VATICAN : POPE ORDERS INVESTIGATION OF LEAKED DOCUMENTS
EUROPE : RIP MISSIONARY PEGGY CAMPBELL
AFRICA : KENYA : CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO LIVE - GOLDEN RULE
AMERICA : BRAZIL : BISHOPS DEFEND INDIGENOUS LAND CLAIMS
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : FRI. APRIL 27, 2012
EUROPE : RIP MISSIONARY PEGGY CAMPBELL
AFRICA : KENYA : CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO LIVE - GOLDEN RULE
AMERICA : BRAZIL : BISHOPS DEFEND INDIGENOUS LAND CLAIMS
NOTE FROM THE
SECRETARIAT OF STATE
Vatican City, 25 April 2012 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a note released this morning by the Secretariat of State:
"In the wake of recent leaks of reserved and confidential documents on television, in newspapers and in other communications media, the Holy Father has ordered the creation of a Commission of Cardinals to undertake an authoritative investigation and throw light on these episodes.
"His Holiness has determined that the said Commission of Cardinals, which will act at all levels on the strength of its pontifical mandate, shall be presided by Cardinal Julian Herranz, and shall have as its members Cardinal Jozef Tomko and Cardinal Salvatore De Giorgi.
"The Commission of Cardinals celebrated its first sitting on 24 April to establish the method and timetable for its activities".
Vatican City, 25 April 2012 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a note released this morning by the Secretariat of State:
"In the wake of recent leaks of reserved and confidential documents on television, in newspapers and in other communications media, the Holy Father has ordered the creation of a Commission of Cardinals to undertake an authoritative investigation and throw light on these episodes.
"His Holiness has determined that the said Commission of Cardinals, which will act at all levels on the strength of its pontifical mandate, shall be presided by Cardinal Julian Herranz, and shall have as its members Cardinal Jozef Tomko and Cardinal Salvatore De Giorgi.
"The Commission of Cardinals celebrated its first sitting on 24 April to establish the method and timetable for its activities".
Vatican City, 27 April 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience:
- Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.
- Archbishop Mario Roberto Cassari, apostolic nuncio to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana.
- Maria Jesus Figa Lopez-Palop, Spanish ambassador, on her farewell visit.
This evening he is scheduled to receive in audience Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer S.J., secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
EUROPE : RIP MISSIONARY PEGGY CAMPBELL
IND. CATH. NEWS REPORT:
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ASIA : BANGLADESH : BREAK-IN AT NUN'S CHAPEL STOLEN CHALICE
UCAN NEWS REPORT:
A women’s religious congregation complained to police
yesterday about a burglary at their chapel on April 25.
Burglars broke into the chapel of the Associates of
Mary Queen of Apostles congregation headquarters and tried to steal holy and
valuable objects including a ciborium, chalice, monstrance and religious
figurines.
They also desecrated the Holy Eucharist but were interrupted by a security guard who chased them away.
Father Albert Rozario, a lawyer and parish priest of country’s largest Holy Rosary Catholic Church at Tejgaon, filed the complaint on behalf of the nuns.
“This is a heinous crime and the culprits must be punished. They have not only burgled a religious place but also desecrated a Holy Eucharist. This is an attack on our religious sentiments,” he said.
SOURCE: UCAN NEWS
They also desecrated the Holy Eucharist but were interrupted by a security guard who chased them away.
Father Albert Rozario, a lawyer and parish priest of country’s largest Holy Rosary Catholic Church at Tejgaon, filed the complaint on behalf of the nuns.
“This is a heinous crime and the culprits must be punished. They have not only burgled a religious place but also desecrated a Holy Eucharist. This is an attack on our religious sentiments,” he said.
SOURCE: UCAN NEWS
AFRICA : KENYA : CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO LIVE - GOLDEN RULE
CISA NEWS REPORT:
MACHAKOS, April 24, 2012 (CISA) -All
children, just like adults have a right to life and need to be brought up in
dignity. This is one of the fundamentals of Christian life and it is indeed a
moral duty.
Her Excellency Pauline Kalonzo, wife of the
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said this during a visit to an orphanage in
Kilimambogo in Machakos County, where she donated Ksh100, 000 and food items
worth thousands of shillings.
The pro-life activist said she supports rescue
centers especially for girls chased from their homes due to teen pregnancies.
She called on mothers and all people to be human to such girls and
children.
She added that people should live the gospel
values of love, thus people should treat others as they would want to be
treated. “If we all practiced this golden rule, there would be no orphanages
because nobody would give birth and through away her child,” Her Excellency
remarked.
Mrs Kalonzo encouraged the community to live in
peace especially during this time when elections are approaching. She urged the
people to elect leaders who will be able to unite Kenyans and build harmony
amongst ourselves.
The orphanage which is known as Community of
Hope is a charitable children’s care centre for Orphans and Vulnerable children
under the religious Sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate
Heart of Mary. It was started in 2002 out of necessity after rescuing two
abandoned babies and some children from sexual abuse.
The aim of the program is to rescue, restore
hope, empower and transform the lives of orphans and vulnerable children.
Currently there are 30 children at the home, half of whom are confirmed HIV
positive and one hundred and twenty children on nutritional rehabilitation
program. These are brought to the centre weekly for follow-up care.
The vice president’s wife commended the sisters
for the good work they do of giving the children a hope for life through
home-based care programs. “I feel challenged that you take care of children as
young as one day old with limited resources,” she said.
SOURCE : CISA NEWS AFRICA
AUSTRALIA : CATHOLIC MISSION APPEAL FOR POOR
ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE REPORT:
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| Monday, 23 April 2012 'I was hungry and you fed me.’ Mt 25:35 CATHOLIC MISSION today launched its 2012 Church Appeal with the theme ‘I was hungry and you fed me.’ This campaign will appear in parishes around Australia throughout the coming months and aims to highlight the missionary response to both the spiritual and physical needs of the people in this humanitarian crisis that has crippled Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa following the devastating drought and famine. 
The campaign was inspired by the Bible verse Matthew 25:35, and centres on the
incredible work in Ethiopia of Sr Maureen Elliott, an Australian Franciscan
Missionary of Mary, and Fr Yisehak, a young Ethiopian priest, who are both
living examples of what our missionaries do every day to reach out to the people
who struggle to survive under desperate poverty and hardship.They have been with their local communities through the worst of the famine, feeding them body and soul, for they know that the need of these people is not only physical, but also spiritual. This includes a daily feeding program for children through their local Catholic school, an under 5's malnutrition screening and monitoring program, and daily pastoral visits in remote dioceses of southern Ethiopia. Catholic Mission National Director, Mr Martin Teulan, says, “Living in a plentiful country, it is hard to imagine that for millions of children a simple plate of corn and beans is the only meal of the day, and that this is not always a guarantee. Up until our feeding program started, many children would not eat for days. “With the support of Catholic Mission, the quick response of the local Catholic Church to this crisis has saved the lives of many families as they receive essential care. All members of the community benefit – the food goes to any person in need; there is no discrimination, no favouritism. “The spirit of the community it vital to ensuring these programs thrive – some help with the preparing of food, others come to work with the school clinics. Some members of the community grow in their faith – celebrating Mass with beautiful music and dance, all in the name of Jesus Christ. The Church witnesses their faith and love for one another. “Those faithful Australians who support this 2012 Catholic Mission Church Appeal are allowing the mission of Jesus Christ to continue through the dedication and commitment of missionaries caring for those in need – both in body and spirit. “The aftermath of last year’s devastating drought and famine is still overwhelming entire communities, which continue to teeter on the brink between malnutrition and starvation, and we are aiming to raise $1.8 million through this campaign from the Catholic community so we can continue this life-saving work in Ethiopia and around the world,” said Mr Teulan. Photo supplied by Catholic Mission To make a donation or for further information on the campaign, visit www.catholicmission.org.au/feedme. To watch the campaign DVD visit www.catholicmission.org.au/youfedme and to download a copy of the parish appeal kit visit www.catholicmission.org.au/churchappeal. |
AMERICA : BRAZIL : BISHOPS DEFEND INDIGENOUS LAND CLAIMS
Agenzia Fides REPORT - The National Conference of
Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) has sent to Fides the note presented to the press on
April 24, concerning the defense of territories and the rights of indigenous
people, of the Quilombolas, fishermen and other traditional peoples.
In this note, the Brazilian Bishops deeply regret "the postponement of the administrative process of demarcation," as "the invasion and exploitation of the lands of the traditional people." The text draws attention to the "conditions of discrimination and murders that happen to the Guarani-Kaiowá people in Mato Grosso do Sul." According to the Bishops it is a "genocide" that stains the image of Brazil as a country that defends human rights. "We reject vehemently the attack unleashed by the ruralistic group and other segments of the National Congress, to the rights of indigenous peoples, considered in our Constitution, through the project of the constitutional amendment, the PEC 215/2000," the statement said. The Bishops already spoke on the subject a few days ago (see Fides 18/04/2012).
During the press conference, the President of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), Bishop Enemésio Lazzaris, Bishop of Balsas, said that great works such as building dams and facilities for the exploitation of mineral resources, have a great impact on these communities, and end up evicting them from their territories. "The territory is more than the land itself, a relationship that is built where you live, where their ancestors lived, where they grew up and where families are formed," said Mgr. Lazzaris.
The President of the Episcopal Commission for the Amazon, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, in his speech said that the Amazon has a specific role in the global context, and so the local population should first be heard on issues that directly involve them. "They should be able to decide what is important to them. Their lands are invaded and they are trampled on" the Cardinal said. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 26/4/2012)
In this note, the Brazilian Bishops deeply regret "the postponement of the administrative process of demarcation," as "the invasion and exploitation of the lands of the traditional people." The text draws attention to the "conditions of discrimination and murders that happen to the Guarani-Kaiowá people in Mato Grosso do Sul." According to the Bishops it is a "genocide" that stains the image of Brazil as a country that defends human rights. "We reject vehemently the attack unleashed by the ruralistic group and other segments of the National Congress, to the rights of indigenous peoples, considered in our Constitution, through the project of the constitutional amendment, the PEC 215/2000," the statement said. The Bishops already spoke on the subject a few days ago (see Fides 18/04/2012).
During the press conference, the President of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), Bishop Enemésio Lazzaris, Bishop of Balsas, said that great works such as building dams and facilities for the exploitation of mineral resources, have a great impact on these communities, and end up evicting them from their territories. "The territory is more than the land itself, a relationship that is built where you live, where their ancestors lived, where they grew up and where families are formed," said Mgr. Lazzaris.
The President of the Episcopal Commission for the Amazon, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, in his speech said that the Amazon has a specific role in the global context, and so the local population should first be heard on issues that directly involve them. "They should be able to decide what is important to them. Their lands are invaded and they are trampled on" the Cardinal said. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 26/4/2012)
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : FRI. APRIL 27, 2012
| John
6: 52 - 59
| |
| 52 | The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" |
| 53 | So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; |
| 54 | he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. |
| 55 | For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. |
| 56 | He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. |
| 57 | As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. |
| 58 | This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever." |
| 59 | This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Caper'na-um. |
TODAY'S SAINT : APRIL 27 : ST. ZITA
St. Zita
VIRGIN
Feast: April 27
 Information:
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She was born in the beginning of the thirteenth century at
Montsegradi, a village near Lucca in Italy. She was brought up with the greatest
care, in the fear of God, by her poor virtuous mother, whose early and constant
attention to inspire the tender heart of her daughter with religious sentiments
seemed to find no obstacles, either from private passions or the general
corruption of nature, so easily were they prevented or overcome. Zita had no
sooner attained the use of reason, and was capable of knowing and loving God,
than her heart was no longer able to relish any other object, and she seemed
never to lose sight of him in her actions. Her mother reduced all her
instructions to two short heads, and never had occasion to use any further
remonstrance to enforce her lessons than to say, "This is most pleasing to God;
this is the divine will"; or, "That would displease God."
The sweetness and modesty of the young child charmed
everyone who saw her. She spoke little, and was most assiduous at her work; but
her business never seemed to interrupt her prayers. At twelve years of age she
was put to service in the family of a citizen of Lucca, called Fatinelli, whose
house was contiguous to the church of St. Frigidian. She was thoroughly
persuaded that labour is enjoined all men as a punishment of sin, and as a
remedy for the spiritual disorders of their souls; and far from ever harbouring
in her breast the least uneasiness, or expressing any sort of complaint under
contradictions, poverty, and hardships, and still more from ever entertaining
the least idle, inordinate, or worldly desire, she blessed God for placing her
in a station in which she was supplied with the most effectual means to promote
her sanctification, by the necessity of employing herself in penitential labour,
and of living in a perpetual conformity and submission of her will to others.
She was also very sensible of the advantages of her state, which afforded all
necessaries of life, without engaging her in the anxious cares and violent
passions by which worldly persons, who enjoy most plentifully the goods of
fortune, are often disturbed; whereby their souls resemble a troubled sea,
always agitated by impetuous storms, without knowing the sweetness of a true
calm. She considered her work as an employment assigned her by God, and as part
of her penance; and obeyed her master and mistress in all things as being placed
over her by God. She always rose several hours before the rest of the family and
employed in prayer a considerable part of the time which others gave to sleep.
She took care to hear mass every morning with great devotion before she was
called upon by the duties of her station, in which she employed the whole day
with such diligence and fidelity that she seemed to be carried to them on wings,
and studied when possible to anticipate them.
Notwithstanding her extreme attention to her exterior
employments, she acquired a wonderful facility of joining with them almost
continual mental prayer and of keeping her soul constantly attentive to the
divine presence. Who would not imagine that such a person should have been
esteemed and beloved by all who knew her?
Nevertheless, by the appointment of divine providence, for
her great spiritual advantage, it fell out quite otherwise and for several years
she suffered the harshest trials. Her modesty was called by her fellow-servants
simplicity, and want of spirit and sense; and her diligence was judged to have
no other spring than affectation and secret pride. Her mistress was a long time
extremely prepossessed against her, and her passionate master could not bear her
in his sight without transports of rage.
It is not to be conceived how much the saint had continually
to suffer in this situation. So unjustly despised, overburdened, reviled, and
often beaten, she never repined nor lost her patience; but always preserved the
same sweetness in her countenance, and the same meekness and charity in her
heart and words, and abated nothing of her application to her duties. A virtue
so constant and so admirable at length overcame jealousy, antipathy,
prepossession, and malice.
Her master and mistress discovered the treasure which their
family possessed in the fidelity and example of the humble saint, and the other
servants gave due praise to her virtue. Zita feared this prosperity more than
adversity, and trembled lest it should be a snare to her soul. But sincere
humility preserved her from its dangers; and her behaviour, amidst the caresses
and respect shown her, continued the same as when she was ill-treated and held
in derision; she was no less affable, meek, and modest; no less devout, nor less
diligent or ready to serve everyone. Being made housekeeper, and seeing her
master and mistress commit to her with an entire confidence the government of
their family and management of all their affairs, she was most scrupulously
careful in point of economy, remembering that she was to give to God an account
of the least farthing of what was intrusted as a depositum in her .hands; and,
though head-servant, she never allowed herself the least privilege or exemption
in her work on that account.
She used often to say to others that devotion is false if
slothful. Hearing a man-servant speak one immodest word, she was filled with
horror, and procured him to be immediately discharged from the family. With
David, she desired to see it composed only of such whose approved piety might
draw down a benediction of God upon the whole house and be a security to the
master for their fidelity and good example. She kept fast the whole year, and
often on bread and water; and took her rest on the bare floor or on a board.
Whenever business allowed her a little leisure, she spent it in holy prayer and
contemplation in a little retired room in the garret; and at her work repeated
frequently ardent ejaculations of divine love, with which her soul appeared
always inflamed. She respected her fellow-servants as her superiors. If she was
sent on commissions a mile or two in the greatest storms, she set out without
delay, executed them punctually, and returned often almost drowned, without
showing any sign of reluctance or murmuring.
By her virtue she gained so great an ascendant over her
master that a single word would often suffice to check the greatest transports
of his rage; and she would sometimes cast herself at his feet to appease him in
favour of others. She never kept anything for herself but the poor garments
which she wore: everything else she gave to the poor. Her master, seeing his
goods multiply, as it were, in her hands, gave her ample leave to bestow liberal
alms on the poor, which she made use of with discretion, but was scrupulous to
do nothing without his express authority. If she heard others spoken ill of, she
zealously took upon her their defence and excused their faults.
Always when she communicated, and often when she heard mass,
and on other occasions, she melted in sweet tears of divine love: she was often
favoured with ecstasies during her prayers. In her last sickness she clearly
foretold her death, and having prepared herself for her passage by receiving the
last sacraments, and by ardent signs of love, she happily expired on the 27th of
April, in 1272, being sixty years old: one hundred and fifty miracles wrought in
the behalf of such as had recourse to her intercession have been juridically
proved. Her body was found entire in 1580 and is kept with great respect in St.
Frigidian's church, richly enshrined; her face and hands are exposed naked to
view through a crystal glass. Pope Leo X granted an office in her honour. The
city of Lucca pays a singular veneration to her memory.
The solemn decree of her beatification was published by
Innocent XII in 1696, with the confirmation of her immemorial veneration. See
her life, compiled by a contemporary writer, and published by Papebroke, the
Bollandist, on the 27th of April, p. 497, and Benedict XIV De Canoniz. lib. ii.
c. 24, p. 245.
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source: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/Z/stzita.asp#ixzz1tEz4urv4
