Jesuit accused of sedition appeals for democracy

Father Stanislaus Lourdusamy urges people to raise their voices against deteriorating human rights situation.

Father Stanislaus Lourdusamy wrote a letter saying that about 20 intellectuals, professionals and activists working for the fundamental rights of the poor and marginalized are being labeled as urban Maoists and are being harassed. (Photo supplied)

Bhopal:  A Jesuit priest accused of sedition appealed to Indian people on Republic Day to fight a worrying trend that undermines the nation's fundamental principles of socialism, secularism and democracy.

Rights activist Father Stanislaus Lourdusamy, 82, was charged in a sedition case along with other rights activists last August in what many say was a move to threaten and silence those speaking against the policies of the ruling pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"India has vowed to be a socialist, secular, democratic republic. Sadly, all these values are steadily being eroded in the present political developments," the elderly priest said in an open letter titled "An appeal to the conscience of the nation" on Jan. 26.

In August, police raided the home of the priest and eight other human rights activists, linking them with a violent January 2018 clash between socially poor Dalits and upper-caste Hindus in Bhima-Koregaon village in Maharashtra state.

Charges including sedition were filed against them under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which aims to check so-called anti-national activities.

The priest appealed to Maharashtra's High Court in Mumbai to quash the case on grounds that he was only a suspect until investigations were completed, but the court on Dec. 17 rejected his application.

The priest, popularly known as Stan Swamy, has not been arrested yet.

His letter said some 20 intellectuals, professionals and activists working for the fundamental rights of the poor and marginalized are being labeled as urban Maoists and are being "harassed to no end either as accused or suspects."

"Some are already in prison, others face arrest any time," he said.

He criticized the "shoddy" police investigation and negative role of the judiciary, saying that the court not only rejected his application but also authorized police to continue their investigation without any time frame. It is "really an open-ended offer to the police," the letter said.

"Several of the accused have refuted the charges against them, but the court seems to go by the police's version with scant regard to what petitioners are saying," he said.

Father Lourdusamy appealed to "all democratic-minded" people who are "genuinely concerned about the steadily deteriorating human rights situation in our country and to raise their voice against it."

His colleagues told ucanews.com that he lives and works in Jharkhand state and has not visited Maharashtra for years, so he could not have taken any role in the violence.

Police claim that those who engineered and supported the violence had also plotted to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The priest has worked for an organization called Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee. He has also sought to create awareness among tribal and Dalit people of their rights over their land and underground minerals. He believes his help for the poor has angered powerful people with vested interests.

Source: UCAN

Kerala state urged to protect nuns involved in rape case

Nun says they fear for their lives for publicly supporting allegations of rape made against bishop.

The five Missionaries of Jesus nuns who support their former superior after she accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of raping her are seen in front of their convent in Kuravilangad town of southern Kerala. (Photo by Saji Thomas)

New Delhi:  Activists in India have urged a state government to provide protection for a group of nuns who have publicly supported a nun who has made allegations of rape against a bishop.

Some 50 people, including social activists, writers, journalists and academics, endorsed a letter seeking protection for five Missionaries of Jesus nuns who supported a nun's case against Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar.

The nuns, who belong to the congregation that functions under the bishop's patronage, held a public protest in Kochi in Kerala in September calling for the 54-year-old bishop's arrest. Bishop Mulakkal was arrested on Sept. 21 but a court bailed him on Oct. 15 and he returned to Jalandhar in the northern state of Punjab.

The letter from the activists came after the congregation asked four of the nuns to return to their respective convents from where they came to Kerala in southern India to support the alleged rape victim.

"Now that the case is being pursued actively by the state, the congregation has strengthened its pressure tactics against the nuns in an obvious attempt to weaken the case by influencing and interfering in their evidence," said the letter sent to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and made public on Jan. 26.

"It is apparent that the congregation is ensuring that the key witnesses are moved out of the jurisdiction of Kerala police, but at the same time accessible to Franco Mulakkal and his supporters," added the letter initiated by Save Our Sisters, a collection of volunteer groups who support the nuns.

The fifth nun, Sister Neena Rose, was asked on Jan. 22 to report to the congregation's headquarters in Jalandhar Diocese.

Bishop 'enjoys immense clout'

The case began when a former superior of the congregation complained to police last June that Bishop Mulakkal raped her multiple times between 2014 and 2016 when he visited her convent in Kerala.

The letter said the congregation's current superior, who issued the orders to the nuns, remains "a strong supporter" of Bishop Mulakkal and voluntarily made a statement to the police defending him.

"In effect, the congregation authorities are liable for criminal obstruction of justice," by ordering the nuns to leave.

According to the letter, Bishop Mulakkal "enjoys immense clout" among members of the Missionaries of Jesus as well as with priests and other nuns in Jalandhar.

Moving the five nuns out of the Kerala convent "will be disastrous and is likely to annul their evidence, and may even put their lives at risk," the letter said.

The letter also condemned "the patent misuse of the highest offices" of the Church to defend the accused bishop and attack the nuns "who are on a mission to bring justice to the rape survivor."

Bishop Mulakkal has consistently denied all the allegations while claiming that the accusing nun is taking revenge against him for initiating disciplinary action against her violation of her religious vows of obedience and chastity.

After he he returned to his diocese in October, the Vatican removed Bishop Mulakkal from diocesan administrative duties and appointed an administrator.

Orders defied

The nuns have defied the orders of their superior to return to their convents and could face canonical action, including dismissal from their congregation.

One of the nuns, Sister Kelamangalathuveliyil Anupma, told ucanews.com that they cannot follow the superior's order because they fear for their lives.

"We are facing a serious threat to our lives which will only worsen if we move out and lose the police protection that we get now," she said. "Besides, the relocation order aims to sabotage the case."

The fifth nun, Sister Rose, said the order she received on Jan. 22 asked her to submit herself to her superior on Jan. 26. "It is not possible for me to reach Jalandhar at such short notice," she said.

"They know that as well," she said, implying that the order was served only as a step for further canonical action.

Jalandhar Diocese spokesman Father Peter Kavumpuram told ucanews.com that the diocese has nothing to do with the order from the nuns' superior. "Those are internal matters of their congregation."

As for the rape case, Father Kavumpuram said they expect the police to file charges by mid-February and a trial will begin shortly after.

"We are confident of winning the case as the bishop is innocent," he said. "It's a fake case and the enemies of the Church are campaigning to destroy the Church."

The congregation superior was not available for comment.

Source: UCAN

Cherishing the memory of Bishop Michael Yeung

Even as his health was deteriorating, Hong Kong's bishop retained his humor and faith in our Lord.

Theresa Lumo Kung (right) with Bishop Michael Yeung at a function in Hong Kong. (Photo supplied)

By Theresa Lumo Kung
Hong Kong:  God granted me a big grace by letting me work for then Auxiliary Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung and two other auxiliary bishops.

At that time Bishop Yeung, who died on Jan. 3, enjoyed good health and always had a smiling face. He rushed between his offices at Caritas Hong Kong and the bishop's office. He gave me the impression that he was a joyous servant of our Lord and secretly I gave him the nickname "Joyous encounter," for we were always happy to see him.

He was stepping down from his post as director general of Caritas Hong Kong and becoming the good assistant of Cardinal John Tong. He had to adapt from being CEO to the teamwork of the Hong Kong Diocesan Curia. He honored Cardinal Tong as his father and obeyed him as his loyal official. When he handled different issues, he would consider what was most beneficial to the whole situation, trying his best to maintain harmony in the office with his caring attitude to staff.

Every morning when he arrived at the office, he would recite his laudes before starting his work. He worked fast, with precision and efficiency, and I learned much from him.

I was also in contact with Bishop Yeung about diocesan ecumenical work. He showed his support and took it to his heart. In his brief term of office, he did several important things to promote Christian unity.

In July 2017, he gave an opening speech at the International Conference of Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Work in Hong Kong.

In October 2016, he was invited to attend the bishops' meeting organized by the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission. He was not able to attend due to problems with his sciatic nerves. However, he prepared a report with Bishop Andrew Chan of the Anglican Church.

After Bishop Chan returned to Hong Kong, he and Bishop Yeung decided to form a working group to carry out practical collaboration, and thus in March 2017 the Hong Kong Catholic and Anglican Liaison Group was established.

One of the milestones of promoting Christian unity was the signing of the Chinese version of the document "From Conflict to Communion" on July 14, 2017, by Cardinal Tong, Bishop Yeung and church leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Hong Kong.

Bishop Yeung tackled some difficult issues with Father Lawrence Lee and others on this document before it was finally approved. He was open to proposals and wanted to make it perfect and acceptable for both parties.

In January 2017, Hong Kong Christian Council broke a tradition of 50 years by inviting a Catholic bishop to deliver a homily at the annual ecumenical prayer service during the Week for Christian Unity for the first time. Bishop Yeung accepted the invitation despite his heavy schedule and delivered an inspiring homily.

The health and spirit of Bishop Yeung deteriorated enormously in the last phase of his life. I will quote the famous teaching of Mencius to describe his state: "When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a man, it always first frustrates his spirit and will, exhausts his muscles and bones, exposes him to starvation and poverty, harasses him by troubles and setbacks so as to stimulate his mind, toughen his nature and enhance his abilities.".

In his 18 months as bishop of Hong Kong, he did his utmost to serve the church and to care for the faithful and the youth. He enjoyed being with the youth and his dream was to be a mentor in a seminary.

Even though his health was deteriorating day by day, he never lost his humor and even teased his good self. Once he asked me why he was not notified that a meeting was cancelled. I told him that I had already informed him long ago. He replied: "You mean I have dementia now? Alright, laugh at me if it pleases you."

Another time I was slow in replying to him and he wrote: "Should I wait for you? Even the cats fall asleep!" Then once I wanted to bring him something and he wrote: "You know me well. It's not good to see me when I am very busy (he might lose his temper). I'll get my punishment at the Last Judgment!"

Once I blamed someone who didn't give him an important letter, but he told me not to blame others. If I wanted to blame, then blame him. His magnanimity, empathy and forgiving attitude put me to shame.

On Dec. 7, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, there was a big celebration for the clergy, sisters and brothers to celebrate their diamond, golden and silver jubilees. Before the Thanksgiving Mass, Bishop Yeung stumbled on his robe and fell. Nevertheless, he continued to celebrate the long and solemn Mass with all his strength. Since he did everything as usual and his voice was strong at the homily, I didn't notice anything strange from where I was sitting. After Mass, he even went to the dinner celebration as he didn't want to disappoint the jubiliarians.

The last time I saw him in the office, he was looking pale. He told me to pray for him as when he fell in the cathedral, he was very frightened and thereafter had no strength at all. He said: "Maybe Jesus wanted me to start again: 'Get up, let's go' (Surgite, eamus hinc)." Bishop Yeung's perseverance and faithfulness to our Lord deeply impressed me. His promise to Jesus was ever vivid in his heart.

I heard that in the hospital, when he was feeling a bit better, he wanted to sit up to work. He offered himself totally to God, to the church and to his people. He really suffered a lot during these two years. Once at an ecumenical function, he told me afterwards: "During the ceremony, I was staring at Jesus on the cross and asked him to give me strength to prop me up." May God grant paradise to our dear bishop.

In May 2018, Bishop Yeung wrote a prayer for the church in China. The prayer is deep in meaning. May we continue to pray with Bishop Yeung in paradise for the church in China.

Theresa Lumo Kung is external secretary of the Hong Kong Diocese Ecumenical Commission and a member of the Focolare Movement.

Source: UCAN

Pope John XXIII: Surprise announcement of an elderly pope continues to reverberate today

Pope John's announcement of Vatican II led to the most monumental ecclesial event in modern history, certainly since the 16th century Council of Trent

Robert Mickens, Rome
Vatican City

It is now 60 years since Pope John XXIII surprised the world by announcing plans to hold what soon after would be called the Second Vatican Council. It would be the first such worldwide gathering of bishops of its kind in some nine decades.
The date was Sunday January 25, 1959 — the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul and the final day of the Octave for Christian Unity. The place was the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls in Rome.
The 77-year-old John had been Bishop of Rome for only three months and he made his surprise announcement to a small group of curial cardinals who gathered with him after Mass in the chapter room of the adjacent Benedictine monastery.
"Trembling a little with emotion, but at the same time humbly resolute in my purpose, I announce to you a double celebration which I propose to undertake: a diocesan synod for the city, and a general council for the Universal Church," Pope John said.
Those who were able to hear must have been stunned at the calling of a council. The "new" pope had told only a few people of his plans to make the announcement.
They included his recently appointed Secretary of State, Cardinal Domenico Tardini, and his personal secretary, Msgr. Loris Capovilla (who finally got a red hat in 2014 at age 98, thanks to Pope Francis).
But before the surprised cardinals could catch their breath John continued, saying the upcoming synod and council would "lead happily to the desired and awaited bringing up-to-date of the Code of Canon Law."
He said he would be "grateful" to the cardinals "present and to all those far away" if they would "kindly offer their suggestions… on how to carry out this triple program."
At the time there were only 75 cardinals in the entire world. (Today there are 223, of which 124 are under the age of 80.) Twenty-three of the 75 in 1959 had become cardinals only six weeks earlier.
One of them was Franz König of Vienna, who died in 2004 at 98 years of age. He was the last survivor of those who were cardinals when John XXIII announced Vatican Council II.

A neglected commemoration?

Only two men who were bishops at the time are still alive -- Cardinal José de Jesús Pimiento Rodriguez of Colombia, who will be 100 years old next month; and Archbishop Bernardino Piñera Carvallo of Chile, who turned 103 last September.
There are still a few Catholic leaders today who were entering seminary or were already young priests when John made his announcement at St. Paul's Outside the Walls. Almost all of them are already beyond retirement age.
But the anniversary of the announcement of the Council has never been the occasion of major celebrations at the Vatican.
Pope Paul VI did not make a big deal of the date. Neither did John Paul II.
During a number of years they did not even to go to St. Paul's to celebrate the feast of the Apostle's conversion or to mark the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
When he had his very first opportunity to do so, John Paul departed for Latin America. On the morning of Jan. 25, 1979 (the 20th anniversary of the announcement), the Polish pope set off for the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Bahamas on what would be the first of his record-setting 104 pastoral journeys abroad.
A few of those other trips also overlapped with the Jan. 25 occurrence. But to his credit, John Paul often acknowledged the history-changing announcement during the many other times he did go to St. Paul's Basilica for the feast of the saint's conversion, though he usually did so only by way of a passing reference.
This year, even before the 60th anniversary of John XXIII's announcement arrived, Pope Francis was already in Panama to celebrate World Youth Day.

A shift in focus

The 50th anniversary in 2009, however, was quite different. Benedict XVI was still pope.
And during an ecumenical service at St. Paul's, he concluded his theological reflections by "referring to an event that the more elderly among us certainly cannot forget." He recalled that it was "exactly 50 years ago" that Pope John "manifested for the first time in this place his will to convoke 'an ecumenical Council for the universal Church.'"
Benedict called it a "providential decision" that, by John's "firm conviction," was inspired by the Holy Spirit. The now-retired pope suggested the announcement of Vatican II itself had led to a "fundamental contribution to ecumenism, summarized in the Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis redintegratio."
In fact, in the nearly four years of preparation leading up to the council's official opening in December 1962, it became more and more evident that one of Pope John's burning desires for the worldwide gathering was that it would help heal the divisions of the various Christian churches and denominations.
"The restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council," says the first line in the Decree on Ecumenism.
And so, seeking Christian unity and celebrating the achievements gained toward that goal — rather than honoring the calling of the council — has been the main focus of the popes on the Jan. 25th feast.
That is not a bad thing at all. In fact, it is one of the great fruits of Vatican II.

The start of a major transformation

But, as Benedict XVI said, it all started with an announcement by a 77-year-old man who — we might add — had been elected only three months earlier as a seat-warmer, a transitional (read: intermediate) pope who would guide the Barque of Peter, steady as she goes.
Of course, Pope John was anything but that. His announcement that Sunday in the Benedictine chapter room at the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls was only the beginning of a major transition (read: conversion, transformation), the genuine effects of which we are only beginning to experience today.
John's announcement led to the most monumental ecclesial event in modern history, certainly since the 16th century Council of Trent. No one could have even imagined that when he called for the Council 60 years ago.
But Pope John lived long enough only to launch the ship. Pope Paul then guided it out of port, often facing turbulence and dissent. The popes following him tried to chart a more careful, disciplined course, until finally turning back and settling for the safety of the harbor.
And then came Pope Francis!
He has moved the Church and her people out of their comfort zone, away from an ideological system of theologized and black-and-white formulas. He has set the People of God back on a journey of discipleship that is sometimes messy, confusing, painful. But one that is also rewarding, life-giving and exhilarating.
As others have said, Francis has reconnected the Church to the reforming spirit of Vatican II.
But let us never forget, it all started on Jan. 25, 1959.

Philippine bishops break 'collective silence' over attacks

Church leaders ask for forgiveness for taking time to speak against culture of violence in the country.

Manila:  Catholic bishops in the Philippines broke what they themselves described as their "collective silence" over "many disturbing issues" that have confronted the country in recent months.

In a pastoral statement issued at the end of their biannual meeting in Manila on Jan. 28, the prelates asked forgiveness from the faithful "for the length of time that it took us to find our collective voice."

In the statement titled "Conquering Evil with Good," the bishops admitted that they have observed how the "culture of violence has gradually prevailed in our land."

They said the bombing of the cathedral of Jolo that killed 20 people on Jan. 27 was "further evidence to the cycle of hate that is destroying the moral fabric of our country."

The prelates also said that "cruel words" aimed at church leaders "pierce into the soul of the Catholic Church like sharp daggers."

Since his election to office in 2016, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly attacked Catholic Church leaders, even questioning church teachings and calling God "stupid."

In recent weeks, the president went as far as urging people to either rob or kill bishops.

"We have silently noted these painful instances with deep sorrow and prayed over them," read the bishops' statement.

They said they took their cue from Pope Francis "who tells us that in some instances the best response is silence and prayer."

The bishops said they respect the "freedom of conscience and religion" of people, including Catholics who may have already renounced their faith.

The church leaders, however, said that "freedom of expression does not include a license to insult other people's faith, especially our core beliefs."

The bishops admitted that when people do not understand the doctrines of the church "we have also ourselves to blame."

"Perhaps we have not been effective enough in our catechesis about the faith?" read the prelates' statement.

"Like the leaders and members of any other human institution, no doubt, we, your bishops and priests have our own share of failures and shortcomings as well."

They said some sectors have warned church leaders from issuing statements critical of the government's fight against illegal drugs. But the bishops said they are not against the government's efforts. "We have long acknowledged that illegal drugs are a menace to society," they said.

They said that it was only when mostly poor people who were reportedly linked to the illegal drug trade were killed that the bishops started wondering about the direction of Duterte's drug war.

"As bishops, we have no intention of interfering in the conduct of state affairs. But neither do we intend to abdicate our sacred mandate as shepherds to whom the Lord has entrusted his flock," they said.

"No amount of intimidation or even threat to our lives will make us give up our prophetic role, especially that of giving voice to the voiceless."

The bishops then urged the faithful to "be sober and alert" despite the threats.

"As members of God's flock, we must learn to be brave, to stick together and look after one another," they said.

"Let this moment be a time to pray, to be strong, wise and committed. Let this be also a teaching moment for us all, a moment for relearning the core beliefs, principles and values of our faith, and what it means to be a Catholic Christian at this time," read the prelates' statement.

Source: UCAN

Philippine cathedral blasts kill at least 20, injures 100

Church leaders call twin-explosions 'heinous and evil' act of terrorism.

Manila:  Church leaders condemned bomb explosions that killed at least 20 people and injured about 100 others inside a Catholic church in the southern Philippines on Jan. 27, branding the attack a "heinous and evil" act of terrorism.

The so-called Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred during Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the town of Jolo, Sulu province.

The group, which often claims responsibility for acts of terrorism, issued a statement claiming two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts inside the church and near its entrance.

The first blast left bodies strewn on the floor amid destroyed pews.

A second explosion near the entrance shortly after killed at least five soldiers trying to help the wounded.

The attack, one of the deadliest in recent years in Mindanao, occurred less than a week after a plebiscite was held on expanding and strengthening an existing Muslim autonomous region in the area.

Condemnations

The bishops' conference condemned the attack, calling it an "act of terrorism."

The prelates called on Christians "to join hands with all peace-loving Muslim and indigenous communities in combating violent extremism."

"We condole with the families of the soldiers and civilians killed by the explosions," said Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, the conference president.

Pope Francis also expressed his sorrow over the attack.

"I raise my prayers for the dead and wounded," said the pope from Panama where he was attending the World Youth Day celebration.

"May the Lord, prince of peace, convert the hearts of the violent and give the inhabitants of that region a peaceful coexistence," added the pope.





Dying for their faith

Father Romeo Saniel, apostolic administrator of Jolo, said those who perished "died for their Christian faith."

"They bravely stayed in Jolo in spite of the threats and insecurities," said the priest.

"No words can describe the sorrow and pain that we feel these days," he added.

In a joint statement, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo and Archbishop Angelito Lampon of Cotabato, described the bombing as "the most heinous desecration of a sacred place."

Cardinal Quevedo once served as parish priest of Jolo while Archbishop Lampon was until recently the prelate of the Vicariate of Jolo.

"As former religious leaders of Jolo we totally condemn the criminal bombing of Jolo Cathedral," read the statement.

The attack "on a sacred day and at a sacred moment of worship" was "the action of evil people with utter disregard for the sacredness of human life and of human dignity," they said.

They appealed to the security forces to swiftly bring perpetrators to justice.

The predominantly Muslim province of Sulu has long been a hotbed of groups claiming allegiance to the so-called Islamic State and al-Qaeda terrorist networks.

Retaliatory attack

Authorities said the motive was in "retaliation" for the death of a leader of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group last year.

Military spokesman, Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, said investigators had recovered CCTV footage of the bombers just before the attack.

According to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor, Mujiv Hataman, only Abu Sayyaf had the means to carry out the attack.

"It was most likely their handiwork," he told ucanews.com.

Hataman said he could not see a link between the attack and the recent plebiscite.

"Abu Sayyaf or the [Islamic State] have not stated their position on the [Bangsamoro Organic Law] whether they are for or against it," the governor said.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which entered into a peace deal with the government in 2014, said it would conduct its own investigation.

Hadji Murad Ibrahim, the group's chairman, said the attack was "definitely not connected to the plebiscite."

He said the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law "is for peace and it will protect not only the rights of [Muslims] but also non-Bangsamoro people like Christians."

"We are not dividing people. In fact we are uniting Muslim and Christian people," he said.

The Philippine government vowed to hunt down the perpetrators.

"We will pursue to the ends of the earth the ruthless perpetrators behind this dastardly crime," President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo, said.

"The law will give them no mercy."

Roy Lagarde, Divina Suson, Bong Sarmiento, Ben Serrano, and Jigger Jerusalem contributed to this report.

Source: UCAN