Here are today’s News briefs from around the world. Here is some information to read, to reflect upon. Each of these events and issues require our prayers. Remember that God has a plan for each believer, each faithful follower.
Always direct love and generosity toward God. Strive to be good tenants of the vineyard. Do not betray God. Fidelity with God is essential for our spiritual health, spiritual well-being.
Pope Benedict XVI's meeting with Indonesian Bishops in Rome is the lead story.
“Christ’s message of salvation, forgiveness and love have been preached in your country for centuries,” Pope Benedict XVI told the Indonesian Bishops at a meeting in Rome. “Your country is composed of thousands of islands; so too the Church in Indonesia is made up of thousands of Christian communities, “islands of Christ’s presence.”
“I can only encourage you in your continuing efforts to promote and sustain inter-religious dialogue in your nation.” The 2010 census indicated that 85 percent of Indonesia’s 245 million citizens are Muslim, with Christians making up approximately 13 percent of the population. Only about a quarter of the Christians are Catholic. There are smaller but significant populations of Hindus, Buddhists, and Confucians.
“Your country, so rich in its cultural diversity and possessed of a large population, is home to significant numbers of followers of various religious traditions. Thus, the people of Indonesia are well-placed to make important contributions to the quest for peace and understanding among the peoples of the world. Your participation in this great enterprise is decisive, and so I urge you, dear brothers, to ensure that those whom you shepherd know that they, as Christians, are to be agents of peace, perseverance and charity.”
Violence against Christian churches has begun to occur in Indonesia. Muslim extremists have burned churches, orchestrated Mosque suicide bombings, and interrupted Easter religious services.
“I appreciate the intense efforts made by numerous individuals and agencies in the name of the Church to bring the tender compassion of God to many members of Indonesian society. This is the hallmark of every movement, action and expression of the Church, in all of her sacramental, charitable, educational and social endeavors, so that in everything her members may strive to make the Triune God known and loved through Jesus Christ. This will not only contribute to the spiritual vitality of the Church as she grows in confidence through humble yet courageous witness; it will also strengthen Indonesian society by promoting those values that your fellow citizens hold dear: tolerance, unity and justice for all citizens.”
Mumtaz Qadri, one of Punjab governor Salman Taseer's bodyguards, was convicted of murder after he shot the governor 27 times in Islamabad in January. There were chilling scenes of celebration after the killing, with many hailing Qadri as a "hero of Islam". Taseer wanted to reform Pakistan’s draconian blasphemy laws. Shahbaz Taseer, one of the governor’s sons was abducted 43 days ago by militants in North Wazristan. There has been no contact with his kidnappers.
Qadri has appealed against his sentence and the judge in the case was forced to take "indefinite leave" for his own safety.
Researchers have evidence that babies as young as 15 months can recognize when someone is being treated unfairly and respond by being generous toward them, scientists have learned. 47 babies were tested by showing a video in which food was unevenly distributed between two people. Another similar video in which food was shared equally was shown to the children.
When something surprises them babies pay greater attention.
On this day October 8, 1982 Solidarity and all of Poland's other labor unions were banned
