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Category: In Focus
In Focus

Bridge builder

Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, SDB, was born on October 22, 1936, in Palai, India. He retired in January 2012 after serving as Bishop of Dibrugarh for 11 years, and 20 years as Archbishop of Guwahati. In February 2014, however, Pope Francis called him out of retirement and appointed him the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Jowai. Ever the zealous missionary that he is, he took on the responsibility to continue to serve. Archbishop Thomas, in a nutshell, is a true “bridge builder” who emphasizes the need for dialogue in reaching out to lukewarm Catholics, nonbelievers, or even those hostile to the Church.

Fr. Dave Domingues | Comboni Missionary
In Focus

Last rite, last right

For someone who was born to a wealthy family and rose to fame as an award-winning actor
and filmmaker, Kyaw Thu has a comfortable life anyone in Myanmar would envy. However,
despite his stature, Kyaw Thu lives simply, even using his fortune and popularity to help
poverty-stricken Burmese – whether they’re living or dead.

Kris Bayos | Contributor
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
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