CNA: One or more unidentified individuals entered and desecrated a Catholic church in Brazil, destroying all 28 statues of saints, to the pain and outrage of the faithful. The attack took place Oct. 10 around noon in São Mateus church … Continue reading
Category: Persecution of the Church
Amakusa Shiro and the Holocaust at Shimabara
National Catholic Register, Luke O’Hara:That spring day must have dawned on Hara Castle like any other — sparrows chirping in the boughs above as soft waves lapped on the shore far below, and the doves thrumming their morning song as … Continue reading
Cardinal Joseph Zen at 90 Set for Trial in September
CNA, By Jonah McKeown: Cardinal Joseph Zen is set to stand trial next month, along with four other people, in connection to his role as a trustee of a pro-democracy legal fund. It appears he has not been indicted under … Continue reading
China: Things are not ‘Moving Well’ At All for Church in China
Human Rights Advocates Respond After Pope Francis Says Vatican-China Deal ‘Moving Well’ National Catholic Register, Courtney Mares: Human rights advocates have raised concerns about heightened restrictions on Christians in China after Pope Francis expressed hope that the Holy See’s agreement … Continue reading
Nigeria: Over 700 Catholic Priests Protest at Funeral the Killing of Fr. Vitus Borogo
From the Vatican: Over 700 catholic priests in Nigeria have held a peaceful protest on Thursday as they buried Fr. Vitus Borogo, a priest who was killed over the weekend in Kaduna state Vatican News had reported that Fr. Borogo, a … Continue reading
Death Toll Now Over 80 in Nigerian Terror Attack
Aleteia, The attack on a Catholic Mass in Nigeria Sunday morning – with the death toll now at over 80 worshipers – represents a troubling development in the ongoing saga of Islamist violence against Christians, says an American expert on … Continue reading
At Least 50 Killed at Catholic Church in Nigeria
Al Jazeera, Ope Adetayo: Mass had just ended. The choir was singing the closing hymns, waiting for the priest to proceed out of the church when the first gunshot rang out. Seconds later, another gunshot followed. Report is here.
India: Ruling Hindu Nationalists Outlaw Conversions to Other Religions
Asia News, Nirmala Carvalho:The governor of the Indian state of Karnataka Thaawar Chand Gehlot has signed the ordinance by which the anti-conversion law takes immediate effect, despite the fact that its parliamentary process has not yet been completed. The request of … Continue reading
Cardinal Joseph Zen Arrested in Hong Kong
The Remnanr, Michael J Matt: Hong Kong authorities arrested Cardinal Joseph Zen today, and he is being held on suspicion of “colluding with foreign forces to endanger China’s national security.” (See video below) Cardinal Zen is one of the few … Continue reading
London: Police Invade Good Friday Service to Dispel Worshippers
LifeSiteNews, Dorothy Cummings McLean: Police entered the sanctuary of a Catholic Church during a Good Friday service and threatened worshippers with a fine if they did not immediately leave. Video footage taken from within Christ the King Polish Catholic Church in southwest London shows police … Continue reading
Priest and At Least Six Others Killed in Attack on Church in Nigeria
CNA, Courtney Mares: A Catholic priest and at least six others were killed by gunmen in an attack on St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benue State, Nigeria, the Diocese of Katsina-Ala confirmed Wednesday. Report is here.
Marine Manual Lists Catholicism as ‘Extremist’ Group
Complicit Clergy: A slide used in a Department of Defense (DOD) training manual identifies Catholics and evangelical Christians as “religious extremists,” along with members of the Ku Klux Klan, al-Qaeda, and Hamas, according to a Marine Corps officer. See here.
March 28 1580 Martyrdom of Daniel O’Neilan, O.F.M.
Irish Martyrs: On March 28, 1580 Franciscan priest Daniel O’Neilan (Donal O’Neylan) was put to death in the town of Youghal by its military governor, Sir William Morgan (d. 1584). The town was caught up in the Second Desmond Rebellion … Continue reading
Public Mass Outlawed in . . . China? No! Ireland
CNA: Police have fined a Catholic priest for celebrating public Masses amid a nationwide lockdown. Gardaí imposed a 500 euro ($595) fine on Fr. P.J. Hughes, pastor of Mullahoran and Loughduff parish in County Cavan, after he offered Masses with … Continue reading
New Rules Have No Mention of Vatican in Episcopal Ordinations
CNA: According to new rules which will reportedly take effect on May 1, China’s state-run Catholic Church and bishops’ conference will select, approve, and ordain episcopal candidates—with no mention of the Vatican’s involvement in the process. Report is here.