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Sunday, December 18, 2011

CATHOLIC NEWS WORLD : SUN. DEC. 18, 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VATICAN : POPE : MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS - WELCOME JESUS

EUROPE : IRELAND : BISHOPS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE HOPE IN CHALLENGING TIMES

AUSTRALIA : NEW WEBSITE FOR CATHOLIC WOMENS LEAGUE
 AFRICA : LIBYA : CLASHES BETWEEN MILITIA  
ASIA : BANGLADESH : MOURNING OF PROFESSOR CHOWDHURY 
 TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 
TODAY'S SAINT: DEC. 18: ST. WINEBALD
 
VATICAN : POPE : MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS - WELCOME JESUS
RADIO VATICANA REPORT: During his Angelus reflections Pope Benedict focused on the Gospel this fourth Sunday of Advent which recounts the Angel’s annunciation to Mary and in particular on the significance of her virginity in salvation history: “the virginity of Mary is unique and unrepeatable, but its spiritual significance concerns every Christian. It, in essence, is tied to faith: in fact, those who trust deeply in God, welcome Jesus and His divine life within them, through the action of the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of Christmas”.

Speaking from the window of his study overlooking St Peter’s square, the Holy father spoke of his concern in the aftermath of the Typhoon Washi, which slammed ashore Mindanao island while people slept late on Friday and early Saturday. Rescuers are still searching for more than 800 people missing in the flash floods and landslides that swept houses into rivers and out to sea, killing more than 650 people.

The Pope said : “I want to assure the populations of the southern Philippines, hit by a violent tropical storm, of my closeness. I pray for the victims, mostly children, the homeless and the many missing”.

Below a Vatican Radio translation of Pope Benedict XVI’s Angelus reflections:

Dear brothers and sisters!

In this fourth and final Sunday of Advent, the liturgy presents this year, the annunciation to Mary. Contemplating the beautiful icon of the Blessed Virgin, when she receives the divine message and gives her answer, we are internally illuminated by the light of truth which shines, always new, from that mystery. In particular, I would like to dwell briefly on the importance of the virginity of Mary, that is, the fact that she conceived Jesus while remaining a virgin.

In the background of the event’s at Nazareth is the prophecy of Isaiah. "Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This age-old promise has found superabundant fulfillment in the Incarnation of the Son of God. In fact, not only did the Virgin Mary conceive, but she did so through the Holy Spirit, which is God himself. The human being that begins to live in her womb takes the flesh from Mary, but his existence is derived entirely from God 'fully human, made of earth - to use the biblical symbol - but he comes from above, from heaven. The fact that Mary conceived while remaining a virgin is, therefore, essential for the understanding of Jesus and our faith, because it witnesses that it was God’s initiative and above all it reveals who is conceived. As the Gospel says: " Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." (Luke 1.35). In this sense, the virginity of Mary and the divinity of Jesus reciprocally guarantee one another.

This is why that one question that Mary, 'very upset', addresses to the Angel 'How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? '(Lk 1.34) is so important. In her simplicity, Mary is wise: She does not doubt the power of God, but wants to better understand his will, to fully comply with this will. Mary is infinitely surpassed by the mystery, yet perfectly occupies the place that, at the very heart of it, she was assigned. Her heart and mind are fully humble, and, because of her singular humility, God expects the "yes" of this young girl to achieve His purpose. He respects her dignity and freedom. Mary's "yes" means both motherhood and virginity, and her wish that her everything be for the glory of God and that the Son who will be born to Her may be a gift of grace for al.

Dear friends, the virginity of Mary is unique and unrepeatable, but its spiritual significance concerns every Christian. It, in essence, is tied to faith: in fact, those who trust deeply in God, welcomes Jesus and his divine life within, through the action of the Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of Christmas.

I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at this Angelus prayer. The Gospel of today's liturgy recounts the Archangel Gabriel's Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, That She Would conceive and bear a son To Be Called Jesus. Just as the Immaculate Virgin Brought God to us, May we be not afraid to let her bring us to God. In this final week of Advent, let us intensify our efforts to prepare for His coming. Upon you and your loved ones, I invoke the blessings of Almighty God!

SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA

AMERICA : USA : CARDINAL : JESUS THE PERFECT GIFT



ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON RELEASE:
Dear Friends,
Perhaps you have seen some of the yard signs, Facebook and newspaper ads, or television commercials or heard radio announcements calling us to “Find the Perfect Gift / Regalo Perfecto.” These are visible reminders about the meaning of Christmas and an invitation to those who may have forgotten or never quite knew what Christmas is all about. These colorful signs are part of a much larger Church-wide effort to share the Good News with those who may have drifted away. The overall effort is called the New Evangelization.
Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has described the New Evangelization as an invitation to share the Good News that is Jesus, the Son of God. Like the angels who announced the birth of our Savior to the shepherds in the fields, we, too, are called to tell others of God’s redeeming love, mercy and peace, given to us in the form of a holy child of humble birth.
Even as we are putting up Christmas trees, hanging out wreaths and placing Nativity scenes in our homes, parochial schools and churches, there is clearly in our society in recent years an effort to reduce this season to simply a winter festival, a generic holiday, a retail/commercial bonanza. What began as a recognition of the birth of Christ is now being disconnected from the Gospel proclamation that God sent his Son Jesus among us.
Too often do we hear in the entertainment/information industry that this is really the post-Christian, post-faith era. One might be tempted to accept this thesis if one judged by the indicators of commercial interest.
Yet, in reality — in the world where you and I live — in the world of our values, convictions and hopes — there is another perspective. We see, even if only dimly, with the eyes of faith. In this light, we see the story of the birth of Christ not as a myth, not as unreliable history, not as an outdated influence from the past. We recognize him for who he is — the Word of God who became one of us and, as the creed professes, died, rose and will come again in glory.
When asked “What is the New Evangelization?” I think one response includes three elements: a) renewing our own understanding of the faith, b) restoring a confidence in what we believe, and c) being willing to share our gift of faith.
If each one of us were to commit to sharing this gift with one person this Christmas, or reminding them of it, lives might be changed in profound ways. It could be something as simple as inviting a friend to attend Mass or a Christmas concert with you. Or, perhaps you might feel more comfortable suggesting an act of charity you could undertake together. Regardless of the event or occasion, your invitation might be the very reason your friend or loved one has been waiting for to come back to the Church or to explore it for the first time. This feast day of Saint Nicholas seems such an appropriate time to think about offering the gift of Christ during this holy season to someone we care about.
In trying to answer the question “What does the New Evangelization have to do with Christmas?” we have to ask ourselves, how prepared are we to share the Good News of Christmas and perhaps even invite someone who should be with us to come back to Mass. Jesus beckons us to walk with him. “Come, follow me” (Mt 5:19). The joy we experience should compel us to share it with others. We are not only disciples, we are evangelists. Like those first disciples, we are called to envision ourselves walking alongside Jesus as the sower of the seeds of a new way of living, of a share in a kingdom that will last forever (cf Mt 13:1-9, 18-23; Mk 4:3; Lk 8:5).
It’s not enough, though, for us simply to tell others about the love and mercy of Christ. We are called to be a living example of all he embodies, especially during this time of great economic difficulty for many in our area. This local Church, through Catholic Charities and other entities, offers abundant opportunities for us to serve our brothers and sisters in need — whether they are struggling to feed and clothe their families, pay utility bills or find a place to sleep on a cold night. Volunteers, as well as donations, are always needed. By serving others, particularly the poorest among us, we serve Jesus himself: “…I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
In Seek First the Kingdom, I attempt to explain how we all can share in the joy of realizing God’s kingdom in our daily lives. The Advent and Christmas season is a time to remember more clearly and thank God more sincerely for the perfect gift that is ours and for the grace to actually make real in our lives what we ask for when we pray “Thy kingdom come.”
With prayerful best wishes for a joyous and peaceful Christmas for you and your family, I am
Faithfully in Christ,
Donald Cardinal Wuerl
Archbishop of Washington





EUROPE : IRELAND : BISHOPS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE HOPE IN CHALLENGING TIMES

BISHOPS OF IRELAND RELEASE:

Pictured is Natasha Doyle age 11, a pupil in 4th class from St Bridget’s primary school, The Coombe, Dublin 8 at the official opening of the annual Veritas Moving Crib on Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1.
Irish Bishops Christmas 2011 reflection Hope in Challenging Times
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:10-11]
Christmas, in many homes, is the highlight of the year. It can be a time to get together with family and friends, to share food and exchange gifts. For many children it is a time of great wonder and joy, and the most treasured memories of many adults come from the family Christmas experience of their childhood. It is a moment of great significance for our lives as Christians, where we come together to celebrate the joy of ‘God-with-us’ in the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Christmas is also a time when we reflect on the Holy Family, a family whose love for each other and faith in God helped them to overcome great trials and suffering. This year we are conscious of the many homes across Ireland where pressures on family life have never been greater because of worries about debt, financial insecurity, unemployment and heavy workloads just to make ends meet. All of these can easily become sources of tension and conflict, putting new strains on relationships within the home, even on otherwise stable relationships between parents. It is no coincidence that from the very beginning of the current economic crisis organisations such as ACCORD have reported significant increases in the number of couples coming to them for help. We would encourage any couple, experiencing pain or difficulties in their relationship at this time, to avail of the safe and confidential space offered by organisations such as ACCORD, where they can share their experiences with people who understand the joys and challenges of marriage. As pressures on families increase, it is important that all couples take time to think about how much of themselves and their time they give to nurturing their relationship, which is at the heart of family life.
In the Gospel of St. Matthew (2:2-12) we read of the journey of the Magi to present their gifts to the baby Jesus. These gifts had a special significance, acknowledging the identity and future mission of Jesus. In these financially straightened times it is important to ask how much meaning is really attached to some of the gifts we give to each other at Christmas today? An over-emphasis on the material aspect of giving can mean those in our society who are struggling financially experience a crisis of self-esteem, feeling that they have little to give to others and that the expectations of children in particular cannot be met. In reality, however, the greatest gift we can give is the gift of our time and attention. Impersonal, material gifts will soon be forgotten, but time spent with a person, showing that you value and care for them, means so much more and will leave them with memories to value forever.
This, after all, is very nature of the gift given to us in the incarnation  of the Son of God at Christmas. In the words of the famous Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, we celebrate the ‘The King of Kings, lay thus in lowly manger; in all our trials born to be our friend’. This Christmas we encourage all to take the time to stop and reflect: are we so busy rushing around buying presents, stocking up on food and decorating our houses, that we don’t have time to actually be present for those who need us? We also ask is there more each of us could do to reflect the original simplicity of the Christmas scene by wasting less food, packaging and energy?
We remember in a particular way this year all those who are suffering as a result of the crisis in East Africa. This hunger could be prevented through a fairer distribution of the world’s resources. While it is good to celebrate with family and friends, it is important to consider how our behaviour as consumers impacts on the lives of people in the developing world. There are small changes we can all make on an individual basis, such as opting for Fair Trade products, that will help to make a difference. Organisations such as TrĂ³caire, working to improve the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people throughout the world, offer the opportunity for us to support their work at Christmas time through the purchase of ‘global gifts’. Instead of giving unnecessary items to family and friends we can, in their name, give the gift of hope to a family in the developing world, helping them to feed themselves, protect their health and educate their children.
As Bishops we recognise that recent years in the Church in Ireland have been especially difficult. We are deeply sorry that so many people have felt hurt, betrayed and shaken in their faith. This is especially true for the victims of child abuse in the Church, for whom no expression of regret could ever suffice. As 2011 draws to a close, we renew our commitment to work to address the failings of the past in truth, justice and humility.
People sometimes express regret that the true meaning of Christmas has been lost amidst the consumerism and excess so often associated with it. Whatever our circumstances, the true meaning of Christmas is always available to us in reflection and prayer on the Christmas story itself. We take this opportunity to thank those in radio, television, printed media and new media who give space and resources at this time of year to making the Christmas story known in a reflective and respectful way. We thank those of other religious traditions and none who join us in celebrating the spirit of peace and goodwill to all heralded by the Angels on that first Christmas night. As Bishops, we make a particular appeal to members of our own Church, especially those who have become alienated or distant from regular participation in Mass, to rediscover the hope and strength that comes from the celebration of the Christmas story in their parish community gathered for the Eucharist.
Next June we will celebrate the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, with the theme ‘The Eucharist – Communion with Christ and with One Another’. This event and the months leading up to it offer an opportunity for renewal of our faith and strengthening of our hope. As we face into the many challenges that lie ahead for the Church and for our country we recall that our greatest hope is in our communion with Christ and with one another in prayer, in reflection on God’s Word, in participation in the Eucharist and in our shared mission to bring the Good News to the world. This Good News, as the Christmas story reminds us, is ‘news of great joy that will be for all people’ (Lk 2:10). Our prayer is that this joy will touch the hearts of all this Christmas and strengthen our hope in challenging times. http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2011/12/12/christmas-2011-reflection-hope-challenging-times/

AUSTRALIA : NEW WEBSITE FOR CATHOLIC WOMENS LEAGUE

ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE REPORT:

CWLA-website-350"I believe in the genius of women. Even in the darkest periods that genius is found, which is the leaven of human progress and history." Blessed Pope John Paul II

The Catholic Women's League of Australia (CWLA) has launched a new dynamic website to help bring the light of the Gospel to a wider audience and to contribute to the transformation of our culture into a civilisation of life and love. The new site is at:

http://www.cwla.org.au

The new website highlights the significant work being done by League members locally, nationally and internationally. It also includes a comprehensive bioethics section. Anna Krohn, the CWLA National Bioethics Convenor, hopes that the new CWLA website will help create greater awareness about contemporary bioethics issues, enable visitors to gain an insight into bioethics principles and stimulate their imagination to inspire action and response in their own lives and communities. The following section of the site, illustrates how CWLA hopes to use this powerful medium to help change hearts and minds:

http://www.cwla.org.au/our-work/bioethics/changing-hearts-and-minds/genetics-disability.html

More 'Changing Hearts & Minds' resources are at:

http://www.cwla.org.au/our-work/bioethics/changing-hearts-and-minds.html

CWLA is the national peak body representing the League's seven member organisations located throughout Australia. Addressing social justice and ethical questions is one of our primary tasks. We seek to influence legislative and administrative bodies at all levels in order to preserve the dignity of the human person. We strive to be a voice for the voiceless
http://www.cam.org.au/news/new-cwla-website.html

ASIA : BANGLADESH : MOURNING OF PROFESSOR CHOWDHURY

UCAN REPORT: Catholic educators joined the prime minister, colleagues and admirers in mourning the passing of author and professor Kabir Chowdhury, who died of heart failure yesterday at the age of 89.
Chowdhury, often called the ‘national professor,’ has been praised for his contributions to the Bangladesh National Education Policy 2010, as well as efforts on behalf of social justice in the country.
“National professor Kabir Chowdhury was a wise, virtuous and courageous person. He was a great patriot,” said Holy Cross Father Benjamin Costa, secretary of the Bangladesh Catholic Education Board.
Chowdhury was buried with state honors at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard following a funeral service yesterday, attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
http://www.ucanews.com/2011/12/14/country-mourns-national-professor/

AFRICA : LIBYA : CLASHES BETWEEN MILITIA

Agenzia Fides REPORT - In Libya, there are 125,000 irregular armed fighters. According to a report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), which warns about the presence of hundreds of militias that control chunks of the territory in the country. In the last few days clashes between militias in different parts of the Country were reported.
"Their number is a mystery - the report says - according to some 100 thousand, three times as much according to others. It is claimed that more than 125,000 Libyans are armed. "The ICG points out that "these groups do not consider themselves at the service of a central authority; they have separate procedures for registering members and weapons; they arrest and hold suspects; they constantly collide with each other."
This situation stems from how the revolt against Gaddafi’s regime was structured: a highly decentralized rebellion, which different local tribes and clans had a predominant role in. The National Transitional Authority struggles to impose itself on these groups which continue to maintain their arsenals in self-defense and as a means to promote their own interests.
In order to face this situation, the ICG makes some proposals to put into practice at the Transitional National Authority level and at local levels, both civilian and military. These include: strengthening the legitimacy of the central institutions, ensuring greater transparency in decision making; starting programs for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants in close coordination with militias and local councils; involve civil and religious leaders in these programs. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2011)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30601&lan=eng

TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Dec 18, 2011 - 4th Sun of Advent


2 Samuel 7: 1 - 5, 8 - 12, 14, 16
1 Now when the king dwelt in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies round about,
2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent."
3 And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart; for the LORD is with you."
4 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan,
5 "Go and tell my servant David, `Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?
8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David, `Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel;
9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.
10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly,
11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.
12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.
14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. When he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men;
16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.'"
Psalms 89: 2 - 5, 27, 29


2 For thy steadfast love was established for ever, thy faithfulness is firm as the heavens.
3 Thou hast said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant:
4 `I will establish your descendants for ever, and build your throne for all generations.'" [Selah]
5 Let the heavens praise thy wonders, O LORD, thy faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
27 And I will make him the first-born, the highest of the kings of the earth.
29 I will establish his line for ever and his throne as the days of the heavens.
Romans 16: 25 - 27
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages
26 but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith --
27 to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Luke 1: 26 - 38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end."
34 And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"
35 And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

TODAY'S SAINT: DEC. 18: ST. WINEBALD

St. Winebald
BENEDICTINE ABBOT AND MISSIONARY
Feast: December 18


Information:
Feast Day: December 18
Born: Wessex, England
Died: 18 December 761 at Heidenheim, Germany
Winebald is one of those amazing English missionaries who evangelized Europe, leaving behind a flourishing Catholicism and a number of monasteries and laying the beginnings of Christianity in what is now Germany, France, Holland, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
St. Winebald was the son of a West Saxon nobleman, St. Richard, and the brother of St. Willibald. With his father and brother he made a pilgrimage to Rome in 721. His father died in Italy, and Winebald remained in Rome for further study, like his countrymen before him, St. Wilfrid and St. Benedict Biscop. He returned to England and brought back to Rome some of his relatives to begin a monastic life in the holy city.
When St. Boniface came to Rome in 739, he recruited Winebald for the German missions, ordained him a priest, and put him in charge of churches in Germany and Bavaria. His brother, Willibald, who was now bishop of Eichstatt, asked Winebald to found a monastery for the training of priests and as a center of learning. Their sister, St. Walburga, came from England to found a convent, and both the monastery and the convent were founded at Heidenheim.
He established the rule of St. Benedict in his monastery, and Heidenheim became an important center of learning in the missionary territory. Because of illness, Winebald was not able to carry on the missionary work that he desired and yearned to end his days at Monte Cassino.
In 761, Winebald visited St. Boniface's shrine at Fulda and on the way home to Heidenheim became very sick. When he reached Heidenheim, he became weaker and weaker and after giving his monks a few last words he died on December 18, 761. His tomb became a local shrine and the site of pilgrimages.

CATHOLIC NEWS WORLD : SAT. DEC. 17, 2011


VATICAN : POPE : MESSAGE TO BISHOPS BE A FATHER WHO GUIDES

AMERICA : USA : WYOMING CATHOLIC COLLEGE FEATURED UNIVERSITY

ASIA : PAKISTAN : WOMEN RIGHTS VIOLATED IN TRIBAL AREAS

EUROPE : ITALY : MISSIONARIES TRY TO END DISCRIMINATION
AUSTRALIA : ARCHDIOCESE WELCOMES NEWEST DEACON FROM INDIA
TODAY'S GOSPEL AND MASS ONLINE : SAT. DEC. 17
TODAY'S SAINT: DEC. 17: ST. JOHN OF MATHA
 
VATICAN : POPE : MESSAGE TO BISHOPS BE A FATHER WHO GUIDES
RADIO VATICANA REPORT: The New Evangelization was the focus of Pope Benedict XVI’s remarks to the bishops of New Zealand and the Pacific today, as he received them at the end of their ad limina visits. (IMAGE SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA)

Below is the full text of the Holy Father's remarks, followed by our audio report.

Dear Brother Bishops and Priests,
I am pleased to offer you a warm fraternal welcome on the occasion of your visit ad Limina Apostolorum. This gathering is a tangible sign of our communion in faith and charity in the one Church of Christ. I wish to thank Archbishop Dew and Bishop Mafi for the kind words offered on your behalf. My cordial greetings go to the priests, the men and women religious, and those entrusted to your pastoral care. Please assure them of my prayers for their growth in holiness and of my affection for them in the Lord.
With gratitude to Almighty God, I note from your reports the many blessings which the Lord has bestowed upon your Jurisdictions. I am also aware of the challenges to the Christian life which are common to all of you, in spite of the many social, economic and cultural contexts in which you work. You have mentioned in particular the challenge set before you by the secularism characteristic of your societies, a reality that has a significant impact on the understanding and practice of the Catholic faith. This is seen specifically in a weakened appreciation for the sacred nature of Christian marriage and the stability of the family. In such a context, the struggle to lead a life worthy of the our baptismal calling (cf. Eph. 4:1) and to abstain from the earthly passions which wage war against ours souls (cf. 1 Pet 2:11) becomes ever more challenging. Yet we know that, ultimately, Christian faith provides a surer basis for life than the secular vision; for “it is only in the mystery of the Word made flesh that the mystery of humanity truly becomes clear” (Gaudium et Spes, 22).

Thus, the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization was recently established. Since the Christian faith is founded on the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, the new evangelization is not an abstract concept but a renewal of authentic Christian living based on the teachings of the Church. You, as Bishops and Pastors, are called to be protagonists in formulating this response according to local needs and circumstances in your various countries and among your peoples. By strengthening the visible bonds of ecclesial communion, build among yourselves an ever stronger sense of faith and charity, so that those whom you serve, in their turn, may imitate your charity and be ambassadors of Christ both in the Church and in the civil arena.

As you face this historic challenge, you must do so under the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, who also calls forth, consecrates and sends priests as “co-workers of the Order of Bishops, with whom they are joined in the priestly office and with whom they are called to the service of the people of God” (Rite of Ordination of Priests). Dear Brother Bishops, I encourage you to have a special care for your priests. As you know, one of your first pastoral duties is to your priests and to their sanctification, especially those who are experiencing difficulties and those who have little contact with their brother priests. Be a father who guides them on the path to holiness, so that their lives may also attract others to follow Christ. We know that good, wise and holy priests are the best promoters of vocations to the priesthood. With the confidence that comes from faith, we can say that the Lord is still calling men to the priesthood, and you are aware that encouraging them to consider dedicating their lives fully to Christ is among your top priorities. In our day young people need more assistance with spiritual discernment so that they may know the Lord’s will. In a world affected by a “profound crisis of faith” (Porta Fidei, 2), ensure too that your seminarians receive a well-rounded formation that will prepare them to serve the Lord and love his flock according to the heart of the Good Shepherd.

In this context, I wish to acknowledge the significant contribution to the spread of the Gospel made by the men and women religious present throughout your region, including those active in pastoral, catechetical, and educational fields. Together with those living a contemplative life, may they remain faithful to the charisms of their founders, which are always united with the life and discipline of the entire Church, and may their witness to God continue to be a beacon that points towards a life of faith, love and right living.

Likewise, the lay faithful’s role in the well-being of the Church is essential since the Lord does not expect pastors “to undertake by themselves the entire saving mission of the Church” (Lumen Gentium, 30). I understand from your reports that your task of spreading the Gospel often depends on the assistance of lay missionaries and catechists. Continue to ensure that a sound and ongoing formation be afforded them, especially within the context of their associations. In so doing, you will equip them for every good work in the building up of the body of Christ (cf. 2 Tim 3:17; Eph 4:12). Their zeal for the faith under your continued leadership and support will surely bear much fruit in the vineyard of the Lord.

My dear Brother Bishops and Priests, as I have had this opportunity to discuss with you the New Evangelization, I do so mindful of the recently proclaimed Year of Faith, which “is intended to give a fresh impetus to the mission of the whole Church to lead human beings out of the wilderness in which they find themselves” (Homily, 16 October 2011). May this privileged time serve as an inspiration as you join the entire Church in the ongoing efforts of the New Evangelization, for although you are spread among many islands and we are separated by great distances, together we profess “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all” (Eph 4:5-6). May you continue to be united among yourselves and with the Successor of Peter. Commending you to the intercession of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, and assuring you of my affection and prayers for you and for those entrusted to your pastoral care, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing

SOURCE : RADIO VATICANA

AMERICA : USA : WYOMING CATHOLIC COLLEGE FEATURED UNIVERSITY

WCC WEBSITE:
Wyoming Catholic College

ASIA : PAKISTAN : WOMEN RIGHTS VIOLATED IN TRIBAL AREAS

ASIA NEWS REPORT: by Shafique Khokhar
A report published by the Human Rights NGO Khwendo Kor documents cases of abuse, including honour killings, rapes, mutilations and acid attacks. Government inertia gives extremists control of Fata. Vicar of Faisalabad: punish practices against women. Muslim Activist: united against violence.

Islamabad (AsiaNews) - "Five Muslim extremists raided the house and cut off my cousins breast because she was breastfeeding her child. A member of the gang then ordered the women to eat the remains. " This horror told by Kiran Bibi is just one of many "tales of ordinary madness" that come from the tribal areas of Pakistan, that are Taliban-controlled with the tacit consent of Islamabad. The 22 year old Cheryl Shaz – both names are fictitious, ed – from the Jalozai refugee camp adds: "A security guard forced me to have sex with him, in exchange for cooking oil and a handful of beans." The incidents described are just two of many stories published in the report "Impact of the crisis on women and girls in FATA", the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, published by the organization Human Rights Khwendo Kor - the home of sisters , in Pashto - with the support of women's groups of the United Nations. The document contains the stories of everyday violence, long unchecked, in north-western Pakistan along the border with Afghanistan.

The area is controlled by the Taliban, to which the central government in Islamabad has granted broad powers - including the introduction of Islamic law, Sharia - in order to reach a truce with the Islamists. Since the end of the war between the army and militia, women are the most affected by extreme violence, in particular, the two groups most at risk are widows and young girls. Forced sexual relations in exchange for food, water, basic necessities, women prefer not to use the showers and facilities, the lack of privacy, an increase in honor killings against women first raped and then excluded because considered a " disgrace "the family which then kills them. Added to this is a progressive decline (from 39 to 19%) of the influence "female participation" in Pakistani society, the inability to gain their inheritance rights in shariah courts, claims of land ownership that go unheard, unheeded .

A dramatic situation that provokes the angry reaction of Christian and Muslim activists and intellectuals, who are appealing to the government and the international community to intervene to protect the rights of women, stemming the progressive "Islamization" in Pakistan. The editor and journalist Farrukh Shahzad speaks to AsiaNews of a "painful reality" and "deteriorating conditions", despite the efforts made by organizations and nongovernmental organizations. He turns to politicians and statesmen, so that "they understand the seriousness of the matter", even the media, he adds, "are limited in their access to the populations of FATA because of the militia fighters." He is echoed by Amina Zaman, Muslim activist for human rights, that the situation does not just regard FATA, but a large part of Pakistan and invites civil society "to speak out against this terrible violence against women."

The vicar general of the diocese of Faisalabad links this violence to the government bill, in the approval process, which aims to "punish practices against women." "It's an attempt at resistance – says Fr. Khalid Rasheed Asi - to make it clear that the government will not accept laws favorable to women in the FATA. " Shazia George, women's rights activist, rattles off all the "serious abuses" that underlie women in Pakistan: genital mutilation, acid attacks, rape and murder, she adds, in the vast majority of crimes go unpunished . The Christian activist hopes that those responsible for "inciting hatred of gender" are arrested and punished. We need, she concludes, models of "resistance to injustice," equal access to legal protection and respect of women's rights.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Women,-the-first-victims-of-Taliban-violence-in-Pakistan's-tribal-areas-23467.html

AUSTRALIA : ARCHDIOCESE WELCOMES NEWEST DEACON FROM INDIA

ARCHDIOCESE OF CANBERRA AND GOULBURN REPORT: The Archdiocese has welcomed its newest deacon after Joshy Kurien was ordained by Archbishop Mark Coleridge last week.
Deacon Kurien is from Kerala in south-west India and arrived in Canberra last year to prepare for ordination to the diaconate.
Raised in a family with “strong Catholic faith”, Deacon Kurien said his parents were always supportive of his aspirations and the move overseas.
“They understand this is a genuine call, so they are happy for me,” he said.
After arriving in Canberra, Deacon Kurien visited some of the parishes within the Archdiocese to “get a sense of what it is all about.”
“I went to parishes in Canberra, Batemans Bay and Moruya, and that gave me a good taste of this Archdiocese, so it was a good start,” he said.
“It helped me realise I am at home here.”
From 15 December he will serve as a deacon in South Tuggeranong parish.
\http://www.cg.catholic.org.au/news/view_article.cfm?id=546

AFRICA : SOUTH AFRICA : NUN APPOINTED TO POSITION AT BISHOPS CONFERENCE

“I see my appointment as recognition from the bishops of the work that women are doing in this part of the world,” Sister Hermenegild Makoro said in a December 12 telephone interview, noting that “in parishes women are talking the lead.”
According to CNS the job “will be challenging, especially for me as a woman after the position has been held by men for so many years,” said Sister Hermenegild, who has served a term as provincial superior of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood.
During the height of apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s, the late Holy Family Sister Brigid Flanagan was associate secretary-general of the Southern African conference and frequently stood in for Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa while he was imprisoned for anti-apartheid activities.
“The face of the conference has changed since those days,” Sister Hermenegild said, noting that “about 15 new bishops have been appointed in the past two decades.”
For the past six years, Sister Hermenegild has been associate secretary-general secretary of the Pretoria-based bishops’ conference. She will replace Father Vincent Brennan, a member of the Society of African Missions, who will retire in March.
“Because I’ve worked for the bishops’ conference for a long time, I understand the way they operate,” she said, noting that the region’s bishops “have open and vibrant discussions and I feel I will be able to challenge them if the need arises.”
Sister Hermenegild, 60, was born in the village of Koeqana in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. She made her first profession in 1976.
In meetings of IMBISA, which represents the bishops’ conferences of Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, “I will be the only women among all the men,” she said.
“But I don’t feel like an outsider. There is mutual respect, and we all have the same interests at heart, the interests of the people of God,” Sister Hermenegild said.
“My appointment “might make them think” about appointing women to leadership positions in their country’s episcopal conferences,” she said.
http://www.cisanewsafrica.com/

EUROPE : ITALY : MISSIONARIES TRY TO END DISCRIMINATION

Agenzia Fides REPORT - "The rise of racism, discrimination and xenophobia in Europe which is going through severe economic crisis of values, motivated by ideologies without humanism and without God, by political and economical policies, the media and 'public opinion stigmatized towards foreigners, endangering the lives of all citizens, especially migrants, as for example the recent incident in Italy" is what is denounced by the Scalabrini International Migration Network, which represents Organizations and Missions of the Congregation of the Scalabrini Missionaries for migrants, present in 33 countries.
In a statement sent to Agenzia Fides, which was drawn up on the occasione of the XI International Migrants Day, sponsored by the United Nations to be held on December 18, stresses that the Scalabrini Missionaries have increased their commitment to "the accompanying integration through intercultural religious communities, research and publications of study centers; the use of the media for a positive view of migrants; the presence at the border, in cities and sea ports; houses for migrants, displaced person and refugees; legal and social counseling centers; the animation of the pastoral care of migration of the Church".
They launch an appeal to the missionary Congregations and lay Catholic organizations which are "called to continue their cooperation and their commitment to international, regional and national Forums, so that Gospel values, the person’s dignity, transcendence, solidarity and fraternity is effective yeast for the unity of the human family".
Welcoming the 60 years of IOM (International Organization for Migration) " at the service of a well managed, regulated, legal, effective and secure international migration," even the Holy See became a member, the Scalabrinians reaffirm their commitment "to continue together with the migrants and their associations, social organizations and academic world, the media and Government bodies at national and international level, through specific missionary presence - missions, centers and organizations - to spread a culture of 'hospitality, solidarity, the meeting of cultures, dialogue between religions, the transcendence of life and peace". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2011)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30603&lan=eng

TODAY'S GOSPEL AND MASS ONLINE : SAT. DEC. 17

 
Matthew 1: 1 - 17

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,
4 and Ram the father of Ammin'adab, and Ammin'adab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 and Salmon the father of Bo'az by Rahab, and Bo'az the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uri'ah,
7 and Solomon the father of Rehobo'am, and Rehobo'am the father of Abi'jah, and Abi'jah the father of Asa,
8 and Asa the father of Jehosh'aphat, and Jehosh'aphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzzi'ah,
9 and Uzzi'ah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezeki'ah,
10 and Hezeki'ah the father of Manas'seh, and Manas'seh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josi'ah,
11 and Josi'ah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoni'ah was the father of She-al'ti-el, and She-al'ti-el the father of Zerub'babel,
13 and Zerub'babel the father of Abi'ud, and Abi'ud the father of Eli'akim, and Eli'akim the father of Azor,
14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eli'ud,
15 and Eli'ud the father of Elea'zar, and Elea'zar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

TODAY'S SAINT: DEC. 17: ST. JOHN OF MATHA

St. John of Matha
FOUNDER
Feast: December 17


Information:
Feast Day: December 17
Born: June 23, 1160, Faucon in Provence
Died: December 17, 1213, Rome
The life of St. John of Matha was one long course of self-sacrifice for the glory of God and the good of his neighbor. As a child, his chief delight was serving the poor; and he often told them he had come into the world for no other end but to wash their feet. He studied at Paris with such distinction that his professors advised him to become a priest, in order that his talents might render greater service to others; and, for this end, John gladly sacrificed his high rank and other worldly advantages. At his first Mass an angel appeared, clad in white, with a red and blue cross on his breast, and his hands reposing on the heads of a Christian and a Moorish captive. To ascertain what this signified, John repaired to St. Felix of Valois, a holy hermit living near Meaux, under whose direction he led a life of extreme penance. The angel again appeared, and they then set out for Rome, to learn the will of God from the lips of the Sovereign Pontiff, who told them to devote themselves to the redemption of captives. For this purpose they founded the Order of the Holy Trinity. The religious fasted every day, and gathering alms throughout Europe took them to Barbary, to redeem the Christian slaves. They devoted themselves also to the sick and prisoners in all countries. The charity of St. John in devoting his life to the redemption of captives was visibly blessed by God. On his second return from Tunis he brought back one hundred and twenty liberated slaves. But the Moors attacked him at sea, over- i powered his vessel, and doomed it to destruction, with all on board, by taking away the rudder and sails, and leaving it to the mercy of the winds. St. John tied his cloak to the mast, and prayed, saying, "Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered. O Lord, Thou wilt save the humble, and wilt bring down the eyes of the proud." Suddenly the wind filled the small sail, and, without guidance, carried the ship safely in a few days to Ostia, the port of Rome, three hundred leagues from Tunis. Worn out by his heroic labors, John died in 1213, at the age of fifty-three.