VIS REPORTS: FEAST
OF PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, DAY OF CONSECRATED LIFE
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2012 (VIS) - At 5.30 p.m. yesterday, Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Day of Consecrated Life, the Pope presided at second Vespers in the Vatican Basilica, in the presence of numerous members of institutes for consecrated life and societies of apostolic life. In the course of the ceremony, which began with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and concluded with the Eucharistic blessing, the Holy Father pronounced a homily.
Benedict XVI recalled the fact that the Feast of the Presentation commemorates the visit by Mary and Joseph to the Temple to present their firstborn to the Lord, in accordance with Mosaic law. There they met Simeon and the Prophet Anna who, the Pope explained, "recognised that Child as the Messiah announced by the prophets. In the meeting between the elderly Simeon and the young mother Mary, the Old and the New Testaments came together to give thanks for the gift of Light, which shines in the shadows and prevents the victory of darkness: Christ the Lord, a light to illuminate the Gentiles and a glory for His people Israel".
The Day of Consecrated Life coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple because that evangelical episode "is an important symbol of the gift of life made by people who, through the evangelical counsels, are called to demonstrate before the Church and the world the characteristic traits of Jesus: virgin, poor, obedient, consecrated in the Father. What we celebrate in today's feast, then, is the mystery of consecration: the consecration of Christ, the consecration of Mary, the consecration of all those who follow Jesus for love of God's Kingdom".
The Day of Consecrated Life was instituted by John Paul II in 1997 with a threefold purpose. Firstly, to thank God "for the gift of this way of living, which is part of the sanctity of the Church". Today the entire community invokes this gift with faith, and prays for all consecrated people. Moreover, the Day aims "to promote knowledge of and respect for consecrated life among the people of God", expressing appreciation for the witness of people who have chosen to follow Christ by practising the evangelical counsels. Thirdly, for consecrated people themselves the Day is "an important opportunity to renew the intentions and feelings which inspired their gift" of self to the Lord. "This is what we wish to do today, this is the task you are called to carry out every day of your lives", Benedict XVI told consecrated people.
The Year of Faith, due to begin in October, will be another favourable moment for interior renewal. During that time consecrated people "will be called to intensify their relationship with God. The evangelical counsels, accepted as an authentic rule for life, reinforce the faith, hope and charity which unite us to God", the Holy Father said. "Intense vicinity to the Lord - which must characterise your entire existence - will lead you to a renewed adherence to Him and have a positive influence on the particular form of your presence and apostolate among the People of God. This will make you - through the contribution of your charisms and remaining faithful to the Magisterium - witnesses of faith and grace; credible witnesses for the Church and the world today". Benedict XVI also made it clear that consecrated people should participate enthusiastically in new evangelisation.
In conclusion he quoted some words of Blessed John Paul II, calling on the Virgin Mary to intercede with the Lord, so that "all who have received the gift of following Him in consecrated life may be enabled to bear witness to that gift by their transfigured lives, as they joyfully make their way with all their brothers and sisters towards our heavenly homeland and the light which will never grow dim".
HML/ VIS 20120203 (660)
DAY OF REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOR FORTHCOMING CONSISTORY
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2012 (VIS) - In preparation for the forthcoming consistory, the Holy Father has called the members of the College of Cardinals and the new cardinals-elect to participate in a day of reflection and prayer to be held on 17 February in the Vatican's New Synod Hall. The day will begin with Lauds at 10 a.m. and conclude with Vespers at 5 p.m., according to a communique released today by the Holy See Press Office.
The main theme of the meeting - "the announcement of the Gospel today, between 'missio ad gentes' and new evangelisation" - will be introduced by one of the cardinals-designate: Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York.
The day will also include a report on the forthcoming Year of Faith, to be delivered by Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation.
Today's communique also announces that, due to ill health, cardinal-designate Fr. Karl Josef Becker S.J. will not be created a cardinal during the public ceremony of 18 February, but in private at another time.
OP/ VIS 20120203 (190)
AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience:
- Eleven prelates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Allen Henry Vigneron of Detroit, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishops Francis R. Reiss, Donald F. Hanchon, Michael J. Byrnes and Jose Arturo Cepeda.
- Bishop Bernard Anthony Hebda of Gaylord.
- Bishop Walter Allison Hurley of Grand Rapids.
- Bishop Paul Joseph Bradley of Kalamazoo.
- Bishop Earl Alfred Boyea of Lansing.
- Bishop Alexander King Sample of Marquette.
- Bishop Joseph Robert Cistone of Saginaw.
- Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
AL:AP/ VIS 20120203 (120)
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Leslie Tomlinson, auxiliary of Melbourne, Australia, as bishop of Sandhurst (area 45,195, population 383,000, Catholics 103, priests 39, religious 51), Australia.
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2012 (VIS) - At 5.30 p.m. yesterday, Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Day of Consecrated Life, the Pope presided at second Vespers in the Vatican Basilica, in the presence of numerous members of institutes for consecrated life and societies of apostolic life. In the course of the ceremony, which began with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and concluded with the Eucharistic blessing, the Holy Father pronounced a homily.
Benedict XVI recalled the fact that the Feast of the Presentation commemorates the visit by Mary and Joseph to the Temple to present their firstborn to the Lord, in accordance with Mosaic law. There they met Simeon and the Prophet Anna who, the Pope explained, "recognised that Child as the Messiah announced by the prophets. In the meeting between the elderly Simeon and the young mother Mary, the Old and the New Testaments came together to give thanks for the gift of Light, which shines in the shadows and prevents the victory of darkness: Christ the Lord, a light to illuminate the Gentiles and a glory for His people Israel".
The Day of Consecrated Life coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple because that evangelical episode "is an important symbol of the gift of life made by people who, through the evangelical counsels, are called to demonstrate before the Church and the world the characteristic traits of Jesus: virgin, poor, obedient, consecrated in the Father. What we celebrate in today's feast, then, is the mystery of consecration: the consecration of Christ, the consecration of Mary, the consecration of all those who follow Jesus for love of God's Kingdom".
The Day of Consecrated Life was instituted by John Paul II in 1997 with a threefold purpose. Firstly, to thank God "for the gift of this way of living, which is part of the sanctity of the Church". Today the entire community invokes this gift with faith, and prays for all consecrated people. Moreover, the Day aims "to promote knowledge of and respect for consecrated life among the people of God", expressing appreciation for the witness of people who have chosen to follow Christ by practising the evangelical counsels. Thirdly, for consecrated people themselves the Day is "an important opportunity to renew the intentions and feelings which inspired their gift" of self to the Lord. "This is what we wish to do today, this is the task you are called to carry out every day of your lives", Benedict XVI told consecrated people.
The Year of Faith, due to begin in October, will be another favourable moment for interior renewal. During that time consecrated people "will be called to intensify their relationship with God. The evangelical counsels, accepted as an authentic rule for life, reinforce the faith, hope and charity which unite us to God", the Holy Father said. "Intense vicinity to the Lord - which must characterise your entire existence - will lead you to a renewed adherence to Him and have a positive influence on the particular form of your presence and apostolate among the People of God. This will make you - through the contribution of your charisms and remaining faithful to the Magisterium - witnesses of faith and grace; credible witnesses for the Church and the world today". Benedict XVI also made it clear that consecrated people should participate enthusiastically in new evangelisation.
In conclusion he quoted some words of Blessed John Paul II, calling on the Virgin Mary to intercede with the Lord, so that "all who have received the gift of following Him in consecrated life may be enabled to bear witness to that gift by their transfigured lives, as they joyfully make their way with all their brothers and sisters towards our heavenly homeland and the light which will never grow dim".
HML/ VIS 20120203 (660)
DAY OF REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOR FORTHCOMING CONSISTORY
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2012 (VIS) - In preparation for the forthcoming consistory, the Holy Father has called the members of the College of Cardinals and the new cardinals-elect to participate in a day of reflection and prayer to be held on 17 February in the Vatican's New Synod Hall. The day will begin with Lauds at 10 a.m. and conclude with Vespers at 5 p.m., according to a communique released today by the Holy See Press Office.
The main theme of the meeting - "the announcement of the Gospel today, between 'missio ad gentes' and new evangelisation" - will be introduced by one of the cardinals-designate: Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York.
The day will also include a report on the forthcoming Year of Faith, to be delivered by Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation.
Today's communique also announces that, due to ill health, cardinal-designate Fr. Karl Josef Becker S.J. will not be created a cardinal during the public ceremony of 18 February, but in private at another time.
OP/ VIS 20120203 (190)
AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience:
- Eleven prelates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Allen Henry Vigneron of Detroit, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishops Francis R. Reiss, Donald F. Hanchon, Michael J. Byrnes and Jose Arturo Cepeda.
- Bishop Bernard Anthony Hebda of Gaylord.
- Bishop Walter Allison Hurley of Grand Rapids.
- Bishop Paul Joseph Bradley of Kalamazoo.
- Bishop Earl Alfred Boyea of Lansing.
- Bishop Alexander King Sample of Marquette.
- Bishop Joseph Robert Cistone of Saginaw.
- Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
AL:AP/ VIS 20120203 (120)
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Leslie Tomlinson, auxiliary of Melbourne, Australia, as bishop of Sandhurst (area 45,195, population 383,000, Catholics 103, priests 39, religious 51), Australia.
AFRICA : EGYPT : 400 WOUNDED IN CLASHES
ASIA NEWS
REPORT:
The violence occurred last night in Suez. The police opened fire to disperse the crowd that had stormed the local police station. Thousands in Cairo descended into the streets to demand the resignation of the High Council of the Army
_0202.jpg)
Cairo (AsiaNews) - The balance stands at two dead and 400
wounded after clashes between police and the protesters exploded yesterday in
Suez, Cairo and in the main Egyptian cities, after the massacre at Port Said
(Suez) where on February 1, 74 people were killed in a clash between supporters
of two rival football teams, the local al-Masry and Cairo's al-Alhy. The most
serious protests occurred last night in Suez, where a mob tried to storm a
police station. To disperse the protesters, the officers opened fire, killing
two people.
In the capital, thousands al-Alhy fans are protesting in Tahrir Square and since yesterday have blocked the entrance to the Ministry of the Interior and to the football stadium. Many of them participated in the Jasmine revolution. They are calling for the resignation of the High Council of the Military (SCAF), which is unable to ensure security in the country and according to some, has fomented clashes with the protesters. Some witnesses say that the officers allegedly allowed the fans of al-Masry, the team at Port Said, to rush against the supporters of the opposing team.
Meanwhile, parliament will discuss who was responsible for the massacre at Port Said. Salafists and members of the Muslim Brotherhood have accused the soccer fans of al-Alhy, considered by many to be close to the former Mubarak regime, of having caused the invasion onto the field. The democratic parties don't believe this version and are pointing the finger at the police and the army, which are unable to handle the chaos. Regardless, members of both parties are calling for the resignation of Minister of the Interior, Mohamed Ibrahim, and yesterday initiated a parliamentary inquiry to shed light on the tragedy.
To extinguish criticism, SCAF has ordered the resignation of the governor of Port Said city, the dismissal of the head of security and the expulsion of the leaders of the Egyptian football federation.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Egypt,-two-dead-and-400-wounded-in-clashes-between-police-and-protesters-after-the-massacre-at-Port-Said-23872.html
The violence occurred last night in Suez. The police opened fire to disperse the crowd that had stormed the local police station. Thousands in Cairo descended into the streets to demand the resignation of the High Council of the Army
_0202.jpg)
Cairo (AsiaNews) - The balance stands at two dead and 400
wounded after clashes between police and the protesters exploded yesterday in
Suez, Cairo and in the main Egyptian cities, after the massacre at Port Said
(Suez) where on February 1, 74 people were killed in a clash between supporters
of two rival football teams, the local al-Masry and Cairo's al-Alhy. The most
serious protests occurred last night in Suez, where a mob tried to storm a
police station. To disperse the protesters, the officers opened fire, killing
two people.In the capital, thousands al-Alhy fans are protesting in Tahrir Square and since yesterday have blocked the entrance to the Ministry of the Interior and to the football stadium. Many of them participated in the Jasmine revolution. They are calling for the resignation of the High Council of the Military (SCAF), which is unable to ensure security in the country and according to some, has fomented clashes with the protesters. Some witnesses say that the officers allegedly allowed the fans of al-Masry, the team at Port Said, to rush against the supporters of the opposing team.
Meanwhile, parliament will discuss who was responsible for the massacre at Port Said. Salafists and members of the Muslim Brotherhood have accused the soccer fans of al-Alhy, considered by many to be close to the former Mubarak regime, of having caused the invasion onto the field. The democratic parties don't believe this version and are pointing the finger at the police and the army, which are unable to handle the chaos. Regardless, members of both parties are calling for the resignation of Minister of the Interior, Mohamed Ibrahim, and yesterday initiated a parliamentary inquiry to shed light on the tragedy.
To extinguish criticism, SCAF has ordered the resignation of the governor of Port Said city, the dismissal of the head of security and the expulsion of the leaders of the Egyptian football federation.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Egypt,-two-dead-and-400-wounded-in-clashes-between-police-and-protesters-after-the-massacre-at-Port-Said-23872.html
EUROPE : ITALY : RIP ALFONSO NIETO FOUNDER OF ROME REPORTS
Romereports.com REPORT He was a pioneer of communication, especially
when it came to the Catholic Church. His last wish was to launch an
international news agency. Alfonso Nieto, achieved that goal with ROME REPORTS.
As one of its main founders, he was also the agency's first president.
ASIA : CHINA : GERMAN CHANCELLOR VISITS BISHOP
UCAN REPORT-
Prelate says he's unsure why German chancellor wants to see him
Bishop Joseph Gan Junqiu of Guangzhou diocese
German chancellor Angela Merkel, who is on an
official visit to China, traveled to Guangdong province today, where she will
meet with Bishop Joseph Gan Junqiu of Guangzhou at the Sacred Heart Cathedral
tomorrow.
“Government officials informed me about the visit on Wednesday afternoon and had come here to make security checks,” said the Vatican-approved bishop who has government recognition.
At a loss to why Merkel wants to meet him, Bishop Gan said the officials told him to “introduce the local diocese and try your best to answer whatever she asks.”
“As a Protestant and a state leader, Merkel showing her concern on the situation of Chinese Christians by visiting a Catholic leader is understandable,” according to Church in China observer Kwun Ping-hung.
“Foreign leaders will normally choose a typical region to visit in order to have an overall picture on contemporary China. In this case, Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong, is a gateway to China and a Catholic Church center in the southern region,” he said.
However, he doubts whether the chancellor will go into details such as talking about China-Vatican relations during her brief visit.
In diplomatic cables published by the Wikileaks website in September, Bishop Gan’s views on Vatican relations with mainland China and Taiwan were quoted from conversations he had with foreign diplomats in 2009.
Merkel arrived in Beijing yesterday on a three-day visit, during which she was to talk about the eurozone debt crisis and to lobby support for oil sanctions on Iran and UN action against Syria.
Her trip also marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Germany.
In past trips to China, Merkel has also met with other Church leaders, including Catholic Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai, who speaks German, during a visit in 2006.
http://www.ucanews.com/2012/02/03/merkel-to-visit-guangzhou-bishop/
“Government officials informed me about the visit on Wednesday afternoon and had come here to make security checks,” said the Vatican-approved bishop who has government recognition.
At a loss to why Merkel wants to meet him, Bishop Gan said the officials told him to “introduce the local diocese and try your best to answer whatever she asks.”
“As a Protestant and a state leader, Merkel showing her concern on the situation of Chinese Christians by visiting a Catholic leader is understandable,” according to Church in China observer Kwun Ping-hung.
“Foreign leaders will normally choose a typical region to visit in order to have an overall picture on contemporary China. In this case, Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong, is a gateway to China and a Catholic Church center in the southern region,” he said.
However, he doubts whether the chancellor will go into details such as talking about China-Vatican relations during her brief visit.
In diplomatic cables published by the Wikileaks website in September, Bishop Gan’s views on Vatican relations with mainland China and Taiwan were quoted from conversations he had with foreign diplomats in 2009.
Merkel arrived in Beijing yesterday on a three-day visit, during which she was to talk about the eurozone debt crisis and to lobby support for oil sanctions on Iran and UN action against Syria.
Her trip also marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Germany.
In past trips to China, Merkel has also met with other Church leaders, including Catholic Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai, who speaks German, during a visit in 2006.
http://www.ucanews.com/2012/02/03/merkel-to-visit-guangzhou-bishop/
AUSTRALIA : BATTLING FLOOD WATERS
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese
REPORT
3 Feb 2012
Newly-ordained Father John Macdonald had barely
settled into his new position as Moree's assistant parish priest before he found
himself in the midst of one of the town's worst floods in more than 35
years.
"It's like being in the centre of a vast inland sea," he told Catholic Communications this morning after more than 1600 residents of the town had been evacuated ahead of the expected flood peak at around 11.30 am today.
"St Francis Xavier's Church is not in any danger but the brand-new just-completed hall at St Philomena's Catholic School which was built as part of the Government's BER scheme is only inches away from inundation," he says as flood waters swept through the town.
Fr John described the mood of those remaining in Moree, which has been virtually cut in half by the flooded River Mehi, as buoyant. "But it is after the flood when the waters finally recede and we see the devastation left behind that I think the real impact will be felt. That's when I think many people will feel overwhelmed and experience depression," he says.
The Mehi River
has reached levels not seen since 1976 with a further 11,000 people isolated by
the floods across Wee Waa and the Richmond River region.
The nearby Gwydir River has also flooded and last night the Federal Government announced disaster funding for Moree, Greater Taree, Tenterfield, Narrabri and Gwydir.
During such times, as we saw in the wake of the Queensland floods last year, communities band together to help one another with the Church becoming a focal point giving many the hope they need and reassurance for the future.
But in Moree with half the town evacuated and the rest coping with the swollen river and widespread floods, there will be no services at St Francis Xavier's this Sunday.
Earlier today an RAAF Hercules aircraft dropped supplies including bedding to the town which is now completely cut off by road.
For Fr John and Moree's longtime parish priest, Fr Paul McCabe
their first concern is for residents of the town and helping them cope with this
latest natural disaster. But Fr John admits there is also concern the vast
inland sea now surrounding the town, may make it impossible for the two priests
to drive to Armidale next week to attend the installation of the new Bishop of
Armidale at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Joseph on Thursday 9
February.
Bishop-elect, Wagga Wagga priest, Fr Michael Kennedy will become the new Bishop of Armidale, replacing Bishop Luc Matthys who at 75, has reached retirement age.
"Whether we are able to attend depends very much on how quickly the waters recede and on how much damage has been done to roads as a result of the floods," he says.
Four months ago, on 22 September 2011, Fr John was
ordained a priest by Bishop Matthys in Armidale's famous Cathedral.
Dubbed "Mr Athletics" by students and staff at St Ignatius College, Riverview where he taught mathematics and religious studies. He was in charge of the school's Track and Field Athletics from 1993 until 2006. His coaching helped the school win six senior GPS Premierships and 11 Junior Premierships. It was during his time at Riverview, that Fr John discerned his true vocation and decided to answer God's call.
Studying for the priesthood at Rome's Pontifical College Beda (the English College), he was ordained to the Deaconate on his return to Australia in early in 2011 and ordained to the priesthood six months later.
Now assistant parish priest in Moree he is offering his support and pastoral care to those affected by the flood as the mud, slush and debris sweep through the town, inundating houses, cutting off power as well as shutting down shops, supermarkets and normal suppliers.
"This
is the third flood Fr Paul McCabe has experienced in Moree and he says that at
least this time everyone has had advance warning and time to prepare, stock up
on food and water and sandbag their homes," he says.
Children in north western NSW follow the same school year as those in Queensland and the new term does not start until next Monday, 6 February. But Fr John says with the flooding in Moree it is unlikely schools will reopen for several weeks.
"Many are expected to be damaged by the floods and all will need clean ups first," he predicts.
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/201223_616.shtml
3 Feb 2012
More than 1600 evacuated from Moree
as the Mehi River rises
as the Mehi River rises
"It's like being in the centre of a vast inland sea," he told Catholic Communications this morning after more than 1600 residents of the town had been evacuated ahead of the expected flood peak at around 11.30 am today.
"St Francis Xavier's Church is not in any danger but the brand-new just-completed hall at St Philomena's Catholic School which was built as part of the Government's BER scheme is only inches away from inundation," he says as flood waters swept through the town.
Fr John described the mood of those remaining in Moree, which has been virtually cut in half by the flooded River Mehi, as buoyant. "But it is after the flood when the waters finally recede and we see the devastation left behind that I think the real impact will be felt. That's when I think many people will feel overwhelmed and experience depression," he says.
Fr John Macdonald
The nearby Gwydir River has also flooded and last night the Federal Government announced disaster funding for Moree, Greater Taree, Tenterfield, Narrabri and Gwydir.
During such times, as we saw in the wake of the Queensland floods last year, communities band together to help one another with the Church becoming a focal point giving many the hope they need and reassurance for the future.
But in Moree with half the town evacuated and the rest coping with the swollen river and widespread floods, there will be no services at St Francis Xavier's this Sunday.
Earlier today an RAAF Hercules aircraft dropped supplies including bedding to the town which is now completely cut off by road.
Moree transformed into an inland
sea
Bishop-elect, Wagga Wagga priest, Fr Michael Kennedy will become the new Bishop of Armidale, replacing Bishop Luc Matthys who at 75, has reached retirement age.
"Whether we are able to attend depends very much on how quickly the waters recede and on how much damage has been done to roads as a result of the floods," he says.
Town of Moree cut in half by
floodwaters
Dubbed "Mr Athletics" by students and staff at St Ignatius College, Riverview where he taught mathematics and religious studies. He was in charge of the school's Track and Field Athletics from 1993 until 2006. His coaching helped the school win six senior GPS Premierships and 11 Junior Premierships. It was during his time at Riverview, that Fr John discerned his true vocation and decided to answer God's call.
Studying for the priesthood at Rome's Pontifical College Beda (the English College), he was ordained to the Deaconate on his return to Australia in early in 2011 and ordained to the priesthood six months later.
Now assistant parish priest in Moree he is offering his support and pastoral care to those affected by the flood as the mud, slush and debris sweep through the town, inundating houses, cutting off power as well as shutting down shops, supermarkets and normal suppliers.
Road access cut off by floods
Children in north western NSW follow the same school year as those in Queensland and the new term does not start until next Monday, 6 February. But Fr John says with the flooding in Moree it is unlikely schools will reopen for several weeks.
"Many are expected to be damaged by the floods and all will need clean ups first," he predicts.
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/201223_616.shtml
AMERICA : MEXICO : PRIEST MURDERED RIP FR. GARCIA
Agenzia
Fides report - In a statement of the Archbishop of Tlalnepantla, Monsignor
Carlos Aguiar Retes, the identity of the priest murdered on January 28, 2012 is
clarified and any act of violence is condemned. In fact, the newspapers and news
agencies had published an incorrect name of the priest killed immediately after
the criminal act. "With deep sadness the local Church of Tlalnepantla
communicates the murder of its father Jenaro Aviña García, pastor of the
Immaculate Conception, in Paseo de las Villas in the neighborhood of Villas de
la Hacienda, in Atizapan de Zaragoza. Father Jenaro Aviña García, a member of
the diocesan clergy of the Archdiocese of Tlalnepantla, was 63, was ordained a
priest in 1976. He was specialized in the field of Sacred Scripture, currently
he was Pastor of the parish of the Immaculate Conception", is what is said in
the statement sent to Fides.
"The local Church of Tlalnepantla - continues the statement - absolutely condemns all acts of violence that occur, not only against the Catholics, but against all persons, regardless of race, language or religion. We call on the authorities to clarify as soon as possible this unfortunate event, which saddens the Catholic community and especially the Father Gennaro’s family " concluded the statement.
Pedro Gonzalez Mendoza, Director of Public Safety and Police Traffic in Atizapán reported that apparently the murder occurred at 6am on Saturday, January 28. "The priest had his pajamas and slippers, apparently he had heard a noise and opened the door of the rectory". The police are working to clarify all aspects of the case. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 03/02/2012)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30927&lan=eng
"The local Church of Tlalnepantla - continues the statement - absolutely condemns all acts of violence that occur, not only against the Catholics, but against all persons, regardless of race, language or religion. We call on the authorities to clarify as soon as possible this unfortunate event, which saddens the Catholic community and especially the Father Gennaro’s family " concluded the statement.
Pedro Gonzalez Mendoza, Director of Public Safety and Police Traffic in Atizapán reported that apparently the murder occurred at 6am on Saturday, January 28. "The priest had his pajamas and slippers, apparently he had heard a noise and opened the door of the rectory". The police are working to clarify all aspects of the case. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 03/02/2012)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30927&lan=eng
TODAY'S GOSPEL AND MASS ONLINE : FRI. FEB. 3, 2012
| Mark
6: 14 - 29
| |
| 14 | King Herod heard of it; for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." |
| 15 | But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." |
| 16 | But when Herod heard of it he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." |
| 17 | For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. |
| 18 | For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." |
| 19 | And Hero'di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, |
| 20 | for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. |
| 21 | But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. |
| 22 | For when Hero'di-as' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." |
| 23 | And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." |
| 24 | And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." |
| 25 | And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." |
| 26 | And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. |
| 27 | And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, |
| 28 | and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. |
| 29 | When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. |
TODAY'S SAINT : FEB. 3 : ST. BLAISE
St. Blaise
BISHOP, MARTYR
Feast: February 3
 Information:
|
|
It is not known precisely when or where St. Blaise lived,
but according to tradition he was a bishop of Sebaste, Armenia, in the early
part of the fourth century, and suffered martyrdom under the Roman emperor
Licinius, who had commanded the governor of the province, one Agricolaus, to
prevent the spread of Christianity in his territory. After this edict had been
promulgated, Blaise fled to the mountains and lived in a cave frequented by wild
beasts. He used his skill to heal the animals that he found wounded or sick, and
when the emperor's hunters, bent on collecting wild animals for the royal games,
discovered him in this cave, they carried him off to Agricolaus as a special
prize.
One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, his
emblems are an iron comb and a wax taper.On the way, the story goes, they met a poor woman whose pig had been seized by a wolf. At the command of Blaise, the wolf restored the pig to its owner, alive and unhurt. During the course of this journey he also miraculously cured a child who was choking to death on a fishbone. For this reason St. Blaise is often invoked by persons suffering from throat trouble. When he had reached the capital and was in prison awaiting execution, the old woman whose pig he had saved came to see him, bringing two fine wax candles to dispel the gloom of his dark cell. When he was finally killed, he is supposed to have been tortured with an iron comb or rake, and afterwards beheaded. In the West there was no cult honoring St. Blaise prior to the eighth century. |
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/stblaise.asp#ixzz1lNY4MP99
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