The so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for the explosion, but failed to provide any evidence supporting the claim. At the same time, the Taliban has rejected being connected to the incident.
According to local police, in addition to those killed, the blast injured 57 people in western Kabul.
Most of the victims were aged between 15 and 26.
Speaking on Saturday, soon after the atrocity, an Interior ministry spokesman said the attacker was trying to get into the education centre before being halted by armed guards.
A group connected to the so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for a similar suicide attack in the summer of 2018, which left 34 students dead.
Separately, a roadside explosive killed nine people in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday after a bus carrying civilians ran over the device.
Police said a second explosive was triggered killing two police officers who were making their way to the scene of the bus bombing.
Elsewhere, the Afghan government claimed Sunday it had killed Husam Abd al-Rauf, a top al Qaeda propagandist sought by the FBI.
Bishop Mario Grech – General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops
Bishop Mario Grech was born in Qala (Malta), in the Diocese of Gozo on 20 February 1957. He completed primary school, high school school in Gozo, followed by philosophical and theological studies at Gozo’s seminary. After priestly ordination on 26 May 1984, he pursued higher studies in Rome and obtained a licentiate at the Lateran University and a Doctorate in Canon Law at the Angelicum. After returning to Malta, he exercised his ministry in the Cathedral of Gozo, in the National Shrine of Tá-Pinu, and was pastor of the parish in Kercem. He then carried out the office of Judicial Vicar of the Diocese, member of Malta’s Metropolitican Tribunal, professor of Canon Law in the Seminary. He was also a member of the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council and other diocesan commissions. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Gozo on 26 November 2011 where he remained until 2 October 2019 when Pope Francis appointed him Pro-Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, of which he became Secretary General on 15 September this year.
Cardinal-elect Mario Grech – General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops
Bishop Marcello Semeraro – Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
Bishop Semeraro was born in Lecce on 22 December 1947. He studied philosophy and theology at the Lateran University in Rome and received a Doctorate in Sacred Theology. He was appointed Bishop of Oria in 1998, Bishop of Albano in 2004. He was appointed the Secretary of the Council of Cardinals in 2013. This past 15 October, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Cardinal-elect Marcello Semeraro – Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
Archbishop Antoine Kambanda – Archbishop di Kigali (Rwanda)
Archbishop Kambanda was born in the Archdiocese of Kigali in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1990 by Blessed John Paul II on the occasion of his pastoral visit to Rwanda. All of the members of his family were killed during the war in 1994, except one brother who lives in Italy. Since his ordination he has served in several academic, pastoral, and administrative roles, including: director of Caritas in the Diocese of Kigali; director of the Diocesan Commission on Justice and Peace; professor of Moral Theology in the Major Seminary of Nyakibanda, Butare; and spiritual director of the Major Seminary of Rutongo, Kigali. Beginning in 2006 he has served as rector of the St. Charles of Nyakibanda Major Seminary in the Diocese of Butare. He was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Kibungo un 7 May 2013 and was subsequently appointed Archbishop of Kilgali on 19 November 2018.
Cardinal-elect Archbishop Antoine Kambanda of Kigali
Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, DC (USA)
The archbishop-elect was born on 7 December 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, in the archdiocese of the same name, was ordained a priest on 9 May 1973 for the archdiocese of Chicago. He studied philosophy at Niles College and theology at Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, and holds a doctorate in liturgy from the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm in Rome (1980). After ordination, he held the following positions: parish vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish at Glenview; student in Rome (1976-1979); professor of liturgy at the Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, member of the archdiocesan Office for the Liturgy and master of ceremonies for Cardinals Cody and Bernardin (1980-1983). He was appointed titular bishop of Oliva and auxiliary of Chicago on 18 October 1983, and was consecrated the following 13 December. He was transferred to Belleville, Illinois, on 29 December 1993 and took possession of the see on 10 February 1994. He was appointed as metropolitan archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia, on 9 December 2004, and took office on 17 January 2005. On 4 April 2019, Pope Francis appointed him the Archbishop of Washington, DC.
Cardinal-elect Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, DC
Archbishop Jose Fuerte Advincula – Archbishop of Capiz, Philippines
Archbishop Advincula was born in Dumalag on 30 March 1952. He undertook philosophical studies at St Pius X Seminary in Roxas City before completing studies in theology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Capiz on 14 April 1976 and become spiritual director of the St Pius X Seminary as well as a Professor and Dean of Studies. Subsequently he pursued highere studies in Psychology De la Salle University in Manila and Canon Law at the University of Santo Tomas and at the Angelicum in Rome. In 1995 he became Rector of St Pius X Seminary in Capiz, as well as Defender of the Bond, Promoter of Justice and Judicial Vicar of Capiz. In 1999 he became pastor of St Thomas Villanova in Dao. On 15 July 2001 he was appointed Bishop of San Carlos, and on 9 November 2011 was appointed Archbishop of Capiz. He has been a member of the Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith and of the Commission for Indigenous Populations.
Archbishop Celestino Aós Braco, O.F.M. Cap – Archbishop of Santiago, Chile
H.E. Msgr. Celestino Aós Braco, O.F.M. Cap., was born in Artaiz, archdiocese of Pamplona, Spain, on 6 April 1945. He carried out his philosophical studies in Zaragoza and his theological studies in Pamplona. He obtained a licentiate in psychology from the University of Barcelona, Spain. He gave his temporal religious vows as a Franciscan Capuchin on 15 August 1964 in Sangüesa and his perpetual profession on 16 September 1967 in Pamplona. He was ordained a priest in Pamplona on 30 March 1968. As a priest he subsequently held the following roles: in Spain, professor in Lecaroz-Navarra, vicar in Tudela, professor in Pamplona and vicar in Zaragoza. In 1983 he was sent to Chile, where he served as parish vicar in the parish of Longavi, superior of the Community in Los Ángeles, parish priest of the parish of San Miguel in Viña del Mar, superior of the Community of Recreo, episcopal vicar for consecrated life for the diocese of Valparaiso, and since 2008, parish vicar of the parish of San Francisco de Asís in Los Ángeles, diocese of Santa María de Los Ángeles. H.E. Msgr. Aós Braco was also provincial bursar for the Capuchins in Chile, promoter of justice of the ecclesiastical tribunal of Valparaiso, judge of the tribunal of the archdiocese of Concepción and treasurer of the Chilean association of canon law. He was appointed as bishop of Copiapó on 25 July 2014, and received episcopal ordination on the following 18 October. On 23 March 2019 he was nominated Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Archdiocese of Santiago, Chile to which he was subsequently appointed Archbishop on 27 December 2019.
Bishop Cornelius Sim – Apostolic Vicar of Brunei
Bishop Sim was born in Seria (Brunei) on 16 September 1951. He pursued a degree in engineering at Dundee University in Scotland followed by a Masters in theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, USA. He was ordained a priest on 26 November 1989. After exercising the priestly ministry in various parishes, he was appointed Vicar General of Brunei in 1995 and subsequently Apostolic Prefect on 21 November 1997. On 20 October 2004, St John Paul II elevated the territory to an Apostolic Vicariate and appointed him its first Apostolic Vicar.
Archbishop Augusto Paolo Lojudice – Archbishop of Siena-Colle Val d’Elsa-Montalcino
The bishop-elect was born in Rome in 1964, and was ordained a priest in 1989. He holds a licentiate in theology, with a specialization in fundamental theology. He has served in a number of pastoral roles, including parish vicar and parish priest, spiritual father of the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary, secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Migrations of the Italian Episcopal Conference. He was appointed as titular bishop of Alba Marittima in 2015. He has served as Secretary for the Italian Bishops’ Conference Commission for Migration. He became the Archbishop of Siena on 6 May 2019.
Cardinal-elect Augusto Paolo Lojudice – Archbishop of Siena
Father Mauro Gambetti, O.F.M. Conv. – Guardian of the Sacro Convento in Assisi
Father Gambetti was born in Castel San Pietro Terme (Bologna), in 1965 and pursued studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Bologna. He entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1992 and was ordained a priest in 2000. He exercised various ministries in Longiano, Emilia-Romagna. He became Provincial of the Conventual Franciscans of Emilia-Romagna in 2009 and subsequently became the Guardian of the Sacro Convento of St Francis in Assisi in 2013. He was elected President of the Intermediterranean Federation of Provincial Ministers of the Conventual Friars Minor in September 2017.
Cardinal-elect Fr Mauro Gambetti bestowing Lamp of Peace award on Nobel Peace Prize winner,Juan Manuel Santos
Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel – Bishop Emeritus of San Cristobal de las Casas
Bishop Esquivel was born on 1 May 1940 in Chiltepec (Mexico). He pursued philosophical and theological studies at the Seminary in Toluca and the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain and received a licentiate in Dogmatic Theology. He was ordained a priest on 25 August 1963. On 7 February 1991 he was appointed Bishop of Tapachula. During his time as Bishop of Tapachula, he also served as Secretary General of CELAM. Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of San Cristóbal de Las Casas on 31 March 31 200 where he remained until he resigned on 3 November 2017.
Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Former Apostolic Nunzio and Permanent Observer Emeritus to the United Nations and Specialized Agencies in Geneva
Archbishop Tomasi was born on 12 October 1940 in Casoni di Mussolente (Italy). He studied both in Italy and in the United States where he was ordained on 31 May 1965 as a Scalabrinian Father. He received a Doctorate in Sociology from Fordham University in New York. He served as Provincial Superior of the Scalabrinians as well. From 1983 to 1987 he served as Director of the Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees of the United States Bishop’s Conference. From 1989 to 1996 he was Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees. He became the Apostolic Nuncio of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Observer to the African Union in 1996, Apostolic Nuncio in Giubuti in 1999, and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and Specialized Agencies in Geneva in 2003, an office he carried out until 13 February 2016. On 9 April 2016, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the former Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace which is now the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Cardinal-elect Silvano M. Tomasi, Former Apostolic Nunzio and Permanent Observer Emeritus to the United Nations
Father Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap. – Preacher of the Papal Household
Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin Catholic Priest. Born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, 22 July 1934, ordained priest in 1958. Divinity Doctor (Fribourg 1962) and Doctor in classical literature (Milan 1966). Former Ordinary Professor of History of Ancient Christianity and Director of the Department of Religious Sciences at the Catholic University of Milan. Member of the International Theological Commission (1975-1981) and for 12 years member of the Catholic Delegation for the dialogue with the Pentecostal Churches. In 1979 he resigned his teaching position to become a full time preacher of the Gospel. In 1980 he was appointed by Pope John Paul II Preacher to the Papal Household and confirmed in that position by pope Benedict XVI in 2005, and by Pope Francis in 2013. In this capacity he preaches a weekly sermon in Advent and Lent in the presence of the Pope, the cardinals, bishops an prelates of the Roman Curia and the general superiors of religious orders. He is also frequently invited to speak in many countries around the world, both to Catholic and Protestant audiences. He has received an Honorary degree in Laws from Notre Dame University (Indiana), in Sciences of communication from the University of Macerata (Italy) and in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio). In addition to his early scholar books on patristic Christology, Easter in the Ancient Church and other topics he has published numerous books on spirituality fruit of his preaching to the papal Household, translated in more than twenty foreign languages.
Cardinal-elect Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap. – Preacher of the Papal Household
Msgr Enrico Feroci – Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love in Castel di Leva
Msgr Feroci was born on 27 August 1940 in Pizzoli (Italy). He entered the Minor Seminary in Rome at the age of 11 years and was ordained a priest in 1965. He became vice-rector of the Minor Seminary in 1968. He then carried various ministries in the Diocese of Rome. He became a Chaplain of His Holiness, or a Monsignore, in 1995. He also served as a Consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees. In 2017 Rome’s Cardinal Vicar appointed Msgr Feroci the President of the Public Clerical Association associated with the Shrine of the Madonna of Divine Love, and a Canon of the Papal Basilica of St John Lateran. In 2019 he was appointed pastor of the Parish of Our Lady of Divine Love in Castel di Leva.
Cardinal-elect Enrico Feroci – Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love in Castel di Leva. Photo taken when he was director of Caritas, July 2018
The move results from an agreement signed in November 2019, by the European Union, FAO and the Angolan government.
This agreement, allowed the implementation of the programme for Strengthening Resilience and Food and Nutrition Security (FRESAN) in the south of the country.
It is a programme estimated at USD 24.6 million which are earmarked to support projects related to agriculture and nutrition.
The E.U ambassador to Angola, Jeannette Seppen, highlighted the importance of financing with several international partners, with a view to strengthening food and nutrition security, as well as boosting the agricultural sector.
Jeannette Seppen, intervened by video conference in the act of launching 225 field schools, in FRESAN, by FAO, for the southern provinces of Huíla, Namibe and Cunene.
The diplomat assured that actions in these fields can also play an important role in promoting gender equality and empowering women.
She said that FRESAN, until now, is the European Union’s biggest humanitarian initiative in Angola, whose factor is based on the reduction of hunger and poverty among vulnerable families.
She also referred that the European Union is also cooperating with the provincial governments in the fight against the pandemic that threatens food and nutritional security.
FRESAN seeks to reduce hunger, poverty and vulnerability, as well as food and nutritional insecurity in the three Provinces, by strengthening resilience and sustainable family agricultural production, as well as improving the nutritional situation of families, supporting capacity development institutions, as well as research and promotion of nutrition.
FRESAN carried out in 2018 Studies on the Programme for Strengthening Resilience, Food and Nutrition Security in Angola which was financed by the European Union.
This Study indicates that 1.1 million people from the provinces of Huíla, Namibe and Cunene are affected by drought as consequences of climate change.
Pope Francis during the Sunday Angelus appealed for an end to violent clashes in Nigeria.
From his studio above St Peter’s Square, the Pope said he was “following with particular concern the news that is coming out of Nigeria.”
He mentioned, “the violent clashes between security forces and a number of young people protesting.”
“Let us pray to the Lord so that any form of violence might be avoided, in the constant search for social harmony in the promotion of justice and the common good.”
Demonstrations
In the latest developments, Nigeria’s top police official on Saturday ordered the immediate mobilization of all officers to “reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters”.
His order came after days of peaceful protests over police abuses and then violent unrest that left at least 69 people dead.
There are fears this latest police order could fuel further tensions after the country’s worst turmoil in years.
The demonstrations in Nigeria, and the shootings by soldiers sparked immediate international condemnation.
The protests, which feature many young people, began with calls for a police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), to be shut down. Now demonstrators are calling for broader reforms in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari disbanded the unit on October 7, which has been accused of accused of torture and extra-judicial killings.
The new police order came as a 24-hour curfew loosened for the first time Saturday in Lagos, a city of some 20 million where wealth and poverty are in sharp contrast, inflaming grievances over inequality and corruption.
The Municipality of Amsterdam will soon be renaming its streets. The reason for this is that the current street names do not present an accurate reflection of the cultural diversity of the capital city and the contribution of the many cultures and ethnicities to its development.
The process, which started back in 2018 with an analysis of the state of affairs, will also involve local residents. They will get the chance to put forward the names of ordinary people, who have done a lot for the city.
Amsterdam is one of the most diverse and open cities in the world. Its current population of 872 757 inhabitants (CBS.nl) includes people from 180 different countries. However, after studying the historical background of the names of the streets, the municipal authorities found out that this diversity is not well reflected in their naming.
In 2018, the city council adopted a proposal for increasing the diversity in street names, understanding that a change in the existing situation is needed. They realised that the large number of identities and cultures shaping the city’s identity together is not sufficiently conveyed through the names of these locations.
That is why it was decided not only to change them, but to make the entire process more open and transparent, involving a greater number of ordinary citizens. Residents will be invited to submit suggestions for strategic themes, such as ‘ordinary’ Amsterdammers who have done a lot for the city, who participated in sports, and who were active in human rights, migration, colonialism, slavery, war and art.
The college will ultimately decide on the selection of themes and the locals will be able to suggest names that fit in each theme. To facilitate this process, the municipality will launch an online platform where all information about street names, new and existing, can be found, and where suggestions can be submitted.
What is in a street name?
At this point, several conditions need to be met for a person to have a street named after them in Amsterdam. First of all, the name must be clear and recognizable; second – the person must have died at least 5 years ago (does not apply to members of the Royal Family) and have a special impact on society.
The names of ordinary people who may have made small contributions of great value to their neighbourhood will be accepted and names of women and other under-represented groups of society will be encouraged. Gender, origin, religion, disability, orientation, political preference will be considered so as to ensure maximum diversity. This method of street naming will be re-evaluated in five years.
In the almost 750-years long history of the Dutch capital, different motivations for selecting street names have existed – at first, it was the practical utility as a guide in the public space, in the late 17th century the elite used them for status and prestige, while in the 19th century they were reinvented to tell the story of the city, through the names of famous Dutch people.
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The United States, European Union and United Kingdom vigorously pushed back on charges by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that sanctions are behind the economic collapse and the general poverty in the country.Zimbabwe has set aside October 25 as an ‘Anti-Sanctions Day' to push for the removal of the targeted sanctions imposed nearly two decades ago as punishment for human rights violations and electoral fraud.
In response to a deluge of stories and opinion pieces in the state-controlled media blaming the western countries for Zimbabwe’s woes, the US, UK and EU missions in Harare used social media to explain their positions.
James Duddridge, the UK minister for Africa, said London’s targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe were meant to rein in officials behind human rights violations.
“The UK stands up for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
“Our sanctions only target those, who disregard these values in Zimbabwe and across the world,” Duddridge said on Twitter.
“The UK is committed to tackling corruption and ensuring a better future for Zimbabweans.”
British ambassador to Zimbabwe Melanie Robinson echoed the minister’s statements, saying the southern African country was being hurt by corruption and not sanctions as claimed by Mnangagwa’s government.
“Sanctions are a response to human rights violations. They don’t target ordinary citizens,” Robinson tweeted.
“The UK is on the side of the Zimbabwean people.
“In 2020-21 we’re providing $176 million aid reducing poverty, fighting Covid-19, standing up for human rights and the rule of law.”
She added: “There’s no UK trade embargo on Zimbabwe: we’ve just welcomed Zimbabwe’s ratification of an (Economic Partnership Agreement), which will mean exporters continue to enjoy tariff and quota-free access to the UK market.
“The UK is Zimbabwe’s 19th largest export market.”
The US and EU missions in Zimbabwe were also active on Twitter responding to government’s claims.
US ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols said e-galas, protests or seeking international solidarity against the embargo was a waste of energy.
He advised Mnangagwa to invest in reforms that he himself promised for the sanctions to be removed.
Nichols said despite the targeted sanctions, the US has stood by the people of Zimbabwe and worked together to promote democratic institutions, equitable economic growth, public health, and food security, which has seen the superpower fork out US$3,5 billion to Harare since 1980.
The US remains the largest provider of health and humanitarian assistance, including the US President’s Emergency Fund for Aids Relief, food assistance, and disaster relief, to the people of Zimbabwe.
The EU said their only restrictive measures were against state-owned company Zimbabwe Defence Industries.
“The EU restrictive measures are a ban for European companies to do business with Zimbabwe Defence Industries and to sell arms to Zimbabwe,” the EU mission tweeted.
“That’s all. The EU has not imposed anything else on Zimbabwe.
“There is no evidence that the Zimbabwean economy is affected negatively by EU restrictive measures.
“There are no legal restrictions on EU investment entering Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe’s campaign against sanctions has received support from the Southern African Development Community, which says Mnangagwa is committed to reforms.
The ruling Zanu-PF accuses the opposition, especially the MDC Alliance, of campaigning for the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
On the other hand, the opposition says Zanu-PF invited the sanctions by failing to respect the rule of law and abusing human rights.
The months of May and October have come to be known as the months of the Holy Rosary. This is because in these two months the Catholic Faithful organise special devotions during which the Holy Rosary is prayed devotedly, daily.
We are still in the month of October, and this devotion is ongoing in the whole Catholic world. The devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary, especially through the praying of the Holy Rosary is an enduring tradition within the Church that dates back to the days of St. Dominic. The Holy Rosary is an important composite prayer in the Catholic that is elaborate and all-embracing.
According to Saint Pope John Paul II in the Apostolic Letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, of 16 October 2002, the Holy Rosary is Marian in Character, this means that the Holy Rosary is a devotion in honour of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Still, at heart, it is a prayer centred on Christ. Hence it is Christocentric. The Saintly Holy father continued, “With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer.” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, no. 1) In the Holy Rosary we, together with the Blessed Mother Mary, contemplate the earthly life of Christ from the annunciation of his birth to the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth.
We contemplate with Mary the mysteries of the life of Christ
We often call it, the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the praying of the Hail Mary on the beads is so pronounced that one could wrongly think it is only in praise of Our Blessed Mother Mary. No, we contemplate with Mary the mysteries of the life of Christ, and we invoke her intercession. It is also beautiful to note, without error, that the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the only human actor that is in the salvific history. Mary saw it all and lived it all. The salvific mission of Christ cannot be complete without the mention of Mary. Hence, the Holy Church, in her wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has meticulously preserved this devotion and accorded it the universal character it has.
Journeying with the Blessed Mother through Covid-19
This reflection is meant to bring to light the importance of the invocation of our Blessed Mother Mary as Our Lady of Africa and the efficacy of the Holy Rosary in the life of every Christian in Africa and the world at large. In a very special way, it aims at seeing how we in Africa can benefit from this knowledge of who the Blessed Virgin Mary is in the plan of our salvation and what we can achieve through praying the Holy Rosary especially in the face of economic crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, wars, violence, killings, insecurity and terrorism in Africa. Let us journey with Mary through the mysteries of the Holy Rosary.
Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
The Holy Rosary is made up of the four mysteries, namely, the Joyful, the Luminous, the Sorrowful and the Glorious. Each of these contains five mysteries. In the Joyful mysteries, we contemplate with Mary, the annunciation, the visitation of Elisabeth, the birth of Jesus, the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the finding of Jesus in the temple among the teachers. The Luminous Mysteries, also known as (The Mystery of Light) contemplates the public life of Christ. These are: the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, Jesus reveals himself at the wedding feast at Cana, Jesus proclaims God’s Kingdom, Jesus is transfigured and then the Institution of the Holy Eucharist. In the Sorrowful mysteries, we contemplate, the passion, agony and death of Christ and they consist of, the suffering of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane, the scourging at the pillar, the crowning with thorns, the carrying of the cross and then the crucifixion of Christ. In the Glorious Mysteries, we meditate on the Resurrection of Christ, His Ascension into heaven, the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, the Glorious Assumption of Mary, body and soul, into heaven and the Coronation of Mary Queen of heaven. In all these mysteries, the one person who was involved from the beginning to the end is the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
Mary, the Virgin Mother of Christ, was a humble young woman growing up with so great a favour from God which no one on earth has ever had. She was conceived without sin. Yes, it really shows that God was bent on saving humankind, hence at the appointed time, He sent his Son born of a woman. The young woman, Mary, was preserved by God from original sin so that the One to be born of her would be holy and spotless. Human beings have always venerated angels or heavenly beings in the scriptures upon discovering who they were. But it was the opposite in the case of Mary. It was instead the Angel Gabriel sent by God who had to offer homage to this young maiden. The Angel could not ignore the One whom God has blessed and highly favoured. In his words, “Hail Mary, Full of Grace the Lord is with you.” (Lk. 1, 28) She remained a virgin during and after the birth of her Son. A privilege granted to her by God.
At a very tender age, her elderly cousin Elizabeth was able to acknowledge how highly favoured she was, and so gave her homage. It is not common in our African culture, to see an elder paying homage to a child unless such a child is a royalty. In this case, Mary was carrying in her womb Jesus, God Incarnate: The King of kings and the Lord of lords and this made her worthy of the homage paid her by Elizabeth. Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women; and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Lk. 1, 42)
Mary’s child born in poverty understands the plight of poor people
We also contemplate and acknowledge the role she played during the actual moment of delivery. The evangelist Luke recounts how there was no room in the inn for Joseph and Mary on that cold winter night in Bethlehem, so they had no other option than to stay in the manger with the animals. O, what a better way for the Lord of hosts to come into our world! Jesus chose the option of the poor. He understands the plight of the poor. He knows what it means to go without shelter, food and clothing. Therefore, when the poor in Africa cry out to Him through His Mother, the Virgin Mary, He hearkens to their cry. This is to support what the psalmist says, “this poor man called, and the Lord heard him and rescued Him from all his distress.” (Ps. 34, 6) The plight of the poor does not escape the watch of God. However, some of us may ask why the poor are still suffering if God has heard their cry. Yes, we are still suffering because every one of us as Christians who contemplate the redemptive mystery of Christ through the mysteries of the Holy Rosary and according to the teaching of Christ and the Church, is not yet ready to do what Mary did. What did Mary do? She accepted to be part of the salvific event by the words: “Let It Be Done to Me According to Your Word” (Luke 1, 38).
Mary is our defender and maternal protector against danger
She defended, with her life, the life of this God-man when Herod wanted him dead. She fled with Jesus and Joseph in the cold winter to Egypt. Here, we see, the heart of a loving mother who desperately wants to preserve the life of her child. Mary will do the same for us as her children by adoption. Through Christ, we have become children of Mary. While Jesus was hanging on the cross, he saw the disciple whom he loved with his Mother standing by the foot of the cross he said to his Mother, “Woman, behold your son.” And to the disciple, he said, “Behold your mother.” And from that moment the disciple took her to his own home. (Jn. 19, 26-27). This is the very reason she will do everything she can to protect us from the powers that seek to destroy us because she is our Mother. Whenever we pray the Holy Rosary, we are invoking this maternal protection of Our Blessed Mother. Yes, it was at her intervention that Jesus performed His first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana where He turned water into wine. This event prominently presents the intercessory role of our Blessed Mother Mary. She is always ready to ask her Son to help, and the Son would never refuse her whatever she requests of Him.
Like Mary, African mothers witness their children being killed.
Mary stood by Jesus throughout His agony and passion and was there at the foot of the cross till He breathed His last. Yes, the pains and sorrows she endured throughout the earthly life of Christ confirmed the words of the holy Simeon in the temple at the presentation of Jesus, who said to Mary, his Mother, “Know this: your son is a sign; a sign established for the falling and rising of many in Israel, a sign of contradiction; and a sword will pierce your own soul, so that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.” (Lk. 2, 34-35). Mary understands what pains and sorrow are. When a mother witnesses the murder of her child in cold blood, the pain is enormous. Mary experienced this. So when, African mothers witness their children murdered in cold blood due to insecurity, violence, wars and terrorism, and these mothers seek justice from heaven, the Blessed Mother Mary, will always add her voice to their pleas. As we know, for many African mothers, violence in retaliation is something they would never contemplate.
We invoke Mary, the Queen of peace
Through the Holy Rosary, we can combat violence and killings perpetrated against the innocent, by seeking the peace-loving heart of Mary for the conversion of hearts. We contemplate through the Holy Rosary the mystery of Christ who “is our peace”, since he made “the two of us one, and broke down the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph 2:14). Consequently, says Saint John Paul II, “one cannot recite the Rosary without feeling caught up in a clear commitment to advancing peace, especially in the land of Jesus, still so sorely afflicted and so close to the heart of every Christian.” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae no. 6). This is that weapon we need to fight the evil of war, nepotism, tribalism, and ethnicity in Africa. Meditating on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, especially in the context of the family, promotes love and unity. It is so beautiful to see the family praying the Rosary together. I recall, my childhood days when we prayed the Holy Rosary every night at home, each person would cheerfully lead in the recitation of each mystery while everyone responded accordingly. The joy of praying the Holy Rosary together helps to unite the family, which is the nucleus of the human society.
A quiet rhythm and a lingering pace
The recitation of the Holy Rosary is never to be a mechanical thing. Saint John Paul II, using the words of Pope Sant Paul VI, warns thus: “Without contemplation, the Rosary is a body without a soul, and its recitation runs the risk of becoming a mechanical repetition of formulas, in violation of the admonition of Christ: ‘In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think they will be heard for their many words’ (Mt 6:7). By its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord’s life as seen through the eyes of her who was closest to the Lord. In this way, the unfathomable riches of these mysteries are disclosed.” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae no. 12). Therefore, we contemplate and make the events meditated upon in the mysteries of the Holy Rosary count in our daily lives as Christians.
There have been miracles attributed to reciting the Rosary
In conclusion, The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Marian by nature, but centres on the Mysteries of Christ, and its efficacy cannot be underestimated. There have been many miracles attributed to the sincere and pious recitation of the Holy Rosary by the Faithful. This has been the reason why Our Blessed Mother Mary has always during her apparitions recommended the recitation of the Holy Rosary to obtain God’s favours. The Holy Rosary has been an effective weapon against the devil and his agents. In praying the Holy Rosary, we not only devote ourselves to the maternal care and protection of Our Blessed Mother Mary, but we also invoke her to accompany us in the difficult moments of life.
Mary Our Lady of Africa, pray for us
In Africa, we need so much the intercessions of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Africa. As a people, we are plagued by hunger, drought, pestilence, violence, tribal crisis, killings, corruption and terrorism. We need to beseech heaven with our prayers. The Popes have enjoined us to pray the Holy Rosary daily invoking her intercession. It has been a favourite prayer of many great saints in the history of the Church, St. Dominic, Padre Pio, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Pope Saint John Paul II, and many others. Many families pray the Rosary every day without relenting. There are pious associations in parishes whose apostolate involves the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary, associations like, the Legion of Mary, the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatma, the Block Rosary and many others. Finally, let us pray the Holy Rosary unceasingly for peace in Africa because we have Our Blessed Mother Mary at the right hand of her Son in Glory interceding for us. May Our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Africa intercede for us.
The European Union has mobilised a total of €96 million in 2020 for humanitarian, development cooperation as well as conflict prevention support for the Rohingyas.
The EU, along with the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, co-hosted the conference in solidarity with Rohingya refugees and countries in the region recently.
Representing the EU at the conference, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said the international community came together to show its support and deliver further assistance to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them.
“We must do all we can so the Rohingya crisis does not become a forgotten tragedy. At this difficult time, the EU continues to stand by the most vulnerable with this emergency humanitarian support.”
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has increased the challenges on the ground. “EU pledge reinforces our engagement with partners in support of people and development in the region. We must prevent a worsening of this crisis.”
EU AID FOR ROHINGYA REFUGEES AND COUNTRIES
Today’s funding from the EU will focus on helping those most in need, channeled through UN agencies, NGOs and international organisations:
Humanitarian assistance of €51.5 million, including €20 million from the Emergency Aid Reserve, has been allocated to help refugees and vulnerable host communities. Priority sectors will be protection (including child protection andgender based violence), critical healthcare (including mental health) and nutrition, food assistance and key coordination roles.
Development support of €39 million has been allocated to strengthen the resilience and social cohesion of Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar District and of internally displaced people in Rakhine State. Support will focus on strengthening basic social services, particularly education, health, food and nutrition security, as well as addressing protection and information needs.
Conflict prevention support of €5.5 million has been allocated to contribute to stability and peace in the region.
In nature, the believer recognizes the wonderful result of God’s creative activity, which we may use responsibly to satisfy our legitimate needs, material or otherwise, while respecting the intrinsic balance of creation. If this vision is lost, we end up either considering nature an untouchable taboo or, on the contrary, abusing it. Neither attitude is consonant with the Christian vision of nature as the fruit of God’s creation.
(Pope Benedict XVI – Caritas in Veritate, 48)
Under the direction of Paolo Ondarza #SeasonOfCreation Instagram: @vaticanmuseums @VaticanNews Facebook: @vaticannews
The European Union on Saturday welcomed the announcement of the agreement to normalize relations between Sudan and Israel.
“This is a positive development that should contribute to the stabilization and the prosperity of the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea regions,” its spokesperson said in a statement.
