CATHOLIC WORLD NEWS: OCT. 2, 2009: HEADLINES
VATICAN: LETTERS OF CREDENCE OF PHILIPPINES, NETHERLANDS, U.S.A.
AMERICA: US AMBASSADOR TO VATICAN DIAZ RECIEVED BY POPE
EUROPE: SPAIN: BISHOPS CALL FAITHFUL TO PRO-LIFE MARCH
AFRICA: NAIROBI: REPORT GROWING ABUSE OF CHILDREN
EUROPE: SPAIN: BISHOPS CALL FAITHFUL TO PRO-LIFE MARCH
AFRICA: NAIROBI: REPORT GROWING ABUSE OF CHILDREN
AUSTRALIA: CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE CLEARED OF CHARGES
VATICAN
LETTERS OF CREDENCE OF PHILIPPINES, NETHERLANDS, U.S.A.
(VIS) - This morning in Castelgandolfo the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of three new ambassadors to the Holy See: Mercedes Arrastia Tuason of the Philippines; Henriette Johanna Cornelia Maria van Lynden-Leijten of the Netherlands, and Miguel Humberto Diaz of the United States of America. Speaking English, the Pope began his remarks to the Filipino ambassador with assurances of his "spiritual closeness and prayers, especially for the victims of Typhoon Ketsana" which struck the country recently. "I am confident that the faith of the Filipino people", he went on, "which gives them the resilience to face any hardship or difficulty, will arouse in them a desire to participate ever more fervently in the worldwide task of building up a civilisation of love, the seed of which God has implanted in every people and every culture". After then praising development initiatives in the Philippines, including the reform of social assistance programmes, the Holy Father noted that such programmes are "primarily aimed at improving the actual living conditions of the poorest, thus enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities towards their families and to carry out the duties which fall to them as members of the wider community. Above all, the struggle against poverty calls for honesty, integrity and an unwavering fidelity to the principles of justice, especially on the part of those directly entrusted with the offices of governance and public administration. "In an age when the name of God is abused by certain groups", he added, "the 'work of charity' is particularly urgent. This is especially true in regions that have been sadly scarred by conflicts". The Pope concluded by praising the "courageous steps" being taken in the Philippines "to foster reconciliation and mutual understanding", in which context he mentioned "the commendable work of the Bishops Ulama Conference, the Mindanao People's Conference, as well as that of many grassroots organizations". "While some of the Dutch population would declare itself agnostic or even atheist", said the Pope in his address to the ambassador from the Netherlands, "more than half professes Christianity, and the growing numbers of immigrants who follow other religious traditions make it more necessary than ever for civil authorities to acknowledge the place of religion in Dutch society". In this context he noted how "faith schools receive State support in your country, and rightly so, since such institutions are called to make a significant contribution to mutual understanding and social cohesion by transmitting the values that are rooted in a transcendent vision of human dignity". The Holy Father continued his English-language remarks: "Even more basic than schools in this regard are families built on the foundation of a stable and fruitful marriage between a man and a woman. ... The Catholic Church in your country is eager to play its part in supporting and promoting stable family life, as the Dutch Bishops' Conference stated in its recent document on the pastoral care of young people and the family. "It is my earnest hope that the Catholic contribution to ethical debate will be heard and heeded by all sectors of Dutch society, so that the noble culture that has distinguished your country for centuries may continue to be known for its solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable, its promotion of authentic freedom and its respect for the dignity and inestimable value of every human life", he concluded. In his audience with the new ambassador from the United States, the Pope referred to the need for "a model of globalisation inspired by an authentic humanism, in which the world's peoples are seen not merely as neighbours but as brothers and sisters.". "Genuine progress, as the Church's social teaching insists, must be integral and humane; it cannot prescind from the truth about human beings and must always be directed to their authentic good", he said. "Religious vision and religious imagination do not straiten but enrich political and ethical discourse; and the religions, precisely because they deal with the ultimate destiny of every man and woman, are called to be a prophetic force for human liberation and development throughout the world, particularly in areas torn by hostility and conflict". Benedict XVI went on: "The crisis of our modern democracies calls for a renewed commitment to reasoned dialogue in the discernment of wise and just policies respectful of human nature and human dignity. The Church in the United States contributes to this discernment particularly through the formation of consciences and her educational apostolate", he said. In this context, the Pope concluded by highlighting the need for "clear discernment with regard to issues touching the protection of human dignity and respect for the inalienable right to life from the moment of conception to natural death, as well as the protection of the right to conscientious objection on the part of healthcare workers, and indeed all citizens".CD/CREDENCE/PHILIPPINES:NETHERLANDS:U.S.A. VIS 091002 (820)
TELEGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKES VATICAN CITY, 2 OCT 2009 (VIS) - Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. sent a telegram,. in the name of the Holy Father, to Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, for the earthquakes that have struck the country in recent days. "Deeply saddened to learn of the recent devastating earthquakes affecting Indonesia", reads the English language telegram, "His Holiness Benedict XVI prays for the victims and their grieving families, invoking eternal rest upon the deceased and divine strength and consolation on all who are suffering, His Holiness likewise encourages the rescue workers, and all involved in providing emergency assistance to the victims of this disaster, to persevere in their efforts to bring relief, comfort and support".TGR/TELEGRAM/INDONESIA:BERTONE VIS 091002 (130)
SYNOD FOR AFRICA TO BE INAUGURATED ON SUNDAY VATICAN CITY, 2 OCT 2009 (VIS) - Today in the Holy See Press Office, Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, presided at a briefing for journalists to explain the significance - and certain organisational aspects - of the forthcoming Second Special Assembly for Africa, due to be held in the Vatican from 4 to 25 October. The theme of this Special Assembly is related to that of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Ecclesia in Africa", which brought together the results of the First Special Assembly for Africa held from 10 April to 8 May 1994 on the theme: "The Church in Africa and her evangelizing mission towards the Year 2000: 'You shall be my witnesses'". The secretary of the Synod highlighted how "The Church in Africa is very dynamic. From 1978 to 2007, the number of African Catholics rose from 55 million to 146 million. Vocations to the priesthood and the religious life also saw a notable growth in numbers", he said. However, he also recalled the fact that "521 pastoral workers were killed in Africa between 1994 and 2008. ... In the year 2008, for example, of twenty Catholic pastoral workers killed throughout the world, five were African: three priests, one religious and one lay volunteer, from Kenya, Guinea, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo". This Second Special Assembly for Africa will be attended "by 244 Synod Fathers of whom 228 are bishops", said Archbishop Eterovic. Most of the Synod Fathers (197) are from Africa while the remaining 47 come from Europe (34), America (10), Asia (2) and Oceania (1). The sessions of the Synod will also be attended by fraternal delegates: representatives of six other Churches and ecclesial communities with a significant presence in Africa and with whom the Catholic Church maintains close ties of dialogue and collaboration. Also present will be "29 experts, 19 men and 10 women, and 49 observers, 29 men and 20 women", said the archbishop, noting that "three special guests will also participate in the event, at the invitation of the Pope": On Tuesday 6 October His Holiness Abuna Paulos, patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, will participate in the Third General Congregation; on Friday 9 October Mr. Rudolf Adada, former head of the Joint United Nations/African Union Peacekeeping Mission for Darfur will be reporting on the efforts for peace in that region "which is of interest not only to African countries but to the whole world"; finally, on Monday 12 October the Synod Fathers will be addressed by Jacques Diouf, director general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on efforts the FAO is making to ensure food security for Africa.SE/PRESENTATION SYNOD AFRICA/ETEROVIC VIS 091002 (460)
AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 2 OCT 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and of the Governorate of Vatican City State. - Archbishop Orlando Antonini, apostolic nuncio to Serbia. - Raul Roa Kouri, ambassador of Cuba, on his farewell visit. This evening he is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.AP/.../... VIS 091002 (80)
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 2 OCT 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed as ordinary members of the Pontifical Academy for the Social Sciences: Russell Hittinger, professor of philosophy and religion at the University of Tulsa, U.S.A., and Janne Haaland Matlary, professor of international politics at the department of political sciences of the University of Oslo, Norway.NA/.../HITTINGER:HAALAND VIS 091002 (60)
IN MEMORIAM VATICAN CITY, 2 OCT 2009 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks: - Bishop Pudhota Chinniah Balaswamy, emeritus of Nellore, India, on 24 September at the age of 80. - Bishop Joseph Satoshi Fukahori, emeritus of Takamatsu, Japan, on 24 September at the age of 84. - Archbishop Miroslav Stefan Marusyn, former secretary of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, on 21 September at the age of 85. - Archbishop Luis Sanchez-Moreno Lira, emeritus of Arequipa, Peru, on 28 September at the age of 83. - Archbishop Joseph-Marie Sardou T.D., emeritus of Monaco, Principality of Monaco, on 19 September at the age of 86..../DEATHS/... VIS 091002 (110)
AMERICA
US AMBASSADOR TO VATICAN DIAZ RECIEVED BY POPE
Catholic Online reports the full text of the welcoming address given by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, to the new United States Ambassador to the Holy See, Miguel Diaz, on October 2, 2009. It is a wonderful summary of the vital themes of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church on authentic humanism, genuine progress and fidelity to the truth as the guarantor of authentic freedom, human flourishing and true human development. Of course, the Pope took the occasion to strongly affirm the need for every just 
Nation to assure the “protection of human dignity and respect for the inalienable right to life from the moment of conception.” U.S. Ambassador Diaz is called by many people whom I respect, including ‘Democrats for Life’, a “Pro-Life Democrat”. Let us pray that his tenure in this vital office will be an occasion for this theologically trained Catholic Public Servant to serve with fidelity the fullness of the truth as taught infallibly by his Church. This is required of every Catholic in Public Service. Let us pray that he has the courage to affirm this truth about the inviolable dignity of every human life found in the Natural Law, affirmed by Medical Science, and taught infallibly by his Church to this U.S. Administration. Let us pray that he has the prophetic boldness to insist in his dealings with the current US Administration that they recognize the humanity and fundamental right to life of our first neighbors, children in their mother’s womb. May St. Thomas More be his inspiration as he discerns his loyalties.This could be his moment for heroic service. The Holy Father concludes his telling remarks to the Ambassador with an approving restatement of what he calls the “prophetic words of the late Pope John Paul II.” Here are those words: "….a society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized" (Evangelium Vitae, 93; cf. Caritas in Veritate, 15). Here is the entire address from Pope Benedict XVI to Ambassador Diaz: ***** Your Excellency, I am pleased to accept the Letters by which you are accredited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. I recall with pleasure my meeting with President Barack Obama and his family last July, and willingly reciprocate the kind greetings which you bring from him. I also take this occasion to express my confidence that diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See, formally initiated twenty-five years ago, will continue to be marked by fruitful dialogue and cooperation in the promotion of human dignity, respect for fundamental human rights, and the service of justice, solidarity and peace within the whole human family. In the course of my Pastoral Visit to your country last year I was pleased to encounter a vibrant democracy, committed to the service of the common good and shaped by a vision of equality and equal opportunity based on the God-given dignity and freedom of each human being. That vision, enshrined in the nation’s founding documents, continues to inspire the growth of the United States as a cohesive yet pluralistic society constantly enriched by the gifts brought by new generations, including the many immigrants who continue to enhance and rejuvenate American society. In recent months, the reaffirmation of this dialectic of tradition and originality, unity and diversity has recaptured the imagination of the world, many of whose peoples look to the American experience and its founding vision in their own search for viable models of accountable democracy and sound development in an increasingly interdependent and global society. For this reason, I appreciate your acknowledgement of the need for a greater spirit of solidarity and multilateral engagement in approaching the urgent problems facing our planet. The cultivation of the values of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" can no longer be seen in predominantly individualistic or even national terms, but must rather be viewed from the higher perspective of the common good of the whole human family. The continuing international economic crisis clearly calls for a revision of present political, economic and financial structures in the light of the ethical imperative of ensuring the integral development of all people. What is needed, in effect, is a model of globalization inspired by an authentic humanism, in which the world’s peoples are seen not merely as neighbors but as brothers and sisters. Multilateralism, for its part, should not be restricted to purely economic and political questions; rather, it should find expression in a resolve to address the whole spectrum of issues linked to the future of humanity and the promotion of human dignity, including secure access to food and water, basic health care, just policies governing commerce and immigration, particularly where families are concerned, climate control and care for the environment, and the elimination of the scourge of nuclear weapons. With regard to the latter issue, I wish to express my satisfaction for the recent Meeting of the United Nations Security Council chaired by President Obama, which unanimously approved the resolution on atomic disarmament and set before the international community the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. This is a promising sign on the eve of the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Genuine progress, as the Church’s social teaching insists, must be integral and humane; it cannot prescind from the truth about human beings and must always be directed to their authentic good. In a word, fidelity to man requires fidelity to the truth, which alone is the guarantee of freedom and real development. For her part the Church in the United States wishes to contribute to the discussion of the weighty ethical and social questions shaping America’s future by proposing respectful and reasonable arguments grounded in the natural law and confirmed by the perspective of faith. Religious vision and religious imagination do not straiten but enrich political and ethical discourse, and the religions, precisely because they deal with the ultimate destiny of every man and woman, are called to be a prophetic force for human liberation and development throughout the world, particularly in areas torn by hostility and conflict. In my recent visit to the Holy Land I stressed the value of understanding and cooperation among the followers of the various religions in the service of peace, and so I note with appreciation your government’s desire to promote such cooperation as part of a broader dialogue between cultures and peoples. Allow me, Mr. Ambassador, to reaffirm a conviction which I expressed at the outset of my Apostolic Journey to the United States. Freedom – the freedom which Americans rightly hold dear – "is not only a gift but also a summons to personal responsibility;" it is "a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over to the cause of good" (Address at the White House, 16 April 2008). The preservation of freedom is inseparably linked to respect for truth and the pursuit of authentic human flourishing. The crisis of our modern democracies calls for a renewed commitment to reasoned dialogue in the discernment of wise and just policies respectful of human nature and human dignity. The Church in the United States contributes to this discernment particularly through the formation of consciences and her educational apostolate, by which she makes a significant and positive contribution to American civic life and public discourse. Here I think particularly of the need for a clear discernment with regard to issues touching the protection of human dignity and respect for the inalienable right to life from the moment of conception to natural death, as well as the protection of the right to conscientious objection on the part of health care workers, and indeed all citizens. The Church insists on the unbreakable link between an ethics of life and every other aspect of social ethics, for she is convinced that, in the prophetic words of the late Pope John Paul II, "a society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized" (Evangelium Vitae, 93; cf. Caritas in Veritate, 15). Mr. Ambassador, as you undertake your new mission in the service of your country I offer you my good wishes and the promise of my prayers. Be assured that you may always count on the offices of the Holy See to assist and support you in the fulfillment of your duties. Upon you and your family, and upon all the beloved American people, I cordially invoke God’s blessings of wisdom, strength and peace." (SOURCE: http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=34557
Nation to assure the “protection of human dignity and respect for the inalienable right to life from the moment of conception.” U.S. Ambassador Diaz is called by many people whom I respect, including ‘Democrats for Life’, a “Pro-Life Democrat”. Let us pray that his tenure in this vital office will be an occasion for this theologically trained Catholic Public Servant to serve with fidelity the fullness of the truth as taught infallibly by his Church. This is required of every Catholic in Public Service. Let us pray that he has the courage to affirm this truth about the inviolable dignity of every human life found in the Natural Law, affirmed by Medical Science, and taught infallibly by his Church to this U.S. Administration. Let us pray that he has the prophetic boldness to insist in his dealings with the current US Administration that they recognize the humanity and fundamental right to life of our first neighbors, children in their mother’s womb. May St. Thomas More be his inspiration as he discerns his loyalties.This could be his moment for heroic service. The Holy Father concludes his telling remarks to the Ambassador with an approving restatement of what he calls the “prophetic words of the late Pope John Paul II.” Here are those words: "….a society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized" (Evangelium Vitae, 93; cf. Caritas in Veritate, 15). Here is the entire address from Pope Benedict XVI to Ambassador Diaz: ***** Your Excellency, I am pleased to accept the Letters by which you are accredited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. I recall with pleasure my meeting with President Barack Obama and his family last July, and willingly reciprocate the kind greetings which you bring from him. I also take this occasion to express my confidence that diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See, formally initiated twenty-five years ago, will continue to be marked by fruitful dialogue and cooperation in the promotion of human dignity, respect for fundamental human rights, and the service of justice, solidarity and peace within the whole human family. In the course of my Pastoral Visit to your country last year I was pleased to encounter a vibrant democracy, committed to the service of the common good and shaped by a vision of equality and equal opportunity based on the God-given dignity and freedom of each human being. That vision, enshrined in the nation’s founding documents, continues to inspire the growth of the United States as a cohesive yet pluralistic society constantly enriched by the gifts brought by new generations, including the many immigrants who continue to enhance and rejuvenate American society. In recent months, the reaffirmation of this dialectic of tradition and originality, unity and diversity has recaptured the imagination of the world, many of whose peoples look to the American experience and its founding vision in their own search for viable models of accountable democracy and sound development in an increasingly interdependent and global society. For this reason, I appreciate your acknowledgement of the need for a greater spirit of solidarity and multilateral engagement in approaching the urgent problems facing our planet. The cultivation of the values of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" can no longer be seen in predominantly individualistic or even national terms, but must rather be viewed from the higher perspective of the common good of the whole human family. The continuing international economic crisis clearly calls for a revision of present political, economic and financial structures in the light of the ethical imperative of ensuring the integral development of all people. What is needed, in effect, is a model of globalization inspired by an authentic humanism, in which the world’s peoples are seen not merely as neighbors but as brothers and sisters. Multilateralism, for its part, should not be restricted to purely economic and political questions; rather, it should find expression in a resolve to address the whole spectrum of issues linked to the future of humanity and the promotion of human dignity, including secure access to food and water, basic health care, just policies governing commerce and immigration, particularly where families are concerned, climate control and care for the environment, and the elimination of the scourge of nuclear weapons. With regard to the latter issue, I wish to express my satisfaction for the recent Meeting of the United Nations Security Council chaired by President Obama, which unanimously approved the resolution on atomic disarmament and set before the international community the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. This is a promising sign on the eve of the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Genuine progress, as the Church’s social teaching insists, must be integral and humane; it cannot prescind from the truth about human beings and must always be directed to their authentic good. In a word, fidelity to man requires fidelity to the truth, which alone is the guarantee of freedom and real development. For her part the Church in the United States wishes to contribute to the discussion of the weighty ethical and social questions shaping America’s future by proposing respectful and reasonable arguments grounded in the natural law and confirmed by the perspective of faith. Religious vision and religious imagination do not straiten but enrich political and ethical discourse, and the religions, precisely because they deal with the ultimate destiny of every man and woman, are called to be a prophetic force for human liberation and development throughout the world, particularly in areas torn by hostility and conflict. In my recent visit to the Holy Land I stressed the value of understanding and cooperation among the followers of the various religions in the service of peace, and so I note with appreciation your government’s desire to promote such cooperation as part of a broader dialogue between cultures and peoples. Allow me, Mr. Ambassador, to reaffirm a conviction which I expressed at the outset of my Apostolic Journey to the United States. Freedom – the freedom which Americans rightly hold dear – "is not only a gift but also a summons to personal responsibility;" it is "a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over to the cause of good" (Address at the White House, 16 April 2008). The preservation of freedom is inseparably linked to respect for truth and the pursuit of authentic human flourishing. The crisis of our modern democracies calls for a renewed commitment to reasoned dialogue in the discernment of wise and just policies respectful of human nature and human dignity. The Church in the United States contributes to this discernment particularly through the formation of consciences and her educational apostolate, by which she makes a significant and positive contribution to American civic life and public discourse. Here I think particularly of the need for a clear discernment with regard to issues touching the protection of human dignity and respect for the inalienable right to life from the moment of conception to natural death, as well as the protection of the right to conscientious objection on the part of health care workers, and indeed all citizens. The Church insists on the unbreakable link between an ethics of life and every other aspect of social ethics, for she is convinced that, in the prophetic words of the late Pope John Paul II, "a society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized" (Evangelium Vitae, 93; cf. Caritas in Veritate, 15). Mr. Ambassador, as you undertake your new mission in the service of your country I offer you my good wishes and the promise of my prayers. Be assured that you may always count on the offices of the Holy See to assist and support you in the fulfillment of your duties. Upon you and your family, and upon all the beloved American people, I cordially invoke God’s blessings of wisdom, strength and peace." (SOURCE: http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=34557EUROPE
SPAIN: BISHOPS CALL FAITHFUL TO PRO-LIFE MARCH
CNA reports that the Bishops’ Conference of Spain issued a statement this week calling on the faithful to participate in the pro-life march scheduled for October 17 to protest against the Socialist government’s proposed reform of Spain’s abortion laws. “The laity are appropriately responding to this challenge—which is of great moral and social transcendence—by making use of their right to peacefully protest to express their disagreement with the proposed law, which constitutes a serious step backwards in the protection of the right to life of the unborn, a greater abandonment of pregnant mothers and irreparable harm to the common good,” the bishops said. They urged Spaniards to read their statement issued on June 17 in which they denounced the idea of converting the killing of the unborn into a “right.” The proposed reform of the country’s abortion law is “unjust,” the bishops continued, calling for prayers that unborn human life would be “appropriately protected by our laws.” Bishop Juan Antonio Martinez Camino, secretary general of the Bishops’ Conference, said opposing abortion, which is “grave crime,” “is not a question of religion.”
“A people that kills its own children is a people without a future,” he warned. (SOURCE: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=17292
AFRICA
NAIROBI: REPORT GROWING ABUSE OF CHILDREN
CISA reports that a non-governmental organization has released a report raising alarm over growing sexual abuse of children.The report by CRADLE says sexual abuse of children continues to rise, two years after the enactment of the Sexual Offences Act. Abuse of children accounts for 73 percent of all reported cases.According to the report, 79 percent of girls between the ages of 13 and 15 years and 21 percent of boys in the same age bracket have been sexually abused.The most common forms of abuse include defilement, sodomy, incest, sexual assault, child pornography, defilement of mentally impaired children and child sexual exploitation.The report also says that despite the government's efforts to stamp it out, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) continues among children mostly due to cultural persuasions.Early marriages and cohabitation with minors were also cited as a form of sexual violence, representing five percent of reported cases.During the launch of the report, CRADLE programme manager Brian Weke said: “We have drafted a Victims Support Bill which seeks emotional support and social support including compensation for survivors of sexual offences.”The organization also called on the government to invest in a better prosecution process for child sex abuse cases.The report recommends reforms in law implementation, including empowerment of courts and investment in modern methods of gathering evidence on child sexual abuses and proper prosecution of cases.The report also recommends enhancing medico-legal links in cases of sexual violence, monitoring cases of violence and need to enact laws and policies to respond to emerging cases of violence such as cyberspace crimes. (SOURCE: http://www.cisanewsafrica.org/story.asp?ID=4154
UCAN reports that Caritas Philippines has earmarked 30 million pesos (US$637,000) as part of its initial efforts to increase relief aid to Manila's flood victims, said the organization's executive secretary.
Sister Roseanne Mallillin and Luc Picard givean update on the Church’s
ongoing relief drive
Sister Roseanne Mallillin said her organization is looking to distribute at least this amount of sustainable relief packages to families who lost their homes and livelihoods when Typhoon Ketsana struck the Philippines on Sept. 26.
The move to expand humanitarian aid in and around the capital comes in the wake of increased donations from Caritas' foreign partners, she said.
Caritas Philippines is the official social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
Sister Mallillin said Caritas' social action directors in the dioceses of Antipolo, Malolos, Cavite, Laguna and Pampanga have already identified the recipients of the initial 10,000 sustainable relief packages.
She said these five dioceses were among the worst-hit areas.
At least 450,000 people have been affected by the typhoon, and about 150,000 have been made homeless.
Canned goods, rice, bottled water, dry clothes, blankets and toiletries are some of the basic items being gathered by Caritas Philippines since Sept. 27.
"These supplies will sustain them for a month or so, unlike other relief supplies consisting of limited portions of rice and canned goods that will last them for only a few days," said Sister Mallillin.
She said Church organizations, from parish to diocese level, have helped in the rapid distribution of relief supplies.
Among those who assisted the local Church's efforts was the US-based Catholic Relief Services, which donated an initial US$250,000. CRS country representative Luc Picard has also pledged to help in early recovery efforts.
Others who have given financial assistance are Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, Caritas Espanola, Caritas New Zealand and the United Kingdom-based Catholic Agency for Overseas Development.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo has voiced his concern over possible future storms.
In a statement on Oct. 2 the archbishop said: "After the destructive Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) that hit Manila and Central Luzon, and with still on-going work of compassion and rehabilitation, we are warned by the news of possibly stronger typhoons in the coming days or weeks."
He added, "We are impelled to pray that the Lord save our country from further calamities."
The prelate also urged that "in this month of October especially, we recommend that the Rosary be prayed by individuals or by families or by communities in parishes for the above intention as well as other intentions."(SOURCE: http://www.ucanews.com/2009/10/02/church-mounts-relief-aid-for-typhoon-victims/
Sister Roseanne Mallillin and Luc Picard givean update on the Church’s
ongoing relief driveSister Roseanne Mallillin said her organization is looking to distribute at least this amount of sustainable relief packages to families who lost their homes and livelihoods when Typhoon Ketsana struck the Philippines on Sept. 26.
The move to expand humanitarian aid in and around the capital comes in the wake of increased donations from Caritas' foreign partners, she said.
Caritas Philippines is the official social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
Sister Mallillin said Caritas' social action directors in the dioceses of Antipolo, Malolos, Cavite, Laguna and Pampanga have already identified the recipients of the initial 10,000 sustainable relief packages.
She said these five dioceses were among the worst-hit areas.
At least 450,000 people have been affected by the typhoon, and about 150,000 have been made homeless.
Canned goods, rice, bottled water, dry clothes, blankets and toiletries are some of the basic items being gathered by Caritas Philippines since Sept. 27.
"These supplies will sustain them for a month or so, unlike other relief supplies consisting of limited portions of rice and canned goods that will last them for only a few days," said Sister Mallillin.
She said Church organizations, from parish to diocese level, have helped in the rapid distribution of relief supplies.
Among those who assisted the local Church's efforts was the US-based Catholic Relief Services, which donated an initial US$250,000. CRS country representative Luc Picard has also pledged to help in early recovery efforts.
Others who have given financial assistance are Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, Caritas Espanola, Caritas New Zealand and the United Kingdom-based Catholic Agency for Overseas Development.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo has voiced his concern over possible future storms.
In a statement on Oct. 2 the archbishop said: "After the destructive Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) that hit Manila and Central Luzon, and with still on-going work of compassion and rehabilitation, we are warned by the news of possibly stronger typhoons in the coming days or weeks."
He added, "We are impelled to pray that the Lord save our country from further calamities."
The prelate also urged that "in this month of October especially, we recommend that the Rosary be prayed by individuals or by families or by communities in parishes for the above intention as well as other intentions."(SOURCE: http://www.ucanews.com/2009/10/02/church-mounts-relief-aid-for-typhoon-victims/
AUSTRALIA
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE CLEARED OF CHARGES
Cath News reports that Toowoomba Bishop William Morris said investigations cleared Catholic education office staff of any cover up over sex abuse allegations at a Darling Downs school in southern Queensland, and that preventive action is being taken. avigator.Two Toowoomba Catholic Education Office employees specifically involved in the handling of the matter have however been removed from working in any roles directly related to student protection issues i
nvolving allegations against an employee of the diocese, Bishop Morris said in a media statement.
A former teacher faces 46 charges of sexually abusing children, while the principal has been charged with failing to report the matter to police, ABC reported. The teacher plans to plead guilty and the principal is due to stand trial in November.
Bishop Morris says an investigation by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board and an independent internal review found the school and the local Catholic education office did not try to protect themselves when the allegations first surfaced in 2007, the ABC report adds.
Legal constraints have prevented the principal from being interviewed in the investigations.
Among immediate steps to prevent a recurrence, Bishop Morris outlined, a diocesan student protection kit will be updated, teachers and staff retrained in its use and in what is expected of them and an expert will be appointed to oversee student protection in the diocese.
He said in a media statement that "we need to act now and implement actions that I believe will help ensure this never happens again."
Other measures include that all relief teachers are now required to have completed the Childwise Student Protection Inservice or a school based training session before being offered relief teaching duties.
"As I have stated previously, as a parent and educator, I do not and will not accept any form of abuse, and I stand by this claim," Director of the Toowoomba Catholic Education Office, Mr John Borserio, said.
"The protection of all children within our care is paramount and we must do everything we can to ensure their safety."
Cath News reports that Toowoomba Bishop William Morris said investigations cleared Catholic education office staff of any cover up over sex abuse allegations at a Darling Downs school in southern Queensland, and that preventive action is being taken. avigator.Two Toowoomba Catholic Education Office employees specifically involved in the handling of the matter have however been removed from working in any roles directly related to student protection issues i
nvolving allegations against an employee of the diocese, Bishop Morris said in a media statement.A former teacher faces 46 charges of sexually abusing children, while the principal has been charged with failing to report the matter to police, ABC reported. The teacher plans to plead guilty and the principal is due to stand trial in November.
Bishop Morris says an investigation by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board and an independent internal review found the school and the local Catholic education office did not try to protect themselves when the allegations first surfaced in 2007, the ABC report adds.
Legal constraints have prevented the principal from being interviewed in the investigations.
Among immediate steps to prevent a recurrence, Bishop Morris outlined, a diocesan student protection kit will be updated, teachers and staff retrained in its use and in what is expected of them and an expert will be appointed to oversee student protection in the diocese.
He said in a media statement that "we need to act now and implement actions that I believe will help ensure this never happens again."
Other measures include that all relief teachers are now required to have completed the Childwise Student Protection Inservice or a school based training session before being offered relief teaching duties.
"As I have stated previously, as a parent and educator, I do not and will not accept any form of abuse, and I stand by this claim," Director of the Toowoomba Catholic Education Office, Mr John Borserio, said.
"The protection of all children within our care is paramount and we must do everything we can to ensure their safety."
TODAY'S SAINT
The Feast of the Guardian Angels
Feast: October 2
Information:
Feast Day:
October 2
Not only do believers have faith on their side, but they have "witnesses" of God's Word. Holy Scripture contains numerous examples that witness to the existence of angels and their manifestations in relation to the fulfillment of particular missions.
The well-known example of Mary's Annunciation involved an angel sent by God to announce that the moment had arrived for the fulfillment of the coming of God's Son: He would be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of Mary as man.
Angels were also the witnesses and heralds of Jesus' Resurrection.
Sacred Scripture and angels
With Sacred Scripture as its foundation, the Church affirms the existence of angels and puts into light their mission in relation to collective salvation in history as well as individual salvation.
In a Catechesis during the early years of his Pontificate, keeping in mind what is held by tradition, John Paul II affirmed that "the angels, as pure spirits, not only participate in the holiness of God himself, in the manner proper to them, but in the key moments they surround Christ and accompany him in the fulfillment of his salvific mission in regard to mankind" (General Audience, 30 July 1986; L'Osservatore Romano English Edition, 4 August, p. 1).
Holiness, therefore, as the fruit of grace and love, is shared by the angels. It is not shared by all, however, for in the beginning there was a rebellion, and those unfaithful to God and his project of salvation were excluded.
Without manipulating Scripture, we can say that participation in God's holiness can be understood in relation to the redemptive holiness which springs forth from Christ, by means of and in sight of which the angels were created. Such participation was held in a specific way by the angels.
Guardian angels
In the Catechesis mentioned above, John Paul also affirms that "in the key moments [the angels] surround Christ and accompany him in the fulfilment of his salvific mission in regard to mankind". This is a logical consequence of the aforementioned text.
Angels, created by God according to the importance and necessity of each situation, therefore "accompany" and "surround" the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. In this way the mission is complete, embracing the whole Christ, Head and Body.
This dynamic refers not only to the Ecclesial Community as such, but also individual Church members. But as part of the historical and ecclesiological profile it must also be mentioned that angels journey together with the Church in her mission of salvation and at the same time travel side-by-side with her members; all human beings have their own guardian angel to guard, protect and enlighten them.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church proclaims that "from infancy to death human life is surrounded by their [angels'] watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God" (CCC, n. 336).
Such protection will benefit those who respond to the Holy Spirit's direction and for those who willingly collaborate. In her liturgy, the Church prays to the angels for herself and others, calling upon their protection and intercession: it is sufficient to follow the liturgy of the Mass to be convinced.
The same Church makes the special prayer to the guardian angel available to the faithful and to all who wish to recite it. As a result, praying it at least twice a day, morning and evening, should not be "an option". (SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/G/guardianangels.asp
TODAY'S GOSPEL
Matthew 18: 1 - 5, 10
1
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them,
3
and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
4
Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5
"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me;
10
"See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
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