2013
Radio Vaticana: September 18, 2013 - Pope Francis held his weekly general audience on Wednesday. The public meeting is an occasion for pilgrims and tourists visiting Rome to be able see and hear the Pope, and also receive his blessing. The general audience of Sept. 18 was held in the open, in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square. It began with aides reading a passage from Psalm 84 in several languages.
Basing himself on the scripture passage, Pope Francis delivered his main discourse in Italian - summaries of which were read out by aides in various languages, including in English. But first, the aide greeted the Pope on behalf of the English-speaking pilgrims.
… Dear Brothers and Sisters: today I wish to return to the image of the Church as our Mother, by reflecting on all that our earthly mothers do, live and suffer for their children. First, our mothers show us, through their tenderness and love, the correct path to follow in life, so that we may grow into adulthood. So too the Church orients us on the path of life, indicating the way that leads to maturity. Second, our mothers know how and when to accompany us with understanding through life and to help lead us back when we wonder off the right path. The Church also accompanies us in mercy, in understanding, never judging us or closing the door, but offering forgiveness to help us return to the right course. Third, as our mothers never grow tired of interceding for us, no matter our failings, so too the Church stays with us always and, through prayer, puts into the hands of the Lord all our situations, difficulties and needs. And so we see in the Church a good Mother who indicates the path to walk in life, who always accompanies us in patience, mercy and understanding, and who places us in God’s hands.
Besides his catechesis, Pope Francis also greeted the various language groups mostly in Italian.
… I offer an affectionate greeting to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Audience. In a particular way, I welcome the Inter-Ministerial Delegation of the Vietnamese Government for Religious Affairs. I welcome also all those from England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, India, Canada and the United States. May Jesus Christ confirm you in faith and make you witnesses of his love and mercy to all people. May God bless you! (BLESSING)
Shared from Radio Vaticana
Basing himself on the scripture passage, Pope Francis delivered his main discourse in Italian - summaries of which were read out by aides in various languages, including in English. But first, the aide greeted the Pope on behalf of the English-speaking pilgrims.
… Dear Brothers and Sisters: today I wish to return to the image of the Church as our Mother, by reflecting on all that our earthly mothers do, live and suffer for their children. First, our mothers show us, through their tenderness and love, the correct path to follow in life, so that we may grow into adulthood. So too the Church orients us on the path of life, indicating the way that leads to maturity. Second, our mothers know how and when to accompany us with understanding through life and to help lead us back when we wonder off the right path. The Church also accompanies us in mercy, in understanding, never judging us or closing the door, but offering forgiveness to help us return to the right course. Third, as our mothers never grow tired of interceding for us, no matter our failings, so too the Church stays with us always and, through prayer, puts into the hands of the Lord all our situations, difficulties and needs. And so we see in the Church a good Mother who indicates the path to walk in life, who always accompanies us in patience, mercy and understanding, and who places us in God’s hands.
Besides his catechesis, Pope Francis also greeted the various language groups mostly in Italian.
… I offer an affectionate greeting to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Audience. In a particular way, I welcome the Inter-Ministerial Delegation of the Vietnamese Government for Religious Affairs. I welcome also all those from England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, India, Canada and the United States. May Jesus Christ confirm you in faith and make you witnesses of his love and mercy to all people. May God bless you! (BLESSING)
Shared from Radio Vaticana
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
CATHOLIC PRIEST ATTACKED WITH ACID IN ZANZIBAR AFRICA
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IND. CATH. NEWS REPORT: An elderly Catholic priest was attacked with acid in Zanzibar last Friday. The incident, which is the latest in a series of assaults on churches and religious leaders in the semi-autonomous archipelago, highlights a worrying deterioration in freedom of religion in Tanzania.
Father Anselm Mwang’amba was attacked as he left an internet cafe in the historic Stone Town area of the Zanzibar capital, and is currently hospitalised with severe burns to the face, neck and hands. According to a local report, while inside the cafe Fr Mwang’amba received a call from an unknown number and was doused with acid as he exited to answer his telephone.
The assault on Fr Mwang’amba is the fourth major attack on a Christian leader in Zanzibar since December 2012, when a Catholic priest was wounded by unknown gunmen. Muslim leaders have also been attacked. In November 2012 Fadhil Suleiman Soraga, Secretary of the Chief Mufti of Zanzibar, was shot by unknown assailants with a jet of acid.
Fr Evarist Mushi, while At Christmas a Catholic priest, Ambrose Mkenda was seriously wounded in an ambush and some churches were burned. In February 2013, the murder of a Protestant pastor was followed a week later by the killing of a Catholic priest. In August, two British 18 year olds who did volunteer work in a school, were killed in a similar attack.
In addition, at least 20 churches have been looted and either burnt or demolished, allegedly by supporters of the separatist religious movement Uamsho (Awakening).
Perpetrators of religious violence are never brought to trial even when identified or caught in the act, and police investigations are generally extended indefinitely.
In a comment to CSW on the attack on Fr Mwang’amba a local Christian who preferred to remain anonymous said: "We are asking the international community to intervene in this issue. Christians do not have any protection. In this environment we live in so much fear of what will happen to whom tomorrow."
Daniel Sinclair, Communications Director at CSW said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr Mwang’amba, who we wish a speedy recovery. These threats and attacks targeting church leaders and church buildings are in violation of the Tanzanian constitution, which provides for freedom of religion or belief. If left unchecked, religious violence will ultimately undermine national cohesion.
CSW calls upon the Tanzanian authorities to take decisive action to tackle rising extremism and prevent impunity from taking hold in any part of the country. It is vital that the Government of Zanzibar effectively addresses attacks on the local Christian community, offers protection to all who are under threat, adequately compensates churches that have been looted or demolished, and ensures that inciters and perpetrators of religion-related violence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The President of Zanzibar, Ali Mohammed Shein has condemned the attack and promised he will do everything possible to stop what he called "a criminal network" responsible for the recent attacks with acid. "We cannot live in constant fear of individuals out of control that use acid as a weapon" Shein reiterated while visiting the priest in the hospital in Zanzibar where he was initially admitted.
The island's authorities have offered a reward of $ 6,000 to anyone who provides information to arrest the perpetrators of acts of this nature.
The Catholic Church has repeatedly denounced the climate of intimidation against Christians and propaganda of those who incite religious clashes.
Source: Fides/CSW
SHARED FROM IND. CATH. NEWS
SOLEMN MEMORIAL MASS FOR UNBORN WITH CARDINAL PELL IN AUSTRALIA
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
16 Sep 2013
16 Sep 2013
The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell celebrated the Memorial Mass for the Unborn at St Mary's Cathedral.
Eighty two candles symbolising the 82 lives lost to abortion each day across New South Wales were carried in solemn procession to commemorate lives lost to abortion at the annual Memorial Mass for the Unborn which was held at St Mary's Cathedral on Friday, 13 September.
Almost 1000 gathered for this very special Mass which was celebrated by the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell and priests from the Archdiocese.
"Each candle represents one tragic story drawn from an all too often indifferent and uncaring society in which a woman's capacity to bear life is seen as a problem and a burden. But the light that will burn for these children is also a sign of the eternal light of God's mercy that will shine on them," His Eminence told those present when he delivered his homily.
An initiative of Cardinal Pell, the Memorial Mass for the Unborn was inspired by the Requiem Mass for the Unborn held each year by the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Invited to concelebrate the Requiem Mass for the Unborn by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Most Rev Jose Gomez in January 2011, Cardinal Pell recognised the need for a similar Memorial Mass for the Unborn here in Australia.
Students from Sydney's Catholic schools carried candles representing the 82 unborn babies lost to abortion each day in NSW
Sydney's inaugural Memorial Mass for the Unborn was held at St Mary's Cathedral on September 14 2012 when more than 700 joined in solidarity to commemorate the tragic loss of life through abortion and to give those whose lives have been affected by abortion an opportunity to grieve and to heal.
This year even more people attended the Memorial Mass for the Unborn.
"This year's Mass was a very beautiful, solemn and respectful ceremony which I hope brought as much solace and comfort to others as it brought me," one first time attendee said as she watched the 82 lighted candles carried from the Cathedral and placed outside on the Western steps.
The candles were arranged to form a cross which continued to shine throughout the night as a poignant public memorial to the unborn and all those who had lost their lives as the result of abortion.
The cross formed by the 82 candles on the steps of St Mary's Cathedral served as a poignant public memorial to the unborn
"Every life matters," says Chris Meney, Director of the Archdiocese of Sydney's Life, Marriage and Family Centre which organised Friday's Memorial Mass for the Unborn and firmly believes as a society we need to do more to support vulnerable women in challenging circumstances.
"Given the nature of abortion and its terrible effects on so many, the government needs to be pro-active in finding out the reasons why so many mothers feel compelled to choose abortion and the termination of a precious new life as their only option," he says.
Support for women during pregnancy can be found at Pregnancy Help Australia on 1800 792 798 or at www.pregnancysupport.com.au
Post-abortion healing is available through the confidential healing ministry, Rachel's Vineyard. To contact Rachel's Vineyard call 0400 092 555 or go to www.rachelsvineyard.org.
Post-abortion healing is available through the confidential healing ministry, Rachel's Vineyard. To contact Rachel's Vineyard call 0400 092 555 or go to www.rachelsvineyard.org.
Shared from Archdiocese of Sydney
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : WED. SEPT. 18, 2013
Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 445
Reading 1 1 TM 3:14-16
Beloved:
I am writing you,
although I hope to visit you soon.
But if I should be delayed,
you should know how to behave in the household of God,
which is the Church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of truth.
Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion,
Who was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed to the Gentiles,
believed in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.
I am writing you,
although I hope to visit you soon.
But if I should be delayed,
you should know how to behave in the household of God,
which is the Church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of truth.
Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion,
Who was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed to the Gentiles,
believed in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.
Responsorial Psalm PS 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R. (2) How great are the works of the Lord!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
Gospel LK 7:31-35
Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?
What are they like?
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.
We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine,
and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?
What are they like?
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.
We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine,
and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
TODAY'S SAINT: SEPT. 18: ST. JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO
St. Joseph of CupertinoMYSTIC
Feast: September 18
Information:
Feast Day:
September 18
Born:
June 17, 1603, Copertino, Puglia, Kingdom of Naples
Died:
September 18, 1663, Osimo, Marche, Papal States
Canonized:
July 16, 1767, Rome by Pope Clement XIII
Patron of:
Aviation, astronauts, mental handicaps, test taking, students
Mystic, born 17 June, 1603; died at Osimo 18 September, 1663; feast, 18 September. Joseph received his surname from Cupertino, a small village in the Diocese of Nardo, lying between Brindisi and Otranto in the Kingdom of Naples. His father Felice Desa, a poor carpenter, died before Joseph was born and left some debts, in consequence of which the creditors drove the mother, Francesca Panara, from her home, and she was obliged to give birth to her child in a stable. In his eighth year Joseph had an ecstatic vision while at school and this was renewed several times; so that the children, seeing him gape and stare on such occasions, lost to all things about him, gave him the sobriquet "Bocca Aperta". At the same time he had a hot and irascible temper which his strict mother strove hard to overcome. He was apprenticed to a shoemaker, but at the age of seventeen he tried to be admitted to the Friars Minor Conventuals and was refused on account of his ignorance. He then applied to the Capuchins at Martino near Tarento, where he was accepted as a lay-brother in 1620, but his continual ecstasies unfitted him for work and he was dismissed. His mother and his uncles abused him as a good-for-nothing, but Joseph did not lose hope. By his continued prayers and tears he succeeded in obtaining permission to work in the stable as lay help or oblate at the Franciscan convent of La Grotella near Cupertino. He now gave evidence of great virtues, humility, obedience, and love of penance to such an extent that he was admitted to the clerical state in 1625, and three years later, on 28 March he was raised to the priesthood. Joseph was but little versed in human knowledge, for his biographers relate that he was able to read but poorly, yet infused by knowledge and supernatural light he not only surpassed all ordinary men in the learning of the schools but could solve the most intricate questions.
His life was now one long succession of visions and other heavenly favours. Everything that in any way had reference to God or holy things would bring on an ecstatic state: the sound of a bell or of church music, the mention of the name of God or of the Blessed Virgin or of a saint, any event in the life of Christ, the sacred Passion, a holy picture, the thought of the glory in heaven, all would put Joseph into contemplation. Neither dragging him about, buffeting, piercing with needles, nor even burning his flesh with candles would have any effect on him - only the voice of his superior would make him obey. These conditions would occur at any time or place, especially at Mass or during Divine Service. Frequently he would be raised from his feet and remain suspended in the air. Besides he would at times hear heavenly music. Since such occurrences in public caused much admiration and also disturbance in a community, Joseph for thirty-five years was not allowed to attend choir, go to the common refectory, walk in procession or say Mass in church, but was ordered to remain in his room, where a private chapel was prepared for him. Evil-minded and envious men even brought him before the Inquisition, and he was sent from one lonely house of the Capuchins or Franciscans to another, but Joseph retained his resigned and joyous spirit, submitting confidently to Divine Providence. He practised mortification and fasting to such a degree, that he kept seven Lents of forty days each year, and during many of them tasted no food except on Thursdays and Sundays. His body is in the church at Osimo. He was beatified by Benedict XIV in 1753, and canonized 16 July 1767 by Clement XIII; Clement XIV extended his office to the entire Church. His life was written by Robert Nuti (Palermo, 1678). Angelo Pastrovicchi wrote another in 1773, and this is used by the Bollandist "Acta SS.", V, Sept., 992.
SOURCE: EWTN
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