The Church in Asia

The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1, 2026.

Father Agustin Opalalic noted that the feast day highlights the communion of saints, a reality expressed in the Creed. This communion includes all faithful belonging to Christ and consists of the Church on earth, the Church in purgatory, and the Church in heaven. This spiritual union is founded in Jesus Christ.

The celebration also encompasses the canonized saints who receive veneration within the Church.

Bishop Roberto Gaa attributed the decrease in priestly and religious vocations to a decline in family prayer. Speaking at the Manila Cathedral on Oct. 31, 2026, the Bishop of Novaliches said that families must create a culture of prayer to help children listen to God and discern their callings. He noted that less frequent family prayer results in fewer discovered vocations and encouraged parents to establish steadfast prayer habits with children from an early age.

The Mass presided over by Gaa opened the 3rd National Vocations Month. Gaa serves as the chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Vocations. The gathering included seminarians, consecrated persons, and vocation directors from various dioceses.

Participants held a Walk for Vocations through Intramuros to promote awareness of religious and priestly life. National Vocations Month is observed every November.

Twelve members of the Archdiocesan Bahasa Malaysia Apostolate (ABMA) met at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Mentakab to plan activities for 2027.

The group identified several formation programs for the coming year, including the ArchKL Catholic Youth Conference, Kem TOB Untuk Remaja, Seminar Keluarga, and the ALPHA Train the Trainer program. Members also planned outreach visits to Komuniti Umat Bahasa Malaysia (KUBM) parishes located in Cheras, Kajang, and Kemaman.

Bishop Crispin Varquez of Tagbilaran urged Catholic families to pray the Rosary together and attend Sunday Mass to strengthen household bonds. During a homily on Oct. 31 at the patronal fiesta of Holy Rosary Parish in Antequera, Bohol, the bishop said excessive use of electronic devices by both parents and children is eroding family unity.

Varquez noted that family prayer is becoming less frequent because people spend more time on gadgets than on shared religious activities. He encouraged parents to set aside time to gather their children for prayer, stating that these practices help preserve love and unity within the home. The celebration also marked the conclusion of the Month of the Holy Rosary.

Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz issued a pastoral letter for All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1, advising families to teach children to embrace holiness rather than glorify evil. He cautioned against Halloween activities that portray Satan or occult practices, noting that such celebrations can influence the values and habits of children and the community.

While acknowledging that many Halloween activities are innocent recreation, the archbishop warned that some celebrations may obscure the Christian meaning of the solemnity. He encouraged parishes, Catholic schools, and religious communities to organize a Parade of Saints instead. This allows children to portray holy men and women and share their stories.

Bendico stated that these celebrations should include prayer, catechesis, and family participation. He noted that the purpose of such events is not to replace one costume party with another, but to teach children that they are called to become saints.

Bishop Maksimus Regus of Labuan Bajo inaugurated the St. Joseph Teong Toda station and blessed the Mary Queen of Peace grotto on October 30, 2026. The new station serves as a ministry unit within the St. Klaus Werang Parish.

The Eucharist included RD Yuvensius Rugi, RD Charles Suwendi, and RD Yohanes Fakundo Selman. Local government officials, members of the DPRD, and community leaders attended the event.

Local community leaders and RD Servulus Juanda welcomed the bishop with a traditional ceremony. This reception included Muslim community members. Students from local schools participated in the liturgy through choir and dance.

Parishioners of Holy Family Apouwo in Piyaiye concluded the Month of the Rosary with a Liturgy of the Word on Friday, October 31, 2026. The event began with communal Rosary prayers led by Deacon Theodorus B. Iyai, the parish person in charge.

During his homily, Deacon Iyai stated that love must be the center of prayer and the observance of God's law. He said that sincere prayer should produce tangible results in life, such as patience, humility, generosity, and sensitivity toward others. He noted that the Rosary should not be limited to spoken words but must be expressed through concrete actions.

Deacon Iyai encouraged the faithful to imitate the Virgin Mary by letting their devotion transform into acts of love within their families, local communities, and the wider parish. As part of the service, the deacon burned papers containing the prayer intentions collected from the parishioners.

Father Nguyen Van Tu, the diocesan youth chaplain, and the Bùi Chu diocesan youth leadership team attended the National Catholic Youth Ministry Conference at the Nha Trang diocesan bishop's residence on October 28 and 29, 2026.

The Middle East Council of Churches welcomed religious leaders, professors, and students to Saint Joseph University of Beirut for a conference on religious perspectives regarding the protection of Lebanon's environment.

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, urged Church officials to prioritize collaboration over institutional competition to advance the Church's mission.

During the closing Mass of a three-day interministerial planning workshop on October 29, 2026, Garcera stated that genuine synodality requires a change in attitude. He said officials must move from working independently toward seeking the common good of the Church. He noted that collaboration should be measured by how different offices recognize each other's contributions and serve their communities.

The workshop, held at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, was facilitated by Garcera and the CBCP Secretariat. It brought together executive secretaries and sectoral representatives from various episcopal commissions and committees.

Fr. Jessie Martirizar has been elected provincial superior of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus St. Matthew Province. He will serve a four-year term ending in 2030, succeeding Fr. Orville Cajigal, who served in the role for eight years.

The election took place during the congregation’s Fourth Provincial Chapter, held from Oct. 13 to Oct. 19 at the Oasis of Prayer and Rogationist College in Silang, Cavite. The assembly included 62 capitulars. During the closing Mass, Martirizar, a former provincial councilor, made his profession of faith and oath of fidelity.

The chapter also elected several members to the provincial council. Fr. Jose Ariel Tecson was chosen as provincial vicar and councilor for religious life, formation, and vocation ministry. Fr. Ulrich Gacayan will oversee the Rogate sector, Bro. Christian Allan De Sagun will manage charity and mission, and Fr. Henry Ramos will lead ministry for the laity, parishes, and youth. Fr. Al John Provido was elected provincial treasurer.

The St. Matthew Province manages Rogationist communities and ministries in the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New.

Women in the Nambangan fishing community of Surabaya, East Java, are processing locally caught seafood into value-added products to secure more stable family incomes. Members of the Indonesian Coastal Women’s Association (KPPI) are working to transform seafood, specifically a signature anchovy known as teri bulu ayam, into goods for wider markets.

The Association International of Charity (AIC) Surabaya supports these women through business mentoring, training, and facility upgrades. On October 26, 2026, the organization inaugurated a renovated food production facility designed to meet food safety standards. The inauguration was attended by Eunice Reyes, the AIC Asia Regional leader, along with representatives from AIC Indonesia and various AIC units.

The program addresses economic challenges faced by fishing families in Nambangan, including climate change, extreme weather, tidal flooding, and coastal development. These factors have reduced fish catches and household earnings. Many families currently rely on middlemen who purchase catches at low prices or use traditional processing methods that offer little financial gain. AIC Surabaya began working with the Nambangan community in mid-2023 to strengthen the economic roles of local women.

St. Xavier’s College held a two-day Faculty Enrichment Programme titled “Nurturing Academic Leaders, Building Institutional Excellence.” The event, organized by the college IQAC, included sessions on leadership, wellness, and the future of education.

Sandeep Morajkar spoke on mindfulness, self-discipline, and time management. Shelly Pandey from the Goa Institute of Management led sessions on adaptive leadership and conflict management, while Neha Popat used group activities to demonstrate the importance of trust and cooperation in decision-making.

The second day addressed quality initiatives and institutional development. Sanjay Kumar of BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, discussed the professional skills required by industry, and Nilesh Borde of Goa University spoke on moving toward holistic development and social responsibility. Additional sessions included Mandita Morgenstern Antao on design thinking and Amey Karmali of CIBA on supporting student entrepreneurship through incubation centers.

Authorities in the Indian state of Odisha have arrested more than 100 Adivasi and Dalit people and filed at least 43 criminal cases since 2023, according to the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL). The arrests and legal actions follow protests by local communities against bauxite mining projects in the Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.

The IPMSDL reports that Vedanta Ltd. obtained a 50-year lease in February 2023 to mine bauxite across 1,549 hectares in these districts. Community members have protested the project to defend their lands. Among those detained is Lingaraj Azad, an adviser to the Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti (NSS), who has opposed the Sijimali and Kutrumali projects. Azad has remained in Bhawanipatna jail since March 25, despite having secured bail in one case.

On October 16, authorities arrested Dalit activist Laxman Naik and community health organizer Dr. Randall Sequeira at Sequeira’s home in Kalahandi. Both men are held at the Rayagada sub-jail on charges including attempted murder, armed rioting, armed robbery, and criminal intimidation. The IPMSDL stated these charges are fabricated. Additionally, Lada Sikaka, a Dongria Kandh leader and president of the NSS, was arrested on September 10.

Theater director Ing Pokkasina reflected on the spiritual impact of directing a production about Thailand’s Catholic martyrs one week after its staging at the Baan Song Khon Shrine. Pokkasina, a Buddhist professor at Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, directed the open-air production titled “Echoes of Faith: The Blessed Martyrs of Song Khon.”

The production used live theater, choral music, and an original score to recount the history of the first native Thais canonized by the Catholic Church. The performance focused on seven Thai Catholics, including laywomen, religious sisters, and catechists, who were killed for their faith in December 1940.

The event took place in Song Khon, located in the Archdiocese of Thare-Nongseng in northeastern Thailand. Pokkasina stated that the project evolved from a professional assignment into a significant life journey as he worked to translate the historical and religious narrative into a theatrical experience.

Two students from SMAS Seminari Lalian placed in the top five of the 2026 Belu Open chess tournament held from October 23 to 25 at SDI Tanah Merah I.

Petrus J. Atok finished in second place in the SMA/sederajat category with 13 points. He tied in points with Alexander Manek Luan from SMAK Surya, but the tiebreak calculation placed Atok in second place. Petrus Man Dalio finished in fourth place with 12 points.

The tournament was organized by the Pengurus Kabupaten Persatuan Catur Seluruh Indonesia (Percasi) Belu and included 32 participants. Seminari Lalian sent Petrus J. Atok, Petrus Man Dalio, Julito J. Nahak, and Petrus Eli Funan to the competition, accompanied by Fr. Rivaldo Atamukin.

Eight parishes from the Paniai Deanery gathered at Kristus Jaya Komopa Parish for the opening of the Karya Misi Kepausan Indonesia (KMKI) event on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

At 17.00 WIT, Father Yosef Setiadi led the opening Mass. Following the liturgy, each parish introduced itself and performed chants.

The event is intended to strengthen brotherhood and cooperation among the participating parishes. Participants are expected to complete the full series of activities to bring experiences back to their respective parishes.

The Diocese of Atambua, the Belu Regional Government, and various indigenous communities are developing a strategic collaboration to address social, pastoral, and ecological challenges. This effort follows a series of panel discussions held in Kewar, Bauho, Lasiolat, Mandeu, Naitimu, and Lidak.

The discussions brought together indigenous leaders, community members, youth, women, cultural observers, academics, and various stakeholders. Participants proposed revitalizing the role of indigenous institutions to serve as partners for the government and the Church to support community development.

The collaboration seeks to address poverty, family problems, land conflicts, shifting cultural values, and environmental degradation. According to the Diocese of Atambua, the participants identified the Ema Belu spirit, a collective awareness of identity and shared responsibility, as a social asset to help the community manage these changes while preserving cultural heritage.

The Vatican has elevated San Bartolome Parish in Malabon City to the status of a minor basilica. The Diocese of Kalookan announced the designation on Thursday, Oct. 29, following a decree from the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The decree, dated Sept. 29, 2026, granted the petition for the title after it received an endorsement from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. This makes San Bartolome the first minor basilica in the Diocese of Kalookan.

Founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1614, the parish is the oldest church in the diocese. The current structure was completed in 1813, though the building has faced historical damage from natural calamities and the Philippine Revolution in 1898.

A United Nations report states that climate change has reduced the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon by approximately 6%. The 2026 Climate Technology Progress Report attributes this decline to ocean warming and shifting wind patterns compared to a world without human-induced climate change.

Martin Krause, director of the Climate Change Division at the UN Environment Programme, said a weaker ocean carbon sink leaves more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This makes climate goals more difficult and expensive to reach. While the ocean absorbs about 30% of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions and 90% of the additional heat generated by climate change, processes such as acidification, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are disrupting its ability to store carbon.

The report indicates that rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are the primary response to this weakening. It notes that ocean-based climate technologies are not a replacement for deep emissions cuts or marine ecosystem protection. Instead, these technologies can help preserve natural carbon sinks and improve data for climate decisions. The UN called for continued investment in ocean observation, modeling, and data infrastructure.

Frans Seran, the priest of Santo Laurensius Wemasa, opened a journalism training session for students of SMKN Kobalima on 27 October 2026. The training took place at the parish to improve student literacy, communication, and writing skills.

The session included 24 students and 14 teachers. Yudel Neno, the head of Komsos Keuskupan Atambua, served as the instructor. He taught the participants the definition of news, the 5W + 1H principle, and the inverted pyramid structure for news writing.

Natalia Nahak, the head of SMKN Kobalima, attended the event to support the training. Father Seran expressed appreciation to Komsos Keuskupan Atambua for providing the instruction to the participants.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand and the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Thailand will host a musical tribute to mark the first anniversary of the death of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The event, titled “A Royal Requiem: Music in Memory and Prayers,” will also honor Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, who died in June at age 47.

The premiere performance is scheduled for November 18 at 6 p.m. at Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok, where the King and Queen are expected to attend. A second performance will be open to the public on November 29 at 4 p.m. at the Mahidol University main campus in Salaya.

Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, president of the bishops’ conference, said the commemoration reflects the historical relationship between the Catholic Church, the Holy See, and the Thai monarchy. He noted that the musical tribute serves as an act of suffrage and a sign of friendship. The Thai Catholic community has held Requiem Masses and liturgies of thanksgiving since the Queen Mother died on October 24, 2025.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos called for development projects to include the voices of indigenous communities facing displacement. Speaking at the ninth Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan at the University of the Philippines Diliman on October 24, Alminaza argued that progress is not genuine if those whose homes and livelihoods are affected have little influence over decisions regarding their land.

Alminaza, who also serves as president of Caritas Philippines, cited the Ati community in Boracay and other indigenous groups as examples of people facing displacement due to the expansion of hotels and businesses. He noted that bishops from Western Visayas recently visited these communities to hear their concerns.

During his acceptance speech, Alminaza rejected the idea that environmental advocates oppose progress. He stated that communities dependent on natural resources must participate in and lead decisions that affect their future. He used the Visayan term "Hayuma," meaning to repair fishing nets, to describe the need for communities to work together to defend rights and repair damage caused by displacement.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle told Catholics to prioritize personal relationships over technology when sharing their faith during a Mass for the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Legazpi on Oct. 28, 2026. Speaking at St. Gregory the Great Cathedral Parish in Legazpi City, Tagle, the pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, said that technology and social media can support missionary work but cannot replace personal testimony.

Tagle stated that evangelization requires human witnesses who have personally encountered Jesus. He noted that gadgets cannot lead people to faith and that only people can serve as missionaries. He encouraged the faithful to share what they have seen, heard, and touched personally and communally regarding Jesus.

The cardinal also urged baptized Catholics to use their specific talents to serve others and strengthen their communities. He identified ordinary skills, such as singing, reading, and cooking, as tools for evangelization when used to serve orphans, the elderly, and persons deprived of liberty. Tagle warned that jealousy and competition can prevent people from using these gifts for the common good.

Families of the disappeared in Sri Lanka are seeking justice and adequate compensation from the government. An activist stated that authorities must ensure budgeted funds reach victims instead of being returned to the national treasury.

Catholic bishops have described forest fires in Indonesia as a humanitarian and ecological justice issue connected to poverty and social inequality.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam issued a statement regarding Vu Minh Hung, who was reportedly ordained a bishop by the Old Roman Catholic Church.

Bishop Lee of Macau told bishops at a meeting from October 28 to 31 to address the challenges artificial intelligence poses to evangelization.

The Archdiocese of Singapore has expanded security training to 30 of its 32 churches. More than 3,500 priests and ministry members have completed the program over the last three years. The Archdiocese intends to implement the Threat-Oriented Person Screening Integrated System, or Topsis, in the final two churches by the end of the year.

Topsis is a Singapore Police Force program that trains personnel to identify high-risk individuals, conduct security questioning, and perform enhanced checks. The Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations, or Aero, manages this training to help staff recognize suspicious behavior and potential threats. Aero has increased its pool of volunteer trainers certified by the Singapore Police Force from five to 13.

On October 14, Sim Ann, Singapore’s second minister for foreign affairs and home affairs, presented the Archdiocese with a Topsis organizational award at the Orchard Hotel. Sim stated that the Archdiocese has maintained a culture of vigilance while keeping its places of worship open and welcoming.

The Diocese of Chanthaburi marked the 50th anniversary of its Social Development Center, Caritas Chanthaburi, with a gathering in Sa Kaeo Province on Oct. 24. Bishop Philip Adisak Phorn-ngam presided over the Mass, which included clergy, religious sisters, and lay Catholics.

The event included a panel discussion on serving vulnerable communities. Apinya Thajit, deputy director of the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center in Thailand, spoke to the assembly about her work with migrant workers, fishers, and exploited seafarers in the Gulf of Thailand. She encouraged participants to recognize the human dignity of those in difficult circumstances.

During the gathering, local parishes distributed food while information booths offered health screenings, counseling, traditional Thai massage, and information regarding anti-trafficking efforts. Students from Darasamutr Schools in Sa Kaeo and Aranyaprathet, along with seminarians and youth volunteers, assisted with the event.

Syria has reopened its border crossing with Jordan following a period of tension. The border closure followed an incident where Jordanian forces struck jihadists in Syria after a gun attack on a church.

Authorities instructed approximately 50,000 people to move to safer areas in Andhra Pradesh and 48,000 people in Odisha to prepare for Cyclone Arnab. No deaths have been reported as the cyclone reaches the Indian coast.

Children from Christian education groups in Ashotsk completed a pilgrimage to the Armenian Catholic churches of Metsavan and Tashir on October 26. Led by Father Hovsep Galstyan, the group visited the sites to conclude a month dedicated to the Rosary of the Holy Virgin.

In Metsavan, Father Galstyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Veri Monastery, which is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The liturgy was attended by the children, members of the Legion of Mary, and the local Armenian Catholic community. During his sermon, Father Galstyan spoke about how the Metsavan community has maintained its Armenian Catholic identity and how the monastery has become a pilgrimage site through the efforts of local leaders and benefactors. He offered the children to the protection of the Holy Virgin, asking for graces of faith and love for the children and the local community.

The pilgrimage concluded in Tashir at the Church of the Holy Transfiguration of the Mother of God. There, Archbishop Nerses Galstyan welcomed the group and led the praying of the Loreto Litany. Following the prayers, the group visited the Tashir park.

Pope Leo XIV met with the head of the Gandantegchinlen Monastery and Cardinal Giorgio Marengo on the morning of October 26. The meeting included the head of the central Mongolian Buddhist monastery, Hamban Lam D. Javzandorj.

Cardinal Marengo, the head of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, told Fides that the meeting established an important relationship for dialogue and cooperation between the Catholic Church in Mongolia and Mongolian Buddhist monasteries. He noted that the Pope requested the personal meeting despite a busy schedule and declining health.

The delegation included Mongolian Ambassador to Italy D. Bulgan, Ambassador to the Holy See D. Gerelmaa, and Professor Thomas Cat from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). Professor Cat holds the William and Barbara Moran Professorship in ancient Christian theology and interreligious relations.

The Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) presented a land dispute involving an Indigenous community to United Nations Special Rapporteur Astrid Puentes during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Yerevan.

The LRC reported that the Kirinteken-Ilentungen Menuvu community in the southern Philippines is in a dispute over land claimed as an ancestral domain. The group stated that Kennemer Foods International operates a banana plantation on this land using ownership titles that conflict with the community's Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title. Leon Dulce, the LRC campaigns support and linkages coordinator, said the company has received benefits from carbon and biodiversity credits while operating on the disputed territory.

Dulce noted that current regulations do not prevent environmental projects from overlapping with land conflicts or causing human rights violations. The LRC stated that the conflicting land titles provide the company with legal legitimacy and social acceptance over the area in question.

Salesian missionary Orestes Marengo has been named venerable. The Italian bishop devoted more than five decades of his life to serving remote communities in northeast India.

Rights violations have been alleged in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan following the imposition of emergency and governor's rule by President Asif Ali Zardari on Oct. 11.

Cambodian authorities captured Sothea Arun after a five year manhunt. According to UCA News, Arun was accused of stealing money and raping two children.

The Kerala state government passed a law to protect elderly citizens by criminalizing elder abuse and abandonment. The legislation also expands care services and legal safeguards for the elderly.

A United Nations report states that women and girls accounted for one in four of the more than 37,000 civilians killed in armed conflicts in 2025. This figure is double their share of civilian deaths recorded in 2021. The secretary-general’s annual report on Women, Peace and Security notes that at least 25 women and girls are killed every day in conflict settings.

The report indicates that 750 million women and girls live within 50 kilometers of active conflict, which is 40 million more than in 2024 and the highest number since 1990. UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda told journalists in New York that war is becoming deadlier for women and girls.

The UN verified 9,788 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2025, which is more than twice the number from the previous year and nearly four times the 2022 figure. In Haiti, reported cases of sexual violence increased by 163%.

Health risks for women in conflict zones have also increased. Gumbonzvanda stated that a woman giving birth in a conflict-affected country is five times more likely to die from maternal causes than a woman in a stable country. In Gaza, the report found that the destruction of hospitals and maternity facilities contributed to a 41% decrease in live births and a 300% increase in miscarriages.

Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., pledged that the Catholic Church in Hong Kong will support migrant workers facing mistreatment and unfair dismissal. Speaking at the diocesan Migrants’ Day Mass at Christ the King Chapel in Causeway Bay, Chow stated the Church would walk alongside these workers to ensure their voices are heard.

The Mass, organized by the Diocesan Commission for Pastoral Services to Migrant Workers, drew approximately 700 people from various migrant communities. The event was held under the theme "Migrants’ Family: Messengers of Hope" and coincided with the 80th anniversary of the diocese.

In his homily, Chow attributed the mistreatment of migrant workers to a failure to recognize their inherent dignity. He acknowledged the hardships these workers face and thanked them for their contributions to the city. More than 10 priests concelebrated the Mass, including chaplains for the Filipino, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and German-speaking communities.

The papal medical team stated on October 26 that the pope's recovery continues to progress two weeks after his lung surgery. The medical team confirmed his health status in connection with his upcoming visit to Latin America.

Hundreds of children from the Diocese of Jaffna participated in a Rosary procession on Saturday, October 24. The event took place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Refuge in Jaffna.

The gathering followed a global call from the Pope for one million children to pray the Rosary for world peace and for children and families living in war zones. Under the direction of Bishop Jerot Selvanayagam, the children participated in Rosary liturgies and a procession through the shrine grounds.

Bishop Anthanran Ranjith blessed and opened the new St. Annai Velankanni Church in Udayanagar, Kilinochchi, on Saturday, October 17. The Bishop of Jaffna presided over the Mass to mark the completion of the church construction.

The construction project was organized by the parish priest, Father Jeyakumar. Mr. Vamadevan Thyagendran provided 75 lakh rupees to fund the building works. Priests, religious sisters, and members of the local community attended the ceremony.

The Diocese of Jaffna opened the Arivalayam religious education building complex at St. Anthony's Church in Chunnakam on Sunday, October 18. The project was built in memory of Father Edmund Michael Amalmathirathiyagi, the former parish priest of Chunnakam.

Bishop Manuel David presided over the Mass and blessed the new buildings. The event was organized by the current parish priest, Father Nixon Collins. During the ceremony, parish secretary Philip Premadasan gave a remembrance speech about Father Edmund Michael, and tree saplings were planted on the church grounds in his memory.

The Christian Religious Affairs Department provided one million rupees in funding for the construction of the complex.

The Urumpirai parish held a Rosary procession on Sunday, September 18, to pray for world peace. The event followed the guidance of the Pope and included one million children.

Parish priest Father Anthonypillai Agasrin organized the procession, which involved all religious education students and catechists from the parish. Participants walked around the church grounds before gathering inside for the Rosary. Hundreds of people, including priests and religious sisters, attended the prayer service.

Jaffna diocesan Vicar General Father Manuvurpillai David provided the final blessing at the conclusion of the event.

The Diocese of Jaffna held workshops in October to introduce the 2027 curriculum reforms for Catholic religious education teachers.

The first workshop took place on October 19 and 20 at the Diocesan Catechetical Centre auditorium for teachers in the Jaffna education zone. Sunitha Venansius, Rajani Kenath, and Victoria Elvis Presly facilitated the session, which was organized by the Jaffna education zone under the coordination of Victoria Elvis Presly, the associate coordinator for religious education teachers. 35 teachers attended the workshop to prepare for teaching the Catholic religious education curriculum to Grade 6 students in 2027.

A second workshop for teachers in the Valikamam education zone was held on October 22 and 23 at St. Henry's College in Ilvalai. Victoria Elvis Presly and Anusrathas facilitated this session, which was organized by the Valikamam education zone under the coordination of Anusrathas, the associate coordinator for religious education teachers. 50 teachers participated in this workshop.

The Alleppey Parish held a special event for National Youth Day on Sunday, October 18. The program included a Mass at St. Carmel Church in the morning, followed by a leadership development seminar at St. John's Church.

Jagan Karunasan, an artist from the Jaffna Diocese Scripture Center, facilitated the seminar. The day concluded with a youth gathering and a meal at the parish center. Approximately 20 young people attended the events, which were organized by parish priest Father Leo Amstrong.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas said the safety of fishermen in the South China Sea is more important than legal principles or politics during a period of Chinese buildup in the region.

A new documentary examines shortcomings in the disaster recovery efforts following an earthquake in Flores, Indonesia. The film producer states that post-disaster recovery must go beyond rebuilding houses to ensure the most vulnerable people recover.

Sri Lanka has revised prison regulations to allow clergy of various faiths to wear religious attire. The new rules follow protests by Buddhist monks and extend previous provisions to priests and ministers of other religions.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos received a national environmental award on Oct. 24 for his work in ecological protection and human rights. He was one of 3 individual recipients at the 9th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan, held at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The biennial award, organized by the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines and the IBON Foundation, recognizes individuals and organizations defending the environment and community rights. Alminaza, who also leads Caritas Philippines, accepted the honor in solidarity with environmental defenders facing risks in their work. He stated that communities affected by development projects must have a voice in decisions regarding their lives and surroundings.

The other individual awardees were France Castro and Dr. Ana Marie Rilloraza-Leung.

Bishop Anthony Corcoran, SJ, celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Bishkek on October 18, 2026. The liturgy followed his episcopal ordination in Rome on September 29.

Protopresbyter Vasyl Hovera, the Apostolic Administrator for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Central Asia, participated in the celebration. The service included bishops and priests from neighboring countries, as well as parishioners from all Catholic parishes in Kyrgyzstan and various guests.

Bishop Anthony Corcoran, SJ, celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Bishkek on October 18, 2026. The liturgy followed his episcopal ordination in Rome on September 29.

Protopresbyter Vasily Govera, the Apostolic Administrator for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Central Asia, participated in the service. Attendees included bishops and priests from neighboring countries, guests, and parishioners from all Catholic parishes in Kyrgyzstan.

St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Bishkek held a Day of Cultures on October 25, 2026, to bring together the various ethnic groups within the Catholic community of Kyrgyzstan. Following the Mass for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, participants presented national traditions on the church grounds.

The program included songs and poems performed by adults and children in languages such as Polish, English, Kyrgyz, Urdu, and Russian. The Polish society Odrodzenie, led by chairperson Zenona Slenzak-Begalieva, presented books on Polish culture and copies of the magazine Polonus in Kyrgyzstan. Students from the Faculty of Russian and Slavic Philology at Jusup Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University also participated. These students, who study Polish and Czech, gave a presentation on Poland and performed a song in Kyrgyz.

Participants shared various national dishes prepared at the event or brought from home to facilitate communal dining and social interaction.

King Abdullah II vowed to pursue the harshest retaliation against attackers following a massacre at a church in Jordan.

Cardinal Charles Bo urged Catholic catechists in the Archdiocese of Yangon to teach children to reject hatred, discrimination, and violence. He made the appeal during the conclusion of an annual recollection and renewal course for 79 catechists at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church on Oct. 20.

The program, held from Oct. 13 to Oct. 20, provided time for prayer and spiritual reflection. Cardinal Bo noted that catechists face financial hardship, limited resources, and difficult travel while serving communities affected by insecurity and displacement in Myanmar.

The cardinal said catechists should help children, young people, and families encounter Christ through teaching and personal witness. He encouraged them to form children in kindness, patience, forgiveness, and practical love to help them recognize the dignity of every person. He also called on them to promote compassion and reconciliation.

China's Communist Party elite are holding talks on governance to tighten discipline within party ranks. According to UCA News, the agenda includes measures to reduce corruption and increase the effectiveness and loyalty of cadres.

Japanese authorities have indicted a United States Marine on a murder charge in Okinawa. The indictment follows an incident involving the military member in the prefecture where most of the approximately 54,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan are located.

A dramatic production titled "Echoes of Faith: The Blessed Martyrs of Song Khon" commemorated the 37th anniversary of the beatification of the Blessed Seven Martyrs of Song Khon on October 23. The 75-minute performance took place at the Sacred Forest in Song Khon, a village on the Mekong River approximately 600 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.

The production reenacted events from 86 years ago involving the first native Thais beatified by the Catholic Church. More than 70 performers, including actors, a choir, and a musical ensemble, participated in the event. Actors from St. Joseph Thare School and a local state university led the performance, while students from Darasamutr School in Sri Racha and the Archdiocese of Tharae-Nongsaeng provided musical support.

The event coincided with the national Thai Laypeople’s Day and was broadcast live throughout Thailand. The production used the historical grounds of the Sacred Forest as its setting rather than a traditional stage.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan called on the Philippine government to defend maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea through firm but peaceful means. In a pastoral statement issued Sunday, Oct. 25, Villegas asked the government to protect what is lawfully the people's without provoking hostilities.

The archbishop stated the dispute involves justice, environmental care, and the welfare of poor communities. He noted that many families in Pangasinan and the dioceses of Iba and Alaminos depend on these waters for food and income. Villegas reported that Filipino fishermen in small boats, or bancas, face harassment from Chinese vessels, which makes their work difficult or impossible.

Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio called on the Church, correctional workers, and families to support prisoners in rebuilding their lives during his message for Prison Awareness Sunday on Oct. 25.

Florencio, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, stated that while individuals may lose their liberty, they do not lose the dignity given by God. He urged correctional institutions to function as centers for rehabilitation and renewal to help inmates prepare for reintegration into society.

The bishop thanked prison chaplains, volunteers, and correctional personnel for their roles in providing spiritual guidance and ensuring humane treatment. He also asked Catholics to offer comfort to victims of crime and reminded those in custody that their past mistakes do not erase their worth or their opportunity to start over.