Sri Lanka mourns a fearless defender of Tamil rights
Bishop Rayappu Joseph risked his life by standing up for the rights of his oppressed people
Bishop Rayappu Joseph lights an oil lamp during the launch in 2016 of ‘A Living Hero’, a book about his life. (Photo: UCA News reporter)
Outspoken Bishop Rayappu Joseph was an untiring advocate of Tamil rights and justice during Sri Lanka’s civil war and post-war years.
Thousands were killed and disappeared during the 26-year war that ended in 2009 when the army defeated Tamil rebels. Both sides were accused of serious human rights violations. Many Catholic priests were killed or went missing.
South Sudan’s newest bishop draws inspiration from Saint Bakhita
Mar 11, 2021 senior correspondent
Catholics at a United Nations camp for internally displaced persons near Malakal, South Sudan, Jan. 13, 2016. (Credit: UN Photo/JC McIlwaine via Flickr.)
A missionary set to become one of the Catholic Church’s youngest bishops in one of the world who was just appointed to South Sudan said his main inspiration as a missionary is Saint Josephine Bakhita, a former slave in Sudan who became a nun and serves as an inspiration for millions.
ROME – Christian Carlassare, set to become one of the Catholic Church’s youngest bishops in one of the world’s most difficult and dangerous areas, said he looks to the saint as a model for his missionary ministry in South Sudan.
Indonesian bishop-elect stresses basic ecclesial communities
Father Fransiskus Tuaman Sasfo Sinaga is appointed bishop of Sibolga in North Sumatra province
Father Fransiskus Tuaman Sasfo Sinaga, bishop-elect of Sibolga. (Photo supplied)
The newly appointed bishop of Sibolga in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province has stressed the need to develop basic ecclesial communities small groups that seek ways to apply scripture lessons in everyday life to realize the diocese’s vision and mission.
Father Fransiskus Tuaman Sasfo Sinaga has been appointed by Pope Francis as bishop of Sibolga, a port city in the province. His appointment was announced simultaneously during evening Eucharistic adoration and prayers on March 6 by diocesan secretary Father Blasius Super Yesse at St. Therese of Lisieux Cathedral in Sibolga City and diocesan administrator Capuchin Father Charles Sebastian Sihombing at Our Lady of All Nations Church in Gunungsitoli City.
Bishop appointed for S Sudan s Rumbek diocese after nearly 10 years vacancy – Catholic World Report catholicworldreport.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from catholicworldreport.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Cosmas Odoemena argues that Bishop Kukah spoke the truth to power
I read an opinion piece entitled, “Fair play or foul?” published in the January 19, 2021 edition of THISDAY by a fellow who was upbraiding Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah for his forthrightness. The person started, “One of the emerging dilemmas in Nigeria’s democracy is the serious threat it regularly confronts from utterances of people lacking experience and wisdom in politics or governance who exploit the unscrupulous exuberance of the media to ambush public attention.” But all through this person’s write-up he kept referring to Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, as “Rev. Father Matthew Hassan Kukah”! At first, I wanted to give the writer the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he was ignorant of Kukah’s position in the Catholic Church. But methinks otherwise, because the writer went further to say, “Kukah was ordained a Catholic Priest on December 19, 1976 and attended the University of Ibadan for a diploma in