RADIO VATICANA REPORT: The Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration, will be broadcast from St. Peter’s Basilica next Sunday, 2 June from 5:00pm-6:00pm local time. Its theme is: “One Lord, One Faith”, which was chosen to testify to the deep unity that characterizes it in this Year of Faith.
“It will be an event,” Archbishop Fisichella president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, explained, “occurring for the first time in the history of the Church, which is why we can describe it as ‘historical’. The cathedrals of the world will be synchronized with Rome and will, for an hour, be in communion with the Pope in Eucharistic adoration. There has been an incredible response to this initiative, going beyond the cathedrals and involving episcopal conferences, parishes, lay associations, and religious congregations, especially cloistered ones.”
Dioceses worldwide will be synchronized with St. Peter’s and will pray for the intentions proposed by the Pope. The first is: “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”
Pope Francis’ second intention is: “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.”
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
“It will be an event,” Archbishop Fisichella president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, explained, “occurring for the first time in the history of the Church, which is why we can describe it as ‘historical’. The cathedrals of the world will be synchronized with Rome and will, for an hour, be in communion with the Pope in Eucharistic adoration. There has been an incredible response to this initiative, going beyond the cathedrals and involving episcopal conferences, parishes, lay associations, and religious congregations, especially cloistered ones.”
Dioceses worldwide will be synchronized with St. Peter’s and will pray for the intentions proposed by the Pope. The first is: “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”
Pope Francis’ second intention is: “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.”
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
POPE FRANCIS "LOVE OF GOD THAT IS REALISED IN LOVING HIM..." AND LATEST FROM VATICAN
GENERAL AUDIENCE: THE CHURCH IS GOD'S CALL TO BE PART OF HIS FAMILY  IMAGE source the Vatican Radio Vatican City, 29 May 2013 (VIS) – The mystery of the Church will be the theme of Pope Francis' new cycle of catechesis during the Wednesday general audiences. In spite of the rain that suddenly fell on Rome this morning, Francis followed his custom of winding through St. Peter's Square in the Popemobile, greeting the tens of thousands of people present and, before beginning his catechesis, he joked with them, praising their endurance in spite of the inclement weather. FULL TEXT Dear brothers and sisters, Last Wednesday I stressed the deep connection between the Holy Spirit and the Church. Today I would like to start some reflections on the mystery of the Church, a mystery that we all live and of which we are part. I would like to do this, using some well-known phrases taken from the documents of the Second Vatican Council. Today the first: the Church as Family of God In recent months, more than once I have made reference to the parable of the prodigal son, or rather of the merciful father (cf. Lk 15:11-32). The youngest son leaves the house of his father, squanders everything, and decides to return because he realizes he made a mistake, though he no longer considers himself worthy of sonship. He thinks he might be welcomed back as a servant. Instead, the father runs to meet him, embraces him, gives him back his dignity as a son, and celebrates. This parable, like others in the Gospel, shows well the design of God for humanity. What is this God’s plan? It is to make us all the one family of his children, in which each of you feels close to Him and feels loved by Him – feels, as in the Gospel parable, the warmth of being the family of God. In this great design, the Church finds its source. [The Church is] is not an organization founded by an agreement among [a group of] persons, but - as we were reminded many times by Pope Benedict XVI - is the work of God: it was born out of the plan of love, which realises itself progressively in history. The Church is born from the desire of God to call all people into communion with Him, to His friendship, and indeed, as His children, to partake of His own divine life. The very word “Church”, from the Greek ekklesia, means “convocation”. God calls us, urges us to escape from individualism, [from] the tendency to withdraw into ourselves, and calls us – convokes us – to be a part of His family. This convocation has its origin in creation itself. God created us in order that we might live in a relationship of deep friendship with Him, and even when sin had broken this relationship with God, with others and with creation, God did not abandon us. The whole history of salvation is the story of God seeking man, offer[ing] humanity His love, embracing mankind. He called Abraham to be the father of a multitude, chose the people of Israel to forge an alliance that embraces all nations, and sent, in the fullness of time, His Son, that His plan of love and salvation be realised in a new and everlasting covenant with humanity. When we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus gathers around him a small community that receives His word, follows Him, shares His journey, becomes His family – and with this community, He prepares and builds His Church. Whence, then, is the Church born? It is born from the supreme act of love on the Cross, from the pierced side of Jesus from which flow blood and water, a symbol of the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. In the family of God, the Church, the lifeblood is the love of God that is realised in loving Him and others, loving all without distinction, without measure. The Church is a family that loves and is loved. When does the Church manifest itself? We celebrated [the Church’s manifestation] two Sundays ago: the Church manifests itself when the gift of the Holy Spirit fills the hearts of the Apostles and pushes them to go out and start the journey to proclaim the Gospel, to spread the love of God. Even today, some say, “Christ yes, the Church no,” like those who say, “I believe in God, but in priests, no.” They say, “Christ: yes. Church: no.” Nevertheless, it is the Church that brings us Christ and that brings us to God. The Church is the great family of God's children. Of course it also has the human aspects: in those who compose it, pastors and faithful, there are flaws, imperfections, sins – the Pope has his, as well: he has lots of them; but the beautiful thing is that, when we become aware that we are sinners, we find the mercy of God. God always forgives: do not forget this. God always forgives, and He receives us in His love of forgiveness and mercy. Some people say – this is beautiful – that sin is an offence against God, but it is also an opportunity: the humiliation of realising [that one is a sinner] and that there is something [exceedingly] beautiful: the mercy of God. Let us think about this. Let us ask ourselves today: how much do I love the Church? Do I pray for her? Do I feel myself a part of the family of the Church? What do I do to make the Church a community in which everyone feels welcomed and understood, [in which] everyone feels the mercy and love of God who renews life? Faith is a gift and an act that affects us personally, but God calls us to live our faith together, as a family: as the Church. We ask the Lord, in a special way in this Year of the faith, that our communities, the whole Church be ever more true families that live and carry the warmth of God. The Holy Father also had greetings for English-speaking pilgrims, which he delivered through an interpreter: Dear Brothers and Sisters: In today’s Audience I would like to speak of the Church as God’s family. Like the merciful father in the parable of the prodigal son, God wants all of us to live in his love and to share in his life. The Church is an essential part of this divine plan; we were made to know and love God and, despite our sins, he continues to call us to return to him. In the fullness of time, he sent his Son into our world to inaugurate the new and eternal covenant with humanity through his sacrifice on the cross. The Church was born of this supreme act of reconciling love, in the water and blood which flowed from Christ’s pierced side. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit sent the Apostles to proclaim the Gospel of God’s love to the ends of the earth. Christ can never be separated from his Church, which he has made the great family of God’s children. Today, let [us] pledge ourselves to renewing our love for the Church and to letting her be God’s true family, where everyone feels welcomed, understood and loved. |
POPE FRANCIS "THE DIVINE WAY INVOLVES THE CROSS" Vatican Radio report: Triumphalism impedes the Church: it is the temptation of a Christianity without the Cross, a Church that only wants to go half way on the journey of redemption, overly concerned with organization and success, without understanding that real triumph is born out of failure, like the triumph of Christ on the Cross. This was the focus of Pope Francis’ homily at morning Mass in Casa Santa Marta. The Gospel of the day recounts how Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem with his disciples, announces His passion, death and resurrection. Pope Francis described it as “the journey of faith”. He noted the disciples have another plan in mind, they plan to go only half way, that it is better to stop and they discuss among themselves how to arrange the Church and arrange salvation. Thus , John and James, ask Him to grant that in His glory one may sit one at His right and the other at His left, prompting a argument among the other about who was most important in the Church. Pope Francis observed that “the disciples’ temptation is the same of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, when the devil proposed another path to Him": "Do everything with speed, preform a miracle, something that everyone can see. Let’s go to the temple and skydive without a parachute, so everyone will see the miracle and redemption will come to pass". The Pope said this was also Peter’s temptation when he at first does not accept the passion of Jesus: "It is the temptation of a Christianity without the Cross, a half-way Christianity." There is also another temptation, "a Christianity with the Cross without Jesus" of which the Pope said he would speak at another occasion. But "the temptation of Christianity without the Cross", to be "half-way Christians, a half-way Church " – that does not want to arrive there where the Father wants, "is the temptation of triumphalism. We want the triumph now, without going to the Cross, a worldly triumph, a reasonable triumph ":"Triumphalism in the Church, impedes the Church. Triumphalism among Christians, impedes Christians. A triumphalist, half-way Church that is a Church that is content with what it is or has, well sorted – well organized - with all its offices, everything in order, everything perfect no? Efficient. But a Church that denies its martyrs, because it does not know that martyrs are needed for Churches’ the journey towards the Cross. A Church that only thinks about triumphs, successes, does not know that rule of Jesus: the rule of triumph through failure, human failure, the failure of the Cross. And this is a temptation that we all have”.The Pope, then, recalled a special episode in his life:"I remember once, I was in a dark moment in my spiritual life and I asked a favor from the Lord. Then I went to preach the annual spiritual retreat to nuns and on the last day the made their confession. One elderly nun, over 80 years of age, but with clear, bright eyes came to confession: she was a woman of God. In the end I saw that she really was a woman of God so I said ‘ Sister, as penance, pray for me, because I need a grace, ok? If you asks the Lord for this grace on my behalf, I am sure to receive it'. She stopped for a moment, as if in prayer, and said, 'Of course the Lord will grant you this grace, but do not be deceived: in His own divine manner’. This did me a lot of good. To hear that the Lord always gives us what we ask for, but in His own divine way. And this is the divine way to the very end. The divine way involves the Cross, not out of masochism: no, no! Out of love. For love to the very end”.Pope Francis concluded with a prayer: "We ask the Lord for the grace that we may not be a half-way Church, a triumphalist Church, of great successes, but a humble Church, that walks with decision, just like Jesus. Forward, forward, forward. With a heart open to the will of the Father, just like Jesus. We ask for this grace. " shared from Radio Vaticana GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR YOUR PARENTS Vatican City, 29 May 2013 (VIS) – At the end of today's general audience, as he does every Wednesday, the Holy Father greeted the pilgrims of the various language groups in St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis addressed a few words to the youth who will be gathering this Saturday, 1 June, at Lednica Lake in Poland for the yearly commemoration of the first Baptism of the Polish people in 966. “Remember that God is our Father,” the Pope said to them. “He created us, bestowed our talents on each of us, and guides us along the path of life. He is with us in spite of our weaknesses, our sins, and our omissions. … He is the model of all parenthood, even earthly paternity.” “”Don't forget,” he urged them, “to thank God for your parents … even if your relationship might not be so good. Parenthood is a gift from God and it is a great responsibility to give new life, which is an unrepeatable image of God. Don't be afraid to be parents. … Also, be open to being spiritual mothers and fathers.” |
| POPE'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JUNE Vatican City, 31 May 2013 (VIS) - The Pope's general prayer intention for June is: “That a culture of dialogue, listening, and mutual respect may prevail among peoples.” His mission intention is: “That where secularization is strongest, Christian communities may effectively promote a new evangelization.” |
| AUDIENCE Vatican City, 29 May 2013 (VIS) – This afternoon the Holy Father received Cardinal William Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, DC, USA, in audience. |
NOVENA PRAYER TO SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena
O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of…
(Mention your Intention)
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who tresspass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amoung women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen
Glory be to the Father And to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of…
(Mention your Intention)
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of…
(Mention your Intention)
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
Amen.
– St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
CATHOLIC MOVIES - ST. SHARBEL - FREE MOVIE
IN HONOR OF THE YEAR OF FAITH JCE NEWS will be showing some of the Best Catholic Films of all time. Here is the drama of St. Sharbel with English Subtitles:
AUSTRALIA JOINS THE POPE IN WORLDWIDE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
29 May 2013
For the first time in history, churches, cathedrals and millions of faithful across the world will synchronise their watches and spend an hour of Eucharistic Adoration and prayer on Sunday 2 June.
From 5 pm until 6 pm, local time in Rome, the Eucharistic Adoration led by the Holy Father, Pope Francis at St Peter's Basilica to mark the Feast of Corpus Christi which falls on 2 June this year, will be broadcast worldwide enabling millions worldwide to pray together for the intentions proposed by the Holy Father.
Taking the theme, "One Lord, One Faith," the Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration is an initiative of Pope Francis and is described by the Vatican as "one of the major events in this Year of Faith."
While a huge number of Catholics in every corner of the globe will be able to participate in the Eucharistic Adoration at the same time as the one taking place in St Peter's Basilica in Rome, nations such as Australia, New Zealand and certain regions of the US and South America, the time difference is too great.
In Sydney, for example, when it is 5 pm local time in Rome this Sunday, it will be 1 am on Monday morning.
For this reason, the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell has designated the Eucharistic Adoration held in the forecourt of St Mary's Cathedral as part of Sydney's annual Corpus Christi celebrations will be the official Cathedral Adoration Event for the faithful to be united with Pope Francis.
As happens each year when between 5000-7000 families, children, young people, individuals participate in Sydney's Walk with Christ, the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, from St Patrick's Church, on Church Hill near Wynyard through the CBD to the Cathedral, where the Eucharistic Adoration will take place outdoors at the St Mary's Cathedral.
This year's Adoration will be particularly memorable not only as a global event but the global prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.
The first intention from Pope Francis is that prayers be offered "for the Church spread throughout the world to be united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity and that through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity."
The second of the Holy Father's intentions is "for those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering every type of violence, may their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence."
This intention also is for all those "who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless prisoners and all who experience marginalisation."'
In Sydney this Sunday, the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell and the Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishops, the Most Rev Julian Porteous, Most Rev Terry Brady and Most Rev Peter Comensoli accompanied by priests and seminarians will lead the Procession of the Holy Sacrament.
Unlike last year's heavy rain and cold, only brief scattered showers are predicted for Sunday and a huge turnout is expected.
The Feast of Corpus Christi dates back to the 13th Century and is one of the most important and beloved celebrations of the Church Calendar. Although the devotion to the Holy Eucharist dates back to the first Apostles, it was not until Augustinian nun, St Juliana of Mont Cornillon in Belgium, whose deep veneration for the Blessed Sacrament had her yearning for a special feast day in its honour. From 1230, she began encouraging priests to devote Masses to the Body and Blood of Christ and in 1246 persuaded the Bishop of Liege to convene a Synod and institute the feast of Corpus Christi.
Bishop Julian Porteous, the Archdiocese of Sydney's Episcopal Vicar of Evangelisation and Renewal, traditionally carries the Blessed Sacrament during the Walk with Christ Procession through the CBD.
Each year as the thousands gather in the early afternoon at the city's historic St Patrick's Church Hill prior to taking part in the Procession of the Holy Sacrament, he says people have a chance to recall the first Catholics in the early days of the colony who had no priest to say Mass and gathered instead in a house where the Blessed Sacrament was kept and where they were able to be in communion with their Lord and Saviour.
"Each year we walk with Christ through the streets of our beautiful city as a public witness to the fact that Christ is not only present for us, but present for all," he says. "The real presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is a precious gift for us all. It is a gift of love from the Lord who has invited us to be friends. The Lord offers us an intimate and personal relationship with him and we know we can approach him at any time and he is there, available and attentive to our needs."
On Corpus Christi, Bishop Julian says is a chance to "give expression to our grateful appreciation of His great gift and to the fulfilment of the promise made at the Ascension: 'And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time."
For more information on this year's Walk With Christ and how to join in go to http://www.sydneycatholic.org/events/Eucharist13/
29 May 2013
Bishop Julian Porteous carried the Holy Sacrament at last year's Walk with Christ
From 5 pm until 6 pm, local time in Rome, the Eucharistic Adoration led by the Holy Father, Pope Francis at St Peter's Basilica to mark the Feast of Corpus Christi which falls on 2 June this year, will be broadcast worldwide enabling millions worldwide to pray together for the intentions proposed by the Holy Father.
Taking the theme, "One Lord, One Faith," the Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration is an initiative of Pope Francis and is described by the Vatican as "one of the major events in this Year of Faith."
While a huge number of Catholics in every corner of the globe will be able to participate in the Eucharistic Adoration at the same time as the one taking place in St Peter's Basilica in Rome, nations such as Australia, New Zealand and certain regions of the US and South America, the time difference is too great.
More than 4000 braved rain and cold for 2012's Walk with Christ
For this reason, the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell has designated the Eucharistic Adoration held in the forecourt of St Mary's Cathedral as part of Sydney's annual Corpus Christi celebrations will be the official Cathedral Adoration Event for the faithful to be united with Pope Francis.
As happens each year when between 5000-7000 families, children, young people, individuals participate in Sydney's Walk with Christ, the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, from St Patrick's Church, on Church Hill near Wynyard through the CBD to the Cathedral, where the Eucharistic Adoration will take place outdoors at the St Mary's Cathedral.
This year's Adoration will be particularly memorable not only as a global event but the global prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Families, children and people of all ages joined last year's Walk With Christ
The second of the Holy Father's intentions is "for those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering every type of violence, may their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence."
This intention also is for all those "who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless prisoners and all who experience marginalisation."'
In Sydney this Sunday, the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell and the Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishops, the Most Rev Julian Porteous, Most Rev Terry Brady and Most Rev Peter Comensoli accompanied by priests and seminarians will lead the Procession of the Holy Sacrament.
Last year's Walk with Christ Procession through the city's streets
The Feast of Corpus Christi dates back to the 13th Century and is one of the most important and beloved celebrations of the Church Calendar. Although the devotion to the Holy Eucharist dates back to the first Apostles, it was not until Augustinian nun, St Juliana of Mont Cornillon in Belgium, whose deep veneration for the Blessed Sacrament had her yearning for a special feast day in its honour. From 1230, she began encouraging priests to devote Masses to the Body and Blood of Christ and in 1246 persuaded the Bishop of Liege to convene a Synod and institute the feast of Corpus Christi.
Bishop Julian Porteous, the Archdiocese of Sydney's Episcopal Vicar of Evangelisation and Renewal, traditionally carries the Blessed Sacrament during the Walk with Christ Procession through the CBD.
The Holy Eucharist was carried at the front of the procession to St Mary's Cathedral
"Each year we walk with Christ through the streets of our beautiful city as a public witness to the fact that Christ is not only present for us, but present for all," he says. "The real presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is a precious gift for us all. It is a gift of love from the Lord who has invited us to be friends. The Lord offers us an intimate and personal relationship with him and we know we can approach him at any time and he is there, available and attentive to our needs."
On Corpus Christi, Bishop Julian says is a chance to "give expression to our grateful appreciation of His great gift and to the fulfilment of the promise made at the Ascension: 'And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time."
For more information on this year's Walk With Christ and how to join in go to http://www.sydneycatholic.org/events/Eucharist13/
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
MIRACLE BABY RESCUED ALIVE FROM TOILET PIPE IN CHINA - VIDEO
ASIA NEWS REPORT: The baby boy is only a few days old. It was still wrapped in the placenta and the umbilical cord was attached. Firefighters sawed the sewer pipe in which the baby was stuck and took him to the hospital where he was freed from the pipe. The abandonment perhaps linked to the one-child policy, which so far has prevented the birth of 400 million children.
Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A newborn flushed down the toilet as soon as he was born, has been rescued by firefighters who wrenched open the sewer pipe on hearing his screams. "Fortunately, the baby survived - says a policeman on portal.hangzhou.com.cn - but the person who abandoned him is suspected of murder."
The incident occurred in Jinhua (Zhejiang). Two days ago, some residents on the fourth floor of a house, heard the cries of the small child coming from the sewer tube and they called the fire department. After several unsuccessful attempts, firefighters cut a section of the tube a length of 30-40cm and took him to the hospital, where together with the doctors, using saws and pliers, they gradually freed the infant, still wrapped in the placenta and with the umbilical cord attached
The baby is thought to be only two or three days old and has some slight injuries and a slow heartbeat. He is now in an incubator and his condition is said to be stable.
The person responsible for having flushed him down the toilet is still unknown. According to internet comments, these cases are frequent in births outside of marriage or because of the one-child law. The families who already have a child, to avoid paying exorbitant fines required by the ministry for population control, prefer to remove or abandon infants. The ministry boasts that from the end of the 1970s until today, thanks to the one-child policy, it has prevented the birth of approximately 400 million children, often through forced abortions and sterilizations.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : WED. MAY 29, 2013
| Mark 10: 32 - 45 | |
| 32 | And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, |
| 33 | saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; |
| 34 | and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." |
| 35 | And James and John, the sons of Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." |
| 36 | And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" |
| 37 | And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." |
| 38 | But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" |
| 39 | And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; |
| 40 | but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." |
| 41 | And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. |
| 42 | And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. |
| 43 | But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, |
| 44 | and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. |
| 45 | For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." |
TODAY'S SAINT : MAY 29 : ST. MAXIMINUS OF TRIER
BISHOP
Feast: May 29
Information:
| St. Maximinus was one of those pastors whom God raised in the most dangerous times to support his church. He was born at Poitiers, nobly descended, and related to Maxentius, bishop of that city before St. Hilary. The reputation of the sanctity of St. Agritius, bishop of Triers, drew him young to that city, and after a most virtuous education, he was admitted to holy orders, and, upon the death of Agritius, chosen his successor in 332. When St. Athanasius was banished to Triers in 336, St. Maximinus received him, not as a person disgraced, but as a most glorious confessor of Christ, and thought it a great happiness to enjoy the company of so illustrious a saint. St. Athanasius stayed with him two years; and his works bear evidence to the indefatigable vigilance, heroic courage, and exemplary virtue of our saint, who was before that time famous for the gift of miracles. St. Paul, bishop of Constantinople, being banished by Constantius, found also a retreat at Triers, and in St. Maximinus a powerful protector. Our saint, by his counsels, precautioned the emperor Constans against the intrigues and snares of the Arians, and on every occasion discovered their artifice, and opposed their faction. He was one of the most illustrious defenders of the Catholic faith in the council of Sardica in 347, and had the honor to be ranked by the Arians with St. Athanasius, in an excommunication which they pretended to fulminate against them at Philippopolis. St. Maximinus is said to have died in Poitou in 349, having made a journey thither to see his relations. He was buried near Poitiers; but his body was afterwards translated to Triers on the day which is now devoted to his memory. St. Maximinus, by protecting and harboring saints, received himself the recompense of a saint. |
SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmaximinusoftrier.asp#ixzz1wGDsNxdb
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