AUSTRALIA: ST. MARY'S CHOIR TO SING FOR POPE
AFRICA: MALAWI: BISHOPS' OFFICES DESTROYED BY POSSIBLE ARSON
ASIA: PHILIPPINES: NEW ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA TAGLEAMERICA: CANADA: BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OCT. 17- LIVE COVERAGE
EUROPE: GREAT BRITAIN: BISHOP AND MILLIONAIRE WALK FOR HOMELESS
TODAY'S SAINT: OCT. 14: ST. CALLISTUS
TODAY'S GOSPEL: OCT. 14: LUKE 12: 1-7
PUBLIC OFFICE MUST BE EXERCISED WITH DIGNITY, RESPONSIBILITY
VATICAN CITY, 14 OCT 2011 (VIS) - "The exercise of civil authority is so important as to have an almost 'sacred' character; therefore it must be exercised with great dignity and a lively sense of responsibility". These words were pronounced this morning by the Holy Father to Italian provincial prefects, accompanied by Roberto Maroni, minister of the Interior, in an audience arranged as part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. (IMAGE SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA)
In his address the Pope highlighted how throughout the country "we can see the traces which the Christian faith has left impressed in the customs of the Italian people, giving rise to noble and deep-rooted religious and cultural traditions, as well as to an artistic heritage unique in the world". Today too the Catholic Church "is an important presence among the people, aware of their deepest needs which she interprets in a logic of readiness and service".
"Conscious of the fact that, as John Paul II said, we depend upon one another, the Church wishes to unite with other institutions and with the various territorial organisations, in order to create a firm platform of moral virtues upon which to build a coexistence worthy of man. In this mission the Church knows she can rely on the effective and friendly collaboration of prefects, whose function it is to guarantee ... social cohesion and civil rights".
Benedict XVI recalled the position of the Social Doctrine of the Church vis-a-vis public administration, "which is not to be conceived as impersonal or bureaucratic, but rather as an act of generous assistance for citizens, undertaken with a spirit of service". He also noted how the work of prefects today has become more complex and arduous due to economic and social uncertainty, and exhorted them not to be disheartened by difficulties. "Handle the matters entrusted to you with prudence and a great sense of duty, never failing in your commitment to truth and or in your courage to defend the supreme good. ... As high-level representatives of State, you are called to combine authority and professionalism in the exercise of your responsibilities, especially at times of tension and discord", he said.
The Pope concluded by inviting the prefects to follow the example of their patron, St. Ambrose, "so that your work may always serve justice, peace, freedom and the common good. God will not fail to support your efforts, rewarding them with abundant fruits to spread the civilisation of love".
AC/
VATICAN CITY, 14 OCT 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Fr. Julian Carron, president of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation.
- Seven prelates from the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Mark Benedict Coleridge of Canberra and Goulburn.
- Archbishop Adrian Leo Doyle of Hobart.
- Archbishop-Bishop Djibrail Kassab of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Sydney of the Chaldeans.
- Bishop Daniel Eugene Hurley of Darwin.
- Bishop Gregory O'Kelly S.J. of Port Pirie.
- Archbishop John Alexius Bathersby of Brisbane.
- Bishop James Foley of Cairns.
This evening he is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
AP:AL/
AMERICA: CANADA: BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OCT. 17- LIVE COVERAGE
CCCB REPORT: The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will hold its annual Plenary Assembly 17-21 October 2011, at the Nav Canada Centre,
Salt + Light Television, the Canadian Catholic television network, will broadcast events live online and on television with select repeats throughout the day (Eastern Time). Broadcast schedule is subject to change.
Monday, October 17
9:00am
Morning Prayer and Mass
10:15am
Opening Prayer and President's Report by Bishop
2:00pm
Reflection on Sacramentum Caritatis (on the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church’s life and mission) by Archbishop Robert Le Gall, OSB, of Toulouse, France
7:00pm
Perspectives Daily
Tuesday, October 18
7:30am
Morning Prayer and Mass
9:30am
Reflection on Verbum Domini (on the Word of God in the life and mission of the Church) by Archbishop Robert Le Gall, OSB, of Toulouse, France
7:00pm
Perspectives Daily
Wednesday, October 19
7:30am
Morning Prayer and Mass
7:00pm
Perspectives Daily
Thursday, October 20
7:30am
Morning Prayer and Mass
7:00pm
Perspectives Daily
Friday, October 21
7:30am
Morning Prayer and Mass
11:15am
Closing remarks by the outgoing CCCB President
and President-elect, followed by the closing prayer
EUROPE: GREAT BRITAIN: BISHOP AND MILLIONAIRE WALK FOR HOMELESS
CATHOLIC HERALD REPORT: Star of the Channel 4 programme The Secret Millionaire joins Bishop of Hallam on his annual 15-mile trek for St Wilfrid’s Centre
By STAFF REPORTER on Thursday, 13 October 2011
Bishop Rawstrone and Simrin Choudhrie, left, stop for a rest during their walk for the homeless (Photo: Kevin Bradley)
Simrin Choudhrie, star of the Channel 4 programme The Secret Millionaire and descendant of Indian royalty, recently joined Bishop John Rawsthorne of Hallam on his annual 15-mile charity trek for St Wilfrid’s Centre for the homeless and vulnerable.
The 13th annual walk in the Peak District this year took in Monsal Head, Cressbrook, Litton, the Limestone Way, Millersdale and the Monsal Trail. Thirty-two people took part, including priests from the Diocese of Hallam, headteachers and staff from Catholic schools across south Yorkshire, and staff, clients and volunteers from the centre.
The walk is expected to raise more than £10,000, in addition to the £7,500 sponsorship provided by Simrin, whose family sponsored her particularly for the residential project. It is hoped that St Wilfrid’s Residential will be built in the next two or three years and will provide accommodation for up to 50 homeless and vulnerable people who will at the same time attend classes at the day centre.
Director Kevin Bradley said: “As always we are very grateful to Bishop John for the walk and this year it was good to welcome Simrin on the trek. Without the support of generous people throughout the Diocese of Hallam it would be very difficult for St Wilfrid’s to continue running our service for the less fortunate so sincere thanks to all concerned.”
Simrin intends to continue to support the centre and Bishop Rawsthorne has promised to return annually for the walk after his retirement.
ASIA: PHILIPPINES: NEW ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA TAGLE
Pope Benedict XVI yesterday appointed leading Asian theologian Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus as Archbishop of Manila.
Fifty-four year-old Bishop Tagle succeeds Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, 79, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced, citing a letter from the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila.
At the time of the appointment, Bishop Tagle, was serving as chairman of CBCP’s Commission on Doctrine of the Faith and chairman of the office of theological concerns of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences.
Bishop Tagle was also serving as member of the International Theological Commission of the Vatican, a body of expert advisers on Church teaching.
His intervention at the October 2008 Synod of Bishops in which he advocated for greater listening by Church leaders placed him on the front pages in Rome.
Cardinal Rosales, who turned 79 last August, had announced he would retire this year and was just waiting for his successor to be named.
The cardinal, who served as Manila’s archbishop for seven years, submitted his resignation in 2007 when he turned 75, the mandatory retirement age for prelates, but the pope had extended his term indefinitely.
Asked of his greatest achievement, Cardinal Rosales cited his encounters with different people, particularly the poor.
“I think it’s having been given the opportunity to get to know the poor more, the good hearted people, the generous people who continuously help the Church. I thank all of them,” he said.
He leaves Manila’s more than 2.7 million Catholics in the pastoral care of Bishop Tagle.
Born in Manila on June 21, 1957, Bishop Tagle, of Filipino-Chinese descent, went to the Jesuit Ateneo De Manila University’s San Jose Major Seminary for diocesan priests. He was ordained a priest on February 27, 1982.
In 1992, he completed his doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Six years later he was appointed as expert at the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Asia in Rome.
Months before becoming a bishop in 2001, he was assigned by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, to participate in a series of video conferences about ongoing formation of priests.\
http://www.ucanews.com/2011/10/14/manila-gets-new-archbishop
AUSTRALIA: ST. MARY'S CHOIR TO SING FOR POPE
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese REPORT
14 Oct 2011
St Mary's Director of Music,
Thomas Wilson with three
members of the Cathedral Choir
The St Mary's Cathedral Choir, in Rome for the official opening of Domus Australia, had the privilege of singing for Pope Benedict XV1 at this week's audience in St Peter's Square.
The Cathedral's Music Director, Thomas Wilson and the choir's line-up of 23 boys and 12 men were positioned at the foot of the main stairs leading up to St Peter's Basilica. They sang for 30 minutes prior to the arrival of the Holy Father before being introduced during the Papal audience and singing once more for a short time.
It was a magnificent sunny autumn day in Rome and the square was packed with tourists and pilgrims from around the world.
For the boys, many of whom have never travelled outside of Australia, it was extremely exciting.
"I was a little nervous at first but I think we were pretty good," one of the boys commented later.
Immediately after the audience, the boys headed off to Domus Australia, the pilgrim centre, a home away from home for Australian pilgrims, which will be officially opened by the Holy Father next Wednesday, 19 October.
At Domus Australia, they lunched with Cardinal George Pell and full of enthusiasm, told him about the unforgettable experience of singing in St Peter's Square for the Holy Father at this week's Audience.
St Mary's Cathedral Choir with Cardinal Pell and Dean
of the Cathedral Fr Paul Hilder
St Mary's Cathedral Choir will also sing before Pope Benedict XVI when he visits the pilgrim centre's beautifully-restored St Peter Chanel chapel.
On this historic day, Pope Benedict XVI will welcome the many guests from Australia and Rome who will be attending. He will then bless and officially open the centre.
Following the blessing inside the chapel, the Holy Father will be escorted into the outdoor courtyard area where he will view some of the magnificent artworks before meeting some of the visitors to the pilgrim centre as well as those who have been associated with the meticulous two-year restoration of the building.
The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell said it was an honour to have Pope Benedict XVI accept the invitation to open the centre.
St Peter Chanel Chapel at Domus Australia
where St Mary's Cathedral Choir will sing
when Pope Benedict officially opens the pilgrim
centre next week
"Australian Catholics have demonstrated loyalty and affection for the Pope, the successor of St Peter, from the earliest days. This remains undiminished. Domus Australia will be a religious and culture centre, a home away from home, where everyone will be welcome."
Cardinal Pell was also delighted to have St Mary's Cathedral Choir in Rome for this special occasion.
"The choir at the official opening will certainly do us proud," he said. "The Holy Father is a great lover of classical music and our choir is in beautiful voice."
The official opening of Domus Australia will be webcast live on xt3.com/Domus.
http://www.sydney.catholic.org.au/news/latest_news/2011/20111014_1627.shtml
AFRICA: MALAWI: BISHOPS' OFFICES DESTROYED BY POSSIBLE ARSON
In an interview on 12 October with ACN, Fr. George Buleya, Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference said he was unable to confirm the reports but he said arson could not be excluded. Fr. Buleya stated that the fire broke out in a priest’s apartment and then spread to the offices.
The fire at the bishops’ offices follows the early September firebombing of the offices of the Institute for Policy Interaction. The institute’s head is Rafik Hajat, is one of the most outspoken critics of Malawi president Bingu wa Mutharika.
His Exc Mgr. Joseph Mukasa Zuza, Bishop of Mzuzu and President of the Malawi bishops’ Conference, has repeatedly criticized the Head of state for his undemocratic behavior and for his economic policy that has reduced the country to a collapse. In particular, on Aug. 16, during a prayer meeting for peace in Malawi sponsored by the major religions of Malawi, Mgr. Zuza had said that the Presidency "must stop silencing civil society, the media, the judiciary system and democracy which the Country has paid a high price for "(see Fides 18/08/2011). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/10/2011)
TODAY'S SAINT: OCT. 14: ST. CALLISTUS
St. Callistus I
POPE
Feast: October 14
Information:
Feast Day:
October 14
Died:
223
Patron of:
cemetery workers
The name of St. Callistus is rendered famous by the ancient cemetery which he beautified, and which, for the great number of holy martyrs whose bodies were there deposited, was the most celebrated of all those about Rome. He was a Roman by birth, succeeded St. Zephirin in the pontificate in 217 or 218, on the 2nd of August, and governed the church five years and two months, according to the true reading of the most ancient Pontifical, compiled from the registers of the Roman Church, as Henschenius, Papebroke, and Moret show, though Tillemont and Orsi give him only four years and some months. Antoninus Caracalla, who had been liberal to his soldiers, but the most barbarous murderer and oppressor of the people, having been massacred by a conspiracy raised by the contrivance of Macrinus, on the 8th of April 217, who assumed the purple, the empire was threatened on every side with commotions. Macrinus bestowed on infamous pleasures at Antioch that time which he owed to his own safety and to the tranquillity of the state, and gave an opportunity to a woman to overturn his empire. This was Julia Moesa, sister to Caracalla's mother, who had two daughters, Sohemis and Julia Mammaea. The latter was mother of Alexander Severus, the former of Bassianus, who being priest of the sun, called by the Syrians Elagabel, Emesa, in Phoenicia, was surnamed Heliogabalus. Moesa, being rich and liberal, prevailed for money with the army in Syria to proclaim him emperor; and Macrinus, quitting Antioch, was defeated and slain in Bithynia in 219, after he had reigned a year and two months, wanting three days. Heliogabalus, for his unnatural lusts, enormous prodigality and gluttony, and mad pride and vanity, was one of the most filthy monsters and detestable tyrants that Rome ever produced. He reigned only three years, nine months, and four days, being assassinated on the 11th of March 222 by the soldiers, together with his mother and favorites. His cousin—German and successor, Alexander, surnamed Severus, was for his clemency, modesty, sweetness, and prudence one of the best of princes. He discharged the officers of his predecessor, reduced the soldiers to their duty, and kept them in awe by regular pay. He had in his private chapel the images of Christ, Abraham, Apollonius of Tyana, and Orpheus, and learned of his mother, Mamma a, to have a great esteem for the Christians. It reflects great honour on our pope that this wise emperor used always to admire with what caution and solicitude the choice was made of persons that were promoted to the priesthood among the Christians, whose example he often proposed to his officers and to the people, to be imitated in the election of civil magistrates. It was in his peaceable reign that the Christians first began to build churches, which were demolished in the succeeding persecution. Lampridius, this emperor's historian, tells us that a certain idolater, putting in a claim to an oratory of the Christians which he wanted to make an eating-house of, the emperor adjudged the house to the Bishop of Rome, saying it were better it should serve in any kind to the divine worship than to gluttony, in being made a cook's shop.
To the debaucheries of Heliogabalus St. Callistus opposed fasting and tears, and he every way promoted exceedingly true religion and virtue. His apostolic labours were recompensed with the crown of martyrdom on the 12th of October 222. His feast is marked on this day in the ancient Martyrology of Lucca. The Liberian Calendar places him in the list of martyrs, and testifies that he was buried on the 14th of this month in the cemetery of Calepodius, on the Aurelian Way, three miles from Rome. The pontificals ascribe to him a decree appointing the four fasts called Ember-days; which is confirmed by ancient Sacramentaries, and other monuments quoted by Moretti. He also decreed that ordinations should be held in each of the Ember-weeks. He founded the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary beyond the Tiber. In the Calendar published by Fronto le Duc he is styled a confessor, but we find other martyrs sometimes called confessors. If St. Callistus was thrown into a pit, as his acts relate, it seems probable that he was put to death in some popular tumult. Dion mentions several such commotions under this prince, in one of which the praetorian guards murdered Ulpian, their own prefect. Pope Paul I and his successors, seeing the cemeteries without walls, and neglected after the devastations of the barbarians, withdrew from thence the bodies of the most illustrious martyrs, and had them carried to the principal churches of the city. Those of SS. Callistus and Calepodius were translated to the Church of St. Mary beyond the Tiber. Count Everard, lord of Cisoin or Chisoing, four leagues from Tournay, obtained of Leo IV, about the year 854, the body of St. Callistus, pope and martyr, which he placed in the-abbey of Canon Regulars which he had founded at Cisoin fourteen years before; the church of which place was on this account dedicated in honour of St. Callistus. These circumstances are mentioned by Fulco, Archbishop of Rheims, in a letter which he wrote to Pope Formosus in 890. The relics were removed soon after to Rheims for fear of the Normans, and never restored to the abbey of Cisoin. They remain behind the altar of our Lady at Rheims. Some of the relics, however, of this pope are kept with those of St. Calepodius, martyr, in the Church of St. Mary Trastevere at Rome. A portion was formerly possessed at Glastonbury.
Among the sacred edifices which upon the first transient glimpse of favour, or at least tranquillity, that the church enjoyed at Rome, this holy pope erected, the most celebrated was the cemetery which he enlarged and adorned on the Appian Road, the entrance of which is at St. Sebastian's, a monastery founded by Nicholas I, now inhabited by reformed Cistercian monks. In it the bodies of SS. Peter and Paul lay for some time, according to Anastasius, who says that the devout Lady Lucina buried St. Cornelius in her own farm near this place; whence it for some time took her name, though she is not to be confounded with Lucina who buried St. Paul's body on the Ostian Way and built a famous cemetery on the Aurelian Way. Among many thousand martyrs deposited in this place were St. Sebastian, whom the Lady Lucina interred, St. Cecily, and several whose tombs Pope Damasus adorned with verses.
In the assured faith of the resurrection of the flesh, the saints, in all ages down from Adam, were careful to treat their dead with religious respect, and to give them a modest and decent burial. The commendations which our Lord bestowed on the woman who poured precious ointments upon him a little before his death, and the devotion of those pious persons who took so much care of our Lord's funeral, recommended this office of charity; and the practice of the primitive Christians in this respect was most remarkable. Their care of their dead consisted not in any extravagant pomp, in which the pagans far outdid them,[8] but in a modest religious gravity and respect which was most pathetically expressive of their firm hope of a future resurrection, in which they regarded the mortal remains of their dead as precious in the eyes of God, who watches over them, regarding them as the apple of his eye, to be raised one day in the brightest glory, and made shining lustres in the heavenly Jerusalem.
TODAY'S GOSPEL: OCT. 14: LUKE 12: 1-7
1In the meantime, when so many thousands of the multitude had gathered together that they trod upon one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.3Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.4"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.5But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
