Latest news with #WayoftheCross
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Idukki site from where cross was removed is a forest land, reveals RTI response
The spot from where a cross was removed at Thommankuthu, near Thodupuzha, is a reserve forest land, the Revenue department said in response to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The application was moved by Idukki District Congress Committee (DCC) general secretary Bijo Mani. The RTI reply said: 'A recent report by the Thodupuzha tehsildar, Jayakumar O.S., to the Idukki District Collector indicated that the village officer had submitted a status report regarding the area to the Forest department. As per the report, the area concerned is a forest land.' 'As per the 1993 Land Assignment rules, the title deed-related issues should be taken by the Karimannor Land Assignment (LA) office based on the verification,' said the report.' The report further said that a detailed inspection was necessary before initiating steps to resolve title deed-related issues in the disputed site and nearby areas. On April 12, the Forest department removed a cross erected the previous day by St Thomas Church, under the Syro-Malabar Church, on a property beside the Neyyassery-Thokkumban Road at Naranganam. The department also booked a case against the parish priest for erecting the cross on forest land. On April 19, the Church organised a Way of the Cross procession to the spot. Following this, Church authorities alleged that the department booked another case against Kothamangalam diocese general Vincent Nedungattu, Chancellor Father Jose Kulathur and parish priest Father James Ikaramattom on the charges of trespassing. After the incident, the Vannappuram village officer submitted a report to the Forest department stating that the disputed spot fell within forest area. However, farmers' groups and Church authorities opposed the report and staged protests against it. Mr. Mani said that the RTI reply also stated that a total of 458 families were included in the list of forest land encroachments after 1-1-1977 under the Kaliyar forest range. 'The reply further stated that the revenue and forest lands were divided by fixing Janda (border stones), and that the 458 families were living in area outside the Jandas fixed by the department,' he said. 'While the CPI(M) district secretary and other ruling party leaders earlier claimed that the site is revenue land, the tehsildar's report clearly said that the area is a forest land. The Revenue department report reveals the double standard of the State government,' alleged Mr. Mani.
Euronews
08-06-2025
- Euronews
Thousands of pilgrims converged on Șumuleu Ciuc to observe pentecost
Thousands of pilgrims poured into Șumuleu Ciuc in Romania on Saturday for the biggest Catholic Pentecost ceremony in Central and Eastern Europe. Following the centuries-old tradition, some of the faithful stopped first at the Franciscan cathedral to pray before walking up Șumuleu Hill to the open-air altar where the mass was held. Many of the pilgrims who set out a few weeks ago had travelled almost a thousand kilometres on the Via Mariae, a spiritual journey that begins in Mariazell, Austria, and follows a cross on the map of Central Europe before ending in Harghita with the grand procession of Catholic Pentecost. The majority claim that they pray for understanding, health, and peace. One of the routes, called the Way of the Cross, starts near the Franciscan church and features 14 crosses symbolising the places where Jesus stopped on Golgotha. "This is why I come here. I believe in the Virgin Mary, she does miracles. And besides, it is very beautiful! one man said. "Everybody from all entire Europe has been coming here for hundreds and hundreds of years. And this is why I come as well. I am very happy to come here along with my entire family," he added. Another pilgrim said he came to attend the mass. "I have also attended it in the last two years, and I like it. I like to see people from Europe coming here." The pilgrimage to Sumuleu Ciuc dates back 450 years and is linked to a historical event in 1576, when the prince of Transylvania, John Sigismund, tried to impose the Unitarian religion on the Roman Catholics of the region - of the Secler seats of Ciuc, Gheorgheni, and Cashin— an attempt that ultimately failed. According to local authorities, more than 300,000 people attended the event last year.
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Forest officials flayed for registering trespass case against Church authorities
The Kothamangalam diocese under the Syro-Malabar Church criticised the Forest department and the Forest Minister after another case was registered against the Church authorities. According to officials, on April 12 the Forest department removed a cross erected the previous day by St. Thomas Church, Thommankuth, under the Syro-Malabar Church, on a property beside the Neyyassery-Thokkumban Road at Naranganam. The department also booked a case against the parish priest for erecting the cross on forestland. On April 19, the church organised a Way of the Cross procession to the location from where the Forest department had removed the cross. But the Church authorities alleged that the Forest department booked another case against Kothamangalam diocese general Vincent Nedungattu, Chancellor Fr. Jose Kulathur and parish priest Fr. James Ikaramattom on the charges of trespassing. Fr. Jacob Rathappallil, Director of the Commission for Social Harmony and Vigilance of the Kothamangalam diocese, said that the church erected the cross on land under its possession. 'The Forest department illegally demolished the cross and did not withdraw the cases though the parish authorities submitted relevant documents. In addition, the Forest department is trying to slap more charges on the local people and the Church authorities. Fr. Rathappallil stated that the Chief Minister and the Forest Minister should intervene in this issue and take steps to prevent the Forest department officials from engaging in such actions. A senior Forest department official said that the department only booked a trespass case against the Church authorities for illegally entering forestland. 'The Forest department only issued a notice for the incident and didn't arrest any people over the issue,' said the official. Last week, the district administration decided to conduct a Revenue, Forest, and Police department-level joint verification in the area at Naranganam, near Thommankuth, from where the cross was removed. According to sources, a recent report by the Thodupuzha tahsildar said that the area was revenue land and part of human settlement.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
US tourist in Rome impaled on metal spike at Colosseum
(KTLA) – An American on vacation in Rome is reportedly recovering after climbing a fence at the ruins of the Colosseum, falling and being impaled on a metal spike in front of other horrified tourists, according to multiple media outlets. The incident, according to the Italian news outlet Day Italian News, happened at around 5 p.m. Friday, with shocked witnesses immediately calling for help. The 47-year-old man, who has yet to be identified, reportedly took the spike to the lower back, screamed in pain and passed out, Huffpost reported. He 'remained stuck in a painful and dramatic position' while first responders were en route, witnesses told the Italian outlet. A general view shows people gathering at the Colosseum monument in Rome on April 7, 2023, prior to the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) prayer service as part of celebrations of the Holy Week.(Photo by Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images) An ambulance in Rome, Italy, seen on March 14, 2025.. (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images) After assessing the situation, paramedics gave the man a sedative while they worked to pull him off the spike, which took about 20 minutes, Day Italian reported. Medical personnel worked to contain the bleeding at the scene and then rushed the man to Rome's San Giovanni Hospital for emergency surgery for the deep wound. Gunman shoots 2 people at packed California campground, turns gun on self The man was reportedly in stable condition after the surgery, which required more than 80 stitches, though it is unclear if there was any permanent damage done to his spine. It is unclear why the American, who currently lives in Taiwan and was visiting Italy with family and friends, climbed the fence in the first place. Some reports suggest he was trying to take a selfie or attempting to get a better view of the world-famous tourist attraction. Or, as Day Italian News reported, 'it is assumed he simply wanted to get closer to the monument.' Police in Rome opened an investigation into the incident and have since questioned the man. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Herald Malaysia
02-05-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Exploring Lent through children's eyes
The liturgical and catechetical ministries of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus recently collaborated to hold a unique and meaningful event specially designed for children aged 7 to 12. May 02, 2025 The children participating in the Way of the Cross specially curated for them. KUALA LUMPUR: The liturgical and catechetical ministries of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus recently collaborated to hold a unique and meaningful event specially designed for children aged 7 to 12. Titled Exploring Lent – Children's Way of the Cross, the Lenten programme took place on April 12 and welcomed around 50 participants, including young children, their parents, catechists, and members of the liturgy team. This special initiative aimed to help children connect more deeply with the Passion of Christ in a way that speaks to their young hearts and minds. In line with the Jubilee Year of Hope, the event also emphasised the message that the Way of the Cross does not end in sorrow, but rather, in the joyful hope of the Resurrection. The day began with an interactive workshop where children and parents, guided by catechists, crafted their own crowns of thorns using brown paper and toothpicks. With beaming faces and enthusiastic hands, the children wore their handmade crowns, ready to begin their Lenten journey around the parish grounds. At each station, the children paused to reflect on the love Jesus has for us and how we, in return, can show our love for Him. Each station was made relatable through simple life applications: • Station 4 – Jesus Meets His Mother: Children were reminded of the importance of being obedient and loving to their own parents. • Station 7 – Jesus Falls a Second Time: A call to not complain especially when facing challenges at school or not to feel discouraged and wanting to give up at losing a sport or game. • Station 14 – Jesus is Laid in the Tomb: A beautiful reminder to have kind and generous hearts, like Joseph of Arimathea who gave Jesus his burial tomb. Adding a spiritual and serene dimension, the children were introduced to Taizé prayer, moving from one station to another, chanting the name of Jesus, led by a young guitarist from the parish choir team. This moment of prayerful reflection added a deep sense of reverence to the experience. To bring the Passion of Christ closer to home, a small exhibit displayed simple props and informative write-ups, allowing children to touch the statue of Jesus on the cross and to learn more about the crown of thorns, the whip, the nails, and the inspiring story of St Helena's search for the True Cross. The event concluded with the recitation of the Jubilee Prayer for Children, followed by a joyful potluck brunch lovingly prepared by parents and catechists — a fitting end to a morning filled with faith, family, and fellowship. This enriching journey reminded all present, especially the young ones, that while Lent leads us through Christ's suffering, it ultimately shines the light of hope, love, and resurrection into our hearts.
