News, Features, Opinions, Socio-Religio-Historical Snippets, and Personal Musings
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
VOICE: A Publication of Toronto
![]() |
Voice -- Portuguese-language weekly from Toronto |
Email contact: voice@voicenews.ca
It's also available online at: Voice
Friday, December 29, 2017
EQUALITY: A Publication of Toronto
![]() |
Equality -- a weekly newspaper -- from Toronto |
Email contact: equalitygroup@rogers.com
It's also available online at: Equality
Thursday, December 28, 2017
NEW CONDO GUIDE: A Publication of Toronto
![]() |
New Condo Guide -- a bi-weekly magazine -- of Toronto |
Email contact: legge@ypnexthome.ca
It's also available online at: New Condo Guide
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Pope Francis Berates the Roman Curia In His Pre-Christmas Address
![]() |
Pope Francis addresses members of the Roman Curia on Dec. 21, 2017 |
Photo courtesy: Vatican News
Like some other years in the recent past, Pope Francis addressed the Roman Curia (Vatican's bureaucratic officials under him) and greeted them. At the same time, he did not lose the opportunity to publicly remind them of their failings as well as their resistance to his reforms.
Pope Francis, in his address, rebuked the ''traitors'' among the Curia members and also "unbalanced and debased mindset of plots and small cliques." He also mentioned that some Vatican bureaucratic officials "when they are quietly sidelined, wrongfully declare themselves martyrs of the system" rather than acknowledging their own failures.
For more details, please read the following:
Pope Francis, in his address, rebuked the ''traitors'' among the Curia members and also "unbalanced and debased mindset of plots and small cliques." He also mentioned that some Vatican bureaucratic officials "when they are quietly sidelined, wrongfully declare themselves martyrs of the system" rather than acknowledging their own failures.
For more details, please read the following:
- Pope to Roman Curia: Be faithful to the Petrine Office (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope Francis: Reform of the Roman Curia is harmed by the conspiracies of minority (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope to Curia: 'Betrayers of trust' are frustrating Vatican reform (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Curia exists for service, not for glory, pope says (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope Francis says reforming Vatican as hard as cleaning Sphinx with toothbrush (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope condemns 'cancer' of cliques in Christmas message to staff (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope rips 'traitors' in Christmas message to Roman Curia (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope upbraids Vatican bureaucracy: Serve the world, not 'degraded logic of small cliques' (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope's Christmas greetings to Roman Curia: building bridges with the outside world (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope Francis Calls Curia to Adopt External View (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope to Curia: 'Betrayers of trust' are frustrating Vatican reform (Dec. 21, 2017)
- Pope's ferocity with Roman Curia straight out of Jesuit playbook (Dec. 22, 2017)
- Christmas Greetings of Pope Francis to Roman Curia (Dec. 21, 2017) [Youtube video]
- Christmas Greetings to the Roman Curia: Address of His Holiness Pope Francis (Dec. 21, 2017) [Full Text]
Previous Christmas Addresses of Pope Francis
to the Roman Curia:
2013:
- Pope to Curia: An end to the role of 'inspector and inquisitor' (Dec. 21, 2013)
- Pope Francis gives Christmas message to Vatican Staff, priests (Dec. 21, 2013)
- Be professional, shun gossip, Pope tells Vatican administrators (Dec. 21, 2013)
- [Video] Pope Francis to Curia: professionalism, service, holiness (Dec. 22, 2013)
- Presentation of the Christmas Greetings to the Roman Curia: Address of Pope Francis (Dec. 21, 2013) [Full Text] [The pope emphasized on the professionalism and service of the Curia members]
2014:
- Pope Francis: the fifteen 'diseases of the Curia' (Dec. 22, 2014)
- Pope Francis makes scathing critique of Vatican officials in Curia speech (Dec. 22, 2014)
- Pope issues scathing critique of Vatican bureaucracy in pre-Christmas meeting (Dec. 22, 2014)
- Pope Francis: Christmas greetings to Curia (Dec. 22, 2014)
- Pope Francis' 15 'new commandments' for Vatican staff (Dec. 22, 2014)
- Francis Uses Christmas Speech to Criticize Vatican Bureaucracy (Dec. 22, 2014)
- [Video] Christmas Greetings of Pope Francis to the Roman Curia (Dec. 22, 2014)
- Presentation of the Christmas Greetings to the Roman Curia: Address of His Holiness Pope Francis (Dec. 22, 2014) [Full Text]
2015:
- In Christmas address, Pope Francis asks Roman Curia to cultivate 24 'needed virtues' (Dec. 21, 2015)
- Pope Francis' Own Listicle of "Needed Virtues" (Dec. 22, 2015)
- Pope outlines 'needed virtues' to Roman Curia (Dec. 22, 2015)
- [Video] Christmas Greetings of Pope Francis to Roman Curia (Dec. 21, 2015)
- [Video] Pope Francis includes '12 medicines' with his Christmas greetingds to the Roman Curia (Dec. 21, 2015)
- Presentation of the Christmas Greetings to the Roman Curia: Address of His Holiness Pope Francis (Dec. 21, 2015) [Full Text]
2016:
- Pope Lays Out Guiding Principles of Roman Curia Reform (Dec. 22, 2016)
- Pope Francis lays out 12 guiding principles for reform of the Roman Curia (Dec. 22, 2016)
- Pope lays out 12-step programme to reform the Roman Curia (Dec. 22, 2016)
- Pope Francis calls for 'Unconditioned Obedience' to Achieve Curial Reform (Dec. 22, 2016)
- Pope Francis surprises Vatican officials with frank talk of Roman Curia reform (Dec. 22, 2016)
- Pope Francis' speech to the Roman Curia (Dec. 22, 2016)
- Francis denounces resistance to Vatican reform in Christmas speech to curia (Dec. 22, 2016)
- [Video] Christmas Greetings of Pope Francis to Roman Curia (Dec. 22, 2016)
- Presentation of the Christmas Greetings to the Roman Curia: Address of His Holiness Pope Francis (Dec. 22, 2016) [Full Text]
Related Items:
- Clericalism And Its Corroding Effects in the Catholic Church (Sept. 19, 2018)
- Pope Francis Asks Priests and Bishops To Be 'Smelly Shepherds,' Not 'Wolves' (Oct. 1, 2018)
- Vatican Scandals and Reforms of Pope Francis (Dec. 31, 2016)
(Updated on Oct. 4, 2018)
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
CAN-INDIA NEWS: A Publication of Toronto
![]() |
Can-India News -- A weekly newspaper from Toronto |
This newspaper, catering to the Indian-Canadians of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), covers Canada, India, South Asia, and world by providing news, features, articles, and opinions on own community, politics, economy, business, finance, entertainment, art and culture, science and technology, books, automobiles, health and fitness, education, employment, fashion, food, restaurants, law and order, travel, sports, and more.
Email contact: info@canindia.com
It's also available online at: Can-India News
Monday, December 25, 2017
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Saturday, December 23, 2017
NOVELLA: A Publication of Toronto
![]() |
Novella -- A publication of Toronto |
It's "a visual artvertorial featuring talents from fashion, lifestyle, art and culture. It is the result of rigorous curation and creative storytelling."
It provides news, features, articles, and information on art and sculpture, books, fashion and style, health and beauty, cosmetics, culture, music, movies, TV, videos, books, and more.
Email contact: info@novellamag.com
It's also available online at: Novella
Friday, December 22, 2017
THE GREEK PRESS: A Publication of Toronto
![]() |
The Greek Press -- a weekly newspaper from Toronto |
It presents news, features, opinions, and articles on politics, economy, business, finance, religion, personalities, theatre, movies, sports, and more.
Email contact: greekpressnews@gmail.com
It's also available online at: The Greek Press
Thursday, December 21, 2017
A Catholic Priest-Turned-Layperson's Reflection on Christmas
![]() |
Dr. James Kottoor |
Dr. James Kottoor, former editor of The New Leader -- a Catholic newspaper in India -- and present editor-in-chief in the Church Citizens' Voice (CCV) web portal that gives voice to the Kerala Catholic Church Reformation Movement, provides a critical reflection on Christmas. He emphasizes on one's self-emptying and being humbler among others.
This new write-up of Dr. James Kottoor, can be read at: What's Christmas? It's Self-Emptying, Highest Becoming the Lowest! (the cattle class!) (Dec. 20, 2017)
One of his earlier reflection on Christmas was: Dr. James Kottoor on Christmas (Dec. 8, 2013)
To read his long array of write-ups on different subjects, please click on: Dr. James Kottoor
To have a look at his colourful life, you may read: Dr. James Kottoor
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Brother Fulgence Dougherty, C.S.C., Dies
![]() |
Brother Fulgence Dougherty, C.S.C. (1922-2017) |
Photo courtesy: www.up.edu/
Brother Fulgence Dougherty, C.S.C., belonging to the Congregation of Holy Cross, died on December 17, 2017 from old-age illness and complications at Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. He was 95 years old.
Brother Dougherty served in various capacities in the USA, Bangladesh, Liberia, and Ghana. He was a renowned missionary teacher and headmaster. At the University of Portland, Oregon, USA, he was the Director of International Student Services from 1978 to 1992. He will be fondly remembered by many of his students, friends, and colleagues.
Powered by
Issuu
Publish for Free
NOBODIP NEWS: A Publication of Toronto
![]() |
Nobodip News -- A publication of Toronto |
It's a Bengali-language weekly community newspaper covering Canada, Bangladesh, and world by featuring news, features, and articles on politics, economy, business, finance, entertainment, law and order, community events, education, short stories, poems, sports, and more.
Email contact: mamun6867@gmail.com
It's also available online at: Nobodip News
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Monday, December 4, 2017
NOW: A Publication of Toronto
![]() |
Now -- a weekly newspaper -- from Toronto |
Email contact: website@nowtoronto.com
It's also available online at: Now
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Pope Francis Visits Mother Teresa's Home, Meets Priests and Religious, Visits Historic Church and Cemetery, and Talks to Youths Before Departure from Dhaka
Pope Francis' Third and Final Day in Bangladesh
![]() |
Pope Francis visits historic Portuguese-built 17th century-church and cemetery at Tejgaon, Dhaka (Dec. 2, 2017) |
Photo courtesy: Reuters
For more on Pope's third and final day in Bangladesh, please click on the following:
- Pope Francis visited a home founded by Mother Teresa for orphans and met with priests and Religious at Tejgaon (Dec. 2, 2017) [Video]
- Pope Francis gets laughs in Bangladesh after walking diplomatic tightrope (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Pope to Religious, not to gossip, embrace joy (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Meeting of Pope Francis with Priests and Religious of Bangladesh [video] (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Gossip is a kind of terrorism, says Pope Francis (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Pope: the eyes of religious who serve with joy are'indescribable' (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Meeting of Pope Francis with Priests and Religious of Bangladesh (Dec. 2, 2017) [Video]
- Pope meets with Priests and Religious in Bangladesh [Full Text] (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Full text of Pope Francis' Improvised Comments to Priests, Religious in Dhaka (Dec 2, 2017)
- Pope tells young people of Bangladesh to 'seek God's wisdom'(Dec. 2, 2017)
- Pope Francis [Meets With the Youth] at Notre Dame College, Dhaka (Dec. 2, 2017) [Video]
- Pope concludes apostolic visit to Myanmar, Bangladesh (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Pope Francis leaves Dhaka after historic three-day tour (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Full text of Pope Francis' in-flight press conference from Bangladesh (Dec. 2, 2017)
Friday, December 1, 2017
Pope Francis Ordains Priests And Meets With Bishops, Inter-religious Leaders and Rohingya Refugees in Dhaka
Pope Francis's Second Day in Bangladesh
![]() |
Pope Francis ordains a deacon to Catholic priesthood at the solemn Mass at Suhrawardy Uddyan, Dhaka (Dec. 1, 2017) |
Photo courtesy: CTV photo via BTV
![]() |
More than 80,000 Catholics from all over Bangladesh attend the papal Mass at Suhrawardy Uddyan, Dhaka (Dec. 1, 2017) |
Photo courtesy: Reuters
![]() |
Pope meets with Catholic Bishops of Bangladesh at the Archbishop's House, Ramna, Dhaka (Dec. 1, 2017) |
Photo courtesy: Osservatore Romano
More than 80,000 Catholics from around Bangladesh, a number of government officials, members of foreign diplomatic corps, inter-religious leaders, and ecumenical Church leaders attended Pope Francis's solemn concelebrated Mass at Suhrawarthy Uddyan park in Dhaka today, reports various news sources.
In his homily, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to all and said: "I know that many of you came from afar, for a trip for more than two days. Thank you for your generosity. This indicates the love you have for the Church," reports the Daily Star.
He also encouraged and inspired 16 deacons by saying: "you are to be raised to the Order of the Priesthood. For your part, you will exercise the sacred duty of teaching in the name of Christ the Teacher. Impart to everyone the word of God which you have received with joy. Meditating on the law of the Lord, see that you believe what you read, that you teach what you believe, and that you practice what you teach."
Meeting Bangladesh's Catholic bishops at the Archbishop's House at Ramna, he appreciated the pastoral plan of the bishops and encouraged them to continue their work earnestly. He laid emphasis on the importance of the laity in the Church, saying: "At the same time, I would ask you to show ever greater pastoral closeness to the lay faithful. There is a need to promote their effective participation in the life of your particular Churches, not least through the canonical structures that provide for their voices to be heard and their experiences acknowledged. Recognize and value the charisms of lay men and women, and encourage them to put their gifts at the service of the Church and of society as a whole. I think here of the many dedicated catechists in this country, whose apostolate is essential for the growth of the faith and for the Christian formation of the next generation. They are true missionaries and leaders of prayer, especially in the more remote areas. Be concerned for their spiritual needs and for their continuing education in the faith."
In the inter-religious peace gathering at the same compound, Pope Francis welcomed all and encouraged them to work for solidarity, harmony, and peace. He also said: "Openness of heart is likewise a path that leads to the pursuit of goodness, justice and solidarity.... A spirit of openness, acceptance and cooperation between believers does not simply contribute to a culture of harmony and peace; it is its beating heart."
Meeting with some Myanmar Rohingya refugees in the gathering, he said: "The presence of God today is also called Rohingya... In the name of all of those who have persecuted you, hurt you, I ask forgiveness. I appeal to your large hearts to give us the forgiveness that we are asking."
![]() |
Pope Francis rides on a cycle rickshaw at the Archbishop's House at Ramna, Dhaka (Dec. 1, 2017) |
Photo courtesy: AP
Pope Francis also rode on a cycle rickshaw in the Archbishop's House compound in Dhaka. He is the second Pope to do so. The first pope to ride on a rickshaw was Pope John Paul II in his 1986 visit to Bangladesh. The Guinness Book of World Records should consider to mention Pope John Paul II's name as the first rickshaw-riding pope in the world in more than 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
For more, click on the following:
- Pope Francis celebrates Holy Mass at Suhrawardy Udyan (Dec. 1, 2o17)
- Pope Francis celebrates open-air Mass at Suhrawardy Udyan (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis ordains priests at Mass in Bangladesh (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis ordains 16 priests in Bangladesh (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Bangladesh: Pope Francis Ordains 16 to Priesthood (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Dhaka, Bangladesh [Full Text of His Homily] (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pictures: Pope Francis ordains 16 men to the priesthood in Bangladesh (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Holy Mass with Pope Francis, for Priestly Ordinations from Dhaka, Bangladesh (Dec. 1, 2017) [Youtube Video]
- Bangladesh: Words of Thanks from Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario, Archbishop of Dhaka (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Sheikh Hasina meets Pope Francis in Dhaka (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Tells Bangladesh Bishops to make laity a priority, especially youth (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis tells bishops to be close to the laity (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Bangladesh: Pope Urges Option for the Poor (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis speaks to Bangladesh's bishops [Full Text] (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Meets 16 'Rohingya' Refugees (Twelve Men, Four Women, and Two Children) (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis uses term Rohingya in Bangladesh meeting (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis: 'The presence of God today is also called Rohingya' (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis prays Alongside Rohingya Muslim Refugees During Trip to Bangladesh (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Bangladesh: Interreligious and Ecumenical Meeting for Peace (Dec. 1, 2017) [Video]
- Pope Francis addresses interreligious meeting for peace [in Dhaka] [Full Text] (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Pope Francis trades his popemobile for a rickshaw (Dec. 1, 2017)
(Updated on Dec. 4, 2017)
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Pope Francis On Arrival Receives A Cordial Welcome in Bangladesh
Pope Francis' First Day in Bangladesh
![]() |
Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid officially receives Pope Francis at the Dhaka Airport (Nov. 30, 2017) |
Photo courtesy: Reuters
![]() |
(L-R) Bangladesh and Vatican flags furl on a roadside in Dhaka (Nov. 30, 2017) |
Photo courtesy: AFP
On his arrival in Dhaka, Pope Francis, as head of the Vatican State, was given a red-carpet welcome, including a guard of honour, by Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. Delegations of political and religious authorities, and a groups of children, with their flowers, singing and dancing, were also there.
Later, praising Bangladesh's efforts in helping the hapless Rohingya refugees within its borders, the Pope also took the opportunity to earnestly appeal to the international communities to extend their hands as much as possible.
To know more on Pope's visit, please see the following:
- Pope Francis accorded red carpet reception (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope Francis accorded red carpet reception (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope Francis arrives in Dhaka, accorded rousing reception (Nov. 30,2017)
- Pope Francis in Dhaka (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope Francis arrives in Bangladesh (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope lands in Bangladesh with Rohingya crisis looming large (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope Francis lands in Bangladesh after contentious Myanmar visit (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope in Bangladesh: Francis arrives in Dhaka after contentious Myanmar visit (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope speech to authorities and diplomatic corps in Dhaka [Full Text] (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope in Dhaka: World must assist Bangladesh in tackling refugee crisis (Nov. 30, 2017)
- The Latest: Pope demands world help resolve Rohingya crisis (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope demands 'decisive measures' to resolve Rohingya exodus (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Pope thanks Bangladesh on Rohingya refugees from Myanmar (Nov. 30, 2017)
- Bangladesh priest disappearance casts pall over Pope Francis visit (Nov. 30, 2017)
- In Bangladesh, Pope Francis will encounter 'natural and man-made' disasters (Nov. 29, 2017)
- Pope to meet 15 Rohingyas during his Bangladesh trip (Nov. 29, 2017)
- Pope Francis in Bangladesh (Official website of Bangladesh Catholic Church)
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Before Pope's Visit, A Catholic Priest Goes Missing, Ransom Demanded
![]() |
Father Walter William Rozario |
Photo courtesy: www.dailystar.net/
Father Walter William Rozario, 40, an assistant priest of Borni Catholic Church of Natore District goes missing in the middle of his hectic preparation for bringing his 300-member Catholic group to Dhaka for the visit of Pope Francis on November 30. His younger brother reported to the local police that the miscreants demanded Tk. 300,000 (US. $3,618) for his release.
Local police chief told AFP, "He has been missing since late Monday [Nov. 27]. His mobile [cellphone] has been switched off." Gervas Rozario, Bishop of Rajshahi Diocese, believe that the priest has been kidnapped and Catholics in the region were deeply worried. The police are engaged in a vigorous search for Fr. Rozario.
Islamic militants in the recent past were active in the region kidnapping, shooting, and killing people of minority communities. Father Walter Rozario hails from Borni Catholic village, where a local Catholic grocer, Sunil Gomes was mercilessly hacked to death in June, 2016.
For more on Father Walter William Rozario, please read the following:
- Assistant Catholic priest in Natore goes missing (Nov. 28, 2017)
- Ahead of pope's visit, a priest goes missing in Bangladesh (Nov. 29, 2017)
- Natore priest missing: Miscreants 'demand Tk. 3 lakh ransom' (Nov. 29, 2017)
- Catholic priest disappears in Bangladesh before Pope visit (Nov. 29, 2017)
News Update: Father Walter William Rozario Has Been Found
- Missing Catholic priest found in Sylhet (Dec. 1, 2017)
- Priest missing from Natore rescued in Sylhet (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Natore priest goes missing: A case of abduction or self-disappearance? (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Natore priest went into hiding willingly: police (Dec. 2, 2017)
- Natore priest went into hiding, not kidnapped, police say (Dec. 3, 2017)
- Abducted Bangladeshi priest freed (Dec. 3, 2017)
- Bishop and police bicker over priest 'abduction' (Dec. 4, 2017)
New Twist in the Disappearance of Father Walter William Rozario: He Fled in Face of Accusations of Sexual Misconduct
- Bangladeshi priest accused of sexual relations with women and girl (Despite police finding that Father Walter Rozario had sex with women and an underage girl, the church has taken no action) (June 13, 2018)
- Bishop opens inquiry into Bangladeshi priest sex claims (Father Walter Rozario removed from post of acting headmaster of Church-run school in Natore district following allegations) (June 14, 2018)
- Accusations against Bangladeshi priest highlights problems of abuse [in Catholic Church in Bangladesh] (June 14, 2018)
- Bangladesh wake-up call on sexual abuse for Asia's bishops (The case of Father Walter Rozario bears all the hallmarks of denial, cover-up and silencing victims seen in the west) (June 14, 2018)
(Updated on Dec. 2 and 4, 2017)
(Updated on June 15, 2018)