CATHOLIC WORLD NEWS: MON. MARCH 15, 2010

CATHOLIC WORLD NEWS: MON. MARCH 15, 2010: HEADLINES-
VATICAN: POPE TO SPEND THE ENTIRE SUMMER AT CASTELGANDOLFO/other news-
ASIA: ISRAEL: VIOLENT PALESTINIAN DAY OF RAGE-
AFRICA: UGANDA: REBEL GROUP TERRORIZES CENTRAL AFRICA-
EUROPE: ROME: VIDEO ON THE PRIESTHOOD-

AMERICA: BRAZIL: FAMOUS STATUE OF CHRIST WILL BE REFURBISHED-
AUSTRALIA: SCHOOLS SEEK LEGAL ADVICE ON TEACHING CREATIONISM-

POPE TO SPEND THE ENTIRE SUMMER AT CASTELGANDOLFO VATICAN CITY, 13 MAR 2010 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office has announced that in summer this year the Holy Father will travel directly from Rome to Castelgandolfo, where he will spend the entire summer period. Benedict XVI, the text continues, "greatly appreciates all the invitations he has received to spend several weeks in alpine locations and sincerely thanks the bishops who sent them, but this year he prefers to start the summer period of rest and study immediately, without the commitment of further transfers".OP/PAPAL VACATION/... VIS 100315 (100)

BENEDICT XVI VISITS ROME'S EVANGELICAL-LUTHERAN CHURCH VATICAN CITY, 14 MAR 2010 (VIS) - This afternoon, Benedict XVI visited the Evangelical-Lutheran church of Rome, a building inaugurated in 1922, where he was welcomed by Jens-Martin Kruse, pastor of the city's Lutheran community. John Paul II visited the same church in December 1983, for the fifth centenary of the birth of Martin Luther. As the Pope and the Lutheran pastor advanced towards the altar, a choir of Lutherans and Catholic seminarians sang Mozart's "Jubilate Deo". Following a greeting from the president of the Lutheran community, Pastor Kruse and the Pope both delivered homilies. Benedict XVI gave thanks for the fact that "we are gathered here on this Sunday, singing together, listening to the Word of God, listening to one another and looking towards the One Christ, bearing witness to the One Christ". Continuing his homily, delivered off-the-cuff in German, the Holy Father noted how "we hear many complaints about the fact that there are no longer any new developments in ecumenism. Yet", he insisted, "we can say with gratitude that there are many elements that unite us". "We must not content ourselves with the successes of ecumenism over recent years, because we still cannot drink from the same chalice or gather together around the same altar", he said. "This", he went on, "cannot but make us sad because it is a situation of sin; and yet unity cannot be achieved by men. We must entrust ourselves to the Lord, because He is the only one Who can give us unity. Let us hope that He brings us to that goal". Recalling words used by Pastor Kruse in his homily, the Holy Father agreed that the main common ground between Lutherans and Catholics "must be the joy and hope we are already experiencing, and the hope that our current unity may become even deeper". At the end of his visit the Pope gave the Lutheran community of Rome, which is made up of 350 faithful, a mosaic depicting Jesus Christ, reproduction of an original located under the Altar of the Confession in St. Peter's Basilica.BXVI-VISIT LUTHERAN CHURCH/.../... VIS 100315 (360)

AUDIENCES VATICAN CITY, 15 MAR 2010 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences: - Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa, Italy, president of the Italian Episcopal conference. - Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, major archbishop of Kyiv-Halyc, Ukraine. - Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki of Lviv of the Latins, Ukraine. - Four prelates of the Conference of Bishops of Burkina Faso and Niger, on their "ad limina" visit: - Archbishop Anselme Titianma Sanon of Bobo-Dioulasso. - Bishop Basile Tapsoba of Koudougou. - Wenceslas Compaore of Manga. - Bishop Lucas Kalfa Sanou of Banfora. On Saturday 13 March he received in separate audiences - Four prelates from the Sudan Catholic Bishops' Conference, on their "ad limina" visit: - Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, archbishop of Khartoum, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Marco Kur Adwok. - Bishop Macram Max Gassis M.C.C.J. of El Obeid, accompanied by Bishop Antonio Menegazzo M.C.C.J., apostolic administrator "sede plena et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis". - Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga S.D.B., archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.AL:AP/.../... VIS 100315 (170)

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS VATICAN CITY, 15 MAR 2010 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed: - Bishop Zelimir Puljic of Dubrovnik, Croatia, as archbishop of Zadar (area 3,009, population 164,840, Catholics 158,985, priests 118, religious 184), Croatia. The archbishop-elect was born in Kamena, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1947, he was ordained a priest in 1974 and consecrated a bishop in 1990. - Msgr. Stanislav Lipovsek of the clergy of the archdiocese of Maribor, Slovenia, pastor of the cathedral, as bishop of Celje (area 2,711, population 291,300, Catholics 238,800, priests 136, permanent deacons 2, religious 62), Slovenia. The bishop-elect was born in Vojnik, Slovenia in 1943 and ordained a priest in 1968. - Fr. Vicente Bokalic Iglic C.M., former provincial of the Congregation of the Mission in Argentina, as auxiliary of Buenos Aires (area 203, population 2,847,000, Catholics 2,609,000, priests 849, permanent deacons 6, religious 2,144), Argentina. The bishop-elect was born in Lanus, Argentina in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1978. On Saturday 13 March it was made public that he: - Appointed Cardinal Claudio Hummes O.F.M., prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, as his special envoy to the sixteenth Eucharistic Congress of Brazil, due to take place in the country's capital city of Brasilia from 13 to 16 May. - Appointed Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, apostolic nuncio to Madagascar and apostolic delegate to Comoros with functions as apostolic delegate to Reunion, also as apostolic nuncio to Mauritius and Seychelles. - Appointed Bishop Ricardo Blazquez Perez of Bilbao, Spain, as metropolitan archbishop of Valladolid (area 8,172, population 521,661, Catholics 466,412, priests 462, permanent deacons 9, religious 1,659), Spain. The archbishop-elect was born in Campillo, Spain in 1942, he was ordained a priest in 1967 and consecrated a bishop in 1988. - Accepted the resignation from the diocese of Kerema, Papua New Guinea, presented by Bishop Paul John Marx M.S.C., upon having reached the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Patrick Taval M.S.C. - Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, presented by Bishop Ramon Jose Viloria Pinzon, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.NER:NEA:NA:NN:RE/.../... VIS 100315 (360)

ASIA

ISRAEL: VIOLENT PALESTINIAN DAY OF RAGE

Asia News report:

Israeli police fire rubber bullets and tear gas against stone-throwing protesters. About 40 people are hurt, 25 are detained. Hamas organises protest in response to the opening of a synagogue near al-Aqsa Mosque. Sources tell AsiaNews that conflict is sliding towards religious warfare.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – Palestinians hurled stones at Israeli police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Some 25 Palestinians and a rightwing Jewish militant, who was trying to get to the Temple Mount, were arrested. East Jerusalem hospital treated about 40 Palestinians for injuries. Clashes broke out on the "day of rage" Hamas declared to protest Israel's consecration of the Hurva synagogue in the Old City. The opening of a synagogue is seen by many Palestinians as the latest example of Israel’s attempt to ensure that East Jerusalem does not become the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Sources in Jerusalem told AsiaNews that what is going on is a “religious war” that “no one wants to admit.” The real situation is emerging. Israel’s plan to build 1,600 housing units in East Jerusalem and the opening of the Hurva Synagogue (near the al-Aqsa Mosque) “are a provocation” to put “pressures on the Muslim camp.”
Israel does not want to see the birth of a Palestinian state, the source told AsiaNews. It is happy to see the Palestinian camp divided between Fatah and Hamas.
“Palestinians are depressed and desperate,” the source said. “I don’t know if they will have the strength to launch a third intifada.”
Thousands however heeded Hamas’ call for a ‘day of rage’ against the opening of a synagogue in an area claimed by both sides.
“This synagogue will be a prelude to violence and religious fanaticism and extremism,” said Hatem Abdel Qader, Fatah Jerusalem spokesman.
For his part, Israeli Prime Minister said that Jewish settlement activity would continue in the holy city.
For a number of international analysts, there seems to be an impasse, if Mr Netanyahu caves in and cancels the new settlements, the stability of his government may be in doubt; if he does not, peace talks are dead in the water.
For now, US Middle East special envoy George Mitchell will travel to region, but he has delayed his visit to Israel. The decision is unrelated to the issue of settlements, according to Washington. The US Embassy in Israel said the visit would occur after the Mideast Quartet (United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia) meets in Moscow.http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Palestinian-‘day-of-rage’-turns-violent-17901.html

AFRICA

UGANDA: REBEL GROUP TERRORIZES CENTRAL AFRICA

CISA report:

The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), the rebel group whose bloody raids drove hundreds of thousands of civilians into refugee camps in northern Uganda, has now opened up operations in the Central African Republic, Bishop Juan José Aguirre Munos of Bangassou told the Fides news service. Once again, the LRA fighters are taking a heavy toll on civilians. The LRA and its leader, Joseph Kony, have been charged with multiple human-rights violations. The Central African Republic does not share a border with Uganda. But after a joint military operation of Ugandan, Sudanese and Congolese forces drove the LRA out of northern Uganda and southern Sudan, the rebel group relocated to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. From there, the rebels have been carrying out raids against villages in the Central African Republic. http://www.cisanewsafrica.org/story.asp?ID=4463

EUROPE

ROME: VIDEO ON THE PRIESTHOOD

CNA report:

“Alter Christus,” a video on the many aspects of the priesthood, was recently released in Rome. The film focuses on the life of St. John Vianney as well as priestly identity and celibacy.
The film was released by the organization, “Home of the Mother,” its foundation, “EUK Mamie,” and in collaboration with the Congregation for the Clergy. According to Sister Maria Luisa Belmonte of Home of the Mother, the film is “centered on the life of St. John Vianney,” and “the topics covered range from the priestly identity to the Sacraments, from celibacy to the mission.”
The film is presented in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian and German.
“Alter Christus” includes interviews with Cardinal Claudio Hummes, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy; Cardinal Antonio Canizares, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; Cardinal Julian Herranz, President of the Disciplinary Commission of the Roman Curia; Archbishop Mauro Piacenza, Secretary of the Congregation for the Clergy; Abbot Michael John Zielinski, Vice-President of the Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church; Msgr. Guido Marini, Pontifical Master of Ceremonies, and several others.
For more information, visit: www.eukmamie.org/es/alter

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new_film_celebrating_year_of_priests_released_in_rome/

AMERICA

BRAZIL: FAMOUS STATUE OF CHRIST WILL BE REFURBISHED

Cath News report:

Rio de Janeiro's statue of Christ with outstretched arms is getting $4.35 million refurbishment this week to repair damage caused over the years by the elements.
Heavy rains have eroded portions of the face and hands of the statue. It has also been damaged by lightning strikes over the years, according to an AP report on the ninemsn website.
Workers began replacing large pieces of the statue's soapstone exterior and patching up a layer of concrete under that and expect to complete work by June. The Rio archdiocese says donations will pay for the repairs. http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=20014

AUSTRALIA

SCHOOLS SEEK LEGAL ADVICE ON TEACHING CREATIONISM

Cath News report:

South Australia's Association of Independent Schools is seeking legal advice on the banning of creationism or intelligent design in the science curriculum, saying it has concerns over government intrusion.
"There was very strong support for concerns about the excessive intrusion of government regulatory bodies into matters relating to the underpinning faith or educational philosophy of schools," says State association executive director Gary Le Duff, according to the Adelaide Advertiser.
Mr Le Duff said an incident where a poster on creationism had been removed at a South Australian school had "galvanised schools across the spectrum because it was seen as intrusive".
He said he was seeking legal advice about the board's power to restrict schools.
"We saw the actions around the poster as being excessive, we now question the authority of the registration board to prevent schools from incorporating particular aspects of their faith or educational belief." http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=20011


TODAY'S SAINT

St. Louise de Marillac
FOUNDRESS AND PATRONESS OF SOCIAL WORKERS
Feast: March 15
Information:
Feast Day:
March 15
Born:
12 August 1591 at Meux, France
Died:
15 March 1660 at Paris, France
Canonized:
11 March 1934 by Pope Pius XI
Major Shrine:
Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Rue du Bac, Paris, France
Patron of:
disappointing children, loss of parents, people rejected by religious orders, sick people, social workers, Vincentian Service Corps, widows

Foundress of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, born at Paris, 12 August, 1591, daughter of Louis de Marillac, Lord of Ferri res, and Marguerite Le Camus; died there, 15 March, 1660. Her mother having died soon after the birth of Louise, the education of the latter devolved upon her father, a man of blameless life. In her earlier years she was confided to the care of her aunt, a religious at Poissy. Afterwards she studied under a preceptress, devoting much time to the cultivation of the arts. Her father's serious disposition was reflected in the daughter's taste for philosophy and kindred subjects. When about sixteen years old, Louise developed a strong desire to enter the Capuchinesses (Daughter of the Passion). Her spiritual director dissuaded her, however, and her father having died, it became necessary to decide her vocation. Interpreting her director's advice, she accepted the hand of Antoine* Le Gras, a young secretary under Maria de' Medici. A son was born of this marriage on 13 October, 1613, and to his education Mlle Le Gras devoted herself during the years of his childhood. Of works of charity she never wearied. In 1619 she became acquainted with St. Francis de Sales, who was then in Paris, and Mgr. Le Campus, Bishop of Belley, became her spiritual adviser. Troubled by the thought that she had rejected a call to the religious state, she vowed in 1623 not remarry should her husband die before her.
M. Le Gras died on 21 December, 1625, after a long illness. In the meantime his wife had made the acquaintance of a priest known as M. Vincent (St. Vincent de Paul), who had been appointed superior of the Visitation Monastery by St. Francis of Sales. She placed herself under his direction, probably early in 1625. His influence led her to associate herself with his work among the poor of Paris, and especially in the extension of the Confrérie de la Charité, an association which he had founded for the relief of the sick poor. It was this labour which decided her life's work, the founding of the Sisters of Charity. The history of the evolution of this institute, which Mlle Le Gras plays so prominent a part, has been given elsewhere (see Charity, Sister of); it suffices here to say that, with formal ecclesiastical and state recognition, Mlle Le Gras' life-work received its assurance of success. Her death occurred in 1660, a few month before the death of St. Vincent, with whose labours she had been so closely united.http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/L/stlouisedemarillac.asp

TODAY'S GOSPEL

John 4: 43 - 54
43
After the two days he departed to Galilee.
44
For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
45
So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they too had gone to the feast.
46
So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caper'na-um there was an official whose son was ill.
47
When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.
48
Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe."
49
The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies."
50
Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way.
51
As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living.
52
So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him."
53
The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live"; and he himself believed, and all his household.
54
This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.