VIS REPORTS:
TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT VACLAV HAVEL
VATICAN CITY, 22 DEC 2011 (VIS) - Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence to the President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, on the death this past Sunday of former president Vaclav Havel, whose funeral was celebrated this morning in the Cathedral of St. Vitus at the Prague Castle. President Havel was 75 years old. (IMAGE SOURCE; RADIO VATICANA)
In the text, the Pope expressed his nearness to those attending the funeral, joining them in "commending the soul of the deceased to the infinite mercy of our heavenly Father" and recalling Vaclav Havel's courage in the defence of "human rights at a time when these were systematically denied to the people of your country". He paid tribute to his "visionary leadership in forging a new democratic policy after the fall of the previous regime" and gave thanks to God "for the freedom that the people of the Czech Republic now enjoy".
The Holy Father concluded by imparting the Apostolic Blessing as "a pledge of spiritual strength and comfort" to all those mourning the deceased, "in hope of resurrection to new life".
TGR/ VIS 20111223 (170)
AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 23 DEC 2011 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals,
- Archbishop Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, and
- Mr. Timothy Andrew Fischer, ambassador of Australia, accompanied by his wife, on his farewell visit.
VATICAN CITY, 22 DEC 2011 (VIS) - Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence to the President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, on the death this past Sunday of former president Vaclav Havel, whose funeral was celebrated this morning in the Cathedral of St. Vitus at the Prague Castle. President Havel was 75 years old. (IMAGE SOURCE; RADIO VATICANA)
In the text, the Pope expressed his nearness to those attending the funeral, joining them in "commending the soul of the deceased to the infinite mercy of our heavenly Father" and recalling Vaclav Havel's courage in the defence of "human rights at a time when these were systematically denied to the people of your country". He paid tribute to his "visionary leadership in forging a new democratic policy after the fall of the previous regime" and gave thanks to God "for the freedom that the people of the Czech Republic now enjoy".
The Holy Father concluded by imparting the Apostolic Blessing as "a pledge of spiritual strength and comfort" to all those mourning the deceased, "in hope of resurrection to new life".
TGR/ VIS 20111223 (170)
AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 23 DEC 2011 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals,
- Archbishop Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, and
- Mr. Timothy Andrew Fischer, ambassador of Australia, accompanied by his wife, on his farewell visit.
NEW ZEALAND : 3 LARGE EARTHQUAKES STRIKE
REPORT
OF Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese
23 Dec 2011
Sister Eleanor
Capper, RSJ admits the three large quakes that struck Christchurch today have
left her fearful and tense.
"One man was reported injured in the first quake and while I understand there have been a few other minor injuries, the main damage seems to be downed power and phone lines and liquefaction. But even though there is little real damage, after more than a year of continuous earthquakes and aftershocks, our nerves are frayed, and we're living in fear," she says.
Until a massive 7.1 earthquake hit the city in September 2010, Christchurch's 370,000 residents were unaware they lived on an active fault line. But from that moment on, the city has been hit by numerous aftershocks, the most severe of which occurred on 22 February this year.
At 6.3 the February quake was far less than the one the previous September, but in terms of damage and loss of life, far more severe. Not only was the quake responsible for taking the lives of 182, but it toppled buildings weakened by the September quake and destroyed much of the city's CBD along with the historic Anglican cathedral which had given Christchurch its name, and the iconic 100-year-old Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
Sr Eleanor, speaking from her home in Christchurch where she works with the Catholic Education Office giving support and pastoral advice to teachers across the Christchurch Diocese, said the first of today's quakes measuring 5.8 struck at 1.58 pm (11.58 AEST). This was followed at 2.06 pm (12.06 ADST) by a 5.3 magnitude quake and an hour and a bit later, at 3.18 pm (1.18 pm ADST) by the biggest quake of the day measuring a magnitude 6.
"I was outside when the first one hit and rushed over to see
if my neighbours were alright. She lost some things off shelves and had some
smashed glass and bottles but nothing much else, I'm pleased to say."
But before Sr Eleanor and her neighbour could catch their breath, another big quake hit. Then came the third quake.
Luckily injuries so far reported are all minor but police say the continued shaking has led to the collapse of one of the city's partly demolished buildings as well as a vacant house. The quakes have also led to a return of liquefaction with mud swamping homes for the third time in less than a year.
The last time liquefaction bubbled mud in some of the eastern suburbs of the city was in June when the city was hit by a 6.3 quake, the biggest since the massive destruction and loss of life as a result of the 22 February tremor.
Although Sr Eleanor is grateful that Christchurch has escaped with little damage or injury in today's cluster of powerful quakes, she says her heart goes out to the city's retailers.
"Friday,
23 December, was the final big shopping day before Christmas and malls and
shopping centres were filled with families buying last minute gifts and items
for their Christmas and holiday feasts," she says. "Retailers have been doing it
tough all year and they hoped for a bumper day. But after the quake most
shoppers were too frightened to remain in stores and instead of continuing their
shopping, they packed up and headed for home."
Christchurch retailers not only missed out on what should have been several hours of heavy trading, but with little or no customers, they had little choice but to close early.
"The quakes were certainly something we didn't need," one retailer confessed as he picked up broken items of food from the floor of his delicatessen.
Until the February earthquake which caused so much loss of life, heartache and terror, Christchurch's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament had been considered one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture, and the only such example to be found in the Pacific.
But as a result of ongoing aftershocks, the Cathedral's massive copper-plated domes became irreparably damaged and the building itself was later deemed unsafe, and is now slowly being deconstructed with many of its treasures carefully removed. These will eventually form part of a new Cathedral yet to be built.
The years during which Christchurch's new cathedral will be
designed and constructed, the Catholic Diocese will use St Mary's Pro-Cathedral
as their home. Built in 1889, this is where this year's Christmas Midnight Mass
will be celebrated along with Mass on Christmas Day.
While Christchurch has had a difficult year, one piece of positive news for the city's Catholics is the full recovery of the Bishop of Christchurch, the Most Reverend Barry Jones who suffered a stroke in April this year, just one month after the February quake.
Bishop Barry has resumed full duties and is full of his old energy and dedication. During the past nine months, the Bishop also battled a severe case of pneumonia. But he insists his health is back to normal.
"We are all thrilled to have him back and delighted he will preside over our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses," says Sr Eleanor.
Although an estimated 30,000 residents have left
Christchurch since February's earthquake, and headed to other cities in New
Zealand, the majority of the city's inhabitants are like Sr Eleanor and can't
imagine calling anywhere else home.
"I was born and grew up here," she says. But admits that after the cluster of quakes today, her nerves are frayed and she is once again filled with fear.
"Each quake comes without warning and you never know how long it will last or how severe it will be," she says.
With school holidays underway, Sr Eleanor had planned to spend Christmas in Christchurch, then on 28 December to fly to Sydney to spend time with her fellow Sisters of St Joseph at the Mother House in North Sydney.
"Now with these latest quakes, I'm completely on edge and must admit that 28 December cannot come soon enough!" she says laughing.
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2011/20111223_201.shtml
23 Dec 2011
Sr Eleanor Capper RSJ (right) with Provincial
Sr Colleen Keeble
"One man was reported injured in the first quake and while I understand there have been a few other minor injuries, the main damage seems to be downed power and phone lines and liquefaction. But even though there is little real damage, after more than a year of continuous earthquakes and aftershocks, our nerves are frayed, and we're living in fear," she says.
Until a massive 7.1 earthquake hit the city in September 2010, Christchurch's 370,000 residents were unaware they lived on an active fault line. But from that moment on, the city has been hit by numerous aftershocks, the most severe of which occurred on 22 February this year.
At 6.3 the February quake was far less than the one the previous September, but in terms of damage and loss of life, far more severe. Not only was the quake responsible for taking the lives of 182, but it toppled buildings weakened by the September quake and destroyed much of the city's CBD along with the historic Anglican cathedral which had given Christchurch its name, and the iconic 100-year-old Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
Sr Eleanor, speaking from her home in Christchurch where she works with the Catholic Education Office giving support and pastoral advice to teachers across the Christchurch Diocese, said the first of today's quakes measuring 5.8 struck at 1.58 pm (11.58 AEST). This was followed at 2.06 pm (12.06 ADST) by a 5.3 magnitude quake and an hour and a bit later, at 3.18 pm (1.18 pm ADST) by the biggest quake of the day measuring a magnitude 6.
Quake Damaged Cathedral will have to be
rebuilt
But before Sr Eleanor and her neighbour could catch their breath, another big quake hit. Then came the third quake.
Luckily injuries so far reported are all minor but police say the continued shaking has led to the collapse of one of the city's partly demolished buildings as well as a vacant house. The quakes have also led to a return of liquefaction with mud swamping homes for the third time in less than a year.
The last time liquefaction bubbled mud in some of the eastern suburbs of the city was in June when the city was hit by a 6.3 quake, the biggest since the massive destruction and loss of life as a result of the 22 February tremor.
Although Sr Eleanor is grateful that Christchurch has escaped with little damage or injury in today's cluster of powerful quakes, she says her heart goes out to the city's retailers.
Liquefaction swamps houses for a third time
after pre Christmas quake
Christchurch retailers not only missed out on what should have been several hours of heavy trading, but with little or no customers, they had little choice but to close early.
"The quakes were certainly something we didn't need," one retailer confessed as he picked up broken items of food from the floor of his delicatessen.
Until the February earthquake which caused so much loss of life, heartache and terror, Christchurch's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament had been considered one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture, and the only such example to be found in the Pacific.
But as a result of ongoing aftershocks, the Cathedral's massive copper-plated domes became irreparably damaged and the building itself was later deemed unsafe, and is now slowly being deconstructed with many of its treasures carefully removed. These will eventually form part of a new Cathedral yet to be built.
Damage to the Cathedral of the Blessed
Sacrament taken two weeks ago from the
air
While Christchurch has had a difficult year, one piece of positive news for the city's Catholics is the full recovery of the Bishop of Christchurch, the Most Reverend Barry Jones who suffered a stroke in April this year, just one month after the February quake.
Bishop Barry has resumed full duties and is full of his old energy and dedication. During the past nine months, the Bishop also battled a severe case of pneumonia. But he insists his health is back to normal.
"We are all thrilled to have him back and delighted he will preside over our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses," says Sr Eleanor.
Christchurch Cathedral's bell tower was
destroyed in the February
earthquake
"I was born and grew up here," she says. But admits that after the cluster of quakes today, her nerves are frayed and she is once again filled with fear.
"Each quake comes without warning and you never know how long it will last or how severe it will be," she says.
With school holidays underway, Sr Eleanor had planned to spend Christmas in Christchurch, then on 28 December to fly to Sydney to spend time with her fellow Sisters of St Joseph at the Mother House in North Sydney.
"Now with these latest quakes, I'm completely on edge and must admit that 28 December cannot come soon enough!" she says laughing.
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2011/20111223_201.shtml
ASIA : SRI LANKA : CHURCH HELPS 38000 DISPLACED BY FLOODS
UCAN
REPORT: reporter, kilinochchiSri Lanka
December 23, 2011
Church rushes to join aid efforts to help victims of new
disaster . The Catholic Church has joined relief efforts to provide aid for up
to 38,000 people displaced by severe flooding that has hit the north of the
country this week.
More than 11,000 families have been affected in
Northern Province, according to the government-run Disaster Management Center,
which has set up 41 welfare centers to help the victims.
Caritas-Vanni and Don Bosco centers are also providing aid to victims who fled their homes in Kilinochchi and Mullativu districts after the downpours began on Monday.
“Kilinochchi, Thiruwaiyaru, Wattakachchi, Kandarawalai were the worst affected areas and are under water,” said Father Devadas Judedas, Parish priest of St. Joseph Church in Kilinochchi.
Flood victims are getting hot meals while Caritas Vanni and other organizations have to decide on what other steps to take, he said.
Around 14,500 people were displaced in Kilinochchi alone, the Disaster Management Center said.
Father Arockiyasamy, head of the Don Bosco center in Kilinochchi said his organization is providing food parcels for the victims.
“They are being distributed with the help of the local government,” he said.
Many of the victims, still trying to recover from years of civil war, said the floods have destroyed their lives yet again.
“We have faced so many difficulties these past years,” said Anjeli Devi, 40, in Wattakachchi.
“After being resettled after the war we took out loans so we could rebuild our livelihoods, but everything was destroyed by this flood. I think this must be our fate,” Devi said.
“We have limited resources to combat natural disasters,” he lamented
http://www.ucanews.com/2011/12/23/floods-displace-thousands-in-north/
Caritas-Vanni and Don Bosco centers are also providing aid to victims who fled their homes in Kilinochchi and Mullativu districts after the downpours began on Monday.
“Kilinochchi, Thiruwaiyaru, Wattakachchi, Kandarawalai were the worst affected areas and are under water,” said Father Devadas Judedas, Parish priest of St. Joseph Church in Kilinochchi.
Flood victims are getting hot meals while Caritas Vanni and other organizations have to decide on what other steps to take, he said.
Around 14,500 people were displaced in Kilinochchi alone, the Disaster Management Center said.
Father Arockiyasamy, head of the Don Bosco center in Kilinochchi said his organization is providing food parcels for the victims.
“They are being distributed with the help of the local government,” he said.
Many of the victims, still trying to recover from years of civil war, said the floods have destroyed their lives yet again.
“We have faced so many difficulties these past years,” said Anjeli Devi, 40, in Wattakachchi.
“After being resettled after the war we took out loans so we could rebuild our livelihoods, but everything was destroyed by this flood. I think this must be our fate,” Devi said.
“We have limited resources to combat natural disasters,” he lamented
http://www.ucanews.com/2011/12/23/floods-displace-thousands-in-north/
EUROPE : GREAT BRITAIN : ARCHBISHOP NICHOLS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
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AMERICA : USA : ARCHBISHOP OF NY CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Archdiocese of New York RELEASE: "Where will you have your
Christmas? " A common question this time of the year.
What’s it mean? Usually, the person asking is wondering where you’ll have Christmas dinner, or where you’ll be when the presents under the tree are opened.
But, for us as believers, the essence of Christmas is not the festive meal — as eagerly as I await that joyful experience! — or even where we’ll gather with family and friends to exchange presents. (I’m all for that, too!)
No. For us as Catholics, the heart of Christmas is the Mass! Even the name of the holiday — Christ-Mass — implies the centrality of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on this radiant feast of the Nativity of the Lord.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Hebrew word for “house of bread.”
Thus, on His birthday, we approach the Eucharist to receive this “bread of life” in Holy Communion.
Jesus was born in a manger, a feedbox, where creatures ate, because He desired to be food for our souls. He nourishes us at Mass.
In the baby Jesus, the divine was hidden within the tender, innocent, humble human nature of an infant.
So in the Holy Eucharist, the divine is hidden under the simple, routine, natural elements of bread and wine.
That first Christmas, God the Son, the Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity, the Eternal Word, assumed flesh and blood.
At every Mass, Jesus Christ — body, blood, soul, and divinity — comes into our midst on the altar, into our souls.
In a way, every single celebration of the Eucharist is Christmas again, as Jesus comes to us in His Holy Word and in the Blessed Sacrament.
The tree, lights, carols, cards, gifts, family, friends, visits, wreaths, cookies, dinner — all cherished Christmas traditions.
But, the greatest custom of the all: Mass on the feast of Christmas!
So . . . where will you have your Christmas?
See you at Mass!
A blessed Christmas!
http://blog.archny.org/?p=2045
What’s it mean? Usually, the person asking is wondering where you’ll have Christmas dinner, or where you’ll be when the presents under the tree are opened.
But, for us as believers, the essence of Christmas is not the festive meal — as eagerly as I await that joyful experience! — or even where we’ll gather with family and friends to exchange presents. (I’m all for that, too!)
No. For us as Catholics, the heart of Christmas is the Mass! Even the name of the holiday — Christ-Mass — implies the centrality of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on this radiant feast of the Nativity of the Lord.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Hebrew word for “house of bread.”
Thus, on His birthday, we approach the Eucharist to receive this “bread of life” in Holy Communion.
Jesus was born in a manger, a feedbox, where creatures ate, because He desired to be food for our souls. He nourishes us at Mass.
In the baby Jesus, the divine was hidden within the tender, innocent, humble human nature of an infant.
So in the Holy Eucharist, the divine is hidden under the simple, routine, natural elements of bread and wine.
That first Christmas, God the Son, the Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity, the Eternal Word, assumed flesh and blood.
At every Mass, Jesus Christ — body, blood, soul, and divinity — comes into our midst on the altar, into our souls.
In a way, every single celebration of the Eucharist is Christmas again, as Jesus comes to us in His Holy Word and in the Blessed Sacrament.
The tree, lights, carols, cards, gifts, family, friends, visits, wreaths, cookies, dinner — all cherished Christmas traditions.
But, the greatest custom of the all: Mass on the feast of Christmas!
So . . . where will you have your Christmas?
See you at Mass!
A blessed Christmas!
http://blog.archny.org/?p=2045
AFRICA : EGYPT : MISSIONARIY SPENDS CHRISTMAS WITH GARBAGE COLLECTORS
Agenzia
Fides REPORT - "I am in the store, with my staff, to choose the clothes to be
distributed to children on Christmas Day" says to Fides Fr. Luciano Verdoscia, a
Comboni missionary who has been working for years in Mansheya, the area of
garbage collectors (called "Zabbaleen"). " Me and my association tale care of
about 650 children, giving them an education and a little financial help,"
explains the missionary.
With regards to the social situation in Egypt, Fr. Luciano remembers that today, December 23, "there is a demonstration against violence against women, who have discredited the image of the army. Yesterday, in another square in Cairo, a pro army demonstration took place. One should however keep in mind that the army has a considerable strength in numbers: sinply by ordering its members to send their families to the streets and the streets are filled".
"The population is a bit 'confused' continues Fr. Luciano. "But at the same time, people continue their activities. The protest is concentrated only in some specific places, starting from Tahrir Square. In short, the situation is much more complex than it appears. Now excuse me, but I have to leave because I have to finish downloading the packages" this is how the missionary ends his conversation. (L.M.)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30656&lan=eng
With regards to the social situation in Egypt, Fr. Luciano remembers that today, December 23, "there is a demonstration against violence against women, who have discredited the image of the army. Yesterday, in another square in Cairo, a pro army demonstration took place. One should however keep in mind that the army has a considerable strength in numbers: sinply by ordering its members to send their families to the streets and the streets are filled".
"The population is a bit 'confused' continues Fr. Luciano. "But at the same time, people continue their activities. The protest is concentrated only in some specific places, starting from Tahrir Square. In short, the situation is much more complex than it appears. Now excuse me, but I have to leave because I have to finish downloading the packages" this is how the missionary ends his conversation. (L.M.)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30656&lan=eng
TODAY'S GOSPEL AND MASS ONLINE : FRI. DEC. 23, 2011
| Luke
1: 57 - 66
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| 57 | <>Now the time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. |
| 58 | <>And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. |
| 59 | <>And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zechari'ah after his father, |
| 60 | <>but his mother said, "Not so; he shall be called John." |
| 61 | <>And they said to her, "None of your kindred is called by this name." |
| 62 | <>And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he would have him called. |
| 63 | <>And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all marveled. |
| 64 | <>And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. |
| 65 | <>And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea; |
| 66 | <>and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him. |
TODAY'S SAINT: DEC. 23: ST. JOHN OF KANTY
St. John of
Kanty
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BISHOP
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Feast: December
23
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