2013
POPE FRANCIS LETTER TO PRESIDENT PUTIN OF RUSSIA FOR G20 SUMMIT
CHRISTIANS ATTACKED IN LAST VILLAGE THAT SPEAKS LANGUAGE OF CHRIST IN SYRIA
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has written a letter to President Vladimir Putin of Russia as he prepares to host this year's G20 summit in St. Petersburg.Below is the full text of the Pope's letter to President Putin.
To His Excellency
Mr Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation
"In the course of this year, you have the honour and the responsibility of presiding over the Group of the twenty largest economies in the world. I am aware that the Russian Federation has participated in this group from the moment of its inception and has always had a positive role to play in the promotion of good governance of the world’s finances, which have been deeply affected by the crisis of 2008.
In today’s highly interdependent context, a global financial framework with its own just and clear rules is required in order to achieve a more equitable and fraternal world, in which it is possible to overcome hunger, ensure decent employment and housing for all, as well as essential healthcare. Your presidency of the G20 this year has committed itself to consolidating the reform of the international financial organizations and to achieving a consensus on financial standards suited to today’s circumstances. However, the world economy will only develop if it allows a dignified way of life for all human beings, from the eldest to the unborn child, not just for citizens of the G20 member states but for every inhabitant of the earth, even those in extreme social situations or in the remotest places.
From this standpoint, it is clear that, for the world’s peoples, armed conflicts are always a deliberate negation of international harmony, and create profound divisions and deep wounds which require many years to heal. Wars are a concrete refusal to pursue the great economic and social goals that the international community has set itself, as seen, for example, in the Millennium Development Goals. Unfortunately, the many armed conflicts which continue to afflict the world today present us daily with dramatic images of misery, hunger, illness and death. Without peace, there can be no form of economic development. Violence never begets peace, the necessary condition for development.
The meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the twenty most powerful economies, with two-thirds of the world’s population and ninety per cent of global GDP, does not have international security as its principal purpose. Nevertheless, the meeting will surely not forget the situation in the Middle East and particularly in Syria. It is regrettable that, from the very beginning of the conflict in Syria, one-sided interests have prevailed and in fact hindered the search for a solution that would have avoided the senseless massacre now unfolding. The leaders of the G20 cannot remain indifferent to the dramatic situation of the beloved Syrian people which has lasted far too long, and even risks bringing greater suffering to a region bitterly tested by strife and needful of peace. To the leaders present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution. Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation of the parties, unanimously supported by the international community. Moreover, all governments have the moral duty to do everything possible to ensure humanitarian assistance to those suffering because of the conflict, both within and beyond the country’s borders.
Mr President, in the hope that these thoughts may be a valid spiritual contribution to your meeting, I pray for the successful outcome of the G20’s work on this occasion. I invoke an abundance of blessings upon the Summit in Saint Petersburg, upon the participants and the citizens of the member states, and upon the work and efforts of the 2013 Russian Presidency of the G20.
While requesting your prayers, I take this opportunity to assure you, Mr President, of my highest consideration."
From the Vatican, 4 September 2013
(Signed)
Francis
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
2013
CHRISTIANS ATTACKED IN LAST VILLAGE THAT SPEAKS LANGUAGE OF CHRIST IN SYRIA
ASIA NEWS REPORT
A village priest tells AsiaNews about the mayhem caused by Islamists. Of the more than 3,000 residents, only a few hundred remain in the village. By destroying "the cross, they want to send a clear message: it is now the turn of the Christians. Now anything can happen
Maaloula (AsiaNews) - Maaloula, the only village in the world where Aramaic from the time of Jesus is still spoken, is now deserted after an attack by Islamic extremists, who in recent days have started to destroy the village on behalf of the Free Syrian Army. Of the approximately 3 thousand residents, a few hundred have remained to guard their homes.
"This morning, the terrorists destroyed the crosses on the dome of the monastery of St Sergius," a local priest told AsiaNews on condition of anonymity (for security reasons). "Their act is a declaration of war against the Christian community. By removing the cross, they want to send a clear message: it is now the turn of the Christians. Now anything can happen."
The priest said that the rebels had been near the village for more than seven months, but only now started the war against the Christians (video).
"Last night," he said, "they tried to invade the village's neighborhoods, but withdrew. Our young people defended the houses but they are for peace, they are not warriors. Everyone is fleeing from Maaloula, because we can no longer live here. "
The priest slammed the Free Syrian Army, which has always denied links with al- Qaeda, for posting a video on YouTube showing militias defending the churches and Christians, pure propaganda in his view.
"The Free Army is free in name only. In fact, it has been a threat to Christians for a long time, saying repeatedly that sooner or later our turn would come."
What hurts the most, the priest said, is the presence of some Muslims from the village in the ranks of the Islamists.
"So far, most Muslims are with the Christians," he explained. "The sheikh condemned the attack saying that what is happening is against Islam: 'Violence cannot be carried out either in the name of Allah or Muhammad,' he said. Unfortunately, these fighters do not respect local Muslim leaders, who, like us, are powerless in the face of all this hate. "
Classified as a UNESCO heritage site, Maaloula is located some 40 km north of Damascus. The village is famous throughout the world as one of the symbols of Christianity in the Middle East.
It is home to the monastery of St Taqla (Thecla), inhabited by Orthodox nuns, and the convent of Mar Sarkis (St Sergius) run by Greek Catholic (Melkite) priests.
For centuries, both have been a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims.
Considered a symbol of religious coexistence, the village is the only place in the world where Aramaic is still spoken. (S.C.)
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
A village priest tells AsiaNews about the mayhem caused by Islamists. Of the more than 3,000 residents, only a few hundred remain in the village. By destroying "the cross, they want to send a clear message: it is now the turn of the Christians. Now anything can happen
Maaloula (AsiaNews) - Maaloula, the only village in the world where Aramaic from the time of Jesus is still spoken, is now deserted after an attack by Islamic extremists, who in recent days have started to destroy the village on behalf of the Free Syrian Army. Of the approximately 3 thousand residents, a few hundred have remained to guard their homes.
"This morning, the terrorists destroyed the crosses on the dome of the monastery of St Sergius," a local priest told AsiaNews on condition of anonymity (for security reasons). "Their act is a declaration of war against the Christian community. By removing the cross, they want to send a clear message: it is now the turn of the Christians. Now anything can happen."
The priest said that the rebels had been near the village for more than seven months, but only now started the war against the Christians (video).
"Last night," he said, "they tried to invade the village's neighborhoods, but withdrew. Our young people defended the houses but they are for peace, they are not warriors. Everyone is fleeing from Maaloula, because we can no longer live here. "
The priest slammed the Free Syrian Army, which has always denied links with al- Qaeda, for posting a video on YouTube showing militias defending the churches and Christians, pure propaganda in his view.
"The Free Army is free in name only. In fact, it has been a threat to Christians for a long time, saying repeatedly that sooner or later our turn would come."
What hurts the most, the priest said, is the presence of some Muslims from the village in the ranks of the Islamists.
"So far, most Muslims are with the Christians," he explained. "The sheikh condemned the attack saying that what is happening is against Islam: 'Violence cannot be carried out either in the name of Allah or Muhammad,' he said. Unfortunately, these fighters do not respect local Muslim leaders, who, like us, are powerless in the face of all this hate. "
Classified as a UNESCO heritage site, Maaloula is located some 40 km north of Damascus. The village is famous throughout the world as one of the symbols of Christianity in the Middle East.
It is home to the monastery of St Taqla (Thecla), inhabited by Orthodox nuns, and the convent of Mar Sarkis (St Sergius) run by Greek Catholic (Melkite) priests.
For centuries, both have been a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims.
Considered a symbol of religious coexistence, the village is the only place in the world where Aramaic is still spoken. (S.C.)
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
NOVENA FOR BIRTH OF VIRGIN MARY - DAY 8 - PLENARY INDULGENCE
To all faithful Christians who, in private or public, in church or in their own houses, shall keep any of the following Novenas, in preparation for the principal feasts of most holy Mary, Pope Pius VII., at the prayer of several holy persons, granted, by Rescripts issued through his Eminence the Cardinal-Vicar, Aug. 4 and Nov. 24, 1808, and Jan. 11, 1800 (all of which are kept in the Segretaria of the Vicariate) -i. An indulgence of 300 days, daily.ii. A plenary indulgence to all who shall assist at these Novenas every day, and who shall afterwards, either on the Feast-day itself, to which each Novena respectively has reference, or on some one day in its Octave, after Confession and Communion, pray to our Lord and to the Blessed Virgin ac cording to the pious intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF OUR LADY’S NATIVITY.
(Beginning Aug. 30.)
Veni Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende.
V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur.
R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.
Oremus.
Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti: da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de ejus semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen.
TRANSLATION.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast taught the hearts of Thy faithful people by the light of the Holy Spirit; grant us in the same Spirit to relish what is right, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
Most holy Mary, Elect One, predestined from all eternity by the Most Holy Trinity to be Mother of the only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, foretold by the Prophets, expected by the Patriarchs, desired by all nations, Sanctuary and living Temple of the Holy Ghost, Sun without stain, conceived free from original sin, Mistress of Heaven and of Earth, Queen of angels:- humbly prostrate at thy feet we give thee our homage, rejoicing that the year has brought round again the memory of thy most happy Nativity; and we pray thee with all our hearts to vouchsafe in thy goodness now to come down again and be reborn spiritually in our souls, that, led captive by thy loveliness and sweetness, they may ever live united to thy most sweet and loving heart.
i. So now whilst we say nine angelic salutations, we will direct our thoughts to the nine months which thou didst pass enclosed in thy mother’s womb; celebrating at the same time thy descent from the royal house of David, and how thou didst come forth to the light of heaven with high honour from the womb of holy Anna, thy most happy mother.
Ave Maria.
ii. We hail thee, heavenly Babe, white Dove of purity; who in spite of the serpent wast conceived free from original sin.
Ave Maria.
iii. We hail thee, bright Morn; who, forerunner of the Heavenly Sun of Justice, didst bring the first light to earth.
Ave Maria.
iv. We hail thee, Elect; who, like the untarnished Sun, didst burst forth in the dark night of sin.
Ave Maria.
v. We hail thee, beauteous Moon; who didst shed light upon a world wrapt in the darkness of idolatry.
Ave Maria.
vi. We hail thee, dread Warrior-Queen; who, in thyself a host, didst put to flight all hell.
Ave Maria.
vii. We hail thee, fair Soul of Mary; who from eternity wast possessed by God and God alone.
Ave Maria.
viii. We hail thee, dear Child, and we humbly venerate thy most holy infant body, the sacred swaddling-clothes wherewith they bound thee, the sacred crib wherein they laid thee, and we bless the hour and the day when thou wast born.
Ave Maria.
ix. We hail thee, much-loved Infant, adorned with every virtue immeasurably above all saints, and therefore worthy Mother of the Saviour of the world; who, having been made fruitful by the Holy Spirit, didst bring forth the Word Incarnate.
Ave Maria.
PRAYER
O most lovely Infant, who by thy holy birth hast comforted the world, made glad the heavens, struck terror into hell, brought help to the fallen, consolation to the sad, salvation to the weak, joy to all men living; we entreat thee, with the most fervent love and gratitude, to be spiritually reborn in our souls by means of thy most holy love; renew our spirits to thy service, rekindle in our hearts the fire of charity, bid all the virtues blossom there, that so we may find more and more favour in thy gracious eyes. Mary! be thou our Mary, and may we feel the saving power of thy sweetest name; may it ever be our comfort to call on that name in all our troubles; may it be our hope in dangers, our shield in temptation, and our last utterance in death. Sit nomen Mariae mel in ore, melos in aure, et jubilus in corde. Amen. Let the name of Mary be honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, joy in the heart. Amen.
V. Nativitas tua, Dei Genitrix Virgo.
R. Gaudium annuntiavit universo mundo.
Oremus.
Famulis tuis, quaesumus Domine, coelestis gratiae munus impertire: ut quibus Beata Virginis partus extitit salutis exordium, nativitatis ejus votiva solemnitas pacis tribuat incrementum.
Oremus.
Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti: da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de ejus semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen.
TRANSLATION.
V. Thy Nativity, O Virgin Mother of God.
R. Hath brought joy to the whole world.
Let us pray.
Grant to us Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace; that to all those for whom the delivery of the Blessed Virgin was the beginning of salvation, this her votive festival may give increase of peace. Through, &c.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast taught the hearts of Thy faithful people by the light of the Holy Spirit; grant us in the same Spirit to relish what is right, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : FRI. SEPT. 6, 2013
Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 435
Reading 1 COL 1:15-20
Brothers and sisters:
Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the Body, the Church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the Blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the Body, the Church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the Blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Responsorial Psalm PS 100:1B-2, 3, 4, 5
R. (2b) Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
For he is good,
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
For he is good,
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Gospel LK 5:33-39
The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus,
“The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers,
and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same;
but yours eat and drink.”
Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast
while the bridegroom is with them?
But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
then they will fast in those days.”
And he also told them a parable.
“No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one.
Otherwise, he will tear the new
and the piece from it will not match the old cloak.
Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins,
and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined.
Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.
And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new,
for he says, ‘The old is good.’”
“The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers,
and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same;
but yours eat and drink.”
Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast
while the bridegroom is with them?
But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
then they will fast in those days.”
And he also told them a parable.
“No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one.
Otherwise, he will tear the new
and the piece from it will not match the old cloak.
Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins,
and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined.
Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.
And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new,
for he says, ‘The old is good.’”
TODAY'S SAINT: SEPT. 6 : ST. DONATIAN
St. Donatian
MARTYR
Feast: September 6
Information: Feast Day: September 6
Martyr with Fusculus, Germanus, Laetus, Mansuetus, and Praesidius, duing the severe persecution of the orthodox Church in Africa by the Arian Vandals. All of the martyrs were bishops of northern Africa. Their martyrdom was precipitated by their opposition to the closing of churches by the Arian King Hunneric of the Vandals (r. 477-484). After being tortured, these bishops were abandoned in a desert, where they died of exposure. Laetus was burned to death.
source http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/D/stdonatian.asp
Feast: September 6
Information: Feast Day: September 6
Martyr with Fusculus, Germanus, Laetus, Mansuetus, and Praesidius, duing the severe persecution of the orthodox Church in Africa by the Arian Vandals. All of the martyrs were bishops of northern Africa. Their martyrdom was precipitated by their opposition to the closing of churches by the Arian King Hunneric of the Vandals (r. 477-484). After being tortured, these bishops were abandoned in a desert, where they died of exposure. Laetus was burned to death.
source http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/D/stdonatian.asp
POPE FRANCIS ANNOUNCES WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE IN SYRIA SEPT. 7
04 Sept. 2013:Pope Francis on Wednesday made a strong appeal again for peace in Syria, the Middle East and throughout the world by inviting the church worldwide to join him in fasting and prayer on Saturday, (Sept.7). The Holy Father renewed his appeal at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. The Pope had launched the appeal earlier on Sunday, ( 1st Sept ).
Speaking in Italian the Pope told thousands of pilgrims and tourists attending his general audience - “Next Saturday we will live together a special day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and the world. I renew the invitation to the whole Church to live intensely this day of fasting and prayer for peace. I express gratitude to the brethren of other religions, and to all men and women of goodwill, who wish to join in places and ways of their own, in this moment. I particularly urge our brothers and sisters in Rome and pilgrims to participate in the prayer vigil in St. Peter's Square Saturday at 7 p.m. to plead with the Lord for the great gift of peace.”
The Vatican has invited ambassadors accredited to the Holy See to attend a briefing on Thursday on the Pope’s agenda for a four-hour vigil Saturday night.
Source: Sedoc
Shared from Radio Vaticana
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