Vatican Radio REPORT Pope Benedict XVI appealed for an
end to conflicts around the world on Sunday. Speaking to pilgrims and faithful
gathered in St Peter’s Square to pray the Angelus with him, Pope Benedict
especially prayed that, in the various conflicts unfortunately under way around
the world, “The slaughter of innocent civilians should cease.” He went on to
say, “Let there be an end to all violence, and let there be found the courage to
conduct dialogue and to negotiate.” The Pope’s appeal for peace came in the
context of a reflection on the pressing need for a recovery of the full, visible
communion of all Christians, which Christ Himself desires for His Church. This
Sunday falls in the middle of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – a theme
to which the Pope also turned in his English remarks to the faithful.
Let us join our prayers to those of our brothers and sisters of all Churches and communities, that we may dedicate ourselves ever more earnestly to working towards our visible unity in Jesus Christ.
A convert and founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Fr. Paul Wattson began the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 1908. It opens each year on the day of the traditional Feast of the Chair of St Peter (Jan. 18th,), and concludes on the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul (Jan 25th).
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
Let us join our prayers to those of our brothers and sisters of all Churches and communities, that we may dedicate ourselves ever more earnestly to working towards our visible unity in Jesus Christ.
A convert and founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Fr. Paul Wattson began the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 1908. It opens each year on the day of the traditional Feast of the Chair of St Peter (Jan. 18th,), and concludes on the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul (Jan 25th).
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
AMERICA : USA : BISHOP PRAISES GUN CONTROL - CULTURE OF LIFE
USCCB RELEASE
The U.S. bishops hope that any action taken by the Obama administration on gun violence prevention will lead to greater respect for human life, said the bishop who chairs the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, reacted to President Obama's January 16 proposal.
"The bishops hope that the steps taken by the administration will help to build a culture of life," said Bishop Blaire. "The frequent mass shootings over the course of 2012 reflected a tragic devaluing of human life, but also pointed to the moral duty of all people to take steps to defend it."
Bishop Blaire also recounted the five priorities made by the bishops in their 2000 statement, Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice. These were: 1. Support measures that control the sale and use of firearms, 2. Support measures that make guns safer, 3. Call for sensible regulations of handguns, 4. Support legislative efforts that seek to protect society from violence associated with easy access to deadly weapons including assault rifles, and 5. Make a serious commitment to confront the pervasive role of addiction and mental illness in crime.
SHARED FROM CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF USA
The U.S. bishops hope that any action taken by the Obama administration on gun violence prevention will lead to greater respect for human life, said the bishop who chairs the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, reacted to President Obama's January 16 proposal.
"The bishops hope that the steps taken by the administration will help to build a culture of life," said Bishop Blaire. "The frequent mass shootings over the course of 2012 reflected a tragic devaluing of human life, but also pointed to the moral duty of all people to take steps to defend it."
Bishop Blaire also recounted the five priorities made by the bishops in their 2000 statement, Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice. These were: 1. Support measures that control the sale and use of firearms, 2. Support measures that make guns safer, 3. Call for sensible regulations of handguns, 4. Support legislative efforts that seek to protect society from violence associated with easy access to deadly weapons including assault rifles, and 5. Make a serious commitment to confront the pervasive role of addiction and mental illness in crime.
SHARED FROM CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF USA
AUSTRALIA : BISHOP PRAISES FIRE FIGHTERS
Catholic Communications, Sydney
Archdiocese,
16 Jan 2013
The Bishop of Bathurst, the
Most Rev Michael McKenna has asked people to pray for and practically assist
residents of Coonabarabran and the surrounding areas who have been hard hit by
this week's bushfires that have destroyed 40 homes.
The Bishop, who will visit Coonabarabran this weekend, has also asked that all Masses in parishes across the Bathurst Diocese pray for the people of Coonabarabran, Baradine and other rural communities in the region and to be ready to respond with help and practical support.
Father Greg Kennedy, the parish priest at Coonabarabran's St Lawrence Catholic Church says a meeting of the area's chaplains will be held later today to discuss ways to assist victims of the ferocious bushfires that swept through the Warrumbungle National Park with terrifying speed destroying homes, livestock, outbuildings and fencing.
Centacare in Bathurst is also working
closely with staff at the Centacare offices in Coonabarabran to help the
families and farmers who have lost their homes along with outbuildings, crops
and livestock. They are also in the midst of planning help over the longer term
including for counselling for depression and emotional stress which frequently
affects victims of bushfires several weeks later - once the reality and enormity
of what has happened begins to sink in.
St Vincent de Paul Society is also offering help providing clothing, blankets and immediate needs for those in the evacuation centre set up at the Coonabarabran Bowling Club as well as for those who have lost their homes or are unable to return home.
With power lines down and many roads still closed as fires throughout the national park continue to burn with many still not under control, families and couples have not been able to return to their homes to assess the damage or even discover if their home is still standing.
"There is an evacuation centre at the Bowling Club but most of those forced to flee the fires are staying in town with family or friends," says Fr Greg Kennedy.
Yesterday and again today, a
public meeting was held at the Bowling Club by the Rural Fire Service. Today's
meeting was also attended by representatives from the NSW Parks and Wildlife
Service, the Department of Family and Community Services, Vinnies, Centacare and
the Red Cross to help those affected by the fires and give them information on
where to turn for financial aid, to have their properties assessed for insurance
and for all other needs.
"Everyone in the town as well as across the Diocese of Bathurst and surrounding areas are banding together to do what we can and to formulate a long term plan," says Fr Greg.
Despite many fire fighters describing the fires as the worst they had ever encountered, there is great relief that no humans lost their lives.
However many families are grieving the loss of beloved pets and farmers have the grim task of assessing their livestock and having to put down large numbers of their sheep or cattle that were badly burned in the fires.
"The bushfires in the Warrumbungle region came with great speed and force and the extent of the devastation is only now becoming clear," Bishop McKenna says and warned with many fires still burning, and temperatures set to soar once more, there would be further dangerous days ahead.
Expressing his sympathy and regret for those
who have been left without their homes, he paid tribute to the fire fighters and
emergency workers on the front line.
"We thank God for their bravery and great competence and also for the generous support that is already at work in the local community," he said. "This is a time to remember we are a Diocesan family and join in giving that support."
The Bishop is currently working closely with parishes across the Diocese to establish ways in which people can donate funds to help victims of the fires.
Details of where to donate to the families and farmers affected by this week's terrifying Warrumbungle and Coonabarabran bushfires will be posted on our website as soon as they come to hand.
16 Jan 2013
Bishop Michael McKenna praises courage of
firefighters in Warrumbungle bushfires
The Bishop, who will visit Coonabarabran this weekend, has also asked that all Masses in parishes across the Bathurst Diocese pray for the people of Coonabarabran, Baradine and other rural communities in the region and to be ready to respond with help and practical support.
Father Greg Kennedy, the parish priest at Coonabarabran's St Lawrence Catholic Church says a meeting of the area's chaplains will be held later today to discuss ways to assist victims of the ferocious bushfires that swept through the Warrumbungle National Park with terrifying speed destroying homes, livestock, outbuildings and fencing.
High praise given for courage NSW rural fire
fighters and emergency workers
St Vincent de Paul Society is also offering help providing clothing, blankets and immediate needs for those in the evacuation centre set up at the Coonabarabran Bowling Club as well as for those who have lost their homes or are unable to return home.
With power lines down and many roads still closed as fires throughout the national park continue to burn with many still not under control, families and couples have not been able to return to their homes to assess the damage or even discover if their home is still standing.
"There is an evacuation centre at the Bowling Club but most of those forced to flee the fires are staying in town with family or friends," says Fr Greg Kennedy.
One of 40 properties destroyed at Coonabarabran
during this week's ferocious bushfires
"Everyone in the town as well as across the Diocese of Bathurst and surrounding areas are banding together to do what we can and to formulate a long term plan," says Fr Greg.
Despite many fire fighters describing the fires as the worst they had ever encountered, there is great relief that no humans lost their lives.
However many families are grieving the loss of beloved pets and farmers have the grim task of assessing their livestock and having to put down large numbers of their sheep or cattle that were badly burned in the fires.
"The bushfires in the Warrumbungle region came with great speed and force and the extent of the devastation is only now becoming clear," Bishop McKenna says and warned with many fires still burning, and temperatures set to soar once more, there would be further dangerous days ahead.
The worst fires in decades continue to rage
across North Western NSW
"We thank God for their bravery and great competence and also for the generous support that is already at work in the local community," he said. "This is a time to remember we are a Diocesan family and join in giving that support."
The Bishop is currently working closely with parishes across the Diocese to establish ways in which people can donate funds to help victims of the fires.
Details of where to donate to the families and farmers affected by this week's terrifying Warrumbungle and Coonabarabran bushfires will be posted on our website as soon as they come to hand.
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
AFRICA : EGYPT : NEW PATRIARCH OF COPTIC CHRISTIANS APPROVED BY POPE BENEDICT XVI
Agenzia Fides REPORT - The Coptic Catholic
Church has a new Patriarch: Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak, 57, Bishop of the Eparchy of
Minya. The Synod of the Coptic Catholic Bishops, who gathered in Cairo from
January 12 to 16, received a letter of resignation for health reasons by
Patriarch Cardinal Antonios Naguib, and after a day of spiritual retreat,
proceeded to the election of his successor, who then received the Ecclesiastical
Communio granted by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.
Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak was born on August 19, 1955 in Beni-Cliker in the Eparchy of Assiut. He studied philosophy and theology at the Major Seminary in Maadi, Cairo, and was ordained a priest in February 1980. He continued his studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1988, obtained a licentiate in dogmatic Theology. He was a professor of dogmatic theology and then - from 1990 to 2000 – a rector of the same Seminary in Maadi where he was a student. He also held the role of Director of the Catechetical Office in Sakakini and in 2002 became pastor of the Catholic Coptic Cathedral in Cairo. In September of that same year, the Coptic Catholic Synod elected him bishop of the Eparchy of Minya. His episcopal ordination took place on 15 November 2002.
During the years of his episcopal ministry, the Diocese of Minya distinguished itself for the fervor of catechetical activity and the intensification of the social and charitable activities. In the villages of the diocesan territory, 12 training centers have been established and a program of integral development - health, economic, educational - in favor of farmers and poorer sections of the population, making no distinction between Christians and Muslims have been launched. In the diocese there are also 20 active Catholic schools. "Thanks to our faith in Jesus Christ and certain of our love for Egypt, we will never leave our land," said the then Bishop Sidrak to Apic Agency in an interview published last April. (GV) ( Agenzia Fides 18/01/2013).
Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak was born on August 19, 1955 in Beni-Cliker in the Eparchy of Assiut. He studied philosophy and theology at the Major Seminary in Maadi, Cairo, and was ordained a priest in February 1980. He continued his studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1988, obtained a licentiate in dogmatic Theology. He was a professor of dogmatic theology and then - from 1990 to 2000 – a rector of the same Seminary in Maadi where he was a student. He also held the role of Director of the Catechetical Office in Sakakini and in 2002 became pastor of the Catholic Coptic Cathedral in Cairo. In September of that same year, the Coptic Catholic Synod elected him bishop of the Eparchy of Minya. His episcopal ordination took place on 15 November 2002.
During the years of his episcopal ministry, the Diocese of Minya distinguished itself for the fervor of catechetical activity and the intensification of the social and charitable activities. In the villages of the diocesan territory, 12 training centers have been established and a program of integral development - health, economic, educational - in favor of farmers and poorer sections of the population, making no distinction between Christians and Muslims have been launched. In the diocese there are also 20 active Catholic schools. "Thanks to our faith in Jesus Christ and certain of our love for Egypt, we will never leave our land," said the then Bishop Sidrak to Apic Agency in an interview published last April. (GV) ( Agenzia Fides 18/01/2013).
ASIA : INDONESIA : THOUSANDS DISPLACED BY FLOODS - CATHOLIC AID
ASIA NEWS REPORT
by Mathias Hariyadi
Governor Jokowi launches state of emergency and an appeal to raise funds for flood victims. The toll is 11 dead and thousands displaced. Rice, water and basic necessities sent from archdiocese of the capital, which operates as a center for collecting and sorting. Faithful respond "enthusiastically" to the call by the priests.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesian Catholics are responding to appeals from the civil authorities in Jakarta, with a collection of goods and basic necessities for the displaced due to heavy floods in the capital (see AsiaNews 17/01 / 13 Jakarta paralysed by heavy flooding and traffic congestion). Yesterday, the governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo declared a "state of emergency", launching a formal request for aid; a quarter of the capital is flooded and, according to local sources, the wall of water in some places has reached four meters high. The toll so far is 11 dead, with tens of thousands of people left homeless. The areas most affected is Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta, crossed by the river Ciliwung, which burst its banks and is one of the main causes of flooding.
Many voluntary groups, activist organizations and ordinary citizens, including Catholics have responded to the appeal launched by the authorities. In the Kampung Melayu, the parish of St. Anthony in Bidara Cina opened its doors to people of all religions, hosting many refugees and offering them shelter. The Church initiative was joined by different groups of the faithful who have managed to collect food, drinking water and items for personal hygiene.
In Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, Catholics are a small minority of about 7 million people, equivalent to 3% of the total population. In the Archdiocese of Jakarta, the faithful amount to 3.6% of the population. The constitution provides for freedom of religion, but the community is often the victim of acts of violence and abuse, especially in areas where an extremist view of Islam is more entrenched, as in Aceh. However, as in this instance, they are an active part in society and contribute to the development of the nation or aid work during emergencies.
Among the many examples of solidarity is an initiative launched by Catholic lay woman Theresa Rita, from parish of St. Joseph in Matraman, who responded "enthusiastically" to the call of the priests of the capital. Using smartphones and social networks, the woman set up a mailing list, sending out an appeal for the collection of so-called " nasi bungkus", small bags containing rice and water. The generosity of the people has resulted in thousands of these small parcels, even from other dioceses of the archipelago.
In Bogor, in fact, a fundraiser was held sponsored by Suparman Surjadi and his wife Linda Nurtjahja, a doctor by profession, and Ingrid Barata, among all the faithful of the parish of St. Francis Xavier. "We immediately received millions in donations," Surjadi told AsiaNews "sent by many Catholics who wished to support our mission." The goods collected are allocated to the committee for social activities of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, which acts as a clearinghouse. The Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI) also actively contributes to the aid work, to alleviate the suffering of the people in the capital paralyzed by floods.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
PART 1 - HTTP://JCEWORLD.BLOGSPOT.CA/2013/01/CATHOLIC-MOVIES-WATCH-BELLS-OF-ST-MARYS.HTML
PART 2 - http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2013/01/catholic-movies-watch-bells-of-st-marys_11.html
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/stsebastian.asp#ixzz1k0rAyfDJ
by Mathias Hariyadi
Governor Jokowi launches state of emergency and an appeal to raise funds for flood victims. The toll is 11 dead and thousands displaced. Rice, water and basic necessities sent from archdiocese of the capital, which operates as a center for collecting and sorting. Faithful respond "enthusiastically" to the call by the priests.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesian Catholics are responding to appeals from the civil authorities in Jakarta, with a collection of goods and basic necessities for the displaced due to heavy floods in the capital (see AsiaNews 17/01 / 13 Jakarta paralysed by heavy flooding and traffic congestion). Yesterday, the governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo declared a "state of emergency", launching a formal request for aid; a quarter of the capital is flooded and, according to local sources, the wall of water in some places has reached four meters high. The toll so far is 11 dead, with tens of thousands of people left homeless. The areas most affected is Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta, crossed by the river Ciliwung, which burst its banks and is one of the main causes of flooding.
Many voluntary groups, activist organizations and ordinary citizens, including Catholics have responded to the appeal launched by the authorities. In the Kampung Melayu, the parish of St. Anthony in Bidara Cina opened its doors to people of all religions, hosting many refugees and offering them shelter. The Church initiative was joined by different groups of the faithful who have managed to collect food, drinking water and items for personal hygiene.
In Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, Catholics are a small minority of about 7 million people, equivalent to 3% of the total population. In the Archdiocese of Jakarta, the faithful amount to 3.6% of the population. The constitution provides for freedom of religion, but the community is often the victim of acts of violence and abuse, especially in areas where an extremist view of Islam is more entrenched, as in Aceh. However, as in this instance, they are an active part in society and contribute to the development of the nation or aid work during emergencies.
Among the many examples of solidarity is an initiative launched by Catholic lay woman Theresa Rita, from parish of St. Joseph in Matraman, who responded "enthusiastically" to the call of the priests of the capital. Using smartphones and social networks, the woman set up a mailing list, sending out an appeal for the collection of so-called " nasi bungkus", small bags containing rice and water. The generosity of the people has resulted in thousands of these small parcels, even from other dioceses of the archipelago.
In Bogor, in fact, a fundraiser was held sponsored by Suparman Surjadi and his wife Linda Nurtjahja, a doctor by profession, and Ingrid Barata, among all the faithful of the parish of St. Francis Xavier. "We immediately received millions in donations," Surjadi told AsiaNews "sent by many Catholics who wished to support our mission." The goods collected are allocated to the committee for social activities of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, which acts as a clearinghouse. The Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI) also actively contributes to the aid work, to alleviate the suffering of the people in the capital paralyzed by floods.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
CATHOLIC MOVIES - WATCH BELLS OF ST. MARY'S - PART 11
IN HONOR OF THE YEAR OF FAITH - JCE NEWS WILL BE SHOWING SOME OF THE TOP CATHOLIC MOVIES OF ALL TIME. TUNE IN TOMORROW FOR THE NEXT PART OF THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S -
PART 1 - HTTP://JCEWORLD.BLOGSPOT.CA/2013/01/CATHOLIC-MOVIES-WATCH-BELLS-OF-ST-MARYS.HTML
PART 2 - http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2013/01/catholic-movies-watch-bells-of-st-marys_11.html
PART 3 - http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2013/01/catholic-movies-watch-bells-of-st-marys_12.html
PART 4 - http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2013/01/catholic-movies-watch-bells-of-st-marys_13.html
PART 4 - http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2013/01/catholic-movies-watch-bells-of-st-marys_13.html
SUNDAY MASS ONLINE : SUN. JAN. 20, 2013 - 2ND ORD. TIME
| Isaiah 62: 1 - 5
| |
| 1 | For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. |
| 2 | The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will give. |
| 3 | You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. |
| 4 | You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My delight is in her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. |
| 5 | For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. |
| Psalms 96: 1 - 3, 7 -
10
| |
| 1 | O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! |
| 2 | Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. |
| 3 | Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! |
| 7 | Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! |
| 8 | Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! |
| 9 | Worship the LORD in holy array; tremble before him, all the earth! |
| 10 | Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yea, the world is established, it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity." |
| 1 Corinthians 12: 4 -
11
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| 4 | Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 | To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 | To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 | All these are inspired by
one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 20, 2013 - 2nd Sun Ordinary Time
TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 20 : ST. SEBASTIAN
St. Sebastian
MARTYR
Feast: January 20
 Information:
|
|
St Sebastian was born at Narbonne, in Gaul, but his parents
were of Milan, in Italy, and he was brought up in that city. He was a fervent
servant of Christ, and though his natural inclinations gave him an aversion to a
military life, yet to be better able, without suspicion, to assist the
confessors and martyrs in their sufferings, he went to Rome and entered the army
under the emperor Carinus about the year 283. It happened that the martyrs,
Marcus and Marcellianus, under sentence of death, appeared in danger of being
shaken in their faith by the tears of their friends: Sebastian—seeing this,
steps in and made them a long exhortation to constancy, which he delivered with
the holy fire that strongly affected all his hearers. Zoe, the wife of
Nicostratus, having for six years lost the use of speech by a palsy in her
tongue, fell at his feet, and spoke distinctly; by the saint making the sign of
the cross on her mouth. She, with her husband Nicostratus, who was master of the
rolls, the parents of Marcus and Marcellianus, the jailer Claudius, and sixteen
other prisoners, were converted; and Nicostratus, who had charge of the
prisoners, took them to his own house, where Polycarp, a holy priest, instructed
and baptized them. Chromatius, governor of Rome, being informed of this, and
that Tranquillinus, the father of SS. Marcus and Marcellianus, had been cured of
the gout by receiving baptism, desired to be instructed in the faith, being
himself grievously afflicted with the same distemper. Accordingly, having sent
for Sebastian, he was cured by him, and baptized with his son Tiburtius. He then
enlarged the converted prisoners, made his slaves free, and resigned his
prefectship.
Chromatius, with the emperor's consent, retired into the
country in Campania, taking many new converts along with him. It was a contest
of zeal, out of a mutual desire of martyrdom, between St. Sebastian and the
priest Polycarp, which of them should accompany this troop, to complete their
instruction, and which should remain in the city to encourage and assist the
martyrs, which latter was the more dangerous province. St. Austin wished to see
such contests of charity amongst the ministers of the church. Pope Caius, who
was appealed to, judged it most proper that Sebastian should stay in Rome as a
defender of the church. In the year 286, the persecution growing hot, the pope
and others concealed themselves in the imperial palace, as a place of the
greatest safety, in the apartments of one Castulus, a Christian officer of the
court. St. Zoe was first apprehended, praying at St. Peter's tomb on the feast
of the apostles. She was stifled with smoke, being hung by the heels over a
fire. Tranquillinus, ashamed to be less courageous than a woman, went to pray at
the tomb of St. Paul, and was seized by the populace and stoned to death.
Nicostratus, Claudius, Castorius, and Victorinus were taken, and, after having
been thrice tortured, were thrown into the sea. Tiburtius, betrayed by a false
brother, was beheaded. Castulus, accused by the same wretch, was thrice put on
the rack, and afterwards buried alive. Marcus and Marcellianus were nailed by
the feet to a post, and having remained in that torment twenty-four hours, were
shot to death by arrows.
St. Sebastian, having sent so many martyrs to heaven before
him, was himself impeached before the Emperor Diocletian, who, having grievously
reproached him with ingratitude, delivered him over to certain archers of
Mauritania, to be shot to death. His body was covered with arrows, and he left
for dead. Irene, the widow of St. Castulus, going to bury him, found him still
alive, and took him to her lodgings, where, by care, he recovered of his wounds,
but refused to flee, and even placed himself one day by a staircase where the
emperor was to pass, whom he first accosted, reproaching him for his unjust
cruelties against the Christians. This freedom of speech, and from a person,
too, whom he supposed to have been dead, greatly astonished the emperor; but,
recovering from his surprise, he gave orders for his being seized and beat to
death with cudgels, and his body thrown into the common sewer. A pious lady,
called Lucina, admonished by the martyr in a vision, got it privately removed,
and buried it in the catacombs at the entrance of the cemetery of Calixtus. A
church was afterwards built over his relics by Pope Damasus, which is one of the
seven ancient stationary churches at Rome, but not one of the seven principal
churches of that city, as some moderns mistake; it neither being one of the five
patriarchal churches, nor one of the seventy-two old churches which give titles
to cardinals. Vandelbert,
St. Ado, Eginard, Sigebert, and other contemporary authors
relate that, in the reign of Louis Debonnair, Pope Eugenius II gave the body of
St. Sebastian to Hilduin, Abbot of St. Denys, who brought it into France, and it
was deposited at St. Medard's, at Soissons, on the 8th of December, in 826 With
it is said to have been brought a considerable portion of the relics of St.
Gregory the Great. The rich shrines of SS. Sebastian, Gregory, and Medard were
plundered by the Calvinists in 1564, and the sacred bones thrown into a ditch,
in which there was water. Upon the declaration of two eye-witnesses, they were
afterwards found by the Catholics, and in 1578 enclosed in three new shrines,
though the bones of the three saints could not be distinguished from each other.
The head of this martyr, which was given to St. Willibrord by Pope Sergius, is
kept at Esternach, in the duchy of Luxemburg. Portions of his relics are shown
in the cathedral at St. Victor's; the Theatins and Minims at Paris; in four
churches at Mantua; at Malacca, Seville, Toulouse; Munich in the ducal palace;
Tournay in the cathedral; Antwerp in the Church of the Jesuits; and at Brussels
in the chapel of the court, not at St. Gudule's, as some have mistaken. St.
Sebastian has been always honoured by the church as one of her most illustrious
martyrs. We read in Paul the deacon in what manner, in the year 680, Rome was
freed from a raging pestilence by the patronage of this saint. Milan in 1575,
Lisbon in 1599, and other places, have experienced in like calamities the
effects of his intercession with God in their
behalf.
|
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/stsebastian.asp#ixzz1k0rAyfDJ
2013
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/F/stfabian.asp#ixzz1k0qyhie5
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/C/blcyprianmichaeliwenetansi.asp#ixzz1k0qnMljp
TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 20 : ST. FABIAN POPE
St. Fabian
POPE, MARTYR
Feast: January 20
 Information:
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He succeeded St. Anterus in the pontificate in the year 236.
Eusebius relates that in an assembly of the people and clergy, held for the
election of a pastor in his room, a dove, unexpectedly appearing, settled, to
the great surprise of all present, on the head of St. Fabian, and that this
miraculous sign united the votes of the clergy and people in promoting him,
though not thought of before, as being a layman and a stranger. He governed the
church sixteen years, sent St. Dionysius and other preachers into Gaul, and
condemned Privatus, a broacher of a new heresy in Africa, as appears from St.
Cyprian. St. Fabian died a glorious martyr in the persecution of Decius, in 250,
as St. Cyprian and St. Jerome witness. The former, writing to his successor, St.
Cornelius, calls him an incomparable man, and says that the glory of his death
had answered the purity and holiness of his life.
The saints made God, and the accomplishment of his holy
will, the great object of all their petitions in their prayers, and their only
aim in all their actions. "God," says St. Austin,[3] "in his promises to hear
our prayers, is desirous to bestow himself upon us; if you find any thing better
than him, ask it, but if you ask any thing beneath him, you put an affront upon
him, and hurt yourself by preferring to him a creature which he framed: pray in
the spirit and sentiment of love, in which the royal prophet said to him, 'Thou,
O Lord, art my portion.'[4] Let others choose to themselves portions among
creatures; for my part, Thou are my portion, Thee alone I have chosen for my
whole inheritance."
(Taken from Lives of the Saints, by Alban
Butler)
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SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/F/stfabian.asp#ixzz1k0qyhie5
TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 20 : BL. CYPRIAN MICHAEL TANSI
Bl. Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi
PRIEST
Feast: January 20
 Information:
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Bl. Cyprian Michael Iwene
Tansi was born in 1903 in Igboezunu, at the edge of: the forest near the ancient
city of Aguleri in southern Nigeria. His parents, Tabansi and Ejikwevi, were
Igbo farmers who practised the "traditional religion" and gave him the name
Iwene at birth. In 1909 he was sent to the Christian village of Nduka, where he
was baptized three years later by Irish missionaries and given the name Michael.
His peers described him as studious and very demanding with himself, with a
precocious personality and deep piety. At the age of 16 he received his first
school leaving certificate, which qualified him for teaching. He taught at Holy
Trinity Primary School in Onitsha for three years and served for a year as
headmaster at St Joseph School in Aguleri. In 1925, against the wishes of his
family, he entered St Paul's Seminary in Igbariam. After finishing his
philosophical and theological studies, he was ordained a priest in the cathedral
of Onitsha on 19 December 1937 by the missionary Bishop Charles Heerey. The
second indigenous priest of Onitsha and the first in the Aguleri region, he
began his pastoral ministry in the parish of Nnewi. In 1939 he was appointed
parish priest of Dunukofia (Umudioka region), where he courageously tackled
immoral customs and destroyed the harmful myth of the "cursed forest", which
weighed heavily on the peace of consciences and families. To combat premarital
cohabitation, he set up marriage preparation centres where girls and young women
could be sheltered and receive Christian formation. For the moral education of
young people he also established the League of Mary, with remarkable success. On
foot or bicycle, Fr Tansi went from village to village preaching, catechizing
and setting up prayer centres that eventually became parishes. He spent hours
and hours hearing confessions, even until late at night. His zeal, shining
example and life of prayer and penance transformed the people into a true
Christian community resulting in so many vocations to the priesthood and
religious life that his parish held the diocesan record. The same energy
characterized his years as parish priest of Akpu, where he served from 1945
until his transfer to Aguleri in 1949. On an unspecified date between 1949 and
1950, during a priests' day of recollection, Bishop Heerey expressed the desire
that one of his priests would embrace the monastic life so that he could later
establish a contemplative monastery in his Diocese. Fr Tansi immediately said he
was willing. Bishop Heerey contacted the Trappist Abbey of Mount St Bernard in
Leicestershire, England, which was willing to receive him for a trial period as
an oblate. In the summer of 1950 he led his parishioners on a pilgrimage to Rome
for the Holy Year and left from there for Mount St Bernard. After two and a half
years as an oblate, he was admitted to the novitiate on the vigil of the
Immaculate Conception, taking the name Cyprian. One year later he took his
simple vows and was solemnly professed on 8 December 1956. For the next seven
years he lived a hidden life of prayer and work, humility and obedience, in
faithful and generous observance of the Cistercian rule. In 1963, after 13 years
of valuable experience as a Trappist, the time now seemed ripe for establishing
a monastery in Nigeria. However, political tensions led his superiors to choose
neighbouring Cameroon for the foundation instead. This was a hard blow for Fr
Cyprian, who had been appointed novice master for the African monastery. It was
the only time in 13 years of monastic life that he ever lost his temper, but he
quickly regained control and accepted God's will with supernatural heroism. In
January 1964 he began experiencing intense pain in one of his legs. Diagnosed as
having thrombosis, the following morning he was found unconscious and was taken
to the Royal Infirmary of Leicester, where examination revealed an aortic
aneurysm. He died the following morning, 20 January 1964. He was buried at Mount
St Bernard on 22 January. Present for the funeral liturgy were several Nigerian
priests living in London, including his spiritual son, Fr Francis Arinze, the
future Archbishop of Onitsha, Cardinal and President of the Pontifical Council
for Inter-religious Dialogue. His body was exhumed in 1988 and reburied in the
priests' cemetery near the cathedral of Onitsha, where he had been ordained a
priest 51 years earlier. After the beatification ceremonies, his remains will be
buried in the parish church of his native village,
Aguieri. |
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/C/blcyprianmichaeliwenetansi.asp#ixzz1k0qnMljp
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