 VATICAN : FARM UNDER HEAVEN EXHIBITION AND PAPAL APPOINTMENTSTODAY'S MASS ONLINE : TUES. JAN. 15, 2013 A FARM UNDER HEAVEN IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE Vatican City, 15 January 2013 (VIS) – Thursday, 17 January?in celebration of the Feast of St. Anthony Abbot, patron and protector of animals?the Italian Association of Livestock Farmers (AIA) will hold its traditional exhibition of farm animals, "A Farm under Heaven", in front of St. Peter's Square. The day will officially begin with Mass for the farmers and their families to be celebrated in the Vatican Basilica at 10:30 a.m., presided by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, vicar general of His Holiness for Vatican City. This will be followed by the solemn blessing of a procession of horses and riders along Via della Conciliazione. Even from 9:00 a.m. on, however, in the Pio XII Square directly in front of the Bernini colonnade around St. Peter's Square, there will be an exhibit of the national agriculture and livestock association's production including cows, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. Just as in past years, pet owners are invited to bring their cats and dogs for a free check-up from veterinarians provided by the association. The tradition of celebrating St. Anthony Abbot's feastday, deeply rooted in the farming community, is very widespread in all of the Italian agricultural communities. In the words of the president of AIA, Nino Andena, "it is a moment of celebration that we want to share with others in order to testify to the active role of farmers and ranchers within society." |
| OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS Vatican City, 15 January 2013 (VIS) – Today the Holy Father appointed Bishop Desiderius Rwoma as bishop of Bukoba (area 8,608, population 876,350, Catholics 527,515, priests 128, religious 438),Tanzania. Bishop Rwoma, formerly bishop of Singida, Tanzania, was also named as apostolic administrator "sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of the Diocese of Singida. He succeeds Bishop Nestorius Timanywa of Bukoba, whose resignation from the pastoral care of that diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit. |
YEAR OF FAITH : EDUCATION IN THE NEW EVANGELIZATION
The Year of Faith has encouraged a broad acceptance of new types of evangelization. These include the utilization of various new media and technologies to facilitate communication. Specifically, the expanded diffusion of the faith in the world is encouraged via a plethora of new communication tools. It is precisely the broad universal dimension of these media that allow for a greater dissemination of teachings of the Church to the world. This is mindful of the words of Jesus: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt 28: 19).
In the field of university and college education,
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EUROPE : CHRISTIAN WEEK OF PRAYER FOR UNITY
IND. CATH. NEWS REPORT
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AUSTRALIA : BEAUTIFUL STATUES ON DISPLAY IN CATHEDRAL
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
14 Jan 2013
14 Jan 2013
Statues of Moses, St Mary Magdalene and the Apostles are now on display at St Mary's Cathedral
The specially-commissioned hand-carved and painted statues of the Apostles, Mary Magdalene, St Paul and the two great Prophets, Elijah and Moses are now on display in the Lady Chapel of St Mary's Cathedral.
The statues have been made possible thanks to the big-hearted generosity of 14 members of the Friends of St Mary's Cathedral together with a contribution from the Australian Catholic University as well as one from Damian Fogarty of LEDsafe, who provided the funds for the statue of St John the Baptist and who also provides the lighting for the Cathedral's much loved Outdoor Nativity each year.
The arrival of the statues which were created by the sculptors, carvers and painters at Talleres de Arte Granda, Spain's renowned ecclesiastical workshop, signals the realisation after more than 133 years of architect William Wardell's original vision for the high altar of St Mary's Cathedral.
"The 17 niches on the reredos behind the High Altar were always meant to be filled with statues," explains Father Paul Hilder, Dean of the Cathedral. "But other than the central niche, which contains a statue of Our Lady Help of Christians and dates back to the time of Wardell and Bishop Polding, the niches on either side have remained empty."
The statue of St John the Baptist (far right) was made possible by a donation from Damian Fogarty of LEDsafe lighting
No one is quite sure why the niches of the reredos behind the High Altar were never filled and one of the legends has it that the statues were ordered but went down with the ship carrying them from Europe to Australia.
Commissioned by the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell and made possible by donations from the Friends of the Cathedral, ACU and Damian Fogarty, the statues were unpacked on Friday last week and put on display in the Lady Chapel to enable Sydneysiders to have a close-up view of these beautiful works of art prior to their installation in the reredos at the end of the month.
Since his arrival in Sydney in 2001, the Cardinal has done much to realise Wardell and Bishop Polding's original vision for the Cathedral as well as instigating ongoing conservation, the repair, cleaning and restoration of both the exterior and interior of St Mary's as well as the renovation and restoration of the Cathedral's paintings, artefacts and sculptures.
Cardinal Pell has also commissioned and overseen some important additions to the Cathedral's collection of treasures including the altar triptych by British master sculptor Nigel Boonham and the superb statue of Australia's first Saint, Mary MacKillop and two of her pupils by Australian sculptor Louis Laumen which stands on the steps of the Cathedral's western transept.
The wooden statues of the Apostles, St Paul, Mary Magdalene, Elijah and Moses will remain in the Lady Chapel until after Australia Day on 27 January. They will then be installed in the ornate reredos behind the High Altar.
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
ASIA : SRI LANKA : OVER 500000 AFFECTED BY MONSOON FLOODS
ASIA NEWS REPORT
by Melani Manel Perera
The most serious damage is reported in the Eastern Province and the Northern Province. At the moment, the Church and local NGOs distribute aid in the 71 government refugee camps. More than 5,370 homes destroyed.
Colombo (AsiaNews) - At least 503,406 people from 137,019 families have been affected by monsoon floods and landslides in Sri Lanka over the past month. According to data from the Meteorology Department and Disaster Management Centre (DMC), more than 5,370 houses were destroyed while 33,571 were dpartially amaged. So far, the death toll stands at 52 dead and eight missing.
To date the government has set up 71 camps for 7,409 people (1,970 families in total). To help the displaced, the Church, local NGOs and aid associations are distributing dry rations and cooked meals.
The worst affected area is that of the Eastern Province, with 404,930 persons (109,632 families in total) because it is most exposed to torrential rains. 10 refugee camps have been set up there. In the Northern Province, more than 83,080 persons belonging to 23,122 families have been affected by the monsoon. Many of them have found refuge in 12 evacuation centers set up by the government.
According to the DMC, in the coming days flooding could also affect the Central and Southern Provinces.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
by Melani Manel Perera
The most serious damage is reported in the Eastern Province and the Northern Province. At the moment, the Church and local NGOs distribute aid in the 71 government refugee camps. More than 5,370 homes destroyed.
_0115_-_Danni_alluvioni.jpg)
Colombo (AsiaNews) - At least 503,406 people from 137,019 families have been affected by monsoon floods and landslides in Sri Lanka over the past month. According to data from the Meteorology Department and Disaster Management Centre (DMC), more than 5,370 houses were destroyed while 33,571 were dpartially amaged. So far, the death toll stands at 52 dead and eight missing.
To date the government has set up 71 camps for 7,409 people (1,970 families in total). To help the displaced, the Church, local NGOs and aid associations are distributing dry rations and cooked meals.
The worst affected area is that of the Eastern Province, with 404,930 persons (109,632 families in total) because it is most exposed to torrential rains. 10 refugee camps have been set up there. In the Northern Province, more than 83,080 persons belonging to 23,122 families have been affected by the monsoon. Many of them have found refuge in 12 evacuation centers set up by the government.
According to the DMC, in the coming days flooding could also affect the Central and Southern Provinces.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
AMERICA : ECUADOR : BISHOPS : ELECTIONS AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Agenzia Fides REPORT - In the presidential elections of 17 February, the Episcopal Conference of Ecuador has issued a document, divided into three parts, entitled "Elections, a space for democracy", of which a copy was sent to Fides Agency. In the first step point ("Autonomy of politics and responsibility of the Church") describes the task of the Pastors: "As Pastors of the Catholic Church, we recognize and respect the legitimate autonomy of politics. It is not our responsibility to express political preferences, but to assess the political programs and the ethical and religious implications." So the bishops deal with religious freedom: "Ecuador, secular state recognizes and protects 'the right to exercise, maintain, amend, profess in public or privately, religion or personal belief, and disseminate individually and collectively these beliefs with the limitations imposed by the respect for human rights. This allows us to live in a peaceful and respectful manner between believers and non-believers, avoiding fanaticism, both religious and anti-religious."
In the second point, on the mission of the laity, the Bishops write, "Lay Catholics, belonging or not to the various political parties and movements, have a moral obligation to discern whether what inspires thought and proposals of these is compatible with the faith and morals of the Christian life. For this reason, one should consider whether their proposals are consistent or not with the moral principles rooted in human nature itself and present in all the personal and social dimensions. The Christian, therefore, should not join, without contradiction, to ideological systems that opposeto the faith that they profess."
The Bishops’ message, therefore, proposes to focus on the community's respect for human rights (based on the dignity of the person) and democracy (it is the people who delegate power to the rulers). Thus, "the vote is an important tool for ensuring effective democracy. The citizen in order to exercise this right and duty, is called to encourage the political and legislative decisions that are not inconsistent with the fundamental values and ethical principles."
The third point, by way of conclusion, reiterates the view expressed also in the final message of the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization: "Christians politicians who live the commandment of love, are called for a clear and transparent testimony in the exercise of their responsibilities" (num. 10). (CE)
In the second point, on the mission of the laity, the Bishops write, "Lay Catholics, belonging or not to the various political parties and movements, have a moral obligation to discern whether what inspires thought and proposals of these is compatible with the faith and morals of the Christian life. For this reason, one should consider whether their proposals are consistent or not with the moral principles rooted in human nature itself and present in all the personal and social dimensions. The Christian, therefore, should not join, without contradiction, to ideological systems that opposeto the faith that they profess."
The Bishops’ message, therefore, proposes to focus on the community's respect for human rights (based on the dignity of the person) and democracy (it is the people who delegate power to the rulers). Thus, "the vote is an important tool for ensuring effective democracy. The citizen in order to exercise this right and duty, is called to encourage the political and legislative decisions that are not inconsistent with the fundamental values and ethical principles."
The third point, by way of conclusion, reiterates the view expressed also in the final message of the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization: "Christians politicians who live the commandment of love, are called for a clear and transparent testimony in the exercise of their responsibilities" (num. 10). (CE)
CATHOLIC MOVIES - WATCH BELLS OF ST. MARY'S - PART 6
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 OFTHE 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
2013
TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 15 : ST. ITA
St. Ita
RELIGIOUS
Feast: January 15
Information:
Feast Day: January 15 Born:
475, County of Waterford, Ireland
Died: 15 January 570 Patron of: Diocese of Limerick, Ireland
St. Ita was born of Christian parents towards the end of the fifth century. She belonged to the noble tribe of the Decii in County Waterford. All her early biographers favor the pleasant metaphor describing her as the 'Brigid of Munster'. Actually the differences were more striking than the resemblances between those two foremost women saints of the Celtic church (see St. Brigid). Brigid's effective life as a nun was spent in continual movement. When she had made a success of one convent settlement, she moved off to found another. Organization was her bent. Ita did just the opposite. Instead of entering one of Brigid's convents, she founded another in a district where there was none, at Killeedy, County Limerick. There she remained all her life, courting retirement. Again, there is an emphasis on austerity in Ita's life not found in Brigid's. Ita's mortifications were on a par with those of the greatest contemporary missionaries.
A strongly individualistic character is glimpsed in the legends of Ita. When she decided to settle in Killeedy, a chieftain offered her a large grant of land to support the convent. But Ita would accept only four acres, which she cultivated intensively. The convent became known as a training school for little boys, many of whom later became famous churchmen. One of these was St. Brendan, whom Ita accepted in fosterage when he was a year old and kept until he was six. The great Navigator revisited her between his voyages and always deferred to her counsel. He once asked her what were the three clings which God most detested, and she replied: 'A scowling face, obstinacy in wrong-doing, and too great a confidence in the power of money'. St. Mochoemoc, whom because of his beauty she called 'Pulcherius', was another great personage of the Celtic church she fostered in infancy.
Ita died on January 15th, which is now kept as her feast, about the year 570. There is a strong local cult of her in Munster, particularly in Waterford and Limerick, and her name is a popular one for Irish girls. In the middle of the nineteenth century a new move was made in Ireland for the development of her cult, when Bishop Butler of Limerick obtained from Pope Pius IX a special office and mass for her feast
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/I/stita.asp#ixzz1jXimD5eC
2013
TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 15 : ST. ITA
St. Ita
RELIGIOUS
Feast: January 15
Information:
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St. Ita was born of Christian parents towards the end of the fifth century. She belonged to the noble tribe of the Decii in County Waterford. All her early biographers favor the pleasant metaphor describing her as the 'Brigid of Munster'. Actually the differences were more striking than the resemblances between those two foremost women saints of the Celtic church (see St. Brigid). Brigid's effective life as a nun was spent in continual movement. When she had made a success of one convent settlement, she moved off to found another. Organization was her bent. Ita did just the opposite. Instead of entering one of Brigid's convents, she founded another in a district where there was none, at Killeedy, County Limerick. There she remained all her life, courting retirement. Again, there is an emphasis on austerity in Ita's life not found in Brigid's. Ita's mortifications were on a par with those of the greatest contemporary missionaries.
A strongly individualistic character is glimpsed in the legends of Ita. When she decided to settle in Killeedy, a chieftain offered her a large grant of land to support the convent. But Ita would accept only four acres, which she cultivated intensively. The convent became known as a training school for little boys, many of whom later became famous churchmen. One of these was St. Brendan, whom Ita accepted in fosterage when he was a year old and kept until he was six. The great Navigator revisited her between his voyages and always deferred to her counsel. He once asked her what were the three clings which God most detested, and she replied: 'A scowling face, obstinacy in wrong-doing, and too great a confidence in the power of money'. St. Mochoemoc, whom because of his beauty she called 'Pulcherius', was another great personage of the Celtic church she fostered in infancy.
Ita died on January 15th, which is now kept as her feast, about the year 570. There is a strong local cult of her in Munster, particularly in Waterford and Limerick, and her name is a popular one for Irish girls. In the middle of the nineteenth century a new move was made in Ireland for the development of her cult, when Bishop Butler of Limerick obtained from Pope Pius IX a special office and mass for her feast
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SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/I/stita.asp#ixzz1jXimD5eC
Mark 1: 21 - 28
21And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.22And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.23And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit;24and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!"26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.27And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."28And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
21And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.22And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.23And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit;24and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!"26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.27And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."28And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
