 VATICAN : POPE : CENTENARY OF THE SMILING POPE AND OTHER NEWS CATHOLIC MOVIES - WATCH ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - PART 4 AUSTRALIA : PALLIATIVE GROWING - CARING FOR SICK AMERICA : DOMINICAN REPUBLIC : CARDINAL CALLS FOR PRAYERS AFRICA : EGYPT : 3 IN LINE TO REPLACE POPE SHENOUDA OF ORTHODOX COPTIC CHURCH EUROPE : POLAND : CHURCH WARNS AGAINST HALLOWEEN TODAY'S SAINT: OCT. 30: ST. ALPHONSUS RODRIGUEZ VATICAN : POPE : CENTENARY OF THE SMILING POPE AND OTHER NEWS (RADIO VATICANA IMAGE) BENEDICT XVI TO CELEBRATE VESPERS IN THE SISTINE CHAPEL Vatican City, 30 October 2012 (VIS) - Benedict XVI will preside at the celebration of Vespers in the Sistine Chapel at 6 p.m. tomorrow, 31 October, to commemorate the five-hundredth anniversary of the inauguration of the ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. Pope Julius II, who entrusted the decoration of the vault (1100 square metres) to the sculptor of the Pieta, celebrated the completion of the work with the solemn rite of Vespers on All Saints' Day, 31 October 1512. |
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COMMEMORATES THE CENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF “THE SMILING POPE”
Vatican City, 30 October 2012 (VIS) - A Mass is due to be celebrated this afternoon in Venice to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Pope John Paul I, Albino Luciani, who was patriarch of that city from 1969 to 1978. The pontificate of John Paul I, who became known as "the Smiling Pope", lasted only 33 days from 26 August to 28 September 1978. The process for his beatification began in 2003. The Venetian commemoration will consist of a Mass at 6 p.m. in Saint Mark's Basilica, presided by Patriarch Francesco Moraglia, who will concelebrate with bishops of the Triveneto Episcopal Conference. This will be followed at 8.30 p.m. by a concert of religious music organised by the Procurator of Saint Mark's Basilica, the Polish Institute in Rome and the "Capella Cracoviensis" of Krakow. During the intervals, there will be readings of texts by John Paul I. The programme of the concert will be dedicated to two of the most important exponents of the Venetian school of the seventeenth century: Giovanni Gabrieli, composer, organist and choir master of Saint Mark's Basilica, the four-hundredth anniversary of whose death falls this year, and Mikolak Zielenski, composer, organist and choir master linked to the Collegiate of Lowicz, see of the Polish primate. |
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HOLY SEE AND CROATIA: TWENTY YEARS OF INTENSE RELATIONS Vatican City, 30 October 2012 (VIS) - "The Holy See and Croatia: twenty years of intense relations” was the theme of a conference held yesterday in the Vatican to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia. Speaking at the event Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States, recalled that “in the year 879, in the same month of June in which modern Croatia annually celebrates its independence, Pope John VIII addressed a letter to Prince Branimir informing him that he had raised prayers to the Lord in order that 'principatum terrenum, quem habes, prospere et securiter reggere possis'. … These strong ties between Croatia and the Holy See have not diminished over the centuries. On several occasions throughout history, and in difficult circumstances, Croatians have demonstrated their fidelity to the Gospel and to Peter's Successor”. He remarked, “During Croatia's millennium-long history, the last twenty years have been among the most difficult and, at the same time, crucial for its future, especially those immediately following its independence. However the challenges persist, and today Croatians must ask themselves about the values upon which they intend to build their lives as individuals, and the life of the nation as a whole”. “Although the Church and the political community work at different levels and are independent from one other, both serve the same people who are, at one and the same time, faithful members of the Church and citizens of the State. This means that there is ample space for dialogue and co-operation, in the service of the dignity of all men and women. At the heart of mutual co-operation, in fact, lies our shared commitment to the common good and to the promotion of spiritual and moral values, which give Croatian society its solid foundations. "I wish to conclude by expressing the hope that the Republic of Croatia will continue to progress in both material and, above all, spiritual terms”, said the archbishop. "In particular I hope that, when Croatia's aspiration to full integration into the European Union is achieved, the country will reinforce its identity and thus act as leaven bringing good to other States”. |
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MEMORIAM Vatican City, 30 October 2012 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks: - Cardinal Fortunato Baldelli on 20 September at the age of 77. - Bishop Patrick Augustine Kalilombe, emeritus of Lilongwe, Malawi on 23 September at the age of 79. - Bishop Michel Kuehn, emeritus of Chartres, France on 18 September at the age of 88. - Bishop Albert Henry Ottenweller, emeritus of Steubenville, USA on 23 September at the age of 96. - Bishop Michael Vincent Pascal Rowland, emeritus of Dundee, South Africa on 23 September at the age of 83. - Archbishop Bruno Schettino of Capua, Italy on 21 September at the age of 71. - Bishop Roman Danylak, apostolic administrator emeritus "sede plena et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of Toronto of the Ukrainians, Canada, on 7 October at the age of 81. - Archbishop Antonio Maria Mucciolo, emeritus of Botucatu, Brazil, on 29 September at the age of 89. - Bishop Jose Rodrigues de Souza, emeritus of Juazeiro, Brazil, on 9 September at the age of 86. |
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PONTIFICAL ACTS Vatican City, 30 October 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father: - Appointed Bishop Rodolfo Beltran, apostolic vicar of Bontoc-Lagawe, Philippines, as bishop of San Fernando de La Union (area 1,493, population 775,000, Catholics 667,000, priests 42, permanent deacons 5, religious 122), Philippines. - Appointed Bishop Guillermo Martin Abanto Guzman, auxiliary of Lima, Peru, as military ordinary of Peru. |
CATHOLIC MOVIES - WATCH ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - PART 4
In honor of the YEAR OF FAITH - JCE news will
be showing some of the TOP Catholic movies of all time - view new episodes each
day. Tune in for PART Vof St. Francis - tomorrow.
PART I http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2012/10/catholic-movies-watch-st-francis-of.html
PART II http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2012/10/catholic-movies-watch-st-francis-of_27.html
PART III http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2012/10/catholic-movies-watch-st-francis-of_29.html
PART I http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2012/10/catholic-movies-watch-st-francis-of.html
PART II http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2012/10/catholic-movies-watch-st-francis-of_27.html
PART III http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2012/10/catholic-movies-watch-st-francis-of_29.html
AUSTRALIA : PALLIATIVE GROWING - CARING FOR SICK
Catholic Communications, Sydney
Archdiocese REPORT
30 Oct 2012
Palliative Care is
one of the fastest growing, most dynamic fields of medicine and is constantly
evolving to bring peace, dignity and comfort to the terminally ill in the final
days or months of their lives, says Dr Jovina Graham.
Dr Graham graduated from the University of Sydney in 2010. She hopes to specialise in palliative care and is currently working as a junior doctor and resident at the Calvary Hospice, Kogarah.
"Palliative care has only been around for the past four decades. But since its development as a specific field of medicine, there has been a massive amount of research and more and more doctors and nurses are being trained in this important field," she says.
With the advances in palliative care not only in pain-management but in relief of other symptoms, psychological care, physiotherapy and the overall emotional and physical wellbeing of patients who are terminally ill, men and women of all ages are finding peace and tranquillity in their final days.
Their families are also being given much needed support at this time.
But should read: At 28, Dr Graham who spent part of her residency at St George's Hospital during which time she spent many months in the geriatric ward tending to elderly patients many of whom were near death and suffering delirium or dementia, firmly believes there is no place in medicine for euthanasia.
"Whether voluntary or involuntary, euthanasia in all its forms
should never be legalised," she says firmly adding that with the advances in
palliative care which continue to evolve and improve, any pain and physical
suffering can be eliminated and any fears and emotional turmoil discussed and
alleviated.
Much of her work as a resident physician at Calvary Hospice involves talking at length to each of her patients and helping them come to terms with their approaching deaths.
"A big part of ward rounds at Calvary is talking to patients and working through any suffering they may have whether physical or existential," she says.
In a number of aged care facilities, the elderly suffering a terminal illness and having no family or friends to visit them, frequently decide in their acute loneliness there is nothing to live for. But this is not the case when palliative care is available, Dr Graham says.
What research studies have found is that palliative care may also extend life.
While the aim of this form of care is neither to shorten nor prolong life, a recently study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people with lung cancer who were treated early with palliative care survived up to two months longer than those who underwent aggressive medical care in their final months.
While palliative care still needs far more in terms of state and federal funding, particularly in rural and regional areas where there are few palliative care facilities or specialist doctors and nurses, city hospices are increasingly able to provide outreach services.
"In country
areas practitioner nurses are also being trained in palliative care and
eventually we hope every Australian who needs palliative care will be able to
access this form of care," says Dr Graham.
But NSW continues to lag behind and currently needs at least 22 more palliative care doctors and 200 nurses to catch up with those working in other states across the country.
Catholic hospitals, as is often the case when it comes to medical care in NSW, have helped lead the way in palliative care and the establishment of hospices. One of the oldest hospices in Sydney is the Sacred Heart hospice at Darlinghurst which is part of St Vincents and Mater Health.
Another is Calvary Hospice at Kogarah which Dr Graham says is specifically engineered to be a calm and beautiful place for the terminally ill to spend their final weeks or months.
"There are lovely gardens and beautiful music including harpists who come in to play for patients. And for those who don't have families or friends, we have volunteers to visit and help make them feel cared for and loved. There are also pastoral care workers who are on hand to talk to patients and be with them in quiet prayer."
According to Dr Graham, the patients at Calvary hospice no matter what their age are calm and happy and rather than wanting to end their lives, want to live every moment of whatever is left to them.
But she is concerned that despite the advances in palliative care and the number of palliative care facilities on the increase across the state, euthanasia is once again on the political agenda, this time with the NSW Government announcing it will hold a conscience vote on the issue when Parliament resumes in 2013.
"If we start seeing euthanasia as part of the medical arsenal there would be no motivation to find new ways to control pain or to help patients deal with the approach of death," she warns.
Even in nations such as the Netherlands where voluntary
euthanasia is legal, most people still do not choose to die this way. In the
Netherlands assisted suicide accounts for less than 2.0% of all deaths, while
those opting for euthanasia in Oregon, where it is also legal, account for less
than 0.2%.
Another concern is that once euthanasia is made legal, many of the elderly who become infirm feel duty bound to end their lives so they are not a burden to their children.
"Studies in the Netherlands and other countries repeatedly show this is what is happening. But even more concerning is that many assisted suicides where it is now legal are taking place without permission," Dr Graham says. "The most recent government-sanctioned study into assisted suicide in the Netherlands has revealed that 23% of these deaths by euthanasia were not properly reported and went ahead without permission."
The legalisation of euthanasia presents an ethical dilemma to all Australians, and particularly for doctors and the medical profession, she says.
"Who are we to judge if a patient's life is no longer worth living? Life is a gift and as doctors our aim and sole motivation is to do all we can to help a patient and make them as comfortable as possible."
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
30 Oct 2012
Palliative care brings peace dignity and
comfort to the terminally ill and their families
Dr Graham graduated from the University of Sydney in 2010. She hopes to specialise in palliative care and is currently working as a junior doctor and resident at the Calvary Hospice, Kogarah.
"Palliative care has only been around for the past four decades. But since its development as a specific field of medicine, there has been a massive amount of research and more and more doctors and nurses are being trained in this important field," she says.
With the advances in palliative care not only in pain-management but in relief of other symptoms, psychological care, physiotherapy and the overall emotional and physical wellbeing of patients who are terminally ill, men and women of all ages are finding peace and tranquillity in their final days.
Their families are also being given much needed support at this time.
But should read: At 28, Dr Graham who spent part of her residency at St George's Hospital during which time she spent many months in the geriatric ward tending to elderly patients many of whom were near death and suffering delirium or dementia, firmly believes there is no place in medicine for euthanasia.
Dr Jovina Graham is completing her residence at
Calvary Hospice, Kogarah. Photography courtesy Catholic
Weekly
Much of her work as a resident physician at Calvary Hospice involves talking at length to each of her patients and helping them come to terms with their approaching deaths.
"A big part of ward rounds at Calvary is talking to patients and working through any suffering they may have whether physical or existential," she says.
In a number of aged care facilities, the elderly suffering a terminal illness and having no family or friends to visit them, frequently decide in their acute loneliness there is nothing to live for. But this is not the case when palliative care is available, Dr Graham says.
What research studies have found is that palliative care may also extend life.
While the aim of this form of care is neither to shorten nor prolong life, a recently study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people with lung cancer who were treated early with palliative care survived up to two months longer than those who underwent aggressive medical care in their final months.
While palliative care still needs far more in terms of state and federal funding, particularly in rural and regional areas where there are few palliative care facilities or specialist doctors and nurses, city hospices are increasingly able to provide outreach services.
Dr Jovina Graham describes palliative care as
one of most dynamic and evolving medical specialties
But NSW continues to lag behind and currently needs at least 22 more palliative care doctors and 200 nurses to catch up with those working in other states across the country.
Catholic hospitals, as is often the case when it comes to medical care in NSW, have helped lead the way in palliative care and the establishment of hospices. One of the oldest hospices in Sydney is the Sacred Heart hospice at Darlinghurst which is part of St Vincents and Mater Health.
Another is Calvary Hospice at Kogarah which Dr Graham says is specifically engineered to be a calm and beautiful place for the terminally ill to spend their final weeks or months.
"There are lovely gardens and beautiful music including harpists who come in to play for patients. And for those who don't have families or friends, we have volunteers to visit and help make them feel cared for and loved. There are also pastoral care workers who are on hand to talk to patients and be with them in quiet prayer."
According to Dr Graham, the patients at Calvary hospice no matter what their age are calm and happy and rather than wanting to end their lives, want to live every moment of whatever is left to them.
But she is concerned that despite the advances in palliative care and the number of palliative care facilities on the increase across the state, euthanasia is once again on the political agenda, this time with the NSW Government announcing it will hold a conscience vote on the issue when Parliament resumes in 2013.
"If we start seeing euthanasia as part of the medical arsenal there would be no motivation to find new ways to control pain or to help patients deal with the approach of death," she warns.
Modern medications and the multi disciplines of
palliative care help ensure quality of life and death with
dignity
Another concern is that once euthanasia is made legal, many of the elderly who become infirm feel duty bound to end their lives so they are not a burden to their children.
"Studies in the Netherlands and other countries repeatedly show this is what is happening. But even more concerning is that many assisted suicides where it is now legal are taking place without permission," Dr Graham says. "The most recent government-sanctioned study into assisted suicide in the Netherlands has revealed that 23% of these deaths by euthanasia were not properly reported and went ahead without permission."
The legalisation of euthanasia presents an ethical dilemma to all Australians, and particularly for doctors and the medical profession, she says.
"Who are we to judge if a patient's life is no longer worth living? Life is a gift and as doctors our aim and sole motivation is to do all we can to help a patient and make them as comfortable as possible."
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
AFRICA : EGYPT : 3 IN LINE TO REPLACE POPE SHENOUDA OF ORTHODOX COPTIC CHURCH
ASIA NEWS REPORT
by André Azzam
These are bishops Amba Raphael and Amba Tawadraus and hegumen Rouphail Afa Mina. On November 4 the next pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church will be chosen from among these. Three days of fasting and prayer ahead of the election. André Azzam
Cairo (AsiaNews) - The election in Cairo yesterday to choose a successor to Pope Shenouda III identified the three names from five candidates. They are: Amba Raphael, 52, bishop in charge of the parishes of central Cairo, who received 1980 votes; Tawadraus Amba, 60, bishop of Behaira, south-east of Alexandria, who received 1623, the abbot Rouphail Afa Mina, 70, of Mari Mina monastery and student of the patriarch Kyrillos VI, the predecessor of the deceased patriarch, who received 1530.
In total 2412 voters took part: of these, 2400 are part of the Holy Synod, Faith Denomination Council and Religious Endowments Council, as well as a group of nuns and lay people representing all the dioceses in Egypt and abroad. To these were also added five representatives of the Ethiopian Church and seven moderators.
The elections were held at the monastery of Amba Rouaiss, Abbasseyya, a suburb in the center of Cairo, home to the great Saint Mark's cathedral, See of the Coptic Orthodox Church, in which Pope Shenouda III received Pope John Paul II in February 2000.
The results were released by CTV Channel, the official television channel of the Coptic Church, at 9 pm. The two monks of the monastery of Dayr al Syrian Souriani, hegumen Pachômios and hegumen Seraphim - the other two candidates in the running - received 380 and 305 votes respectively. These two were also the youngest candidates, at 53 and 49.
Next Sunday, November 4, a grand ceremony will be held in Saint Mark's cathedral with a solemn mass and the extraction of one of the three candidates names. The name will be picked out by will a young deacon two or three years old, who blindfolded, will draw one of the three pieces of paper, each bearing candidate's name.
The names of the three finalists are certainly not a surprise, both in terms of the two bishops and the eldest of the trio, the 70 hegumen Rouphail Afa Mina. In recent months they have revealed a sound unity of vision and a spirit alien to competition for the succession of Shenouda III. In fact Amba Raphael pointed to Amba Tawadraus for election and wanted to withdraw, but his request was denied by the electoral commission.
Amba Raphael, who was formerly a doctor and surgeon, is known as "the ascetic bishop." He is supported by Amba Moussa, bishop in charge of youth ministry, who was also his teacher, and many other bishops, among whom the dean Amba Mikhail, Bishop of Assiout for over 60 years. He is highly regarded by the congregations of the ten churches in downtown Cairo, is very private and not a fan of speaking to media, very confident in spirituality.
Amba Tawadraus, a former pharmacist, is committed to the unification of all the churches and, in particular, the Coptic diaspora scattered around the world. He was nominated by Amba Raphael and six other bishops including Amba Souryal, Bishop of Melbourne in Australia. He is fluent English.
The abbot Rouphail Afa Mina was the personal secretary of the late Pope Kyrillos VI's predecessor, Pope Shenouda, before becoming monk at the monastery of Mari Mina, south-west of Alexandria, from where Pope Kyrillos also hailed. He is known as the "beloved monk" or "grace of graces" or the "lion of the desert". Author of 25 books on spirituality and rituals as well on many saints, he is supported by all the bishops who were monks in St Mina monastery, among whom Amba Ermeya, Pope Shenuda's main secretary, who has good relations with the Muslim Brotherhood. He believes strongly in collegiality. He was distanced a little by Pope Shenuda because of some disagreement between Shenuda and late Pope Kyrillos. He is renowned for his openness and belief in ecumenism, as well as his eagerness for good relations with Islam
Three years ago, on the 28th of October 2009, the late Pope Shenuda insisted during one of his speeches on the importance of the altar drawing of lots, explaining that this element of the choice of the Pope of Alexandria is vital "because it marks that the choice of the Patriarch is really the choice of God". All Egypt and mainly all the Christian communities in the country . - all the churches have asked believers to observe three day fasting starting on the 1st of November - ahead of the final choice next Sunday and intensive prayers for the right man and future leader to lead the church during the current delicate situation in Egypt.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
by André Azzam
These are bishops Amba Raphael and Amba Tawadraus and hegumen Rouphail Afa Mina. On November 4 the next pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church will be chosen from among these. Three days of fasting and prayer ahead of the election. André Azzam
Cairo (AsiaNews) - The election in Cairo yesterday to choose a successor to Pope Shenouda III identified the three names from five candidates. They are: Amba Raphael, 52, bishop in charge of the parishes of central Cairo, who received 1980 votes; Tawadraus Amba, 60, bishop of Behaira, south-east of Alexandria, who received 1623, the abbot Rouphail Afa Mina, 70, of Mari Mina monastery and student of the patriarch Kyrillos VI, the predecessor of the deceased patriarch, who received 1530.
In total 2412 voters took part: of these, 2400 are part of the Holy Synod, Faith Denomination Council and Religious Endowments Council, as well as a group of nuns and lay people representing all the dioceses in Egypt and abroad. To these were also added five representatives of the Ethiopian Church and seven moderators.
The elections were held at the monastery of Amba Rouaiss, Abbasseyya, a suburb in the center of Cairo, home to the great Saint Mark's cathedral, See of the Coptic Orthodox Church, in which Pope Shenouda III received Pope John Paul II in February 2000.
The results were released by CTV Channel, the official television channel of the Coptic Church, at 9 pm. The two monks of the monastery of Dayr al Syrian Souriani, hegumen Pachômios and hegumen Seraphim - the other two candidates in the running - received 380 and 305 votes respectively. These two were also the youngest candidates, at 53 and 49.
Next Sunday, November 4, a grand ceremony will be held in Saint Mark's cathedral with a solemn mass and the extraction of one of the three candidates names. The name will be picked out by will a young deacon two or three years old, who blindfolded, will draw one of the three pieces of paper, each bearing candidate's name.
The names of the three finalists are certainly not a surprise, both in terms of the two bishops and the eldest of the trio, the 70 hegumen Rouphail Afa Mina. In recent months they have revealed a sound unity of vision and a spirit alien to competition for the succession of Shenouda III. In fact Amba Raphael pointed to Amba Tawadraus for election and wanted to withdraw, but his request was denied by the electoral commission.
Amba Raphael, who was formerly a doctor and surgeon, is known as "the ascetic bishop." He is supported by Amba Moussa, bishop in charge of youth ministry, who was also his teacher, and many other bishops, among whom the dean Amba Mikhail, Bishop of Assiout for over 60 years. He is highly regarded by the congregations of the ten churches in downtown Cairo, is very private and not a fan of speaking to media, very confident in spirituality.
Amba Tawadraus, a former pharmacist, is committed to the unification of all the churches and, in particular, the Coptic diaspora scattered around the world. He was nominated by Amba Raphael and six other bishops including Amba Souryal, Bishop of Melbourne in Australia. He is fluent English.
The abbot Rouphail Afa Mina was the personal secretary of the late Pope Kyrillos VI's predecessor, Pope Shenouda, before becoming monk at the monastery of Mari Mina, south-west of Alexandria, from where Pope Kyrillos also hailed. He is known as the "beloved monk" or "grace of graces" or the "lion of the desert". Author of 25 books on spirituality and rituals as well on many saints, he is supported by all the bishops who were monks in St Mina monastery, among whom Amba Ermeya, Pope Shenuda's main secretary, who has good relations with the Muslim Brotherhood. He believes strongly in collegiality. He was distanced a little by Pope Shenuda because of some disagreement between Shenuda and late Pope Kyrillos. He is renowned for his openness and belief in ecumenism, as well as his eagerness for good relations with Islam
Three years ago, on the 28th of October 2009, the late Pope Shenuda insisted during one of his speeches on the importance of the altar drawing of lots, explaining that this element of the choice of the Pope of Alexandria is vital "because it marks that the choice of the Patriarch is really the choice of God". All Egypt and mainly all the Christian communities in the country . - all the churches have asked believers to observe three day fasting starting on the 1st of November - ahead of the final choice next Sunday and intensive prayers for the right man and future leader to lead the church during the current delicate situation in Egypt.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
AMERICA : DOMINICAN REPUBLIC : CARDINAL CALLS FOR PRAYERS
Agenzia Fides REPORT - Thousands of Catholics
gathered on Sunday, October 28, at the "Centro de los Heroes" for the opening of
the Year of Faith. Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, Archbishop of
Santo Domingo, urged to pray for the country, so that it is able to come out
from the stressful situation that it is in with energy and denounced the cruelty
of men towards women (see Fides 15/09/2012). He also asked the government to
increase aid to the hundreds of families affected by Hurricane Sandy which has
caused enormous damage in the Caribbean area (see Fides 29/10/2012).
"You all know, as I do, that there is a lot of tension in the country at the moment. But we still want to report crimes, and the wickedness of many men who kill women," said the Cardinal. In a statement sent to Fides Agency one reads his words, "a lot of things annoy us, but this makes us feel sick. A country that has a tradition of 500 years of Christian faith today cannot live this way. I think this Year of Faith can help all of us live the Christian faith intensely , on the basis of the Gospel preached by Jesus Christ."
Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez spoke at the end of the "Mariana March," which began at 3 pm from Piazza Juan Baron and arrived at the "Centro de los Heroes", where he presided over the Eucharist concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishops in Santo Domingo. The March, which lasted two hours, crossed the main street with more than 40 decorated carts for the traditional feast of Our Lady. The faithful of the 204 parishes throughout the province were present and people came from all over the country. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 30/10/2012)
"You all know, as I do, that there is a lot of tension in the country at the moment. But we still want to report crimes, and the wickedness of many men who kill women," said the Cardinal. In a statement sent to Fides Agency one reads his words, "a lot of things annoy us, but this makes us feel sick. A country that has a tradition of 500 years of Christian faith today cannot live this way. I think this Year of Faith can help all of us live the Christian faith intensely , on the basis of the Gospel preached by Jesus Christ."
Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez spoke at the end of the "Mariana March," which began at 3 pm from Piazza Juan Baron and arrived at the "Centro de los Heroes", where he presided over the Eucharist concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishops in Santo Domingo. The March, which lasted two hours, crossed the main street with more than 40 decorated carts for the traditional feast of Our Lady. The faithful of the 204 parishes throughout the province were present and people came from all over the country. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 30/10/2012)
EUROPE : POLAND : CHURCH WARNS AGAINST HALLOWEEN
THE NEWS.PL REPORT:
An
archbishop has warned that the growing popularity of Halloween risks 'spiritual
damage' to young people in Poland.
As much of the western world prepares for Halloween parties and
celebrations on Wednesday, Metropolitan Archbishop Andzej Dzięga of the
north-western Szczecin-Kamień dioceses sent a letter to be read out to
congregations on Sunday warning against introducing a “world of darkness,
including devils, vampires and demons” to school kids in the name of
“fun”.
“It is with growing sadness that we see in the last few years a trend of so-called Halloween celebrations growing in Poland. I am particularly concerned about such initiatives [being introduced] in school, where only mature attitudes should shape the social, intellectual and spiritual growth of the younger generation,” writes the archbishop.
“This kind of fun, tempting children like candy, also poses the real possibility of great spiritual damage, even destroying spiritual life,” he adds, warning of the dangers of "irresponsible and anti-Christian fun."
Halloween is also the “promotion of paganism” and a “culture of death” he claims.
American-style Halloween parties have grown in popularity in Poland since the fall of communism and religious figures fear that it is competing with the Roman Catholic All Saints' Day on 1 November, when family’s graves are decorated with wreaths and small lanterns. (pg)
source: PAP
“It is with growing sadness that we see in the last few years a trend of so-called Halloween celebrations growing in Poland. I am particularly concerned about such initiatives [being introduced] in school, where only mature attitudes should shape the social, intellectual and spiritual growth of the younger generation,” writes the archbishop.
“This kind of fun, tempting children like candy, also poses the real possibility of great spiritual damage, even destroying spiritual life,” he adds, warning of the dangers of "irresponsible and anti-Christian fun."
Halloween is also the “promotion of paganism” and a “culture of death” he claims.
American-style Halloween parties have grown in popularity in Poland since the fall of communism and religious figures fear that it is competing with the Roman Catholic All Saints' Day on 1 November, when family’s graves are decorated with wreaths and small lanterns. (pg)
source: PAP
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : TUES. OCT. 30, 2012
Luke 13: 18 - 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18 | He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19 | It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20 | And again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21 | It is like leaven which a
woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all
leavened."
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
TODAY'S SAINT: OCT. 30: ST. ALPHONSUS RODRIGUEZ
St.
Alphonsus Rodriguez
CONFESSOR
AND LAY BROTHER
Feast:
October 30
Information:
Feast
Day:
October
30
Born:
July
25, 1532, Segovia
Died:
October
31, 1617
Canonized:
6
September, 1887
Major
Shrine:
Majorca
Born
at Segovia in Spain, 25 July, 1532; died at Majorca, 31 October, 1617. On
account of the similarity of names he is often confounded with Father Rodriguez
the author of "Christian Perfection", who though eminent in his holiness was
never canonized. The Saint was a Jesuit lay-brother who entered the Society at
the age of forty. He was the son of a wool merchant who had been reduced to
poverty when Alfonso was still young. At the age of twenty-six he married Mary
Francisco Suárez, a woman of his own station, and at thirty-one found himself a
widower with one surviving child, the other two having died previously. From
thattime he began a life of prayer and mortification, although separated from
the world around him. On the death of his third child his thoughts turned to a
life in some religious order. Previous associations had brought him into contact
with the first Jesuits who had come to Spain, Bl. Peter Faber among others, but
it was apparently impossible to carry out his purpose of entering the Society,
as he was without education, having only had an incomplete year at a new college
begun at Alcalá by Francis Villanueva. At the age of thirty-nine he attempted to
make up this deficiency by following the course at the College of Barcelona, but
without success. His austerities had also undermined his health. After
considerable delay he was finally admitted into the Society of Jesus as a
lay-brother, 31 January, 1571. Distinct novitiates had not as yet been
established in Spain, and Alfonso began his term of probation at Valencia or
Gandia -- this point is a subject of dispute -- and after six months was sent to
the recently-founded college at Majorca, where he remained in the humble
position of porter for forty-six years, exercising a marvelous influence on the
sanctification not only of the members of the household, but upon a great number
of people who came to theporter's lodge for advice and direction. Among the
distinguished Jesuits who came under his influence was St. Peter Clavier, who
lived with him for some time at Majorca, and who followed his advice in asking
for the missions of South America. The bodily mortifications which he imposed on
himself were extreme, the scruples and mental agitation to which he was subject
were of frequent occurrence, his obedience absolute, and his absorption in
spiritual things even when engaged on most distracting employments, continual.
It has often been said that he was the author of the well known "Little Office
of the Immaculate Conception", and the claim is made by Alegambe, Southwell, and
even by the Fathers de Backer in their Bibliothèque de la Compagnie de Jésus.
Apart from the fact that the brother did not have the requisite education for
such a task, Father Costurer says positively that the office he used was taken
from an old copy printed out of Spain, and Father Colin asserts that it existed
before the Saint's time. It may be admitted, however, that through him it was
popularized. He left a considerable number of manuscripts after him, some of
which have been published as "Obras Espirituales del B. Alonso Rodriguez"
(Barcelona, 1885, 3 vols., octavo, complete edition, 8 vols. in quarto). They
have no pretense to style; they are sometimes only reminiscences of domestic
exhortations; the texts are often repeated; the illustrations are from
every-daylife; the treatment of one virtue occasionally trenches on another; but
they are remarkable for the correctness and soundness of their doctrine and the
profound spiritual knowledge which they reveal. They were not written with a
view to publication, but put down by the Saint himself, or dictated to others,
in obedience to a positive command of his superiors. He was declared Venerable
in 1626. In 1633 he was chosen by the Council General of Majorca as one of the
special patrons of the city and island. In 1760 Clement XIII decreed that "the
virtues of the Venerable Alonso were proved to be of a heroic degree"; but the
expulsion of the Society from Spain in 1773, and its suppression, delayed his
beatification until 1825. His canonization took place 6 September, 1887. His
remains are enshrined at Majorca.
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