26 November 2007
Vatican Update 26 November 2007
| 11.26.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 202 |
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SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 24 - 26
- Meeting of the Holy Father and College of Cardinals - Christian Greatness Lies Not in Domination But in Service - Titular and Diaconate Churches of the New Cardinals - Three Cardinals to Take Possession of Titles, Diaconates - Cardinals Are Called to Give Their Lives for the Church - Pope Calls for Prayers for the Holy Land - Solid Communion between Pastors and the Pope
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MEETING OF THE HOLY FATHER AND COLLEGE OF CARDINALS
VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office yesterday released information concerning the meeting for prayer and reflection between the Pope and the members of the College of Cardinals, which took place on November 23 in the Vatican's New Synod Hall.
The morning session began with a greeting pronounced by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, who was celebrating his 80th birthday that day.
After congratulating Cardinal Sodano, the Pope introduced the theme he had chosen for the day's discussion, "ecumenical dialogue in the light of prayer and of the Lord's command: 'Ut unum sint'."
Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, then "provided a broad outline of the current situation of ecumenical dialogue and relations, focussing on three main areas: relations with the ancient Churches of the East; relations with the ecclesial communities that came into being in the wake of the Reform of the 16th century; relations with charismatic and Pentecostal movements that developed above all during last century."
Cardinal Kasper also presented "the results achieved in each of these fields, describing progress made to date and problems still outstanding."
The subsequent debate "included a wide-ranging exchange of experiences and opinions, reflecting a variety of situations. Seventeen cardinals spoke and numerous problems were addressed, among them the joint ecumenical commitment of Christians in the social and charitable fields, and in defending moral values in the transformation of modern societies.
"It was particularly noted," the communique adds, "that the Church's social doctrine and its implementation is one of the most promising areas for ecumenism. Mention was also made of the commitment to continue the 'purification of memory' and to use forms of communication" that no not "wound the sensibility of other Christians.
"It was suggested that profound consideration be given to the possibilities for ecumenical development," in which context "recent and highly significant events were mentioned, such as the ecumenical assembly of Sibiu, Romania, the ecumenical and inter-religious meeting of Naples, Italy, the journey to Paris of Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow, and the great ecumenical gatherings of ecclesial movements at Stuttgart, Germany."
Finally, "in the wider context, attention turned to relations with Judaism and to inter-religious dialogue."
The meeting continued at 5 p.m. with the celebration of Vespers, after which contributions were forthcoming from 16 cardinals.
"On the theme of ecumenism, further attention was given to questions such as collaboration among Christians of different confessions for the defense of the family in society and in legislative systems, and the importance of spiritual ecumenism and of personal relations with the faithful and with authorities of other Christian confessions.
"A number of the contributions touched on relations with the Jews and with Islam. Mention was made of the encouraging sign represented by the letter from 138 Muslim leaders and by the visit of the king of Saudi Arabia to the Pope."
Other subjects discussed included "the difficulties faced by the Christian faith in a secularized world, ...the importance of a new evangelization which responds to post-modern man's most profound and permanent hopes for happiness and freedom. On the continent of Latin America there exists a new missionary drive nourished also by the recent general conference of the Latin American episcopate held in Aparedica, Brazil.
"Certain specific contributions were dedicated to the situation of consecrated life in the world today, and to the formation of seminarians.
"The Holy Father's important letter to the Catholic Church in China was recalled, and its favorable reception by bishops and faithful was noted.
"The urgency was underlined of the Church's commitment to peace, to the struggle against poverty and to disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament."
"Certain purely informative contributions dwelt on the forthcoming international Eucharistic Congress, of Quebec, Canada, the Pauline Year, and the diffusion of the Catholic press and especially of 'L'Osservatore Romano.'
"Following a brief reply from Cardinal Kasper on a number of specific points, the Holy Father delivered a concluding address, summing up what had been discussed. He thanked the cardinals for their participation and contributions and announced the forthcoming publication of his new Encyclical dedicated to the subject of hope, in response to the deepest expectations of our contemporaries." OP/MEETING CARDINALS ECUMENISM/... VIS 071126 (710)
CHRISTIAN GREATNESS LIES NOT IN DOMINATION BUT IN SERVICE
VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 2007 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica this morning, Benedict XVI celebrated his second Ordinary Public Consistory, during which he created 23 new cardinals.
Following the opening liturgical greeting, the Holy Father read the formula of creation and solemnly proclaimed the names of the new cardinals. The first of them, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, then thanked the Pope in the name of all the others.
After a Gospel reading, the Holy Father pronounced his homily.
The College of Cardinals, he said, recreates "the ancient 'presbyterium' of the bishop of Rome, the members of which, while carrying out their pastoral and liturgical functions in the various Churches, ensured [the Pope] did not lack their precious collaboration in carrying out the duties associated with his universal apostolic ministry.
"Times have changed," Pope Benedict added, "and the great family of Christ's disciples has today spread to every continent, ... it speaks almost every language of the world and its members include people from all cultures. The diversity of the members of the College of Cardinals, in terms of both geographical and cultural background, serves to underline this providential growth, at the same time highlighting the changing pastoral requirements to which the Pope is called to respond."
Benedict XVI reminded the cardinals that each one of them "represents a portion of the mystical Body of Christ, which is the Church in every corner of the earth." Referring then to the communities entrusted to their care, he made particular mention of "those most tried by suffering, challenges and difficulties of various kinds" and especially "the dear Christian communities of Iraq."
Iraqi Christians, he went on, "experience in their own flesh the dramatic consequences of enduring conflict, and are currently living in an extremely fragile and delicate political situation. By calling the Chaldean patriarch to enter the College of Cardinals, I have sought to give concrete expression to my spiritual closeness and affection for those peoples. Together let us reaffirm the solidarity of the entire Church towards Christians in that dear land, and invite people to call upon merciful God for ... the advent of reconciliation and peace."
Commenting then on the Gospel of St. Mark which relates how "ambition caused the sons of Zebedee to claim for themselves the best positions in the kingdom of the Messiah," the Holy Father emphasized how "all true disciples of Christ aspire to just one thing: sharing His passion without seeking any reward. Christians are called to assume the status of 'servant,' following Jesus' footsteps, in other words to give their lives for others freely and disinterestedly.
"Not the search for power and success but the humble giving of self for the good of the Church must characterize our every gesture and word," he added. "True Christian greatness, in fact, does not consist of domination but of service."
"Be apostles of God, Who is Love, and witnesses of evangelical hope. This is what Christian people expect from you," the Pope concluded. "Christ calls on you to confess His truth before mankind, to embrace and to share His cause, and to do all this ... with that inner humility which is the result of cooperation with the grace of God."
At the end of the homily the new cardinals made the profession of faith before the people of God, swearing their faithfulness and obedience to the Pope and his successors.
One by one, in the order in which they were created, the new cardinals then came and knelt before the Holy Father who imposed the red "biretta" or hat and assigned them a titular or diaconate church in Rome as a sign of their participation in the Pope's pastoral concern for the city.
The Pope gave each new cardinal his Bull of Creation and exchanged an embrace of peace with them. The cardinals then exchanged the same embrace with each other
The celebration concluded with the prayer of the faithful, the recitation of the Our Father and the final blessing. BXVI-CONSISTORY/.../... VIS 071126 (680)
TITULAR AND DIACONATE CHURCHES OF THE NEW CARDINALS
VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 2007 (VIS) - Following are the names of the 23 new cardinals created by Pope Benedict XVI in this morning's consistory, and the titular or diaconate churches he assigned to them:
1. Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans.
2. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, diaconate of Sts. Blaise and Charles ai Catinari.
3. Cardinal John Patrick Foley, diaconate of St. Sebastian al Palatino.
4. Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, diaconate of St. Mary "Liberatrice" a Monte Testaccio.
5. Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, diaconate of St. Lawrence in Piscibus.
6. Cardinal Angelo Comastri, diaconate of St. Salvatore in Lauro.
7. Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, diaconate of the Sacred Heart of Christ the King.
8. Cardinal Raffaele Farina S.D.B., diaconate of St. John della Pigna.
9. Cardinal AgustÃn Garcia-Gasco Vicente, title of St. Marcellus.
10. Cardinal Sean Baptist Brady, title of Sts. Quiricus and Julitta.
11. Cardinal Lluis Martinez Sistach, title of St. Sebastian at the Catacombs.
12. Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, title of San Luigi dei Francesi.
13. Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, title of the Gran Madre di Dio.
14. Cardinal Theodore-Adrien Sarr, title of St. Lucy a Piazza d'Armi.
15. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, title of St. Paul of the Cross a "Corviale."
16. Cardinal Francisco Robles Ortega, title of St. Mary of the Presentation.
17. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, title of St. Eusebius.
18. Cardinal Odilio Pedro Scherer, title of St. Andrew al Quirinale.
19. Cardinal John Njue, title of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
20. Cardinal Giovanni Coppa, diaconate of St. Linus.
21. Cardinal Estanislao Esteban Karlic, title of the Our Lady of Sorrows in Piazza Buenos Aires.
22. Cardinal Urbano Navarrete S.J., diaconate de St. Pontian.
23. Cardinal Umberto Betti O.F.M., diaconate of Sts. Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia. .../TITULAR CHURCHES DIACONATES/... VIS 071126 (310)
THREE CARDINALS TO TAKE POSSESSION OF TITLES, DIACONATES
VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 2007 (VIS) - A note released today by the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff provides details concerning the taking of possession of the following titles and diaconates:
Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa, Italy, will take possession of the title of Gran Madre di Dio, at Via Cassia 1, Rome, at 5 p.m. on Monday November 26.
Cardinal John Patrick Foley, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, will take possession of the diaconate of St. Sebastian al Palatino, at Via di San Bonaventura 1, Rome, at 5 p.m. on Tuesday November 27.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, will take possession of the diaconate of Sts. Blaise and Charles ai Catinari, at Piazza Benedetto Cairoli 117, Rome, at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday December 2. OCL/POSSESSION/BAGNASCO:FOLEY:SANDRI VIS 071126 (160)
CARDINALS ARE CALLED TO GIVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE CHURCH
VATICAN CITY, NOV 25, 2007 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 10.30 a.m. today, Solemnity of Christ the King, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic concelebration with the 23 new cardinals created in yesterday's consistory. During the course of the ceremony he presented them with their ring of office.
In his homily, the Holy Father affirmed that the crucified Christ represents "the maximum possible revelation in this world of God's love, because God is love and Jesus' death on the cross is the greatest act of love in all of history." In this context he recalled the fact that the crucifixion is depicted on the cardinal's ring of office. "This for you," he told the neo-cardinals, "will be a permanent invitation to remember what King you serve, to what throne He was raised, and how He remained faithful unto the end to triumph over sin and death with the power of divine mercy.
"The Mother Church, bride of Christ," he added, "gives you this token in remembrance of her Bridegroom, Who loved her and gave Himself for her. Thus, by wearing the cardinal's ring, you are constantly reminded to give your own lives for the Church."
"How can we not feel," Pope Benedict asked, "the joy and the responsibility of serving this King, of bearing witness with life and word to His lordship? This, in particular, is our task venerable brother cardinals: announcing to the world the truth of Christ, hope for each human being and for the entire human family."
He went on: "It is a consoling for me to know that I can always rely on you, both collegially and individually, so that I too may carry out the fundamental duty of the Petrine ministry."
The Holy Father identified an aspect "closely associated" with this mission: "peace among all of Christ's disciples, as a sign of the peace that Jesus came into the world to establish."
"The Church," the Pope explained, "is that part of humanity in which Christ's regality already appears, and has as its principal manifestation peace. She is the new Jerusalem, still imperfect because a pilgrim in history, but capable in some way of anticipating the heavenly Jerusalem."
Benedict XVI concluded by reminding the cardinals that "prayer for peace and unity is your primary and principal mission, that the Church may be 'firm and united,' a sign and instrument of unity for the entire human race." HML/CHRIST THE KING:CARDINAL RING/... VIS 071126 (420)
POPE CALLS FOR PRAYERS FOR THE HOLY LAND
VATICAN CITY, NOV 25, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today, following this morning's Eucharistic concelebration in the Vatican Basilica with the cardinals created in yesterday's consistory, the Holy Father came out into St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus with thousands of pilgrims gathered there.
Benedict XVI began his remarks by recalling that "this Tuesday in Annapolis, U.S.A., Israelis and Palestinians, with the help of the international community, aim to relaunch the negotiating process in order to find a just and definitive solution to the conflict which, for the last 60 years, has bloodied the Holy Land and brought so many tears and so much suffering to the two peoples.
"I ask you," he added, "to join the Day of Prayer called for today by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to implore, from the Spirit of God, peace for that region so dear to us, and the gifts of wisdom and courage for all participants in this important meeting."
The Pope then went on to greet those present in several languages, expressing his "special gratitude" to the faithful "who have come from afar to accompany the new cardinals and participate in this event, which is such a singular expression of the unity and universality of the Catholic Church."
At 1.15 p.m., in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father had lunch with the new cardinals and with other cardinals who had come to Rome for the consistory and for the meeting of prayer and reflection held on November 23. ANG/MEETING ISRAELIS:PALESTINIANS/... VIS 071126 (270)
SOLID COMMUNION BETWEEN PASTORS AND THE POPE
VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 2007 (VIS) - In the Paul VI Hall at 11.30 a.m. today, the Holy Father received the 23 new cardinals created in the consistory held on Saturday, November 24. With the prelates were members of their families and other faithful who have accompanied them to Rome.
"The consistory and yesterday's Eucharistic celebration," said the Pope, "have provided us with a unique opportunity to experience the catholicity of the Church, well represented by the varied provenance of the members of the College of Cardinals, gathered in close communion around Peter's Successor."
Having greeted the new cardinals in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish, the Pope addressed them all together giving them assurances of his prayers and asking them always to accompany him with "your valuable human and pastoral experience.
"I place great reliance on your precious support in order to be able to carry out my ministry to the entire people of God," added Benedict XVI. He then addressed the families and friends of the new cardinals whom he asked to keep on praying for them and for him, "that communion between pastors and the Pope may remain solid, so as to present the whole world with the testimony of a Church faithful to Christ and ready to meet the spiritual hopes and needs of modern man with prophetic courage."
The Holy Father concluded: "Returning to your dioceses, bear my greetings and the assurances of my constant prayers to the Lord. Upon you, dear cardinals, and upon everyone present here, I invoke the protection of the heavenly Mother of God and of the saintly Apostles Peter and Paul." AP/GREETINGS :CARDINALS/... VIS 071126 (290)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., archbishop of Quebec, Canada.
- A delegation from Iraq. AP/.../... VIS 071126 (30)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Jesus Tirso Blanco S.D.B., vice-inspector of the Salesians in Angola, as bishop of Lwena (area 223,043, population 700,000, Catholics 140,000, priests 20, religious 20), Angola. The bishop-elect was born in Ramos Mejia, Argentina in 1957 and ordained a priest in 1985. NER/.../... VIS 071126 (60) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican Update 23 November 2007
| 11.23.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 201 |
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SUMMARY:
- Presentation of "Spe Salvi," the Pope's New Encyclical - Rites of the Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals
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PRESENTATION OF "SPE SALVI," THE POPE'S NEW ENCYCLICAL
VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 2007 (VIS) - The new Encyclical of Benedict XVI, "Spe salvi," will be presented in the Holy See Press Office at 11.30 a.m. on Friday, November 30. The document will be presented by Cardinal Georges Marie Martin Cottier O.P., pro-theologian emeritus of the Pontifical Household, and by Cardinal Albert Vanhoye S.J., professor emeritus of New Testament exegesis at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. OP/ENCYCLICAL:SPE SALVI/COTTIER:VANHOYE VIS 071123 (80)
RITES OF THE CONSISTORY FOR THE CREATION OF NEW CARDINALS
VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 2007 (VIS) - At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow, November 24, the Pope will hold an Ordinary Public Consistory for the creation of 23 new cardinals.
The consistory for the creation of new cardinals, according to the new rite introduced during the consistory of June 28, 1991, contains the following points:
Following a liturgical greeting, the Pope reads the formula of creation, and solemnly proclaims the names of the new cardinals. The first of the new cardinals then addresses the Holy Father on behalf of everyone.
This is followed by the Liturgy of the Word, the Pope's homily, the Profession of Faith and the taking of the oath by each cardinal.
Each new cardinal then approaches the Holy Father and kneels before him to receive the cardinal's biretta and to be assigned a title or deaconry.
The Pope places the biretta on the cardinal's head and says, in part: "(This is) red as a sign of the dignity of the office of a cardinal, signifying that you are ready to act with fortitude, even to the point of spilling your blood for the increase of the Christian faith, for peace and harmony among the people of God, for freedom and the spread of the Holy Roman Catholic Church".
The Holy Father hands over the Bull of Creation as cardinal, assigns the title or deaconry and exchanges a kiss of peace with the new members of the College of Cardinals. The cardinals also exchange such a sign among themselves.
The rite is concluded with the Prayer of the Faithful, the recitation of the Our Father and the final blessing.
At 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, November 25, Solemnity of Christ the King, the Holy Father will preside at a concelebrated Mass with the new cardinals, during which he will give them the cardinal's ring, "the sign of dignity, pastoral care and the most solid communion with the See of Peter."
As he places the ring on the new cardinal's finger, the Pope says: "Take this ring from the hand of Peter and know that, with the love of the Prince of the Apostles, your love for the Church is strengthened."
Following the morning's ceremony, the College of Cardinals will have 201 members, of whom 120 are electors. The members of the College, by continent of origin, are divided as follows: 104 from Europe, 20 from North America, 34 from South America, 18 from Africa, 21 from Asia and 4 from Oceania.
As advisors to the Pope, the cardinals act collegially with him through consistories, which meet by order of the Roman Pontiff and under his presidency. Consistories can either be ordinary or extraordinary. In the ordinary consistory, all cardinals present in Rome, other bishops, priests and special guests are convened. These consistories are called by the Pope for consultation on certain important issues or to give special solemnity to some celebrations. An extraordinary consistory is one to which all cardinals are convened, and is celebrated when some special needs or more serious affairs of the Church suggest that it should be held. .../CONSISTORY CARDINALS/... VIS 071123 (530)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr, Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo M.S.P. superior general of the Missionary Society of St Paul in Abuja, Nigeria, as auxiliary of the apostolic vicariate of Bomadi (area 18,000, population 2,700,000, Catholics 21,000, priests 17, religious 6), Nigeria. The bishop-elect was born in Ogriagbene, Nigeria, in 1955 and ordained a priest in 1990. NEA/.../EGBEBO VIS 071123 (70) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican Update 22 November 2007
| 11.22.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 200 |
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SUMMARY:
- Ensure That No One Will Ever Be Hungry Again - Meeting of Cardinals to Discuss Ecumenism
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ENSURE THAT NO ONE WILL EVER BE HUNGRY AGAIN
VATICAN CITY, NOV 22, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today, the Pope received participants in the 34th general conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which has its headquarters in Rome.
In his English-language talk to the delegates, the Pope indicated that "all forms of discrimination, and particularly those that thwart agricultural development, must be rejected since they constitute a violation of the basic right of every person to be 'free from hunger.' These convictions are in fact demanded by the very nature of your work on behalf of the common good of humanity."
Benedict XVI highlighted the paradox of "the relentless spread of poverty in a world that is also experiencing unprecedented prosperity, not only in the economic sphere but also in the rapidly developing fields of science and technology."
Such obstacles as "armed conflicts, outbreaks of disease, adverse atmospheric and environmental conditions and the massive forced displacement of peoples," said the Pope, "should serve as a motivation to redouble our efforts to provide each person with his or her daily bread.
"For her part, the Church is convinced that the quest for more effective technical solutions in an ever-changing and expanding world calls for far-sighted programs embodying enduring values grounded in the inalienable dignity and rights of the human person," he added.
"The united effort of the international community to eliminate malnutrition and promote genuine development necessarily calls for clear structures of management and supervision, and a realistic assessment of the resources needed to address a wide range of different situations. It requires the contribution of every member of society - individuals, volunteer organizations, businesses, and local and national governments - always with due regard for those ethical and moral principles which are the common patrimony of all people and the foundation of all social life."
Benedict XVI continued his talk by saying that "today more than ever, the human family needs to find the tools and strategies capable of overcoming the conflicts caused by social differences, ethnic rivalries, and the gross disparity in levels of economic development."
"Religion, as a potent spiritual force for healing the wounds of conflict and division, has its own distinctive contribution to make in this regard, especially through the work of forming minds and hearts in accordance with a vision of the human person."
"Technical progress, important as it is, is not everything," the Pope told the FAO delegates. "Progress must be placed within the wider context of the integral good of the human person. It must constantly draw nourishment from the common patrimony of values which can inspire concrete initiatives aimed at a more equitable distribution of spiritual and material goods."
"This principle," he explained, "has a special application to the world of agriculture, in which the work of those who are often considered the 'lowliest' members of society should be duly acknowledged and esteemed."
In conclusion the Holy Father recalled how "FAO's outstanding activity on behalf of development and food security clearly points to the correlation between the spread of poverty and the denial of basic human rights, beginning with the fundamental right to adequate nutrition. Peace, prosperity, and respect for human rights are inseparably linked. The time has come to ensure, for the sake of peace, that no man, woman and child will ever be hungry again!" AC/HUNGER/FAO VIS 071122 (570)
MEETING OF CARDINALS TO DISCUSS ECUMENISM
VATICAN CITY, NOV 22, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today, the Holy See Press Office released the following communique:
"The ordinary Public Consistory for the creation of 23 new cardinals will be preceded - tomorrow, November 23 - by a meeting of prayer and reflection of the College of Cardinals, to take place in the Vatican's New Synod Hall. After praying the Middle Hour (Terce), at 9.30 a.m. the Holy Father will greet the cardinals present. Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity will then deliver a report on the theme: 'Information, reflections and evaluation concerning the current moment in ecumenical dialogue.' This will be followed by contributions from the cardinals, lasting until 12.30 p.m.
"The meeting will resume at 5 p.m. with the celebration of Vespers. Then, following an introduction by the Holy Father, a free exchange of ideas will take place between the cardinals on the life of the Church in general. The day of prayer and reflection will conclude at 7 p.m. with an address by the Supreme Pontiff." OP/CARDINAL MEETING:ECUMENISM/... VIS 071122 (190)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 22, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Three prelates from the Kenya Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Peter Kihara Kariuki I.M.C. of Marsabit.
- Bishop Salesius Mugambi of Meru.
- Bishop Luigi Paiaro of Nyabururu.
- Archbishop Paolo Pezzi F.S.C.B. of the archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, Russia, accompanied by members of his family. AL:AP/.../... VIS 071122 (80) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
21 November 2007
Vatican Update 21 November 2007
| 11.21.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 199 |
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SUMMARY:
- Aphraates the Wise: Humility in the World - Pope Appeals for Peace in Somalia - Communique Concerning Salaries of Vatican Staff
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APHRAATES THE WISE: HUMILITY IN THE WORLD
VATICAN CITY, NOV 21, 2007 (VIS) - At his general audience this morning Benedict XVI turned his attention to Aphraates, known as "the Sage," an important Christian figure from 4th century Syria. The audience, held in St. Peter's Square, was attended by around 15,000 people.
The Pope explained how Christian communities in Syria at that time were essentially part of "the Semitic world from which the Bible itself emerged," an expression of a form of Christianity "with theological formulations that had not yet come into contact with different cultural trends but lived off its own forms of thought. These were Churches," he continued, "in which asceticism, under various forms of hermitic life, ... played an important role."
"Aphraates was from an ecclesial community located on the frontier between Judaism and Christianity" that was "strongly linked to the Mother Church of Jerusalem and ... sought to remain faithful to the Judeo-Christian tradition of which it felt itself to be a product."
The Holy Father noted the significance of the fact that "Aphraates defined himself as a 'disciple of Sacred Scripture,' ... which he considered to be his only source of inspiration." In his works "he often presents the salvation achieved by Christ as healing and, hence, Christ Himself as doctor. Sin on the other hand is seen as a wound which only penance can heal." Another important aspect of his writings is "his teaching on prayer and in particular on Christ as master of prayer."
For Aphraates, "Christian life is focussed on the imitation of Christ," and he considered "humility to be one of the most appropriate virtues for the disciple of Christ" because "man's nature is humble and it is God who exalts it with His own glory. ... By remaining humble, even in their earthly surroundings, Christians may establish a relationship with the Lord."
His vision of human beings and their corporeal reality, said the Pope, "is very positive: the human body ... is called to beauty, to joy and to light." And it is faith that "enables sincere charity, expressed in love for God and for others."
Another key concept in Aphraates' thought is that of fasting, which the Syrian "Sage" understood "in its widest sense: ... abstention from food as a practice necessary in order to be charitable, ... abstention from vain or abhorrent words, abstention from anger and from the ownership of goods."
Benedict XVI concluded by returning to Aphraates' teaching on prayer. "Prayer is achieved," he said, "when Christ dwells in the heart of Christians, inviting them to a coherent commitment of charity towards their fellows." AG/APHRAATES/... VIS 071121 (440)
POPE APPEALS FOR PEACE IN SOMALIA
VATICAN CITY, NOV 21, 2007 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, the Pope launched and appeal for peace in Somalia.
"Distressing news is reaching us," he said, "concerning the precarious humanitarian situation in Somalia, and especially in Mogadishu, ever more profoundly afflicted by social insecurity and poverty. I am following the development of events with concern and appeal to all those with political responsibility, at both local and international level, to find peaceful solutions and bring relief to that dear people. I also encourage the efforts of those who, though facing insecurity and discomfort, remain in the region to bring aid and comfort to the inhabitants." AG/PEACE SOMALIA/... VIS 071121 (120)
COMMUNIQUE CONCERNING SALARIES OF VATICAN STAFF
VATICAN CITY, NOV 21, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:
"This morning in the Sala Bologna of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, a meeting was held of heads of dicastery and other heads of Vatican State and of organizations associated with the Holy See or administratively dependent on APSA (Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See).
"The meeting was presided by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.
"It was dedicated to presenting a number of important new measures concerning the salaries of personnel working in the service of the Vatican.
"The principal and most innovative measure concerns the new parameters for the payment of staff (who are employed in a system of ten functional levels), and above all the introduction of 'classes of merit' within each individual level. This novelty brings an element of incentive and remuneration into the Vatican salary system, taking account - within each individual functional level - of factors such as dedication, professionalism, productivity and correctitude.
"Other measures relate to management categories and to Regulations concerning lay management personnel.
"All these measures will come into effect on January 1, 2008, though the 'classes of merit' will be gradually applied over time.
"It should be recalled that, from January 1, new measures for overtime payments will also come into effect, completing those introduced over the last few months.
"All these measures involve advantages for staff and, naturally, a greater outlay for the administrative offices, which are invited to follow wise management practices in order to be able to meet these new expenses, which are aimed at improving the treatment of staff." OP/VATICAN SALARIES/... VIS 071121 (290)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 21, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Appointed Fr. Isaac Amani Massawe of the clergy of the diocese of Moshi, Tanzania, pastor of the cathedral, as bishop of the same diocese (area 5,029, population 1,053,199, Catholics 658,000, priests 365, religious 1,976). The bishop-elect was born in Mango, Tanzania in 1951 and ordained a priest in 1975. He succeeds Bishop Amedeus Msarikie, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Bishop Paul Hwang Cheol-soo, auxiliary and diocesan administrator of Pusan, Korea, as bishop of the same diocese (area 3,267, population 5,456,348, Catholics 392,956, priests 263, religious 832). NER:RE/.../MASSAWE:MSARIKIE:HWANG VIS 071121 (120) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican Update 20 November 2007
| 11.20.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 198 |
|
SUMMARY:
- Telegram for Victims of Mine Accident in Ukraine - Educating Together in Catholic Schools
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TELEGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF MINE ACCIDENT IN UKRAINE
VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 2007 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a telegram sent by the Holy Father, via Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., to Viktor Yushchenko, president of the Republic of Ukraine, for a recent explosion in the country's Zasyadko mine which killed 88 people:
"Having learned of the disaster in the Zasyadko mine in eastern Ukraine, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to express his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government authorities and to the entire nation. While giving assurances of his fervent prayers for the souls of the deceased, he calls upon the Lord of heaven to grant consolation to the injured and to those suffering from the dramatic loss of their loved ones." TGR/EXPLOSION MINE/ZASYADKO:YUSHCHENKO VIS 071120 (140)
EDUCATING TOGETHER IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Holy See Press Office, the presentation took place of a document published by the Congregation for Catholic Education, entitled: "Educating Together in Catholic Schools. A Shared Mission between Consecrated Persons and the Lay Faithful."
Participating in the press conference were Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski and Msgr. Angelo Vincenzo Zani, respectively prefect and under-secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education, and Roberto Zappala, rector of the high schools of the Gonzaga Institute in Milan, Italy.
In his talk, Cardinal Grocholewski expressed the view that globalization "favors meeting and exchange between peoples, but it can also produce dangerous cultural homologies, a sort of cultural colonialism."
The cardinal went on to note that "a profound malady is affecting the educational world, especially in the West." Professors "feel a lack of motivation and have to witness the frustration of their educational duties. Among the worrying signs are the increase of violence in schools and among adolescents, and the difficulties faced by families which, it as well to recall, have the prime responsibility for the education of their children" and must play "an active part in the school community."
Msgr. Zani provided a number of statistics illustrating the presence of Catholic schools in various areas of the globe.
"In the world today," he said, "there are some 250,000 Catholic educational institutes frequented by slightly fewer than 42 million pupils, distributed over the continents as follows: ten million in Africa, twelve million in the Americas, ten million in Asia, nine million in Europe, and 800,000 in Oceania. Teachers in Catholic schools number around three and a half million."
Msgr. Zani continued: "Catholic schools operate in all geographical areas, including those in which religious liberty does not exist or that are socially and economically disadvantaged," and have "an amazing capacity to respond to emergencies and to formative needs."
To illustrate this point, Msgr. Zani quoted the examples of Lebanon, where "the program of Catholic schools has as its principal aim that of leading young people to dialogue and collaboration between Muslims and Christians," and of Bosnia where, "in the midst of the Balkans war, the archdiocese of Sarajevo founded three schools called 'Schools for Europe,' ... to welcome Serbs, Croats and Muslims."
"Special mention must be made," he continued, "of countries in Central and Eastern Europe. There the collapse of communism unblocked a situation which had persisted for many years, enabling a rediscovery of the value of the individual and of freedom, also in the formative process. In many of those countries educational laws have been greatly revised and now also include recognition and economic support for Catholic schools."
Professor Zappala indicated that the document, 26 pages long and published in English, French, Spanish and Italian, "wishes to contribute to reflections on three fundamental aspects concerning the collaboration between lay faithful and consecrated people in Catholic schools."
To this end, the professor explained, the text of the document is divided into three sections. The first section, "communion in the mission of education, ... focuses on the theological and anthropological roots of communion." In the second section, "a journey of formation for educating together," it is made clear that "to educate in communion and for communion a specific formation is necessary;" thus this section considers the aspects of professional formation, theological and spiritual formation, and communion for education.
As for the third section, "communion for opening oneself towards others," Professor Zappala quoted from the document, saying: "Educating in communion and for communion means directing students to grow authentically as persons who 'gradually learn to open themselves up to life as it is, and to create in themselves a definite attitude to life' that will help them to open their views and their hearts to the world that surrounds them, able to see things critically, with a sense of responsibility and a desire for constructive commitment." CIC/CATHOLIC SCHOOLS/GROCHOLEWSKI VIS 071120 (660)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Appointed Fr. Brendan Kelly of the diocese of Galway and Kilmacduagh, Ireland, vicar general, as bishop of Achonry (area 1,450, population 37,464, Catholics 35,752, priests 48, religious 87), Ireland. The bishop-elect was born in Ballinakill, Ireland in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1971. He succeeds Bishop Thomas Flynn, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Bishop Michael W. Warfel of Juneau, U.S.A., as bishop of Great Falls-Billings (area 241,276, population 391,360, Catholics 51,629, priests 74, permanent deacons 6, religious 81), USA.
- Appointed as members of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue: Archbishops Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, and Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture; and Bishops Thomas Dabre of Vasai, India; Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, auxiliary of Kwangju, Korea, and Christopher Charles Prowse, auxiliary of Melbourne, Australia.
- Appointed as consultors of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue: Bishops Paul Hinder O.F.M. Cap., apostolic vicar of Arabia, U.A.E.; George Frendo O.P., auxiliary of Tirane-Durres, Albania, and Janusz Kaleta, apostolic administrator of Atyrau, Kazakhstan; Msgrs. Paolo Selvadagi, professor at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, and Peter D. Fleetwood, adjunct secretary of the CCEE, Great Britain; Frs. Wilybard Lagho, head of dialogue with Islam for the archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya; James Massa, secretary of the commission for ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Fernando Giannetti, pastor of "Nuestra Senora de la Misericordia" in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Jean-Marc Aveline, director of the "Institut de Science et de Theologie des Religions" of Marseille, France; Hector Michael Ortega, spiritual director of the "community of philosophy" of the diocesan seminary of Colma, Mexico; Jurandyr Araujo S.D.B., delegate for Afro-Brazilian religions of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference; Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot M.C.C.I., president of Rome's Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies; Joseph Ellul O.P., professor at Malta's Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas; Benedict Kanakapalli O.C.D., professor at India's Pontifical Urban University; Lorenzo Piretto O.P., vicar delegate, apostolic vicar of Istanbul, Turkey, and Benoit Vermander S.J., academic director of the Ricci Institute of Taipei, Taiwan; Sr. Gertrud Veronika de Jesus Wiedmann, superior general of the Fraternity of the Little Sisters of Jesus, Germany; and Professor Teresa de Jesus Osorio Dias Goncalves, former official of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue. NER:RE:NA/.../... VIS 071120 (410) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
19 November 2007
Vatican Update 19 November 2007
| 11.19.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 197 |
|
SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 17 - 19
- Helping Sick Elderly People in the Final Stages of Life - Consistory: Courtesy Visits to New Cardinals - History and the Plan of Salvation - Condolences to Victims of Bangladesh Cyclone - Marriage : a Precious Treasure to Be Guarded at All Costs
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HELPING SICK ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE FINAL STAGES OF LIFE
VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today, the Holy Father received participants in an international conference promoted by the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care, which was held in the Vatican from November 15 to 17.
The Pope noted that the theme of the meeting, the pastoral care of sick elderly people, "is a fundamental aspect of health care ministry." Those who accompany such people, he added, may ask themselves: "does the existence of a human being, when in a very precarious state because of age or infirmity, still have meaning? Why, when the challenge of sickness becomes so dramatic, should we not accept euthanasia as a form of liberation? Is it possible to live with illness as a human experience to be accepted with patience and courage?"
After highlighting how "modern efficiency-oriented mentality" considers elderly sick people "as a 'burden' and a 'problem' for society," Benedict XVI indicated the need to adopt palliative care methods where required, even though they may not lead to a cure. "And alongside the indispensable clinical treatment," he said, "sick people have need of understanding, comfort and of constant encouragement and accompaniment.
"Old people in particular," the Pope added, "need to be helped to follow the last stage of their earthly lives consciously and humanly, to prepare themselves serenely for death which - we Christians know - is the passage to the embrace of the heavenly Father, full of tenderness and mercy."
The Holy Father then went on to emphasize how families should welcome their sick elderly members "and look after them with loving gratitude" so they may prepare for death "in an atmosphere of familial affection." Furthermore, he continued, "in the most difficult moments, sick people ... should be encouraged to find the strength to face their trials in prayer and the comfort of the Sacraments. They should be surrounded by brothers and sisters in the faith who are ready to listen to them and share their feelings. This, in fact, is the true aim of the 'pastoral' care of elderly people, especially when they are ill, and even more so when they are seriously ill."
Benedict XVI recalled the "the exemplary witness of faith and courage" shown by John Paul II during his sickness, and the late Pope's call to scientists and doctors "to dedicate themselves to research to prevent and cure the illness associated with old age without ever giving in to the temptation to adopt practices that shorten elderly and sick lives, practices which would in effect constitute euthanasia."
"Human life is a gift from God which we are all called to protect at all times," the Holy Father said. "What is needed is a generalized commitment so that human life may be respected, not only in Catholic hospitals but in all places that care for the sick."
In closing the Pope highlighted how Jesus, "dying on the cross, gave human suffering transcendent value and significance. In the face of suffering and sickness believers are called not to lose their serenity because nothing, not even death, can separate us from Christ's love. In Him and with Him it is possible to face up to and overcome all physical and spiritual trials and, even in the moment of greatest suffering, experience the fruits of Redemption." AC/ELDERLY SICK/CON-AVA VIS 071119 (560)
CONSISTORY: COURTESY VISITS TO NEW CARDINALS
VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2007 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has announced that in St. Peter's Square at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, Pope Benedict XVI will hold an Ordinary Public Consistory for the creation of 23 new cardinals.
Also in St. Peter's Square, at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, November 25, Solemnity of Christ the King, the Holy Father will preside at a concelebrated Mass with the new cardinals, during which he will give them their ring of office.
The program for the courtesy visits to the new cardinals has also been published; they will be held from 4.30 to 6.30 p.m. on November 24, in the following locations:
PAUL VI HALL:
Atrium: Cardinals Francisco Robles Ortega, Urbano Navarrete S.J. and Umberto Betti O.F.M.
Hall: Cardinals Agustin Garcia-Gasco Vicente, Sean Baptist Brady, Lluis Martinez Sistach and Andre Vingt-Trois.
PALACE OF THE GOVERNORATE OF VATICAN CITY STATE:
Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo.
PALAZZO DELLA CANONICA - FABRIC OF ST. PETER'S:
Vicariate of Vatican City: Cardinal Angelo Comastri.
Library: Cardinal Giovanni Coppa.
APOSTOLIC PALACE:
Sala Regia: Cardinals Leonardo Sandri and John Patrick Foley.
Hall of Blessings: Cardinals Theodore-Adrien Sarr, Oswald Gracias, Daniel N. DiNardo, Odilio Pedro Scherer, John Njue, Emmanuel III Delly, Estanislao Esteban Karlic.
Sala Ducale: Cardinals Paul Josef Cordes and Stanislaw Rylko.
Sala dei Paramenti 1: Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco.
Sala dei Paramenti 2: Cardinal Raffaele Farina S.D.B. OCL/CONSISTORY:COURTESY VISITS/... VIS 071119 (240)
HISTORY AND THE PLAN OF SALVATION
VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 2007 (VIS) - At midday, before praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope commented on today's reading from the Gospel, "a biblical vision of history" in which the words of Jesus "invite the disciples not to be afraid but to face difficulties, misunderstandings and even persecutions with trust, persevering in their faith in Him."
In St. Luke's text, Christ tells His disciples: "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately."
The Pope explained: "Mindful of this warning the Church has, since the beginning, ... scrutinized the signs of the times and put the faithful on their guard against recurring expressions of Messianism which from time to time arise to announce the imminent end of the world. In reality history has to follow its course and this also involves human dramas and natural disasters. Over history a plan of salvation is developed, which Christ already fulfilled in His incarnation, death and resurrection. The Church continues to announce this mystery ... through preaching, celebration of the Sacraments and the witness of charity."
"Let us accept Christ's invitation to face daily events trusting in His provident love," said the Holy Father. "Let us have no fear for the future, even when it appears dark and gloomy, because the God of Jesus Christ, who adopted history to open it to its transcendent fulfillment, is its alpha and omega, its beginning and end. He guarantees that each small but genuine act of love contains all the meaning of the universe, and that those who do not hesitate to lose their lives for Him find them fully."
Consecrated people "maintain just such a perspective" said the Pope making particular mention of those "called to a life of contemplation in cloistered monasteries" to whom the Church will dedicate a special Day on November 21. "The monastery, as a spiritual oasis, shows today's world what is the most important, indeed the only decisive, factor: that there exists a definitive reason which makes life worthwhile and that is God and His ineffable love. Faith working through charity is the true antidote against a nihilist mentality which, in our time, is extending its influence ever more widely in the world."
In remarks following the Angelus, the Holy Father turned his attention to Servant of God Antonio Rosmini, who will be beatified this afternoon in the Italian city of Novara. He was, said the Pope, "a great priest and an illustrious man of culture" who stood out "for what he himself called 'intellectual charity,' in other words the reconciliation of reason with faith.
"May his example help the Church, and especially the Italian ecclesial communities, to grow in their awareness that the light of human reason is the light of Grace, when they advance together they become a source of blessings for human beings and for society." ANG/SALVATION:ROSMINI/... VIS 071119 (500)
CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS OF BANGLADESH CYCLONE
VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 2007 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus today, the Pope reiterated "the expression of my deepest condolences to the families" of Bangladesh, for the cyclone that struck the country a number of days ago "causing numerous victims and grave damage."
"I appeal to international solidarity," the Pope continued, "which has already been activated to meet immediate necessities. And I encourage people to make every possible effort to help these our brothers and sisters who have been so sorely tried."
Benedict XVI then went on to recall how today in Jordan the eighth assembly will begin of States signatories to the "Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on their Destruction." After recalling how "the Holy See is one of the principal promoters of this convention, which was adopted ten years ago," the Pope expressed his hope "for the success of the conference so that these devices, which continue to reap victims including many children, may be completely banned."
The Holy Father also recalled the fact that today marks the Day dedicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to victims of road accidents, and he gave assurances of his prayers "for everyone killed in traffic accidents and for their families." He also called for "the redoubling of efforts to ensure people drive carefully and protect their own lives and those of others. This is a duty of charity we owe one another," he said. ANG/BANGLADESH:MINES:ROADS/... VIS 071119 (260)
MARRIAGE: A PRECIOUS TREASURE TO BE GUARDED AT ALL COSTS
VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2007 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, the Pope received prelates from the Kenya Episcopal Conference who have just completed their five-yearly "ad limina" visit.
Speaking English, the Pope began his talk to them by recalling that "it is bishops who, as ministers and signs of communion in Christ, are pre-eminently called to make manifest the unity of His Church." In this context he urged them "to continue your fraternal cooperation with one another in the spirit of the community of Christ's disciples, united in your love for Him and in the Gospel that you proclaim."
"Within each diocese, the vibrancy and harmony of the presbyterate offers a clear sign of the vitality of the local Church. ... As bishops, we must constantly strive to build up the sense of community among our priests. ... We must be close to them and encourage them, in the first place, to remain firmly rooted in prayer. ... Let them drink deeply from the wells of Sacred Scripture and from the daily and reverent celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist. Let them give themselves generously to praying the Liturgy of the Hours."
"A key focus of unity in a community is the institution of marriage and family life, which the people of Africa hold in particular esteem. ... This precious treasure must be guarded at all costs. All too often, the ills besetting some parts of African society, such as promiscuity, polygamy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, can be directly related to disordered notions of marriage and family life.
"For this reason," he added, "it is important to assist parents in teaching their children how to live out a Christian vision of marriage, conceived as an indissoluble union between one man and one woman, essentially equal in their humanity and open to the generation of new life.
"While this understanding of Christian family life finds a deep resonance in Africa, it is a matter of great concern that the globalized secular culture is exerting an increasing influence on local communities as a result of campaigns by agencies promoting abortion.
"This direct destruction of an innocent human life can never be justified, however difficult the circumstances that may lead some to consider taking such a grave step. When you preach the Gospel of Life, remind your people that the right to life of every innocent human being, born or unborn, is absolute and applies equally to all people with no exception whatsoever"
"The Catholic community must offer support to those women who may find it difficult to accept a child, above all when they are isolated from their family and friends. Likewise, the community should be open to welcome back all who repent of having participated in the grave sin of abortion, and should guide them with pastoral charity to accept the grace of forgiveness, the need for penance, and the joy of entering once more into the new life of Christ."
Benedict XVI pointed out how the Church in Kenya "is well known for the fine contribution made by its educational institutions in forming generations of young people in sound ethical principles and in opening their minds to engage in peaceful and respectful dialogue with members of other social or religious groups.
"At a time when a secularist and relativist mentality is increasingly asserting itself through global means of social communication, it is all the more essential that you continue to promote the quality and the Catholic identity of your schools, universities and seminaries. Take the steps necessary in order to affirm and clarify their proper institutional status," he concluded. "Today there is a particular need for highly trained professionals and persons of integrity in the area of medicine, where advances in technology continue to raise serious moral questions." AL/.../KENYA VIS 071119 (650)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
- Three prelates from the Kenya Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Anthony Muheria of Embu.
- Bishop Alfred Kipkoech Arap Rotich, military ordinary.
- Bishop Anthony Ireri Mukobo I.M.C., apostolic vicar of Isiolo.
On Saturday, November 17, he received in separate audiences:
- Eight prelates from the Kenya Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop John Njue of Nairobi, apostolic administrator of Muranga, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau Ng'ang'a, and by Archbishop emeritus Raphael Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki.
- Bishop Emmanuel Okombo Wandera of Kericho.
- Bishop Martin Musonde Kivuva of Machakos, apostolic administrator "sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of Kitui.
- Bishop Peter J. Kairo of Nakuru.
- Bishop Cornelius Schilder of Ngong M.H.M., accompanied by Bishop emeritus Colin Cameron Davies M.H.M. AL/.../... VIS 071119 (160)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:
- Msgr. Corrado Pizziolo of the clergy of the diocese of Treviso, Italy, vicar general, as bishop of Vittorio Veneto (area 1,420, population 332,540, Catholics 315,920, priests 299, permanent deacons 17, religious 761), Italy. The bishop-elect was born in Scandolara di Zero Branco, Italy in 1949 and ordained a priest in 1975.
- Archbishop Timothy Paul Broglio, apostolic nuncio to the Dominican Republic and apostolic delegate to Puerto Rico, as military ordinary for the United States of America.
On Saturday, November 17, it was made public that he appointed:
- Fr. Mariano Moreno Garcia O.S.A. pastor of the cathedral of the territorial prelature of Cafayate, Argentina, as prelate of Cafayate (area 46,847, population 60,126, Catholics 57,026, priests 15, permanent deacons 1, religious 31). The bishop-elect was born in Milagros, Spain in 1938 and ordained a priest in 1964.
- Msgr. Terence Patrick Drainey of the clergy of the diocese of Salford, England, rector of St. Cuthbert's College in Ushaw, as bishop of Middlesbrough (area 4,000, population 1,133,553, Catholics 84,553, priests 145, permanent deacons 12, religious 185), England. The bishop-elect was born in Manchester, England in 1949 and ordained a priest in 1975.
- Fr. Pietro Vittorelli O.S.B., monk and master of novices at Monte Cassino, Italy, as abbot of the same territorial abbey (area 567, population 79,500, Catholics 79,500, priests 73, religious 121). The abbot-elect was born in Rome in 1962 and ordained a priest in 1994.
- Fr. Juan Antonio Martinez Camino S.J., secretary general of the Spanish Episcopal conference, as auxiliary of Madrid (area 3,663, population 4,050,000, Catholics 3,510,000, priests 3,186, permanent deacons 18, religious 9,972), Spain. The bishop-elect was born in Santa Cruz de Marcenado-Siero, Spain in 1953 and ordained a priest in 1980.
- Archbishop Jose Octavio Ruiz Arenas, emeritus of Villavicencio, Colombia, and vice-president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, as a member of the Congregation for Bishops.
- Archbishop Fernando Filoni, substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as a consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. NER:NEA:NA/.../... VIS 071119 (360)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2007 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:
- Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, on November 8 at the age of 77.
- Archbishop Maurice Noel Leon Couve de Muville, emeritus of Birmingham, England, on November 3 at the age of 78.
- Bishop Joachim Phayao Manisap, emeritus of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on November 3 at the age of 78.
- Bishop Pablo Antonio Vega Mantilla, emeritus of Juigalpa, Nicaragua, on November 14 at the age of 88. .../DEATHS/... VIS 071119 (100) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican Update 16 November 2007
| 11.16.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 196 |
|
SUMMARY:
- Continuing Vitality of Church's Missionary Impulse - Council Plenary, World Congress on Human Development
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CONTINUING VITALITY OF CHURCH'S MISSIONARY IMPULSE
VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican the Holy Father received around 100 superiors general from missionary societies of apostolic life. The religious are in Rome to participate in a meeting organized by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the president of which is Cardinal Ivan Dias.
"Your assembly" the Pope told the group "bears eloquent witness to the continuing vitality of the missionary impulse in the Church and the spirit of communion uniting your members ... to the Successor of Peter and his universal apostolic ministry."
"Within the hierarchical unity of the Body of Christ, enriched by the variety of gifts and charisms bestowed by the Spirit, communion with the successors of the Apostles remains the criterion and guarantee of the spiritual fruitfulness of all missionary activity. For the Church's communion in faith, hope and love is itself the sign and foretaste of that unity and peace which is God's plan in Christ for the whole human family.
"One of the promising indications of a renewal in the Church's missionary consciousness in recent decades," added the Pope in his English-language address, "has been the growing desire of many lay men and women ... to cooperate generously in the 'missio ad gentes.' As Vatican Council II stressed, the work of evangelization is a fundamental duty incumbent upon the whole People of God."
"Given the extent and the importance of the contribution made by [lay people], ... the proper forms of their cooperation should naturally be governed by specific statutes and clear directives respectful of each institute's proper canonical identity."
Benedict XVI expressed his gratitude to all the missionaries who, "today as in the past, ... continue to leave their families and homes, often at great sacrifice, for the sole purpose of proclaiming the Good News of Christ and serving Him in their brothers and sisters. Many of them, also in our time, have heroically confirmed their preaching by the shedding of their blood, and contributed to establishing the Church in distant lands."
Despite the "decrease in the number of young people who are attracted to missionary societies, and a consequent decline in missionary outreach, ... the mission 'ad gentes' is still only beginning," said the Pope.
"While conscious of the challenges you face, I encourage you to follow faithfully in the footsteps of your founders, and to stir into flame the charisms and apostolic zeal which you have inherited from them, confident that Christ will continue to work with you and to confirm your preaching with signs of His presence and power." AC/MISSIONARY SOCIETIES/... VIS 071116 (440)
COUNCIL PLENARY, WORLD CONGRESS ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2007 (VIS) - "Problems and prospects of human development today, 40 years after 'Populorum progressio'," is the subject due to be examined at the forthcoming plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, to be held on November 20 and 21, and at the second world congress of ecclesial organizations active in that sector, to be held in Rome from November 22 to 24.
According to a communique from the pontifical council, its members and consultors "will reflect on the current validity of the historical papal document, with particular emphasis on the moral aspects of development, on new forms of poverty and globalization, on conflicts and disarmament, and on safeguarding and protecting human rights."
Among those due to participate in the plenary assembly alongside Cardinal Renato Martino and Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, are Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga S.D.B., archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo, president of Pax Christi.
More than 300 delegates from more than 80 countries on five continents are expected to participate in the second world congress of ecclesial organizations active in the sector of justice and peace. The specific theme of their meeting will be: "The 40th anniversary of 'Populorum progressio:' the development of all of man, the development of all mankind."
Participants, the communique reads, "will study the new situations that have come into being in the world since the publication of the historic document, and the current challenges of development in the light of the Church's social doctrine, in particular the questions of human ecology, pluralism and inter-cultural dialogue, and new forms of government in the context of globalization. Particular attention will also be given to the Church's pastoral commitment to integral and solidary development in the world today." CON-IP/HUMAN DEVELOPMENT/ MARTINO VIS 071116 (320)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Archbishop Jean-Claude Perisset, apostolic nuncio to Germany.
- Four prelates from the Kenya Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Philip Sulumeti of Kakamega.
- Bishop Joseph Mairura Okemwa of Kisii.
- Bishop Maurice Anthony Crowley S.P.S. of Kitale.
- Bishop Patrick Joseph Harrington S.M.A. of Lodwar.
This evening he is scheduled to receive in separate audiences three prelates from the Kenya Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa.
- Bishop Paul Darmanin O.F.M. Cap. of Garissa.
- Bishop Francis Baldacchino O.F.M. Cap. of Malindi. AP:AL/.../... VIS 071116 (110)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso of Maiduguri, Nigeria, as archbishop of Kaduna (area 17,044, population 5,230,000, Catholics 382,638, priests 96, religious 35), Nigeria. The archbishop-elect was born in Lot, Nigeria, in 1960, he was ordained a priest in 1986 and consecrated a bishop in 2003. He succeeds Archbishop Peter Yariyok Jatau, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. NER:RE/.../NDAGOSO:JATAU VIS 071116 (90) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican Update 14 November 2007
| 11.14.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 194 |
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SUMMARY:
- St. Jerome: Coherence between Life and the Divine Word - Relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Rome - Congress on the Pastoral Care of Sick and Elderly People
___________________________________________________________
ST. JEROME: COHERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND THE DIVINE WORD
VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2007 (VIS) - At today's general audience, Benedict XVI continued the catechesis on St. Jerome which he had begun last week. Addressing the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope explained how the saint was "enamoured of the Word of God," and "an eminent doctor in the interpretation of Sacred Scripture."
For St. Jerome, said the Holy Father, the Bible was "the stimulus and the source of Christian life for all situations and for all people. To read Scripture is to converse with God."
"For Jerome, a fundamental criterion for interpreting Scripture was that it should harmonize with the Magisterium of the Church," said the Pope, going on to observe that "we cannot interpret Scripture alone because we come across too many closed doors and fall into error. The Bible was written by the People of God and for the People of God. ... Only in this communion of the People of God can we enter 'with ourselves' into the heart of the truth that God Himself wishes to tell us." In this context, Benedict XVI recalled a phrase of St. Jerome: "He who clings to the chair of Peter is accepted by me."
The Pope went on to indicate how Jerome "did not overlook ethical aspects and often recalled the duty of living in accordance with the divine Word. Such coherence is indispensable for all Christians, and especially for preachers" whose actions must be "in keeping with their words."
On the subject of coherence the saint affirmed that "the Gospel must be translated into attitudes of true charity because the Person of Christ is present in every human being. ... And Jerome makes it clear that 'it is yours to clothe Christ in the poor, to visit Him in the sick, to feed Him in the hungry, to shelter Him in the homeless'."
The saint "also left us a rich and varied teaching on Christian asceticism," said the Holy Father. "He recalls the fact that courageous commitment to perfection requires constant vigilance, frequent mortification (with moderation and prudence), assiduous intellectual or manual work to avoid idleness and, above all, obedience to God."
"Among Jerome's main achievements as a pedagogue we must highlight the importance he attributed to healthy and complete education from earliest infancy, ... and the need for study in order to achieve a more complete human formation. Moreover, a question somewhat overlooked in antiquity but considered vital by our author was the promotion of women, whom he recognizes as having the right to a full education."
The Holy Father concluded his catechesis by emphasizing "the effective contribution" made by St. Jerome "in safeguarding the positive and important elements of the ancient Hebrew, Greek and Roman cultures in nascent Christian civilization." AG/JEROME/... VIS 071114 (470)
RELICS OF ST. THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS IN ROME
VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2007 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, the Pope addressed a special greeting to faithful from the French diocese of Bayeux and Lisieux, accompanied by Bishop Pierre Auguste Pican S.D.B., who have come to Rome on pilgrimage with the relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.
The Holy Father recalled how "120 years ago Therese of Lisieux came to Rome to ask permission of Pope Leo XIII to enter the Carmelite Order, despite her youth. Eighty years ago Pope Pius XI proclaimed her patron saint of missions, and in 1997 Pope John Paul II declared her a Doctor of the Church."
"In this audience," he went on, "I will have the joy of praying before her relics, as will many faithful over the course of this week in various churches in Rome. St. Therese would have liked to learn the languages of the Bible in order to better understand Sacred Scripture. Following her example and that of St. Jerome, dedicate time to frequent reading of the Bible. By familiarizing yourselves with the Word of God, you will discover Christ and remain in intimate contact with Him."
Benedict XVI then addressed relatives of the Italian soldiers who lost their lives in a bomb attack in Nassiriya, Iraq, four years ago. "May the memory of these our brothers, and of others who have made the supreme sacrifice of their lives for the noble cause of peace, contribute to supporting the journey to hopeful rebirth of the dear Iraqi people." AG/ST. THERESE:IRAQ/... VIS 071114 (270)
CONGRESS ON THE PASTORAL CARE OF SICK AND ELDERLY PEOPLE
VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2007 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office at midday today, the presentation took place of the annual international congress organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care, which has as its theme this year: "Pastoral care in the cure of sick elderly people." The congress will be held in the Vatican on November 15, 16 and 17.
Participating in today's press conference were Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, Bishop Jose Luis Redrado O.H. and Fr. Felice Ruffini M.I., respectively president, secretary and under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care; Roberto Bernabei, director of the Department of Geronotological, Geriatric and Physical Sciences at Rome's Sacred Heart University; and Massimo Petrini, director of the Center for the Promotion and Development of Geriatric Assistance at the same university.
"In the world today," said Cardinal Barragan, "there are 390 million people over the age of 65 and it is expected their numbers will increase to 800 million by the year 2025. Five hundred million people live in countries with a life expectancy that exceeds 60, while 50 million people live in countries where the expectancy does not exceed 45. Sierra Leone in Africa, for example, has an expectancy of 39 years."
Faced with statistics such as these, said the cardinal, "we asked ourselves how can we offer better pastoral assistance to these people, given the great importance of life in its final stages?"
During the forthcoming conference, said the president of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care, experts from 20 countries will analyze the demographic situation, and the main illnesses, both old and new, in the context of globalization, as well as the origins of such illnesses from an individual, technological, scientific, socio-political and ecological viewpoint.
Another aspect due to be studied, said Cardinal Lozano, is care for the sick in the light of Sacred Scripture, of the writings of the Church Fathers and of the history of the Church.
The conference will also include reflections on this form of pastoral care from the standpoints of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and of contemporary post-modern culture.
Participants will also debate the steps that must be taken in the pastoral care of sick elderly people from the religious (catechesis, education in the faith, Sacraments) and biomedical (research, drugs, nutrition, lifestyle) perspectives. In socio-political terms, they will consider how to tackle this theme through the mass media, and examine national and international healthcare systems, economic, scientific and technological resources, nutritional policies and public health.
Finally, Cardinal Lozano indicated that the question will also be considered from the point of view of families and the attitude they should assume towards their sick and elderly members, with particular emphasis on the spiritual attention that must be offered to them especially through the Sacraments, prayer and visits. .../CONGRESS SICK ELDERLY/LOZANO VIS 071114 (480)
VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:
- Bishop Augustinho Petry, auxiliary to the military ordinariate of Brazil, as coadjutor of Rio do Sul (area 8,909, population 284,000, Catholics 231,000, priests 59, religious 226), Brazil.
- Fr. Janos Szekely, episcopal vicar for culture and rector of the higher school of theology in the archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungary, as auxiliary of the same archdiocese (area 1,543, population 2,100,000, Catholics 1,264,867, priests 398, permanent deacons 19, religious 775). The bishop-elect was born in 1964 and ordained a priest in 1991. NEC:NEA/.../PETRY:SZEKELY VIS 071114 (100) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
05 November 2007
Vatican Update 5 November 2007
| 11.05.2007 - Seventeenth Year - Num. 187 |
|
SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 1 - 5 - Letting Ourselves Be Made Saints is Every Christian's Task - Telegram on the Death of the Founder of the John XXIII Community - Benedict XVI Prays for Deceased Pontiffs - New Families Movement Celebrates Forty Year Anniversary - Seeking a Resolution to the Turkish-Iraqi Kurd Conflict - Mass for Deceased Cardinals and Bishops - Christians and Hindus: Walking the Path of Dialogue ___________________________________________________________ LETTING OURSELVES BE MADE SAINTS IS EVERY CHRISTIAN'S TASK VATICAN CITY, NOV 1, 2007 (VIS). Just before noon today, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus with thousands of pilgrims. "Today, on the solemnity of All Saints," said the Pope, "our heart reaches out beyond the boundaries of space and time, reaches to heaven. At the beginnings of Christianity, the members of the Church were also called 'saints'." "Effectively, Christians are already saints," the Holy Father stressed, "because baptism unites us to Jesus and his paschal mystery, but at the same time we must let ourselves be made holy, make ourselves ever more like him. At times it is thought that holiness is a condition of privilege reserved for the elect few. In reality, to let oneself be made saint is the task of each Christian and, even more, of every human being." Benedict XVI referenced St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians where it is written that God "has blessed us in Christ, as he chose us in him, so that we might be holy and without blemish before him in love" and explained that "all human beings are thus called to the holiness that, ultimately, consists in living in his 'likeness', as children of God, as all beings were created to do". "Today, human beings are the children of God and should conform to their call through the path demanded by freedom. God invites us all to be part of his holy people. That path is Christ, the Son, God's holy one." Afterward, the Pope recalled that "the Church has wisely conformed itself closely to the celebration of All Saints and the commemoration of the dead" so that "our prayers of praise to God and veneration of the blessed souls that the liturgy today presents as 'a great multitude' might join with the prayer for the release of those souls who have gone before us in passing from this world to eternal life". "Truthfully," the Holy Father concluded, "the Church invites us to pray for the dead every day, offering also our sufferings and difficulties that they, once completely purified, might be admitted to enjoy the light and peace of the Lord for all eternity." ANG/ALL SAINTS: ALL SOULS/... VIS 071105(370) TELEGRAM ON THE DEATH OF THE FOUNDER OF THE JOHN XXIII COMMUNITY VATICAN CITY, NOV 2, 2007 (VIS). The Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone, sent a telegram in the Pope's name on receiving news of the death this morning of Don Oreste Benzi, founder and president of the John XXIII Community who was know for his work in helping people overcome the chains of prostitution and drug addiction. In the telegram sent to the Bishop of Rimini, Msgr. Francesco Lambiasi, Benedict XVI expressed his sorrow for the death of this "humble and poor" 82-year-old priest. The Pope recalled "his intense pastoral life as first a parish priest and then as an untiring apostle of charity in defense of the most vulnerable among us, immersing himself in the serious social problems that afflict today's world". The Holy Father assured his prayers for the eternal rest of "this priest who was faithful to his vocation and an ever-obedient servant of the Church," finishing with an invocation to divine mercy for "the consolation of Christian hope for his entire spiritual family and for the Diocese of Rimini," to which he belonged. TGR/DEATH OF BENZI/BERTONE VIS 071105(180) BENEDICT XVI PRAYS FOR DECEASED PONTIFFS VATICAN CITY, NOV 2, 2007 (VIS). At 6:30 this afternoon, on the commemoration of All Souls, Benedict XVI went down to the grottos of the Vatican Basilica to pray privately for the popes buried there as well as for all the deceased. .../DECEASED PONTIFFS PRAYER/... VIS 071105 (30) NEW FAMILIES MOVEMENT CELEBRATES FORTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY VATICAN CITY, NOV 3, 2007 (VIS). Today the Pope received members of the New Families Movement, established forty years ago within the Focolare Movement, who were participating in a gathering on the theme "A House Built upon Rock: The Lived Gospel, an Answer to the Problems of Today's Family". While highlighting that the movement forms a network of 800,000 families in 182 nations across five continents, the Holy Father recalled that its pastoral work is an outgrowth of "four pillars: spirituality, education, a social nature, and solidarity". "Your commitment of silent and profound evangelization gives witness that only familial unity, a gift of the God who is Love, makes the family a true abode for love, a house that welcomes life and a school of Christian values for its children," he said. Benedict XVI emphasized that "your secret is precisely in living the Gospel". This is why, during the tasks of the assembly in these days, he said that "besides illustrating the situation of today's family in diverse cultural contexts, you have had the foresight to study the Word of God in depth and to listen to the testimony that shows us how the Holy Spirit acts in our hearts and in family life as well as in complex and difficult situations". In this context, the Pope referred to the uncertainty of dating couples in the face of a definitive decision, to matrimonial crises, to separation and divorce, and to non-traditional unions. The Pope also asked that, owing to their commitment, "pastoral strategies might be found that respond to the growing needs of today's family and the multiple challenges it has to face so that its particular mission in the Church and in society might not be lessened". "According to the divine plan," he continued, "the family is a sacred and sanctifying place and the Church, always close to it, sustains it in its mission, above all today because there are many perils that threaten it from within and without. Divine assistance is needed that it not give in to discouragement and so every Christian family should look with confidence to the Holy Family, the original 'domestic Church'." The Holy Father expressed to the families the certainty that "the humble and holy Family of Nazareth, the icon and model of every human family, will not cease in sustaining you from heaven. It is indispensable, however," he concluded, "that you have constant recourse to prayer, to listen to the Word of God, and to an intense sacramental life together with the effort to always live Christ's commandment of love and forgiveness. Love does not seek its own interest, does not brood over injury, but rejoices with the truth." AC/.../NEW FAMILIES VIS 071105 (450) VATICAN CITY, NOV 3, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences: - Archbishop Paul Tschang In-Nam, apostolic nuncio in Uganda. - Ten prelates of the Portuguese Bishop's Conference on their ad Limina visit: -Archbishop Jorge Ferreira da Costa Ortiga of Braga, with the auxiliary bishops Antonino Eugénio Fernandes Dias and Antonio Jose da Rocha Couto, S.M.P., and with archbishop emeritus Enrico Dias Nogueira. -Bishop Antonio Francisco dos Santos of Aveiro, with bishop emeritus Antonio Baltasar Marcelino. -Bishop Antonio Montes Moreira, O.F.M. of Bragança-Miranda, with bishop emeritus Antonio José Rafael. -Bishop Albino Mamete Cleto of Coimbra, with bishop emeritus Joao Alves. -Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. AP:AL/.../... VIS 071105 (110) SEEKING A RESOLUTION TO THE TURKISH-IRAQI KURD CONFLICT VATICAN CITY, NOV 4, 2007 (VIS). This afternoon, before praying the Angelus, the Pope addressed the thousands of people who filled St. Peter's Square. The Holy Father spoke of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus from today's Gospel reading. Besides noting that he was a rich man holding the position of "publican", and therefore publicly considered a sinner, the Pope recalled that he, nevertheless, desired to see Jesus at Jericho. "Jesus called by name a man who was despised by all. (...) The grace of that unforeseeable meeting was such that it completely changed Zacchaeus' life," said the Pope. "The Gospel teaches us once again that love, coming from God's heart and acting through the human heart, is a force that renews the world." Benedict XVI affirmed that "this truth shines forth particularly in the witness of the saint who is commemorated today: Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan. His 16th century example is a perfect model of a pastor of charity, doctrine, apostolic zeal, and above all, prayer". "He dedicated himself completely to the Ambrosian church: visiting it in its entirety three times, convoking six provincial and eleven diocesan synods, founding seminaries for the formation of a new generation of priests, building hospitals, and giving his family wealth in the service of the poor. He defended the rights of the Church against the powerful, made renewals in the religious life, and instituted a new congregation of priests, the Oblates. (...) His motto consisted of a single word, "Humilitas". For Borromeo, as for our Lord Jesus, humility was the driving force that led him to renounce self and serve others." The Pope remembered in a special way his predecessor John Paul II who "bore his name with devotion". "We commend to the intercession of St. Charles all bishops in the world, for whom we invoke as always the heavenly protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church." After the Angelus, the Holy Father showed his concern with the news regarding the situation in the boundary region between Turkey and Iraq. "I would like to encourage every effort to reach a peaceful resolution to the problems that have recently surfaced between Turkey and the Iraqi Kurds." "I cannot forget," he continued, "that many peoples in that region have found refuge in their flight from the insecurity and terrorism that have threatened their life in Iraq in these years. It is precisely for the good of these peoples, whose numbers include many Christians, that I hope that all sides of the conflict work toward peaceful solutions." Benedict XVI concluded by expressing the desire that "the relationships between the immigrant and local populations be carried out in the spirit of high moral civility that is the fruit of the spiritual and cultural values of every country and nation. May those who have the responsibility of security and outreach know how to make use of the proper means to guarantee the rights and responsibilities that are the basis of all true life and encounter shared among peoples." ANG/IRAQ:KURDISTAN/... VIS 071105 (520) MASS FOR DECEASED CARDINALS AND BISHOPS VATICAN CITY, NOV 5, 2007 (VIS). Continuing a November tradition, this morning the Pope celebrated Holy Mass in the Vatican Basilica for the souls of the cardinals and bishops who died this past year. Concelebrating with the Holy Father were the members of the College of Cardinals. At the beginning of the homily, Benedict XVI named the cardinals who had died in the past twelve months: Salvatore Pappalardo, Frédéric Etsou-Nzabi Bamungwabi, Antonio María Javierre, Angelo Felici, Jean-Marie Lustiger, Edouard Gagnon, Adam Kozłowiecki and Rosalio José Castillo Lara. The Pope offered an invitation to give thanks to God "for the gift he has given the Church through them and for all the good achieved with their help. Likewise," he stated, "we entrust the souls of the departed patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops to the Eternal Father, also expressing our recognition of their work in the name of the entire Catholic community." These men, our brothers, he continued, "were certainly men of distinct character, both for their personal trials as well as for the ministry they exercised. Nevertheless, they all had a great commonality: their friendship with the Lord Jesus." "During their temporal existence," the Holy Father asserted, "Jesus led them to know the name of God, granting them participation in the love of the Most Holy Trinity, (...) an experience of divine communion that, by its nature, tends to envelop one's entire existence, transfiguring it and preparing it for the glory of eternal life." Commenting on the responsorial psalm, "My soul is thirsting for God, for the living God. When will I see the face of God?," the Pope emphasized that "this thirst holds a truth that does not betray, a hope that does not delude. It is a thirst that, even through the darkest night, illuminates that path toward the source of life." Benedict XVI pointed out that the psalm acquires a tone of confidence at its heart as well as at its end: "Why are you discouraged, my soul, why do you worry me? Trust in God that I may praise him, my salvation and my God." In the light of Christ and his paschal mystery these words reveal a wonderful truth: not even death can render a believer's hope worthless because Christ," he concluded, "has entered the sanctuary of heaven for us and wants to lead us there where he has prepared us a place." HML/DECEASED CARDINALS: BISHOPS/... VIS 071105 (390) CHRISTIANS AND HINDUS: WALKING THE PATH OF DIALOGUE VATICAN CITY, NOV 5, 2007 (VIS). Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council on Interreligious Dialogue has written a message to Hindus on the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, which falls on 9 November this year. The message is entitled, "Christians and Hindus: Determined to Walk the Path of Dialogue". "Sensitive to your religious feelings and respectful of your ancient religious tradition," the cardinal writes, "I sincerely hope that your search for the Divine, symbolized through the celebration of Diwali, will help you to overcome darkness with light, untruth with truth, and evil with goodness." "The world around us is yearning for peace. Religions promise peace because they trace their origin to God who, according to Christian belief, is our peace. Can we, as believers of different religious traditions, not work together to receive God's gift of peace and to spread it around us so that the world becomes for all people a better place to live? Our respective communities must pay urgent attention to the education of believers, who can so easily be misled by deceitful and false propaganda." "Belief and freedom always go together," continued the cardinal. "There can be no coercion in religion: no one can be forced to believe, neither can anyone who wishes to believe be prevented from doing so. (...) The Catholic Church has been faithful to this teaching as Pope Benedict XVI recently reminded the Ambassadors of India and other countries to the Holy See: 'Peace is rooted in respect for religious freedom, which is a fundamental and primordial aspect of the freedom of conscience of individuals and of the freedom of peoples.'" "Forming believers first of all to discover the full dimensions and depth of their own religion, and then encouraging them to know other believers as well constitutes an important challenge for religious communities committed to building world peace. Let us not forget that ignorance is the first and, perhaps, the principal enemy in the life of believers." "Like all human relationships, those between people of different religions need to be nourished by regular meetings, patient listening, collaborative action, and above all, by an attitude of mutual respect. Accordingly, we must work to build bonds of friendship." "In situations of misunderstanding, people need to come together and communicate with one another, in order to clarify, in a fraternal and friendly spirit, their respective beliefs, aspirations and convictions. Only through dialogue, avoiding all forms of prejudice and stereo-typed ideas about others and by faithful witness to our religious precepts and teaching, can we truly overcome conflicts. Dialogue between followers of different religions is the necessary path today, indeed it is the only appropriate path for us as believers." CON-IRD/DIWALI/TAURAN VIS 071105 (460) VATICAN CITY, NOV 5, 2007 (VIS).- The Holy Father appointed Giovanni Amici, and Paolo Sagretti as subdirectors of the General Services of the Governorate of the Vatican City State. On Saturday, 3 November, the Holy Father appointed: - Bishop Angel Rubio Castro, auxiliar of Toledo (Spain), as bishop of Segovia (area 6,949, population 155,517, Catholics 149,492, priests 180, religious 485), Spain. He succeeds bishop Luis Gutierrez Martin, C.M.F., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Bishop Samuel Kleda, of Batouri (Cameroon), as coadjutor archbishop of Douala (area 1,200, population 2,591,000, Catholics 552,314, priests 262, religious 429), Cameroon. - Bishop Domenico Sigalini, of Palestrina (Italy), as Assistant General Ecclesiastic of Italian Catholic Action for the next three years. NA:NER:RE/.../... VIS 071105 (130) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
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