Catholics and Protestants Share the Land

Catholic Martin McGuinness and Protestant Rev. Iain Paisley formed a long-unthinkable alliance in early May as Northern Ireland power-sharing went from dream to reality, the Associated Press reported.

Sinn Fein deputy leader McGuinness, 56, a former IRA leader, accepted the post of deputy first minister, which despite its title carries the same power as the first minister post for the 81-year-old Paisley. Paisley, who once denounced Pope John Paul II as anti-Christ, said, “From the depths of my heart, I believe Northern Ireland has come to a time of peace, a time when hate will no longer rule. How good it will be to be part of a wonderful healing in this province.”

King Herod the Great’s Tomb Located

Archaeologists for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced May 7 that they have uncovered the grave and tomb of Herod the Great, who ruled Judea for the Roman Empire during the time of Christ, reported Ha’aretz.

Although there were no bones in the sarcophagus, professor Ehud Netzer of the university’s Institute of Archaeology said the container’s location and ornate appearance indicated it was Herod’s. “It’s a sarcophagus we don’t just see anywhere,” Netzer said. “It is something very special. The discovery of the grave is the high point in the excavation at the site.”

First Nepalese Bishop Pledges to Help the Poor

Bishop Anthony Francis Sharma, 69, was consecrated as the first bishop of Nepal May 5 at a Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Katmandu presided over by Bishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, apostolic nuncio for India and Nepal, reported AsiaNews. The bishop committed himself to work to create a democratic and prosperous society and to encourage interfaith cooperation. He has built a reputation during his 40-year priesthood for helping people, especially in backwards rural areas. He assured the assembly of his commitment to building a new Nepal and to working for peace, prosperity and the collaboration of all the faithful. Emanuel John, a Nepalese Catholic, said that the appointment of Bishop Sharma “is a divine blessing for Catholics of Nepal.”