VATICAN CITY, 4 FEB 2012 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a declaration released at midday today by the Presidency of the Governorate of Vatican City State. The declaration bears the signatures of Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, president emeritus of the Governorate; Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, current president; Bishop Giuseppe Sciacca, secretary general, and Bishop Giorgio Corbellini, former vice secretary general. (IMAGE SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA)
(1) The illicit publication of two letters by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the first addressed to the Holy Father on 27 March 2011 and the second to the Cardinal Secretary of State on 8 May, is a cause of great bitterness for the Governorate of Vatican City State.
The assertions contained in those letters cannot but give rise to the impression that the Governorate of Vatican City State, rather than being an instrument of responsible government, is a body unworthy of trust, at the mercy of obscure powers. Having carefully examined the contents of the two letters, the Presidency of the Governorate feels the duty to declare publicly that the aforesaid assertions are the result of incorrect evaluations, or are based on fears not backed up by evidence, indeed openly contradicted by the principle figures called to witness them.
Without entering into the merits of the individual assertions, the Presidency of the Governorate feels the need to draw attention to the following proven elements.
(2) The consolidated budget and financial statements of the Governorate, following approval by the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, are regularly submitted to the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, which examines them in its own offices as well as having them examined by its college of international auditors. Moreover, the Prefecture has at all times the power to examine, without prior warning, the documentation of all offices of the Governorate, in the process of their preparation.
(3) As is well known, the financial investments of the Governorate, entrusted to external managers, suffered significant losses during the great international crisis of 2008. According to the accounting standards established by the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, which accord with the criteria followed in Italy, those losses were also distributed over the financial year of 2009 which, therefore, showed a loss of euro 7,815,000. However, it must be made clear that, despite the financial loses, the economic and functional administration of the Governorate remained in the black. The move from the negative euro 7,815,000 of the consolidated budget of 2009 to the positive (final) result of euro 21,043,000 for 2010 was mainly due to two factors: the management of the financial investments of the Governorate, which the cardinal president entrusted to the Extraordinary Section of APSA in 2009 and, to an even greater extent, to the excellent results of the Vatican Museums.
(4) Tenders for works of a certain importance (such as, for example, the ongoing restoration of the Colonnade of St. Peter's Square or the construction of the St. Joseph Fountain) are assigned via standard bidding procedures and after examination by an "ad hoc" commission, instituted on each occasion by the cardinal president. For works of lesser importance, the Directorate of Technical Services uses its own personnel, or well known and well qualified external firms, on the basis of the prices in use in Italy.
(5) The Presidency of the Governorate of Vatican City State expresses its complete trust in, and respect for, the members of the Finance and Management Committee. It thanks them for having made such an essential contribution, with great professionalism and giving up no small amount of their time, without any expense to the Governorate, and trusts it will be able to continue to draw on their advice in the future.
The Presidency likewise confirms its complete trust in its administrative offices and collaborators. All suspicions and accusations have, following careful examination, been shown to be unfounded, as have(almost to the point of seeming laughable) news reports - fruit of a certain kind of highly superficial journalism - that telephones were tapped and rooms bugged as part of a merely administrative and disciplinary procedure!
(6) The presidency is well aware of the fact that the administration of the Governorate, though already well organised and productive, could be further improved in accordance with the recommendations made by the McKinsey management consultancy firm, commission by the cardinal president in 2009 at the suggestion of the Finance and Management Committee. The implementation of the improvements suggested by McKinsey, which began some time ago, will continue in the same spirit. It must be highlighted that the transparency and rigour, so meritoriously pursued by the previous Presidency, is also being practised by the current directors with the same commitment and serenity.
(7) The entire Governorate - Presidency, directors, bureau chiefs, officials and workers - wishes to reaffirm its firm and joint desire to continue to dedicate all its energies to serving the Supreme Pontiff with complete faithfulness and integrity, aware of the great honour and responsibility it has in being at the service of the Pope.
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FACING SICKNESS BY TRUSTING IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD
VATICAN CITY, 5 FEB 2012 (VIS) - At midday today, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The Pope commented on today's Gospel reading which narrates Jesus' healing of St. Peter's mother-in-law and of many other sick people of Capernaum. "The four Evangelists", he said, "all agree that, along with preaching, healing from sickness and infirmity of all kinds constituted the main activity of Jesus during His public life. ... Jesus Christ came to defeat evil at the very root, and the healings were an anticipation of the victory He achieved through death and resurrection.
"One day Jesus said: 'those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick'", the Holy Father added. "On that occasion He was referring to sinners, whom He had come to call and to save, yet it is nonetheless true that sickness is a typically human condition wherein we experience our lack of self-sufficiency, our need of others. In this context we could say, paradoxically, that sickness can be a 'healthy' moment in which to receive attention from others and to give attention to them! Yet it is still a trial, and can become long and difficult. When healing does not come and suffering continues, we can become crushed and isolated, our lives sink and become dehumanised. How should we react to this attack of evil? Certainly with the appropriate cures - over recent decades medicine has made enormous progress for which we are grateful - but the Word of God teaches us that there is a decisive and basic attitude with which to face sickness: faith in God and in His goodness".
Pope Benedict went on: "Even in the face of death, faith can make possible what is humanly impossible. But faith in what? In the love of God! This is the true response which radically defeats evil. ... We all know people who have borne terrible suffering because God gave them profound serenity. I think of the recent example of Blessed Chiara Badano, who died in the flower of her youth because of a terrible illness. When people went to visit her, they received light and faith from her! Yet nonetheless, when we are sick we all need human warmth. What sick people need even more than words is serene and sincere proximity".
The Holy Father concluded by recalling that 11 February, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, also marks the World Day of the Sick. "Let us too act like the people who lived in Jesus' time", he said. "Let us spiritually present all sick people to Him, trusting in His desire and power to heal them. And let us invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, especially upon people undergoing the most extreme forms of suffering and abandonment".
After praying the Angelus, Benedict XVI recalled that today in Italy marks the Day for Life, "which was established to protect nascent life and later extended to cover all phases and conditions of human existence. The message of bishops this year proposes the theme: 'Young people open to life'. I join the pastors of the Church in Italy in affirming that true youth lies in welcoming and loving others, and in serving life".
The Pope also reminded French-speaking pilgrims of next Saturday's Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick. "Together with all those who are facing sickness, let us ask God to grant us the grace of trusting patience. With the help of Our Lady of Lourdes and of St. Bernadette, may we discover that true happiness exists only in God". Finally, speaking to Polish pilgrims he said: "I ask God that sick people may be attended with care by their relatives, health care workers and all men and women of good will. May human suffering always be surrounded by love".
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AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 6 FEB 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience:
- Laurence Argimon-Pistre, head of the delegation of the European Union, for the presentation of her Letters of Credence.
- Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
VATICAN CITY, 6 FEB 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Edward John Weisenburger of the clergy of the archdiocese of Oklahoma, U.S.A., vicar general and rector of the cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, as bishop of Salina (area 69,087, population 342,000, Catholics 48,255, priests 76, permanent deacons 7, religious 167), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Alton, U.S.A. in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1987. Having studied in Belgium and Canada, he worked as a pastor, vicar general and official of the archdiocesan general tribunal of Oklahoma
On Saturday 4 February it was made public that he appointed Fr. Froilan Tiberio Casas Ortiz of the clergy of the archdiocese of Tunja, Colombia, rector of the major archdiocesan seminary, as bishop of Neiva (area 10,523, population 470,000, Catholics 447,000, priests 82, religious 88), Colombia. The bishop-elect was born in Chiquinquira, Colombia in 1948 and ordained a priest in 1972. He has worked as a seminary professor and as pastor in parishes of the archdiocese of Tunja. He succeeds Bishop Ramon Dario Molina Jaramillo O.F.M., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
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EUROPE : IRELAND : ARRIVAL OF NEW PAPAL NUNCIO
BISHOPS
CONFERENCE OF IRELAND RELEASE:
The new Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles John Brown, arrived in Ireland today and was greeted at Dublin Airport by Cardinal Seán Brady Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin.
Please see below a summary of the ministry of Archbishop Brown.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
MA in Theology, Oxford University (England)
MA in Medieval Studies, Toronto University (Canada)
M.Div., St Joseph’s Seminary, New York (USA)
STL and STD in Sacramental Theology, Saint Anselm Pontifical Athenaeum (Rome)
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2012/01/31/papal-nuncio-arrives-ireland/
The new Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles John Brown, arrived in Ireland today and was greeted at Dublin Airport by Cardinal Seán Brady Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin.
Please see below a summary of the ministry of Archbishop Brown.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Archbishop Charles John Brown was born in New York, United States of America, on 13 October 1959.
- He was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of New York in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on 13 May 1989.
- He served as curate in the Parish of Saint Brendan, in the Bronx, New York, from 1989 to 1991.
- From 1994 Monsignor Brown has been attached to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome.
- He was appointed Chaplain to His Holiness on 6 May 2000.
- He was appointed Assistant Secretary to the International Theological Commission in September 2009.
- He was ordained an archbishop by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s on 6 January 2012.
- Monsignor Brown holds the following academic degrees:
MA in Theology, Oxford University (England)
MA in Medieval Studies, Toronto University (Canada)
M.Div., St Joseph’s Seminary, New York (USA)
STL and STD in Sacramental Theology, Saint Anselm Pontifical Athenaeum (Rome)
http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2012/01/31/papal-nuncio-arrives-ireland/
AUSTRALIA : FR. BILL UREN JESUIT HONOURED AT AUSTRALIA DAY
ARCHDIOCESE
OF MELBOURNE REPORT: Monday 6 February 2012
Cabrini Health’s Father Bill Uren, a Jesuit priest, has been honoured
with an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the
2012 Australia Day Honours List.
The honour was conferred for “distinguished service to education as a philosopher and bioethicist, as a commentator on contemporary issues in Australian society, as a scholar and mentor and to the Catholic Church in Australia”. He is also a Doctor of the University, Australian Catholic University (2009).
Fr Uren was surprised and humbled to receive the award, describing it as a “bonus”.
“The true benefit I gain through my work, whether it is serving on ethics committees or working with tertiary students, is the people – an award such as this is just a bonus.”
For six years, Fr Uren has been a member of the Cabrini Health Board of Directors. He also serves on two other Cabrini Health Board Committees: he chairs the Mission and People Committee and is a member of the Health Ethics Committee.
Since 2006, Fr Uren has been Rector of Newman College at the University of Melbourne and a Board Member at the Melbourne College of Divinity.
In 1954, Fr Uren (then aged 17 years) entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained in 1968. He is a graduate in moral philosophy, jurisprudence and theology from Melbourne, Sydney and Oxford universities and the Melbourne College of Divinity.
Services to education Fr Uren has lectured extensively in moral philosophy and bioethics at Australian universities including the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, Claremont Teachers’ College, Catholic Adult Education of Western Australia, the Catholic Pastoral Institute of Western Australia and Murdoch University.
Services to health Fr Uren was a member of the National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Health Ethics Committee from 2000-06. Fr Uren has served on both clinical and research ethics committees in hospitals, universities and research institutes including the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Clinical Ethics Committee (1990-97) and the WA Health Department’ Ethics of In Vitro Fertilisation Committee (1982).
He has published widely on issues such as the law and abortion, moral and ethical aspects of assisted reproduction, euthanasia, stem cell research, treatment of the human embryo, gene therapy, ethical dilemmas in rationing the health dollar and informed consent for research.
Fr Uren's Biographical details
Former President, Catholic Moral Theology Association of Australia and New Zealand; Founding Director, L J Goody Centre for Bioethics, St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, WA, 1985-86; Member, Australian Health Ethics Committee, 2001-06; Member, Working Committee, Review of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans, National Health and Medical Research Council, 2007; Hospital Ethicist, Mater Misericordiae Health Services, Brisbane, 2000-03; Rector, Newman College, University of Melbourne, 1987-1990 and since 2006; Dean, 1968-70 Rector, St Leo’s College, University of Queensland, 1998-2000; Rector, St Thomas More College, University of Western Australia, 1979-84; Dean, 1977-1979; Catholic Chaplain, 1977-80 Acting Head, St Catherine’s College, University of Perth, 1986; Rector, The Jesuit Theological College of the Society of Jesus, The United Faculty of Theology, Melbourne College of Divinity, 2003-05; Dean, 1997; Council Member, since 2006 Superior, Australian Province of the Society of Jesus, 1991-96; Board Member, Boystown, Brisbane 2002-04; Member, National Commission of Catholic Health, 2000-01; Member, Prison Reform Sub-Committee, Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice, 1984-86.
About Cabrini Health
Cabrini Health is a Catholic private, not-for-profit health service provided from seven sites in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Founded in 1948, it is owned by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We have 3850 staff, 180 volunteers, 1225 specialist doctors and 832 inpatient beds. Our services span aged care, cancer care, cardiac services, emergency medicine, health promotion, home-based care, maternity services, paediatric services, palliative care, rehabilitation, research and education.
For interviews/media enquiries please contact: Jackie Meiers (03) 9508 1915 or 0419 009 146
http://www.cam.org.au/melbourne-news/australia-honours-rev-fr-bill-uren-ao.html
Cabrini Health’s Father Bill Uren, a Jesuit priest, has been honoured
with an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the
2012 Australia Day Honours List.The honour was conferred for “distinguished service to education as a philosopher and bioethicist, as a commentator on contemporary issues in Australian society, as a scholar and mentor and to the Catholic Church in Australia”. He is also a Doctor of the University, Australian Catholic University (2009).
Fr Uren was surprised and humbled to receive the award, describing it as a “bonus”.
“The true benefit I gain through my work, whether it is serving on ethics committees or working with tertiary students, is the people – an award such as this is just a bonus.”
For six years, Fr Uren has been a member of the Cabrini Health Board of Directors. He also serves on two other Cabrini Health Board Committees: he chairs the Mission and People Committee and is a member of the Health Ethics Committee.
Since 2006, Fr Uren has been Rector of Newman College at the University of Melbourne and a Board Member at the Melbourne College of Divinity.
In 1954, Fr Uren (then aged 17 years) entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained in 1968. He is a graduate in moral philosophy, jurisprudence and theology from Melbourne, Sydney and Oxford universities and the Melbourne College of Divinity.
Services to education Fr Uren has lectured extensively in moral philosophy and bioethics at Australian universities including the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, Claremont Teachers’ College, Catholic Adult Education of Western Australia, the Catholic Pastoral Institute of Western Australia and Murdoch University.
Services to health Fr Uren was a member of the National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Health Ethics Committee from 2000-06. Fr Uren has served on both clinical and research ethics committees in hospitals, universities and research institutes including the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Clinical Ethics Committee (1990-97) and the WA Health Department’ Ethics of In Vitro Fertilisation Committee (1982).
He has published widely on issues such as the law and abortion, moral and ethical aspects of assisted reproduction, euthanasia, stem cell research, treatment of the human embryo, gene therapy, ethical dilemmas in rationing the health dollar and informed consent for research.
Fr Uren's Biographical details
Former President, Catholic Moral Theology Association of Australia and New Zealand; Founding Director, L J Goody Centre for Bioethics, St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, WA, 1985-86; Member, Australian Health Ethics Committee, 2001-06; Member, Working Committee, Review of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans, National Health and Medical Research Council, 2007; Hospital Ethicist, Mater Misericordiae Health Services, Brisbane, 2000-03; Rector, Newman College, University of Melbourne, 1987-1990 and since 2006; Dean, 1968-70 Rector, St Leo’s College, University of Queensland, 1998-2000; Rector, St Thomas More College, University of Western Australia, 1979-84; Dean, 1977-1979; Catholic Chaplain, 1977-80 Acting Head, St Catherine’s College, University of Perth, 1986; Rector, The Jesuit Theological College of the Society of Jesus, The United Faculty of Theology, Melbourne College of Divinity, 2003-05; Dean, 1997; Council Member, since 2006 Superior, Australian Province of the Society of Jesus, 1991-96; Board Member, Boystown, Brisbane 2002-04; Member, National Commission of Catholic Health, 2000-01; Member, Prison Reform Sub-Committee, Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice, 1984-86.
About Cabrini Health
Cabrini Health is a Catholic private, not-for-profit health service provided from seven sites in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Founded in 1948, it is owned by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We have 3850 staff, 180 volunteers, 1225 specialist doctors and 832 inpatient beds. Our services span aged care, cancer care, cardiac services, emergency medicine, health promotion, home-based care, maternity services, paediatric services, palliative care, rehabilitation, research and education.
For interviews/media enquiries please contact: Jackie Meiers (03) 9508 1915 or 0419 009 146
http://www.cam.org.au/melbourne-news/australia-honours-rev-fr-bill-uren-ao.html
AFRICA : KENYA : PRAYERS FOR CONSECRATED
CISA REPORT:
NAIROBI, February 03, 2012 (CISA) – “Life of
consecrated men and women is not an easier one; it calls for prayers and serious
commitment,” John Cardinal Njue has said.Presiding over the Mass to mark the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, on February 1, a day of the Consecrated people at Nairobi’s Holy Family Minor Basilica, the Cardinal urged the faithful to pray for all those in the religious life.
“The faithful must feel obliged to pray for and materially support the life of our consecrated men and women. This is how they will succeed in their missionary work,” he said.
More than ever before religious life today is being challenged by various forces, one of them being secularism, added the Cardinal.
Describing parents as first catechists, he urged them to ensure that they guide their children well on matters pertaining to religious life.
“In this way we shall manage to promote religious vocations among the growing generation” he observed.
“Play your part well and the end result will be more young people coming in to join the Church as religious men and women,” emphasized Cardinal Njue.
The Cardinal paid glowing tribute to the pastoral work of the missionaries in the country and the entire African continent.
“It is now up to us to ensure that the spiritual seed planted by our missionaries is well watered and weeded,” he advised.
http://www.cisanewsafrica.com/
ASIA : INDONESIA : STEPS TO CLOSE RED LIGHT DISTRICTS
UCAN REPORT:
But steps must be taken to help sex workers lead a better life afterwards
Father Antonius Luluk Widyawan
The head of the Commission for Laity in Surabaya
diocese has welcomed a pledge by East Java’s deputy governor to close down all
red-light districts in the province, saying it would be an important step in
respecting human dignity.
“Prostitution is not only about morality but also about social, economic and human dignity. Indeed, this practice must be stopped since it insults humanity and causes modern slavery and exploitation,” Father Antonius Luluk Widyawan said on Saturday.
According to reports, Deputy Governor Saifullah Yusuf last week promised to close down all brothels across the province. This would be done in several steps and in cooperation with the Indonesian Ulema council.
He also pledged to find new jobs for sex workers and said the council would deal with the moral aspects of the campaign.
Surabaya, the provincial capital, is home to the Dolly red-light district, which is regarded as one of the biggest in Southeast Asia.
Father Luluk suggested that along with closing brothels, authorities should also address what drove the women into prostitution in the first place.
“The urgency is that they can regain their dignity and live a better life among their families and within society,” he said.
He called on all parishes and Catholic organizations to work together in taking steps to help save sex workers.
“An awareness program about the nobleness of human dignity, gender and the Church’s social teachings will help Catholics become more sensitive to their situation. Also, an economic development program through a credit union has been proven to help [sex workers],” he added.
http://www.ucanews.com/2012/02/06/church-supports-end-to-red-light-districts/
“Prostitution is not only about morality but also about social, economic and human dignity. Indeed, this practice must be stopped since it insults humanity and causes modern slavery and exploitation,” Father Antonius Luluk Widyawan said on Saturday.
According to reports, Deputy Governor Saifullah Yusuf last week promised to close down all brothels across the province. This would be done in several steps and in cooperation with the Indonesian Ulema council.
He also pledged to find new jobs for sex workers and said the council would deal with the moral aspects of the campaign.
Surabaya, the provincial capital, is home to the Dolly red-light district, which is regarded as one of the biggest in Southeast Asia.
Father Luluk suggested that along with closing brothels, authorities should also address what drove the women into prostitution in the first place.
“The urgency is that they can regain their dignity and live a better life among their families and within society,” he said.
He called on all parishes and Catholic organizations to work together in taking steps to help save sex workers.
“An awareness program about the nobleness of human dignity, gender and the Church’s social teachings will help Catholics become more sensitive to their situation. Also, an economic development program through a credit union has been proven to help [sex workers],” he added.
http://www.ucanews.com/2012/02/06/church-supports-end-to-red-light-districts/
AMERICA : HONDURAS : ARCHBISHOP CALLS FOR RESPECT FOR LIFE
Agenzia
Fides report - Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, Archbishop of
Tegucigalpa, said before the highest authorities of Honduras that the country is
bleeding, mortally wounded by violence, increasing poverty, lack of respect for
life and corruption among the police. The violence in Honduras is also the
product of "the impact of narco-business subculture, unstoppable migration and
of religious confusion, a result of the invasion of the sects", the Cardinal
said during the celebration of the Eucharist on February 3 for the 265th
anniversary of discovery of the Virgin of Suyapa, patroness of the Central
American country. The celebration was attended by Honduran President Porfirio
Lobo, his ministers, the heads of the legislative and judicial powers, other
local authorities, diplomats, and thousands of Honduran Catholics from different
regions of the country.
The Cardinal said that the living conditions in Honduras suggest that only faith and hope can bring peace, tranquility, security and mutual trust. In his opinion the cleaning of the National Police, which has been implicated in various crimes and misdemeanors, is an "urgent imperative" and a "hard job" to be executed. Appealing to those who have responsibilities in the government, the Cardinal said: "We cannot let ourselves be overcome by evil, but we must overcome evil with good; we cannot live in fear, insomnia, nightmares and grief". The Archbishop of Tegucigalpa also reminded that we must teach children that there is "a commandment of God's law which says: Thou shalt not kill".
Honduras, with 8.2 million inhabitants, is living a wave of violence that, according to human rights organizations and the local press, is causing an average of 20 deaths per day. According to data from the Monitoring of violence of the National Autonomous University of Honduras, in 2011 the country had 81.5 murders per 100,000 residents, well above the world average of 8.8 according to data provided by the United Nations. The government is carrying out a cleaning operation within the National Police, prosecutors and even the judiciary.
The Cardinal concluded by saying that the Catholic Church has announced a citizen campaign to promote a culture of peace and respect for life, the campaign organized together with Caritas Honduras and the Episcopal Conference is aimed at supporting the construction of a society that places at its center respect, welfare and safety of the human person. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 06/02/2012)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30934&lan=eng
The Cardinal said that the living conditions in Honduras suggest that only faith and hope can bring peace, tranquility, security and mutual trust. In his opinion the cleaning of the National Police, which has been implicated in various crimes and misdemeanors, is an "urgent imperative" and a "hard job" to be executed. Appealing to those who have responsibilities in the government, the Cardinal said: "We cannot let ourselves be overcome by evil, but we must overcome evil with good; we cannot live in fear, insomnia, nightmares and grief". The Archbishop of Tegucigalpa also reminded that we must teach children that there is "a commandment of God's law which says: Thou shalt not kill".
Honduras, with 8.2 million inhabitants, is living a wave of violence that, according to human rights organizations and the local press, is causing an average of 20 deaths per day. According to data from the Monitoring of violence of the National Autonomous University of Honduras, in 2011 the country had 81.5 murders per 100,000 residents, well above the world average of 8.8 according to data provided by the United Nations. The government is carrying out a cleaning operation within the National Police, prosecutors and even the judiciary.
The Cardinal concluded by saying that the Catholic Church has announced a citizen campaign to promote a culture of peace and respect for life, the campaign organized together with Caritas Honduras and the Episcopal Conference is aimed at supporting the construction of a society that places at its center respect, welfare and safety of the human person. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 06/02/2012)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30934&lan=eng
TODAY'S MASS AND GOSPEL ONLINE : MON. FEB. 6, 2012
| Mark
6: 53 - 56
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| 53 | And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes'aret, and moored to the shore. | |||||||||||
| 54 | And when they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, | |||||||||||
| 55 | and ran about the whole neighborhood and began to bring sick people on their pallets to any place where they heard he was. | |||||||||||
| 56 | And wherever he came, in
villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the market places, and
besought him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many
as touched it were made well. well. TODAY'S SAINT : FEB. 6 : ST. PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS
St. Paul Miki & Companions
MARTYR OF JAPAN WITH TWENTY-FIVE
COMPANIONS
Feast: February 6
PLEASE DONATE NOW TO :
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