News from the Church | 30.06.2024
By Pål Johannes Nes
“Welcome to News from the Church, your source for Catholic news and updates from around the world. The news is edited by Pål Johannes Nes, and you’re listening to EWTN Norway. This is the Morning News for June 30, 2024. Let’s begin with the Saint of the Day.”
“Today, we honor the First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church. These martyrs were Christians who were brutally executed during the persecution under the Emperor Nero after the great fire of Rome in AD 64. They suffered and died for their faith, and their sacrifice remains a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the early Christian community. We remember their courage and dedication to Christ as we continue to draw inspiration from their example.”
“Our first story comes from Sudan, where a Catholic priest has been stuck amidst the ongoing war and has appealed for prayers as evacuation plans face significant challenges. Father John, who is currently trapped in the conflict-ridden region, expressed his deep concern for the safety and well-being of his parishioners. Despite the dire circumstances, he remains hopeful and asks the global Catholic community to join him in prayer for peace and a safe evacuation.”
“Next, we turn to Mozambique, where parishioners are gathering to pray at the ruins of a Catholic church that was destroyed by terrorists. This act of faith and resilience shows the unwavering spirit of the local community despite the devastation. The church, once a place of solace and worship, now stands as a symbol of hope and defiance against terror. The parishioners’ commitment to their faith, even in the face of such adversity, is truly inspiring.”
“In other news, donations to the Pope’s charitable fund, the Obolo di San Pietro, have increased in 2023. These donations are used to support various charitable works around the world, helping those in need and promoting social justice. The rise in contributions is a testament to the generosity and solidarity of the global Catholic community, who continue to support the Church’s mission to serve the poor and marginalized.”
“Moving on to Lebanon, a significant gathering of Christian leaders has taken place to promote unity and solidarity among Christians in the region. This meeting, held in the face of numerous challenges, aims to strengthen the bonds between different Christian denominations and address common issues. The leaders emphasized the importance of mutual support and collaboration in maintaining a strong Christian presence in the Middle East.”
“In the United States, Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, a prominent advocate for the protection of minors, has turned 80. Cardinal O’Malley has been a key figure in the Church’s efforts to address and prevent abuse, and his contributions have been widely recognized. His dedication to this cause has left a lasting impact on the Church’s approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.”
“That brings us to the end of today’s episode. Thank you for joining us on News from the Church. Remember to tune in this evening for the Evening News, where we’ll bring you more updates and stories from the global Catholic community. God bless you all, and may your faith continue to inspire and guide you. This is EWTN Norway, wishing you a peaceful and blessed day.”
Photo credit:
ACI Africa
