Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for December 20-27, 2010

Congress launches frontal attack on ‘insidious’ RSS, BJP

NEW DELHI – Days after the WikiLeaks disclosures of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s take on Hindu terror, the party Sunday went a step further, launching a fierce attack on the RSS, likening the right-wing group to Nazis for its “hatred” of Muslims and also called for a probe into its terror links. BJP leader L.K. … Read more »»».

Bhopal to host international Quran recitation competition

BHOPAL – The seventh international competition in traditional style rendition of the Holy Qur’an will be held here Dec 22-23 and will see participants from countries like Britain, Iran and Pakistan.

The two-day ‘Aalamee Musabiqa Qirat-e-Qur’an’ will be held at the historic Iqbal Maidan.
Qaris, or people who recite the Quran in traditional style, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bhopal to host international Quran recitation competition.

Americans mull whether to buy real or fake Christmas tree

WASHINGTON – Over 40 million Christmas trees are expected to be sold in the US this season but Americans are divided over whether to buy a fake or a real tree.

With some 13 million artificial trees and 30 million real ones are expected to be sold in the US this year, a lot is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Americans mull whether to buy real or fake Christmas tree.

Bhopal to host largest Muslim gathering after Haj

BHOPAL – A tented township is coming up near here for one of the world’s largest Muslim gatherings, the 63rd Aalmi Tablighi Ijtema, with speical arrangements for the stay of an estimated 400 physically challenged people.

The global congregation by Tablighi Jamaat is to be held Dec 25-27 at Itkhori in Islam Nagar, around 12 …. Source article  : Bhopal to host largest Muslim gathering after Haj.

Mexicans attribute miracles to late Pope

Monterrey (Mexico), Dec 22 (IANS/EFE) An exhibition of personal items belonging to the late Pope John Paul II is drawing thousands here, with some claiming that the pilgrimage has helped them overcome illness.

“People who come here feel very touched, even moved to tears. They say they feel the presence of John Paul II,” said …. Original article  : Mexicans attribute miracles to late Pope.

Hindu spiritual leader kidnapped in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A leading Hindu spiritual leader of Pakistan was kidnapped at gunpoint in Balochistan province while he was on his way to officiate a wedding.

Eightytwo-year-old Lakki Chand Garji, who is the `maharaja’ of the Kali Mata Mandir in Kalat town, is considered to be one of Pakistans most revered Hindu spiritual leaders. He … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hindu spiritual leader kidnapped in Pakistan.

President stresses on harmony, unity on Christmas eve

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Friday greeted the nation on the eve of Christmas Friday and urged people to work for “harmony and unity in society”.

On the joyous occasion of Christmas, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all citizens, Patil said in her message to the nation.
The day symbolises …. Original source  : President stresses on harmony, unity on Christmas eve.

Jayalalithaa woos Christians

KANYAKUMARI – In a bid to woo Christian voters, AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Thursday promised travel assistance to those who want to undertake pilgrimage to Israel, extension of reservation benefits to Dalit Christians and permission to Christians to build churches on their own lands.

Speaking at a Christmas function held here, around 630 km … Read : Jayalalithaa woos Christians.

China rejects Vatican’s criticism as ‘imprudent’

BEIJING – China has rejected as “imprudent” the Vatican’s criticism of a recent national congress of Chinese Catholics, blaming the Vatican for damaging relations between the two sides.

A spokesperson for the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) said Wednesday the Vatican’s criticism was very imprudent and ungrounded, Xinhua reported.
In a statement dated Dec … Read more : China rejects Vatican’s criticism as ‘imprudent’.

Punjab to provide land for burial grounds

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday announced that his government will provide land for burial grounds for Christian and Muslim communities in all towns and villages of the state.

He was addressing a gathering of the Christian community at a first of its kind state-level function to mark Christmas at the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Punjab to provide land for burial grounds.

Christmas carols, cakes and gifts, it’s merrymaking in Delhi!

NEW DELHI – Soaking in the festive spirit while wrapped in layers of clothing, Delhiites Saturday visited various decked up churches, sang carols, exchanged presents and gorged on fruit plum cakes to celebrate the festival of Christmas.

Braving chilly winds, denizens of the city assembled for the midnight mass at the churches Friday night on [..] Read the original article: here.

Kerala Christmas low key after Karunakaran’s death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Thousands of devout Christians attended mass at churches across Kerala Saturday and headed home for a special breakfast of appam, stew, baked bananas and cakes, but the usual public revelry was low key following four-time chief minister K. Karunakaran’s death.

While in some churches the mass began soon after midnight, in others it …. Source article  : Kerala Christmas low key after Karunakaran’s death.

Israel braces for tourist influx on Christmas

JERUSALEM – Israel has made all arrangements to provide easy access to its religious places and ensure full security of around 90,000 tourists who are expected to visit the country on Christmas this year.

Israeli tourism ministry estimates the arrival of nearly 2.4 million Christian tourists by the year’s end. One-third of them are pilgrims …. Original source  : Israel braces for tourist influx on Christmas.

Pope leads midnight Christmas Mass amid tight security

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI led the Vatican’s Christmas celebrations late Friday with the traditional midnight Mass, which began amid tightened security measures following last year’s intrusion by a mentally disturbed woman.

Thousands of people flocked to St Peter’s Basilica as Benedict began presiding over the ceremony. Many more followed the proceedings on giant … Read more >>>.

Thousands flock to Bethlehem for Christmas festivities

BETHLEHEM – Thousands of Christian faithful from around the world converged Friday on Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas in the town where, according to the Biblical account, Jesus was born.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, arrived in the city in the afternoon, at the end of the traditional procession from Jerusalem.
The first part …. Original article  : Thousands flock to Bethlehem for Christmas festivities.

Mumbai ushers in Christmas with faith

MUMBAI – Thousands of worshippers gathered in gaily decorated churches across Mumbai at midnight Friday to usher in Christmas.

Churches across the city wore a welcoming look, decorated with stars and fairy lights. The Archbishop of Mumbai Cardinal Oswald Gracias conducted the midnight mass at the Holy Name Cathedral in Colaba in south Mumbai.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pope to lead midnight Christmas Mass amid tight security

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI was Friday set to lead the Vatican’s Christmas festivities by celebrating the traditional midnight Mass.

The ceremony was expected to take place under tight security in the wake of an incident at the same event last year when a mentally disturbed woman jumped over a barrier and lunged at … Read more >>>.

Luxury train on Sikh pilgrimage across India sold out

CHANDIGARH – A unique pilgrimage of Sikh shrines across India on board the Deccan Odyssey luxury train is all sold out. Never mind if the nine-day journey costs a minimum of Rs.210,000 ($4,665) per person.

Titled ‘A spiritual journey to the Guru’s abode’ on the Deccan Odyssey, all 80 seats for the first trip of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Luxury train on Sikh pilgrimage across India sold out.

Sikhism’s spiritual high seat: Journeying through Anandpur Sahib

NEW DELHI – If Mecca is Islam’s high seat of spirituality, then the picturesque town of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab is the religious heartbeat of the Sikh faith. The holy town is the subject of an illustrated volume “Heaven of Bliss, Anandpur Sahib: A Miracle of Human Spirit” published earlier this month.

Pilgrims walk through …. Read the original article  : Sikhism’s spiritual high seat: Journeying through Anandpur Sahib.

Archbishop of Canterbury welcomes royal wedding

LONDON – The Archbishop of Canterbury, principal leader of the Church of England, in his Christmas Day sermon Saturday welcomed next year’s royal wedding of Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton.

According to the Daily Mail, Rowan Williams said: “Next year, we shall be joining in the celebration of what we hope will be … Read more »»».

Diplomat pat down: Punjab minister urges PM to act

CHANDIGARH – Almost two weeks after senior Sikh diplomat Hardeep Puri was asked to remove his turban at a US airport for a security check, a Punjab minister Saturday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the issue with US President Barack Obama.

Punjabs Industries and Commerce Minister Manoranjan Kalia said the US security …. Read the original article  : Diplomat pat down: Punjab minister urges PM to act.

Pope issues Christmas message of peace and solidarity

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI, in his traditional Christmas Day message, Saturday expressed hope for global peace and solidarity and offered words of comfort to the faithful in China who live with “limitations imposed” on their freedom of religion.

During a noon ceremony, the 83-year-old pontiff also pronounced Christmas good wishes in 65 languages … Read more : Pope issues Christmas message of peace and solidarity.