Missionaries of the World

Pope Francis concludes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The 47th Prayer Week for Christian Unity has concluded on Saturday afternoon, the solemnity of the Conversion of St. Paul, with the celebration of the second Vespers in the Roman Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls. The event was attended by representatives of other Churches and ecclesiastical communities present in Rome. This year's theme is “Has Christ been divided?” Greeting the representatives of various Christian denominations one by one, Pope Francis concluded the ecumenical celebration of Vespers.

The General Secretary of World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit reflected on the message from Pope Francis on the World Day of Peace, participating in an inter-religious service held at the St Nicolas de Flue Church in Geneva, along with other religious leaders representing Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist communities in Switzerland.

Deputy Moderator of Church of South India and Bishop in Krishna-Godavari Diocese - Govada Dyvasirvadam is elected as Moderator of the Church of South India in the 34th session of Church of South India’s synod, held at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. Moderator of Church of South India and Bishop of CSI Kanyakumari Diocese, Most Rev. G Devakadasham presided the General Council. Rt Rev Dr Michael Augustine Owen Lewis, Anglican Bishop in Cyprus and the Gulf delivered the Holly sermons during the council.

Benny Hinn, a prominent American Evangelist is scheduled to participate a prayer meeting at Bethel A G Church, Hebbal in Bangalore City, Karnataka, India from January 15 to 19, 2014. Objecting to the forthcoming visit of Evangelist Benny Hinn, Sri Rama Sene in a petition before the High Court of Karnataka has urged the court to issue directions prohibiting Benny Hinn’s entry and ban holding of any event. Referring the writ petition to the division bench, Justice has asked them to consider it as a PIL.

Father L.M. Sukol, Priest and Social activities who has been working in Kerala especially in Kannur and Kasargod Districts for the past 67 years, passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Kozhikode where he was admitted due to breathing problems. He was 99. The funeral function will be held Wednesday evening at Mariyapuram Nithya Sahaya Matha Devalayam premises near Pariyaram in the district.

Pope Francis has announced that he will make a Papal visit to the Holy Land in May of this year to mark a key moment in Catholic and Orthodox Christian relations. The Holy Father made the announcement after the recitation of the Sunday Angelus overlooking a rainy St Peter’s Square. Speaking to pilgrims who braved the elements to hear his words, the Pope said, “In the climate of joy, typical of this Christmas season, I wish to announce that from 24 to 26 May next, God willing, I will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land”.

The persecution of Christians around the world is expected to rise in 2014, according to a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness about Christian persecution and to offer pastoral and practical support to persecuted Christians around the world. Release International has highlighted two challenging areas for Christians in this year, said Andrew Boyd, Spokesperson of Release International.

Pope Francis welcomed the New Year with a solemn morning mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, calling the faithful to look to Mary as a Mother to all and messenger of hope. In his homily, the Solemnity of the Mother of God, Pope Francis said “there is no more meaningful time than the beginning of a new year” to hear God’s blessing “The Lord bless you and keep you…. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” He also said “these words of strength, courage and hope will accompany our journey through the year opening up before us”.