CATHOLIC WORLD NEWS: SAT. SEPT. 11, 2010: HEADLINES-
VATICAN: POPE RECEIVES NEWLY APPOINTED BISHOPS-
AMERICA- USA- RESPECT FOR LIFE PROGRAM-
ASIA: IRAN: US HIKERS RELEASE CANCELLED-
EUROPE: ENGLAND 40 DAYS FOR LIFE COMING ON SEPT. 22-
AUSTRALIA: CLUB SONGS BANNED FROM DIOCESE-
AFRICA: BURUNDI: TESTIMONY OF BISHOPS-
VATICAN: POPE RECEIVES NEWLY APPOINTED BISHOPS-
Radio Vaticana report: Pope Benedict today received newly appointed Bishops who are participating in a course sponsored by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. Speaking to the newly appointed Bishop’s the Holy Father said their course of study in Rome offered them a real opportunity to focus on the duties of their ministry and to renew the profession of their faith.The Pope expressed his spiritual closeness to these men recently called to the Episcopal ministry and acknowledged the challenges they face especially in Christian communities where living the faith is at times not easy and where in addition to various forms of poverty, sometimes forms of persecution can occur because of ones Christian faith. The Holy Father said it was the Bishops task to give these people hope, to share their difficulties, drawing on the charity of Christ.
But the Pope also underlined to the Bishop’s that in order to imitate Christ they must themselves devote adequate time to be with him "and contemplate the intimacy of a prayerful heart to heart conversation.
The Bishop, Pope Benedict added “is called to serve the Church in the style of God made man.
He is above all a servant and minister of the Word of God, which is his real strength”.
The Pope went on to say that he knew that communities entrusted to Bishops, were in many cases in the minority, but the Holy Father encouraged them to continue to preach the Gospel.
He also urged the Bishops not to give into pessimism and despair, because he said the Holy Spirit guides the Church and gives it the courage to persevere and also to seek new methods of evangelization, reaching areas hitherto unexplored.
Finally, Pope Benedict stressed that Christian truth is attractive and persuasive precisely because it responds to the deep need of human existence, announcing convincingly that Christ is the Saviour of all mankind...
http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=421720
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/vatican-pope-receives-newly-appointed.html
INTERNATIONAL
REMEMBERING 9/11
The attacks awakened the American conscience and brought them into a state of alert. Tightened security measures were set in place nation-wide. The event also triggered the religious sentiments of the nation. Priests provided absolution to firefighters who gave their lives in the rescue effort. Many survived and have begun to find God. It is hoped that peace can come of such a tragedy. We ask you, on this day, to pray for the souls of the dead from 9/11. We ask you to pray for peace in the world and among all men and women.
Pope John Paul II (Sept. 12, 2001)
Brothers and Sisters, in great dismay, before the horror of destructive violence, but strong in the faith that has always guided our fathers, we turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, salvation of his people, and with the confidence of children, pray that He will come to our aid in these days of mourning and innocent suffering.
1. For the Churches of the East and the West, and in particular for the Church in the United States of America so that, though humbled by loss and mourning, yet inspired by the Mother of the Lord, strong woman beside the cross of her Son, they may foster the will for reconciliation, peace, and the building of the civilization of love.
2. For all those who bear the name of Christian, so that, in the midst of many persons who are tempted to hatred and doubt, they will be witnesses to the presence of God in history and the victory of Christ over death.
3. For the leaders of nations, so that they will not allow themselves to be guided by hatred and the spirit of retaliation, but may do everything possible to prevent new hatred and death, by bringing forth works of peace.
4. For those who are weeping in sorrow over the loss of relatives and friends, that in this hour of suffering they will not be overcome by sadness, despair and vengeance, but continue to have faith in the victory of good over evil, of life over death.
5. For those suffering and wounded by the terrorist acts, that they may return to stability and health and, appreciating the gift of life, may generously foster the will to contribute to the well being of every human being.
6. For our brothers and sisters who met death in the folly of violence, that they find sure joy and life everlasting in the peace of the Lord, that their death may not be in vain but become a leaven bringing forth a season of brotherhood and collaboration among peoples.
O Almighty and merciful God, you cannot be understood by one who sows discord, you cannot be accepted by one who loves violence: look upon our painful human condition tried by cruel acts of terror and death, comfort your children and open our hearts to hope, so that our time may again know days of serenity and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/international-remembering-911.html
AMERICA- USA- RESPECT FOR LIFE PROGRAM
The Respect Life flyer explores this theme with three vignettes of common situations calling for heroic love – a college student’s unplanned pregnancy, an elderly loved one who needs assistance with feeding, and a baby diagnosed with a life-threatening disability.
Topics addressed in this year’s Respect Life Program reflect the diversity of pro-life concerns:
the death penalty and Divine Mercy
end-of-life care
infertility treatments in line with Church teaching
sexual trafficking
population control
depression and suicide among youth
the promise of pro-life youth
Articles are available as downloadable pamphlets and as bulletin inserts, on the website of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities (www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp ). In addition, the site contains downloadable versions of the poster, flyer, liturgy guide, program models, recommended resources, memorable pro-life quotations and artwork, in both English and Spanish.
This year’s liturgy guide offers Intercessions for Life, suggested preaching reflections for Respect Life Sunday and January 22; a Litany for Life; and a Prayer, Enthronement and Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Begun in 1972, the Respect Life Program brings Church teaching on the value and dignity of human life to the Catholic community and the wider public. The program combines education, prayer, service and advocacy. Respect Life Sunday is observed in virtually all of the 195 Catholic dioceses in the United States.
NOTE: The Respect Life Program packets may be ordered from the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities by calling toll-free (866) 582-0943, or by faxing orders to (301) 779-8596. Downloadable copies of Respect Life materials from 1996 onward are posted in English and Spanish on the Secretariat’s website at www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp .
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-155.shtml
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/america-usa-respect-for-life-program.html
ASIA: IRAN: US HIKERS RELEASE CANCELLED
CNN REPORT -- The Iranian lawyer for three U.S. hikers detained in Iran is "upset" that Sarah Shourd's planned release has been canceled and said her family's emotions are "being abused."
Iranian officials had said on Thursday that Shourd, one of three American hikers held in Iran for more than a year, would be released this weekend. But Friday, prosecutors said the release had been "canceled" because the judicial process has not been completed.
Shafii told CNN that "there's obviously a difference of opinion as to what to do within the government. Legally the prosecutor has the final say in this matter, but I ask you, has anything about their arrests and treatment been legal so far?"
Shourd, 32, along with Shane Bauer, 28, and Josh Fattal, 28, were detained July 31, 2009, after they allegedly strayed across an unmarked border into Iran while hiking in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
Tehran has accused the three hikers of spying. Iran's intelligence minister has hinted the country may consider releasing them in exchange for the release of Iranian prisoners, according to state news outlets.
Shafii told CNN earlier that he put in a formal request for the trio's release within the past two weeks. Shafii said he told prosecutors that a year had passed since their arrests and the government had not shown any just cause for their imprisonment. He also said that Shourd has a medical condition that requires proper care.
A spokeswoman for the hikers' families reported to CNN that Shourd told her mother during their only visit together over two days in May that she had found a lump in her breast.
The hikers' families' website, freethehikers.org , said Shourd has been in solitary confinement, able to meet for only two 30-minute periods per day with Bauer, who is her fiance, and Fattal. The two men share a cell.
The three Americans -- all of them graduates of the University of California, Berkeley -- have not been charged, the website says. They are in Evin Prison in Tehran, have been able to telephone their families only once, on March 9, and have been denied access to their lawyer, the website adds.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/09/11/iran.hikers.lawyer/index.html
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/asia-iran-us-hikers-release-cancelled.html
EUROPE: ENGLAND 40 DAYS FOR LIFE COMING ON SEPT. 22
CNA REPORT- The American pro-life group 40 Days for Life is branching out across the Atlantic and beginning its first campaign in London, England on September 22, in conjunction with the launch of the U.S. fall campaign.
An announcement on the group's website stated that a constant vigil will be keep outside the Marie Stopes abortion clinic in central London, 24 hours a day, for 40 days from Sept. 22 – Oct. 31. The group explained that its activities will include prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils and community outreach throughout the 40 days.
Abortion provider Marie Stopes International has been the subject of controversy lately over a recent TV ad which urged women who might be pregnant to contact the organization, the Daily Mail reported in early August. During the ad, several worried-looking women in everyday situations were shown with the question “Are You Late?” displayed at the top of the commercial.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), an independent regulatory agency, ruled in favor of allowing the ad to air.
Paul Tully, general secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), said in a statement on August 5 that advertising abortion, even indirectly, is “indecent and dishonest.”
Marie Stopes performs about 65,000 abortions a year in the U.K.
Commenting on the upcoming pro-life campaign, SPUC president John Smeaton said on his website on Sept. 3 that “This isn’t just an invitation or an awareness campaign aimed at churches and pro-life organizations; it’s a personal invitation to each and every person, to prayer (sic), fast, and act.”
“The bottom line is this: if you are prolife, care about the plight of unborn children, care about the countless women left scarred by abortion, want to reach out to the many men who should have been fathers, want to do something that will save lives and change the culture of death into a culture of life … Then please commit yourself to supporting 40 Days for Life London,” Smeaton urged.
For more information, please visit: http://www.40daysforlife.com/london/
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/40-days-for-life-launching-london-campaign/
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/europe-england-40-days-for-life-coming.html
AUSTRALIA: CLUB SONGS BANNED FROM DIOCESE
Cath News report: Footy club songs and popular music have been banned in a set of Catholic funeral guidelines sent by Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart to priests and funeral directors.
"Secular items are never to be sung or played at a Catholic funeral, such as romantic ballads, pop or rock music, political songs, football club songs," the guidelines say.
Bishop Les Tomlinson, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, said the main focus of a funeral should be "commending the deceased person to God".
He said footy and other popular songs were more appropriate at a wake rather than a church service.
But outspoken Catholic priest Father Bob Maguire described the guidelines as "bit insensitive to local sensibilities, and a reversal of grassroots Catholic rituals".
"Around 10 per cent of Catholics will feel more comfortable with these sanitised rituals, but the other 90 per cent want these rituals to reflect their lives."
Funeral service operator Adrian Nelson said footy was an important part of life and club songs were popular requests. "All our MP3 players are loaded up with every club's theme song," he said.
Mr Nelson, of Nelson Bros Funeral Services, said with four funeral homes in the western suburbs, the Western Bulldogs theme song was one of the most popular requests.
http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=23227
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/australia-club-songs-banned-from.html
AFRICA: BURUNDI: TESTIMONY OF BISHOPS
Agenzia Fides report – Two newly appointed bishops who work in "frontier dioceses" have told Fides of the challenges they face and the hopes they have for the future of evangelization in their dioceses. Bishop Bonaventure Nahimana, Bishop of Rutana (Burundi), and Bishop Dominic Kimengich, Auxiliary Bishop of Lodwar (Kenya), are in Rome for the Seminar for newly appointed bishops, organized by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (see Fides 09/06/2010).
"The Diocese of Rutan is only a year and a half 'years old', as it was founded January 17, 2009," Bishop Nahimana told Fides. "It is located at the border with Tanzania. Unlike the rest of Burundi, it requires a great effort of evangelization. In fact, while 67% of the entire Burundian population is Catholic, in my diocese the percentage drops to 40% Catholic," says the Bishop of Rutana. "The rest of the population belongs to Protestant sects. There are some Muslims and members of the African traditional religion. The Protestant sects, which come from abroad, took advantage of the fact that there were no Catholic missions in the area, and settled in. Therefore, there is great work to be done in terms of evangelization."
Bishop Nahimana emphasizes the fact that most of the work of evangelization falls on local clergy: "The diocese was founded by the local Church, as it was formed by territories taken from two existing dioceses, Bururi and Ruyigi, one of which was founded in 1973 by a bishop from Burundi. The missionary presence is limited to a parish entrusted to Polish priests. We also have some Polish Carmelite nuns who work in the diocese."
"The Diocese of Lodwar is in northern Kenya, bordering Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda," Bishop Kimengich told Fides. "The biggest challenge comes from the fact that living together is not always easy for the people living along these boundaries. They are nomadic people who are constantly robbing one another's cattle. There are also thousands of refugees from Sudan and Somalia living in the diocesan territory."
"It is a challenge for the Church to spread the Good News in such a cultural context," said the Auxiliary Bishop of Lodwar. "We are helped in our mission by the presence of a dozen missionary groups operating in the diocese, which is fairly vast - 70,000 square kilometers. Carrying out apostolate among nomads is very difficult. We have to live among these people. Our first concern is to provide basic services like food and water. This enables us to help them understand the love of Jesus for them and spread His teachings," concluded Bishop Kimengich.
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=27391&lan=eng
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/africa-burundi-testimony-of-bishops.html
TODAY'S SAINT
Sts. Protus and Hyacinth
MARTYRS
Feast: September 11
Information: Feast Day: September 11
Born: 3rd century AD
Died: mid 3rd century AD, Rome
Major Shrine: San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, as well as the chapel of the Propaganda College. Both in Rome.
Martyrs during the persecution of Valerian (257-9). The day of their annual commemoration is mentioned in the "Depositio Martyrum" in the chronographia for 354 (Ruinart, "Acta martyrum", ed. Tatisbon, 632) under 11 September. The chronographia also mentions their graves, in the Coemeterium of Basilla on the Via Salaria, later the Catacomb of St. Hermes. The Itineraries and other early authorities likewise give this place of burial (De Rossi, "Roma sotterranea", I, 176-7). In 1845 Father Marchi discovered the still undisturbed grave of St. Hyacinth in a crypt of the above- mentioned catacomb. It was a small square niche in which lay the ashes and pieces of burned bone wrapped in the remains of costly stuffs (Marchi, "Monumenti primitivi: I, Architettura della Roma sotterranea cristina", Rome, 1844, 238 sqq., 264 sqq.). Evidently the saint had been burnt; most probably both martyrs had suffered death by fire. The niche was closed by a marble slab similar to that used to close a loculus, and bearing the original inscription that confirmed the date in the old Martyrology:
D P III IDUS SEPTEBR
YACINTHUS
MARTYR
(Buried on 11 September Hyacinthus Martyr).
In the same chamber were found fragments of an architrave belonging to some later decoration, with the words:
. . . S E P U L C R U M P R O T I M(artyris) . . .
(Grave of the Martyr Protus)
Thus both martyrs were buried in the same crypt. Pope Damasus wrote an epitaph in honour of the two martyrs, part of which still exists (Ihm, "Damasi epigrammata", 52, 49). In the epitaph Damasus calls Protus and Hyacinth brothers. When Leo IV (847-55) translated the bones of a large number of Roman martyrs to the churches of Rome, the relics of these two saints were to be translated also; but, probably on account of the devastation of the burial chamber, only the grave of St. Protus was found. His bones were transferred to San Salvatore on the Palatine. The remains of St. Hyacinth were placed (1849) in the chapel of the Propaganda. Later the tombs of the two saints and a stairway built at the end of the fourth century were discovered and restored.
http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stprotus_hyacinth.asp
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/todays-saint.html
TODAY'S GOSPEL: SAT. SEPT. 11: Luke 6: 43 - 49
Luke 6: 43 - 49
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43 "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit;
44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.
45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
46 "Why do you call me `Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?
47 Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:
48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.
49 But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
http://jceworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/todays-gospel-sat-sept-11-luke-6-43-49.html
