Author: Pilgrim Kompass Team

Exploring the DNA of fossil hyenas in Sicily before the arrival of Homo sapiens around 16,000 years ago. These hyenas belong to a distinct group from African hyenas: a ‘relict’ population of island hyenas, making them unique in the world, with their fossil DNA surviving in biological remains despite the warm Mediterranean climate. In a study conducted by researchers from the Universities of Palermo, Milan, Florence, Rome Sapienza, Bangor University, and Cambridge, published in the international journal Quaternary Science Reviews, the DNA of a Sicilian fossil hyena was analyzed for the first time, extracted from a coprolite fragment, a fossilized…

Embracing the Evolution of Human Identity Embracing the evolution of human identity is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world. In a powerful message to the XVII Inter-Christian Symposium, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of reaffirming the intrinsic dignity of every human person amidst contemporary questions surrounding what it truly means to be human. The Pope spoke of a “fully-fledged revolution” in contemporary anthropology, as society reconsiders human identity, our role in the world, and the transcendental vocation of each individual. He pointed out that fundamental experiences such as birth, life, and death are being structurally redefined in the face of…

Welcome to the jubilee celebration at Mary Immaculate parish in Lusaka, Zambia’s vibrant capital city! This special event marks 40 incredible years of Oblate missionary work in this beautiful country. By George Malumo – Mongu The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as hundreds of parishioners, along with representatives from other Oblate parishes in Zambia and Namibia’s Missionary Associates (MAMIs), gathered to commemorate this significant milestone. The highlight of the celebration was the presence of the Oblate Bishop of Mongu Diocese, Evans Chinyama Chinyemba, and Fr. Pat Gitzen, one of the four pioneer Oblates who arrived in Zambia in…

The Zanzibar Cup 2024: Kitesurfing for Unity and Peace Thirty-three kitesurfing professionals representing eight different nationalities recently gathered in Kiwengwa, Zanzibar for the second edition of the prestigious Zanzibar Cup international kitesurfing regatta. Dr. Stefano Conte, the mastermind behind this exhilarating event, emphasized the power of bringing together individuals from diverse cultures, highlighting the universal need for unity in our world today. Carried by the wind in a mesmerizing dance with the ocean, kitesurfing athletes descended upon the island of Zanzibar to not only showcase their skills but also to send a profound message of peace, fraternity, and solidarity. The…

La celebrazione presieduta dal card. Ranjith insieme all’arcivescovo di Goa, il card. Filipe Neri Ferrao, ha avuto un’atmosfera particolarmente solenne. Da papa Francesco è arrivato un messaggio di vicinanza ai malati e ai pellegrini: invoco su di voi il dono del coraggio e della perseveranza. Anche buddhisti, musulmani e indù raccontano le grazie ricevute dalla Vergine. Di: Melani Manel Perera – Asia News Data di pubblicazione: 28 Agosto 2024 Colombo (AsiaNews) – Domenica 25 agosto, l’annuale benedizione dei malati presso la basilica di Tewatta ha avuto un significato speciale poiché la basilica festeggia i cinquanta anni dal riconoscimento come santuario…

When Pope Francis addressed members of the Latin Episcopal Conference of the Arabic Regions during their plenary meeting in Rome, his message was clear and urgent: “keep the hope alive.” In the midst of escalating tension in the Middle East, he emphasized the importance of continuing their mission of peace and reconciliation. The Pope’s words come at a critical time, with reports of escalating violence in the region. Palestinian officials reported at least nine deaths in Israeli raids across the occupied West Bank, raising fears of a wider conflict. Expressing deep concern over the situation, Pope Francis warned of the…

Experience the rich legacy of Cardinal Jaime Sin at the upcoming Cardinal Jaime Sin Museum, opening its doors on September 1 in the central Philippines. This museum, the first of its kind in Western Visayas, will pay tribute to the influential Catholic Cardinal who played a pivotal role during the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution. By Jun Aguirre – Philippines, LiCAS News Set to open on September 1, 2024, the Cardinal Jaime Sin Museum is a collaborative effort between the local government of New Washington and the Diocese of Kalibo. Mayor Jessica Panambo expressed gratitude to the Serviam Foundation and…

Welcome to the vibrant coastal city of Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, where the anticipation for Pope Francis’s upcoming Apostolic Visit on September 6 is palpable. As Christians eagerly prepare for this historic event, Fr. Martín Prado of the Institute of the Incarnate Word shares some insights into the community’s excitement and spiritual journey. By LiCAS News Despite limited access to news and social media, the local Catholic community is buzzing with excitement as they await the Pope’s arrival. Fr. Prado notes that preparations are in full swing, with nightly prayers, hymns, and traditional dances taking place on the local football…

Amidst the worsening Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, Father Jerry Gomes, a dedicated Jesuit priest leading Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) programs, issues a heartfelt plea for urgent global intervention. By LiCAS News Seven years have passed since over 700,000 Rohingya people fled Myanmar in search of safety, yet escalating tensions and diminishing aid within overcrowded camps now threaten their very survival. In a poignant report by AsiaNews, Fr. Gomes emphasizes that Bangladesh alone cannot continue to bear the weight of this crisis and implores the international community to step in and take action. Fr. Gomes, with seven years of service…

Building a Brighter Future for Myanmar’s Youth: The Canossian Sisters’ Mission Amidst the civil conflict that has engulfed Myanmar following the military junta’s seizure of power in 2021, the Canossian Sisters have been working tirelessly to provide hope and education for the country’s youth. With a strong presence in Singapore, the Canossian Daughters of Charity have been making a difference in Myanmar for decades. Canossian Sister Janet Wang sheds light on the congregation’s impactful work in Myanmar, detailing their efforts to train future teachers and empower young women for careers in the hospitality industry. The Journey Begins It all started…