CATHOLIC WORLD NEWS: FRI. SEPT. 17, 2010: HEADLINES-
AUSTRALIA: CARITAS AND ACU PARTNER FORMING ALLIANCE
ASIA: PAKISTAN: SEMINARIANS PLAY IN FUNDRAISING CRICKET TOURNAMENT
ASIA: PAKISTAN: SEMINARIANS PLAY IN FUNDRAISING CRICKET TOURNAMENT
VATICAN: POPE: SUMMARY OF TALKS FROM TRIP TO UNITED KINGDOM
PAPAL INTERVIEW DURING THE FLIGHT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM VATICAN CITY, 16 SEP 2010 (VIS REPORT) - As is the tradition on his apostolic trips abroad, during his flight to the United Kingdom the Holy Father answered questions from the journalists accompanying him on the papal aircraft. One journalist asked the Pope if he
was worried about the discussions and contrasting opinions that have marked preparations for his trip. "The tradition of the country has included strong anti-Catholic views. Are you concerned about how you will be received?" Benedict XVI replied: "I must say that I am not worried because when I went to France it was said that it was the most anti-clerical of countries, with strong anti-clerical currents and a minimum number of faithful, and when I went to the Czech Republic it was also said that it was the most irreligious and anticlerical country of Europe. ... Of course, Great Britain has its own history of anti-Catholicism, that much is obvious, but it is also a country with a great history of tolerance. Thus I am certain that there will be a generally positive welcome from Catholics and believers, attention from those from those who seek to progress in our time, and mutual respect and tolerance where there is anti-Catholicism. I hope to carry on courageously and joyfully". The second question was: "The United Kingdom, like many other Western countries, is considered to be a secular State. There is a strong culturally-motivated atheist movement. Nonetheless, there are also signs that religious faith - particularly faith in Jesus Christ - remains alive at a personal level. What does this mean for Catholics and Anglicans? Can anything be done to make the Church a more credible and attractive institution?" "In my view", the Pope replied, "a Church which seeks above all to be attractive is already on the wrong path, because the Church does not work for herself, she does not work to increase her numbers and her power. The Church is at the service of Another. She serves not herself, not to become strong; rather, she serves to make the announcement of Jesus Christ more accessible: the great truths, the great powers of love and reconciliation which appeared in Him and which always come from the presence of Jesus Christ. ... In this sense its seems to me that Anglicans and Catholics have a simple task, the same task, the same direction to follow. If Anglicans and Catholics see that neither is an end unto themselves, but that they are both instruments of Christ ('friend of the bridegroom' as St. John says); if both follow Christ's priorities and not their own, then they come together because those priorities unite them. They are no longer rivals, each searching for more followers, they are joined in their commitment to the truth of Christ which comes into this world. Thus do they also reciprocally discover authentic and fruitful ecumenism". The third question put to the Pope focused on how to restore trust among the faithful following the sex abuse scandals. "In the first place, I have to say that these revelations were a shock to me, a source of great sadness. It is difficult to understand how this perversion of the priestly ministry was possible. The priest at the moment of ordination, having prepared for years for that moment, says yes to Christ, becoming His voice, His mouth, His hand, and serving Him with all his life so that the Good Shepherd Who loves, helps and leads us to truth may be present in the world. It is difficult to understand how a man who has done and said these things can fall into this perversion. It is very sad. It is also sad that the Church authorities were not sufficiently vigilant, not quick and decisive enough in taking the necessary measures. For all these reasons we are now in a time of penance, humility and renewed sincerity. ... As concerns the victims, I would like to make three important points. ... How can we make reparation, what can we do to help these people overcome their trauma, rediscover life and faith in the message of Christ? Concern and commitment to the victims is the first priority, with material psychological and spiritual assistance. The second question is the problem of the guilty, ensuring they receive just punishment, that they have no possibility of approaching young people, because we know that this is a disease and free will cannot function where the disease exists. Thus we must protect these people from themselves, find ways to help them and protect them from themselves, excluding them from all access to young people. The third point concerns prevention through education and the selection of candidates to the priesthood; vigilance so that as far as humanly possible future cases are avoided. I would also like to take this moment to thank British bishops for their attention and collaboration, both with the See of St. Peter and with the public authorities, and for their concern towards the victims. I feel the British episcopate has done and continues to do a great job, and I am very grateful to them". "The figure of Cardinal Newman", noted another journalist, "is very important for you, to the extent that you are taking the exceptional step of presiding at his beatification. Do you feel that his memory can help to overcome divisions between Anglicans and Catholics? What aspects of his personality do you wish to emphasise most?" "Cardinal Newman is above all", the Holy Father said, "a modern man who experienced all the problems of modernity, who also lived the problem of agnosticism, the impossibility of knowing God and believing. ... I would also highlight these three elements: The modernity of his life, with all the doubts and problems of our lives today. His immense culture; his knowledge of the great treasures of human culture and his permanent readiness to study and renew that knowledge. His spirituality; his spiritual life and his life with God. These things make him an exceptional man of our time. Thus his figure appears as a doctor of the Church for us and for everyone, as well as being a bridge between Anglicans and Catholics". The final question was: "This visit is considered as being a 'State visit'. Are there important points of agreement with the UK authorities, particularly in view of the great challenges facing the world today?" The Pope replied: "I am very grateful to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who wished to give this visit the rank of State visit, thus expressing its public nature as well as the joint responsibility of politics and religion for the future of the continent and the future of humanity. [We have] a great and joint responsibility to ensure that the values that create justice and politics - values that come from religion - proceed together in our time. Of course, the fact that this is a State visit does not make it a political event, because if the Pope is a head of State this is only a tool to guarantee the independence of his announcement and the public nature of his work as pastor, In this sense, a State visit always remains, substantially and essentially, a pastoral visit".PV-UNITED KINGDOM/ VIS 20100917 (1220)
IMAGE SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA
PAPAL INTERVIEW DURING THE FLIGHT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM VATICAN CITY, 16 SEP 2010 (VIS REPORT) - As is the tradition on his apostolic trips abroad, during his flight to the United Kingdom the Holy Father answered questions from the journalists accompanying him on the papal aircraft. One journalist asked the Pope if he
was worried about the discussions and contrasting opinions that have marked preparations for his trip. "The tradition of the country has included strong anti-Catholic views. Are you concerned about how you will be received?" Benedict XVI replied: "I must say that I am not worried because when I went to France it was said that it was the most anti-clerical of countries, with strong anti-clerical currents and a minimum number of faithful, and when I went to the Czech Republic it was also said that it was the most irreligious and anticlerical country of Europe. ... Of course, Great Britain has its own history of anti-Catholicism, that much is obvious, but it is also a country with a great history of tolerance. Thus I am certain that there will be a generally positive welcome from Catholics and believers, attention from those from those who seek to progress in our time, and mutual respect and tolerance where there is anti-Catholicism. I hope to carry on courageously and joyfully". The second question was: "The United Kingdom, like many other Western countries, is considered to be a secular State. There is a strong culturally-motivated atheist movement. Nonetheless, there are also signs that religious faith - particularly faith in Jesus Christ - remains alive at a personal level. What does this mean for Catholics and Anglicans? Can anything be done to make the Church a more credible and attractive institution?" "In my view", the Pope replied, "a Church which seeks above all to be attractive is already on the wrong path, because the Church does not work for herself, she does not work to increase her numbers and her power. The Church is at the service of Another. She serves not herself, not to become strong; rather, she serves to make the announcement of Jesus Christ more accessible: the great truths, the great powers of love and reconciliation which appeared in Him and which always come from the presence of Jesus Christ. ... In this sense its seems to me that Anglicans and Catholics have a simple task, the same task, the same direction to follow. If Anglicans and Catholics see that neither is an end unto themselves, but that they are both instruments of Christ ('friend of the bridegroom' as St. John says); if both follow Christ's priorities and not their own, then they come together because those priorities unite them. They are no longer rivals, each searching for more followers, they are joined in their commitment to the truth of Christ which comes into this world. Thus do they also reciprocally discover authentic and fruitful ecumenism". The third question put to the Pope focused on how to restore trust among the faithful following the sex abuse scandals. "In the first place, I have to say that these revelations were a shock to me, a source of great sadness. It is difficult to understand how this perversion of the priestly ministry was possible. The priest at the moment of ordination, having prepared for years for that moment, says yes to Christ, becoming His voice, His mouth, His hand, and serving Him with all his life so that the Good Shepherd Who loves, helps and leads us to truth may be present in the world. It is difficult to understand how a man who has done and said these things can fall into this perversion. It is very sad. It is also sad that the Church authorities were not sufficiently vigilant, not quick and decisive enough in taking the necessary measures. For all these reasons we are now in a time of penance, humility and renewed sincerity. ... As concerns the victims, I would like to make three important points. ... How can we make reparation, what can we do to help these people overcome their trauma, rediscover life and faith in the message of Christ? Concern and commitment to the victims is the first priority, with material psychological and spiritual assistance. The second question is the problem of the guilty, ensuring they receive just punishment, that they have no possibility of approaching young people, because we know that this is a disease and free will cannot function where the disease exists. Thus we must protect these people from themselves, find ways to help them and protect them from themselves, excluding them from all access to young people. The third point concerns prevention through education and the selection of candidates to the priesthood; vigilance so that as far as humanly possible future cases are avoided. I would also like to take this moment to thank British bishops for their attention and collaboration, both with the See of St. Peter and with the public authorities, and for their concern towards the victims. I feel the British episcopate has done and continues to do a great job, and I am very grateful to them". "The figure of Cardinal Newman", noted another journalist, "is very important for you, to the extent that you are taking the exceptional step of presiding at his beatification. Do you feel that his memory can help to overcome divisions between Anglicans and Catholics? What aspects of his personality do you wish to emphasise most?" "Cardinal Newman is above all", the Holy Father said, "a modern man who experienced all the problems of modernity, who also lived the problem of agnosticism, the impossibility of knowing God and believing. ... I would also highlight these three elements: The modernity of his life, with all the doubts and problems of our lives today. His immense culture; his knowledge of the great treasures of human culture and his permanent readiness to study and renew that knowledge. His spirituality; his spiritual life and his life with God. These things make him an exceptional man of our time. Thus his figure appears as a doctor of the Church for us and for everyone, as well as being a bridge between Anglicans and Catholics". The final question was: "This visit is considered as being a 'State visit'. Are there important points of agreement with the UK authorities, particularly in view of the great challenges facing the world today?" The Pope replied: "I am very grateful to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who wished to give this visit the rank of State visit, thus expressing its public nature as well as the joint responsibility of politics and religion for the future of the continent and the future of humanity. [We have] a great and joint responsibility to ensure that the values that create justice and politics - values that come from religion - proceed together in our time. Of course, the fact that this is a State visit does not make it a political event, because if the Pope is a head of State this is only a tool to guarantee the independence of his announcement and the public nature of his work as pastor, In this sense, a State visit always remains, substantially and essentially, a pastoral visit".PV-UNITED KINGDOM/ VIS 20100917 (1220)IMAGE SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA
RELIGION IS A GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTIC LIBERTY AND RESPECT VATICAN
SEP 2010 (VIS) - At 3.15 p.m. today, the Pope left Edinburgh by car for Bellahouston Park in Glasgow where he arrived an hour later. Having driven through the park, greeting and blessing the 70,000 faithful present, he celebrated Mass in honour of St. Ninian of Galloway, apostle of Scotland (360-432). Recalling John Paul II's historic 1982 visit during which he had called the faithful to walk hand in hand with their fellow Christians, the Pope noted how this "has led to greater trust and friendship with the members of the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and others". Benedict XVI also greeted representatives of other Christian confessions present at the ceremony. "Let us give thanks to God", he said, "for the promise which ecumenical understanding and co-operation represents for a united witness to the saving truth of God's word in today's rapidly changing society". On the subject of education he noted how "in the last thirty years, and with the assistance of civil authorities, Scottish Catholic schools have taken up the challenge of providing an integral education to greater numbers of students". "I encourage the Catholic professionals, politicians and teachers of Scotland never to lose sight of their calling to use their talents and experience in the service of the faith, engaging contemporary Scottish culture at every level", he said. "The evangelisation of culture is all the more important in our times, when a 'dictatorship of relativism' threatens to obscure the unchanging truth about man's nature, his destiny and his ultimate good. There are some who now seek to exclude religious belief from public discourse, to privatise it or even to paint it as a threat to equality and liberty. Yet religion is in fact a guarantee of authentic liberty and respect, leading us to look upon every person as a brother or sister. For this reason I appeal in particular to you, the lay faithful, ... not only to be examples of faith in public, but also to put the case for the promotion of faith's wisdom and vision in the public forum. "Society today", the Pope added, "needs clear voices which propose our right to live, not in a jungle of self-destructive and arbitrary freedoms, but in a society which works for the true welfare of its citizens and offers them guidance and protection in the face of their weakness and fragility. Do not be afraid to take up this service to your brothers and sisters, and to the future of your beloved nation". Addressing Scottish bishops, Benedict XVI reminded them that one of their primary pastoral duties is the sanctification of priests. "Pray with them for vocations", he said. And he told Scottish priests that "you are called to holiness and to serve God's people by modelling your lives on the mystery of the Lord's cross. Preach the Gospel with a pure heart and a clear conscience. Dedicate yourselves to God alone and you will become shining examples to young men of a holy, simple and joyful life: they, in their turn, will surely wish to join you in your single-minded service of God's people". The Pope concluded his homily with some remarks addressed to the young Catholics of Scotland. "There are", he noted, "many temptations placed before you every day - drugs, money, sex, pornography, alcohol - which the world tells you will bring you happiness, yet these things are destructive and divisive. There is only one thing which lasts: the love of Jesus Christ personally for each one of you. Search for Him, know Him and love Him, and He will set you free from slavery to the glittering but superficial existence frequently proposed by today's society. Put aside what is worthless and learn of your own dignity as children of God". "I pray that many of you will know and love Jesus Christ and, through that encounter, will dedicate yourselves completely to God, especially those of you who are called to the priesthood and religious life". After Mass, the Pope travelled by plane from Glasgow to London's Heathrow airport. From there he went to the apostolic nunciature where he spent the night.PV-UNITED KINGDOM/ VIS 20100917 (710)
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: THE TRANSCENDENT DIMENSION OF STUDY VATICAN CITY, 17 SEP 2010 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father travelled twelve kilometres by car from the apostolic nunciature in London, England, to St. Mary's University College at Twickenham. The institution, founded in 1850 to educate the children of poorer Catholic families, was initially run by the Brothers of Christian Schools but passed to the Vincentians in 1899. It currently has 4,000 students. From 1920 to 1989 it was part of the University of London but now issues its own academic qualifications. The Pope was greeted by the rector and the chaplain of the university, by Michael Gove, minister for Education, and by Bishop George Stack, auxiliary of Westminster. They accompanied him to the university chapel where 300 religious who work in education were awaiting his arrival. Once there the Pope delivered his address. "You form new generations not only in knowledge of the faith, but in every aspect of what it means to live as mature and responsible citizens in today's world", said the Holy Father. "Education is not and must never be considered as purely utilitarian. It is about forming the human person, equipping him or her to live life to the full - in short it is about imparting wisdom. And true wisdom is inseparable from knowledge of the Creator". "This transcendent dimension of study and teaching was clearly grasped by the monks who contributed so much to the evangelisation of these islands", he said. "Since the search for God, which lies at the heart of the monastic vocation, requires active engagement with the means by which He makes Himself known - His creation and His revealed word - it was only natural that the monastery should have a library and a school. ... It was the monks' dedication to learning as the path on which to encounter the Incarnate Word of God that was to lay the foundations of our Western culture and civilisation". The Holy Father thanked the members of the teaching orders which, he said, "have carried the light of the Gospel to far-off lands as part of the Church's great missionary work. ... Often", he told his audience, "you laid the foundations of educational provision long before the State assumed a responsibility for this vital service to the individual and to society. "As the relative roles of Church and State in the field of education continue to evolve", the Pope added, "never forget that religious have a unique contribution to offer to this apostolate, above all through lives consecrated to God and through faithful, loving witness to Christ, the supreme Teacher. Indeed, the presence of religious in Catholic schools is a powerful reminder of the much-discussed Catholic ethos that needs to inform every aspect of school life. This extends far beyond the self-evident requirement that the content of the teaching should always be in conformity with Church doctrine". Pope Benedict concluded by expressing his particular appreciation "for those whose task it is to ensure that our schools provide a safe environment for children and young people. Our responsibility towards those entrusted to us for their Christian formation demands nothing less. Indeed, the life of faith can only be effectively nurtured when the prevailing atmosphere is one of respectful and affectionate trust. I pray that this may continue to be a hallmark of the Catholic schools in this country".PV-UNITED KINGDOM/ VIS 20100917 (570)
BENEDICT XVI CALLS CATHOLIC STUDENTS TO SANCTITY VATICAN CITY, 17 SEP 2010 (VIS) - At the end of his meeting with religious in the chapel of St. Mary's University College at Twickenham, the Holy Father travelled by popemobile across the campus towards the sports field, where 4,000 students from British Catholic schools were awaiting his arrival. The students had been able to follow his remarks to the religious on large television screens. St. Mary's is famous for its sports facilities, which have been chosen as a training ground for the 2010 London Olympics. The Pope's meeting with the students was broadcast live by the internet and could be seen in all the Catholic schools of England, Scotland and Wales. The Pope was greeted by Bishop Malcolm P. McMahon O.P. of Nottingham, president of the episcopal commission for education, then proceeded to inaugurate the John Paul II Foundation for Sport, which Catholic bishops intend to use to bring together that Pope's teachings on the subject of sport (120 discourses during his pontificate). "It is not often that a Pope", said Benedict XVI, "has the opportunity to speak to the students of all the Catholic schools of England, Wales and Scotland at the same time. And since I have the chance now, there is something I very much want to say to you. I hope that among those of you listening to me today there are some of the future saints of the twenty-first century". "Perhaps some of you have never thought about this before. ... Let me explain what I mean. ... When I invite you to become saints, I am asking you not to be content with second best. I am asking you not to pursue one limited goal and ignore all the others. ... Happiness is something we all want, but one of the great tragedies in this world is that so many people never find it, because they look for it in the wrong places. The key to it is very simple - true happiness is to be found in God. We need to have the courage to place our deepest hopes in God alone, not in money, in a career, in worldly success, or in our relationships with others, but in God. Only He can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts. "Not only does God love us with a depth and an intensity that we can scarcely begin to comprehend, but He invites us to respond to that love", the Pope added. "And once you enter into friendship with God, everything in your life begins to change. ... You are attracted to the practice of virtue. You begin to see greed and selfishness and all the other sins for what they really are, destructive and dangerous tendencies that cause deep suffering and do great damage. ... You begin to feel compassion for people in difficulties and you are eager to do something to help them. ... And once these things begin to matter to you, you are well on the way to becoming saints". The Holy Father went on: "In your Catholic schools, there is always a bigger picture over and above the individual subjects you study, the different skills you learn. All the work you do is placed in the context of growing in friendship with God, and all that flows from that friendship. ... Never allow yourselves to become narrow. The world needs good scientists, but a scientific outlook becomes dangerously narrow if it ignores the religious or ethical dimension of life, just as religion becomes narrow if it rejects the legitimate contribution of science to our understanding of the world. We need good historians and philosophers and economists, but if the account they give of human life within their particular field is too narrowly focused, they can lead us seriously astray". Benedict concluded his remarks by addressing the "many non-Catholics studying in the Catholic schools in Great Britain. ... I pray that you too will feel encouraged to practise virtue and to grow in knowledge and friendship with God alongside your Catholic classmates. You are a reminder to them of the bigger picture that exists outside the school, and indeed, it is only right that respect and friendship for members of other religious traditions should be among the virtues learned in a Catholic school. I hope too that you will want to share with everyone you meet the values and insights you have learned through the Christian education you have received". Having completed his address, the Pope moved on to the University's Waldgrave Drawing Room where he met with representatives of other religions.PV-UNITED KINGDOM/ VIS 20100917 (780)
DIALOGUE AND COLLABORATION AMONG DIFFERENT RELIGIONS VATICAN CITY, 17 SEP 2010 (VIS) - At midday today in St. Mary's University College at Twickenham, the Holy Father met with leaders from the main Christian confessions and from other religions present in the United Kingdom: Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. "The presence of committed believers in various fields of social and economic life speaks eloquently of the fact that the spiritual dimension of our lives is fundamental to our identity as human beings", the Pope told his audience. He then highlighted how "the quest for the sacred is the search for the one thing necessary, which alone satisfies the longings of the human heart". "The human and natural sciences", he explained, "cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart, they cannot fully explain to us our origin and our destiny, why and for what purpose we exist, nor indeed can they provide us with an exhaustive answer to the question, 'why is there something rather than nothing?' "The quest for the sacred", the Pope added, "does not devalue other fields of human enquiry. On the contrary, it places them in a context which magnifies their importance, as ways of responsibly exercising our stewardship over creation". God "entrusted us with the task of exploring and harnessing the mysteries of nature in order to serve a higher good. ... In the Christian faith [this] is expressed as love for God and love for our neighbour. And so we engage with the world wholeheartedly and enthusiastically, but always with a view to serving that higher good, lest we disfigure the beauty of creation by exploiting it for selfish purposes. "So it is that genuine religious belief points us beyond present utility towards the transcendent. It reminds us of the possibility and the imperative of moral conversion, of the duty to live peaceably with our neighbour, of the importance of living a life of integrity. ... It motivates us to cultivate the practice of virtue and to reach out towards one another in love, with the greatest respect for religious traditions different from our own". Referring then to the importance of dialogue and collaboration with followers of other religions, the Holy Father made specific mention of "situations in some parts of the world, where co-operation and dialogue between religions calls for mutual respect, the freedom to practise one's religion and to engage in acts of public worship, and the freedom to follow one's conscience without suffering ostracism or persecution, even after conversion from one religion to another. Once such a respect and openness has been established, peoples of all religions will work together effectively for peace and mutual understanding, and so give a convincing witness before the world". And he went on: "This kind of dialogue needs to take place on a number of different levels, and should not be limited to formal discussions. The dialogue of life involves simply living alongside one another and learning from one another in such a way as to grow in mutual knowledge and respect. The dialogue of action brings us together in concrete forms of collaboration, as we apply our religious insights to the task of promoting integral human development, working for peace, justice and the stewardship of creation. Such a dialogue may include exploring together how to defend human life at every stage and how to ensure the non-exclusion of the religious dimension of individuals and communities in the life of society. "Then at the level of formal conversations, there is a need not only for theological exchange, but also sharing our spiritual riches, speaking of our experience of prayer and contemplation, and expressing to one another the joy of our encounter with divine love. In this context I am pleased to note the many positive initiatives undertaken in this country to promote such dialogue at a variety of levels". Pope Benedict concluded his remarks before the multi-religious gathering by giving assurances that the Catholic Church "follows the path of engagement and dialogue out of a genuine sense of respect for you and your beliefs. Catholics, both in Britain and throughout the world, will continue to work to build bridges of friendship to other religions, to heal past wrongs and to foster trust between individuals and communities". At the end of the event, the Pope travelled to the apostolic nunciature where he had lunch.PV-UNITED KINGDOM/ VIS 20100917 (730)
NOTICE VATICAN CITY, 17 SEP 2010 (VIS) - The Vatican Information Service will transmit bulletins on Saturday 18 September and on Sunday 19 September, for the Holy Father's apostolic trip to the United Kingdom.
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EUROPE: SPAIN: CHURCH TO BE DEDICATED TO POPE AS A BASILICA
CNA REPORT: The Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Lluis Martinez Sistach, reflected this week on the life of “genius architect and exemplary Christian” Antonio Gaudi, who designed the Church of the Holy Family in Barce
lona. The church will be dedicated by Pope Benedict XVI in November.Regarding the consecration of the church, set for November 7, the cardinal noted that it would be “an act of remembrance of the Christian artist who conceived it. On that day we will see the church’s interior finished, but above all we will see it full of Christians celebrating the Eucharist at which the Pope will preside.”The Holy Father will also designate the church as a basilica.Referring to Gaudi, Cardinal Martinez Sistach said, “He was an architect of God and understood his profession to be his mission. He felt the urgency to bring the Gospel and the presence of God through his work to the people. For this reason it was his custom to crown his projects with the Sign of the Cross.”Gaudi also “wanted all of his architectural works to bring those who contemplated them closer to God,” continued the prelate.For this reason, the cardinal said, “The dedication of the Church of the Holy Family will be an endearing remembrance of the architect, who was an example of simplicity and humility, a true example of the Franciscan spirit of love for poverty, of appreciation for the expiatory sacrifice for one’s own sins and of the admiration of nature.”
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/architect-understood-urgency-of-bringing-god-to-the-people-through-art-recalls-prelate/
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AMERICA: USA: US BISHOPS TO MEET ON NOV. 15 FOR ELECTIONS
USCCB REPORT: U.S. Bishops to Meet November 15-18 in Baltimore, Will Elect Officers and Chairs-Elect of Six CommitteesWASHINGTON—The annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will be November 15-18, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.During the meeting, the body of bishops will vote for the chairmen-elect of six committees, as well as the treasurer of the Conference.The following bishops were nominated for these positions:Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church GovernanceMost Reverend Timothy Broglio, Archbishop for the Military ServicesMost Reverend Randolph R. Calvo, Bishop of Reno, NevadaCommittee on Catholic EducationMost Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Bishop of Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaMost Reverend David O’Connell, Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton, New JerseyCommittee on Ecumenical and Interreligious AffairsMost Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop of Lexington, KentuckyMost Reverend Denis J. Madden, Auxiliary Bishop of BaltimoreCommittee on Evangelization and CatechesisMost Reverend Paul Coakley, Bishop of Salina, KansasMost Reverend David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay, WisconsinCommittee on International Justice and PeaceMost Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, New YorkMost Reverend Edwin F. O’Brien, Archbishop of BaltimoreCommittee on Child and Youth ProtectionMost Reverend R. Daniel Conlon, Bishop of Steubenville, OhioMost Reverend Patrick J. Zurek, Bishop of Amarillo, TexasConference TreasurerMost Reverend Paul J. Bradley, Bishop of Kalamazoo, MichiganMost Reverend Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of Wheeling-Charlston, West VirginiaThe bishops will also elect the next president and vice-president of the USCCB. The nominees for these posts will be chosen at the assembly.Coverage of the assembly is open to credentialed media. Sessions open to the media will be Monday, November 15, and Tuesday, November 16. There will be media conferences after all open sessions. Reporters seeking to cover the meeting can download a credential application form at: www.usccb.org/comm/credentialform.pdf and submit it by November 5, by fax (202-541-3173) or mail to: November Meeting CredentialsOffice of Media Relations3211 4th St. NEWashington, DC 20017-1194http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-160.shtml
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EUROPE: SPAIN: CHURCH TO BE DEDICATED TO POPE AS A BASILICA
CNA REPORT: The Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Lluis Martinez Sistach, reflected this week on the life of “genius architect and exemplary Christian” Antonio Gaudi, who designed the Church of the Holy Family in Barce
lona. The church will be dedicated by Pope Benedict XVI in November.Regarding the consecration of the church, set for November 7, the cardinal noted that it would be “an act of remembrance of the Christian artist who conceived it. On that day we will see the church’s interior finished, but above all we will see it full of Christians celebrating the Eucharist at which the Pope will preside.”The Holy Father will also designate the church as a basilica.Referring to Gaudi, Cardinal Martinez Sistach said, “He was an architect of God and understood his profession to be his mission. He felt the urgency to bring the Gospel and the presence of God through his work to the people. For this reason it was his custom to crown his projects with the Sign of the Cross.”Gaudi also “wanted all of his architectural works to bring those who contemplated them closer to God,” continued the prelate.For this reason, the cardinal said, “The dedication of the Church of the Holy Family will be an endearing remembrance of the architect, who was an example of simplicity and humility, a true example of the Franciscan spirit of love for poverty, of appreciation for the expiatory sacrifice for one’s own sins and of the admiration of nature.”http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/architect-understood-urgency-of-bringing-god-to-the-people-through-art-recalls-prelate/
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AMERICA: USA: US BISHOPS TO MEET ON NOV. 15 FOR ELECTIONS
USCCB REPORT: U.S. Bishops to Meet November 15-18 in Baltimore, Will Elect Officers and Chairs-Elect of Six CommitteesWASHINGTON—The annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will be November 15-18, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.During the meeting, the body of bishops will vote for the chairmen-elect of six committees, as well as the treasurer of the Conference.The following bishops were nominated for these positions:Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church GovernanceMost Reverend Timothy Broglio, Archbishop for the Military ServicesMost Reverend Randolph R. Calvo, Bishop of Reno, NevadaCommittee on Catholic EducationMost Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Bishop of Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaMost Reverend David O’Connell, Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton, New JerseyCommittee on Ecumenical and Interreligious AffairsMost Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop of Lexington, KentuckyMost Reverend Denis J. Madden, Auxiliary Bishop of BaltimoreCommittee on Evangelization and CatechesisMost Reverend Paul Coakley, Bishop of Salina, KansasMost Reverend David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay, WisconsinCommittee on International Justice and PeaceMost Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, New YorkMost Reverend Edwin F. O’Brien, Archbishop of BaltimoreCommittee on Child and Youth ProtectionMost Reverend R. Daniel Conlon, Bishop of Steubenville, OhioMost Reverend Patrick J. Zurek, Bishop of Amarillo, TexasConference TreasurerMost Reverend Paul J. Bradley, Bishop of Kalamazoo, MichiganMost Reverend Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of Wheeling-Charlston, West VirginiaThe bishops will also elect the next president and vice-president of the USCCB. The nominees for these posts will be chosen at the assembly.Coverage of the assembly is open to credentialed media. Sessions open to the media will be Monday, November 15, and Tuesday, November 16. There will be media conferences after all open sessions. Reporters seeking to cover the meeting can download a credential application form at: www.usccb.org/comm/credentialform.pdf and submit it by November 5, by fax (202-541-3173) or mail to: November Meeting CredentialsOffice of Media Relations3211 4th St. NEWashington, DC 20017-1194http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-160.shtml
Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 7:08 AM
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AFRICA: ZAMBIA: GOVERNMENT DEMANDS APOLOGY
All Africa report: Government has demanded an apology from Roman Catholic Church priest Godfrey Mpundu for comparing frogs with human beings and urged him to stop sowing seeds of hatred for political gain.And a non-governmental organisation has called on Father Mpundu and Mongu Diocese Bishop Paul Duffy to stop campaigning for the opposition in view of the many developments taking place in Western Province and the rest of the country.Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha said in Lusaka yesterday that it was disappointing for a priest to compare human beings to frogs and the clergyman's statement was against the will of God.Lieutenant General Shikapwasha said clerics should respect God's creation and build peace in society instead of sowing seeds of hate.He said some members of the MMD were also Catholics and Fr Mpundu's job was to offer counsel to the Government and not to insult anybody."Government wishes to register its utmost disgust at allegations by Fr Godfrey Mpundu that Government has neglected the people of Lukulu District in Western Province," Gen Shikapwasha said.He said allegations of underdevelopment by Fr Mpundu were unfounded and calculated to incite public hate against the Government.Gen Shikapwasha said Fr Mpundu's statement showed how ignorant he was on developments which had taken place in Lukulu.He said contrary to the clergyman's views, the Government had continued to take development to Lukulu and Western Province as a whole to improve people's living standards.Various development projects in health, education, agriculture and road sectors were being implemented in both Lukulu East and Lukulu West constituencies at a cost of more than K30 billion."The Government has a programme to take development to all parts of the country and the people of Lukulu are witnesses to what Government is doing in their area," Gen Shikapwasha said.Fr Mpundu was quoted in yesterday's edition of The Post newspaper as saying the people of Western Province were better off voting for a frog than the MMD while Bishop Duffy had said earlier that the people in the province wanted change of Government.And Centre for Elections and Governance chairperson, Gershom Musonda said in Lusaka yesterday that his team had just arrived from Western Province where the Government was constructing high schools in Lukulu, Mongu, Nangweshi, and Shang'ombo.Mr Musonda said the open campaigns for the opposition by the two priests would reduce the Catholic Church to an extension of the political parties and the respect they command would collapse.He said the Catholic Church had many problems which had increased the exodus of priests to other churches.He said the decision by the diocese to paint a prison building in Mongu was merely meant to issue a political statement because people who work for the companies owned by the Catholic Church were underpaid.And the MMD women and youth wings have condemned the disparaging remarks issued by Fr Mpundu against the MMD Government.Speaking at a joint media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, MMD Lusaka Province chairperson Jane Mkalipi described the remarks as regrettable especially that they were made by a clergyman from a church founded on principles of love.Ms Mkalipi said the clergyman should be in the forefront of uniting Zambians instead of issuing demeaning statements against Government leaders
http://allafrica.com/stories/201009170456.html
Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 7:03 AM
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AUSTRALIA: CARITAS AND ACU PARTNER FORMING ALLIANCE
Cath News report; Catholic Religious Australia (CRA), Caritas Australia and Australian Catholic University (ACU) have established the Catholic Alliance for International Development (CAID).Caritas C
EO Jack de Groot said the new alliance will mean that the three groups will be holding one another accountable, and sharing information so that the most vulnerable are at the centre of decisions.Sister Anne Derwin RSJ, President of CRA, the peak body for leaders of religious orders and institutes in Australia, said the new alliance brings together a wonderful combination of people and organisations."Caritas, out there involved all aspects of international development; ACU providing the academic and research component, and Religious priests, nuns and brothers being the people on the ground."To have this bigger, more collaborative sense of mission is a great relief to Australian Religious who have been doing what they can for many years."Sr Derwin, Mr de Groot and Greg Craven, ACU Vice-Chancellor this week signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for CAID and launched a document outlining the principles of engagement on international development, underpinned by Catholic social teaching.The MOU provides a framework for informing, shaping and guiding the way they will work together as the Catholic Alliance for International Development.A new CAID document, Principles of Engagement on International Development, which is based upon Catholic social teaching, outlines key characteristics of international development programs around 10 themes, including:reaching the poorest and most marginalised,involving stakeholders in the local community in consultation, planning, implementation and evaluation of programs,promoting the dignity of all involved, andbeing attentive to environmental concerns.The document also outlines the various challenges faced in implementing international development programs with these characteristics.http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=23327Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 6:50 AM
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ASIA: PAKISTAN: SEMINARIANS PLAY IN FUNDRAISING CRICKET TOURNAMENT
UCAN REPORT: Seminarians were the commentators and the umpi
res at a recent fund-raising cricket tournament held each year to promote religious vocations and remember Pakistan’s first cardinal.Some 16 teams representing Catholic youth groups from different parishes participated in the third Cardinal Cordeiro Cricket Tournament Sept. 10 to 13 at Christ the King Major Seminary in Karachi.St. Thomas Parish emerged as this year’s champions.The seminary has been hosting the tournament since 2008.“I started the competition to influence the youth and give them some fun,” said Father Augustine Soares, the seminary rector.“As well as fund raising and promoting vocations, it helps keep alive the memory of our first cardinal who was a great cricketing all-rounder,” he said.Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro became Pakistan’s first cardinal in 1973. He died in 1994.Besides being known as a great writer and advocate for the poor, he was also “a diehard cricket fan and never missed any international event [on TV],” Father Soares said.Organizers said the tournament is held at the end of every academic year.“The studies of seminarians are very tough. The competition gives them a break and they get to spend time with young people who come, pray and enjoy the game. This increases their fellowship,” said Brother Ryan Joseph.Nathaniel Waliat’s team lost in the final but was full of praise for the competition.“I saw the seminary for the first time and was impressed by the way the brothers treated us. The elderly rector even served us tea,” said the 19-year-old.The tournament is one of the three special events in the seminary’s calendar to promote vocations.The others are a talent show for young Catholics at Easter and a Christmas children’s program.There are presently 43 students from all six dioceses and one apostolic vicariate in the country’s only national seminary situated in Karachi archdiocese.http://www.ucanews.com/2010/09/17/pakistan-seminary-plays-a-vocational-innings/
Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 6:43 AM
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TODAY'S SAINT: ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE
St. Robert BellarmineDOCTOR OF THE CHURCHFeast: September 17Information:Feast Day:September 17Born:October 4, 1542, Montepulciano, ItalyDied:September 17, 1621, Rome, ItalyCanonized:June 29, 1930, Rome by Pope Pius XIMajor Shrine:Chiesa di San
t'Ignazio, Rome, ItalyPatron of:Preparatory; canonists; canon lawyers; catechists; catechumensA distinguished Jesuit theologian, writer, and cardinal, born at Montepulciano, 4 October, 1542; died 17 September, 1621. His father was Vincenzo Bellarmino, his mother Cinthia Cervini, sister of Cardinal Marcello Cervini, afterwards Pope Marcellus II. He was brought up at the newly founded Jesuit college in his native town, and entered the Society of Jesus on 20 September, 1560, being admitted to his first vows on the following day. The next three years he spent in studying philosophy at the Roman College, after which he taught the humanities first at Florence, then at Mondovì. In 1567 he began his theology at Padua, but in 1569 was sent to finish it at Louvain, where he could obtain a fuller acquaintance with the prevailing heresies. Having been ordained there, he quickly obtained a reputation both as a professor and a preacher, in the latter capacity drawing to his pulpit both Catholics and Protestants, even from distant parts. In 1576 he was recalled to Italy, and entrusted with the chair of Controversies recently founded at the Roman College. He proved himself equal to the arduous task, and the lectures thus delivered grew into the work "De Controversiis" which, amidst so much else of excellence, forms the chief title to his greatness. This monumental work was the earliest attempt to systematize the various controversies of thetime, and made an immense impression throughout Europe, the blow it dealt to Protestantism being so acutely felt in Germany and England that special chairs were founded in order to provide replies to it. Nor has it even yet been superseded as the classical book on its subject-matter, though, as was to be expected, the progress ofcriticism has impaired the value of some of its historical arguments.In 1588 Bellarmine was made Spiritual Father to the Roman College, but in 1590 he went with Cardinal Gaetano as theologian to the embassy Sixtus V was then sending into France to protect the interests of the Church amidst the troubles of the civil wars. Whilst he was there news reached him that Sixtus, who had warmly accepted the dedication of his "De Controversiis", was now proposing to put its first volume on the Index. This was because he had discovered that it assigned to the Holy See not a direct but only an indirect power over temporals. Bellarmine, whose loyalty to the Holy See was intense, took this greatly to heart; it was, however, averted by the death of Sixtus, and the new pope, Gregory XIV, even granted to Bellarmine's work the distinction of a special approbation. Gaetano's mission now terminating, Bellarmine resumed his work as Spiritual Father, and had the consolation of guiding the last years of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, who died in the Roman College in 1591. Many years later he had the further consolation of successfully promoting the beatification of the saintly youth. Likewise at this time he sat on the final commission for the revision of the Vulgate text. This revision had been desired by the Council of Trent, and subsequent popes had laboured over the task and had almost brought it to completion. But Sixtus V, though unskilled in this branch of criticism, had introduced alterations of his own, all for the worse. He had even gone so far as to have an impression of this vitiated edition printed and partially distributed, together with the proposed Bull enforcing its use. He died, however, before the actual promulgation, and his immediate successors at once proceeded to remove the blunders and call in the defective impression. The difficulty was how to substitute a more correct edition without affixing a stigma to the name of Sixtus, and Bellarmine proposed that the new edition should continue in the name of Sixtus, with a prefatory explanation that, on account of aliqua vitia vel typographorum vel aliorum which had crept in, Sixtus had himself resolved that a new impression should be undertaken. The suggestion was accepted, and Bellarmine himself wrote the preface, still prefixed to the Clementine edition ever since in use. On the other hand, he has been accused of untruthfulness in stating that Sixtus had resolved on a new impression. But his testimony, as there is no evidence to the contrary, should be accepted as decisive, seeing howconscientious a man he was in the estimation of his contemporaries; and the more so since it cannot be impugned without casting a slur on thecharacter of his fellow-commissioners who accepted his suggestion, and of Clement VIII who with full knowledge of the facts gave his sanction to Bellarmine's preface being prefixed to the new edition. Besides, Angelo Rocca, the Secretary of the revisory commissions of Sixtus V and the succeeding pontiffs, himself wrote a draft preface for the new edition in which he makes the same statement: (Sixtus) "dum errores ex typographiâ ortos, et mutationes omnes, atque varias hominum opiniones recognoscere cœpit, ut postea de toto negotio deliberare atque Vulgatam editionem, prout debebat, publicare posset, morte præventus quod cœperat perficere non potuit". This draft preface, to which Bellarmine's was preferred, is still extant, attached to the copy of the Sixtine edition in which the Clementine corrections are marked, and may be seen in the Biblioteca Angelica at Rome.In 1592 Bellarmine was made Rector of the Roman College, and in 1595 Provincial of Naples. In 1597 Clement VIII recalled him to Rome and made him his own theologian and likewise Examiner of Bishops and Consultor of the Holy Office. Further, in 1599 he made him Cardinal-Priest of the title of Santa Maria in viâ, alleging as his reason for this promotion that "the Church of God had not his equal in learning". He was now appointed, along with the Dominican Cardinal d'Ascoli, an assessor to Cardinal Madruzzi, the President of the Congregation de Auxiliis, which had been instituted shortly before to settle the controversy which had recently arisen between the Thomists and the Molinists concerning the nature of the concord between efficacious grace and human liberty. Bellarmine's advice was from the first that the doctrinal question should not be decided authoritatively, but left over for further discussion in the schools, the disputants on either side being strictly forbidden to indulge in censures or condemnations of their adversaries. Clement VIII at first inclined to this view, but afterwards changed completely and determined on a doctrinal definition. Bellarmine's presence then became embarrassing, and he appointed him to the Archbishopric of Capua just then vacant. This is sometimes spoken of as the cardinal's disgrace, but Clement consecrated him with his own hands--an honour which the popes usually accord as a mark of special regard. The new archbishop departed at once for his see, and during the next three years set a bright example of pastoral zeal in its administration.In 1605 Clement VIII died, and was succeeded by Leo XI who reigned only twenty-six days, and then by Paul V. In both conclaves, especially that latter, the name of Bellarmine was much before the electors, greatly to his own distress, but his quality as a Jesuit stood against him in the judgment of many of the cardinals. The new pope insisted on keeping him at Rome, and the cardinal, obediently complying, demanded that at least he should be released from an episcopal charge the duties of which he could no longer fulfil. He was now made a member of the Holy Office and of other congregations, and thenceforth was the chief advisor of the Holy See in the theological department of its administration. Of the particular transactions with which his name is most generally associated the following were the most important: The inquiry de Auxiliis, which after all Clement had not seen his way to decide, was now terminated with a settlement on the lines of Bellarmine's original suggestion. 1606 marked the beginning of the quarrel between the Holy See and the Republic of Venice which, without even consulting the pope, had presumed to abrogate the law of clerical exemption from civil jurisdiction and to withdraw the Church's right to hold real property. The quarrel led to a war of pamphlets in which the part of the Republic was sustained by John Marsiglio and an apostate monk named Paolo Sarpi, and that of the Holy See by Bellarmine and Baronius. Contemporaneous with the Venetian episode was that of the English Oath of Alliance. In 1606, in addition to the grave disabilities which already weighed them down, the English Catholics were required under pain of prœmunire to take an oath of allegiance craftily worded in such wise that a Catholic in refusing to take it might appear to be disavowing an undoubted civl obligation, whilst if he should take it he would be not merely rejecting but even condemning as "impious and heretical" the doctrine of the deposing power, that is to say, of a power, which, whether rightly or wrongly, the Holy See had claimed and exercised for centuries with the full approval of Christendom, and which even in that age the mass of the theologians of Europe defended. The Holy See having forbidden Catholics to take this oath, King James himself came forward as its defender, in a book entitled "Tripoli nodo triplex cuneus", to which Bellarmine replied in his "Responsio Matthfi Torti". Other treatises followed on either side, and the result of one, written in denial of the deposing power by William Barclay, an English jurist resident in France, was that Bellarmine's reply to it was branded by the Regalist Parlement of Paris. Thus it came to pass that, for following the via media of the indirect power, he was condemned in 1590 as too much of a Regalist and in 1605 as too much of a Papalist.Bellarmine did not live to deal with the later and more serious stage of the Galileo case, but in 1615 he took part in its earlier stage. He had always shown great interest in the discoveries of that investigator, and was on terms of friendly correspondence with him. He took up too--as is witnessed by his letter to Galileo's friend Foscarini--exactly the right attitude towards scientific theories in seeming contradiction with Scripture. If, as was undoubtedly the case then with Galileo's heliocentric theory, a scientific theory is insufficiently proved, it should be advanced only as an hypothesis; but if, as is the case with this theory now, it is solidly demonstrated, care must be taken to interpretScripture only in accordance with it. When the Holy Office condemned the heliocentric theory, by an excess in the opposite direction, it becameBellarmine's official duty to signify the condemnation to Galileo, and receive his submission. Bellarmine lived to see one more conclave, that which elected Gregory XV (February, 1621). His health was now failing, and in the summer of the same year he was permitted to retire to Sant' Andrea and prepare for the end. His death was most edifying and was a fitting termination to a life which had been no less remarkable for its virtues than for its achievements.His spirit of prayer, his singular delicacy of conscience and freedom from sin, his spirit of humility and poverty, together with the disinterestedness which he displayed as much under the cardinal's robes as under the Jesuit's gown, his lavish charity to the poor, and his devotedness to work, had combined to impress those who knew him intimately with the feeling that he was of the number of the saints. Accordingly, when he died there was a general expectation that his cause would be promptly introduced. And so it was, under Urban VIII in 1627, when he became entitled to the appellation of Venerable. But a technical obstacle, arising out of Urban VIII's own general legislation in regard to beatifications, required its prorogation at that time. Though it was reintroduced on several occasions (1675, 1714, 1752, and 1832), and though on each occasion the great preponderance of votes was in favour of the beatification, a successful issue came only after many years. This was partly because of the influential character of some of those who recorded adverse votes, Barbarigo, Casante, and Azzolino in 1675, and Passionei in 1752, but still more for reasons of political expediency, Bellarmine's name being closely associated with a doctrine of papal authority most obnoxious to the Regalist politicians of the French Court. "We have said", wrote Benedict XIV to Cardinal de Tencin, "in confidence to the General of the Jesuits that the delay of the Cause has come not from the petty matters laid to his charge by Cardinal Passionei, but from the sad circumstances of the times" (Études Religieuses, 15 April, 1896).[Note: St. Robert Bellarmine was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930, and declared a Doctor of the Universal Church in 1931. He is the patron saint of catechists.]SOURCEhttp://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/R/strobertbellarmine.asp
Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 6:42 AM
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TODAY'S SAINT: STIGMATA OF ST. FRANCIS
The Sacred Stigmata of Saint Francis of AssisiFeast: September 17Information:Feast Day:September 17Early in August, 1224, Francis retired with three companions to "that rugged rock 'twixt Tiber and Arno", as Dante called La Verna, there to keep a forty days fast in preparation for Michaelmas. During this retreat the sufferings of Christ became more than ever the burden of his meditations; into few souls, per
haps, had the full meaning of the Passion so deeply entered. It was on or about the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (14 September) while praying on the mountainside, that he beheld the marvellous vision of the seraph, as a sequel of which there appeared on his body the visible marks of the five wounds of the Crucified which, says an early writer, had long since been impressed upon his heart. Brother Leo, who was with St. Francis when he received the stigmata, has left us in his note to the saint's autograph blessing, preserved at Assisi, a clear and simple account of the miracle, which for the rest is better attested than many another historical fact. The saint's right side is described as bearing on open wound which looked as if made by a lance, while through his hands and feet were black nails of flesh, the points of which were bent backward. After the reception of the stigmata, Francis suffered increasing pains throughout his frail body, already broken by continual mortification. For, condescending as the saint always was to the weaknesses of others, he was ever so unsparing towards himself that at the last he felt constrained to ask pardon of "Brother Ass", as he called his body, for having treated it so harshly. Worn out, moreover, as Francis now was by eighteen years of unremitting toil, his strength gave way completely, and at times his eyesight so far failed him that he was almost wholly blind. SOURCE http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/sacredstigmataofsaintfrancisofassisi.aspPosted by JesusCaritasEst at 6:39 AM
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TODAY'S GOSPEL: LUKE 9: 23-26
Luke 9: 23 - 2623And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.24For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.25For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?26For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 6:29 AM
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