VIS REPORTS:
POSITIVE SIGNS OF FRATERNITY ON ECUMENICAL JOURNEY
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Yesterday evening in the Roman basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, the Holy Father presided at the celebration of second Vespers for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The celebration, which marked the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, was attended by representatives from other Churches including the Orthodox Church of Greece, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Anglican Communion and the Patriarchates of Moscow and Romania. (IMAGE SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA)
In his homily Benedict XVI recalled how the theme of this year's Week of Prayer - "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ" - was taken from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. "The significance of this mysterious transformation", the Pope explained, "is admirably expressed in Paul's personal history. Following the extraordinary event which befell him on the road to Damascus, Saul, who had stood out for the zeal with which he persecuted the nascent Church, was transformed into a tireless apostle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ... This transformation was not the fruit of long inner reflection nor of individual effort. It was, first and foremost, the grace of God working in its mysterious ways".
The Holy Father pointed our that St. Paul's transformation was not limited to the field of ethics or the intellect. "It was a radical renewal of his being, similar in many ways to a rebirth. Such a transformation had its roots in his participation in the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and took shape as a gradual conformation to Him. Aware of this, St. Paul would say: ... 'It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me'".
In his First Letter to the Corinthians the Apostle describes the Final Judgement, when the destiny of humankind will be fulfilled. "On that day all believers will be made like unto Christ and all perishable things will be transformed by His glory. ... Christ's triumph will then finally be complete, because ... death will have been definitively vanquished and, therewith, the sin which brought death into the world. ... St. Paul tells us then that, through Baptism in the death and resurrection of Christ, each man and woman shares in the victory of the One Who first vanquished death, and starts down a path of transformation which begins even now in new life, and which will reach fulfilment at the end of time".
"As we say our prayers we trust that we too will be transformed, conformed to the image of Christ", the Pope said. "This holds particularly true for our prayers for Christian unity, ... by means of which we participate in God's plan for the Church. Everyone has the duty and responsibility to dedicate themselves to re-establishing unity. ... United in Christ, we are called to share His mission, which is to bring hope where injustice, hatred and desperation dominate. Our divisions obscure our witness to Christ. The goal of full unity, which we await with diligent hope and for which we trustingly pray, ... is an important victory for the good of the human family".
In contrast to the prevalent idea of victory as immediate success, Benedict XVI explained the Christian view of victory as a long "process of transformation and development in goodness. It comes about in God's times, not ours, and requires profound faith and patient perseverance on our part. ... As we await the visible unity of the Church, we must be patient and trusting". This does not mean passivity and resignation, but "a ready and immediate response to every opening of communion and brotherhood which the Lord gives us".
The Pope concluded by exhorting those present to continue the ecumenical journey. "Although at times we may have the impression that the road to full communion is still long and full of obstacles", he said, "I call upon everyone to renew their determination to follow, with courage and generosity, the unity which God wills, following the example of St. Paul who, faced with difficulties of all kinds, always maintained his faith in God. ... The journey, moreover, does not lack signs of renewed fraternity or of shared responsibility before the great problems affecting our world. All this is a reason for hope and must encourage us to continue our commitment to reach the final goal together, knowing that our efforts are not vain in the Lord".
HML/ VIS 20120126 (750)
PRIESTS SHOULD PROMOTE SANCTITY WITH THEIR OWN LIVES
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican the Holy Father received superiors and seminarians from three Italian regional pontifical seminaries in Assisi, Catanzaro and Naples. All of these institutions, as the Pope remarked in his address to the group, are currently celebrating their first centenary having been founded as part of efforts towards the reformation of priestly education carried out under Popes Leo XIII and St. Pius X. "Bringing diocesan seminaries together into regional seminaries, and the reform of theological studies, produced a notable improvement in quality", Pope Benedict noted. "In this, an important role was played by the Society of Jesus", the Jesuits, to whom the new regional seminaries were entrusted.
Even today regional seminaries remain important as they allow access to higher education and contribute to the communion of dioceses, "favouring knowledge, capacity for collaboration and the enrichment of ecclesial experience among future priests. The regional dimension is also an appropriate middle way between the needs of the universal Church and the requirements of local areas".
Referring to the seminarians' formation, Benedict XVI highlighted how today's cultural context calls for "solid education in philosophy and theology". Future priests must, he said, "understand and appreciate the internal structure of the faith as a whole, so that it can become a response to people's questions. ... And the study of theology must always have an intense bond to the life of prayer. ... It is, in fact, vital that the multiple activities of a priest's ministry be harmoniously integrated with his spiritual life.
"It is important", the Holy Father added, "for the priest, who is called to accompany others through the journey of life up to the threshold of death, to have the right balance of heart and mind, reason and feeling, body and soul, and to be humanly integrated". For this reason, the Pope said, great attention must be given to "the human dimension when forming candidates to the priesthood. It is, in fact, in our humanity that we present ourselves before God, in order to appear before our fellows as authentic men of God. Anyone who wishes to become a priest must be first and foremost a 'man of God'. ... It follows that the most important thing in our path towards priesthood and during the whole of our priestly lives is our personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ".
In conclusion, the Holy Father quoted a phrase of John XXII: "Even more than cultured, eloquent, up-to-date priests, what we need are saintly and sanctifying priests". These words, Benedict XVI explained, "are still valid today because the entire Church, and the regions from which you come, have more need than ever of workers of the Gospel, people who give credible witness and promote sanctity with their own lives".
AC/ VIS 20120126 (480)
HOLY SEE SIGNS UN CONVENTIONS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CRIME
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Yesterday 25 January the Holy See, acting also in the name and on behalf of Vatican City State, adhered to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (New York, 1999) and to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (Palermo, 2000). On the same date the Holy See ratified, likewise in the name and on behalf of Vatican City State, the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Vienna, 1988), which it had already signed in the year in which it was adopted. The instruments of ratification and adherence were accompanied by a number of reservations and interpretative declarations.
In a note concerning yesterday's move Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States, explains that "this step represents a further recognition by the Holy See of the efforts of the community of States to prevent and combat the most serious forms of transnational criminal activity, of dramatic actuality, through appropriate instruments of international cooperation".
"The Holy Father reminds us that terrorism and organised crime threaten the dignity of human beings and the common good in every country in the world". Therfore, juridical instruments which counter these forms of illicit activity also contribute to peace and security. With its adhesion to and ratification of the three treaties in question, "the Holy See confirms its intention as well as its effective and practical commitment to collaborate with the international community in a manner consistent with its nature and mission, with a view to guaranteeing international peace and justice".
The adoption of these instruments constitutes a further refinement of the legal structure of Vatican City State, which had already developed in this direction through the adoption of various laws concerning the prevention and combating of the laundering of money derived from criminal activity and the financing of terrorism. The new legal instruments offered by the three treaties also aim to raise the level of collaboration between the tribunals of Vatican City State and those of other States.
The secretary for Relations with States also explains that "these international commitments do not prejudice the sovereign right of each State to abstain from collaborating with respect to pending legal proceedings in other contexts when those proceedings could give rise to forms of persecution of an individual for political, religious, ethnic or similar reasons". Finally, Archbishop Mamberti makes it clear that yesterday's steps "facilitate further the coming together of justice and peace", and confirm the truth of the Holy See's "commitment to the respect of human dignity and concord between persons and peoples".
SS/ VIS 20120126 (450)
PRESS NOTE ON ITALIAN TELEVISION PROGRAMME
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - At midday today the Holy See Press Office published a note written by its director, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., concerning a television programme, "Gli intoccabili", transmitted yesterday evening by Italy's "La7" television network. Fr. Lombardi highlights the "questionable journalistic methods" with which the programme was made, and his "disappointment at the revelation of reserved documents", noting that such things often form part of the "biased coverage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church".
The Holy See Press Office director then turns to focus on two considerations "which were not given space in the course of the debate". Firstly "the activities of Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano as secretary general of the Governorate of Vatican City State certainly had many positive aspects, as he contributed to the efforts being made to ensure administrative rigour, economisation and the improvement of what was a difficult overall economic situation. ... However, a fairer evaluation would have taken account of the trends of the market, the investment criteria adopted over recent years, and other important circumstances. ... Certain accusations - some very serious - made during the course of the programme, especially those concerning the members of the Finance and Management Committee of the Governorate and the Secretariat of State, will lead both the Secretariat of State and the Governorate to adopt all measures (including if necessary legal measures) to protect the honour of morally upright and highly professional people who serve the Church, the Pope and the common good. In any case, the positive criteria of correct and transparent management which inspired Archbishop Vigano certainly continue to guide the current directors of the Governorate. ... This is in keeping with the policy to which the Holy See is committed of increasing transparency and attentively monitoring of economic activities".
Secondly "the difficult process of discerning the various aspects involved in managing a complex institution such as the Governorate - which are not limited to administrative rigour - was presented in a superficial and biased manner, highlighting the evidently negative aspects with the simplistic result of presenting the structures of government in the Church as being, not so much affected by human frailty (which would be easily understandable), as profoundly characterised by arguments, divisions and power struggles. ... Yet, all this disinformation will certainly not obscure the daily and serene efforts towards increasing transparency in all Vatican institutions. ... In this context, it must be decisively affirmed that entrusting Archbishop Vigano with the role of apostolic nuncio to the United States - one of the most important roles in Vatican diplomacy given the importance of the country and of the Catholic Church there - is proof of unquestionable respect and trust".
OP/ VIS 20120126 (460)
CELEBRATIONS TO BE PRESIDED BY THE POPE: FEBRUARY-APRIL
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff today published the calendar of celebrations due to be presided by the Holy Father between February and April.
FEBRUARY
Thursday 2: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day of Consecrated Life. At 5.30 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Vespers with members of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.
Saturday 18: At 10.30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica, ordinary public consistory for the creation of new cardinals and for the vote on a number of causes of canonisation.
Sunday 19: Solemnity of the Cathedra of St. Peter. At 9.30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Mass with new cardinals.
Wednesday 22: Ash Wednesday. At 4.30 p.m. in the basilica of Sant'Anselmo, "statio" and penitential procession. At 5 p.m. in the basilica of Santa Sabina, blessing and imposition of the ashes.
Sunday 26: First Sunday of Lent. At 6 p.m. in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, beginning of the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia.
MARCH
Saturday 3: At 9 a.m. in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, conclusion of the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia.
Sunday 4: Second Sunday of Lent. At 9.30 a.m., Mass in the Roman parish of "San Giovanni Battista de La Salle al Torrino".
Saturday 10: At 5.30 p.m., Vespers in the basilica of San Gregorio al Celio for the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Friday 23 to Thursday 29: Apostolic trip to Mexico and Cuba.
APRIL
Sunday 1. Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord. At 9.30 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, blessing of palms, procession and Mass.
Thursday 5. Holy Thursday. At 9.30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Chrism Mass. At 5.30 p.m. in the basilica of St. John Lateran, beginning of the Easter Triduum with the Mass of the Last Supper.
Friday 6. Good Friday. At 5 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, celebration of the Lord's Passion. At 9.15 p.m. at the Colosseum, Way of the Cross.
Saturday 7. Holy Saturday. At 9 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Easter vigil.
Sunday 8. Easter Sunday. Mass in St. Peter's Square at 10.15 a.m. At midday, from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.
OCL/ VIS 20120126 (390)
AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience sixteen prelates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Thomas John Rodi of Mobile.
- Bishop Roger Paul Morin of Biloxi.
- Bishop Robert Joseph Baker of Birmingham, accompanied by Bishop emeritus David Edward Foley.
- Bishop Joseph N. Latino of Jackson, accompanied by Bishop emeritus William Russel Huock.
- Bishop David R. Choby of Nashville.
- Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond of New Orleans, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre and by Archbishop emeritus Alfred Clifton Hughes.
- Bishop Ronald Paul Herzog of Alexandria.
- Bishop Robert William Muench of Baton Rouge.
- Bishop Sam Gallip Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux.
- Bishop Charles Michael Jarrell of Lafayette.
- Bishop Glen John Provst of Lake Charles.
- Bishop Michael Gerard Duca of Shreveport.
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Yesterday evening in the Roman basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, the Holy Father presided at the celebration of second Vespers for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The celebration, which marked the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, was attended by representatives from other Churches including the Orthodox Church of Greece, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Anglican Communion and the Patriarchates of Moscow and Romania. (IMAGE SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA)
In his homily Benedict XVI recalled how the theme of this year's Week of Prayer - "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ" - was taken from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. "The significance of this mysterious transformation", the Pope explained, "is admirably expressed in Paul's personal history. Following the extraordinary event which befell him on the road to Damascus, Saul, who had stood out for the zeal with which he persecuted the nascent Church, was transformed into a tireless apostle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ... This transformation was not the fruit of long inner reflection nor of individual effort. It was, first and foremost, the grace of God working in its mysterious ways".
The Holy Father pointed our that St. Paul's transformation was not limited to the field of ethics or the intellect. "It was a radical renewal of his being, similar in many ways to a rebirth. Such a transformation had its roots in his participation in the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and took shape as a gradual conformation to Him. Aware of this, St. Paul would say: ... 'It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me'".
In his First Letter to the Corinthians the Apostle describes the Final Judgement, when the destiny of humankind will be fulfilled. "On that day all believers will be made like unto Christ and all perishable things will be transformed by His glory. ... Christ's triumph will then finally be complete, because ... death will have been definitively vanquished and, therewith, the sin which brought death into the world. ... St. Paul tells us then that, through Baptism in the death and resurrection of Christ, each man and woman shares in the victory of the One Who first vanquished death, and starts down a path of transformation which begins even now in new life, and which will reach fulfilment at the end of time".
"As we say our prayers we trust that we too will be transformed, conformed to the image of Christ", the Pope said. "This holds particularly true for our prayers for Christian unity, ... by means of which we participate in God's plan for the Church. Everyone has the duty and responsibility to dedicate themselves to re-establishing unity. ... United in Christ, we are called to share His mission, which is to bring hope where injustice, hatred and desperation dominate. Our divisions obscure our witness to Christ. The goal of full unity, which we await with diligent hope and for which we trustingly pray, ... is an important victory for the good of the human family".
In contrast to the prevalent idea of victory as immediate success, Benedict XVI explained the Christian view of victory as a long "process of transformation and development in goodness. It comes about in God's times, not ours, and requires profound faith and patient perseverance on our part. ... As we await the visible unity of the Church, we must be patient and trusting". This does not mean passivity and resignation, but "a ready and immediate response to every opening of communion and brotherhood which the Lord gives us".
The Pope concluded by exhorting those present to continue the ecumenical journey. "Although at times we may have the impression that the road to full communion is still long and full of obstacles", he said, "I call upon everyone to renew their determination to follow, with courage and generosity, the unity which God wills, following the example of St. Paul who, faced with difficulties of all kinds, always maintained his faith in God. ... The journey, moreover, does not lack signs of renewed fraternity or of shared responsibility before the great problems affecting our world. All this is a reason for hope and must encourage us to continue our commitment to reach the final goal together, knowing that our efforts are not vain in the Lord".
HML/ VIS 20120126 (750)
PRIESTS SHOULD PROMOTE SANCTITY WITH THEIR OWN LIVES
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican the Holy Father received superiors and seminarians from three Italian regional pontifical seminaries in Assisi, Catanzaro and Naples. All of these institutions, as the Pope remarked in his address to the group, are currently celebrating their first centenary having been founded as part of efforts towards the reformation of priestly education carried out under Popes Leo XIII and St. Pius X. "Bringing diocesan seminaries together into regional seminaries, and the reform of theological studies, produced a notable improvement in quality", Pope Benedict noted. "In this, an important role was played by the Society of Jesus", the Jesuits, to whom the new regional seminaries were entrusted.
Even today regional seminaries remain important as they allow access to higher education and contribute to the communion of dioceses, "favouring knowledge, capacity for collaboration and the enrichment of ecclesial experience among future priests. The regional dimension is also an appropriate middle way between the needs of the universal Church and the requirements of local areas".
Referring to the seminarians' formation, Benedict XVI highlighted how today's cultural context calls for "solid education in philosophy and theology". Future priests must, he said, "understand and appreciate the internal structure of the faith as a whole, so that it can become a response to people's questions. ... And the study of theology must always have an intense bond to the life of prayer. ... It is, in fact, vital that the multiple activities of a priest's ministry be harmoniously integrated with his spiritual life.
"It is important", the Holy Father added, "for the priest, who is called to accompany others through the journey of life up to the threshold of death, to have the right balance of heart and mind, reason and feeling, body and soul, and to be humanly integrated". For this reason, the Pope said, great attention must be given to "the human dimension when forming candidates to the priesthood. It is, in fact, in our humanity that we present ourselves before God, in order to appear before our fellows as authentic men of God. Anyone who wishes to become a priest must be first and foremost a 'man of God'. ... It follows that the most important thing in our path towards priesthood and during the whole of our priestly lives is our personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ".
In conclusion, the Holy Father quoted a phrase of John XXII: "Even more than cultured, eloquent, up-to-date priests, what we need are saintly and sanctifying priests". These words, Benedict XVI explained, "are still valid today because the entire Church, and the regions from which you come, have more need than ever of workers of the Gospel, people who give credible witness and promote sanctity with their own lives".
AC/ VIS 20120126 (480)
HOLY SEE SIGNS UN CONVENTIONS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CRIME
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Yesterday 25 January the Holy See, acting also in the name and on behalf of Vatican City State, adhered to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (New York, 1999) and to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (Palermo, 2000). On the same date the Holy See ratified, likewise in the name and on behalf of Vatican City State, the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Vienna, 1988), which it had already signed in the year in which it was adopted. The instruments of ratification and adherence were accompanied by a number of reservations and interpretative declarations.
In a note concerning yesterday's move Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States, explains that "this step represents a further recognition by the Holy See of the efforts of the community of States to prevent and combat the most serious forms of transnational criminal activity, of dramatic actuality, through appropriate instruments of international cooperation".
"The Holy Father reminds us that terrorism and organised crime threaten the dignity of human beings and the common good in every country in the world". Therfore, juridical instruments which counter these forms of illicit activity also contribute to peace and security. With its adhesion to and ratification of the three treaties in question, "the Holy See confirms its intention as well as its effective and practical commitment to collaborate with the international community in a manner consistent with its nature and mission, with a view to guaranteeing international peace and justice".
The adoption of these instruments constitutes a further refinement of the legal structure of Vatican City State, which had already developed in this direction through the adoption of various laws concerning the prevention and combating of the laundering of money derived from criminal activity and the financing of terrorism. The new legal instruments offered by the three treaties also aim to raise the level of collaboration between the tribunals of Vatican City State and those of other States.
The secretary for Relations with States also explains that "these international commitments do not prejudice the sovereign right of each State to abstain from collaborating with respect to pending legal proceedings in other contexts when those proceedings could give rise to forms of persecution of an individual for political, religious, ethnic or similar reasons". Finally, Archbishop Mamberti makes it clear that yesterday's steps "facilitate further the coming together of justice and peace", and confirm the truth of the Holy See's "commitment to the respect of human dignity and concord between persons and peoples".
SS/ VIS 20120126 (450)
PRESS NOTE ON ITALIAN TELEVISION PROGRAMME
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - At midday today the Holy See Press Office published a note written by its director, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., concerning a television programme, "Gli intoccabili", transmitted yesterday evening by Italy's "La7" television network. Fr. Lombardi highlights the "questionable journalistic methods" with which the programme was made, and his "disappointment at the revelation of reserved documents", noting that such things often form part of the "biased coverage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church".
The Holy See Press Office director then turns to focus on two considerations "which were not given space in the course of the debate". Firstly "the activities of Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano as secretary general of the Governorate of Vatican City State certainly had many positive aspects, as he contributed to the efforts being made to ensure administrative rigour, economisation and the improvement of what was a difficult overall economic situation. ... However, a fairer evaluation would have taken account of the trends of the market, the investment criteria adopted over recent years, and other important circumstances. ... Certain accusations - some very serious - made during the course of the programme, especially those concerning the members of the Finance and Management Committee of the Governorate and the Secretariat of State, will lead both the Secretariat of State and the Governorate to adopt all measures (including if necessary legal measures) to protect the honour of morally upright and highly professional people who serve the Church, the Pope and the common good. In any case, the positive criteria of correct and transparent management which inspired Archbishop Vigano certainly continue to guide the current directors of the Governorate. ... This is in keeping with the policy to which the Holy See is committed of increasing transparency and attentively monitoring of economic activities".
Secondly "the difficult process of discerning the various aspects involved in managing a complex institution such as the Governorate - which are not limited to administrative rigour - was presented in a superficial and biased manner, highlighting the evidently negative aspects with the simplistic result of presenting the structures of government in the Church as being, not so much affected by human frailty (which would be easily understandable), as profoundly characterised by arguments, divisions and power struggles. ... Yet, all this disinformation will certainly not obscure the daily and serene efforts towards increasing transparency in all Vatican institutions. ... In this context, it must be decisively affirmed that entrusting Archbishop Vigano with the role of apostolic nuncio to the United States - one of the most important roles in Vatican diplomacy given the importance of the country and of the Catholic Church there - is proof of unquestionable respect and trust".
OP/ VIS 20120126 (460)
CELEBRATIONS TO BE PRESIDED BY THE POPE: FEBRUARY-APRIL
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff today published the calendar of celebrations due to be presided by the Holy Father between February and April.
FEBRUARY
Thursday 2: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day of Consecrated Life. At 5.30 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Vespers with members of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.
Saturday 18: At 10.30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica, ordinary public consistory for the creation of new cardinals and for the vote on a number of causes of canonisation.
Sunday 19: Solemnity of the Cathedra of St. Peter. At 9.30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Mass with new cardinals.
Wednesday 22: Ash Wednesday. At 4.30 p.m. in the basilica of Sant'Anselmo, "statio" and penitential procession. At 5 p.m. in the basilica of Santa Sabina, blessing and imposition of the ashes.
Sunday 26: First Sunday of Lent. At 6 p.m. in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, beginning of the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia.
MARCH
Saturday 3: At 9 a.m. in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, conclusion of the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia.
Sunday 4: Second Sunday of Lent. At 9.30 a.m., Mass in the Roman parish of "San Giovanni Battista de La Salle al Torrino".
Saturday 10: At 5.30 p.m., Vespers in the basilica of San Gregorio al Celio for the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Friday 23 to Thursday 29: Apostolic trip to Mexico and Cuba.
APRIL
Sunday 1. Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord. At 9.30 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, blessing of palms, procession and Mass.
Thursday 5. Holy Thursday. At 9.30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Chrism Mass. At 5.30 p.m. in the basilica of St. John Lateran, beginning of the Easter Triduum with the Mass of the Last Supper.
Friday 6. Good Friday. At 5 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, celebration of the Lord's Passion. At 9.15 p.m. at the Colosseum, Way of the Cross.
Saturday 7. Holy Saturday. At 9 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Easter vigil.
Sunday 8. Easter Sunday. Mass in St. Peter's Square at 10.15 a.m. At midday, from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.
OCL/ VIS 20120126 (390)
AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 26 JAN 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience sixteen prelates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Thomas John Rodi of Mobile.
- Bishop Roger Paul Morin of Biloxi.
- Bishop Robert Joseph Baker of Birmingham, accompanied by Bishop emeritus David Edward Foley.
- Bishop Joseph N. Latino of Jackson, accompanied by Bishop emeritus William Russel Huock.
- Bishop David R. Choby of Nashville.
- Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond of New Orleans, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre and by Archbishop emeritus Alfred Clifton Hughes.
- Bishop Ronald Paul Herzog of Alexandria.
- Bishop Robert William Muench of Baton Rouge.
- Bishop Sam Gallip Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux.
- Bishop Charles Michael Jarrell of Lafayette.
- Bishop Glen John Provst of Lake Charles.
- Bishop Michael Gerard Duca of Shreveport.
AMERICA : CANADA : RIP BISHOP CAMPBELL OF NOVA SCOTIA
CCCB REPORT: The Most Rev. Colin Campbell,
Bishop Emeritus of Antigonish, died on Tuesday evening, January 17, 2012, at the
age of 80.Bishop Campbell was born on July 12, 1931 in Antigonish, NS. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Halifax on May 26, 1956; appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish by Pope John Paul II on December 12, 1986; and ordained Bishop on March 19, 1987 in St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish. His resignation as Bishop of Antigonish was accepted by the Holy Father on October 26, 2002, for reasons of health.
Visitation will be held in Antigonish at St. Ninian Place (part of St. Ninian Cathedral) on Saturday, January 21, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m., and continuing on Sunday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. The remains will be transferred to St. Ninian Cathedral for a Vigil Service at 4:00 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will be Monday, January 23, at
http://www.cccb.ca/site/eng/media-room/announcements/3268-death-of-the-most-reverend-colin-campbell-bishop-emeritus-of-antigonish-nova-scotia
AUSTRALIA : RIP FR. DOUGLAS ROWE PATRIST SOCIETY FOUNDER
ARCHDIOCESE
OF PERTH REPORT: Article by: B Spinks Photo: Patrist Society
website
Fr Douglas Leslie Rowe S.F.P., the founder of the Patrist Societies of the Sons and Daughters of God the Father, who was based in Perth died unexpectedly in the Philippines on 16 January at the age of 69.
Police say Fr Rowe was inspecting land with Sr Jan Rebutazo and estate
broker Sunshine Hoyo shortly before his body was discovered floating in the
river near the village of Can-asuhan, in Carcar City, on the island of Cebu, the
Sydney
Morning Herald reported last week.
Fr Rowe was a Perth priest based in
Midland at the Patrist House and prior to that, was chaplain at All Saints
Chapel in Allendale Square from late 2005 to January 2008.The news of Fr Rowe’s sudden death came as a shock to Archbishop Barry J Hickey who, despite this, said he had “no reason to suspect foul play”.
Archbishop Hickey said that according to eye-witnesses, Fr Doug told Sr Jan and another person to cross the river before him.
“They got to the other side, looked around and Fr Doug had disappeared. They later found his body floating in the river. He was apparently dead. He was taken to hospital but could not be revived. The most logical explanation seems to be a heart attack as he entered the strong current,” Archbishop Hickey said.
“Fr Douglas Rowe was a former Jesuit priest in India,” the Archbishop added.
“He left in order to respond to a special call to promote the worship of God as Father. To this end, he founded the Patrist Society of men and women to spread this message.
“He claimed that the spirituality of God the Father was Jesus’ own spirituality in so far as He was always in communion with His father and instructed his followers to accept Him as their father in the famous Lord’s Prayer, the Our Father.
“He founded communities in Canada, the Philippines and Perth and was seeking to establish them also in Uganda when he was taken from us unexpectedly.
“Fr Douglas had a reputation for dynamic preaching,” he said.
“I am sad for the members of his community and his relatives and friends. May he rest in peace,” he said.
Archbishop Hickey said Fr Rowe’s remains would be brought back to Perth for burial.
Arrangements are in hand through Bowra & O’Dea in Perth and St Peter’s Funeral Parlour in Cebu.
A date and the details for his funeral has not yet been set but at the earliest, it will be next week.
For more information on the Patrist Society, visit: www.patrists.org
AFRICA : MOZAMBIQUE : CAMPAIGN AGAINST MALNUTRITION - A SEED A LIFE
Agenzia
Fides REPORT - Approximately 400 000 children with their respective families in
Mozambique will benefit from the effects of the campaign against malnutrition
called "A seed, a life", promoted by the Spanish Antena 3 Foundation. Thanks to
this project the food security of beneficiaries will improve. The program also
provides for the distribution of seeds so that families can grow them in their
gardens and ensure a sufficient and balanced diet, the distribution of milk to
ensure the survival of children. According to the Spanish Foundation, in
southern Mozambique there is a malnutrition rate of 37%, one of the highest in
the world. The Foundation was established in 2005 with the primary objective of
protecting children through various programs aimed at enhancing their skills and
education. The commitment is to help children and adolescents, supporting them
with the necessary support for their welfare and their education, as well as
encouraging social awareness about their rights, needs and interests. (AP)
(Agenzia Fides 24/01/2012)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30844&lan=eng
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30844&lan=eng
ASIA : SYRIA : AMBUSH BY TERRORISTS CAUSES DEATHS
ASIA NEWS
REPORT: Abdulrazaq Jbeiro who was also responsible for
Idlib zone was killed while returning by car from Damascus. The agency Sana
attributed the crime to a "terrorist group". Russia is willing for "constructive
proposals", but prohibits any suggestion of sanctions and armed intervention
from outside.
Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Secretary General of
the Syrian Red Crescent Society was killed in an ambush in Syria. Abdulrazaq
Jbeiro, who was also responsible for the regional organization in the northern
province of Idlib was shot dead while travelling by car to Idlib, after some
meetings in Damascus. Dabbakeh Saleh, a Red Cross spokesman in Damascus said
that it is not the first time a member of the organization has been attacked.
"Three months ago another volunteer was injured gunshots," said Dabbakeh. He
called on all warring parties not to target humanitarian workers, "who volunteer
to save lives." It is not clear who is responsible for the killing. The State
agency Sana said that he was killed by a "terrorist group".
Meanwhile, after the abandonment of the representatives of the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia, the Arab League observers are continuing their mission. Yesterday at Hama, one opposition strongholds clashes continue with government forces, which have caused several deaths, among them an Orthodox priest, Basilious Nassar. According to the local coordination committees, an opposition group, Fr. Basilious, coming from a nearby village, and was killed while trying to help rescue a man injured in the clashes.
Today Russia declared that it opposes international sanctions against Syria, but that they is "open to constructive proposals", while the Arab League continues to seek the support of the United Nations for a plan to resolve the crisis in Syria. "We are open to constructive proposals that go towards ending the violence," said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after talks with his counterpart Turkish Ahmet Davutoglu. Lavrov added that any solution, supported by Russia, "can not be used or interpreted to justify outside military intervention in the Syrian crisis."http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Syria:-Red-Crescent-secretary-killed.-Orthodox-priest-also-dies-in-clash-23798.html
_0124_-_Golfo_ritira_osservatori.jpg)
Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Secretary General of
the Syrian Red Crescent Society was killed in an ambush in Syria. Abdulrazaq
Jbeiro, who was also responsible for the regional organization in the northern
province of Idlib was shot dead while travelling by car to Idlib, after some
meetings in Damascus. Dabbakeh Saleh, a Red Cross spokesman in Damascus said
that it is not the first time a member of the organization has been attacked.
"Three months ago another volunteer was injured gunshots," said Dabbakeh. He
called on all warring parties not to target humanitarian workers, "who volunteer
to save lives." It is not clear who is responsible for the killing. The State
agency Sana said that he was killed by a "terrorist group".Meanwhile, after the abandonment of the representatives of the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia, the Arab League observers are continuing their mission. Yesterday at Hama, one opposition strongholds clashes continue with government forces, which have caused several deaths, among them an Orthodox priest, Basilious Nassar. According to the local coordination committees, an opposition group, Fr. Basilious, coming from a nearby village, and was killed while trying to help rescue a man injured in the clashes.
Today Russia declared that it opposes international sanctions against Syria, but that they is "open to constructive proposals", while the Arab League continues to seek the support of the United Nations for a plan to resolve the crisis in Syria. "We are open to constructive proposals that go towards ending the violence," said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after talks with his counterpart Turkish Ahmet Davutoglu. Lavrov added that any solution, supported by Russia, "can not be used or interpreted to justify outside military intervention in the Syrian crisis."http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Syria:-Red-Crescent-secretary-killed.-Orthodox-priest-also-dies-in-clash-23798.html
EUROPE : CHURCH LEADERS MEET FOR OLYMPIC PLANNING
| IND. CATH NEWS REPORT: | ||||
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TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 26 : ST. TIMOTHY
St. Timothy
FIRST BISHOP OF EPHESUS, MISSIONARY, COMPANION
OF ST. PAUL, MARTYR
Feast: January 26
 Information:
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A native of Lystra, he was the son of a Jewish woman named
Eunice and a Greek Gentile. Converted to the faith by St. Paul, Timothy
willingly received circumcision in order to assuage the Jews to whom he and Paul
would be preaching, especially as it was known that his father was a Gentile.
Paul found Timothy a very valuable assistant and companion, using him on several
missions, such as those to the Corinthians (1 Cor 4:17) and the Thessalonians (1
Thes 3:2-3). According to tradition, he was the first bishop of Ephesus, the
basis for this being his journey to the city at the command of Paul to act as
his representative (1 Tm 1:3). He is mentioned with St. Paul in the salutations
of seven epistles in the New Testament and was teh addressee of two of three
pastoral letters - 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. His martyrdom on January 22,
97 by a mob of angry pagans came about through his opposition to the celebration
of the feast of Diana; it was recorded in the fourth-century Acta S.
Timothei.
(Taken from Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints) |
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/sttimothy.asp#ixzz1kZaMtKtn
TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 26 : ST. TITUS
St. Titus
FIRST BISHOP OF CRETE, COMPANION OF ST. PAUL,
MISSIONARY
Feast: January 26
 Information:
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Then, as regards the figure of Titus, whose name is of Latin
origin, we know that he was Greek by birth, that is, a pagan (cf. Gal 2:3). Paul
took Titus with him to Jerusalem for the so-called Apostolic Council, where the
preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles that freed them from the constraints of
Mosaic Law was solemnly accepted.
In the Letter addressed to Titus, the Apostle praised him
and described him as his "true child in a common faith" (Ti 1:4). After
Timothy's departure from Corinth, Paul sent Titus there with the task of
bringing that unmanageable community to obedience.
Titus restored peace between the Church of Corinth and the
Apostle, who wrote to this Church in these terms: "But God, who comforts the
downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but
also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he told us of your
longing, your mourning, your zeal for me.... And besides our own comfort we
rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his mind has been set at rest
by you all" (II Cor 7:6-7, 13).
From Corinth, Titus was again sent out by Paul — who called
him "my partner and fellow worker in your service" (II Cor 8:23) — to organize
the final collections for the Christians of Jerusalem (cf. II Cor 8:6).
Further information from the Pastoral Letters describes him
as Bishop of Crete (cf. Ti 1:5), from which, at Paul's invitation, he joined the
Apostle at Nicopolis in Epirus (cf. Ti 3:12). Later, he also went to Dalmatia
(cf. II Tm 4:10). We lack any further information on the subsequent movements of
Titus or on his death.
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SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/sttitus.asp#ixzz1kZaAH4AG
2012
TODAY'S GOSPEL AND MASS ONLINE : THURS. JAN. 26, 2012
| Mark
4: 21 - 25
| |
| 21 | And he said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not on a stand? |
| 22 | For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. |
| 23 | If any man has ears to hear, let him hear." |
| 24 | And he said to them, "Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. |
| 25 | For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away." |
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