TACLOBAN City, July 26, 2010— The operations of state-run Small Town Lottery in Eastern Visayas will likely top the agenda of the clergy there when they meet next month.

Fr. Amadeo Alvero, Palo archdiocese’s spokesman, said the meeting on August 4 to 5 will give them a chance to come with a consensus on crucial issues in the region, including the STL.

KOHIMA, NAGALAND, July 26, 2010--Catholics in Nagaland state closed all their schools for one day in protest at the demolition of a village church, allegedly by Baptists.

The Catholic Association of Nagaland organized the July 23 protest after the newly built church in Anatongre, Kiphire district, was destroyed on July 9.

MUNICH, Germany, July 23, 2010--Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Freibourg has been cleared of charges regarding a sexual abuse case, the offices of the public prosecutor in Konstanz, Germany, confirmed Wednesday.

MADRID, Spain, July 23, 2010--The Alares Foundation in Spain recently signed an agreement with organizers of World Youth Day Madrid to recruit volunteers to assist the more than 10,000 young people with disabilities expected to attend the event.

ROME, Italy, July 24, 2010--Birmingham's Cofton Park is set to be filled with Catholics for Cardinal John Henry Newman's beatification ceremony on Sept. 19. The momentum of the occasion is bringing attention to several projects to remember the late cardinal.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 25, 2010--As part of a prayer vigil for life, Bishop of Sacramento Jaime Soto will celebrate a Mass and benediction and lead a pro-life apostolate’s Rosary procession to a nearby abortion center in August.

ROME, July 23, 2010 (Zenit.org).- One of the Church's leading women is calling for wider recognition of the contribution women make, particularly as spiritual guides.

Flaminia Giovannelli, undersecretary at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, made this proposal Thursday in L'Osservatore Romano.

ROME, July 23, 2010 (CNA/EWTN News).- The Legionaries of Christ has made public the decree that describes the powers given to Archbishop Velasio De Paolis, Pope Benedict XVI’s delegate to the religious congregation.

VATICAN, July 23, 2010 (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Benedict XVI's vacation time is now being dedicated to writing the third volume in what could safely be called the "Jesus of Nazareth" series. The new work will seek to shed light on the story of Jesus' childhood from the Gospels.

VATICAN, July 23, 2010 (CNA/EWTN News).- Coins bearing the image of Pope Benedict XVI are now in open circulation within Vatican walls. As of this month, Vatican visitors will find that 50 cent pieces are being given as change at places such as the gas station, pharmacy and post office.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, July 25, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is assuring his sorrow over a tragedy Saturday in his native Germany where 19 people were killed at a techno music festival that erupted into a panicked stampede.

After praying the midday Angelus today, the Pope mentioned the tragedy that beset the traditional "Love Parade," which was held this year in Duisburg.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, July 25, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The voice of one who prays is interwoven with the voice of the Church, since "no one who prays is ever alone," says Benedict XVI.

The Pope made this reflection today before reciting the midday Angelus with those who had gathered at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

ROME, July 26, 2010 (CNA/EWTN News).- After being closed for three years for restructuring and restoration, the Apostolic Vatican Library will reopen on September 20. The renewed facilities will provide easier access to the wealth of information it houses.

MANILA, July 26, 2010— President Benigno Aquino III called on the Filipinos to face the country’s current situation with encouragement and to trust in the grace of God for the future.

In his first State of the Nation Address (Sona), Aquino said admitted the country is in a “forked road” brought by the past administration.

MANILA, July 26, 2010— Environmentalists led by running priest Fr. Robert Reyes called on the Aquino administration to take immediate steps to address the climate impacts that are now affecting the country every year.