Page 24 - Religion Belief
Sri Lanka's Christians afraid to attend church after blasts
Members of Sri Lanka's Christian minority have been left afraid to go to church after deadly attacks that hit Easter services, killing nearly 300 and stoking fears of communal violence. "Some people might be afraid to go to church now. At this moment I have no idea what to say," Father Lour Fernando told AFP by St Sebastian's in Negombo, one of three churches targeted Sunday. "We have to remain strong and keep going to church and keep praying. We can't stop." Ranjan Christopher Fernard, a 55-year-old taxi driver from Negombo, said he was nervous about attending church after the attacks, which killed his friend's 11-year-old son. "Tonight we (my family) will all go to church to pray for the victims," he said. "Of course I feel afraid... but we have to go to church, we have to pray for the injured to get well soon." The suicide bomb attacks were the worst atrocity in Sri Lanka since the country's 37-year conflict with Tamil rebels ended a decade ago. Sri Lanka's Christians, who make up .
A Catholic town at the center of Sri Lanka's deadly attacks
The seaside Sri Lankan fishing town of Negombo has long been called "Little Rome," a reference to its abundance of churches and its place at the center of the country's small Catholic community. On Monday, it was a town in mourning. Small white flags flew in house after house near St. Sebastian's Church, a sign that someone who lived there had died. Groups of people visited, paying their respects. On Easter Sunday, a bomb blast ripped through St. Sebastian's, one of a half-dozen coordinated attacks on churches and high-end hotels that killed nearly 300 people. At least 110 were killed at St. Sebastian's, said Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, making it the day's most deadly bombing. Charles Fernando, 32, who was among the neighbourhood residents walking between houses, pointed to a home where he said nearly everyone had been killed or injured. "We had war for 30 years but there were no bomb blasts in Negombo," he said. "We will never forget this." During Sri Lanka's long and bloody civil war,
'Agni Kheli' festival: devotees throw fire at each other at K'tka temple
As a part of a centuries-old tradition, hundreds of devotees here performed a spectacular fire ritual, to pay reverence to the Goddess Durga at a temple situated in the Kateel town, around 30 kilometers from here.Bare-chested, dhoti-clad men threw fire torches at each other in the compound of the Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple here in the unique age-old fire fighting ritual aimed at appeasing the Goddess.The ritual 'Agni Kheli' 'Thoothedhara' takes place during the festival of the Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple that is held in the month of April each year for about eight consecutive days.Two villages near the temple-- Athoor and Kodathoor participated in the ritual.Speaking to ANI, priest of the Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, Hari Narayana Dasa Asranna said: "The two groups face one another from a distance of about 15metres to 20 meters and throw burning palm fronds at each other."According to the rules of the festival, the men are divided into two groups and are permitted five
London says Britons among those killed in Sri Lanka attacks
Britons were among those killed in the deadly Easter Sunday blasts in Sri Lanka, the Foreign Office in London said. "We can confirm that British nationals were among those killed in today's horrific attacks in Sri Lanka," a Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman told AFP. "Our staff are supporting the relatives of the victims and are continuing to work with the relevant authorities to obtain further information. "We extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and all those affected by this senseless tragedy." The spokeswoman did not give a figure for the Britons killed, but a government ministry source said London was aware of at least five British fatalities. A series of eight devastating bomb blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services, killing more than 200 people, including dozens of foreigners. James Dauris, Britain's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, was attending an Easter Day church service in Colombo that was cut short ..
PM Modi announces ex-gratia to families of 7 killed in Karuppasami temple stampede
Seven people were killed and 10 others got injured in a stampede at Karuppasami temple in the district on Saturday night.Thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple on Saturday night to offer prayers on the occasion of Chitra Poornima.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences over the incident.The PM wrote on his official Twitter handle, "Saddened by the loss of lives due to the stampede at a temple in Thuraiyur, Trichy. My condolences to the families of those who passed away and prayers with the injured. All possible help is being extended by the authorities."The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased, as well as Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident."An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who passed away has been approved from the PM's National Relief Fund. Rs 50,000 each for the injured has also been approved," the tweet read.The injured have been admitted to the government ...
Security tightened around Goa churches on Easter
Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant on Sunday while condemning the Sri Lankan terror attacks, said that the state government has beefed up the security around all the churches here on Easter Day.While speaking to ANI he said: " I have discussed the security situation with the state Director General of Police Pranab Nanda and have instructed him to beef up security around Goa's churches."The chief minister insisted that since Goa is full of churches, the security built-up is needed on the occasion of Easter Sunday.Further speaking on the issue of safety Sawant said: "I will also be talking to the Archbishop of Goa and seek his help to ensure the security of the churches and people."This comes in the wake of the gruesome bomb blast attack in Sri Lanka that hit a string of high-end hotels and churches, as the Christian community marked the occasion of Easter Sunday. 207 people have lost their lives until now, while around 450 people have been injured.
Egypt's Al-Azhar condemns Sri Lanka 'terrorist' attacks
Egypt's Al-Azhar, the Sunni Muslim world's foremost religious institution, on Sunday condemned "terrorist" attacks in Sri Lanka against hotels and churches celebrating Easter that killed more than 200 people. "I cannot imagine a human being could target the peaceful on their celebration day," said Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the institution's grand imam. "Those terrorists' perverted disposition goes against the teachings of all religions," he said in comments published on Al-Azhar's Twitter account. At least 207 people were killed Sunday in a series of eight devastating bomb blasts, which ripped through hotels and churches where Christians were celebrating Easter. "I pray that God grants patience to the families of the casualties and recovery to the injured," added Sheikh Tayeb. Al-Azhar frequently denounces jihadist movements and regularly reaches out to the Christian faith. In February, Pope Francis and Sheikh Tayeb signed a document on "human fraternity for world peace", hailed by the ..
Western Christians mark Easter at Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre
Hundreds of pilgrims filed into Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus's resurrection, for Easter celebrations on Sunday. Catholics and Protestants mark Easter on Sunday, while eastern Orthodox Christians celebrated Palm Sunday, with Easter Sunday coming for them on April 28. The church, in the Old City of Israeli-occupied east Jerusalem, is built at the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. A recently renovated ornate shrine within the church surrounds the cave where Jesus is believed to have been interred. The western and eastern faiths mingled there in a packed crowd. "Too much of an unruly crowd is not so spiritual," grumbled Donatella Buhler from Switzerland, there with her children. Polish pilgrim Matthew Novak was more impressed. "It's really different," he said. "You can feel the spirit of religion." Roman Catholic Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa celebrated mass near the shrine and alluded to the pain and
Pope denounces 'cruel violence' of Sri Lanka Easter attack
Pope Francis denounced the "cruel violence" of the Easter Sunday slaughter of Christians and foreigners in Sri Lanka as he celebrated the most joyful moment on the Christian liturgical calendar by lamenting the bloodshed and political violence afflicting many parts of the world. Francis skipped his homily during Easter Mass but delivered his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) speech highlighting conflicts in the Mideast, Africa and the Americas and demanding that political leaders put aside their differences and work instead for peace. "May the one who gives us his peace end the roar of arms, both in areas of conflict and in our cities, and inspire the leaders of nations to work for an end to the arms race and the troubling spread of weaponry, especially in the economically more advanced countries," Francis said from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica overlooking the flower-decked square below. In a special appeal at the end, Francis lamented the "grave attacks" on
Pope denounces 'cruel violence' in Sri Lanka
Pope Francis is denouncing the "cruel violence" of the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka and is praying for all those who are suffering from the bloodshed. Francis added an appeal at the end of his traditional Easter Sunday blessing to address the massacre which killed more than 130 people. Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Francis said: "I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence." He added: "I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event.
Scientists decode how superstitions spread
Scientists have how superstitious beliefs can become established in a society's social norms, even though they are widely recognised to be irrational. The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows how groups of individuals, each starting with distinct belief systems, can evolve a coordinated set of behaviours that are enforced by a set of consistent social norms. "What's interesting here is that we show that, beginning in a system where no one has any particular belief system, a set of beliefs can emerge, and from those, a set of coordinated behaviours," said Erol Akcay, an assistant professor at University of Pennsylvania in the US. "Slowly, these actors accumulate superstitions," said Bryce Morsky, a postdoctoral researcher. People believe that when they observe an event they should behave in a particular manner because another person will behave that way. "Over time, if they have success in using that kind of a strategy, the ...
Pope during Easter vigil: reject the 'glitter of wealth'
At an Easter vigil in St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis on Saturday encouraged people to resist cynicism or pursuing the "glitter of wealth," and to avoid seeking life's meaning in "things that pass away." "Do not bury hope!" Francis exclaimed, after noting that when things go badly, "we lose heart and come to believe that death is stronger than life." "We become cynical, negative and despondent," Francis added. For Christians, Easter is a day of joy and hope, as they mark their belief that Jesus triumphed over death by resurrection following crucifixion. "Sin seduces; it promises things easy and quick, prosperity and success, but leaves behind only solitude and death," the pope said. "Sin is looking for life among the dead, for the meaning of life in things that pass away." Encouraging the faithful, Francis said: "Why not prefer Jesus, the true light, to the glitter of wealth, career, pride and pleasure?" At the start of the ceremony on Easter's eve, Francis, dressed in white robes,
Easter celebrated with traditional fervour in northeast
Easter celebrations began with pomp and gaiety in the northeast on Sunday with people taking part in candlelight processions and prayer services. In Nagaland capital Kohima, thousands of devotees attended the sunrise service at the historic World War-II Cemetery to mark the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Delivering his Easter message, the general secretary of Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Rev. Vesekhoyi Tetseo, said, "Jesus Christ is the hope for those who acknowledge their shortcomings and repent." He called upon the people to seek God's mercy to attain "eternal salvation". Extending his greetings, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said it was time to rejoice and be thankful for the gift of life, love and joy. "The greatest act of love on #GoodFriday is followed by the greatest act of power on #EasterSunday - #Resurrection. The miracle of #Easter brings hope and it is a time to rejoice and be thankful for the gift of life, love and joy. Have a blessed Easter Sunday. .
Holy Land Catholics condemn deadly Sri Lanka blasts
The Catholic Church in the Holy Land has voiced support for Sri Lanka's Christians and condemned Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels there that killed at least 156 people. A statement issued in Jerusalem said the blasts were particularly sad as they "came while Christians celebrate Easter." "We pray for the souls of the victims and ask for speedy recovery of the injured, and ask God to inspire the terrorists to repent of their killing and intimidation," the statement said. "We also express our solidarity with Sri Lanka and all its inhabitants in their various religious and ethnic backgrounds." A string of blasts ripped through churches and high-end hotels as worshippers attended Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday. The nature of the blasts was not immediately clear and there were no immediate claims of responsibility. Only around six per cent of mainly Buddhist Sri Lanka is Catholic.
Konkani translation of Indian Constitution released
A Konkani translation of the Indian Constitution has been released by the Mangaluru Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha at at the Rosario cathedral here. The translation has been done by Prof Stephen Quadros Permude, who has authored several books in Konkani. The book has been brought out by the Mangaluru diocesan commission, led by its convener Fr J B Crasta. In his speech during the release on Saturday, the Bishop said the need of the hour was to understand the Constitution, respect it and strive to strengthen its provisions by designating the duty of its protection to the right people. The common people should be made aware of their rights and constitutional responsibilities, he said. Saldanha said the Catholic Bishops Conference of India wants all students in its institutions to learn the provisions in the Constitution. He urged Konkani-speaking people to utilise the translated work to the maximum.
Notre Dame's Paris worshippers displaced for Easter Mass
Displaced by a massive fire, Notre Dame Cathedral's Paris parishioners are gathering to celebrate Easter in another church and to pray for a speedy reconstruction of their beloved monument. The fire that engulfed Notre Dame during Holy Week has forced worshippers to find other places to attend Easter services. The Paris diocese invited them to attend Easter Mass on Sunday at the grandiose Saint-Eustache Church on the Right Bank of the Seine River. Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit will lead the service. Other Catholics from around France and other countries who wanted to mark Easter in Notre Dame are also expected to attend. Notre Dame isn't expected to reopen to the public for at least five or six years, according to its rector, although the French president is pushing for a quick reconstruction. Investigators believe the fire was an accident.
UK must stand up for religious freedom, says Theresa May in Easter message
British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday called for the UK to stand up for religious freedom in her annual message to mark Easter. The embattled leader, who continues to face pressures from within her Conservative Party to step down amid the ongoing Brexit delays and uncertainty, focussed her message to mark the Christian festival on hope. Easter is a particularly special time, when we remember the powerful message at the heart of our Christian faith. A message of hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, when we can look forward to a new life in Christ. I will spend Easter as I do every year, giving thanks in church, she said. The British PM, daughter of a vicar and a practising Christian, noted that for many Christians around the world, such simple acts of faith can bring huge danger. Churches have been attacked. Christians murdered. Families forced to flee their homes," she said. That is why the government has launched a global review into the persecution of Christians. We ...
Thousands throng Shrine Basilica for Easter celebrations
Thousands of devotees have thronged the Shrine Basilica at Vailankanni in the district in connection with Easter celebrations. The celebrations, which commenced last night, will continue on Sunday. As a mark of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, a candlelight procession commenced at 11 PM on Saturday. When the clock struck 12, the resurrection of Jesus was announced by the parish priest Prabhakar Adigalar, followed by special prayers, church officials said. On Sunday morning, prayers in all South Indian languages commenced and will be held throughout the day, they said. Thousands of pilgrims from various parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra are participating in the festival. Later this evening the Easter car procession will be held, the church officials said. The special feature of the celebrations is the 'padayatra' by hundreds of pilgrims from various places. During the eight-day period between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, pilgrims carry ...
BJP complains against Cong tweet 'insulting' PM, Hinduism
Senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde Saturday wrote a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra claiming a tweet from the Congress's official Twitter handle insults and spreads falsehood against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and portrays the Hindu religion in a negative light. Tawde wrote on behalf on the state election committee of the BJP. His letter said the Congress, in a tweet from its official Twitter handle @INCIndia on April 20 at 12.20pm, stated, "This is the modus operandi that Modi gives his blessings for- organized propagation of hate, spreading of fake news, misleading people, rampant misogyny, abusing the Constitution & misuse of religious sentiments to incite hatred". The BJP minister said along with the tweet, the Congress also posted a 2.16 minute video with the hashtag (#BhaktCharitra), adding that the song in the clip talks in an insulting manner towards the prime minister, spreads falsehood and incites hatred towards him. "Saffron colour has .
'Hindutva' word doesn't exist in my dictionary: Digvijaya Singh
There is no such term called 'Hindutva' that exists in my dictionary, said Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh here on Saturday."Why are you using the word 'Hindutva'? No such word called 'Hindutva' exists in my dictionary," he said while addressing a press conference.The Congress leader was asked if he thinks that there will be polarisation in elections on the issue of Hindutva.His comments assume significance in the wake of BJP fielding Malegaon Blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from Bhopal, the seat from where Digvijaya is contesting on a Congress ticket.Digivijaya has often been accused by his political rivals of inventing the 'saffron terror' term.Later, Singh tweeted saying that the Hindu religion was his faith. "Therefore, I did not propagate about Narmada Parikrama, traditions of Raghogarh temple...When did the BJP people come between me and God? When did they become agents to give certificates," he asked.Tweeting further, he said: ..
