VATICAN : POPE : GOD'S LOVE HAS BEEN POURED INTO OUR HEARTS
CLOCKS GO BACK 1 HOUR IN MOST OF NORTH AMERICA NOV. 4 at 2am
Vatican Radio REPORT- “How do we as Christians respond
to the question of death?” was the problem posed by Pope Benedict XVI Saturday
morning as together with his closest collaborators from the Curia, he celebrated
Mass in suffrage of the cardinals and bishops who died in the course of the past
year.
Gathered around the high altar of St Peter’s basilica, Pope Benedict spoke to the assembly of our relationship with death and the dead, evoking the atmosphere of the recent liturgical feasts of All Saints and All Souls, during which faithful traditionally visit the gravesides of loved ones.
Cemeteries, he said speak of how our deceased lived, they are “sorts of assembly points, in which the living meet their dead and …rediscover the bonds of communion that death could not break”.
Benedict XVI then evoked the Roman catacombs, describing them as “peculiar cemeteries” where descending to their corridors, “it is as if we cross an immaterial threshold and enter into communication with those custodied within, their past, made of joys and sorrows, losses and hopes. This occurs because death is still relevant to man today just as then, and even if many things of the past have become alien to us, death is still the same”.
Yet “faced with this reality, human beings of all ages look for a glimmer of light that brings hope that still speaks of life”. As Christians, he said, “we respond with faith in God, based on Christ’s victory over death on the Cross and His Resurrection that opened death to the promise of Eternal Life”. “This is life at its fullness: life in God, a life which we can now only catch glimpses of, like blue sky through a fog”.
Below a Vatican Radio translation of the Holy Father’s Homily
Venerable Brothers,
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The atmosphere of the Communion of Saints and the commemoration of the faithful departed is present and alive in our hearts, which the liturgy of the past few days helped us to experience intensely. In particular, visits to gravesides have allowed us to renew bonds with loved ones who have left us; death, paradoxically, preserves what life can not hold. How our deceased lived, what they loved, feared and hoped for, what they rejected, we discover in a very singular way from the graves, which are almost like a mirror of their existence, of their world: they call to us and lead us to re-establish a dialogue which death has placed in crisis. Thus, cemeteries are a kind of assembly point, in which the living meet their dead and with them rediscover the bonds of communion that death could not break. And here in Rome, in those peculiar cemeteries that are the catacombs, we feel, as in no other place, the deep bonds with ancient Christianity, to which we feel so close. As we enter the corridors of the catacombs - as well as those of the cemeteries of our cities and our countries - it is as if we cross an immaterial threshold and enter into communication with those custodied within, their past, made of joys and sorrows, losses and hopes. This occurs because death is still relevant to man today just as then, and even if many things of the past have become alien to us, death is still the same.
Faced with this reality, human beings of all ages look for a glimmer of light that brings hope, that still speaks of life, and visits to cemeteries also express this desire. But how do we as Christians respond to the question of death? We respond with faith in God, with a look of solid hope that is based on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then death opens to life, to eternal life, which is not an infinite duplication of the present time, but something entirely new. Our faith teaches us that true immortality to which we aspire is not an idea, a concept, but a relationship of full communion with the living God: it is being in His hands, in His love, and becoming in Him one with all the brothers and sisters that He created and redeemed, with the whole of creation. Our hope then rests on the love of God that shines from the Cross of Christ, and that resonates in the heart the words of Jesus to the good thief, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). This is life at its fullness: life in God, a life which we can now only glimpse at like blue sky through the fog.
In this atmosphere of faith and prayer, dear Brothers, we are gathered around the altar to offer the Eucharistic Sacrifice in suffrage for the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops who, during the past year, have ended their earthly existence. In particular, we recall the beloved Brothers Cardinals John Patrick Foley, Antonio Bevilacqua, José Sánchez, Ignace Moussa Daoud, Luis Aponte Martinez, Rodolfo Quezada Toruño, Eugenio de Araujo Sales, Paul Shan Kuo-hsi, Carlo Maria Martini, Fortunato Baldelli. We extend our affectionate remembrance to all the archbishops and bishops who have died, asking the Lord, gracious, merciful and just (cf. Ps 114), to concede them the eternal reward promised to the faithful servants of the Gospel.
Looking back at the witness of these our venerable brothers, we can recognize in them those disciples who were "meek," "merciful," "pure in heart", "peacemakers" of whom we heard in the Gospel passage (Matthew 5:1-12) : friends of the Lord, trusting in his promise, even amid difficulties and persecutions, they kept the joy of faith, and now live in the house of the Lord forever, enjoying the heavenly reward, filled with happiness and grace. The pastors whom we remember today have, in fact, served the Church faithfully and with love, facing sometimes costly tests, in order to ensure attention and care to the flock entrusted them. The variety of their skills and tasks, were an example of diligent supervision, of wise and zealous dedication to the Kingdom of God, providing a valuable contribution to the post-conciliar season, a time of renewal throughout the Church.
The Eucharistic table, to which they drew near, first as faithful and then, every day, as ministers, anticipates most eloquently what the Lord promised in the "Sermon on the Mount": the possession of the Kingdom of Heaven, taking part in the banquet of the Heavenly Jerusalem. Let us pray that this comes to pass for all. Our prayer is nourished by firm hope that "does not disappoint" (Rom 5:5), as guaranteed by Christ who wanted to live the experience of death in the flesh to triumph over it with the miraculous event of the Resurrection. "Why look among the dead among the living? He is not here, he is risen "(Luke 24:5-6). This message of the angels, proclaimed on Easter morning at the empty tomb, has come down to us through the ages, and offers us, in this liturgical assembly, the main reason for our hope. Indeed, "if we have died with Christ - Saint Paul reminds us alluding to what happened at Baptism - we believe that we shall also live with him" (Rom 6:8). It is the same Holy Spirit, through whom God's love has been poured into our hearts, to ensure that our hope is not in vain (cf. Rom 5:5). God the Father, rich in mercy, that He gave His only Son to death while we were still sinners, How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him (cf. Rom 5.6 to 11)? Our righteousness is based on faith in Christ. He is the "Just," foretold in the Scriptures, it is thanks to his Paschal Mystery that, crossing the threshold of death, our eyes will see God, contemplate His face (cf. Job 19.27 a).
The singular human existence of the Son of God is accompanied by that of his Blessed Mother, who, alone among all creatures, we venerate Immaculate and full of grace. Our Brother Cardinals and Bishops, whom we commemorate today, were loved with a preference by the Virgin Mary and have reciprocated her love with filial devotion. To her maternal intercession we now entrust their souls, that they She may introduce them into the eternal kingdom of the Father, surrounded by so many of their faithful for whom they have spent their lives. With her loving gaze may Mary watch over them, now that they sleep the sleep of peace waiting for the blessed Resurrection. And we raise to God our pray for them, sustained by the hope to meet them again one day, united forever in Heaven. Amen.
Gathered around the high altar of St Peter’s basilica, Pope Benedict spoke to the assembly of our relationship with death and the dead, evoking the atmosphere of the recent liturgical feasts of All Saints and All Souls, during which faithful traditionally visit the gravesides of loved ones.
Cemeteries, he said speak of how our deceased lived, they are “sorts of assembly points, in which the living meet their dead and …rediscover the bonds of communion that death could not break”.
Benedict XVI then evoked the Roman catacombs, describing them as “peculiar cemeteries” where descending to their corridors, “it is as if we cross an immaterial threshold and enter into communication with those custodied within, their past, made of joys and sorrows, losses and hopes. This occurs because death is still relevant to man today just as then, and even if many things of the past have become alien to us, death is still the same”.
Yet “faced with this reality, human beings of all ages look for a glimmer of light that brings hope that still speaks of life”. As Christians, he said, “we respond with faith in God, based on Christ’s victory over death on the Cross and His Resurrection that opened death to the promise of Eternal Life”. “This is life at its fullness: life in God, a life which we can now only catch glimpses of, like blue sky through a fog”.
Below a Vatican Radio translation of the Holy Father’s Homily
Venerable Brothers,
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The atmosphere of the Communion of Saints and the commemoration of the faithful departed is present and alive in our hearts, which the liturgy of the past few days helped us to experience intensely. In particular, visits to gravesides have allowed us to renew bonds with loved ones who have left us; death, paradoxically, preserves what life can not hold. How our deceased lived, what they loved, feared and hoped for, what they rejected, we discover in a very singular way from the graves, which are almost like a mirror of their existence, of their world: they call to us and lead us to re-establish a dialogue which death has placed in crisis. Thus, cemeteries are a kind of assembly point, in which the living meet their dead and with them rediscover the bonds of communion that death could not break. And here in Rome, in those peculiar cemeteries that are the catacombs, we feel, as in no other place, the deep bonds with ancient Christianity, to which we feel so close. As we enter the corridors of the catacombs - as well as those of the cemeteries of our cities and our countries - it is as if we cross an immaterial threshold and enter into communication with those custodied within, their past, made of joys and sorrows, losses and hopes. This occurs because death is still relevant to man today just as then, and even if many things of the past have become alien to us, death is still the same.
Faced with this reality, human beings of all ages look for a glimmer of light that brings hope, that still speaks of life, and visits to cemeteries also express this desire. But how do we as Christians respond to the question of death? We respond with faith in God, with a look of solid hope that is based on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then death opens to life, to eternal life, which is not an infinite duplication of the present time, but something entirely new. Our faith teaches us that true immortality to which we aspire is not an idea, a concept, but a relationship of full communion with the living God: it is being in His hands, in His love, and becoming in Him one with all the brothers and sisters that He created and redeemed, with the whole of creation. Our hope then rests on the love of God that shines from the Cross of Christ, and that resonates in the heart the words of Jesus to the good thief, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). This is life at its fullness: life in God, a life which we can now only glimpse at like blue sky through the fog.
In this atmosphere of faith and prayer, dear Brothers, we are gathered around the altar to offer the Eucharistic Sacrifice in suffrage for the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops who, during the past year, have ended their earthly existence. In particular, we recall the beloved Brothers Cardinals John Patrick Foley, Antonio Bevilacqua, José Sánchez, Ignace Moussa Daoud, Luis Aponte Martinez, Rodolfo Quezada Toruño, Eugenio de Araujo Sales, Paul Shan Kuo-hsi, Carlo Maria Martini, Fortunato Baldelli. We extend our affectionate remembrance to all the archbishops and bishops who have died, asking the Lord, gracious, merciful and just (cf. Ps 114), to concede them the eternal reward promised to the faithful servants of the Gospel.
Looking back at the witness of these our venerable brothers, we can recognize in them those disciples who were "meek," "merciful," "pure in heart", "peacemakers" of whom we heard in the Gospel passage (Matthew 5:1-12) : friends of the Lord, trusting in his promise, even amid difficulties and persecutions, they kept the joy of faith, and now live in the house of the Lord forever, enjoying the heavenly reward, filled with happiness and grace. The pastors whom we remember today have, in fact, served the Church faithfully and with love, facing sometimes costly tests, in order to ensure attention and care to the flock entrusted them. The variety of their skills and tasks, were an example of diligent supervision, of wise and zealous dedication to the Kingdom of God, providing a valuable contribution to the post-conciliar season, a time of renewal throughout the Church.
The Eucharistic table, to which they drew near, first as faithful and then, every day, as ministers, anticipates most eloquently what the Lord promised in the "Sermon on the Mount": the possession of the Kingdom of Heaven, taking part in the banquet of the Heavenly Jerusalem. Let us pray that this comes to pass for all. Our prayer is nourished by firm hope that "does not disappoint" (Rom 5:5), as guaranteed by Christ who wanted to live the experience of death in the flesh to triumph over it with the miraculous event of the Resurrection. "Why look among the dead among the living? He is not here, he is risen "(Luke 24:5-6). This message of the angels, proclaimed on Easter morning at the empty tomb, has come down to us through the ages, and offers us, in this liturgical assembly, the main reason for our hope. Indeed, "if we have died with Christ - Saint Paul reminds us alluding to what happened at Baptism - we believe that we shall also live with him" (Rom 6:8). It is the same Holy Spirit, through whom God's love has been poured into our hearts, to ensure that our hope is not in vain (cf. Rom 5:5). God the Father, rich in mercy, that He gave His only Son to death while we were still sinners, How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him (cf. Rom 5.6 to 11)? Our righteousness is based on faith in Christ. He is the "Just," foretold in the Scriptures, it is thanks to his Paschal Mystery that, crossing the threshold of death, our eyes will see God, contemplate His face (cf. Job 19.27 a).
The singular human existence of the Son of God is accompanied by that of his Blessed Mother, who, alone among all creatures, we venerate Immaculate and full of grace. Our Brother Cardinals and Bishops, whom we commemorate today, were loved with a preference by the Virgin Mary and have reciprocated her love with filial devotion. To her maternal intercession we now entrust their souls, that they She may introduce them into the eternal kingdom of the Father, surrounded by so many of their faithful for whom they have spent their lives. With her loving gaze may Mary watch over them, now that they sleep the sleep of peace waiting for the blessed Resurrection. And we raise to God our pray for them, sustained by the hope to meet them again one day, united forever in Heaven. Amen.
2012
CLOCKS GO BACK 1 HOUR IN MOST OF NORTH AMERICA NOV. 4 at 2am
CATHOLIC MOVIES - WATCH ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - PART 8
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 VII of St. Francis - tomorrow.
PART I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIr-SMVRXOo&feature=channel&list=UL
PART II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSM7c32Y26Q&feature=channel&list=UL
PART III http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifGyqTblrM4&feature=channel&list=UL
PART IV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eGJBeiCJA&feature=channel&list=UL
PART V http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvXRymB9Wes&feature=channel&list=UL
PART VI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYCbaFIOgr0&feature=relmfu
PART VII http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtOwX3jTQxk&feature=relmfu
PART I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIr-SMVRXOo&feature=channel&list=UL
PART II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSM7c32Y26Q&feature=channel&list=UL
PART III http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifGyqTblrM4&feature=channel&list=UL
PART IV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eGJBeiCJA&feature=channel&list=UL
PART V http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvXRymB9Wes&feature=channel&list=UL
PART VI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYCbaFIOgr0&feature=relmfu
PART VII http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtOwX3jTQxk&feature=relmfu
AUSTRALIA : ARCHBISHOP HART - LETTER FOR YEAR OF FAITH
Pastoral Letter of
Archbishop Denis Hart on the Year of Faith
Friday 02 November 2012In his Pastoral Letter for the Year of Faith released today, Archbishop Denis Hart says the Holy Father has invited us to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed an even clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
“In our times,” the Archbishop says, “ a renewed effort to know and witness to Jesus Christ in the context of renewed knowledge of our faith is a timely and practical way of deepening our faith, and supporting our journey.”
The Year of Faith commenced on 11 October 2012, the 50th Anniversary of the commencement of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th Anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It will continue throughout 2013 until the Solemnity of Christ the King on Sunday 24 November 2013.
The full text of the Pastoral Letter of Archbishop Denis Hart on the Year of Faith is reproduced below. The Pastoral Letter can be downloaded from here.
PASTORAL LETTER OF
ARCHBISHOP DENIS HART
ON THE YEAR OF
FAITH
Dear Friends,
It was my great privilege to concelebrate Mass with the Holy Father in Rome on 11 October 2012, the beginning of the Year of Faith, the 50th Anniversary of the commencement of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th Anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
While reminding us that the door of faith is always open, the Holy Father invited us to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed an even clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. In our times, a renewed effort to know and witness to Jesus Christ in the context of renewed knowledge of our faith is a timely and practical way of deepening our faith, and supporting our journey.
The Year of Faith will continue throughout 2013 until the Solemnity of Christ the King on Sunday 24 November 2013.
WHAT WE CAN DO
DURING THE YEAR OF FAITH
1. Copies of the
Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict announcing the Holy Year (on 11 October 2011),
of the suggestions of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for
parishes and dioceses, and of the Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary
announcing the Indulgences attached to activities of prayer and penance, are
contained on the Vatican website and will also be made available by the Society
of St Paul. We are grateful to the Catholic Development Fund for underwriting
the cost of copies for parishes. Arrival is expected in late November or early
December. 2. Parishes, communities and schools could make the Compendium of the Catechism readily available for purchase or give-aways.
3. YOUCAT is an alternative for schools, especially commended for distribution and use in secondary schools
4. Regular quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the Compendium could be placed in the parish newsletter. Passages dealing with the nature of Faith and with key objects of belief - the Incarnation, the real Presence, the role of Mary, what is a Sacrament, the importance of sacramental Confession, as well as key teachings on the Commandments - honesty, duties of family and parenting, the virtue of chastity, the seventh Commandment (overcoming greed and materialism).
5. Have public showings in the parish of
- Father Robert Barron’s Catholicism series.
- DVDs on the Catechism from Broken Bay Diocese with Archbishop Coleridge, Bishop Putney and others.
- The Evangelium resource prepared by young priests in the UK, CTS London.
ACTIVITIES FOR
THE YEAR
The Holy Father, as
universal Pastor, invites us all to join the successor of Peter during this time
of spiritual grace that the Lord offers us, in recalling the precious gift of
faith. It is an opportunity to profess our faith in the Risen Lord in cathedrals
and churches, homes and families so that everyone will feel as strongly to know
better the faith of all times. Religious communities, parish communities, and ecclesial bodies old and new, are to find a way during this year to make a public profession of the Creed, because faith is a personal encounter with Jesus Christ we are invited to witness in our daily life and to cultivate a high degree of holiness. The granting of indulgences by the Church are very useful as a means by which the Church brings to our lives the redemption which Jesus offered.
INDULGENCES FOR
THE YEAR OF FAITH
Indulgences are the
remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has
already been forgiven. This means that an indulgence removes the debt of penance
that we owe for the effects of our sins. Indulgences are granted through the
ministry of the Church which, as the dispenser of the grace of redemption,
distributes the treasury of the merits of Christ and the Saints to us.
Year of Faith Indulgences
Throughout the Year of Faith, all of the faithful who are truly repentant, have received the Sacrament of Penance and Holy Communion, and who pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, may receive the Plenary Indulgence for themselves or for the deceased.
(a) every time they take part in at least three homilies preached or attend at least three lectures on the proceedings of the Second Vatican Council and on the articles of the Catechism of the Catholic Church;
(b) every time they go as pilgrims to a Papal basilica, a Christian catacomb, a Cathedral Church, a sacred place designated by the local Ordinary for the Year of Faith, and take part therein some sacred function or at least pause in recollection for a suitable length of time, concluding with the Our Father, the Profession of Faith in any form, invocations to Our Lady or the Holy Apostles or Patron Saints. In the Archdiocese of Melbourne, the sacred places for the Indulgence are:
| The Papal Basilicas: | St Patrick’s Cathedral |
| Our Lady of Victories, Camberwell | |
| | St Mary of the Angels, Geelong |
| Parish churches and shrines: | St Mary’s Star of the Sea, West Melbourne |
| St Monica’s, Moonee Ponds | |
| St Patrick’s, Mentone | |
| St Anthony’s Shrine, Hawthorn | |
| Our Lady Ta’Pinu Shrine, Bacchus Marsh | |
| Polish Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Keysborough | |
| St Francis Xavier, Frankston | |
| St Mary’s, Seymour | |
| Sacred Heart, Croydon | |
| St Mary’s, Dandenong | |
| St Mary of the Assumption, Keilor Downs | |
| Sacred Heart, Preston |
(c) on Solemnities of the Lord and of Our Lady, the Feast of the Holy Apostles, the Patron Saint of a Church, the Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and the Chair of St Peter, in any Church or sacred place where they take part in a solemn celebration of the Eucharist or the Liturgy of the Hours, adding the Profession of Faith;
(d) on a day freely chosen during the Year of Faith on which they make a devout visit to the Baptistry where they were baptised, if they renew their Baptismal promises in any legitimate form. For those who are enclosed religious, monks, acolytes, hermits, prisoners, the elderly and the sick, and those caring for them who recite the Our Father, the Profession of Faith and other prayers offering up their suffering to the Lord in the place or chapel where they are.
As we reflect on the plentiful redemption which comes from Jesus Christ and the faith which sustains us, I want to assure you of my own Masses and prayers that, together with the Holy Father, we will grow to a depth of faith and love in Jesus the Redeemer and Light of the World.
Further activities and information will be forwarded from the Archbishop’s Office for Evangelisation so that this may be a fruitful time for faith and growth.
With prayerful good wishes and thanks for your sharing in this Year,
Yours sincerely in Christ,
ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE
2 November 2012
AFRICA : KENYA : ARCHBISHOP CALLS FOR UNITY AND ECUMENISM
CISA REPORT
NAIROBI, November 02, 2012 (CISA) – Catholic Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa Archdiocese has urged churches to work in unity and promote ecumenism within their Christian teachings.
The Archbishop, who is current Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Ecumenism reminded that there was more that could unite the Churches and their followers than that could easily divide them.
“It is up to us to exploit that which can easily unite us while disregarding that which can divide us,” said the Archbishop.
He made the remarks on October 31, when a group of Christians from various denominations, Catholics included, named Nairobi Ecumenical Group paid him a courtesy call at this office at the Kenya Catholic secretariat, Westlands, Nairobi.
The group which promotes unity among Christians from different denominations within Nairobi and its environs was led by Father Roger Tessier from the Catholic Church and Ms Njeri Kang’ethe from the Presbyterian Churches of East Africa (PCEA).
The Archbishop told the group that the Catholic Church has a great commitment to the promotion of Christian unity.
“The Vatican II Council situates the mystery of the Church within the mystery of God’s wisdom and goodness which draws the whole human family and indeed the whole of creation into unity with himself,” he explained.
He added that the Catholic Church has set up a department of the Roman Curia known as the Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity.
“This department has the mandate to promote full communion among all Christians. The Constitution “Pastor Bonus” promotes, on one hand, the ecumenical spirit action within the Catholic Church and, on the other hand, cultivates relations with other Churches and Ecclesial Communities”, said Archbishop Lele.
The group had called on the Archbishop Lele to deliberate on closer link between the Catholic Church and other churches with special emphasis on the preparations for the 2013 Week of Christian Unity, to be marked between January 18-25, 2013.
Among those present included the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Father Charles Odira and National coordinator for the Laity in the Catholic Church, Mr Cosmas Maithya.
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
NAIROBI, November 02, 2012 (CISA) – Catholic Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa Archdiocese has urged churches to work in unity and promote ecumenism within their Christian teachings.
The Archbishop, who is current Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Ecumenism reminded that there was more that could unite the Churches and their followers than that could easily divide them.
“It is up to us to exploit that which can easily unite us while disregarding that which can divide us,” said the Archbishop.
He made the remarks on October 31, when a group of Christians from various denominations, Catholics included, named Nairobi Ecumenical Group paid him a courtesy call at this office at the Kenya Catholic secretariat, Westlands, Nairobi.
The group which promotes unity among Christians from different denominations within Nairobi and its environs was led by Father Roger Tessier from the Catholic Church and Ms Njeri Kang’ethe from the Presbyterian Churches of East Africa (PCEA).
The Archbishop told the group that the Catholic Church has a great commitment to the promotion of Christian unity.
“The Vatican II Council situates the mystery of the Church within the mystery of God’s wisdom and goodness which draws the whole human family and indeed the whole of creation into unity with himself,” he explained.
He added that the Catholic Church has set up a department of the Roman Curia known as the Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity.
“This department has the mandate to promote full communion among all Christians. The Constitution “Pastor Bonus” promotes, on one hand, the ecumenical spirit action within the Catholic Church and, on the other hand, cultivates relations with other Churches and Ecclesial Communities”, said Archbishop Lele.
The group had called on the Archbishop Lele to deliberate on closer link between the Catholic Church and other churches with special emphasis on the preparations for the 2013 Week of Christian Unity, to be marked between January 18-25, 2013.
Among those present included the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Father Charles Odira and National coordinator for the Laity in the Catholic Church, Mr Cosmas Maithya.
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
AMERICA : ECUADOR : CONTEST PROMOTES RADIO STATIONS
Agenzia Fides REPORT- The World Association
of Community Radio in Latin America and the Caribbean (AMARC ALC), the Latin
American Association of Radio Education (ALER) and the Cultural Association
Bostezo, have invited community radio, the popular and educational stations of
Latin American countries, to participate in the Latin American Prize of radio
production "Close stories to be listened far away."
According to the note sent to Fides Agency by ALER, the purpose of the competition is to promote international social work and cultural heritage of these radio stations and these groups, as well as promoting the production of radio programs to be spread through the Spanish and Latin American stations. Each participant may present a short program in which the theme or the social, environmental and/or cultural life of their community or town is made known, then to be spread through international radio channels. The themes must present a real situation on the following areas: Environment, Culture, radio communication rights stations, Migration and borders, Human rights and peace. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 31/10/2012)
According to the note sent to Fides Agency by ALER, the purpose of the competition is to promote international social work and cultural heritage of these radio stations and these groups, as well as promoting the production of radio programs to be spread through the Spanish and Latin American stations. Each participant may present a short program in which the theme or the social, environmental and/or cultural life of their community or town is made known, then to be spread through international radio channels. The themes must present a real situation on the following areas: Environment, Culture, radio communication rights stations, Migration and borders, Human rights and peace. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 31/10/2012)
ASIA : UNITED ARAB EMIRATES : CHRISTIAN DOCTOR KILLED
ASIA NEWS REPORT
by Nirmala Carvalho
The suspect, Mohamed Abdul Jamil, has stabbed Dr. Rajan Daniel eight times. Motives still unknown. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) criticizes the silence of the Indian government and denounces growing radicalism - Hindu and Muslim - in India.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) - A brutal murder has schocked the Indian Christian community in the UAE: Dr. Rajan Daniel, 58, urologist at the Ahalia Hospital in Abu Dhabi, was killed with eight stab wounds by Mohamed Abdul Jamil, 46, a Pakistani national. A native of Kerala, the Christian doctor died on the spot: after hearing the screams, the hospital staff found his body in a pool of blood, with a deep wound in the throat. The police immediately stopped Jamil, who for the moment remains the only suspect. The incident occurred in the late afternoon of November 1. The victim leaves behind a wife and a son. For Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), this murder indicates the "fragility of the Christian community" abroad, and denounces the "grave indifference" of the Indian authorities before the "brutal murder of a Christian."
For the moment, the investigation has failed to reveal any details. Jamil was native to eastern Pakistan's tribal areas, but it is not clear what brought him to Abu Dhabi. The police believe that the murderer may have been a patient of the victim, but the causes of his action are still unknown.
According to Sajan George "the government of Pakistan and its allies have already started to make up stories to justify the murder." However, he adds, "lack of justice on the part of the Government of Kerala, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister" is even more serious, which still have failed move to "give justice to the doctor's family."
Although it happened in the UAE, the president of the GCIC says the assassination of Dr. Daniel once again highlights the problem of "growing fundamentalism" and the "radicalization of Indian society." These elements, said Sajan George, "are putting lives, property, and public liberty and private life of the Christian community in danger " in addition to "affecting the development of the nation, in particular the well-being of the poor and marginalized."
For the Christian leader, ultra-nationalist Hindu and the silence of the authorities are responsible for these radical movements. However, he notes, "even the tentacles of Islamic fundamentalism are spreading." In this sense, the Popular Front of India (PFI), a confederation of Muslim organizations in the country, which has about 800 thousand members, is a primary concern.
Despite the PFI 's claims to defend the human rights of all communities, many believe it is responsible for feeding a climate of tension, as was recently the case with mass internal exodus, following the tensions in Assam. It is also the case of some recent statements by KM Shareef, national general secretary of the Confederation: in defending themselves against accusations of links to terrorism in Pakistan, he attempted to put the neighboring nation in a bad light, saying that "maintaining friendly ties with Pakistan should be avoided not only not to promote terrorism, but also to avoid indulging in activities such as human trafficking of Hindu girls. " A criticism indirectly addressed to the central government, which this past year has been trying to re-establish relations with the country.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
by Nirmala Carvalho
The suspect, Mohamed Abdul Jamil, has stabbed Dr. Rajan Daniel eight times. Motives still unknown. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) criticizes the silence of the Indian government and denounces growing radicalism - Hindu and Muslim - in India.
_1103_-_Fondamentalismo.jpg)
Mumbai (AsiaNews) - A brutal murder has schocked the Indian Christian community in the UAE: Dr. Rajan Daniel, 58, urologist at the Ahalia Hospital in Abu Dhabi, was killed with eight stab wounds by Mohamed Abdul Jamil, 46, a Pakistani national. A native of Kerala, the Christian doctor died on the spot: after hearing the screams, the hospital staff found his body in a pool of blood, with a deep wound in the throat. The police immediately stopped Jamil, who for the moment remains the only suspect. The incident occurred in the late afternoon of November 1. The victim leaves behind a wife and a son. For Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), this murder indicates the "fragility of the Christian community" abroad, and denounces the "grave indifference" of the Indian authorities before the "brutal murder of a Christian."
For the moment, the investigation has failed to reveal any details. Jamil was native to eastern Pakistan's tribal areas, but it is not clear what brought him to Abu Dhabi. The police believe that the murderer may have been a patient of the victim, but the causes of his action are still unknown.
According to Sajan George "the government of Pakistan and its allies have already started to make up stories to justify the murder." However, he adds, "lack of justice on the part of the Government of Kerala, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister" is even more serious, which still have failed move to "give justice to the doctor's family."
Although it happened in the UAE, the president of the GCIC says the assassination of Dr. Daniel once again highlights the problem of "growing fundamentalism" and the "radicalization of Indian society." These elements, said Sajan George, "are putting lives, property, and public liberty and private life of the Christian community in danger " in addition to "affecting the development of the nation, in particular the well-being of the poor and marginalized."
For the Christian leader, ultra-nationalist Hindu and the silence of the authorities are responsible for these radical movements. However, he notes, "even the tentacles of Islamic fundamentalism are spreading." In this sense, the Popular Front of India (PFI), a confederation of Muslim organizations in the country, which has about 800 thousand members, is a primary concern.
Despite the PFI 's claims to defend the human rights of all communities, many believe it is responsible for feeding a climate of tension, as was recently the case with mass internal exodus, following the tensions in Assam. It is also the case of some recent statements by KM Shareef, national general secretary of the Confederation: in defending themselves against accusations of links to terrorism in Pakistan, he attempted to put the neighboring nation in a bad light, saying that "maintaining friendly ties with Pakistan should be avoided not only not to promote terrorism, but also to avoid indulging in activities such as human trafficking of Hindu girls. " A criticism indirectly addressed to the central government, which this past year has been trying to re-establish relations with the country.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : SAT. NOV. 3, 2012
Philippians 1: 18 - 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18 | What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in that I rejoice. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19 | Yes, and I shall rejoice. For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20 | as it is my eager expectation and hope that I shall not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21 | For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22 | If it is to be life in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23 | I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24 | But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25 | Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26 | so that in me you may have
ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
TODAY'S SAINT: NOV. 3: ST. MARTIN DE PORRES
St. Martin de Porres
DOMINICAN
MYSTIC
Feast:
November 3
Information:
Feast
Day:
November
3
Born:
December
9, 1579, Lima, Peru
Died:
November
3, 1639, Lima, Peru
Canonized:
May
6, 1962 by Pope John XXIII
Major
Shrine:
Church
and Convent of Santo Domingo, Lima, Peru
Patron
of:
black
people, hair stylists, innkeepers, mixed-race people, Peru, poor people, public
education, public health, public schools, race relations, social justice, state
schools, television, Peruvian Naval Aviators
He
was born in Lima, Peru, the illegitimate son of a Spanish knight, John de
Porres, and a freed Panamanian slave named Anna. In 1594, Martin became a
Dominican lay brother in Lima and served in various menial offices. Outside of
the monastery he became known for his care of the poor and the sick. Martin
founded an orphanage and ministered to African slaves brought to Lima. He was
aided by St. Rose of Lima, who respected his penances and labors. Martin
experienced many mystical gifts, including bilocation and aerial flights. When
he was dying in Rosary Convent on November 3, the viceroy, the count of Chichon,
knelt by his bed, seeking Martin's blessing. Martin, who is the patron of
interracial justice, was canonized by Blessed Pope John XXIII (r. 1958-1963) in
1962.
WHAT IS PURGATORY - CATECHISM DEFINES - PRAYERS - INDULGENCE - NOVENA FOR HOLY SOULS
NOVEMBER 2 is a special
feast remembering all Souls that have died especially the ones in Purgatory. As
Catholics we are especially encouraged to pray for the dead on this day.
PURGATORY - CATHOLIC CATECHISM
DEFINITION
THE
FINAL PURIFICATION, OR PURGATORY 1030 All who die
in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed
assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification,
so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.
1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to
this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the
punishment of the damned.606 The
Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils
of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain
texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:607 - As for certain lesser
faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying
fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence
we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain
others in the age to come.608
- 1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."609 From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.610 The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:
- Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.
- 1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."609 From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.610 The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:
Purgatory (Lat., "purgare", to make clean, to purify) in accordance with Catholic teaching is a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace, are, not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions.The faith of the Church concerning purgatory is clearly expressed in the Decree of Union drawn up by the Council of Florence (Mansi, t. XXXI, col. 1031), and in the decree of the Council of Trent which (Sess. XXV) defined:
"Whereas the Catholic Church, instructed by the Holy Ghost, has from the Sacred Scriptures and the ancient tradition of the Fathers taught in Councils and very recently in this Ecumenical synod (Sess. VI, cap. XXX; Sess. XXII cap.ii, iii) that there is a purgatory, and that the souls therein are helped by the suffrages of the faithful, but principally by the acceptable Sacrifice of the Altar; the Holy Synod enjoins on the Bishops that they diligently endeavor to have the sound doctrine of the Fathers in Councils regarding purgatory everywhere taught and preached, held and believed by the faithful" (Denzinger, "Enchiridon", 983).Further than this the definitions of the Church do not go, but the tradition of the Fathers and the Schoolmen must be consulted to explain the teachings of the councils, and to make clear the belief and the practices of the faithful.
Requiem
aeternam: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine
upon them. May they rest in peace.
PLENARY
INDULGENCE FROM NOV. 1-8 BY PRAYING FOR HOLY SOULS
A PLENARY INDULGENCE, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who (1) on any and each day from November 1 to 8, devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the departed; (2) On All Souls' Day...devoutly visit a chruch or an oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed. [(or if local ordinary gives other options) From the Manual of Indulgences #29]
--------------------------------------------------------------------A PLENARY INDULGENCE, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who (1) on any and each day from November 1 to 8, devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the departed; (2) On All Souls' Day...devoutly visit a chruch or an oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed. [(or if local ordinary gives other options) From the Manual of Indulgences #29]
PRAYER OF ST. GERTRUDE THE GREAT
St. Gertrude's Prayer," was dictated by Our Lord to St. Gertrude the Great, a Benedictine cloistered nun and a mystic. In the twelfth century, the Lord told the Saint that this prayer (approved and recommended by M. Cardinal Pahiarca of Lisbon, Portugal on March 4, 1936) releases 1,000 Souls from Purgatory each time it is offered.
A prayer to release many souls from Purgatory each time it is said and which was extended to include living sinners as well.
Eternal Father, I offer You the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, for those in my own home and in my family. Amen.
NOVENA
FOR SOULS IN PURGATORY
Written
by St. Alphonsus Liguori this novena has prayers for each day which are followed
by the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This Novena, written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, has different prayers for each of the 9 days, followed by the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory which is at the bottom of the section. First Day:
Jesus, my Saviour I have so often deserved to be cast into hell how great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I myself had caused my damnation. I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance. Have pity on me and at the same time on those blessed souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Second Day:
Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Third Day:
My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. And thou, Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Fourth Day:
My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that burn in the cleansing fire and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, assist them by thy powerful prayers.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Fifth Day:
Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, hadst cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God and I am sincerely sorry for having offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Sixth Day:
My Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offences against Thee than at any other evil. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Seventh Day:
God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, are now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Eighth Day:
Oh my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love and deserved to be cast by Thee into hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore, I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I will rather die than ever offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Ninth Day:
My God! How was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me! Henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee; I promise rather to die than to again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the holy souls in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery; call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. Mary, Mother of Mercy, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below
Prayer to Our
Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory O most sweet Jesus,
through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemani,
have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
(Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)
Blessed Souls, I have prayed for thee; I entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
(Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)
Blessed Souls, I have prayed for thee; I entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen.
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