Cardinal Dominic Joseph Matthews, OFM Conv., Archbishop of Tehran, shared a message reflecting on his experience of celebrating Easter in Rome amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
in his message of 6th april Published in Agenzia Fides, Matthew emphasizes that “in the communion of saints and in the grace of the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, we are truly united, even when we may not be so clearly. … I celebrate the Easter Vigil with all of you in my heart: far from my flock, but precisely for that reason, mysteriously, close to each one of you.”
Cambodia welcomes 375 new Catholics
The minority Catholic population in Cambodia has recorded a rise in the number of people being baptized this Easter, According to Fides news agency.
Father Enrique Figueiredo, the Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, said 92 people were baptized in his province, while 152 catechumens were baptized in the capital Phnom Penh and 131 were welcomed into the church in Kampong Cham.
Figueredo said, “The new baptisms of young people and adults that we have celebrated this year are a sign of great hope. They show that young Cambodians hear God’s call and want to follow Him. For our Church, they are a true source of strength and life.”
Filipino bishop condemns Easter ritual involving doves and balloons
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Caloocan in the Philippines rebuked a local parish for how it used a live dove attached to a balloon in an Easter ritual. Likas News Report Wednesday.
Reports said the bird was tied to a balloon during the ritual, which caused distress to the animal and ultimately led to its death.
After the incident sparked controversy among the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, David said, “I did not know that there was a practice of tying a pigeon to a balloon with its wings closed. If I had known, I would have objected, as it is not only cruel to the animals, but also harmful to the environment, especially to marine life, which can swallow the inflated balloons.”
Christians in southern Lebanon clash with state and Hezbollah activists
Lebanon’s Christian community is reacting with growing anger after an Israeli attack killed Lebanese army officer Pierre Maoud; his wife, Flavia; and his neighbor, Roula, on Easter Sunday, ACI MENA, EWTN News’ Arabic-language affiliate Information was given on Tuesday.
The deaths immediately fueled allegations that Hezbollah operatives were using civilians in Christian areas as cover, especially after conflicting accounts emerged about whether the targeted apartments were occupied. The episode has deepened distrust of both Hezbollah and state institutions, with many residents rejecting the Lebanese Army’s explanations of the events and demanding accountability.
In many neighborhoods, fear has taken the form of heightened local vigilance, new security measures, and strident calls for self-protection, as many Christians insist that they are being forced to bear the cost of a war they have not waged.
South Korean Archdiocese launches AI initiative inspired by Carlo Acutis
The Archdiocese of Seoul has announced that it will soon launch AI-integrated information services inspired by St. Carlo Acutis.
The first phase of the initiative will begin in May and will integrate data from services provided by the archdiocese, including catechism, pastoral programs and volunteer work, with its other information systems. UCA News gave this information on Wednesday.
The second phase will focus on the administrative systems of the archdiocese from 2029-2031. The report said the initiative will also promote World Youth Day 2027, which is scheduled to be held in Seoul.
Pope appoints 3 Asian church leaders to communications department
Three prominent Asian bishops have been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to serve in the Vatican’s communications department.
vatican announced on Thursday the appointments of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization; Cardinal Philip Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Damao, India and President of the Association of Asian Bishops’ Conferences; and Bishop Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit, Chairman of the Office of Social Communications of the Asian Bishops’ Conference Federation.
communication department Oversees the Holy See’s various media outlets, including the Holy See press office, the Vatican News website, Vatican Radio, the Vatican Television Centre, L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican.va website, and the Holy Father’s ex-account @pontifex.
French church targeted by rioters on Holy Thursday
Vandals attacked a Catholic church in the French town of Rosny-sous-Bois, just outside Paris, on Holy Thursday, causing serious damage.
According to a report, unidentified criminals drove a car into the Saint-Laurent Church and vandalized the interior of the church with an axe. uoj report tuesday. The church’s gates and doors were destroyed and the sanctuary vandalized, the report said, adding that nothing was stolen.
Religious sisters are still there amid the ongoing conflict in Yemen
A group of 10 Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity are continuing to serve communities in Yemen despite war and instability in the Gulf region.
“The most concrete example of mission in a war-torn region is that of the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the priest who lived with them,” Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Arabia, said in an interview. According to Likas NewsGiven that the sisters provide support to a small community of Catholics. “I am inspired by their joy, their joy to be in Yemen and to be able to be close to people who are suffering.”
