21 January 2009
Vatican News Update 21 January 2009
| 01.21.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 13 |
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SUMMARY:
- Telegram from Holy Father to President Barack Obama - Work and Pray for Christian Unity - Pope Recalls the Sixth World Meeting of Families - Holy Father Extols the Late Cardinal Ghattas
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TELEGRAM FROM HOLY FATHER TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
VATICAN CITY, 21 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was a telegram from Benedict XVI to Barack Obama, congratulating him on his inauguration as forty-fourth president of the United States of America.
In the English-language telegram the Holy Father offers his "cordial good wishes, together with the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you unfailing wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high responsibilities.
"Under your leadership", he adds, "may the American people continue to find in their impressive religious and political heritage the spiritual values and ethical principles needed to co-operate in the building of a truly just and free society, marked by respect for the dignity, equality and rights of each of its members, especially the poor, the outcast and those who have no voice.
"At a time when so many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world yearn for liberation from the scourge of poverty, hunger and violence, I pray that you will be confirmed in your resolve to promote understanding, co-operation and peace among the nations, so that all may share in the banquet of life which God wills to set for the whole human family.
The Pope concludes: "Upon you and your family, and upon all the American people, I willingly invoke the Lord's blessings of joy and peace". TGR/PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION/U.S.A.:OBAMA VIS 090121 (230)
WORK AND PRAY FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
VATICAN CITY, 21 JAN 2009 (VIS) - In today's general audience, held this morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope recalled how the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began last Sunday, inspired this year by the words of the Prophet Ezekiel: "That they may become one in your hand".
"Full unity, for which the Lord prayed and for which all His disciples must tirelessly strive, is linked to the very life and mission of the Church in the world", he said. "For this reason it is important that all Christian communities become aware of the urgent need to work with every possible means to achieve this great objective".
"Aware that unity is above all a 'gift' of the Lord", Benedict XVI continued, "it must be implored with tireless and faithful prayer, escaping our own concerns and addressing ourselves to Jesus. This is the invitation the 'Week' makes to believers in Christ from all Churches and ecclesial communities. Let us respond generously".
From the words of the Prophet Ezekiel it is clear that "the Lord wishes all His people to proceed patiently and perseveringly towards the goal of full unity. Such a commitment requires humble and docile adherence to the command of the Lord, Who blesses it and makes it fruitful".
"Ezekiel's vision has particular significance for the entire ecumenical movement, because it highlights the vital need for authentic interior renewal in all members of the People of God, a renewal which only God can bring about. ... The week of prayer for unity thus becomes, for all of us, a stimulus to a sincere exchange of ideas, to an ever more humble acceptance of the Word of God, and to an ever deeper faith.
"The Week", he added, "is also a good occasion to thank the Lord" for "the meetings, dialogue and fraternal gestures He has allowed us to accomplish". In this context the Pope recalled his three meetings with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, and the patriarch's participation in the Synod on the Word of God held in the Vatican in October 2008. He also spoke of his "sharing the pain of the Patriarchate of Moscow for the passing of our beloved brother in Christ, His Holiness the Patriarch Alexis II. I remain in communion of prayer with these our brethren as they prepare to elect a new patriarch of their great and venerable Orthodox Church".
He went on: "I have also had the chance to meet representatives of the various Christian communities of the West, with whom I continue to consider the important witness Christians are called to give today, ... in a world ever more divided and facing so many cultural, social, economic and ethical challenges".
In this Pauline Year, said Benedict XVI, "let us make St. Paul's longing our own", for the saint "spent his life entirely for the one Lord and for the unity of His mystical Body, and with his martyrdom rendered a supreme witness of faithfulness and of love for Christ".
"The desire dwelling in our hearts is that the day of full communion may come quickly, when all the disciples of our one Lord may finally celebrate the Eucharist together, the divine sacrifice for the life and salvation of the world".
Following the audience, as is the tradition on today's feast of St. Agnes, the Pope blessed two lambs, the wool of which will be used to make the palliums bestowed on new metropolitan archbishops on June 29, Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles.
Subsequently, in a brief ceremony, the Holy Father received the tile of honorary citizen of the Austrian town of Mariazell, home of a famous shrine which he visited in September 2007. AG/CHRISTIAN UNITY/... VIS 090121 (630)
POPE RECALLS THE SIXTH WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES
VATICAN CITY, 21 JAN 2009 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, the Pope addressed some remarks to Spanish speaking pilgrims inviting them, with reference to the recently-concluded Sixth World Meeting of Families, to "give thanks to God for that important event, and accompany with your prayers the preparations for the next meeting, to be held in Milan, Italy.
"May the Lord support all families with His grace", he added in conclusion, "that they may be filled with living faith, reciprocal respect, sincere love and mutual understanding. I entrust this intention to the protection of the Sacred Family of Nazareth". AG/FAMILY MEETING/... VIS 090121 (120)
HOLY FATHER EXTOLS THE LATE CARDINAL GHATTAS
VATICAN CITY, 21 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father has sent a telegram to His Beatitude Antonios Naguib, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts, Egypt, for the death of Cardinal Stephanos II Ghattas, C.M., patriarch emeritus. The cardinal died in Cairo, Egypt, yesterday at the age of 89.
In his telegram Benedict XVI mentions his "union in prayer with that patriarchal Church, with the family of the deceased and with all those who mourn", and he asks "the risen Christ to welcome into His joy and peace this faithful servant of the Church who, first as a missionary of the Congregation of the Mission, then as bishop of Luxor, and finally as patriarch, committed himself with zeal and simplicity to the service of the People of God, in a spirit of dialogue and coexistence with everyone".
The Pope also confers his apostolic blessing upon "bishops, priests and faithful of the Coptic Patriarchate of Alexandria, upon the Lazarist confreres of the late cardinal, upon his family and upon all those who, with hope, participate in his funeral". TGR/DEATH GHATTAS/NAGUIB VIS 090121 (190) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 20 January 2009
| 01.20.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 12 |
| SUMMARY:
- Pope to Visit Rome Town Hall on 9 March - Catalogue of Hebrew Manuscripts in the Vatican Library
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POPE TO VISIT ROME TOWN HALL ON 9 MARCH
VATICAN CITY, 20 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Accepting an invitation from the mayor and local council of Rome, the Holy Father will visit the town hall of that city on Monday 9 March, where he will participate in an extraordinary session of the council dedicated to the theme of "the universal value of Rome, capital of Catholicism and of its values". OP/VISIT LOCAL AUTHORITIES/ROME VIS 090120 (80)
CATALOGUE OF HEBREW MANUSCRIPTS IN THE VATICAN LIBRARY
VATICAN CITY, 20 JAN 2009 (VIS) - A communique made public today announces that at 10 a.m. on 30 January in the conference hall at Via dell'Ospedale 1, Rome, a presentation will take place of a newly-published book entitled "Hebrew Manuscripts in the Vatican Library: Catalogue".
Among those participating in the event will be Cardinal Raffaele Farina S.D.B., archivist and librarian of Holy Roman Church; Mordechay Lewy, ambassador of Israel to the Holy See; Msgr. Cesare Pasini, prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library, and Benjamin Richler, former director of the Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts of the Jewish National and University Library.
According to the communique the book, published by the Vatican Library, represents a significant example of co-operation between the cultural institutions of the Holy See and of Israel. It is a catalogue of all Vatican manuscripts in Hebrew script - a total of around 800 items distributed over eleven collections - edited by the technical staff of the National Library of Israel whose job it is to conserve and study microfilmed Hebrew manuscripts located in various parts of the world.
The new volume is of particular importance because it comes more than fifty years after the inventory prepared by Umberto Cassuto (Moshe David Cassuto 1883-1951), and is the first catalogue to appear since the "Catalogus" published in the eighteenth-century by Giuseppe Simonio Assemani, "First Custodian" of the Vatican Library. .../HEBREW MANUSCRIPTS/VATICAN LIBRARY VIS 090120 (250) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 19 January 2009
| 01.19.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 11 |
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SUMMARY: 17 - 19 JANUARY
- Decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints - Celebrations for the Anniversary of St. Fructuosus - Solidarity with the People of Palestine and Israel - Need for Family Culture and Family Policies - Favour Coexistence of Ethnic Groups, Cultures, Religions - Appeal for Holy Land. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Next World Meeting of Families to Be Held in Milan - The Church, Sign and Instrument of Salvation - In Brief
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DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS
VATICAN CITY, 17 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Today, during a private audience with Archbishop Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Pope authorised the congregation to promulgate the following decrees:
MIRACLES
- Servant of God Ciriaco Maria Sancha y Hervas, Spanish cardinal archbishop of Toledo, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Cardinal Sancha (1833-1909).
- Servant of God Carlo Gnocchi, Italian diocesan priest and founder of the "Pro Juventute" Foundation (1902-1956).
- Servant of God Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos, Spanish professed priest of the Company of Jesus (1711-1735).
- Servant of God Raphael Rafiringa (ne Louis), Madagascan professed religious of the Institute of Brothers of Christian Schools (1856-1919).
- Servant of God Eustachio Kugler, (ne Joseph), German professed religious of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God (1867-1946).
HEROIC VIRTUES
- Servant of God Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, Spanish bishop of Osma (1600-1659).
- Servant of God Robert Spiske, diocesan priest and founder of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Hedwig (1821-1888).
- Servant of God Carolina Beltrami, Italian foundress of the Institute of "Immaculatine" Sisters of Alessandria (1869-1932).
- Servant of God Mary of the Immaculate e Conception Salvat y Romerio (nee Maria Isabella), Spanish superior general of the Institute of Sisters of the Company of the Cross (1926-1998).
- Servant of God Liberata Ferrarons y Vives, Spanish laywoman of the Third Order of Carmelites (1803-1842).
In the course of a private audience with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. on 22 December 2008, the Pope authorised the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate a decree regarding the heroic virtues of Servant of God Jose Tous y Soler, Spanish professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins and founder of the Capuchin sisters of the Mother of the Divine Shepherd (1811-1871). CSS/DECREES/AMATO VIS 090119 (320)
CELEBRATIONS FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF ST. FRUCTUOSUS
VATICAN CITY, 17 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from the Pope, written in Latin and dated 10 December 2008, in which he appoints Cardinal Julian Herranz, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 1750th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Fructuosus and the deacons St. Augurius and St. Eulogius, known as the proto-martyrs of Tarragona. The event is due to be held in that Spanish city on 24 and 25 January.
The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Msgr. Miquel Barbara Angles, vicar general of the archdiocese of Tarragona and canon of the cathedral, and by Msgr. Joaquim Fortuny Vizcarro, penitentiary canon of the cathedral of Tarragona and diocesan bursar. BXVI-LETTER/SPECIAL ENVOY/TARRAGONA:HERRANZ VIS 090119 (140)
VATICAN CITY, 17 JAN 2009 (VIS) - "In the face of the unrelenting conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has provoked a major humanitarian crisis, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has affirmed several times his closeness to our brothers and sisters, who have already suffered so much", reads a communique released today.
"In his name, the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum', the dicastery of the Holy See entrusted with implementing the charitable initiatives of the Holy Father, has sent a personal concrete sign to aid the relief efforts of the small but fervent Catholic presence in Gaza. It is directed to Fr. Manuel Musallam, pastor of Holy Family Church, the Missionaries of Charity, and other religious congregations, who serve those especially vulnerable in the homeland of Jesus, now being tragically scourged by death, human pain, material damage, and tears that cry out for peace". CON-CU/AID GAZA/... VIS 090119 (150)
SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF PALESTINE AND ISRAEL
VATICAN CITY, 17 JAN 2009 (VIS) - On 16 January, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations in New York, participated in the tenth emergency special session of the U.N. General Assembly dedicated to: "Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory: draft resolution (A/ES-10/L.21)".
Speaking English, Archbishop Migliore turned his attention to "the dramatic situation in Gaza and some Israeli cities", expressing his solidarity "with the civilians in those regions who bear the brunt of a cruel conflict". He also highlighted the need "to step up the pace of the joint diplomatic efforts and ensure that urgent humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
"The Holy See asks that Security Council resolution 1860, of 8 January, which calls for an immediate and enduring ceasefire as well as for unimpeded humanitarian assistance, be implemented fully", he added. "In the past few days we have witnessed a practical failure from all sides to respect the distinction of civilians from military targets. Within the context of this resolution, we call on all parties to fully abide by the requirements of international humanitarian law, in order to ensure the protection of civilians".
Over sixty years of coexistence, he went on, Israelis and Palestinians have "witnessed a long succession of conflict, but also of dialogue, including the Madrid meetings, the Oslo Accords, the Wye Memorandum, the peace process of the Quartet, the road map and the Annapolis Conference with their two State solution. Unfortunately, however, the many efforts to establish peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples have so far failed", he noted.
"The United Nations has the weighty task to get the parties to respect the ceasefire, pave the way to negotiations and agreements between them and ensure humanitarian assistance. In particular, this General Assembly can assist the parties in the conflict to discover new patterns for establishing peace, patterns based on mutual acceptance and co-operation amid diversity". DELSS/ISRAEL PALESTINE CONFLICT/U.N.:MIGLIORE VIS 090119 (340)
NEED FOR FAMILY CULTURE AND FAMILY POLICIES
VATICAN CITY, 17 JAN 2009 (VIS) - At 8 p.m. today Mexican time, a recorded video message was transmitted to participants in the Sixth World Meeting of Families. The event, a moment of celebration and witness taking place from 14 to 18 January and attended by Christian families from all over the world, was held at the basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico, on the theme: "The family, teacher of human and Christian values".
That theme, said the Pope in his message, reminds us how "the domestic environment is a school of humanity and Christian life for all its members, with beneficial consequences for people, the Church and society. In fact, the home is called to practice and cultivate reciprocal love and truth, respect and justice, loyalty and collaboration, service and readiness to help others, especially the weakest. The Christian home ... must be impregnated with the presence of God, placing the events of every day in His hands and asking His help to accomplish its vital mission".
"To this end it is vitally important to pray in the family at the most appropriate and significant moments", said the Holy Father. "The Master is definitely present in the family that listens to and meditates upon the Word of God, that learns what is most important in life from Him and puts His teachings into practice. In this way individual and family life is gradually transformed and improved, dialogue is enriched, the faith is transmitted to children, the pleasure of being together increases and the home becomes more unified and consolidated, like a house built upon rock".
Benedict XVI emphasised how, "with the strength that comes from prayer, the family becomes a community of disciples and missionaries of Christ. ... Through the experience of filial obedience to God, faithfulness and generousity in welcoming children, care for the weakest and readiness to forgive, the family becomes a living Gospel which everyone may read". Furthermore, families must "bring their witness of life and their explicit profession of faith to their surroundings, such as schools and associations, and must make a commitment to the catechetical formation of their children and to the pastoral activities of their parish community, especially activities associated with preparation for marriage or specifically directed at family life".
"Because of its essential social function the family has the right for its specific identity to be recognised and not confused with other forms of coexistence. It must also be ensured adequate cultural, juridical, economic, social and health protection. In particular it must be afforded a support which, bearing in mind the number of children and the economic resources available, is sufficient to enable freedom of education and the choice of school".
Finally the Holy Father underlined the need "to develop a family culture and family policies that are driven by families themselves". In this context he encouraged his audience "to join associations that promote the identity and rights of the family in keeping with an anthropological vision that is coherent with the Gospel. Furthermore", he concluded, "I invite those associations to collaborate with one another in order for their activity to be more effective". MESS/FAMILY/MEXICO VIS 090119 (530)
FAVOUR COEXISTENCE OF ETHNIC GROUPS, CULTURES, RELIGIONS
VATICAN CITY, 18 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at midday today, World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Benedict XVI turned his attention to the figure of St. Paul "emigrant and Apostle of the Gentiles".
This year's World Day of Migrants and Refugees is, in fact, dedicated to St. Paul "the great itinerant missionary of the Gospel", said the Pope. When he changed from being a persecutor of Christians to become the Apostle of the Gospel, Paul also became an 'ambassador' for the Risen Christ, making Him known to everyone in the conviction that in Him all peoples are called to form the great family of the children of God.
"This is also the Church's mission", he added, "and more so than ever in this period of globalisation. As Christians we cannot but ... transmit Jesus' message of love, especially to people who do not know Him or find themselves facing difficult and painful situations. Today my thoughts turn particularly to migrants. ... I would like to assure them that the Christian community is attentive to each person and each family, and that it asks St. Paul for renewed strength to favour peaceful coexistence in all parts of the world between men and women of different ethnic backgrounds, cultures and religions".
"Each of us", the Pope went on, "is called to bear witness to the Gospel, showing greater concern for those of our brothers and sisters who, for various reasons, have come from other countries to live among us". Thus, he said, we will appreciate "the phenomenon of migration as an opportunity for encounter between civilisations. Let us pray and act that this may happen peacefully and constructively, in respect and dialogue, avoiding any temptation to conflict or exploitation".
Benedict XVI also mentioned fishermen and sailors "who for sometime who have been suffering from increased problems. Apart from the difficulties they habitually confront, they are facing increased restrictions in going ashore and in welcoming chaplains on board, as well having to face the risk of piracy and the harm caused by illegal fishing. I express my closeness to them and the hope that their generosity in rescue operations at sea may be rewarded with greater recognition".
In closing, the Pope referred to the World Meeting of Families which comes to an end today in Mexico, and to today's opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. ANG/MIGRANTS/... VIS 090119 (420)
APPEAL FOR HOLY LAND. WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
VATICAN CITY, 18 JAN 2009 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus today, the Holy Father once again turned his attention to the conflict in the Gaza Strip which, he said, "I continue to follow with profound concern".
"Today too we would like to commend to the Lord the hundreds of children, elderly people, and women who have fallen victim to exceptional violence, also the injured and those who are weeping for their loved ones or who have lost their possessions.
"At the same time", he added, "I invite you to accompany with your prayers the efforts being made by many people of good will to stop the tragedy. It is my heartfelt wish that wise advantage be taken of the glimmers of hope in order to restore the truce and move towards peaceful and lasting solutions.
"In this context, I renew my encouragement to those who, on one side and on the other, believe that the Holy Land has sufficient space for everyone, that they may help their people to raise themselves from the ruins and the terror, and courageously return to dialogue in justice and in truth. This is the only way that can effectively open a future of peace for the children of that beloved region".
Following his appeal, the Pope mentioned today's opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is due to come to an end next Sunday, 25 January, the theme of which, suggested by an ecumenical group in Korea, is a quote from the Prophet Ezechiel: "That they may become one in your hand".
"Let us too accept this invitation and pray with greater intensity for Christians to advance resolutely towards full communion", said Pope Benedict. "I address myself particularly to Catholics all over the world so that, united in prayer, they may work tirelessly to overcome the obstacles that still impede full communion between all Christ's disciples. Ecumenical commitment is even more vital today in order to give our society, marked as it is by tragic conflicts and divisions, a sign and an impulse towards true reconciliation and peace". ANG/GAZA CHRISTIAN UNITY/... VIS 090119 (360)
NEXT WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES TO BE HELD IN MILAN
VATICAN CITY, 18 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Italian city of Milan will be the site of the next World Meeting of Families, due to take place in spring 2012 on the theme "The Family, Work and Feast". Benedict XVI made the announcement in the course of a live television linkup with pilgrims participating in the closing Mass for the Sixth World Meeting of Families, being held on the square in front of the basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico.
"The family", said the Pope, "is the essential foundation for society and peoples, an irreplaceable benefit for children, who deserve to come into the world as the fruit of love, of the total and generous giving of the parents. ... The family occupies a primary position in the education of the individual. It is a true school of humanity and of perennial values. No-one has ever brought themselves into being".
The Holy Father highlighted how "it was from others that we received the gift of life, which then develops and matures with the truths and values we learn through relation and communion with others. ... The family founded on indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman expresses this inter-relational, filial and community dimension, as well as being the environment in which human beings can be born with dignity, and grow and develop fully".
"Yet such educational efforts are hindered by a misleading concept of freedom, in which individual caprice and subjective impulses are exalted to the point that people are enclosed in the prison of their own ego. Human beings' true freedom comes from having been created in the image and likeness of God and hence must be exercised responsibly, always opting for true goodness. ... Hence, more than theories, what is needed is the closeness and love that are characteristic of the family. It is in the home that people truly learn to live, to value life and health, freedom and peace, justice and truth, work, harmony and respect".
The Pope went on to underline the vital need for "public witness and commitment from all the baptised in order to reaffirm the dignity and the unique and irreplaceable value of the family, founded on the marriage of a man and a woman and open to life. ... Legislative and administrative measures also have to be promoted that support families in their inalienable rights, which are necessary in order for them to continue their extraordinary mission", he said.
After reiterating his closeness to, and giving assurances of his prayers for, "all families who bear faithful witness in particularly difficult situations", Benedict XVI concluded by encouraging large families "who, though sometimes experiencing difficulties and misunderstandings, give an example of generosity and trust in God", expressing the hope that "they may not lack the aid they need". He also mentioned families "suffering poverty, illness, marginalisation and emigration, and especially Christian families persecuted for their faith".
Finally the Pope entrusted all the families of the world to the protection of the Blessed Virgin, "so venerated in the noble land of Mexico with the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe". AC/FAMILIES/MEXICO VIS 090119 (530)
THE CHURCH, SIGN AND INSTRUMENT OF SALVATION
VATICAN CITY, 19 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received an ecumenical delegation from Finland for the occasion of today's Feast of St. Henry, patron saint of that country.
Addressing the group in English, the Pope noted that "The Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Commission in Finland and Sweden continues to consider the 'Joint Declaration on Justification'. This year we celebrate the tenth anniversary of this significant statement, and the commission is now studying its implications and the possibility of its reception. Under the theme 'Justification in the Life of the Church', the dialogue is taking ever fuller account of the nature of the Church as the sign and instrument of the salvation brought about in Jesus Christ, and not simply a mere assembly of believers or an institution with various functions".
Noting that the group's pilgrimage to Rome coincides with the Pauline Year, the Pope expressed the view that "St. Paul reminds us of the marvellous grace we have received by becoming members of Christ's Body through Baptism. The Church is this mystical Body of Christ, and is continuously guided by the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of the Father and the Son.
"It is only based on this incarnational reality", he added in conclusion, "that the sacramental character of the Church as communion in Christ can be understood. A consensus with regard to the profoundly Christological and pneumatological implications of the mystery of the Church would prove a most promising basis for the commission's work" AC/.../FINNISH ECUMENICAL DELEGATION VIS 090119 (260)
BENEDICT XVI ATTENDED A CONCERT IN THE SISTINE CHAPEL on the evening of Saturday 17 January during which the Requiem Mass in D Minor K. 427 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was performed. The event was organised to celebrate the 85th birthday of the Pope's elder brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, director emeritus of the cathedral choir of Regensburg, Germany.
CARDINAL PAUL JOSEF CORDES, PRESIDENT of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum", at the invitation of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, will visit Manila from 19 to 24 January to reflect together with the bishops on the teaching reaffirmed in Pope Benedict XVI's first Encyclical 'Deus Caritas Est', and listen to the diverse experiences of the local Churches. In the course of his trip, Cardinal Cordes will visit the poor, the sick and the suffering. He will also meet Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, president of the Philippines, and be awarded an honorary doctorate from the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in Manila, the oldest university in Asia and one of the world's largest Catholic universities. .../IN BRIEF/... VIS 090119 (180)
VATICAN CITY, 19 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa, Italy and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, accompanied by Bishop Mariano Crociata, emeritus of Noto and secretary general of the same episcopal conference.
On Sunday 18 January, he received in separate audiences:
- Bishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller of Regensburg, Germany, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Reinhard Pappenberger.
- Bishop Wilhelm Schraml of Passau, Germany.
On Saturday 17 January, he received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
- Archbishop Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. AP/.../... VIS 090119 (130)
VATICAN CITY, 19 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:
- Msgr. Edward J. Burns of the clergy of Pittsburgh, U.S.A., rector of the St. Paul diocesan seminary, as bishop of Juneau (area 97,258, population 74,000, Catholics 7,350, priests 10, permanent deacons 5, religious 8), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Pittsburgh in 1957 and ordained a priest in 1983.
- Bishop Dionisio Lachovicz O.S.B.M. as apostolic visitor for Ukrainians of Byzantine rite resident in Italy and Spain.
On Saturday 17 January it was made public that he:
- Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of Caracas, Venezuela, presented by Bishop Pedro Nicolas Bermudez Villamizar C.I.M., in accordance with canon 401 para. 1 and canon 411 of the Code of Canon Law.
- Erected the new diocese of Rutana (area 2,180, population 378,387, Catholics 168,160, priests 23, religious 30) Burundi, with territory taken from the dioceses of Bururi and Ruyigi, making it a suffragan of the metropolitan church of Gitega. He appointed Fr. Bonaventure Nahimana, rector of the major inter-diocesan seminary of Burasira, and secretary of the episcopal commission for vocations and seminaries as first bishop of the new diocese. The bishop-elect was born in Gisebuzi, Burundi in 1959 and ordained a priest in 1986.
- Appointed Fr. Franco Mulakkal of the clergy of Jullundur, India, treasurer of the Apostolic Union of the Clergy and consultor of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, as auxiliary of the archdiocese of Delhi (area 15,420, population 19,023,000, Catholics 107,500, priests 247, religious 1,118), India. The bishop-elect was born in Mattam, India in 1964 and ordained a priest in 1990.
- Appointed as members of the Pontifical Council for Culture: Cardinal Jorge Liberato Urosa Savino, archbishop of Caracas, Venezuela; Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, archbishop of Ranchi, India; Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, archbishop of Bordeaux, France; Cardinal Peter Erdo, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungary; Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, Italy; Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston, U.S.A.; Cardinal Theodore-Adrien Sarr, archbishop of Dakar, Senegal; Archbishop Charles Maung Bo S.D.B. of Yangon, Myanmar; Bishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller of Regensburg, Germany; Archbishop Willem Jacobus Eijk of Utrecht, Netherlands, and Archbishop Hector Ruben Aguer of La Plata, Argentina.
- Appointed as consultors of the Pontifical Council for Culture: Fr. Sebastian Maria Michael S.V.D., director of the Andheri Institute of Indian Culture in Mumbai, India; Dominique Jean-Marie Lambert, professor at the University of Notre Dame de la Paix in Namur, Belgium; Jean-Dominique Durand, philosopher-economist and professor of history at the State University and president of the "Fourviere" Foundation of Lyon, France; Roberto Jose Mendez Martinez, founder and co-ordinator of the "Aula de Poesia" of the "Dulce Maria Loynaz" Cultural Centre in Havana, Cuba; Rita Maria Isabell Naumann of the Marian Sisters of Schonstatt, professor at the Catholic Institute and dean of studies at the Good Shepherd Seminary in Sydney, Australia; Giovanna Parravicini, cultural counsellor of the pontifical representation to the Russian Federation, and Maria Lousie Kanse Tah in Mvbida, lawyer and founder member of the Justice and Peace commission of the archdiocese of Douala, Cameroon. NER:RE:ECE:NEA:NA/.../... VIS 090119 (520) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
16 January 2009
Vatican News Update 16 January 2009
| 01.16.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 10 |
|
SUMMARY:
- Iranian Catholics: Strong in the Faith, Rooted in Their Land - Protecting Civilians During Conflict
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IRANIAN CATHOLICS: STRONG IN THE FAITH, ROOTED IN THEIR LAND
VATICAN CITY, 16 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Iran, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. The conference is made up of ordinaries of the Armenian, Chaldean and Latin Churches who, the Pope reminded them, represent "the richness of unity in the diversity that exists in the bosom of the Catholic Church, to which you bear daily witness in the Islamic Republic of Iran".
"Yesterday as today", he went on, "the Catholic Church never ceases to give encouragement to those concerned for the common good and peace among nations. For its part neither will Iran, a bridge between the Middle East and sub-continental Asia, cease to fulfil this vocation".
The Pope reaffirmed that the bishops live "in a land with a very ancient Christian presence that has developed and survived through the many vicissitudes of Iranian history". After then thanking priests and religious for their efforts, he also highlighted the collaboration of the Catholic Church in rebuilding work in the region of Bam, recently struck by an earthquake".
"Nor do I wish to forget the Catholic faithful", he said, "whose presence in the land of their ancestors brings to mind the biblical image of the yeast in the dough, which makes the bread rise and gives it flavour and texture". The Holy Father then went on to invite Iranian Catholics to "continue steadfast in the faith of their fathers and to remain rooted in their land, so as to collaborate in the development of the nation".
"Although your various communities live in different situations", he told the prelates, "some of your problems are shared. It is necessary to develop harmonious relations with public institutions which, with the grace of God, will certainly become more profound and enable those communities better to carry out their ecclesial mission, while upholding mutual respect. ... I invite you to promote all initiatives that may favour better reciprocal knowledge. There are two avenues to be explored: cultural dialogue, which is the centuries-old richness of Iran, and charity".
Referring to the lack of priests and religious, and the difficulties they face on their mission, such as that of travelling to distant communities, the Pope identified a way of overcoming these problems in "the institution of a bilateral commission with the authorities - which is already at the planning stage - so as to enable the improvement of relations and mutual understanding between the Republic of Iran and the Catholic Church".
Turning his attention to migrants "who go beyond their own frontiers in search of more favourable possibilities for their professional lives and the education of their children", the Holy Father told the bishops that this question requires them, "as shepherds of your flock, to give particular help to the faithful who live in Iran, inviting them to remain in contact with relatives who have chosen a different destiny, that they may maintain their identity and their ancestral faith".
"The road before you is long and requires perseverance and patience. The example of God, patient and merciful with His people, will serve you as a model and help you find the space necessary for dialogue".
"Your Churches are heirs to a noble tradition and to a long Christian presence in Iran", Pope Benedict concluded. "They have, each it its own way, contributed to the life and development of the nation, and they wish to continue their efforts in the service of Iran, while conserving their own identity and freely living their faith". AL/.../IRAN VIS 090116 (600)
PROTECTING CIVILIANS DURING CONFLICT
VATICAN CITY, 16 JAN 2009 (VIS) - On 14 January, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, addressed the Security Council in the course of an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
Speaking English, the archbishop noted that although the Security Council has been discussing this topic for more than a decade, "civilian security during conflict is becoming more and more critical, if not at times dramatic, as we have been witnessing in these past months, weeks and days in the Gaza Strip, Iraq, Darfur and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to name just a few".
"Humanitarian access, special protection of children and women and disarmament continue to be three vital pillars for providing greater protection to civilians", he said. "It is sadly clear that political and military designs supersede basic respect for the dignity and rights of persons and communities, when methods or armaments are used without taking all reasonable measures to avoid civilians; when women and children are used as a shield for combatants; when humanitarian access is denied in the Gaza Strip; when people are displaced and villages destroyed in Darfur and when we see sexual violence devastating the lives of women and children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo".
In this context he noted that "protection of civilians requires not only a renewed commitment to humanitarian law, but demands first and foremost good political will and action".
"The broad spectrum of mechanisms the UN is putting in place to ensure the protection of civilians will be successful if, at the very least, it is able to foster a culture of responsible exercise of leadership among its members and holds them and every party in a conflict accountable to such a responsibility towards individuals and communities.
"The increasing burden of war casualties and consequences imposed on civilians comes also from the massive production, continued innovation and sophistication of armaments", Archbishop Migliore added. "In this context", he concluded, the Holy See "fully supports and encourages the objectives of the recent General Assembly resolution 'Towards an Arms Trade Treaty', which lays down the first important step toward a legally binding instrument on arms trade and transfers". DELSS/ARMED CONFLICTS/U.N.:MIGLIORE VIS 090116 (380)
VATICAN CITY, 16 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal James Francis Stafford, Penitentiary Major, accompanied by Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, O.F.M. Conv., regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary.
- Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid, Spain. AP/.../... VIS 090116 (50) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
15 January 2009
Vatican News Update 15 January 2009
| 01.15.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 09 |
|
SUMMARY:
- Do Not Lose Hope in the Face of Threatening Clouds - Synod in Rome of Bishops of the Syriac Catholic Church - Agreement between the Holy See and Schleswig-Holstein
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DO NOT LOSE HOPE IN THE FACE OF THREATENING CLOUDS
VATICAN CITY, 15 JAN 2009 (VIS) - In a traditional meeting that takes place every year in January, Benedict XVI today received members of the General Inspectorate for Public Security in the Vatican.
In his remarks the Pope referred to the sacrifices their activities involve, sacrifices that also affect their families "because of the shift-work required in order to maintain constant watch over the area around St. Peter's Square and the Vatican".
He went on: "A new year is beginning and we have many expectations and hopes. Yet we cannot hide the fact that many threatening clouds are gathering on the horizon. We must not, however, lose heart, rather we must keep the flame of hope alive in our hearts. For us as Christians the true hope is Christ, the Father's gift to humanity. ... Only Christ can help us build a world in which justice and love reign".
Benedict XVI told the members of the Inspectorate that their work "can be experienced as a mission; a service to others through order and security and, at the same time, a form of individual asceticism; what we may call constant internal vigilance which requires harmony between discipline and cordiality, between self-control and attentive welcome of the pilgrims and tourists who come to the Vatican.
"If undertaken with love", he added, "such service becomes prayer, a prayer even more welcome to God when your work is thankless, monotonous and tiring, especially during the night and in bad weather. It is by doing their duty well", he concluded, "that each of the baptised achieves his or her vocation of sanctity". AC/SECURITY INSPECTORATE/... VIS 090115 (280)
SYNOD IN ROME OF BISHOPS OF SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH
VATICAN CITY, 15 JAN 2009 (VIS) - A communique made public today announces that "the Holy Father Benedict XVI, moved by his pastoral solicitude for the Syriac Catholic Church and in view of Canon 72 para. 2 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, has called a Synod of bishops of the Syriac Catholic Church, to take place in Rome from 17 to 23 January, in order to elect a new patriarch of Antioch of the Syrians and of All the East.
"The Synod will begin with two days of prayer and reflection and will be presided by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches". .../SYRIAC CATHOLIC SYNOD/ROME:SANDRI VIS 090115 (130)
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOLY SEE AND SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN
VATICAN CITY, 15 JAN 2009 (VIS) - On Monday 12 January, an Agreement was signed in Kiel, Germany, between the Holy See and Schleswig-Holstein, regulating relations between the Catholic Church and that German Land.
Signing for the Holy See as plenipotentiary was Archbishop Jean-Claude Perisset, apostolic nuncio to Germany and, for Schleswig-Holstein, Peter Harry Carstensen, minister-president.
According to a communique made public yesterday afternoon "the Agreement, which includes 24 articles, regulates the juridical position of the Catholic Church in the Land of Schleswig-Holstein. Among other things it establishes norms for the teaching of Catholic religion in State schools; State recognition of Church-run schools; university education; Church activity in the fields of pastoral care, social work, healthcare and charity; ecclesiastical tax and the maintenance of church buildings which have the status of monuments. In brief, the role of the Catholic Church in the society of Schleswig-Holstein is recognised". OP/AGREEMENT/SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN VIS 090115 (160)
VATICAN CITY, 15 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences four prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Iran, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Nechan Karakeheyan, patriarchal administrator of Ispahan of the Armenians, apostolic administrator of the ordinariate for Catholics of Armenian rite resident in Greece, and ordinary for Armenian Catholics of Eastern Europe.
- Archbishop Thomas Meram of Urmya of the Chaldeans, bishop of Salmas of the Chaldeans.
- Archbishop Ignazio Bedini S.D.B. of Ispahan of the Latins.
- Archbishop Ramzi Garmou of Tehran of the Chaldeans, patriarchal administrator of Ahwaz of the Chaldeans. AL/.../... VIS 090115 (110)
VATICAN CITY, 15 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted:
- The resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Mansa, Zambia, presented by Andrew Aaron Chisha, upon having reached the age limit.
- The resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Saint-Denis, France, presented by Bishop Olivier de Berranger, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law. RE/.../CHISHA:DE BERRANGER VIS 090115 (80) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 14 January 2009
| 01.14.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 08 |
|
SUMMARY:
- Theology of the Letters to the Colossians and Ephesians - Prayers for the World Meeting of Families - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
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THEOLOGY OF THE LETTERS TO THE COLOSSIANS AND EPHESIANS
VATICAN CITY, 14 JAN 2009 (VIS) - At this morning's general audience, Benedict XVI continued his series of catecheses on St. Paul, today focusing on certain theological aspects of the Apostle's Letters to the Colossians and the Ephesians.
"Only in these two Letters", he said, "is Jesus attributed the title of 'head'. ... Initially Christ is referred to as the head of the Church. This has two meanings. Firstly, that He is the governor ... Who guides and is responsible for the Christian community as its leader and its Lord. ... The Church is subject to Him, both to follow His superior guidance and to receive all the vitality that emanates from Him. ... Secondly, ... Christ is considered as head of the heavenly powers and of the entire cosmos".
Thus "these two letters give us a highly positive and fruitful message: that Christ fears no rivals because He is superior to any possible form of power that may seek to humiliate mankind. ... Hence, if we remain united to Christ we need fear no enemy or adversity. ... Even the entire cosmos is subject to Him". In this context, the Holy Father referred to the depiction of Christ as "Pantocrator", sometimes shown enthroned over the world, sometimes on a rainbow. This, he said, "indicates His equality with God at Whose right hand He sits, and hence also His unrivalled function as the guide of human destinies.
"Such a vision", he added, "can only be conceived by the Church, not in the sense that she wishes unduly to appropriate that which is not hers, but in another, dual, sense: both in that the Church recognises that in any case Christ is greater than herself, because His lordship extends beyond her confines, and in that only the Church, and not the cosmos, is defined as the Body of Christ. This means we must give positive consideration to worldly things, because Christ recapitulates them in Himself, and at the same time we must fully live our specific ecclesial identity, which is the closest to the identity of Christ Himself".
Another characteristic of these two Letters is "the concept of mystery", which means "the inscrutable divine plan for the destiny of mankind, of peoples and of the world, ... which finds fulfilment in Christ ... in which the 'mystery' was incarnated and became tangible".
Finally, the Pope referred to another recurring theme of the Letters: "the Church as the bride of Christ ... Who is concerned for her beauty; not just the beauty acquired through Baptism, but also the beauty that must grow every day through a life of irreproachable moral behaviour, without spot or blemish.
"From here to the shared experience of Christian marriage is but a short step", he explained, "and in fact it is not clear what the initial point of reference was for the author of the Letter: whether the Christ-Church relationship provided a light in which to consider the union of man and woman; or whether experience of conjugal union was the light in which to examine the relations between Christ and the Church".
"These two Letters are a great catechesis", he concluded. "From them we can learn how to be good Christians. ... If we begin to understand that the cosmos is the mark of Christ, we understand what our relationship with the cosmos is, what problems are involved in its conservation. We learn to see it using reason, but a reason moved by love, ... respect and humility. ... If we remember that the Church is the Body of Christ, that Christ gave Himself for her, then we learn to live with Christ in mutual love, a love that unites us to God and brings us to see the image of Christ in others". AG/ST. PAUL/... VIS 090114 (640)
PRAYERS FOR THE WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES
VATICAN CITY, 14 JAN 2009 (VIS) - At the end of this morning's general audience, the Pope addressed a special greeting to pilgrims from Lisieux, France, who have come to Rome with the reliquary of Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, who were beatified on 19 October 2008.
He also invited newly-married couples to join his own prayers "to implore abundance of divine grace upon the Sixth World Meeting of Families, which is currently taking place in Mexico City.
"May this important ecclesial event", he added, "be a further expression of the beauty and importance of the family, infusing everyone with new energy to support this irreplaceable and fundamental cell of society and of the Church". AG/LISIEUX FAMILY/... VIS 090114 (140)
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
VATICAN CITY, 14 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, traditionally celebrated every year from 18 to 25 January, begins on Sunday.
The theme chosen for 2009 is: "That they may become one in your hand" (Ezek 37, 17). The texts for reflection and prayer during the week are, according to a note published by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity "rooted in the experience of the churches in Korea. In their context of national division the churches have turned for inspiration to the prophet Ezekiel, who also lived in a tragically divided nation and longed for the unity of his people".
The materials for the week of prayer and for the rest of 2009 have been jointly prepared by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
Each day of the Week will have a different theme:
18 January: Christian communities face to face with old and new divisions.
19 January: Christians face to face with war and violence.
20 January: Christians face to face with economic injustice and poverty.
21 January: Christians face to face with ecological crisis.
22 January: Christians face to face with discrimination and social prejudice.
23 January: Christians face to face with disease and suffering.
24 January: Christians face to face with a plurality of religions.
25 January: Christian proclamation of hope in a world of separation.
Although the traditional period for celebrating this week of prayer is in the month of January, in the southern hemisphere Churches sometimes seek other periods such as, for example, around the time of Pentecost, which is also a symbolically significant date for the unity of the Church, and was suggested by the Faith and Order movement in 1926.
In the basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls at 5.30 p.m. on Sunday, 25 January, Feast of the Conversion of the Apostle Paul, Benedict XVI will preside at the celebration of Vespers to mark the close of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. .../PRAYER WEEK CHRISTIAN UNITY/... VIS 090114 (350)
VATICAN CITY, 14 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This afternoon, the Holy Father is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal Joachim Meisner, archbishop of Cologne, Germany. AP/.../... VIS 090114 (30)
VATICAN CITY, 14 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Appointed Archbishop Peter Stephan Zurbriggen, apostolic nuncio to Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, as apostolic nuncio to Austria. He succeeds Archbishop Edmond Farhat, whose resignation from the same office the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Msgr. Philippe Ballot, vicar general of Besancon, France, as archbishop of Chambery and bishop of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne e Tarentaise (area 7,460, population 362,000, Catholics 319,000, priests 168, permanent deacons 20, religious 380), France. The archbishop-elect was born in Corbenay, France in 1956 and ordained a priest in 1985.
- Appointed Fr. Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the clergy of the archieparchy of Lviv of the Ukrainians, Ukraine, rector of the archieparchal major seminary, as auxiliary of the eparchy of Santa Maria del Patrocinio en Buenos Aires of the Ukrainians (Catholics 160,000, priests 17, permanent deacons 1, religious 93), Argentina. The bishop-elect was born in Stryj, Ukraine in 1970 and ordained a priest in 1994.
- Appointed Msgr. Liro Vendelino Meurer of the clergy of the archdiocese of Porto Alegre, Brazil, pastor of the parish of "Sao Geraldo", as auxiliary of Passo Fundo (area 12,200, population 508,000, Catholics 382,000, priests 126, religious 463), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Salvador do Sul, Brazil in 1954 and ordained a priest in 1981. NN:NER:NEA/.../... VIS 090114 (230) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 12 January 2009
| 01.12.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 06 |
|
SUMMARY: 10 - 12 JANUARY
- Plenary Indulgence for the World Meeting of Families - Neo-Catechumenal Way: Joy, Faith, Search for Unity - Pope Baptises Thirteen Infants in the Sistine Chapel - Baptism: Gift, Joy, Responsibility - Synergy between Institutions and the Catholic Church - Telegram for the Death of Cardinal Laghi
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PLENARY INDULGENCE FOR THE WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES
VATICAN CITY, 10 JAN 2009 (VIS) - According to a decree made public today and signed by Cardinal James Francis Stafford and Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, O.F.M. Conv., respectively penitentiary major and regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, Benedict XVI will grant Plenary Indulgence to faithful who "participate devotedly" in the Sixth World Meeting of Families, due to be held in Mexico City, Mexico, from 14 to 18 January.
The decree makes it clear that the Plenary Indulgence may be obtained "under the usual conditions: sacramental Confession, Eucharistic communion, prayer in keeping with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff, and with the soul completely detached from any form of sin".
The Decree continues: "Truly repentant faithful who are unable to participate in this event may nonetheless obtain Plenary Indulgence under the same conditions if, united in spirit and heart with the faithful present in Mexico City, they and their families recite the Our Father and the Creed, or other devout prayers, to invoke the aforementioned aims from Divine Mercy, especially at the moments in which the words and messages of the Pontiff are being transmitted by television and radio". PENT/DECREE INDULGENCES/... VIS 090112 (200)
NEO-CATECHUMENAL WAY: JOY, FAITH, SEARCH FOR UNITY
VATICAN CITY, 10 JAN 2009 (VIS) - In St. Peter's Basilica this afternoon, Benedict XVI commemorated the fortieth anniversary of the Neo-Catechumenal Way, a group founded by the Spaniards Kiko Arguello and Carmen Hernandez, and the Italian priest Mario Pezzi.
During the meeting, which was attended by 25,000 members of the Way, the Pope entrusted the "mission cross" to fourteen Neo-Catechumenal communities, each made up of some 30-40 members, soon to depart on mission to help pastors in the most difficult and secularised areas of the outskirts of Rome.
"Your presence", said the Holy Father in his address, "bears witness to the prodigies wrought by the Lord over the last four decades. It is also a sign of the commitment with which you intend to continue down the path you have begun, a path of faithful adherence to Christ and of courageous witness to His Gospel, ... a path of humble acceptance of the guidance of pastors and of communion with all other components of the People of God, ... well aware that helping the men and women of our time to meet Jesus Christ, Redeemer of man, is a mission for the Church and for all the baptised. The Neo-Catechumenal Way is part of this ecclesial mission, as one of the numerous 'ways' brought into being by the Holy Spirit at Vatican Council II for the new evangelisation".
"How much fresh apostolic energy has been created among priests and laity!" the Pope exclaimed. "How many families ... have been helped to rediscover the joy of faith and the enthusiasm of evangelical witness through the announcement of the 'kerygma' and the rediscovery of Baptism! The recent approval of the Statutes of the Neo-Catechumenal Way by the Pontifical Council for the Laity are a confirmation of the esteem and benevolence with which the Holy See follows the work the Lord began through your founders".
"Your apostolic activities, already highly praiseworthy in themselves, will be even more effective in the degree to which you constantly strive to cultivate that desire for unity which Jesus communicated to the Twelve at the Last Supper. ... It is this unity - gift of the Holy Spirit and incessantly sought by the faithful - that makes each community a living and well-integrated member of the mystical Body of Christ. The unity of the disciples of the Lord is part of the essence of the Church, and an indispensable condition if her evangelising activity is to prove fruitful and credible".
"Indeed, what is needed today is a vast missionary action involving the various aspects of the Church which, each conserving the originality of its own charism, must work harmoniously to achieve that 'integrated pastoral care' which has already enabled significant results to be reached. And you, placing yourselves - as your Statues say - with complete willingness at the service of bishops, can become an example for many local Churches which rightly look to Rome as a model to which to refer".
The Pope concluded his remarks by inviting the members of the Neo-Catechumenal Way "not to lose heart in the face of difficulties, and not to seek human success, nor to fear misunderstandings and even persecutions", but rather to "trust only in the power of Christ, to take up your own cross and follow the footsteps of our Redeemer". AC/ANNIVERSARY/NEO-CATECHUMENAL WAY VIS 090112 (570)
POPE BAPTISES THIRTEEN INFANTS IN THE SISTINE CHAPEL
VATICAN CITY, 11 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Today, as is the tradition on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Pope administered the Sacrament of Baptism to thirteen newborn infants in the Sistine Chapel.
In his homily the Holy Father described Baptism as "the bridge God built between Himself and us, the path by which He makes Himself accessible to us. It is the divine rainbow of our life, the promise of God's great 'yes', the doorway of hope and, at the same time, the sign indicating the way to follow, actively and joyfully, in order to meet Him and to feel we are loved by Him".
Through Baptism, he said, "we give back to God that which came from Him. A child is not the property of its parents, but is freely ... entrusted to their responsibility by the Creator that they may help it become a free child of God. Only if parents achieve such an understanding can they strike the right balance between the desire to dispose of their children as if they were a personal possession, forming them on the basis of their own ideas and desires, and a libertarian attitude expressed in allowing children to grow up in complete autonomy satisfying their every desire and aspiration in the belief that this is a way to cultivate their personality.
"Although with this Sacrament", he added, "the newly-baptised become adoptive children of God, object of His infinite love which protects them and defends them from the dark forces of evil, it is still necessary to teach them to recognise God as their Father and to behave towards him as children".
When "children are baptised, introducing them into the light of God and of His teachings", the Holy Father explained, "they are subject to no violence, rather they are given the richness of divine life in which the true freedom of children of God is rooted; a freedom which then has to be educated and formed over the years, that they may become capable of making responsible individual decisions".
Turning to address godparents, the Pope said: "Be aware of the gift you have received and ceaselessly thank the Lord Who, with today's Sacrament, introduces your children into a new family, larger and more stable, more open and numerous than your own: I am referring to the family of believers, the Church, a family that has God for Father and in which all consider themselves as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
"Today, then, you entrust your children to the goodness of God Who is power of light and love; and they, though amidst the difficulties of life, will never feel abandoned if they remain united to Him. Ensure", he concluded, you educate them in faith, teaching them to pray and to grow as Jesus did and, with His help, 'increasing in wisdom and in years and in divine and human favour'". HML/BAPTISM/SISTINE CHAPEL VIS 090112 (500)
BAPTISM: GIFT, JOY, RESPONSIBILITY
VATICAN CITY, 11 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This morning, after administering the Sacrament of Baptism to thirteen infants in the Sistine Chapel, the Pope appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The Pope explained that today's Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Christmas period, marks the moment in which Jesus, "having reached the age of around thirty, left Nazareth, and, coming to the River Jordan, allowed Himself to be baptised by John in the presence of many people".
"Through Baptism human beings are introduced into Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, and thus the words that sounded out from the heaven on the only begotten Son become true for all men and women who are reborn from water and the Holy Spirit: You are my Child, the Beloved".
"How great the gift of Baptism is!" the Pope exclaimed. "Were we fully aware of this, our life would be a continuous 'grace'. What joy it is for Christian parents who have seen their love blossom in a new creature, to bring it to the baptismal font and see it reborn in the bosom of the Church for a life that will never end! A gift, a joy, but also a responsibility".
The Holy Father affirmed that "parents and godparents must educate children in accordance with the Gospel", indicating that this led him to think of the theme of the Sixth World Meeting of Families, to be held from 14 to 18 January in Mexico City, Mexico: "The family, teacher of human and Christian values".
The Pope continued: "This great family meeting, organised by the Pontifical Council for the Family, will be divided into three phases: first a theological-pastoral congress, ... then a moment of celebration and witness, ... and finally a solemn Eucharistic celebration as an act of thanksgiving to the Lord for the gifts of marriage, the family and life".
"I have", he concluded, "delegated Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. to represent me, but I myself will closely follow this extraordinary event, accompanying it with my prayers and participating through a television linkup". ANG/BAPTISM FAMILY/... VIS 090112 (370)
SYNERGY BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
VATICAN CITY, 12 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, the Pope received Piero Marrazzo, president of the Region of Lazio, Italy; Gianni Alemanno, mayor of the City of Rome; and Nicola Zingaretti, president of the Province of Rome, each accompanied by an entourage, for the traditional exchange of New Year greetings.
"There is no doubt", said the Pope in his remarks to them, "that the world community is passing though a time of serious economic crisis, yet this is also connected to a crisis in structure, culture and values. The difficult situation involving the world economy brings inevitable consequences to all areas, and hence also hits Rome, its province and the cities and towns of the Lazio region. Such an arduous challenge, ... must be met by a joint desire to react. ... At difficult moments in their history, people are able to rediscover unity of intent and courage around the wise guidance of illuminated administrators whose fundamental concern must be the universal good".
Benedict XVI noted the "appreciation for the presence and activities of Catholic communities" shown by the various administrations, and he highlighted how Catholics "neither seek nor boast any privileges but want their spiritual and social mission to continue to garner appreciation and co-operation. ... Rome and Lazio have a special role for Christianity. Catholics here feel stimulated to bear living evangelical witness and to undertake activities of human promotion, especially in the face of today's difficulties".
In this context the Pope mentioned the work of diocesan Caritas, of parish communities and Catholic associations, recalling that, although they "spare no efforts to bring help to those in need, it is vital to create a synergy between all institutions in order to offer concrete answers to people's growing needs. I am thinking of families, ... of the elderly, ... of the housing crisis, of the lack of work and youth unemployment, of the difficult coexistence between different ethnic groups, and of the great question of immigration and nomads.
"If the implementation of appropriate economic and social politics is the duty of the State", he added, "the Church, in the light of her social doctrine, is called to make her own contribution, stimulating reflection and forming the consciences of the faithful and of all citizens of good will. Today, perhaps as never before, civil society understands that only with lifestyles inspired by sobriety, solidarity and responsibility, is it possible to build a more just society and a better future for everyone".
Turning his attention to education, a theme upon which "the Church has concentrated its efforts for many years", Benedict XVI noted how "ecclesial structures in the heart of neighbourhoods, apart from enabling people to exercise the fundamental human right that is religious freedom, are also centres for encounter and formation in the values of sociality, peaceful coexistence, fraternity and peace".
The Pope also referred to episodes of youth violence and of the death of young people in road accidents. Having called for collaboration to prevent such tragedies, he went on: "Especially among the young generations, there has been a drop in the natural and Christian values that give meaning to daily existence and form a vision of life open to hope. What emerges in their place are ephemeral desires and short-lived expectations which in the end produce only boredom and failure. The unfortunate outcome of all this is the emergence of a tendency to cheapen the value of life itself. ... In the face of the nihilism that increasingly pervades the world of youth, the Church invites everyone seriously to dedicate themselves to young people, and not to abandon them to their own devices".
Finally the Pope considered the subject of healthcare, recalling how in this sector "the ecclesial community, heir to a long tradition of caring for the sick, continues ... its activities with hospitals and care homes inspired by evangelical principles". He also noted how, over the last year, the regional authorities have given "positive signs of seeking to help Catholic healthcare structures".
The Pope concluded by recalling that the task of public administrators "is not an easy one", because they have to face "complex situations which, ever more frequently, call for unpopular interventions and decisions. ... The most important help the Pope can give you", he said, "is his daily prayer that the Lord may enlighten you and always make you honest servants of the common good". AC/.../REGION:PROVINCE:ROME VIS 090112 (750)
TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF CARDINAL LAGHI
VATICAN CITY, 12 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Benedict XVI has sent a telegram of condolence for the death of Cardinal Pio Laghi, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Catholic Education and patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. The cardinal died yesterday at the age of 86.
In the telegram, addressed to the nephews of the deceased, the Pope speaks of Cardinal Laghi's "long and generous service to the Holy See, in particular as pontifical representative in various countries and as prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. To you and your families I wish to express my sincere participation in the mourning that has afflicted all those who knew and respected the late cardinal and, while raising fervent prayer to God to grant him the prize promised to faithful servants of the Gospel, I send my heartfelt apostolic blessing to all those who grieve his passing".
At the altar of the Cathedra in the Vatican Basilica at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday 13 January, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the funeral Mass with other members of the college.
At the end of the ceremony, the Pope will address those present and administer the rites of "Ultima Commendatio" and of "Valedictio". TGR/DEATH/LAGHI VIS 090112 (220)
VATICAN CITY, 12 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Piero Marrazzo, president of the Region of Lazio, Italy.
- Gianni Veltroni, mayor of the City of Rome.
- Nicola Zingaretti, president of the Province of Rome.
On Saturday 10 January he received in separate audiences:
- Archbishop Francesco Monterisi, secretary of the Congregation for Bishops.
- Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
- Mary Ann Glendon, ambassador of the United States of America, on her farewell visit.
- Raychelle Awuor Omamo, ambassador of Kenya, on her farewell visit. AP/.../... VIS 090112 (110)
VATICAN CITY, 12 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Appointed Fr. Richard F. Stika of the clergy of the archdiocese of Saint Louis, U.S.A., pastor of the church of the Annunziata, as bishop of Knoxville (area 36,872, population 236,573, Catholics 56,068, priests 70, permanent deacons 25, religious 53), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Saint Louis in 1957 and ordained a priest in 1985.
- Appointed Bishop Anton Bal, auxiliary of Kundiawa, Papua New Guinea, as bishop of the same diocese (area 6,181, population 315,000, Catholics 105,283, priests 26, religious 41). He succeeds Bishop Henk Te Maarssen S.V.D., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Archbishop Andres Carrascosa Coso, apostolic nuncio to the Republic of Congo and Gabon, as apostolic nuncio to Panama.
- Appointed Msgr. Luigi Bianco, counsellor to the apostolic nunciature in Spain, as apostolic nuncio to Honduras, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The bishop-elect was born in Montemagno, Italy in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1985.
On Saturday 10 January it was made public that he accepted:
- The resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Chioggia, Italy, presented by Bishop Angelo Daniel, upon having reached the age limit.
- The resignation from the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of Milan, Italy, presented by Bishop Marco Ferrari, in accordance with canons 411 and 401 para. 1 of the Code of Canon Law. NER:RE:NN/.../... VIS 090112 (260) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 9 January 2009
| 01.09.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 05 |
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SUMMARY:
- World Meeting of Families in Mexico City
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WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES IN MEXICO CITY
VATICAN CITY, 9 JAN 2009 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office this morning Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, presented the Sixth World Meeting of Families, which is to due to take place in Mexico City, Mexico, from 14 to 18 January.
"The Holy Father will be 'especially present' at these events" with two video messages, said the president of the pontifical council: a recorded message on the evening of Saturday 17 January, and a live message, via satellite, on Sunday 18 January at the end of the final Mass.
The meeting, which has as its theme "The family, teacher of human and Christian values", will be attended by cardinals, bishops and delegations of families from all continents. Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. will also be present in the capacity of pontifical legate.
As is the tradition in these world meetings - the last was held in Valencia, Spain, in July 2006 - the main celebrations will be preceded by a theological-pastoral congress.
This year's theological congress, to be attended by 8,000 people and held from 14 to 16 January, will focus on three main points: family relations and family values; the family and sexuality, and the educational vocation of the family. Lectures and workshops are also scheduled to take place on such subjects as: family relations and family values according to the Bible; values to be discovered and rediscovered; the family and the value of human life; organisations that help the family in the formation of values; family and the communications media, and the challenge of policymaking in support of life and the family.
The celebrations scheduled for 17 and 18 January, at which more than a million people are expected to attend, will take place at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On Saturday 17 January, the praying of the Rosary will take place and families from Africa, Asia, America, Europe and Oceania will present their testimonies. On Sunday 18 January, Cardinal Bertone will preside at a solemn Eucharistic celebration.
Cardinal Antonelli also mentioned the "Family Mosaic" which has been prepared for the meeting, formed of thousands of photographs of families from all over the world arranged to create the image of Benedict XVI. A national competition entitled "A letter to my child" has also been organised, open to single mothers resident in the Republic of Mexico who wish to write a letter to their son or daughter. "The best letters will be collected in a commemorative book which will be presented to Benedict XVI as evidence of the profound values and dignity of Mexican mothers", the cardinal explained.
On the subject of families in Mexico, Cardinal Antonelli pointed out how, "as in other parts of the world, they are currently experiencing a crisis. Nonetheless", he added, "the family remains the principal institution of aid and solidarity".
He went on: "Abortion, divorce, euthanasia, questions associated with bioethics, though far removed from popular culture and practices, are also penetrating the mentality of Mexicans. Families today have to face ... the challenge of an individualist and market culture, founded on production and consumption. Unfortunately we have a mistaken concept of freedom, which is understood as self-sufficient autonomy. ... With this misguided mentality, laws often are passed - without broad social consensus and under the influence of small but active pressure groups, highly ideological and with large economic resources - that enable and facilitate abortion, rapid divorce and euthanasia".
"The Church is making great efforts of evangelisation, supporting Christian families in their values and encouraging a wide-ranging strategy to promote and defend life from conception to natural death. ... Thanks to God", he concluded, "over the last few years numerous initiatives, both ecclesial and civil, have come into being in the service of the family ... which support this work". OP/WORLD MEETING FAMILIES/MEXICO VIS 090109 (650)
VATICAN CITY, 9 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education.
- Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops.
- Gabor Erdody, ambassador of Hungary, on his farewell visit.
- Geoffrey Kenyon Ward, ambassador of New Zealand, on his farewell visit.
- Vera Barrouin Machado, ambassador of Brazil, on her farewell visit.
- Giovanni Maria Flick, president of the Italian Constitutional Court, accompanied by his family. AP/.../... VIS 090109 (90)
VATICAN CITY, 9 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Seamus Cunningham of the clergy of the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, England, diocesan administrator, as bishop of the same diocese (area 8,438, population 2,241,451, Catholics 200,361, priests 219, permanent deacons 11, religious 415). The bishop-elect was born in Knock, Ireland in 1942 and ordained a priest in 1966. NER/.../CUNNINGHAM VIS 090109 (70) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 8 January 2009
| 01.08.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 04 |
| SUMMARY: - Papal Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps - Other Pontifical Acts ________________________________ PAPAL ADDRESS TO MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS VATICAN CITY, 8 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This morning in the Sala Regia of the Vatican, Pope Benedict pronounced his traditional annual address to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See. He also received greetings from the ambassadors in a speech delivered by Alejandro Valladares Lanza, ambassador of Honduras and dean of the diplomatic corps. The Holy See currently maintains diplomatic relations with 177 States, to which must be added the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It also has two missions of a special nature: the mission of the Russian Federation and the office of the Palestine Liberation Organisation. At the beginning of his address, the Holy Father mentioned "all those who have suffered - whether as a result of grave natural catastrophes, particularly in Vietnam, Myanmar, China and the Philippines, in Central America and the Caribbean, and in Columbia and Brazil; or as a result of violent national or regional conflicts; or again as a result of terrorist attacks which have sown death and destruction in countries like Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Algeria". After highlighting how "despite so many efforts the peace we so desire still remains distant", Benedict XVI stressed the importance of "redoubling our efforts on behalf of security and development. In this regard, the Holy See wished to be among the first to sign and ratify the 'Convention on Cluster Munitions'", he said, while faced with "the signs of crisis appearing in the area of disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, the Holy See has continued to reaffirm that peace cannot be built when military expenses divert enormous human and material resources from projects for development, especially the development of the poorest peoples". Commenting on this year's Message for the World Day of Peace, which had as its theme "Fighting Poverty To Build Peace", the Pope pointed out that "to build peace, we need to give new hope to the poor". In this context he also mentioned the "many individuals and families hard-pressed by the difficulties and uncertainties which the current financial and economic crisis has provoked on a global scale" as well as "the food crisis and global warming, which make it even more difficult for those living in some of the poorest parts of the planet to have access to nutrition and water. "There is", he added, "an urgent need to adopt an effective strategy to fight hunger and to promote local agricultural development, all the more so since the number of the poor is increasing even within rich countries. ... On a deeper level, bolstering the economy demands rebuilding confidence. This goal will only be reached by implementing an ethics based on the innate dignity of the human person. I know how demanding this will be, yet it is not a utopia! Today more than in the past, our future is at stake, as well as the fate of our planet and its inhabitants, especially the younger generation which is inheriting a severely compromised economic system and social fabric". On the subject of his apostolic journeys of last year, the Holy Father referred to his address at the headquarters of the United Nations Organisation: "Sixty years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I wished to stress that this document is founded on the dignity of the human person, which in turn is based on our shared human nature, which transcends our different cultures". Visiting Lourdes, France, "I sought to emphasise that the message of conversion and love which radiates from the grotto of Massabielle remains most timely, as a constant invitation to build our own lives and the relations between the world's peoples on the foundation of authentic respect and fraternity, in the awareness that this fraternity presupposes that all men and women have a common Father, God the Creator. Moreover, a society which is 'secular' in a healthy way does not ignore the spiritual dimension and its values, since religion - and I thought it helpful to repeat this during my pastoral visit to France - is not an obstacle but rather a solid foundation for the building of a more just and free society. "Acts of discrimination and the very grave attacks directed at thousands of Christians in this past year", he added, "show to what extent it is not merely material poverty, but also moral poverty, which damages peace. Such abuses, in fact, are rooted in moral poverty". "Christianity is a religion of freedom and peace", said the Pope, "and it stands at the service of the true good of humanity. To our brothers and sisters who are victims of violence, especially in Iraq and in India, I renew the assurance of my paternal affection; to the civil and political authorities, I urgently request that they be actively committed to ending intolerance and acts of harassment directed against Christians, to repairing the damage which has been done, particularly to the places of worship and properties; and to encouraging by every means possible due respect for all religions, outlawing all forms of hatred and contempt. I also express my hope that, in the Western world, prejudice or hostility against Christians will not be cultivated simply because, on certain questions, their voice causes disquiet". He encouraged the faithful not to lose heart "in the face of such adversity" because "if the trials and tribulations are painful, the constant presence of Christ is a powerful source of strength. Christ's Gospel is a saving message meant for all; that is why it cannot be confined to the private sphere, but must be proclaimed from the rooftops, to the ends of the earth". Going on then to refer to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Holy Father insisted that "military options are no solution and that violence, wherever it comes from and whatever form it takes, must be firmly condemned. I express my hope that, with the decisive commitment of the international community, the cease-fire in the Gaza strip will be re-established - an indispensable condition for restoring acceptable living conditions to the population - and that negotiations for peace will resume, with the rejection of hatred, acts of provocation and the use of arms. "It is very important that, in view of the crucial elections which will involve many of the inhabitants of the region in coming months, leaders will emerge who can decisively carry forward this process and guide their people towards the difficult yet indispensable reconciliation. This cannot be reached without the adoption of a global approach to the problems of these countries, with respect for the legitimate aspirations and interests of all parties". The Pope also indicated that "wholehearted support must be given to dialogue between Israel and Syria and, in Lebanon, to the current strengthening of institutions; this will be all the more effective if it is carried out in a spirit of unity. To the Iraqis, who are preparing again to take full control of their future, I offer a particular word of encouragement to turn the page and to look forward in order to rebuild without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnic group or religion. As far as Iran is concerned, tireless efforts must be made to seek a negotiated solution to the controversy concerning the nation's nuclear programme, through a mechanism capable of satisfying the legitimate demands of the country and of the international community. This would greatly favour detente in the region and in the world". Turning his attention to Asia, the Holy Father noted that although "in certain countries acts of violence continue", and "in others the political situation remains tense, some progress has been made enabling us to look to the future with greater confidence". Such progress includes, he said, "the new negotiations for peace in Mindanao, in the Philippines, and the new direction being taken in relations between Beijing and Taipei. "In this same context of the quest for peace, a definitive solution of the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka would also have to be political, since the humanitarian needs of the peoples concerned must continue to receive attention. The Christian communities living in Asia are often numerically small, yet they wish to contribute in a convincing and effective way to the common good, stability and progress of their countries, as they bear witness to the primacy of God which sets up a healthy order of values and grants a freedom more powerful than acts of injustice. ... The Church, as has often been said, does not demand privileges, but the full application of the principle of religious freedom. In this perspective, it is important that, in central Asia, legislation concerning religious communities guarantee the full exercise of this fundamental right, in respect for international norms". The Pope, who is due to visit Africa within the next few months, called upon the inhabitants of that continent "to welcome the Gospel and to live it consistently, building peace by fighting moral and material poverty. A very particular concern must be shown for children: twenty years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, they remain very vulnerable. Many children have the tragic experience of being refugees and displaced persons in Somalia, Darfur and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are waves of migration involving millions of persons in need of humanitarian assistance and who above all have been deprived of their elementary rights and offended in their dignity. "I ask political leaders on the national and international levels to take every measure necessary to resolve the current conflicts and to put an end to the injustices which caused them. I express my hope that in Somalia the restoration of the State will finally make progress, in order to end the interminable sufferings of the inhabitants of that country. In Zimbabwe, likewise, the situation remains critical and considerable humanitarian assistance is needed. The peace agreement in Burundi has brought a glimmer of hope to the region. I ask that it be applied fully, and thus become a source of inspiration for other countries which have not yet found the path of reconciliation". In this context he also mentioned the Holy See's "special attention" for Africa and its pleasure at having established diplomatic relations with Botswana last year. On the subject of Latin America, the Pope indicated that "the needs of emigrants need to be taken into consideration by legislation which would make it easier to reunite families, reconciling the legitimate requirements of security with those of inviolable respect for the person". He praised "the overriding commitment shown by some governments towards re-establishing the rule of law and waging an uncompromising battle against the drug trade and political corruption", and expressed his pleasure that, "thirty years after the start of the papal mediation between Argentina and Chile concerning their dispute over the southern territories, those two countries have in some way sealed their desire for peace by raising a monument to ... Pope John Paul II". Benedict XVI also mentioned the recent agreement between the Holy See and Brazil, expressing the hope that it "will facilitate the free exercise of the Church's mission of evangelisation and further strengthen her co-operation with the civil institutions for integral human development". He went on: "For five centuries the Church has accompanied the peoples of Latin America, sharing their hopes and their concerns. Her Pastors know that, to favour the authentic progress of society, their proper task is to enlighten consciences and to form lay men and women capable of engaging responsibly in temporal affairs, at the service of the common good". Lastly, the Pope turned his attention to "nations which are nearer at hand". He greeted the Christian community of Turkey for the occasion of the current Year of St. Paul, during which "numerous pilgrims are making their way to Tarsus, his native city, a fact which once more indicates how closely this land is linked to the origins of Christianity". Pope Benedict continued: " The hope of peace is alive in Cyprus, where negotiations for a just solution to problems associated with the division of the island have resumed. As for the Caucasus, I wish to affirm once more that the conflicts involving the States of the region cannot be settled by recourse to arms; and, in thinking of Georgia, I express my hope that all the commitments subscribed to in the cease-fire of last August - an agreement concluded thanks to the diplomatic efforts of the European Union - will be honoured, and that the return of the displaced to their homes will be provided for as quickly as possible". In south-east Europe "the Holy See pursues its commitment to stability, ... and hopes that conditions will continue to be created for a future of reconciliation and of peace between the populations of Serbia and Kosovo, with respect for minorities and commitment to the preservation of the priceless Christian artistic and cultural patrimony which constitutes a treasure for all humanity", he said. The Pope concluded his remarks to the diplomatic corps by quoting from his Message for this year's World Day of Peace: "The poorest human beings are unborn children. But I cannot not fail to mention, in conclusion, others who are poor, like the infirm, the elderly left to themselves, broken families and those lacking points of reference. Poverty is fought if humanity becomes more fraternal as a result of shared values and ideals, founded on the dignity of the person, on freedom joined to responsibility, on the effective recognition of the place of God in the life of man". AC/NEW YEAR/DIPLOMATIC CORPS VIS 090108 (2270) OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 8 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Archbishop Carlos Osoro Sierra of Oviedo, Spain, as archbishop of Valencia (area 13,060, population 3,127,368, Catholics 2,962,702, priests 1,541, permanent deacons 8, religious 4,690), Spain. He succeeds Cardinal Agustin Garcia-Gasco Vicente, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. - Appointed Fr. Philippe Mousset of the clergy of La Rochelle, France, diocesan director of vocations, pastor of Saint-Paul and episcopal vicar, as bishop of Pamiers (area 4,903, population 137,205, Catholics 100,301, priests 51, permanent deacons 11, religious 99), France. The bishop-elect was born in Le Gua, France in 1955 and ordained a priest in 1988. NER:RE/.../OSORO:GARCIA:MOUSSET VIS 090108 (130) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
07 January 2009
Vatican News Update 7 January 2009
| 01.07.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 3 |
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| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 5 January 2009
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| 01.05.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 02 |
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SUMMARY 3 - 5 JANUARY:
- Papal Legate to World Encounter of Families, Mexico - Jesus Is the Wisdom of God Incarnate - War and Hatred Do Not Resolve Problems - Notice
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PAPAL LEGATE TO WORLD ENCOUNTER OF FAMILIES, MEXICO
VATICAN CITY, 3 JAN 2009 (VIS) - A letter from the Pope, written in Latin and dated 28 December 2008, was made public today. In it he names Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, as Papal Legate to the 6th World Encounter of Families to be celebrated from 13 to 18 January in Mexico City.
Fr. Rogelio Alcantara Mendoza, Spiritual Director of the Hispanic Seminary of Santa Maria de Guadalupe and Fr. Martin Munoz Lopez, Chaplain of the choir of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe will accompany the cardinal. BXVI-LETTER/SPECIAL ENVOY/BERTONE: MEXICO VIS 090105 (80)
JESUS IS THE WISDOM OF GOD INCARNATE
VATICAN CITY, 4 JAN 2009 (VIS) - At noon today the Holy Father appeared at the window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus with the thousands of pilgrims present.
At the beginning of the Mass the Pope recalled that "the liturgy again invites us to meditate on the same Gospel proclaimed on Christmas Day, that is, the Prologue of St. John. After the chaos of racing around buying gifts these past days, the Church invites us to contemplate again the mystery of Christ's birth in order to better understand its profound meaning and its importance for our lives".
"It is", he said, "an astonishing text that offers an extraordinary synthesis of all of Christian faith. It begins from on high: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"; herein lies the unheard of and humanly inconceivable novelty: 'And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us'".
Benedict XVI emphasized that this "is not a figure of speech but a lived experience! John, an eyewitness recounts it to us. ... They are not the erudite words of a rabbi or doctor of the law but the impassioned witness of a humble fisherman who, called by Jesus when he was young, in his three years of living with Christ and His apostles felt His love - to the point of defining himself 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' - who saw Him die on the cross and appear resurrected, and who received His Spirit together with the others. From these experiences, meditated upon in his heart, John drew a certain conclusion: Jesus is the Wisdom of God incarnate, is His eternal Word who was made a mortal man".
Highlighting that "knowing Jesus, being with Him, listening to His preaching, and seeing the signs he performed, the disciples recognized that all of Scripture was fulfilled in Him", the Pope said that "each man and woman needs to find profound meaning in their own existence. To do so it is not enough to read books or to follow Sacred Scripture. The Child of Bethlehem reveals and communicates to us the true 'face' of the good and faithful God who loves us and does not abandon us, not even in death".
The Holy Father affirmed that "the first to open her heart and contemplate 'the Word made flesh' was Mary, the Mother of Jesus. A humble girl of Galilee thus became the 'Seat of Wisdom'. Just like John the apostle, each of us is invited to welcome her into our homes in order to know Jesus more deeply and to feel His faithful and inexhaustible love. This is my wish for each of you, dear brothers and sisters, at the beginning of this new year". ANG/WORD/... VIS 090105 (460)
WAR AND HATRED DO NOT RESOLVE PROBLEMS
VATICAN CITY, 4 JAN 2009 (VIS) - After the Angelus the Pope invited all to pray for an end to the war in Gaza, recalling that hatred and war do not resolve problems.
"Today, in all the churches of the Holy Land, the patriarchs and leaders of the Christian churches of Jerusalem invite the faithful to pray for an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip and implore justice and peace for their land. I join with them and ask you to do the same, remembering, as they are saying, 'the victims, the wounded, those with broken hearts, who are living in anguish and fear, that God bless them with consolation, patience, and the peace that proceeds from Him".
The Holy Father affirmed that "the dramatic news that we are receiving from the Gaza Strip shows that the refusal to dialogue leads to situations that weigh unspeakably on the populations who are again victim to hatred and war".
War and hatred are not a solution to problems. Most recent history again confirms this. Let us pray, then, that 'the Baby in the manger ... inspire the authorities and those responsible on both sides, Israeli and Palestinian, to act immediately to put an end to this tragic situation". ANG/CALL TO PEACE GAZA/... VIS 090105 (200)
VATICAN CITY, 3 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father:
- Appointed Bishop Allen H. Vigneron, previously bishop of Oakland, California in the United States, as metropolitan archbishop of Detroit (area 10,106, population 4,441,551, Catholics 1,478,231, priests 698, permanent deacons 165, religious 2,018), Michigan in the United States. He succeeds Cardinal Adam J. Maida, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese was accepted upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Bishop Claude Champagne, O.M.I., previously auxiliary bishop of Halifax, Canada, as bishop of Edmundston (area 12,838, population 52,073, Catholics 48,695, priests 33, religious 103), Canada. He succeeds Bishop Francois Thibodeau, C.I.M., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese was accepted in conformity with canon 401 §2 of the Code of Canon Law.
- Accepted the resignation of Bishop John J. McRaith from the pastoral care of the diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky in the United States in conformity with canon 401 §2 of the Code of Canon Law.
- Appointed Fr. Vicente Carlos Kiaziku, O.F.M. Cap., as bishop of Mbanza Congo (area 39,459, population 676,400, Catholics 339,258, priests 16, religious 50), Angola. The bishop-elect was born in Kimacaka-Bamba, Angola in 1957, made final vows in 1984, and was ordained a priest in 1985. He was previously councillor general of his order.
- Appointed Fr. Cirilo Flores as auxiliary bishop of Orange in California (area 2,025, population 2,988,072, Catholics 1,165,826, priests 276, permanent deacons 93, religious 449) in the United States. The bishop-elect was born in Corona, California, U.S.A, in 1948 and was ordained a priest in 1991. He was previously pastor of St. Anne parish in Santa Ana, California.
- Appointed Archbishop Bruno Musaro, previously apostolic nuncio to Guatemala, as apostolic nuncio to Peru.
This past Saturday, 3 January, it was made public that the Pope:
- Accepted the resignation of Bishop Jan De Bie from the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, Belgium in conformity with canon 401 §2 of the Code of Canon Law.
- Appointed Bishop Jean-Jacques Koffi Oi Koffi, previously bishop of Abengourou, Ivory Coast, as bishop of the diocese of San Pedro-en-Cote-d'Ivoire (area 30,375, population 1,280,110, Catholics 71,084, priests 52, religious 45), Ivory Coast.
- Appointed Bishop Jean Salomon Lezoutie, previously bishop of Odienne, Ivory Coast, as bishop coadjutor of the diocese of Yopougon (area 7,367, population 2,552,000, Catholics 512,282, priests 104, permanent deacons 2, religious 111), Ivory Coast.
- Appointed Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, as a member of the Congregation for Bishops.
- Appointed Cardinal Karl Lehmann, Bishop of Mainz, Germany, as a member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. RE:NER:NEA:NEC:NN:NA/.../... VIS 090105 (430)
VATICAN CITY, 5 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Tomorrow, the Solemnity of the Lord's Epiphany, a feast day in the Vatican, there will be no transmission of the VIS. The service will resume on Wednesday, 7 January. .../.../... VIS 090105 (30) |
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| Summary | VIS | News Services | Cancel | Contact Us | Privacy You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.visnews.org |
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Vatican News Update 2 January 2009
| 01.02.2009 - Nineteenth Year - Num. 1 |
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SUMMARY: 31 DECEMBER - 2 JANUARY
- Hope in Facing Current Difficulties - Fighting Poverty Through Sobriety and Solidarity - Promoting a New World Order Worthy of the Human Being - Notice
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HOPE IN FACING CURRENT DIFFICULTIES
VATICAN CITY, 31 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At six this evening in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father presided over the first vespers on the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the singing of the traditional "Te Deum" hymn of thanksgiving concluding the civil year, and the Eucharistic blessing.
During his homily, the Holy Father asserted that Christmastime "holds a profound Marian connotation; the birth of Jesus, God-man, and the divine maternity of Mary are inseparable realities; the mystery of Mary and the mystery of the only-begotten Son of God made man form a single mystery, in which one helps better understand the other".
"This afternoon", he said, "we want to place in the hands of the heavenly Mother of God, our hymn of thanksgiving to the Lord for the blessings He has abundantly given us in these past twelve months" and "add our petition for forgiveness for not having always employed our time usefully".
Addressing particularly the faithful of the Diocese of Rome, Benedict XVI emphasized that "the encounter with Christ renews our personal existence and helps contribute to the construction of a just and fraternal society. That is why, as believers, we can also offer a great contribution in overcoming the current educational emergency. It is as important as ever that the harmony between families, schools, and parishes grows for a deeper evangelization and a courageous promotion of what is human, capable of showing to the greatest number of people possible the richness that wells forth from the encounter with Christ".
In these times, which are marked by insecurity and worry for the future, it is necessary to feel the living presence of Christ. Mary, the Star of Hope, leads us to Him. With her maternal love she is the one who can lead us, especially the young, to Jesus".
The Holy Father told those "responsible for the future" of Rome, to "not be afraid of the apostolic work that the Lord has entrusted to you, do not hesitate to choose a lifestyle that does not follow the current hedonist mentality. ... The growing needs of evangelization require many workers in the vineyard of the Lord: do not hesitate to respond to respond readily if He calls you. Society needs citizens who are not merely concerned with their own interests because, as I recalled on Christmas Day, 'if people look only to their own interests, our world will certainly fall apart'".
"This year", he continued, "concludes with the awareness of a growing economic and social crisis that now affects the entire world; a crisis that demands the greatest sobriety and solidarity of all in order to help, especially, those persons and families in the most serious difficulties". In this context he noted that "the Christian community is already committing itself ... Caritas and other charitable organizations are doing what they can, but it is necessary for all to work together because nobody can think of building happiness for themselves alone".
"Even if there are many clouds forming on the horizon of our future, we should not be afraid. As believers, our great hope is eternal life in communion with Christ and the entire family of God. This great hope gives us the strength to face and to overcome the difficulties of this worldly life".
Benedict XVI concluded affirming that "Mary's maternal presence assures us this evening that God never abandons us if we trust in Him and follow His teachings. With filial love and confidence we present our hopes and desires to Mary, as well as our fears and the difficulties that we hold in our heart as we bid farewell to 2008 and prepare ourselves to welcome 2009".
After the ceremony the Pope visited the creche in St. Peter's Square. HML/VESPERS: TE DEUM/... VIS 090102 (610)
FIGHTING POVERTY THROUGH SOBRIETY AND SOLIDARITY
VATICAN CITY, 1 JAN 2009 (VIS) - At 10 this morning in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father presided over the Eucharistic celebration on the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, which also marks the 42nd Wold Day of Peace, the theme of which is "Fighting Poverty to Build Peace" for 2009.
Commenting on the World Day of Peace during his homily, the Pope explained that there exists, on one hand, "the poverty chosen and proposed by Jesus and, on the other hand, the poverty that must be fought to make the world more just and united".
"The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem", he said, "shows us that God chose poverty for Himself in His coming among us. ...His love for us prompted Jesus not only to make Himself human but even to make Himself poor".
Nevertheless, he added, there exists "a poverty that prevents persons and families from living their dignity; a poverty that offends justice and equality and that, as such, threatens peaceful living together".
In his message this year the Pope recalled that "in the face of diffuse plagues such as pandemic illnesses, the poverty of children, food crises" he had returned to denouncing "the unacceptable arms race". Referring to the phenomenon of globalization, said that it is necessary that nations "make the effort to maintain a high level of solidarity".
Benedict XVI asked if "we are prepared to read the current economic crisis in its complexity as a challenge for the future and not just as an emergency to which to give short term answers. Are we ready to make a profound change in the dominant model of development together, to correct it concretely and for the long term? Even more than the immediate financial difficulties, the state of the planet's ecological health and, above all, the cultural and moral crisis whose symptoms have been evident all over the world demand it."
"In order to fight the iniquitous poverty that oppresses many men and women and threatens the peace of all, it is necessary to rediscover sobriety and solidarity as evangelical and, at the same time, universal values. Misery cannot be effectively fought" if "the gap between those who waste the superfluous, and those who don't even have the necessary is not lessened", he affirmed.
The Holy Father entrusted to the Virgin Mary "the deep desire of living in peace that dwells in the hearts of the great majority of Israeli and Palestinian peoples who are once more placed in danger by the intense violence in the Gaza Strip in response to other violence".
"Violence, hate, and distrust are also forms of poverty - perhaps the worst - that must be fought". In this sense he also expressed "the justified hope that, with wisdom and the far-sighted contribution of all, it will not be impossible to listen to one another, to meet with one another, and to give concrete answers to the diffuse desire to live in peace, security, and dignity". HML/POVERTY: PEACE/... VIS 090102 (480)
PROMOTING A NEW WORLD ORDER WORTHY OF THE HUMAN BEING
VATICAN CITY, 1 JAN 2009 (VIS) - At noon today, shortly after celebrating Mass in the Vatican Basilica, Benedict XVI addressed the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus.
The Pope wished a happy New Year to all present and to those who were following the Angelus on radio or television, assuring them that "with the Lord's grace - and only with it - can we have ever-new hope that the future will be better than the past".
With the message for the World Day of Peace, the theme of which is "Fighting Poverty to Build Peace" in 2009, he affirmed that his wish "is to dialogue anew with those responsible at national levels and in international organizations, offering the Catholic Church's contribution in promoting a new world order worthy of the human being".
"At the beginning of the new year", he said, "my first objective is precisely to invite all leaders and ordinary citizens not to be disheartened in the face of difficulties or failures, and to renew their commitments".
The Holy Father noted that "in the second part of 2008, an economic crisis of vast proportions arose. This crisis must be examined in detail as a serious symptom that requires intervention at its roots. It is not enough - as Jesus would say - to take a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Putting the poor in first place means decidedly moving toward the global solidarity that John Paul II pointed out as necessary, co-ordinating the potentialities of the market with those of civil society in constant respect of the law and tending always to the common good".
"Jesus Christ", the Pope concluded, "did not organize campaigns against poverty but proclaimed the Gospel for a complete ransom from moral and material misery to the poor. The Church, with its unceasing labors of evangelization and human promotion, does the same. We call on the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, to help all men and women walk together the Path of peace". ANG/POVERTY: ECONOMIC CRISIS/... VIS 090102 (400)
VATICAN CITY, 2 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father accepted the resignation of Archbishop Raymond O. Roussin, S.M., of the metropolitan archdiocese of Vancouver, Canada, in conformity with canon 401§ 2 of the Code of Canon Law. He is succeeded by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B., formerly coadjutor archbishop of the same archdiocese.
Last 31 December, it was made public that the Holy Father appointed:
- Fr. Jan de Groef, M. Afr., member of staff formation for the White Fathers in the archdiocese of Durban, South Africa, as Bishop of Bethlehem (area 34,965, population 956,000, Catholics 74,009, priests 26, permanent deacons 5, religious 79), South Africa. The bishop-elect was born in Beigem, Belgium in 1948 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1979. He succeeds Bishop Hubert Bucher, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Fr. Stanislaw Jan Dziuba, O.S.P.P.E., as Bishop of Umzimkulu (area 15,275, population 2,036,000, Catholics 151,600, priests 16, religious 28), South Africa. The bishop-elect, formerly vicar general of the same diocese, was born in Radomsko, Poland 1960 and ordained to the priesthood in 1986. RE:NER/.../... VIS 090102 (130)
VATICAN CITY, 2 JAN 2009 (VIS) - During 2009, the Vatican Information Service will transmit a bulletin every Monday through Friday with the following exceptions:
6 January (Tuesday)
11 February (Wednesday)
19 March (Thursday) feast of the Holy Father's name-day
9 April (Holy Thursday) 10 April (Good Friday) 13 April (Easter Monday) 14 April (Easter Tuesday)
1 May (Friday) 21 May (Thursday)
11 June (Thursday) 29 June (Monday)
The entire month of August.
2 November (Monday)
8 December (Tuesday) 24 December (Thursday) 25 December (Friday) 31 December (Thursday) .../.../... VIS 090102 (80)
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| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 30 December 2008
| 12.30.2008 - Eighteenth Year - Num. 233 |
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SUMMARY:
- More than Two Million in Functions with Pope - Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January - Papal and Holy See Activities in August-December 2008 - Notice
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MORE THAN TWO MILLION IN FUNCTIONS WITH POPE
VATICAN CITY, 30 DEC 2008 (VIS) - During 2008, 2,215,000 faithful and pilgrims participated in a general or special audience, the prayer of the Sunday Angelus, or the liturgical celebrations presided over by the Holy Father.
According to data on the year that is about to end provided by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, more than half a million people participated in the Wednesday general audiences - October being the month of heaviest attendance - and more than a million participated in the Sunday Angelus prayers in St. Peter's Square. PD/AUDIENCE STATISTICS POPE/... VIS 081230 (80)
BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY
VATICAN CITY, 30 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Pope Benedict XVI's general prayer intention for January is: "That the family ma become more and more a place of training in charity, personal growth and transmission of the faith".
His mission intention is: "That the different Christian confessions, aware of the need for a new evangelization in this period of profound transformations, may be committed to announcing the Good News and moving towards the full unity of all Christians in order to offer a more credible testimony of the Gospel". BXVI-PRAYER INTENTIONS/JANUARY/... VIS 081230 (80)
PAPAL AND HOLY SEE ACTIVITIES IN AUGUST-DECEMBER 2008
VATICAN CITY, 30 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Following is the biannual report of the major events related to the activities of the Holy Father Benedict XVI and the Holy See from August to December of 2008.
AUGUST
- 19: The Holy Father appointed Daniel Rudolf Anrig as commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard with the rank of Colonel.
- 23: The Holy Father appointed Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, as special secretary of the Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, held in the Vatican from 5 to 26 October on the theme "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church". He substituted Bishop Wilhelm Emil Egger, O.F.M. Cap., who had recently passed away.
SEPTEMBER
- 5: On the liturgical memory of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Italian Episcopal Conference joined with Pope Benedict XVI in calling upon all Italian dioceses to observe a day of prayer and fasting for Christians in India.
- 6: Audience with the prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua on the completion of their "ad limina" visit.
- 6: Audience with Traian Basescu, President of Romania.
- 6: Cardinal Antonio Innocenti, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy and president emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church and of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei" died at the age of 93.
- 7: The Holy Father made a pastoral visit to Cagliari in Sardinia, Italy.
- 8: On the Feast of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, the Holy Father sent an SMS to the youth who had participated in this year's World Youth Day in July in Sydney, Australia.
- 9: A letter from the Holy Father Benedict XVI to Bishop Luciano Monari of Brescia, Italy, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the death of Pope Paul VI was published.
- 12-15: The Holy Father made an apostolic visit to France, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes.
- 21: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: at 9:00am: the Pope celebrated Mass and dedicated a new altar at the cathedral of San Pancrazio in Albano, Italy.
- 21: Beatification of the Servant of God Vincenza Maria Poloni, Italian foundress of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, at Verona, Italy.
- 26: Audience with prelates from the Uruguayan Episcopal Conference, at the conclusion of their five-yearly "ad limina" visit:
- 27: Audience with Pavel Vosalik, new Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Holy See, on the presentation of his Letters of Credence.
- 28: Beatification of the Servant of God Michael Sopocko, Polish priest and founder of the Congregation of Sisters of Merciful Jesus, in the square in front of the Divine Mercy Church of Bialystok, Poland.
OCTOBER
- 3: International congress organized jointly by the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family and Sacred Heart Catholic University in Rome to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the publication of Paul VI's Encyclical "Humanae vitae".
- 4: Beatification of the Servant of God Francesco Pianzola, Italian diocesan priest and founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Queen of Peace, in the cathedral of Vigevano, Italy.
- 4: Beatification of the Servant of God Francesco Giovanni Bonifacio, Italian priest and martyr, in the cathedral of Trieste, Italy.
- 4: The Holy Father Benedict XVI made an official visit to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano at the Quirinal Palace, Italy's official presidential residence, returning the visit to the Vatican made by the president on 20 November 2006.
- 5: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: the Pope presided at a Eucharistic concelebration with the Synod Fathers in the Roman basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls for the opening of the Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which will be meeting to consider the theme: "The Word of God in the Life and the Mission of the Church".
- 9: The Pope presided at a Eucharistic concelebration with cardinals in the Vatican Basilica at 11:30 a.m. to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of the Servant of God Pope Pius XII.
- 12: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Pope celebrated the Eucharist in St. Peter's Square at 10 a.m., during which he canonised the Blesseds Gaetano Errico, Maria Bernarda Butler, Alfonsa of the Immaculate Conception (Anna Muttathupadathu), and Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran.
- 18: The Holy Father presided over the celebration of first Vespers of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time in the Sistine Chapel, marking the participation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople in the work of the current Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
- 19: Beatification of the Servants of God Louis Martin and Maria Zelia Guerin, lay persons, married couple, and parents of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, in Lisieux, France.
19: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Benedict XVI made a pastoral visit to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary at Pompeii, Italy. At 10:00 a.m. he celebrated the Eucharist and offered the traditional supplication to the Virgin of Pompeii, and at 5:00 p.m. prayed the Holy Rosary with the gathered faithful.
26: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: The closure of the Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican Basilica.
27: The Pope announced his intention to make an apostolic visit to Cameroon in March 2009 to entrust the working document of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops to representatives of the episcopal conferences of Africa and to Angola to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the evangelization of that country.
NOVEMBER
7: Presentation of the Letters of Credence of Vytautas Alisauskas, new Ambassador of Lithuania to the Holy See
8: Presentation of the Letters of Credence of Wang Larry Yu-yuan, new Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Holy See.
13: Presentation of the Letters of Credence of Sante Canducci, new Ambassador of the Republic of San Marino to the Holy See.
13: Audience with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
17: Presentation of the Letters of Credence of Georges Chakib El Khoury, the Ambassador of Lebanon to the Holy See.
23-27: His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia of the Armenians, whose See is located in the Lebanese town of Antelias, made an official visit to the Pope and the Church of Rome.
24: Beatification of the Servants of God Peter Kibe Kasui, Japanese priest of the Company of Jesus, and his 187 companions, killed in Japan between 1603 and 1639, at noon in the Nagasaki Big N. Stadium, Japan.
29: Beatification of the Servant of God Jose Olallo Valdes, Cuban professed religious of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God (1820-1889) in Plaza de la Caridad of Camaguey, Cuba.
30: First Sunday of Advent: Pastoral visit to the Roman basilica of San Lorenzo for the 1,750th anniversary of the martyrdom of the deacon saint as part of the Holy Father's annual visits to Roman parishes.
DECEMBER
1: Audience with Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
4: Audience with prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Chile at the conclusion of their five-yearly "ad limina" visit.
5: Presentation of the Letters of Credence of Juan Pablo Cafiero, new Ambassador of Argentina to the Holy See
5: The Holy Father sent a telegram of condolence to the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on the death of His Holiness Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and of All the Russias at the age of 79.
12: Audience with prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Taiwan at the conclusion of their five-yearly "ad limina" visit.
12: Presentation of the Instruction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith "'Dignitas Personae': On Certain Bioethical Questions", published in seven languages.
12: United States Cardinal Avery Dulles, S.J. died at the age of 90.
13: Visit to the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, housed in the Borromeo Palace.
18: Audience with 11 new ambassadors to the Holy See to receive their Letters of Credence: Isaac Chikwekwere Lamba (Malawi), Perols Ulla Birgitta Gudmundson (Sweden), Christian Sheka Kargbo (Sierra Leon), Elin Flygenring (Iceland), Paul Duhr (Luxembourg), Rajaonarivony Narisoa (Madagascar), Oscar Ayuso (Belize), Rafiaa Limam Baouendi (Tunisia), Amanzhol Zhankuliyev (Kazakhstan), Naser Muhamed Youssef Al Belooshi (Bahrain), and Pio Bosco Tikoisuva (Fiji Islands).
18: Audience with staff members, contributors, and advisors of Vatican Television (CTV) on the occasion of the celebration of CTV's 25th anniversary this year.
19: Audience with Graziano Luigi Triboldi, new ambassador of the Seychelles to the Holy See, on the presentation of his Letters of Credence.
19: Audience with members of the Labor Office of the Apostolic See (ULSA), which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its establishment by John Paul II this coming 1 January. .../HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST DECEMBER 2008/... VIS 081230 (1510)
VATICAN CITY, 30 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father appointed:
- Fr. P. Elio Greselin, S.C.J., former Provincial General of the Dehonian Fathers, as Bishop of Lichinga (area 129,362, population 1,084,682, Catholics 200,466, priests 29, religious 74), Mozambique. The bishop-elect was born in Tretto di Venza, Italy in 1938 and was ordained a priest in 1965.
- Archbishop Mario Zenari, formerly Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka, as Apostolic Nuncio to Syria.
- the following as consultants to the Congregation for the Clergy: Msgr. Giuseppe Sciacca, Prelate Auditor of the Roman Rota; Fr. Valerio Michele Adriano, of the Archdiocese of Turin, Italy; Fr. Davide Cito, of the personal prelature of Opus Dei and professor of Penal Law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome; Fr. James Conn, S.J, professor of Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome; Fr. Enrico dal Covolo, S.D.B., professor of Christian and Classical Letters at the Pontifical Salesian University, Rome; Fr. Alberto Franzini, of the Diocese of Cremona, Italy; Fr. Martin Grichting, of the Diocese of Chur, Switzerland; Fr. David-Maria Jaeger, O.F.M., professor of Canon Law at the Pontifical University "Antonianum", Rome; Fr. Moacyr Malaquias Junior, O.F.M., professor of Canon Patrimonial Law at the Pontifical University "Antonianum", Rome; Fr. Jesus Minambres, of the personal prelature of Opus Dei and professor of Administrative Law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome; Fr. Luis Navarro, of the personal prelature of Opus Dei and dean of the Canon Law faculty at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome; Fr. Christoph Ohly, of the Diocese of Cologne and assistant to the chair of Canon Law at the Catholic University of Munich, Germany; Fr. Jan Sliwa, O.P., assistant dean and professor of Canon Law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome; and Dr. Richard Fitzgibbon, psychiatrist and member of the Catholic Medical Association of the United States of America. NER:NN:NA/.../... VIS 081230 (310)
VATICAN CITY, 30 DEC 2008 (VIS) - The staff of the Vatican Information Service wishes all its readers a Happy New Year. The next VIS bulletin will be transmitted on Friday, 2 January 2009. .../.../... VIS 081230 (30) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 29 December 2008
| 12.29.2008 - Eighteenth Year - Num. 232 |
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SUMMARY: 24 - 29 DECEMBER
- Child of Bethlehem, Call to End Suffering of Other Children - Bethlehem's Divine Light Spread Out Over all the Earth - Pope Recalls Stephen, Asks Liberation of Those Sequestered - Giving Witness to the Importance of the Family - Urgent Call for Peace in the Holy Land
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CHILD OF BETHLEHEM, CALL TO END SUFFERING OF OTHER CHILDREN
VATICAN CITY, 24 DEC 2008 (VIS) - The Pope celebrated Midnight Mass tonight in the Vatican Basilica on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord.
"God stoops down", the Pope said in his homily. "This is a prophetic word", which "that night in Bethlehem, ... took on a completely new meaning. God's stooping down became real in a way previously inconceivable. ... He becomes a child and puts Himself in the state of complete dependence typical of a newborn child. The Creator who holds all things in His hands, on whom we all depend, makes Himself small and in need of human love. ... How, indeed, could His love for humanity, His solicitude for us, have appeared greater and more pure? ... The glory of the true God becomes visible when the eyes of our hearts are opened before the stable of Bethlehem".
The Holy Father recalled the Gospel of Luke that narrates the announcement to the shepherds, "people of very lowly status, people who were looked down upon by society at large. ... Luke tells us that they were 'keeping watch'. This phrase reminds us of a central theme of Jesus' message, which insistently bids us to keep watch, ... the command to stay awake, to recognize the Lord's coming, and to be prepared. Here too the expression seems to imply more than simply being physically awake during the night hour. The shepherds were truly 'watchful' people, with a lively sense of God and of His closeness. They were waiting for God, and were not resigned to His apparent remoteness from their everyday lives. .. And who are these people ... if not the poor, the watchful, the expectant, those who hope in God's goodness and seek him, looking to Him from afar?".
Quoting the Church Fathers the Pope explained that if at the moment of the announcement to the shepherds "the angels had known God in the grandeur of the universe, in the reason and the beauty of the cosmos that come from Him and are a reflection of him" then that night "something new had happened, something that astounded them. ... The God who sustains all things and bears them in His hands - He Himself had entered into human history, He had become someone who acts and suffers within history. From the joyful amazement that this unimaginable event called forth, from God's new and further way of making Himself known ... a new song was born, one verse of which the Christmas Gospel has preserved for us: 'Glory to God in the highest heavens and peace to His people on earth'. ... God's glory is in the highest heavens, but His high state is now found in the stable - what was lowly has now become sublime. God's glory is on the earth, it is the glory of humility and love. And even more: the glory of God is peace. Wherever He is, there is peace. He is present wherever human beings do not attempt, apart from him, and even violently, to turn earth into heaven. He is with those of watchful hearts; with the humble and those who meet Him at the level of His own 'height', the height of humility and love. To these people He gives His peace, so that through them, peace can enter this world".
"The medieval theologian William of Saint Thierry once said that God - from the time of Adam - saw that His grandeur provoked resistance in man, that we felt limited in our own being and threatened in our freedom. Therefore God chose a new way. He became a child. He made Himself dependent and weak, in need of our love. Now - this God who has become a child says to us - you can no longer fear me, you can only love me".
"In every child we see something of the Child of Bethlehem", exclaimed Benedict XVI. "Every child asks for our love. This night, then, let us think especially of those children who are denied the love of their parents. Let us think of those street children who do not have the blessing of a family home, of those children who are brutally exploited as soldiers and made instruments of violence, instead of messengers of reconciliation and peace. Let us think of those children who are victims of the industry of pornography and every other appalling form of abuse, and thus are traumatized in the depths of their soul. The Child of Bethlehem summons us once again to do everything in our power to put an end to the suffering of these children; to do everything possible to make the light of Bethlehem touch the heart of every man and woman. ... Only if people change will the world change; and in order to change, people need the light that comes from God, the light which so unexpectedly entered into our night".
"And speaking of the Child of Bethlehem", he concluded, "let us think also of the place named Bethlehem, of the land in which Jesus lived, and which He loved so deeply. And let us pray that peace will be established there, that hatred and violence will cease. Let us pray for mutual understanding, that hearts will be opened, so that borders can be opened. Let us pray that peace will descend there, the peace of which the angels sang that night". HML/CHRISTMAS MASS/... VIS 081229 (890)
BETHLEHEM'S DIVINE LIGHT SPREAD OUT OVER ALL THE EARTH
VATICAN CITY, 25 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At noon today, the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, the Pope gave his traditional Christmas message and imparted the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica.
Extracts of the message are given below:
"Every Christmas crib is a simple yet eloquent invitation to open our hearts and minds to the mystery of life. It is an encounter with the immortal Life which became mortal in the mystic scene of the Nativity ".
"This proclamation of hope - the heart of the Christmas message - is meant for all men and women. Jesus was born for everyone, and just as Mary, in Bethlehem, offered Him to the shepherds, so on this day the Church presents Him to all humanity, so that each person and every human situation may come to know the power of God's saving grace, which alone can transform evil into good, which alone can change human hearts, making them oases of peace".
"May the many people who continue to dwell in darkness and the shadow of death (cf. Lk 1:79) come to know the power of God's saving grace! May the divine Light of Bethlehem radiate throughout the Holy Land, where the horizon seems once again bleak for Israelis and Palestinians. May it spread throughout Lebanon, Iraq, and the whole Middle East. May it bring forth rich fruit from the efforts of all those who, rather than resigning themselves to the twisted logic of conflict and violence, prefer instead the path of dialogue and negotiation as the means of resolving tensions within each country and finding just and lasting solutions to the conflicts troubling the region".
"This light, which brings transformation and renewal, is besought by the people of Zimbabwe, in Africa, trapped for all too long in a political and social crisis which, sadly, keeps worsening, as well as the men and women of the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in the war-torn region of Kivu, Darfur, in Sudan, and Somalia, whose interminable sufferings are the tragic consequence of the lack of stability and peace. This light is awaited especially by the children living in those countries, and the children of all countries experiencing troubles, so that their future can once more be filled with hope".
"Wherever the dignity and rights of the human person are trampled upon; wherever the selfishness of individuals and groups prevails over the common good; wherever fratricidal hatred and the exploitation of man by man risk being taken for granted; wherever internecine conflicts divide ethnic and social groups and disrupt peaceful coexistence; wherever terrorism continues to strike; wherever the basics needed for survival are lacking; wherever an increasingly uncertain future is regarded with apprehension, even in affluent nations: in each of these places may the Light of Christmas shine forth and encourage all people to do their part in a spirit of authentic solidarity. If people look only to their own interests, our world will certainly fall apart".
"Dear brothers and sisters, today, 'the grace of God our Saviour has appeared' (cf. Tit 2:11) in this world of ours, with all its potential and its frailty, its advances and crises, its hopes and travails. Today, there shines forth the light of Jesus Christ".
"God has come to meet us; He has shown us His face, full of grace and mercy! May His coming to us not be in vain! Let us seek Jesus, let us be drawn to His light which dispels sadness and fear from every human heart. Let us draw near to Him with confidence, and bow down in humility to adore him. Merry Christmas to all!".
Following his message, the Pope extended Christmas greetings in 64 languages and imparted the "Urbi et Orbi" (to Rome and the world) blessing. MESS/URBI ET ORBI/... VIS 081229 (630)
POPE RECALLS STEPHEN, ASKS LIBERATION OF THOSE SEQUESTERED
VATICAN CITY, 26 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At noon today, on the Feast of St. Stephen, Protomartyr, the Holy Father appeared at the widow of his study to pray the Angelus with thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.
In the account of the martyrdom of St. Stephen, the Pope said, there is a detail that "during this Pauline Year should be highlighted: the note that 'the witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul'".
The Holy Father observed, "St. Paul appears here for the first time, with his Hebrew name of Saul, in the role of a zealous persecutor of the Church. ... Shortly after the martyrdom of St. Stephen and still driven by his zeal against Christians, Saul was struck down by a light from heaven, the extraordinary experience in which the risen Christ appeared to him, spoke to him, and changed his life".
"Saul persecuted the Church and had even participated in the stoning of Stephen. He saw him stoned to death but above all had seen the way in which he died, ever like Christ, that is, praying and forgiving his killers. On the road to Damascus Saul understood that in persecuting the Church he was persecuting Jesus who had died and truly risen; Jesus, alive in His Church, was also alive in Stephen who he had seen die but who now certainly lived together with his risen Lord. We can almost say that in Christ's voice he heard that of Stephen and, as well as by his intercession, divine grace touched his heart".
"In St. Stephen", Benedict XVI concluded, "we see come to fruition the first fruits of the salvation that the Nativity of Christ offered to humanity: the victory of life over death, of love over hate, of the light of truth over the darkness of deception. We give thanks to God that this victory still today allows many Christians not to return evil with evil, but to respond with the strength of truth and love".
After praying the Angelus the Pope gave the following words: "At Christmastime our concern for those who find themselves in conditions of suffering or great difficulty is heightened. I think, among others, of the two consecrated Italian women, Maria Teresa Olivero and Caterina Giraudo, belonging to the Father de Foucauld Contemplative Missionary Movement, who have been held hostage for over a month and a half, together with a group of local members, in the village of El Waq in Northern Kenya. I want them to feel the solidarity of the Pope and all the Church in these moments. May the Lord who, being born, came to give us His love reach the heart of the kidnappers, that they free our sisters so that they might return to their selfless service with our poorest brothers and sisters! I invite you to pray for this without forgetting the many persons held hostage in other places around the world, of whom we do not always have clear news: I am thinking of those held hostage for political as well as other reasons in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa". ANG/STEPHEN: HOSTAGES/... VIS 081229 (520)
VATICAN CITY, 27 DEC 2008 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Accepted the resignation of Bishop Eduard Kojnok from the pastoral care of the diocese of Roznava, Slovakia, upon having reached the age limit. He is succeeded by Bishop Vladimir Filo, coadjutor bishop of the same diocese.
- Appointed Bishop Jose Luis Escobar Alas of San Vicente, El Salvador, as bishop of San Salvador (area 3,295, population 2,868,000, Catholics 2,008,000, priests 233, permanent deacon 1, religious 1,437), El Salvador. He succeeds Archbishop Fernando Saenz Lacalle, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Bishop Sebelio Peralta Alvarez of Villarrica del Espiritu Santo, Paraguay, as bishop of San Lorenzo (area 1,944, population 831,000, Catholics 738,000, priests 44, permanent deacons 23, religious 109), Paraguay.
On 24 December, the Holy Father appointed:
- Fr. Francisco Javier Del Valle Paredes as Bishop of Campo Mourao (area 12,544, population 361,000, Catholics 296,000, priests 61, permanent deacons 5, religious 106), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Isla Pocú, Paraguay in 1942 and was ordained a priest in 1976. He formerly held the position of diocesan administrator in the same diocese.
- Fr. Derek John Christopher Byrne, S.P.S. as Bishop of Guiratinga (area 36,666, population 155,900, Catholics 103,400, priests 16, religious 53), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1948 and was ordained a priest in 1973. He was formerly pastor of Santo Antonio Parish in the diocese of Juina, Brazil.
- Fr. Marek Mendyk as Auxiliary Bishop of Legnica (area 7,080, population 842,633, Catholics 780,000, priests 485, religious 295), Poland. The bishop-elect was born in Gluszyca, Poland in 1961 and ordained a priest in 1987. He was formerly director of the Catechetical section of the curia in the same diocese. RE:NER:NEA/.../... VIS 081229 (270)
GIVING WITNESS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY
VATICAN CITY, 28 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At noon today, the Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the Pope addressed the thousands who had gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus.
The Holy Father affirmed that "the family of Jesus truly merits the title 'holy' because its sole desire was to fulfil the will of God, incarnate in the adorable presence of Jesus. On the one hand, it is a family like all others and as such is a model of conjugal love, collaboration, sacrifice, trust in Divine Providence, industriousness, solidarity, of all those values safeguarded and promoted by the family, contributing in a basic way to the formation of the fabric of every society".
"At the same time", he continued, "the family of Nazareth is unique, different from all others because of its singular vocation tied to the mission of the Son of God. Precisely with this uniqueness it signals to all families, Christian families primarily, the horizon of God, the sweet and demanding primacy of His will, the perspective of heaven to which we are destined".
Benedict XVI then addressed the thousands of persons gathered in Madrid's Plaza de Colon who were participating in a celebration to "pray for the family and dedicate themselves to work in support of it with strength and hope".
The family", he said, "is certainly a grace of God, which allows what He Himself is to be revealed: Love. An eternally gratuitous love that sustains faithfully and without limits, even in moments of difficulty or discouragement. These qualities are eminently incarnate in the Holy Family in which Jesus came to the world and was raised, coming to wisdom with the thoughtful care of Mary and the faithful tutelage of St. Joseph".
"Dear families", he continued, "do not let love, openness to life, and the incomparable bonds that unite your home be corrupted. Ask this continually of the Lord, praying together, that your intentions be illuminated by faith and exalted by divine grace on the path toward holiness. In this way, with the joy of sharing everything in love, you will give the world a beautiful witness of how important the family is for the human being and for society. The Pope is by your side, asking especially of the Lord for those in each family who have the greatest needs of health, work, comfort, and companionship".
The Holy Father concluded, recalling that the 6th World Encounter of Families will take place in Mexico City from 14 to 18 January 2009. "Let us pray for this important ecclesial event, entrusting all family to the Lord, especially those most affected by the difficulties of life and by the wounds of incomprehension and division. May the Redeemer, born in Bethlehem, give to all the serenity and strength of walking united the path of good." ANG/FAMILIES/... VIS 081229 (460)
URGENT CALL FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND
VATICAN CITY, 28 DEC 2008 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus today the Pope called for an end to the violence in the Holy Land and asked the international community to do everything possible to help Israelis and Palestinians find a solution to the current conflict.
"The Holy Land, which occupies the thoughts and sentiments of faithful around the world during these days of Christmas", the Holy Father said, "has again seen itself struck by an outbreak of unprecedented violence".
"I am profoundly saddened by the deaths, the wounded, the material damage, the suffering, and the tears of the peoples victim to this tragic recurrence of attacks and reprisals".
"The earthly homeland of Jesus", he exclaimed, "cannot continue being witness to such bloodshed that is repeated without end! I implore an end to the violence, which is to be condemned in all its forms, and the re-establishment of the truce in the Gaza Strip. I ask for a show of humanity and wisdom in all those who have some responsibility in this situation. I ask the international community to do everything possible to help the Israelis and Palestinians out of this dark alley and not to resign themselves - as I said a few days ago in the 'Urbi et Orbi' message - to the twisted logic of confrontation and violence, but to give precedence to the path of dialogue and negotiation".
"We entrust to Jesus, the Prince of Peace", he concluded, "our fervent prayer for these intentions, and to Him, Mary, and Joseph we say: 'Oh family of Nazareth, expert in suffering, grant peace to the world'. Grant it today, above all, to the Holy Land!". ANG/CALL FOR PEACE/HOLY LAND VIS 081229 (270) |
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Vatican News Update 23 December 2008
| 23.12.2008 - Eighteenth Year - Num. 231 |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 22 December 2008
| 12.22.2008 - Eighteenth Year - Num. 230 |
|
SUMMARY: DECEMBER 20-22
- Youth of Catholic Action: Only God is Enough - Pope Praises Work of Institute of Sacred Archaeology - Study of Natural Laws, Incentive to Discover God's Work - Holy Father Revisits 2008 in Greeting Roman Curia - In Brief
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YOUTH OF CATHOLIC ACTION: ONLY GOD IS ENOUGH
VATICAN CITY, 20 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today Benedict XVI received in the Vatican the children and young adult representatives of Italian Catholic Action (ACI) for the traditional exchange of Christmas good wishes.
"Many say that youth", the Pope stated, "are capricious, that they are never happy with anything, that they run through games one after the other without ever being satisfied. You instead say to Jesus: 'You are enough for me'!".
"You are enough for us", he continued, "above all when we pray that You always hear our prayers that we might make the world a more beautiful and better place for all. You are enough for us because You forgive us when we have done wrong; You are enough for us because if we become lost You look for us and take us in Your arms like You did with the lost sheep. You are enough for us because You have a beautiful Mother who, before You died on the cross, You asked to be also our Mother".
The Holy Father emphasized that the youngest members of ACI "have many teachers who help you to live together, to pray, and to grow in knowledge of the Gospel. The true goal of Catholic Action is to help you become holy: that is why it helps you to meet Jesus, to love His Church, and to take interest in the world's problems. Isn't it true that you are taking care of children who are less fortunate than yourselves? Isn't it true that, with your 'month of peace' you show, even many adults, how to appreciate peace because you know how to live in peace amongst yourselves?".
"Pray to the Lord", he finished, "that He change the hearts of those who make weapons, that He make terrorists come to their senses, that He convert the hearts of those who are always thinking of war, and that He help humanity build a better future for all the children of the world". AC/.../CATHOLIC ACTION YOUTH VIS 081222 (325)
POPE PRAISES WORK OF INSTITUTE OF SACRED ARCHAEOLOGY
VATICAN CITY, 20 DEC 2008 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican the Holy Father received the members of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology along with their grand chancellor, Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski.
In his address the Pope praised the "precious and fruitful cultural, literary, and academic work that the Institute carries out in the service of the Church and of culture in general", affirming that "in the traditional sphere of archaeology, the ordinary and specialized courses your Institute gives have great scientific importance, offering knowledge of paleo-Christian monuments, above all in Rome with wider references to other regions of the 'Orbis christianus antiquus', ".
"The Institute's admirable objective is precisely the study of the traces of ecclesial life through the centuries. You offer the opportunity, for those who choose this discipline, of being immersed in a complex reality, that of the first centuries of the Church, in order to 'understand' the past, making it present to people today".
"When this means describing the history of the Church", the Pope stated, "... the archaeologist's patient investigation cannot be separated from also penetrating into supernatural reality, without however, renouncing the rigorous analysis of archaeological finds".
The Holy Father then recalled that "the diffusion of artistic and historical culture in all areas of society gives human beings of today the means of rediscovering their roots and drawing upon cultural and spiritual elements that help build a truly human society. Each person and each society needs a culture open to the anthropological, moral, and spiritual dimensions of existence".
"The experience of your Institute proves that the study of archaeology, especially of paleo-Christian monuments, allows us to deepen our knowledge of the evangelical truth that has been handed down to us and offers the opportunity of following the masters and witnesses of the faith who have preceded us".
"Knowing the heritage of past Christian generations", the pontiff concluded, "allows those following to remain faithful to the 'depositum fidei' of the first Christian community and, following along the same path, continues to make the immutable Gospel of Christ resound in every age and place". AC/.../PONTIFICAL INSTITUTE SACRED ARCHAEOLOGY VIS 081222 (350)
AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 20 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican the Holy Father received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
- Cardinal Agostino Vallini, Vicar General of His Holiness for the diocese of Rome.
- Professor Franco Miano, National President of the Italian Catholic Action with Bishop Domenico Sigalini of Palestrina, General Ecclesiastical Assistant. AP/.../... VIS 081222 (50)
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
VATICAN CITY, 20 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father named Msgr. Enrico Vigano, previously assistant in the Office of Liturgical Celebrations, as office head in that department. NA/.../VIGANO VIS 081222 (20)
STUDY OF NATURAL LAWS, INCENTIVE TO DISCOVER GOD'S WORK
VATICAN CITY, 21 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At noon today Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his private study to pray the Angelus with the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.
"With Christmas near at hand", the Pope said, "we are invited to fix our gaze upon the ineffable mystery that Mary carried within her virginal womb for nine months: the mystery of God made human. This is the first cardinal point of redemption. The second is the death and resurrection of Jesus and these two inseparable points reveal a single divine plan: to save humanity and its history, taking them up entirely by completely taking on all the evils that oppress them".
"This mystery of salvation also has a historical dimension, a cosmic dimension: Christ is the sun of grace who with His light: 'transfigures and ignites the universe that awaits Him. The very placement of Christmas is tied to the winter solstice, when the days in the Northern hemisphere start to become longer. Regarding this, perhaps not everyone knows that St. Peter's Square is also a meridian: the great obelisk projects its shadow along a line that runs along the pavement toward the fountain under this window, and in these days the shadow is the longest of the entire year. This reminds us of the role of astronomy in marking the hours of prayer. For example, the Angelus is prayed in the morning, at noon, and in the evening".
"The fact that the winter solstice takes place today, 21 December, at this very hour, affords me the opportunity of greeting those who are participating in the initiatives of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, called to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's first observations with the telescope. Among my predecessors ... there have been practicioners of this science, including Sylvester II, who taught it, Gregory XIII to whom we owe our calendar, and St. Pius X, who knew how to build sundials. If the heavens, in the beautiful words of the psalmist, 'tell of the glory of God', the laws of nature, which many scientists have studied over the years giving us an ever-better understanding of them, are a great incentive to contemplate the works of the Lord with gratitude". ANG/NATURAL LAWS/... VIS 081222 (370)
HOLY FATHER REVISITS 2008 IN GREETING ROMAN CURIA
VATICAN CITY, 22 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican the Holy Father had his traditional meeting with the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and members of the Roman Curia to exchange Christmas greetings.
The Pope began his address recalling some of the anniversaries commemorated in 2008, including 50 years from the death of Pius XII and John XXIII's ascension to the papal throne, 40 years from the publication of the encyclical 'Humanae Vitae' and 30 years from the death of its author, Paul VI, as well as the inauguration, on 28 June, of the Pauline Year at the Roman basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, participated in by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
"The Pauline Year", the Holy Father affirmed, "is a year of pilgrimage not only in the sense of travelling to the Pauline places, but above all of the heart's pilgrimage, with Paul, to Jesus Christ. Paul definitively teaches us that the Church is the Body of Christ, that the Head and the Body are inseparable, and that that it is not possible to love Christ without love for His Church and its living community".
Benedict XVI then referred to three other important events of the year including the World Youth Day in Australia, "a great celebration of the faith", his two apostolic trips to the United States and to France, and the Synod of Bishops at which "pastors from all over the world gathered around the Word of God, which was lifted up among them".
During the Synod, on the one hand, the Pope explained, "we are again made aware of what God, through His Word, addresses to each of us" and "we understand that His Word is present so that we might draw near to one another". On the other hand "this Word has shaped a common history and wants to continue doing so", which is why "we can understand it properly and fully only in the 'we' of the community instituted by God: ever aware that we can never exhaust it completely because it has something new to say to each generation. ... God, in the end, always speaks in the present".
During the synodal assembly it was very important, he added, "to experience that Pentecost exists even today in the Church -- ... the various modes of the experience of God and world and the wealth of cultures are present in her and only thus is revealed the vastness of human existence and, through it, the vastness of the Word of God".
The "presence of the Word of God, God Himself at this moment in history", has been the conducting thread of this year's pastoral visits, whose "true meaning can only be of serving this presence", the Holy Father emphasized. "In those occasions the Church", he observed, "makes the faith publicly perceptible through her, and therefore also the question of God".
Focusing on World Youth Day, which "each time becomes more an object for analysis, which attempts to understand this species, so to speak, of 'youth culture'", the Pope recalled that some analysts consider it a "type of rock festival, in the ecclesial sense, with the Pope as its 'star'". Nevertheless, it has to be kept in mind that these days "do not consist solely in that week that is seen by the rest of the world" and that "beforehand there is a long exterior and interior journey leading up to them. The Cross, accompanied by the image of the Mother of the Lord, makes a pilgrimage throughout the world. ... The meeting with the Cross, which is touched and carried by the youth, becomes an interior encounter with the One who died on the Cross for us". This encounter "awakens the memory of God who desired to become human and suffer with us in the depths of the youth. And we see the woman whom He gave us as Mother. The official Youth Days are just the culmination of a long journey".
The Pope continually referred to "four dimensions of the theme 'The Holy Spirit'". First of all, "the faith in the Creator Spirit", he said, " is an essential content of the Christian Creed. ... In our faith regarding creation we encounter the ultimate foundation of our responsibility toward the earth. It is not simply our property to be exploited according to our interests and desires. Rather, it is a gift of the Creator".
While highlighting that the Church "cannot and should not limit herself to transmitting just the message of salvation to her faithful", the Holy Father said that it must also "protect the human being against self-destruction. It is necessary to have something like an ecology of the human being, understood in the proper manner. It is not a surpassed metaphysics when Church speaks of the nature of the human being as man and woman, and demands that this order of creation be respected. ... That which is often expressed and understood by the term 'gender', is definitively resolved in the self-emancipation of the human being from creation and the Creator".
Secondly, he continued, the Spirit "also speaks, so to say, with human words, and has entered into history ... The Holy Spirit is the Word that we encounter in the writings of the Old and New Testaments. ... Reading Scripture together with Christ we learn to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in human words and we discover the unity of the Bible".
Benedict XVI commented that the third dimension of pneumatology is "the inseparability of Christ and the Holy Spirit. This is seen in possibly the most beautiful way in St. John's narration of the first apparition of the Resurrected Christ to His disciples: He breathed on them and in this way gave them the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the breath of Christ".
"The fourth dimension", he said, "emerges spontaneously as the connection between the Spirit and the Church". In this context he recalled that St. Paul "presented the Church as the Body of Christ and thus as the organism of the Holy Spirit, in which the gifts of the Holy Spirit join individuals into a single living being".
The Pope stressed that "the theme of 'The Holy Spirit' ... makes the entire breadth of the Christian faith visible. It is a breadth, which from the responsibility for creation and for the existence of the human being in harmony with creation, leads through the themes of Scripture and salvation history to Christ. From Christ it continues on to the living community of the Church in its orders and responsibilities as well as its immensity and freedom, which are expressed as much in the multiplicity of charisms as in the image of Pentecost with its multitude of languages and cultures".
"The Holy Spirit grants us joy. He is joy. ... This joy is the expression of happiness, of being in harmony with oneself, which is only possible if one is in harmony with God and His creation".
The Pope concluded expressing his wish at the end of this year, "that happiness be always alive in us and thus shine forth to the world in its tribulations". AC/.../ROMAN CURIA VIS 081222 (1190)
IN BRIEF
THE POPE SENT AN APOSTOLIC LETTER to Cardinal Joachim Meisner, Archbishop of Cologne, on the international scientific congress commemorating the 700th anniversary of the death - in that German city - of blessed John Duns Scotus. Highlighting that the Franciscan philosopher and theologian knew how "to join piety with scientific investigation", the Holy Father affirmed that "he made the effort to understand, explain, and defend the truth of the faith in the light of human reason" and "to demonstrate the consonance of all truths, natural and supernatural, that come from one and the same Source".
THE HOLY SEE AND THE FRENCH REPUBLIC signed an agreement this past 18 December in Paris, on the mutual recognition of grades and diplomas in higher education. On the part of the Holy See, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States, was the signatory and, for France, Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, signed. .../IN BRIEF/... VIS 081222 (160) |
| You can find more information at: www.vatican.va - www.vis.pcn.net |
Vatican News Update 19 December 2008
| 12.19.2008 - Eighteenth Year - Num. 229 |
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SUMMARY:
- Pope Praises Economic, Educational Success of Seychelles - Solidarity with Those Affected by Labor Crisis - Holy See: Response to Declaration on Sexual Orientation
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POPE PRAISES ECONOMIC, EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS OF SEYCHELLES
VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2008 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of Graziano Luigi Triboldi, the new ambassador of the Seychelles to the Holy See.
"When speaking of your country", the Pope said, "its beauty and the many resources it possesses are always to be recalled. To increase your potentials you have made important efforts to reduce the lack of education. In an often difficult world context, I am pleased to note your initiatives, which should count on the support of international institutions".
In this context the Holy Father referred to the responsibility toward future generations and emphasized that it would be "unjust if the human beings of our age were to shirk their obligations and thus bring the weight of their decisions or their inaction onto the generations to come. This is not just in regard to stabilizing the economy, therefore, but above all means facing the questions of social justice. On the other hand, stabilizing national finances also offers a safer setting for economic activity and therefore protects the poorest and most vulnerable populations".
"This commendable objective", he continued, "requires the cooperation of all and the duty of solidarity is elemental in achieving it. We recognize that social stability is tied not only to a just form of legislation but also to the moral quality of each individual". The Holy Father insisted that "educating the youth is the best path to ensure a lasting sense of solidarity" and once more praised "the efforts of your country to establish an educational system of quality" inviting all, "whatever their level of responsibility, to follow this path and to sow generously for the future".
"Nevertheless", he added, "this interest for education would be useless if the institution of the family were too fragile. Families constantly need the help and support of political powers. There is a profound harmony between the duties of the family and those of the State. Encouraging synergy between the two means to work effectively for a future of peace and prosperity".
"The local Church spares no effort to help families, supporting them with the light of the Gospel that brings out all the grandeur and beauty of the 'mystery' of the family, and helping them to assume their educational responsibilities".
Finally, Benedict XVI greeted the Catholics of the Seychelles, inviting them to "build, together with your fellow citizens, a society in which each can find the path of personal and collective growth". CD/CREDENTIALS/TRIBOLDI VIS 081219 (390)
SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY LABOR CRISIS
VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At noon today the Pope received members of the Labor Office of the Apostolic See (ULSA), which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its establishment by John Paul II this coming 1 January.
The Holy Father highlighted "the unique task that this office is called to carry out in the formation of personnel, so that the activity of the community of workers in the Holy See might be ever more effective and supportive. Another important service of your office is to foresee all possible discord regarding the workers of the Holy See and to seek, if necessary, solutions through sincere and objective dialogue, putting into practice the procedures necessitated by conciliation and arbitration".
"Those who work in the different offices and departments of the Holy See", said Benedict XVI, "form a unique 'family', whose members are united not only functionally but also by the same mission, that of helping the Successor of Peter in his ministry at the service of the universal Church. The professional labor that is carried out here thus constitutes a 'vocation' that must be cultivated with care and an evangelic spirit, seeing in it a concrete path to holiness".
"This demands", the Pope emphasized, "that the love for Christ and for one's brothers and sisters, together with a shared sense of Church, animate and inspire competency, commitment, professionalism, and an honest and proper dedication as well as an attentive and mature responsibility, in this way transforming the work itself, whatever it be, into a prayer. All of this can be considered a permanent formative and spiritual task to which all can give their support: cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, and lay persons".
The Holy Father affirmed that the nearness of Christmas brought to his mind, "almost naturally, the labor crisis that currently worries all of humanity. ... The Christ Child, who was born on that Holy Night of Bethlehem to draw near us in our difficulties", he concluded, "looks with kindness on those who are sorely affected by this world crisis, awakening in them feelings of true solidarity". AC/LABOR/ULSA VIS 081219 (330)
HOLY SEE: RESPONSE TO DECLARATION ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION
VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon was made public the declaration of the delegation of the Holy See to the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly on the theme: "Human Rights Questions, Including Alternative Approaches for Improving the Effective Enjoyment of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms".
Archbishop Celestino Migliore affirmed that "the Holy See appreciates the attempts made in the 'Declaration on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity' - presented at the UN General Assembly on 18 December 2008 - to condemn all forms of violence against homosexual persons as well as urge States to take necessary measures to put an end to all criminal penalties against them".
"At the same time, the Holy See notes that the wording of this Declaration goes well beyond the above-mentioned and shared intent".
"In particular, the categories 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity', used in the text, find no recognition or clear and agreed definition in international law. If they had to be taken into consideration in the proclaiming and implementing of fundamental rights, these would create serious uncertainty in the law as well as undermine the ability of States to enter into and enforce new and existing human rights conventions and standards".
"Despite the Declaration's rightful condemnation of and protection from all forms of violence against homosexual persons, the document, when considered in its entirety, goes beyond this goal and instead gives rise to uncertainty in the law and challenges existing human rights norms", the declaration emphasized.
"The Holy See continues to advocate that every sign of unjust discrimination towards homosexual persons should be avoided and urges States to do away with criminal penalties against them". DELSS/HUMAN RIGHTS/UN VIS 081219 (270)
VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
- Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family.
- Archbishop Rino Passigato, Apostolic Nuncio to Portugal. AP/.../... VIS 081219 (40)
VATICAN CITY, 19 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father appointed:
- Msgr. Jorge Anibal Quintero Chacon, previously vicar general of the diocese of San Cristobal, Venezuela, as Bishop of Margarita (area 1,150, population 415,000, Catholics 351,000, priests 33, religious 37), Venezuela. The bishop-elect was born in Queniquea, Venezuela in 1956 and ordained a priest in 1981.
- Bishop Felix Genn of Essen, Germany as Bishop of Munster (area 15,265, population 4,335,631, Catholics 2,042,889, priests 1,245, permanent deacons 254, religious 2,888), Germany. NER:NN/.../QUINTERO:GENN VIS 081219 (80) |
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