RADIO VATICANA
REPORT: The breathtaking frescos of the Sistine Chapel were the backdrop against
which Pope Benedict celebrated Mass on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It
was also a joyous occasion for a number of parents who witnessed the Pope
baptize their children.
The Holy Father, however, also had a message for the parents and godparents of these 16 babies and that was the importance of education.
To educate is a very challenging mission, said the Pope, and it is sometimes difficult for our limited human capacities.
But he added, “education becomes a wonderful mission if it is done in partnership with God, who is the first true educator of every man.
Drawing on Sunday’s Gospel during his Homily, Pope Benedict explained that John the Baptist was a great teacher to the disciples, but he knew their was someone mightier than him who would baptize the people with the Holy Spirit. He witnessed in favour of Jesus.
The Pope went on to describe parents as “channels” through which the lifeblood of the love of God passes. If that channel distances itself from the Lord, said Pope Benedict, then a Mother and Father lose the ability to educate.
The Holy Father also underlined the importance of the Holy Spirit saying, "It is very important for you parents, and also godfathers and godmothers, to believe strongly in the presence and action of the Holy Spirit, and welcome and invoke the Holy Spirit through prayer and the sacraments.”
“Prayer, the Pope continued, is the first condition to educate, because in prayer we give ourselves to God, we entrust our children to Him, who knows them before and better than us, and knows exactly what their true good is. “
With prayer and the Sacraments, said Pope Benedict, parents will be able to discern the most appropriate way to educate their children; when to be tender or firm and when to keep silent or to correct.
At the conclusion of this joyous day for many of those gathered the Holy Father asked the Holy Spirit to come down the new baptised children, so that Jesus can accompany them on their life’s journey.
http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=552886
The Holy Father, however, also had a message for the parents and godparents of these 16 babies and that was the importance of education.
To educate is a very challenging mission, said the Pope, and it is sometimes difficult for our limited human capacities.
But he added, “education becomes a wonderful mission if it is done in partnership with God, who is the first true educator of every man.
Drawing on Sunday’s Gospel during his Homily, Pope Benedict explained that John the Baptist was a great teacher to the disciples, but he knew their was someone mightier than him who would baptize the people with the Holy Spirit. He witnessed in favour of Jesus.
The Pope went on to describe parents as “channels” through which the lifeblood of the love of God passes. If that channel distances itself from the Lord, said Pope Benedict, then a Mother and Father lose the ability to educate.
The Holy Father also underlined the importance of the Holy Spirit saying, "It is very important for you parents, and also godfathers and godmothers, to believe strongly in the presence and action of the Holy Spirit, and welcome and invoke the Holy Spirit through prayer and the sacraments.”
“Prayer, the Pope continued, is the first condition to educate, because in prayer we give ourselves to God, we entrust our children to Him, who knows them before and better than us, and knows exactly what their true good is. “
With prayer and the Sacraments, said Pope Benedict, parents will be able to discern the most appropriate way to educate their children; when to be tender or firm and when to keep silent or to correct.
At the conclusion of this joyous day for many of those gathered the Holy Father asked the Holy Spirit to come down the new baptised children, so that Jesus can accompany them on their life’s journey.
http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=552886
AMERICA : BRAZIL : OVER 10 MILLION VISITED SHRINE IN 2011
Agenzia
Fides REPORT - The National Shrine of Aparecida, which is located in the
northern city of Aparecida (São Paulo State), welcomed a total of 10.885.878
million visitors in 2011. This is what the Episcopal Conference of Brazil
reports, noting that the year 2011 saw a movement of 505,705 devotees more
compared to the year 2010. The month which registered the highest number of
visitors was the month of October, with 1,235,242,000 million in
pilgrimage.
The busiest day of the year, on November 13, the Sanctuary hosted nearly 200,000 devotees. On that occasion, a long weekend, the sanctuary welcomed young people from all parts of Brazil for the third National Youth Pilgrimage, when there was the delivery of the symbols of World Youth Day (WYD).
Even during the holidays, pilgrims preferred the world's largest Marian shrine. In a climate of fraternity, over 1 million people visited the shrine in the month of July. For the rector of the National Shrine, the Redemptorist, Father Darci Nicioli, C.Ss.R. the sanctuary closed the year with many blessings. "The year 2011 was a blessed year. We saw a high turnout of pilgrims even in the days during the week, this forces us to rethink about reception. The sanctuary is always ready to receive the sons and daughters of the Mother of God", said Fr. Darci.
In the first half of the year, the sanctuary received more than 4 million visitors. In the second half 6.616756 million were registered. (CE)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30709&lan=eng
The busiest day of the year, on November 13, the Sanctuary hosted nearly 200,000 devotees. On that occasion, a long weekend, the sanctuary welcomed young people from all parts of Brazil for the third National Youth Pilgrimage, when there was the delivery of the symbols of World Youth Day (WYD).
Even during the holidays, pilgrims preferred the world's largest Marian shrine. In a climate of fraternity, over 1 million people visited the shrine in the month of July. For the rector of the National Shrine, the Redemptorist, Father Darci Nicioli, C.Ss.R. the sanctuary closed the year with many blessings. "The year 2011 was a blessed year. We saw a high turnout of pilgrims even in the days during the week, this forces us to rethink about reception. The sanctuary is always ready to receive the sons and daughters of the Mother of God", said Fr. Darci.
In the first half of the year, the sanctuary received more than 4 million visitors. In the second half 6.616756 million were registered. (CE)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30709&lan=eng
AUSTRALIA : BISHOPS CALL FOR REFLECTION OF ASYLUM POLICY
AUSTRALIA
BISHOPS CONFERENCE RELEASE: Catholic Migrant office
calls for reflection on asylum policy during the Christmas season. Media
Release, 23 December 2011
The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office today urged both political parties to show moral leadership over the Christmas period with regard to policy debates on asylum seekers and refugees.
Director of the ACMRO Fr Maurizio Pettenà CS expressed the view that people seeking asylum need to be processed in countries who are signatories to the UN Refugee Convention and who can assure them of the opportunity to rebuild their lives in dignity.
"Richer countries like Australia have a moral duty to do more to help the world’s refugees who are mostly hosted by poorer nations" he said.
"Christmas reminds us that it is in giving that we receive. This applies even more so to how much we give to those who seek asylum. Increasing the humanitarian program is an appropriate outcome that both political parties can agree on."
At this time of Christmas, Fr Pettenà urged political and religious leaders and all people of good will to defend the human dignity of asylum seekers.
"Once again the lives of asylum seekers have become a point of political contention. Christians should however see this issue instead as an opportunity to reflect on Christ coming in to the world and teaching us non-negotiable values: welcoming, protecting the little ones and the most vulnerable", he said.
"People’s lives are at risk not just on the high seas but in the very real and very dangerous situations in which they find themselves in armed conflict or subject to horrific exploitation".
"The Old Testament calls on us to treat the foreigner with love as though they were your own citizens. Jesus promises the Kingdom to those who welcome the stranger," said Fr Pettenà.
For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with Fr Maurizio Pettená CS, please contact Beth Doherty on 0407 081 256
http://www.catholic.org.au/
The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office today urged both political parties to show moral leadership over the Christmas period with regard to policy debates on asylum seekers and refugees.
Director of the ACMRO Fr Maurizio Pettenà CS expressed the view that people seeking asylum need to be processed in countries who are signatories to the UN Refugee Convention and who can assure them of the opportunity to rebuild their lives in dignity.
"Richer countries like Australia have a moral duty to do more to help the world’s refugees who are mostly hosted by poorer nations" he said.
"Christmas reminds us that it is in giving that we receive. This applies even more so to how much we give to those who seek asylum. Increasing the humanitarian program is an appropriate outcome that both political parties can agree on."
At this time of Christmas, Fr Pettenà urged political and religious leaders and all people of good will to defend the human dignity of asylum seekers.
"Once again the lives of asylum seekers have become a point of political contention. Christians should however see this issue instead as an opportunity to reflect on Christ coming in to the world and teaching us non-negotiable values: welcoming, protecting the little ones and the most vulnerable", he said.
"People’s lives are at risk not just on the high seas but in the very real and very dangerous situations in which they find themselves in armed conflict or subject to horrific exploitation".
"The Old Testament calls on us to treat the foreigner with love as though they were your own citizens. Jesus promises the Kingdom to those who welcome the stranger," said Fr Pettenà.
For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with Fr Maurizio Pettená CS, please contact Beth Doherty on 0407 081 256
http://www.catholic.org.au/
ASIA : INDONESIA : NUNS REBUILD SCHOOLS AFTER FIRES
Sister Redempta, head of the Bina Wirawan
Foundation managed by the Sisters of the Followers of Christ, said the
foundation could not afford the rebuilding project since the cost of the damage
from the fire, which was allegedly caused by a short-circuit,was about 500
million rupiah (US$55,000).
“The fire damaged eight classrooms, the office of the Assumption of Mary kindergarten, the school for children with autism, and the foundation’s office. It left us with nothing. We need support or help from many parties to rebuild the buildings,” she said.
The foundation also could not ask the students’ parents for donations because they have paid their children’s school fees, she said.
http://www.ucanews.com/2012/01/05/nuns-need-help-to-rebuild-burned-schools/
“The fire damaged eight classrooms, the office of the Assumption of Mary kindergarten, the school for children with autism, and the foundation’s office. It left us with nothing. We need support or help from many parties to rebuild the buildings,” she said.
The foundation also could not ask the students’ parents for donations because they have paid their children’s school fees, she said.
http://www.ucanews.com/2012/01/05/nuns-need-help-to-rebuild-burned-schools/
AFRICA : KENYA : PRIEST CALLS FOR RECONCILIATION IN POLITICS
CISA REPORT:
NAIROBI, January 6, 2012
(CISA) -A Catholic priest on January 1, urged political leaders in Kenya to
ensure that they preached more about love, peace, justice and reconciliation in
2012.Fr Simon Peter Kamomoe, priest-in-Charge of the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi noted that 2012 is special for Kenyans particularly due to general elections to take place later in the year.
“With our general elections coming up this year, I call on the politicians to ensure that they use public forums to talk more on peace, justice and reconciliation and at all cost say NO to violence,” he said.
All this will only be possible if we all trust in God, Fr Kamomoe said while saying homily to mark the ushering in of the New Year.
“The solution to our challenges as we usher in the New Year is trusting in God,”
“We need to pray to God that all will be peaceful and nothing of what surfaced in country’s last elections, 2007 will ever resurface,” he concluded.
Over 1,000 people lost their lives while an estimated 350,000 were internal displacement.
http://www.cisanewsafrica.com/?p=3792
EUROPE : FRANCE : INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR PAULINE JARICOT
Agenzia
Fides REPORT - Pauline Marie Jaricot (1799-1862), declared "venerable" by Pope
John XXIII on February 25, 1963, devoted her life to the mission, prayer and
service to the poor: she founded the Society for the Propagation of the Faith
(May 3, 1822) and the movement of the Living Rosary (1826). January 9, 2012
marks the 150th anniversary of her birth to heaven, and the Pontifical Mission
Societies of France have launched an international meeting on "Pauline Jaricot,
a woman always present", which aims to reflect on the occasion of the jubilee
year, on how a simple, young girl, was able to give new dynamism to the
universal Catholic mission and foreshadowed the movement of social Catholicism.
This international meeting (see Fides 12/10/2011) will be held on Monday,
January 9 in Lyon (France), where Jaricot was born and is buried in the presence
of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyon, Primate of the Gauls,
President of the French Association of the Pontifical Mission Societies, the
Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, His Exc. Mgr.
Savio Hon Tai-Fai and the Secretary-Generals of the Pontifical Mission
Societies. (SL)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30715&lan=eng
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30715&lan=eng
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : SUNDAY, JAN. 8, 2012
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Isaiah 60: 1 - 6
1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes round about, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be carried in the arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Mid'ian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD. Psalms 72: 1 - 2, 7 - 8, 10 - 13
1 Give the king thy justice, O God, and thy righteousness to the royal son! 2 May he judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with justice! 7 In his days may righteousness flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 8 May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! 10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! 12 For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. 13 He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
Ephesians 3: 2 - 3, 5 - 6
2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Matthew 2: 1 - 12
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 2 "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: 6 `And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; 8 and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9 When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; 11 and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 8 : ST. APOLLINARIS OF HIERAPOLIS
St. Apollinaris of Hierapolis
BISHOP
Feast: January 8
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Information:
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CLAUDIUS APOLLINARIS, Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia, was
one of the most illustrious prelates of the second age. Notwithstanding the
great encomiums bestowed on him by Eusebius, St. Jerome, Theodoret, and ethers,
but little is known of his actions; and. his writings,which then were held in
great esteem, seem now to be all lost. He wrote many able treatises against the
heretics, and pointed out, as St. Jerome testifies, from what philosophical sect
each heresy derived its errors. Nothing rendered his name so illustrious,
however, as his noble apology for the Christian religion which he addressed to
the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, about the year 175, soon after the miraculous
victory that prince had obtained over the Quadi by the prayers of the
Christians. St. Apollinaris reminded the emperor of the benefit he had received
from God through the prayers of his Christian subjects, and implored protection
for them against the persecution of the pagans. Marcus Aurelius published an
edict in which he forbade any one, under pain of death, to accuse a Christian on
account of his religion; by a strange inconsistency, he had not the courage to
abolish the laws then in force against the Christians, and, as a consequence,
many of them suffered martyrdom, though their accusers were also put to death.
The date of St. Apollinaris' death is not known; the Roman Martyrology mentions
him on the 8th of January.
(Taken from Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler) |
source: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/stapollinarisofhierapolis.asp#ixzz1isKFgxer
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