Catholic world news: Sun. Aug. 30, 2009

Catholic world news: Sun. Aug. 30, 2009: headlines-
VATICAN: POPE: POINTS TO THE EXAMPLE OF ST. MONICA-
ASIA: IRAQ: CHRISTIANS & MUSLIMS MEET TO DISCUSS PEACE-
AMERICA: EPISCOPAL NUNS JOIN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH-
EUROPE: 25 YEARS FOR THE SERVANTS OF JESUS IN THE EUCHARIST-
AFRICA: UGANDA: NEW BISHOP OF KOTIDO-
AUSTRALIA: DIOCESE RECEIVES PRAISE FOR WYD LOGISTICS-
TODAY'S SAINT: St. Pammachius


VATICAN:
POPE: POINTS TO THE EXAMPLE OF ST. MONICA

Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the life and example of St. Monnica, the mother of St. Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and doctor of the Church, both of whose liturgical memories were celebrated this past week.The Holy Father said St. Monnica was a Model and patron saint of Christian mothers, who prayed incessantly for her son, St. Augustine - prayers that were answered, so that her son would later say she conceived him twice.The Pope went on to say that, when couples devote themselves generously to the education of children and guidance to explore the loving plan of God, they prepare the intellectual breeding ground from which arise vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life, and in which those vocations are matured.

The Holy Father recalled that this coming Tuesday, Sept. 1st, Italy celebrates the "Day for preservation of Creation." Noting the ecumenical significance of the reccurrance the Holy Father encouraged industrilized countries to work responsibly for the future of the planet. He said, "It is the poorest among us who end up paying the highest price for climate change."(SOURCE: http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=312919

ASIA


IRAQ: CHRISTIANS & MUSLIMS MEET TO DISCUSS PEACE




AsiaNews reports at the invitation of Msgr. Sako, 50 religious leaders are meeting during Ramadan to launch an appeal to political leaders for an end to conflicts and divisions. "We are all brothers, sons of the same God we must respect and cooperate for the good of the people and our country."
Kirkuk (AsiaNews) – A strong appeal for national peace, reconciliation and end to violence from religious leaders, Christians and Muslims, in Kirkuk. Gathered in the Cathedral at the invitation of the Archbishop Louis Sako, 50 Christian and Muslim representatives will have dinner together. The archbishop explains that this is "a gesture of closeness to our Muslim brothers. We are all brothers, sons of the same God we must respect and cooperate for the good of the people and our country. " "Iraq - said Msgr. Sako - needs reconciliation and dialogue”.
The participants include representatives of Ali Sistani and Muqtada al Sadr. The message, of which AsiaNews publishes a translation, will be distributed to media and policymakers in the city.
"On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, we would like to express our warmest and sincere greetings to our Muslim brothers, so this may be a distinct and strong time for prayer, forgiveness and reconciliation, so it may create a safe environment in which our wounds may be healed and our concerns may recede, so that we can live in a climate of peace and joy.
We are men of religion, Christians and Muslims, from all seven parts of Kirkuk, and without interfering in politics and controversy, but based on our humanitarian and religious commitment, we call on all parties concerned to solve the problem of Kirkuk, to adopt the language of reason and to sit together and engage in dialogue in order to find a political solution which safeguards the security of the people of the city and its unity. Allowing all components of the city brotherhood and coexistence.
Factious words could lead to conflict, which leads to disaster for everyone, and does not resolve the issues. Therefore we ask all who have the power to take responsibility for finding the best way to solve existing problems and make the country safer and more stable, which contributes to the unity and cooperation. Iraq needs to be brave and responsible to its history. ... No more wars and violence, we want peace and stability.
For our part, we recognize our ties. We are waiting for your prayers and good offices, and the construction of your dialogue to consolidate peace and promote stability. "

(SOURCE: http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=16181&size=A




AMERICA
EPISCOPAL NUNS JOIN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH




Catholic.org reports that after seven years of prayer and discernment, a community of Episcopal nuns and their chaplain will be received into the Roman Catholic Church during a Sept. 3 Mass celebrated by Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien. The archbishop will welcome 10 sisters from the Society of All Saints’ Sisters of the Poor when he administers the sacrament of confirmation and the sisters renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the chapel of their Catonsville convent. Episcopal Father Warren Tanghe will also be received into the church and is discerning the possibility of becoming a Catholic priest. Mother Christina Christie, superior of the religious community, said the sisters are “very excited” about joining the Catholic Church and have been closely studying the church’s teachings for years. Two Episcopal nuns who have decided not to become Catholic will continue to live and minister alongside their soon-to-be Catholic sisters. Members of the community range in age from 59 to 94. “For us, this is a journey of confirmation,” Mother Christina said. “We felt God was leading us in this direction for a long time.” Wearing full habits with black veils and white wimples that cover their heads, the sisters have been a visible beacon of hope in Catonsville for decades. The American branch of a society founded in England, the All Saints’ Sisters of the Poor came to Baltimore in 1872 and have been at their current location since 1917. In addition to devoting their lives to a rigorous daily prayer regimen, the sisters offer religious retreats, visit people in hospice care and maintain a Scriptorium where they design religious cards to inspire others in the faith. Throughout their history, the sisters worked with the poor of Baltimore as part of their charism of hospitality. Some of that work has included reaching out to children with special needs and ministering to AIDS patients. Together with Mount Calvary Church, an Episcopal parish in Baltimore, the sisters co-founded a hospice called the Joseph Richey House in 1987. Orthodoxy and unity were key reasons the sisters were attracted to the Catholic faith. Many of them were troubled by the Episcopal Church’s approval of women’s ordination, the ordination of a gay bishop and what they regarded as lax stances on moral issues. “We kept thinking we could help by being a witness for orthodoxy,” said Sister Mary Joan Walker, the community’s archivist. Mother Christina said that effort “was not as helpful as we had hoped it would be.” “People who did not know us looked at us as if we were in agreement with what had been going on (in the Episcopal Church),” she said. “By staying put and not doing anything, we were sending a message which was not correct.” Before deciding to enter the Catholic Church, the sisters had explored Episcopal splinter groups and other Christian denominations. Mother Christina noted that the sisters had independently contemplated joining the Catholic Church without the others knowing. When they found out that most of them were considering the same move, they took it as a sign from God and reached out to Archbishop O’Brien. “This is very much the work of the Holy Spirit,” Mother Christina said. The sisters acknowledged it hasn’t been easy leaving the Episcopal Church, for which they expressed great affection. Some of their friends have been hurt by their pending departure, they said. “Some feel we are abandoning the fight to maintain orthodoxy,” said Sister Emily Ann Lindsey. “We’re not. We’re doing it in another realm right now.” The sisters have spent much of the past year studying the documents of the Second Vatican Council. They said there were few theological stumbling blocks to entering the church, although some had initial difficulty with the concept of papal infallibility. In addition to worshipping in the Latin rite, the sisters have received permission from the archbishop to attend Mass celebrated in the Anglican-use rite – a liturgy that adapts many of the prayers from the Episcopal tradition. Mother Christina said 10 archdiocesan priests, including Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden, have stepped forward to learn how to celebrate the Anglican-use Mass. The sisters expressed deep affection for Pope Benedict XVI. The pope exercises an authority that Episcopal leaders do not, they said. The unity that Christ called for can be found in the Catholic Church under the leadership of the pope, they said. “Unity is right in the midst of all this,” said Sister Catherine Grace Bowen. “That is the main thrust.” The sisters noted with a laugh that their love for the pope is evident in the name they chose for their recently adopted cat, “Benedict XVII” – a feline friend they lovingly call “His Furyness.” (SOURCE: http://www.catholic.org/hf/faith/story.php?id=34329








EUROPE

25 YEARS FOR THE SERVANTS OF JESUS IN THE EUCHARIST

Kath.net reports of the 25 years of tireless work of the "Servants of Jesus in the Eucharist". "" In the summer of 1984, Nuns from Karaganda in Kazakhstan came to Marx to the Volga because more Russian Germans returned in their homes or their ancestors, from which they were been deported by Stalin's Decree 28.August 1941.
1984 there were no Catholic priest in the entire South of European Russia. Confession and holy mass the sisters went several times to another city- 920 km with the railway. The local parish priest, p. Joseph Werth SJ, Marx visited three times a year, received but by the authorities often no permission to stay in the city.
The sisters taught people the prayer, preparing it to baptism, confession, communion and celebration of marriage. They lived for 17 years in a little wobbly House which outwardly differed from others.Internally everything was different but: clean, quiet, cheerful. It was a "monastic", in human beings with God umgingen like with her best friend. Worked or learned at school.
The annual construction of the House took a long time. The small kitchen walls were black of the many cooking for sometimes about 100 people a day, namely during the three summer months are characterized by working with children and young people.
This House began to explode from the seams. A second floor aufgesetztes from beams and particle board could remedy on life. There were "too many" new sisters."" Every year young girls came communities, most infected by the natural and Merry example of sisters in their.
20. November 2001 Nuncio from Moscow and the former Parson Marx (1987-1991), today the Episcopal Conference Chairman, Bishop Joseph Werth, inaugurated in the presence of Apostolic a new House for the sisters. It is right next to the Church. At that time a great deal from Germany was helped in building.
Today, 14 Nuns live in Marx. Their main concern is the concern for the education of children and young people, in fact help with actively in all other everyday needs of the parish. Daily spent four hours in their Chapel before the Lord. (SOURCE: http://www.kath.net/detail.php?id=23757


AFRICA

UGANDA: NEW BISHOP OF KOTIDO

CISA reports that Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Rev Father Guiseppe Filippi, MCCJ, until now Provincial Superior of Comboni Missionaries in Uganda, as bishop of Kotido.The pope made the appointment on Monday.Bishop-elect Filippi was born in Balsega del Bondone, Archdiocese of Trento, Italy, on March 17, 1945.He did studies for primary and secondary schools in Italy. He then studied Philosophy and Theology in the National Major Seminary Ggaba, Kampala (1974 - 1978).He pronounced his first religious profession on May 4, 1974, and the perpetual profession on April 28, 1977.Filippi was ordained a priest on June 26, 1978, as a member of the Comboni Missionaries. Before his appointment as bishop he served in various positions and places as follows: 1978 - 1980: Vocations Director for the Comboni Missionaries in Uganda Province;1978 – 1980: Assistant Priest of Morulem Parish, then Diocese of Moroto;1978 - 1980 Director and vocations promoter of Diocese of Moroto;1980 – 1991: Spiritual Director, Teacher, Dean of studies, Vice Rector and Rector in Nadiket diocesan seminary in Moroto;1982 General Secretary of the I Synod of Moroto Diocese;1990 General Secretary of the II Synod of Moroto Diocese; Pastoral Coordinator of Moroto Diocese; Member of Board of consultors of Moroto Diocese; 1991 – 1997: Assistant of the General Council of the Comboni Missionaries in Rome;1998 – 1999: Parish Priest in Morulem, Diocese of Kotido;1999 – 2004: Novice Master of Comboni Missionaries Noviciate in Zambia - Malawi;2004 – 2009: Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries in Uganda. (SOURCE:
http://www.cisanewsafrica.org/story.asp?ID=4092


AUSTRALIA
DIOCESE RECEIVES PRAISE FOR WYD LOGISTICS

Scoring a first for a church or religious organisation, the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn received national recognition from The Australian Institute of Project Management for its delivery of the WYD Days in the Diocese.
AIPM acknowledged the Archdiocese for its professional delivery of the eighteen month preparation programs, pastoral care, and related logisitics such as food, shelter, entertainment and travel to over 4,000 international pilgrims who were in Canberra between July 10 to 14, 2008 according to a media statement.
Shawn van der Linden, the Archdiocesan Director of CatholicLIFE (Learning Institute for Faith and Evangelisation), thanked the extended community for their assistance in the final delivery of the overall project.
"The size, complexity and the inherent variability of the task exceeded all expectations," he said. "But, what truly is remarkable is that much of the work was carried out by selfless volunteers working long hours and facing great challenges ... and did so with cheery optimism, amazing ingenuity, and can-do attitudes."

"With no pre-existing culture or expertise in project management, we applied key project management principles in the context of highly significant time, financial and quality constraints ... which enabled such success."
Mr van der Linden said the project has "laid down the foundations for partnerships with lay people, other Archdiocesan agencies and the local community with the sharing of skills, expertise and resources to ensure the success of many more of our projects across the region."
Among the project outcomes recognised by the AIPM Award include a Commissioning Mass event that drew some 8,000 people; the 'Home Stay' billeting of 4,400 pilgrims from 27 countries with hundreds of local families, parishes and schools with daily guided tours and a festival attracting up to 10,000 attendees and integrating info workshops, artistic exhibitions, music performances, prayer. http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=16041

TODAY'S SAINT

St. Pammachius
ROMAN SENATOR
Feast Day:
August 30
Born:
340
Died:
409 at Rome

Roman senator, d. about 409. In youth he frequented the schools of rehetoric with St. Jerome. In 385 he married Paulina, second daughter of St. Paula. He was probably among the viri genere optimi religione præclari, who in 390 denounced Jovinian to Pope St. Siricius (Ambrose, Ep. xli). When he attacked St. Jerorme's book against Jovinian for prudential reasons, Jerome wrote him two letters (Epp. xlviii-ix, ed. Vallarsi) thanking him; the first, vindicating the book, was probably intended for publication. On Paulina's death in 397, Pammachius became a monk, that is, put on a religious habit and gave himself up to works of charity (Jerome, Ep. lxvi; Paulinus of Nola, Ep. xiii). In 399 Pammachius and Oceanus wrote to St. Jerome asking him to translate Origen's "De Principiis", and repudiate the insinuation of Rufinus that St. Jerome was of one mind with himself with regard to Origen. St. Jerome replied the following year (Epp. lxxxiii-iv). In 401 Pammachius was thanked by St. Augustine (Ep. lviii) for a letter he wrote to the people of Numidia, where he owned property, exhorting them to abandon the Donatist schism. Many of St. Jerome's commentaries on Scripture were dedicated to Pammachius. After his wife's death Pammachius built in conjunction with St. Fabiola (Jerome, Epp. lxvi, lxxvii), a hospice at Porto, at the mouth of the Tiber, for poor strangers. The site has been excavated, and the excavations have disclosed the plan and the arrangement of this only building of its kind. Rooms and halls for the sick and poor were grouped around it (Frothingham, "The Monuments of Christian Rome," p. 49). The church of SS. John and Paul was founded either by Pammachius or his father. It was anciently known first as the Titulus Bizantis, and then as the Titulus Pammachii. The feast of Pammachius is kept on 30 August. (SOURCE:http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpammachius.asp)

TODAY'S MASS READINGS
Deuteronomy 4: 1 - 2, 6 - 8
1
"And now, O Israel, give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, gives you.
2
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it; that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
6
Keep them and do them; for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, `Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'
7
For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?
8
And what great nation is there, that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day?
Psalms 15: 2 - 5
2
He who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, and speaks truth from his heart;
3
who does not slander with his tongue, and does no evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
4
in whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5
who does not put out his money at interest, and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

James 1: 17 - 18, 21 - 22, 27
17
Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
18
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
21
Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
27
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
GOSPEL
Mark 7: 1 - 8, 14 - 15, 21 - 23
1
Now when the Pharisees gathered together to him, with some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem,
2
they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands defiled, that is, unwashed.
3
(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands, observing the tradition of the elders;
4
and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they purify themselves; and there are many other traditions which they observe, the washing of cups and pots and vessels of bronze.)
5
And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with hands defiled?"
6
And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, `This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
7
in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.'
8
You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men."
14
And he called the people to him again, and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand:
15
there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him."
21
For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery,
22
coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
23
All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man."