is a nation that holds freedom of religion in high regard. Your country recognizes that a respect for this fundamental right gives men and women the latitude to worship God according to their conscience, to nurture their spirits, and to
Australia is a country marked by much ethnic and religious diversity. Immigrants arrive on the shores of this majestic land hoping to find happiness and opportunities for employment. Yours, too, is a nation which recognizes the importance of religious freedom.
The most basic instinct of all living things is to stay alive, to grow, to flourish, and to pass on the gift of life to others. So it is only natural that we should ask how best to do this.
Among the many events for participants of World Youth Day, a casket and a special exhibition commemorating the life and thought of Blessed Piergiorgio Frasati is taking place in Sydney. Irene Lagan reports...
Right now, thousands of youths are watching as the Way of the Cross makes its way through the streets of Sydney. It is the final World Youth Day event for Friday. Pope Benedict is watching from Sydney's Cathedral. For the
In Sydney, Sean-Patrick Lovett has been taking the time to speak to the many pilgrims who have converged on the city. Kelsea Brennan-Wessels takes a closer look.
Lagos (Agenzia Fides) Tensions have sparked once again over the Bakassi Peninsula, where in recent days, three Cameroon soldiers were wounded in an assault on a military post on the border with Nigeria. Bakassi is a land rich in oil
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) A spectacular crowd of youth from all over the world displaying an array of cultures, music, colors, hymns, and flags welcomed Benedict XVI in Sydney, where he has officially begun his program of events, which will include
Han Zhong (Agenzia Fides) Over 50 lay catechists from the parish church of Chang Lin, in the Diocese of Han Zhou (Province of Shanni Xi), received their missionary "sending" with special reference to the Year of St. Paul, after their
Luanda (Agenzia Fides) "We are glad to see that the date for elections this year, September 5, has finally been determined. As Pastors, we once again ask the faithful and all Angolans to participate with awareness and responsibility in the
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) The Latin American Bishops’ Conference (CELAM) will hold its annual Coordination Meeting July 22-24, where they will evaluate the activities that took place during the 2007-2008 year and plan for the upcoming events of 2009. The meeting
Rome (Agenzia Fides) Thousands of youth from all over the world are gathering together in Sydney this week to celebrate World Youth Day. However, there are many more who have not been able to make the journey for various reasons,
Washington (Agenzia Fides) Comprehensive immigration reform will be a major topic at the 2008 National Migration Conference to be held July 28-31 in Washington, D.C. "The issue of immigration is one of the most controversial domestic concerns facing our country,"
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) In the afternoon, on July 17, the Holy Father Benedict XVI traveled to the Port of Rose Bay where he was greeted by traditional songs and dances from the Aboriginal Elders of Australia’s aboriginal population. The
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, on July 17, 2008, accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Mbanza Congo, Angola, presented by Bishop Serafim Shyngo-Ya-Hombo O.F.M. Cap., in accordance with canon 401
There was a considerable stir in public opinion and the media tam-tam with regard to the first issue tackled by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on his arrival in Australia for the 23rd World Youth Day: the issue was
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) After the ecumenical meeting in the morning, on July 18, the Holy Father Benedict XVI made his way to the Chapter Hall in St. Mary’s Cathedral, where he held a meeting with representatives from other religions.
Rome (Agenzia Fides) Catholics throughout China are living the Year of St. Paul with great enthusiasm, in union with the Pope and the Universal Church. According to information sent to the Agenzia Fides, the Year of St. Paul declared by
