CATHOLIC WORLD NEWS: FRI. AUG. 20, 2010: HEADLINES-
VATICAN POPE APPOINTS BISHOP OF SAINT-BRIEUC FRANCE
EUROPE: KOSOVO: CATHEDRAL BUILT IN HONOUR OF MOTHER TERESA
AMERICA: USA: REVIEW OF GINGRICH FILM ON JOHN PAUL II
AFRICA: NIGERIA: MESSAGE FROM MEETING OF BISHOPS
ASIA: KOREA DIOCESE ONLINE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZED BY GOVERNMENT
AUSTRALIA PUBLIC APPEAL FOR FUNDS FOR RECOVERY OF MACKILLOP TOWN
VATICAN POPE APPOINTS BISHOP OF SAINT-BRIEUC FRANCE
(Vatican.va) The Pope has accepted the resignation of the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Saint-Brieuc (France), presented by h.e. Mons. Lucien Fruchaud, according to Canon 401 § 1 of the code of Canon law. Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Bishop of Saint-Brieuc (France) Rev. Mons. Denis Moutel, so far, Vicar General of the Diocese of Nantes. Rev. Mons. Denis Moutel Rev. Mons. Denis Moutel was born on January 6, 1952 in Ancenis, in the Diocese of Nantes. After the diploma of advanced studies, he entered the Seminary in Angers for the first cycle of training and then in to Nantes for the second cycle. In 1981, after studies in Münster and in Paris, he obtained a degree in theology at the Catholic Institute of Paris. He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1977 for the Diocese of Nantes. After ordination, he served in the diocese the following ministerial posts: Vicar of the parish Saint-Jean Evangéliste (1977-1981); Vicar of the parish of Notre-Dame de Toutes Joies in Nantes and Chaplain of the Liceo Giust ' hom and the College Victor Hugo (1981-1982); Diocesan Delegate for chaplaincy of Catholic students in public schools (1982-1987); Chaplain licei Clémenceau and Livet (1987-1991); Aumônier Diocesan Catholic teaching (1991-1999); parish priest of the parish of Notre-Dame de Toutes Joies; Diocesan Delegate for the Youth Apostolate (1999-2003); Episcopal vicar (2003). Since 2004 he is the Vicar General of the Diocese of Nantes. SOURCE http://www.vatican.va/
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/vatican-pope-appoints-bishop-of-saint.html
EUROPE: KOSOVO: CATHEDRAL BUILT IN HONOUR OF MOTHER TERESA
JESUSCARITASEST.ORG report- A Cathedral is being built in honour of Mother Teresa in Kosovo.
This Cathedral of Mother Teresa is being built in Prishtina, Kosovo with the help of Aid to the Church in Need. It is noted that the Muslims of the area support this construction. Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu was born to Albanian parents in Skopje, Macedonia on August 26, 1910. She later became a nun in Ireland. She took the name Teresa after St. Therese of Lisieux. She was sent to India to teach children. While working in India as a teacher with her order she felt called to help the poor. She left her residence to care for those she found on the streets. Her order began by caring for the sick and dying of the streets in Calcutta, India. Mother Teresa started the order, "Missionaries of Charity" in 1950.
She spoke of this ministry in her own words, "I once picked up a woman from a garbage dump and she was burning with fever; she was in her last days and her only lament was: ‘My son did this to me.’ I begged her: You must forgive your son. In a moment of madness, when he was not himself, he did a thing he regrets. Be a mother to him, forgive him. It took me a long time to make her say: ‘I forgive my son.’ Just before she died in my arms, she was able to say that with a real forgiveness. She was not concerned that she was dying. The breaking of the heart was that her son did not want her. This is something you and I can understand."She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Mother died in 1997 when her order had 610 institutions in 123 countries world wide. Mother Teresa was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003. Her 100th birthday is being celebrated around the world by many with special tributes. India has created a stamp with her image.
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/europe-kosovo-cathedral-built-in-honour.html
AMERICA: USA: REVIEW OF GINGRICH FILM ON JOHN PAUL II
One of the most riveting scenes in the movie occurred when Pope John Paul II addressed an enormous crowd of his Polish countrymen. At one point, the Pope began to pray in a way I have never seen before as he supernaturally invoked the Holy Spirit by chanting "Come Holy Spirit, Change This Land". While the Pope fervantly prayed to the Holy Spirit to save Poland, the one million or so Polish faithful spontaeously began to sing a traditional Polish song which honored Christ their savior. It was one of the most moving things I have ever seen or expect to see.
Pope John Paul II's visit to Poland strengthened the faith of his countrymen, unified the country and emboldened them to take on the corrupt communistic regime. Once the Polish people came together in prayer, Poland was a changed country and the days of communism were numbered.
The movie is a powerful testament to what a faithful leader can do to lead a country to victory over an all powerful adversary - the Soviet Empire - all without firing a shot.
While Nine Days That Changed The World tells of an epic struggle between faith, freedom and totalitarianism that occurred decades ago and an ocean away, it is a story which is deeply relevant to the crossroads America is currently facing.
According to recent polls, Americans are worried like never before about the state of our country. We are concerned about our current political leaders who are pushing us headlong towards socialism and totalitarianism. This is a failed ideology which did not work in Europe and resulted in upheaval and popular revolt in Poland and other countries of eastern Europe.
We Christians are particularly troubled by a culture that has embraced moral relativism and rejected the fundamental Christian values America was founded on.
We are troubled by what is happening in the halls of Congress where free spending politicians are bankrupting our country with policies which favor the majority party's voting constituencies and hurt almost everyone else, including the working class and poor.
We are troubled by an out of control judiciary which routinely overrides the will of the people, ignores the rule of law and the Constitution and enables elite judges to cavalierly reject the most fundamental building block of society; marriage between a man and a woman.
Like many Americans, I look around and wonder where is the America that Ronald Reagan described as a shining city on a hill whose beacon light guides freedom loving people everywhere?
It is becoming more and more apparent that America as we used to know it will not survive without people of faith going to their knees and praying for divine intervention.
But how could this happen to America? This is a question that more and more Americans are asking.
The small businessman who works 60 - 70 hours a week just to feed his family asks it.
The retired person who has worked a lifetime and has seen his retirement cut in half asks it.
The elderly, sick and handicapped ask it as they grapple with a federal takeover of health care which will ration health care based on a soulless utilitarian yardstick that restricts health care to those who need it the most.
Young people ask it when they graduate from high school and college only to find there are no jobs.
Hard working Americans and the unemployed ask it as they realize that the American dream has been stolen by an elite cabal of big government, big labor and big business interests.
Christians ask it as they wonder about a President who proclaims that Muslims have a right to build a mosque on hallowed land at ground zero. This comes from a president who claims that America is not a Christian nation and who dismissed Christians as people " who cling to their religion."
America is at a historical crossroads. A strong majority of Americans are troubled by the country's slide towards socialism, moral relativism and economic collapse. However, like the oppressed people of Poland, we Americans need to come together in prayer to save our country. It is not too late to restore the shining city on the hill. But we do need to appreciate the lessons of history since as Sir Edmund Burke said those that do not know learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
One of the significant crossroads depicted in theNine Days movie was when the Polish people came together to hear Pope John Paul II speak and they suddenly realized that they greatly outnumbered their opponents, the atheistic communists. This realization was a turning point for the Polish people who realized that not only did they not need to be afraid but that it was the communist leaders who should be afraid. In so doing, the people of Poland embraced one of Pope John Paul II's most well known spiritual prescriptions that people of faith "Be Not Afraid".
As in Poland, Americans should be encouraged by the fact that the moral and economic difficulties we are facing are the handiwork of an elite that is relatively small in numbers. A recent online article in the American Spectator entitled "America's Ruling Class - and the Perils of Revolution" describes who this elite ruling class is and how opposed they are to traditional American values like faith in God, freedom and limited government.
This article also notes the somewhat reassuring fact that the elite ruling class is a distinct minority - approximately one-third of all Americans. As such, we do not need to be afraid of this elite minority but we do need to react to the threat they pose to us and our country.
Like the downtrodden but faith-filled Poles who confronted their communist adversaries, Americans need to boldly step out to recapture our country from the clutches of those who cling to morally bankrupt and historically disproven ideologies like moral relativism, atheism, socialism and the like. In order to do so we must begin, like our Polish brethren, by getting down on our knees and invoke God's providence to save America.
Make no mistake, the task ahead of those who would seek to restore America is daunting indeed. We are witnessing an accelerating attack on America's moral, economic and political foundations that is unprecedented. And we did not get here overnight. But the hour is late because a democracy which embraces moral relativism and rejects traditional values like faith in God, authentic marriage and respect for life is living on borrowed time.
There is a strong feeling of unease and discontent which is percolating among Americans. More and more of us are awakening from our slumber and are committing to take bold action to recapture America. It is imperative that the Christian community close ranks in solidarity and "be not afraid" to confront and oppose the elite ruling class who would continue to lead America down the slippery slope we have traveled for some time now. We need to take heart in scripture which tells us that "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13
In this grave time for America, the effort to restore America must begin with Christians getting down on their knees and fervently praying for God's blessing in the battle that is being waged for the future of America. We would do well to follow Pope John Paul II's example of invoking the Holy Spirit to save his homeland of Poland. A good starting point would be for all Christians to pray unceasingly "Come Holy Spirit and Restore America.' It worked in Poland and it will work again in America if we follow the example of our faithful Polish brothers and sisters in Christ.
http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=37909
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/america-usa-review-of-gingrich-film-on.html
AFRICA: NIGERIA: MESSAGE FROM MEETING OF BISHOPS
All Africa report: Here is a communiqué issued by the Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province at the end of their meeting held at the Ondo diocesan chancery, Ondo State on August 17, 2010.
Preamble
We thank Almighty God who has continued to sustain our country Nigeria in spite of the uncertainties of our politics and economy. We congratulate the Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Reverend Francis Folorunso Alonge, the Clergy, Religious and Laity of the diocese on the historic ordination of the Coadjutor Bishop Most Reverend Jude Ayodeji Arogundade which took place on May 6, 2010. We felicitate with the new Bishop and together pray that his election bring about abundant spiritual growth in Ondo diocese and in the Nigerian Catholic Church at large.
The Concluded Year for Priests
The recently concluded Year for Priests has done a lot of good in refocusing the priests and the people of God on the importance of the faithfulness of priests and the faithfulness of Christ. We thank God for the initiative of the Holy Father in instituting the Year. We call on all Priests religious and people to sustain the spiritual gains of the Year for Priests and be more committed to the evangelization of our nation.
The 2011 National Elections
We congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan on the appointment of a new Chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega, for the Independent National Electoral Commission and for the money which has been approved for the exercise. However many important issues which could compromise successful elections remain unsettled. The electoral reforms promised by the present administration on its assumption office are yet to be realised and even the very time table of the exercise is not definite. With only a few months left before the year 2011, we demand that the INEC live up to its responsibilities, give a clear timetable and prepare a credible voter's register early enough for the elections. This will give all Nigerians sufficient time and opportunity to exercise their rights as citizens. We call on all Nigerians to participate fully in the electoral process and to political candidates and parties to eschew all forms of violence, kidnappings, assassinations and fraud in order to carve out a new direction for our dear country.
Cash and Carry Politics
Recent revelations have confirmed what many Nigerians have said in the past, that there is simply too much money allocated to political positions and office holders in Nigeria. Some of those who claim to serve Nigerians have often been shown to be nothing but selfish and greedy money mongers. It is surely a sin and a scandal that in Nigeria where many eat daily from dung heaps, where workers and retirees have not been paid their entitlements for several months, parliamentarians earn much more money than the Presidents of some Western countries and are still demanding more. Such tendencies, if unchecked will surely aggravate the current dangerous level of violent crime, fraud and insecurity in the country. A free-and-fair-election can hardly be conducted in such an environment. It is imperative that President Jonathan somehow redress this outrageous imbalance before Nigerians run out of patience
Deplorable Infrastructure
We decry for the umpteenth time the state of infrastructure, especially power supply and road network system all over the country, while our leaders acquire new jets at a huge cost to the nation. We sympathise with many Nigerians who lose precious lives and property on our dangerous roads and who endure the crippling effects of a moribund power supply. We warn that the seeming docility of Nigerians in the face of these anomalies not be taken for granted by government as seems to be the case. We call on government at all levels in the name of God to live up to their duties and save Nigerians further pain and agony in this regard.
The War against Corruption
For many Nigerians today it is difficult to believe that the anti-corruption campaign still exists. We condemn the recent rehabilitation on national and state levels of personalities who had earlier been listed for prosecution or removed from office for corruption even by government and its agencies. We implore President Jonathan to restore some credibility to the campaign by taking decisive measures to reduce corruption in the country. He will do well to scrap the unconstitutional "first lady office" through which money is wastefully and illegally allocated right from national to local government and ward levels.
The Situation in Oyo State
We observe with great concern the situation in Oyo State where teachers have been on strike and their salaries withheld for several months. As a result, Junior Secondary School examinations could not be taken by students in the state. This has further harmed the educational crisis in the state and the country at large. Many parents have turned to borrowing and begging to make ends meet while many youth have turned to robbery, drugs, street trading and other social vices. We strongly appeal to both parties to find a quick solution to this impasse. We emphasize that it is the overriding responsibility of government to make sacrifices for the well being of its citizens.
The Catholic Television of Nigeria Project
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has initiated a 24 hour satellite Catholic Television Project in collaboration with the African Independent Television, AIT. It will come into operation by January 2011. The purpose of this project is to provide standard, genuine and wholesome religious programming with a Nigerian perspective for Nigerians and Catholics everywhere. In the meantime AIT now broadcasts a daily catholic meditation at 5.45am, and Holy Mass every Sunday at 8.00am. We urge all Catholics and Nigerians to support and patronize these initiatives which are bound to help sanitize our society. More information will be provided subsequently.
Only the Truth Can Help Us
We reaffirm the call of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria after its last February meeting in Abuja that all Nigerians must make a commitment to truth and honesty in order to redeem our country. We must all act with courage and forthrightness to reinstate integrity in all that we do in order to invite God's favour upon ourselves.
In conclusion we thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have worked for the growth and development of our country. We urge them continue to do their best for this nation, not to lose heart but to work with firm faith and hope in God for a better future. We call on all to continue the prayer for Nigerians in Distress with unshakeable faith in God for whom nothing is impossible. May Mary the Mother of Good Counsel intercede for our leaders and people and help us to choose the path of truth at all times May God bless us and illumine us with his Spirit as we move towards the next elections in Nigeria Amen
Signed by, Archbishop F. A. Job (picture), Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin President, Secretary Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese Bishop of Osogbo
http://allafrica.com/stories/201008201045.html
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/africa-nigeria-message-from-meeting-of.html
ASIA: KOREA DIOCESE ONLINE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZED BY GOVERNMENT
UCAN report: A rural Korean diocese’s online learning center has been officially recognized by the government.
The center, set up in May, is believed to be the first lifelong learning institute run by the Catholic Church in South Korea.
It enables students to obtain a bachelor’s degree or other qualifications by accumulating credits.
From September, the center will offer nine courses on subjects such as social welfare, children’s education and business administration.
“Through online classes, anyone who graduates from high school can obtain certificates qualifying them to be social welfare agents or daycare center teachers,” said center director Stephen Min Hong-ki. ”We will organize more courses in the near future,” he said.
The center will reduce tuition fees for the unemployed or housewives, said Min. It will also provide free education for poor students.
The Catholic institute also hopes to spread Church values and “act as a window for communicating with the society,” he added.
http://www.ucanews.com/2010/08/20/diocese-launches-online-education-center/
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/asia-korea-diocese-online-catholic.html
AUSTRALIA PUBLIC APPEAL FOR FUNDS FOR RECOVERY OF MACKILLOP TOWN
Cath News report: The storm-damaged town of Penola in South Australia plans to launch a public appeal to fund the town's recovery work in preparation for the canonisation of Mary MacKillop.
SA's State and Local Government Relations Minister Gail Gago, who visited the town yesterday, said the government would now give $2000 to kickstart the public appeal.
"I'd like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the way the Penola community has rallied around those affected by the storm damage - the friends, neighbours, colleagues and even strangers who reached out to lend a hand," Ms Gago said.
"It's also very heartening that the Wattle Range Council has been contacted by other councils, businesses and individuals across the state wanting to make donations to support the Penola community."
http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=22919
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/australia-public-appeal-for-funds-for.html
TODAY'S SAINT: SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
ABBOT, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
August 20
Born:
1090, Fontaines, France
Died:
August 20, 1153, Clairvaux, France
Canonized:
January 18, 1174, Rome by Pope Alexander III
Major Shrine:
Ville-sous-la-Ferté
Patron of:
Cistercians, Burgundy, beekeepers, candlemakers, climbers
Born in 1090, at Fontaines, near Dijon. France; died at Clairvaux, 21 August, 1153. His parents were Tescelin, lord of Fontaines, and Aleth of Montbard, both belonging to the highest nobility of Burgundy. Bernard, the third of a family of seven children, six of whom were sons, was educated with particular care, because, while yet unborn, a devout man had foretold his great destiny.
He became a Cistercian at age 22. His father, the aged Tescelin, and all his brothers entered Clairvaux as religious, leaving only Humbeline, his sister, in the world and she, with the consent of her husband, soon took the veil in the Benedictine Convent of Jully.
Bernard died in the sixty-third year of his age, after forty years spent in the cloister. He founded one hundred and sixty-three monasteries in different parts of Europe; at his death they numbered three hundred and forty-three. Pope Pius VIII bestowed on him the title of Doctor of the Church. (Edited from http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/todays-saint-saint-bernard-of-clairvaux.html
TODAY'S GOSPEL: FRI. AUG. 20, 2010: MEMORIAL OF ST. BERNARD
Matthew 22: 34 - 40
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34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sad'ducees, they came together.
35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, to test him.
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"
37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
38 This is the great and first commandment.
39 And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
40 On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/08/todays-gospel-fri-aug-20-2010-memorial.html
