2013
CATHOLIC MOVIES - MOSCATI - DOCTOR TO THE POOR - PART 3
BISHOPS URGE 5 MILLION CATHOLICS TO VOTE FOR COMMON GOOD IN AUSTRALIA
TODAY'S SAINT: JULY 7: ST. ETHELBURGA
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has delivered the homily at Mass on Sunday morning with seminarians and novices gathered in St Peter's Basilica to mark the end of a four-day conference on vocation, discernment and formation here in Rome. Below, please find the English translation of the Holy Father's remarks.
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Homily at Mass with Seminarians, Novices and those discerning their Vocations
Saint Peter’s Basilica, 7 July 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting you, and today our joy is even greater, because we have gathered for the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day. You are seminarians, novices, young people on a vocational journey, from every part of the world. You represent the Church’s youth! If the Church is the Bride of Christ, you in a certain sense represent the moment of betrothal, the Spring of vocation, the season of discovery, assessment, formation. And it is a very beautiful season, in which foundations are laid for the future. Thank you for coming!
Today the word of God speaks to us of mission. Where does mission originate? The answer is simple: it originates from a call, the Lord’s call, and when he calls people, he does so with a view to sending them out. But how is the one sent out meant to live? What are the reference points of Christian mission? The readings we have heard suggest three: the joy of consolation, the Cross and prayer.
Dear seminarians, dear novices, dear young people discerning your vocations: “evangelization is done on one’s knees”, as one of you said to me the other day. Always be men and women of prayer! Without a constant relationship with God, the mission becomes a job. The risk of activism, of relying too much on structures, is an ever-present danger. If we look towards Jesus, we see that prior to any important decision or event he recollected himself in intense and prolonged prayer. Let us cultivate the contemplative dimension, even amid the whirlwind of more urgent and pressing duties. And the more the mission calls you to go out to the margins of existence, let your heart be the more closely united to Christ’s heart, full of mercy and love. Herein lies the secret of the fruitfulness of a disciple of the Lord!
Jesus sends his followers out with no “purse, no bag, no sandals” (Lk 10:4). The spread of the Gospel is not guaranteed either by the number of persons, or by the prestige of the institution, or by the quantity of available resources. What counts is to be permeated by the love of Christ, to let oneself be led by the Holy Spirit and to graft one’s own life onto the tree of life, which is the Lord’s Cross.
Dear friends, with great confidence I entrust you to the intercession of Mary Most Holy. She is the Mother who helps us to take life decisions freely and without fear. May she help you to bear witness to the joy of God’s consolation, to conform yourselves to the logic of love of the Cross, to grow in ever deeper union with the Lord. Then your lives will be rich and fruitful! Amen.
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
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Homily at Mass with Seminarians, Novices and those discerning their Vocations
Saint Peter’s Basilica, 7 July 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting you, and today our joy is even greater, because we have gathered for the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day. You are seminarians, novices, young people on a vocational journey, from every part of the world. You represent the Church’s youth! If the Church is the Bride of Christ, you in a certain sense represent the moment of betrothal, the Spring of vocation, the season of discovery, assessment, formation. And it is a very beautiful season, in which foundations are laid for the future. Thank you for coming!
Today the word of God speaks to us of mission. Where does mission originate? The answer is simple: it originates from a call, the Lord’s call, and when he calls people, he does so with a view to sending them out. But how is the one sent out meant to live? What are the reference points of Christian mission? The readings we have heard suggest three: the joy of consolation, the Cross and prayer.
- The first element: the joy of consolation. The prophet Isaiah is addressing a people that has been through a dark period of exile, a very difficult trial. But now the time of consolation has come for Jerusalem; sadness and fear must give way to joy: “Rejoice .. be glad ... rejoice with her in joy,” says the prophet (66:10). It is a great invitation to joy. Why? For what reason? Because the Lord is going to pour out over the Holy City and its inhabitants a “torrent” of consolation, of maternal tenderness: “You shall be carried upon her hip and dandled upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you” (vv. 12-13). Every Christian, especially you and I, is called to be a bearer of this message of hope that gives serenity and joy: God’s consolation, his tenderness towards all. But if we first experience the joy of being consoled by him, of being loved by him, then we can bring that joy to others. This is important if our mission is to be fruitful: to feel God’s consolation and to pass it on to others! Isaiah’s invitation must resound in our hearts: “Comfort, comfort my people” (40:1) and it must lead to mission. People today certainly need words, but most of all they need us to bear witness to the mercy and tenderness of the Lord, which warms the heart, rekindles hope, and attracts people towards the good. What a joy it is to bring God’s consolation to others!
- The second reference point of mission is the Cross of Christ. Saint Paul, writing to the Galatians, says: “Far be it from me to glory except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (6:14). And he speaks of the “marks of Jesus”, that is, the wounds of the crucified Lord, as a countersign, as the distinctive mark of his life as an Apostle of the Gospel. In his ministry Paul experienced suffering, weakness and defeat, but also joy and consolation. This is the Paschal mystery of Jesus: the mystery of death and resurrection. And it was precisely by letting himself be conformed to the death of Jesus that Saint Paul became a sharer in his resurrection, in his victory. In the hour of darkness and trial, the dawn of light and salvation is already present and operative. The Paschal mystery is the beating heart of the Church’s mission! And if we remain within this mystery, we are sheltered both from a worldly and triumphalistic view of mission and from the discouragement that can result from trials and failures. The fruitfulness of the Gospel proclamation is measured neither by success nor by failure according to the criteria of human evaluation, but by becoming conformed to the logic of the Cross of Jesus, which is the logic of stepping outside oneself and spending oneself, the logic of love. It is the Cross – the Cross that is always present with Christ – which guarantees the fruitfulness of our mission. And it is from the Cross, the supreme act of mercy and love, that we are reborn as a “new creation” (Gal 6:15).
- Finally the third element: prayer. In the Gospel we heard: “Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest, to send out labourers into his harvest” (Lk 10:2). The labourers for the harvest are not chosen through advertising campaigns or appeals for service and generosity, but they are “chosen” and “sent” by God. For this, prayer is important. The Church, as Benedict XVI has often reiterated, is not ours, but God’s; the field to be cultivated is his. The mission, then, is primarily about grace. And if the Apostle is born of prayer, he finds in prayer the light and strength for his action. Our mission ceases to bear fruit, indeed, it is extinguished the moment the link with its source, with the Lord, is interrupted.
Dear seminarians, dear novices, dear young people discerning your vocations: “evangelization is done on one’s knees”, as one of you said to me the other day. Always be men and women of prayer! Without a constant relationship with God, the mission becomes a job. The risk of activism, of relying too much on structures, is an ever-present danger. If we look towards Jesus, we see that prior to any important decision or event he recollected himself in intense and prolonged prayer. Let us cultivate the contemplative dimension, even amid the whirlwind of more urgent and pressing duties. And the more the mission calls you to go out to the margins of existence, let your heart be the more closely united to Christ’s heart, full of mercy and love. Herein lies the secret of the fruitfulness of a disciple of the Lord!
Jesus sends his followers out with no “purse, no bag, no sandals” (Lk 10:4). The spread of the Gospel is not guaranteed either by the number of persons, or by the prestige of the institution, or by the quantity of available resources. What counts is to be permeated by the love of Christ, to let oneself be led by the Holy Spirit and to graft one’s own life onto the tree of life, which is the Lord’s Cross.
Dear friends, with great confidence I entrust you to the intercession of Mary Most Holy. She is the Mother who helps us to take life decisions freely and without fear. May she help you to bear witness to the joy of God’s consolation, to conform yourselves to the logic of love of the Cross, to grow in ever deeper union with the Lord. Then your lives will be rich and fruitful! Amen.
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
FREE CATHOLIC MOVIES - MOSCATI - DOCTOR TO THE POOR - PART 3
St. Giuseppe Moscati: Doctor to the Poor(2007) "Giuseppe Moscati: L'amore che guarisce" (original title)
TV Movie -
Director:
Giacomo CampiottiStars:
Beppe Fiorello, Kasia Smutniak, Ettore BassiPART 1 http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2013/07/free-catholic-movies-moscati-doctor-to.html
PART 2 http://jceworld.blogspot.ca/2013/07/free-catholic-movies-moscati-doctor-to_6.html
SUNDAY MASS ONLINE : JULY 7, 2013 - 14TH ORD. TIME - YEAR C
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 102
Reading 1 IS 66:10-14C
Thus says the LORD:
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,
all you who love her;
exult, exult with her,
all you who were mourning over her!
Oh, that you may suck fully
of the milk of her comfort,
that you may nurse with delight
at her abundant breasts!
For thus says the LORD:
Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.
As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,
and fondled in her lap;
as a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.
When you see this, your heart shall rejoice
and your bodies flourish like the grass;
the LORD’s power shall be known to his servants.
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,
all you who love her;
exult, exult with her,
all you who were mourning over her!
Oh, that you may suck fully
of the milk of her comfort,
that you may nurse with delight
at her abundant breasts!
For thus says the LORD:
Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.
As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,
and fondled in her lap;
as a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.
When you see this, your heart shall rejoice
and your bodies flourish like the grass;
the LORD’s power shall be known to his servants.
Responsorial Psalm PS 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
R. (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,
sing praise to the glory of his name;
proclaim his glorious praise.
Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
“Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,
sing praise to your name!”
Come and see the works of God,
his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
He has changed the sea into dry land;
through the river they passed on foot;
therefore let us rejoice in him.
He rules by his might forever.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare
what he has done for me.
Blessed be God who refused me not
my prayer or his kindness!
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,
sing praise to the glory of his name;
proclaim his glorious praise.
Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
“Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,
sing praise to your name!”
Come and see the works of God,
his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
He has changed the sea into dry land;
through the river they passed on foot;
therefore let us rejoice in him.
He rules by his might forever.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare
what he has done for me.
Blessed be God who refused me not
my prayer or his kindness!
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Reading 2 GAL 6:14-18
Brothers and sisters:
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.
For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision,
but only a new creation.
Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule
and to the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make troubles for me;
for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
brothers and sisters. Amen.
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.
For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision,
but only a new creation.
Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule
and to the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make troubles for me;
for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
brothers and sisters. Amen.
Gospel LK 10:1-12, 17-20
At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.’
Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”
The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said,
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.’
Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”
The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said,
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Or LK 10:1-9
At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”
PRIEST KILLED - RIP FR. HAROAN OF COPTIC ORTHODOX IN EGYPT
ASIA NEWS REPORT
AsiaNews sources confirm the shooting. Fr Mina Abboud Haroan was killed by a group of armed men, probably Islamists.
Cairo (AsiaNews) - A group of Islamist militants killed Mina Haroan Abboud, a 39-year-old Orthodox Coptic priest, in el-Arish, Sinai Peninsula. AsiaNews sources have confirmed the story.
The murder took place today, in the early afternoon. A group of men, probably Islamic extremists, stepped out of a car and stopped the priest as he walked in the street. After shooting the clergyman at point blank, they fled.
Fr Abboud was immediately taken to hospital but died a few hours later.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising across the country after yesterday's pro-Morsi demonstrations. Sources told AsiaNews that the Muslim Brotherhood is taking its revenge.
In Cairo, people are fighting on rooftops, and Brotherhood members are hunting down young organisers of the 30 June mass rally."They are going house to house, pointing rifles and machineguns. They are attacking with all sorts of weapons," witnesses said.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
AsiaNews sources confirm the shooting. Fr Mina Abboud Haroan was killed by a group of armed men, probably Islamists.
_0607_-_Sacerdote_ucciso.jpg)
Cairo (AsiaNews) - A group of Islamist militants killed Mina Haroan Abboud, a 39-year-old Orthodox Coptic priest, in el-Arish, Sinai Peninsula. AsiaNews sources have confirmed the story.
The murder took place today, in the early afternoon. A group of men, probably Islamic extremists, stepped out of a car and stopped the priest as he walked in the street. After shooting the clergyman at point blank, they fled.
Fr Abboud was immediately taken to hospital but died a few hours later.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising across the country after yesterday's pro-Morsi demonstrations. Sources told AsiaNews that the Muslim Brotherhood is taking its revenge.
In Cairo, people are fighting on rooftops, and Brotherhood members are hunting down young organisers of the 30 June mass rally."They are going house to house, pointing rifles and machineguns. They are attacking with all sorts of weapons," witnesses said.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS IT
YOUTH CONFERENCE AT EU PARLIAMENT WITH COMECE - NEW OPPORTUNITIES
COMECE RELEASE
Conference : Creating New opportunities for Young People
Wed 4 September 14:00-19:00 at the EU Parliament
 |  |
Young people in Europe are today confronted with various challenges: the crisis and the resulting dramatic increase of youth unemployment, rapidly changing living conditions and an ageing population.
During the conference urgent questions and potential political and practical responses shall be discussed. Beside the need for strong education and youth policies, it shall also be made clear that young people’s demands must be respected across the board.
Two panels of experts will discuss two key issues related to the personal development of young people: The first panel will discuss the situation young people are confronted with when entering the labour market. The second panel will discuss the preconditions of participation and inclusion of young people. E-Invitation.jpeg
I giovani sono oggi di fronte a molteplici sfide: la crisi, la crescente disoccupazione, il rapido cambiamento delle condizioni di vita e l'invecchiamento della popolazione.
La conferenza cercherà , quindi, di discutere possibili soluzioni politiche e pratiche a queste sfide. Accanto a politiche educative e giovanili solide, è fondamentale chiarire la necessità di politiche trasversali che rispondano ai bisogni e ai desideri delle nuove generazioni.
Due i gruppi di esperti che discuteranno la situazione giovanile nel mercato del lavoro e le condizioni per garantire la loro partecipazione ed inclusione nella società .
Jugendliche in Europa sind heute mit verschiedenen Herausforderungen konfrontiert: Der Wirtschafts- und Finanzkrise und einer damit einhergehenden steigenden Jugendarbeitslosigkeit, sich schnell wandelnden Lebensumständen und einer alternden Bevölkerung.
Im Rahmen der Konferenz sollen drängende Fragestellungen und mögliche politische und praktische Antworten aus christlicher Sicht diskutiert werden. Neben der Notwendigkeit einer starken Bildungs- und Jugendpolitik soll auch deutlich werden, dass Interessen junger Menschen politikbereichsübergreifend berücksichtigt werden müssen.
Im Rahmen von zwei Diskussionsrunden sollen Experten zwei zentrale Themen im Zusammenhang mit der Entwicklung junger Menschen diskutierten: Zunächst soll es um die Situation gehen, mit der junge Menschen auf oder beim Eintritt in den Arbeitsmarkt heute konfrontiert sind. Ein zweites Panel widmet sich den Voraussetzungen von gesellschaftlicher und politischer Teilhabe junger Menschen.
Draft Programme
| 14h00 | Welcoming |
| 14h15 | Impulse The Situation of Young People on the Labour Markets and Social Implications - Perspective from Spain |
| 14h45 | Panel I: Employment Crisis – Personal and societal perspectives |
| 16h15 | Coffee Break |
| 16h45 | Panel II: Empowering Young People |
| 18h45 | Closing Remarks |
| 19h00 | Reception |
Registration compulsory. Please register by 30th August :
BISHOPS URGE 5 MILLION CATHOLICS TO VOTE FOR COMMON GOOD IN AUSTRALIA
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
3 Jul 2013
3 Jul 2013
Calls to review detention centres
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) is urging the nation's 5 million Catholics to make their vote count and to vote for the "common good" when the country goes to the polls later this year.
"We encourage Catholics to look beyond their own individual needs to apply a different test at the ballot box - the test of what we call the common good. The good of the individual and the good of society as a whole must be brought together in harmony," the ACBC says in a letter distributed to 1300 parishes across Australia.
Newly re-instated Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has not yet announced a date for the Federal Election which must be held before November this year.
Newly re-instated Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has not yet announced a date for the Federal Election which must be held before November this year.
But whether a Federal Election is called for early next month or in 12 weeks time, the ACBC wants to ensure all Catholics of voting age take our democratic freedoms seriously and become involved in the political process.
The Church traditionally has always refused to take sides in politics and this week's statement by Australia's Catholic bishops does not tell people who to vote for or which party they should support.
Marriage in Australia means a union between a man and a woman
Instead the letter encourages Catholics to focus their attention on key issues of concern that will make a difference not only in their own lives but for the improved welfare and future of Australia as a whole.
"The principles of social teaching cross party political boundaries and Catholics may in good conscience form different opinions on the candidates and the parties standing for election," the ACBC statement says.
"In writing this letter to you, we draw upon our rich tradition of social teaching and upon the Church's long experience of serving all people without distinction through our work in a broad range of areas including health and aged care, education and social services," the Bishops explain.
Aware of the turbulent political situation that culminated in a new Prime Minister and a new Cabinet being installed this week, Australia's Catholic bishops saw the importance of outlining some key areas that might inform consciences while leaving it to voters to make their final decision, says Archbishop Philip Wilson, Vice President of the ACBC.
Focussing on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Bishops include a range of important issues voters should consider before making up their minds on which party or candidate to support.
Families are the bedrock of society and our greatest gift and strength
Among the issues on which the ACBC outlines its position are those relating to the needs of the nation's poorest and most vulnerable.
"Any society is judged by how the weakest and poorest of its members are treated," the ACBC letter points out and urges voters to remember that the most vulnerable people in society are our greatest responsibility, and that this must be a priority for whichever government is elected to power.
In this context, the Bishops also gave their endorsement and support to DisabilityCare, formerly known as the Disability National Insurance Scheme which will give those with disabilities and their carers more independence as well as individually tailored programs.
On the issue of Marriage and Family, the ACBC said family was the basic unit of society and affirmed the bishops' unwavering belief that there must be legal recognition of the unique nature of marriage between a man and a woman, and proper protection for the rights of children to relate to their natural mother and father.
Old or young, all life is precious and should be treasured
"The Church acknowledges there are many sad situations that mean one or both parents may not be present in a child's life. Single parent families need support in their important work, but children should not intentionally be deprived of their parents unless there is concern for the child's safety," the ACBC says and added that the primary aim of tax arrangements, government payments and workplace relations laws should be to strengthen families and help reduce pressures on finances and family time.
The ACBC pointed to Child Protection as a significant issue with the bishops both collectively and as individuals, sharing the outrage "that all decent people feel when they read the reports of sexual abuse."
"There are profound abuses of human dignity, contrary to the Gospel and are crimes," the letter states and promises that the ACBC will continue to work to eradicate the cirmustances that enable abuse to occur and to seek pastoral care and support for the victims.
The housing, health, education and employment needs of our Indigenous communities must be met
Under the heading "Life," the bishops reiterate the Church's position on all human life, which must be respected, particularly the lives of the most vulnerable including the unborn, the sick, the elderly, people living with a disability and in communities affected by poverty, abuse, famine or war.
"Respect for human life requires constant vigilance to ensure euthanasia and assisted suicide are never legalised," the ACBC insists pointing out that these so called acts of mercy "would in fact abandon those who need our care and protection the most."
Other issues addressed by the bishops include a call for "lasting dignity and justice for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters" and for political parties to ensure that there is appropriate indigenous representation so that Australia's first people are heard and their needs pursued as a matter of national priority.
"Appalling standards of housing and health, alarming levels of imprisonment and great educational disadvantage and poverty are some of the key indicators of the problems which weigh heavily upon indigenous peoples through the country," the ACBC statement says and issues an urgent call for true national reconciliation.
Each day in NSW 82 unborn children lose their lives to abortion
In addition to pointing out the plight of Australia's indigenous people, the ACBC turns the spotlight on asylum seekers and refugees, asking that regardless of how they arrive on our shores that their claims are speedily processed in accordance with international conventions. The bishops also want an end to mandatory detention, especially for families, children and unaccompanied minors so that Catholic agencies and similar organisations can care for them within the community.
"Asylum seekers and refugees should have access to employment and government services, giving them the security they need to build a new life in Australia," the letter states and reminds the faithful that migration has played a prominent role in the development of the Catholic Church and helped transform Australia into a "vibrant prosperous democracy."
In terms of education, the ACBC calls for fair, equitable and transparent funding of all schools including the nation's 1706 Catholic schools which educate 20% of Australian children, and says there should be no barrier to high quality education because of incapacity to pay.
The high cost of health and aged care is another issue of concern for Australia's bishops.
"Many in Australia miss out on prompt access to health and aged care because of cost barriers," the letter points out and calls for a formal inquiry to be established by the next elected Parliament to find out how these cost barriers can be overcome.
Fears of land degradation, water and air pollution and health risks
The ACBC cites ecology and sustainability as another important issue to be considered by voters calling for policies to address land salination, the degradation of rivers, fair distribution of water and prudent management of fragile ecosystems.
"Australia's future prosperity is closely linked with how well we care for our ecosystems and how effectively we transition to sustainable practices," the bishops' letter points out.
Finally in the statement which is also available online, the ACBC calls on politicians to continue with Australia's Millennium Goal commitments urging the next Parliaments to build a culture of peace by promoting overseas aid policies to provide proper nourishment, health, housing and education to some of the world's poorest communities.
To access the entire statement by the ACBC in PDF or e-book format together with the ACBC's 10 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching log on to www.www.catholicsvote2013.org.au
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
TODAY'S SAINT: JULY 7: ST. ETHELBURGA
St. Ethelburga
ABBESS
Feast: July 7
Information:
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English abbess of a monastery in France, the daughter of Anna, king of the East Angles. Ethelburga accompanied her half sister, Sethrida, to France to become a nun under the direction of St. Burgundofara. They spent the remainder of thier lives in prayer.
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SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stethelburga.asp#ixzz1RQDMmieu
