 VATICAN : POPE : GOD'S GIFT OF LIGHT AND OTHER NEWS(Vatican Radio IMAGE/SHARE) VATICAN POST ISSUES COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE FOR CHRISTMAS 2012 Vatican City, 11 December 2012 (VIS) - A note released today by the Governorate of Vatican City State announces the issue of the traditional commemorative envelope for Christmas 2012. On the left side of the envelope there is a reproduction of the "Nativity and journey of the Three Kings", in tempera and gold leaf on board, of the Marchigian School (mid 15th century), on display in the Vatican Museums Picture Gallery. The 60 cent stamp from the "Christmas 2012" series, issued on 6 November 2012, is franked with the special postmark in use on Christmas Day. The postmark is completed with the Latin phrase "Christus Natus est Alleluia" and the inscription "POSTE VATICANE. 25.12.2012". The serial code PV/78 is printed the back of the envelope in the lower right corner. The commemorative envelope costs 3.50 Euros, or five Euros in a protective portfolio. |
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| WORD OF GOD - THE
LIGHT THAT LEADS TO JUSTICE AND PEACE Vatican City, 11 December 2012 (VIS) - The secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Olav Fykse Tveit, has addressed a traditional Christmas message to the faithful of the 349 communities that form this ecumenical fellowship. The text opens with two Biblical citations, the first from the Prophet Isaiah: "a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice", and the second from the Gospel of St. John: "What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it". "What the Word has brought into being is life, and the life is the light of all people", writes Tveit. "In the coming year, the World Council of Churches will focus its witness and work around a simple prayer which serves as the theme of our tenth Assembly: 'God of life, lead us to justice and peace'". This prayer will also be the theme of the tenth General Assembly of the WCC, which will take place in Busan, South Korea, from 30 October to 8 November 2013. The programme covers "five dimensions of being the church together in the world today – koinonia (one faith and fellowship in Christ), martyria (witness in the world), diakonia (serving justice and peace), ecumenical formation (for leadership) and inter-religious cooperation (a common context)". "In the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, we are particularly aware of God’s gift of light revealed in the eternal Word who became flesh, and who dwells among us even now. This is the light that gives us hope for this present world in spite of disunity, abuse, hatred, violence, poverty, greed and corruption. Christ’s light is the lamp for our feet that shows us the way toward justice and peace. Even when our own wicks burn dimly, the Word of God withstands the darkness, faithfully bringing forth justice on our common way toward peace", concludes the secretary of the World Council of Churches. |
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| OTHER PONTIFICAL
ACTS Vatican City, 11 December 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed: - Daniela Leggio, official of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, as head officer of the same dicastery. - Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, currently apostolic nuncio in Guatemala, as apostolic nuncio in Australia. |
ASIA : INDONESIA : 7.4 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE
ASIA NEWS REPORT
by Mathias Hariyadi
The quake hit at 1 .53 local time, followed by a second tremor around 5.47. At the moment there are no reports of injuries or damage to structures. The area affected by the shock is Catholic majority. Panic among the population that poured onto the streets. The depth of the epicentre helped avoid the formation of a tsunami
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck this morning in Indonesia, but a possible tsunami warning was immediately recalled despite the extent of the shock. The quake developed deep underground at dawn and forced the inhabitants of the south-east of the Moluccas to pour into the streets in panic. However, at present there are no reports of injuries or significant damage to buildings. There have been repeated aftershocks, including a second - though less powerful - magnitude 5 earthquake that affected the islands of Maluku Tenggara.
The first earthquake struck the Indonesian archipelago at 1.53 am local time (23:53 on 10 December in Jakarta), while the second followed a few hours later, around 5:47. The Indonesian geophysics agency has announced that the epicenter of the earthquake was located about 180 km north-west of Saumlaki, the capital of the archipelago of the Tanimbar Islands, which consists of 65 islands.
Suhardjono, head of the earthquakes and tsunami agency alertsaid that "so far we have not received reports of damages of any kind."
Although Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, Maluku Tenggara (also known by the name of Malut) is an overwhelmingly Catholic area. It is prone to devastating earthquakes, because it rests on a surface located at the juncture of three different plates: the Pacific, Indo-Australian and Eurasian.
The Indonesian archipelago is made up of thousands of islands and atolls surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, in an area better known to scientists as the "Ring of Fire". It is characterized by intense volcanic and land-based activity, caused by the collision of several continental plates. In people's memory the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the region in December 2004 is still vivid, which caused hundreds of thousands of deaths across Asia. On 30 October 2009, another strong earthquake struck the area of Padang causing around 700 deaths. More than 180 homes were razed.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
by Mathias Hariyadi
The quake hit at 1 .53 local time, followed by a second tremor around 5.47. At the moment there are no reports of injuries or damage to structures. The area affected by the shock is Catholic majority. Panic among the population that poured onto the streets. The depth of the epicentre helped avoid the formation of a tsunami
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck this morning in Indonesia, but a possible tsunami warning was immediately recalled despite the extent of the shock. The quake developed deep underground at dawn and forced the inhabitants of the south-east of the Moluccas to pour into the streets in panic. However, at present there are no reports of injuries or significant damage to buildings. There have been repeated aftershocks, including a second - though less powerful - magnitude 5 earthquake that affected the islands of Maluku Tenggara.
The first earthquake struck the Indonesian archipelago at 1.53 am local time (23:53 on 10 December in Jakarta), while the second followed a few hours later, around 5:47. The Indonesian geophysics agency has announced that the epicenter of the earthquake was located about 180 km north-west of Saumlaki, the capital of the archipelago of the Tanimbar Islands, which consists of 65 islands.
Suhardjono, head of the earthquakes and tsunami agency alertsaid that "so far we have not received reports of damages of any kind."
Although Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, Maluku Tenggara (also known by the name of Malut) is an overwhelmingly Catholic area. It is prone to devastating earthquakes, because it rests on a surface located at the juncture of three different plates: the Pacific, Indo-Australian and Eurasian.
The Indonesian archipelago is made up of thousands of islands and atolls surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, in an area better known to scientists as the "Ring of Fire". It is characterized by intense volcanic and land-based activity, caused by the collision of several continental plates. In people's memory the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the region in December 2004 is still vivid, which caused hundreds of thousands of deaths across Asia. On 30 October 2009, another strong earthquake struck the area of Padang causing around 700 deaths. More than 180 homes were razed.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
AMERICA : USA : BISHOP RESPONDS TO SUPREME COURT ON MARRIAGE
USCCB REPORT
WASHINGTON—Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, responded to today's U. S. Supreme Court decision to hear the case challenging California's Proposition 8 and a case challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
"The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear these cases is a significant moment for our nation," Archbishop Cordileone said. "I pray the Court will affirm the fact that the institution of marriage, which is as old as humanity and written in our very nature, is the union of one man and one woman. Marriage is the foundation of a just society, as it protects the most vulnerable among us, children.It is the only institution that unites children with their mothers and fathers together. We pray for the Court, that its deliberations may be guided by truth and justice so as to uphold marriage's true meaning and purpose," Archbishop Cordileone said.
In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, which defines marriage in California's State Constitution as the union of one man and one woman. DOMA, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman for purposes of federal law. A decision by the Supreme Court is expected by next June.Depending on the Court's ruling, there could be ramifications for marriage laws throughout the country.
Earlier this week the bishops issued a Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty as part of a pastoral response for the protection of life, marriage and liberty. Information is available at www.usccb.org/life-marriage-liberty
---SHARE FROM CONFERENCE OF BISHOPS USA
WASHINGTON—Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, responded to today's U. S. Supreme Court decision to hear the case challenging California's Proposition 8 and a case challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
"The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear these cases is a significant moment for our nation," Archbishop Cordileone said. "I pray the Court will affirm the fact that the institution of marriage, which is as old as humanity and written in our very nature, is the union of one man and one woman. Marriage is the foundation of a just society, as it protects the most vulnerable among us, children.It is the only institution that unites children with their mothers and fathers together. We pray for the Court, that its deliberations may be guided by truth and justice so as to uphold marriage's true meaning and purpose," Archbishop Cordileone said.
In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, which defines marriage in California's State Constitution as the union of one man and one woman. DOMA, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman for purposes of federal law. A decision by the Supreme Court is expected by next June.Depending on the Court's ruling, there could be ramifications for marriage laws throughout the country.
Earlier this week the bishops issued a Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty as part of a pastoral response for the protection of life, marriage and liberty. Information is available at www.usccb.org/life-marriage-liberty
---SHARE FROM CONFERENCE OF BISHOPS USA
AFRICA : GUINEA BISSAU - THOUSANDS AT PILGRIMAGE - MARY HELP US GROW IN FAITH
Agenzia Fides REPORT – On Saturday, December
8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there
was the usual Guinean National Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the
Nativity in Cacheu. In this Year of Faith, the motto of the pilgrimage was:
"Mary, help us grow in faith." According to information sent to Fides Agency by
the Curia of Bissau, in the afternoon of Friday 7 there was a march of young
people from Capó in Cacheu (about 7 km), followed by Eucharistic Adoration in
the Shrine. On the morning of 8 December pilgrims from various parishes of the
two dioceses of Guinea-Bissau, came in procession to the Sanctuary, where the
Holy Mass was celebrated presided by His Exc. Mgr. Pedro Zilli, Bishop of
Bafatà, and concelebrated by His Exc. Mgr. José Camnate na Bissign, Bishop of
Bissau, and by the Auxiliary Archbishop José Lampra Ca, as well as by many
priests from from every corner of Guinea.
During his homily, Mgr. Zilli invited thousands of people gathered to place their hope in God, as Mary did, and said that "we are all called to holiness, to be immaculate, to live in communion with God". After pointing out that, in Jesus Christ, God makes us "ambassadors of reconciliation," the Bishop concluded: "Let us pray to God so that the 'dialogue for a new social contract', which is about to begin, helps us to heal the wounds of our wars, to bring harmony in families, to abandon the differences between the different groups or parties, to bring unity, brotherhood and peace in Guinea-Bissau. " After Mass, the Bishop of Bissau thanked all those present, the national and local authorities, volunteers and benefactors, the two priests of Portugal and Brazil who came to teach at the Major Seminary of Bissau. Mgr. Camnate na Bissign also thanked a group of Muslim leaders for their presence. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2012)
During his homily, Mgr. Zilli invited thousands of people gathered to place their hope in God, as Mary did, and said that "we are all called to holiness, to be immaculate, to live in communion with God". After pointing out that, in Jesus Christ, God makes us "ambassadors of reconciliation," the Bishop concluded: "Let us pray to God so that the 'dialogue for a new social contract', which is about to begin, helps us to heal the wounds of our wars, to bring harmony in families, to abandon the differences between the different groups or parties, to bring unity, brotherhood and peace in Guinea-Bissau. " After Mass, the Bishop of Bissau thanked all those present, the national and local authorities, volunteers and benefactors, the two priests of Portugal and Brazil who came to teach at the Major Seminary of Bissau. Mgr. Camnate na Bissign also thanked a group of Muslim leaders for their presence. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2012)
AUSTRALIA : APPEAL FOR POOR THIS CHRISTMAS - VINNIES
ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY REPORT
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
11 Dec 2012
For more than 120,000 men, women
and children across NSW, Christmas this year will be bleak. Hard pressed to pay
rent, utility bills, food and bus fares, there is nothing left over for a turkey
or festive dinner let alone gifts under the tree for their
children.
Determined to transform despair into hope, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is pulling out all the stops as part of its annual Christmas Appeal to ensure these families not only enjoy Christmas but that each receives a hamper filled with goodies for their Christmas dinner and gift-wrapped presents for their children.
"Vinnies is seeing first-hand the dire impact of the increased cost of living on families and individuals and are expecting a big rise in the numbers of those looking for assistance," says Michael Perusco, CEO of Vinnies NSW adding that many of the men and women and families who are turning to Vinnies for help, are doing so for the first time.
"We are very concerned about the long term impact of cost of living pressures. There is no question the current situation is undermining the ability of many Australians to care for their families and to feel socially included," he says.
The immediate concern at Vinnies, however, is
helping those in desperate need have the sort of Christmas most of us
enjoy.
"As many of us prepare to celebrate the festive season with family and friends, there are countless Australians facing the prospect of a grim Christmas as they struggle to pay bills, provide food and basic necessities for their children, or worse find somewhere safe to call home," he says.
Each year at this time, Vinnies launches its annual Christmas Appeal and calls on those of us who are more fortunate to donate whatever we can afford to help those who are battling just to survive.
"Only through the goodwill and generosity of our supporters can Vinnies help people who are facing a bleak Christmas. In fact this Christmas alone we will be reaching to well over 100,000 people in NSW. It is a huge task but with the community's support, we can make a difference to people's lives," Mr Perusco says.
Christmas should be a joyous time when filled with hope we celebrate the birth of Our Lord. But for many across Sydney and the rest of NSW, instead of hope there is despondency and despair and fear for the future.
Donations to Vinnies Christmas Appeal not only go
towards providing families and individuals in need with hampers filled with
festive food and gifts for children who would otherwise wakeup with nothing but
also give financial assistance - helping out with rents, bills, clothing and
other essentials over the Christmas and holiday period.
Last year in the weeks between November 2011 to January 2012 Vinnies members provided more than $4.1 million in assistance to men, women and children on the margins including $2.1 million in food vouchers.
During this same period, Vinnies also provided $853,000 in energy bill vouchers.
In 2012 the need is even greater with the costs of living rising even further and more people battling redundancies or under employment having been made casual but no longer receiving enough shiftwork to keep them and their families heads above water.
To make a life changing donation to 2012 Vinnies Christmas Appeal log on to www.vinnies.org.au.
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
11 Dec 2012
Donations go towards gifts, christmas hampers
and help with rent, bills and food
Determined to transform despair into hope, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is pulling out all the stops as part of its annual Christmas Appeal to ensure these families not only enjoy Christmas but that each receives a hamper filled with goodies for their Christmas dinner and gift-wrapped presents for their children.
"Vinnies is seeing first-hand the dire impact of the increased cost of living on families and individuals and are expecting a big rise in the numbers of those looking for assistance," says Michael Perusco, CEO of Vinnies NSW adding that many of the men and women and families who are turning to Vinnies for help, are doing so for the first time.
"We are very concerned about the long term impact of cost of living pressures. There is no question the current situation is undermining the ability of many Australians to care for their families and to feel socially included," he says.
Giving to Vinnies will help turn despair into
hope this Christmas
"As many of us prepare to celebrate the festive season with family and friends, there are countless Australians facing the prospect of a grim Christmas as they struggle to pay bills, provide food and basic necessities for their children, or worse find somewhere safe to call home," he says.
Each year at this time, Vinnies launches its annual Christmas Appeal and calls on those of us who are more fortunate to donate whatever we can afford to help those who are battling just to survive.
"Only through the goodwill and generosity of our supporters can Vinnies help people who are facing a bleak Christmas. In fact this Christmas alone we will be reaching to well over 100,000 people in NSW. It is a huge task but with the community's support, we can make a difference to people's lives," Mr Perusco says.
Christmas should be a joyous time when filled with hope we celebrate the birth of Our Lord. But for many across Sydney and the rest of NSW, instead of hope there is despondency and despair and fear for the future.
Every child deserves to receive a gift on
Christmas Day
Last year in the weeks between November 2011 to January 2012 Vinnies members provided more than $4.1 million in assistance to men, women and children on the margins including $2.1 million in food vouchers.
During this same period, Vinnies also provided $853,000 in energy bill vouchers.
In 2012 the need is even greater with the costs of living rising even further and more people battling redundancies or under employment having been made casual but no longer receiving enough shiftwork to keep them and their families heads above water.
To make a life changing donation to 2012 Vinnies Christmas Appeal log on to www.vinnies.org.au.
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : TUES. DEC. 11, 2012
| Matthew
18: 12 - 14
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| 12 | What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? |
| 13 | And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. |
| 14 | So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. |
CATHOLIC MOVIES - WATCH ST. JOHN BOSCO- PART 16
IN HONOR OF
THE YEAR OF FAITH - JCE NEWS WILL BE SHOWING SOME OF THE TOP CATHOLIC MOVIES OF
ALL TIME. TUNE IN FOR THE NEXT PART OF ST. JOHN BOSCO- TOMORROW
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TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : TUES. DEC. 11, 2012
| Matthew
18: 12 - 14
| |
| 12 | What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? |
| 13 | And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. |
| 14 | So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. |
TODAY'S SAINT: DEC. 11: ST. DAMASUS I
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St. Damasus I
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POPE
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Feast: December 11
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