Cebu gearing up for IEC 2016 grand finale
Cardinal Charles Bo Myanmar is expected to see the largest gathering of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) when he celebrates the concluding open-air Mass on Sunday at the South Road Properties in the central Philippine city of Cebu. More than 1.5 million people are expected for the so-called Statio Orbis Mass, along with more than 15,000 cardinals, bishops, priests, the religious and official delegates from at least 75 nations around the world who attended the Jan 24-31 event. Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig, who heads the IEC’s communications committee, hinted they could be surprised by an unexpected closing message by Pope Francis. Anticipating a mammoth of crowd, the SRP area will be opened to the public as early in the morning. At least 200 parking lots for buses ferrying parishioners along a 1.4-kilometer stretch is in place, besides another 100 roadside slots.
Bishop who helped rebuild Church in Cambodia passes away
A French missionary bishop who spent decades helping revive a decimated Catholic community in Cambodia after the devastation of the Khmer Rouge, died on Jan. 28. Bishop Emile Destombes died at the age of 80 in his home in Phnom Penh, after receiving Holy Communion from his successor, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler of Phnom Penh. Born in 1931 in Roncq, France, Emile Destombes was ordained to the priesthood in 1961. He was appointed coadjutor vicar apostolic of Phnom Penh in 1997, succeeded in 2001 and retired in 2010.
Moldova to hold referendum on direct presidential poll amid protests
(Vatican Radio) Moldova's embattled ruling coalition says it will soon call for a referendum on direct presidential elections following large anti-government protests. It is a moderate concession as the prime minister has refused to resign and pledged to crackdown on violent protests amid a public outcry over the disappearance of at least 1 billion dollars from the impoverished nation's banking system and high level corruption.
Arch. Menamparampil on Eucharist and dialogue
The 51st International Eucharistic Congress taking place from Jan. 24-31, in the central Philippine city of Cebu, has as its main theme, “The Eucharist as Mission”. Thousands of delegates and participants, among them the clergy, religious and lay people, are taking part in this event to promote the awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
Caritas: “complete climate of fear” in Burundi
(Vatican Radio) An official for Caritas Internationalis said the tit-for-tat killings seen in Burundi over the past months between supporters and opponents of President Pierre Nkurunziza have created “a complete climate of fear” among the population. The violence began in Burundi last April when President Nkurunzia announced he would seek a third term. Over 400 people have died and around 250,000 have fled abroad and many fear that the nation could be slowly sliding back into another civil war. Patrick Nicholson is the Communications Director for Caritas Internationalis and he spoke to Susy Hodges from the Burundian capital, Bujumbura.
