RADIO VATICANA REPORT: About thirty thousand
people attended Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Square Saturday morning to
commemorate forty years since the founding of the Holy Spirit Renewal in Italy.
The Archbishop of Genoa and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI),
Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, was the main celebrant. The celebration was
immediately followed by a special audience with Pope Benedict XVI, who addressed
the representatives of the Holy Spirit Renewal.
“In your pilgrimage,” the Holy Father said, “where you have the opportunity to spend time in prayer before the tomb of Saint Peter, may you reinvigorate your faith, grow in the Christian witness, and confront without fear, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the challenging tasks of the new evangelization.”
“Dear friends of the Holy Spirit Renewal! Never tire of turning towards heaven: the world is in need of prayer. Be of service to those men and women who feel drawn towards Heaven in their lives, giving praise to the Lord through a new way of life. And may you be joyful Christians!
“I entrust each and every one of you,” he concluded, “to the most Holy Mary, who was present at the Last Supper and the event of Pentecost. Persevere with her in prayer, go forward guided by the light of the Holy Spirit, living and proclaiming the announcement of Christ.”
The Holy Father concluded by imparting his Apostolic Blessing upon those who were present and their families.
“In your pilgrimage,” the Holy Father said, “where you have the opportunity to spend time in prayer before the tomb of Saint Peter, may you reinvigorate your faith, grow in the Christian witness, and confront without fear, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the challenging tasks of the new evangelization.”
“Dear friends of the Holy Spirit Renewal! Never tire of turning towards heaven: the world is in need of prayer. Be of service to those men and women who feel drawn towards Heaven in their lives, giving praise to the Lord through a new way of life. And may you be joyful Christians!
“I entrust each and every one of you,” he concluded, “to the most Holy Mary, who was present at the Last Supper and the event of Pentecost. Persevere with her in prayer, go forward guided by the light of the Holy Spirit, living and proclaiming the announcement of Christ.”
The Holy Father concluded by imparting his Apostolic Blessing upon those who were present and their families.
AMERICA : NEW FILM FOR GREATER GLORY ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM FIGHT - WATCH DOCUMENTARY NOW
FOR GREATER GLORY is a new movie about the Cristeros War (1926-1929). It involves the Mexican government's involvement in removing religion from the country.
The government tried to remove Catholicism. It chronicles the martyrdom of certain priests during the time including: Father José María Robles Hurtado. There were extreme methods undertaken to defend religious freedom. It paralells the current religious freedom intrusions in the USA and Canada now. This film involves graphic violence and is therefore, not suitable for young children.
The Knights of Columbus and many Bishops support the film:
“For many years, this period of history has been all but forgotten on both sides of the border,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. “This year, with the release of For Greater Glory, the story of the struggle for religious freedom in Mexico will begin to be told. With religious freedom now an important issue of discussion here in the United States, every American who values faith and freedom should see this film. As we watch it, we should rejoice that we live in a country where we settle debates over religious liberty with ballots, not bullets, and in courtrooms rather than on battlefields. Seeing how Catholic Mexico remains today, this film also serves as a timely reminder that — from the earliest days of the Church’s history to the present era — persecution does not stifle the faith, but emboldens it.”
The 26 minute documentary of the film can be seen below:
EUROPE : POPE'S VALET ARRESTED IN LEAKED DOCUMENTS SCANDAL
The Vatican issued a statement that the valet of the Pope was involved in the leaked document scandal. This man, Paolo Gabriele, age 46 years (pictured), was in possession of confidential documents. He lived in a Vatican apartment. There have been formalised charges against the valet. He was arrested on Wednesday. He will have twon lawyers for representation when on trial with the Vatican Tribunal.
ASIA : CHINA : ACTIVIST CHEN 'S BROTHER ESCAPES
ASIA NEWS REPORT:
Guangfu, Guangcheng's elder brother, was under close monitoring since the blind dissident's escape. Now he is in Beijing looking for a lawyer to represent his son Kegui who has been charged with "intentional homicide" after he tried to defend himself (without killing anyone) when police stormed his home.
Beijing (AsiaNews) - Chen Guangfu has escaped from Dongshigu village in Shandong. The elder brother of Chen Guangcheng, he and his family have had to endure persecution by the authorities who have put them under tight police surveillance since the blind dissident's flight. The latter is currently in the United States to study law. Guangfu fled to the capital from his village to seek legal counsel for his son, Chen Kegui, who is in custody for "intentional homicide."
After Chen Guangcheng's spectacular escape from house arrest following four and half years in jail, his brother Guangfu did the same. As guards slept, he snuck out at night, crossed fields and got to the capital by car after a six-hour drive through side roads.
In Beijing, he met lawyer Ding Xikui to ask him to represent his son Kegui who is accused of "intentional homicide" because he grabbed kitchen knives to defend his family against local officials and thugs who had entered their home after his uncle's escape.
Ding Xikui is a well-known human rights lawyer. With colleague Si Weijiang, he had offered to defend Kegui, but Linyi authorities rejected the proposal and instead appointed two government lawyers.
Ding, who told the foreign press that Chen Guangfu does not want government lawyers to represent his son, said that they were negotiating with the authorities Kegui's case.
In any event, the homicide charge makes no sense since no one was killed.
Guangfu, Guangcheng's elder brother, was under close monitoring since the blind dissident's escape. Now he is in Beijing looking for a lawyer to represent his son Kegui who has been charged with "intentional homicide" after he tried to defend himself (without killing anyone) when police stormed his home.
Beijing (AsiaNews) - Chen Guangfu has escaped from Dongshigu village in Shandong. The elder brother of Chen Guangcheng, he and his family have had to endure persecution by the authorities who have put them under tight police surveillance since the blind dissident's flight. The latter is currently in the United States to study law. Guangfu fled to the capital from his village to seek legal counsel for his son, Chen Kegui, who is in custody for "intentional homicide."
After Chen Guangcheng's spectacular escape from house arrest following four and half years in jail, his brother Guangfu did the same. As guards slept, he snuck out at night, crossed fields and got to the capital by car after a six-hour drive through side roads.
In Beijing, he met lawyer Ding Xikui to ask him to represent his son Kegui who is accused of "intentional homicide" because he grabbed kitchen knives to defend his family against local officials and thugs who had entered their home after his uncle's escape.
Ding Xikui is a well-known human rights lawyer. With colleague Si Weijiang, he had offered to defend Kegui, but Linyi authorities rejected the proposal and instead appointed two government lawyers.
Ding, who told the foreign press that Chen Guangfu does not want government lawyers to represent his son, said that they were negotiating with the authorities Kegui's case.
In any event, the homicide charge makes no sense since no one was killed.
AUSTRALIA : RAIDERS CHAPLAIN ADMINISTER OF ARCHDIOCESE
ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY REPORT:
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
25 May 2012
Monsignor John Woods, long time chaplain for the Canberra
Raiders has been appointed Administrator of the Archdiocese of
Canberra-Goulburn.
For many years Vicar-General of the Archdiocese, the sports-loving priest became Administrator after former Archbishop Mark Coleridge was installed as Archbishop of Brisbane earlier this month.
As a young priest, Msgr Woods studied at Ottawa's St Paul's University in Canada and on his return to Australia in 1985 was appointed full-time Director of the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn's Marriage Tribunal but took on an additional role as chaplain to the Raiders, ACT's beloved rugby league team.
"Back then only two NRL teams had chaplains. The first was the Penrith Panthers and the Raiders was the second," he says explaining the position is an ecumenical appointment under the auspices of Sports Chaplaincy Australia. "The Raiders' first chaplain was an Anglican priest, but after serving a year he was transferred and he asked me if I'd be interested in taking over."
Msgr Woods knew
Raiders' (then) coach, Don Furner and his family from his time as assistant
priest in the Queanbeayan parish back in 1978. "In fact, Don's sons, David who
is the current coach of the Raiders and his brother, also Don who is the Club's
present CEO, were among my altar servers," he says, adding that he was also keen
to take up this new role as it offered him a chance to be a priest to the wider
community.
"Being chaplain to the Raiders is not an official position, there's no pay involved and I have nothing to do with team selections. It's more about relationships and being someone who is a constant, someone who's always around and willing to listen and have a yarn," he says. "I'm, the 'go to person', the one players or support staff might turn to for a friendly chat or when something is bothering them and they need a bit of counselling and advice."
Msgr Woods says: "God comes to you disguised as your life" and is convinced openness to matters of faith and the yearning for "something more of life" can emerge from within the easy-going friendly setting established between himself and members of the Raiders.
An enthusiastic follower of the NRL, AFL as well as being a rugby union player in his youth, Msgr Woods laughs as he explains that where rugby was concerned his "build and ambition didn't coincide."
This did not affect his passion for football in all
its forms and in the almost three decades he has been Chaplain to the Raiders he
has seldom missed a home game or weekly training session. Although these days he
says he no longer joins the player workouts of laps and sprints.
Although still a keen jogger who keeps fit with a few runs each week, he insists that he can no longer keep up with players half his age at the training sessions and laughs as he remembers Sam Backo, one of the NRL greats and member of the Raiders, who glanced across at the priest running with the team and told him: "you must be bloody mad," pointing out that "at least we get paid to do this!"
Msgr Woods mightn't be on the field anymore but each week he is on the sidelines at Raiders' training sessions. While some of the support staff and team call him Father, to others he's affectionately called: "Rev" or "Woodsy."
"I'm at ease with whatever they want to call
me. This is their turf and whatever makes them comfortable is fine with me," he
insists. "As chaplain to a football club, whether in the change room or on the
field, you are in a completely different environment and the way you are viewed
and any standing you might have, comes from who you are, what you stand for and
the relationships you have built up."
While Msgr Woods might barrack for the team, he makes it very clear that being a chaplain never involves praying for a win. Instead any prayers offered are simply that the team will play to the best of their God-given talents and developed potential.
"If they do they will win more often than not. But I don't ask God to take sides," he insists.
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
25 May 2012
Msgr Woods ready to tackle new
poisiton
For many years Vicar-General of the Archdiocese, the sports-loving priest became Administrator after former Archbishop Mark Coleridge was installed as Archbishop of Brisbane earlier this month.
As a young priest, Msgr Woods studied at Ottawa's St Paul's University in Canada and on his return to Australia in 1985 was appointed full-time Director of the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn's Marriage Tribunal but took on an additional role as chaplain to the Raiders, ACT's beloved rugby league team.
"Back then only two NRL teams had chaplains. The first was the Penrith Panthers and the Raiders was the second," he says explaining the position is an ecumenical appointment under the auspices of Sports Chaplaincy Australia. "The Raiders' first chaplain was an Anglican priest, but after serving a year he was transferred and he asked me if I'd be interested in taking over."
Raiders in action
"Being chaplain to the Raiders is not an official position, there's no pay involved and I have nothing to do with team selections. It's more about relationships and being someone who is a constant, someone who's always around and willing to listen and have a yarn," he says. "I'm, the 'go to person', the one players or support staff might turn to for a friendly chat or when something is bothering them and they need a bit of counselling and advice."
Msgr Woods says: "God comes to you disguised as your life" and is convinced openness to matters of faith and the yearning for "something more of life" can emerge from within the easy-going friendly setting established between himself and members of the Raiders.
An enthusiastic follower of the NRL, AFL as well as being a rugby union player in his youth, Msgr Woods laughs as he explains that where rugby was concerned his "build and ambition didn't coincide."
Msgr John Woods longtime chaplain
to the Canberra Raiders
to the Canberra Raiders
Although still a keen jogger who keeps fit with a few runs each week, he insists that he can no longer keep up with players half his age at the training sessions and laughs as he remembers Sam Backo, one of the NRL greats and member of the Raiders, who glanced across at the priest running with the team and told him: "you must be bloody mad," pointing out that "at least we get paid to do this!"
Msgr Woods mightn't be on the field anymore but each week he is on the sidelines at Raiders' training sessions. While some of the support staff and team call him Father, to others he's affectionately called: "Rev" or "Woodsy."
Msgr John Woods seldom misses
Raiders' home game or training session
Raiders' home game or training session
While Msgr Woods might barrack for the team, he makes it very clear that being a chaplain never involves praying for a win. Instead any prayers offered are simply that the team will play to the best of their God-given talents and developed potential.
"If they do they will win more often than not. But I don't ask God to take sides," he insists.
AFRICA : MALI : 25 DIE INTER-COMMUNITY CLASH
Agenzia Fides report-There is a confusing situation in
Mali, after the announcement by the Coordinating Committee of Patriotic
Organizations of Mali (COPAM, an abbreviation that brings together supporters of
the coup leaders) that want to "invest" as President, Captain Amadou Sanogo
Haya, the head of the military junta that had seized power with the coup on 22
March (see Fides 24/05/2012).
In reality, the ceremony of "inauguration", scheduled on May 24, was not held. Haya Sanogo has not yet taken an official position on the announcement of COPAM. The head of the former military junta has been seen to recognize the prerogatives of the former Head of State of the May 20 agreement, signed by the military coup, by the interim authorities in Bamako and the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). The agreement provides for a transitional period of one year with Dioncounda Traore as President. He is currently in France for medical treatment after being attacked in the presidential palace by some COPAM supporters on May 21 (see Fides 22/05/2012). No one knows when he will return to Mali.
Meanwhile, a disturbing fact has occurred in a Malian village on the border with Burkina Faso. At least 25 farmers of ethnic Peuls originating from Burkina Faso, were killed in Sari (central Mali) during clashes with Malian farmers of Dogon ethnic group. The massacre, which originates in the atavistic clash between farmers and herders, however, is a warning on the weakness of the authorities of Mali, that, after losing control of the north (in the hands of various armed groups), does not seem to be able to ensure safety even in areas still under their power. Given the instability of the area, several hundred Peuls originating in Burkina Faso have returned home. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/5/2012)
In reality, the ceremony of "inauguration", scheduled on May 24, was not held. Haya Sanogo has not yet taken an official position on the announcement of COPAM. The head of the former military junta has been seen to recognize the prerogatives of the former Head of State of the May 20 agreement, signed by the military coup, by the interim authorities in Bamako and the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). The agreement provides for a transitional period of one year with Dioncounda Traore as President. He is currently in France for medical treatment after being attacked in the presidential palace by some COPAM supporters on May 21 (see Fides 22/05/2012). No one knows when he will return to Mali.
Meanwhile, a disturbing fact has occurred in a Malian village on the border with Burkina Faso. At least 25 farmers of ethnic Peuls originating from Burkina Faso, were killed in Sari (central Mali) during clashes with Malian farmers of Dogon ethnic group. The massacre, which originates in the atavistic clash between farmers and herders, however, is a warning on the weakness of the authorities of Mali, that, after losing control of the north (in the hands of various armed groups), does not seem to be able to ensure safety even in areas still under their power. Given the instability of the area, several hundred Peuls originating in Burkina Faso have returned home. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/5/2012)
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : SATURDAY MAY 26, 2012
| John
21: 20 - 25
| |
| 20 | Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" |
| 21 | When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" |
| 22 | Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" |
| 23 | The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" |
| 24 | This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. |
| 25 | But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. |
NOVENA DAY 9 TO HOLY SPIRIT FOR PENTECOST
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY GHOST
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. / I adore the brightness of Your purity the unerring keenness of Your justice and the might of Your love. You are the Strength / and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart! To be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light: and listen to Your voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You / by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds / and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart / I implore You / Adorable Spirit I Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere / "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Ghost to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul / the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth / the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude, that I may bear my cross with You I and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God find know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable / the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples / and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
9th DAY OF THE NOVENA
Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.
(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)
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