on how solid a family is. These days, however, a new and evolving concept of the family is emerging, founded on the pretext of gender equality and human rights, and compounded by “new winds of doctrine”
or simply the erosion of traditional values. Recognizing the need to address the changing tide as well as the needs of Catholics who, although they may be in a situation deemed sinful, sincerely want to participate in the life of the Church, Pope Francis has convened the bishops of the world to find out how best to resolve these challenges – through the standpoint of doctrine and the eyes of mercy.

By Faye Tobias-Naval | Journalist
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