VATICAN : POPE : MIRACLES SIGNS OF GOD'S LOVE AND OTHER NEWS
AUSTRALIA : NEW AWARD WINNING ARTISTIC CHURCH OPENS
EUROPE : NATIONAL RCIA CONFERENCE - OPENING DOORS OF FAITH
AFRICA : SAUDI ARABIA : THOUSANDS OF MIGRANT WORKERS DIE FROM TORTURE AND CONDITIONS
AMERICA : BRAZIL : NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONGRESS
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE TUESDAY JULY 10, 2012
TODAY'S SAINTS: JULY 10 : ST. RUFINA AND ST. SECUNDA
VATICAN : POPE : MIRACLES SIGNS OF GOD'S LOVE AND OTHER NEWS
MIRACLES ARE NOT A SHOW OF POWER BUT SIGNS OF GOD'S LOVE
Vatican City, 8 July 2012 (VIS) - At midday today, his first Sunday at Castelgandolfo, the Pope emerged onto the balcony overlooking the inner courtyard of the Apostolic Palace to pray the Angelus with faithful gathered below. He remarked on today's reading from St. Mark's Gospel concerning the refusal of the people of Nazareth to recognise the divinity of Jesus, and the scandal provoked by the fact that "the carpenter, the son of Mary" who had lived among them, should preach like a prophet.
In this context, the Holy Father mentioned the phrase "Nemo propheta in patria", meaning no one is a prophet in his own land. This, he said, "is understandable because their human familiarity made it hard for them to go further and open themselves to the divine dimension. It was difficult for them to believe that this son of a carpenter was the Son of God", while Jesus Himself drew on the example of the prophets of Israel who were likewise disdained. Because of this spiritual closure in Nazareth, "Jesus 'could do no deeds of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them'. Indeed, the miracles of Christ were not a show of power, but signs of God's love, which is realised wherever it finds reciprocity in the faith of man".
"The astonishment and scandal of His fellow citizens was met with amazement on the part of Jesus. In a certain sense, He too was scandalised. Although He knew that no prophet is accepted in his own land, yet His own people's closure of heart was something obscure and impenetrable to Him. How was it possible that they did not recognise the light of Truth? Why did they not open to the goodness of God Who chose to share our humanity?. The man Jesus of Nazareth is the transparency of God, God dwells in Him fully and, while we always seek other signs, other prodigies, we do not realise that the true sign is Him, God made flesh. He is the greatest miracle of the universe: all the love of God contained in a human heart and a human face".
After praying the Angelus the Pope greeted French-speaking pilgrims saying: "During the summer do not take a vacation from God; pray and go to Sunday Mass".
He then addressed some words to Polish faithful, particularly participants in a pilgrimage organised by the Family of Radio Maria to the shrine of Jasna Gora where they are praying "for the homeland, families and freedom of expression". He also greeted members of the "Work of the New Millennium" Association who are meeting in Lublin with followers of other religions and who this evening will gather to pray for peace in the former concentration camp of Majdanek. "I participate spiritually in these initiatives", the Pope said, "and implore goodness and peace for the world, for Poland and for each one of you".
THE VERBITES "AD GENTES" CENTRE WELCOMES THE POPE
Vatican City, 9 July 2012 (VIS) - Benedict XVI this morning made a private visit to the "Ad Gentes Centre" of the Missionaries of the Divine Word, located in the village of Nemi. It was in that building, then called the International Centre of the Society of the Divine Word, that the Vatican Council II Commission on Missions met from 29 March to 3 April 1965. Among the participants was a young theologian and expert of the conciliar assembly, Joseph Ratzinger.
The Holy Father left Castelgandolfo by car at 11.30 a.m. and was welcomed on his arrival at Nemi by Fr. Heinz Kuluke, superior general elect; Fr. Antonio Pernia superior general, and Fr. Giancarlo Girardi, procurator general. The Holy Father then moved on to the chapel to meet with the 150 participants in the general chapter of the order and the community of the Mother House in Rome. After adoring the Blessed Sacrament, and listening to a welcome address from Fr. Pernia, the Pope made some brief remarks.
Having completed his visit, Benedict XVI returned to the Apostolic Palace.
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
Vatican City, 7 July 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of Ischia, Italy, presented by Bishop Filippo Strofaldi, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.
- Appointed Msgr. Sebastian Francis, vicar general of the diocese of Melaka-Johor, Malaysia, as bishop of Penang (area 46,855, population 6,500,000, Catholics 66,000, priests 46, religious 97), Malaysia. The bishop-elect was born in Johor Bahru, Malaysia in 1951 and ordained a priest in 1977. He studied in Rome and has been active in pastoral care and in education. He succeeds Bishop Antony Selvanayagam, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, as pontifical legate to the consecration of the cathedral of the diocese of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, due to take place on 9 September.
AUSTRALIA : NEW AWARD WINNING ARTISTIC CHURCH OPENS
ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE
REPORT;
Award winning Church open
for viewing this Sunday
Monday 9 July 2012
THE new
St Mary’s Church, Kinglake, has been nominated for a Victorian Architecture
award, along with four other buildings rebuilt at Marysville, Narbethong,
Flowerdale and Heywood following the 2009 bushfires.
The church will be open for public viewing this coming Sunday, 15 July. Parish groups may also request viewings at alternate times by appointment. The nearby nursery cafe ‘Rosewood Cottage’ is open for lunch and serves Devonshire teas daily.
Architect, Billy Kavellaris, of Karvellis Urban Design designed the church, after offering his service pro-bono to assist the bushfire recovery effort.
The design of the church features three levels, representing the Holy Trinity. The Christological character is symbolised by a large cross embedded centrally in the front wall of the church. A lateral glass wall also showcases a view across the
Strathewen Valley, which signifies continuity with the local beauty of creation in
the natural environment.
Parish Groups interested in attending the Open Day or booking a viewing by appointment should contact Sr Margaret on 57861064.
THE new
St Mary’s Church, Kinglake, has been nominated for a Victorian Architecture
award, along with four other buildings rebuilt at Marysville, Narbethong,
Flowerdale and Heywood following the 2009 bushfires.The church will be open for public viewing this coming Sunday, 15 July. Parish groups may also request viewings at alternate times by appointment. The nearby nursery cafe ‘Rosewood Cottage’ is open for lunch and serves Devonshire teas daily.
Architect, Billy Kavellaris, of Karvellis Urban Design designed the church, after offering his service pro-bono to assist the bushfire recovery effort.
The design of the church features three levels, representing the Holy Trinity. The Christological character is symbolised by a large cross embedded centrally in the front wall of the church. A lateral glass wall also showcases a view across the
Strathewen Valley, which signifies continuity with the local beauty of creation in
the natural environment.
Parish Groups interested in attending the Open Day or booking a viewing by appointment should contact Sr Margaret on 57861064.
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE
OF MELBOURNE
EUROPE : NATIONAL RCIA CONFERENCE - OPENING DOORS OF FAITH
IND. CATH. NEWS REPORT:
Around 50 diocesan and parish representatives gathered
from across England and Wales recently to explore how best to support and
accompany people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their lives, and making
enquiry as a first step in the process of becoming a Catholic.
Organised by the National Executive of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Network, the focus of the conference, on 4 – 6 July at the High Leigh Conference centre in Hertfordshire, was ‘Opening the doors of faith: Equipping the Team for the Period of Inquiry’. During the three-day event attendees were invited to reflect on the Bible story of the Road to Emmaus (Luke’s Gospel, 24: 13 - 36) and to identify what they could learn from Christ and the disciples, in relation to their own ministry to faith enquirers.
Caroline Dollard, Convenor of the National RCIA Network, said: “As a prelude to the Year of the Faith, the Network wanted to affirm the Church’s vision of the Rite, and in particular, the first stage, as an integral framework for parish evangelisation – offering a warm, hospitable, generous accompaniment of enquirers, encouraging those first stirrings of faith, as together we meet and engage with the person of Jesus Christ and what he is offering. The conference organising team have been greatly encouraged by the enthusiastic response from everyone who came and took part. The spirit of joy was tangible.”
Six workshops were offered at the conference, which aimed to offer practical insights in relation to working with faith enquirers at parish level: ‘Sharing experiences with First Holy Communion parents and faith enquiry’; ‘A presentation of the Archdiocese of Liverpool’s new resource for Baptism based on the RCIA journey’; ‘How to work an effective RCIA in a group of parishes’; ‘Wisdom on prayer in the Period of Enquiry’; ‘Exploring how the Year of Faith can benefit parish mission’.
Attendee, Canon Tom McHugh, from St Joseph’s Parish in Kent, said: “This was a truly refreshing experience for me. I have been part of the RCIA Network since the early 1980s. Now a new generation is animating people, who are ministering at grassroots in parishes, to draw on the wisdom of the RITE and to allow it to inform pastoral practice at every level of initiation, children as well as adults. Now more than ever we value the encouragement and support of our Bishops, particularly as we prepare to enter the Year of Faith, and it is good to see the ways in which Network is developing relationships with Bishops’ Conference Departments at national, diocesan and parish level.”
Meanwhile fellow attendee, Frances Massey, from Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel Parish in Hull, said: “The conference was a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and learn from others who are involved in the RCIA.”
Fr Michael Keogh from St Patrick’s in Thornaby said: “It’s put new heart into the vision of RCIA and given all of us great encouragement for the future.”
SHARED FROM IND. CATH NEWS
|
Organised by the National Executive of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Network, the focus of the conference, on 4 – 6 July at the High Leigh Conference centre in Hertfordshire, was ‘Opening the doors of faith: Equipping the Team for the Period of Inquiry’. During the three-day event attendees were invited to reflect on the Bible story of the Road to Emmaus (Luke’s Gospel, 24: 13 - 36) and to identify what they could learn from Christ and the disciples, in relation to their own ministry to faith enquirers.
Caroline Dollard, Convenor of the National RCIA Network, said: “As a prelude to the Year of the Faith, the Network wanted to affirm the Church’s vision of the Rite, and in particular, the first stage, as an integral framework for parish evangelisation – offering a warm, hospitable, generous accompaniment of enquirers, encouraging those first stirrings of faith, as together we meet and engage with the person of Jesus Christ and what he is offering. The conference organising team have been greatly encouraged by the enthusiastic response from everyone who came and took part. The spirit of joy was tangible.”
Six workshops were offered at the conference, which aimed to offer practical insights in relation to working with faith enquirers at parish level: ‘Sharing experiences with First Holy Communion parents and faith enquiry’; ‘A presentation of the Archdiocese of Liverpool’s new resource for Baptism based on the RCIA journey’; ‘How to work an effective RCIA in a group of parishes’; ‘Wisdom on prayer in the Period of Enquiry’; ‘Exploring how the Year of Faith can benefit parish mission’.
Attendee, Canon Tom McHugh, from St Joseph’s Parish in Kent, said: “This was a truly refreshing experience for me. I have been part of the RCIA Network since the early 1980s. Now a new generation is animating people, who are ministering at grassroots in parishes, to draw on the wisdom of the RITE and to allow it to inform pastoral practice at every level of initiation, children as well as adults. Now more than ever we value the encouragement and support of our Bishops, particularly as we prepare to enter the Year of Faith, and it is good to see the ways in which Network is developing relationships with Bishops’ Conference Departments at national, diocesan and parish level.”
Meanwhile fellow attendee, Frances Massey, from Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel Parish in Hull, said: “The conference was a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and learn from others who are involved in the RCIA.”
Fr Michael Keogh from St Patrick’s in Thornaby said: “It’s put new heart into the vision of RCIA and given all of us great encouragement for the future.”
SHARED FROM IND. CATH NEWS
ASIA : CHINA : ILLICIT BISHOP EXCOMMUNICATED BY VATICAN
UCAN NEWS
REPORT: Statement discourages further 'gestures' by China that could threaten
future dialogue
The Vatican today announced the excommunication of
illicitly ordained Fr Yue Fusheng of Harbin
The Holy See announced in a statement today the
automatic excommunication of Father Joseph Yue Fusheng, illicitly ordained
bishop of Harbin on Friday, while a Vatican spokesman urged Chinese authorities
to show more clearly their intention to maintain open dialogue with Rome.
Fr Yue has “automatically incurred the sanctions laid down by canon 1382 of the Code of Canon Law,” the statement said, adding that “on several occasions he had been asked not to accept episcopal ordination without the pontifical mandate.”
The statement said as well the bishops who took part in the ordination “have exposed themselves to the sanctions laid down by the law of the Church” and “must give an account to the Holy See of their participation in that religious ceremony.”
The statement follows a heated exchange last week between Rome and Beijing in which the Holy See warned the fate of the Catholic Church in China would be imperiled by further illicit ordinations.
Chinese authorities quickly dismissed the warning as “outrageous” and expressed their intention to continue self-election and self-ordination, and that outside interference threatened the healthy development of the Church in China.
Speaking to reporters today, Fr Federico Lombardi, head of the Vatican Press Office, characterized the current state of relations with China as “not wholly conducive to constructive and serene dialogue.”
Fr Lombardi said the Vatican was sensitive to distinguishing the political and religious dimensions of the issue, a point on which there appeared to be a “difference of interpretation.” He added that episcopal ordinations “solely pertain to the religious authority of the Church.”
Today’s statement further noted that the Vatican trusted in “the concrete willingness of the Government Authorities of China to dialogue with the Holy See” and discouraged any future actions that would jeopardize relations.
Fr Lombardi emphasized this point, saying: “If gestures that go against dialogue continue, the government’s desire will not be apparent.”
Meanwhile, the Vatican described the ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin of Shanghai with papal mandate as “encouraging and is to be welcomed,” while also noting that the presence of illicitly ordained clergy at the ceremony “was inappropriate” and against “lawful episcopal ordination.”
Bishop Ma was ordained on Saturday, but local Church sources say that a group of unidentified persons took him away shortly after the ceremony, during which he announced he would step down as vice chair of the local government-sanctioned Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) and as standing member in the national CPA.
Bishop Ma has since been prevented from assuming his official duties.
Vatican sources told ucanews.com today that any further comment on Bishop Ma’s whereabouts or status would only put him at greater risk.
SHARED FROM UCAN NEWS
Fr Yue has “automatically incurred the sanctions laid down by canon 1382 of the Code of Canon Law,” the statement said, adding that “on several occasions he had been asked not to accept episcopal ordination without the pontifical mandate.”
The statement said as well the bishops who took part in the ordination “have exposed themselves to the sanctions laid down by the law of the Church” and “must give an account to the Holy See of their participation in that religious ceremony.”
The statement follows a heated exchange last week between Rome and Beijing in which the Holy See warned the fate of the Catholic Church in China would be imperiled by further illicit ordinations.
Chinese authorities quickly dismissed the warning as “outrageous” and expressed their intention to continue self-election and self-ordination, and that outside interference threatened the healthy development of the Church in China.
Speaking to reporters today, Fr Federico Lombardi, head of the Vatican Press Office, characterized the current state of relations with China as “not wholly conducive to constructive and serene dialogue.”
Fr Lombardi said the Vatican was sensitive to distinguishing the political and religious dimensions of the issue, a point on which there appeared to be a “difference of interpretation.” He added that episcopal ordinations “solely pertain to the religious authority of the Church.”
Today’s statement further noted that the Vatican trusted in “the concrete willingness of the Government Authorities of China to dialogue with the Holy See” and discouraged any future actions that would jeopardize relations.
Fr Lombardi emphasized this point, saying: “If gestures that go against dialogue continue, the government’s desire will not be apparent.”
Meanwhile, the Vatican described the ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin of Shanghai with papal mandate as “encouraging and is to be welcomed,” while also noting that the presence of illicitly ordained clergy at the ceremony “was inappropriate” and against “lawful episcopal ordination.”
Bishop Ma was ordained on Saturday, but local Church sources say that a group of unidentified persons took him away shortly after the ceremony, during which he announced he would step down as vice chair of the local government-sanctioned Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) and as standing member in the national CPA.
Bishop Ma has since been prevented from assuming his official duties.
Vatican sources told ucanews.com today that any further comment on Bishop Ma’s whereabouts or status would only put him at greater risk.
SHARED FROM UCAN NEWS
AFRICA : SAUDI ARABIA : THOUSANDS OF MIGRANT WORKERS DIE FROM TORTURE AND CONDITIONS
ASIA NEWS REPORT: Revealed in
report by Nepalese Embassy in Riyadh. Since 2000 more than 3 thousand Nepalese
migrant workers have died. One in every 162 people.
Kathmandu (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In 12 years over 3 thousand Nepalese migrant workers in Saudi Arabia have died because of their poor working conditions and exploitation. Of a total of 484,701 migrants in the Arab country, the average is 1 in every 162. The shocking findings were revealed in a report by the Nepalese Embassy in Riyadh, which identifies the abuse of black market alcohol a major cause of deaths. Udaya Raj Pandev, Nepal's ambassador to Saudi Arabia and promoter of the study, explains that to withstand the grueling and demeaning working conditions, thousands of workers give in to the vice of alcohol circumventing bans in force in the Muslim country. According to the diplomat, over 30 people die each month due to alcoholism. Many of them come home exhausted, drink and die in their sleep. Another factor is accidents in the workplace.
Due to the severe economic crisis, every year thousands of people leave the country in search of a job. Unlike the Philippines, which has a proliferation of agencies in foreign countries, in Nepal people prefer to start with a tourist visa and find work on site with family and friends. This, however, prevents the state from protecting its citizens in case of accidents in a foreign country, increasing the percentage of illegal immigrants and the criminal business of human trafficking. The are over 50 destinations for Nepalese migrants. Topping the list, Qatar (68.844), Saudi Arabia (44,741) and Malaysia (31,157).
Mahdendra Pandev president of Parvasi Nepali Coordination Comitee, for years denouncing the appalling conditions of Nepalese migrants in Islamic countries, states that "workers need training and an orientation period before leaving the country." The activist urges the government to create employment agencies that force Saudi Arabia and other states to respect minimum standards of safety in the workplace, where in many cases it verges on slavery. Exploitation is worsened by the total absence of justice for immigrants charged with crimes. To date, over 200 Nepalese citizens are detained in Saudi custody awaiting trial. Many of them do not even know the reasons for their detention and are not entitled to a lawyer or an interpreter.
In total there are about 7 million migrant workers abroad, especially in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. They are employed in construction and heavy industry, but also as caretakers and domestic workers. Many leave the country to feed their families and foreign workers have become a major resource in the economy of the small Himalayan country. With their remittances migrants account for almost 40% of the state budget.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
_0710_-_Migranti_Arabia_SAUDITA.jpg)
Kathmandu (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In 12 years over 3 thousand Nepalese migrant workers in Saudi Arabia have died because of their poor working conditions and exploitation. Of a total of 484,701 migrants in the Arab country, the average is 1 in every 162. The shocking findings were revealed in a report by the Nepalese Embassy in Riyadh, which identifies the abuse of black market alcohol a major cause of deaths. Udaya Raj Pandev, Nepal's ambassador to Saudi Arabia and promoter of the study, explains that to withstand the grueling and demeaning working conditions, thousands of workers give in to the vice of alcohol circumventing bans in force in the Muslim country. According to the diplomat, over 30 people die each month due to alcoholism. Many of them come home exhausted, drink and die in their sleep. Another factor is accidents in the workplace.
Due to the severe economic crisis, every year thousands of people leave the country in search of a job. Unlike the Philippines, which has a proliferation of agencies in foreign countries, in Nepal people prefer to start with a tourist visa and find work on site with family and friends. This, however, prevents the state from protecting its citizens in case of accidents in a foreign country, increasing the percentage of illegal immigrants and the criminal business of human trafficking. The are over 50 destinations for Nepalese migrants. Topping the list, Qatar (68.844), Saudi Arabia (44,741) and Malaysia (31,157).
Mahdendra Pandev president of Parvasi Nepali Coordination Comitee, for years denouncing the appalling conditions of Nepalese migrants in Islamic countries, states that "workers need training and an orientation period before leaving the country." The activist urges the government to create employment agencies that force Saudi Arabia and other states to respect minimum standards of safety in the workplace, where in many cases it verges on slavery. Exploitation is worsened by the total absence of justice for immigrants charged with crimes. To date, over 200 Nepalese citizens are detained in Saudi custody awaiting trial. Many of them do not even know the reasons for their detention and are not entitled to a lawyer or an interpreter.
In total there are about 7 million migrant workers abroad, especially in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. They are employed in construction and heavy industry, but also as caretakers and domestic workers. Many leave the country to feed their families and foreign workers have become a major resource in the economy of the small Himalayan country. With their remittances migrants account for almost 40% of the state budget.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
AMERICA : BRAZIL : NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONGRESS
Agenzia Fides REPORT - The Church in Brazil is preparing
for its third National Missionary Congress (3 CMN) which will take place from
July 12 to 15 in Palmas (TO) and will count on the participation of over 600
people from around the country. The Congress shall have the slogan "As the
Father has sent me, so I send you" (Jn 20:21), and the theme will be:
"Missionary Disciple: from Brazil to a secular and multicultural world in the
light of the II Vatican Council."
"We are encouraged and challenged to do our part as a missionary Church. To reflect together on our journey in this secular and multicultural world, we promote 3 CMN," wrote Father Camilo Pauletti, National Director of the PMS in Brazil and Executive Chairman of the Congress in a note sent to Fides Agency.
Regarding the participants, "each diocese has a reserved number of seats in proportion to its size, to achieve the goal of 600 delegates. The Archdiocese of Palmas will have 40 seats to host the event," said Father Fabio Gleiser, executive Secretary of 3CMN. To accommodate all these people, provide them with accommodation and meals, the organization of Congress counts on the collaboration of all the parishes in the city of Palmas. To the 600 people registered to participate in the 3CMN the Diocesan Missionary Councils (COMIDIs), the Institutions and missionary Organizations engaged in the missionary animation of the local Churches and members of some of the 17 regions of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference (CNBB), through the Regional Missionary Council (COMIRE) have to be added. (CE)
"We are encouraged and challenged to do our part as a missionary Church. To reflect together on our journey in this secular and multicultural world, we promote 3 CMN," wrote Father Camilo Pauletti, National Director of the PMS in Brazil and Executive Chairman of the Congress in a note sent to Fides Agency.
Regarding the participants, "each diocese has a reserved number of seats in proportion to its size, to achieve the goal of 600 delegates. The Archdiocese of Palmas will have 40 seats to host the event," said Father Fabio Gleiser, executive Secretary of 3CMN. To accommodate all these people, provide them with accommodation and meals, the organization of Congress counts on the collaboration of all the parishes in the city of Palmas. To the 600 people registered to participate in the 3CMN the Diocesan Missionary Councils (COMIDIs), the Institutions and missionary Organizations engaged in the missionary animation of the local Churches and members of some of the 17 regions of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference (CNBB), through the Regional Missionary Council (COMIRE) have to be added. (CE)
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE TUESDAY JULY 10, 2012
| Matthew
16: 24 - 27
| |
| 24 | Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. |
| 25 | For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. |
| 26 | For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? |
| 27 | For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done. |
TODAY'S SAINTS: JULY 10 : ST. RUFINA AND ST. SECUNDA
Sts. Rufina and Secunda
MARTYRS
Feast: July 10
|
Roman
martyrs best known for the apocryphal Acts, which recount their martyrdoms.
According to the Acta, they were Roman sisters, the daughters of a
Roman senator. When their fiances gave up the Christian faith, Rufina and
Secunda would not deny Christ. both were soon arrested and beheaded during the
persecutions of Emperor Valerian (r. 253-260). They were buried on the Via
Aurelia, at the Santa Rufina.
|
source: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/R/strufina_secunda.asp#ixzz1RhlQu0vx
_0709_-_Prayers.jpg)
