IN BRIEF

AT 5.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, at the altar of the Confession in the Vatican Basilica, a Eucharistic concelebration will be held for the beginning of the academic year of the ecclesiastic universities. The Mass will be presided by Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education.

CARDINAL JOSE SARAIVA MARTINS C.M.F., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, is due to preside at a Eucharistic celebration in the Vatican Basilica at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, during which, by order of Benedict XVI, he will read out the Apostolic Letter by which the Pope proclaims the following Servants of God as Blesseds: Josep Tapies Sirvant and six companions, priests, martyrs, died in 1936; Maria de los Angeles Ginard Martí, professed religious of the Sisters Guardians of the Eucharistic Cult, martyr (1894 - 1936).

"HINDUS AND CHRISTIANS IN SOLIDARITY" is the theme of this year's message to Hindus for Diwali, the Hindu feast which celebrates the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil. In the message, which is sent annually, Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue recalls the solidarity of so many people, "across religious boundaries" in places affected by the tidal wave that hit countries around the India Ocean in December last year. "At a time when aggressive secularism would seem to be on the increase and respect for basic human values often appears to be on the decline, such cooperation among people of different religions can bring about a new respect for religion in today's world."
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