Share - Novena Prayers for Pope Benedict and the Election of a New Pontiff
Heavenly father, Your Providence guides the Church and the successor to St. Peter, Pope Benedict XVI. May he be protected at all times from spiritual attacks so that he may lead Your Church to greater holiness and unity through your Holy Spirit.
We invoke our Mother Mary, united in prayer with the disciples in the Upper Room, to intercede for our cardinals to select the next Holy Father in docility to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, her divine Spouse. With Mary, Mother of God and of the Church, we entrust this conclave to your maternal and Immaculate Heart, and offer these prayers for your guidance and protection over the choosing of the next Vicar of your Son. (Section from Dr. Miravelli)
We invoke our Mother Mary, united in prayer with the disciples in the Upper Room, to intercede for our cardinals to select the next Holy Father in docility to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, her divine Spouse. With Mary, Mother of God and of the Church, we entrust this conclave to your maternal and Immaculate Heart, and offer these prayers for your guidance and protection over the choosing of the next Vicar of your Son. (Section from Dr. Miravelli)
Prayer for the Pope:
Let us pray for Benedict, the pope.
May the Lord preserve him,
give him a long life,
make him blessed upon the earth,
and not hand him over
to the power of his enemies.
May your hand be upon your holy servant.
And upon your son, whom you have anointed.
Prayer of St. Benedict
Gracious and holy Father,
please give to our Pope, his successor and
to we the faithful:
intellect to understand you;
reason to discern you;
diligence to seek you;
wisdom to find you;
a spirit to know you;
a heart to meditate upon you;
ears to hear you;
eyes to see you;
a tongue to proclaim you;
a way of life pleasing to you;
patience to wait for you;
and perseverance to look for you.
Grant your servant the
Pope, his successor and we the faithful:
a perfect end,
your holy presence.
A blessed resurrection,
And life everlasting.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Amen.
VATICAN : NEW BOOK OF RATZINGER'S COMMUNIO WRITINGS AND OTHER NEWS
 Vatican City, 20 February 2013 (VIS) – The director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., responding to journalists' questions, commented that the Holy Father is considering the publication of a Motu Proprio in the coming days, obviously before the beginning of the Sede Vacante, to clarify a few particular points regarding the Apostolic Constitution on the conclave that have arisen over the last years. "I don't know if he will deem it necessary or appropriate," he added, "to elucidate the question of the opening date of the conclave. We will have to see if and when a document is published. It seems to me, for example, the clarification of some details in order to be in complete agreement with another document regarding the conclave, that is, the Ordo Rituum Conclavis. In any case, the question depends on the Pope's judgement and if this document comes about it will be made known through the proper channels." (Image source: GOOGLE) |
| JOSEPH RATZINGER'S ANTHROPOLOGICAL WRITINGS FOR "COMMUNIO" GATHERED IN NEW BOOK Vatican City, 20 February 2013 (VIS) – Fourteen texts with an anthropological theme written by Joseph Ratzinger between 1972 and 2005?before being elected Pope?are being published in the volume "Joseph Ratzinger in Communio: Anthropology and Culture (Michigan/Cambridge, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2013), edited by David L. Schindler and Nicholas J. Healy. The texts?articles and contributions?address, among others, themes such as humanity between reproduction and creation; Jesus Christ today; the meaning of Sunday; hope, technological security understood as a problem of social ethics; and God in John Paul II's "Crossing the Threshold of Hope". As reported by "L'Osservatore Romano", the connecting theme in the Pope's writings is that they been published or re-edited in the American edition of the international Catholic periodical "Communio". This is the second volume dedicated to Joseph Ratzinger's texts, the first of which, "Joseph Ratzinger in Communio: The Unity of the Church" was released in 2010, and was also edited by David L. Schindler. The plan, as Schindler explains in the introductory note in the second volume, is to republish all of Cardinal Ratzinger's articles that appeared in the American edition of "Communio", from its first edition in 1974. Despite the difficulty in clearly establishing the boundaries of their areas, the writings have been grouped into three major categories: Church, anthropology, and theological renewal. "Communio" is an international journal on theology and culture published quarterly. It was founded in 1972 by various theologians including Hans Urs von Balthasar, Henri de Lubac, Jean-Luc Marion and Joseph Ratzinger himself. |
| SECAM: COMMON GOOD, RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, AND GOOD GOVERNMENT ARE SOCIAL ELEMENTS OF GOSPEL MESSAGE Vatican City, 20 February 2013 (VIS) – "Governance, Common Good, and Democratic Transitions in Africa" is the title of the Pastoral Letter prepared by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences in Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)?the organization gathering all the Catholic bishops of that continent?presented in Accra, Ghana by Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and president of SECAM. The Pastoral Letter, following after Benedict XVI's post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Africae Munus", emphasized that "the Church cannot remain indifferent and isolated in the face of Africa’s socio-political and economic challenges, and notes that "the common good, the respect for human rights, and the promotion of good government are essential elements of the Gospel message." Recalling the Church's prophetic mission, the text states that "the justice that the prophets demanded is not abstract; it is very practical, down-to-earth actions, which take place to ensure that the weak are protected from abuse, that the poor have what they need, and that the socially disadvantaged are cared for. It means giving to everyone what God has intended for them regardless of any distinction." The document also comments on the lack of work in many African countries, observing that "The drama of immigration, with a growing number of young people who risk their lives to leave Africa, reflects the depth of the malaise of a continent that is still dragging its feet to provide favourable conditions for the blossoming of her sons and daughters." Also, "the situation of women is another cause for worry. It is SECAM's view that women and men are of equal dignity in their humanity before God, both were created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore we should ensure that all are given the opportunity to play their "specific role in the Church and in society at large." In regard to good governance in Africa, the bishops of SECAM launched an appeal to all of Africa's political leaders and governments "to see poverty eradication as a priority by using proceeds from the continent's sub-soil natural resources, such as land, and forestry for the development of your countries for the benefit of the whole nation and all its citizens. We implore you not to undermine the fight against corruption. Corruption is a canker destroying our nations." "The Church," reads the Pastoral Letter, "has been at the heart of all efforts towards better governance. In many countries, during the delicate democratic transitional period of the 1990s, the Church played a clearly visible role of support. Five out of the eight National Transitional Conferences that were organized during this epoch were chaired by Catholic Bishops. This intervention by the Church helped, in many cases, to ensure peaceful democratic transitional processes with a lot of success, through inclusive consultations and dialogue. Many Christians in some volatile situations helped in bringing about peace and reconciliation. The Church has to take her responsibilities in the socio-political domain. She has to be fully involved in the in-depth transformation of our society." |
| OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS Vatican City, 20 February 2013 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father: - appointed Fr. Jose Mario Angonese as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Curitiba (area 5,751, population 2,420,151, Catholics 1,790,912, priests 391, permanent deacons 52, religious 1556), Brazil, assigning him the titular see of Giufi. The bishop-elect was born in Unistalda, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in 1960 and was ordained a priest in 1989. He holds a license in Philosophy with a specialization in Psychopedagogy from the philosophy faculty of Canoas, Brazil. He has served in several pastoral and academic roles for the Diocese of Santa Maria, Brazil most recently as pastor of Ressurreicao parish and rector of the archdiocesan major seminary, Sao Jao Maria Vianney. - appointed Fr. Daniel Miehm as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Hamilton (area 16,824, population 2,064,000, Catholics 580,000, priests 224, permanent deacons 32, religious 376), Canada, assigning him the titular see of Gor. The bishop-elect was born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada in 1960 and was ordained a priest in 1989. He holds a license in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum) in Rome, Italy. He has served in several pastoral roles for the Diocese of Hamilton, most recently as pastor of the new parish St. Benedict in Milton, Ontario and spiritual assistant of the St. Thomas More Lawyer's Guild. |
AMERICA : RESOURCES OF PRAYER FOR RESIGNATION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI - BISHOPS CONFERENCE
USCCB RELEASE: LITURGICAL NOTES AND RESOURCE MATERIALS FOR USE UPON THE RESIGNATION OF THE POPE
INTRODUCTION
February 13, 2013
(IMAGE SHARE : RADIO VATICANA)
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
With great surprise tinged with sadness, the Church learned of the resignation of Pope
Benedict XVI. During his reign, he has been a faithful witness to Christ, and in this decision, he
teaches us with his integrity and humility, putting the needs of the Church first. Such a message is
most appropriate as we embark once again on the pilgrimage of Lent.
The Secretariat of Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
has prepared these liturgical and musical resources to assist dioceses, parishes, and other groups to
pray for Pope Benedict XVI, to give thanks for his pontificate, and to pray for the Church as we
look to the future and the election of a new Pope.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Msgr. Richard B. Hilgartner
Executive Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Rev. Msgr. Richard B. Hilgartner, Executive Director…………………………………………………………………….. 2
LITURGICAL RESOURCES
Upon the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI ………………………………………………………………………… 3
During the Time of Election of a New Pope……………………………………………………………………………7
Upon the Election of a New Pope………………………………………………………………………………………….9
USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship3
Upon News of the Pope’s Resignation
It is appropriate to offer special prayers for Pope Benedict XVI, for his health and well-being, and
in thanksgiving for his service to the Church. The custom of praying the Our Father, Hail Mary,
and Glory Be to the Father is to be encouraged, especially with school children. The pope can also
be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary.
Both the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for
the Pope. Mass offered by the Diocesan Bishop at the Cathedral or in each Vicariate for the
attendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable. Care should be taken that such a
Mass be celebrated according to the norms of the liturgical calendar.
Prayers to be Used from the Roman Missal
The Roman Missal provides a Mass formulary for a Pope. It can be found in the section, “Masses
and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions: 2. For the Pope.” This Mass is permitted, with
white vestments, on weekdays in Lent “at the direction of the Diocesan Bishop or with his
permission” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM], no. 374), but not on the Sundays of
Lent.
Entrance Antiphon Mt 16:18-19
You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
To you I will give the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Collect
O God, who in your providential design
willed that your Church be built
upon blessed Peter, whom you set over the other Apostles,
look with favor, we pray, on Benedict our Pope
and grant that he, whom you have made Peter’s successor,
may be for your people a visible source and foundation
of unity in faith and of communion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Or:
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Benedict,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides4
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Or:
O God, who chose your servant Benedict
in succession to the Apostle Peter
as shepherd of the whole flock,
look favorably on the supplications of your people
and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth,
he may confirm his brethren
and that the whole Church may be in communion with him
in the bond of unity, love and peace,
so that in you, the shepherd of souls,
all may know the truth and attain life eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Prayer over the Offerings
Be pleased, we pray, O Lord,
with the offerings presented here
and govern with unfailing protection your holy Church,
together with Benedict our Pope,
whom you have chosen to be her shepherd.
Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon Jn 21:15, 17
Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?
Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.
Prayer after Communion
Having been made sharers at the heavenly table,
we humbly entreat you, Lord:
by the power of this mystery,
strengthen your Church in unity and charity
and, as you have entrusted your servant Benedict with the office of shepherd,
grant him always salvation and protection,
together with the flock entrusted to his care.
Through Christ our Lord.5
The Homily
The homily at this Mass could reflect on the particular ministry of Pope Benedict XVI as an
example to follow, especially as it relates to Lent. Of particular note is the constant theme in Pope
Benedict’s teachings and writings of the need for an authentic personal relationship with Jesus
Christ. His love for the liturgy as well as his desire to foster an authentic celebration and
participation in the sacred liturgy could be highlighted. The efforts of the Pontiff to achieve peace
in the world, as well as his ecumenical outreach might be highlighted. His faithfulness to the
proclamation of the Paschal mystery as well as his constant care, concern and outreach for the
poor, the sick, and oppressed should be central topics. The homily may also assist the Church to
face this moment in great hope. If the Diocesan Bishop or celebrating priest has any personal
reflections about the Holy Father, these would be more appropriately offered following the Prayer
after Communion.
Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful
At all the Masses celebrated between now and the election of a new Pope, petitions can be offered
in the Universal Prayer. The following are provided as suggestions:
That Pope Benedict XVI may be given the strength needed to complete faithfully and fully
his remaining ministry as our Pope, we pray to the Lord.
That Pope Benedict XVI, who has served the Church faithfully as Supreme Pontiff, may
find peace and consolation as he turns to a life of prayer for the Church, we pray to the
Lord.
That the tireless efforts of Pope Benedict XVI in fostering the unity and communion of the
Church may bear fruit in our hearts and among all Christians, we pray to the Lord.
For Pope Benedict XVI, who preached that God is love and that we are saved in hope, that
he may strengthened in hope and know God’s love for him now and for all eternity, we
pray to the Lord.
The Eucharistic Prayer
In accord with liturgical norms, the Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs I is appropriately used.
Until 2:00 PM Eastern time, February 28, 2013, the formula for mentioning the name of the Pope
in the Eucharistic Prayer is to be followed as usual. After that time, during the sede vacante, the
formula is adjusted as follows:
Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon)
Be pleased to grant her peace,
to guard, unite and govern her
throughout the whole world,
together with N. our Bishop,
and all those who, holding to the truth,
hand on the catholic and apostolic faith.6
Eucharistic Prayer II
Remember, Lord, your Church,
spread throughout the world,
and bring her to the fullness of charity,
together with N. our Bishop
and all the clergy.
Eucharistic Prayer III
May this Sacrifice of our reconciliation,
we pray, O Lord,
advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity
your pilgrim Church on earth,
with N. our Bishop,
the Order of Bishops, all the clergy,
and the entire people you have gained for your own.
Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs I
Lord, renew your Church (which is in N.)
by the light of the Gospel.
Strengthen the bond of unity
between the faithful and the pastors of your people,
together with N. our Bishop,
and the whole Order of Bishops,
that in a world torn by strife
your people may shine forth
as a prophetic sign of unity and concord.
Other Suggestions
If there is time, prayer cards might be printed with the Pope’s picture and a brief biography on the
back. One of the prayers cited above or another prayer of thanksgiving may be placed on the card.7
During the Time of Election of a New Pope
Once the Pope’s resignation takes effect, both the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish
might consider offering a special Mass for the election of the Pope, according to the guidelines of
the liturgical calendar. Mass offered by the Diocesan Bishop at the Cathedral or in each Vicariate
for the attendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable. The Mass for the Election of
a Pope or a Bishop (found in the section “Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions” in
the Roman Missal) may be celebrated. A Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit might also be celebrated,
using, for example, Preface II of the Holy Spirit: “The action of the Spirit in the Church.” During
weekdays in Lent, these Masses may be celebrated “at the direction of the Diocesan Bishop or with
his permission” (GIRM, no. 374).
Entrance Antiphon 1 Sm 2: 35
I will raise up for myself a faithful priest,
who shall do according to my heart and mind;
I will establish a lasting house for him
and he shall walk before me all his days.
Collect
O God, eternal shepherd,
who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness
and to us show watchful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Prayer over the Offerings
May your abundant kindness favor us, O Lord,
that, through the sacred offerings we reverently bring to you,
we may come to rejoice that a pastor pleasing to your majesty
presides over your holy Church.
Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon Jn 15: 16
I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, says the Lord,
fruit that will last.8
Prayer after Communion
As we have been renewed, O Lord,
with the supreme Sacrament of salvation,
the Body and Blood of your Only Begotten Son,
may the wondrous grace of your majesty
gladden us with the gift of a shepherd
who will instruct your people by his virtues
and imbue the minds of the faithful with the truth of the Gospel.
Through Christ our Lord.
The proper readings may be found in Volume IV of the Lectionary for Mass, nos. 833–837.
The Homily
The homily could offer the opportunity to reflect on the Petrine ministry and its role within the
Church. It also affords the homilist an opportunity to instruct the faithful in the relationship
between the local and the universal Church.
The Liturgy of the Hours
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer may also be celebrated and on days when there is no
obligatory memorial, feasts or solemnities, the closing prayer may be taken from the Mass for the
Election of a Pope or Bishop.
The faithful should be exhorted to offer their private prayers, works and almsgiving for the
successful election of a new Supreme Pontiff. The simple custom of frequently praying the Our
Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for this intention is encouraged. The election of the new Pope
should be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary.
Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful
Petitions, such as the following, may be offered in the Universal Prayer:
That the Holy Spirit will inspire and strengthen the Cardinal-electors as they choose a new
Holy Father to lead us, we pray to the Lord.
That the College of Cardinals in its electoral process may be a worthy vehicle of God’s
grace guiding the Church, we pray to the Lord.
That the Holy Spirit will work strongly in the next Pope chosen by the College of
Cardinals, we pray to the Lord.9
Upon the Election of a New Pope
Upon the election of the new Pope, both the Diocesan Bishop and priests in every parish might
consider offering a special Mass for the newly elected Pope according to the guidelines of the
liturgical calendar. Mass offered by the Diocesan Bishop at the Cathedral or in each Vicariate for
the attendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable. If it is the day of the election of
the Pope, then the Mass for the Pope (especially on the anniversary of election) is appropriate.
This Mass cannot be used on the Sundays of Advent, Lent and Easter, solemnities, Ash
Wednesday, and the weekdays of Holy Week. The Mass text is found in the section, “Masses and
Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions” in the Roman Missal. (See pages 3-4 above for the texts.)
Again, the faithful should be exhorted to pray for the newly-elected Holy Father in their private
prayers. The recitation of the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intentions of the Pope
is encouraged. The newly-elected Pope should be prayed for in the recitation of the Rosary.
According to custom, gold and white bunting could be affixed above the entrance to the church or
chapel. Flowers could be placed near the Vatican flag, which might be displayed somewhere
prominently in the narthex or gathering space.
Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful
Some of the following petitions might be used in the Universal Prayer:
For our new Holy Father, N., that he may be strengthened as he embarks on his ministry of
unity, love and peace, we pray to the Lord.
That our recently elected Holy Father, N., working together with the bishops of the
Church, may build up the Body of Christ in peace and in joy, we pray to the Lord.
That our newly elected Holy Father N. may be a champion of the poor, a reconciler of
nations and a force for peace and unity in our world, we pray to the Lord.10
SHARED FROM CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE
http://usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/pope-benedict-xvi/upload/Pope-Resignation-Resources.pdf
RIP BILLINGS METHOD DR. LYN BILLINGS - AGE 95 - AUSTRALIA
ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE RELEASE
Monday 18 February 2013AFTER a lifetime of work in the area of natural fertility, Dr Evelyn Livingston Billings AM, DCSG, MBBS (Melb), DCH (Lond) died on 16 February aged 95 after a short illness.
Her funeral will be held at St Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday 21 February.
See Funeral Details
Dr Lyn Billings, together with her husband, Dr John Billings, founded the Method of natural fertility regulation which bears their name.
Her studies on breastfeeding mothers and women approaching menopause made a major contribution to the work. For half a century they traveled the world teaching and promoting their Method in faithfulness to Pope Paul VI’s call to “men (and women) of science (and) physicians (to) be obedient to the Lord’s call and to act as faithful interpreters of His plan.”
She was the author of the best selling non-fiction book The Billings Method, first published in 1980. This book was reprinted 16 times with 7 new or revised editions. The latest completely revised edition was published in 2011. Access to this book, published in 22 languages, made the Billings Method a household name and gave hope to millions of couples throughout the world.
Personal friend of three Popes, in 2003 Lyn was made a Dame Commander of St Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II and she was an active member of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
Dr Lyn Billings was recognized with Honorary Doctorates from universities around the world including an Honoris Causa Degree from Tor Vergata University in Rome in 2005. In 2002 Drs John and Evelyn Billings were jointly declared International Catholic Physicians of the Year by the International Catholic Federation of Medical Associations.
Couples in more than 100 countries bear testament to the wonderful work of this selfless woman and her husband. In China alone, where they trained thousands to teach their Method, a substantial drop in the abortion rate has been attributed to their work.
She is survived by 8 of her 9 children, 39 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.
Read an interview with Dr Billings published in Kairos Catholic Journal in May, 2012 here
Funeral Details:
Time: 10 am
Date: Thursday 21 February
Where: St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne
As it is the season of Lent and Catholic churches are not adorned with flowers during this time, the family have requested that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to WOOMB International Ltd. Envelopes for the purpose will be available at the Cathedral.
Her funeral will be held at St Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday 21 February.
See Funeral Details
Dr Lyn Billings, together with her husband, Dr John Billings, founded the Method of natural fertility regulation which bears their name.
Her studies on breastfeeding mothers and women approaching menopause made a major contribution to the work. For half a century they traveled the world teaching and promoting their Method in faithfulness to Pope Paul VI’s call to “men (and women) of science (and) physicians (to) be obedient to the Lord’s call and to act as faithful interpreters of His plan.”
She was the author of the best selling non-fiction book The Billings Method, first published in 1980. This book was reprinted 16 times with 7 new or revised editions. The latest completely revised edition was published in 2011. Access to this book, published in 22 languages, made the Billings Method a household name and gave hope to millions of couples throughout the world.
Personal friend of three Popes, in 2003 Lyn was made a Dame Commander of St Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II and she was an active member of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
Dr Lyn Billings was recognized with Honorary Doctorates from universities around the world including an Honoris Causa Degree from Tor Vergata University in Rome in 2005. In 2002 Drs John and Evelyn Billings were jointly declared International Catholic Physicians of the Year by the International Catholic Federation of Medical Associations.
Couples in more than 100 countries bear testament to the wonderful work of this selfless woman and her husband. In China alone, where they trained thousands to teach their Method, a substantial drop in the abortion rate has been attributed to their work.
She is survived by 8 of her 9 children, 39 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.
Read an interview with Dr Billings published in Kairos Catholic Journal in May, 2012 here
Funeral Details:
Time: 10 am
Date: Thursday 21 February
Where: St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne
As it is the season of Lent and Catholic churches are not adorned with flowers during this time, the family have requested that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to WOOMB International Ltd. Envelopes for the purpose will be available at the Cathedral.
Vale Dr Lyn Billings
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE
SAUDI ARABIA : 53 CHRISTIANS ARRESTED FOR PRAYING TOGETHER AT HOME
ASIA NEWS REPORT
46 are women, and most likely face deportation. The authorities have accused them of converting Muslims to Christianity. There is no religious freedom in the country: the monarchy allows private worship of other faiths, but the religious police carry out indiscriminate arrests.
Damman (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Saudi Arabia has arrested 53 Ethiopian Christians - 46 women and six men - for holding a prayer meeting in a private home. Police officials have sealed the house and taken the faithful away, accusing the three religious leaders present of attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity. The incident occurred at Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, and dates to February 8, but local sources, linked to the World Evangelical Alliance's Religious Liberty Commission (WEA-Rlc) recently reported the news.
According to the WEA-RLC, Saudi authorities should release two of the Christians who hold residency permits. In all likelihood, all the others will be deported.
Saudi Arabia does not recognize, or protect, any religious expression other than Islam. The religious police (muttawa) carries out controls to eliminate the presence of Bibles, rosaries, Crosses and Christian assemblies. And even if the royal family allows religious practices other than Islam, at least in private, muttawa agents tend not to differentiate.
This is not the first episode of religious persecution against the Ethiopian community. In December 2011, the Saudi authorities arrested 35 Ethiopian Christians, 29 of them women, charging them with "illegal socialization." In this case, the faithful were detained in the middle of a prayer meeting in a private home in Jeddah. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the imprisoned women were subjected to arbitrary "medical inspections".
The city of Dammam, where the accident occurred on February 8, is a major industrial center and port, rich in oil and natural gas.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
46 are women, and most likely face deportation. The authorities have accused them of converting Muslims to Christianity. There is no religious freedom in the country: the monarchy allows private worship of other faiths, but the religious police carry out indiscriminate arrests.
_0220_-_Libert%C3%A0_religiosa.jpg)
Damman (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Saudi Arabia has arrested 53 Ethiopian Christians - 46 women and six men - for holding a prayer meeting in a private home. Police officials have sealed the house and taken the faithful away, accusing the three religious leaders present of attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity. The incident occurred at Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, and dates to February 8, but local sources, linked to the World Evangelical Alliance's Religious Liberty Commission (WEA-Rlc) recently reported the news.According to the WEA-RLC, Saudi authorities should release two of the Christians who hold residency permits. In all likelihood, all the others will be deported.
Saudi Arabia does not recognize, or protect, any religious expression other than Islam. The religious police (muttawa) carries out controls to eliminate the presence of Bibles, rosaries, Crosses and Christian assemblies. And even if the royal family allows religious practices other than Islam, at least in private, muttawa agents tend not to differentiate.
This is not the first episode of religious persecution against the Ethiopian community. In December 2011, the Saudi authorities arrested 35 Ethiopian Christians, 29 of them women, charging them with "illegal socialization." In this case, the faithful were detained in the middle of a prayer meeting in a private home in Jeddah. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the imprisoned women were subjected to arbitrary "medical inspections".
The city of Dammam, where the accident occurred on February 8, is a major industrial center and port, rich in oil and natural gas.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
BRAZIL : HELPING WOMEN WITH EMERGENCY PHONE LINES
Agenzia Fides REPORT – Increasing numbers of Brazilian women are victims of prostitution exploitation, with the complicity of sex tourism which reaches its peak during the Carnival season. During this period with the arrival of numerous foreign tourists, many in search of "sexual adventure", Brazilian women fall easily into the hands of criminal gangs, which exploit them at home and then ‘export’ them abroad for more prostitution.
To address the phenomenon also in view of international Women’s Day on March 8, various initiatives to support women are planned. A report sent to Fides says the first to adhere to the initiative has been the government of Brazil, but organizers expect participation and cooperation from no less than ten countries in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The inter-institutional anti-crime action, (the Catholic Church in Brazil is also participating) has contacted countries with the highest rate of crimes reported. The aim is to guarantee support for women at risk also outside Brazil.
In 2012 Brazil’s Centre for Assistance for Women (international exchange 180) received 80 telephone calls from Brazilian women victims living in foreign countries. The service accepts free calls from Brazilian women abroad and has special help lines with 3 countries: Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Brazilian victims of violence living in Spain can call 900 990 055; from Portugal the number is 800 800 550; from Italy the number is 800 172 211. Brazilian women living in Brazil may also contact the Centre for Assistance to Women, by calling 180.
(CE) (Agenzia Fides, 20/02/2013)
To address the phenomenon also in view of international Women’s Day on March 8, various initiatives to support women are planned. A report sent to Fides says the first to adhere to the initiative has been the government of Brazil, but organizers expect participation and cooperation from no less than ten countries in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The inter-institutional anti-crime action, (the Catholic Church in Brazil is also participating) has contacted countries with the highest rate of crimes reported. The aim is to guarantee support for women at risk also outside Brazil.
In 2012 Brazil’s Centre for Assistance for Women (international exchange 180) received 80 telephone calls from Brazilian women victims living in foreign countries. The service accepts free calls from Brazilian women abroad and has special help lines with 3 countries: Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Brazilian victims of violence living in Spain can call 900 990 055; from Portugal the number is 800 800 550; from Italy the number is 800 172 211. Brazilian women living in Brazil may also contact the Centre for Assistance to Women, by calling 180.
(CE) (Agenzia Fides, 20/02/2013)
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : WED. FEB. 20, 2013
| Luke 11: 29 - 32 | |
| 29 | When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah. |
| 30 | For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nin'eveh, so will the Son of man be to this generation. |
| 31 | The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. |
| 32 | The men of Nin'eveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. |
TODAY'S SAINT : FEB. 20 : ST. EUCHERIUS BISHOP
St. Eucherius
BENEDICTINE BISHOP OF ORLEANS
Feast: February 20
Information:
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Benedictine Bishop of Orleans, France, exiled for opposing Charles Martel (r. 714-741), the famous and powerful mayor of the palace in the Frankish kingdom. Born in Orleans, Eucherius became a Benedictine at Jumieges about 714 and bishop in 721. He immediately set about protesting Charles Martel's seizure of Church properties. Charles exiled Eucherius to Cologne, Germany, where he became very popular as a result. Eucherius was then held captive in Liege, Belgium, but was allowed to retire to Saint-Trond Abbey near Maastricht, Netherlands, where he died in the monastery. Apparently, he was never reconciled with Charles.
(Taken from Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints)
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source: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/steucherius.asp#ixzz1mvJo6fHS
