Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 78

SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. SAINTLINESS MEANS LISTENING TO JESUS AND FOLLOWING HIM
---------------------------------------------------------------
. HUMAN BEINGS ASPIRE TO TRANSCENDENCE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COMMUNIQUE ON THE HOLY FATHER'S VISIT TO TURKEY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE VISITS THE PONTIFICAL GREGORIAN UNIVERSITY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN BRIEF
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


SAINTLINESS MEANS LISTENING TO JESUS AND FOLLOWING HIM



VATICAN CITY, NOV 1, 2006 (VIS) - Today, Solemnity of All Saints, Benedict XVI
celebrated Mass in the Vatican Basilica.



   In his homily he highlighted the fact that "saints are not an exclusive caste
of the chosen few, but a countless multitude towards whom today's liturgy
encourages us to direct our gaze. That multitude contains not only
officially-recognized saints, but the baptized from every age and nation who
have sought to enact divine will with love and faithfulness."



   "Contemplating the shining example of the saints," said the Holy Father,
"awakens within us the great desire to be like them: happy to live near God, in
His light, in the great family of the friends of God. ... This is the vocation
of us all, clearly reiterated by Vatican Council II, and today solemnly brought
to our attention once again."



   "In order to be saints," he continued, "it is not necessary to accomplish
extraordinary actions and works, nor to possess exceptional charisms. ... What
is above all necessary is to listen to Jesus and then to follow Him without
losing heart in the face of difficulties."



   "The experience of the Church shows that all forms of sanctity, though
following different paths, always pass along the way of the cross, the way of
self-renouncement. The biographies of the saints describe men and women who,
compliant to the divine plan, at times faced indescribable trials and suffering,
persecutions and martyrdom."



   "For us, the example of the saints is an encouragement to follow the same
footsteps and experience the joy of those who entrust themselves to God; because
the only true cause of sadness and unhappiness for mankind is to remain distant
from Him."



   Sanctity, said the Holy Father, "requires a constant effort, but it is a
possibility for everyone because, more than being the work of man it is,
primarily, a gift of God, thrice Holy."



   "In Christ," he concluded, "God gave us all of Himself, and He calls us to a
personal and profound relationship with Him. Thus, the greater our intimacy with
Jesus, and the more united to Him we are, the more we enter into the mystery of
divine sanctity. We discover that we are loved by Him with an infinite love, and
this encourages us in turn to love our brothers and sisters. Loving always
involves an act of self-renouncement, the 'loss of self', and it is precisely
for this reason that it makes us happy."


* * *


HUMAN BEINGS ASPIRE TO TRANSCENDENCE



VATICAN CITY, NOV 1, 2006 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus today with pilgrims
gathered in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI made some brief remarks dedicated
to the Solemnity of All Saints, which falls today, and to tomorrow's
commemoration of All Souls. Two celebrations, he said, "that give us a unique
opportunity to meditate upon eternal life."



   The Pope went on to ask: "Does modern man still expect this eternal life, or
does he feel it to be part of a mythology that has now been left behind? In our
times, more than in the past, people are so absorbed by the things of the world
that sometimes it is difficult to think of God as a protagonist of history and
of our own lives. Yet human existence, by its very nature, tends towards
something greater, something that transcends it. The human thirst for justice,
for truth, and for complete happiness cannot be suppressed.



   "Faced with the enigma of death," he added, "many people have the desire and
hope of seeing their loved ones in the hereafter," and believe in "a final
judgement that re-establishes justice, hoping for a definitive encounter in
which each is given his due."



   For Christians, Pope Benedict explained, "eternal life" does not just indicate
a life that lasts forever, "but a new quality of existence, fully immersed in
the love of God, that frees us from evil and death and places us in endless
communion with all our brothers and sisters who participate in the same Love.
Thus, eternity can already be present at the center of earthly and temporal life
when the soul, through grace, is joined to God, its ultimate foundation."



   "Let us meditate upon these truths with our souls turned towards our ultimate
and definitive destination, which gives meaning to daily life," he concluded.
"Let us revive the saints' joyous sensation of communion, and allow ourselves to
be attracted by them towards the goal of our existence: the meeting face to face
with God."


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 1, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Armando Martin
Gutierrez F.A.M., formator for the Congregation of the Sons of Merciful Love in
the archdiocese of Fermo, Italy, as bishop of Bacabal (area 15,867, population
494,564, Catholics 454,958, priests 27, religious 62), Brazil. The bishop-elect
was born in Madrid, Spain in 1954 and ordained a priest in 1979.



* * *


COMMUNIQUE ON THE HOLY FATHER'S VISIT TO TURKEY



VATICAN CITY, NOV 2, 2006 (VIS) - Following press comments concerning the
possible absence of Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during the
Holy Father's forthcoming visit to Turkey from November 28 to December 1, the
Holy See Press office today released the following declaration:



   "It should be specified that the Holy See had already been informed - during
the course of preparations for the trip - about the overlap with the prime
minister's important engagement at the NATO summit meeting in Latvia. The Holy
See had also been informed that the head of the government would try to be
present in Turkey to meet the Holy Father but could not guarantee being able to
do so, and that if he were absent, he would be represented by another important
government figure: the vice prime minister."


* * *


POPE VISITS THE PONTIFICAL GREGORIAN UNIVERSITY



VATICAN CITY, NOV 3, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, Benedict XVI travelled to Rome's
Pontifical Gregorian University. On arrival, he visited the chapel for an
interval of prayer, then moved on to the university's covered courtyard where he
met with professors, students and benefactors.



   After greetings from the university rector, Fr. Gianfranco Ghirlanda S.J., the
students' representative, Fr. Bryan Lobo S.J., and the secretary general, Luigi
Allena, the Pope delivered his address.



   In opening his remarks, the Pope recalled how in 1972 he was invited to teach
a course on the Blessed Eucharist, and he reminded professors and students that
"the effort of study and teaching, in order to be meaningful with regard to the
Kingdom of God, must be supported by the theological virtues. The immediate
objective of theological science, in its various aspects, is God Who revealed
Himself in Jesus Christ, God with a human face."



   "Today," he continued, "we cannot fail to take account of the confrontation
with secular culture, which in many parts of the world tends ... not only to
deny all signs of God's presence in the life of society and of individuals, but,
with various means that disorient and confuse man's correct understanding, seeks
to undermine his capacity to listen to God.



   "Nor can we ignore," he added, "relations with other religions." Such
relations "are constructive only if they avoid all ambiguities that in any way
weaken the essential contents of Christian faith in Christ, the only Savior of
all mankind, and in the Church, a necessary sacrament for the salvation of all
humanity."



   Other human sciences such as psychology, social science and communications,
"precisely because they concern human beings, cannot omit a reference to God.
Indeed, man, both in his interior and exterior aspects, cannot be fully
understood if he is not recognized as being open to transcendence."



   He continued: "Deprived of his reference to God, man cannot respond to the
fundamental questions that disturb, and always will disturb, his heart;
questions that concern the aim and, hence, the meaning of existence. ... Man's
destiny, without reference to God, cannot but be the desolation of anguish that
leads to desperation. Only with reference to God-Love, revealed in Jesus Christ,
can man discover the meaning of his life, and live in hope, even while
experiencing the evils that injure his personal life and the society in which he
lives. Hope ensures that man does not close himself in a stagnant and sterile
nihilism, but opens himself to generous commitment in the society in which he
lives in order to improve it."



   Highlighting the fact that the integral formation of young people "is one of
the traditional forms of the apostolate of Company of Jesus," the Holy Father
recalled how the university's statutes and general regulations are currently
being renewed, in order, he said, "to define the identity of the Gregorian
University more clearly, facilitating the preparation of the most appropriate
academic programs for carrying out its mission."



   "As an ecclesial pontifical university, this academic institution is committed
to 'sentire in Ecclesia et cum Ecclesia.' This is a commitment that arises from
love for the Church, our Mother and Bride of Christ."



   Following the ceremony and before returning to the Vatican, the Pope visited
the "Matteo Ricci" congress center where he greeted the religious community of
Jesuits.



* * *


IN BRIEF



CARDINAL SECRETARY OF STATE TARCISIO BERTONE S.D.B., has written a Letter
conveying the Holy Father's greetings to organizers of Spain's 40th Social Week,
which is currently taking place in the Spanish city of Toledo. The Pope, the
cardinal writes, encourages the participants "in their efforts to ... spread the
Church's Social Doctrine, both in the field of culture and research, and in the
conscience of everyone - individuals and groups - called to contribute to the
common good according to their condition and responsibilities. This commitment
has particular relevance on the 100th anniversary of the start of these
meetings, under the auspices of the Holy See and of the Spanish episcopate: a
very appropriate moment at which to consider the most grave and pressing social
questions in ... Spanish life."



ARCHBISHOP CELESTINO MIGLIORE, HOLY SEE Permanent Observer to the United Nations
in New York yesterday participated in a meeting of the 61st session of the U.N.
General Assembly dedicated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "It is a sad fact," said the nuncio
in his English-language talk, "that the international community has failed to
engage the Israelis and Palestinians in significant and substantive dialogue
along with dispute resolution in order to bring stability and peace to both. ...
Solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains the key to a series of
questions affecting the whole Middle East, without going into the consequences
for the wider world."


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 3, 2006 (VIS) - This evening, the Holy Father is scheduled to
receive in separate audiences:



  - Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the
Oriental Churches.



  - Cardinal Franc Rode C.M., prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of
Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.



* * *


CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/110406.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
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keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 79

MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. PAPAL MASS FOR DECEASED CARDINALS AND BISHOPS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. BY FACING DEATH, CHRIST REVOLUTIONIZED ITS SIGNIFICANCE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. APPEAL FOR AN END TO BLOODSHED IN GAZA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CANNOT FULFIL ALL NEEDS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COMMUNIQUE CONCERNING VISIT BY HUNGARIAN PRESIDENT
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN BRIEF
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


PAPAL MASS FOR DECEASED CARDINALS AND BISHOPS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 4, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, in a customary practice for the
month of November, the Pope celebrated Mass at the altar of the Cathedra in the
Vatican Basilica in remembrance of the cardinals, archbishops and bishops who
died during the course of the last year. Members of the College of Cardinals
concelebrated with the Holy Father.



   At the start of his homily, Benedict XVI recalled the names of the cardinals
who died during the last twelve months: "Leo Scheffczyk, Pio Taofinu'u, Raul
Francisco Primatesta, Angel Suquia Goicoechea, Johannes Willebrands,
Louis-Albert Vachon, Dino Monduzzi and Mario Francesco Pompedda."



   He went on: "In order to purify the white robe received at Baptism from all
blemishes and stains, the community of believers offers the Sacrifice of the
Eucharist and other prayers for the souls of those whom death has called to pass
from time to eternity." Praying for the deceased, he said, "is a noble practice,
one that presupposes faith in the resurrection of the dead, as revealed to us by
Sacred Scripture and, finally and completely, by the Gospel."



   The Pope dwelt on the fact that each of the cardinals and bishops "was called
... to put the words of the Apostle Paul - 'for me to live is Christ' - into
practice and to make them his own. This vocation, received at Baptism, was
strengthened in them with the Sacrament of Confirmation and with the three
grades of Holy Orders, and was constantly nourished by participation in the
Eucharist.



   "By this sacramental journey," he added, "their 'being in Christ' was rendered
more solid and profound, to the point that death was no longer a loss - because
they had already evangelically 'lost' everything for the Lord and for the Gospel
- but a 'gain:' that of finally meeting Jesus, and with Him the fullness of
life."



   The Holy Father concluded by asking the Lord "to enable our dear deceased
brother cardinals and bishops to attain the longed-for goal. We ask this
trusting in the intercession of Mary Most Holy and in the prayers of the many
people who knew them in life and appreciated their Christian virtues."



* * *


BY FACING DEATH, CHRIST REVOLUTIONIZED ITS SIGNIFICANCE



VATICAN CITY, NOV 5, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, in his remarks prior to the
Angelus prayer, Benedict XVI told the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St.
Peter's Square that these days following the recent commemoration of All Souls
represent "a good occasion to recall our loved ones in prayer, and to reflect
upon the reality of death."



   A reality, the Pope went on, that wealthy societies "often seek to remove from
people's consciences, which are entirely occupied with the concerns of daily
life." However, "despite all the distractions, the loss of a loved one causes us
to rediscover 'the problem,' making us feel death as a real presence, radically
hostile and contrary to our natural vocation to life and happiness.



   "Jesus revolutionized the meaning of death," the Holy Father added. "He did so
with His teachings, but above all by facing death Himself. ... With the Spirit
that cannot die - one of the Church Fathers writes - Christ killed death that
kills man. In this way, the Son of God wished to share our human condition, ...
and reopen it to hope."



   "Since then, death is not the same, it has been deprived, so to say, of its
'poison.' The love of God, working in Jesus, has, in fact given a new meaning to
man's entire existence, also transforming death. ... Those who undertake to live
like Him are freed from the fear of death, which no longer laughs scornfully
like an enemy but, as St. Francis writes in his Canticle of Creatures, shows the
friendly face of a sister."



   "Faith reminds us that there is no cause to be afraid of the death of the
body, because it is a sleep from which we will one day be woken. True death,
which we should fear, is the death of the soul, which the Apocalypse calls
'second death.' Indeed, those who die in mortal sin, unrepentant and closed in
the proud refusal of God's love, exclude themselves from the kingdom of life."


* * *


APPEAL FOR AN END TO BLOODSHED IN GAZA



VATICAN CITY, NOV 5, 2006 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus today with thousands
of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI told the faithful that
he was following, with "great concern, ... news of the grave deterioration of
the situation in the Gaza Strip." He also expressed his "closeness to the
civilian populations suffering the consequences of acts of violence.



   "I ask you," he added, "to join me in prayer to the Almighty and Merciful God
that He may enlighten the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as those
of nations with a particular responsibility in the region, ensuring they make
every effort to put an end to bloodshed, increase humanitarian aid initiatives
and favor the immediate resumption of direct and serious negotiations."



   The Holy Father then went on to address Polish pilgrims, recalling that
yesterday, November 4, "we celebrated the feast of St. Charles Borromeo; an
anniversary that invites us to associate the great reformer of the Church after
the Council of Trent with the great implementer of the dispositions of Vatican
Council II, John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla. To the Mother of God, I entrust the
entire community of faithful, to whom these two pastors dedicated their lives."



* * *


SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CANNOT FULFIL ALL NEEDS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 6, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, the Pope received
participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences,
headed by the president of that institution, Nicola Cabibbo. They have been
meeting to consider the theme: "Predictability in Science: Accuracy and
Limitations."



   Addressing his audience in English, the Holy Father observed how some people
"have seen in the progress of modern science and technology one of the main
causes of secularization and materialism: why invoke God's control over these
phenomena when science has shown itself capable of doing the same thing?"



   "Christianity does not posit an inevitable conflict between supernatural faith
and scientific progress," he stressed, recalling how "God created human beings,
endowed them with reason, and set them over all the creatures of the earth." In
this way, man became "the steward of creation and God's 'helper.' ... Indeed, we
could say that the work of predicting, controlling and governing nature, which
science today renders more practicable than in the past, is itself a part of the
Creator's plan."



   "Man cannot place in science and technology so radical and unconditional a
trust as to believe that scientific and technological progress can explain
everything and completely fulfil all his existential and spiritual needs.
Science cannot replace philosophy and revelation by giving an exhaustive answer
to man's most radical questions: questions about the meaning of living and
dying, about ultimate values, and about the nature of progress itself."



   Pope Benedict then went on to address the issue of a scientist's ethical
responsibilities. "His conclusions must be guided by respect for truth," he
said, "and an honest acknowledgment of both the accuracy and the inevitable
limitations of the scientific method. Certainly this means avoiding needlessly
alarming predictions when these are not supported by sufficient data or exceed
science's actual ability to predict. But it also means avoiding the opposite,
namely a silence, born of fear, in the face of genuine problems. The influence
of scientists in shaping public opinion on the basis of their knowledge is too
important to be undermined by undue haste or the pursuit of superficial
publicity."



   "Our world continues to look to you and your colleagues" the Pope told his
audience, "for a clear understanding of the possible consequences of many
important natural phenomena. I think, for example, of the continuing threats to
the environment which are affecting whole peoples, and the urgent need to
discover safe, alternative energy sources available to all.



   "Scientists," he added, "will find support from the Church in their efforts to
confront these issues, since the Church has received from her divine founder the
task of guiding people's consciences towards goodness, solidarity and peace.
Precisely for this reason she feels in duty bound to insist that science's
ability to predict and control must never be employed against human life and its
dignity, but always placed at its service, at the service of this and future
generations."



   "The scientific method itself," the Pope warned, "has inherent limitations
that necessarily restrict scientific predictability to specific contexts and
approaches. Science cannot, therefore, presume to provide a complete,
deterministic representation of our future and of the development of every
phenomenon that it studies.



   "Philosophy and theology might make an important contribution to this
fundamentally epistemological question by, for example, helping the empirical
sciences to recognize a difference between the mathematical inability to predict
certain events and the validity of the principle of causality, or, ... more
radically, between evolution as the origin of a succession in space and time,
and creation as the ultimate origin of participated being in essential Being."



   The Holy Father concluded: "At the same time, there is a higher level that
necessarily transcends all scientific predictions, namely, the human world of
freedom and history. Whereas the physical cosmos can have its own
spatial-temporal development, only humanity, strictly speaking, has a history,
the history of its freedom. Freedom, like reason, is a precious part of God's
image within us, and it can never be reduced to a deterministic analysis"


* * *


COMMUNIQUE CONCERNING VISIT BY HUNGARIAN PRESIDENT



VATICAN CITY, NOV 6, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office today announced that
"this morning, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Laszlo Solyom,
president of the Republic of Hungary, who subsequently went on to meet Cardinal
Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.



   "The cordial discussions provided an opportunity to consider the situation in
the country, with particular reference to the traditional moral and religious
values of Hungarian society. Mention was made of the implementation of the
'Agreement between the Republic of Hungary and the Holy See on Financing the
Activities of Public Service and other Solely Religious Activities,' in force
since 1997, and of other matters concerning relations between Church and State.
Finally, opinions were exchanged on the question of European integration and the
Christian roots of the continent."


* * *


IN BRIEF



ARCHBISHOP CELESTINO MIGLIORE, HOLY SEE permanent observer to the United Nations
in New York, participated, on November 3, in the 61st session of the UN General
Assembly, which was meeting to consider the "Culture of Peace." in his
English-language talk, the archbishop pointed out that "peace implies a truth
which is common to all peoples beyond cultural, philosophical and religious
diversities. It is the idea of the dignity of every human person intimately
linked to the transcendent. Thus peace will be reached once it is understood and
put into practice as the realization of this shared truth, in mutual respect of
cultural diversities. ... The lack of the basic truth of peace at the cultural
level has undoubtedly produced devastating effects down through the years and
there are still cultures and mentalities that even today deny it exists. The
most dramatic example is international terrorism. The criminal designs of
international terrorism rest on false cultural roots which deny the existence of
a link between truth and human life. Such roots are identifiable in nihilism and
in fanatical fundamentalism, which are erroneous ways of relating to truth. 'The
nihilist denies the very existence of truth, while the fundamentalist claims to
be able to impose it by force. Despite their different origins and cultural
backgrounds, both show a dangerous contempt for human beings and human life, and
ultimately for God Himself'."



ARCHBISHOP JOHN P. FOLEY, PRESIDENT of the Pontifical Council for Social
Communications, delivered an address at the Springtime of Faith Foundation in
Rome, on November 4. Dwelling on the subject of evangelization via the
communications media, Archbishop Foley indicated that "it is possible to
evangelize ... not only through networks or international transmissions, ...but
also through the smallest newspapers or radio stations or, now, Internet sites.
... I think that our own communication of our evident happiness in our faith, in
our priesthood or in our Christian life can be one of the most powerful ways to
evangelize personally and through the media."



THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF Migrants and Itinerant Peoples
has called a meeting of national directors for the pastoral care of tourism in
Europe, being held in Rome on November 6 and 7. The theme of the meeting is:
"Tourism, a transversal reality: pastoral aspects." In a talk during the opening
session, Cardinal Raffaele Martino, president of the pontifical council,
affirmed that as Europeans "we must affirm our roots and our Christian heritage,
renewing them in the light of Vatican Council II. We must also discover how, in
the future, ... to stimulate new evangelization, a new civilization of love and
respect. ... Tourism is undoubtedly an appropriate instrument with which to
encourage these values. Indeed, many of our monuments and works of art speak to
us of a Christian Europe which, despite everything, is impregnated with the
Gospel, although not, of course, only with the Gospel."


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 6, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences nine prelates from the German Bishops' Conference, on their "ad
limina" visit:



     - Cardinal Georg Maximilian Sterzinsky, archbishop of Berlin, accompanied by
Auxiliary Bishop Wolfgang Weider.



     - Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Freiburg im Breisgau, accompanied by
Auxiliary Bishops Paul Friedrich Wehrle, Rainer Klug, and Bernd Joachim Uhl.



     - Bishop Joachim Friedrich Reinelt of Dresden-Meissen, accompanied by
Auxiliary Bishop Georg Weinhold.



     - Msgr. Hubertus Zomack, diocesan administrator of Gorlitz.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 6, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from
the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, U.S.A.,
presented by Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto, upon having reached the age limit.



   On Saturday, November 4, it was made public that he appointed Bishop Mansueto
Bianchi of Volterra, Italy, as bishop of Pistoia (area 821, population 224,312,
Catholics 213,400, priests 143, permanent deacons 23, religious 265), Italy. He
succeeds Bishop Simone Scatizzi, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the
same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY



Tuesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

“Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.”

Jesus, upon hearing this spoken at the very table where he dined could not
resist taking the opportunity to give some commentary.

It was a Sabbath day when Jesus had been invited to dine at this table in the
house of one of the leading Pharisees.

Jesus had just finished teaching them at this very dinning table about not
seeking the place of honor at table, and about inviting the poor to dine at your
table since they cannot repay you, but rather, your heavenly Father will bless
you.

On hearing this one of those at table yelled out : “Blessed is the one who
will dine in the Kingdom of God.”

Jesus took this opportunity to teach a parable about worldliness.

The man who gave the great dinner party is God.

Those first invited guests are the Jews.

But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves.

Being preoccupied with worldly affairs and pleasures they preferred this world
and its concerns to that of God and of heaven.

Jesus then tells the Pharisees gathered around the table that angered by this
coldness of heart the poor are invited as guests in their place.

Jesus had previously taught them that it is better to invite the poor to dine
with you since they cannot afford to repay you with a similar favor.

The dire poverty of the poor in this latter parable is Jesus’ way of showing
that God opens wide the gates of heaven to invite all poor sinners who never
paid Him any favor of prayer, good deed, or ritual service.

In painting this portrait of the supreme mercy of God we see at the exact same
moment in the story Jesus say that the man symbolizing God was filled with rage
at those who excused themselves from attending the dinner party.

The glorious mercy of God is given freely by God to  those not expecting it,
those least deserving of it, those incapable of ever repaying it in the
slightest way.

Whereas, the rage of God is given to those who were given special privileges,
special invitations, but who refused to hear God, refused His invitations and
never appreciated any of the privileges  given to them.

Let this parable serve as a Father’s gentle reminder to all of us to be ever
mindful of His benevolent bounty bestowed upon us.

Let be ever so grateful for the many blessings we have.

I am reminded of a story about an elderly woman in her late eighties who does
not appreciate God’s blessings given to her.

She complains about how horrible and miserable her life is and wishes for a
better one.

She complains she is all alone with nobody and without anything in the world.

The truth is the woman owns a beautiful house with no mortgage that is filled
with expensive furniture and many fine things.

She has about a quarter of a million dollars in the bank.

Her daughter telephones her daily and visits her several times a week and
usually once a week they go out shopping for the day and at least once a week
she comes over the daughters house to spend the day.

Many neighbors, friends and relatives call her by phone or else they come over
to visit, some bringing gifts.

Why then does this woman complain as if she were poor, without friend or family?

She is very ungrateful to God by her complaints.

She is blind to the fact that many thousands if not millions of elderly women
are truly poor, without friends and family, who live in hovels, with not enough
food and no human companionship or compassion ever shown to them.

If this woman were not spiritually blind to see that God has showered many gifts
on her in this life she might be grateful as she is morally bound to be to God
and say Thank you to Him several times a day.

She would then feel great compassion for those less fortunate and give from her
plenty to those who have nothing.

She would be cheerful and pleasant to all praising God and instilling this good
behavior in all those she knows rather than being the negative complainer.

Gratitude to God for everything we have received, acknowledges Him as the source
of all goodness in our lives and endears us to Him in mutual love and affection.

The guests who excused themselves never showed their gratitude for each of the
good things they received but instead used them as excuses rather than the very
reasons obligating them to attend the feast.

One had purchased a field; another purchased five yoke of oxen; yet another just
married a woman.

All of these excuses were the very cause to be obligated to bless God and attend
His special feast.

God gave each of these guests good things in life, land, oxen, and a wife, but
none was thankful to Him.

God not only gave these good things but invited them in order to give them even
more, and they said no.

Mary, Queen of heaven and Queen of the feast in heaven always said Yes to God.

Be like the Blessed Virgin Mary, imitate her!

Pray the rosary and think fondly of her until you arrive at the table and her
voice say : Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.”




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[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA

PART I: PSALMS AND CONTEMPLATION

CHAPTER THREE : Meanings in Scripture (pages 20-35)


Fr. Merton points out that the encyclical of Pius XII Afflante Spiritu, that the
full theological meaning of the Bible cannot be attained without an
understanding of the "spiritual" or "mystical  sense" of Sacred Scripture.

"What was done and said in the Old Testament was ordained and disposed by God
with such consummate wisdom that things past prefigured in a spiritual way those
that were to come under the new dispensation of grace. Wherefore the exegete,
just as he must search out and expound the literal meaning of the words intended
and expressed by the sacred writer, so also must he do likewise for the
spiritual sense, provided it is clearly intended by God. For God alone could
have known the spiritual meaning and could have revealed it to us. Now our
Divine Saviour Himself points out to us and teaches this same sense in the Holy
Gospel; the Apostles also, following the example of the Master, profess it in
their spoken and written words; the unchanging tradaition of the Church approves
it; finally the most ancient usage of the liturgy procalims it, wherever may be
rightly applied the well-known principle, The rule of prayer is the rule of
faith. Let Catholic exegetes then disclose and expound this spiritual
significance, intended and ordained by God, with that care which the dignity of
the divine word demands; but let them scrupulously refrain from proposing as the
genuine meaning of Sacred Scripture other figurative senses. (Afflante Spiritu,
nn 26-27. Cited by Fr. Merton on pages 30-31)


Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/110606.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
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keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 80

TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. HOLY FATHER MEETS WITH SWISS BISHOPS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE PURCHASES FIRST BOND OF FUND FOR IMMUNIZATION
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CHURCH SUPPORTS PROMOTERS OF INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN MEMORIAM
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


HOLY FATHER MEETS WITH SWISS BISHOPS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 7, 2006 (VIS) - Early this morning, Benedict XVI presided at a
Eucharistic concelebration in the Vatican's "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, with
prelates from the Conference of Swiss Bishops.



   Later, the Pope held a meeting with the Swiss prelates, which was also
attended by heads of dicasteries of the Roman Curia and had the aim of
"considering certain aspects of the current situation of the Church in
Switzerland, identifying those elements worthy of being intensified and
promoted, and those in need of correction and purification."



   The Holy Father told the Swiss bishops that this meeting was, in some way,
"the conclusion of their 'ad limina' visit of February 2005, because on that
occasion it had not been possible to accomplish one of the essential parts of
the process, the meeting with John Paul II."



   "The advance of secularization and of relativism means not only that the
Sacraments, especially participation in Sunday Mass, are reduced in frequency,
but also that the moral values proposed by the Church are put in doubt," said
the Pope. In this context, he referred to the crisis of marriage and the family,
the increase in divorce and abortions, and unions between people of the same
sex, all of which, he said, "are evident signs of de-Christianization."



   After highlighting the fact that many people live "as if God does not exist,"
the Pope called upon the prelates "to ensure that the Word of God and the
Christian message are understood," and insisted they should adopt unanimous
positions on theological and moral questions. "The fundamental duty of the
bishop, pastor, and master of faith," he recalled, "is to invite the faithful to
a full acceptance of Church teaching."



   On the subject of the liturgy, Benedict XVI affirmed that "it is a right and
duty of everyone to ensure it be celebrated in accordance with the rules laid
down by the Church." As for Sunday Mass, he stressed the need "to avoid its
being substituted, if there are no important reasons to do so, by a celebration
of the Word," and "to ensure the homily remains an important moment of doctrinal
and spiritual formation, ... reserved to the priest or the deacon."



   In the face of "the crisis being suffered by the Sacrament of Penance," as the
bishops had highlighted in their five-yearly reports, Pope Benedict identified
the need "for dioceses to relaunch pastoral activity aimed at encouraging the
faithful to individual confession. ... Call upon priests to be assiduous
confessors, generously offering the faithful appropriate times for individual
confession; encourage the priests to avail themselves frequently of this
Sacrament". Moreover, he continued, "priests must rigorously observe Church
norms concerning collective absolution, ... which can only take place under
truly exceptional circumstances."



   Turning to consider the collaboration of lay people in priestly ministry,
Benedict XVI explained that "care must be taken to ensure, ... in parishes and
pastoral centers, that the priest remains the pastor and that lay people help
the priest, collaborating with him in the various sectors of pastoral life. ...
The importance of the laity's role must not bring us to underestimate the
ministry of priests, so indispensable for the life of the Church." In this
context, the Pope called for "an intensification in the formation of lay people
to increase their faith and doctrinal knowledge, and grant them spiritual
energies."



   The Pope then considered the question of priestly and religious vocations, "a
constant concern for the Church in your country," he said. "For the future of
the Church in Switzerland, it is important to oversee the organization and
orientation of seminaries and of the various faculties and schools of theology,
... with a view to discernment and to the profound human, spiritual, cultural
and pastoral formation of candidates to the priesthood. Be equally attentive,"
he told the bishops, "to the initial and permanent formation of future priests,
deacons and pastoral lay workers. A sure and faithful teaching of the tradition
and Magisterium of the Church will ensure that everyone discovers the richness
of Catholic faith."



   "Ecumenism," he concluded, "is a sector in which the Catholic Church is
irrevocably committed. The religious history of your country and your later
experiences give you a special responsibility and mission in this field.
Encourage your communities to commit themselves to an ecumenical journey based
on the principles expressed in the Conciliar Decree 'Unitatis redintegratio' and
in the 'Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism'."


* * *


POPE PURCHASES FIRST BOND OF FUND FOR IMMUNIZATION



VATICAN CITY, NOV 7, 2006 (VIS) - Today in London, England, Cardinal Renato
Raffale Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace,
purchased, in the Holy Father's name, the first bond for the eradication of
poverty issued by the International Financing Facility for Immunization (IFFIm).



   The IFFIm came into being in the wake of a project presented by Gordon Brown,
British Chancellor of the Exchequer, at an international seminar on "Poverty and
Globalization: Financing for Development," organized by the Pontifical Council
for Justice and Peace in 2004. The money raised will go directly to those most
in need, especially children. Purchase of the bonds - which are guaranteed by
various governments who will pay the interest and reimburse them on the expiry
date - is open to anyone: institutions, organizations and private citizens.



   "Benedict XVI's gesture, at once real and symbolic, expresses the Holy See's
full support for an initiative which, with broad international guarantees, will
produce immediate and direct advantages in the field of aid and development,
producing new financing with specific and urgent aims," says a communique made
public today. For example, thanks to the IFFIm, "by 2015, in 72 countries the
lives of 10 million people will have been saved, 5 million of them children."



   In a brief address delivered in English at the moment of purchasing the first
bond, Cardinal Martino said: "People living in poverty are looking forward to
the time when corruption at the various levels of government or in the social
sector will no longer hinder opportunities for development from reaching all
members of society. A government that is truly responsive to the needs of its
people is not only a necessity for development, it should also be seen as a
right.



   "Pope Benedict XVI believes that this is the time," he added. "This is why he
has decided that the Holy See would participate in the International Finance
Facility bond program. His Holiness recognizes the need to quickly provide the
funds in order to respond to poverty, hunger, the lack of educational and
literacy opportunities and the ongoing fight against the scourge of malaria and
the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis."


* * *


CHURCH SUPPORTS PROMOTERS OF INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY



VATICAN CITY, NOV 7, 2006 (VIS) - Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for
Relations with States, delivered a talk at the Rome headquarters of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), during the 23rd session of
the intergovernmental committee for Food Security, which was held from October
30 to November 4.



   In the course of this meeting, on October 30 and 31, the Special Forum for a
World Free of Hunger took place to study the progress made in achieving the
goals of the 1996 World Food Summit.



   Archbishop Mamberti, having communicated the Pope's greetings to participants,
and his interest in their activities, said: "Beating hunger in the world is a
task that needs time to achieve. ... Despite the efforts of the FAO, ... of
intergovernmental organizations and of various other associations, we note a
persistence, even an increase in the impediments and imbalances that prevent
millions of men and women from obtaining adequate nourishment."



   "The plight of the multitudes whose right to life is in danger must continue
to concern us and touch our consciences so that our behavior, wherever we may
be, does not contribute to aggravating the inequalities between rich countries
and poor ones. Hunger and malnutrition are unacceptable in a world that has
levels of production, of resources and of know-how capable of putting an end to
this scourge and its dramatic consequences."



   "It is not the Church's vocation," the archbishop concluded, "to propose
political, economic or technical solutions to meet the problems of society.
However, in her mission to announce the Good News to all nations, she feels
particularly close to those who live in conditions of poverty, suffering and
malnutrition, and wishes to help them with the means at her disposal. She is
always ready to support those who work to strengthen international solidarity
and promote justice among people, especially those who live in direct contact
with people undergoing harsh trials."



* * *


IN MEMORIAM



VATICAN CITY, NOV 7, 2006 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:



  - Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, prefect emeritus of the Supreme Tribunal
of the Apostolic Signatura, on October 18 at the age of 77.



  - Archbishop Teodoro Cardenal Fernandez, emeritus of Burgos, Spain, on October
17 at the age of 89.



  - Bishop Jose Elias Chaves Junior C.M., prelate emeritus of Cameta, Brazil, on
October 31, at the age of 80.



  - Archbishop Cecil deSa, emeritus of Agra, India, October 27, at the age of 83.



  - Bishop Henrique Ruth C.S.Sp., emeritus of Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil, on October
23 at the age of 93.


* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate
the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?

These are the keywords of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading.

Many people get stuck on the verse that reads : If anyone comes to me without
hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even
his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

They cannot understand why we should hate our parents, spouse and children when
we are supposed to love them.

These seeming contradictions in the words of Jesus are confusing to many people.

How can Jesus expect us to hate those closest to us and also expect us to love
everyone?

Part of the problem in understanding this reading is the very nature of the
ancient language of the Gospel writing.

The Gospel of St. Luke in this passage contains a style of writing familiar in
Hebrew by placing the opposition of two contraries, i. e., to hate and to love,
as means to vividly express a greater and a lesser degree.

When St. Luke writes the account of what Jesus said it reveals to us the Jewish
nature of the manner of speaking that tells us that hate really means to love
less, not the absence of love.

Jesus was never teaching us to hate anyone.

What he did teach us was to love Him above all things and above all others.

Wedding vows are the same.

The bride and groom vow to forsake all others and to love each other before
anyone else.

The spiritual life in God too is a spiritual marriage.

We commit ourselves to God like a bride and groom to forsake all others and grow
in a devoted love relationship.

This brings us to the important verse in today’s reading : Which of you
wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to
see if there is enough for its completion?

Jesus tells us plainly that we must be sober of mind and understand the cost of
discipleship.

The cost of discipleship demands that we love Jesus Christ more than we love
anyone else.

Those of you who tenderly love your parents or spouse or children are asked to
do so but to love Jesus Christ even more.

Those of you who out of love make sacrifices and do special things for those
whom you love are asked to do the same and even more for Jesus Christ.

It is the cost of discipleship that Jesus is teaching us in today’s reading,
not to hate our parents, spouse or children.

Rather, it is the love we bear for those closest to us that should open our eyes
to the path of loving God more and more each day by loving Him a little more and
a little more special than anyone else.




<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA

PART I: PSALMS AND CONTEMPLATION

CHAPTER THREE : Meanings in Scripture (pages 20-35)

Fr. Merton explains that the mystical or spiritual sense of Sacred Scripture was
first developed in the early Church in Egypt in the Alexandrian School.

The Eastern Fathers began to show that the figures and themes of the Old
Testament were types that reveal future events in the History of Salvation. For
example, the Exodus of the Jews out of Egypt is a type that reveals Christ
bringing salvation to the world through His birth, death and resurrection.

"Already the prophets of the Old Testament had seen in this exodus a prophecy of
the return of the Jews from that other captivity, in Babylon." (page 31)



Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/110706.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 81

WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. GOD MUST BE AT THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CHRIST IS THE APEX OF THE HISTORY OF SALVATION
---------------------------------------------------------------
. THE WORLD URGENTLY NEEDS PEACE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


GOD MUST BE AT THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was the homily pronounced by
the Pope yesterday during a Mass concelebrated in the Vatican's "Redemptoris
mater" Chapel with bishops from Switzerland.



   The Holy Father's address to Swiss bishops, of which VIS yesterday published a
summary, was not, in fact, delivered at all. According to a communique from the
Holy See Press Office released yesterday afternoon, the text published yesterday
"reflected the contents of a draft version prepared earlier for the Swiss
bishops 'ad limina' visit of February 2005."



   In his off-the-cuff homily during yesterday's Mass, Benedict XVI noted how the
Gospel readings he and the Swiss prelates had just heard had "a common theme,
which could be summed up in the phrase: God never fails."



   Referring to the parable of the guests who decide not to attend the banquet,
the Holy Father indicated how God "does not fail because He always finds new
ways to reach mankind, and to open His great house in order to fill it entirely.
... God does not fail, even today, though so often we hear the word 'no.' ... We
are aware that churches are becoming ever less full, that seminaries continue to
empty, that religious houses are ever emptier; we know all the forms in which
this 'no-I've-more-important-things-to-do' can present itself."



   "Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus," said the Pope
quoting the words of St. Paul. "Learn to think as Christ thought, learn to think
with Him! Such thought is not just of the mind, but also of the heart. ... If we
enter into His feelings, ... love for God is reawakened within us. We feel how
beautiful it is that He exists, and that we can know Him, that we know Him in
the face of Jesus Christ Who suffered for us."



   "I believe" the Pope continued, "that we must commit ourselves above all to
listening to the Lord, to prayer, to a profound participation in the Sacraments,
to learning God's feelings in the face and the sufferings of our fellows, in
order to be infected by His joy, by His zeal, by His love, and to contemplate
the world with Him. ... If we are able to do this, then even amid so many 'nos,'
we will again find men and women who await Him; perhaps strange men and women,
as the parable clearly says, but who are called to enter His hall."



   The Holy Father concluded his homily by highlighting the fact that problems
"cannot be resolved if God is not placed at the center, if God does not become
visible in the world once more, if He does not become a determining force in our
lives, and if He does not, through us, decisively enter the world. It is my
belief that the destiny of the world today, in its current dramatic situation,
depends upon this: whether God - the God of Jesus Christ - exists and is
recognized as such, or whether He disappears. Our concern is that He should
remain present."


* * *


CHRIST IS THE APEX OF THE HISTORY OF SALVATION



VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2006 (VIS) - In today's general audience, held in St.
Peter's Square in the presence of more than 15,000 people, Benedict XVI
continued his catechesis on the figure of St. Paul.



   The meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus, the Pope explained, "literally
revolutionized his life. Christ became his raison d'etre and the profound
inspiration behind all his apostolic labors. ... In truth, Christ Jesus is the
apex of the history of salvation and, hence, the true point of reference in
dialogue with other religions."



   "Paul helps us to understand the absolutely fundamental and irreplaceable
value of the faith," said the Holy Father, quoting the Apostle's words: "we have
believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not
by works of the Law." Being justified, the Holy Father continued, "means being
made righteous, in other words being accepted by God's merciful justice and, ...
being able to establish a much more authentic relationship with our fellows."



   In the light of his meeting with Christ, Paul, who was not a man who had lived
outside the Law, understood "that he had been seeking to construct his own
justice, and that with that justice he had lived for himself. He understood that
it was absolutely necessary to give a new direction to his life. ... Before the
cross of Christ, the extreme _expression of His sacrifice, no one can boast of
themselves, of their own justice."



   "Reflecting upon the meaning of justification not by works but by faith we
have come to the second defining component of Christian identity," said Pope
Benedict. Indeed, Christian identity has two elements: "not seeking oneself by
oneself, but receiving oneself from Christ and giving oneself to Christ," and
"participating personally in Christ's own story, to the point of immerging
oneself in Him and sharing both His death and His life."



   "For Paul," he concluded, "it is not enough to say that Christians are
baptized or that they are believers. For him, it is equally important to say
that they are 'in Christ Jesus.' ... That which we, as Christians, are, we owe
it only to Him and to His grace. And because nothing and no one can take His
place, then to nothing else and to no one else do we pay the homage we pay to
Him. No idol must contaminate our spiritual universe. Otherwise, instead of
enjoying the freedom we have acquired, we would fall into a form of humiliating
slavery. ... Our radical devotion to Christ and the fact that we 'are in Him'
must infuse us with a sense of complete trust."



* * *


THE WORLD URGENTLY NEEDS PEACE



VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2006 (VIS) - In greetings at the close of today's general
audience, the Pope addressed himself especially to young people of different
nations and religious traditions who recently gathered in Assisi, Italy, to
commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Inter-religious Meeting of Prayer
for Peace called by John Paul II.



   Speaking English, the Holy Father thanked the various religious leaders "who
enabled the young people to take part in this event, and the Pontifical Council
for Inter-religious Dialogue which organized it.



   "Dear young friends," he added, "our world urgently needs peace! The Assisi
meeting emphasized the power of prayer in building peace. Genuine prayer
transforms hearts, opens us to dialogue, understanding and reconciliation, and
breaks down the walls erected by violence, hatred and revenge. May you now
return to your own religious communities as witnesses to 'the spirit of Assisi,'
messengers of that peace which is God's gracious gift, and living signs of hope
for our world."


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome


Today’s Gospel gives us the account of Jesus purifying the Temple of Jerusalem
by expelling the money-changers and those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves.

We heard in the second reading that we are the temple of God.

We need to reflect on this truth that we are the living temple of God.

We need to examine ourselves closely to see if we have become like the Temple of
Jerusalem cluttered with thoughts and obsessions about money, and material
things.

We need Christ to enter our temple and cast away all those distracting thoughts,
worries, cares and concerns from our minds and hearts that interfere with our
intimacy with Him.

We must imitate Christ so that we too can say to God : Zeal for your house will
consume me.

Let the zeal for God burn in our minds and hearts and let that flame of love
consume all impurities from us.

Let us pray more fervently each day that God set ablaze our hearts with true
devotion to Him.





<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA

PART I: PSALMS AND CONTEMPLATION

CHAPTER FOUR : Songs of the City of God (pages 36-40)

Fr. Merton explains that we have but one master, Christ. The Church continues
the actions of Christ through time. The Church has the supreme authority to
explain Scripture and guide us on the road to contemplation. This is enhanced
and empowered by the Holy Spirit through the liturgy. In the liturgy God prays
with us and within us.

"It is the Holy Ghost, then, who will lead us to contemplation by opening to us
the depths of meaning hidden in the Psalms." (page 37)

In the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours we pray the Psalms, the Songs of
the City of God. God gives us the opportunity for us to sanctify ourselves
throughout the day by praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Pius XII wrote in his
encyclical Mediator Dei:

"For this reason the worship that the Church renders to God and which is based
especially on the Eucharistic Sacrifice and the use of the Sacraments, is
directed and arranged in such a way that it embraces, by means of the Divine
Office, the hours of the day, the weeks and the whole cycle of the year, and
reaches all the aspects and phases of human life."

The journey of the mind and heart of the human person to God is facilitated with
great ease by praying the Psalms. We raise our minds and hearts to God praying
the Scriptures in word, song, Psalm, and every reading in the Divine Office.

One can only become more deeply united to God through prayer and His holy grace.
Lectio divina, then promotes the essential union union to Christ through Baptism
to a deeper and more intimate union.


Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/110806.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 82

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. MEETING OF HEADS OF DICASTERIES OF THE ROMAN CURIA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. PASTORAL ASPECTS OF TREATING INFECTIOUS DISEASE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. THE APOSTLE PAUL: THE SPIRIT IN OUR HEARTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ST. ALBERT THE GREAT, BUILDER OF PEACE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ARCHBISHOP AMATO OPENS ACADEMIC YEAR AT "ANGELICUM"
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DICASTERY HEADS TO EXAMINE QUESTION OF ARCHBISHOP MILINGO
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND THEIR FAMILIES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MIGRANT FAMILY: THEME FOR DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN BRIEF
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

MEETING OF HEADS OF DICASTERIES OF THE ROMAN CURIA



VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2006 (VIS) - As announced earlier, this morning in the
Vatican, the Holy Father met with heads of dicasteries of the Roman Curia in
order to examine the situation that has arisen following the disobedience of
Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo. The order of the day also included an examination
of requests for dispensation from the obligation of celibacy, and requests for
readmission to the priestly ministry presented by married priests over the
course of recent years.


* * *


PASTORAL ASPECTS OF TREATING INFECTIOUS DISEASE



VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2006 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office at 11.30 a.m. on
Tuesday, November 21, the presentation will take place of an international
conference on the theme: "Pastoral aspects of the treatment of infectious
diseases," promoted by the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care. The
conference is due to be held from November 23 to 25 in the Vatican's New Synod
Hall.



   Participating in Tuesday's press conference will be Cardinal Javier Lozano
Barragan, Bishop Jose L. Redrado O.H., and Fr. Felice Ruffini M.I., respectively
president, secretary and under secretary of the Pontifical Council for Health
Pastoral Care; Rosa Merola, psychotherapist and consultant to the Italian
ministry of justice; and Nicola Petrosillo, director of the 2nd division of the
Rome-based "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases.


* * *


THE APOSTLE PAUL: THE SPIRIT IN OUR HEARTS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 2006 (VIS) - St. Paul was, once again, the theme of
Benedict XVI's catechesis during his weekly general audience, held this morning
in St. Peter's Square.



   "Having meditated last week upon St. Paul's writings concerning Jesus Christ's
central position in our life of faith," said the Pope, "today we consider what
he says about the Holy Spirit."



   "St. Paul, in his Letters, ... does not limit himself to explaining just the
dynamic and active role of the third Person of the Blessed Trinity, but also
analyzes the presence of the Spirit in the lives of Christians, whose identity
is thereby marked. In other words, Paul reflects upon the Spirit, explaining its
influence not only upon the activities of Christians but also upon their being."



   Quoting the words of St. Paul, the Holy Father said: "You did not receive the
spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of
sonship." It is clear then, he went on, "that Christians, even before they act,
possess a rich and fruitful inner life ... that instates them in a ... filial
relationship with God. This is our greatest dignity, that of being not just the
image but the children of God," which, in turn, "is an invitation to transform
this objective gift into a subjective reality, that determines our way of
thinking, acting and being."



   "Paul also teaches us," the Holy Father continued, "that there is no true
prayer without the presence of the Spirit within us." The Spirit is "like the
soul of our soul, the most secret part of our being, whence a prayer incessantly
rises towards God."



   "Another aspect of the Spirit ... is its association with love. ... The Spirit
introduces us into the very rhythm of divine life, which is a life of love. ...
And since by definition love unites, this means, above all, that the Spirit is a
creator of communion within the Christian community."



   "Finally, the Spirit, according to St. Paul, is a generous down payment given
us by God Himself as a foretaste and guarantee of our future inheritance. ...The
action of the Spirit guides our lives towards the great values of love, joy,
communion and hope."


* * *


ST. ALBERT THE GREAT, BUILDER OF PEACE



VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 2006 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, the
Pope recalled the fact that today is the liturgical feast of St. Albert the
Great, "who made ceaseless efforts to establish peace among the peoples of his
time," he said,



   "May his example," the Holy Father continued, "stimulate you, dear young
people, to work for justice and build reconciliation." For the sick, may it be
"an encouragement to confide in the Lord Who never abandons us in moments of
trial," and for newlyweds, "a stimulation to find in the Gospel the joy to
welcome and serve life, the priceless gift of God."


* * *


ARCHBISHOP AMATO OPENS ACADEMIC YEAR AT "ANGELICUM"



VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 2006 (VIS) - Today, November 15, the liturgical feast of
St. Albert the Great, Dominican bishop and doctor of the Church, a ceremony took
place to mark the opening of the academic year at Rome's Pontifical University
of St. Thomas Aquinas, the "Angelicum," of which St. Albert is co-patron.



   Following a brief address from Fr. Joseph Agius O.P., rector of the
university, Archbishop Angelo Amato S.D.B., secretary of the Congregation for
the Doctrine of the Faith, delivered a talk on the subject of: "The ecclesiology
of communion and the Letter 'Communionis notio' on some aspects of the Church
understood as communion."



   The central themes of that document, published by the Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith in 1992 are: the Universal Church and particular Churches,
the communion of Churches, Eucharist and episcopate, ecclesial communion, and
ecumenism.


* * *


DICASTERY HEADS TO EXAMINE QUESTION OF ARCHBISHOP MILINGO



VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy See Press office released the
following communique late yesterday afternoon:



   "The Holy Father has called a meeting of the heads of dicasteries of the Roman
Curia, for Thursday, November 16, in order to examine the situation that has
arisen following the disobedience of Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, and to reflect
upon requests for dispensation from the obligation of celibacy and requests for
readmission to the priestly ministry, presented by married priests over the
course of recent years. No other matters are scheduled on the order of the day."


* * *


DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND THEIR FAMILIES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2006 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office this morning,
Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino and Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, respectively
president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of
Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, presented the Pope's Message for the 93rd World
Day of Migrants and Refugees. The Day is due to be celebrated on Sunday, January
14, 2007 and has as its theme "the migrant family."



   Cardinal Martino indicated how "in societies where immigration is an important
phenomenon, the role of the family unit gives way to the individual and his or
her capacity to be productive or successful. ... Language, which is a vehicle of
communication, can also become a barrier between the first generation and
subsequent generations, even within the same family. This accentuates the
isolation of the members of the family unit, isolation that sometimes becomes
solitude and marginalization."



   "Isolation is even more marked," he continued, "among women, enclosed within
the walls of the home and with few opportunities for external relations," who
can sometimes even "end up as victims of human trafficking or of prostitution."



   The cardinal highlighted how, alongside people who emigrate with their
documents in order, "there are growing numbers who flee their homeland in the
hope of a better future in the developed countries. ... Often the journey
becomes a death trap," and many end up embroiled "in corruption, criminality and
prostitution." In this context, the president of the pontifical council recalled
the Holy Father's invitation "to ratify the legal instruments that aim to defend
the rights of migrants, refugees and their families."



   Referring to the final part of the Message, where the Holy Father talks of
foreign students, Cardinal Martino said "it is calculated that they number more
than two million, with a particularly large presence in the United States, Great
Britain, France and Germany." After highlighting the "economic problems" faced
by students from poor nations, and the "problems of integration into the host
countries," the cardinal concluded by stressing how the Church, "apart from
assistance, is called to offer moral support and Christian formation."



   "The families of refugees must find a warm welcome in their host countries,"
said Archbishop Marchetto. "Today, however, it is painful for us to note that
understanding and sympathy for refugees is diminishing," and "actions are
committed that make life more difficult for those seeking asylum. ...
Furthermore, the situation of internally displaced persons is, in general, even
more difficult, as there is not yet any international legislation to deal with
them."



   The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) looks after 20 million
people, said the archbishop, while internally displaced persons number 24
million. "In the countries in the so-called South of the world, there are some
six million refugees who have been living in special 'camps' for more than five
years, often with little respect being shown for their rights. ... They are
unable to work properly, or leave their 'camps' freely, because their movements
are restricted." Moreover, "the food rations given them are often insufficient."



   "Maintaining a family under such conditions is obviously very difficult," said
the secretary of the pontifical council, pointing out how this has a negative
effect on internal relationships within the family as a result of which "social
structures are weakened and people lose their values, their humanity and their
dignity."



   Finally, the archbishop spoke of refuge families who have found asylum in
other countries, and highlighted the necessity of "accompanying" them in their
adaptation to their new environment, a field in which local Churches could play
an important role, he said. "Such accompaniment," he concluded, "is necessary
during the process of integration. It is an _expression of respect for others
and at the same time, enables the people assisted to change, in accordance with
the real concept of integration, which is not assimilation. For us, such an
approach has deep roots in Christianity and, even today, shows what the Church
stands for and promotes."



* * *


MIGRANT FAMILY: THEME FOR DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was Benedict XVI's Message
for the 93rd World Day of Migrants and Refugees, due to be celebrated on Sunday,
January 14, 2007. The theme of the Day is "the migrant family," and the text,
published in Italian, French, English, Spanish, German and Portuguese, is dated
October 18.



   The complete text of the English version of the Message is given below:



   "On the occasion of the coming World Day of Migrants and Refugees, and looking
at the Holy Family of Nazareth, icon of all families, I would like to invite you
to reflect on the condition of the migrant family. The evangelist Matthew
narrates that shortly after the birth of Jesus, Joseph was forced to leave for
Egypt by night, taking the child and his mother with him, in order to flee the
persecution of King Herod. Making a comment on this page of the Gospel, my
venerable Predecessor, Servant of God Pope Pius XII, wrote in 1952: 'The family
of Nazareth in exile, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, emigrants and taking refuge in
Egypt to escape the fury of an evil king, are the model, the example and the
support of all emigrants and pilgrims of every age and every country, of all
refugees of any condition who, compelled by persecution and need, are forced to
abandon their homeland, their beloved relatives, their neighbors, their dear
friends, and move to a foreign land.' In this misfortune experienced by the
Family of Nazareth, obliged to take refuge in Egypt, we can catch a glimpse of
the painful condition in which all migrants live, especially, refugees, exiles,
evacuees, internally displaced persons, those who are persecuted. We can take a
quick look at the difficulties that every migrant family lives through, the
hardships and humiliations, the deprivation and fragility of millions and
millions of migrants, refugees and internally displaced people. The Family of
Nazareth reflects the image of God safeguarded in the heart of every human
family, even if disfigured and weakened by emigration.



   "The theme of the next World Day of Migrants and Refugees - the migrant family
- is in continuity with those of 1980, 1986 and 1993. It intends to underline
further the commitment of the Church not only in favor of the individual
migrant, but also of his family, which is a place and resource of the culture of
life and a factor for the integration of values. The migrant's family meets many
difficulties. The distance of its members from one another and unsuccessful
reunification often result in breaking the original ties. New relationships are
formed and new affections arise. Some migrants forget the past and their duties,
as they are subjected to the hard trial of distance and solitude. If the
immigrant family is not ensured of a real possibility of inclusion and
participation, it is difficult to expect its harmonious development. The
International Convention for the protection of the rights of all migrant workers
and members of their families, which was enforced on July 1, 2003, intends to
defend men and women migrant workers and the members of their respective
families. This means that the value of the family is recognized, also in the
sphere of emigration, which is now a structural phenomenon of our societies. The
Church encourages the ratification of the international legal instruments that
aim to defend the rights of migrants, refugees and their families and, through
its various institutions and associations, offers her advocacy that is becoming
more and more necessary. To this end, she has opened centers where migrants are
listened to, houses where they are welcomed, offices for services offered to
persons and families, with other initiatives set up to respond to the growing
needs in this field.



   "Much is already being done for the integration of the families of immigrants,
although much still remains to be done. There are real difficulties connected
with some 'defense mechanisms' on the part of the first generation immigrants,
which run the risk of becoming an obstacle to the greater maturity of the young
people of the second generation. This is why it is necessary to provide for
legislative, juridical and social intervention to facilitate such an
integration. In recent times, there is an increase in the number of women who
leave their countries of origin in search of better conditions of life, in view
of more promising professional prospects. However, women who end up as victims
of trafficking of human beings and of prostitution are not few in number. In
family reunification, social workers, especially religious women, can render an
appreciated service of mediation that merits our gratitude more and more.



   "Regarding the integration of the families of immigrants, I feel it my duty to
call your attention to the families of refugees, whose conditions seem to have
gone worse in comparison with the past, also specifically regarding the
reunification of family nuclei. In the camps assigned to them, in addition to
logistic difficulties, and those of a personal character linked to the trauma
and emotional stress caused by the tragic experiences they went through,
sometimes there is also the risk of women and children being involved in sexual
exploitation, as a survival mechanism. In these cases an attentive pastoral
presence is necessary. Aside from giving assistance capable of healing the
wounds of the heart, pastoral care should also offer the support of the
Christian community, able to restore the culture of respect and have the true
value of love found again. It is necessary to encourage those who are
interiorly-wrecked to recover trust in themselves. Everything must also be done
to guarantee the rights and dignity of the families and to assure them housing
facilities according to their needs. Refugees are asked to cultivate an open and
positive attitude towards their receiving society and maintain an active
willingness to accept offers to participate in building together an integrated
community that would be a 'common household' for all.



   "Among migrants, there is a category that needs to be considered in a special
way: students from other countries, who are far from home, without an adequate
knowledge of the language, at times without friends and often with a scholarship
that is insufficient for their needs. Their condition is even worse if they are
married. Through her institutions, the Church exerts every effort to render the
absence of family support for these young students less painful. It helps them
integrate in the cities that receive them, by putting them in contact with
families that are willing to offer them hospitality and facilitate knowing one
another. As I had the opportunity to say on another occasion, helping foreign
students is 'an important field of pastoral action. ... Indeed, young people who
leave their own country in order to study encounter many problems and especially
the risk of an identity crisis.'



   "Dear brothers and sisters, may the World Day of Migrants and Refugees become
a useful occasion to build awareness, in the ecclesial community and public
opinion, regarding the needs and problems, as well as the positive
potentialities of migrant families. My thoughts go in a special way to those who
are directly involved in the vast phenomenon of migration, and to those who
expend their pastoral energy in the service of human mobility. The words of the
apostle Paul, 'caritas Christi urget nos,' urge us to give ourselves
preferentially to our brothers and sisters who are most in need. With these
sentiments, I invoke divine assistance on each one and I affectionately impart
to all a special apostolic blessing.


* * *


IN BRIEF



CARDINAL NICHOLAS CHEONG JINSUK, METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOP of Seoul, Korea, will
take possession of the title of Mary Immaculate of Lourdes at Boccea, Via Santa
Bernadette 23, Rome, at midday on November 19, according to a communique
released today by the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.



ARCHBISHOP CELESTINO MIGLIORE, HOLY SEE PERMANENT OBSERVER to the United Nations
in New York delivered an address on November 13 before the 61st UN General
Assembly, which is considering the question of "strengthening the coordination
of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations." In his
English-language speech, the archbishop affirmed the importance of
"collaboration between coordinators and humanitarian agencies ... in order to
formulate agreements and policies which respect the specificities and mandates
of the humanitarian agencies while allowing them to continue to operate
constructively within a given circumstance."


* * *



OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the territorial abbey of
Montevergine, Italy, presented by Fr. Giovanni Tarcisio Nazzaro O.S.B., in
accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.



  - Appointed Fr. Jaime Pedro Kohl P.S.D.P., master of novices at the novitiate
of "Nossa Senhora de Caravaggio" at Farroupilha in the diocese of Caixas do Sul,
Brazil, as bishop of Osorio (area 6,120, population 272,000, Catholics 230,000,
priests 31, religious 60), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Salvador do Sul,
Brazil in 1954 and ordained a priest in 1984. He succeeds Bishop Thadeu Gomes
Canellas, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy
Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Elevated Fr. Gianfranco Girotti O.F.M. Conv., regent of the Apostolic
Penitentiary, to the dignity of bishop. The bishop-elect was born in Rome in
1937 and ordained a priest in 1963.



- Elevated Msgr. Antoni Stankiewicz, dean of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, to
the dignity of bishop. The bishop-elect was born in Oleszczenice, Poland in 1935
and ordained a priest in 1958.



- Elevated Fr. Raffaele Farina S.D.B., prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library,
to the dignity of bishop. The bishop-elect was born in Ariano Irpino, Italy in
1933 and ordained a priest in 1958.

VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed



  - Msgr. Luis Urbanc, rector of the major seminary of Tucuman, Argentina, as
coadjutor bishop of Catamarca (area 68,765, population 334,000, Catholics
327,000, priests 68, permanent deacons 1, religious 59), Argentina. The
bishop-elect was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1958 and ordained a priest
in 1982.



  - Msgr. Pedro Maria Laxague, vicar general of the archdiocese of Bahia Blanca,
Argentina, as auxiliary bishop of the same diocese (area 82,624, population
708,000, Catholics 602,000, priests 95, permanent deacons 16, religious 247).
The bishop-elect was born in Buenos Aires in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1989.



  - Cardinal Francesco Marchisano, president of the Labor Office of the Apostolic
See, as member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2006 (VIS) - This afternoon, the Holy Father is scheduled
to receive in audience Cardinal Ivan Dias, prefect of the Congregation for the
Evangelization of Peoples.




* * *



CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/111606.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
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keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 83

MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATHOLIC WEEKLIES: THE VOICE OF SMALL COMMUNITIES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LOVE AND TRUTH NEVER IMPOSE THEMSELVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE CALLS FOR PRAYERS FOR HIS APOSTOLIC TRIP TO TURKEY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN BRIEF
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


CATHOLIC WEEKLIES: THE VOICE OF SMALL COMMUNITIES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 25, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI
received representatives from the Italian Federation of Catholic Weeklies (FISC)
who have just concluded a congress dedicated to the theme: "Catholics in
political life, free or missing?"



   The Pope greeted Bishop Giuseppe Bertori, secretary of the Italian Episcopal
Conference, and Fr. Giorgio Zucchelli, president of the FISC, as well as the
directors and staff of more than 160 diocesan newspapers. He also recalled how
this year the FISC "is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of its foundation."



   The idea to create a federation of Catholic weeklies arose, said the Holy
Father, "from a desire to make the Church's pastoral activity and presence more
visible and incisive."



   The pages of diocesan newspapers give a picture "of the life of the Church and
society in Italy," said the Pope, emphasizing the fact that "the special role of
the Christian-inspired social communications media is to educate minds and to
form public opinion in accordance with the spirit of the Gospel.



   "Their function," he added, "is to serve the truth courageously, helping
public opinion to contemplate, understand and experience reality with the eyes
of God. The aim of the diocesan newspaper is to give everyone a message of truth
and hope, highlighting events and situations where the Gospel is put into
practice, where goodness and truth triumph, and where man laboriously and
imaginatively builds and rebuilds the fabric ... of small communities."



   "The rapid evolution of social communications and the advent of many forms of
advanced technology in the media have not rendered your role ineffective," he
went on. "Quite the contrary, in some ways it has become even more meaningful
and important because it gives a voice to the local communities that are not
adequately represented in the great information channels. ... You can reach
those places where traditional pastoral care methods fail to arrive."



   "Your weekly publications are rightly described as 'papers of the people,'
because they retain their link with the events and lives of people on the
ground, transmitting the popular traditions and the rich cultural and religious
heritage of your towns and cities."



   "Continue to ensure that your newspapers create a network facilitating
relations ... between individual citizens and institutions, between
associations, the various social groups, parishes and ecclesial movements. This
is a service you can also undertake in the social and political field," the Holy
Father concluded, "your weeklies can become significant 'meeting places' ... for
lay faithful involved in the political and social fields, places in which to
hold a dialogue and to discover convergence and shared aims in the service of
the Gospel and the common good."


* * *


LOVE AND TRUTH NEVER IMPOSE THEMSELVES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 2006 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus today, Solemnity
of Christ the King and the last Sunday of the liturgical year, Benedict XVI
recalled how today's Gospel reading recounts the meeting between Jesus and
Pontius Pilate.



   "Answering the Roman governor's questions, Jesus affirms His kingship but says
it is not of this world. He did not come to dominate peoples and lands, but to
free mankind from the slavery of sin, and to reconcile him with God. And He
added: 'For this ... I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth'."



   "But what is this 'truth'," the Holy Father asked, "to which Christ has come
to bear witness in the world?" And he answered: "His entire existence reveals
that God is love. This is, then, the truth to which He bore full witness with
the sacrifice of His life at Calvary. The Cross is the 'throne' from which he
demonstrated the sublime regality of God-Love. Offering Himself in atonement for
the sin of the world, He defeated the dominion of 'the ruler of this world' and
definitively established the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom that will be fully
realized at the end of time, after all the enemies - and in the last instance,
death - will have been defeated. Then the Son will consign the Kingdom to the
Father and, finally, God will 'be everything to everyone.'



   "The road to reach this goal," the Pope added, "is long and no shortcuts are
allowed. Indeed, it is necessary for each individual to freely accept the truth
of God's love. He is Love and Truth, and neither love nor truth ever impose
themselves; they knock at the door of the heart and the mind and, where they are
allowed in, they bring peace and joy. This is the way God reigns, this is His
process of salvation, a 'mystery' in the biblical sense of the word, in other
words a plan that is revealed little by little over history."



   Benedict XVI concluded his remarks by pointing out how "the Virgin Mary is
associated with Jesus' regality. ... God asked that humble girl from Nazareth to
become the mother of the Messiah, and Mary answered this call with all of
herself, uniting her unconditional 'yes' to that of the Son Jesus and making
herself, with Him, obedient even unto sacrifice. For this reason, God exalted
her over all other creatures, and Christ crowned her Queen of heaven and earth."


* * *


POPE CALLS FOR PRAYERS FOR HIS APOSTOLIC TRIP TO TURKEY



VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 2006 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus with the thousands
of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope recalled how tomorrow,
Tuesday, he begins his apostolic trip to Turkey where, between November 28 and
December 1, he will visit Ankara, Ephesus and Istanbul.



   "From this moment," he said, "I would like to send my cordial greetings to the
dear Turkish people, so rich in history and culture. To that people, and to
their representatives, I extend sentiments of respect and sincere friendship."



   Benedict XVI also mentioned the "deep emotion" he felt at having the
opportunity to meet the country's "small Catholic community, which is ever
present in my heart, and to unite myself fraternally with the Orthodox Church
for the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle," on November 30.



   "I trustingly follow the footsteps of my venerated predecessors, Paul VI and
John Paul II, and I invoke the celestial protection of Blessed John XXIII who
for ten years was apostolic delegate in Turkey and nourished great affection and
respect for that country."



   The Holy Father concluded his remarks by asking everyone to accompany him
"with prayer, that this pilgrimage may bring the fruits that God desires."



   Pope Benedict then went on to recall World AIDS Day which falls on December 1.
"May this circumstance," he said, "favor greater responsibility in the treatment
of the illness, and a commitment to prevent all discrimination against those
afflicted by it. Invoking the comfort of the Lord upon the sick and the
families, I encourage the many initiatives the Church operates in this field."


* * *


IN BRIEF



THE POPE SENT A LETTER TO CARDINAL Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo,
archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, for the Solemnity of
Christ the King. On Saturday, November 25, the eve of the Solemnity, the great
door of the basilica was opened "in the course of a special procession," the
Pope writes, "during which the faithful were given the opportunity to meditate
upon sacred music and the art of the basilica, evoking the 'Basilica domus,' the
house of the King. ... Christ, Who declared His kingship, but not of this world,
... overcomes evil with good, hatred and violence with forgiveness and love. The
throne of this King, Whom we adore today, is the Cross, and His victory is Love,
an omnipotent love that from the Cross scatters is gifts upon humanity of all
times and places."



MADE PUBLIC TODAY, NOVEMBER 27, WAS A LETTER from Benedict XVI to Cardinal Paul
Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture and of the Pontifical
Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, for a pan-Asian meeting of members and
consultors of the Pontifical Council for Culture with presidents of the national
episcopal commissions for culture. The meeting is being held in Denpasar, Bali,
from November 26 to 30. "It was in Asia that God revealed and fulfilled His
saving purpose from the beginning," writes the Pope in his English-language
Letter, "and it was there too, in the fullness of time, that He sent His
only-begotten Son to be our Savior. I pray, therefore, that this continent, in
which the great events of the history of salvation took place, may encounter
anew the living Lord, the Word made flesh, in the context of its rich variety of
cultures."



CARDINAL GIOVANNI BATTISTA RE, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, is to be
the Holy Father's special envoy to the solemn closing ceremony of celebrations
marking the ninth centenary of the dedication of the cathedral of Parma, Italy.
The event is due to take place on December 3. The Holy Father's Letter
appointing Cardinal Re to this mission, written in Latin and dated October 6,
was made public on November 25.



ARCHBISHOP SILVANO M. TOMASI C.S., permanent observer of the Holy See to the
United Nations and International Institutions in Geneva, delivered a talk on
November 20 before the 6th review conference of States-parties to the
"Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of
Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction" (BWC).
In his talk, the archbishop affirmed that "the universal application of this
convention must be a priority. No State must remain outside, under whatever
pretext. ... This must translate into complete cooperation, over and above the
economic and commercial interests of each."


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, NOV 27, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences:



- Nine prelates from the Italian Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina"
visit:



     - Archbishop Agostino Superbo of Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo,
accompanied by Archbishop emeritus Ennio Appignanesi.



     - Archbishop Giovanni Ricchiuti of Acerenza, accompanied by Archbishop
emeritus Michele Scandiffio.



     - Archbishop Salvatore Ligorio of Matera-Irsina.



     - Bishop Gianfranco Todisco P.O.C.R., of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa, accompanied
by Bishop emeritus Vincenzo Cozzi.



     - Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino of Tricarico.



     - Bishop Francescantonio Nole O.F.M. Conv., of Tursi-Lagonegro.



  - Cardinal Agostino Cacciavillan, president emeritus of the Administration of
the Patrimony of the Apostolic See.



   On Saturday, November 25, he received in separate audiences:



  - Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.



  - Two prelates from the Italian Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina"
visit:



     - Archbishop Tommaso Valentinetti of Pescara-Penne.



     - Bishop Michele Seccia of Teramo-Atri.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 27, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Sarat Chandra
Nayak, chancellor of the archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, India, as bishop of
Berhampur (area 51,289, population 7,761,600, Catholics 103,800, priests 119,
religious 205), India. The bishop-elect was born in Kerubadi, India, in 1957 and
ordained a priest in 1990. He succeeds Bishop Joseph Das, whose resignation from
the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having
reached the age limit.



   On Saturday, November 25, it was made public that the Holy Father:



  - Erected the new ecclesiastical province of Bujumbura, Burundi, separating the
diocese of that name from the county's only existing ecclesiastical province of
Gitega. The new ecclesiastical province will have as suffragans the dioceses of
Bubanza and Bururi. He appointed Bishop Evariste Ngoyagoye of Bujumbura, as the
first metropolitan archbishop of the new circumscription. The archbishop-elect
was born in Jenda, Burundi in 1942, he was ordained a priest in 1966 and
consecrated a bishop in 1980.



- Erected the new ecclesiastical province of Goa and Damao (area 25,293,
population 7,092,068, Catholics 645,194, priests 644, religious 959), India.
Until now, the archdiocese of that name has been immediately subject to the Holy
See. The new ecclesiastical province will have as suffragan the diocese of
Sindhudurg. He appointed Archbishop Filipe Neri Antonio Sebastiao do Rosario
Ferrao of Goa and Damao, patriarch "ad honorem" of the East Indies, as the first
metropolitan archbishop of the new circumscription.



  - Consenting to the request of the Mexican episcopate, he ordered the following
restructuring of the ecclesial provinces of Mexico:



A) He erected the ecclesiastical provinces of:



  - Baja California, elevating the diocese of Tijuana to the status of
metropolitan archdiocese and assigning it as suffragans the dioceses of La Paz
and Mexicali. He appointed Bishop Rafael Romo Munoz of Tijuana, as the first
metropolitan archbishop of the new circumscription.

- Bajio, elevating the diocese of Leon to the status of metropolitan archdiocese
and assigning it as suffragans the dioceses of Celaya, Irapuato and Queretaro.
He appointed Bishop Jose Guadalupe Martin Rabago of Leon, as the first
metropolitan archbishop of the new circumscription.

- Hidalgo, elevating the diocese of Tulancingo to the status of metropolitan
archdiocese and assigning it as suffragans the dioceses of Huejutla and Tula. He
appointed Bishop Pedro Aranda Diaz-Munoz of Tulancingo, as the first
metropolitan archbishop of the new circumscription.

- Hidalgo, elevating the diocese of Tuxtla Gutierrez to the status of
metropolitan archdiocese and assigning it as suffragans the dioceses of San
Cristobal de las Casas and Tapachula. He appointed Bishop Rogelio Cabrera Lopez
of Tuxtla Gutierrez, as the first metropolitan archbishop of the new
circumscription.



B) He assigned the following suffragans:



- To the metropolitan church of Hermosillo, the dioceses of Ciudad Obregon and
Culiacan.

  - To the metropolitan church of Durango, the dioceses of Mazatlan and Torreon,
and the territorial prelature of El Salto.

  - To the metropolitan church of Monterrey, the dioceses of Ciudad Victoria,
Linares, Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, Saltillo, Piedras Negras and Tampico.

  - To the metropolitan church of San Luis Potosi, the dioceses of Ciudad Valles,
Matehuala and Zacatecas.

  - To the metropolitan church of Guadalajara, the dioceses of Aguascalientes,
Autlan, Ciudad Guzman, Colima, San Juan de los Lagos and Tepic, and the
territorial prelature of Jesus Maria.

  - To the metropolitan church of Morelia, the dioceses of Apatzingan, Ciudad
Lazaro Cardenas, Tacambaro and Zamora.

  - To the metropolitan church of Mexico, the dioceses of Atlacomulco, Cuernavaca
and Toluca.

  - To the metropolitan church of Acapulco, the dioceses of Chilpancingo-Chilapa,
Ciudad Altamirano and Tlapa.

  - To the metropolitan church of Puebla de los Angeles, Puebla, the dioceses of
Huajuapan de Leon, Tehuacan and Tlaxcala.

  - To the metropolitan church of Antequera, Oaxaca, the dioceses of Puerto
Escondido, Tehuantepec, Tuxtepec and the territorial prelatures of Huautla and
Mixes.



C) He confirmed the following as suffragans:



  - To the metropolitan church of Chihuahua, the dioceses of Ciudad Juarez,
Cuauhtemoc-Madera, Nuevo Casas Grandes, Parral and Tarahumara.

  - To the metropolitan church of Tlalnepantla, the dioceses of Cuautitlan,
Ecatepec, Netzahualcoyotl, Texcoco and Valle de Chalco.

  - To the metropolitan church of Jalapa, the dioceses of Coatzacoalcos, Cordoba,
Orizaba, Papantla, San Andres Tuxtla, Tuxpan and Veracruz.

  - To the metropolitan church of Yucatan, the dioceses of Campeche and Tabasco,
and the territorial prelature of Cancun-Chetumal.



- Appointed Bishop Peter Kihara Kariuki I.M.C., of Muranga, Kenya, as bishop of
Marsabit, (area 78,078, population 205,291, Catholics 22,914, priests 23,
religious 56), Kenya. He succeeds Bishop Ambrogio Ravasi I.M.C., whose
resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father
accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Bishop Paul R. Ruzoka of Kigoma, Tanzania, as archbishop of Tabora
(area 76,151, population 1,534,314, Catholics 269,956, priests 55, religious
243), Tanzania. The archbishop-elect was born in Kigoma in 1948, he was ordained
a priest in 1975 and consecrated a bishop in 1990.



  - Appointed Msgr. Joseph Karikassery, vicar general of the archdiocese of
Verapoly, India, as auxiliary of the same archdiocese (area 1,500, population
2,804,307, Catholics 270,188, priests 359, religious 1,484). The bishop-elect
was born in Karthedom, India in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1973.



  - Appointed as members of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications:
Cardinals Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid, Spain, and Ivan
Dias, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples; Archbishops
Simon Victor Tonye Bakot of Yaounde, Cameroon; and George Hugh Niederauer of San
Francisco, U.S.A.



- Appointed as consultors of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications:
Msgr. Owen F. Campion of the diocese of Nashville, U.S.A., director of "Our
Sunday Visitor;" Msgr. Claudio Giuliodori, director of the national office for
social communications of the Italian Episcopal Conference; Msgr. Stanislas
Lalanne, secretary general of the French Episcopal Conference; Jose Maria Gil
Tamayo, director of the secretariat of the Spanish Episcopal Conference's
episcopal commission for the social communication media; David Gutierrez
Gutierrez of the archdiocese of Coro, Venezuela, director of the press office of
the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM); Fr. Antonio Pereira Rego,
coordinator of religious programs for Portuguese television; Fr. Federico
Lombardi S.J., director of the Holy See Press Office, and director general of
Vatican Radio and of the Vatican Television Center; Fr. Silvio Sassi S.S.P.,
superior general of the Society of St. Paul; Fr. Jacob Srampikal S.J., director
of the interdisciplinary center for social communications at the Gregorian
University in Rome; Sr. Maria Antonietta Bruscato F.S.P., superior general of
the Daughters of St. Paul; Carl Albert Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Order of
the Knights of Columbus, U.S.A.; Benedict Assorow, director of CEPACS, the
communications office of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and
Madagascar (SECAM); Ettore Bernabei of Rome; Jesus Colina, director of the Zenit
news agency, Rome; Ignatius Handoko, president of Indosiar, Jakarta, Indonesia;
Giancarlo Leone of Rome; Albert Scharf, former director of "Bayerischer
Rundfunk," Germany; Anthony Spence, director of the Catholic News Service,
Washington, U.S.A.; and Dirk H. Voss, director of the "St. Ulrich Verlag,"
Augsburg, Germany.


* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY



Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time



Today’s Gospel speaks directly to the world of today.

The Gospel is ageless, in that it relevantly speaks to the mind and heart of
every human person in a personal and practical manner.

The Gospel has meaning for everyone’s daily needs and cares regardless of your
social status, geographic location, or historic period in which one finds
oneself.

True as these things are we find today’s reading speaking louder and clearer
to our own world today than in any other period in the past two thousand years.

Part of the reason is that we live at a time later than any other age.

Logically, this must bring us nearer and nearer to the Day of Judgment spoken of
in today’s reading.

Another reason is the very vocabulary of this reading has become more relevant
today through sensationalistic journalism and media drilling fear and terror
into the minds of most people everywhere around the world.

The keyword in the Gospel to which I am referring is “terrified.”

“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things
must happen first”

Our news media use the words “terror,” “terrorism,” and “terrified”
numerous times every single day, day in and day out.

We are jaded and drilled with “terrorism” so much so that people are
“terrified” with just about everything from flying in planes to traveling by
bus, train or subway.

Not only are we “terrified” about traveling, but going out about town in
large populated places since the simple minded and naïve have been taught by
media that these are the primary targets of “terrorists.”

Modern people find themselves overwrought with terror and terrified about
practically everything.

A decade ago people use to worry.

Those preoccupied with worry were called worrisome.

These were the neurotics then, but now, they have become the mild-mannered
individual of today.

Souls devoted to Christ, His Church and the Gospel do not conform to the
propaganda of the day.

Devout souls are not numbered among the worrisome, neurotic, terrified souls
pounded and hammered by media into submission to them, since we submit only to
God and His Divine Word.

Jesus tells us : “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be
terrified; for such things must happen first”

Listen to the voice of Jesus and obey Him when He says “do not be
terrified.”

“Be not afraid” but stand steadfast in faith.

Do not allow the voice of the world to drown out the voice of Christ.

Psychologists tell us that people who listen to loud music, play the same song
repeatedly, hear this song over and over again in their heads even when the
music is no longer playing on the radio, or stereo.

Listening to the same sound, voice, message and rhythm, repeatedly over and over
again is a form of drilling used in brainwashing techniques.

News media practice the same methods by drilling the audience repeatedly with
the same sounds, images, message, and so on so that the audience has the message
fixed deep within their minds and hearts.

The daily message is always the same but a day later : terrorism, death, war,
car bombing, fires and disasters are reported with texts, words and images that
instill fright and fear.

This same message is repeated numerous times in the same day and then again the
next day over and over.

People have become more edgy, crabby, nasty, jittery and restless because of
this constant bombardment by the media of negative news reporting.

The Culture of Death is not a frivolous name given to this world by our late
Pope John Paul II.

Be wise and turn off your television sets at news hour and instead pick up the
rosary and pray for world peace.


Turn off the voices of the world ringing in your head and turn on the voice of
Christ.

Fill your minds and hearts with the Gospel of Truth and Life.

Do not allow the voices of this world to manipulate and control you and most of
all never allow them to drown out the voice of Christ.

Remember what Jesus tells us : “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do
not be terrified; for such things must happen first”

Do not be terrified about anything but live in peace.

First find peace within yourself.

This is impossible to do if you constantly listen to television, radio and
stereos all day long.

Create a peaceful environment for yourselves in quiet and tranquility.

Give yourself time to be alone and quiet to reflect and pray.

When you do these things you invite Christ within yourself to bring “the peace
the world cannot give.”

Beloved, remember those words of Jesus at the Last Supper “My peace I give to
you”

Be people of peace untroubled by the dread and terror of the world.

Christ gave Himself up to death on the Cross for the sins of the world.

Christ overcame the world and He alone is the supreme ruler over all events.

Trust in Him.

Fear nothing and trust in Him.

Pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she bring trust and confidence in God
deeply into your mind and heart.

Do not be troubled or terrified, but rather, be filled with the peace and joy of
Christ.

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA

PART I: PSALMS AND CONTEMPLATION

CHAPTER FIVE : Errors to Avoid (pages 41-42)

Fr. Merton counsels those inclined to solittude not to regard communal liturgy
and prayer as secondary.

Some have the personality and temperment that inclines them to solitude.

"It must be admitted that the individual vocation to contemplative prayer is
conditioned by individual temperment, and that there will always be souls who
will usually find deeper conscious peace and absorption in the presence of God
when they are silent and alone than when they are praying in choir." (page 41)

Fr. Merton explains the importance of liturgy : the Mass and Divine Office to
the life of the soul, especially those called to the priesthood, religious life
and all of those souls in the world called to contemplation.

"The secret of contemplation is the gift of ourselves to God. This, too, is the
secret of the Psalter. God will give Himself to us through the Psalter if we
give ourselves to Him without reserve in our recitation of the Psalms." (page
42)

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/111006.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
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keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 84

TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. BENEDICT XVI: "MY TRIP IS NOT POLITICAL BUT PASTORAL"
---------------------------------------------------------------
. VESPERS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


BENEDICT XVI: "MY TRIP IS NOT POLITICAL BUT PASTORAL"



VATICAN CITY, NOV 28, 2006 (VIS) - At 9.20 a.m. today, the Holy Father departed
from Rome's Fiumicino airport bound for Turkey, where he landed three hours
later at Ankara's Esemboga airport. Thus began Benedict XVI's fifth apostolic
trip outside Italy.



   Speaking to the journalists accompanying him on his flight, the Pope affirmed
that his visit to Turkey "is not political but pastoral," and that its aim is
"dialogue and the shared commitment to peace."



   As he descended from his aircraft, the Holy Father was greeted by Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, prime minister of Turkey, by the governor of the local region, and by
the military commander and the mayor of Ankara, the capital of Turkey, a city of
some five million inhabitants. Also there to greet him was Archbishop Ruggero
Franceschini O.F.M. Cap., of Izmir, president of the Catholic Episcopal
Conference of Turkey.



   The Holy Father then went to a room within the airport building where he held
a meeting with the prime minister.



   Following this meeting, which lasted 20 minutes, the Pope travelled by car to
the Mausoleum of Ataturk some 45 kilometers from the city. Built between 1944
and 1953, it holds the earthly remains of Mustafa Kemal "Ataturk" (Father of the
Turks), founder and first president of the Turkish Republic (1923-1938). Within
the building, which resembles a Greek temple and is reached by a flight of
steps, the walls are covered in green marble and the ceiling decorated with gold
mosaics. The cenotaph to Ataturk is made from a single block of marble weighing
40 tonnes.



   At 3 p.m. local time (2 p.m. in Rome), Benedict XVI was received by Ahmet
Necdet Sezer, president of the Republic of Turkey, in the presidential palace.
Subsequently he met with one of the country's two vice prime ministers in the
"Guest House" of the presidential palace.



   This afternoon, the Pope is scheduled to meet with Ali Bardokoglu, Turkey's
president for religious affairs, in the "Diyanet," the headquarters of his
department.



   Turkey has 72 million inhabitants, of whom 99.8 percent are Muslims. The
remaining 0.20 percent is made up of Christians of various rites
(Greek-Orthodox, Syro-Orthodox, Armenian-Orthodox, Protestants and Catholics)
and Jews.



   Catholics number some 32,000, about 0.04 percent of the total population. The
Catholic Episcopal Conference of Turkey is made up of six bishops. Currently,
there are 47 parishes, 68 priests, 98 male and female religious, four permanent
deacons, five major seminarians and 28 catechists.


* * *


VESPERS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT



VATICAN CITY, NOV 28, 2006 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 5 p.m. on
Saturday, December 2, the Pope will preside at the celebration of the first
Vespers of the first Sunday of Advent, according to a note made public today by
the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 28, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Bernard
Housset of Montauban, France, as bishop of La Rochelle (area 6,863, population
559,600, Catholics 381,700, priests 130, permanent deacons 15, religious 234),
France.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time


Today’s Gospel reading is often misunderstood.

Many interpret it to be the historical counsels Jesus gave to His apostles.

These interpreters see the words fulfilled when apostles were brought before
kings and governors just as Jesus had predicted.

True, these words were meant as counsels to the historical Church, the apostles
of history.

However, the Author of the Gospels had written His text a clever way.

The finesse of the Author is found in the final verse : You will be hated by all
because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

The guarantee that “not a hair on your head will be destroyed” certainly
does not fit the description of the historical apostles who died in martyrdom.

Certainly, no one would argue or agree that the apostles bearing public
testimony were left unharmed and lived long lives into old age.

The verse : “By your perseverance you will secure your lives” cannot be
easily explained to refer to the holy martyred apostles and early Church martyrs
after them and throughout history.

What the Sacred Author has done is given us the words of Christ spoken to the
historical Church for us to know that they were called to task by the kings and
governors and uttered testimony by the power of the Holy Spirit.

He has also given us, His Church in the later days words of confidence that :
not a hair on your head will be destroyed; and By your perseverance you will
secure your lives.

This portion of today’s reading is meant for you and me.

We can expect the governments to bring us to task because of our faith and
belief in Jesus Christ, His Gospel, and the teaching of His Holy See, the
Magisterium of the Church.

Christ boldly tells us “Be not afraid.”

Not a hair on your head will be destroyed.

By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

The Culture of Death hates us.

The Gospel of Light, Life and Truth empowers us to conquer the darkness of the
world.

Do not be shy, embarrassed or ashamed to defend Christ and His Church among your
friends, acquaintances, and those whom we encounter in our daily lives.

Be not afraid, or timid, but open your heart to share the faith of the ages and
God will do the rest.

Christ will come again.

This has been written and this shall come to be.

But before His return to claim His bride purchased by His own blood, He expects
us to bear witness to Him so that He will level all obstacles that have accrued
through time, from culture and human fear and pride.

Bear witness to Christ, not just by deed and example, but by words from the
heart.

Mary, Queen of all hearts, come to me and open up my heart to God’s infinite
grace, that I may serve Him as you wish Him to be served.



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[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA

PART II: POETRY, SYMBOLISM AND TYPOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE : Poetry, Symbolism and Typology (pages 45-60)

Fr. Merton discusses the Psalms as poems. He tells us poems have meaning but
poets are not obligated to make that meaning obvious and immediate. The reader
of poetry often takes great care in reading poems making great efforts to
discover all of the trappings of a poem in order to grasp its complexity and
various levels of meaning nested within words, symbols and metaphors.

Words of a poem take on dimensions of meaning transcending ordinary use. The
language of poetry is not ordinary mundane language but empowered and enriched
with an array of meaning in the intellectual and spiritual dimension of logic
and emotion. Poetic language takes us to the sublime both intellectually and
spiritually causing us to transend the ordinary word to one of mysticism for as
long as one is able to sustain the experience.

Readers of Psalms, therefore, must make intellectual efforts to grasp the poetic
experience and understand the hidden meanings among the associations contained
in the poem.

"No matter how carefully and how scientifically we may interpret the words of
the Psalms, and study their historical background, if these investigations do
not help us to enter into the poetic experience which the Psalms convey, they
are of limited value in showing us what God has revealed in the Psalms, for the
revealed content of the Psalter is poetic." (pages 46-47)

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/112806.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 85

WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. CONTINUE DIALOGUE BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. RELIGIONS MUST REFUSE TO SANCTION RECOURSE TO VIOLENCE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE ENCOURAGES THE SMALL TURKISH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *



CONTINUE DIALOGUE BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 28, 2006 (VIS) - At 4.30 p.m. local time today, Benedict XVI
travelled by car to the "Diyanet," Turkey's presidency for religious affairs
where he met with Ali Bardokoglu, president of that department, and with various
Turkish Muslims leaders, among them the Grand Mufti of Ankara and the Grand
Mufti of Istanbul.



   The Pope began his English-language talk to them by greeting "all the Muslims
in Turkey with particular esteem and affectionate regard." He also recalled how
Turkey "is very dear to Christians: many of the earliest Church communities were
founded here and grew to maturity, inspired by the preaching of the Apostles,
particularly St. Paul and St. John. ... This noble land has also seen a
remarkable flowering of Islamic civilization in the most diverse fields,
including its literature and art, as well as its institutions. There are so many
Christian and Muslim monuments that bear witness to Turkey's glorious past," in
which "you rightly take pride."



   Benedict XVI then went on to explain how he had set out for Turkey "with the
same sentiments as those expressed by my predecessor Blessed John XXIII, when he
came here as Archbishop Giuseppe Roncalli, to fulfil the office of papal
representative to Istanbul: '... I love the Turks, I appreciate the natural
qualities of these people who have their own place reserved in the march of
civilization'." Pope Benedict also reiterated the words of John Paul II, who
visited the country in 1979: 'I wonder if it is not urgent, precisely today when
Christians and Muslims have entered a new period of history, to recognize and
develop the spiritual bonds that unite us, in order to preserve and promote
together, for the benefit of all men, peace, liberty, social justice and moral
values.'



   Such questions, Pope Benedict continued, "impel us to carry forward our
dialogue as a sincere exchange between friends. ... Christians and Muslims,
following their respective religions, point to the truth of the sacred character
and dignity of the person.  This is the basis of our mutual respect and esteem,
this is the basis for cooperation in the service of peace between nations and
peoples."



   "Christians and Muslims belong to the family of those who believe in the one
God and who, according to their respective traditions, trace their ancestry to
Abraham. This human and spiritual unity in our origins and our destiny impels us
to seek a common path. ... As men and women of religion, we are challenged by
the widespread longing for justice, development, solidarity, freedom, security,
peace, defense of life, protection of the environment and of the resources of
the earth. This is because we too, while respecting the legitimate autonomy of
temporal affairs, have a specific contribution to offer in the search for proper
solutions to these pressing questions."



   "Above all," he added, "we can offer a credible response to the question which
emerges clearly from today's society, ... the question about the meaning and
purpose of life, for each individual and for humanity as a whole. We are called
to work together, so as to help society to open itself to the transcendent,
giving Almighty God His rightful place.  The best way forward is via authentic
dialogue between Christians and Muslims, based on truth and inspired by a
sincere wish to know one another better, respecting differences and recognizing
what we have in common."



   "As an illustration of the fraternal respect with which Christians and Muslims
can work together, I would like to quote some words addressed by Pope Gregory
VII in 1076 to a Muslim prince in North Africa who had acted with great
benevolence towards the Christians under his jurisdiction. Pope Gregory spoke of
the particular charity that Christians and Muslims owe to one another 'because
we believe in one God, albeit in a different manner, and because we praise Him
and worship Him every day as the Creator and Ruler of the world.'



   "Freedom of religion, institutionally guaranteed and effectively respected in
practice, both for individuals and communities, constitutes for all believers
the necessary condition for their loyal contribution to the building up of
society, in an attitude of authentic service, especially towards the most
vulnerable and the most poor."



   The Pope completed his address by giving thanks to God "for this happy
occasion that brings us together in His name," and expressed the hope that
Christians and Muslims "may come to know one another better, strengthening the
bonds of affection between us in our common wish to live together in harmony,
peace and mutual trust."



* * *


RELIGIONS MUST REFUSE TO SANCTION RECOURSE TO VIOLENCE



VATICAN CITY, NOV 28, 2006 (VIS) - At 5.30 p.m. today, at the apostolic
nunciature in Ankara, the Holy Father met with the diplomatic corps accredited
to the Turkish government.



   In his address to them he highlighted how he had come "as a friend and as an
apostle of dialogue and peace," adding that "true peace needs justice, to
correct the economic imbalances and political disturbances which always give
rise to tension and threaten every society."



   In order to prevent conflict, the Holy Father continued, it is not enough to
respect and support "the decisions of international institutions." There must be
"authentic dialogue, ... in order to arrive at lasting and acceptable political
solutions, respectful of persons and peoples.  I am thinking most especially of
the disturbing conflict in the Middle East, which shows no sign of abating and
weighs heavily on the whole of international life;  I am thinking of the risk of
peripheral conflicts multiplying and terrorist actions spreading.  I appreciate
the efforts of numerous countries currently engaged in rebuilding peace in
Lebanon, Turkey among them."



   "I appeal once more to the vigilance of the international community, that it
not abandon its responsibilities, but make every effort to promote dialogue
among all parties involved, which alone can guarantee respect for others, while
safeguarding legitimate interests and rejecting recourse to violence."



   Pope Benedict then highlighted how "the Turkish Constitution recognizes every
citizen's right to freedom of worship and freedom of conscience.  The civil
authorities of every democratic country are duty bound to guarantee the
effective freedom of all believers and to permit them to organize freely the
life of their religious communities.  Naturally it is my hope that believers,
whichever religious community they belong to, will continue to benefit from
these rights, since I am certain that religious liberty is a fundamental
expression of human liberty and that the active presence of religions in society
is a source of progress and enrichment for all.  This assumes, of course, that
religions do not seek to exercise direct political power, as that is not their
province, and it also assumes that they utterly refuse to sanction recourse to
violence as a legitimate expression of religion.



   "In this regard," he added, "I appreciate the work of the Catholic community
in Turkey, small in number but deeply committed to contributing all it can to
the country's development, notably by educating the young, and by building peace
and harmony among all citizens."



   The Pope again stressed the need for dialogue which, he said, "must enable
different religions to come to know one another better and to respect one
another, in order to work for the fulfillment of man's noblest aspirations, in
search of God and in search of happiness."



   He reiterated his "great esteem for Muslims," and he encouraged them "to
continue to work together, in mutual respect, to promote the dignity of every
human being and the growth of a society where personal freedom and care for
others provide peace and serenity for all."



   "Assuredly, recognition of the positive role of religions within the fabric of
society can and must impel us to explore more deeply their knowledge of man and
to respect his dignity, by placing him at the center of political, economic,
cultural and social activity.  Our world must come to realize that all people
are linked by profound solidarity with one another, and they must be encouraged
to assert their historical and cultural differences not for the sake of
confrontation, but in order to foster mutual respect."



   The Church, he said, is committed "to serve the cause of humanity," and he
added: "I would be failing in this fundamental obligation if I did not remind
you of the need always to place human dignity at the very heart of our concerns.
The world is experiencing an extraordinary development of science and
technology, with almost immediate consequences for medicine, agriculture and
food production, but also for the communication of knowledge; this process must
not lack direction or a human point of reference, when it relates to birth,
education, manner of life or work, of old age, or death.



   "I sincerely hope," he concluded, "that the good relations between nations,
which it is your task to serve, may also contribute increasingly to the genuine
growth of humanity, created in the image of God.  Such a noble goal requires the
contribution of all.  For this reason the Catholic Church intends to renew its
co-operation with the Orthodox Church and I hope that my forthcoming meeting
with Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Fanar will effectively serve this
objective."



* * *


POPE ENCOURAGES THE SMALL TURKISH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY



VATICAN CITY, NOV 29, 2006 (VIS) - At 8 a.m. today, Benedict XVI travelled by
plane from Ankara to the Turkish city of Izmir. From there he went by car to
Ephesus.



   Today a city of some 18,000 inhabitants, Ephesus is among the most famous
archaeological sites on the shores of the Mediterranean. In ancient times, it
was the location of the Temple of Diana, one of the seven Wonders of the World.
The city was also home to one of the earliest Christian communities. St. Paul
resided there for three years, and St. John the Evangelist lived and died there.
In the year 431, an ecumenical council was held at Ephesus which proclaimed the
divine motherhood of Mary.



   The shrine of "Meryem Ana Evi" (House of Mother Mary) 4 kilometers from
Ephesus, where the Pope met with the Catholic community resident in Turkey, is a
center of Marian devotion unique in the world. However, no archeological traces
remain, and evidence that Mary truly lived in Ephesus with St. John the
Evangelist rests on a first-century tradition and a thirteenth-century Syrian
account. The shrine is frequented not only by Christians but also by Muslims who
come to venerate Mary in the course of pilgrimages to the nearby Mosque of Isa
Bey.



   At 11.30 a.m., Benedict XVI arrived at the shrine's convent of Capuchin
Friars, spending a few moments in the chapel and the sacristy before going on to
the shrine itself where, at midday, he celebrated Mass. In opening his homily,
the Pope gave thanks to God "for Mary's divine motherhood," and described
Ephesus as a place "dear to the Christian community," recalling the visits there
by his "venerable predecessors the Servants of God Paul VI and John Paul II,"
and in particular Blessed John XXIII, papal representative to Turkey from 1935
to 1944.



   John XXIII, said the Pope in his English-language talk, "left to the Church
and the world  the legacy of his Christian optimism, rooted in deep faith and
constant union with God. In that same spirit, I turn to this nation and, in a
special way, to the 'little flock' of Christ living in its midst, in order to
offer a word of encouragement and to manifest the affection of the whole
Church."



   The Pope mentioned St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, which contains the
expression "Christ is our peace," the motto of his apostolic trip. "The Apostle
explains," said the Pope, "how, in a truly unforeseen way, messianic peace has
now come about in Christ's own person and His saving mystery. He explains it by
writing, during his imprisonment, to the Christian community which lived here,
in Ephesus. ... The Apostle wishes them 'grace and peace from God our Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ.' Grace is the power that transforms man and the world;
peace is the mature fruit of this transformation.  Christ is grace; Christ is
peace."



   "The Apostle of the Gentiles says that Christ 'has made us both one'," said
the Holy Father, pointing out that these words refer to the relationship between
Jews and Gentiles. "Yet they can also extend, by analogy, to the relationship
between the peoples and civilizations present in the world.  Christ 'came to
proclaim peace,' not only between Jews and non-Jews, but between all nations,
since all have their origin in the same God."



   "From this edge of the Anatolian peninsula, a natural bridge between
continents, let us implore peace and reconciliation, above all for those
dwelling in the Land called 'Holy' and considered as such by Christians, Jews
and Muslims alike: it is the land of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, destined to be
the home of a people that would become a blessing for all the nations. Peace for
all of humanity!  May Isaiah's prophecy soon be fulfilled: 'They shall beat
their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation
shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.'



   "We all need this universal peace," he added, "and the Church is called to be
not only the prophetic herald, but even more, the 'sign and instrument' of this
peace.  Against the backdrop of universal peace, the yearning for full communion
and concord between all Christians becomes even more profound and intense.



   "Present at today's celebration are Catholic faithful of various rites, and
this is a reason for joyful praise of God.  These rites, when they converge in
unity and common witness, are an expression of that marvelous variety which
adorns the Bride of Christ."



   "Dear brothers and sisters," the Pope concluded, "in this visit I have wanted
to convey my personal love and spiritual closeness, together with that of the
universal Church, to the Christian community here in Turkey, a small minority
which faces many challenges. ... With firm trust let us sing, together with
Mary, a Magnificat of praise and thanksgiving to God who has looked with favor
upon the lowliness of his servant.  Let us sing joyfully, even when we are
tested by difficulties and dangers, as we have learned from the fine witness
given by ... Don Andrea Santoro, whom I am pleased to recall in this
celebration." Fr. Santoro, a priest from Rome, was killed in February this year
while praying at his church in the Turkish city of Trabzon.



   This afternoon, the Pope is scheduled to travel from Izmir to Istanbul where
he will meet the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.



* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 29, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from
the pastoral care of the diocese of Franca, Brazil, presented by Bishop Diogenes
Silva Matthes, upon having reached the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor
Bishop Caetano Ferrari O.F.M.



* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

Today’s readings are about vocations to preach and bear witness to Christ.

In the first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he speaks about
vocations in a poetic manner using a form similar to a logical syllogism.

But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone to preach?
And how can people preach unless they are sent?

The first two propositions are descriptions of the world without faith and
knowledge of Christ.

The second two concern the Church’s mission to preach and send preachers into
the world.

The Gospel of St. Matthew too presents a poetic and logical picture of the
calling of St. Andrew.

St. Matthew does not give us a photo-journalistic picture of how Jesus met
Saints Peter and Andrew.

A more accurate historical account is to be found in the Gospel of St. Luke
5:1-11.

St. Matthew, rather, gives us a poetic version of the story.

His account is very brief consisting of three sentences.

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is
called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were
fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of
men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

The first sentence tells us that Simon and Andrew were fishermen, and as
fishermen do, they were casting their nets into the sea to catch fish.

The second sentence takes this idea of catching fish and poetically transforms
and formulates it into catching men.

St. Matthew created an icon in this poetic and Ecclesiastical expression for the
preacher of the Gospel : “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of
men.”

To be “fishers of men” is to follow in the footsteps of the first followers
of Christ.


The third sentence tells us how Simon and Andrew responded to Jesus’ call.

At once they left their nets and followed him.

St. Matthew focused on the response of these holy apostles.

The third sentence is the climax of the story with the greatest focus on the
action of the apostles.

The brief story begins with the action of Simon and Andrew casting a net into
the sea.

The story ends with the action of Simon and Andrew leaving their nets and
immediately following Jesus.

This immediacy is the gem, the hidden diamond in the story.

Simon and Andrew did not hesitate with Jesus’ invitation to follow Him.

They did not stop to give the matter further thought.

They did not find reasons why they could not go.

Instead, they followed their God-given attraction to Jesus and wanted to follow
Him more than anything else.

In those days devout Jews would attach themselves to a great rabbi or teacher as
students.

What Simon and Andrew were doing according to the story was something normal for
devout Jewish men.

They knew about Jesus, heard Him preach, saw His stature and knew that He was
the best teacher for them.

They immediately dropped their nets and left their work to follow Jesus and
learn from Him.

Those called to the priesthood and religious life, as well as those called as
laity to preach are often reminded of the good character of Simon and Andrew in
this story --- how they unhesitatingly dropped their nets to follow Christ.

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew.

He is the brother of Simon, the first Pope, whom we call St. Peter.

St. Andrew preached the Gospel throughout the world and died a holy martyr.

According to tradition St. Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross, and is
frequently depicted this way in Church art.

May St. Andrew’s prayers in heaven bring the grace necessary for young men and
women today to follow in his footsteps and without hesitation follow Christ to
bring the light of Christ and His Gospel to our darkened world.




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[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART II: POETRY, SYMBOLISM AND TYPOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE : Poetry, Symbolism and Typology (pages 45-60)

"The function of cosmic symbols in the Psalter is an important one. The
revelation of God to man through nature is not the exclusive property of any one
religion. It is shared by the whole human race and forms the foundation for all
human religions. At the same time the vision of God in nature is a natural
preamble to supernatural faith, which depends upon the distinct and supernatural
revelation." (pages 51-52)

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/112906.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
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keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
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__________________________________________________
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 86

THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. VISIT TO THE PATRIARCHAL CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROME AND CONSTANTINOPLE SHARE THE APOSTOLIC CALL
---------------------------------------------------------------
. JOINT DECLARATION OF BENEDICT XVI AND BARTHOLOMEW I
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


VISIT TO THE PATRIARCHAL CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE



VATICAN CITY, NOV 29, 2006 (VIS) - This afternoon, Benedict XVI departed by
plane from Izmir, landing an hour later at the airport of Istanbul. From there,
he travelled by car to the ecumenical patriarchate of Constantinople, center of
the worldwide Orthodox Church and residence of the ecumenical patriarch, His
Holiness Bartholomew I.



   The ecumenical patriarch is "primus inter pares" (first among equals) with
respect to the other patriarchs of the Orthodox Church. The primacy of
Constantinople serves to represent canonically the unity of Orthodoxy and to
coordinate its activities. Apart from Istanbul itself, the patriarch's
ecclesiastical jurisdiction includes four Turkish dioceses, as well as Mount
Athos, Crete, Patmos and the Dodecanese Islands and, as a result of migrations,
dioceses in Central and Western Europe, the Americas, Pakistan and Japan.
Orthodox faithful in other parts of the world not subject to the direct
jurisdiction of one of the other Orthodox patriarchs also depend upon the
ecumenical patriarch.



   For many centuries, the headquarters of the patriarchate was the cathedral of
Santa Sophia. Following the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453,
it was transferred to other areas of the city. Since 1601, it has been based in
the Fanar neighborhood.



   The patriarchal church of St. George, built in 1720, stands next to the
patriarchate. The building has no cupola because, according to rules established
by the Ottomans after their conquest of Constantinople, domes were reserved for
mosques and other buildings associated with the Islamic faith. Among the relics
kept in the church, are parts of St. Gregory Nazianzus and St. John Chrysostom,
donated by John Paul II to the Patriarch Bartholomew I in November 2004.



   At 7.30 p.m., the Holy Father and His Holiness Bartholomew I participated in a
liturgical act of prayer in the church of St. George.



   Following an address by the ecumenical patriarch, Benedict XVI made some
remarks:



   "It gives me great joy," he said speaking English, "to be among you, my
brothers in Christ, in this cathedral church, as we pray together to the Lord
and call to mind the momentous events that have sustained our commitment to work
for the full unity of Catholics and Orthodox. I wish above all to recall the
courageous decision to remove the memory of the anathemas of 1054."



   After highlighting how the "new relations between the Churches of Rome and
Constantinople have developed" upon a foundation of mutual love, Pope Benedict
indicated how "signs of this love have been evident in numerous declarations of
shared commitment and many meaningful gestures."



   "I also rejoice," he continued, "to be in this land so closely connected to
the Christian faith, where many Churches flourished in ancient times. I think of
Saint Peter's exhortations to the early Christian communities, ... and the rich
harvest of martyrs, theologians, pastors, monastics, and holy men and women
which those Churches brought forth over the centuries."



   The saints and Doctors of the Church, Gregory Nazianzus and John Chrysostom,
whose relics rest partly in the Vatican Basilica and partly "in this very
Cathedral," said the Pope, are "truly worthy intercessors for us before the
Lord.



   "In this part of the Eastern world," he added, "were also held the seven
Ecumenical Councils which Orthodox and Catholics alike acknowledge as
authoritative for the faith and discipline of the Church. They are enduring
milestones and guides along our path towards full unity."



   The Pope concluded his remarks by expressing "once more my joy to be with you.
May this meeting strengthen our mutual affection and renew our common commitment
to persevere on the journey leading to reconciliation and the peace of the
Churches."



   After the ceremony, Benedict XVI went to "Casa Roncalli," where he spent the
night. "Casa Roncalli" was the residence and headquarters of Msgr. Angelo
Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII, who was apostolic delegate to Turkey from
1935 to 1944.


* * *


ROME AND CONSTANTINOPLE SHARE THE APOSTOLIC CALL



VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, Benedict XVI participated in
the divine liturgy at the patriarchal church of St. George, of the ecumenical
patriarchate in Istanbul which today celebrates the Feast of its Patron, St.
Andrew. On his arrival at the church, the Pope was greeted by the Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew I. At the end of the liturgy, Patriarch Bartholomew
pronounced an address, after which the Holy Father also delivered a talk.



   "Today, in this patriarchal church of St. George," began the Pope's
English-language address, "we are able to experience once again the communion
and call of the two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, in the meeting of the
Successor of Peter and his brother in the episcopal ministry, the head of this
Church traditionally founded by the Apostle Andrew. Our fraternal encounter
highlights the special relationship uniting the Churches of Rome and
Constantinople as sister Churches.



   "With heartfelt joy we thank God for granting new vitality to the relationship
that has developed since the memorable meeting in Jerusalem in December 1964
between our predecessors, Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras," said the Holy
Father. Later, on "the eve of the final session of the Second Vatican Council,"
Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras took another "unique and unforgettable step in
the patriarchal church of St. George and the basilica of Saint Peter in the
Vatican respectively: they removed from the memory of the Church the tragic
excommunications of 1054. In this way they confirmed a decisive shift in our
relationship."



   "In that same spirit, my presence here today is meant to renew our commitment
to advancing along the road towards the re-establishment ... of full communion
between the Church of Rome and the Church of Constantinople," said the Holy
Father. "I can assure you that the Catholic Church is willing to do everything
possible to overcome obstacles and to seek, together with our Orthodox brothers
and sisters, ever more effective means of pastoral cooperation to this end."



   Jesus, said the Pope, gave the Apostles Peter and Andrew "the mission of
making all nations His disciples, baptizing them and proclaiming His teachings."
Today, he recalled, this mission "is even more urgent and necessary," because it
"looks not only to those cultures which have been touched only marginally by the
Gospel message, but also to long-established European cultures deeply grounded
in the Christian tradition.



   "The process of secularization has weakened the hold of that tradition;
indeed, it is being called into question, and even rejected. In the face of this
reality, we are called, together with all other Christian communities, to renew
Europe's awareness of its Christian roots, traditions and values, giving them
new vitality. Our efforts to build closer ties between the Catholic Church and
the Orthodox Churches are a part of this missionary task. The divisions which
exist among Christians are a scandal to the world and an obstacle to the
proclamation of the Gospel."



   "Peter and Andrew," the Holy Father reiterated, "were called together to
become fishers of men. This same task, however, took on a different form for
each of the brothers. Simon ... was called 'Peter,' the 'rock' on which the
Church was to be built; to him ... were entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of
Heaven. His journey would take him from Jerusalem to Antioch, and from Antioch
to Rome, so that in that city he might exercise a universal responsibility.



   "The issue of the universal service of Peter and his Successors has
unfortunately given rise to our differences of opinion, which we hope to
overcome, thanks also to the theological dialogue which has been recently
resumed. My venerable predecessor, Servant of God Pope John Paul II, spoke of
the mercy that characterizes Peter's service of unity. ... It is on this basis
that Pope John Paul extended an invitation to enter into a fraternal dialogue
aimed at identifying ways in which the Petrine ministry might be exercised
today, while respecting its nature and essence, so as to 'accomplish a service
of love recognized by all concerned'."



   As for Andrew, who spoke Greek, "he became ... the Apostle of the encounter
with the Greeks. ... The Apostle Andrew, therefore, represents the meeting
between early Christianity and Greek culture. This encounter, particularly in
Asia Minor, became possible thanks especially to the great Cappadocian Fathers,
who enriched the liturgy, theology and spirituality of both the Eastern and the
Western Churches.



   "The Christian message, like the grain of wheat, fell on this land and bore
much fruit," said Pope Benedict. "We must be profoundly grateful for the
heritage that emerged from the fruitful encounter between the Christian message
and Hellenic culture. It has had an enduring impact on the Churches of East and
West."



   "In the course of history, both the Church of Rome and the Church of
Constantinople have often experienced the lesson of the grain of wheat. Together
we venerate many of the same martyrs. ... With them, we share the same hope that
impels the Church to 'press forward, like a stranger in a foreign land, amid the
persecutions of the world and the consolations of God.' For its part, the
century that has just ended also saw courageous witnesses to the faith, in both
East and West. Even now, there are many such witnesses in different parts of the
world. We remember them in our prayer and, in whatever way we can, we offer them
our support, as we urge all world leaders to respect religious freedom as a
fundamental human right.



   "The divine liturgy in which we have participated was celebrated according to
the rite of St. John Chrysostom. The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ have
been made mystically present. ... This faith in the redeeming death of Jesus on
the cross, and this hope which the Risen Christ offers to the whole human
family, are shared by all of us, Orthodox and Catholics alike. May our daily
prayer and activity be inspired by a fervent desire not only to be present at
the divine liturgy, but to be able to celebrate it together, to take part in the
one table of the Lord, sharing the same bread and the same chalice."



   At the conclusion of the liturgical celebration, the Pope and the Ecumenical
Patriarch imparted the final blessing together.


* * *


JOINT DECLARATION OF BENEDICT XVI AND BARTHOLOMEW I



VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2006 (VIS) - At the end of the divine liturgy they
celebrated this morning in the patriarchal church of St. George in Istanbul,
Benedict XVI and His Holiness Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch, returned to
the ecumenical patriarchate where they signed a joint declaration.



   In their declaration, the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople,
recall the meetings of their predecessors, "who showed the world the urgent need
for unity and traced sure paths for attaining it, through dialogue, prayer and
the daily life of the Church."



   "As pastors," they write, "we have first of all reflected on the mission to
proclaim the Gospel in today's world. ... Moreover, we cannot ignore the
increase of secularization, relativism, even nihilism, especially in the Western
world. All this calls for a renewed and powerful proclamation of the Gospel,
adapted to the cultures of our time. Our traditions represent for us a patrimony
which must be continually shared, proposed, and interpreted anew. This is why we
must strengthen our cooperation and our common witness before the world."



   The Pope and the Patriarch highlight how they "have viewed positively the
process that has led to the formation of the European Union. Those engaged in
this great project should not fail to take into consideration all aspects
affecting the inalienable rights of the human person, especially religious
freedom, a witness and guarantor of respect for all other freedoms. In every
step towards unification, minorities must be protected, with their cultural
traditions and the distinguishing features of their religion."



   "Our concern extends," their joint declaration proceeds, "to those parts of
today's world where Christians live and to the difficulties they have to face,
particularly poverty, wars and terrorism, but equally to various forms of
exploitation of the poor, of migrants, women and children. Catholics and
Orthodox are called to work together to promote respect for the rights of every
human being, created in the image and likeness of God, and to foster economic,
social and cultural development.



   "Our theological and ethical traditions can offer a solid basis for a united
approach in preaching and action. Above all, we wish to affirm that killing
innocent people in God's name is an offence against him and against human
dignity. We must all commit ourselves to the renewed service of humanity and the
defense of human life, every human life.



   "We take profoundly to heart the cause of peace in the Middle East, where our
Lord lived, suffered, died and rose again, and where a great multitude of our
Christian brethren have lived for centuries. We fervently hope that peace will
be re-established in that region, that respectful coexistence will be
strengthened between the different peoples that live there, between the Churches
and between the different religions found there. To this end, we encourage the
establishment of closer relationships between Christians, and of an authentic
and honest inter-religious dialogue, with a view to combating every form of
violence and discrimination.



   "At present, in the face of the great threats to the natural environment, we
want to express our concern at the negative consequences for humanity and for
the whole of creation which can result from economic and technological progress
that does not know its limits. As religious leaders, we consider it one of our
duties to encourage and to support all efforts made to protect God's creation,
and to bequeath to future generations a world in which they will be able to
live."



   Following the signing ceremony, the Pope had lunch with Patriarch Bartholomew
at the ecumenical patriarchate.



   This afternoon, Benedict XVI is scheduled to visit to Museum of Santa Sophia
and the Blue Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul. He will then go on to meet
with His Beatitude Mesrob II, Armenian patriarch of Istanbul, with Filuksinos
Yusuf Cetin, Syro-Orthodox Metropolitan, and with Isak Haleva, Cheif Rabbi of
Turkey. This evening he will dine with members of the Catholic Episcopal
Conference.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Appointed Fr. Gerard Pettipas C.Ss.R., pastor of St. Joseph in Grand Prarie,
Alberta, Canada, as archbishop of Grouard-McLennan (area 224,596, population
120,530, Catholics 47,028, priests 14, permanent deacons 2, religious 23),
Canada. The archbishop-elect was born in Halifax, Canada, in 1950 and ordained a
priest in 1977. He succeeds Archbishop Arthe Guimond, whose resignation from the
pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having
reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Fr. Joseph Chusak Sirisut, professor of the major national seminary
and director of the center for cultural and religious research in Sampran, as
bishop of Nakhon Ratchasima (area 41,148, population 5,220,430, Catholics 5,429,
priests 27, religious 35), Thailand. The bishop-elect was born in Bang Nok Kwek,
Thailand, in 1956 and ordained a priest in 1984. He succeeds Bishop Joachim
Phaya Manisap, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the
Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Bishop Emmanuel Bushu of Yagoua, Cameroon, as bishop of Buea (area
13,410, population 957,000, Catholics 295,630, priests 59, religious 72),
Cameroon. He succeeds Bishop Pius Suh Awa, whose resignation from the pastoral
care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age
limit.



  - Appointed Fr. Christophe Zoa of the clergy of the archdiocese of Yaounde,
Cameroon, archdiocesan chancellor, as auxiliary of the same archdiocese (area
4,964, population 1,591,960, Catholics 700,700, priests 307, religious 794). The
bishop-elect was born in Yaounde in 1961 and ordained a priest in 1991.


* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time


Today’s Gospel reading is Jesus’ guarantee that all of the signs He
prophesied will come to pass.

Jesus confirms what He says : Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass
away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.

In the previous verses Jesus prophesied : There will be signs in the sun and
moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamor of the ocean
and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the
powers of heaven will be shaken.

We are living in the time Jesus prophesied would come.

Tsunamis and hurricanes have ravaged the world during the past two years like no
other period of historical record.

The parable of the fig tree confirms this conclusion since Jesus Himself advised
us to look for the signs of the time in which we live to see if those signs He
has given us about the End Time were to come to pass.

Perhaps, the lesson of H. G. Wells, The War of the Worlds has taught us all a
lesson not to make public that the catastrophic disasters that have already come
and those that are still to come have all of the earmarks of the End of the
World.

When H. G. Wells made that famous radio broadcast a wave of mass hysteria spread
among thousands of people.

However, the End of the World is not necessarily a single cataclysmic event that
will occur in an hour, like The War of the Worlds, but rather, the final era of
human history, comprised of months and years and seasons and weeks.

Mature Christians neither panic nor fall prey to a wave of mass hysteria
regarding the End of the World.

The End of the World is not the physical destruction of our planet, but the end
of our corrupt fallen society when Christ restores the world to her former
glory.

The End of the World is not something to fear and dread in panic, but something
to look forward to with faith and hope in Christ whom we await with excited
hearts filled with joy.

The early Church waited for this day and used to joyously sing and pray
Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!

Perhaps history has grown long and broad -- filled with so many years, epics and
ages that we have become jaded by time and lost sight of the fact that one day
Christ shall return.

Most of us go on living our lives as if there is no tomorrow.

We procrastinate and put things off, sometimes, important things we should do
right now and instead do something else that is easier and more pleasurable.

World culture promotes this procrastinating mentality.

Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we shall die are the words of our
faithless and rebellious generation.

How many people live their lives just as though this were their personal motto
and philosophy?

Let Christ be the center of your lives so that when He comes you will hear Him
say – Welcome, faithful servant.

Mary, Queen of Peace, grant me the grace to become a truly devoted servant of
your Son, Jesus Christ, to serve Him as you wish Him to be served.




<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/113006.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

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All correspondence should be sent to:
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 87

FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. HEAL THE WOUNDS OF SEPARATION BETWEEN CHRISTIANS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CHURCH ASKS TO LIVE IN FREEDOM IN ORDER TO REVEAL CHRIST
---------------------------------------------------------------
. SUNDAY: PRIMORDIAL NUCLEUS OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TELEGRAM OF CONDOLENCE FOR TYPHOON IN THE PHILIPPINES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR DECEMBER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


HEAL THE WOUNDS OF SEPARATION BETWEEN CHRISTIANS



VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2006 (VIS) - In Istanbul this evening, after visiting the
Museum of Santa Sophia, the Holy Father went to the Blue Mosque where he and the
Grand Mufti paused for a moment of meditation. The Pope then travelled to the
city's Armenian apostolic patriarchate where he participated in a celebration of
the Word in the Cathedral of the Mother of God. The patriarchate of Istanbul is
under the jurisdiction of the Catholicos of all Armenia, Karekin II.



   Upon his arrival, Pope Benedict was received by His Beatitude Mesrob II,
Armenian patriarch of Istanbul, with whom he entered the cathedral in
procession. After the ceremony and an address by Mesrob II, the Holy Father
addressed some brief remarks to those present.



   "With great affection," said the Holy Father, "I greet the entire Armenian
apostolic community. ... My fraternal greeting goes also to His Holiness Karekin
II, Catholicos of Holy Etchmiadzin, and the hierarchy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church. I give thanks to God for the Christian faith and witness of the Armenian
people, transmitted from one generation to the next, often in very tragic
circumstances such as those experienced in the last century.



   "Our meeting," he added, "is more than a simple gesture of ecumenical courtesy
and friendship. It is a sign of our shared hope in God's promises and our desire
to see fulfilled the prayer that Jesus offered for His disciples on the eve of
His suffering and death: 'that they may all be one.' ... The tragic divisions
which, over time, have arisen among Christ's followers openly contradict the
Lord's will, give scandal to the world and damage that most holy cause, the
preaching of the Gospel to every creature. Precisely by the witness of their
faith and love, Christians are called to offer a radiant sign of hope and
consolation to this world, so marked by conflicts and tensions.



   "We must continue therefore to do everything possible to heal the wounds of
separation and to hasten the work of rebuilding Christian unity," said the Holy
Father. "In this respect I can only offer heartfelt thanks to the Lord for the
deeper fraternal relationship that has developed between the Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Catholic Church."



   In closing, the Pope quoted the words of one of the great Doctors of the
Armenian Church, Nerses of Lambron, who lived in the thirteenth century: "'Now,
since we all need peace with God, let its foundation be harmony among the
brethren.' ... These words of Nerses have lost nothing of their power. Together
let us continue to pray for the unity of all Christians."



   Following the ceremony, a stone tablet in the form of an Armenian cross was
unveiled, bearing inscriptions in Latin and Armenian recalling the visits to the
cathedral by Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI.


* * *


CHURCH ASKS TO LIVE IN FREEDOM IN ORDER TO REVEAL CHRIST



VATICAN CITY, DEC 1, 2006 (VIS) - At 8.30 a.m. today, the Pope celebrated Mass
at Istanbul's Latin Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, in the presence of faithful
from various communities present in the city and from a number of Catholic
rites. Also present were Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople,
Armenian Apostolic Patriarch Mesrob II, and Syro-Orthodox Metropolitan
Filuksinos Yusuf Cetin, as well as representatives from the Protestant Churches.



   The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit was inaugurated in 1846. Under the altar are
relics of certain saints, among them St. Linus, pope and martyr (67-69), St.
Peter's immediate successor. In 1884, Pope Leo XIII donated the cathedral a
relic of St. John Chrysostom. In May 1989, the cathedral was affiliated to the
Vatican Basilica.



   In the courtyard of the building is a statue of Benedict XV (1914-1922),
erected by the Turks in memory of that Pope's commitment in favor of the Turkish
victims of World War One. An inscription on the statue reads: "To the great
pontiff of the world tragedy, Benedict XV, benefactor of peoples without
distinction of nationality or religion, in recognition."



   In 1967, Pope Paul VI visited the cathedral in the company of Patriarch
Athenagoras, a gesture repeated by John Paul II, accompanied by Patriarch
Dimitros I, in 1979.



   Before Mass, the Pope paused in the courtyard to bless a statue of Blessed
John XXIII which is to be placed in a local church. He also freed three white
doves.



   Various languages were used during the Eucharistic celebration, including
Latin, Turkish, French, German, Syriac, Arabic and Spanish. The entrance
antiphon and the "Sanctus" were left to the Armenian Catholics; the responsorial
psalm and the offertory antiphon to the Chaldeans; the proclamation of the
Gospel to the Syro-Catholics.



   "As Saint Paul has just reminded us," said Benedict XVI in his homily, "the
Spirit is the enduring source of our faith and unity. He awakens within us true
knowledge of Jesus and He puts on our lips the words of faith that enable us to
acknowledge the Lord."



   "To manifest the Spirit, to live by the Spirit, is not to live for oneself
alone, but to let oneself be conformed to Christ Jesus by becoming, like Him,
the servant of his brothers and sisters. Here is a very concrete teaching for
each of us."



   The Church, said the Pope, "has been charged to proclaim His Gospel to the
ends of the earth, transmitting to the men and women of our time the Good News
which not only illuminates but overturns their lives, even to the point of
conquering death itself. This Good News is not just a word, but a person, Christ
Himself, risen and alive!"



   "The Church's mission is not to preserve power, or to gain wealth; her mission
is to offer Christ, to give a share in Christ's own life, man's most precious
good, which God Himself gives us in His Son."



   "You know well," the Pope told his listeners, "that the Church wishes to
impose nothing on anyone, and that she merely asks to live in freedom, in order
to reveal the One whom she cannot hide, Christ Jesus. ... Be ever receptive to
the Spirit of Christ and so become attentive to those who thirst for justice,
peace, dignity and respect for themselves and for their brothers and sisters."



   "Together with the Virgin," he concluded, "let us pray to Christ her Son: 
Send forth, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit upon the whole Church, that He may dwell in
each of her members and make them heralds of Your Gospel!"



   Following Mass, the Pope expressed his appreciation for "the understanding and
patience," and for "the truly warm welcome I have been shown, also because I
know that my presence over these days has created no small disturbance in the
daily lives of people in this city."



   At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Pope went by car to the airport of
Istanbul where he bid farewell to the ecumenical patriarch, the Armenian
apostolic patriarch and the Syro-Orthodox metropolitan. Before boarding the
plane bound for Rome, he met briefly with the governor of the local region and
the mayor of Istanbul.


* * *


SUNDAY: PRIMORDIAL NUCLEUS OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR



VATICAN CITY, DEC 1, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from Benedict
XVI to Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship
and the Discipline of the Sacraments, for a study day organized by that
dicastery, which takes place today and is dedicated to the theme of: "Sunday
Mass for the sanctification of Christian people."



   In the text, which is dated November 27, the Pope recalls how the study day
falls on the anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution "Sacrosanctum
Concilium," and is the third of its kind following one dedicated to the Roman
Martyrology and another to sacred music.



   "Sundays," writes the Pope, "remain the fundamental seedbed and the primordial
nucleus of the liturgical year; ... a fragment of time pervaded by eternity,
because its dawn saw the Risen Christ enter victoriously into eternal life."



   "For the first Christians, participation in Sunday celebrations was the
natural expression of their belonging to Christ, of their communion with His
mystical Body, in joyous expectation of His glorious return."



   "Today," the Holy Father continues, "it is more than ever necessary to
reiterate the sacred nature of the Lord's day and the need to participate in
Sunday Mass. The cultural context in which we live, often marked by religious
indifference and secularism that obscure the horizon of transcendence, must not
cause us to forget that the People of God who came into being with the events of
Easter must return [to those events] as an inexhaustible spring, in order to
better understand ... their own identity and the reasons for their existence."



   "Sunday was not chosen by the Christian community," he writes, "rather by the
Apostles, indeed by Christ Himself Who on that day, "the first day of the week,"
arose and appeared before the disciples. ... Each Sunday celebration of the
Eucharist enacts the sanctification of Christian people, until that Sunday
without end, the day of the definitive encounter of God with His creatures."



   Benedict XVI closes his message by expressing the hope that the study day "may
help to recover the Christian meaning of Sunday in ... the life of all
believers."


* * *


TELEGRAM OF CONDOLENCE FOR TYPHOON IN THE PHILIPPINES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 1, 2006 (VIS) - Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone
S.D.B., sent a telegram of condolence, in the Pope's name, to Archbishop
Fernando Filoni, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, for a typhoon that hit the
country yesterday, causing numerous victims:



   "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from the recent typhoon
in the eastern Philippines, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI assures all affected
of his closeness in prayer. The Holy Father commends the deceased to the loving
mercy of Almighty God, and upon their grieving families and all those injured he
invokes divine strength and comfort. His Holiness likewise prays for the rescue
workers and all involved in providing practical assistance to the victims of
this disaster, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief
and support."


* * *


HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR DECEMBER



VATICAN CITY, DEC 1, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father's general prayer intention for
December is: "That Christ, meek and humble of heart, may inspire those
responsible for nations to use power wisely and responsibly."



   His mission intention is: "That in every part of the world missionaries may
live out their vocation with joy and enthusiasm, faithfully following in
Christ's footsteps."


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 1, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Appointed Fr. Manuel Antonio Mendes dos Santos C.M.F., provincial superior of
the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as bishop
of Sao Tome and Principe (area 1,000, population 140,000, Catholics 103,000,
priests 12, religious 39). The bishop-elect was born in Sao Joanhinho, Portugal
in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1985. He succeeds Abilio Rodas de Sousa Ribas
C.S.Sp., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy
Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Fr. Emilio Sumbelelo, judicial vicar of the diocese of Benguela,
Angola, as coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Uije (area 63,467, population
1,295,555, Catholics 572,500, priests 49, religious 92), Angola. The
bishop-elect was born in Cubal, Angola, in 1964 and ordained a priest in 1991.


* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Monday of the First Week of Advent


Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.

These are the opening words of Advent.

We come to God with heads bowed low recalling our many failings, sins,
weaknesses, and faults within ourselves.

We come to God with heads bowed low and hearts and minds filled with remorse,
contrition, and repentence.

We come to God with heads bowed low with hearts and minds filled with hope of
receiving His mercy, compassion, kindness and love.

We invite God to come inside our very being and take possession of all that we
are, all that we have, and all that we will come to have in the future.

No one is worthy of Christ or His mercy and forgiveness, except, as Jesus tells
us, those who come to Him in sorrow for their sins and a sincere and firm
resolution to sin no more.

Let us begin our Advent journey reflecting often on these words :
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.

May they foster within us a consciousness of our own sinfulness and need for the
sacrament of reconciliation and allow us to make a full confession in the
sacrament to recieve God's mercy and blessing.



<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART II: POETRY, SYMBOLISM AND TYPOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE : Poetry, Symbolism and Typology (pages 45-60)


Fr. Merton discusses the nature of Old Testament signs and symbols where they
generally took those that were the common heritage of mankind and demythologized
them so that they reflect the lucid truth about God.

He then points out the tragedy of those who see these borrowings from Ancient
Near Eastern religions, and the parallels of borrowings in the New Testament
from Platonic thought and Oriental religions as somehow weakening the value of
the Gospel and the integrity of the text and vision we have received from them
of the Historical Jesus.

Fr. Merton correctly points out that biblical inspired authors were people of
history living at a specific time and geographic location within a culture rich
in vocabulary, images and abstract thought, writing to people in their own time.
They used these idioms of their own world and enriched and empowered them with
inspired thoughts and moral teaching revealed by God. They wrote in ways that
contemporaries could understand in language and images they were familiar with.

Instead of viewing the Bible as weak and borrowed from ancient cultures the eyes
of the true intellectual see that the gems of theological and moral truths are
nested within the culture and vocabulary of antiquity in the special language of
the Bible.

F. Merton explains the notion of cosmic symbols as nature so impresses itself
upon the mind and soul of the human person that the concepts of light and dark,
sun and moon, birds and air that when used in writing can have a deeper and
richer symbolic meaning over that of their ordinary mundane use.

Fr. Merton is very critical of our contemporary world that has lost its ability
to use such cosmic symbolism in what he calls the age of mass psychosis. (cf. p.
53)

"Now the writers of the Bible were aware that they shared with other religions
the cosmic symbols in which God has revealed Himself to all men. But they were
also aware that pagan and idolatrous religions had corrupted this symbolism and
perverted its original purity. The Gentiles had detained the truth of God in
injustice (cf. Romans 1:18) and changed the truth of God into a lie (cf Romans
1:25)." (page 54)


Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/120106.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 88

MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE COMMUNIQUE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MEETING OF SPECIAL COUNCIL FOR ASIA OF SYNOD OF BISHOPS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. PEACE IS THE GOAL TO WHICH ALL HUMANITY ASPIRES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. BENEDICT XVI RECALLS HIS VISIT TO TURKEY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT OF ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS TO POPE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DECLARATION OF CARDINAL HUMMES ON PRIESTLY CELIBACY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COMMUNIQUE ON NEW SKYSCRAPER NEAR BUCHAREST CATHEDRAL
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE COMMUNIQUE



VATICAN CITY, DEC 2, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office today released the
following communique:



   "The Holy See feels the duty to communicate its position regarding the
episcopal ordination of Fr. John Wang Renlei, which took place on November 30 at
Xuzhou, in the province of Jiangsu, China.



   "The Holy Father learned the news with great sadness, because this episcopal
ordination was conferred without the pontifical mandate, in other words without
respecting the discipline of the Catholic Church concerning the appointment of
bishops (cf. canon 377 para. 1 of the Code of Canon Law).



   "That of Xuzhou is just the latest - in order of time - of the illegitimate
episcopal ordinations which have been afflicting the Catholic Church in China
for a number of decades, creating divisions in diocesan communities and
tormenting the consciences of many ecclesiastics and faithful. This extremely
grave series of acts, which offend the religious sentiments of all Catholics in
China and the rest of the world, is the fruit and consequence of a vision of the
Church that does not correspond to Catholic doctrine and undermines the
fundamental principles of her hierarchical structure. Indeed, as Vatican Council
II makes clear, 'one is constituted a member of the episcopal body in virtue of
sacramental consecration and hierarchical communion with the head and members of
the body'."



   "The Holy See, having learned only at the last minute of the planned episcopal
ordination in the diocese of Xuzhou, did not fail to take the steps possible in
the brief time available in order to prevent an act that would have produced a
fresh laceration in ecclesial communion. In fact, an illegitimate episcopal
ordination is an act objectively so serious that Canon Law lays down severe
penalties for those who confer or receive it, assuming the act was carried out
in conditions of true freedom (cf. canon 1382 para. 1 of the Code of Canon Law).



   "It is a consolation to note that, despite past and present difficulties,
almost the entirety of bishops, priests, religious and lay people in China,
conscious of their status as living limbs of the Universal Church, have
maintained a profound communion of faith and of life with Peter's Successor and
with all Catholic communities around the world.



   "The Holy See is aware of the spiritual crisis and suffering of those
ecclesiastics - consecrating bishops and ordinands - who find themselves
compelled to be an active part of illegitimate episcopal ordinations, thus
contravening the Catholic tradition which, in their hearts, they would like to
follow faithfully. The Holy See also shares the interior disquiet of those
Catholics - priests, religious and laity - who find themselves obliged to accept
a pastor whom they know is not in full hierarchical communion with the head of
the College of Bishops or with other bishops around the world.



   "As regards these episcopal ordinations, the Holy See cannot accept being
faced with a 'fait accompli.' Therefore, it deplores the procedure with which
the ordination of Fr. Wang Renlei in Xuzhou was carried out, and hopes that
incidents of this kind will not be repeated in the future."



* * *


MEETING OF SPECIAL COUNCIL FOR ASIA OF SYNOD OF BISHOPS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 2, 2006 (VIS) - According to a communique made public today by
the Synod of Bishops, the 10th Meeting of the Special Council for Asia was held
in Rome on November 17 and 18.



   Under the presidency of Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary general of the
Synod of Bishops, the cardinals, archbishops and bishops who participated in the
meeting considered "two themes of great contemporary importance contained in the
post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation 'Ecclesia in Asia:' vocations to the
priesthood and to consecrated life, and inter-religious dialogue."



   In the continent of Asia between 1978 and 2004, the communique states, "the
numbers of secular clergy rose by 5.56 percent, and of regular clergy by 42.55
percent. Male religious vocations increased by 38.72 percent, and female
religious vocations by 64.59 percent."



   As for inter-religious dialogue, the communique notes "the numerous efforts
and positive results achieved by particular Churches and episcopal conferences
in maintaining dialogue and collaboration with the great religions of the Asian
continent, especially Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism; although there is no lack of
difficulties provoked by certain groups of fundamentalists in various countries.
They, however, are minority groups, given that the great majority of religious
believers remains open to dialogue, and is disposed to collaborate with
Christians and with men and women of good will in promoting justice and peace,
and the fundamental values of social coexistence, among which respect for
religious freedom has an important position."



   The note from the Synod of Bishops also recalls how the first Asian Mission
Congress was held in Chang Mai, Thailand, from October 18 to 22. The theme of
the event was "the Story of Jesus, a celebration of faith and life," and among
the participants were observers from non-Christian religions.



   The next meeting of the Special Council for Asia is due to be held on November
20 and 21, 2007.


* * *


PEACE IS THE GOAL TO WHICH ALL HUMANITY ASPIRES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 2, 2006 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 5 p.m. today, the
Pope presided at the celebration of the first Vespers of the first Sunday of
Advent.



   In his homily, the Holy Father indicated how "at the beginning of a new annual
cycle, the liturgy invites the Church to renew her announcement to all people,
encapsulating it in these words, 'God is coming'."



   "The one true God, 'the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob,' is not a God
Who remains in heaven, disinterested in our history," said the Pope. "He is the
God-Who-comes. He is a Father Who never ceases to think of us and, in absolute
respect for our freedom, wishes to meet us and visit us; He wants to come, to
dwell among us, to stay with us. His 'coming' arises from His will to free us
from evil and from death, from everything that prevents our true freedom. God
comes to save us."



   Benedict XVI then pointed out that "the liturgy of Advent highlights how the
Church gives voice to the yearning for God so profoundly inscribed in the
history of humanity; a yearning that is, unfortunately, often stifled or
diverted along false paths."



   With "prayer and good works," said the Holy Father, the Christian community
"can hasten the last coming, helping humanity to go out towards the Lord Who
comes". In this context, Advent must be lived "in communion with all those
people - and thanks be to God, they are many - who hope for a more just and
fraternal world.



   "In this commitment to justice," he added, "it is possible that men and women
of all nationalities and cultures, believers and non-believers, find themselves
together to some degree. Indeed, all of them, though for different reasons, are
animated by a shared longing for a future of justice and peace."



   The Pope underlined how "peace is the goal to which all of humanity aspires.
For believers, 'peace' is one of the most beautiful names of God, Who wishes for
understanding among all His children, something I had the opportunity to recall
also during my pilgrimage of recent days to Turkey."



   "Let us then," he concluded, "begin this new Advent - a time given to us by
the Lord of time - by reawakening in our hearts the expectation of the
God-Who-comes, and the hope that His Name be hallowed, that His Kingdom of
justice and peace may come, that His will be done, on earth as in heaven."


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 2, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



- Appointed Fr. Anthony Swamy Thomasappa of the clergy of Bangalore, India,
professor of St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary, as bishop of Chikmagalur (area
14,015, population 2,984,422, Catholics 37,397, priests 72, religious 266),
India. The bishop-elect was born in Mariannapalaya, India in 1951 and ordained a
priest in 1984. He succeeds Bishop John Baptist Sequeira, whose resignation from
the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having
reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Fr. Paul Cremona O.P., pastor of the church of Jesus of Nazareth in
Malta, as archbishop of Malta (area 246, population 395,000, Catholics 375,000,
priests 689, religious 1,454). The archbishop-elect was born in Valletta, Malta
in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1969. He succeeds Archbishop Joseph Mercieca,
whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy
Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Bishop Diego Coletti of Livorno, Italy, as bishop of Como (area
4,244, population 530,000, Catholics 520,000, priests 579, permanent deacons 9,
religious 1,083), Italy. He succeeds Bishop Alessandro Maggiolini, whose
resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father
accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Salvatore Di Cristina, auxiliary of the archdiocese of Palermo,
Italy, as archbishop of Monreale (area 1,509, population 232,250, Catholics
215,000, priests 136, permanent deacons 2, religious 325), Italy. The
archbishop-elect was born in Palermo in 1937, he was ordained a priest in 1960
and consecrated a bishop in 2001.


* * *


BENEDICT XVI RECALLS HIS VISIT TO TURKEY



VATICAN CITY, DEC 3, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, before praying the Angelus
with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI recalled his recent
apostolic trip to Turkey, during which, he said, "I felt how I was accompanied
and supported by the prayers of the entire Christian community."



   The Pope expressed the hope that his recent journey would produce "fruits of
goodness for ever more sincere cooperation among all Christ's disciples and for
a productive dialogue with Muslim believers." After thanking the Turkish
authorities and people for "a welcome worthy of their traditional spirit of
hospitality," the Holy Father mentioned the Catholic community in Turkey which,
he said, "often finds itself in difficult conditions."



   Catholics in Turkey, Pope Benedict went on, are "a small but varied flock,
rich in enthusiasm and faith, who ... always live the experience of Advent
intensely, sustained by hope. During Advent, the liturgy often ... assures us,
almost as if to overcome our natural diffidence, that God 'comes:' He comes to
be with us. ... He comes to bridge the distances that divide and separate us. He
comes to reconcile us with Him and among ourselves. He comes into the history of
humanity ... to bring the gift of fraternity, harmony and peace."



   For this reason, "Advent is, par excellence, the time of hope," he went on.
And to live it fully, "the liturgy exhorts us to look to Mary Most Holy and to
walk ... with her towards the manger of Bethlehem. When God knocked at the door
of her young life, she accepted Him with faith and love. ... Let us allow
ourselves to be attracted by her beauty, a reflection of divine glory, so that
'the God Who comes' may find in each of us a good and open heart He can fill
with His gifts."



* * *


FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT OF ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS TO POPE



VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2006 (VIS) - His Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of
Athens and of all Greece, is to visit the Holy Father and the Church of Rome
from December 13 to 16, according to a communique released by the Holy See Press
Office today.



   "The archbishop was in Rome for the funeral of His Holiness John Paul II,"
says the communique, "but this is the first time that the primate of the Greek
Orthodox Church makes an official visit to the Pope and to the Church of Rome."



   The Holy Father will receive His Beatitude Christodoulos and his entourage on
the morning of December 14. At a ceremony in the basilica of St. Paul's
Outside-the-Walls, the archbishop of Athens and of all Greece will be given part
of a chain - kept in that basilica - with which St. Paul was held prisoner.
Later, the communique continues, "Rome's Pontifical Lateran University will
confer an 'honoris causa' degree upon the illustrious guest." During his stay in
Rome, the archbishop and his entourage will also visit some of the holy sites of
the city such as the basilicas and catacombs.



   The communique points out how on November 3, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox
Church of Greece expressed its "joy at this visit, the fruits of which will be
positive."



   In his 2001 pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul, John Paul II visited the
Areopagus of Athens where he signed a joint declaration with His Beatitude
Christodoulos, and was received by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of
Greece. In subsequent years, visits have been exchanged between delegations from
the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Greece, which came to Rome, and from
the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, which went to Athens.
These initiatives were followed by "fraternal and intense" contacts between the
Catholic Church of Rome and the Orthodox Church of Greece.


* * *


DECLARATION OF CARDINAL HUMMES ON PRIESTLY CELIBACY



VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2006 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a declaration made
today by Cardinal Claudio Hummes O.F.M., prefect of the Congregation for the
Clergy, concerning his comments on priestly celibacy that appeared on the pages
of "Estado de Sao Paolo," a Brazilian newspaper.



   "On the subject of the echoes provoked by my words as reported by the
newspaper 'Estado de Sao Paulo,' I would like to specify the following:



   "In the Church it has always been clear that priests' obligation to celibacy
is not a dogma but a disciplinary norm. Indeed, it is valid for the Latin Church
but not for the oriental rites where, even in communities united to the Catholic
Church, it is normal for there to be married priests.



   "Yet it is also clear that the norm prescribing celibacy for priests in the
Latin Church is very ancient and is founded upon consolidated tradition and upon
strong motivations, both theological-spiritual and practical-pastoral, as
reiterated also by Popes.



   "Even during the recent Synod on priests, the most widespread opinion among
the fathers was that a relaxation of the rule of celibacy would not be a
solution even to the problem of the lack of vocations, which is, rather, to be
linked to other causes, in the first place the modern culture of secularization.
This is clear also from the experience of other Christian confessions that have
married priests and pastors.



   "This question is not, then, currently on the order of the day for the
ecclesial authorities, as was recently reiterated following the latest meeting
of heads of dicastery with the Holy Father."


* * *


COMMUNIQUE ON NEW SKYSCRAPER NEAR BUCHAREST CATHEDRAL



VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, the Holy See Press Office
released the following communique:



   "Concerning the matter of the construction of a skyscraper near the historic
Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph in Bucharest, Romania, the Holy See Press
Office wishes to specify the following:



   "At the end of April this year, the archdiocese of Bucharest informed the
Secretariat of State about the construction of a building - of 19 floors above
ground level and four below - at a distance of less than 10 meters from the
northeast wall of the Cathedral of St. Joseph which, as a consequence, risks
being irreparably damaged. Concerns are aggravated by the precedent of the
Armenian church, which suffered grave damage for similar reasons. On various
occasions, the archbishop and the auxiliary bishop of Bucharest have come to the
Secretariat of State to provide updated information concerning this case, with
which the apostolic nunciature to Romania is also concerning itself, and about
which the Holy See has received appeals from other parties.



   "Following this, the Secretariat of State has not failed to take the
appropriate steps with the Romanian authorities, both directly and through their
embassy to the Holy See, to ask for the immediate suspension of work and the
withdrawal of the relative authorizations, also in view of the provisions of the
1993 European Union Treaty concerning Legal Conditions and Measures for
Preserving Cultural Heritage, to which Romania adhered, and the State Commission
Report for Monitoring Building.



   "The Holy See is aware of the resolution with which the Romanian Senate
approved the report of the commission of inquiry, which requests the immediate
suspension of work. This should be followed by a decision on the part of the
appropriate authorities.



   "The Secretariat of State continues to follow the situation closely, in the
hope that a speedy and satisfactory conclusion to this delicate question may be
found, in the above-mentioned terms, for the protection of the cathedral of
Bucharest, of the historical heritage it represents and of the values of faith
it embodies, not only for the Catholic community but for all the Romanian
people."


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences 14 prelates from the Italian Episcopal conference on their "ad limina"
visit:



     - Archbishop Pier Luigi Mazzoni of Gaeta.



     - Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano.



     - Bishop Giuseppe Matarrese of Frascati.



     - Bishop Domenico Sigalini of Palestrina.



     - Bishop Gino Reali of Porto-Santa Rufina



     - Bishop Lino Fumagalli of Sabina-Poggio Mirteto



     - Cardinal Camillo Ruini, His Holiness' vicar general for the diocese of
Rome, accompanied by Auxiliaries: Archbishop Luigi Moretti, and Bishops Enzo
Dieci, Armando Brambilla, Salvatore Fisichella, Paolino Schiavon, Ernesto
Mandara and Benedetto Tuzia.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.

These are the words Jesus spoke to his disciples upon the seventy-two returning
from their mission to preach and heal.

That mission of the seventy-two disciples is the first mission of the Church
instituted by Christ.

The power of the Holy Spirit empowered the Church to boldly preach, to cure all
who were sick, ill, infirm with disease, cripple, blind, deaf and lame.

The disciples returned praising God and rejoicing.

The Roman Catholic Church today is that very same Church empowered by Christ and
instituted by Him.

Our mission is the same to preach the Gospel, heal the sick and crush the power
of the devil.

When the disciples returned they told Jesus of their great success and that
devils trembled and fled by the power Jesus had given them.

Jesus then said : I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

The Church too sees the fall of Satan and his powers crushed from the lightning
of heaven, i. e., the power of the Holy Spirit.

The powers of darkness are doomed to melt like wax before the blazing Light of
Christ.

There is no contest between good and evil, God and the devil.

This is the myth of literature.

God is supreme and has no equal, no contender.

The Church is empowered to always overcome evil, sin and darkness and the gates
of Hell shall never prevail against her.

We have already seen this Advent the signs Jesus gave us that the End of the
World would be upon us are already fulfilled, these past two years.

Whatever number of years are left before Jesus comes again, two of those years
are already come and gone.

Each year we journey forward in time closer and closer to that glorious day when
Christ shall return.

As the Church continues its mission to preach and heal and exorcise demons the
power of God shall shine forth ever more brightly for all the world to see and
know that Jesus Christ is Lord.



<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART II: POETRY, SYMBOLISM AND TYPOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE : Poetry, Symbolism and Typology (pages 45-60)

Fr. Merton very lucidly explains how nature reflects God's divinity and that
ancient pagan cultures corrupted its meaning through spiritual blindness.

"Creation had been given to man as a clean window through which the light of God
could shine into men's souls.  Sun and moon, night and day, rain, the sea, the
crops, the flowering tree, all these things were transparent. They spoke to man
not of themselves only but of Him who made them, Nature was symbolic. But the
progressive degradation of man after the fall led the Gentiles further and
further from this truth. Nature became opaque. The nations were no longer able
to penetrate the meaning of the world they lived in. Instead of seeing the sun
as witness to the power of God, they thought the sun was god. The whole universe
became an enclosed system of myths. The meaning and the worth of creatures
invested them with an illusory divinity." (page 54)


Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/120406.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 89

TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. EDUCATION, A TASK FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS AND PASTORS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN MEMORIAM
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


EDUCATION, A TASK FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS AND PASTORS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 5, 2006 (VIS) - Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone
S.D.B. sent a message to Luciano Corradini, national president of the Italian
Catholic Union of Middle School Teachers (UCIIM), and to participants in that
association's 22nd national congress. The congress was held in Rome recently on
the theme: "Education in schools. New scenarios, new responsibilities."



   In his message, the cardinal gives assurances of Benedict XVI's appreciation
for the activities of the UCIIM which, he recalls, was founded by Gesualdo
Nosengo in 1944 and "works actively in schools, promoting initiatives for the
cultural and didactic aggiornamento of teachers, showing particular concern for
their religious and spiritual growth, and supporting all initiatives that
effectively seek to promote the education of youth. [The Pope] encourages you to
continue along this path, facing the challenges of the modern age with
farsighted courage."



   Cardinal Bertone continues: "The formation of new generations, as never before
in history, calls for much shared reflection, and for the preparation of
educational and pastoral strategies aimed at meeting the expectations of the
world of youth in the third millennium. It is necessary to transmit to young
people an appreciation of the positive value of life, arousing in them the
desire to spend their own lives in the service of Good. And this requires a
responsible contribution on everyone's part: teachers, parents, pastors and all
people who truly have the future of humanity at heart."


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 5, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:



  - Fr. Alberto Serrano I.E.M.E., diocesan administrator and former vicar general
of the diocese of Hwange, Zimbabwe, as bishop of the same diocese (area 43,427,
population 345,265, Catholics 41,118, priests 34, religious 58). The
bishop-elect was born in Zaragoza, Spain in 1942 and ordained a priest in 1966.



  - Bishop Sergio Alfredo Fenoy, auxiliary of Rosario, Argentina, as bishop of
San Miguel (area 206, population 845,000, Catholics 810,000, priests 95,
permanent deacons 7, religious 335), Argentina.



  - Msgr. Hugo Santiago, episcopal vicar of Rafaela, Argentina, and pastor of San
Guillermo, as bishop of Santo Tome (area 29,011, population 152,700, Catholics
137,800, priests 18, religious 32), Argentina. The bishop-elect was born in
Maria Juana, Argentina in 1954 and ordained a priest in 1985.



  - As consultors of the Extraordinary Section of the Administration of the
Patrimony of the Apostolic See: Carlo Gilardi, Italy; Peter D. Sutherland,
Ireland; and Robert J, McCann, U.S.A.


* * *


IN MEMORIAM



VATICAN CITY, DEC 5, 2006 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:



  - Bishop Joseph D'Silva of Bellary, India, on November 17, at the age of 74.



- Bishop Paul Vincent Dudley, emeritus of Sioux Falls, U.S.A., on November 20,
at the age of 79.



- Archbishop-bishop Michel Hakim B.S., emeritus of Saint-Sauveur de Montreal of
the Greek-Melkites, Canada, on November 22, at the age of 85.



- Archbishop Jean Mansour, auxiliary emeritus of Antioch of the Greek-Melkites,
Syria, on November 17, at the age of 78.



- Archbishop Santiago Martinez Acebes, emeritus of Burgos, Spain, on November
25, at the age of 80.



- Bishop Manuel D. Moreno, emeritus of Tucson, U.S.A., on November 17, at the
age of 75.



- Bishop Augusto Jose Zini Filho of Limeira, Brazil, on November 15, at the age
of 73.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

My heart is moved with pity.

We should often think and reflect on these words of Jesus.

It is comforting to know that our Lord is touched in his heart with pity for us.

He has compassion and great love for every single human person.

He is always sensitive to our needs and reaches out to each and everyone.

He was sensitive to the needs of the crowd who were hungry for food.

They had followed him for three days and must have been very hungry.

The Gospel of Matthew reads : My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for
they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.

Jesus feels the same way towards you and me.

He has compassion and sensitivity towards us.

He knows all of our needs, worries and cares.

Like a father caring for his children so too is our Lord loving us.

Our hearts are moved with pity when we reflect on our Lord’s great sacrifice
during his Passion and Crucifixion.

All we can give Him is our love, gratitude, contrition for our sins, resolutions
to reform and do good works for His honor and glory.

This Advent gaze upon the child Jesus and thank Him for being born in the flesh
so that He could save us by His Cross.

From His Cross Jesus looks at us and says : My heart is moved with pity.

Devoutly we look at Him with tears of sorrow for our sins and say to Him : My
heart is moved with pity too.

It is this merciful heart that God wishes to grow deep within each person.

Peace in the world can only be achieved when each person has a compassionate
heart for their neighbor.

May the child Jesus bring this gift of a heart filled with the milk of human
kindness to each and everyone and establish peace in the world before His
return.



<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART II: POETRY, SYMBOLISM AND TYPOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE : Poetry, Symbolism and Typology (pages 45-60)


Fr. Merton explains that the signs of nature that once conveyed the glory of God
became obscured and corrupted in the ancient pagan world.

Signs of nature became filled with fear and hidden powers and fearsome mystery.
Superstitious mystery cults had these notions and the dark secret powers could
only be controlled through the magic spells of the secret cults.

The cosmic symbols of nature took on hostile demonic form in pagan antiquity.

"Thus the beautiful living things which were all about us on this earth and
which were the windows of heaven to every man, became infected with original
sin." (page 55)

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/120506.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 90

WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE RECALLS HIS RECENT APOSTOLIC TRIP TO TURKEY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. PROMOTE HUMAN DIGNITY, RECOGNIZE RELIGIOUS DIMENSION
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN BRIEF
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DEATH OF DOM BERNARD ORCHARD, OSB
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


POPE RECALLS HIS RECENT APOSTOLIC TRIP TO TURKEY



VATICAN CITY, DEC 6, 2006 (VIS) - Today's general audience was celebrated in two
locations, first in the Vatican Basilica in the presence of faithful from
various Italian cities, then in the Paul VI Hall with pilgrims from other
countries.



   In the basilica, the Holy Father addressed a special greeting to faithful from
dioceses in the Italian region of Lazio, come to Rome in the company of their
bishops who are currently completing their "ad limina" visit. "I encourage you,"
he told them, "to intensify your life of faith, bearing in mind the guidelines
that emerged recently from the meeting of the Italian Church at Verona."



   "I am certain that courageous evangelizing activity," Benedict XVI continued,
"will bring about the longed-for renewal of Catholic commitment in society, also
in Lazio. The primary aim of evangelization is to indicate in Jesus Christ the
Savior of all men and women. Never tire from entrusting yourselves to Him and
announcing Him in your family lives and in all environments. This is what
people, even today, expect from the Church."



   The Holy Father then moved from the Vatican Basilica to the Paul VI Hall where
the rest of the pilgrims were awaiting his arrival. His catechesis today was
dedicated to his recent apostolic trip to Turkey which took place from November
28 to December 1.



   "The Pope's journeys also contribute to the accomplishment his mission," began
Benedict XVI, a mission he described as being divided into "concentric circles."
In the innermost circle, he explained, "Peter's Successor confirms Catholics in
the faith, in the intermediate circle he meets other Christians, and in the
outermost circle he addresses non-Christians and humanity entire."



   Part of this latter circle, the Holy Father went on, was the first day of his
journey to Turkey, when he met with the civil authorities. These meetings were
"a very important part of my visit, above all because Turkey is a country with a
very big Muslim majority, but regulated by a constitution affirming the laicism
of the State. Consequently, the country is emblematic of the great challenge
facing the world today: on the one hand ... rediscovering the reality of God and
the public importance of religious faith and, on the other, guaranteeing that
the expression of faith remains free, repudiating all forms of violence and not
degenerating into fundamentalism."



   The Pope recalled how, during his trip, he had stressed the importance of
"joint Christian and Muslim commitment ... in favor of life, peace and justice,
reiterating that the distinction between the civil and religious spheres
constitutes a value and that the State must guarantee ... effective freedom of
worship. ... In the field of inter-religious dialogue, ... an initially
unplanned gesture, but one that revealed itself as particularly significant, was
my visit to the famous Blue Mosque of Istanbul. Pausing in meditation for a few
minutes in that place of prayer, I addressed myself to the One Lord of heaven
and earth."



   On the second day, in Ephesus, Benedict XVI recalled how, "in the 'innermost
circle' of my journey, in direct contact with the Catholic community, ... in a
climate of peace, we prayed for peace in the Holy Land and in the whole world."



   The "intermediate circle," that of ecumenical relations, occupied the central
part of the visit. "In the footsteps of Paul VI ... and of John Paul II,"
Benedict XVI and the Ecumenical Patriarch His Holiness Bartholomew I renewed
"the mutual commitment to continue along the path towards the re-establishment
of full communion between Catholic and Orthodox. To ratify that firm intention,"
the Pope said, "I and the ecumenical patriarch signed a Joint Declaration, that
constitutes a further stage on this journey." He also recalled how he met the
patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic church, the Syro-Orthodox metropolitan and
the chief rabbi of Turkey.



   The visit concluded, the Pope recalled, with a return to the "innermost
circle," in other words "meeting the Catholic community ... in Istanbul's Latin
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit," where he celebrated a Mass also attended by
Christians of other rites, Orthodox and Protestants. "Comforted by the Word of
Christ," said Pope Benedict, "we lived a renewed experience of Pentecost."



   The Holy Father concluded his memories of his trip by calling upon the Lord to
help "the Turkish people, their leaders and the representatives of the various
religions to build a future of peace together, so that Turkey may be a 'bridge'
of friendship and fraternal collaboration between West and East."


* * *


PROMOTE HUMAN DIGNITY, RECOGNIZE RELIGIOUS DIMENSION



VATICAN CITY, DEC 6, 2006 (VIS) - On Monday afternoon, Archbishop Dominique
Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States, participated in the 14th
ministerial council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE). The meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium, on December 4 and 5, and
attended by foreign ministers of all States participants in the OSCE.



   In his address, Archbishop Mamberti expressed the hope that the meeting "would
strengthen and implement the 'acquis' of the OSCE, refining the instruments at
its disposal in order to attain the final goal: peace and stability in the
Euro-Atlantic zone through prosperous and safe societies that promote the
dignity of human beings and recognize their fundamental religious dimension."



   "The Holy See," the archbishop went on, "is most appreciative of the documents
that aim to intensify the struggle against human trafficking, with an approach
that focuses on victims. The scourge of the sexual exploitation of children,
often associated with human trafficking, calls for special action. For her part,
the Catholic Church will not fail to arouse the world's conscience concerning
the magnitude and seriousness of these scourges."



   After highlighting how the Holy See is dedicating particular attention to the
question of tolerance, Archbishop Mamberti asked: "How can religions
authoritatively and effectively promote respect and understanding if they
themselves are victims of stereotyping and prejudice?" In this context, he
recalled how in one area of the OSCE, a Catholic priest has been murdered and
various Christians have been victims of violence and aggression.



   Recalling the words of Benedict XVI on his recent apostolic trip to Turkey -
"recognition of the positive role of religions within the fabric of society can
and must impel us to explore more deeply their knowledge of man and to respect
his dignity" - the prelate concluded: "The Holy See hopes that such recognition
and such respect may appear openly and honestly in the work of the OSCE and its
institutions, as well as in the field of tolerance."



* * *


IN BRIEF



THE PREFECTURE OF THE PONTIFICAL HOUSEHOLD has announced that the sermons for
Advent 2006 will take place in the Vatican's "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel on
December 15 and 22 on the theme: "Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in
heart. The Evangelical Beatitudes." According to a note from the prefecture,
"the Beatitudes are a spiritual self-portrait of Jesus." This year, the focus
will be on the Beatitudes of the persecuted and the meek "particularly
appropriate to the liturgical spirit of Advent, and necessary to the Church in
her current historical situation." The sermons will be delivered by Fr. Raniero
Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., preacher of the pontifical household.



AT 11 A.M. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, IN THE JOHN PAUL II HALL of the Holy See
Press Office, a press conference will be held to present the recent restoration
work on the sarcophagus of St. Paul in the Roman basilica of St. Paul's
Outside-the-Walls. Participating in the conference will be Cardinal Andrea
Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, archpriest of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls,
Giorgio Filippi, archeologist, and Pier Carlo Visconti, an official from the
administration of the basilica.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 6, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Appointed Bishop Stanislaw Wojciech Wielgus of Plock, as metropolitan
archbishop of Warsaw (area 3,350, population 1,533,600, Catholics 1,439,600,
priests 1,076, religious 1,020), Poland. The archbishop-elect was born in
Wierzchowiska, Poland in 1939, he was ordained a priest on 1962 and consecrated
a bishop in 1999. He succeeds Cardinal Jozef Glemp, whose resignation from the
pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having
reached the age limit.



  - Erected the new diocese of Sao Jose dos Pinhais (area 7,172, population
649,556, Catholics 497,454, priests 58, religious 165), Brazil, with territory
taken from the archdiocese of Curitiba, making it a suffragan of the same
metropolitan church. He appointed Bishop Ladislau Biernaski C.M., auxiliary of
Curitiba, as first bishop of the new diocese.



  - Appointed as ordinary members of the Pontifical Academy for Life: Bishop
Daniel Nlandu Mayi, auxiliary and vicar general of the archdiocese of Kinshasa,
Democratic Republic of the Congo; John Haas, president of the National Catholic
Bioethics Center, U.S.A.; Alejandro Cesar Serani Merlo, professor of neurology
and bioethics at the faculty of medicine and surgery of the Pontifical Catholic
University of Chile; and Monica Lopez Barahona, dean of the faculty of
bio-sciences at the "Francisco de Vitoria" University of Madrid, Spain.



* * *


DEATH OF DOM BERNARD ORCHARD, OSB

Dom Bernard Orchard, OSB, passed away on November 28, 2006. He was ninety-six
years of age. In life he was a Benedictine priest in Ealing Abbey, Charlbury
Grove, London, England.

He was a biblical scholar who promoted a solution to the Synoptic Problem
advocating that the Gospel of St. Matthew was the first published account
followed by that of St. Luke and then St. Mark. He published a book entitled :
Matthew, Luke & Mark (1976).

An obitury in the Times is found on the link below.

<http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2486692,00.html>


* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church


Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Our Lord tells us to honor Him through a devout life and holy activity.

He warns us not to relate to Him by lip service but by action and good deeds.

He warns us not to relate to Him by reciting empty prayer by our lips saying
Lord, Lord, but to approach Him by our hearts and minds filled with love of Him
and hands that work for Him.

Helping our neighbor and loving them as if they were Christ Himself is to do the
will of our Father in heaven.

Who is our neighbor?

Our neighbor is everyone, people of every nation, every color, every culture and
language and religion.

Our neighbor is Muslim and Hindu and not only Christians.

Our neighbor is every human person.

We must open our minds and hearts to love those who are most unlike ourselves.

See Christ in everyone and love and serve Him in the sick, the poor, the lowly.

Feed the foreigner and bless them with kindness and warmth of heart.

Do not ever look on another as an enemy.

For your only enemy besides the devil is your own personal weakness, faults,
vices and bad habits of every sort that lead to sin and death.

Fear your own sins and weakness to sin again, not your neighbor.

Do not fall into the evil snare laid before you by the culture of death into
thinking and feeling that certain ethnic groups and religions are your enemy.

Christ taught us better than that.

He gave us the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Christ holds up the Good Samaritan for us to see as a model teaching us how to
behave.

The Good Samaritan is an Arab living in the land of Samaria.

Christ is teaching every Christian to be like that good Arab who showed
compassion on the man victimized by the thugs on the road.

Christ also wishes us to love the Arabic people and do good to them and live
with them as brothers and sisters in peace.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Do the will of our Father in heaven and love your neighbor as if he or she were
Christ Himself.

Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us that we may be men and woman doing the will of
our Father in heaven.




<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART II: POETRY, SYMBOLISM AND TYPOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE : Poetry, Symbolism and Typology (pages 45-60)


"But it is not the cosmic symbolism thaat is the most important symbolism in the
Bible. There is another. This is the symbolism we have already referred to as
typology. The typology symbolism of the Bible is not common to other religions:
its content is peculiar to the Judaeo-Christian revelation. It is the vehicle of
the special message, the 'Gospel' which is the very essence of Christian
revelation.And it is typology above all that makes the Psalms a body of
religious poems which are, by their own right, altogether unique." (page 57)

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/120606.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 91

TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. EXHIBITION ON PONTIFICAL ELECTIONS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LIKE MARY, WELCOME CHRIST INTO OUR LIVES WITH FAITH
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUROPE MUST DRAW NEW ENERGY FROM ITS CHRISTIAN ROOTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. STATE MUST RECOGNIZE PUBLIC RELEVANCE OF RELIGION
---------------------------------------------------------------
. THE PARISH, A BEACON RADIATING THE LIGHT OF FAITH
---------------------------------------------------------------
. BUILD THE HOUSE OF GOD AMONG MANKIND
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF CARDINAL PAPPALARDO
---------------------------------------------------------------
. END OF EXCAVATIONS AT ST. PAUL'S OUTSIDE-THE-WALLS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

EXHIBITION ON PONTIFICAL ELECTIONS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2006 (VIS) - In the Lateran Apostolic Palace this evening,
Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. inaugurated an exhibition
entitled: "Habemus Papam. Pontifical elections from St. Peter to Benedict XVI."



   The exhibition includes a broad selection of works of art from collections in
the Vatican and in Rome and, as the cardinal pointed out, "has been conceived in
such a manner as, on the one hand, to offer as complete a vision as possible of
the historical development of conclaves while, on the other, not failing to
highlight the mysterious action of God Who, through His Providence, guides the
journey of the Church, which is founded upon Peter and his legitimate
successors."



   "The outstanding value of this exhibition, which falls on the 500th
anniversary of St. Peter's Basilica and the foundation of the Vatican Museums,"
said the cardinal, "is that it helps us understand how, though through
circumstances at times marked by human frailty and political interest, the
choice of Supreme Pontiffs is always guided by Him, the Lord. Christ, with the
strength of His Spirit, leads the Church, entrusting her to His vicar on earth,
the Pope, 'servant of the servants.' And the Pope - even when intrigue,
subterfuge and conflict seemed to prevail - has never failed in his mission."



   "Despite its shadows, then, the history of the Church is a history of faith,
love and zeal" said the secretary of State. Such events as papal funerals and
conclaves, he added, make us aware of "how great a contribution to the life of
the Church so many ecclesiastics have made," and of "the participation, charged
with strong spiritual emotion, of Christian people."



   Cardinal Bertone then went on to consider changes to the structure of
conclaves over the centuries, affirming that "from the Constitution 'Ubi
periculum' of 1274 to today the concern has always been to prevent external
influence in the election of the one whom God chooses to guide His people. ...
Ceremonies and practices reflecting cultures and customs of yesterday have now
disappeared. What remains unchanged is the essential part of the ministry of
Peter's Successor and, in this sense, the conclave represents a moment of great
importance."


* * *


LIKE MARY, WELCOME CHRIST INTO OUR LIVES WITH FAITH



VATICAN CITY, DEC 8, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, Solemnity of the Immaculate
Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of
his study to pray the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square
below.



   The Immaculate Conception, said the Pope, "is one of the most beautiful and
popular feasts of the Blessed Virgin. ... Mary not only committed no sin, but
was even spared that shared heritage of humankind which is original sin. And
this was because of the mission for which God had always destined her: that of
being the Mother of the Redeemer."



   Pope Benedict went on to explain how the biblical foundation for the dogma of
the Immaculate Conception is to be found in the words the angel directed to the
young girl from Nazareth: "'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.' Full of
grace," the Pope added, "is Mary's most beautiful name, a name God Himself gave
her in order to indicate that she was always, and will always be, the beloved,
the elect, the one chosen to accept the most precious gift: Jesus, 'the
incarnate love of God'."



   The Holy Father emphasized how Mary's humility was a reason for her being
chosen. "God," he said, "was attracted by Mary's humility," and the Virgin "thus
became the Mother of God, image and model of the Church, chosen from among
peoples to receive the blessing of the Lord and transmit it to the entire human
family."



   "This 'blessing'," the Pope added, "is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the
source of the grace with which Mary was filled from the very first instant of
her existence. She welcomed Jesus with faith, and with love she gave Him to the
world. This is also our vocation and our mission, the vocation and the mission
of the Church: to welcome Christ into our lives and to give Him to the world,
'that the world may be saved through Him'."


* * *


EUROPE MUST DRAW NEW ENERGY FROM ITS CHRISTIAN ROOTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 8, 2006 (VIS) - Early this afternoon, the Pope travelled in an
open-top car to Rome's Piazza di Spagna to pay his traditional homage before the
statue of Mary Immaculate. The Holy Father made the journey standing in order to
greet the thousands of people who lined the streets to see him.



   Having reached the monument, a tall column bearing a statue of the Virgin in
front of the Spanish embassy to the Holy See, Benedict laid a basket of roses at
the base of the monument and read a prayer.



   "You are full of grace, Mary, full of divine love from the first instant of
your life, providentially predestined to be the Mother of the Redeemer and
intimately associated with Him in the mystery of salvation. ... In you shines
the dignity of all human beings, who are always precious in the eyes of the
Creator. Those who turn their gaze to you, All Holy Mother, never lose their
serenity, however hard the trials of life may be. Although the experience of
sin, that disfigures the dignity of the children of God, is sad, those who turn
to you renew the beauty of truth and of love, and rediscover the path that leads
to the house of the Father."



   The Pope called on the Virgin to help us pronounce, as she did, "our 'yes' to
the Lord's will," and to give us the "courage to say 'no' to the snares of
power, money, pleasure and dishonest gain, corruption and hypocrisy, selfishness
and violence. 'No' to the Evil One, deceitful prince of this world. 'Yes' to
Christ, Who destroys the power of evil with the omnipotence of His love. We know
that only hearts converted to Love - that is, God - can build a better future
for everyone."



   "You are 'full of grace,' Mary! ... To the fount of your immaculate heart, we
come once again as faithful pilgrims to draw faith and consolation, joy and
love, security and peace."



   Benedict XVI also called upon the Virgin to be "a Mother and a watchful
guardian over Italy and Europe, so that from their ancient Christian roots
people may know how to draw new lifeblood to build their present and their
future. Show yourself a prudent and merciful Mother to the world entire, so
that, with respect for human dignity and rejecting all forms of violence and
exploitation, solid foundations may be laid for the civilization of love."



   "Show yourself as Mother especially to those in particular need: the
defenseless, the marginalized and the excluded, victims of a society that all
too often sacrifices man to other ends and interests. Show yourself, O Mary, as
Mother to everyone, and give us Christ, the Hope of the world! 'Monstra Te esse
Matrem,' Immaculate Virgin full of grace, Amen!"



   Following the act of homage, and before returning to the Vatican, the Holy
Father travelled to the basilica of St. Mary Major where he prayed before the
image of the Mother of God, "Salus Populi Romani."


* * *


STATE MUST RECOGNIZE PUBLIC RELEVANCE OF RELIGION



VATICAN CITY, DEC 9, 2006 (VIS) - The Pope today received participants in the
56th national study congress, promoted by the Union of Italian Catholic Jurists,
which is being held in Rome on the theme: "Secularity and secularities."



   The concept of secularity, said the Holy Father in his address to the group,
originally referred to "the condition of simple faithful Christian, not
belonging to the clergy or the religious state. During the Middle Ages it
acquired the meaning of opposition between civil authorities and ecclesial
hierarchies, and in modern times it has assumed the significance of the
exclusion of religion and its symbols from public life by confining them to the
private sphere and the individual conscience. In this way, the term secularity
has acquired an ideological meaning quite opposite to the one it originally
held."



   Secularity today, then, "is understood as a total separation between State and
Church, the latter not having any right to intervene in questions concerning the
life and behavior of citizens. And such secularity even involves the exclusion
of religious symbols from public places." In accordance with this definition,
the Pope continued, "today we hear talk of secular thought, secular morals,
secular science, secular politics. In fact, at the root of such a concept, is an
a-religious view of life, thought and morals; that is, a view in which there is
no place for God, for a Mystery that transcends pure reason, for a moral law of
absolute value that is valid in all times and situations."



   The Holy Father underlined the need "to create a concept of secularity that,
on the one hand, grants God and His moral law, Christ and His Church, their just
place in human life at both an individual and a social level, and on the other
hand affirms and respects the 'legitimate autonomy of earthly affairs'."



   The Church, the Pope reiterated, cannot intervene in politics, because that
would "constitute undue interference." However, "'healthy secularity' means that
the State does not consider religion merely as an individual sentiment that can
be confined to the private sphere." Rather, it must be "recognized as a ...
public presence. This means that all religious confessions (so long as they do
not contrast the moral order and are not dangerous to public order) are
guaranteed free exercise of their acts of worship."



   Hostility against "any form of political or cultural relevance of religion,"
and in particular against "any kind of religious symbol in public institutions"
is a degenerated form of secularity, said the Holy Father, as is "refusing the
Christian community, and those who legitimately represent it, the right to
pronounce on the moral problems that today appeal to the conscience of all human
beings, particularly of legislators.



   "This," he added, "does not constitute undue interference of the Church in
legislative activity, which is the exclusive competence of the State, but the
affirmation and the defense of those great values that give meaning to people's
lives and safeguard their dignity. These values, even before being Christian,
are human, and therefore cannot leave the Church silent and indifferent, when
she has the duty firmly to proclaim the truth about man and his destiny."



   The Pope concluded by highlighting the need "to bring people to understand
that the moral law God gave us - and that expresses itself in us through the
voice of conscience - has the aim not of oppressing us but of freeing us from
evil and of making us happy. We must show that without God man is lost, and that
the exclusion of religion from social life, and in particular the
marginalization of Christianity, undermines the very foundations of human
coexistence. Such foundations, indeed, before being of the social and political
order, belong to the moral order."


* * *


THE PARISH, A BEACON RADIATING THE LIGHT OF FAITH



VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2006 (VIS) - At 9 a.m. today, the second Sunday of Advent,
the Pope made a pastoral visit to the Roman parish of St. Mary Star of
Evangelization, where he celebrated Mass and consecrated the new parish church.



   In his homily, Benedict XVI, noted how the inauguration was taking place "in
the period of Advent which, for the last 16 years, the diocese of Rome has
dedicated to awareness raising and fund collection for building new churches on
the city outskirts." Thus, this new church "joins the more than 50 parish
structures already built over these years thanks to the Vicariate of Rome's
economic efforts, the contributions of so many faithful, and the concern of the
civil authorities.



   "I ask all faithful, and all citizens of good will to continue their generous
commitment, so that neighborhoods that are still deprived may, as soon as
possible, have a home for their parish.



   "The parish is a beacon that radiates the light of faith," the Pope added,
"above all in our largely secularized world. Thus it meets the most profound and
authentic desires of the human heart, giving meaning and hope to the lives of
individuals and families."



   St. Mary Star of Evangelization is a young parish, said the Pope, both because
it was founded in 1989 and because most of its families are young. "Your
community," he went on, "has the arduous but fascinating task of educating its
children in the life and the joy of the faith. I trust that together, in a
spirit of sincere communion, you will prepare the Sacraments of Christian
initiation, and help your boys and girls ... to grow in love and faithfulness to
the Lord."



   A sacred building, the Holy Father explained, "exists so that the Word of God
may be heard, explained and understood. ... It exists so that the Word of God
can work among us as a power that creates justice and love."



   "The church exists so we can meet Christ there, Son of the living God. God has
a face. God has a name. In Christ, God became flesh and gives Himself to us in
the mystery of the Blessed Eucharist."



   "We humans," the Pope added, "live from Truth. This Truth is a Person, it
speaks to us and we speak to it. The church is the place we meet the Son of the
living God and thus it is also the place we meet one another. This is the joy
God gives us: that He became one of us, that we can almost touch Him, and that
He lives with us. Truly, the joy of God is our strength."



   The Virgin Mary, said the Pope at the conclusion of his homily, "tells us why
church buildings exist. They exist so that within each of us a space may be
created for the Word of God, so that within us and through us the Word can
become flesh today."



   Benedict XVI had previously visited two Roman parishes. On December 18, 2005
he visited the parish of Santa Maria Consolatrice which was his titular church
from 1977 to 1993, and on March 26, 2006 he visited the parish of God the
Merciful Father.



* * *



BUILD THE HOUSE OF GOD AMONG MANKIND



VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, the Holy Father appeared at
the window of his study, to pray the Angelus with pilgrims gathered below in St.
Peter's Square.



   The Pope recalled how a few hours previously he had inaugurated the new church
of the Roman parish of St. Mary Star of Evangelization, an event that "assumes
symbolic significance within the liturgical period of Advent as we prepare to
celebrate the Nativity of the Lord. In these days the liturgy constantly reminds
us that 'God is coming' to visit His people."



   "The church-building is a concrete sign of the Church-community, made up of
the 'living stones' that are the believers," said the Pope. "St. Peter and St.
Paul both highlight how the 'cornerstone' of this spiritual temple is Christ and
that, united to Him, ... we too are called to participate in the construction of
this living temple. If, then, it is true that it is God who takes the initiative
to come and live among men, and that He is the principal architect of this
project, it is also true that He does not want to accomplish it without our
active collaboration. Therefore, preparing for Christmas means commitment to
building the 'house of God with men.' ... At the end of time it will be
complete, and it will be the 'heavenly Jerusalem'."



   "Advent invites us to turn our gaze towards the 'heavenly Jerusalem,' which is
the final goal of our earthly pilgrimage. At the same time, it exhorts us to
commit ourselves with prayer, conversion and good works, to welcoming Jesus into
our lives, to constructing together with him that spiritual building in which
each of us - our families and our communities - is a precious stone."



   After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father spoke of his concern for the
situation in the Middle East, "where glimmers of hope for resolving the crises
that afflict the region alternate with tensions and difficulties that cause us
to fear fresh violence."



   In this context, he made special mention of Lebanon. There, he said quoting
John Paul II's 1997 post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation A New Hope for Lebanon,
"yesterday as today, 'men from different cultures and religions are called to
live together, to build a nation of dialogue and coexistence and to work
together for the common good.' Hence, in the face of recent developments, I
share the great concern expressed by the patriarch, His Beatitude Cardinal
Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir, and by Maronite bishops in a communique made public last
Wednesday.



   "Together with them, I ask the Lebanese and their political leaders to have as
their exclusive concern the good of the country and the harmony of its
communities," in order to achieve "the unity which is the responsibility of all
and of each, and which requires patient and persevering efforts and a trusting
and permanent dialogue.



   "I also hope," the Pope concluded, "that the international community will help
to find ... the peaceful and balanced solutions so necessary for Lebanon and for
the entire Middle East, and I invite everyone to prayer at this difficult
moment."


* * *


TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF CARDINAL PAPPALARDO



VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2006 (VIS) - The Pope sent the following telegram of
condolence to Cardinal Salvatore De Giorgi, archbishop of Palermo, Italy for the
death yesterday at the age of 88 of Cardinal Salvatore Pappalardo, emeritus of
the same archdiocese:



   "With great sorrow I learned the sad news of the death of Cardinal Salvatore
Pappalardo, archbishop emeritus of Palermo. As I raise fervent prayers to the
Lord that He may grant eternal repose to this zealous and generous pastor, I
unite myself spiritually to the diocesan community where he conscientiously
exercised his episcopal ministry. With admiration, I recall his many and
fruitful apostolic activities, animated by the desire to announce Christ and to
accompany with his illuminated teaching the moral and cultural growth of society
in Palermo. As I express my deepest condolences to the relatives of the beloved
cardinal, I impart upon you, upon the clergy, upon the religious communities and
upon all the faithful of that dear archdiocese a heartfelt and comforting
apostolic blessing as a sign of faith and of Christian hope in the Risen Lord."



* * *


END OF EXCAVATIONS AT ST. PAUL'S OUTSIDE-THE-WALLS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2006 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office this morning, a
press conference was held to present recent excavations that brought to light
the sarcophagus of St. Paul in the Roman basilica of St. Paul's
Outside-the-Walls.



   Participating in the conference were Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di
Montezemolo, archpriest of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, Giorgio Filippi,
archeologist, and Pier Carlo Visconti, an official from the administration of
the basilica.



   In his talk, Cardinal Cordero Lanza de Montezemolo mentioned the new name to
be given to the four great basilicas of Rome, which from now on will be referred
to as papal rather than patriarchal basilicas. He also touched on a plan to
completely reorganize the basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, part of
which involves the creation of walking route for pilgrims and visitors
including, among other things, a new museum area centered on the cloister. The
cardinal also dwelt on the work taking place around the tomb of St. Paul and
mentioned a new transparent floor which will make it possible to see the remains
of the basilica's Constantinian apse.



   For his part, Giorgio Filippi pointed out that "although it is an
incontrovertible historical fact that the basilica of St. Paul was built over
the tomb of the Apostle, the location of the original tomb remains an open
question.



   "The chronicles of the monastery," he added, "speaks of a great marble
sarcophagus found during reconstruction work on the basilica following the great
fire of 1823, in the area of the Confession, under the two stones with the
inscription PAULO APOSTOLO MART[YRI]. However, there is no trace of it in the
excavation documents, unlike the other sarcophagi unearthed on that occasion."



   "Archeological investigations in the area traditionally believed to be the
Apostle's resting place, which began in 2002 and came to an end on November 22,
2006, brought to light an important area of stratification, formed by the apse
of the Constantinian basilica enclosed within the transept of the building of
the Three Emperors. On the floor of this building, under the papal altar, we
found that great sarcophagus of which all trace had been lost, considered since
the time of Theodosius to be the tomb of St. Paul."


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences seven prelates from the Italian Episcopal Conference on their "ad
limina" visit:



     - Archbishop Vittorio Luigi Mondello of Reggio Calabria-Bova.



     - Archbishop Antonio Ciliberti of Catanzaro-Squillace.



     - Archbishop Salvatore Nunnari of Cosenza-Bisignano.



     - Bishop Domenico Tarcisio Cortese O.F.M., of Mileto-Nicotera-Tropea.



     - Bishop Luciano Bux of Oppido Mamertina-Palmi.



     - Archbishop Santo Marciano of Rossano-Cariati.



     - Msgr. Francesco Frandina, apostolic administrator of Crotone-Santa
Severina.



   On Saturday, December 9, he received in separate audiences:



  - Six prelates from the Italian Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina"
visit:



     - Bishop Delio Lucarelli of Rieti.



     - Bishop Luca Brandolini C.M., of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo.



     - Bishop Giovanni Paolo Benotto of Tivoli.



     - Bishop Lorenzo Chiarinelli of Viterbo.



     - Bishop Fabio Bernardo D'Onorio O.S.B., ordinary abbot of Montecassino.



     - Fr. Emiliano Fabbricatore O.S.B.I., archimandrite of St. Mary's abbey at
Grottaferrata.



  - Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.



* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of
Melbourne, Australia, presented by Bishop Joseph Peter O'Connell, upon having
reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Bishop Gabriel Mbilingi C.S.Sp., of Lwena, Angola, as coadjutor
archbishop of Lubango (area 118,000, population 3,085,651, Catholics 1,604,539,
priests 83, religious 255), Angola. The archbishop-elect was born in Bandua,
Angola, in 1958, he was ordained a priest in 1984 and consecrated a bishop in
2000.



   On Saturday, December 9, it was made public that he appointed Bishop Marcel
Madila Basanguka, auxiliary of Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as
archbishop of the same archdiocese (area 33,000, population 2,264,000, Catholics
1,363,000, priests 123, religious 345). The archbishop-elect was born in Demba,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1955 he was ordained a priest in 1981 and
consecrated a bishop in 2004.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr

Today's Gospel reading tells us that God gives us rest.

Everyone has fears, worries, concerns, problems and conflicts in their lives.

For some it is the worry about money and paying bills.

For another it is health and medical concerns about their physical well being.

Others have no home, no apartment, no money, no food or benefits.

The worries about our car not mechanically sound, unable to run, and the repair
bills add to those others about family matters.

Children and parents too have problems and conflicts that burden our souls and
wear us into nervousness and fatigue.

Frequently people suffer from the tensions associated with holiday shopping,
crowded stores and parking lots, heavy highway traffic, and finding that special
items they sought are out of stock and sold out.

We human beings are very frail and fragile.

We easily become over burdened, upset, nervous, anxious, overwhelmed and
distraught about things in our lives.

In today's Gospel the voice of Jesus calls out to us to come to Him.

He tells us to rest with Him by learning of Him.

What we shall learn He tells us is that He is meek and humble of heart.

This is His burden we need to carry with us.

That yoke of Christ is meekness and humility of heart.

We go to Jesus to have our hearts become like His.

Our goal as Christians is to become like Christ imitating His Sacred Heart.

Listen to His voice throughout the day saying to you over and over again : Come
to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.


<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART II: POETRY, SYMBOLISM AND TYPOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE : Poetry, Symbolism and Typology (pages 45-60)

Fr. Merton asserts that the Psalter is a means to contemplation. He implies that
this is so since the Psalms themselves are contemplative in spirit and
character. This contemplative quality of the Psalms is also reflected in the
typology and symbolism they contain.

"Scriptural typology is a special kind of symbolism. It is something far purer
and more efficacious than allegory. I would even add that in the Psalms allegory
is altogether negligible. There is almost nothing in the Psalter that reminds us
of the tissue of allegorical complexities which goes to make up a poem like
Spenser's Faerie Queene. It seems to me that the personification of moral
abstractions is foreign to the spirit of true contemplation." (page 58)

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/121206.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 92

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. SHOAH: IMMENSE TRAGEDY TO WHICH NO ONE CAN BE INDIFFERENT
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TIMOTHY AND TITUS: WILLINGNESS TO SERVE THE GOSPEL
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
---------------------------------------------------------------
. PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL VISITS THE HOLY FATHER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. THE HUMAN PERSON, THE HEART OF PEACE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


SHOAH: IMMENSE TRAGEDY TO WHICH NO ONE CAN BE INDIFFERENT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2006 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, the Holy See Press
Office released the following declaration.

"With reference to the conference taking place in Tehran, the Holy See re-
states its own position, already expressed in the document of the Commission for
Religious Relations with the Jews: 'We remember, a reflection on the Shoah.'

"Last century witnessed the attempt to exterminate the Jewish people, with the
consequent killing of millions of Jews of all ages and social categories, simply
for the fact of belonging to that people. The Shoah was an immense tragedy to
which no one can remain indifferent.

"The Church approaches with deep respect and great compassion the experience
suffered by the Jewish people during the Second World War. The memory of those
terrible events must remain as a warning to consciences, in order to eliminate
conflicts, respect the legitimate rights of all peoples, and press for peace in
truth and in justice.

"This position was affirmed by Pope John Paul II at the Yad Vashem Holocaust
Memorial in Jerusalem on March 23, 2000, and repeated by His Holiness Benedict
XVI on his visit to the concentration camp of Auschwitz on May 28, 2006."


* * *


TIMOTHY AND TITUS: WILLINGNESS TO SERVE THE GOSPEL

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2006 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica this morning, the
Holy Father met with faithful from dioceses in the Italian region of Calabria,
accompanied by their bishops who are in the process of completing their "ad
limina" visit. Also present was a group of Italian students. Afterwards, the
Holy Father went to the Paul VI Hall for his weekly general audience.

In a brief greeting to the faithful gathered in the basilica, the Holy Father
said that the Church in Calabria must continue "her evangelizing mission, more
urgent than ever even in our own times, in order to face the current cultural,
social and religious challenges. From the Gospel, courageously draw the light
and strength to promote the authentic moral, social and economic renewal of your
region. Be joyful witnesses of Christ and tireless builders of His Kingdom of
justice and peace.

In conclusion, the Pope thanked the region of Calabria which this year has
donated the Christmas tree to adorn St. Peter's Square. The tree is due to be
erected today.

In the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father's catechesis focused on Sts. Timothy and
Titus, two of St. Paul's closest associates. Benedict XVI recalled how Timothy,
a "pastor of great importance," was the first bishop of Ephesus, while Titus,
whom Paul defined as "my true child in a common faith," was bishop of Crete.

These two men, said the Holy Father, tell us that Paul, the archetypal Apostle,
"did not do everything alone, but relied upon trusted individuals to share his
labors and responsibilities."

The Pope highlighted the "willingness" of Timothy and Titus "to take on various
tasks, which often involved representing Paul in difficult circumstances. Thus
they teach us," he added, "to serve the Gospel generously, knowing that this
involves a service to the Church herself."

Pope Benedict XVI quoted St. Paul's words in his Letter to Titus, where the
Apostle exhorts his helper to remain faithful to the true doctrine: "'I desire
you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in God may be
careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to
men.'

"Through a solid commitment on our part," the Pope concluded, "we can and must
discover the truth of these words and, precisely in this period of Advent, be
rich in good works, thus opening the door of the world to Christ, our Savior."



* * *


MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father's Message for the 15th World
Day of the Sick was made public at midday today. The event is due to be
celebrated in Seoul, South Korea on February 11, 2007, Feast of Our Lady of
Lourdes.

In his Message, published in English and dated December 8, the Holy Father
writes that "despite the advances of science, a cure cannot be found for every
illness. ... Many millions of people in our world still experience insanitary
living conditions and lack access to much-needed medical resources, often of the
most basic kind, with the result that the number of human beings considered
'incurable' is greatly increased."

After highlighting the "need to promote policies which create conditions where
human beings can bear even incurable illnesses and death in a dignified manner,"
Benedict XVI dwells upon the necessity "to stress once again the need for more
palliative care centers which provide integral care, offering the sick the human
assistance and spiritual accompaniment they need. This is a right belonging to
every human being, one which we must all be committed to defend."

"The Church, following the example of the Good Samaritan, has always shown
particular concern for the infirm. ... Many individuals - health care
professionals, pastoral agents and volunteers - and institutions throughout the
world are tirelessly serving the sick, in hospitals and in palliative care
units, on city streets, in housing projects and parishes."

The Pope encouraged people suffering from incurable and terminal diseases "to
contemplate the sufferings of Christ crucified. ... Trust that your sufferings,
united to those of Christ, will prove fruitful for the needs of the Church and
the world."

"Through her priests and pastoral workers, the Church wishes to assist you and
stand at your side, helping you in your hour of need, and thus making present
Christ's own loving mercy towards those who suffer."


* * *


PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL VISITS THE HOLY FATHER

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office today released the
following communique:

"Today Wednesday, December 13, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received Ehud
Olmert, prime minister of Israel. Subsequently, the prime minister went on to
meet Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone who was accompanied by
Archbishop Dominique Mamberti and Msgr. Pietro Parolin, respectively secretary
and under-secretary for Relations with States.

"In the course of the discussions, attention turned to the matter of peace in
the Middle East, and to questions regarding the position of the Catholic
community in Israel, also in view of the forthcoming Christmas celebrations."


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Zamora,
Mexico, presented by Bishop Carlos Suarez Cazares, in accordance with canon 401
para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

- Appointed Fr. Wilfredo Pino Estevez of the clergy of the archdiocese of
Camaguey, Cuba, episcopal vicar and pastor, as bishop of Guantanamo-Baracoa
(area 6,565, population 512,555, Catholics 183,086, priests 10, permanent
deacons 5, religious 16), Cuba. The bishop-elect was born in Camaguey in 1950
and ordained a priest in 1975. He succeeds Bishop Carlos Jesus Patricio Baladron
Valdes, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy
Father accepted, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

- Appointed Msgr. Jorge Enrique Serpa Perez, rector of the major seminary of San
Cristobal de La Habana, Cuba, as bishop of Pinar del Rio (area 13,500,
population 1,888,000, Catholics 811,844, priests 24, religious 38), Cuba. The
bishop-elect was born in Santa Clara, Cuba in 1942 and ordained a priest in
1968. He succeeds Bishop Jose Siro Gonzalez Bacallao, whose resignation from the
pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached
the age limit.

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the eparchy of Sao Joao
Batista em Curitiba of the Ukrainians, Brazil, presented by Bishop Efraim
Basilio Krevey O.S.B.M., in accordance with canon 210 para. 1 of the Code of
Canons of the Eastern Churches. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Valdomiro
Koubetch O.S.B.M.

- Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of
New Orleans, U.S.A., presented by Bishop Dominic Carmon S.V.D., upon having
reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Shelton Joseph Fabre of the clergy of the archdiocese of Baton
Rouge, U.S.A., pastor of the parish of the Sacred Heart, as auxiliary of the
archdiocese of New Orleans (area 10,898, population 1,361,488, Catholics
490,898, priests 413, permanent deacons 189, religious 1,020), U.S.A. The
bishop-elect was born in New Road, U.S.A. in 1963 and ordained a priest in 1989.


VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- As presidents of the fifth General Conference of the Latin American
Episcopate, due to be held in Aparecida, Brazil, from May 13 to 31, 2007,
Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and
president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America; Francisco Javier
Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop of Santiago de Chile, Chile, and president of the
Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM); and Geraldo Majella Agnelo, archbishop
of Sao Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, and president of the National Conference of
Bishops of Brazil.

- As secretary general of the same general conference, Bishop Andres Stanovnik
O.F.M. Cap., of Reconquista, Argentina, and secretary of CELAM; and as adjunct
secretary, Bishop Odilo Pedro Scherer, auxiliary of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and
secretary of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil.

- Bishop Dode Gjergji of Sape, Albania, as apostolic administrator of Prizren
(area 11,800, population 2,100,000, Catholics 65,000, priests 53, religious 88).

- Msgr. Lucjan Augustini, vicar general of the metropolitan archdiocese of
Shkodre-Pult, Albania, as bishop of Sape (area 2,544, population 200,000,
Catholics 90,000, priests 12, permanent deacons 1, religious 54), Albania. The
bishop-elect was born in Ferizaj, Kosovo in 1963 and ordained a priest in 1989.


* * *


THE HUMAN PERSON, THE HEART OF PEACE



VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2006 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office this morning,
Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino and Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, respectively
president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace,
presented the Pope's Message for the World Day of Peace 2007, which has as its
theme: "The Human Person, the Heart of Peace."



   Cardinal Martino affirmed that this year's Message "must be read and
interpreted as a continuation and completion of last year's. Indeed, in
paragraph 1, the Holy Father expresses his conviction 'that respect for the
person promotes peace and that, in building peace, the foundations are laid for
an authentic integral humanism'."



   The Message, the cardinal continued, "is structured in three parts," the first
of which highlights "the meaning and value of the connection between the human
person and peace, considered and presented through the theological-spiritual
categories of 'gift and task.' In the second part, the truth of the human person
is related to the new and innovative concept of 'ecology of peace.' In the third
part, the truth about human beings is considered with reference to the complex
field of respect for their fundamental rights, of international humanitarian law
and of certain responsibilities inherent to the activity of international
organizations. The Message concludes with a call to Christians to become workers
for peace."



   "Recognition of the transcendent order of things is the basis upon which to
found the inter-religious and cultural dialogue that aims to promote peace. ...
In order to advance the cause of peace, humanity today must treasure the norms
of natural law, norms which 'should not be viewed as externally imposed decrees,
as restraints upon human freedom'."



   Later in the Message, "the Holy Father affirms that certain things are and
must remain beyond the disposal of human will, these are the right to life and
to religious freedom." The former because it is a gift and the latter because
"it opens nature to something that transcends it."



   On the subject of the natural equality of all persons, the Holy Father
highlights how "inequalities of social status and gender are worrying causes of
instability in the building of peace," said the cardinal.



   In paragraphs 8 and 9, dedicated to the "ecology of peace," the Pope poses a
series of questions that "highlight how the problem of the relationship with
nature is closely associated with the construction, among mankind and between
nations, of ecological human relationships, in other words, relationships that
respect the dignity of the person and his or her authentic needs."



   "In paragraphs 10 and 11, the Holy Father presents the foundations for an
ecology of peace and the base upon which to plant the 'tree of peace.' With
faith and hope he brings us to understand that it is possible to cultivate this
tree, ... so long as we let ourselves be guided by a correct and
as-broad-as-possible vision of the human person, because the reduction of man,
of his value and his dignity, is often paid for with conflict."



   "The Pope's Message," said the cardinal, "affirms that peace has become
difficult also because of indifference as to what constitutes man's true nature.
... Such an attitude is very dangerous for peace, which cannot be built upon
emptiness and indifference because, in such circumstances, reciprocal
recognition is merely formal, conventional, provisional."



   In the third part of the Message, from paragraphs 12 to 15, Benedict XVI makes
it clear that "true and stable peace presupposes respect for human rights
anchored in a strong conception of the human person. ... Rights express the
requirements of man's nature as it arose in the Creation. They tell us what men
and women need in their existence in order to be able to be themselves with
dignity. They tell us how we must treat man in order to respect his dignity.
Human rights cannot sustain the continuous attacks to which they are subject if
they do not rediscover this significance."



   The Holy Father, said Cardinal Martino, goes on to recall "the original
vocation of international organizations, especially the United Nations, and
encourages them to be guardians of the promotion of human rights. ... He also
returns this year to the value of international humanitarian law," with
reflections "inspired by realism and by trust." Finally, he expresses his
concern "at the fact that some countries have expressed the desire to supply
themselves with nuclear weapons."



   "The conclusion of Benedict XVI's Message ... is entirely dedicated to
Catholics, who are called to be tireless workers for peace and energetic
defenders of the dignity of the human person. ... The sentiment of belonging to
the Church must be lived with a generous dedication towards everyone, especially
towards people suffering poverty and privation, and who lack the precious gift
of peace."


* * *


MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2007



VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was Benedict XVI's 2nd
Message for the World Day of Peace. The Day falls on January 1, 2007, and has as
its theme: "The Human Person, the Heart of Peace." The text has been published
in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese.



   Extracts from the Message are given below:



   "At the beginning of the new year, I wish to extend prayerful good wishes for
peace to governments, leaders of nations and all men and women of good will"



   "As one created in the image of God, each individual human being has the
dignity of a person; he or she is not just something, but someone, capable of
self-knowledge, self-possession, free self-giving and entering into communion
with others."



   "Likewise, peace is both gift and task. If it is true that peace between
individuals and peoples - the ability to live together and to build
relationships of justice and solidarity - calls for unfailing commitment on our
part, it is also true, and indeed more so, that peace is a gift from God."



   "The body of rules for individual action and the reciprocal relationships of
persons in accordance with justice and solidarity, is inscribed on human
consciences, in which the wise plan of God is reflected. ... Peace is thus also
a task demanding of everyone a personal response consistent with God's plan. The
criterion inspiring this response can only be respect for the 'grammar' written
on human hearts by the divine Creator.



   "From this standpoint, the norms of the natural law ... should be welcomed as
a call to carry out faithfully the universal divine plan inscribed in the nature
of human beings. Guided by these norms, all peoples - within their respective
cultures - can draw near to the greatest mystery, which is the mystery of God.
Today too, recognition and respect for natural law represents the foundation for
a dialogue between the followers of the different religions and between
believers and non-believers. As a great point of convergence, this is also a
fundamental presupposition for authentic peace."



   "The duty to respect the dignity of each human being, in whose nature the
image of the Creator is reflected, means in consequence that the person can not
be disposed of at will. Those with greater political, technical, or economic
power may not use that power to violate the rights of others who are less
fortunate. Peace is based on respect for the rights of all. Conscious of this,
the Church champions the fundamental rights of each person.



   "In particular she promotes and defends respect for the life and the religious
freedom of everyone. Respect for the right to life at every stage firmly
establishes a principle of decisive importance: life is a gift which is not
completely at the disposal of the subject. ... The right to life and to the free
expression of personal faith in God is not subject to the power of man.



   "As far as the right to life is concerned, we must denounce its widespread
violation in our society: alongside the victims of armed conflicts, terrorism
and the different forms of violence, there are the silent deaths caused by
hunger, abortion, experimentation on human embryos and euthanasia. How can we
fail to see in all this an attack on peace? Abortion and embryonic
experimentation constitute a direct denial of that attitude of acceptance of
others which is indispensable for establishing lasting relationships of peace.



   "As far as the free expression of personal faith is concerned, another
disturbing symptom of lack of peace in the world is represented by the
difficulties that both Christians and the followers of other religions
frequently encounter in publicly and freely professing their religious
convictions. Speaking of Christians in particular, I must point out with pain
that not only are they at times prevented from doing so; in some States they are
actually persecuted, and even recently tragic cases of ferocious violence have
been recorded.



   "There are regimes that impose a single religion upon everyone, while secular
regimes often lead not so much to violent persecution as to systematic cultural
denigration of religious beliefs. In both instances, a fundamental human right
is not being respected, with serious repercussions for peaceful coexistence.
This can only promote a mentality and culture that is not conducive to peace."



   "At the origin of many tensions that threaten peace are surely the many unjust
inequalities still tragically present in our world. Particularly insidious among
these are, on the one hand, inequality in access to essential goods like food,
water, shelter, health; on the other hand, there are persistent inequalities
between men and women in the exercise of basic human rights.



   "A fundamental element of building peace is the recognition of the essential
equality of human persons springing from their common transcendental dignity.
... The extremely grave deprivation afflicting many peoples, especially in
Africa, lies at the root of violent reactions and thus inflicts a terrible wound
on peace.



   "Similarly, inadequate consideration for the condition of women helps to
create instability in the fabric of society. I think of the exploitation of
women who are treated as objects, and of the many ways that a lack of respect is
shown for their dignity; I also think - in a different context - of the mindset
persisting in some cultures, where women are still firmly subordinated to the
arbitrary decisions of men, with grave consequences for their personal dignity
and for the exercise of their fundamental freedoms. There can be no illusion of
a secure peace until these forms of discrimination are also overcome, since they
injure the personal dignity impressed by the Creator upon every human being."



   "Humanity, if it truly desires peace, must be increasingly conscious of the
links between natural ecology, or respect for nature, and human ecology.
Experience shows that disregard for the environment always harms human
coexistence, and vice versa."



   "In recent years, new nations have entered enthusiastically into industrial
production, thereby increasing their energy needs. ... Meanwhile, some parts of
the planet remain backward and development is effectively blocked, partly
because of the rise in energy prices."



   "The destruction of the environment, its improper or selfish use, and the
violent hoarding of the earth's resources cause grievances, conflicts and wars,
precisely because they are the consequences of an inhumane concept of
development."



   "Thus there is an urgent need, even within the framework of current
international difficulties and tensions, for a commitment to a human ecology
that can favour the growth of the 'tree of peace.' ... It is understandable that
visions of man will vary from culture to culture. Yet what cannot be admitted is
the cultivation of anthropological conceptions that contain the seeds of
hostility and violence. Equally unacceptable are conceptions of God that would
encourage intolerance and recourse to violence against others. This is a point
which must be clearly reaffirmed: war in God's name is never acceptable!"



   "Today, however, peace is not only threatened by the conflict between
reductive visions of man, in other words, between ideologies. It is also
threatened by indifference as to what constitutes man's true nature. ... A
'weak' vision of the person, which would leave room for every conception, even
the most bizarre, only apparently favors peace. In reality, it hinders authentic
dialogue and opens the way to authoritarian impositions, ultimately leaving the
person defenseless and, as a result, easy prey to oppression and violence."



   "The protection of human rights is constantly referred to by international
bodies and, in particular, the United Nations Organization, which set itself the
fundamental task of promoting the human rights indicated in the 1948 Universal
Declaration. That Declaration is regarded as a sort of moral commitment assumed
by all mankind. There is a profound truth to this, especially if the rights
described in the Declaration are held to be based not simply on the decisions of
the assembly that approved them, but on man's very nature and his inalienable
dignity as a person created by God. Consequently it is important for
international agencies not to lose sight of the natural foundation of human
rights."



   "Were that to happen, the international bodies would end up lacking the
necessary authority to carry out their role as defenders of the fundamental
rights of the person and of peoples, the chief justification for their very
existence and activity."



   "The recognition that there exist inalienable human rights connected to our
common human nature has led to the establishment of a body of international
humanitarian law which States are committed to respect, even in the case of war.
Unfortunately, to say nothing of past cases, this has not been consistently
implemented in certain recent situations of war. Such, for example, was the case
in the conflict that occurred a few months ago in southern Lebanon, where the
duty 'to protect and help innocent victims' and to avoid involving the civilian
population was largely ignored."



   "The new shape of conflicts, especially since the terrorist threat unleashed
completely new forms of violence, demand that the international community
reaffirm international humanitarian law, and apply it to all present-day
situations of armed conflict, including those not currently provided for by
international law.



   "Moreover, the scourge of terrorism demands a profound reflection on the
ethical limits restricting the use of modern methods of guaranteeing internal
security. Increasingly, wars are not declared, especially when they are
initiated by terrorist groups determined to attain their ends by any means
available. In the face of the disturbing events of recent years, States cannot
fail to recognize the need to establish clearer rules to counter effectively the
dramatic decline that we are witnessing."



   "Another disturbing issue is the desire recently shown by some States to
acquire nuclear weapons. This has heightened even more the widespread climate of
uncertainty and fear of a possible atomic catastrophe."



   "Unfortunately, threatening clouds continue to gather on humanity's horizon.
The way to ensure a future of peace for everyone is found not only in
international accords for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, but also in
the determined commitment to seek their reduction and definitive dismantling.
... The fate of the whole human family is at stake!"



   "Finally, I wish to make an urgent appeal to the People of God: let every
Christian be committed to tireless peace-making and strenuous defense of the
dignity of the human person and his inalienable rights. ... In Christ we can
find the ultimate reason for becoming staunch champions of human dignity and
courageous builders of peace.



* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY


We are all familiar with the right of inheritance.

Within the family heirs receive wealth through their birthright.

Powerful and wealthy families are known as dynasties.

Each descendant receives their share of the vast estates according to tradition
and traditional laws of inheritance.

The history of literature is filled with novels about aristocratic families and
the tensions and conflicts that arise regarding inheritances.

Stories about servants bequeathed portions of estates rather than bloodline
heirs show how the laws of inheritance changed from exclusively blood heirs to
the legal written will that could and did include non-family members.

This radical social change of inheritance is what Jesus is speaking about in
today�s Gospel reading.

The Old Law given to the Jews encoded in the Old Testament and ancient Jewish
tradition makes all Jews by birthright God�s chosen people to be heirs of
heaven and the kingdom of God.

When John the Baptizer came to preach the coming of the Messiah asking everyone
to repent, do penance and become baptized this radical religious movement opened
wide the doors to heaven for everyone, both Jew and non-Jew.

Jesus too kept the gates of heaven opened wide by accepting non-Jews, healing
them and blessing them.

When the centurion wished Jesus to heal his servant he gave such evidence of
firm faith in Jesus� power to perform miracles that our Lord publicly
announced that Not in Israel is one found having the faith of this gentile.

When the Canaanite women begged Jesus to cure her daughter Jesus praised her
saying she had great faith.

These examples show that the kingdom of heaven is open wide to all people who
are entering it through faith and love of Christ and following His Gospel.

In Greek the word used to express the kingdom of God forcefully advancing is
biazo.

This word is also used as a noun biastes to express the forceful ones.

But the meaning is not violent forcefulness or violent ones, but rather, those
who seize or take out of the hand of another what belongs to them.

Up until John the Baptizer the kingdom of God came under the Old Law where only
Jews were given the right of inheritance.

Now that right that belonged exclusively to them is being snatched, seized or
taken right out of their hand.

The meaning has depth to show that many Jews did not show faith, but non-family
members, or non-Jews did.

Whosoever shows God faith, loyalty, devotion, clinging to the Gospels, as their
way of life is a true heir of heaven.

Heaven is no longer claimed exclusively by Jews as a blind mechanical legal
right, but is open to all people of good will everywhere in the world.

The traditional explanation of this passage by the Fathers of the Church is that
all who out of love for God undertake mortification, penitence, ignominy, and
poverty are those who seize heaven by violence, that is, they do violence to
themselves to gain it.

John the Baptizer preached repentance and penitence.

The tradition of the Fathers of the Church is clear that practicing the love for
God daily by anyone, Jew or non-Jew opens wide the gates to heaven.

As Catholics we must not fall into the trap that since we are born into Catholic
homes, baptized, taught our Catholic faith, go to Mass every Sunday that we are
entitled to heaven much the same way that Jews of the Old Law must have felt.

Beyond the mere practice of external action God expects each of us to be a
loving human person and genuinely caring.

He expects us to forgive others, to bless those who curse us.

He expects us never to be biased or prejudiced against another person because
they do not look like us, dress like us, speak our language, eat our kind of
food or have our religion or culture but another.

God expects us like those in days of John the Baptizer to repent and do
penitence, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Reflect throughout the day on how division exists within you, prejudices you
have thought, felt, shown, anything contrary to what God expects of us.

Approach our Lord with humility and ask for His grace to wipe away those
weaknesses within us and replace them with heroic virtues He wishes to see grow
and blossom.

Make a good confession seeking the healing and strengthening grace of salvation
in the sacrament of reconciliation.

Ask Mary, our Mother in Heaven to make your heart like hers.



<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART II: POETRY, SYMBOLISM AND TYPOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE : Poetry, Symbolism and Typology (pages 45-60)


Fr. Merton closes this chapter giving as an example of biblical typology the
Deluge. The great flood in the days of Noah expresses in form that God purifies
the world of sin. This typology is fulfilled in Christ who destroyed sin and
death by His Passion and death. The Deluge expresses sin destroyed with the
human soul just as Christ gives us the merits of His Passion through the
sacraments of Baptism and Penance.

"Not only do many of the Psalms literally foretell the suffering and glory of
Christ, but David is a 'type' of Christ. The Psalter as a whole is 'typical' of
the New Testament as a whole and often the particular sentiments of the Psalmist
are, at least in a broad sense, 'typical' of the sentiments in the Heart of the
Divine Redeemer. Even the sins of David belong to Christ, in the sense that 'God
hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." (pages 59-60)


Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/121306.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 93

FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. THE INCARNATION: THE SON OF GOD'S MOST PERFECT GIFT
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ARCHBISHOP CORDES IN THE HOLY LAND
---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE PRAISES THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE ALEXANDRIAN TRADITION
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LEADERS OF NATIONS: LISTEN TO YOUR PEOPLE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. SPIRITUAL CONTRIBUTION OF CATHOLICS AND ORTHODOX
---------------------------------------------------------------
. JOINT DECLARATION OF POPE AND HIS BEATITUDE CHRISTODOULOS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CELEBRATIONS TO BE PRESIDED BY THE POPE OVER CHRISTMAS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


THE INCARNATION: THE SON OF GOD'S MOST PERFECT GIFT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2006 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, the Holy Father met with
Roman university students after their traditional mass at St. Peter's Basilica
in preparation for Christmas, which was celebrated by Cardinal Camillo Ruini.

Benedict XVI stated that "Christmas gifts remind us of the most perfect gift
that the Son of God gave us of himself in the Incarnation. (...) Christmas is
the day in which God has given himself to human persons and this gift is made
perfect, so to speak, in the Eucharist."

"The Eucharistic mystery," he continued "constitutes the privileged point of
convergence between the various spheres of Christian existence, including that
of intellectual pursuit. (...) The Eucharist nourishes a fruitful unity between
contemplation and action in us so that we are regularly sustained with faith."

Making reference to the immanent arrival of Christmas, the Pope indicated that
"in the grotto of Bethlehem we adore the same Lord who wanted to make himself
our spiritual nourishment in the Eucharistic sacrament, in order to transform
the world from within beginning from the human heart."

The Virgin Mary was the "first to contemplate the incarnate Word, Divine Wisdom,
made human. In the Christ Child (...) she recognized God's human face in such a
way that the mysterious Wisdom of the Son was impressed on the Mother's mind and
heart."

"This is why," he concluded, "Mary was transformed in the "Seat of Wisdom" and
is particularly venerated with this title by the Roman academic community. There
is a special icon dedicated to the "Sedes Sapientiae" that, starting from Rome,
has already visited various countries, making a pilgrimage through the
universities. It is present here today in order to be given to the delegation
from Bulgaria and Albania."


* * *


ARCHBISHOP CORDES IN THE HOLY LAND

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2006 (VIS) - According a communique, Archbishop Paul Josef
Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" has been meeting with the
Christian communities in the Holy Land since 13 December in order to "witness to
the Holy Father's spiritual nearness to them and to give them a gift in the
Pope's name."

"On the occasion of a pastoral visit by Benedict XVI to Bavaria last September,
the faithful of the dioceses of Munich, Ratisbona, and Passau organized a
collection to help the Christians in the land where Jesus was born," reads the
text. "A million euro were collected and given to the Pontifical Council 'Cor
Unum', which Archbishop Cordes will deliver, in the Pope's name, to the Custos
of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, O.F.M."

"The sum will be entirely used in the construction of a pastoral center in
Nazareth (...) near the Basilica of the Annunciation, with ample spaces for
youth and families. It will be a true center of life and activity for Christians
and a point of reference for the pilgrims."

"The Christians of the Holy Land will thus feel the nearness and the support of
the entire people of God in maintaining their presence in Jesus' land and in
building a community of love regardless of difficulties and adversities."

In Jerusalem, Archbishop Cordes will meet with the Benedictine fathers of the
Dormition Abbey, with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem His Beatitude Michel
Sabbah, and with the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Franco. In Bethlehem
he will visit the seminary of Bet Jala and on Saturday 16 December the official
presentation of the Pope's gift will be made to the Custody of the Holy Land.
Afterward, the president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" will visit the
German Benedictine fathers of the monastery of Tabga.

"On 18 December, the prelate will meet with the Greek-Melkite archbishop Elias
Chacour, to whom he will give 50,000 dollars for the construction of a school in
the village of Mughar, money which was collected at the Vatican during the
showing of the film 'Nativity'. Christian, Druze, and Muslims, boys and girls
will study in the school, which will be erected where Jesus' parents lived."


* * *


POPE PRAISES THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE ALEXANDRIAN TRADITION

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2006 (VIS) - Today, Benedict XVI received His Beatitude
Antonios Naguib Patriarch of Alexandria for Catholic Copts who is officially
visiting the Holy See for the first time since his election in March of this
year.

In his French address, the Pope asked the patriarch to give his greetings to all
the bishops, priests, and faithful of his patriarchy, as well as to Cardinal
Stephanos II Ghattas, Patriarch Emeritus of Alexandria.

"The communion in Christ that unites us and all Catholics around the Successor
of Peter is best seen in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy," said the Holy
Father.

While recalling that the seat of Alexandria was the "first patriarchy after
Rome" during the first five centuries of Christianity, Benedict XVI emphasized
that its patriarchal community is the "bearer of a rich spiritual, liturgical,
and theological tradition - the Alexandrian tradition -, whose treasures form
part of the Church's patrimony". He assured the patriarch of his prayers and
support in the "special duty that the ecumenical Second Vatican Council
entrusted to the Eastern Catholic Churches: "to make progress toward the unity
of all Christians, above all Eastern Christians".

The Patriarch of Alexandria for Catholic Copts also has "an important role in
interreligious dialogue to develop fraternity and respect among Christians and
Muslims". The Pope also invited His Beatitude to "continue encouraging the
theological and spiritual pursuit of his tradition".

"In today's world, your mission is of great importance for the faithful and for
all human persons", the Holy Father said, praising the attention the patriarch
has given to the "human, spiritual, moral, and intellectual education of youth
through a network of quality schools and catechesis that constitute a service to
the entire society".

Referring to the formation of priests the Pope underlined that "the vitality of
Christian communities in the world today needs pastors (...) who are truly
witnesses to the Word of God and guides to help the faithful be always more
deeply rooted in the life and the mission of Christ".

"I know well what place consecrated life occupies in the Church, " concluded the
Holy Father. "May poverty, chastity, and obedience, lived in accordance with the
gospel message, be a witness and a call to holiness for today's world!"



* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Gregorio
Martinez Sacristan, diocesan delegate for the catechesis, as bishop of Zamora
(area 6,984, population 165,065, Catholics 163,865, priests 211, religious 546),
Spain. The bishop-elect was born in 1946 in Villarejo de Salvan�s, Spain and
he was ordained priest in 1971.


* * *


LEADERS OF NATIONS: LISTEN TO YOUR PEOPLE



VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI
received the Letters of Credence of six new ambassadors to the Holy See. They
are: Lars Moller of Denmark, Maratbek Salievic Bakiev of Kyrgyzstan, Carlos Dos
Santos of Mozambique, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya of Uganda, Makram Obeid of
Syria, and Makase Nyaphisi of Lesotho.



   "The year just ending, witnessed numerous conflicts on many continents," said
the Pope in the French-language talk he addressed to the ambassadors. "As
diplomats, you are doubtless concerned by the situations and outbreaks of
tension that affect local populations, and cause many innocent victims."



   The Holy Father assured his listeners that "the Holy See shares your disquiet
for situations that put the survival of many peoples at risk, and cause the
poorest to bear the burden of suffering and the lack of the most basic
amenities." In order to face up to such circumstances, he continued, the leaders
of civil society "must pay greater attention to their people, seeking more
effective solutions in order to resolve situations of distress and poverty and
to share goods as equally as possible, both within each country and across the
international community.



   "Indeed," the Pope added, "the leaders of society have a duty to ensure that
deep dissatisfaction with the political, economic and social spheres in a
country or region is neither created nor maintained. Because this could lead
people to think that society and it decision-making classes ignore them, and
that they have no right to enjoy the fruits of national production.



   "Such injustices can only lead to disorder and engender a kind of escalation
of violence. The search for peace, justice and understanding among everyone must
be a primary objective and calls for leaders of nations to pay heed to real-life
situations, committing themselves to suppressing everything that opposes
equality and solidarity, especially corruption and the hoarding of resources."



   "I know that a certain amount of courage is needed in order to remain firm in
the face of difficulties when the aim is the good of individuals and of the
national community," the Holy Father concluded. "Nonetheless, in public life,
courage is an indispensable virtue in order to avoid being swayed by partisan
ideologies, by pressure groups or by thirst for power. ... As the Church's
social doctrine recalls, the good of individuals and of peoples must always be
the priority criterion in decisions regarding social life."



   Following the papal address, delivered to the ambassadors as a group, each of
the diplomats was given the text of a discourse concerning the situation in his
or her own country. To the Mozambican ambassador, Benedict XVI highlights the
need for national reconciliation; to the ambassadors of Uganda and Lesotho, he
recalls the Catholic Church's efforts in the fight against AIDS; and in the text
given to the Syrian diplomat, the Pope expresses his hope in a development of
relations between Syria and the Holy See to facilitate the question of Church
property taken over by the State. He praises the respect for the family and the
tolerance among various ethnic communities in Kyrgyzstan, and commends Denmark's
efforts in seeking to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.



* * *


SPIRITUAL CONTRIBUTION OF CATHOLICS AND ORTHODOX



VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father received His
Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of Athens and of all Greece, who is making
an official visit to the Vatican. Prior to his audience with the Pope, the
archbishop visited St. Peter's Basilica where he prayed at the tomb of John Paul
II.



   In his address, the Holy Father recalled how "following the advent of
Christianity, Greece and Rome intensified their relations" and how "this gave
rise to very different forms of Christian communities and traditions in the
regions of the world that today correspond to Eastern Europe and Western Europe.
These intense relations helped to create a kind of osmosis in the formation of
ecclesial institutions. And this osmosis - in safeguarding the disciplinary,
liturgical, theological and spiritual peculiarities of the Roman and Greek
traditions - made the Church's evangelizing activity and the inculturation of
the Christian faith fruitful."



   Pope Benedict highlighted how "our relations continue today, slowly but deeply
and with a desire for authenticity." This has made it possible "to discover a
new range of spiritual expressions, rich in significance and joint commitment."
He also recalled John Paul II's "memorable visit" to Athens in 2001, "a defining
point in the progressive intensification of our contacts and collaboration."



   Catholics and Orthodox, said Benedict XVI, are called "to make a cultural and,
above all, a spiritual contribution. They have the duty to defend the Christian
roots of Europe, which have formed the continent down the centuries, and to
enable the Christian tradition to continue to manifest itself and work with all
its strength in favor of the defense of human dignity, the respect of
minorities, avoiding that cultural uniformity which could lead to the loss of
the immense riches of civilization. At the same time, it is necessary to work to
safeguard human rights, which include the principle of individual freedom, and
in particular of religious freedom. These rights must be promoted and defended
in the European Union and in each member State.



   "At the same time," he added, "we must increase collaboration among Christians
in all European countries in order to face the new risks that challenge the
Christian faith: growing secularization, relativism and nihilism, which open the
way to forms of behavior and laws that damage the inalienable dignity of man and
threaten such fundamental institutions as marriage. It is vital to undertake
joint pastoral activity, as a joint testimony to our contemporaries and an
expression of our hope."


* * *


JOINT DECLARATION OF POPE AND HIS BEATITUDE CHRISTODOULOS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, following their
private meeting and after each had pronounced a public address, the Pope and His
Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of Athens and of all Greece, signed a Joint
Declaration in the presence of members of the archbishop's Greek delegation and
of Catholic representatives.



   "We, Benedict XVI, Pope and Bishop of Rome, and Christodoulos, Archbishop of
Athens and of all Greece, in this sacred place of Rome, ... wish to live ever
more intensely our mission to bear apostolic witness, to transmit the faith, ...
and to announce the Good News of the birth of the Lord. ... It is also our joint
responsibility to overcome, in love and truth, the multiple difficulties and
painful experiences of the past."



   "Our meeting in charity makes us more aware of our joint task: together to
follow the arduous path of dialogue in truth in order to re-establish full
communion of faith. ... Thus we obey a divine mandate ... and continue our
commitment, ... following the example of the Apostles and demonstrating mutual
love and a spirit of reconciliation."



   "We recognize the important steps made in the dialogue of charity, and in the
decisions of Vatican Council II concerning relations between us. Moreover, we
hope that bilateral theological dialogue will take advantage of these positive
elements in order to formulate propositions acceptable to both sides, in a
spirit of reconciliation."



   "Together we affirm the need to persevere on the road of constructive
theological dialogue because, despite the difficulties, this is one of the
essential ways we have to re-establish the longed-for unity, ... and to
reinforce the credibility of the Christian message in a period of enormous
social upheaval and of great spiritual searching by many of our contemporaries,
who are disquieted by growing globalization which at times even threatens the
lives of human beings and their relationship with God and the world."



   "We solemnly renew our desire to announce the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the
world, especially to new generations. ... This is very important in our
societies where many schools of thought distance people from God and contribute
nothing to the meaning of life."



   "We believe that religions have a role to play to ensure the triumph of peace
in the world, and that they must in no way be the focus for intolerance and
violence. As Christian religious leaders, we exhort all religious leaders to
maintain and reinforce inter-religious dialogue, and to work to create a society
of peace and fraternity among individuals and peoples. This is one of the
missions of religion."



   The Pope and the Archbishop recognize the huge progress of science, but
express concern at "experiments on human beings which do not respect the dignity
or integrity of the person at all stages of existence, from conception to
natural death." They also call for "more effective protection" of "the
fundamental rights of human beings, founded on the dignity of man created in
God's image."



   "We trust in a fruitful collaboration," they continue, "to ensure that our
contemporaries may rediscover the Christian roots of the European continent."
This, they write, "will help them to experience and promote fundamental human
and spiritual values for the good of people and of society itself."



   Benedict XVI and His Beatitude Christodoulos invite wealthy nations to show
solidarity towards less-developed countries. "It is likewise important," they
write, "not to exploit the creation, which is the work of God, abusively." In
this context, they call for "a reasoned and respectful care of creation, in
order to administer it correctly, while maintaining solidarity, especially with
people suffering hunger, and leaving future generations an earth that can truly
be inhabited by everyone."



   At the end of their declaration, the Holy Father and the Archbishop of Athens
and of all Greece call upon the Lord "to grant all mankind the gift of peace, in
the charity and unity of the human family."



* * *


CELEBRATIONS TO BE PRESIDED BY THE POPE OVER CHRISTMAS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2006 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebration of the
Supreme Pontiff published today the calendar of celebrations at which the Holy
Father will preside during the Christmas season:



DECEMBER



  - Sunday, 24: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. The Pope will celebrate
Midnight Mass in the Vatican Basilica.



  - Monday, 25: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. At noon from the central
balcony of the Vatican Basilica, the Pope will deliver his Christmas message to
the world and will impart the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.



  - Sunday, 31: At 6 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father will preside
at first Vespers on the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, during which the
traditional "Te Deum" hymn of thanksgiving will be sung for the conclusion of
the civil year.



JANUARY 2007



  - Monday, 1: Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and 40th World Day of Peace which
has as its theme: "The Human Person, the Heart of Peace." In the Vatican
Basilica at 10 a.m., the Holy Father will preside at the celebration of Mass.



  - Saturday, 6: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Holy Father to preside at
Mass in the Vatican Basilica at 10 a.m.



  - Sunday, 7: Baptism of Our Lord. Benedict XVI will preside at Mass in the
Sistine Chapel at 10 a.m., during which he will impart the Sacrament of Baptism
to a number of children.


* * *


AUDIENCES


VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences four prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Italy on their "ad
limina" visit:

-Bishop Ercole Lupinacci of Lungro of the Italo-albanians.

-Bishop Luigi Antonio Cantafora of Lamezia Terme.

-Bishop Domenico Graziani of Cassano all'Jonio.

-Bishop Domenico Crusco of San Marco Argentano-Scalea.

This evening, he is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal William Joseph
Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience
Bishop Giancarlo Maria Bregantini C.S.S., of Locri-Gerace, Italy, on his "ad
limina" visit.



* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/121506.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 94

MONDAY 18 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. STABLE PEACE IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION OF AFRICA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ECCLESIAL COMMUNION FOR NEW COPTIC CATHOLIC PATRIARCH
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MUSEUMS: CENTERS OF CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN HOLY SEE AND MONTENEGRO
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. JOY, A PROPHETIC ANNOUNCEMENT ADDRESSED TO ALL HUMANITY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. BLESSING THE "BABY JESUS," HELP FOR IRAQI REFUGEES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. JEWS AND CHRISTIANS MUST PROMOTE SHARED VALUES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MIGRANTS ENRICH CULTURES AND SOCIETIES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


STABLE PEACE IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION OF AFRICA



VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father, through Cardinal Secretary
of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., sent a Message to Mwai Kibaki, president of
the Republic of Kenya and current president of the International Conference on
the Great Lakes Region, which held its second session in Nairobi, Kenya, on
December 14 and 15.



   Heads of State and government from 11 countries in the Great Lakes region
attended the session, as did representatives from neighboring or associated
States. The Holy See delegation was led by Archbishop Luigi Travaglino,
apostolic nuncio, acting as special envoy.



   "The present summit," writes Cardinal Bertone in the English-language Message,
"is called to take up again the challenge and satisfy the long-suffering
populations' yearning for lasting peace by signing and bringing to fulfillment
the Pact on Security, Stability and Development.



   "The four aspects envisaged in this plan (peace and security, democracy and
good government, economic development and regional integration, social and
humanitarian promotion) are interwoven and mutually inclusive. None of these
human achievements can subsist, in a lasting and genuine form, without the
support of the others. They will require from all those involved - authorities
and citizens alike - generosity, courage and perseverance.



   "The Catholic Church," he adds, "attaches great importance to the values
enshrined in these proposals and for many years has dedicated her untiring
commitment to them. His Holiness is confident that the Catholic community will
continue to do so with generous zeal, in cooperation with members of other
religions and all men and women of good will."



   Benedict XVI, the secretary of State continues, "encourages all the
delegations present at this conference to assume courageously their historic
responsibility. His prayers will accompany them as they seek to agree upon and
put into place the concrete measures that would decisively discourage any
recourse to violence, and foster the only rational and human alternative to war:
negotiation and dialogue. He is confident that on the basis of a genuine and
stable peace, the Great Lakes region with its human and natural resources, and
the support of the international community, can overcome its present
difficulties and offer its people the genuine hope of a dignified future."



   At the end of the conference session, the bishops of the Great Lakes released
a final declaration, also in English, in which they highlight the problems of
the region, "including political instability in some areas, violence as a result
of negative ethnicity, poverty and many others.



   "Due to violence leading to loss of human lives," they add, "some of our
people have been left divided and without hope. Therefore, this initiative of
our heads of State and government offers a chance to initiate the process of
healing, which the Church fully endorses and commits itself to promote leading
our people to forgive and reconcile with one another in the interest of peaceful
co-existence now and in the future.



   "We call upon all those concerned to ensure equitable distribution of
resources at the national and regional levels. We challenge ourselves to be
pro-active so that we can be able to foresee and forestall explosive negative
situations. This way we shall save our region from exhaustive wars and other
negative experiences.



   "We urge our political leaders to nurture a culture of tolerance, patience and
forgiveness," the bishops conclude. "We urge them to be sensitive to the plight
of the majority of people when their differences of opinion plunge different
countries into political instability. While we pray for them, we again urge
prudence and wise discretion. We urge our lay people to take up the challenge of
their calling and mission. This is to be the salt of the earth. They are to take
up their rightful roles in the society including the political and
administrative offices."


* * *


ECCLESIAL COMMUNION FOR NEW COPTIC CATHOLIC PATRIARCH



VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from the Pope
to Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental
Churches, appointing him as papal delegate for the ceremony of the confirmation
of Ecclesiastical Communion of His Beatitude Antonios Naguib, the new patriarch
of Alexandria of the Copts. The ceremony is due to take place in the Roman
basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls.



   The Synod of Bishops of the Coptic Catholic Church, meeting in Cairo, Egypt,
from March 27 to 30, 2006 accepted - having consulted the Supreme Pontiff - the
resignation from office of His Beatitude Stephanos II Ghattas, C.M., patriarch
of Alexandria of the Copts, and elected Bishop Antonios Naguib, emeritus of
Minya of the Copts, Egypt as the new patriarch.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Appointed Archbishop Paolo Romeo, apostolic nuncio to Italy and the republic
of San Marino, as metropolitan archbishop of Palermo (area 1,366, population
915,787, Catholics 887,169, priests 518, permanent deacons 33, religious 1,706),
Italy. He succeeds Cardinal Salvatore De Giorgi, whose resignation from the
pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having
reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Bishop Richard J. Garcia, auxiliary of the diocese of Sacramento,
U.S.A., as bishop of Monterey in California (area 21,916, population 975,451,
Catholics 195,000, priests 118, permanent deacons 5, religious 206), U.S.A. He
succeeds Bishop Sylvester D. Ryan, whose resignation from the pastoral care of
the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.


VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Bruno
Bertagna, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, as auditor
general of the Apostolic Camera.



   On Saturday, December 16, it was made public that he:



  - Appointed Archbishop Thomas Christopher Collins of Edmonton, Canada, as
metropolitan archbishop of Toronto (area 13,000, population 5,083,000, Catholics
1,374,000, priests 799, permanent deacons 119, religious 1,206), Canada. He
succeeds Cardinal Aloysius Matthew Ambrozic, whose resignation from the pastoral
care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the
age limit.



  - Appointed Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, professor of physics at the Physical
Research Laboratory of Ahmedabad, India, as an ordinary member of the Pontifical
Academy of Sciences.


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences:



  - Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, archbishop of Florence, Italy.



  - Durak Osman, ambassador of Turkey on his farewell visit.



  - Bishop Antoni Stankiewicz, dean of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota,
accompanied by members of his family.



  - Bishop Gianfranco Girotti O.F.M. Conv., regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary,
accompanied by members of his family.



  - Bishop Raffaele Farina S.D.B., prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library,
accompanied by members of his family



   On Saturday, December 16, he received in separate audiences:



  - Nikola Gruevski, prime minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
accompanied by an entourage.



  - Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F., prefect of the Congregation for the
Causes of Saints.



  - Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.


* * *


MUSEUMS: CENTERS OF CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT



VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received participants
in an international congress on the theme: "The Concept of Museum: identity,
task, prospects." The congress, held from December 13 to 15, was the final event
of this year's celebrations marking the fifth centenary of the Vatican Museums.



   "The Vatican Museums," said the Pope, "present an extraordinary opportunity
for evangelization because, through the various exhibits on display, they
provide visitors with an eloquent testimony of the close and constant bond
between the divine and the human in the life and history of peoples."



   Benedict XVI noted how the function of the Museum "has changed perceptibly.
... From being a privilege it has become a right; from being a center reserved
for artists, specialists and men of culture, it has now become a 'home' for
everyone, thus responding to a widespread need for education in society."



   After highlighting how, in the Museums, new generations "may recognize the
roots of their history and culture," the Pope encouraged "all initiatives that
favor the integration and meeting of individuals and peoples."



   In this context he added: "Even taking account of the new social conditions,
the Museums can also be a place for artistic mediation, links between the past,
the present and the future, a crossroads for men and women from different
continents, and research laboratories and centers for cultural and spiritual
enrichment."



   Dialogue between cultures and religions, he concluded, "cannot but facilitate
mutual knowledge and render more fruitful the efforts to build a shared future
of progress solidarity and peace for all humanity. The Museums can help to
spread the culture of peace if, while maintaining their status as temples of
historical memory, they also become places of dialogue and friendship among
everyone."



* * *


DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN HOLY SEE AND MONTENEGRO



VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2006 (VIS) - According to a communique made public this
morning, "the Holy See and the Republic of Montenegro, in the desire to foment
relations of mutual friendship, have decided, in common agreement, to establish
diplomatic relations, at the level of an apostolic nunciature on the part of the
Holy See, and of an embassy on the part of the Republic of Montenegro."



   A note attached to the communique recalls that, "in 1852, the Austro-Hungarian
empire and Russia recognized Montenegro as a secular Principality" and that, "in
1886, a convention was signed by the Principality and the Holy See, in which the
Catholic Church was officially recognized."



   "Following the victory of communist partisans at the end of the Second World
War," the note continues, "the monarchy was abolished and Montenegro became one
of the six republics making up the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, governed
until 1980 by Marshall Tito. ... As Yugoslavia disintegrated between 1991 and
1995, Montenegro remained united to Serbia. In 2003 it adhered to the Union of
Serbia and Montenegro, ... which was dissolved by the declaration of separation
by the Montenegrin parliament in 2006."



   "The Holy See recognized the Republic of Montenegro on June 19, 2006.
Currently, the country has two Catholic ecclesiastical circumscriptions: the
archdiocese of Antivari (Bar), which is immediately subject to the Holy See and
has 11,500 Catholics, mostly Albanians, 19 parishes, 12 priests and 34 female
religious; and the diocese of Cattaro (Kotor), suffragan of Spalato (Split),
with 10,000 Catholics, mostly Croats, 23 parishes, 15 priests and 31 female
religious. The two ordinaries belong to the International Episcopal Conference
of Sts. Cyril and Methodius."


* * *


DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, during a private audience with
Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F., president of the Congregation for the
Causes of Saints, the Pope authorized the congregation to promulgate the decrees
concerning the following causes:



MIRACLES



  - Blessed Szymon of Lipnica, Polish, priest of the Order of Friars Minor
(1439-1482).



  - Blessed Antonio de Santa Ana (ne Antonio Galvao de Franca), Brazilian, priest
of the Order of Alcantarine or Discalced Friars Minor, and founder of the
Convent of Conceptionist Sisters (1739-1822).



  - Blessed Charles of St. Andrew (ne Johannes Andreas Houben), Dutch, priest of
the Congregation of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1821-1893).



  - Blessed Marie Eugenie de Jesus (nee Anne-Eugenie Milleret de Brou), French,
foundress of the Institute of Sisters of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
(1817-1898).



  - Venerable Servant of God Carlo Liviero, Italian, bishop of Citta di Castello
and founder of the Congregation of Little Handmaidens of the Sacred Heart
(1866-1932).



  - Venerable Servant of God Stanislaus of Jesus Mary (ne Jana Papczynski),
Polish, priest and founder of the Congregation of Marian Clerics of the
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (1631-1701).



  - Venerable Servant of God Celina Chludzinska, Polish, widow and foundress of
the Congregation of Sisters of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ
(1833-1913).



  - Venerable Servant of God Marie Celine of the Presentation (nee
Jeanne-Germaine Castang), French, nun of the Second Order of St. Francis
(1878-1897).



MARTYRDOM



  - Servants of God Manuel Gomez Gonzalez, Spanish, diocesan priest born in 1877,
and Adilio Daronch, Brazilian, lay person born in 1908, both killed in Feijao
Miudo, Brazil, in 1924.



  - Servant of God Albertina Berkenbrock, Brazilian, lay person born in 1919,
killed in 1931.



  - Servant of God Eufrasio of the Baby Jesus (ne Eufrasio Barredo Fernandez),
Spanish, born in 1897, priest of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, killed
during religious persecution in Spain in 1934.



  - Servants of God Lorenzo, Virgilio and 44 companions of the Institute of
Brothers of the Marist Schools, Spanish, killed during religious persecution in
Spain in 1936.



  - Enrique Izquierdo Palacios and 13 companions, Spanish, of the Order of Friars
Preachers, killed during religious persecution in Spain in 1936.



  - Servants of God Ovidio Beltran, Hermenegildo Lorenzo, Luciano Pablo,
Estanislao Victor and Lorenzo Santiago, Spanish, members of the Institute of
Brothers of the Christian Schools, and Jose Maria Canovas Martinez, Spanish,
parish helper, killed during religious persecution in Spain in 1936.



  - Servants of God Maria del Carmen, Rosa and Magdalena Fradera Ferragutcasas,
Spanish, religious of the Congregation of Daughters of the Blessed and
Immaculate Heart of Mary, killed during religious persecution in Spain in 1936.



  - Servant of God Lindalva Justo de Oliviera, Brazilian, of the Sisters of
Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, born in 1953, killed in 1993 in Sao Salvador de
Bahia, Brazil.



HEROIC VIRTUES



  - Servant of God Mamerto Esquiu, Argentinean (1826-1883), of the Order of
Friars Minor, bishop of Cordoba, Argentina.



  - Servant of God Salvatore Micalizzi, Italian (1856-1937), professed priest of
the Congregation of the Mission.



  - Servants of God Jose Olallo Valdes, Cuban (1820-1889), professed religious of
the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God.



  - Servant of God Stefan Kaszap, Hungarian (1916-1935), novice of the Society of
Jesus.


* * *


JOY, A PROPHETIC ANNOUNCEMENT ADDRESSED TO ALL HUMANITY



VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, Benedict XVI appeared at the
window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square, in order to pray the Angelus
with the thousands of pilgrims gathered below.



   "On this third Sunday of Advent," said the Pope, "the liturgy invites us to
the joy of the spirit. ... The joy that the liturgy reawakens in the hearts of
Christians is not reserved just for them, it is a prophetic announcement
addressed to all humanity, especially to the poor, in this case to those poorest
in joy!"



   Our thoughts go, the Holy Father continued, "to our brothers and sisters who,
especially in the Middle East, in some parts of Africa and in other parts of the
world, experience the drama of war. What joy can they have? How will their
Christmas be? We think of the many sick and lonely people, who suffer spiritual
as well as physical torment because they often feel abandoned. How can we share
our joy with them without showing a lack of respect for their suffering?



   "But we also think," he added, "of those people, especially the young, who
have lost all feeling of real joy, and seek it in vain where it cannot be found:
in the constant pursuit of self-affirmation and success, ... in consumerism, in
moments of inebriation, in the artificial paradise of drugs and all forms of
alienation. We cannot but compare today's liturgy, and its invitation to be
joyful, with these dramatic truths."



   "Yet the Word of the Lord," the Pope concluded, "is addressed precisely to
those undergoing moments of trial, to those 'wounded by life and orphaned of
joy.' The invitation to joy is not an alienating message, or a sterile
palliative, rather it is the prophecy of salvation, an appeal to redemption that
begins with inner renewal."


* * *


BLESSING THE "BABY JESUS," HELP FOR IRAQI REFUGEES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, after praying the Angelus,
the Pope delivered his customary blessing upon the figures of the Child Jesus,
brought to St. Peter's Square by children of Rome in the company of their
parents and teachers. The children traditionally bring the figures for blessing
before placing them in nativity scenes in their own homes and parishes.



   After thanking the Roman Oratory Center for having organized "this important
pilgrimage," the Holy Father said to the children: "Pray to Jesus before the
nativity scene, and ask Him also for the Pope's intentions. I thank you and I
wish you a happy Christmas."



   The Pope then went on to refer to "the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees
in Syria, forced to leave their country because of the dramatic situation there.
Caritas Syria is already active in their support, nonetheless I appeal to the
sensibility of individuals, international organizations and governments, to make
further efforts to meet these people's most urgent needs. I raise my prayers to
the Lord, that He may bring comfort to these brothers and sisters, and move many
hearts to generosity."


* * *


JEWS AND CHRISTIANS MUST PROMOTE SHARED VALUES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2006 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received
112 members of B'nai B'rith International (in Hebrew, 'Sons of the Covenant'),
the world's oldest Jewish volunteer organization, founded in New York in 1843.



   In greeting them, the Pope recalled how, since the 1965 promulgation of the
Vatican Council II Declaration "Nostra Aetate," representatives of B'nai B'rith
have visited the Holy See on numerous occasions, in "the spirit of
understanding, respect and mutual appreciation which is developing between our
communities."



   Continuing his English-language talk, the Pope pointed out that "much has been
achieved in the past four decades of Jewish-Catholic relations, and we must be
grateful to God for the remarkable transformation that has taken place on the
basis of our common spiritual patrimony. It is this rich heritage of faith which
enables our communities not only to enter into dialogue, but also to be partners
in working together for the good of the human family. ... Jews and Christians
are called to work together for the healing of the world by promoting the
spiritual and moral values grounded in our faith convictions. If we give a clear
example of fruitful cooperation, our voice in responding to the needs of the
human family will be all the more convincing.



   "On the occasion of your visit, I reiterate my unfailing hope and prayer for
peace in the Holy Land. Peace can only come about if it is the concern of Jews,
Christians and Muslims alike, expressed in genuine inter-religious dialogue and
concrete gestures of reconciliation. All believers are challenged to show that
it is not hatred and violence, but understanding and peaceful cooperation which
open the door to that future of justice and peace which is God's promise and
gift."


* * *


MIGRANTS ENRICH CULTURES AND SOCIETIES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2006 (VIS) - On December 1, Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi
C.S., permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and International
Institutions in Geneva, delivered an address before the 92nd council session of
the International Organization for Migration (IOM).



   In his English-language talk, made public today, Archbishop Tomasi recalled
that "the lesson of history is that migrants enrich cultures and societies and
that transnational families and communities create bridges of understanding and
productive interaction. It shows that the most important resource of all is the
human person."



   "If the economy of the receiving countries benefits from the work of the
immigrants - obviously it cannot do without them - the life aspirations of the
immigrants must be attended to, and the possibility to integrate must be given.
National legislation cannot aim at regulating only the flows of services and
jobs without taking into account the person that provides those services. For
this reason," the archbishop concluded, "family reunification must be a primary
consideration: the family plays a fundamental role in the integration process,
in giving stability to the presence of the immigrants in the new social
environment, and even in the dynamics of temporary migrations."


* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

The very first words spoken by Mary in the New Testament are filled with
meaning.

The angel Gabriel announces to her that she will become the mother of the
Messiah.

Jews were praying and waiting for the coming of the Messiah.

He is descendant of King David, the King of Israel, and His reign has no end.

The angel Gabriel tells Mary that her son is this eternally reigning king.

But, Mary is puzzled.

"How can this be since I do not know man?" is her reply.

Mary was still a virgin when this greeting came to her by the angel.

She was engaged to be married to St. Joseph.

Naturally, it would be some time before these words spoken by the angel could
make any sense.

Yet, the angel was not speaking about her marriage to Joseph or any child they
would create together as husband and wife.

The angel spoke of a child by the power of the Holy Spirit who would be born and
rule for ever.

Mary then understood that the angel's message was an invitation from God asking
her if she would agree to bear this child.

So, the literal meaning of Mary's first spoken words meant that she was a
virgin.

The spiritual meaning of these words mean she has no part of sin.

Mary did not know what it is like to be a sinful creature with all the
weaknesses and difficulties of our fallen nature.

The second meaning is that Mary is pure and sinless.

The divine Savior of the world became flesh from Mary.

He is pure and sinless and so God provided a worthy woman to be His own mother.

The joy of Christmas is that God came into the world and saved it, but He did
not do this alone.

Who among us came into the world alone, without a mother?

Christ too came with His mother Mary, and so shall He return to this world to
claim it.

It is impossible to think of Christ and Christmas without Mary.

Mary is a woman of few words in the New Testament but all of them have profound
meaning.

Let us thank God for giving us the wonderful gift of Mary as our spiritual
mother.

May God's grace form Christ in us as spiritual children of Mary.

May we too become like her and become pure and sinless in our own lives.





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[Print and distribute]

* * *


CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/121806.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
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__________________________________________________
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 95

THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE CALLS UPON CHILDREN TO BEAR WITNESS TO JESUS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COMMUNIQUES ON APPOINTMENT OF NEW ARCHBISHOP OF WARSAW
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. HUMANITY AWAITS THE RENEWAL THAT CHRIST BRINGS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CHRISTMAS TREE IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE TO BE LIT THIS EVENING
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


POPE CALLS UPON CHILDREN TO BEAR WITNESS TO JESUS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2006 (VIS) - In a traditional meeting for this time of
year, the Pope today received a group of children from Italian Catholic Action,
who came to the Vatican to wish him a happy Christmas.



   Addressing the young people, the Holy Father made reference to the slogan -
"Beautiful. True" - they had chosen for their formative journey this year.
"Christmas," he said, "is the great mystery of the Truth and Beauty of God Who
came among us for everyone's salvation. The birth of Jesus is not a fable, it is
a story that really happened, in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. Faith brings
us to recognize in that little Child born of the Virgin Mary, the true Son of
God Who, out of love, chose to become man."



   "In the face of the little Jesus," the Holy Father proceeded, "we contemplate
the face of God, which is not revealed through force or power, but in weakness
and the fragile constitution of a child. This 'Divine Child' ... demonstrates
the faithfulness and tenderness of the boundless love with which God surrounds
each of us. For this reason we rejoice at Christmas, reliving the same
experience as the shepherds of Bethlehem."



   "The wonder we feel before the enchantment of Christmas" is, said Benedict
XVI, in some way reflected in the birth of all children, "and it invites us to
recognize the Infant Jesus in all babies, who are the joy of the Church and the
hope of the world."



   The Pope assured the children of his trust in them and called upon them "to be
friends and witnesses of Jesus, Who came among us in Bethlehem. Is it not a
beautiful thing to make Him better known among your friends, in cities, in
parishes and in your families? The Church needs you in order to be close to all
the children and young people who live in Italy. Bear witness to the fact that
Jesus takes away nothing of your joy, but makes you more human, more true, more
beautiful."


* * *


COMMUNIQUES ON APPOINTMENT OF NEW ARCHBISHOP OF WARSAW



VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2006 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a communique
released by the Polish Episcopal Conference, and of another released by the Holy
See Press Office, both concerning the recent appointment of Bishop Stanislaw
Wojciech Wielgus of Plock, Poland as the new metropolitan archbishop of Warsaw.



   Communique from the Polish Episcopal Conference:



   "On the subject of the accusations launched by the Polish media against
Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus, the presidency of the Polish Episcopal Conference
draws attention to the public injury that has been inflicted against a specific
person's right to a good reputation.



   "The situation that has been created provokes even greater unease because it
is a clear example of 'wildcat lustration' (lustration being a technical term to
refer to the procedure for attributing responsibility of collaborating with the
security services of the communist regime). Such a situation is particularly
offensive in the case of an ecclesiastic. In fact, the simple fact of a
conversation taking place between a priest and members of the communist security
services cannot of itself prove immoral collaboration; especially because, not
infrequently, such conversations were of an administrative nature, or had to be
undertaken for pastoral reasons or to study, and with the consent of the bishop.



   "We thus request that respect be shown for the decision of the Holy Father
Benedict XVI, who has expressed his faith in the person appointed, entrusting
him with the office of metropolitan archbishop of Warsaw.



   "Expressing our solidarity with Archbishop Wielgus, we entrust his person and
the task he has been given to God.



   "We trust that the media storm that has been created will not ruin the
religious and family atmosphere that accompanies the Feast of Christmas."



   Communique from the Holy See Press Office:



   "The Holy See, in choosing to appoint the new metropolitan archbishop of
Warsaw, took into consideration all the circumstances of his life, including
those regarding his past. This means that the Holy Father nourishes complete
trust in Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus and, in full awareness, has entrusted him
with the mission of pastor of the archdiocese of Warsaw."


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences:



  - Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, president of the Pontifical Commission for
Vatican City State and of the Governorate of Vatican City State.



  - Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the
Laity.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Appointed Fr. Carlo Chenis S.D.B., secretary of the Pontifical Commission for
the Cultural Patrimony of the Church, as bishop of Civitavecchia-Tarquinia (area
876, population 85,000, Catholics 82,750, priests 68, permanent deacons 10,
religious 182), Italy. The bishop-elect was born in Turin, Italy in 1954 and
ordained a priest in 1984. He succeeds Bishop Girolamo Grillo, whose resignation
from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon
having reached the age limit.


VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from
the pastoral care of the diocese of Shreveport, U.S.A., presented by Bishop
William Benedict Friend, upon having reached the age limit.



* * *


HUMANITY AWAITS THE RENEWAL THAT CHRIST BRINGS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2006 (VIS) - Christmas was the central theme of the Pope's
catechesis during his general audience, held this morning in the Paul VI Hall.



   "In these final days of Advent," said the Holy Father, "the liturgy invites us
to approach ... the stable in Bethlehem where the extraordinary event that
changed the course of history took place: the birth of the Redeemer. On
Christmas Eve, we will stand once again before the manger, and contemplate in
wonder the 'Word made Flesh.' ... The chosen people awaited the Messiah but
imagined him to be a powerful and victorious leader who would free his people
from foreign oppression. Yet the Savior was born in silence and in absolute
poverty."



   "Does mankind in our own time still await the Savior?" the Pope asked. "It
appears that many people consider God as foreign to their interests. They have
no apparent need of Him, and live as if He did not exist or, worse still, as if
He were an 'obstacle' to be removed in order to achieve self-fulfillment. Even
among believers ... are those who let themselves be attracted by alluring
mirages and distracted by misleading doctrines that propose illusory shortcuts
to happiness.



   "And yet," he added, "with all their contradictions, their anguish and their
dramas - or perhaps precisely because of them - men and women today seek a road
of renewal, of salvation, they seek a Savior and await, sometimes without
knowing it, ... the coming of Christ, man's only true Redeemer."



   "Of course, false prophets continue to propose 'low cost' salvation, which
always ends up delivering resounding disillusionment. Indeed, the history of the
last 50 years provides an example of this search for a 'low cost' Savior and
highlights all the consequent disillusionment."



   For this reason, the Pope concluded, Christians must, "with the testimony of
their lives, propagate the truth of Christmas, which Christ brings to all men
and women of good will. Born into poverty in the manger, Jesus came to offer
everyone the joy and peace which alone can satisfy the needs of the human soul."



   In his Italian-language greetings at the end of the audience, Benedict XVI
said: "In a few days it will be Christmas, and I imagine that, in your homes,
you are putting the final touches to your nativity scenes, which are such an
evocative depiction of Christmas. I hope that this important element, not only
of our spirituality but also of our culture and art, may endure as a simple and
eloquent way to remember the One Who came 'to dwell among us'."



   After the audience, the Pope was awarded the "Prize for Charity" by the "Banca
Alimentare," an Italian foundation that organizes, among other initiatives, the
National Day of Food Collection. The reason for granting the prize, says a
communique released by the foundation, is that since the start of his
pontificate, the Holy Father "has sought to present charity - the sincere giving
of oneself to others - as a natural dimension of Christian life."



   Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., speaking during a meeting
between the Vatican Publishing House and other international publishers,
highlighted the fact that the award coincides with Benedict XVI's decision to
donate part of his copyright earnings to a study center founded by his former
theology students.


* * *


CHRISTMAS TREE IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE TO BE LIT THIS EVENING



VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2006 (VIS) - This afternoon, Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo,
president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, will preside at the official
lighting ceremony of the Christmas tree which was erected in St. Peter's Square
last Wednesday. The tree stands next to the nativity scene, which will be
inaugurated in the next few days.



   Today's event, which is due to begin at 4.30 p.m., will be attended by civil
and religious authorities from the Italian region of Calabria which donated this
year's tree, a fir from the forests of the Sila National Park, more than 30
meters high and weighing seven tons.



   The nativity scene, which will be unveiled on the evening of December 24, has
seventeen life-size statues. Of these, nine are the original figures donated by
St. Vincent Pallotti for the nativity scene in the Roman church of Sant'Andrea
della Valle in 1842. The other eight figures were added over the course of the
years. The Italian province of Trento, and the local council of Tesero - a
village at an altitude of 1,000 meters in the Valle di Fiemme in eastern Trento
- have provided a further thirteen sculpted wooden figures and animals, as well
as household utensils for the depiction of daily life.



   Over the Christmas period, the Friends of the Nativity Scene of Tesero, an
association founded in 1965, will hold an exhibition of old nativity scenes in
the Paul VI Hall.



   The tradition of placing a nativity scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter's
Square began in 1982, during the pontificate of John Paul II.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Friday of the Third Week of Advent



We often feel proud of ourselves when we do things so well that others praise
us.

We become exhilarated with a sense of importance when things go well for us in
life.

A new promotion at work, an increase in salary, a new car or new clothes make us
feel important.

The praise of others, social recognition, climbing the social and economic
ladder are things that puff us up with pride if we allow them to.

Today’s reading from the Gospel of St. Luke teaches us a lesson in humility.

Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Angels, Queen of heaven and earth speaks to us in
her spiritual poem of praise to God, her Magnificat.

We learn much of her by those words : he has looked upon his lowly servant.

Mary, the greatest creature of God humbly calls herself lowly.

She does not deny the greatness God has given her.

Instead she acknowledges it and praises God with the words : My soul proclaims
the greatness of the Lord.

Mary knew well that her soul was great, so great that it magnified the Lord like
a mirror.

Yet, this awareness she had of the glorious nature God had given her made her
all too aware that even the greatest creature is small and lowly compared to God
Himself.

Mary opens our eyes to God’s infinite greatness.

We can imagine great and powerful intelligent creatures in the universe.

Science fiction writers create novels with heroes possessing supernatural powers
and flying at the speed of light through the galaxies of infinite space.

Hollywood studios make films of fantastic supernatural creatures with powers
beyond our limited imaginations.

Yet we must take these examples drawn from literature and cinema and realize
that the greatest creature we can imagine is nothing compared to the least of
the angels.

Mary is supreme over all of the angels and saints.

No theologian has the intellectual power or imagination to grasp her greatness,
beauty, power and place as the Queen of the infinite universe.

Mary is, as she tells us, lowly.

This should cause everyone to cringe when we think about the sheer folly of our
own boasting -- how truly embarrassing are our wild imaginations about ourselves
being so important and grand -- how humiliating to see with sober eyes just how
hollow is our arrogance, pride and vanity.

Mary teaches us that she, who is the greatest creature of all creation, sees
herself as lowly, which she truly is in reality and in the eyes of God.

If she who is the greatest after God Himself says she is lowly than how small,
how feeble must we be?

We are all like feeble little children, no matter how old we are in
chronological age.

The most brilliant mind and the greatest imagination are limited and pale
compared to the least of the angels.

Yet the greatest angel bows before Mary as their Queen.

The next time someone compliments you, praises you or acknowledges anything you
have or have done with gracious praise do not allow it to inflate your ego and
feed your imagination about yourself, but rather allow the praise to go to its
rightful object -- God.

When others praise us always give the praise to God.

Think of Mary in all her greatness giving every word of praise to her and about
her directly to God.

Whenever we think of Mary, praise her or pray to her she glorifies God in our
name.

Let us imitate her and give all the praise and compliments we have to God as a
prayer for those showing us kindness.

Let us keep sober minds to know that we are humble and feeble little children
who need the care and grace of our heavenly mother.

This Christmas as we gaze on the infant Jesus lying in His manger with Mary
caring for Him -- let us say a fervent prayer in our hearts that we imitate
Jesus as a child and allow Mary to be our mother too.

May we always turn to her throughout the day and seek her counsel, her prayers
and guidance, just as the young child Jesus had done.

Following ever so closely in the footsteps of Christ we cling to Mary finding
our safety, comfort, warmth and love from the greatest mother of all.






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* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM

CHAPTER ONE : Words as Signs and 'Sacraments' (pages 63-64)

The title of PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM is taken from the sermon written
by St. Augustine on Psalm 93.

St. Agustine analgously calls the sacred scriptures a sacrament since we can
draw living water from them. Christ Himself is the Word of God and all of the
seven sacraments are found in sacred scripture. Christ is the Author of the
scriptures and the sacraments so that they share His nature as life-giving
well-springs.

St. Paul tells us "The word of God is something alive and active" (Hebrews 4:12
St. Paul goes on to say that this living activity of the scriptures pierces the
depths of our inmost being.

"All the revealed words of God are partialmanifestations of the Word, who is the
splendour of God's Truth. All the revealed words of God are, as it were, species
under which is hidden the one Word, who is the way, the truth and the life."
(page 63)

We find Jesus in all of the sacred scriptures since all speak of Him. The
doctors in the Temple did not find Jesus in scripture but their own twisted and
distorted vision of what or who the Messiah is. They failed to see Christ in
Jesus whom they could see with their eyes as the One and the same in Holy
Scripture. Their failure was in not accepting Jesus as the One spoken of.

Fr. Merton explains that all things point to Jesus as the principal person of
all of the scriptures. The power of scripture to transform us into
contemplatives is in direct proportion to our discovery that Christ is the light
of the world.





Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/122106.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

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All correspondence should be sent to:
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 96

FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. BENEDICT XVI MEETS ROMAN CURIA FOR CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. NOTICE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


BENEDICT XVI MEETS ROMAN CURIA FOR CHRISTMAS GREETINGS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Clementine Hall, the Holy
Father held his traditional meeting with cardinals, archbishops, bishops and
members of the Roman Curia, for the exchange of Christmas greetings.



   At the beginning of his address to them, the Pope affirmed how "the year that
is coming to an end," leaves us "with the profound impression of the war that
took place near the Holy Land and, more generally, of the danger of a clash
between cultures and religions, a danger still threateningly present at this
moment in history. The question of the roads to peace has thus become a
challenge of vital importance."



   Recalling his apostolic trip to Poland in May, Benedict XVI described his
"debt of gratitude" for everything that John Paul II gave, "both to me
personally and, above all, to the Church and the world. His greatest gift to all
of us was his unshakeable faith and the radicalism of his devotion. ... He held
nothing back, but allowed himself to be entirely consumed by the flame of
faith."



   Marriage and the family was the theme of the Holy Father's trip to Valencia,
Spain, in July. He recalled the testimonies of families who had passed through
moments of crisis and who, with great efforts, had managed to overcome them and
rediscover their happiness. "Before these families and their children," he said,
"before these families in which the generations hold each other by the hand, and
the future is present, the problem of Europe, which seems almost no longer to
want children, penetrated my soul."



   "Why, is this the case? That is the great question. The answers are certainly
extremely complex. But before seeking responses we must thank all those married
couples who, even in our Europe today, say 'yes' to children and accept the
labors they bring." Alongside the need to give them so much of our time, is the
problem of "what norms must we teach our children in order for them to follow
the right path, and, in doing so, to what extent must we respect their freedom?"



   "Men and women today," said the Holy Father, "are unsure about the future."
This fact, "alongside the desire to have all of life to themselves, is perhaps
the most profound reason for which the risk of having children appears to many
as almost unbearable. ... If we do not relearn the basic foundations of life -
if we do not rediscover the certainty of faith - it will also be ever more
difficult for us to give others the gift of life and the challenges of an
unknown future." Another aspect of this question, he went on, "is the problem of
definitive decisions. Can man bind himself for ever? Can he say a 'yes' that
lasts a lifetime? Yes, he can. He was created for this end. Thus man achieves
his freedom and thus the sacred bond of marriage is created, which broadens to
become a family and build the future.



   "At this point," he added, "I cannot fail to mention my concern over 'de
facto' couples. ... When new legislation is created that relativizes marriage,
the rejection of the definitive bond gains, so to speak, juridical endorsement."
Moreover, "relativizing the difference between the sexes ... tacitly confirms
those bleak theories which seek to remove all relevance from a human being's
masculinity or femininity, as if this were a purely biological matter."



   "Herein is a contempt for corporeality whence it follows that man, in seeking
to emancipate himself from his body (from the 'biological sphere'), ends up by
destroying himself." Against those who say that "the Church should not involve
herself in these matters, we can only respond: does man not concern us too?" The
church and believers "must raise their voices to defend man, the creature who,
in the inseparpable unity of body and spirit, is the image of God."



   Going on to mention his September visit to his homeland, Bavaria (Munich,
Altotting, Regensburg and Freising), the Holy Father recalled how the main
intention of his apostolic trip "was to highlight the question of God," because
"the great problem in the West is forgetfulness of God."



   "The question of God," the Pope went on, "is associated with two themes that
characterized my visit: that of priesthood and that of dialogue." And he
recalled how according to the Old Testament, the tribe of Levi (of priests) was
landless.



   "The true foundation of a priest's life, the land of his existence, ... is God
Himself," said the Holy Father. "This theocentrism of priestly existence is
vital in our modern world where everything is entirely functional and based on
calculable and verifiable exchanges. The priest must know God from within in
order to bring Him to mankind, this is the priority service of which humanity
today has need."



   Benedict XVI then went on to consider priestly celibacy which, he said, "can
only be definitively understood and experienced on the basis of this basic
standpoint," because "purely pragmatic reasons, reference to greater
availability are not sufficient." It may also be thought that the nature of
celibacy involves "a kind of selfishness, that avoids the sacrifices and trials
required in the mutual acceptance and tolerance of marriage."



   However, "the true foundation of celibacy can be encapsulated only in the
phrase 'Dominus pars - You are my land.' ... It cannot mean being without love,
but must mean letting oneself be seized by passion for God. ... Celibacy must be
a testimony of faith."



   The Holy Father then turned to introduce the question of dialogue, recalling
his meeting some years ago with the philosopher Jurgen Habermas, who informed
the then Cardinal Ratzinger of the need "for thinkers capable of translating the
beliefs encoded in the Christian faith into the language of the secularized
world, in order to render them effective once again.



   "In fact," Pope Benedict added, "it is becoming ever more clear how urgently
the world has need of dialogue between faith and reason," especially when "the
cognitive capacities of human beings, their control over the material world
through the power of thought, has made such unimaginable progress. But man's
power, which has grown thanks to science, is becoming an ever greater danger,
threatening both humankind and the world."



   "Science must welcome faith in the God Who personifies the creative Reason of
the universe ... as a challenge and an opportunity. In the same way, this faith
must recognize its own intrinsic immensity and reasonableness. Reason needs the
Logos which lies at the origin of our light. For its part, faith needs to
dialogue with modern reason, in order to become aware of its own greatness and
meet is own responsibilities."



   On the subject of inter-religious dialogue the Pope insisted that "secularized
reason is not capable of entering into a true dialogue with religions. If reason
remains closed to the question of God, this will lead it to the clash of
cultures. ... Religions must come together in the shared task of serving truth,
and hence serving man."



   Another important part of the Pope's address to the Roman Curia was dedicated
to his recent apostolic trip to Turkey which, he said, "gave me the chance to
express publicly my respect for Islam. ... The Muslim world today," the Pope
observed, "is facing a task very similar to that imposed upon Christians from
the time of the Enlightenment, and which Vatican Council II, as the result of a
long and arduous journey, brought to fruition with concrete solutions for the
Catholic Church."



   "On the one hand, it is important to avoid a dictatorship of positivist reason
that excludes God from community life and public legislation. ... On the other
hand, it is necessary to welcome the true achievements of the Enlightenment:
human rights and especially the freedom of faith and of its expression. ... The
Muslim world, with its own traditions, is facing the great task of finding
appropriate solutions to these questions. Dialogue between Christians and
Muslims must, at this time, be that of coming together in this mission, in order
to find the right solutions."



   The Pope then mentioned his meeting in Istanbul with Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomew I. "We experienced," he said, "a profound unity in faith and will
pray to God ever more insistently that He may grant us full unity in the shared
breaking of bread. ... We hope and pray that religious freedom - which is part
of the intimate nature of the faith and is recognized in the principles of the
Turkish constitution - finds a growing practical implementation in appropriate
juridical norms and in the daily life of the patriarchate and of the other
Christian communities."



   Benedict XVI dedicated the final paragraphs of his address to the question of
peace. "We must learn that peace cannot be achieved only from the outside, ...
and that the attempt to establish peace through violence leads only to fresh
violence. ... We must learn that peace can only exist if hatred and selfishness
are overcome from within. ... In our lives, we must attain that which Baptism
sacramentally brought us: the death of the old man and the re-emergence of the
new. ... May the reason of peace overcome the unreasonableness of violence!"



* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 2006 (VIS) - This evening, the Holy Father is due to
receive in audience Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Guillermo
Javier Karcher, official of the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat
of State, as assistant master of pontifical ceremonies.


* * *


NOTICE



VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 2006 (VIS) - As previously advised, there will be no VIS
service on Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26, or Wednesday, December 27
the next service will be transmitted on Thursday, December 28. The Vatican
Information Service wishes its readers a very happy and holy Christmas.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


MONDAY CHRISTMAS DAY



The birth of Christ rightly signals in a new year.

Christ came to make all things new giving a new birth to the whole world.

His historical birth over two thousands years ago began this process of giving
new birth to our world by His  entering it in a physical body of flesh and
blood.

The birth of Christ stirred up new hope in the world beginning with poor
shepherds, and spreading to the people of Israel and those living in the East or
Anatolia.

We are told that Magi came bearing gifts to the newborn king and that angels and
shepherds visited Jesus, Mary and Joseph filled with hope and joy.

The sacred scriptures also tell us that with this new born hope spreading
throughout the then known world fear and terror struck.

We are also told that Herod fearing a rival king sought to have him assassinated
by slaying all newborn male infants within his kingdom.

This child stirred up hope and joy in the Temple when Simeon the High Priest
recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah.

However, we are also told that Simeon prophesied Mary’s future suffering and
anguish, and the angel told Joseph in a dream to take Mary and Jesus and flee to
Egypt.

The adolescent Jesus stirred up new fervor and zeal in the Temple of Jerusalem
astounding all the greatest scholars by his wisdom and knowledge.

Yet this was when Judea was under foreign control with Roman persecution and
heavy taxation.


Christ preached and healed publicly bringing new light, hope and freedom into
the world.

Yet he was opposed, publicly ridiculed, contradicted and masses of people were
persuaded by the opponents of Jesus to think of him as a madman, a liar, and one
possessed by the devil.

Christ died on the cross for our sins saying Father forgive them they do not
know what they are doing.

Temple leaders from Jerusalem and Roman soldiers mocked Him and set free a thief
and a murderer.

Christ rose from the dead giving each human person the opportunity to have
eternal life, the plenitude of grace and the beatitude of heaven for ever.

Temple leaders from Jerusalem spread the rumor that Jesus did not rise from the
dead but that His body was stolen by his disciples to create a false miracle for
self-serving and mischievious propaganda.


Each new wave of new births to the world seems as though it is met with an
almost equal opposing force bringing about the opposite result.


As we face yet another new year we shall see once again Christ continuing to
bring new life, new light, new hope to our world.

We shall also know well in advance that His opponents whom the Church has always
called antichrist shall once again oppose whatever good Christ shall bring.

But we have good news.

In these last days before Christ returns to claim His bride special gifts are
sent from the Holy Spirit enkindling within the Church a rebirth, a renaissance
to preach and heal and boldly proclaim with power the Living Gospel of the One
True God.

These special charisms of God stir up new hope, new life, new light within all
baptized persons renewing the Church with an ever greater and increasing energy
and power to renew the earth filling all people with the joy, hope and surety of
Christ’s love, mercy and grace bringing every blessing.

Already this path is certain and fixed by the hand of God Himself who tears down
walls that divide people, walls that people hide behind in fear of their
neighbor thinking false thoughts out of fear and suspicion.

Light has already shone where once only darkness reigned.

People of every faith and culture throughout the world have come to know that
the Church is here to bring peace, hope, faith and charity and to promote good
will and elevate everyone to their God-given right of human dignity.

Now is the time to continue to use all of your God-given talents, intelligence,
skill, wisdom, knowledge and strength to embrace all people with the good news
that Christ died to bring life and grant mercy to every human person seeking it
without exception.

Bring good gifts of human necessities gift-wrapped with warmth, compassion and
friendship to those who are strangers, foreigners, outcasts, and the
marginalized.

Let your light shine forth to those whom you have been wrongly taught to fear.

Fear no human person or ethnic group.

Make no culture, religion, or foreign nation your enemy, but open your heart to
God and your fellow human beings without hesitation, without holding back
anything, knowing God demands this of each and everyone of us.

Proclaim to everyone you know the sacredness of the human family and essential
need for men and women to live lives of responsibility and mutual respect and
love in marriage.

Promote every social good you see the Church promoting.

Fix your gaze on the Vicar of Christ, Benedict XVI whom God has sent to the
world in these last days to point out the way for the sheep to go as a shepherd
guides his flocks.

Do not sit back and merely watch -- living life as a spectator.

Life is not a spectators sport but a gift given to you by God to use with all
your strength in His service.

Stop living life as if it owes you something, as if it is here to serve you and
bring you your selfish idea of happiness and pleasure.

Take on the mind and heart of Christ and live life as He lived serving God in
every human person He encountered.

Christ lived not for Himself but for The Father and for you and me.

For this was He born and for this did He died -- that every human person know
that God is their creator, loving father, filled with kindness, unending
generosity and mercy.

Celebrate Christmas by celebrating life as a new and renewed person filled with
grace, energy, strength and wisdom to shine before the darkness of the world.

Celebrate life each day as though it were a perpetual Christmas, praying to
Jesus, Mary and Joseph for all your necessities and the grace to live a good and
holy life in their service.

Call upon Mary each day to form Christ anew within you until you reach full
maturity in Him.

May Almighty God bless all of you and bring His abundant blessings on you and
your family today and always.

Merry Christmas.



<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM

CHAPTER TWO : Transformation in Discovery (pages 65-70)


Fr. Merton explains how the Psalms and the Divine Office is an extension of the
Mass and praying the Liturgy of the Hours is like an offering at the altar.

We bring ourselves to the Psalms with all our sorrows, problems, fears and
failings where we encounter God who offers us His grace to make all things right
with us and within us. This healing help of God happens through prayer since
prayer itself is an action and active driving force pleading to God with a
humble and sincere heart.

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/122206.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 97

THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. SINCE JESUS CAME NO ONE IS A STRANGER IN THIS WORLD
---------------------------------------------------------------
. GOD ASKS FOR OUR LOVE, SO HE MAKES HIMSELF A CHILD
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: THE SAVIOR KNOWS THAT WE NEED HIM
---------------------------------------------------------------
. THE POPE REMEMBERS THOSE WHO SUFFER PERSECUTION
---------------------------------------------------------------
. GLORY OF GOD IS THE SALVATION OF MAN
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MESSAGE TO POPE FROM PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN BRIEF
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


SINCE JESUS CAME NO ONE IS A STRANGER IN THIS WORLD

VATICAN CITY, DEC 24, 2006 (VIS) - Shortly before midday today, Benedict XVI
appeared at the window of his study in order to pray the Angelus with thousands
of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square below.

"The celebration of Christmas is now imminent," said the Holy Father in his
opening remarks. "In the Divine Newborn Child, ... our salvation is made
manifest. In God, Who for us became man, we feel loved and accepted, and we
discover ourselves to be precious and unique in the eyes of the Creator.

"The Nativity of Christ," the Pope added, "helps us to realize the value ... of
each human life, from its first instant to its natural end. To those people who
open their hearts to this 'babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a
manger' He offers the chance to contemplate daily reality with new eyes. They
will be able to savor the ... inner wonder of the love of God, Who can transform
even pain into joy.

"Le us prepare ourselves, dear friends, to meet Jesus, the Emmanuel, God-
with-us. Born into poverty in Bethlehem, He wants to be our companion on all our
journeys. Ever since He decided to pitch his 'tent' in this world, no one is a
stranger. ... This is the amazing gift of Christmas: Jesus came for each of us,
and in Himself He made brothers of us all. Consequently, our task is to overcome
... preconceptions and prejudices, break down barriers, and eliminate the
contrasts that divide individuals and peoples or, worse still, set them against
one another, in order to build together a world of justice and peace."


* * *


GOD ASKS FOR OUR LOVE, SO HE MAKES HIMSELF A CHILD

VATICAN CITY, DEC 24, 2006 (VIS) - The Pope tonight celebrated Midnight Mass in
the Vatican Basilica for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. Thirty- six
cardinals concelebrated with the Holy Father.

On this holy night, said the Holy Father in his homily, God "makes Himself small
for us. This is how He reigns. He does not come with power and outward splendor.
He comes as a baby - defenseless and in need of our help. He does not want to
overwhelm us with His strength. He takes away our fear of His greatness. He asks
for our love: so He makes Himself a child."

"God made Himself small so that we could understand Him, welcome Him, and love
Him," Benedict XVI went on. "He became a child, so that the Word could be
grasped by us. In this way God teaches us to love the little ones. In this way
He teaches us to love the weak. In this way He teaches us respect for children.
The Child of Bethlehem directs our gaze towards all children who suffer and are
abused in the world, the born and the unborn. Towards children who are placed as
soldiers in a violent world; towards children who have to beg; towards children
who suffer deprivation and hunger; towards children who are unloved. In all of
these it is the Child of Bethlehem Who is crying out to us; it is the God Who
has become small Who appeals to us."

"He Who is the Eternal One, above time, He has assumed our time and raised it to
Himself on high. Christmas has become the feast of gifts in imitation of God Who
has given Himself to us. Let us allow our heart, our soul and our mind to be
touched by this fact! Among the many gifts that we buy and receive, let us not
forget the true gift: to give each other something of ourselves, to give each
other something of our time, to open our time to God."

"Man, in order to live, needs bread, the fruit of the earth and of his labor.
But he does not live by bread alone. He needs nourishment for his soul: he needs
meaning that can fill his life. Thus, for the Fathers of the Church, the manger
of the animals became the symbol of the altar, on which lies the Bread which is
Christ himself: the true food for our hearts. Once again we see how He became
small: in the humble appearance of the host, in a small piece of bread, He gives
us Himself."


* * *


CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: THE SAVIOR KNOWS THAT WE NEED HIM

VATICAN CITY, DEC 25, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, Solemnity of the Nativity of
the Lord, the Holy Father pronounced his traditional Christmas Message from the
central loggia of the Vatican Basilica, and imparted the "Urbi et Orbi"
blessing.

Extracts of the Message are given below:

"'Our Savior is born to the world!' During the night, in our churches, we again
heard this message that, notwithstanding the passage of the centuries, remains
ever new. ... But does a 'Savior' still have any value and meaning for the men
and women of the third millennium? Is a 'Savior' still needed by a humanity
which has reached the moon and Mars and is prepared to conquer the universe; for
a humanity which knows no limits in its pursuit of nature's secrets and which
has succeeded even in deciphering the marvelous codes of the human genome?

"Is a Savior needed by a humanity which has invented interactive communication,
which navigates in the virtual ocean of the internet and, thanks to the most
advanced modern communications technologies, has now made the earth, our great
common home, a global village? This humanity of the twenty-first century appears
as a sure and self-sufficient master of its own destiny, the avid proponent of
uncontested triumphs.

"So it would seem, yet this is not the case. People continue to die of hunger
and thirst, disease and poverty, in this age of plenty and of unbridled
consumerism. Some people remain enslaved, exploited and stripped of their
dignity; others are victims of racial and religious hatred, hampered by
intolerance and discrimination, and by political interference and physical or
moral coercion with regard to the free profession of their faith. Others see
their own bodies and those of their dear ones, particularly their children,
maimed by weaponry, by terrorism and by all sorts of violence, at a time when
everyone invokes and acclaims progress, solidarity and peace for all.

"And what of those who, bereft of hope, are forced to leave their homes and
countries in order to find humane living conditions elsewhere? How can we help
those who are misled by facile prophets of happiness, those who struggle with
relationships and are incapable of accepting responsibility for their present
and future, those who are trapped in the tunnel of loneliness and who often end
up enslaved to alcohol or drugs? What are we to think of those who choose death
in the belief that they are celebrating life?

"How can we not hear, from the very depths of this humanity, at once joyful and
anguished, a heart-rending cry for help? It is Christmas: today 'the true light
that enlightens every man' came into the world. 'The word became flesh and dwelt
among us,' proclaims the Evangelist John.

"Today, this very day, Christ comes once more 'unto His own,' and to those who
receive Him He gives 'the power to become children of God;' in a word, he offers
them the opportunity to see God's glory and to share the joy of that Love which
became incarnate for us in Bethlehem. Today 'our Savior is born to the world,'
for He knows that even today we need Him. Despite humanity's many advances, man
has always been the same: a freedom poised between good and evil, between life
and death. It is there, in the very depths of his being, in what the Bible calls
his 'heart,' that man always needs to be 'saved.' And, in this post-modern age,
perhaps he needs a Savior all the more, since the society in which he lives has
become more complex and the threats to his personal and moral integrity have
become more insidious. Who can defend him, if not the One who loves him to the
point of sacrificing on the Cross His only-begotten Son as the Savior of the
world?"

"With deep apprehension I think, on this festive day, of the Middle East, marked
by so many grave crises and conflicts, and I express my hope that the way will
be opened to a just and lasting peace, with respect for the inalienable rights
of the peoples living there. I place in the hands of the divine Child of
Bethlehem the indications of a resumption of dialogue between the Israelis and
Palestinians, which we have witnessed in recent days, and the hope of further
encouraging developments.

"I am confident that, after so many victims, destruction and uncertainty, a
democratic Lebanon, open to others and in dialogue with different cultures and
religions, will survive and progress. I appeal to all those who hold in their
hands the fate of Iraq, that there will be an end to the brutal violence that
has brought so much bloodshed to the country, and that every one of its
inhabitants will be safe to lead a normal life. I pray to God that in Sri Lanka
the parties in conflict will heed the desire of the people for a future of
brotherhood and solidarity; that in Darfur and throughout Africa there will be
an end to fratricidal conflicts, that the open wounds in that continent will
quickly heal and that the steps being made towards reconciliation, democracy and
development will be consolidated. May the Divine Child, the Prince of Peace,
grant an end to the outbreaks of tension that make uncertain the future of other
parts of the world, in Europe and in Latin America.

"Our Savior is born for all. We must proclaim this not only in words, but by our
entire life, giving the world a witness of united, open communities where
fraternity and forgiveness reign, along with acceptance and mutual service,
truth, justice and love."

"Only by rediscovering the gift she has received can the Church bear witness to
Christ the Savior before all people. She does this with passionate enthusiasm,
with full respect for all cultural and religious traditions; she does so
joyfully, knowing that the One she proclaims takes away nothing that is
authentically human, but instead brings it to fulfillment. In truth, Christ
comes to destroy only evil, only sin; everything else, all the rest, He elevates
and perfects."

Following his Message, the Pope extended Christmas greetings in 62 languages and
imparted the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing.


* * *


THE POPE REMEMBERS THOSE WHO SUFFER PERSECUTION

VATICAN CITY, DEC 26, 2006 (VIS) - At midday, before praying the Angelus with
thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope recalled how today
is the feast of St. Stephen, deacon and protomartyr.

At first sight, the fact that the feast of the protomartyr falls the day after
Christmas "may leave some people surprised," said the Holy Father, "because of
the striking contrast between the peace and joy of Bethlehem and the drama of
Stephen, stoned to death in Jerusalem during the first persecution against the
nascent Church."

However, he went on, it must be remembered that "the Baby Jesus lying in the
manger ... will save humanity by dying on the cross."

"In the first four centuries of Christianity, all the saints venerated by the
Church were martyrs," said Benedict XVI. "For believers, the day of death - and
even more so the day of martyrdom - is not the end of everything but the
'transit' towards eternal life, the day of definitive birth, in Latin 'dies
natalis.' ... If Jesus had not been born on earth, mankind would not have been
able to be born in heaven. It is precisely because Jesus was born, that we can
be 'reborn'."

The Pope entrusted "those who undergo persecution and suffering in witnessing
and serving the Gospel" to the Virgin Mary "who held the Redeemer in her arms in
Bethlehem" and after He was removed from the cross.

"With particular spiritual closeness," he concluded, "I think also of those
Catholics who maintain their faithfulness to the See of Peter without giving way
to compromise, at times even at the cost of great suffering. All the Church
admires their example and prays that they may find the strength to persevere, in
the knowledge that their tribulations are a source of victory, even when they
may appear as failures."


* * *



GLORY OF GOD IS THE SALVATION OF MAN

VATICAN CITY, DEC 27, 2006 (VIS) - Christmas was once again the theme of the
Pope's catechesis during today's general audience, celebrated in the Paul VI
Hall.

"Today's audience is taking place in a Christmas atmosphere pervaded with joy
for the birth of the Savior," he began. "The words of John the Evangelist
resound in our hearts, ... 'the Word became flesh.' ... God came to dwell among
us, He came for us, to stay with us." But "a question traverses these two
thousand years of Christian history: Why did He do it? Why did God become man?

"The song of the angels over the manger in Bethlehem," the Pope proceeded,
"helps us to answer this question: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace among men with whom He is pleased.' ... The term 'glory' indicates the
splendor of God which inspires the grateful praise of His creatures. ... 'Peace'
summarizes the fullness of the messianic gifts: salvation, ... identified with
Christ Himself ... Who is our peace." The reference to the men and women loved
by the Lord makes the Christmas message even more explicit, "with the birth of
Jesus, God has manifested His love towards everyone."

"God's glory is expressed, then, in the salvation of man, whom God so loved
'that He gave His only Son.' ... Hence, love is the ultimate reason for the
incarnation of Christ." In this context, the Holy Father recalled the words of
the theologian H. U. von Balthasar: "God is not primarily absolute power, but
absolute love, the sovereignty of which is not expressed in keeping what it has
for itself, but in letting it go."

"The God we contemplate in the manger is God-Love," Pope Benedict concluded.
"The announcement of the angels is, for us, also an invitation: 'let there be'
Glory to God in the highest, 'let there be' peace on earth among men with whom
He is pleased. The only way to glorify God and to build peace in the world
consists in the humble and trusting acceptance of the gift of Christmas: love."


* * *


MESSAGE TO POPE FROM PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD

VATICAN CITY, DEC 27, 2006 (VIS) - Following today's general audience, Benedict
XVI received Manouchehr Mottaki and Rahim Mashai, respectively foreign minister
and vice president of Iran, who gave the Holy Father a message from the Iranian
president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, according to a communique from the Holy See
Press Office.

"During the meeting," the communique reads, "the Iranian representatives
expressed their best wishes to the Pope, and their satisfaction for 50 years of
diplomatic relations between Iran and the Holy See.

"For his part, the Holy Father also expressed his best wishes and reaffirmed the
role the Holy See intends to play for peace in the world, not as a political but
as a religious and moral authority, appealing to consciences so that the
problems of peoples are always resolved through dialogue, in mutual
understanding and in peace."


* * *


IN BRIEF

FOLLOWING THE OIL PIPELINE EXPLOSION ON THE OUTSKIRTS of Lagos, Nigeria, which
occurred on December 26 and left hundreds dead, the Pope sent a telegram of
condolence, through Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., to
Cardinal Anthony Olunbunmi Okogie, archbishop of Lagos.

THE HOLY FATHER SENT A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE to Catholics living in the Middle East,
assuring them of his "spiritual closeness," and communicating his hope that this
period of the liturgical calendar "may mark an end to, or at least a respite
from, so much suffering and give many families the supplementary hope necessary
to persevere in the arduous task of promoting peace in a world still so torn and
divided." The Pope also expresses the hope that circumstances will enable him to
make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

THE POPE SENT A MESSAGE, THROUGH CARDINAL SECRETARY OF STATE Tarcisio Bertone
S.D.B., to young people participating in a European meeting promoted by the
Taize Community, being celebrated in Zagreb, Croatia from December 28 2006 to
January 1, 2007. "In the land of Croatia, marked in recent years by conflict,"
reads the Message, "you are a sign of new hope and a demonstration of the fact
that the young look forward to a new humanity, founded on the recognition of all
people, whatever their nationality or religion."

ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, DURING A BRIEF CEREMONY attended by Cardinals Tarcisio
Bertone S.D.B., and Camillo Ruini, respectively secretary of State and vicar
general for the diocese of Rome, the managing director of Italian State Railways
and the mayor of Rome inaugurated two plaques dedicated to Servant of God John
Paul II in Rome's central Termini Station. The plaques are 12 meters high and
have been placed at the busiest parts of the station building.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 27, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Ricardo
Ezzati Andrello S.D.B., auxiliary of Santiago de Chile, as metropolitan
archbishop of Concepcion (area 11,330, population 1,164,000, Catholics 606,000,
priests 129, permanent deacons 21, religious 295), Chile. The archbishop-elect
was born in Campiglia dei Berici, Italy, in 1942, he was ordained a priest in
1970 and consecrated a bishop in 1996. He succeeds Archbishop Antonio Moreno
Casamitjana, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese,
the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

On Saturday, December 23, it was made public that the Holy Father appointed
Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, president of the Pontifical Council for Health
Pastoral Care, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 15th World Day
of the Sick, due to take place in Seoul, Korea, on February 11, 2007.



* * *


CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/122806.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

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All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 6, Issue 98

FRIDAY 29 DECEMBER 2006



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. MORE THAN THREE MILLION PEOPLE IN PAPAL MEETINGS IN 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE BENEDICT TO VISIT CARITAS SHELTER IN ROME
---------------------------------------------------------------
. BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------
. PAPAL, HOLY SEE HIGHLIGHTS FOR AUGUST - DECEMBER 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. NOTICE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


MORE THAN THREE MILLION PEOPLE IN PAPAL MEETINGS IN 2006

VATICAN CITY, DEC 29, 2006 (VIS) - During the year 2006, more than three million
faithful participated in public meetings with the Pope, either in the Vatican or
at his summer residence of Castelgandolfo.

According to statistics released by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household,
a total of 3,222,820 people attended the Wednesday general audiences, special
audiences, liturgical celebrations and Sunday Angelus prayers during the course
of the year.

The Wednesday general audiences, held in St. Peter's Square and the Paul VI
Hall, attracted 1,031,500 people. This figure reflects the number of tickets
distributed, and does not take into account the thousands of faithful who arrive
without tickets and also participate.

The Angelus prayers of 2006 drew a total of 1,295,000 people to St. Peter's
Square, while more than half a million attended the various liturgical
ceremonies presided by the Holy Father, 196,000 in April alone.


* * *


POPE BENEDICT TO VISIT CARITAS SHELTER IN ROME

VATICAN CITY, DEC 29, 2006 (VIS) - On January 4, 2007 the Holy Father is
scheduled to visit a shelter run by the diocesan Caritas of Rome on the city's
Colle Oppio, according to a communique released by the Vicariate of Rome.

During the pastoral visit, the Pope will dedicate a canteen to the memory of
John Paul II, unveiling a commemorative plaque. He will also visit a nativity
scene built by the Caritas volunteers.

The Holy Father - who will be accompanied by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his vicar
general for the diocese of Rome, Bishop Ernesto Mandara, auxiliary of Rome for
the central area, and Msgr. Guerino De Tora, director of Caritas - will greet
the people who use the shelter, Caritas workers and the young people of the "Il
Centro" youth center, which is based in the same building.

The Colle Oppio shelter was the first structure for homeless people to be
established in Rome, founded in 1983 and run with the help of the city council.
Over the last 23 years it has welcomed thousands of people, both Italians and
non-Italians, and distributed more than nine million meals.

John Paul II visited the center on December 20, 1992, when he pronounced the
phrase "suffering man concerns us," now inscribed on the plaque to be unveiled
by Benedict XVI.



* * *


BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY 2007

VATICAN CITY, DEC 29, 2006 (VIS) - Pope Benedict XVI's general prayer intention
for January 2007 is: "That in our time, unfortunately marked by many episodes of
violence, the pastors of the Church may continue to indicate the way of peace
and understanding among peoples."

His mission intention is: "That the Church in Africa may become a constantly
more authentic witness of the Good News of Christ and be committed, in every
nation, to the promotion of reconciliation and peace."


* * *


PAPAL, HOLY SEE HIGHLIGHTS FOR AUGUST - DECEMBER 2006

VATICAN CITY, DEC 29, 2006 (VIS) - Following are highlights of the activities of
Pope Benedict XVI and the Holy See for the months of August through December
2006.

AUGUST

- 2: Telegram of condolence from the Holy Father for the death at the age of 96
of Dutch Cardinal Johannes Willebrands, president emeritus of the Pontifical
Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

- 11: Telegram from the Holy Father to Susilo Yudhoyono, president of Indonesia,
requesting clemency for three men condemned to death for their role in inciting
sectarian violence in Poso, Indonesia in 2000.

- 11: The Holy Father asks Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president emeritus of the
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, to travel to Lebanon as his special
envoy to express to the people there his spiritual closeness and solidarity, and
to pray for peace.

- 13: Publication of the text of an interview granted by Benedict XVI to the
television stations Bayerischer Rundfunk (ARD), ZDF and Deustsche Welle, and to
Vatican Radio, for his forthcoming apostolic trip to Munich, Altotting and
Regensburg, due to take place from September 9 to 14.

- 19: Telegram to His Beatitude Emmanuel III Delly, patriarch of Babylon of the
Chaldeans, Iraq, expressing the Pope's closeness to the Chaldean Catholic Church
and requesting the release of the kidnapped priest, Fr. Saad Syrop Hanna, seized
in Baghdad on August 15.

- 28: The Holy Father receives in audience Angela Merkel, chancellor of the
Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by her entourage.

SEPTEMBER

- 8: The new ambassador of Chile to the Holy See, Pedro Pablo Cabrera Gaete,
presents his Letters of Credence to the Holy Father.

- 9-14: Benedict XVI makes his second apostolic trip to Germany - the first
having been in August 2005 when he travelled to Cologne for World Youth Day -
divided into three stages: Munich, Altotting and Regensburg.

- 15: In the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father welcomes the
staff of the Secretariat of State for the appointment of Cardinal Tarcisio
Bertone S.D.B., archbishop of Genoa, Italy, as new secretary of State, and the
farewell ceremony of his predecessor, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

- 16: The new ambassador of Slovenia to the Holy See, Ivan Rebernik, presents
his Letters of Credence to the Pope.

- 17: Beatification of Servant of God Sara Salkahazi (1899 - 1944) of the
Institute of the Sisters of the Assistance, in the square of St. Stephen's
Basilica in Budapest, Hungary. She was killed in 1944 for having protected
hundreds of Jews during the Second World War. Beatification of Servant of God
Mose Tovini (1877-1930), a priest of the diocese of Brescia, Italy.

- 18: The new ambassador of Austria to the Holy See, Martin Bolldorf, presents
his Letters of Credence to the Pope.

- 18-25: Ninth plenary session of the Joint International Commission for
Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church in
Belgrade, Serbia.

- 20: Telegram of condolence from the Holy Father Benedict XVI for the killing
of Sr. Leonella Sgorbati of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, in Mogadishu,
Somalia.

- 25: The Holy Father receives in audience Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of
the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, representatives from
Muslim-majority countries that maintain diplomatic links with the Holy See, and
a number of leaders of the Muslim community in Italy.

- 28: The new ambassador of the Federal Republic Germany to the Holy See,
Hans-Henning Horstmann, presents his Letters of Credence to Benedict XVI.

- 29: The new ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Holy See, Rrok Logu,
presents his Letters of Credence to Benedict XVI.

- 30: Telegram of condolence from the Holy Father Benedict XVI for the death at
the age of 94 of Cardinal Louis-Albert Vachon, archbishop emeritus of Quebec,
Canada.

OCTOBER

- 5: Heinz Fischer, president of the Federal Republic of Austria, received in
audience by the Holy Father.

- 6: The Holy Father convokes the XII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of
Bishops dedicated to the theme: "The Word of God in the Life and the Mission of
the Church." The Synod is due to will be held in the Vatican from October 5 to
26, 2008.

- 8: Beatification of Servant of God Maria Teresa di Gesu, nee Maria Scrilli
(1825-1889), foundress of the Congregation of the Religious of Our Lady of
Carmel in the Roman amphitheater of Fiesole, Italy.

- 12: Inauguration of the exhibition "Petros Eni" (Peter is here) dedicated by
the Fabric of St. Peter's to the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the
current basilica, and to the Apostle Peter to whom the basilica is dedicated.
The exhibition runs from October 12, 2006 to March 8, 2007.

- 12: Opening of a new section of the Roman necropolis on the Via Triumphalis.
The sector came to light in 2003 during building work on a parking lot within
Vatican City, and its inauguration is part of celebrations marking the fifth
centenary of the Vatican Museums.

- 12: The Holy Father receives in audience Jaroslaw Kaczynski, prime minister of
the Republic of Poland.

- 13: Telegram of condolence from the Holy Father Benedict XVI for the death at
the age of 84 of Cardinal Dino Monduzzi, prefect emeritus of the Pontifical
Household.

- 13: Romano Prodi, prime minister of the Republic of Italy, visits the Holy
Father Benedict XVI.

- 15: Canonization in the Vatican Basilica of Blesseds: Rafael Guizar Valencia
(1878-1938), Mexican, bishop; Filippo Smaldone (1848-1923), Italian, founder of
the Institute of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts; Rosa Venerini
(1656-1728), virgin, Italian, foundress of the Congregation of the "Maestre Pie
Venerini;" and Theodore Guerin, nee Anne-Therese (1798-1856), virgin, French,
foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary "ad
Nemus" (Saint Mary of the Woods) in the U.S.A.

- 19: Telegram of condolence from the Holy Father for the death at the age of 77
of Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, prefect emeritus of the Supreme Tribunal
of the Apostolic Signatura.

- 19: Pope travels to the Italian city of Verona for the 4th Italian Ecclesial
Congress on the theme: "Witnesses of the Risen Christ, Hope of the World."

- 22: Beatification, in the cathedral of Bilbao, Spain, of Servant of God
Margarita Maria Lopez de Maturana (1884-1934), Spanish, foundress of the
Institute of the Missionary Sisters of Mercy.

- 26: The new ambassador of Belgium to the Holy See, Frank De Coninck, presents
his Letters of Credence to the Holy Father.

- 26: The Holy Father receives in audience participants in the fifth
international congress of Military Ordinariates, marking the twentieth
anniversary of the Apostolic Constitution "Spirituali Militum Curae,"
promulgated by Servant of God John Paul II.

- 27: The Pope receives in audience Jose Ramos-Horta, prime minister of East
Timor, accompanied by an entourage.

- 29: Beatification, in the cathedral of Speyer, Germany, of Servant of God Paul
Josef Nardini (1821-1862), German, diocesan priest and founder of the
Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family.

NOVEMBER

- 5: Beatification of Servant of God Mariano de la Mata Aparicio, Spanish,
priest of the Order of Saint Augustine. (1905-1983), in the cathedral of Sao
Paulo, Brazil.

- 6: The Holy Father receives in audience Laszlo Solyom, president of the
Republic of Hungary.

- 10: The Holy Father receives in audience Tassos Papadopoulos, president of the
Republic of Cyprus.

- 13: The new ambassador of Japan to the Holy See, Kagefumi Ueno, presents his
Letters of Credence to the Holy Father.

- 14: Publication of Benedict XVI's Message for the 93rd World Day of Migrants
and Refugees, due to be celebrated on Sunday, January 14, 2007 on the theme:
"The Migrant Family."

- 18: Benedict XVI receives in audience Horst Kohler, president of the Federal
Republic of Germany.

- 20: The Pope receives Giorgio Napolitano, president of the Italian Republic,
on an official visit. President Napolitano took office on May 15 this year.

- 21: Announcement that the Holy Father Benedict XVI has completed writing the
first part of a book, entitled 'Gesu di Nazareth. Dal Battesimo nel Giordano
alla Trasfigurazione' (Jesus of Nazareth, From His Baptism in the Jordan to the
Transfiguration). The book is due to be published in spring 2007.

- 21-26: Official visit to Rome by the primate of the Anglican Communion,
Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, England.

- 24: The Holy Father receives in audience Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, president
of the Republic of Honduras.

- 28-1 December: Benedict XVI makes an apostolic trip to Turkey - the fifth
journey outside Italy of his pontificate - divided into three stages: Ankara,
Ephesus and Istanbul.

- 30: Joint Declaration signed by the Holy Father Benedict XVI and His Holiness
Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch, at the ecumenical patriarchate in Istanbul.

DECEMBER

- 3: Beatification of Servant of God Eufrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Eluvathingal, nee Rosa (1877-1952), Indian, religious of the Congregation of the
Mother of Carmel at Ollur in the archdiocese of Trichur, India.

- 10: The Pope makes a pastoral visit to the Roman parish of St. Mary Star of
Evangelization, where he celebrates Mass and consecrates the new parish church.

- 11: Telegram of condolence from the Holy Father for the death at the age of 88
of Cardinal Salvatore Pappalardo, emeritus of Palermo, Italy.

- 11: Press conference presided by Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo,
archpriest of the Roman basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, to present
recent excavations that brought to light the sarcophagus of St. Paul in that
basilica.

- 12: Publication of the Holy Father's Message for the World Day of Peace 2007,
which has as its theme: "The Human Person, the Heart of Peace."

- 13-16: First official visit of His Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of
Athens and of all Greece, to His Holiness Benedict XVI and the Church of Rome.
The Pope and the Archbishop sign a Joint Declaration.

- 13: Publication of the Holy Father's Message for the 15th World Day of the
Sick. The event is due to be celebrated in Seoul, South Korea on February 11,
2007, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

- 13: Benedict XVI receives in audience Ehud Olmert, president of the State of
Israel.

- 14: Six new ambassadors to the Holy See - Lars Moller of Denmark, Maratbek
Salievic Bakiev of Kyrgyzstan, Carlos Dos Santos of Mozambique, Princess
Elizabeth Bagaya of Uganda, Makram Obeid of Syria, and Makase Nyaphisi of
Lesotho - present their Letters of Credence to the Holy Father.

- 15: Benedict XVI receives His Beatitude Antonios Naguib, Patriarch of
Alexandria of the Coptic Catholics, on his first official visit to the Holy See
since his election in March of this year.

- 16: The Holy See and the Republic of Montenegro decide, in common agreement,
to establish diplomatic relations, at the level of an apostolic nunciature on
the part of the Holy See, and of an embassy on the part of the Republic of
Montenegro.

- 20: The Pope receives the "Prize for Charity" from the Italian foundation
"Banca Alimentare." The reason for granting the prize, according to a communique
released by the foundation, is that since the start of his pontificate, the Holy
Father "has sought to present charity - the sincere giving of oneself to others
- as a natural dimension of Christian life."


* * *


AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 29, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience
Cardinal Ivan Dias, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of
Peoples.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 29, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Jorge Herbas
Balderrama O.F.M., secretary for formation and study of the Franciscan Province
of San Antonio and president of the ecclesiastical tribunal of first appeal of
the archdiocese of Cochabamba, Bolivia, as coadjutor bishop of the territorial
prelature of Aiquile (area 23,325, population 230,000, Catholics 200,000,
priests 27, religious 86), Bolivia. The bishop-elect was born in Mizque, Bolivia
in 1963 and ordained a priest in 1990.


* * *


NOTICE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 29, 2006 (VIS) - As previously advised, there will be no VIS
service on Monday, January 1, 2007, the next service will be transmitted on
Tuesday, January 2. The staff of the Vatican Information Service wishes all its
readers a very Happy New Year.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


MONDAY : Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God


Today we begin a New Year.

Through the saving grace of Christ we have a new beginning.

We are made new by the sign of the Woman, Mary.

Mary brought Jesus Christ into the world.

It is through her that Christ shall return.

Mary brings Jesus each day into our minds and hearts through her intercession on
our behalf.

Mary is our spiritual mother, guiding, protecting, nurturing, consoling,
healing, encouraging and breathing life, light and joy into our souls.

We begin this new year by celebrating the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
The Mother of God.

Renew this celebration each day by recalling her role as our spiritual mother
and pray to her with deep faith and confidence.

Develop a tender and loving devotion to her as Christ Himself has done.

Devotion to Mary, therefore, is a sign of true devotion to Jesus Christ, who as
a loving son was deeply devoted to her.

Think about those moments in your own life when you witnessed the love and
tenderness between a young boy and his mother, between a young man and his
mother and an adult man and his mother.

Jesus too went through these stages of growth constantly loving his mother as a
tenderly devoted son.

This quality of Jesus is very important for us to study, imitate and put into
practice.

Grow each day one step closer to Mary in faith and confidence.

Pour out your heart to her telling her all your worries, fears, problems, tears,
hopes and joys.

Ask her every day for help to become as holy as she wants you to be.

Allow Mary to enter your life and your life shall become renewed and blossom.

We please Almighty God when we imitate Jesus Christ.

Let us imitate Him by practicing each day true devotion to Mary as our own
mother.



<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM

CHAPTER TWO : Transformation in Discovery (pages 65-70)


Fr. Merton draws an analogy where our lectio divina is likened to the bread and
wine brought to the altar at Mass.  The bread and wine are the material gifts
for the sacrice of the Mass. Our prayer of the Psalms prayed for the good of the
whole Church are our offering also brought to the altar.

The action of our prayers participate with Christ's own salvific actions, just
as the Church continually joins in daily throughout the Ages. The Divine Office
is an extension of the Mass and the Mass is an extension of Christ;s death and
resurrection. We can find this union praying the Psalms and in finding it attain
contemplation.

When we pray the Divine Office we become the offering bringing our sorrows,
problems, struggles by pouring out our hearts and souls prayerfully through
devout recitation of the words of the Psalmist.



Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/122906.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2006 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
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All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 1

TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. EXECUTION OF SADDAM HUSSEIN: TRAGIC NEWS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MAY FAMILIES BE THE LIVING IMAGE OF GOD'S LOVE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MOTHER OF GOD, INTERCEDE TO BRING PEACE AND COMFORT
---------------------------------------------------------------
. PEACE, A GIFT TO BE INVOKED, A TASK TO BE CARRIED OUT
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DIGNITY OF THE PERSON IS THE FOUNDATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. NOTICE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


EXECUTION OF SADDAM HUSSEIN: TRAGIC NEWS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 30, 2006 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico
Lombardi S.J., made the following declaration at midday today on the execution
of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, which took place at dawn in Baghdad.

"The execution of a capital sentence is always tragic news, a cause of sadness,
even when the person is guilty of terrible crimes.

"The position of the Catholic Church against the death penalty has often been
reiterated.

"The killing of the guilty is not the way to rebuild justice and reconcile
society, rather there is a risk of nourishing the spirit of revenge and inciting
fresh violence.

"At this dark time in the life of the Iraqi people, we cannot but hope that all
those in charge truly make every effort to ensure that, in such a dramatic
situation, hopes for reconciliation and peace are finally opened."


* * *


MAY FAMILIES BE THE LIVING IMAGE OF GOD'S LOVE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 31, 2006 (VIS) - Today, the Feast of the Holy Family of
Nazareth, before praying the Angelus with thousands of faithful gathered in St.
Peter's Square, the Pope sent his greetings to all the families of the world,
expressing the hope that they may enjoy "the peace and love that Christ gave us,
coming among us at Christmas."

"God," he said, "wished to be born and to grow in a human family. Thus he
consecrated [the family] as the basic and ordinary way of His meeting with
humanity. In the life spent in Nazareth, Jesus honored the Virgin Mary and the
good Joseph, remaining under their authority for the entire period of His
infancy and adolescence. In this way, He highlighted the fundamental value of
the family in the education of the person."

The Pope emphasized how Mary and Joseph introduced Jesus into the religious
community. "With them he learned to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. ... When
He was twelve years old, He stayed behind in the Temple and his parents took
three days to find Him." Through that gesture, Jesus "brought them to understand
that He had to concern Himself with the things of His Father's House."

"This evangelical episode reveals the most authentic and profound vocation of
the family: that of accompanying all its members on the journey to the discovery
of God and of the design He has laid down for them. Mary and Joseph educated
Jesus ... through their own example. ... From them He learned that in the first
place it is necessary to do God's will, and that the spiritual bond is greater
than the tie of blood.

"The Holy Family of Nazareth," Benedict XVI added, "is truly the 'prototype' for
all Christian families who, united in the Sacrament of Marriage and nourished by
the Word and the Eucharist, are called to put into practice that stupendous
vocation and mission of being a living cell, not only of society but also of the
Church, sign and instrument of unity for the entire human race."

The Pope concluded his remarks by invoking the protection of Mary and St. Joseph
"for all families, especially those in difficulties. ... Support them so they
may resist the divisive forces of a certain kind of modern culture that
undermines the very foundations of the family institution. ... Help Christian
families all over the world to be the living image of God's love."

Following the Angelus, the Holy Father addressed the faithful in various
languages. To Polish pilgrims he said: "Let us give thanks to God for the past
year, for all the good received, and particularly for my pilgrimage to Poland. I
recall my journey in the footsteps of Servant of God John Paul II and your
witness of faith. Today, on the Sunday of the Holy Family, I pray that your
families be worthy places for the education of children and young people."


* * *


MOTHER OF GOD, INTERCEDE TO BRING PEACE AND COMFORT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 31, 2006 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 6 p.m. today, the
Pope presided at the first Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, and
the singing of the "Te Deum" of thanksgiving for the end of the year.

In his homily, the Holy Father referred to the dimension of time, saying: "In
the closing hours of each solar year, we witness the repetition of certain
worldly 'rites' which, in the modern world, are prevalently aimed at enjoyment,
often experienced as escape from reality, almost as if to exorcise negative
elements and propitiate improbable turns of fortune. How different must the
attitude of the Christian community be, ... called to live these hours by making
their own the sentiments of the Virgin Mary," so that, with her, they may
present to Jesus "the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the
men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted."

" Mary's maternity," the Pope explained, "is at one and the same time a human
and a divine event. ... The Son of God was begotten by Him, and at the same time
is the son of a woman, Mary. He comes from her. He is of from God and from Mary.
For this reason the Mother of Jesus can and must be called Mother of God."

Pope Benedict called upon the "Theotokos," the Mother of God, to intercede for
the world entire, entrusting to her care "situations in which only the grace of
the Lord can bring peace, comfort and justice."

"We ask the Mother of God to obtain for us the gift of a mature faith, a faith
which we would like, as far as possible, to resemble her own, a clear and
genuine faith, humble and at the same time courageous, saturated with hope and
enthusiasm for the Kingdom of God; a faith removed from all fatalism and that
aims to cooperate in full and joyous obedience to the divine will, in the
absolute certainty that God wants nothing other than love and life, always and
for everyone."

Following the celebration, in keeping with tradition, the Pope visited the
nativity scene in St. Peter's Square.


* * *


PEACE, A GIFT TO BE INVOKED, A TASK TO BE CARRIED OUT

VATICAN CITY, JAN 1, 2007 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Basilica, Benedict
XVI presided at a Eucharistic celebration for the Solemnity of Holy Mary Mother
of God and the 40th World Day of Peace, which has as its theme this year: "The
Human Person, the Heart of Peace."

"Apart from her maternity, today we also highlight Mary's virginity," said the
Holy Father in his homily. "These are two attributes that are always proclaimed
together and inseparably, because they complement and qualify one another. Mary
is a mother, but a virgin mother. If we overlook one aspect or the other we do
not fully understand the mystery of Mary as she is presented in the Gospels."

Going on to refer to the theme of the World Day of Peace, the Holy Father said
that "all human beings - precisely because created in the image and likeness of
God, without distinction of race, culture or religion - are clothed in the same
personal dignity. For this reason they must be respected, and no reason can ever
justify their being used at whim, as if they were objects.

"Faced with the unfortunately ever present threats to peace," he added, "faced
with situations of injustice and violence that continue in various parts of the
earth, faced with the persistence of armed conflicts often forgotten by public
opinion, faced with the danger of terrorism that disturbs the serenity of
peoples, it is even more necessary to work together for peace. Peace, as I
recalled in my Message, is 'both gift and task,' a gift to invoke with prayer, a
task to carry out with tireless courage."

The Holy Father's thoughts then turned to the Holy Land where Jesus was born.
"How can we not implore with insistent prayers that that region may, as soon as
possible, achieve the day of peace," he said, "the day in which the current
conflict, that has gone on for too many years, is definitively resolved. A peace
agreement, in order to last, must be founded upon the dignity and rights of each
person.

"My hope, that I express before the representatives of nations here present, is
that the international community may unite its efforts so as to build, in the
name of God, a world in which the essential rights of man are respected by
everyone. For this to happen it is necessary that the foundation of such rights
be recognized, not just in simple human agreements, but in 'man's very nature
and his inalienable dignity as a person created by God.'

"The Holy Father went on: "If, in fact, the constituent elements of human
dignity are entrusted to changeable human opinions, then human rights, though
solemnly proclaimed, will end up as weak and variously interpretable."

Benedict XVI entrusted the new year to the Mother of God, a year "we receive
from the hands of God as a precious 'talent' to invest, as a providential
opportunity to contribute to the realization of the Kingdom of God."


* * *


DIGNITY OF THE PERSON IS THE FOUNDATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 1, 2007 (VIS) - Following today's Eucharistic celebration
marking the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and before praying the Angelus from
the window of his private study overlooking St. Peter's Square, the Pope said:
"Today we contemplate Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, in His attribute of true
'Prince of Peace.' He 'is our peace,' Who came to break down the wall that
divides men and peoples, in other words 'hostility'."

Benedict VI recalled how it was Paul VI who wished "that the year should begin
under the protection of Most Holy Mary, venerated as the Mother of God," and
that January 1 "should mark the World Day of Peace, so that each year may start
in the light of Christ, the great pacifier of humanity.

"Today," he added, "I renew my hope for peace to the governors and leaders of
nations and of international organizations, and to all men and women of good
will. I do so particularly with the special Message that I prepared together
with my collaborators in the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace and that
has as its theme this year: 'The Human Person, the Heart of Peace'."

That Message, said the Holy Father, "touches upon an essential point: the value
of the human person, who is the column that supports the entire grand edifice of
peace. Today there is much talk of human rights, but it is often forgotten that
they need a foundation that is firm, not relative or subjective. This foundation
can only be the dignity of the person. And respect for this dignity begins with
the recognition and protection of people's right to live and profess their own
religion freely."

The Pope concluded: "To the Holy Mother of God we trustingly address our prayer
that sacred respect for all human beings and the firm refusal of war and
violence may develop in people's consciences. Help us, Mary, you who brought
Jesus into the world, to welcome from Him the gift of peace and to be sincere
and courageous builders of peace."



* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 2, 2007 (VIS) - Major Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios
Malancharuvil O.I.C. of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankars, India, with the
consent of the Synod of Bishops and after having consulted the Apostolic See,
erected, in accordance with canon 85, para. 1, of the Code of Canons of the
Eastern Churches, the eparchy of Mavelikara of the Syro-Malankars (population
2,998,325, Catholics 30,825, priests 75, religious 105), India, with territory
taken from Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankars, making it a suffragan of the same
metropolitan archieparchy.

Major Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios Malancharuvil O.I.C. of Trivandrum of the
Syro-Malankars, with the consent of the Synod of Bishops and after having
consulted the Apostolic See, transferred, in accordance with canon 85, para. 2,
of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Bishop Joshuah Mar Ignathios
Kizhakkeveettil, auxiliary of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankars, to the office of
first bishop of Mavelikara of the Syro-Malankars.


* * *


NOTICE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 2, 2007 (VIS) - During the year 2007, the VIS bulletin will be
transmitted every week from Monday to Friday, except on the following days:

March 19 (Monday)

April 5 (Holy Thursday) April 6 (Good Friday) April 9 (Easter Monday) April 10
(Tuesday) April 19 (Thursday)

May 1 (Tuesday) May 17 (Thursday)

June 7 (Thursday) June 29 (Friday)

The entire month of August

November 1 (Thursday) November 2 (Friday)

December 24 (Monday) December 25 (Tuesday) December 26 (Wednesday) December 27
(Thursday) December 30 (Monday)


* * *


CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/010207.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 2

WEDNESDAY 3 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. OPENING OUR HEARTS AND MINDS TO CHRIST
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *



OPENING OUR HEARTS AND MINDS TO CHRIST



VATICAN CITY, JAN 3, 2007 (VIS) - In his first general audience of this year,
held this morning in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, the Pope pointed out how the
atmosphere of Christmas "invites us to rejoice for the birth of the Redeemer."



   "Those who pause in meditation before the Son of God lying defenseless in the
manger cannot but marvel at this humanly incredible event; they cannot but share
the wonder and the humble abandonment of the Virgin Mary, whom God chose as the
Mother of the Redeemer precisely because of her humility.



   "In the Child of Bethlehem," the Holy Father added, "all mankind discovers
itself to be gratuitously loved by God. In the light of Christmas, the infinite
goodness of God is made plain to each of us. In Jesus, the heavenly Father
inaugurated a new relationship with us: He made us 'sons in the Son'."



   "However, the joy of Christmas does not make us forget the mystery of evil
(mysterium iniquitatis), the power of the dark that seeks to obscure the
splendor of divine light, and unfortunately we experience this power of darkness
every day. ... This is the drama of the rejection of Christ which, today as in
the past, shows and expresses itself in many different ways." Indeed, "perhaps
the ways of refusing God in the modern age are even more insidious and
dangerous: from outright rejection to indifference, from scientistic atheism to
the presentation of a modernized or post-modernized Jesus, a human Jesus,
reduced in various ways to being a simple man of His time and deprived of His
divinity; or perhaps a Jesus so idealized as to appear as a character of
legend."



   Yet, Pope Benedict said, "only the Child lying in the manger possesses the
real secret of life. For this reason He asks for acceptance, for space to be
made for Him among us, in our hearts, in our houses, in our cities and in our
societies," In this "we are helped by the simplicity of the shepherds and the
quest of the Magi, who through the star scrutinized the signs of God, [and by]
the docility of Mary and the prudent wisdom of Joseph."



   "At the beginning of this new year, let us reawaken our commitment to open our
minds and hearts to Christ, sincerely demonstrating to Him our will to live as
His true friends. Thus will we become collaborators in His plan of salvation and
witnesses of the joy He brings, that we may spread it abundantly about us. ...
Let us accompany Jesus, walk with Him, and thus the new year will be happy and
good."



* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, JAN 3, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Appointed Fr. Angelo Pignoli of the clergy of the diocese of Franca, Brazil,
diocesan coordinator of pastoral care and pastor of the parish of "Sant'Ana," as
bishop of Quixada (area 15,134, population 294,125, Catholics 263,900, priests
40, religious 98), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Cappella Picenardi,
Italy in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1976. He succeeds Bishop Adelio Giuseppe
Tomasin P.S.D.P., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese,
the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Fr. Joao Bosco Barbosa de Sousa O.F.M., pastor of the parish of
"Sao Francisco de Assis," in the archdiocese of Sao Paulo, Brazil, as bishop of
Uniao da Vitoria (area 10,000, population 286,000, Catholics 246,000, priests
39, permanent deacons 12, religious 72), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in
Guaratingueta, Brazil in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1978. He succeeds Bishop
Walter Michael Ebejer O.P., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same
diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Fr. Messias dos Reis Silveira of the clergy of the diocese of
Guaxupe, Brazil, pastor of the diocesan cathedral "Nossa Senhora das Dores," as
bishop of Uruacu (area 43,''', population 354,000, Catholics 302,000, priests
38, religious 36), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Passos, Brazil in 1958
and ordained a priest in 1992. He succeeds Bishop Jose da Silva Chaves, whose
resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father
accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Bishop Rene-Marie Ehuzu C.I.M., of Abomey, Benin, as bishop of
Porto Novo (area 4,545, population 1,180,015, Catholics 376,050, priests 61,
religious 109), Benin.



  - Appointed as members of the Congregation for Bishops, Archbishops Giovanni
Marra, emeritus of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, Italy, and Giorgio Zur,
apostolic nuncio.



* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


THURSDAY : Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious


In today�s Gospel we hear of two disciples who immediately followed Jesus from
the very beginning of His public ministry.

The very first response Jesus gives to those who choose to follow Him is the
question :

�What are you looking for?�

Jesus did not ask �Who are you looking for?� since He already knew they were
looking for the promised Messiah.

Jesus asks them about what they are looking for to engage them in a conversation
so they will reveal their thoughts about what they expect, about what they think
the Messiah is, and what they believe he can do.

Jesus continues to ask this very same question to every human person who wishes
to follow Him.

Are you following me because you think you will get what you want out of life,
or that you will have special privileges, or that only good things and material
happiness will be the outcome of your life?

Jesus asks us what we are looking for since His wish is that we seek Him for
Himself.

He wants us to desire Him more than anything or anyone.

He desires that we learn His ways, His mentality, His will, His Gospel, His
teaching, His personality and character so that He lives and reigns supreme in
our minds and hearts as our model in life.

Many follow Jesus who end up following a false Jesus invented in their
imaginations who serves their wish fulfillment and usually winds up resembling
themselves rather than the real Jesus who lives eternally.

Jesus asks us what we are looking for so that we will open up our minds and
hearts to Him and allow Him to inform us, nurture us, enlighten us and empower
us with the right vision, the wisdom, knowledge, power and strength we will need
to serve Him successfully in this life.


Take some time today to dialogue with Jesus and tell Him that you are only
looking for Him to come into your life, to come into your soul and live and
reign as king of your mind, heart and will.

Mary, Queen of all hearts, grant us the grace to have Jesus live and reign
within us.




<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM

CHAPTER TWO : Transformation in Discovery (pages 65-70)


Fr. Merton discusses the nature of the language of scripture is to motivate us
to make heroic efforts seeking God.

"And yet the very unfamiliarity of Scriptural language, says St. Augustine, has
its purpose. [41] The language of revelation is mysterious not in order that its
meaning may be concealed from us, but in order that we may be moved to seek it
with a more fervent love. For God only reveals His secrets to those who love Him
and who seek to know Him in order to love Him better.' (page 66)

Scripture is the Word of God calling us into deeper dialogue, calling us to
sacrifice something we want in order to find the truth -- so that we will want
the truth more than that which we sacrificed. The Sacred Scriptures is a living
web that entangles forcing us -- if we allow the words to touch our hearts -- to
unravel and unfold its meaning through our heroic and valiant efforts of very
hard work, deep personal sacrifice, radical change of life and lifestyle to find
the truth and authentic meaning, that, when revealed to our minds and hearts
confirms the fact that only God, loving Him and serving Him satisfies our souls.


Note [41] Enarratio in Psalmum, 93, ParagraphI. Patrologicia Latina, Volume 37,
Column 1189.

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/010307.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>

MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/k/kempis/imitation2/htm/i.htm>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 3

THURSDAY 4 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. BENEDICT XVI VISITS A CARITAS SHELTER IN ROME
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN MEMORIAM
---------------------------------------------------------------
. MAMA GILI
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


BENEDICT XVI VISITS A CARITAS SHELTER IN ROME



VATICAN CITY, JAN 4, 2007 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father visited a
shelter run by the diocesan Caritas of Rome on the city's Colle Oppio. Founded
in 1983, it was the first structure for homeless people to be established in
Rome. Over the last 23 years it has welcomed thousands of people, both Italians
and non-Italians, and distributed more than nine million meals.



   Accompanied by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome,
Bishop Ernesto Mandara, auxiliary of Rome for the central area, and Msgr.
Guerino Di Tora, director of Caritas, the Pope visited the welcome center, the
canteen and a nativity scene built by the Caritas volunteers and the people who
use the shelter. He also greeted young people from the "Monti-Esquilino" youth
center, which is based in the same building.



   At the entrance to the canteen, the Pope paused to bless a plaque
commemorating John Paul II's visit there on December 20, 1992. A phrase Pope
John Paul pronounced on that occasion - "suffering man concerns us" - is now
inscribed on the plaque.



   Afterwards, in the courtyard attached to the canteen, the Pope met with the
Caritas volunteers and the people who use the shelter.



   "In this shelter, which can in some way be considered as the symbol of Roman
Caritas" he said in his address to them, "it is possible to touch the presence
of Christ in our brothers and sisters who are hungry, and in those who give them
to eat. Here we can experience how, when we love our fellows, we know God
better. In the manger of Bethlehem, He showed Himself to us in the poverty of a
helpless newborn child. The Christmas message is simple: God came among us
because He loves us. God is love, not a sentimental love but a love that became
a total giving of self, even unto the sacrifice on the cross."



   Benedict XVI recalled how the word Bethlehem means "house of bread. Truly
Jesus - the bread from heaven, the living bread - in some way shows Himself
every day in this shelter, where the aim is not just to give people to eat, but
to serve them without distinction of race, religion or culture."



   "A call addressed to everyone arises from the manger of Bethlehem, from each
nativity scene: Jesus loves us and He teaches us to love. The directors, the
volunteers and all those who frequent this shelter can experience the beauty of
this love. They can feel the profundity of the joy that it brings, a joy most
certainly different from the one proclaimed by publicity and advertising."



   The Pope concluded his talk by calling upon the Lord "to continue to protect
the people who, in Roman Caritas, undertake such precious work in promoting
solidarity, both here and elsewhere in the city. May the Holy Spirit animate the
hearts of the directors, workers and volunteers that they may serve with ever
more committed dedication, drawing inspiration from authentic Christian love,
which the saints of charity summarized in the motto: 'the good done well'."



   After his address, five prayer intentions were read out, followed by the Our
Father and the final blessing. The Pope was then given "ID card number one" for
accessing Caritas shelters in Rome, an apron of the kind worn by the volunteers,
a blanket, and an album with drawings by children living in a shelter for
mothers in difficulties. For his part, the Holy Father donated 10,000 blankets
and 2,000 overcoats to distribute to the homeless people whom the Caritas
volunteers meet every night in the streets of the capital.



   At midday, his visit concluded, the Pope returned to the Vatican by car.


* * *


IN MEMORIAM



VATICAN CITY, JAN 4, 2007 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:



  - Bishop Auguste Delisle S.S.Sp., emeritus of Lokoja, Nigeria, on November 13,
at the age of 98.



  - Archbishop Nerses Der Nersessian C.A.M., ordinary emeritus for Armenian
Catholics of Eastern Europe, on December 24, at the age of 86.



  - Archbishop Ettore Di Filippo, emeritus of Campobasso-Boiano, Italy, on
December 18, at the age of 84.



  - Bishop Daniele Ferrari, emeritus of Chiavari, Italy, on December 20, at the
age of 86.



  - Bishop Jacinto Guerrero Torres of Tlaxcala, Mexico, on December 27, at the
age of 72.



  - Archbishop Jorge Manuel Lopez, emeritus of Rosario, Argentina, on December
22, at the age of 88.


* * *


MAMA GILI


Three new links have been added to our CATALOGUE OF LINKS, see below 7. THE
BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI


Testimonial of Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/testimonial_of_fr.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/frglenn575.htm


New Jersey State Senate Honors Mama Gili
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r109:E25OC5-0009:

You can also obtain a copy of the book about Mama Gili written by her eldest
daughter Claudia (she too is now deceased). Claudia Gili Phaneuf, Dolores
Immacolata Gili: Mama Gili. (Mama Gili Guild, 1989). The 2005 Edition is now
available from the Mama Gili Guild. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of
this book may purchase the 2005 edition from Fr. Dante: The Society of the Holy
Face/Mama Gili Guild, address and phone number below. The cost of the book, last
time I checked, was $5.00 plus postage.


Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011


* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY


�Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God
ascending and descending on the Son of Man.�

This apocalyptic vision of Jesus Christ enthroned as supreme ruler of all
creation hails in our new year and renews our hope, joy and expectations for His
coming.

St. Luke gave us the sign of the beginning of the end of the world : the clamor
of the ocean and the tumult of its waves. (Luke 21:25)

He then says that they shall see the Son of Man coming on a cloud in great power
and glory.

This vision of the glorious Christ is the very same one given to us in today's
reading but put another way by St. John.

We are living during the time between the great tsunamis and the return of
Christ in power and glory.

We are living at the climax of human history, the final age filled with great
drama, but more so filled with tremendous hope, great expectations and the
joyful knowledge that Jesus Christ shall come again to bring eternal peace and
justice to earth.

Be not afraid!

Rather, be people of hope, people of peace and joy!

Rejoice knowing God has us in the palm of His hands.

We do not know the day or hour, but we do know with absolute certainty that
Jesus Christ is Triumphant, Victor and Savior of the world and is already en
route in His return.


Keep your eyes on the Vicar of Christ, Benedict XVI, whom Christ Himself has
personally appointed as His shepherd to show you the way.


Begin this new year renewing your commitment to Christ growing in love and
devotion to Him so that we may serve Him ever more faithfully.


Stay on the straight and narrow path in life and seek only the riches of heaven.


Mary, Queen of all souls, grant me the grace to be holy and live devoted to you
and your son, Jesus Christ.


<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM

CHAPTER TWO : Transformation in Discovery (pages 65-70)


Fr. Merton discusses the content of the Psalms that mirror the pain and
suffering of life as cries to God for help. When we pray these Psalms we can
identify with their content opening up our own hearts in the crying out to God
for the consolation, healing, and strength each human person longs for.

"They entered into the 'action' of the Psalm. They allowed themselves to be
absorbed in the spiritual agony of the Psalmist and of the One he represented.
They allowed their sorrows to be swallowed up in the sorrows of this mysterious
Personage and then they found themselves swept away, on the strong tide of his
hope, into the very depths of God." (pages 66-67)

Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/010407.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/testimonial_of_fr.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/frglenn575.htm


New Jersey State Senate Honors Mama Gili
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r109:E25OC5-0009:


Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>



MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Get a copy of the book about Mama Gili written by her eldest daughter Claudia.
Claudia Gili Phaneuf, Dolores Immacolata Gili: Mama Gili (Mama Gili Guild, 1989)
2005 Edition Available from the Mama Gili Guild. Anyone interested in obtaining
a copy of this book may purchase the 2005 edition from Fr. Dante: The Society of
the Holy Face/Mama Gili Guild, address and phone number below. The cost of the
book, last time I checked, was $5.00 plus postage.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
book and the cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.html>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 4

FRIDAY 5 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, JAN 5, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences:



  - Archbishop Angelo Amato S.D.B., secretary of the Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith.



  - Cardinal Claudio Hummes, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy.



  - Cardinal William Wakefield Baum, major penitentiary emeritus.



  - Fr. Mauro Johri, minister general of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor
Capuchin.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, JAN 5, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father:



  - Appointed Fr. Rodrigo Mejia Saldarriaga S.J., director of the Galilee Center
in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, as apostolic vicar of Soddo-Hosanna (area 65,000,
population 7,000,000, Catholics 250,000, priests 56, religious 74), Ethiopia.
The bishop-elect was born in Medellin, Colombia in 1938 and ordained a priest in
1969 . He succeeds Bishop Domenico Crescentino Marinozzi O.F.M. Cap., whose
resignation from the pastoral care of the same apostolic vicariate, the Holy
Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.



  - Appointed Fr. Leopldo C. Jaucian S.V.D., superior general of the Verbite
central province in Manila, Philippines, as bishop of Bangued (area 3,975,
population 236,545, Catholics 198,497, priests 38, religious 38), Philippines.
The bishop-elect was born in Santa, Philippines in 1960 and ordained a priest in
1988.



  - Appointed Bishop Isabelo Caiban Abarquez, auxiliary of Palo, Philippines, as
bishop of Calbayog, Philippines (area 5,069, population 689,087, Catholics
654,632, priests 61, religious 81), Philippines.



  - Appointed Fr. Emmanuel Felemou of the clergy of N'Zerekore, Guniea, rector of
the seminary of "Saint Eugene de Samoe" and episcopal vicar for the formation of
the diocesan clergy, as bishop of Kankan (area 118,000, population 1,811,000,
Catholics 56,255, priests 29, religious 24), Guinea. The bishop-elect was born
in Kolouma, Guinea in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1989.


* * *




TOMORROW'S HOMILY


BAPTISM OF THE LORD


We live in a world where affiliations and social position have important
implications placing people in the class of either those who have or those who
have not.

Many social injustices are caused by things not being equal for everyone.

Some use their social, political, or religious affiliations for personal gain.

Some fall under the delusion that because they were born in a certain country
that God sees them as special.

This may be true with the way things are in our world among people, societies
and cultures, but it is not true with how God deals with us.

The only important thing to God is your mind and heart, not the color of our
skin, native language, or country of origin.

Every human person who cries out for justice, who bows their head acknowledging
their limitations, imperfections, and sinfulness in tears and contrition, who
prays for the grace and strength to do what is right -- God seeks all of these
with open arms as His true children and heirs.

It is this pure and simple truth about God seeking the good minds and hearts of
human persons everywhere that opened the eyes of our first Pope St. Peter when
he said :

�In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever
fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.�

God does not disdain or reject nor does he praise and glorify anyone because
they were born in any specific country on earth, or were born and raised in a
particular culture, religion, speaking a certain language and looking and
dressing according to their customs or traditions.

It is the evil of human bias that judges according to these things -- they are
not the ways of God, but the ways of all who oppose Him.

How many are there who hate other people because of these very things?

People are hated because they speak a certain language, come from a certain
country and all of these similar forms and reasons of bigotry and hypocrisy are
gnawing at the very moral fiber of the world today.

How many murders, wars, and horrors of injustice have happened since human
society first emerged until our very day?

All of these social evils have filled the cup of wrath throughout the ages so
that in our own day we are living to see the cup filled to its very brim -- on
the verge of overflowing.

The wicked ways of our world are directly opposed to God�s holy and just ways.

It is this pervasive moral decadence that cuts to the core of human society that
opposes Christ and breeds the spirit of antichrist.

We are living during these last days when the climax of human drama unfolds to
reveal the wickedness that brought us down from the very beginning.

The unbridled darkness of the human heart empowered by rage, jealousy, pride and
fear have so corrupted the world both socially and physically that the very
planet moans and longs to see the Holy Face of Christ come in glory.

From the very soil and rocks that cry out to God for justice so does the cry
reverberate up the ranks through the forests, oceans, animals and throughout the
human family.

We long for the world to be filled with peace and social justice, to be ruled
with truth, honor, justice and integrity.

We seek that day when God�s holy angel blasts the final trumpet when Christ is
revealed to every human person.

Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus was the hymn and cry of the early Church.

The corruption of the world is still the same today as it was back then, only
now it has gained power through technology to deceive the masses with greater
force and speed.

As we approach the omega point of time when Christ shall come in His glory the
Church renews herself through His most holy passion and death symbolized here
today in His baptism that took place long ago along the banks of the river
Jordan.

The baptism of Christ was first made by water, and later on by His blood on the
cross.

All grace, all holiness given to us is drawn from the salvific passion of Christ
on the cross.

Let us recall Jesus being baptized, submitting to the will of God, living up to
the cause for which He was born, to take within His mind and souls all the guilt
of the sins of the whole world so that His suffering, agony and death on the
cross served as the expiation for every human sin -- so that He is purged of
everything as He bows His head in death -- gloriously rising and rising to power
and might over everything and throughout infinity.

Let us echo the cry of the early Church : Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!

Come into our lives, come and nourish us with your holiness, grace and virtue
through the sacraments.

Make us devout and true to the Gospel and the teachings of Your Holy Catholic
Church.

Renew her Lord through Your Precious Blood shed to redeem us.

Empower us with all the graces necessary to do Your holy will, now, today and
every day until You come again in glory.

Mary, Queen of the Church nourish us now as once did so long ago the unborn
infant Jesus living in your womb.

Be with us and protect us until you bring Christ back to earth this final time
-- with you in glory from heaven.



<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]



* * *


CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/010507.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/testimonial_of_fr.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/frglenn575.htm


New Jersey State Senate Honors Mama Gili
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r109:E25OC5-0009:


Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>



MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Get a copy of the book about Mama Gili written by her eldest daughter
Claudia.
Claudia Gili Phaneuf, Dolores Immacolata Gili: Mama Gili (Mama Gili
Guild, 1989)
2005 Edition Available from the Mama Gili Guild. Anyone interested in
obtaining
a copy of this book may purchase the 2005 edition from Fr. Dante: The
Society of
the Holy Face/Mama Gili Guild, address and phone number below. The
cost of the
book, last time I checked, was $5.00 plus postage.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
book and the cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.html>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
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Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
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All correspondence should be sent to:
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Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 5

MONDAY 8 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF CHRIST AND OF HIS MESSAGE!
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CHURCH IS BASED NOT ON HOMOGENEITY BUT ON SHARED FAITH
---------------------------------------------------------------
. IN EACH NEWBORN WE RECOGNIZE THAT LIFE IS A GIFT OF GOD
---------------------------------------------------------------
. BAPTISM MEANS WE MUST LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW JESUS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. BENEDICT XVI ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF ARCHBISHOP WIELGUS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LET US WORK TO BUILD AN INTEGRAL HUMANISM
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DEATH OF CARDINAL ARCHBISHOP OF KINSHASA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


DO NOT BE AFRAID OF CHRIST AND OF HIS MESSAGE!



VATICAN CITY, JAN 6, 2007 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 10 a.m. today, the
Pope presided at Mass for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.



   In his homily, the Holy Father affirmed that the Epiphany is "the
'manifestation' of Christ to peoples," who "are represented by the Magi, the
mysterious pilgrims from the East. We celebrate Christ, the goal of peoples'
pilgrimage in search of salvation".



   "Who," the Pope asked, "are the Magi today? How, our minds upon the modern
world, can we interpret these mysterious gospel figures?" To answer this
question, he considered Vatican Council II which, he said, was moved "by the
desire to announce Christ, light of the world, to modern humanity," and which
identified "the need to create a new political and economic world order, and at
the same time and above all a spiritual and cultural order, in other words a
renewed humanism."



   At the beginning of the third millenium, characterized by the phenomenon of
globalization, said the Holy Father, there is a risk of losing sight of this
challenge, "a risk greatly reinforced by the immense growth of the mass media
which, although on the one hand they immeasurably increase our sources of
information, on the other they seem to weaken our capacity to achieve a critical
overview."



   Recalling the final messages of Vatican Council II, the Pope indicated that
the first was addressed to rulers and the second to men of thought and science,
"two categories of people," he said, "that in some way correspond to the gospel
figures of the Magi." To them, he went on, "it is today more than ever necessary
to add the representatives of the great non-Christian religious traditions,
inviting them to contemplate the light of Christ, Who came not to abolish but to
bring to fruition what the hand of God had written in the religious history of
civilizations, especially in the 'great souls' who contributed to building
humanity with their wisdom and their exemplary virtue. Christ is light, and
light cannot obscure but only illuminate, clarify and reveal.



   "Therefore," he concluded, "let no one be afraid of Christ and of His message!
And if in the course of history Christians, being imperfect and sinful, have
sometimes betrayed Him with their behavior, this highlights even more the fact
that the light is Christ, and the Church reflects that light only by remaining
united to Him."


* * *


CHURCH IS BASED NOT ON HOMOGENEITY BUT ON SHARED FAITH



VATICAN CITY, JAN 6, 2007 (VIS) - The Solemnity of the Epiphany was the central
theme of Benedict XVI's brief remarks before praying the Angelus today with
pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.



   The Holy Father pointed out how the Gospel of Matthew lays great emphasis on
the Epiphany, a vitally important event because it marks the beginning of the
conversion of "pagan peoples to faith in Christ. ... If, then, Mary, Joseph and
the shepherds of Bethlehem represent the people of Israel who welcomed the Lord,
the Magi are the 'first fruit' of the Gentiles, also called to become part of
the Church, the new people of God, no longer based on ethnic, linguistic or
cultural homogeneity, but solely on shared faith in Jesus, the Son of God.



   "For this reason," he added, "the Epiphany of Christ is at the same time the
epiphany of the Church, in other words the expression of her vocation and
universal mission." Benedict XVI then went on to greet "our brothers and sisters
of the Oriental Churches who, following the Julian calendar, will celebrate
Christmas tomorrow." He also recalled the fact that today is the World Day of
Missionary Children, "the feast of Christian children who live the gift of faith
with joy and pray that the light of Christ may reach all children in the world."


* * *



IN EACH NEWBORN WE RECOGNIZE THAT LIFE IS A GIFT OF GOD



VATICAN CITY, JAN 7, 2007 (VIS) - In the Sistine Chapel today, the Feast of the
Baptism of the Lord which concludes the liturgical time of Christmas, the Pope
baptized 13 newborn babies from various countries.



   "Each child born," said the Holy Father in his homily, "brings to us the smile
of God and invites us to recognize that life is His gift, a gift that must be
accepted with love and protected with care, always and at all times."



   "Each child born is entrusted by God to its parents. How important, then, is
the family founded upon marriage! The cradle of life and of love."



   After highlighting the fact that "Baptism is adoption and assumption into the
family of God, in communion with the Holy Trinity," the Pope affirmed that
newborns, "from being children of human parents, become also children of God in
the living Son of God."



   "In Baptism we are adopted by the heavenly Father," said Pope Benedict, "but
in His family there is also a mother, the Mother Church."



   "Christianity is not just a spiritual reality, an individual reality, a simple
subjective decision that I take, but something real, something concrete, perhaps
even something material. The family of God is built within the concrete reality
of the Church."



   The Holy Father called upon the parents and godparents of the children just
baptized to teach them "to pray and to feel themselves to be active members of
the real family of God, of the ecclesial community."



   "The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of that Catechism,
... could prove an extremely useful and exact tool to help you to grow in your
own knowledge of Catholic faith, and to transmit it fully and faithfully to your
offspring. Above all, do not forget that it is your testimony, your example,
that has the greatest influence on the human and spiritual growth of ... your
children."



* * *


BAPTISM MEANS WE MUST LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW JESUS



VATICAN CITY, JAN 7, 2007 (VIS) - After having presided at Mass in the Sistine
Chapel, during which he administered the Sacrament of Baptism to 13 newborn
infants, the Holy Father appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus
with thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square below.



   "Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which closes the
period of Christmas," he said, pointing out that the Baptism is mentioned, in
different ways, in all the Gospels. "It was, in fact, part of the Apostles'
preaching, because it constituted the starting point of the entire arc of deeds
and words to which they were called to bear witness."



   Jesus' Baptism was extremely important for the apostolic community, "not only
because then, and for the first time in history, the mystery of the Trinity was
made manifest clearly and completely, but also because with that event Jesus'
public ministry began. ... The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan anticipates His
Baptism of blood on the Cross and symbolizes the entire sacramental activity
with which the Redeemer would achieve the salvation of humanity."



   The Holy Father recalled that "this Feast is, after Easter, the oldest," and
indicated how "there is a close correlation between the Baptism of Christ and
our own Baptism. In the Jordan, heaven opened to show that the Savior has opened
the way of salvation, and we can follow it thanks to the new birth 'of water and
the Spirit' that comes about in Baptism. In Baptism we are inserted into
mystical Body of Christ, which is the Church, we die and are born again in Him,
we cloth ourselves in Him. ... The duty that arises from Baptism is, then, that
of 'listening' to Jesus, believing in Him and following Him obediently, doing
His will."


* * *


BENEDICT XVI ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF ARCHBISHOP WIELGUS



VATICAN CITY, JAN 7, 2007 (VIS) - In a note released at midday today, the
apostolic nunciature to Poland stated that: "Metropolitan Archbishop Stanislaw
Wielgus of Warsaw, Poland, on the day in which he was scheduled to enter the
cathedral basilica to begin his pastoral ministry in the Church of Warsaw, has
presented His Holiness Benedict XVI with his resignation from canonical office,
in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.



   "The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus
and has appointed Cardinal Jozef Glemp, primate of Poland, as diocesan
administrator of Warsaw, until further notice." The note bears the signature of
Archbishop Jozef Kowalczyk, apostolic nuncio to Poland.



   For his part, Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J.
released the following declaration to journalists today:



   "Archbishop Wielgus' conduct in the past years of the communist regime in
Poland has seriously compromised his authority, even with the faithful.
Therefore, despite his humble and touching request for forgiveness, his
resignation from the see of Warsaw and its prompt acceptance on the part of the
Holy Father seemed an appropriate way to address the disorientation that has
been created in that country.



   "It is a time of great suffering for a Church to which we all owe so much and
which we love. A Church that has given us pastors of the stature of Cardinal
Stefan Wyszybnski and, above all, of Pope John Paul II. The universal Church
must feel spiritually united to the Church in Poland and support her with prayer
and encouragement, so she may soon recover her serenity.



   "At the same time, it must be remarked that the case of Archbishop Wielgus is
not the first and will probably not be the last time that personalities of the
Church are attacked on the basis of documentation from the security services of
the former regime. There is an enormous amount of material and, in attempting to
assess its value and draw reliable conclusions, it must not be forgotten that it
was produced by officials of an oppressive and blackmailing regime.



   "So many years after the end of the communist regime, with the loss of the
great and unassailable figure of Pope John Paul II, the current wave of attacks
against the Catholic Church in Poland, rather than a sincere search for
transparency and truth, has many hallmarks of being a strange alliance between
the persecutors of the past and their adversaries, a vendetta by those who used
to persecute the Church and were defeated by the faith and the thirst for
freedom of the Polish people.



   "'The truth will make you free,' says Christ. The Church is not afraid of the
truth and her members, to be faithful to their Lord, must be able to acknowledge
their own faults. We hope that the Church in Poland will be able to live and
surmount this difficult period courageously and clearly, so that she will be
able to continue to offer her precious and extraordinary contribution of faith
and evangelical energy to the Church in Europe and the world."


* * *


LET US WORK TO BUILD AN INTEGRAL HUMANISM



VATICAN CITY, JAN 8, 2007 (VIS) - This morning in the Sala Regia of the Vatican,
Pope Benedict pronounced his traditional annual address to members of the
diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, in which he analyzed the most
important events of the year that has just ended. He also received greetings
from the ambassadors formulated in a speech delivered by Giovanni Galassi,
ambassador of San Marino and dean of the diplomatic corps. The Holy See
currently maintains diplomatic relations with 175 States, to which must be added
the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It also has
relations of a special nature with the Russian Federation and the Palestine
Liberation Organization.



   "At the start of the year," the Pope began, "we are invited to turn our
attention to the international situation, so as to focus upon the challenges
that we are called to address together. ... The worsening scandal of hunger is
unacceptable in a world which has the resources, the knowledge, and the means
available to bring it to an end. It impels us to change our way of life, it
reminds us of the urgent need to eliminate the structural causes of global
economic dysfunction and to correct models of growth that seem incapable of
guaranteeing respect for the environment and for integral human development,
both now and in the future.



   "Once again I invite the leaders of the wealthiest nations to take the
necessary steps to ensure that poor countries, which often have a wealth of
natural resources, are able to benefit from the fruits of goods that are
rightfully theirs. From this point of view, the delay in implementing the
commitments undertaken by the international community during the last few years
is another cause of concern. So it is to be hoped that the trade negotiations of
the 'Doha Development Round' of the World Trade Organization will be resumed,
and that the process of debt cancellation and reduction for the poorest
countries will be continued and accelerated. At the same time, these processes
must not be made conditional upon structural adjustments that are detrimental to
the most vulnerable populations.



   "Equally, in the area of disarmament, symptoms of a developing crisis are
multiplying, linked to difficulties in negotiations over conventional weapons
and weapons of mass destruction and also to the rise in global military
expenditure. Security issues - aggravated by terrorism, which is to be utterly
condemned - must be approached from a global and far-sighted perspective.



   "As far as humanitarian crises are concerned, we should note that the
organizations dealing with them need greater support, so that they can be
equipped to provide protection and assistance to the victims. Another concern
which looms ever larger is that of the movement of persons: millions of men and
women are forced to leave their homes or their native lands because of violence
or in order to seek more dignified living conditions. It is an illusion to think
that migration can be blocked or checked simply by force. Migration and the
problems to which it gives rise must be addressed humanely, with justice and
compassion.



   "How can we not be alarmed, moreover, by the continuous attacks on life, from
conception to natural death? Such attacks do not even spare regions with a
traditional culture of respecting life, such as Africa, where there is an
attempt to trivialize abortion surreptitiously, both through the Maputo
Protocol. ... Equally, there are mounting threats to the natural composition of
the family based on the marriage of a man and a woman, and attempts to
relativize it by giving it the same status as other radically different forms of
union."



   "Other forms of attack on life are sometimes committed in the name of
scientific research. There is a growing conviction that research is subject only
to the laws that it chooses for itself and that it is limited only by its own
possibilities. This is the case, for example, in attempts to legitimize human
cloning for supposedly therapeutic ends.



   "This overview of matters of concern must not distract our attention from the
positive elements characteristic of the modern age. I should like to mention
first of all the growing awareness of the importance of dialogue between
cultures and between religions."



   "It is also timely to note the growing awareness shown by the international
community of the enormous challenges of our time, and the efforts made to
transform this awareness into concrete action. Within the United Nations
Organization, the Council for Human Rights was established last year, and it is
to be hoped that this will focus its activity on defense and promotion of the
fundamental rights of the person, especially the right to life and the right to
religious freedom."



   "Within the framework of development, various initiatives have been undertaken
to which the Holy See has not failed to pledge its support, at the same time
reiterating that these projects must not supplant the commitment of developed
countries to devote 0.7 percent of their gross domestic product to international
aid. Another important element in the collective struggle to eliminate poverty,
in addition to aid - which one can only hope will expand - is a greater
awareness of the need to combat corruption and to promote good governance. We
must also encourage and continue the efforts that have been made to guarantee
human rights to individuals and peoples, for the sake of more effective
protection of civilian populations.



   "In considering the political situation in the various continents, we find
even more reasons for concern and reasons for hope. At the outset, we note that
peace is often fragile and even mocked. We cannot forget the African Continent.
The drama of Darfur continues and is being extended to the border regions of
Chad and the Central African Republic. The international community has seemed
powerless for almost four years, despite initiatives intended to bring relief to
the populations in distress and to arrive at a political solution. Only by
active cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union, the
governments and other interested parties will these methods achieve results."



   "The situation in the Horn of Africa has recently become more serious, with
the resumption of hostilities and the internationalization of the conflict. ...
With regard to Uganda, we must pray for the progress of negotiations between the
parties, in order to hasten the end of that cruel conflict which has even seen
numerous children enlisted and forced to become soldiers."



   "The Great Lakes Region has seen much bloodshed over the years through
merciless wars. Recent positive developments are to be welcomed with interest
and hope, especially the conclusion of the period of political transition in
Burundi and, more recently, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ... In Rwanda,
I pray that the long process of national reconciliation after the genocide may
finally result in justice, but also in truth and forgiveness. ... Finally, I
should like to mention the Ivory Coast, urging the embattled parties to create a
climate of mutual trust that can lead to disarmament and peace. And I should
like to speak of Southern Africa: in the countries of this region, millions of
people are reduced to a situation of great vulnerability that clamors for the
attention and the support of the international community.



   "Among the positive signs for Africa is the wish expressed by the
international community to keep its attention focused on this continent.
Likewise, the strengthening of Africa's continental and regional institutions
bears witness to the desire of the countries concerned to take increasing charge
of their own destiny."



   "The apostolic journey that I shall undertake next May to Brazil gives me the
opportunity to turn my attention towards that great country, which awaits me
with joy, and towards the whole of Latin America and the Caribbean. The
improvement in certain economic indicators, the commitment to combat
drug-trafficking and corruption, the various processes of integration, the
efforts to improve access to education, to fight unemployment and to reduce
inequalities in the distribution of revenues - these are all signs to be viewed
with satisfaction. If these developments are consolidated, they will be able to
make a decisive contribution to overcoming the poverty that afflicts vast
sectors of the population and to increasing the stability of institutions.



   "In the light of the elections that took place last year in several countries,
it should be emphasized that democracy is called to take into account the
aspirations of the citizens as a whole, and to promote increasing respect for
all the components of society, according to the principles of solidarity,
subsidiarity and justice. Yet the practice of democracy must not be allowed to
turn into the dictatorship of relativism, by proposing anthropological models
incompatible with the nature and dignity of the human person.



   "My attention is focused in a special way on certain individual countries -
notably Colombia, where the long internal conflict has provoked a humanitarian
crisis, especially as far as displaced persons are concerned. Every effort must
be made to bring peace to the country, to return to families their loved ones
who have been kidnapped, to restore security and normal life for millions of
people. ... Our attention is also turned towards Cuba. In voicing the hope that
all of its inhabitants may realize their legitimate aspirations, amid concern
for the common good, I should like to renew the appeal made by my venerable
Predecessor: 'Let Cuba open itself to the world, and let the world open itself
to Cuba.' Mutual openness to other countries can only bring benefits to all
concerned. Not far away, the people of Haiti continue to live in great poverty
surrounded by violence. I pray that the interest of the international community
- manifested among other things by the conferences of donors that took place in
2006 - will lead to the consolidation of institutions and will allow the people
to become the architects of their own development, amid a climate of
reconciliation and harmony.



   "The Asian continent includes countries characterized by very large
populations and significant economic development. I am thinking of China and
India, countries that are in rapid expansion, and I hope that their growing
presence on the international stage will bring with it benefits for their own
populations and for other nations. Likewise, I pray for Vietnam, recalling its
recent entry into the World Trade Organization. My thoughts go out to the
Christian communities. In most Asian countries, they tend to be small but lively
communities, with a legitimate desire to be able to live and act in a climate of
religious liberty. This is not only a primordial right but it is a condition
that will enable them to contribute to the material and spiritual progress of
society, and to be sources of cohesion and harmony.



   "In East Timor, the Catholic Church intends to continue making her
contribution, notably in the fields of education, healthcare and national
reconciliation. The political crisis experienced by this young State, and by
other countries in the region, highlights a certain fragility in the processes
of democratization. Dangerous sources of tension are lurking in the Korean
Peninsula. The goal of reconciling the Korean people and maintaining the
Peninsula as a nuclear-free zone - which will bring benefits to the entire
region - must be pursued within the context of negotiations. It is important to
avoid gestures that could compromise the talks, and likewise to avoid making
their results a condition for the humanitarian aid destined for the most
vulnerable sectors of the North Korean population."



   "In Afghanistan, in recent months, we can only deplore the notable increase in
violence and terrorist attacks. This has rendered the way out of the crisis more
difficult, and it weighs heavily on the local population. In Sri Lanka, the
failure of the Geneva negotiations between the Government and the Tamil Movement
has brought with it an intensification of the conflict, causing great suffering
among the civilian population. Only the path of dialogue can ensure a better and
safer future for all.



   "The Middle East is also a source of great anxiety. ... I renew my urgent
appeal to all parties involved in the complex political chessboard of the
region, hoping for a consolidation of the positive signs noted in recent weeks
between Israelis and Palestinians. The Holy See will never tire of reiterating
that armed solutions achieve nothing, as we saw in Lebanon last summer. In fact,
the future of that country depends upon the unity of all its components, and
upon fraternal relations between its different religious and social groupings.
... In particular, the Lebanese have a right to see the integrity and
sovereignty of their country respected; the Israelis have a right to live in
peace in their State; the Palestinians have a right to a free and sovereign
homeland. When each of the peoples in the region sees that its expectations are
taken into consideration and thus feels less threatened, then mutual trust will
be strengthened.



   "This trust will grow if a country like Iran, especially in relation to its
nuclear program, agrees to give a satisfactory response to the legitimate
concerns of the international community. Steps taken in this direction surely
help to stabilize the whole region, especially Iraq, putting an end to the
appalling violence which disfigures that country with bloodshed, and offering an
opportunity to work for reconstruction and reconciliation between all its
inhabitants.



   "Closer to us, in Europe, two new countries, Bulgaria and Romania, nations
with a long Christian tradition, have joined the European Union. As the
celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Treaty of Rome approaches, some
reflection on the Constitutional Treaty would seem appropriate. I hope that the
fundamental values that are at the basis of human dignity will be fully
protected, particularly religious freedom in all its dimensions and the
institutional rights of Churches. ... The fiftieth anniversary of the rising of
Budapest, celebrated last October, calls to mind the dramatic events of the
twentieth century, and it prompts all Europeans to build a future free from
oppression and from ideological conditioning, to establish bonds of friendship
and fraternity, and to show concern and solidarity towards the poor and the
weak. Likewise, the tensions of the past must be purified by promoting
reconciliation at all levels, since this alone opens the way to the future and
gives hope. I also appeal to all those on European soil who are tempted by
terrorism, to cease from all such activity: actions of this kind only lead to
more violence and create fear among populations - they are simply a dead end.
And I must also mention the various 'frozen conflicts' and today's recurring
tensions linked to energy resources, in the hope that they will find a rapid and
definitive solution.



   "I pray that the Balkan region will arrive at the stability so ardently
desired, particularly through the integration of the nations concerned into
continental structures with the support of the international community. The
establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Montenegro, which has
recently entered peacefully into the family of nations, and the Fundamental
Accord signed with Bosnia-Herzegovina are signs of the Holy See's constant
concern for the Balkan region. As the moment approaches in which the statute of
Kosovo will be defined, the Holy See asks all concerned to strive with
far-sighted wisdom, flexibility and moderation, so that a solution may be found
which respects the rights and legitimate expectations of all.



   "The situations I have mentioned," the Pope concluded, "constitute a challenge
that touches us all - a challenge to promote and consolidate all the positive
elements in the world, and to overcome, with good will, wisdom and tenacity, all
that causes injury, degradation and death. It is by respecting the human person
that peace can be promoted, and it is by building peace that the foundations of
an authentic integral humanism are laid. ... In her commitment to serve humanity
and to build peace, the Church stands alongside all people of good will and she
offers impartial cooperation. Together, each in his place and with his
respective gifts, let us work to build an integral humanism which alone can
guarantee a world of peace, justice and solidarity.


* * *


DEATH OF CARDINAL ARCHBISHOP OF KINSHASA



VATICAN CITY, JAN 8, 2007 (VIS) - The Pope has sent a telegram to Bishop Daniel
Nlandu Mayi, auxiliary of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the
death of the archbishop of that archdiocese, Cardinal Frederic
Etsou-Nzabi-Bamungwabi C.I.C.M., who died on January 6 at the age of 76.



   "I pray to the Father of Mercy," writes Pope Benedict in his telegram, "to
welcome in the light and peace of His Kingdom this pastor who consecrated his
life with enthusiasm and abnegation to the service of Christ and His Church, in
particular in the archdiocese of Mbandaka-Bikoro and in that of Kinshasa. I give
thanks for the ministry of this eminent son of Africa, who was also president of
the episcopal conference and who dedicated himself to announcing the Gospel, and
to the service and promotion of the peoples of that continent."



   The Holy Father has also sent a telegram of condolence to Fr. Josef Lapauw,
superior general of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the
religious order to which the late cardinal belonged."


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, JAN 8, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:



  - Appointed Bishop John Charles Wester, auxiliary of the archdiocese of San
Francisco, U.S.A., as bishop of Salt Lake City (area 220,974, population
2,351,467, Catholics 180,000, priests 85, permanent deacons 70, religious 86),
U.S.A.



  - Appointed as members of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples:
Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; Sergio
Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy
See; Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education;
William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the
Faith; Franc Rode, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated
Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; and Agostino Vallini, prefect of the
Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura; and Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea,
apostolic nuncio.


* * *



CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/010807.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/testimonial_of_fr.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/frglenn575.htm


New Jersey State Senate Honors Mama Gili
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r109:E25OC5-0009:


Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>



MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Get a copy of the book about Mama Gili written by her eldest daughter
Claudia. Claudia Gili Phaneuf, Dolores Immacolata Gili: Mama Gili
(Mama Gili Guild, 1989). The 2005 Edition is available from the Mama
Gili Guild by contacting Fr. Dante: address and phone number below.
The cost of the book, last time I checked, was $5.00 plus postage.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
book and the cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.html>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 6

TUESDAY 9 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE TO INAUGURATE LATIN AMERICAN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


POPE TO INAUGURATE LATIN AMERICAN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE



VATICAN CITY, JAN 9, 2007 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office on Friday,
January 12, Fr. David Gutierrez Gutierrez, director of the press office of the
Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), will brief journalists on the
forthcoming Fifth General Conference of the Episcopate of Latin America and the
Caribbean. The meeting will be held in Aparecida, Brazil from 13 to 31 May, and
is due to be inaugurated by the Holy Father Benedict XVI.


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, JAN 9, 2007 (VIS) - Yesterday evening, the Holy Father received in
audience Cardinal Joachim Meisner, archbishop of Cologne, Germany.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Wednesday of the First Week of Ordinary Time



Every child around the world loves Santa Claus.

They think of him by day and dream of him by night.

Most children draw pictures of Santa Claus, sing songs in his honor, and imitate
his Ho-Ho-Ho in a deep sounding voice.

Some dress up like Santa, others write him long letters filled with wishes and
nearly all leave him cookies and milk on Christmas Eve waiting to find evidence
he was there the next morning along with gifts found under the tree.

Why do children love Santa Claus so very much?

The answer is very simple.

They get gifts believing he brought them, and all they had to do was ask.

Things were much the same with children and adults during the days that Jesus
lived over two thousand years ago.

The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark presents the story of Jesus at the home of
St. Peter.

While Jesus was there He cured everyone who came to the house.

Rising early the next morning before sunrise Jesus went to a lonely spot on the
beach to be alone for a while left in prayer and solitude.

St. Peter quickly followed Him and finding Jesus said : �Everyone is looking for
you.�

Just as all children love and seek Santa Clause because they get gifts for the
asking so too did Jesus find huge crowds love and seek Him.

Nobody looks for a Santa Claus who has us do things that are hard and filled
with responsibilities.

Everyone looks for a Santa Claus where all we do is ask and get fine gifts that
make us happy.

Everyone was looking for Jesus the healer, the miracle worker and giver of fine
gifts.

But who seeks the Jesus Christ of the Catholic faith whose basic teaching fills
the Catechism of the Catholic Church, filled with important things for us to do
and filled with responsibilities?

Christmas is over.

All the gifts have been unwrapped.

The excitement has  come and gone and some still lingers on.

But the burden of the day living with the Lord of Hosts is sweet and delicious.

He tells us that His yoke is sweet and His burden, light.

Taking on the mind and heart of Christ is a joy, not a strain.

The Catholic faith is sweet, not boring.

Learning the Catechism of the Catholic Church brings happiness, peace and joy
that nothing else in life can compare to.

Do not dread seeking Jesus.

He is not scary, mean, rough, cruel, and hurtful.

Jesus is our joy, our friend, our comforter, strength and savior.

Seek Him with a joyous open mind and heart.

Seek Him constantly throughout the day.

Join the crowds at St. Peter�s house so that we too are included when He is told
: Everyone is looking for you.

Mary, Queen of heaven, grant us the grace to seek your son with all our minds,
with all our hearts, and with all our strength, so that our lives may be spent
pursuing Him until we find Him with you in heaven.




<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM

CHAPTER TWO : Transformation in Discovery (pages 65-70)

Fr. Merton explains the transforming mystic power of praying the Psalms. Drawing
analogy of our prayers to the bread and wine at the altar for the liturgy of the
Mass, praying the Psalms changes us like the transubstantiation of the species.
It is the Holy Spirit who speaks to our minds and hearts teaching us the words
of the Psalms and what they mean, so that when we pray them we pray them all the
more fervently with the mind and heart of the Psalmist. The words when prayed in
Spirit become the Living Word of God healing and transforming our lives. The
meeting and union of God and the human soul takes place during prayer -- and
prayer formed by the divine and spiritual word of God in Holy Scriptures is the
surest path by God's own design.

"Only the Spirit of God can point out Christ to us." (page 69)

"Fear has been turned into fortitude. Anguish has become joy without somehow
ceasing to be anguish, and we triumph over suffering not by escaping it." (page
70)



Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/010907.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/testimonial_of_fr.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/frglenn575.htm


New Jersey State Senate Honors Mama Gili
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r109:E25OC5-0009:


Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>



MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Get a copy of the book about Mama Gili written by her eldest daughter
Claudia. Claudia Gili Phaneuf, Dolores Immacolata Gili: Mama Gili
(Mama Gili Guild, 1989). The 2005 Edition is available from the Mama
Gili Guild by contacting Fr. Dante: address and phone number below.
The cost of the book, last time I checked, was $5.00 plus postage.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
book and the cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.html>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 7

WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. ST. STEPHEN CHARITABLE COMMITMENT AND EVANGELIZATION
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


ST. STEPHEN CHARITABLE COMMITMENT AND EVANGELIZATION



VATICAN CITY, JAN 10, 2007 (VIS) - In this morning's general audience, held in
the Paul VI Hall in the presence of 7,000 people, Benedict XVI dedicated his
catechesis to the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen.



   "St. Stephen," said the Pope, "is the most representative figure of a group of
seven companions," who concerned themselves with charitably serving the needs of
members of the Christian community, whether of Jewish or of Greek origin.



   "Tradition sees in this group the origins of the future ministry of deacons,"
upon whom the Apostles "laid their hands," a gesture that in the Old Testament
"has above all the significance of transmitting an important task," said the
Pope.



   "That this was an important action, to be undertaken following due
discernment, becomes clear from a reading of the First Letter of Paul to
Timothy: 'Do not be hasty in laying on of hands, nor participate in another
man's sins'."



   "Apart from his charitable service," the Pope continued, "Stephen also carried
out evangelizing activity among his countrymen, the so-called 'Hellenists'." To
them "he reread the Old Testament in the light of the announcement, death and
resurrection of Jesus." This rereading "provoked the reaction of the Jews who
perceived his words as blasphemy."



   Stephen "shows that the mystery of the cross lies at the center of the history
of salvation," and that "the cult of the temple is finished" because the Risen
Christ "is the new and true 'temple.' It was precisely this 'no' to the temple"
that led to his death sentence and martyrdom. After his stoning, the group of
Jewish and Hellenic Christians fled Jerusalem "and became itinerant
missionaries. ... Persecution and consequent dispersion became mission."



   The Holy Father explained how the story of St. Stephen reminds us that "social
commitment to charity can never be disassociated from the courageous
announcement of the faith." With charity, the first martyr "announced the
crucified Christ, even to the point of accepting martyrdom."



   "The cross remains central in the life of the Church as well as in our private
lives. In the history of the Church, passion and persecution will never be
lacking," said Pope Benedict, but, "in the famous phrase of Tertullian, ... 'we
multiply every time we are cut down by you.' The blood of Christians is a seed."



   "In our own lives too, the cross, which will never be lacking, becomes a
blessing," he concluded. "And accepting the cross, knowing that is it is and
becomes a blessing, we learn the joy of being Christian, even in moments of
difficulty."


* * *


CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/011007.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/testimonial_of_fr.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/frglenn575.htm


New Jersey State Senate Honors Mama Gili
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r109:E25OC5-0009:


Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>



MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Get a copy of the book about Mama Gili written by her eldest daughter
Claudia. Claudia Gili Phaneuf, Dolores Immacolata Gili: Mama Gili
(Mama Gili Guild, 1989). The 2005 Edition is available from the Mama
Gili Guild by contacting Fr. Dante: address and phone number below.
The cost of the book, last time I checked, was $5.00 plus postage.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
book and the cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.html>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 8

THURSDAY 11 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. POLICES OF THE FAMILY AND FOR THE FAMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


POLICES OF THE FAMILY AND FOR THE FAMILY



VATICAN CITY, JAN 11, 2007 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, the Pope
received Piero Marrazzo, president of the Region of Lazio, Italy; Walter
Veltroni, mayor of the City of Rome; and Enrico Gasbarra, president of the
Province of Rome, each accompanied by an entourage, for the traditional exchange
of New Year greetings.



   Addressing them, the Holy Father expressed his satisfaction at the
long-standing collaboration between their administrations and ecclesial bodies;
a collaboration that aims "to alleviate the many forms of poverty - economic
poverty, but also poverty in terms of human relationships - that afflict a
considerable number of individuals and families, especially among immigrants."



   On the subject of healthcare, Benedict XVI stressed the fact that "the Church
and Catholic organizations are happy to offer their help, in the light of the
great principles of the sacredness of human life from conception to natural end,
and of the central importance of sick people." On this subject, he expressed his
hope that the administrators would "favor a form of collaboration that brings
definite benefits to the entire population."



   Turning to the question of the family, the Pope said that the "intrinsic value
and authentic motivations" of marriage and the family, "need today to be better
understood. To this end, the Church's pastoral commitment is great and must grow
further. But equally necessary are polices of the family and for the family,"
that translate into initiatives to help young couples form a family, have
children and educate them. Such policies must involve "favoring the occupation
of the young, containing as far as possible the cost of housing, and increasing
the number of nursery schools and kindergartens.



   "However," he added, "projects that aim to attribute to other forms of union
inappropriate legal recognition appear dangerous and counterproductive," because
they inevitably end up "weakening and destabilizing the legitimate family based
on marriage."



   After pointing out that "the education of new generations is the pastoral
priority of the diocese of Rome," the Holy Father told his audience of his
gratitude for the support "you give to certain forms of educational activity in
the Church, in particular the oratories. I trust that, also in this field, we
can further develop our fruitful collaboration, while respecting the nature and
duties of each of the parties involved."


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, JAN 11, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences:



  - Piero Marrazzo, president of the Region of Lazio, Italy.



  - Walter Veltroni, mayor of the City of Rome.



  - Enrico Gasbarra, president of the Province of Rome.



  - Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic
Education (for Seminaries and Educational Institutions).



  - Ahamad Abdulkareem Al-Ibrahim, ambassador of Kuwait, on his farewell visit.



   This evening, he is scheduled to receive in separate audiences:



  - Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture for the Economic
Affairs of the Holy See.



  - Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid, Spain.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, JAN 11, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:



  - Fr. Kurian Valiakandathil of the clergy of the diocese of Bhagalpur, India,
pastor of Leela, as bishop of the same diocese (area 40,000, population
8,247,236, Catholics 76,940, priests 94, religious 306). The bishop-elect was
born in Elanjy, India in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1977.



  - Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, apostolic nuncio to Mexico, as apostolic nuncio
to Italy.


* * *



TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time




We often hear the expression said : Talk is cheap.


It is very easy to say things like promises we never intend to keep in order to
impress people.

We often say that the person is talking big, acting important by saying things
that give others the impression that they are important.

In today�s Gospel the Scribes were thinking these very thoughts about Jesus.

They thought Jesus was guilty of talking big, saying things he could not
possible do and making promises he could not possibly keep.

We know they were wrong.

Jesus had seen the paralyzed man eager to be healed.

He was so amazed at his faith He told the man that his sins were forgiven.

The Scribes heard this comment uttered by Jesus and it was then they had
privately thought to themselves that Jesus was nothing more than a big talker,
saying things he could not possible do and making promises he could not possibly
keep.

Jesus was aware of what they were thinking.

He understood that empty promises and false words are easy to say, so He took
the opportunity to prove He meant what He said.

He put the question to the Scribes : Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,
�Your sins are forgiven,� or to say, �Rise, pick up your mat and walk�?

Perhaps the Scribes thought that Jesus was just talking big once again about the
paralyzed man walking -- once again saying things he could not possible do and
making promises he could not possibly keep.

But the man got up, took his mat and rapidly walked away, leaving the Scribes
utterly astounded and speechless.

Promising the man he could walk was something that if it were true we would see
the proof with our eyes and those present certainly did.

But to say your sins are forgiven is only visible in the mind of God.

When we go to confession and the priest gives absolution no visible miracle is
evident, nobody leaves astonished and speechless, everything appears the same as
it did before.

Perhaps the person forgiven of sins and given absolution psychology feels
better, maybe relieved, perhaps saddened by their lack of love for God realizing
how much He deserves better from us.

These and other thoughts you might think of how someone may feel different after
confession, but feelings are nothing more than fleeting and passing moods.

A miracle that takes a lame man to walking and running is far more dramatic, and
is now a permanent condition not just a passing mood.

We are more impressed with miraculous cures rather than the greatest miracle of
God's mercy.

Perhaps this lack of obvious drama allows us to take God for granted, and makes
confession mechanical, routine and in the end we become jaded.

As you prepare for your next confession keep these things in mind and recall
this miracle story where Jesus both forgave the man his sins and gave him the
health, power and strength to walk once again.

Keep in mind that Jesus tells us that the miracle we think is far more dramatic
is by far the easiest for God to do.

Mercy, forgiveness, and absolution from our sins was far more difficult for
Jesus to do than merely say the words.

Jesus had to bear a cross, be beaten privately in prison and publicly mocked,
ridiculed, and crucified until He hung dead on the cross.

Yes, Jesus says we are forgiven, but never allow yourselves to forget the sacred
act of Jesus Christ giving up His own life to give each and everyone of us the
precious gift, a gift far greater than our ability to walk, a gift that lasts
for ever -- forgiveness and salvation.

Show Jesus how much you love Him by going to confession often as an act of
repentance and also of thanksgiving.

Mary, Queen of all hearts, grant me the grace to make a good confession and
thank Jesus for His holy sacrifice of dying on the cross to bring forgiveness
and salvation.




<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM

CHAPTER THREE : Visible Mysteries (pages 71-78)

Fr. Merton speaks about the visible mysteries and their invisible effect.

The Eucharist or Holy Communion is a visible mystery, but the presence of Jesus
Christ, Body, Soul and Divinity and His grace produce an invisible effect within
us.

"The term mysterium in St. Paul has a dynamic sense. It is the fulfillment of a
divine plan, springing forth from the eternal wisdom of God, producing its
effect in time and, by virtue of this effect, elevating men from the level of
time to that of eternity, from the human level to the divine." (page 72)

The suffering and death of Jesus Christ elevates sinners above the natural
order. This suffering and death of Christ empowers the sacraments, visible
signs, to have invisible effects that only God can produce -- giving bread and
wine power through the sacrament of Holy Communion to be the very Body, Soul and
Divinity of Christ -- and the salvific grace in the sacrament of reconciliation,
and the other five sacraments too including Holy Orders, Baptism, Confirmation,
Matrimony, and Extreme Unction or the Sacrament of healing.

Visible signs of the sacraments have invisible effects. Jesus Christ is present,
but our eyes do not see Him. Our eyes do see the priest, bread and wine, water
and chrism oil, physical objects for our eyes, but the invisible presence of God
brings about within us the invisible effects that spring up within us unto
everlasting life.


Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/011107.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/testimonial_of_fr.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/frglenn575.htm


New Jersey State Senate Honors Mama Gili
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r109:E25OC5-0009:


Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>



MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Get a copy of the book about Mama Gili written by her eldest daughter
Claudia. Claudia Gili Phaneuf, Dolores Immacolata Gili: Mama Gili
(Mama Gili Guild, 1989). The 2005 Edition is available from the Mama
Gili Guild by contacting Fr. Dante: address and phone number below.
The cost of the book, last time I checked, was $5.00 plus postage.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
book and the cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.html>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>

Roman Catholic News

Volume 7, Issue 9

FRIDAY 12 JANUARY 2007



* * *

---------------------------------------------------------------
. POPE PRAISES INSPECTORATE FOR PUBLIC SECURITY IN VATICAN
---------------------------------------------------------------
. BRAZIL TO STAGE LATIN AMERICAN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE
---------------------------------------------------------------
. AUDIENCES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. TOMORROW'S HOMILY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. LECTIO DIVINA
---------------------------------------------------------------
. CATALOGUE OF LINKS
---------------------------------------------------------------
. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
---------------------------------------------------------------
. DAILY REMINDER
---------------------------------------------------------------
. ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
---------------------------------------------------------------
. COPYRIGHT NOTICES
---------------------------------------------------------------

* * *


POPE PRAISES INSPECTORATE FOR PUBLIC SECURITY IN VATICAN



VATICAN CITY, JAN 12, 2007 (VIS) - In keeping with an annual tradition, Benedict
XVI today received members of the General Inspectorate for Public Security at
the Vatican, to whom he expressed his "appreciation and recognition" for their
service.



   "I well know, also from personal experience, how important for pilgrims and
tourists is your discreet presence in the places that constitute the heart of
Christian Rome," said the Pope. Many of the people "who visit St. Peter's
Basilica or pause under Bernini's imposing colonnade see your faces and not
infrequently avail themselves of your help."



   "You have the task of protecting and overseeing sites that have inestimable
value for the memory and faith of millions of pilgrims, places that contain
great treasures of history and art; above all places where, by some inscrutable
mystery, the living encounter of the faithful with the Lord Jesus takes place.
The People of God, pilgrims, all people understand, as they pass by you, that
they enjoy a special and reassuring protection."



   The Holy Father concluded with a reflection which, he said, applies to us all:
"we are called to be the guardians of our fellows. The Lord will call us to
account for the responsibilities entrusted to us, for the good and bad we have
done to our brothers and sisters; whether we accompanied them carefully on the
daily journey, sharing the anguish and joys of their hearts; whether we stayed
beside them discreetly but constantly, helping and supporting them when the path
became more difficult and tiring."


* * *


BRAZIL TO STAGE LATIN AMERICAN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE



VATICAN CITY, JAN 12, 2007 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office at midday today,
Fr. David Gutierrez Gutierrez, director of the press office of the Latin
American Episcopal Council (CELAM), briefed journalists on the forthcoming Fifth
General Conference of the Episcopate of Latin America and the Caribbean. The
meeting will be held in Aparecida, Brazil from May 13 to 31.



   Fr. Gutierrez affirmed that the conference - which will have as its theme
"Disciples and missionaries in Jesus Christ, that in Him our peoples may have
life ('I am the way and the truth and the life')" - will be inaugurated by
Benedict XVI on May 13. The Pope will preside at a Mass, concelebrated with
representatives of all Latin American bishops, and will pronounce an address
during the opening session.



   A group of experts is currently selecting the themes from proposals being put
forward by the various episcopal conferences. They will prepare a summary and,
at the end of February, publish a preparatory document for the conference.



   The presidents of the 22 episcopal conferences of CELAM will attend the
Aparecida meeting, as will groups representing the prelates in each episcopal
conference, for a total of 176, also including bishops from Canada, U.S.A.,
Spain and Portugal. Also present will be 24 priests, 23 male and female
religious, and 17 lay people, as well as six ecumenical representatives.



   The novelty of this conference with respect to the previous four held in 1955,
1968 1979 and 1992, said Fr. Gutierrez, is that on the closing day, when the
final document is published, a "great continental mission" will begin.



   Fr. Gutierrez also explained that the original intention had been to hold the
meeting in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, but the idea was abandoned because the
city lies at an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters and there were fears this might
affect the health of the delegates, particularly the more elderly. Benedict XVI
had then asked for the meeting to be celebrated at a Marian shrine, and
Aparecida was chosen, a site that can hold 35,000 faithful and is visited
annually by eight million pilgrims.


* * *


AUDIENCES



VATICAN CITY, JAN 12, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences seven prelates from the Italian Episcopal Conference, on their "ad
limina" visit:



     - Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, archbishop of Naples, accompanied by Auxiliary
Bishop Filippo Iannone O. Carm.



     - Archbishop Andrea Mugione of Benevento.



     - Bishop Giovanni D'Alise of Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia.



     - Bishop Francesco Marino of Avellino.



     - Bishop Michele De Rosa of Cerreto Sannita-Telese-Sant'Agata dei Goti.



     - Archbishop Francesco Alfano of Sant'Angelo dei
Lombardi-Conza-Nusco-Bisaccia.



   This evening, he is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal William Joseph
Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.


* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS



VATICAN CITY, JAN 12, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Orlando
Antonio Corrales Garcia of Palmira, Colombia, as metropolitan archbishop of
Santa Fe de Antioquia (area 11,803, population 255,183, Catholics 230,000,
priests 93, permanent deacons 3, religious 135), Colombia. The archbishop-elect
was born in Abejorral, Colombia in 1947, he was ordained a priest in 1971, and
consecrated a bishop in 1998. He succeeds Archbishop Ignacio Gomez Aristizabal,
whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy
Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.


* * *


TOMORROW'S HOMILY


Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

We have only a little description of Christ on the cross given to us in the New
Testament.

We know Jesus was crucified and that form of death places the victim in
excruciating pain and suffering.

In the Epistle to the Hebrews we read today these words:

�he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears�

These words describe Jesus on the cross praying to God as our high priest
offering Himself as the supreme sacrifice for the expiation of all sins and the
grace of salvation opened wide to all who seek it with humble, contrite and
sincere hearts.

Today�s Gospel reading also speaks about the theme of the crucifixion of Christ
on the cross but within the context of Jesus teaching the early Church about
fasting in the tradition of Jewish mourning practices surrounding the death of a
family member.

Christ said: But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
and then they will fast on that day.

Jews mourned for the deceased by fasting when they died.

The Church keeps this fast during Lent continuing the tradition of mourning the
suffering and death of the Savior.

The remainder of the liturgical year we celebrate the life of Christ on earth
and His glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven.

We celebrate these events since we have the bridegroom with us living really
present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.

The bridegroom was taken away only for the span across three days -- but He
remains with His Church forever.

We long for the day when the bridegroom with visibly return and renew the earth
under His direct rule for ever.

Until that day we have His glorious presence in the Eucharist, which we can
adore when we can find some time to visit a Church during the daytime to make a
visit the Blessed Sacrament, or, attend a Eucharistic adoration celebrated in
your parish or some other nearby Church or monastery.

When we visit the Lord in Eucharistic adoration recall that : �he offered
prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears�

Thank Christ for His holy sacrifice of Himself -- allowing the pain and
suffering He endured unto death on the cross.

Thank Him for His glorious life and gift of mercy, kindness and forgiveness for
all our sins.

Often during the day thank God for all His wonderful gifts, especially His
personal sacrifices made on our behalf.

If you manage to get a chance to visit before the Blessed Sacrament immediately
thank God for such a wonderful gift to be able to do so.

Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Sacrament, make our hearts humble and thankful for
the gift of your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.


<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>


[Print and distribute]

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA


PART III: SACRAMENTA SCRIPTURARUM

CHAPTER FOUR : When Israel came out of Egypt . . . (pages 79-89)


Fr. Merton explains how the Psalms are linked to the Mass. They have relevance
to the Mass since they are read during the liturgy and many Psalms relate to the
Passion and Death of Christ.  These Psalms that relate to the Passion are sung
during Jewish Passover. The third chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews points
out the relationship between Passover and the Mystery of Christ.


When Israel came out of Egypt God was with them. Water came from the rock giving
life to the Jews en route to the Promise Land. "'The rock,'says St. Paul, 'was
Christ." (page 80) Fr. Merton says "the whole Church is still passing out of
Egypt."(page 81)


Thomas Merton, Bread in the Wilderness (London : Hollis & Carter,
Doubleday, 1954)


* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
available to you, our fine subscribers. Some links require Realplayer
a software program that allows you to see live television and hear
audio recordings as copy go to EWTN Live TV and Radio on the link
below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer link
and click it on.

2. Live EWTN TV and Radio

<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

CONTAINS:

Live EWTN TV - English EWTN AM/FM RADIO
Live EWTN TV - Spanish Catholic World Today Radio
Today's Homily (Video) Audio of Todays Homily
Pope's Wednesday Audience Audio Radio Catolica Mundial
EWTN's The World Over Mother Angelica Live Video
Audio Library Life On The Rock (Video)
The Journey Home (Video) EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:

<https://www.ewtn.com/ewtn/ssl/donation/donation_ewtn.asp>

* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.usccb.org/nab/011207.shtml> (English)


<http://www.alingilalyawmi.org>
(Arabic)

Biblica Online
<http://biblica.bsw.org>

* * *

4. DIVINE OFFICE TEXTS & AUDIO ONLINE:

OFFICE OF READINGS, TEXTS

<http://www.universalis.com/cgi-bin/display/600/USA/Readings.html>

MORNING, EVENING & NIGHT PRAYERS, TEXTS:
<http://www.liturgyhours.org>

AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the Monks of
Adoration:

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *


5. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE

<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
<http://www.virtualrosary.org>


* * *

6. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY ONLINE
<http://www.markhargrave.com/chaplet.html>

* * *

7. THE BEATIFICATION OF MAMA GILI

Color Photograph of Mama Gili, Biography and Prayers
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/dolores_immacolata.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB
<http://holyfaceofjesus.com/testimonial_of_fr.htm>

Testimonial of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
http://www.franciscanfriars.com/fr.%20glenn%20letters/frglenn575.htm


New Jersey State Senate Honors Mama Gili
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r109:E25OC5-0009:


Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 1)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/33>

Cause of Mama Gili as Servant of God (Part 2)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/37>

Need a Miracle?
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/55>

Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili (1892-1985)
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News/message/117>



MAMA GILI GUILD

The Mama Gili Guild was established several years ago to gather,
collect, and publish information on Dolores Immacolata Gili
(1892-1985) for an investigation into her cause as a Servant of God,
as well as to promote her cause and to perpetuate her cult by
directing prayer groups assembled in her honor. It has continuously
enjoyed the ecclesiastical approval of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick,
and the Most Reverend John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Get a copy of the book about Mama Gili written by her eldest daughter
Claudia. Claudia Gili Phaneuf, Dolores Immacolata Gili: Mama Gili
(Mama Gili Guild, 1989). The 2005 Edition is available from the Mama
Gili Guild by contacting Fr. Dante: address and phone number below.
The cost of the book, last time I checked, was $5.00 plus postage.

Call or write today regarding favors granted through the intercession
of Dolores Immacolata "Mama" Gili," or, for more information about the
book and the cause of her investigation for canonization to:

Rev. Dante DiGirolamo, Director
Mama Gili Guild
P. O. Box 455
Kearny, New Jersey 07032
Phone (973) 412-1170
Fax (973) 412-7011

* * *

8. ABBAYE SAINT-JOSEPH DE CLAIRVAL

The Benedictine monks of Abbaye Saint-Joseph de Clairval mail a free
monthly newsletter to anyone who requests it. Also free of charge are:
the tract about the divinity of Jesus Christ; tract about the Truths
of the Catholic Religion; scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with
explanatory notice; the promises of the Sacred Heart; the mysteries of
the Rosary.

Abbey of Saint-Joseph de Clairval
21150 FLAVIGNY-SUR-OZERAIN
France

Phone.: 03 80 96 22 31
Fax: 03 80 96 25 29
Email: <englishspoken@c...> or
<stjoseph.flavigny@l...>

<http://www.clairval.com>

9. Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ. English Trans. Online

<http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.html>

Thomas a Kempis, De Imitatione Christi. Latin Text Online

<http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/kempis.html>

* * *

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY

When the Eucharistic host is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the crucified Body of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

When the Eucharistic chalice is elevated at Mass say:

"Eternal Father, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I
offer you the precious Blood of Your dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
in reparation for all the sins committed against you and for the
conversion and salvation of the whole world."

* * *

DAILY REMINDER

"during this important time, as the eve of the new millennium
approaches unity among all Christians of the various confessions will
increase until they reach full communion." John Paul II, Tertio
Millennio Adveniente, 16

"Keep close to the Mother of God as if you were the child Jesus
clinging to her robes while walking down a dusty and busy crowded
street and you will always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
To gain access to all of the Roman Catholic News archives go to the
URL:<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

This will give you the archive of all of the articles in all issues.
There are four ways to access archived articles: (1) Go to the Home
Page panel on the far left and click on the word "Messages" just below
the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date; (3) or
click on the blue Arabic numerals in the box for the month in the
yearly calendar window at the bottom of the page;(4)or type in a
keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that button.

__________________________________________________
Copyright 2007 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>, unless specified
otherwise. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it
may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium,
including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from
the copyright owners. All articles from VIS, VID, Zenit , Associated
Press (AP), Reuters, and Noticias Eclesiales are republished by
approval and courtesy of these news agencies. We encourage our readers
to send financial support to Zenit, a private news organization in
Rome. Zenit (www.zenit.org), VIS (V.I.S. - Vatican Information
Service) Zenit, Associated Press (AP), Reuters, (VID) Vidimus Dominum,
and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright for their news
releases as credited. All copyright materials copied in any form must
include the appropriate copyright owner; for Roman Catholic News use
our URL as follows:

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roman-Catholic-News>

All correspondence should be sent to:
<Roman-Catholic-News-owner@yahoogroups.com>