Page 60 - Religion Belief
Pope Francis announces Japan visit in November
Pope Francis announced Wednesday he will visit Japan in November, becoming the first pontiff to do so since John Paul II nearly 40 years ago. "I will go to Japan in November," he said on board the Papal plane bringing him to Panama for a gathering of young Catholics. The Argentine pontiff has repeatedly voiced a desire to visit Japan, home to some 450,000 Roman Catholics, including most recently in September last year. Around 510,000 Protestants live in the largely Shinto Buddhist country, according to Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. Francis had wanted to work as a missionary there in his youth but abandoned the plan after a lung operation. The pope has made two trips to Asia since his election five years ago, visiting the Philippines and Sri Lanka in 2014, followed by Myanmar and Bangladesh last year. In January of last year, Francis issued a harrowing photograph taken in 1945 showing a young Japanese boy carrying his dead brother. The child, carried on the boy's back, was ...
Swami Agnivesh writes to Pope against transfer of 4 Ker nuns
: Social activist Swami Agnivesh has written to Pope Francis against the transfer of four nuns who had taken part in a protest in Kochi, demanding the arrest of rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal. He said it was with much expectation and confidence in the Pope's 'robust sense of justice' that he was addressing the letter on the harassment which the sisters of Missionaries of Jesus order in Kerala were being subjected to for the stand they took in solidarity with a fellow nun, who went through harrowing experiences at the hands of bishop Franco Mulakkal. A copy of the letter was released to PTI here. The four nuns-- Sister Alphy Pallasseril, Sister Anupama Kelamangalathuveliyil, Sister Josephine Villoonnickal and Sister Ancitta Urumbil were issued transfer orders by the Mother Superior and this act, which reeks of vindictiveness, was "prima facie, punitive in nature and uncharitable", he said. "The people of India respect these nuns for the bold stand they took in ...
Amid wall debate, pope says fear of migration makes us crazy
Pope Francis said Wednesday that fear of migration is "making us crazy" as he began a trip to central America amid a standoff over President Donald Trump's promised wall at the U.S.-Mexico border and a new caravan of migrants heading north. Francis was asked by reporters about the proposed border wall Wednesday on the way to Panama, where he is looking to leave the sex abuse scandals buffeting his papacy behind. Francis responded: "It is the fear that makes us crazy." The Roman Catholic Church's first Latin American pope and the son of Italian immigrants to Argentina, Francis has made the plight of migrants and refugees a cornerstone of his papacy. He is also expected to offer words of encouragement to young people gathered in Panama for World Youth Day, the church's once-every-three-year pep rally that aims to invigorate the next generation of Catholics in their faith. Panama Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa said Francis' message is likely to resonate with young Central Americans who ...
Amarinder protests Pakistan move to restrict Kartarpur travel to only Sikhs
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday protested against Pakistan's proposal to allow only Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in the neighbouring country.
Allow access to all pilgrims at Kartapur Sahib, not just Sikhs: Amarinder
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Wednesday protested against Pakistan's reported proposal to allow only Sikh pilgrims inside the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, saying Guru Nanak Dev was a universal guru revered by followers of all religions, especially Hindus. In a statement issued here, he urged the Centre to take up the issue with the neighbouring nation when the latter sends its draft agreement for regulating entry into its territory through the Kartarpur corridor. Noting that Islamabad was well within its rights to set terms and conditions relating to its territorial safety and security, Amarinder Singh said it should take into consideration the fact that the first Sikh guru's ideology is not confined to Sikhs but is emulated by people of all faiths. "The Sikh ethos prescribes non-discrimination, with even the concept of 'langar' (community kitchen) being casteless service for all," the chief minister said. A large number of Hindus in India were ardent followers of Guru ..
We are not hiding your posts: Instagram defends its algorithm
In response to posts claiming that Instagram is showing posts to only 7 per cent of an account's followers, the company has issued a series of clarification tweets to reassure users.In its tweeted responses, Instagram said that it has not made any changes to the feed ranking and that it never hides posts from people you are following.The tweet further read that the feed is personalised to a user and evolves over time based on the usage.Instagram further clarified that what shows up in your feed is determined by what posts or accounts you engage with most, along with other factors such as timeliness of posts, how often you use Instagram, how many people you follow, and so on.
History, mythology to be in focus at JLF 2019
Conversations ranging from ancient civilisations to wars that changed the course of history and intriguing narratives by mystics and from mythologies will be in focus at the 2019 edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), the organisers said.
Transgenders offer prayers at Kumbh wishing for early construction of Ram temple
Scores of transgenders under the Kinnar Akhara today offered prayers, which included speedy construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, at the ongoing mega Prayagraj Kumbh Mela that has for the first time allowed members of the community to participate.Members of the group also took a ritualistic early morning dip in the sacred waters, considered a confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers.The Akhara, which is not officially recognised as a religious organisation, believes that their ancestors had played an instrumental role in helping Lord Rama to defeat the demon god Ravana in the epic Ramayana.In turn, Lord Rama as a reward blessed his one-time transgender war-time allies called Kinnars, and declared them gods who roamed the earth.Speaking to ANI, Anjali Pandey, a devotee said, "For the first time we saw transgenders offering prayers to Goddess Kali. We all were very surprised. We witnessed their Pooja for the first time. Not everybody gets such a chance, we are the
Lakhs bid tearful adieu to "Walking God" Shivakumara Swami
Lakhs of people bid a tearful adieu to their "Walking God", as the mortal remains of 111-year-old Sree Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga mutt, was laid to rest Tuesday with fullstate honours at the premises of the seminary he headedfor over seven decades. The most revered swamiji, who left an indelibleimprint with his stellar contributions in the education sector and philanthropy targeted at children in whom he saw the Almighty,was buried as "Kriya Samadhi", according to Veerashaiva/Lingayat traditions, amid chanting of hymns. Known as "trivida dasohi" for his triple sacraments -food, shelter and education - among his followers, the Swamiji, who passed away on Monday,was buried in a sitting posture at the Samadhi with cakes of viboothi (sacred ash), salt, sand, bilva leaves (Aegle marmelos) and rudrakshi, among other things. Preparations and rituals for the burial ceremony wereon since morning at the place, which, according to sources, was notified by Shivakumara Swami .
Akal Takht summons gurdwara president for equating Bihar CM with Sikh Gurus
The Akal Takht, the top temporal body of Sikhs, on Tuesday summoned Gurdwara Patna Sahib Parbandhak Committee president Avtar Singh Hit for his alleged blasphemous act of equating Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with Sikh Gurus. Akal Takht head Harpreet Singh has asked Hit to appear before it on January 28, an official said. The official said that as per Sikh tenets no human being could be equated with Gurus. Recently, Hit had allegedly equated Nitish Kumar with Sikh Gurus at a religious function in Bihar, he said.
Thousands pay emotional adieu to Shivakumara Swami at his funeral
The last rites of highly revered seer and practitioner of Lingayat-Veerashaiva faith of Lingayatism, Shivakumara Swami were held here on Tuesday with thousands of his devotees paying their tearful farewell to the great departed soul.Swami, who headed the Sree Siddaganga Mutt, breathed his last at the age of 111 on Monday at 11.44 am.Top political leaders and thousands of devotees participated in the funeral of the seer, who was often called "the walking god."The news of his death was followed by the pouring in of condolences from all over the world. Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy declared a three-day state mourning.In order to pay reverence to the Swami, schools, colleges and government offices remained closed on Tuesday in Karnataka.The pontiff of Sree Siddaganga Matha was being treated for a lung infection which he developed after an operation on December 8 last year. The operation was carried out to treat his liver and bile duct infection.Born in Veerapura in Karnataka's ..
Kumbh 2019: Muslim-Sikh duo urges people to pledge for Clean Ganga
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan 22 (ANI): A Muslim-Sikh duo has been urging people at the ongoing Kumbh Mela to take a pledge to clean river Ganga.M.A. Khan and Patvinder Singh have been visiting different akhadas to request saints and devotees to accept their request.The duo, which runs a non-profit organisation called Hriday Sangam, claims to have been doing this for the past 25 years. Khan and Singh, who refer themselves as social activists, have been able to seek the attention of locals. They claim that they have been funding the mission from their own pocket."We have sacrificed our lives for this. Social service is our passion. We do not want any money, all we seek is a pledge from people to clean river Ganga," Singh told ANI while elaborating upon the initiative.The duo has also campaigned for various other issues including clean politics, female feticide, and rehabilitation of elderly people among others."This is an initiative beyond any religion. I sold my restaurant ...
Kumbh 2019: Pandal set up to pay tribute to bravehearts
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan 22 (ANI): This year's Kumbh Mela features a pandal or stall exclusively dedicated to the bravehearts who lost their lives while defending the country.Named 'Shaheedon Ki Basti', special rituals are carried out in honour of India's slain soldiers in this pandal, which is the brainchild of Saint Balak Yogeshwar Das from Badrinath.A yajna called 'Ati Vishnu Mahayagya' is carried out daily for the deceased soldiers. The place has an Indian Flag at its top and also has a provision to accommodate the families of these soldiers. Their accommodation is termed as the Shaheed Gaon.Pictures of various deceased soldiers have been put at the periphery of the pandal, which also provides food to around 25000 people round the clock.Highlighting the contribution of the soldiers, Saint Balak Yogeshwar Das told ANI, "This is being done for those sons of the soil who gave their life for the country. We are doing this so that all of them can be at peace."In order to .
Replica Lord Venkateswara shrine in TN to be opened on Jan 27
A sprawling replica shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, constructed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which governs the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala here, would be thrown open to devotees from January 27, a senior TTD official said. TTD Public Relations Officer Talari Ravi told PTI that the temple complex,constructed at a cost of Rs 22.5 crore,also has another temple in it for Goddess Sri Padmavathi. The devotees who visit the shrine can have the blessings of Lord Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi in one go, he said. Marking the opening of the shrine on January 27 between 7.30 AM and 9 AM, the 'Mahasamprokshanam' ritual would be conducted by TTD priests at the shrine, he added.
Nun who took part in protest against rape accused bishop asked
A nun who took part in a protest here against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal has been asked for an explanation and to report to her superior in Punjab by her congregation, close on the heels of four other nuns who were asked to leave their convent in Kerala. Sister Neena Rose, who is staying with the survivor nun, has been asked to report to the Missionaries of Jesus congregation's Jalandhar convent and meet its Superior General Sr Regina Kandamthottu on January 26. A church official clarified that it was not a transfer order, but a warning letter issued to the Sister. The congregation head accused sister Rose of carrying on with the 'rebellious' posture refusing to be part of the community and its daily religious life. Earlier, the head had issued transfer orders to four nuns who took part in the protest, demanding the arrest of the Bishop. In her letter to Rose, the superior general of the congregation had warned that failure to comply with the advice to report in
Punjab govt asks Centre to start train to mark birth celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev
The Punjab government has urged the Centre to start a regular train service between Delhi and Amritsar to facilitate pilgrims to pay obeisance during the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev. In this regard, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Tuesday spoke with Union Railways minister Piyush Goyal to pursue the state's demand for a regular express train service, named Prakash Purb Express, an official release said here. Singh also pressed for special train services for Sultanpur Lodhi from Delhi during the period from October 1 to November 30 this year to ensure proper connectivity and ease of travel to the pilgrims. The chief minister also sought upgradation of the existing railway station at Sultanpur Lodhi to a world-class railway station in view of the importance of the town to the historic celebrations. Pointing out that the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev was being observed in November this year, the chief minister referred to the letter ..
1 more nun who protested against rape accused Bishop issued transfer orders
A nun, who took part in a protest here against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, has been issued transfer orders by her congregation, close on the heels of four other nuns who were asked to leave their convent in Kerala. Sister Neena Rose, who is staying with the survivor nun, has been asked to report to the Missionaries of Jesus congregation's Jalandhar convent and meet its Superior General Sr Regina Kandamthottu on January 26. The congregation head accused sister Rose of carrying on with the 'rebellious' posture refusing to be part of the community and its daily religious life. Earlier, the head had issued transfer orders to four nuns who took part in the protest, demanding the arrest of the Bishop. In her letter to Rose, the superior general of the congregation had warned that failure to comply with the advice to report in person as instructed would be construed as a deliberate refusal to abide by the legitimate order of her Mother General, thereby challenging the authority ...
Pakistani district council wants only Christians as sweepers
In the resolution adopted unanimously, the council said all Muslims posted as sweepers should be transferred to other posts such as those of a guard or a peon, the channel reported.The resolution was presented by the country's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Akmal Khan, said the channel in its report.The resolution also stated that the idea was in accordance with court orders. The document, however, did not specify when a court gave such an order and in what case, the TV channel said.Akmal Khan told Samaa that he did not remember the date of the court order. Last year, however, the Peshawar High Court had passed a verdict in which Muslims working as sweepers in the Bacha Khan Medical Complex were to be transferred to other posts, he said.Human rights lawyer Advocate Mary James Gill strongly condemned the move, saying the resolution was in violation of the Article 27 of the Constitution. She told Samaa TV that the move not only went against Quaid-i-Azam M A Jinnah's vision for the ...
Austria wrong to limit Good Friday to certain faiths: EU court
Austria is wrong to make Good Friday a public holiday only for members of certain Christian churches, the European Court of Justice ruled Tuesday. Most Austrians are Roman Catholic, but Good Friday is a paid holiday only for members of the Evangelical Churches of the Augsburg and Helvetic Confessions, the Old Catholic Church and the United Methodists. Members of these minority faiths can take the last Friday before Easter off as paid leave, or expect to be paid extra for working that day. A private detective, Markus Achatzi, complained to the Austrian courts that his employer Cresco Investigation had not paid him extra for work he carried out on Friday April 3, 2015 -- alleging discrimination. Achatzi is not a member of one of the churches granted the holiday right. The country's supreme court in turn referred the matter to the European Union's top court, which ruled that Austria is indeed guilty of "direct discrimination on grounds of religion." "Until Austria amends its legislation
Loyola College apologises for 'objectionable' paintings on
The well-known Loyola College here has issued an apology after a row erupted over some paintings at an expo in its campus which the BJP and other saffron outfits termed as desecration of Hindu symbols. The Bharatiya Janata Party and some pro-Hindu organisations Monday strongly objected to the paintings which they said had portrayed the trishul, a symbol of Hinduism, and 'Bharat Mata', in an inappropriate manner. They said the paintings at the two-day exhibition which concluded Sunday also depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in bad light. Following the outrage, the college Monday issued the apology and said that offensive paintings, put up as part of a cultural event, were "immediately" removed. While one of the exhibits featured the trishul in a painting related to violence against women, another suggested that Modi was a hegemonic and also likened him to a Hindu deity. Following complaints by the BJP and Hindu outfits to the police against the paintings which they ...