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Asia

Philippines. The Black Nazarene. A Question of Quiapo Faith.

Even though the grand procession of the image of the Black Nazarene has been canceled this year due to coronavirus, the devotion to the centuries-old icon of Jesus Christ is unique in the world. We trace the origins and developments of such deeply-rooted Filipino tradition. The devotion to the Black Nazarene started in a sort…

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Asia. 2021. Uncertainties and ambiguities.

How to confront the consequences of Covid-19 as they affect the countries of Asia. China will continue its domination on the various international chessboards. India joins the Security Council. Meanwhile, the Olympics are to be held in Japan. The management of the first phases of the epidemic and the ambiguity that followed it concerning the…

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India. Experiencing Silence in India’s Ashrams.

A Dominican friar shares his experience of spending his yearly vacation in an ashram in India. Under the guidance of a guru and following an exigent daily schedule, the retreatants embark on an inner pilgrimage of contemplation and self-knowledge. One of my habits, which fortunately I have been able to practice recently, is to spend…

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India. The Hair Business.

The trade in human hair in the wig-makers’ salons is becoming a business worth millions of dollars. There are many orders from India. The role of the Hindu temples. “Real hair, not artificial hair, is very much in demand –  the young barber tells us. Every woman dreams of having a full head of long…

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India. More than just tea.

The serious crisis in the tea plantations.  Alternative forms of working. Commitment to education. The role of the laity. We discuss these topics with Mons. Vincent Aind, Bishop of Bagdogra. The district of Darjeeling, in the region of Western Bengal, is one of places most famous for the quality of its tea. Traditionally, Darjeeling is…

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India. The search for ‘Black Gold’ in the ‘Rat-Hole’.

Thousands risk their lives in the ‘Rat-holes’ in India.  Most of them are poor immigrants from Nepal and Bangladesh. Sister Blinda does her best in a desperate situation. In the almost complete darkness, he makes his way along the narrow tunnel on his hands and feet. As he moves, he pushes his pick ahead of…

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The Philippines. The Land of Natural Disasters.

Located in the rim around the Pacific Ocean dubbed “The Ring of Fire,” the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries on earth. It is hard hit all year round by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tropical cyclones and landslides. “The Ring of Fire” – that is how scientists call that thin region of dynamic…

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Bangladesh. My life and Hope for the Sick.

She manages the Damien Hospital, the only specialized facility to treat leprosy, tuberculosis and AIDS in all of southern Bangladesh. An Italian medical doctor, and a Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Congregation missionary, Sister Roberta Pignone manages the Damien. She spoke to us about her work and faith. Khulna is the third largest city in…

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The Catholic Church in Kyrgyzstan. A seed sprouting up slowly.

A small community that lives its faith through testimony. One of the great challenges is the dialogue with Muslims. This landlocked country is mainly mountainous, the Tien Shan and Pamir ranges occupy 65% of its territory. Kyrgyzstan borders the Chinese province of Xinjiang to the east, Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west and…

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The Catholic Church in Kazakhstan. Testifying through friendship and dialogue.

Kazakhstan is the country of Central Asia with the largest number of Catholics. Small communities scattered throughout a vast territory. The commitment of the Church to human development and social promotion. Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia. It is the ninth-largest country in the world, with an area of 2,724,900 square kilometres.  Its territory is…

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Ethnic Groups and Religions.

A country of striking and changing landscapes, extremes of climate and environment, in tourism, Mongolia has an important source of income which threatens and simultaneously assists the permanence of traditions and ways of living that are threatened anyway. The first threat is that of the population gradually becoming sedentary. Among these are many ethnic groups,…

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Afghanistan. A country in pieces.

The “historical accord” between the United States and the Taliban, without involving the Kabul government is in danger of failing since it leaves many questions unanswered. Meanwhile, the attacks continue. There is now a new enemy: Covid-19. It was signed in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on 29 February, by the American envoy Zalmay Khalilzad…

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Advocacy

Adenike Oladosu. Climate Change: Time to Act.

Nigerian ecofeminist Adenike Titilope Oladosu is the founder of   I Lead Climate Action, an initiative aimed at empowering women and youth to combat climate change.…

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Baobab

The Crocodile and the Cockerel.

Once upon a time, the crocodile was king of the animals. He was holding court one day. He sat majestically on his throne as he received…

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Youth & Mission

Jubilee of the Youth: An Unforgettable Journey of Hope.

Coming from five continents, 270 young people belonging to the Comboni Youth Movement gathered in Rome (24th July – 4th August 2025) to celebrate the Jubilee.…

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