VATICAN : POPE : THE LORD GOVERNS THE WORLD AND OTHER NEWS
THE SHIP OF PETER MAY SEEM TO FALTER BUT IT IS LORD WHO GOVERNS THE WORLD
Vatican City, 4 June 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father yesterday had lunch with Church leaders in the archbishopric of Milan. He had been staying at the archbishopric during his three-day visit to that northern Italian city for the seventh World Meeting of Families, the closure of which he had presided that morning at an open-air Mass. At the end of the meal the Pope made some brief off-the-cuff remarks.
"I simply want to say thank you for everything I have been able to experience over these days, for this experience of the living Church. If from time to time we may think that the Ship of Peter is at the mercy of ruthless adversaries, it is also true that we see that the Lord is present, He is alive, He truly rose again and holds the government of the world and the heart of mankind in His hand. This experience of the living Church, which lives from the love of God, which lives for the risen Christ has been, let us say, the gift of these days. Thus let us give thanks to the Lord".
NOTIFICATION FROM THE CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH
Vatican City, 4 June 2012 (VIS) - The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith today published a "Notification Regarding the Book 'Just Love. A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics' by Sister Margaret A. Farley R.S.M". The document warns the faithful that the work in question "is not in conformity with the teaching of the Church. Consequently it cannot be used as a valid expression of Catholic teaching, either in counselling and formation, or in ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue". The English-language Notification is signed by Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and has been approved by the Holy Father.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith wrote to Sr. Farley in 2010 enclosing a preliminary evaluation of her book and indicating the doctrinal problems it contained, however her answer failed to clarify those issues in a satisfactory manner. The Congregation therefore proceeded to examine the volume following the procedure for "examination in cases of urgency". In June 2011 a commission of experts confirmed that the "book contained erroneous propositions, the dissemination of which risks grave harm to the faithful". Sr. Farley was sent a list of the erroneous propositions and invited to correct them, but her response "did not adequately clarify the grave problems contained in her book" and the Congregation decided to proceed with the publication of this Notification, extracts of which are given below.
"The author does not present a correct understanding of the role of the Church’s Magisterium as the teaching authority of the bishops united with the Successor of Peter, which guides the Church’s ever deeper understanding of the Word of God as found in Holy Scripture. ... In addressing various moral issues, Sr. Farley either ignores the constant teaching of the Magisterium or, where it is occasionally mentioned, treats it as one opinion among others. ... Sr. Farley also manifests a defective understanding of the objective nature of the natural moral law".
"Among the many errors and ambiguities of this book are its positions on masturbation, homosexual acts, homosexual unions, the indissolubility of marriage and the problem of divorce and remarriage".
"Sr. Farley writes: 'Masturbation… usually does not raise any moral questions at all'. ... This statement does not conform to Catholic teaching: “Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action. ... For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved".
"Sr. Farley writes: 'My own view ... is that same-sex relationships and activities can be justified according to the same sexual ethic as heterosexual relationships and activities'. ... This opinion is not acceptable. The Catholic Church, in fact, distinguishes between persons with homosexual tendencies and homosexual acts. Concerning persons with homosexual tendencies, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “they must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided” . Concerning homosexual acts, however, the Catechism affirms: “Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexualcomplementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved”".
"The Church teaches that the respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of ... homosexual unions. The common good requires that laws recognise, promote and protect marriage as the basis of the family, the primary unit of society. ... The denial of the social and legal status of marriage to forms of cohabitation that are not and cannot be marital is not opposed to justice; on the contrary, justice requires it".
"Sr. Farley writes: 'My own position is that a marriage commitment is subject to release'. ... This opinion is in contradiction to Catholic teaching on the indissolubility of marriage: “By its very nature conjugal love requires the inviolable fidelity of the spouses. This is the consequence of the gift of themselves which they make to each other. Love seeks to be definitive; it cannot be an arrangement ‘until further notice’. The intimate union of marriage, as a mutual giving of two persons, and the good of the children, demand total fidelity from the spouses and require an unbreakable union between them. ... The Lord Jesus insisted on the original intention of the Creator who willed that marriage be indissoluble. He abrogates the accommodations that had slipped into the old Law".
The Notification also assesses Sr. Farley's opinion that divorced people may remarry, saying: "This view contradicts Catholic teaching that excludes the possibility of remarriage after divorce. ... In fidelity to the words of Jesus Christ, ... the Church maintains that a new union cannot be recognised as valid, if the first marriage was'".
"With this Notification, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith expresses profound regret that a member of an institute of consecrated life, Sr. Margaret A. Farley R.S.M., affirms positions that are in direct contradiction with Catholic teaching in the field of sexual morality. ... Furthermore the Congregation wishes to encourage theologians to pursue the task of studying and teaching moral theology in full concord with the principles of Catholic doctrine".
PONTIFICAL LEGATE TO FIFTIETH INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN DUBLIN
Vatican City, 4 June 2012 (VIS) - Made public on Saturday on 2 June was a letter, written in Latin and dated 14 May, in which Benedict XVI appoints Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, as pontifical legate for the celebration of the fiftieth International Eucharistic Congress, which is due to take place in Dublin, Ireland, from 10 to 17 June.
Cardinal Ouellet will be accompanied on his mission by Fr. Gearoid Dullea, executive secretary of the Irish Episcopal Conference; Msgr. Cirian O'Carroll, rector of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome, and Msgr. Samuele Sangalli, official of the Congregation for Bishops.
AUSTRALIA : AT THE WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES WITH BENEDICT XVI
ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY RELEASE
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
4 Jun 2012
An Australian delegation of around 60 people were among the
estimated 850,000 pilgrims gathered at Bresso Airport in Milan for the final
World Meeting of Families mass with Pope Benedict XVI yesterday.
With flags flying from the 154 countries represented at the 7th World Meeting of Families the Pope arrived for the open air mass to a rousing reception which was the culmination of a three day Pastoral and Theological Congress on "Work and Celebration".
Those attending the various talks from prelates and professors included the Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell and the Director of the Life, Marriage and Family Centre of the archdiocese, Chris Meney.
"The importance of family time together around the meal table and in prayer, especially the rosary, was a common theme during the Congress," Chris Meney said.
"The complementary and reciprocal relationships which exist
within the natural family were also explored at some depth.
"It was revealed how all family members have a mutual responsibility to one another and how each parent, son or daughter is defined by their relationships with others in the family, " he said.
At a media conference during the week Cardinal Pell said the church is always ready to defend and work with the family and to resist those secular forces which seek to reduce it to an economic unit.
Ron and Mavis Pirola coordinated the Australian pilgrim group - mostly families with about 20 children under the age of ten. Cardinal Pell or Bishop Brady provided Mass each day at one of the local churches in Milan however one of the highlights was a special Mass for the Australian pilgrims and friends on Saturday in the historic church of St Maria St Satrio built in the 15th century but which is attached to a chapel that was built in the 9th century.
On Saturday evening at the Vigil celebration with families, the
Pope shared his own childhood experiences of family life. He told how there was
always music in the family with his brother, a noted musicians, and much
singing. The Holy Father said despite the challenges of the time he always felt
that he was surrounded by love.
During the final Mass yesterday the Pope expanded this theme saying the traditional family values and Sunday rest were key to escaping the ills of modern society.
He said;" Dear families, despite the relentless rhythms of the modern world, do not lose a sense of the Lord's day." Describing the tradition of resting on Sunday as an "oasis in which to pause....and celebrate the family."
He said especially in times of economic crisis and social unease, families should celebrate Sunday as "the day of man and his values: conviviality, friendship, solidarity, culture, closeness to nature, play and sport".
The Pope also spoke to
divorced believers saying the Church still loved them and supports them.
The Pope's words were also not lost on the politicians gathered in the financial and fashion centre of Italy when he recognised the struggles of many families as a result of the economic crisis, chiding and calling on politicians to keep their promises and asking businesses to take a genuine interest in their employees and families. The Pope also suggested those who are not struggling financially and are living in countries that are better off economically could sponsor a family who is facing financial difficulties in a poorer country.
Following the final Mass a small group of families were fortunate to share lunch with Pope Benedict XVI and a handful of Cardinals including Cardinal Pell.
The Green family, Parramatta Diocese delegates to the Conference represented Oceania joined the group of 15 families when they were driven under police escort to the Cardinal of Milan's residence near the Cathedral.
For Donna, Stuart, Anna and Jack is was an especially privileged moment - and possibly more so for Jack who is a young Parramatta seminarian. In fact when the Holy Father was told Jack was in the seminary he referred to his sister as "Sister Anna".
"Of course no pressure!, " Ann O'Brien, the senior manager of CatholicCare Social Services with the Diocese of Parramatta said.
Chris Meney said those
who were able to attend the conference benefited from a "wonderful, prayerful
and rich experience".
The pontiff also announced the next World Meeting of Families will take place in Philadelphia in the United States in 2015.
And in a surprise comment the Pope said he hoped to meet with Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia in 2015 - "God willing".
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
4 Jun 2012
Families gather at World Meeting of Families in
Milan
With flags flying from the 154 countries represented at the 7th World Meeting of Families the Pope arrived for the open air mass to a rousing reception which was the culmination of a three day Pastoral and Theological Congress on "Work and Celebration".
Those attending the various talks from prelates and professors included the Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell and the Director of the Life, Marriage and Family Centre of the archdiocese, Chris Meney.
"The importance of family time together around the meal table and in prayer, especially the rosary, was a common theme during the Congress," Chris Meney said.
Many families attended the conference in Milan,
Italy
"It was revealed how all family members have a mutual responsibility to one another and how each parent, son or daughter is defined by their relationships with others in the family, " he said.
At a media conference during the week Cardinal Pell said the church is always ready to defend and work with the family and to resist those secular forces which seek to reduce it to an economic unit.
Ron and Mavis Pirola coordinated the Australian pilgrim group - mostly families with about 20 children under the age of ten. Cardinal Pell or Bishop Brady provided Mass each day at one of the local churches in Milan however one of the highlights was a special Mass for the Australian pilgrims and friends on Saturday in the historic church of St Maria St Satrio built in the 15th century but which is attached to a chapel that was built in the 9th century.
Green Family - Jack, Stuart, Donna and
Anna
During the final Mass yesterday the Pope expanded this theme saying the traditional family values and Sunday rest were key to escaping the ills of modern society.
He said;" Dear families, despite the relentless rhythms of the modern world, do not lose a sense of the Lord's day." Describing the tradition of resting on Sunday as an "oasis in which to pause....and celebrate the family."
He said especially in times of economic crisis and social unease, families should celebrate Sunday as "the day of man and his values: conviviality, friendship, solidarity, culture, closeness to nature, play and sport".
Seminarian Jack Green
with the menu from his lunch
with Pope Benedict XVI in Milan.
with the menu from his lunch
with Pope Benedict XVI in Milan.
The Pope's words were also not lost on the politicians gathered in the financial and fashion centre of Italy when he recognised the struggles of many families as a result of the economic crisis, chiding and calling on politicians to keep their promises and asking businesses to take a genuine interest in their employees and families. The Pope also suggested those who are not struggling financially and are living in countries that are better off economically could sponsor a family who is facing financial difficulties in a poorer country.
Following the final Mass a small group of families were fortunate to share lunch with Pope Benedict XVI and a handful of Cardinals including Cardinal Pell.
The Green family, Parramatta Diocese delegates to the Conference represented Oceania joined the group of 15 families when they were driven under police escort to the Cardinal of Milan's residence near the Cathedral.
For Donna, Stuart, Anna and Jack is was an especially privileged moment - and possibly more so for Jack who is a young Parramatta seminarian. In fact when the Holy Father was told Jack was in the seminary he referred to his sister as "Sister Anna".
"Of course no pressure!, " Ann O'Brien, the senior manager of CatholicCare Social Services with the Diocese of Parramatta said.
The Pope speaking of his own family
while a 7-year old Vietnamese girl listens intently
while a 7-year old Vietnamese girl listens intently
The pontiff also announced the next World Meeting of Families will take place in Philadelphia in the United States in 2015.
And in a surprise comment the Pope said he hoped to meet with Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia in 2015 - "God willing".
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Pope Benedict XVI with one of
the younger conference
attendees
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY WEBSITE
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The faithful gather for Mass in
Milan
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The Holy Father
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ASIA : 1ST 3-D MOVIE ABOUT JESUS MADE IN INDIA
ASIA NEWS REPORT;
'Thirty Pieces of Silver' is the title of the movie, which will cost 35 million rupees (US$ 625,000). Director, producers and part of the cast are Indian. Technicians are foreigners. The movie will be released in 5,000 movie theatres on Easter Sunday 2013.
Mumbai (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Titled 'Thirty Pieces of Silver', the first 3-D movie about Jesus Christ will be made almost entirely in India. It is expected to be released simultaneously next Easter in 5,000 movie theatres around the world. Production is expected to start at the end of July in nine languages, including Malayalam and English, at a cost of 35,000,000 rupees (US$ 625,000).
"It took us almost a decade to finish the script based on the New Testament," said producer Johny Sagarika. "Director Kurien Varanasala personally held many rounds of discussions with experts on Bible".
Shooting will start in Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad, but many scenes are planned in Jerusalem. The team will travel to Hampi in Karnataka for the crucifixion scenes.
The 300-strong cast will include 50 people from Kerala. A new actor, Jeremy Jairus, will play the main character. All the 12 disciples will be new faces as well. All the technicians will be brought from abroad.
'Thirty pieces of silver' (Muppathu Vellikkasu) will be presented at the Pastoral Orientation Centre in Kochi on 5 June in the presence of 35 bishops and with the full blessing of the church.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
'Thirty Pieces of Silver' is the title of the movie, which will cost 35 million rupees (US$ 625,000). Director, producers and part of the cast are Indian. Technicians are foreigners. The movie will be released in 5,000 movie theatres on Easter Sunday 2013.
_0604_-_Film_Gesù_3D.jpg)
Mumbai (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Titled 'Thirty Pieces of Silver', the first 3-D movie about Jesus Christ will be made almost entirely in India. It is expected to be released simultaneously next Easter in 5,000 movie theatres around the world. Production is expected to start at the end of July in nine languages, including Malayalam and English, at a cost of 35,000,000 rupees (US$ 625,000).
"It took us almost a decade to finish the script based on the New Testament," said producer Johny Sagarika. "Director Kurien Varanasala personally held many rounds of discussions with experts on Bible".
Shooting will start in Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad, but many scenes are planned in Jerusalem. The team will travel to Hampi in Karnataka for the crucifixion scenes.
The 300-strong cast will include 50 people from Kerala. A new actor, Jeremy Jairus, will play the main character. All the 12 disciples will be new faces as well. All the technicians will be brought from abroad.
'Thirty pieces of silver' (Muppathu Vellikkasu) will be presented at the Pastoral Orientation Centre in Kochi on 5 June in the presence of 35 bishops and with the full blessing of the church.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
EUROPE : CHURCHES JOIN TO HONOUR QUEEN
IND. CATH. NEWS REPORT:
The
Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) have issued the following
statement on The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
'We join the nation in its rejoicing at Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. As we celebrate, we give thanks to God that her personal commitment to her role as monarch, and her service to the people of the United Kingdom, are grounded in a deep faith in Jesus Christ which is an inspiration to countless citizens of nation and Commonwealth. Her understanding of the wholeness and harmony of the nation is a crucial factor in strengthening our commitment to one another.
There can be no better way for the Christian Churches to celebrate the Jubilee than to take the opportunity to dedicate themselves anew to the service of God, and to seek the common good through love for their neighbours near and far.
We acknowledge gratefully Her Majesty’s faith and her dedication to service, and assure her of the prayers and good wishes of her fellow Christians for the years of her reign yet to come. We pray that all may be inspired by Her Majesty's service: that together we may create a nation where all know they have the dignity and value of the children of God.'
The Presidents of Churches Together in England are:
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Revd Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
The Revd Michael Heaney, Moderator of the Free Churches Group
The Rt Revd Jana Jeruma-Grinberga of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain.
HE Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain
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'We join the nation in its rejoicing at Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. As we celebrate, we give thanks to God that her personal commitment to her role as monarch, and her service to the people of the United Kingdom, are grounded in a deep faith in Jesus Christ which is an inspiration to countless citizens of nation and Commonwealth. Her understanding of the wholeness and harmony of the nation is a crucial factor in strengthening our commitment to one another.
There can be no better way for the Christian Churches to celebrate the Jubilee than to take the opportunity to dedicate themselves anew to the service of God, and to seek the common good through love for their neighbours near and far.
We acknowledge gratefully Her Majesty’s faith and her dedication to service, and assure her of the prayers and good wishes of her fellow Christians for the years of her reign yet to come. We pray that all may be inspired by Her Majesty's service: that together we may create a nation where all know they have the dignity and value of the children of God.'
The Presidents of Churches Together in England are:
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Revd Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
The Revd Michael Heaney, Moderator of the Free Churches Group
The Rt Revd Jana Jeruma-Grinberga of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain.
HE Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain
AFRICA : EGYPT : BISHOPS HOPE PRESIDENT WILL PROTECT CHRISTIANS
CISA REPORT:
CAIRO, May 31, 2012 (CISA) -The Egyptian
elections are causing serious doubts among the country’s Christians about
whether the next president will protect their rights, with the Muslim
Brotherhood’s commitment being especially unclear, a senior Catholic bishop in
Egypt has said.
“We have a situation with the elections and the constitution and the future of our country – whoever wants to be president needs to guarantee a good constitution, in which everyone will be able to find his place in our country,” Coptic Catholic Bishop Antonios Aziz Mina of Giza told Aid to the Church In Need in an interview.
The next president, whoever he is, “needs to guarantee the minimum of liberties we seek,” he stated.
“Whoever will guarantee liberty and democracy and a good constitution for Egypt will have our vote.”
From June 16-17, Egypt will hold a run-off election between Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi and former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq. They were the top candidates in the May 23-24 elections. Morsi won almost 5.8 million votes, about 25 percent of the electorate, while Shafiq won 5.5 million votes, almost 24 percent.
The Muslim Brotherhood has promised reforms of the government recently headed by ousted president Hosni Mubarak. It has also proposed more rule under Islamic law, causing fear among other Muslims, secular Egyptians, and the Christian minority who fear restrictions on their rights.
Bishop Aziz voiced doubts about the Muslim Brotherhood’s aims.
“The Muslim Brothers say one thing, then tomorrow they do another. They don’t maintain their promises – that’s the problem,” he said.
It would be difficult to vote for the Muslim Brotherhood without guarantees from them, the bishop said.
On May 29, Mosni tried to reassure Christians. At a Cairo press conference, he said he planned to appoint Christians as presidential advisors and name one as vice president “if possible,” the Associated Press reports.
“Our Christian brothers, they are partners in the nation. They will have full rights that are equal to those enjoyed by Muslims,” he said.
The presidential candidate said he would not impose an Islamic dress code on women in public and promised them full rights in work and in education.
Shafiq, a former air force commander, has campaigned on a law-and-order platform. He split with former foreign minister Amr Moussa the votes of those who preferred former members of the Mubarak government.
However, Shafiq is facing anger over his ties to the Mubarak regime.
Voter turnout in the first round was 46 percent.
Bishop Aziz said it is difficult to say who will win.
“There are two weeks until the election and we will wait to see who can guarantee a good future for Egypt,” he said, remaining positive about the future of democracy in Egypt.
“Always I am an optimist – and at this time I choose to hope.”
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
“We have a situation with the elections and the constitution and the future of our country – whoever wants to be president needs to guarantee a good constitution, in which everyone will be able to find his place in our country,” Coptic Catholic Bishop Antonios Aziz Mina of Giza told Aid to the Church In Need in an interview.
The next president, whoever he is, “needs to guarantee the minimum of liberties we seek,” he stated.
“Whoever will guarantee liberty and democracy and a good constitution for Egypt will have our vote.”
From June 16-17, Egypt will hold a run-off election between Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi and former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq. They were the top candidates in the May 23-24 elections. Morsi won almost 5.8 million votes, about 25 percent of the electorate, while Shafiq won 5.5 million votes, almost 24 percent.
The Muslim Brotherhood has promised reforms of the government recently headed by ousted president Hosni Mubarak. It has also proposed more rule under Islamic law, causing fear among other Muslims, secular Egyptians, and the Christian minority who fear restrictions on their rights.
Bishop Aziz voiced doubts about the Muslim Brotherhood’s aims.
“The Muslim Brothers say one thing, then tomorrow they do another. They don’t maintain their promises – that’s the problem,” he said.
It would be difficult to vote for the Muslim Brotherhood without guarantees from them, the bishop said.
On May 29, Mosni tried to reassure Christians. At a Cairo press conference, he said he planned to appoint Christians as presidential advisors and name one as vice president “if possible,” the Associated Press reports.
“Our Christian brothers, they are partners in the nation. They will have full rights that are equal to those enjoyed by Muslims,” he said.
The presidential candidate said he would not impose an Islamic dress code on women in public and promised them full rights in work and in education.
Shafiq, a former air force commander, has campaigned on a law-and-order platform. He split with former foreign minister Amr Moussa the votes of those who preferred former members of the Mubarak government.
However, Shafiq is facing anger over his ties to the Mubarak regime.
Voter turnout in the first round was 46 percent.
Bishop Aziz said it is difficult to say who will win.
“There are two weeks until the election and we will wait to see who can guarantee a good future for Egypt,” he said, remaining positive about the future of democracy in Egypt.
“Always I am an optimist – and at this time I choose to hope.”
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
AMERICA : EL SALVADOR ; TRUCE WITH ARMED GANGS
Agenzia Fides REPORT –It depends on the Church in every
country to try to bring forward the mediation between gangs, which together with
drug traffickers and other criminal groups have exacerbated the violence in the
region: this is the Archbishop of San Salvador, His Exc. Mgr. José Luis Escobar
Alas’ opinion, expressed in his usual press conference on Sunday, during which
he also clarified that the Salvadoran Church does not withdraw from mediation to
the "truce" between the Mara Salvatrucha (MS) and Mara 18 ( M18), initiated by
the castrense Bishop, Monsignor Fabio Colindres. "Maybe I was not very precise,
two weeks ago, when I said that the Church withdrew from the process," stated
the Archbishop. On May 20, in fact, the Archbishop said that "the Church has
done its job, and its moment has come to an end", but, as he explained
yesterday, "I was referring to the leading role in taking the first step, now it
is up to the government and the rest of society. "
On the possibility that the example of the Salvadoran "truce" can be extended to the entire region, the Archbishop said: "It is likely that the Bishops of Central American countries want to do something similar to what the Church has done in El Salvador" But the Church of El Salvador has no authority to ask the Bishops to promote a "truce" between the members of the gangs, however, "if we are asked for information about it, with great pleasure we will give it to them." The Archbishop anticipated that this will be an issue to bring to the Annual Meeting of Bishops of Central America to be held in the third week of November in Panama: "I am sure we are going to touch this subject because we do not only talk about spiritual matters, but there are also social problems."
The truce between the gangs (see Fides 28/03/2012), which began in March, has lowered the daily average of murders from 14 to 5, as reported by the Salvadorian authorities. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 04/06/2012)
On the possibility that the example of the Salvadoran "truce" can be extended to the entire region, the Archbishop said: "It is likely that the Bishops of Central American countries want to do something similar to what the Church has done in El Salvador" But the Church of El Salvador has no authority to ask the Bishops to promote a "truce" between the members of the gangs, however, "if we are asked for information about it, with great pleasure we will give it to them." The Archbishop anticipated that this will be an issue to bring to the Annual Meeting of Bishops of Central America to be held in the third week of November in Panama: "I am sure we are going to touch this subject because we do not only talk about spiritual matters, but there are also social problems."
The truce between the gangs (see Fides 28/03/2012), which began in March, has lowered the daily average of murders from 14 to 5, as reported by the Salvadorian authorities. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 04/06/2012)
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : MONDAY JUNE 4, 2012
| Mark
12: 1 - 12
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| 1 | And he began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a pit for the wine press, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. |
| 2 | When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. |
| 3 | And they took him and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. |
| 4 | Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully. |
| 5 | And he sent another, and him they killed; and so with many others, some they beat and some they killed. |
| 6 | He had still one other, a beloved son; finally he sent him to them, saying, `They will respect my son.' |
| 7 | But those tenants said to one another, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' |
| 8 | And they took him and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. |
| 9 | What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants, and give the vineyard to others. |
| 10 | Have you not read this scripture: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; |
| 11 | this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" |
| 12 | And they tried to arrest him, but feared the multitude, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them; so they left him and went away. |
TODAY'S SAINT : JUNE 4 : ST. FRANCIS CARACCIOLO
St. Francis Caracciolo
FOUNDER
Feast: June 4
 Information:
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St. Francis Caracciolo as a
boy was one of those children whom the world "sets down as unnatural." No doubt
we ourselves also had we seen the little Ascanio, by which name he was baptized,
eschewing games and "the things of a child," to make constant visits to the
Blessed Sacrament and give food and other reliefs to the poor, would have
thought it all very "odd," did we not reflect that the "supernatural" does
strange things at times and manifests itself in old and young alike, regardless
of what people may say or even do! Ascanius, or as we must call him by his name
in religion, Francis, Caracciolo, was born at Villa Santa Maria in that quarter
of Italy known as the Abruzzi, the very name of which always recalls mental
pictures of wild and lonely scenery and picturesque groups of Salvator
Rosa-esque brigands! The family of the Saint was noble, being a junior branch of
the ancient house. While still a youth, he was attacked by one of the several
skin complaints collectively described as "leprosy" in those days, but which in
the case of the subject of this memoir was made the means of still further
withdrawing him from things of earth and towards those of Heaven. He was cured
in consequence, it is said, of a vow to devote his life to the service of God,
and with this end in view he went, at the age of about twenty-two, to study for
the priesthood at Naples. In the intervals of reading, he busied himself with
works of devotion and charity, making long visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and
consoling the inmates of hospitals and prisons. He had a special liking for
neglected churches, seeking to make up by his attendance and prayers for the
absence of worshippers in these uncared-for sanctuaries. After his Ordination in
1587, he joined a pious confraternity, known as the "The White Robes of
Justice." This Society, like that of the better-known Misericorde, attended
condemned criminals and prepared them to die well. All this time, Francis seems
to have had in mind the founding of a new religious Order, and next year the
matter came to a head. It happened that the same idea had also occurred to
another devout man, Giovanni Agostino Adorno, who unburdened his mind on the
subject in a letter addressed to another member of the Caracciolo family, named
Fabricius Ascanio. The letter was delivered by a very natural error to our
Saint, who saw in the occurrence a clear indication of the divine will. Joining
in at once with John Adorno and Fabricius Caracciolo, our Saint and they retired
for a while to the desert of Camaldoli, where the holy trio drew up the Rule of
what was to be the Minor Clerks Regular. Francis then went to Rome to obtain the
approval of the Pope for the new Foundation. Sixtus V was at that time in the
midst of his strenuous pontificate, clearing the Papal States of the swarms of
brigands which had long made that part of Italy one of the most insecure places
in Europe, and in beautifying Rome with those stately public buildings which
still reflect the glory of the Sistine rule. The Holy Father with quite unwonted
alacrity approved the Congregation on 1st July of the same year
(1588). The new Congregation of the Minor Clerks Regular thus established was one of considerable severity. The Clerks bound themselves to distribute various practices of penance among themselves daily, so that while one fasted, another took the discipline, a third wore the hair-shirt and so on. The rest not so engaged were meanwhile watching in turn before the Blessed Sacrament. In addition to the three usual vows, a fourth was added-not to aspire after dignities (de non ambiendis dignitatibus). At his solemn profession at Naples, 9th April, 1589, Fr. Caracciolo took the name of Francis, from his great devotion to the holy Founder of the Seraphic Order. Fr. Adorno dying two years later, Fr. Francis, entirely against his own wish, was chosen Superior of the Congregation. He showed himself a model in all that related to the Rule, but quite surpassed all his brethren in the matter of prayer and austerity. He meditated several hours daily on the sufferings of Our Lord, and spent most of the night before the Blessed Sacrament. This he did, among other reasons, to make up as far as he could for the coldness and ingratitude of men, and often, too, the culpable negligence of indifferent ecclesiastics which so frequently caused the churches to be practically abandoned day after day. When kneeling before the altar, the face of Fr. Francis appeared to be lighted up with celestial glory, while he ejaculated from time to time a favourite sentence from the Scripture: "the zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up!" (Ps. lxviii. 10.) The first house of the Clerks was one at Naples, known as St. Mary Major's, which had been made over to them by Sixtus V, but the expansion of the Congregation soon made it imperative to found others elsewhere. Spain early extended its welcome to the newest arrivals in the monastic field, and St. Francis undertook no fewer than three journeys to that most Catholic country under the special protection first of Philip II and afterwards of his son, Philip III. On one of these voyages, the ship that bore the holy Founder and his fortunes was nearly wrecked, but the vessel was saved by the prayer of our Saint. Of course, there was the opposition of the good to be met and overcome, but the spiritual methods and perseverance of Francis were rewarded by the establishment of three branches-the House of the Holy Ghost at Madrid (20th January, 1599), that of Our Lady of the Annunciation at Valla, closed (9th September, 1601), and St. Joseph at Alcala (1601). This last was opened in the University for the purpose of study and the requirements of the usual academic courses, and many of the aspirants to the Order in Spain spent some years there as part of their preparation for Holy Orders. Before this the Clerks obtained in Rome the Church of St. Leonard afterwards exchanged for that of St. Agnes in the Piazza Navona, the famous Church built on the traditional site of the martyrdom of St. Agnes. It was entirely rebuilt in 1642, at the expense of the Pamfili family, and among the many monuments of artistic or historic interest is the tomb of the Princess Mary Talbot Doria-Pamfili, who died 1857. She was the beautiful daughter of the Sixteenth Earl of Shrewsbury, and one of the Maids of Honour to Queen Victoria at her Coronation in 1838. In spite of the general knowledge as to the "fourth vow" of the Congregation against accepting or even seeking ecclesiastical honours, many desired to see the Founder exalted to what they considered a wider field of usefulness, and Pope Paul V, who greatly admired the heroic virtues and practical wisdom of Francis, wished to make him a bishop, but desisted at the earnest entreaty of the Saint. Besides his work for the Congregation, Francis unceasingly interested himself in the salvation of souls generally. He was much sought after as a confessor while his exhortations brought to repentance numerous public sinners, and he fortified the wavering and the despondent by personal encouragement and the recommendation of the two great Catholic devotions, those to the Blessed Sacrament and to Our Lady. He had the gift of discerning hearts and of prophecy, and his own approaching death was made known to him one day, when, according to custom, he was praying before the altar of the Church of St. Lauretana. He was at that time in negotiation with the Oratorian Fathers with reference to taking over their house at Agnone in the Abruzzi for the use of his Congregation, and he lost no time in going to that place. Arrived there, he was shortly after seized with fever, and having received all the last rites, he died surrounded by the Oratorian Community of the place on the Vigil of Corpus Christi, 4th June, 1608. His body was removed to the Church of St. Mary Major, Naples, where it remained till it was transferred to the Church of Montivergonella which had been made over to the Clerks Regular, 1893, apparently in exchange for the other seized during the occupation of Naples by the French Revolutionary Army. The Saint was proclaimed patron of the City of Naples in 1838, but the devotion to him which was once so marked a feature of the spiritual life of the place is said now to be much less in evidence. In addition to the Rule which he drew up in conjunction with his two holy coadjutors, St. Francis Caracciolo also left a devotional treatise on the Passion, this work, apart from the inherent value of the subject, is precious as containing the holy reflections and aspirations of one of the outstanding notabilities of the Church in the last period of the Counter-Reformation—the lover of souls—who did so much to heal by his zeal and piety the wounds which heresy and iniquity had inflicted upon the Mystical Body of the Lord. |
source: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/F/stfranciscaracciolo.asp#ixzz1woocho5J
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