Read the full text of Pope Benedict’s Message:
ECRETARIAT OF STATE From the Vatican, 20 August 2012
His Eminence Cardinal Polycarp Pengo Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam P.O. Box 167
Dar-es-Salaam
Your Eminence,
The Holy Father was pleased to be informed that from 11 to 15 September 2012 the First Integrated Meeting for the Pastoral Care of the Road for the Continent of Africa and Madagascar will take place in Dar-es-Salaam, under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, and the relative Episcopal Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference. He asks you kindly to convey his greetings and prayerful good wishes to all in attendance.
The theme of the Meeting, "Jesus Himself Came Up and Walked by Their Side" (Lk 24:15), evokes the consoling presence of the Risen Lord as he accompanied the disciples along the way to Emmaus. Today too the Saviour continues to accompany his Church, and through her, all mankind on the paths of life and history, opening minds and hearts to the saving truth of the Gospel and offering encouragement and peace to all who find themselves bewildered, lost or hurt in the midst of their earthly journey. As the Synod Fathers at the two Special Assemblies for Africa of the Synod of Bishops prophetically acknowledged, the Church's concern for the development of every person and the whole person, especially of the poorest and most neglected, is at the heart of her mission of evangelization in Africa (cf. Ecclesia in Africa, 68).
His Holiness trusts that the present Meeting will lead to greater cooperation and coordinated efforts among the particular Churches for the sake of safeguarding every life at risk on African streets and roads. He asks that special attention be paid to the pastoral needs of those women and children who find themselves on the streets, whether as a result of concrete social, economic and political factors, or as victims of organized national and international exploiters. He is likewise confident that the Meeting will address situations affecting the lives of those who travel in their work and, not least, the road insecurity which threatens the lives of millions on African soil.
With these sentiments, the Holy Father offers fervent prayers that the Meeting will confirm the Church in Africa and Madagascar in its witness to the Gospel and its contribution to the building up of civil society and to the forging of a new Africa (cf. Africae Munus, 30). Commending all assembled to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in Jesus her divine Son.Yours sincerely in Christ,
Secretary of State
His Eminence Cardinal Polycarp Pengo Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam P.O. Box 167
Dar-es-Salaam
Your Eminence,
The Holy Father was pleased to be informed that from 11 to 15 September 2012 the First Integrated Meeting for the Pastoral Care of the Road for the Continent of Africa and Madagascar will take place in Dar-es-Salaam, under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, and the relative Episcopal Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference. He asks you kindly to convey his greetings and prayerful good wishes to all in attendance.
The theme of the Meeting, "Jesus Himself Came Up and Walked by Their Side" (Lk 24:15), evokes the consoling presence of the Risen Lord as he accompanied the disciples along the way to Emmaus. Today too the Saviour continues to accompany his Church, and through her, all mankind on the paths of life and history, opening minds and hearts to the saving truth of the Gospel and offering encouragement and peace to all who find themselves bewildered, lost or hurt in the midst of their earthly journey. As the Synod Fathers at the two Special Assemblies for Africa of the Synod of Bishops prophetically acknowledged, the Church's concern for the development of every person and the whole person, especially of the poorest and most neglected, is at the heart of her mission of evangelization in Africa (cf. Ecclesia in Africa, 68).
His Holiness trusts that the present Meeting will lead to greater cooperation and coordinated efforts among the particular Churches for the sake of safeguarding every life at risk on African streets and roads. He asks that special attention be paid to the pastoral needs of those women and children who find themselves on the streets, whether as a result of concrete social, economic and political factors, or as victims of organized national and international exploiters. He is likewise confident that the Meeting will address situations affecting the lives of those who travel in their work and, not least, the road insecurity which threatens the lives of millions on African soil.
With these sentiments, the Holy Father offers fervent prayers that the Meeting will confirm the Church in Africa and Madagascar in its witness to the Gospel and its contribution to the building up of civil society and to the forging of a new Africa (cf. Africae Munus, 30). Commending all assembled to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in Jesus her divine Son.Yours sincerely in Christ,
Secretary of State
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANAN
ASIA : KOREA : NORTH ACCEPTS AID FROM SOUTH FOR DAMAGING FLOODS
UCAN REPORT:
Flooding has
displaced hundreds of thousands
Caritas Korea International sent 100 tons of flour
to the North last year. Courtesy of Caritas Korea
The North Korean government has accepted a South
Korean aid offer, raising hopes for an improvement in relations between the
neighboring countries.
North Korea contacted KRC – the South Korean Red Cross – yesterday to accept the South’s offer for assistance in flood-hit areas in the North. Last month, typhoon Bolaven killed 176 North Koreans and left another 212,204 displaced, according to KRC estimates.
“The North called us to specify the type and quantity of aid,” said a Ministry of Unification official. He added, however, that the North rejected any face-to-face meetings.
KRC delivered the offer on behalf of South Korea on September 3.
The Ministry of Unification gave civic groups approval to deliver food aid to flood-hit areas in the North on September 6. World Vision, an international NGO, will send 500 tons of flour to the North within the week.
Assistance from the South Korean government could be a step towards normalizing relations between the countries.
South Korea banned contact – other than humanitarian – with the North after a South Korean naval vessel was attacked and sunk without warning in May 2010.
When North Korea conducted a rocket launch test in April, the South canceled humanitarian and medical aid as well.
Yang Moo-jin, professor of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the flood aid would improve the two Koreas’ chilly relationship if South Korea provides trucks, cement and steel in the package.
Last year, South Korea offered to send emergency aid of medicine and food to the North’s flood victims but Pyongyang asked for cement and repair equipment instead. The offer was withdrawn because the South Korean government were worried that these goods might be diverted for military purposes or stockpiled.
Jeong Jun-young, head of Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation at KRC, said the humanitarian group does not yet know what kind of aid will be offered.
SHARED FROM UCAN NEWS
North Korea contacted KRC – the South Korean Red Cross – yesterday to accept the South’s offer for assistance in flood-hit areas in the North. Last month, typhoon Bolaven killed 176 North Koreans and left another 212,204 displaced, according to KRC estimates.
“The North called us to specify the type and quantity of aid,” said a Ministry of Unification official. He added, however, that the North rejected any face-to-face meetings.
KRC delivered the offer on behalf of South Korea on September 3.
The Ministry of Unification gave civic groups approval to deliver food aid to flood-hit areas in the North on September 6. World Vision, an international NGO, will send 500 tons of flour to the North within the week.
Assistance from the South Korean government could be a step towards normalizing relations between the countries.
South Korea banned contact – other than humanitarian – with the North after a South Korean naval vessel was attacked and sunk without warning in May 2010.
When North Korea conducted a rocket launch test in April, the South canceled humanitarian and medical aid as well.
Yang Moo-jin, professor of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the flood aid would improve the two Koreas’ chilly relationship if South Korea provides trucks, cement and steel in the package.
Last year, South Korea offered to send emergency aid of medicine and food to the North’s flood victims but Pyongyang asked for cement and repair equipment instead. The offer was withdrawn because the South Korean government were worried that these goods might be diverted for military purposes or stockpiled.
Jeong Jun-young, head of Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation at KRC, said the humanitarian group does not yet know what kind of aid will be offered.
SHARED FROM UCAN NEWS
AFRICA : SOMALIA : NEW PRESIDENT MOHAMUD ELECTED
CISA NEWS REPORT:
MOGADISHO, September 11,
2012 (CISA) -Somali parliamentarians made history on Monday September 10 when
they elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the country’s top post in the first
presidential elections held in the country in over two decades.
Mohamud defeated former Transitional Federal Government President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in the second round of voting, 190 to 79.
Ahmed had the lead in the first round of voting with 64 votes. Mohamud followed with 60 votes, while former Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali had 30 and Abdulqadir Osoble Ali had 27.
After the first round, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and Abdulqadir Osoble Ali dropped out of the running, leaving Ahmed and Mohamud to battle it out in the second round.
Lawmakers voted at the Police Academy in Mogadishu, where 22 of the original 25 candidates competed after Hussein Khalif Jama, Bashir Nur Hassan and Abdirahman Abdishakur withdrew their candidacy.
At the opening of the session, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari announced that 271 out of 275 members of parliament were in attendance, after 20 new lawmakers were sworn in before voting started.
According to Sabahi Mogadishu-based political analyst Ahmed Mohamud said that Somalia is witnessing a moment of great significance. “After 21 years of war, chaos and suffering, we are witnessing today an historic event, as democratic presidential elections take place inside the country for the first time in decades. Today, Somalia is entering a new era and I hope the election of a new president is a good omen for Somalia.”
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
Mohamud defeated former Transitional Federal Government President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in the second round of voting, 190 to 79.
Ahmed had the lead in the first round of voting with 64 votes. Mohamud followed with 60 votes, while former Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali had 30 and Abdulqadir Osoble Ali had 27.
After the first round, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and Abdulqadir Osoble Ali dropped out of the running, leaving Ahmed and Mohamud to battle it out in the second round.
Lawmakers voted at the Police Academy in Mogadishu, where 22 of the original 25 candidates competed after Hussein Khalif Jama, Bashir Nur Hassan and Abdirahman Abdishakur withdrew their candidacy.
At the opening of the session, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari announced that 271 out of 275 members of parliament were in attendance, after 20 new lawmakers were sworn in before voting started.
According to Sabahi Mogadishu-based political analyst Ahmed Mohamud said that Somalia is witnessing a moment of great significance. “After 21 years of war, chaos and suffering, we are witnessing today an historic event, as democratic presidential elections take place inside the country for the first time in decades. Today, Somalia is entering a new era and I hope the election of a new president is a good omen for Somalia.”
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
AUSTRALIA : GIFT OF CATHOLIC FAMILIES
DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA REPORT:
From the Catholic Outlook September 2012
Letter of Most Rev Anthony Fisher OPEvery Catholic has the vocation
to support family life and especially to help those families experiencing crisis
or need. Only by supporting stronger family life can we hope to plot a
brighter future for humanity.
But it will require God’s grace as much as our determination.
Read Bishop Anthony’s Letter in full at the Catholic Outlook site
“Thomas More, Truth and Marriage”: Bishop Anthony’s ACT address
SHARED FROM DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
Gift of families in difficult times
 |
| Photo: Jack Crombie |
But it will require God’s grace as much as our determination.
Read Bishop Anthony’s Letter in full at the Catholic Outlook site
“Thomas More, Truth and Marriage”: Bishop Anthony’s ACT address
SHARED FROM DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
EUROPE : KAZAKHSTAN : CHURCH IN FORMER RUSSIAN CAMP
ASIA NEWS REPORT:
Dedicated to the Virgin of Fatima, the church was inaugurated on Sunday. For the country's bishops, it stands as "an epitaph" and a place of "expiation in honour of the victims" as well as a symbol of "evangelisation". In fact, "Taking into consideration the countless numbers of prisoners who passed through the Karlag forced-labour camps, suffering and eventually perishing there, it is fair to say that soil of Kazakhstan has in no other place been so thoroughly soaked in the blood and tears of more innocent victims of Communist repression than here in Karaganda," the bishop wrote in their letter.
Karaganda (AsiaNews) - Inaugurated on Sunday, the new cathedral of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, has a "dignified appearance," standing as "an epitaph" and a place of "expiation in honour of the victims" of Communist persecution, as well as a symbol of "evangelisation," this according to a pastoral letter issued by the country's bishops. For the event, the pope during last Sunday's Angelus sent his "cordial greetings" to "Catholics and all citizens of Kazakhstan". The Holy Father appointed Card Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, as his legate to the dedication of the neo-Gothic Cathedral (pictured) of Our Lady of Fatima, "Mary, Mother of All nations."
The cathedral was build on a site know as 'KARKAG,' an anagram made up from the two words: KARaganda and LAGer. The Karaganda Concentration camps covered an area as big as present-day France, "hosting" victims of political and religious persecution that included thousands of Polish, Ukrainian, German, Lithuanian and Belorussian Catholics. With priests among them, an underground Church was organised.
On 19 March 1977, the authorities gave official permission for the first public Mass in the city of Karaganda. It was held in a shack. On 29th June 1980, for the first time in over six centuries, a Catholic Bishop, Mgr Alexander Khira, celebrated the liturgy publically on the soil of Kazakhstan. The last bishop before him was a man named Mgr Richard of Burgundy, who died a martyr's death about the year 1340.
"Taking into consideration the countless numbers of prisoners who passed through the Karlag forced-labour camps, suffering and eventually perishing there, it is fair to say that soil of Kazakhstan has in no other place been so thoroughly soaked in the blood and tears of more innocent victims of Communist repression than here in Karaganda," the bishops wrote in their letter.
Speaking to about 1,500 people present in the church, Cardinal Sodano referred in his homily to the "long period of suffering" of the past.
In describing the new cathedral, he called it a "privileged place where we can publicly worship God, and receive from him light and strength for our journey."
During the function, the prelate called on the Virgin to protect Kazakhstan's Christian communities.
Coincidentally, local authorities gave the Catholic Church permission to build the church on 13 May 2003, anniversary of the first apparition of the Virgin of Fatima.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
Dedicated to the Virgin of Fatima, the church was inaugurated on Sunday. For the country's bishops, it stands as "an epitaph" and a place of "expiation in honour of the victims" as well as a symbol of "evangelisation". In fact, "Taking into consideration the countless numbers of prisoners who passed through the Karlag forced-labour camps, suffering and eventually perishing there, it is fair to say that soil of Kazakhstan has in no other place been so thoroughly soaked in the blood and tears of more innocent victims of Communist repression than here in Karaganda," the bishop wrote in their letter.
Karaganda (AsiaNews) - Inaugurated on Sunday, the new cathedral of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, has a "dignified appearance," standing as "an epitaph" and a place of "expiation in honour of the victims" of Communist persecution, as well as a symbol of "evangelisation," this according to a pastoral letter issued by the country's bishops. For the event, the pope during last Sunday's Angelus sent his "cordial greetings" to "Catholics and all citizens of Kazakhstan". The Holy Father appointed Card Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, as his legate to the dedication of the neo-Gothic Cathedral (pictured) of Our Lady of Fatima, "Mary, Mother of All nations."
The cathedral was build on a site know as 'KARKAG,' an anagram made up from the two words: KARaganda and LAGer. The Karaganda Concentration camps covered an area as big as present-day France, "hosting" victims of political and religious persecution that included thousands of Polish, Ukrainian, German, Lithuanian and Belorussian Catholics. With priests among them, an underground Church was organised.
On 19 March 1977, the authorities gave official permission for the first public Mass in the city of Karaganda. It was held in a shack. On 29th June 1980, for the first time in over six centuries, a Catholic Bishop, Mgr Alexander Khira, celebrated the liturgy publically on the soil of Kazakhstan. The last bishop before him was a man named Mgr Richard of Burgundy, who died a martyr's death about the year 1340.
"Taking into consideration the countless numbers of prisoners who passed through the Karlag forced-labour camps, suffering and eventually perishing there, it is fair to say that soil of Kazakhstan has in no other place been so thoroughly soaked in the blood and tears of more innocent victims of Communist repression than here in Karaganda," the bishops wrote in their letter.
Speaking to about 1,500 people present in the church, Cardinal Sodano referred in his homily to the "long period of suffering" of the past.
In describing the new cathedral, he called it a "privileged place where we can publicly worship God, and receive from him light and strength for our journey."
During the function, the prelate called on the Virgin to protect Kazakhstan's Christian communities.
Coincidentally, local authorities gave the Catholic Church permission to build the church on 13 May 2003, anniversary of the first apparition of the Virgin of Fatima.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
AMERICA : USA : REMEMBERING 9/11 - 11 YEARS LATER - RIP
USCCB
REPORT: REMEMBERING 9/11. For years, those numbers
simply
meant a call for help. Now they also remind us of September 11, 2001, the date
of the worst
terrorist
attack on the United States of America and one of the deadliest days ever on
American soil. To
mark the
tenth anniversary of 9/11 in 2011, we gathered reflections
and remembrances from
clergy who ministered to victims and their families, and others who were
impacted by the tragedy.
In
October 2001, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution designating
that every September 11th be observed as "Patriot Day." The resolution requests
that U.S. government entities and interested organizations and individuals
display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on Patriot Day and that the
people of the United States observe a moment of silence in honor of the
individuals who lost their lives as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks.
We
have available updated
liturgical resources for the current year's observance of Patriot Day and
links to bishops'
statements and other materials for reading and reflection.
In
2009, a presidential proclamation declared that Patriot Day is also a "National
Day of Service." The proclamation calls on Americans to "participate in
community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with
other ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services ... to honor the
innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001."
Liturgical
Resources UPDATED FOR 2012
SHARED
FROM CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE USA
TODAY'S SAINT : SEPT. 11 : ST. PAPHNUTIUS CONFESSOR
St. Paphnutius was from Egypt. He was with
St. Anthony for many years in the desert and then became Bishop of Upper
Thebaid. He was tortured by the Emperor Maximinus and then sent to work in the
mines. He defended the Catholic faith against the Arian heresy. He participated
in the 1st Council of Nicea in 325. The year of his death is unknown. Catholic
faith against the Arian heresy. He participated in the 1st Council of Nicea in
325. The year of Catholic faith against the Arian heresy. He participated in the
1st Council of Nicea in 325. The year of
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