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The fulfillment of human existence consists in the apparent paradox of giving away so as to receive back. Or better still, in self-giving in order to find everlasting joy and success. This existential wisdom is enshrined in the sayings of Jesus of Nazareth, in the lives of saints and in all religions.
“The one who accepts suffering trusting in God is at the centre of the universe” (Simone Weil). For the same reason, those who help people who suffer in every way possible, emerge as a force for good in society and a dynamic element in the cosmic order.
It was a mother’s funeral that started the organization Willing Hearts. Founder, Tony Tay, shares what he learned from his mother, Maggie, and how he manages with a team of volunteers to distribute food and other items to the needy in Singapore.
It started in 2011 with one volunteer, one bicycle and 34 beneficiaries. Today, Re-food has 7,000 volunteers and distributes one million meals a year to 6,300 hungry people in Portugal.
Global hunger is a phenomenon that is increasing yearly particularly in countries wracked by conflict. In spite of Zero Hunger by 2030 as being Goal 2 of the U.N.‘s Sustainable Development Goals, it seems it may not be met. A better understanding of the difference between food security and food sovereignty is a key factor in solving the problem.
The author of this article could have opted to join the corporate world as her mass communication skills are quite impressive. However, Ilsa chose to become a media missionary as she believes that with so much misinformation and negative news around, the Good News is being drowned.
Journalists, writers, reporters, commentators have been silenced for speaking and exposing the truth. Since 1986, 177 journalists and media workers have been killed in the Philippines, making the country one of the most dangerous countries to practice journalism, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Fake news is plainly propaganda to misinform and shape the minds of target audiences. Fake news is nothing new as this began from the time of Adam and Eve. Now is the time for those tasked to evangelize to study and act on how to deal with fake news.
Imprisoned in Vietnam for 13 years, nine of them in solitary confinement, Cardinal Francis Van Thuan represents the resilience and fidelity of Catholics who suffered persecution because of their faith. Last year, Pope Francis recognized his heroic virtues placing him on the road to sainthood.
The panorama of Christian communities across Asia does not present a coherent picture to the outside observer, and the persecution of Christians is varied in these countries. It is difficult to generalize, except within national boundaries.
