ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 227

MONDAY 1 December 2003


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WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
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• Start of Advent 2003
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• Pope Calls for Reawakening of "Hope for Peace" During Advent
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• John Paul II Backs Campaign Against Death Penalty
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• John Paul II Urges Moldova to Cultivate Dialogue as a Tool
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• Europe Needs Help of Orthodox and Catholics, Pope Tells Bulgarian
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• Navarro-Valls Surmises Why the Media Are So Interested in Pope
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• Contacts With Orthodox Seen as "Very Positive"
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• Scotland's Cardinal O'Brien Urges a Re-Christianization
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• Indian Episcopate Wants Halt to Social-Ethnic Conflict in Assam
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• Ecumenical Charter Promoted in Eastern Europe
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• LECTIO DIVINA
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• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
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• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
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• DAILY REMINDER
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• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
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• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
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Start of Advent 2003

World Is in Great Need of Peace, Says John Paul II

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 30, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave today before praying the Angelus with thousands of pilgrims
gathered in St. Peter's Square.


Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. Today is the beginning of the season of Advent, a time of spiritual renewal
in preparation for Christmas. The voices of prophets resound in the liturgy, who
announce the Messiah, inviting us to conversion of heart and to prayer. John the
Baptist, the last and greatest of them all, cries out: "Prepare the way of the
Lord, make his paths straight!" (Luke 3:4), because he "will come to visit his
people in peace."

2. Christ is coming, the Prince of peace! To prepare for his Nativity means to
reawaken in ourselves and in the world the hope for peace. First of all, peace
in hearts, which is built by putting down the weapons of rancor, of revenge and
of every form of egoism.

The world is in great need of this peace! I am thinking especially, with
profound sorrow, of the last episodes of violence in the Middle East and the
African continent, as well as those in so many other parts of the earth reported
in the daily news. I renew my appeal to the leaders of the great religions: Let
us join forces to preach nonviolence, forgiveness and reconciliation! "Blessed
are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

3. In this Advent season of waiting and hope, the ecclesial community identifies
more than ever with the Most Holy Virgin. May she, the expectant Virgin, help us
to open our hearts to him who brings, with his coming among us, the priceless
gift of peace to the whole of humanity.

[After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted the pilgrims:]

Tomorrow is World AIDS Day, a sickness that, unfortunately, is still growing
strongly, especially in the poorest countries. While I pray for those who are
stricken by this scourge, I encourage all those in the Church who carry out an
invaluable service of acceptance, healing and spiritual support towards these,
our brothers and sisters.

I greet the Italian-speaking pilgrims, in particular the members of Sant'Egidio
Community, who today, in contact with numerous cities of the world, are
relaunching the international campaign against the death penalty.

I wish all a good Sunday.



* * *

Pope Calls for Reawakening of "Hope for Peace" During Advent

Appeal to Religious Leaders Worldwide

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 30, 2003 (Zenit.org).- At the start of Advent, John Paul II
invited all believers to reawaken in the world "the hope for peace."

Before praying the midday Angelus with thousands of pilgrims gathered today in
St. Peter's Square, the Pope appealed once again to religious leaders to be
architects of peace, especially in the Middle East and Africa.

"Christ is coming, the Prince of peace!" the Holy Father said, underlining the
season of Advent as the preparation for Christmas. "To prepare for his Nativity
means to reawaken in ourselves and in the world the hope for peace."

"First of all, peace in hearts, which is built by putting down the weapons of
rancor, of vengeance and of every form of egoism," he added.

"The world is in great need of peace!" the Pope continued. "I am thinking
especially, with profound sorrow, of the last episodes of violence in the Middle
East and the African continent, as well as those in so many other parts of the
earth reported in the daily news."

To leaders of the great religions, John Paul II renewed the appeal he has been
repeating since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: "Let us join forces to
preach nonviolence, forgiveness and reconciliation!"

For Christians, the Pope said, Advent must be a time of waiting to open "our
hearts to him who brings, with his coming among us, the priceless gift of peace
to the whole of humanity."



* * *


John Paul II Backs Campaign Against Death Penalty


VATICAN CITY, NOV. 30, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II added his voice in
support of the renewal of the international campaign against the death penalty.

Before bidding farewell to the pilgrims gathered today in St. Peter's Square to
pray the Angelus, the Pope greeted members of the Community of Sant'Egidio, an
ecclesial movement involved in the struggle against capital punishment.

Today, at the initiative of Sant'Egidio and other non-governmental organizations
that make up the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, 300 "Pro-Life
Cities" lit up a monument to express their rejection of the death penalty.

Among the cities participating in this 2nd World Day Against the Death Penalty
were Amsterdam, Netherlands; New York; Buenos Aires; Berlin; Hiroshima, Japan;
Santiago, Chile; Vienna, Austria; Barcelona, Spain; and Paris. Their theme was
"No Justice Without Life."

Mario Marazziti, spokesman of Sant'Egidio, explained that 112 countries have
abolished the death penalty, in law or in fact, and 83 use it. Armenia, Serbia
and Montenegro, Chile and Ivory Coast abolished it in the past two years.

"The judicial system is never infallible," Marazziti said. "The death penalty is
an irreversible instrument of justice. And man cannot take what he cannot
restore."

The Sant'Egidio campaign is calling for a universal moratorium on executions, an
appeal that is supported by 5 million signatures.



* * *

John Paul II Urges Moldova to Cultivate Dialogue as a Tool

Receives President Vladimir Voronin in Audience

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 28, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Situated "between the Latin and Slav
worlds," Moldova is called to make dialogue a key tool of its action, John Paul
II said when receiving the president of the ex-Soviet republic.

This was the "first meeting between the highest authority of the republic of
Moldova and the Successor of Peter" since the country "appeared on the
international scene as a sovereign and independent nation," the Pope said today
when greeting President Vladimir Voronin.

As the country "attained freedom a short while ago," the Holy Father encouraged
Voronin and his compatriots to continue to build it "with confidence," conscious
of the "difficulties that are proper especially of beginnings."

"Moldova, situated as it is on the border between the Latin and Slav worlds,
cannot but make dialogue an essential operative instrument of its own action, in
order to have concrete possibilities arise of peace, justice and well-being,"
John Paul II said in his address, which he read in Italian in a clear voice.

"Although small in number," the Catholic community "is actively engaged" in the
process, "situating itself as a living and generous interlocutor in society,"
the Pope continued.

Noting that the Church in Moldova -- it is recognized by the government -- "can
freely carry out its evangelizing and charitable mission," the Holy Father
expressed the hope that dialogue will continue "in a fruitful way, for the
benefit of the whole of Moldovan society" and in respect "of democracy and the
equality of all religious confessions."

Moldova, which lies between Ukraine and Romania, has a population of 4.5
million, mostly Orthodox. There are some 20,000 Catholics. Vladimir Voronin has
been president since April 2001.



* * *


Europe Needs Help of Orthodox and Catholics, Pope Tells Bulgarian


VATICAN CITY, NOV. 28, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Europe needs the commitment of
Orthodox and Catholics in the defense of human rights and the culture of life,
John Paul II said when he received the president of Bulgaria in audience.

President Georgi Parvanov, a former Communist and Socialist representative, was
reciprocating for the Pope's visit to his country last year. On that occasion
the Holy Father said he "perceived the firm determination to build the country
with new serenity and confidence in the future, within the great European home."

On Thursday, addressing Parvanov, the Pope requested that he greet Patriarch
Maxim, head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, whom John Paul II met in his
residence in Sofia.

The Pope described that meeting as a "further stage in the progressive growth of
the ecclesial community."

"With him I was able to verify how Europe hopes for the common commitment of
Catholics and Orthodox in defense of the rights of man and of the culture of
life," John Paul II added.

Bulgaria, which has 7.5 million inhabitants, is 83% Orthodox. Catholics number
80,000.

The Pope promised Parvanov "dialogue and collaboration" on the part of Catholics
with the other religious communities for "the good of the whole society."




* * *


Navarro-Valls Surmises Why the Media Are So Interested in Pope

Addresses an Academic Gathering in Honor of John Paul II

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 28, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The secret of the media's interest in
John Paul II lies in his capacity "to re-establish a common system of
reference," according to Vatican press office director Joaquín Navarro-Valls.

Navarro-Valls made that point Thursday during an academic event that the
University of the Holy Cross dedicated to the Holy Father for the 25th
anniversary of his pontificate.

"Today," Navarro-Valls said, "common systems of reference have disappeared,
understood as a general framework of each age in which the words used are placed
in a precise context and have meaning."

He was speaking in the capacity of a guest professor, invited by the
university's School of Institutional Communication, and not as Vatican
spokesman.

"This pontificate has re-created a common lexicon, which did not exist, to offer
the Gospel and have the latter accepted," said Navarro-Valls. He gave as
examples words such as "soul, family, God, prayer, human love and sexuality."

The speaker also underlined how the Pope with his trips has been able to
transmit this system of values and offer his Christian message.

"The Pope offers a religious message, the system of truths and values of the
Catholic religion which not only is of interest to the West but to all the
world," he added.

Monsignor Rino Fisichella, theologian and rector of the Lateran University,
focused on the Trinity as "theological horizon to understand the ministry and
magisterium of this Pope."

The monsignor explained that "the Trinity makes visible that God is the center
of everything, not man." John Paul II "situates his teachings in the Trinity,
which is the foundation of his magisterium and where he always returns."

To understand the Holy Father, "we must always refer to 'Redemptoris Hominis,'
the Pope's first encyclical, which contains his programmatic set of ideas," said
Monsignor Fisichella.

The homage to John Paul II culminated with the presentation of the book
"Giovanni Paolo II, Teologo: Nel Segno delle Encicliche" (John Paul II,
Theologian: In the Sign of the Encyclicals), published by Mondadori.

The book comments on all the Pope's encyclicals, which are divided by subjects:
Trinitarian, social, ecclesiological and anthropological. Cardinal Camillo
Ruini, the Pope's vicar for Rome, wrote the prologue.



* * *


Contacts With Orthodox Seen as "Very Positive"

Vatican Delegation Takes Papal Message to Bartholomew I

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 30, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Bilateral contacts between Rome and
the Orthodox Churches have developed rapidly "in a very positive sense" this
year, says a Vatican official.

Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity, made that assessment in an interview with Vatican Radio. The
occasion was today's feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, patron of the Orthodox
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The patriarchate, said Bishop Farrell, is the Holy See's point of reference in
the effort to "continue with the formal theological dialogue, but especially in
the work to give value to all the bilateral contacts we have with the Orthodox
Churches, which this year have developed rapidly in a very positive sense."

Representatives of the Holy See took a message from John Paul II to Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew I, for the feast. St. Andrew, founder and apostle of the
Church in Constantinople, was brother of St. Peter, first Bishop of Rome.

Every year on this occasion the Holy Father sends a delegation to Constantinople
-- modern-day Istanbul, Turkey. The patriarch, in turn, sends representatives to
Rome on June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

"These patronal feasts allow us to live better the joy of being brothers and of
participating in a single communion of intentions, which it is necessary to
encourage and continue, so that it appears with greater clarity before the
world," the Pope said in his message to Bartholomew I.

The Vatican delegation was headed by Cardinal Walter Kasper, president, of the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, along with Bishop Farrell.

"Reciprocal participation in these patronal feasts," the Pope added in his
messages, some passages of which were reported on Vatican Radio, "is the most
complete expression of our mutual desire to re-create among ourselves a context
of love and participation in mutual prayer to nourish and further our desire for
full communion."

Bishop Farrell told Vatican Radio that this exchange of delegations between the
Holy See and the ecumenical patriarchate "are the symbol of a growing
intensification of the desire to find again that unity of the Church that the
Lord wanted."

The visit took place at a time of tension, in the wake of recent terrorist
attacks in Istanbul.

The Vatican representatives wished to express "the solidarity of the Catholic
Church and the guarantee of repeated prayer raised by the Pope for the victims
and for all those who live daily in fear," Bishop Farrell explained.

Orthodox and Catholics have been divided since the Eastern schism of the 11th
century. Mutual excommunications were lifted in 1964, but the two Churches have
yet to find full unity.


* * *

Scotland's Cardinal O'Brien Urges a Re-Christianization

Voices Concern About New Age Mysticism, Family Life, and More

EDINBURGH, Scotland, NOV. 30, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Keith O'Brien called
for a national effort to re-Christianize Scotland and urged resistance to tide
of secularization, especially concerning the celebration of Christmas.

At a National Mass on Saturday to mark his recent appointment to the College of
Cardinals, the archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh used his homily to defend
Scotland's Christian values and to urge Christians in other denominations and
all people of good will, to do likewise.

At the Mass in St. Mary's Cathedral, he concluded with a call to "all our
peoples to reconsider the basic Christian message which has been handed on and
lived in our country for almost 2,000 years now."

He also urged every local authority in Scotland to erect a Nativity scene in
their area at Christmas.

"I think it only appropriate that there be a Nativity scene at the center of the
celebrations of each of our communities," he said. "Without this there is left a
gaping hole at the heart of the season of good will."

Excerpts from the homily appear below.

Marriage and family life

Since my appointment as cardinal I have shared with my own congregation's
particular concerns which I also share with many people of good will.

In our country as in many other countries throughout the world there is a
deterioration in standards with regard to marriage and family life. I see it as
one of my priorities to help our young people better prepare for the sacrament
of matrimony; to have added support for them in their early years of married
life; to give appropriate help in bringing up their children; and as they live
out their married life to be enabled to learn from those in stable unions.

At a recent meeting of the National Secretariat for the Laity of our Catholic
Church, representatives of the main organizations, groups and movements in our
Church, with a particular focus on working with families, spoke out about
marriage and family life. Among other things they said the following:

"It is in the best interests of Scottish society, and is therefore a duty
incumbent on all who are active in public life, to respect and foster family
life. All legislative and fiscal policy must take account of the effect that it
will have on this core institution of our society and ensure that it is
strengthened and not undermined."

Re-Christianization

Marriage and family life is but one of the very many concerns which I and others
have at this present time. I think that these concerns have grown in recent
years quite simply because of the unwillingness of many people to recognize and
reaffirm the Christian identity of Scotland and its peoples.

Consequently I have seen as a major project for the years given to me to serve
as cardinal the task of "Re-Christianization of Scotland." This is indeed a
major task, a project upon which one should not enter upon lightly, and it is
one which I cannot in any way face alone. Consequently I appeal at this
celebration for the ongoing help and support of all members of my own Church.
But I also appeal to the members of the other Christian Churches in our country
as well as to our civic leaders who have been elected by them.

Other concerns

We might say at this present time that, despite the baptism of our country some
1,600 years ago, the message brought to us which found a ready audience among
our ancestors is marginalized and ignored. As a people we are the poorer for it!

At a time when our society craves the moral and spiritual compass our faith can
provide, we see people of all ages turn to other influences and beliefs in the
search for spiritual meaning in their lives. Yet the increase in New Age
mysticism, alternative therapies, drug experimentation and secular humanism has
been accompanied by a huge increase in discontent and unhappiness as measured in
opinion polls and surveys.

Our material well-being has not been matched by spiritual well-being. In the
midst of our wealth and success it seems that as a people we are more fearful,
pessimistic and depressed than ever!

At a time when Christians and Christian leaders should be shouting from the
rooftops about the benefits that come from belief in God, we seem paralyzed by
our own predicament, wary of causing offense, and are all too willing to accept
the conclusions of our detractors that Christians are a spent force in the land.
As the message of Christ continues to illuminate the lives of millions of new
believers around the world, here in the ancient land of Scotland, although we
were among the first to hear the Gospel message, we no longer respond to it as
once we did.

We no longer seem to notice when our Christian identity is attacked and
marginalized. We are not ready to respond to the attacks which take place at
this present time with regard to our basic moral teaching.

Even in recent days we have seen examples of attempts to de-Christianize our
country. A major charity refused to allow its shops to sell products that have a
Christian theme in the run-up to Christmas! Further, the great majority of
Christmas cards have no mention of the word "Christmas." Mention is simply made
of "Seasons Greetings," as if we were singling out this "Winter Season" as a
time of special celebration.

Causes of hope

However I would hate you to think that I am being too pessimistic at this
present time. Rather the opposite. I see in what I have already said above an
outline of some of the challenges that I and others are called upon to face.

My motto chosen some 18 years ago when I was appointed archbishop consisted of
words from Psalm 99: "Serve the Lord with gladness!" And the theme for my own
pastoral plan, chosen a few years ago is: "Together in Hope." I link these words
with the words of Jesus to his first followers including St. Andrew: "Launch out
into the deep!"

There is no excuse for despair at this present time. Rather there is much to be
grateful for. I call in you all to realize that:

-- We live in a civil, democratic society, which sees freedom of religion as a
cornerstone;

-- We will not suffer the persecutions that many other countries endure when
spreading and teaching their faith;

-- There still exists a "bedrock of belief" upon which we can build.

We realize that in our courts of law, oaths are still sworn on the Holy Bible;
the two greatest festivals in the Christian calendar, Christmas and Easter,
remain as holidays to be enjoyed and celebrated with our very calendar based on
these events. Our Christian churches work more closely together than ever before
and serve society in more ways than ever. At least three-quarters of our
population describe themselves as "Christians."

It is to our churches that we turn week in and week out, with 600,000 Scots each
Sunday faithfully attending Christian churches to bear witness to their faith.
As we know, it is also in time of national grief, shock or sorrow that it is to
our Churches that people turn.

Facing the future

It is with all this in mind that I believe that the time has come for a
concerted and determined effort to re-Christianize Scotland while also being
aware of those of other faiths in our midst. It is in the spirit of
collaboration that I call on women and men of good will in the Christian
community to join me in this effort. I further ask our politicians in local and
national government to respect the beliefs of the majority of our electors and
the Christian origins of our country. I ask serious consideration to be given to
the following points.

1. I ask all our peoples to reconsider the basic Christian message which has
been handed on and lived in our country for almost 2,000 years now. This is the
standard by which we should be living our lives and the standard which we should
be handing on to our young. We must focus on the fundamental teaching of Jesus
Christ, first of all.

2. I ask you all to recognize the feast of our patron saint, St. Andrew on 30
November each year. Help would be given in this if our Parliament recognized
this day, St. Andrew's Day, as a national holiday. In this way, we bring to the
fore the fact that as a country we have as our patron one of the great followers
of Jesus Christ, who did spread the Christian message in an outstanding way.

3. Aware that some 24 hours from now I will dedicate with other Christian
leaders the city of Edinburgh's Nativity scene in Princes Street Gardens, I
congratulate this city and all the city and town councils in Scotland who have
erected such scenes. I would ask each and every council and community in
Scotland to consider doing likewise.

Aware of the remembrance memorials which are the focus of our prayer on
Remembrance Sunday and aware also of the ways in which considerable sums of
money are spent on Christmas displays, I think it only appropriate that there be
a Nativity scene at the center of the celebrations of each of our communities.
Without this there is left a gaping hole at the heart of the season of good
will.

4. I would call on all our peoples to ensure that there is a real Christian
commemoration of the feast of Christmas by the cards that we send, the
celebrations we undertake, and the way in which we observe Christmas Day itself.
Surely there is value in our following the lead of parliamentary colleagues in
Westminster and assure our shop workers that they need not face Christmas Day
opening. Christmas is the time to think of one's family and the value of home
life, rather than shop life.

Conclusion

I indicated that I am aware of something of the enormity of the task facing me
as an archbishop and as a cardinal at this present time. However I am also aware
of the tremendous support and help which I have already received. I am sure that
that support and help will continue in the years which lie ahead.

I similarly offer my own help and support in every way possible to those who
seek it and perhaps also to some of those who do not seek it in my future
service. On a recent visit to one of our primary schools I was asked, "Why do
cardinals always wear red?" I indicated that red is the color of blood and that
throughout the Church's history cardinals have been called upon to shed their
blood for Christ.

Perhaps I will not be called upon to shed my blood literally. But I assure you
that I will spend myself in service of Scotland, of Scotland's people, of all
people of good will in the years which lie ahead.




* * *

Indian Episcopate Wants Halt to Social-Ethnic Conflict in Assam

Appeals for Peace in Wake of Violence Against Hindi-Speakers

NEW DELHI, India, NOV. 30, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Anguished by a wave of violence in
the state of Assam against natives of Bihar, the Indian episcopate appealed to
the local and central governments to intervene to restore peace.

"Violence, by no means, is an acceptable route to sort out social, religious and
political issues," reads a statement of the Indian bishops' conference.

The bishops noted "with alarm the increasing tendency in the country to resort
to violence at the slightest provocation, which has cost the nation dearly."

A week of violence in Assam caused the death of more than 50 Hindi-speaking
people from other states who were residing in Assam. Economic problems are the
cause of the conflict, which was soon used by rebel groups for their political
ends, local authorities said.

Police have attributed most of the killings to the National Front for the
Liberation of Assam.

"Migration of people from one part of the country to another is a democratic
right" and leads to "greater national integration," the bishops of India noted
in their Nov. 22 statement. Thus, any "attempt to undermine this aspect would be
detrimental to the national interest" and must be "nipped in the bud."

"The Catholic bishops of India earnestly appeal to the state government of Assam
and the central government to take all measures to put an end to the disruptive
agitation and to restore peace and amity among all sections of people," the
statement concluded.

Many citizens of Assam are distrustful of Hindi-speaking residents, whom they
accuse of taking jobs away from them. The problem arose when the competition was
announced for jobs in the state railroad company, a circumstance that attracted
candidates from elsewhere, especially the poor state of Bihar.

Activists of the Assam Student Union did not allow natives of Bihar to compete
for the jobs. This angered the Bihar Student Association, which attacked Assam
citizens in a train station two weeks ago.

The incident unleashed violence against the natives of Bihar, some 15,000 of
whom have left the state.

The socio-ethnic conflict in Assam, in northeastern India, intensified last
Monday when three Hindi-speaking people were killed and nine wounded by the
National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).

A group of this rebel organization, which is struggling for the creation of an
autonomous Bodo state within Assam, pretending they were the police, invaded the
home of Bihar natives in the village of Khangkhlabari, in the northern district
of Darrang. They dragged their victims outside and shot them.


* * *

Ecumenical Charter Promoted in Eastern Europe


BUDAPEST, Hungary, NOV. 30, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A meeting of high-level
representatives of Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran and other Christian confessions
gave new impetus to the Ecumenical Charter as an instrument to promote full
unity.

The meeting, held in Leanyfalu, Hungary, gathered representatives of the Council
of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches
(CEC). The four-day meeting ended today.

The Ecumenical Charter, a brief document outlining guidelines to promote
collaboration between the Churches and Christian communities in Europe, was
signed in April 2001 by the CCEE and CEC presidents, and sent to all the
Churches and episcopal conferences to be studied and implemented locally.

The charter highlights the need to "overcome divisions still existing among us
in order to proclaim the Gospel message more credibly to people."

The gathering in Hungary heard reports from Eastern European countries on the
signs of hope and the difficulties in the present ecumenical endeavor.

Some 40 delegates attended the meeting, representing the Churches and episcopal
conferences of 16 Eastern European countries.

The text of the Ecumenical Charter in English may be read in RFT format at
http://www.ccee.ch/english/fields/ecumenical.htm.



LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Seven (continued)

The positive approach to the ancient pagan authors that led to monks reading
their writings has been attributed by some scholars to St. Jerome. "St. Jerome
quoted the auctores, praised their virtues, compared the Prophet's figures of
speech with the hyperboles of apostrophes of Virgil, called attention with
evident gratification to the fact that Solomon recommends the study of
philosophy and that St. Paul quotes verses by Epimenides, Menander and Aratus."
(145).

Considering the fact that the human authors of Sacred Scripture read and quoted
pagan secular poets and philosophers in order to express truth and make points
in their texts monasticism of both East and West always remained very open to
secular pagan literature in order to learn from them and deepen their grasp of
Sacred Scripture for texts that help illuminate points. Lectio divina embraces
our intellect to appreciate the texts sometimes through the appreciation of
ancient literature. Contemplating truth our hearts ascend to adore Truth
Himself, Jesus Christ.


Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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<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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 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
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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
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All correspondence should be sent to:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 228

TUESDAY 2 December 2003


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Church Needs Bishops Who Are Intensely Tied to Christ, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Condemns Deadly Attack on Spaniards in Iraq
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Has Advice for Those Studying at French Seminary
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Papal Intention: to Alleviate Human Suffering
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Wiesenthal Center Awards Pope for Efforts in Judeo-Christian Dialogue
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Telecast Information for Christmas Events at Vatican
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Cardinal Sepe Closes Missionary Congress With a Plea
----------------------------------------------------------------
• African Bishops Promise Concerted Action on AIDS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• The Place of "Feminine Genius" in the Church
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Church Needs Bishops Who Are Intensely Tied to Christ, Says Pope

Receives Group of Visiting French Prelates

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A society that does not perceive the
Church's message in a positive way needs bishops who have an intense
relationship with Christ, says John Paul II.

The Pope expressed this conviction Friday when he received the first group of
French bishops, from the provinces of Cambrai and Reims, on their five-yearly
visit to the Holy See.

Based on reports the bishops gave him in individual meetings, John Paul II said
that in today's world "your mission has become, without a doubt, more complex
and delicate, in particular, because of the crisis you must continue to
address."

"It is characterized by spiritual and pastoral fragility and by the social
climate in which Christian values and the very image of the Church are not
perceived in a positive way," he continued.

He described the society "in which a subjectivist and lax moral view often
reigns."

The bishop must address this situation at a time when there is a decrease in the
number of priests and of consecrated persons, the Holy Father said.

"Regardless of the apostolic circumstances," what is most important is that
bishops be animated by "the hope of Christ" in their ministry, he said.

To achieve that objective, the Pope advised the French prelates to "pay
attention to your own spiritual life, rooting your ministry in an intense
relationship with Christ, in prolonged meditation on the Scriptures, and in an
intense sacramental life."

"In this way, you will be able to communicate to the faithful the desire to live
in intimate union with God, and to affirm their faith, so that together you can
propose the faith to your fellow citizens," he explained. "Every mission is
based on this privileged relationship with the Lord."


* * *

John Paul II Condemns Deadly Attack on Spaniards in Iraq


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II sent a message to Spanish
Prime Minister to condemn the terrorist attack in Iraq that killed seven members
of Spain's National Intelligence Service last Saturday.

In the telegram to José María Aznar, sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal
Angelo Sodano, the Pope expresses "his firm condemnation for this new act of
unjustifiable violence, which is added to so many cruel gestures perpetrated in
that tormented nation."

"In his prayers, the Pope implores the Lord for the eternal rest of the victims
and assures his closeness to their families, plunged in great sorrow, in
mourning for their loved ones," the telegram continues.

John Paul II "invites all to pray and work so that in that very tried region,
conditions of normality and peace will return as soon as possible."



* * *



Pope Has Advice for Those Studying at French Seminary


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II received in audience the
community of the Pontifical French Seminary of Rome, for the institution's 150th
anniversary.

"The formation of future priests is an essential task of the Church, which
requires the attention of bishops, the first responsible, to whom it corresponds
to call to holy orders, after having made the necessary discernment with the
priests designated for this," the Pope said today in his brief address in
French.

His advice to the priests and seminarians in attendance was: "Take advantage of
this time to let yourselves be directed by the Lord, with great docility to the
Spirit and profound obedience to the Church and her shepherds."

"Your integral formation is a human, spiritual, moral and intellectual
maturation, in the light of Christ and in contact with pastoral realities,
accepting with trust the help of teachers in the heart of the community," the
Pope added.

The French Seminary has 52 young priests and seminarians, supported by a
formation team of six priests or assistants. The seminary has been entrusted to
religious of the Holy Ghost Congregation.


* * *

Papal Intention: to Alleviate Human Suffering


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- This month John Paul II is praying that
all believers worldwide will help to alleviate human suffering.

The Apostleship of Prayer announced this intention, which the Pope makes his
own, and for which thousands of bishops, priests, religious and lay people pray
and offer sacrifices every month.

The Pope's general intention for December is: "That the members of all religions
may cooperate to alleviate the human sufferings of our time."

He also offers a prayer every month for the mission. This December it is: "That
the Church in the countries where totalitarian regimes still reign, may be given
full freedom to carry out her own spiritual mission."



* * *


Wiesenthal Center Awards Pope for Efforts in Judeo-Christian Dialogue

John Paul II Calls on Nations to Promote Peace and Reconciliation

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- At an audience with representatives of
the Jewish community, John Paul II appealed to nations to reinforce the
"commitment of mutual understanding, reconciliation and peace."

His words were addressed to the European Section of the Simon Wiesenthal Center
of Paris, an institution founded in 1977 to preserve the memory of the
Holocaust, while promoting tolerance and understanding.

During today's audience, the delegation awarded the Pope a prize in recognition
of his work to foster Judeo-Christian dialogue. Past recipients of the award
were the Dalai Lama and King Hussein of Jordan.

"I am pleased to welcome you to the Vatican today and I thank you for your good
wishes and for the gift that you have presented to me on the occasion of the
25th anniversary of my election to the See of Peter," the Pope said in English.

"In these difficult times let us pray that all peoples everywhere will be
strengthened in their commitment to mutual understanding, reconciliation and
peace," he added.

In a statement issued before the audience, Rabbi Marvin Hier, who headed the
delegation, said he hoped to address with the Pope the topic of the
"proliferation of anti-Semitism and international terrorism in the world."

The rabbi also he would ask the Holy Father to support a campaign to have the
international community declare suicide attacks a "crime against humanity."




* * *


Telecast Information for Christmas Events at Vatican

Coordinated by Council for Social Communications

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- This year's midnight Christmas Mass in
St. Peter's Basilica and the next day's papal message and blessing will be able
to be followed live on television worldwide.

Television coverage of these ceremonies, for worldwide distribution, will be
provided by Radiotelevisone Italiana (RAI), in cooperation with the Vatican
Television Center (CTV), and coordinated by the Pontifical Council for Social
Communications, the latter said in a statement.

The following telecasts will be available:

-- in Europe, through the EBU (European Broadcasting Union-Eurovision);
-- in the rest of the world through INTELSAT;
-- in parts of Latin America, also through PanAmSat.

Television networks and stations that want to take part in these telecasts are
asked to contact:

-- in Europe: RAI, Eurovision Office, Sig.ra Laura Maggiore, telephone: (39) 06
3317 0053/2814; fax (39) 06 3317 1151; e-mail: eurovision@...

-- elsewhere: Telespazio, Sig. Sergio Bernardi, telephone: (39) 06 4079 3487;
fax: (39) 06 407 1790; e-mail: customer_support@...

-- in Latin America, OTI (Organización de la Televisión Iberoamericana), Mr.
Darío de la Pena, fax: (52) 55 5281 1564/280 7847; e-mail: otiprogramas@...
or, if necessary, Telespazio, as noted above.

Television networks and stations which, for technical reasons, cannot make use
of satellite audio signals can use telephone circuits with the Vatican by
contacting: Telecom Italia, Sig. Joseph Soureal, telephone: (39) 06 3689
4067/4657; fax: (39) 06 3689 4506/4413.

For fully equipped positions for television commentators in the Braccio di Carlo
Magno, next to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, interested networks and
stations are asked to contact Sig.ra Laura Maggiore at RAI (see above).

The Pontifical Council for Social Communications will cover the technical
expenses for satellite uplink. For developing countries that find themselves in
particular difficulty, on recommendation of the respective papal representative,
the council will cover downlink expenses, but not the expenses for
local/national transmission of the programs.




* * *


Cardinal Sepe Closes Missionary Congress With a Plea

"Do Not Be Afraid to Be Holy," He Tells Gathering in Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe closed the
2nd American Mission Congress with a strong call to holiness and evangelization.

"Church in America, 'duc in altum!' (put out into the deep!)" exhorted the
cardinal in his homily Sunday at the congress's closing Mass. The Mass,
celebrated in Guatemala's National Stadium, attracted cardinals, bishops,
hundreds of priests, and some 22,000 faithful.

"Stemming from your faith in Jesus Christ, your life is mission!" the cardinal
said. "Church in America, do not be afraid to be holy, do not hesitate to leave
your land, with Christ, to go to all peoples and cultures!"

The six-day congress attracted 3,000 missionaries of the Church from Alaska to
Chile. Cardinal Sepe, the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of
Peoples, was John Paul II's envoy to the congress.

Noting that the congress, or CAM2 as it is known, coincided with the start of
Advent, Cardinal Sepe invited his listeners to prepare to receive "the Lord who
will come … prolonging on earth the Redeemer's mission" and "taking the fire of
his love to all peoples and cultures."

He urged the congress "not to hesitate to fulfill the mission 'ad gentes' [to
the nations], the first task the apostles received from Christ after his
resurrection."

The cardinal exhorted the "sons and daughters of the Church in America" to be
"the architects of evangelization in the third millennium," and reminded them of
John Paul II's words, in which he urged Latin America, the "evangelized
continent," to become "an evangelizing continent that looks at Europe, Africa
and the peoples of Asia."

Aware that the task is not easy, but knowing that the Lord "grants us the
necessary means to carry it out," Cardinal Sepe told the faithful they must
learn from the testimony of the saints of America, and they must support "the
growing number of vocations to the priesthood, the consecrated life, and the
mission 'ad gentes,' which are born in not a few particular Churches of the
continent, with prayer and sacrifice."

Another indispensable group for the mission is the "consoling reality of the
laity," of so many catechists, and of ecclesial movements and new communities,
as well as "charisms inspired by the Spirit which invade as an impetuous wind,"
carrying missionaries "to new paths of commitment," the cardinal continued.

"Rejoice at the growing commitment of many dioceses which send, even from their
poverty, 'fidei donum' diocesan priests," in aid of other sister Churches, he
said.

Bishop Julio Cabrera Ovalle, of the Guatemalan diocese of Jalapa, announced that
Ecuador will be the venue for the 3rd American Mission Congress and the 8th
Latin American Mission Congress, in 2007.



* * *

African Bishops Promise Concerted Action on AIDS

Message on a World Day

ACCRA, Ghana, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- On World AIDS Day, all the Catholic
bishops of Africa promised concerted action in the struggle against the HIV
virus and in care of the sick.

The bishops' commitment was expressed in a message entitled "Our Prayer Is
Always Full of Hope" and made public by the Symposium of the Episcopal
Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Since 1987, Catholic bishops in Africa have spoken over 60 times about HIV/AIDS.
But for the first time -- today's World AIDS Day -- they spoke out openly and
with a collective voice on the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The message, given in the name of over 600 bishops of the continent, was
prepared and approved at a two-day seminar during the plenary assembly of SECAM,
held in Senegal from Sept. 30 to Oct. 13.

The 2003 message underlines the seriousness of the threat posed by the HIV/AIDS
pandemic. A two-page action plan outlines more than 20 objectives and strategies
of the Church in its struggle against HIV/AIDS.

"The bishops commit the Church's resources to combating HIV/AIDS and declare
their resolve to educate appropriately in affective and sexual education for
life," the presentation statement affirms.

"They decry both the poverty and the violence that go hand in hand with HIV and
AIDS," it adds.

With regard to preventing the spread of HIV, the bishops reaffirm that
"abstinence for those who are single and fidelity for those who are married are
the best ways to avoid becoming infected by HIV or infecting others."

The bishops' message may be read in RTF format at
http://users.online.be/~sj.eur.news/doc2/secam-aids2003e.doc.




* * *

The Place of "Feminine Genius" in the Church

Interview with Author of a Thesis on the Feminine Genius at Work in the Church

ROME, DEC. 1, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The contribution of the "feminine genius" in
the Church was one of the novelties of Paul VI's pontificate, but especially of
John Paul II's, according to a recently defended doctoral thesis.

Sister Rosetta Napolitano, who defended her thesis at Rome's Teresianum
Pontifical Institute of Spirituality, analyzes the application of this
contribution in areas such as theology and spiritual direction.

Q: You say in your thesis that the feminine dimension in the Church has been an
issue, a resource, a specificity, and genius. Can you explain the differences
among these?

Sister Napolitano: The feminine aspect has been regarded in different ways since
the first feminine controversies. This has meant slow but continuous growth in
understanding and reflection on this phenomenon.

Initially it was seen as an issue, that is, it had a more negative connotation:
It was seen as a danger to be resolved as soon as possible so that it would not
attack the traditional image of woman, seen essentially and solely as the "angel
of the home."

Subsequently, the feminine aspect was seen as a resource, emphasizing the
recognition of the potential of woman's contribution, not only in the family
ambit, but also in the growth of society and of the Church, typical of John
XXIII's pontificate and of the conciliar period.

The topic of feminine specificity arose with greater vigor in Paul VI's
documents, which tried to delineate the "specifically" feminine, in order to
find its place in the Church.

The feminine as "genius" is a typical expression of John Paul II, who wishes to
point out the way that is proper to woman in living the faith, a way that is
both different and reciprocal in regard to the masculine.

Q: Is "feminine genius" as such an invention of John Paul II?

Sister Napolitano: The term is, but what the content stands for had already been
intuited, along general lines, by John XXIII and Paul VI.

Q: You criticize some movements for perpetuating the inferior condition of women
and others for making extremist feminine claims. Is there a third way?

Sister Napolitano: It is not, exactly, about finding a third way. The issue is
to be able to be ourselves in the light of the Spirit, trying to realize the
plan that God has for us as his image, and to do so as women, without abandoning
our femininity out of fear of being accused of weakness, or diluting it, out of
a misunderstood idea of equality with man.

God has created the human being masculine and feminine, not just for the
relationship, but also because only one human being could not have expressed
totally the richness of his image.

All the good and beautiful that we express, as women and men, is no more than a
reflection of those characteristics that, in the Creator, are already present in
the highest perfection.

Acceptance, understanding, tenderness, specificity, fortitude, gift, etc. --
before being feminine or masculine characteristics -- are divine prerogatives
that we are all called to reflect, even if it is in different ways that stem
from our physical and psychological constitution as women or men, and that
necessarily influences the way of acting in the world and of expressing the
faith.

Therefore, each one is called to conform to the image of God in keeping with his
own peculiarities and potentialities.

Q: What is the meaning of the idea that spirituality is the privileged place of
the feminine genius?

Sister Napolitano: It means that it has been practically the only ambit, in the
history of the Church, in which women have had the possibility to freely express
themselves and, therefore, to manifest their innermost self, a particular way of
living the faith, in a word, her genius.

Spirituality, as the actualization of the Christian mystery in the believer, is
expressed by what has been concretely experienced rather than by theological
speculations. It is within everyone's reach, and its importance is well
understood, especially when, as has happened for so many years to women in the
Church, there are no other possibilities to manifest in the light of the Spirit
what has been received.

If it were not for the numerous "living books," qualified testimonies of the
faith written in the course of the centuries with the lives of so many women, we
would not have the basis to speak of "feminine genius" and of the irreplaceable
and peculiar contribution of women to theological reflection, even if expressed
in a different way from traditional theological treatises.

Q: You write: "I hope there will be a time for the concrete integration and
participation of all women in ecclesial life." What would this mean?

Sister Napolitano: On one hand, to have the courage to put into practice what
the magisterium already says in this regard, and that many times is neglected in
practice. On the other, to find concrete ways of commitment, through a renewed
courage on the part of women themselves.

I think much time has been wasted discussing the opportuneness, or lack thereof,
of admitting women to the priesthood, as if it were the only way that a person
can express their collaboration in spreading the Kingdom of God.

It has been forgotten that there are other concrete ways of commitment, whether
in the field of theology, scientific research, and teaching or in the liturgical
and ministerial fields as, for example, in spiritual direction. These are areas
that, in theory, are also open to women, but in practice remain as something
almost exclusively masculine.

Q: What is woman's contribution to the new evangelization?

Sister Napolitano: I think that it is expressed above all in the ambit of the
recovery of the relational dimension, understood as care and acceptance of the
person himself, at a time that is increasingly dominated by "massification" and
anonymity.

The spiritual experience of so many women in the past and present demonstrates,
in fact, how women are particularly suited for this task, because of their
predisposition to maternity which enables them to enter the inner world of the
other to understand him/her from within. This could be very useful and
profitable in different ecclesial areas, in the first place, in the ecumenical
and interreligious dialogue.


Sister Rosetta Napolitano's thesis is entitled "Il genio femminile e il suo
insorgere nel Magisterio e nella Teologia Spirituale degli ultimi decenni del XX
Secolo (1962-1999)" (Feminine Genius and its Emergence in the Magisterium and in
Spiritual Theology of the Last Decades of the 20th Century (1962-1999).


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Seven (continued)

Leclercq paints a portrait of the medieval monastic culture showing us very
lucidly how the monks read ancient pagan authors, praised them, and frequently
Christianized them as in the case of Ovid whom some claimed through
misinformation had died a Christian.

Conrad of Hirsau (c. 1070-1150)in his Dialogus super auctores frequently
Christianizes pagan authors. (cf. Terence O. TUNBERG, Conrad of Hirsau and His
Approach to the Auctores, in: Medievalia et Humanistica NS 15, 1987, p. 65).
Leclerq gives us the following: "Toward the end of his Dialogue, Conrad of
Hirsau sums up the advice he had given concerning the authors: There is no
greater happiness in this world than to be nourished by God's word; the soul who
believes, who hopes for rest after labor, buries deep within him, at the
beginning of his pilgrimage, the word of God as if it were the 'repository of
his hope,' and through that very fact, the soul is already drawing close to its
homeland. Therefore, we should continually cultivate the philosophical
disciplines, meaning those which consist of realities and not merely words. They
produce scorn for the temporal and love for eternity, they teach us to 'walk in
the spirit,' to combat the demands of the flesh; they inculcate divine love, the
cult of the invisible, hatred of the world, a persevering love of truth and an
aversion for error." (148).


Lectio divina is here characterized as the Christian school of philosophy and
morality. Secular philosophy augments this when the teachings are in accord with
the Catholic faith since they deepen our commitment and strengthen our will to
abide in the truth of Christ and loyal and devoted to Him and His Catholic
Church.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

1. HOW TO USE LINKS -- RealPlayer

Roman Catholic News is very happy to announce new exciting links
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Send EWTN donations online:
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* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/120203.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 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 3, Issue 229

WEDNESDAY 3 December 2003

Feast of St. Francis Xavier

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Condemns Violence in Name of God
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Vatican Statement on Catholic-Anglican Dialogue
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Ordination of Homosexual Bishop Delays Anglican-Catholic Dialogue
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Peru Episcopate and UNICEF Sign Pact to Protect Children
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Bishop Emeritus of Macau Fears for Church's Future in China
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Bishop Burke to Head St. Louis Archdiocese
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Cinema and Its Role in Portraying Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Mel Gibson Aiming to Finish "The Passion" by New Year
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Pope Condemns Violence in Name of God

Religions Must Be Bridges Between Cultures, He Tells Iranians

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II said religions must be
"bridges" between cultures and "signs of hope for humanity," as he met with
delegates of a cultural institution of Iran.

The Iranian citizens were in the Vatican to participate in a colloquium
organized by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue with the
Organization for Islamic Culture and Communications in Tehran on "Truth,
Justice, Love, Freedom: Pillars of Peace."

After greeting the director of the Islamic organization, Ayatollah Mahmoud
Mohammadi Araqi, who headed the eight-member delegation, the Pope said: "Today
there is an especially urgent need for dialogue, understanding and cooperation
between the world's great religions, especially Christianity and Islam."

"Religion is in fact called to build bridges between individuals, peoples and
cultures, to be a sign of hope for humanity," the Pope said in English.

"I appeal to you, and to all men and women of good will, to join your voices
with mine as I repeat that the holy name of God must never be used to incite
violence or terrorism, to promote hatred or exclusion," he stressed.

"I am confident that your continued dialogue and cooperation, of which this
colloquium is an eloquent example, will do much to help Christians and Muslims
to be ever more effective instruments of peace in our world," the Holy Father
said.

The meeting between the Iranian cultural organization and the Council for
Interreligious Dialogue continues a series of symposiums organized since 1999.



* * *

Vatican Statement on Catholic-Anglican Dialogue

"Work Towards ... a Common Statement of Faith Would Have to Be Put on Hold"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a statement on the future
activity of the Catholic-Anglican dialogue, issued today by the Pontifical
Council for Promoting Christian Unity.


On Tuesday, November 25, 2003, Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the
Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, met with the Reverend
Canon John L. Peterson, Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council,
at the offices of the Pontifical Council.

At the meeting the future of Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue was discussed,
especially in the light of recent developments within the life of the Anglican
Communion.

As a result of the conversation, it was decided that the next plenary session of
the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission
(IARCCUM) and its work towards the publication and reception of a Common
Statement of Faith would have to be put on hold in the light of ecclesiological
concerns raised as a consequence of these events. At the same time, the Anglican
Communion and the Catholic Church remain committed to continuing their dialogue,
and agree that the work of the sub-committees of the Commission would proceed.

In a separate development, Cardinal Kasper has welcomed the request of His Grace
the Archbishop of Canterbury, that an appropriate means be found to reflect
jointly upon the ecclesiological issues raised by recent developments within the
Anglican Communion in the light of the relevant Agreed Statements of ARCIC. An
ad hoc sub-commission of IARCCUM will soon be established to undertake this
task.

The Cardinal and the Secretary General agreed that the current work of the
Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) should proceed until
the completion of the current phase in 2004, after which attention will be given
to planning the future agenda and next phase of the theological dialogue.

ARCIC, which began its work in 1970, is the main instrument of theological
dialogue between the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church, whereas
IARCCUM, which was established in 2001, is an episcopally led body aimed at
fostering practical initiatives that would give expression to the degree of
faith shared by Anglicans and Catholics.




* * *

Ordination of Homosexual Bishop Delays Anglican-Catholic Dialogue

Joint Document on Hold, Says Pontifical Council

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The ordination of an openly homosexual
bishop in the Anglican Communion has caused delays in ecumenical meetings with
the Catholic Church and in the redaction of a joint document.

The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity made that announcement in a
statement today, following a meeting held last week between Cardinal Walter
Kasper, the council's president, and the Reverend Canon John Peterson,
secretary-general of the Anglican Consultative Council.

That meeting addressed the future of Catholic-Anglican dialogue in the wake of
the Nov. 2 consecration of Gene Robinson, 56, as Episcopal bishop coadjutor of
New Hampshire. Divorced and the father of three, Robinson has been living with
his male partner for 13 years.

The Holy See announced after the meeting that "it was decided that the next
plenary session of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for
Unity and Mission and its work towards the publication and reception of a Common
Statement of Faith" would be put on hold.

The statement adds, however: "The Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church
remain committed to continuing their dialogue, and agree that the work of the
sub-committees of the Commission would proceed."

The text reveals that Cardinal Kasper has accepted the request of Rowan
Williams, the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, to find "appropriate means" to
"reflect jointly upon the ecclesiological issues raised by the recent
developments within the Anglican Communion in the light of the relevant Agreed
Statements" elaborated by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission.

It adds that an "ad hoc" subcommission of the International Anglican-Roman
Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) "will soon be established to
undertake this task."

The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, which began its work in
1970, is the main instrument of theological dialogue between the Anglican
Communion and the Catholic Church.

IARCCUM, established in 2001, is an episcopally led body aimed at fostering
practical initiatives that would give expression to the degree of faith shared
by Anglicans and Catholics.



* * *

Peru Episcopate and UNICEF Sign Pact to Protect Children


LIMA, Peru, DEC. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Peruvian episcopal conference and the
United Nations Children's Organization signed an agreement of mutual cooperation
to implement programs for the development and protection of children and
adolescents.

The three-year agreement to support Peruvian children is in keeping with the
social doctrine of the Catholic Church.

In addition, the document is inspired by the principles of the U.N. Convention
on Children's Rights, and the Child and Adolescent Code of Peruvian legislation.

The signing took place Thursday at the headquarters of the Peruvian episcopal
conference, in the presence of Bishop Hugo Garaycoa of Tacna-Moquegua,
conference president; Bishop Juan Antonio Ugarte Pérez of Yauyos-Canete,
president of the episcopal Commission for the Family; and Andres Franco, UNICEF
representative in Peru.

With the signing of the agreement, the Church in Peru hopes to foster the work
of pastoral agents in all the country's dioceses to establish centers for the
protection of abandoned children and adolescents.

The Peruvian Catholic Church and UNICEF began to cooperate 15 years ago.
According to the National Institute of Research and Statistics of Peru, more
than a third of the country's population is under 14 years of age. The children
represent 60% of the population living in poverty.



* * *


Bishop Emeritus of Macau Fears for Church's Future in China


KONIGSTEIN, Germany, DEC. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Retired Bishop Arquimínio
Rodrigues da Costa of Macau has voiced concern about the future of the Catholic
Church in the People's Republic of China.

"If the regime remains in power, I do not see that the Catholic Church could
have a future in China other than that of a persecuted Church," Bishop Rodrigues
said last week in Fatima, during a seminar on "Christianity in China."

The bishop, who lived in Macau from 1938 to 1989, pointed out that the Chinese
government "wants to control everything, including religions. And there are
reports to confirm this."

Macau, a former Portuguese territory located in the delta of the Pearl River,
near Hong Kong, returned to Chinese rule in December 1999.

The seminar, organized by the Divine Word Missionaries, was under the aegis of
the Jorge Alvares Foundation and the Portuguese branch of the Germany-based
international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need.



* * *


Bishop Burke to Head St. Louis Archdiocese


ST. LOUIS, Missouri, DEC. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II has appointed
Bishop Raymond Burke of La Crosse, Wisconsin, as archbishop of St. Louis.

Archbishop-designate Burke will succeed now-Cardinal Justin Rigali, who was
appointed archbishop of Philadelphia last summer. The Vatican press office made
the official announcement today.

Raymond Burke was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, on June 30, 1948. He
studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and the
Gregorian University in Rome.

Ordained a priest of the La Crosse Diocese in 1975, he was appointed bishop of
La Crosse on Dec. 10, 1994, and ordained Jan. 6, 1995.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis has 555,000 Catholics in a total population of
nearly 2.2 million.



* * *

Cinema and Its Role in Portraying Christ

Cardinal Poupard Says Films Have Role in Evangelization

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Today the cinema is an imperative for
evangelization, says the president of the Pontifical Council for Culture.

Cardinal Paul Poupard made this affirmation when delivering the opening address
at the 7th Congress on the Cinema and the Church. The annual congress is
organized jointly with the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

Among the participants in the congress was Polish film director Krzysztof
Zanussi, whose film "The Supplement" will open Thursday in Italy.

The theme of the congress, "Christ in the Cinema: A Cinematographic Canon,"
underlined that "the cinema is an indispensable vehicle to construct culture
and, in the Church, to evangelize," Cardinal Poupard said in his address.

"I hope the cinema will be able to construct an authentic culture of life and of
the dignity of the person," as well as "a civilization of mutual respect and
coexistence between cultures," he said.

"I am fully confident that those who operate in the world of cinema will be able
to respond to this request for a supplement of hope," the cardinal added.

For his part, Father Javier García González, professor at the Regina Apostolorum
Pontifical Athenaeum, said that the "cinema and evangelization should go
together."

Father García, an expert in Christology, added there are risks in presenting
Jesus Christ in the cinema. It "might not correspond to the canonical Christ, to
the Christ of the faith of the People of God and of the Church," he warned.
Moreover, "non-essential human factors might prevail, such as ideology,
materialism, consumerism or eroticism."

However, he added that "cinematographic language can represent the Son of God in
images," and can do so "without falling into a spiritualist and falsely
angelical flight, but affirming the truth of the Incarnation."

Ermelinda Campani of Stanford University said: "To produce film on Jesus Christ
is to produce films that stem from the collective imagination, and this has its
strength and its weakness, as they touch the spinal cord of Western culture."

Campani suggested that there is complementarity, not opposition, between "cinema
and the sacred" and denied that the cinema is the realm of "the profane."

"To go to the movies is, in a certain sense, to participate in a collective
rite," the professor said.

Monsignor Enric Planas, director of the Vatican Film Library, expressed his
willingness to receive all films on Jesus Christ. "I want all films on Jesus
Christ, because they show us the reflection of Jesus Christ, perfect
communicator," he said.

He admitted however that he preferred "films that present the informality of God
in the ordinary, his tenderness and immediacy: I am grateful to the authors who
are able to show us these features in the figure of Jesus Christ."

In addition to the two pontifical councils, the congress was supported by the
Rivista del Cinematografo of the Entertainment Entity (an Italian public
institution) and the General Direction of the Cinema of the Ministry of Cultural
Goods and Activities. It also had the collaboration of RAI Cine and Medusa Film.



* * *

Mel Gibson Aiming to Finish "The Passion" by New Year


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The cardinals, bishops and theologians
who had hoped to see Mel Gibson's film on Jesus' last hours on earth will still
have to wait.

Participants in the 7th Congress on the Church and the Cinema, organized by the
pontifical councils for culture and for social communications, had hoped to see
a closed-door projection of the film today.

However, in a message signed by Nick Hill of Icon Entertainment, the production
company, announced that the picture could not be shown as "the film is not yet
finished."

"Mel Gibson is working to complete the film to be ready for screening in the New
Year," Hill said. "At this time, we would prefer to wait and screen a completed
film being as it is only weeks away from being finished."

The news was announced by Entertainment Entity, a publicly funded Italian
institution that organized the "Tertio Millennio" Festival.

Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, said
that he had not taken part in the talks on the preparation of the screening,
which were held with the film's distributor in Italy, according to Entertainment
Entity.

"The Passion of the Christ," which will make its premiere on Ash Wednesday, Feb.
25, was recorded in Matera, Italy, and in the studios of Cinecittà in Rome. See
www.passion-movie.com.



* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Seven (continued)

The love of learning that fuels the desire for God is the active mechanism in
the monastic system. The engine of this mechanism is the scriptoria. "This word
refers to the whole group who were engaged in bookmaking: the head of the
workshop, the copyist, correctors, rubricators, painters, illuminators and
binders; for a number of monks took part in the making of every book. The task
of the copyist was an authentic form of asceticism. Deciphering from an often
poorly preserved manuscript, a text which was often long and badly written and
reproducing it correctly constituted a task which, however noble it was, was
also hard and therefore meritorious, and medieval scribes have taken pains to
inform us of this fact: the whole body of the work is concentrated on the
fingers and constant and precise attention must be exercised. It was work that
was both manual and intellectual. Calligraphy is a difficult art as we know only
too well. But copying was not the only thing involved. Each text transcribed
required very careful revision, correction, collation and criticism. The best
copies had to be procured and for this purpose an "inter-library loan and
exchange system" had to be organized between the different monasteries." (153).

We can appreciate the intimacy medieval monks possessed with their texts having
to immerse themselves in grammar, commentaries, and making copies. Today we have
a distance from texts that medieval monks did not have. The intimacy we develop
with the text is one we produce by familiarity, study, memorization, reflection
and prayer. Lectio divina practiced properly is our method to gain the same
intimacy as the medieval monk. Careful study of the texts of Sacred Scripture
paves the way to the heart of the text which opens up our own hearts to God and
His holy face revealed through His divine revelation.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/120303.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 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,
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 230

FRIDAY 5 December 2003


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Appeals to Iraqi Catholics to Work With All Believers
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Urges Protection of Italy's Christian Heritage
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Highlights Lessons to Be Learned From Ukrainian Famine
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Emmanuel III Delly, New Chaldean Patriarch, Gets Papal Nod
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pilgrims Urged to Visit Holy Land at Christmas
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Declaration of the Joint Jewish-Catholic Commission
----------------------------------------------------------------
• MUSIC MUST BE APPROPRIATE FOR LITURGICAL CELEBRATION
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Pope Appeals to Iraqi Catholics to Work With All Believers

In Construction of a "Stable and Free" Society

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 4, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appealed to Iraqi
Catholics to work in harmony with other believers to build a "stable and free"
society.

The Pope explained this need when he received members of the Synod of Bishops of
the Chaldean Church, who were in the Vatican to elect a new patriarch.

"Harmony is exceedingly necessary, as one contemplates your land, today in
greater need than ever of peace and tranquility in order," the Pope said during
the meeting Wednesday with the synod, composed of 22 bishops.

"Work to join forces with all believers in respectful dialogue, which will favor
the construction of a stable and free society at all levels," he said.

Ur of the Chaldeans, Abraham's land, is in Iraq. It is the geographic origin of
the Chaldean Church. According to tradition, the evangelization of those lands
goes back to the preaching of the Apostle St. Thomas.

"Participating in the vital sap that emanates from Christ, [the Chaldean Church]
must continue to flower, faithful to her own identity, giving abundant fruits
for the good of the whole ecclesial body," John Paul II added.

To attain the "full development of ecclesial life," the Chaldean bishops must
have "unity of aims," the Pope reminded them.

Earlier, in a letter to the Pope, the new patriarch, Emmanuel III Delly,
requested "ecclesial communion" and promised his Church's fidelity to Rome,
stating: "With the help of God, I shall seek to do what is possible for the
unity of the Church in this tragic situation in which the Middle East finds
itself and, in particular, Iraq."

The vast majority of Iraq's 24.5 million inhabitants are Muslims. Only 3% of
Iraqis are Christians.


* * *

Pope Urges Protection of Italy's Christian Heritage

In a Letter to President of the Chamber of Deputies

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 4, 2003 (Zenit.org).- In a message to the president of the
Italian Chamber of Deputies, John Paul II said that the "human and religious
wealth" of the country's Christian heritage must be safeguarded.

In the text, published Tuesday by the Vatican press office, the Pope recalled
his historic visit to the Italian Parliament on Nov. 14, 2002, the first time a
Successor of Peter entered the Chamber of the Montecitorio Palace.

In fact, on Monday the Parliament celebrated the anniversary of the papal visit
with a concert and a reading of John Paul II's poetry.

In his message to Pier Ferdinando Casini, the Pope thanked him for the
"unanimous support" his address received a year ago, and highlighted the
peninsula's Christian tradition, saying that the Church in Italy "has been the
leaven of civilization."

"For centuries, the Gospel -- proclamation of faith, hope and charity -- has
been the vital lymph of the Italian people, animating in a thousand ways the
quest for the good, the true and the beautiful," the Holy Father said.

The Pontiff emphasized that, in its fundamental principles, Italy's republican
Constitution itself reflects "in an eloquent and ever valid way the evangelical
truth on man and society."

Italians have been bearers of this heritage "in all parts of the planet" thanks
"to the testimonies of Christian faith inherited from their parents in the land
of their birth," he added.

This spiritual patrimony must be protected, "because it represents a good for
the whole of the civil community," John Paul II said.

He concluded by saying that he was certain that "the beneficial cooperation that
exists between the Holy See and the Italian republic" would contribute to this
commitment.



* * *


John Paul II Highlights Lessons to Be Learned From Ukrainian Famine

Papal Message for 70th Anniversary of Soviet-Made Tragedy

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 4, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II said that the injustices
of the past, such as those committed by Soviet Communism in Ukraine, should
stimulate the construction of a civilization that respects life.

The Pope expressed this conviction in a message to Cardinals Lubomyr Husar,
archbishop of Lviv of the Ukrainians, and Marian Jaworsky, archbishop of Lviv of
the Latins, on the 70th anniversary of the great famine of 1932-33, instigated
by Joseph Stalin in Ukraine.

The Soviet regime took control of agricultural production and foodstuffs in
order to impose forced collectivization in the country. Millions died in the
genocidal famine that followed.

With his message, written in Ukrainian, the Pope wanted "to spiritually join
everyone in the Ukraine in recalling the victims of this tragedy and inviting
young people to remember past events so that similar suffering is never repeated
again," explained a note accompanying the message, quoted by the Vatican
Information Service.

"The memory of the past acquires a value that transcends the borders of a
nation, reaching other peoples who have been victims of events that are equally
devastating and, therefore, are comforted by sharing their experience," the Holy
Father wrote.

"The experience of this tragedy must guide the sense and activity of the
Ukrainian people today toward peace and cooperation," he stated. "Unfortunately,
Communist ideology has contributed to furthering division in social and
religious life. It is necessary to commit oneself to sincere and effective
peace."

"The sentiment of Christian prayer for the souls of the dead must be accompanied
by the desire to build up a society where the common good" and "the rights of
the people are constant guides," John Paul II emphasized.

"Reaching this noble goal depends, in the first place, on Ukrainians who are
entrusted with safeguarding Western and Eastern Christian heritage and the
responsibility to turn it into the synthesis of culture and civilization," he
exhorted.

"In this task," the Pope added, "lies the specific contribution that Ukraine is
called to offer in building the 'common European house' in which all peoples may
be accepted with respect for the values of their own identity."




* * *


Emmanuel III Delly, New Chaldean Patriarch, Gets Papal Nod

Leader's See Is in Baghdad

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 4, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The synod of the 22 bishops of the
Chaldean Church meeting here elected a new patriarch, Emmanuel III Delly.

The new patriarch is replacing Raphael I Bidawid, who died July 7. In keeping
with the law of Eastern Churches, the synod elects the patriarch.

The latter, in order to manifest communion with the universal Church, in turn
asks the Pope to recognize his appointment. John Paul II granted the
recognition, and on Wednesday received the new patriarch.

The new patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, whose see is in Baghdad, was born
Emmanuel Karim in Iraq, in the town of Telkaif, on Oct. 6, 1927. Until now, he
was archbishop of Kaskar of the Chaldeans.

He holds a licentiate in canon law from the Lateran University. He was a
consultor of the Commission for the Revision of the Code of Eastern Canon Law
and of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Last March 22, he was slightly wounded by shattered glass from windows in the
Chaldean Patriarchate in Baghdad, after U.S. forces bombed the area during the
military campaign against Saddam Hussein.

In a letter to the Pope, in which the new patriarch requested "ecclesial
communion," he also expressed the fidelity of the Chaldean Church to Rome.

"With the help of God, I will do what is possible for the unity of the Church in
this tragic situation in which the Middle East finds itself and, in particular,
Iraq," the patriarch wrote.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Holy Father received the members of the Synod of the
Chaldean Church and said that "harmony is even more necessary when contemplating
your land, which today is in greater need than ever of authentic peace and
tranquility."

Chaldean Catholics constitute about 70% of the 800,000 Christians in Iraq.
Baghdad has the largest Chaldean community, more than 350,000 faithful.

The official language in the Chaldean liturgy is Aramaic, the tongue spoken by
Jesus. Its liturgy also uses Arabic. Chaldean communities also reside in
America, Europe and Oceania.


* * *


Pilgrims Urged to Visit Holy Land at Christmas


JERUSALEM, DEC. 4, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Franciscans in Jerusalem, Custodians
of the Holy Land, have joined in launching a call for a "peaceful invasion" of
the Holy Land.

Father Ibrahim Faltas, of the Order of Friars Minor, and Hanna Nasser, mayor of
Bethlehem, relayed a message inviting Christian pilgrims to travel to the Holy
Land.

"Invade the Holy Land for a few days at Christmas," they said in a statement to
the Vatican's Fides agency, "and let yourselves by won over by its cultural and
human message. In this way you will offer a concrete and constructive
contribution towards peace worth much more than a thousand words."

Tourism, a mainstay of the local economy, has been devastated since the
intifada, the Palestinian uprising, broke out three years ago.

"You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your solidarity with those in
difficulty and to offer hope," the message of Father Faltas and Nasser said.
"This will be for everyone an act of love and respect for the communities living
here amid so many difficulties."

"With your presence as tourists and pilgrims, you would not be in any danger and
you would do much to restore daily normality," the statement added.




* * *


Declaration of the Joint Jewish-Catholic Commission

Following a Meeting in Jerusalem

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 4, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the Statement of the Joint
Commission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel's Delegation for Relations with the
Catholic Church and the Holy See's Commission for Religious Relations with the
Jews, signed Wednesday at the conclusion of a three-day meeting in Jerusalem.
The statement was slightly adapted here.


1. After two meetings, in Jerusalem (June 2002, Tammuz 5762) and in
Grottaferrata/Rome (February 2003, Shvat 5763) the respective high-ranking
delegations convened in Jerusalem to discuss the theme of "The Relevance of
Central Teachings -- The Holy Scriptures Which We Share for Contemporary Society
and the Education of Future Generations Accordingly."

2. The deliberations took place in an atmosphere of mutual respect and amity,
and satisfaction was expressed regarding the firm foundations that have already
been established between the two delegations with great promise for continuity
and effective collaboration.

3. The participants expressed their profound appreciation for the forthright
statements emanating from the Holy See condemning violence against innocents and
denouncing the current resurgent manifestations of anti-Semitism, as declared in
the statements of the Cardinals of the Vatican's delegation to the Joint
Commission Cardinals Walter Kasper, Jorge Mejía and Georges Cottier.

In this spirit, His Eminence Jorge Mejia wrote to the Chief Rabbis of Israel:
"It is indeed not only cruel but vile and quite incompatible with any acceptable
human standards to attack people in their places of prayer." Indeed, at the time
of the Joint Commission's meeting, His Holiness Pope John Paul II issued a
powerful appeal "to all men and women of good will to join your voices with mine
as I repeat that the holy name of God must never be used to incite violence or
terrorism, to promote hatred or exclusion."

4. The presentations focused on the foundational teaching in the Holy Scriptures
which we share, which declare the faith in the One Creator and Guide of the
Universe who has formed all human beings in His Divine Image with free will.

Humankind is thus one family with moral responsibility for one another.
Awareness of this reality leads to the religious and moral duty that may serve
as a true charter for human rights and dignity in our modern world and provide a
genuine vision for a just society, universal peace and well-being.

5. We live in a global village of unparalleled technological and scientific
advances. These present us with the challenge to use them for good and blessing
and not for evil and curse, God forbid. In this regard, the global system of
mass communication serves as a key edification vehicle. It behooves us to
constructively utilize this opportunity for global edification in keeping with
our aforementioned shared religious and moral aspirations.

6. It was emphasized that the response to the challenge of promoting religious
faith in contemporary society, requires us to provide living examples of
justice, loving-kindness, tolerance and humility, in keeping with the words of
the Prophet Micah.

"It has been told to you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of
you: But to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God"
(Mic 6:8).

7. Religious education can and must provide hope and direction for positive
living in a human solidarity and harmony in our complex modern times. Above all,
it is faith in God that gives us true security and joy, in keeping with the
verse in Psalm 16: "I have set the Lord always before me ... and my heart
rejoice" (Ps 16:8-9).

8. In particular, religious leaders and educators have the special duty to
instruct their communities to pursue the paths of peace for the well-being of
society at large.

We issue this appeal especially to the family of Abraham and we call upon all
believers to put aside weapons of war and destruction -- "to seek peace and
pursue if" (Ps 34:15).

9. As religious leaders we share in the pain and sorrow of all who suffer in the
Holy Land today -- individuals, families and communities -- and express our
fervent pope and prayers for an end to the trials and tribulations in the Land
that is holy to us all.

10. Finally, we urge our own communities, schools and families, to live in
mutual respect and understanding and to immerse themselves in the study and
teachings of our Holy Scriptures which we share, for the ennoblement of
humanity, universal peace and justice. Thus will the words of the Prophet be
fulfilled: "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears
into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation and they shall
not learn war any more" ([Isaiah] 2:4).

Jerusalem, December 3, 2003. Kislev 8, 5764

Cardinal Jorge Cardinal Mejia (Chairman of the Catholic Delegation)
Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo
P. Elias Chacour
Pier Francesco Fumagalli
P. Norbert Hofmann S.D.B.
Archbishop Pietro Sambi

Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen (Chairman of the Jewish Delegation)
Rabbi Rasson Arussi
Rabbi David Brodman
Rabbi Yossef Azran
Rabbi David Rosen
Oded Wiener
Shmuel Hadas



* * *


MUSIC MUST BE APPROPRIATE FOR LITURGICAL CELEBRATION

VATICAN CITY, DEC 4, 2003 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, a chirography by the
Holy Father for the centenary of the motu proprio "Tra le sollecitudini,"
promulgated by St. Pius X and which considered sacred music in religious
functions, was made public.  A chirograph is a papal document which bears
the signature of the Pope and which provides instructions on an administrative
order.

   In the message, dated November 22, the feast day of St. Cecilia, patron of
music, the Pope emphasizes that "music used for sacred rites must have sanctity
as its point of reference" and he underscored that "not all musical forms are
appropriate for liturgical celebrations."

   Referring to liturgical music, John Paul II affirms that it "must respond
to the legitimate requirements of adaptation and inculturation.  It is clear,
however, that every innovation in this delicate material must respect specific
criteria, like the search for musical expressions that respond to the necessary
involvement of the entire assembly in the celebration and that avoid, at the
same time, any concession to frivolity and superficiality."

   "The sacred environment of liturgical celebration must never become a
laboratory for experimentation or trial compositions and performances,
introduced without careful consideration," he affirms.

   The Holy Father indicates that "among the musical expressions that properly
respond to the qualities required by the notion of sacred music,especially
within liturgical music, Gregorian chant occupies an important place.  The
Vatican Council II recognizes it as "music of the Roman liturgy," which should
be preserved in the first place for liturgical ceremonies with hymns that are
celebrated in Latin. " Gregorian chant, therefore, continues today to be an
element of unity in Roman liturgy."

   The Pope also encourages church choirs be promoted as they have a "role as
guide and accompaniment of the assembly, and in certain moments, they have a
very specific role in the liturgy. " Therefore, the musical aspect of liturgical
celebrations, cannot be left to improvisation, or to the judgement of individual
persons, but it must be entrusted to  thoughtful direction in accordance with
norms and regulations, as meaningful fruit of an appropriate liturgical
formation."

   "Since the Church has always recognized and promoted progress in the Arts,
it should not surprise anyone that, beyond Gregorian chant and choir music,
modern music has been allowed in liturgical celebrations, as long as it is
respectful of the liturgical spirit and the authentic values of art."

   John Paul II asks the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of
the Sacraments "to pay closer attention to the sector of sacred liturgical
music. " It is important that musical compositions used in liturgical
celebrations respond to the criteria opportunely pronounced by St. Pius X
and prudently developed by the Vatican Council II and the Magisterium of the
Church."  In this way, the Pope urges the episcopal conferences to examine
the texts of liturgical hymns and to pay close attention in evaluating and
promoting songs that are truly appropriate for sacred use."

   At the end of the message, the Holy Father recalls that the motu proprio
addresses the topic of musical instruments used in Latin liturgy.  "It is
necessary," he concludes, "to be careful that the instruments are appropriate
for sacred use, for the dignity of a church, and that they are
able to accompany singing by the faithful and edify it."

* * *


LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Seven (continued)

Much of this chapter contains brief reviews of subjects and themes already taken
up earlier but focused afresh to show how the rise of monastic culture took
place through embracing the cultural heritage of the Graeco-Roman world, its
literature, art and science. The wisdom of the ages learned through careful
study taught the monks how to learn the wisdom of Christ through careful study
and reflection of Sacred Scripture. All things learned from study of the
ancients is converted into Christian philosophy since it is filtered through the
religious and devout minds of holy monks who lived the Catholic faith.

What we learn from medieval monastic history is the fervor of these holy men who
dedicated their entire lives to the pursuit of wisdom gained through learning in
order to develop within themselves a deep and more fervent love for God. This
was facilitated always by their constant daily Mass and devotion to Mary, the
Mother of God. When they engaged in lectio divina they brought Christ with them
to ask Him for enlightenment, mercy and love. These are our examples. Let us
follow faithfully in their foot steps.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/120503.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 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,
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Vidimus Dominum, and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright
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All correspondence should be sent to:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 231

MONDAY 8 December 2003

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Holy Day of Obligation

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Reflection on John the Baptist's Message
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Calls on Young People to Contribute to Europe's Future
----------------------------------------------------------------
• English Translation of Roman Missal: So Far, So Good
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Focolare Movement Hailed by Pope at Its 60th Anniversary
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Vocations Hinge on Prayer and Holiness, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Genetic Engineering Must Be Guided by Respect for Life, Insists Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Hunger Constitutes Threat to Peace, Says John Paul II
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Theologians in Holy Lands See Reconciliation as a Catholic Vocation
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Church Can Help Humanize Globalization, Says Cardinal Martino
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Cologne's World Youth Day "Cathedral for a Day"
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Rwandan Genocide Helps Prompt Franciscan Symposium
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Reflection on John the Baptist's Message

On Second Sunday of Advent

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave today before praying the midday Angelus with thousands of
pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

1. "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" (Luke 3:4).

This invitation of St. John the Baptist resounds with vigor today, the second
Sunday of Advent, a prophetic cry that continues to have repercussions through
the centuries.

We also hear it in our time, while humanity continues on its path through
history. He shows the way that must be traveled, to the people of the third
millennium in search of serenity and peace.

2. The entire liturgy of Advent echoes the Precursor, inviting us to go out and
meet Christ, who is coming to save us. We are preparing to recall the birth that
took place in Bethlehem around 2,000 years ago; we renew our faith in his
glorious coming at the end of time. At the same time, we dispose ourselves to
recognize him present in our midst: In fact, he also visits us in persons and in
daily events.

3. Our model and guide in this spiritual itinerary typical of Advent is Mary,
who is even more blessed for having believed in Christ than for having
engendered him physically (see St. Augustine, Sermon 25,7: PL 46,937). In her,
preserved immaculate from all sin and full of grace, God found the "good earth"
in which he planted the seed of new humanity.

May the Immaculate Virgin, who we dispose ourselves to celebrate tomorrow, help
us to prepare well "the way of the Lord" in ourselves and in the world.

[After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted pilgrims as follows:]

In preparation for a Holy Christmas, the holy Mass for students of Rome's
universities will take place at 5 p.m. next Thursday, Dec. 11, in St. Peter's
Basilica. Dear university students, I expect you in great numbers together with
your friends of other European countries present in Rome, to reflect on the
contribution that must be made to the construction of Europe's future.

To all of you, dear pilgrims, I wish a happy Sunday and a happy feast of the
Immaculate Conception.


* * *


Pope Calls on Young People to Contribute to Europe's Future

Will Preside at a Mass for University Students

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appealed to European young
people to offer their contribution to the future of the continent.

The Pope made this appeal today at the end of the Angelus, and he invited youths
to attend the annual Mass for university students at which he presides.

"In preparation for Holy Christmas, the Holy Mass for students of Rome's
universities will take place at 5 p.m. next Thursday, December 11, in St.
Peter's Basilica," he said, before bidding farewell to thousands of pilgrims
gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"Dear university students, I expect you in great numbers together with your
friends of other European countries present in Rome, to reflect on the
contribution that must be made to the construction of Europe's future," he
added.

Heads of state and government of the European Union will attend a summit, on
Friday and Saturday, to come to an agreement on the European Constitution.

Religious as well as civil and political leaders want the preamble of the
Constitutional Treaty to mention of the continent's Christian heritage.

The Mass will give young people the chance to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
John Paul II's pontificate, as he has had no special meeting with them over the
past two months.

During the Mass the Holy Father will give the Irish students the icon of Mary,
"Seat of Wisdom," to be taken on pilgrimage to their country's universities and
schools.

The Mass will mark the official end of a congress on student international
mobility, called by the Council of European Bishops' Conferences. See
http://www.universitas2000.org.


* * *


English Translation of Roman Missal: So Far, So Good

Vox Clara Committee Sees an "Excellent Start"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Work on the English translation of the
latest Roman Missal is off to an "excellent start," says an episcopal commission
advising the Holy See.

The Vox Clara Committee met for the fourth time from Nov. 18-20 in the offices
of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments in Rome, according to
a press statement issued by the dicastery.

This committee of senior bishops from around the English-speaking world was
established in July 2001 to advise the congregation on translations of Latin
liturgical texts into English, and to strengthen cooperation with episcopal
conferences in this regard.

"In the course of their meeting the committee sought to advise the congregation
on ways in which to expedite the completion of an English-language edition of
the 'Missale Romanum,' 'editio typica tertia,'" the press statement states.

"The committee heard reports concerning the October 23, 2003, meeting in Rome of
Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the congregation, with the presidents of
English-speaking conferences of bishops, the recent approval of the statutes of
the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) by the
congregation, and ICEL's plans for the translation of the 'Missale Romanum,'" it
adds.

"Having examined sample ICEL translations from the 'Missale Romanum,' the
committee expressed its gratitude for the excellent start made by the mixed
commission in translating the 'Missale Romanum' in an English style which is in
conformity with the spirit and the specific provisions of the instruction
'Liturgia Authenticam,' approved by the Holy Father on March 20, 2001," the
statement continues.

"The committee, likewise, made numerous recommendations to the congregation in
regard to specific strategies by which all parties might focus more closely on
the completion of the Roman Missal for the English-speaking world," it explains.

"These strategies involved processes for the review of translations of the Roman
Missal in segments by conferences of bishops and the Holy See, the development
of explanatory materials, the timetable for the completion of the Roman Missal,
and the relationship of the Roman Missal to other ICEL projects," it explains.

The next meeting of the Vox Clara Committee, chaired by Cardinal George Pell of
Sydney, Australia, is scheduled for the spring.




* * *

Focolare Movement Hailed by Pope at Its 60th Anniversary

Praises Contribution to Dialogue

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, DEC. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II praised the
Focolare Movement on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, calling its members
"apostles of dialogue."

In a message he wrote to Focolare founder Chiara Lubich, the Pope said: "The
Focolarini have made themselves apostles of dialogue, as the favorite way to
promote unity: dialogue within the Church, ecumenical dialogue, interreligious
dialogue, dialogue with nonbelievers."

The text of the papal message was read Saturday by Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko,
president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, in the Mariapolis Center of
Castel Gandolfo, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of Rome.

"In these 60 years," the message said, "how many social changes and sudden
upheavals have marked the life of the world! Humanity has become increasingly
interdependent and, pursuing passing interests, on occasions has lost its own
reference values."

"Now it runs the risk of remaining without a soul, namely, without the
fundamental unifying principle of every project and activity," the Holy Father
affirmed.

"There is an urgent duty for a renewed commitment on the part of believers to
respond to the challenges of the new evangelization," he said.

"From this point of view, an important role is entrusted to ecclesial movements,
outstanding among which are the Focolarini," he added.

The Focolare Movement was started in 1943 in Italy and now embraces 4.5 million
people in 182 countries.

In a testimony published in the Italian periodical Vita Trentina, Chiara Lubich
says: "What do I feel? What is in the depths of my heart on this particular
occasion? A wave of emotion, even just at the thought of what I see before me --
a new people born from the Gospel, spread all over the world; an immense work
which no human force could have made. It is, in fact, a work of God, for which I
was chosen as the first instrument, useless and unfaithful though I may be."




* * *


Vocations Hinge on Prayer and Holiness, Says Pope

Proposes an Answer to a Crisis in the Church

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 5, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The answer to the crisis of vocations
to the consecrated life lies in the holiness of consecrated persons and in the
prayer of the whole Church, says John Paul II.

In a message for the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations, traditionally held
on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Pope said: "The force of the witness of
those who have received the call depends on their holiness," which should be
able "to attract other persons, impelling them to entrust their life to Christ."

"This is the way of opposing the decrease of vocations to the consecrated life,
which threatens the existence of many apostolic works, especially in mission
countries," the Pope said in the message published today by the Vatican press
office.

Prayer is the second key to overcoming the lack of consecrated persons, the Holy
Father stated. "Many of the sick in the world join their sufferings to the cross
of Jesus to implore for holy vocations," he observed.

Other confessions "also accompany me spiritually in the Petrine ministry that
God has entrusted to me, and offer an inestimable contribution to the cause of
the Gospel, often in a hidden way," he added.

Thus, the Pope called "all Christian communities to be genuine schools of
prayer, where prayers are offered so that laborers will not be lacking in the
vast apostolic field."

He added that the Church must offer constant spiritual care to those whom God
has already called so that they will "be faithful to their vocation and attain
the highest possible degree of evangelical perfection."

The papal message concludes with a prayer to God, through the intercession of
Mary, so that vocations will never be lacking in the Church.

The Pope also prays that the Lord will help those who have received the call to
follow him, so that they will "respond with joy to the wonderful mission that
you entrust to them for the good of your people and of all human beings."




* * *


Genetic Engineering Must Be Guided by Respect for Life, Insists Pope

Says Church Supports Research Governed by Ethics

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 5, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says that the Church
supports genetic engineering with enthusiasm if it respects the rights and
dignity of the human person.

The Pope expressed this in a message written for the 2004 World Day of the Sick,
which on Feb. 11 will focus attention on the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in
France.

"Our era has made great strides in the scientific knowledge of life, fundamental
gift of God of which we are administrators," the Holy Father states in his
message. "Life must be welcomed, respected and defended from its beginning until
its natural death. Together with it, must be protected the family, cradle of
every life that is born."

"Now there is generally talk of 'genetic engineering' to refer to the
extraordinary possibilities that science offers today to intervene in the very
sources of life," the message continues, made public Wednesday by the Vatican
press office.

"All genuine progress in this field cannot but be encouraged, on the condition
that it always respects the rights and dignity of the person from conception,"
the papal message clarifies.

"No one, in fact, can arrogate to himself the power to destroy or manipulate in
an indiscriminate manner the life of the human being," the Pope writes.

He concludes by appealing to the agents in the field of pastoral health care to
sensitize "all those who work in this delicate sector, so that they will always
feel committed to placing themselves at the service of life."

The Holy Father also thanks "the medical and paramedical personnel, researchers,
especially those dedicated to finding new medicines, and those who produce
medicines that are more accessible to those who have less possibilities."



* * *


Hunger Constitutes Threat to Peace, Says John Paul II

When Receiving Participants of U.N. Conference on Food

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 5, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II warns that hunger
constitutes a threat to peace in the new globalized world.

The Pope expressed this conviction today when receiving the participants of the
32nd Conference of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), being held
in Rome through Dec. 10.

"Hunger and malnutrition, aggravated by growing poverty, represent a grave
threat to the peaceful coexistence of peoples and nations," the Pope said in
English, when greeting the participants.

"By its efforts to combat the nutritional insecurity which affects vast areas of
our world, FAO makes a significant contribution to the advancement of world
peace," he said.

Among those in the audience were New Zealand Minister of Agriculture Jim Sutton,
who is presiding at this year's session, and FAO Director General Jacques Diouf.

After mentioning the "close relationship between hunger and peace," the Holy
Father added that it "is clear that economic and political decisions and
strategies must increasingly be guided by a commitment to global solidarity and
respect for fundamental human rights, including the right to adequate
nourishment."

"Human dignity itself is compromised wherever a narrow pragmatism detached from
the objective demands of the moral law leads to decisions which benefit a
fortunate few while ignoring the sufferings of large segments of the human
family," the Pope lamented.

In "conformity with the principle of subsidiarity, individuals and social
groups, civil associations and religious confessions, governments and
international institutions, are all called, according to their specific
competencies and resources, to share in this commitment to solidarity in
promoting the common good of humanity," he said.

In this context, John Paul II encouraged FAO in its plan to establish an
International Alliance Against Hunger which should inspire political decisions
in "the awareness that humanity is one family."

He added: "The world may not remain deaf to the plea of those who demand the
food they need in order to survive."


* * *

Theologians in Holy Lands See Reconciliation as a Catholic Vocation

Document of Commission in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, DEC. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A document of the Latin Patriarchate of
Jerusalem states that the vocation of Catholics in the Holy Land is
reconciliation.

The text, prepared by the diocesan Theological Commission, addresses three
issues: "violence and terrorism, our relations with the Jewish people in the
Holy Land, and our relations with the Muslims in the Holy Land."

Analyzing the topic of violence, the commission of Catholic theologians,
presided over by Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem, states: "We have
always condemned and we continue to condemn all acts of violence against
individuals and society."

"We have condemned and we continue to condemn especially terrorism, acts of
extreme violence, often organized, which are intended to injure and kill the
innocent in order that such terrorism yield reluctant support for one's cause,"
it says.

"In the case of terrorism," it adds, "there are two guilty parties: first, those
who carry out such action, those who plan and support them, and second, those
who create situations of injustice which provoke terrorism."

"God is always calling the disciples of Jesus Christ to be a community of
reconciliation," the Catholic theologians clarify. "We are called to be the
prophetic bearers of the good news of peace to those far away and those close at
hand. We accomplish this not through acts of violence but through concrete
gestures of peacemaking, which oppose a culture of death and contribute to a
culture of life."

In the second place, the document analyzes relations with Jews in the state of
Israel. It recalls that the Church shares with the Jewish people the roots of
faith of the Old Testament. "With the entire Church, we regret the attitudes of
contempt, the conflicts and the hostility that have marked the history of
Jewish-Christian relations," the theologians state.

The great challenge that Christians face in the Holy Land, which in the vast
majority is Arab in origin, is of coexistence with their elder Jewish brothers,
as the state of Israel and the Arab world have been in conflict since 1948.

"As Church, we witness the continued Israeli military occupation of Palestinian
lands and the bloody violence between the two peoples," the Catholic theologians
affirm. "Together with all men and women of peace and good will, including many
Israeli and Palestinian Muslims, Christians and Jews, we are called to be both a
voice of truth and a healing presence."

"The worldwide Catholic Church teaches that dialogue with the Jewish people is
distinct from the political options adopted by the state of Israel," they
clarify. "The existence of the state of Israel and its political options should
be envisaged not in a perspective which is itself religious but in their
reference to the common principles of international law."

"We are already engaged in searching out our Jewish brothers and sisters in an
exciting dialogue from our proper common context -- that of a land sadly torn by
war and violence," they say.

The text also analyzes relations between Christians and Muslims, a coexistence
governed by two principles: "First, all of us who are Arabs, whether Christian
or Muslim, belong to one people, sharing a long history, a language, a culture
and a society."

"Second, as Christian Arabs, we are called to be witnesses to Jesus Christ in
Arab and Muslim society. We are called likewise, to be witnesses in Jewish
Israeli society too," the Catholic theologians add.

Although they recognize that in daily life relations between Christians and
Muslims "are generally good," they point out the difficulties such as "mutual
ignorance" and a trend toward "Islamization among certain political movements,
which endangers not only Christians but also many Muslims who desire an open
society."

"When Islamization constitutes an infringement on the liberty of Christians, we
must insist that our identity and our religious liberty be respected," the
theologians state.

"In this situation, we seek to help our Arab faithful, who are the majority of
our flock, in integrating and living the complexity of their identity as
Christians, as Arabs and as citizens, in Jordan, Palestine and Israel," the
document continues.

"The fact that Christians are statistically a small community does not, in any
way, condemn them to irrelevance or to despair," the document adds. "We
encourage all our faithful to take their rightful place in public life and to
help build up society in all its domains."



* * *

Church Can Help Humanize Globalization, Says Cardinal Martino

Addresses an International Convention on Leo XIII

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A Vatican official says the Catholic
Church can do a lot to give meaning to globalization and put it more at the
service of mankind.

Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and
Peace, made that observation when he spoke on "The Teaching of the Church on
Globalization" at a convention on Pope Leo XIII, organized in Rome by the
Vatican secretary of state. The two-day convention ended Saturday.

The cardinal said the Church also stresses the urgent need to globalize
solidarity, seeking progressive convergence toward a "common moral code."

"This does not mean one dominant socioeconomic system or one culture which would
impose on ethics its own values and criteria," he said. "It is in the human
person as such, in universal humanity created by the hands of God, that we must
search for norms for social life."

"This research is indispensable if we are to guarantee that globalization is not
just another name for absolute relativization of values and the homogenization
of life styles and cultures," Cardinal Martino explained.

"The Church accompanies humanity in the discovery of the human aspect of
globalization," he added. "She does so to ensure that increasingly, behind the
problem of patents for genetically modified organisms we see the face of African
farmers; behind lists of figures on a screen we see small savers in developing
economies; behind satellites and optic cables we see the many young people in
poor countries who could be trained in new technology; behind the sophisticated
charts of the new economy we see businesses as communities of persons and behind
flexible working hours working families."

He added: "This is the Christian position for governable globalization."



* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Pope Says Immaculate Conception Reminds Us of a Fundamental Truth

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 5, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II initiated preparations for
the 150th anniversary of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception with his message
for the 2004 World Day of the Sick.

The World Day, on Feb. 11, will be focused on the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes,
where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous and told her that she,
the Mother of God, is the "Immaculate Conception."

With the apostolic constitution "Ineffabilis Deus," of Dec. 8, 1854, Pope Pius
IX stated that "God has revealed the doctrine that affirms that the Most Blessed
Virgin Mary, by a particular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in view of the
merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, was preserved from all stain
of original sin from the first instant of her conception."

John Paul II in his message for the forthcoming World Day of the Sick states:
"The miracle of the Immaculate Conception reminds believers of a fundamental
truth: It is only possible to attain salvation by participating with docility in
the plan of the Father, who willed to redeem the world through the death and
resurrection of his only-begotten Son."

"With the Immaculate Conception of Mary began the great work of redemption,
which took place with the precious blood of Christ," the text adds. "In him
every person is called to fulfillment in the perfection of holiness."

It continues: "From the paradox of the cross stems the answer to our most
troubling questions. Christ suffers for us: He takes upon himself the sufferings
of all and redeems them. Christ suffers with us, giving us the possibility to
share our sufferings with him. Human suffering, united to Christ's, becomes a
means of salvation."

"Sorrow, accepted in faith, becomes a door to enter into the mystery of the
Lord's redeeming suffering. A suffering which no longer takes away peace and
happiness, as it is enlightened by the radiance of the resurrection," the Pope
writes.

"If Jesus is the source of life that conquers death, Mary is the affectionate
Mother who comes to meet her children's expectations, obtaining for them the
salvation of soul and body," the papal message adds, made public this week by
the Vatican press office.

"This is the message that the Shrine of Lourdes constantly presents to devotees
and pilgrims," the message says. "This is also the meaning of the physical and
spiritual healings that take place in the grotto of Massabielle," where Mary
appeared on Feb. 11, 1858.


Tomorrow will resume Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire
For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

Cologne's World Youth Day "Cathedral for a Day"

Architectural Firm Designs Setting for Final Mass

COLOGNE, Germany, DEC. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The plan of the Hahn Helten
architectural firm has been chosen to house the closing of the 20th World Youth
Day, at the Hangelar de Sankt Agustin airport in Bonn.

The architectural plan, awarded 5,500 euros ($6,677), was presented to the
public in Cologne recently, Korazym (www.korazym.org) reports.

This was the result of a competition launched by the World Youth Day (WYD)
office in August. Nine German architectural firms participated.

On Aug. 20-21, the airport in Bonn will be the setting of the two most important
events of the WYD: the vigil and the final Mass.

The organizers anticipate the attendance of some 800,000 young people for this
meeting with the Pope. The participants will be able to spend the night at
Hangelar in the open air.

The most important feature of the prize plan is the central platform, where the
altar will be erected. Extending over some 3,000 square meters, it will be
situated on a small hill, created out of natural elements, specifically for the
occasion.

Architect Ulrich Hahn of the Aachen-based firm described it as a "cathedral for
a day." A "cloud" hovers over the altar and the papal throne.

The Hahn Helten firm's concept of the plan is based on persistence. So the
architects hope to plant almond trees on the small earthen hill, which will be
used by the public as a memento and place to rest.

Monsignor Heiner Koch, WYD secretary-general, said the plan was impressive. "It
has a high symbolic content and an expressive force that is comprehensible
throughout the world," he said. "Hill, earth, light and cloud are also profound
Christian religious symbols."

* * *

Rwandan Genocide Helps Prompt Franciscan Symposium


ROME, DEC. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The 10th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda
and other inter-ethnic conflicts have led the Order of Friars Minor to organize
a symposium on such confrontations.

The "Symposium on Inter-ethnic Dialogue and Reconciliation" will be held in the
order's General Curia in Rome, from April 16-18.

The event will offer "a time of reflection, debate and prayer at the service of
reconciliation and peace at all levels," the Franciscan organizers explained in
a statement.

"Rwanda's genocide appears today as a paradigm of every conflict that lacerates
our humanity and questions us from the depth of our human and Christian
conscience," the statement said.

"What are the remote and profound roots of so many fratricidal conflicts?" it
asked. "What are their internal mechanisms? What is the logic that inspires
them? How do they influence our Churches and fraternities?"

The symposium is designed to address these questions. On the last day of the
event, the anniversary of the death of Franciscan Friar George Gashugi, victim
of ethnic hatred in Rwanda, a ceremony will recall all the victims of ethnic
conflicts.


* * *

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
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below and scroll down until you find the Download Free RealPlayer
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2. Live EWTN TV and Radio
<http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm>

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• Live EWTN TV - English • EWTN AM/FM RADIO
• Live EWTN TV - Spanish • Catholic World Today Radio
• Today's Homily (Video) • Audio of Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/120803.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
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* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 232

TUESDAY 9 December 2003

Feast of St. Juan Diego


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• On Solemnity of Immaculate Conception
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• Pope's Prayer to Mary for World Peace
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• John Paul II Commends Peace of World to Mary
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• Peace Demands Spiritual Values, Says Holy See
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Edith Stein as a Teacher of Empathy and Spirituality
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Papal Household Preacher's First Meditation for Advent 2003 (Part 1)
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Mel Gibson's "Passion": On Review at the Vatican
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

On Solemnity of Immaculate Conception

Pope Reflects on Mary's Aid in Struggle Against Sin

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 8, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave today, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary,
before praying the Angelus with thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's
Square.


1. "Tota pulchra es Maria" -- You are all beautiful, O Mary!

Today the Church celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. If Christ is the day that knows no setting, Mary is the radiant dawn of
beauty.

Chosen to be the Mother of the Word Incarnate, Mary is at the same time first in
his redemptive work. The grace of Christ the Redeemer acted in her in an
anticipated manner, preserving her from original sin and from all fault.

2. Because of this, Mary is "full of grace" (Luke 1:28), as the Angel affirmed
when he brought to her the announcement of her divine maternity. The human mind
cannot attempt to understand such a great prodigy and mystery. It is faith that
reveals that the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin is the pledge of salvation
for every human being, pilgrim on earth. It is also faith that reminds us that,
in the strength of her most singular condition, Mary is our unbreakable support
in the hard struggle against sin and its consequences.

3. In keeping with a beautiful tradition, this afternoon I will go to Piazza di
Spagna, and so render homage to the Immaculate Virgin. Blessed Pope Pius IX had
her effigy placed at the top of a column in perpetual memory of the dogma of the
Immaculate Conception, proclaimed on Dec. 8, 1854. With today's pilgrimage,
therefore, we enter in the 150th anniversary of that solemn act of the
magisterium of the Church.

As of now I invite you to join me in invoking the intercession of Mary
Immaculate for the Church, for the city of Rome, and for the whole world.


* * *

Pope's Prayer to Mary for World Peace

At Piazza di Spagna in Rome

ROME, DEC. 8, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul II's prayer
to Mary for peace in the world, which he recited at Piazza di Spagna in the
evening, on the solemnity of her Immaculate Conception.


1. Queen of Peace, pray for us!

On the feast of your Immaculate Conception,
I come to venerate you, O Mary,
at the foot of this effigy, which from Piazza di Spagna
allows your maternal gaze to extend over this ancient, and for me very dear,
city of Rome.

I have come here, this evening, to render you the homage of my sincere devotion.
It is a gesture in which I am joined in this Piazza by innumerable Romans,
whose affection has always accompanied me
in all the years of my service to the See of Peter.
I am here with them to start on the path
toward the one hundred fiftieth anniversary
of the dogma that we celebrate today with filial joy.

2. Queen of Peace, pray for us!

We turn our gaze to you with intense trepidation,
we take recourse to you with insistent trust
in these times marked by not a few uncertainties and fears
over the present and future fate of our planet.
To you, the first of humanity redeemed by Christ,
finally liberated from the slavery of evil and sin,
we raise a heartfelt and confident supplication:
Listen to the cry of pain of the victims of war
and of so many forms of violence
that bloody the earth.

Dispel the darkness of sadness and solitude,
of hatred and vengeance,
Open the minds and hearts of all to trust and forgiveness!

3. Queen of Peace, pray for us!

Mother of mercy and of hope,
obtain for the men and women of the third millennium
the precious gift of peace:
peace in hearts and in families,
in communities and among peoples;
peace especially for those nations
where every day combating and dying continue.

Help every human being, and all races and cultures,
to encounter and accept Jesus,
who came on earth in the mystery of Christmas
to give us "his" peace.

Mary, Queen of Peace,
give us Christ, true peace of the world!


* * *


John Paul II Commends Peace of World to Mary

During Traditional Homage for Immaculate Conception

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 8, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II commended the peace of the
world to the Blessed Virgin Mary on the solemnity of her Immaculate Conception.

The Pope, wearing his long red cape, faced a cold wind this evening in Rome's
Piazza di Spagna, to render homage to the image of the Mother of Christ, erected
after the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, in 1854.

"Obtain for the men and women of the third millennium the precious gift of
peace: peace in hearts and in families, in communities and among peoples; peace
especially for those nations where combating and dying continue every day," the
Pope implored.

Despite a hoarse voice and moments of loss of breath, the Holy Father read his
prayer completely, a prayer not lacking in personal overtones.

"I have come here, this evening, to render you the homage of my sincere
devotion," he said in his prayer. "It is a gesture in which I am joined in this
piazza by innumerable Romans, whose affection has always accompanied me in all
the years of my service to the See of Peter."

The prayer, composed with "intense trepidation" and "trust," was addressed to
the "Queen of Peace," one of the titles of the Virgin Mary, "in these times
marked by not a few uncertainties and fears over the present and future fate of
our planet," the Pope added.

"Listen to the cry of pain of the victims of war and of so many forms of
violence that bloody the earth," he said. "Dispel the darkness of sadness and
solitude, of hatred and vengeance. Open the minds and hearts of all to trust and
forgiveness."

"Help every human being, and all races and cultures, to encounter and accept
Jesus, who came on earth in the mystery of Christmas to give us his peace. Mary,
Queen of Peace, give us Christ, true peace of the world," he concluded.

Appearing at the window of his study at midday, to pray the Angelus, John Paul
II presented the Immaculate Conception as "the pledge of salvation for every
human being."

"Mary is our unbreakable support in the hard struggle against sin and its
consequences," he added, when offering a meditation on today's feast to
thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.


* * *

Peace Demands Spiritual Values, Says Holy See

Vatican Official Addresses European Security Group

MAASTRICHT, Netherlands, DEC. 8, 2003 (Zenit.org).- In an age of terrorism, the
Holy See stresses that action for peace must be coupled with the promotion of
spiritual, moral and religious values.

This urgent need was expressed by Monsignor Pietro Parolin, Vatican delegate at
the meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), held here.

The meeting served to outline the OSCE's strategy to address "the threats to
stability and security in the 21st century."

The papal representative, who is Vatican undersecretary for relations with
states, said that a "common, comprehensive and cooperative response" is
necessary to avoid "the danger of unilateralism."

"The Holy See, for its part, does not tire in repeating that action to ensure
peace and stability must be coupled with the commitment to promote spiritual,
moral and religious values as well," he said.

Addressing some of the threats the OSCE has studied in the past year, Monsignor
Parolin reiterated the condemnation made on several occasions by John Paul II
against anti-Semitism, xenophobia and discrimination, in particular against
gypsies.

"It is necessary to dedicate new energies to educate in coexistence and mutual
trust, being firmly anchored in respect for religion, history, culture and the
intrinsic value of every human person," Monsignor Parolin said.

In particular, the Vatican emphasized that all countries' programs of study must
respect the religious identity of their students, as well as parents' right to
educate their children.

"Respect for this identity and right, as well as the full exercise of religious
freedom, contribute in a determinant way to combat intolerance and ethnic and
racial prejudices," he said.

The OSCE assembly, held on Friday and Saturday, was attended by representatives
of 55 nations: all the European countries, as well as the United States, Canada,
Cyprus, Turkey and eight former Soviet republics in Asia. See
http://www.osce.org.


* * *


Edith Stein as a Teacher of Empathy and Spirituality

Course on Carmelite Mysticism Focuses on Saint

ROME, DEC. 8, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Edith Stein is a teacher of empathy, humanity,
interior life and liturgical spirituality, said a number of specialists
attending an intensive course on Carmelite mysticism.

The course, at Rome's pontifical theological faculty Teresianum, focused on
Stein (1891-1942), now St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and a co-patroness of
Europe.

Carmelite Father Jesús Castellano, vice president of the Teresianum, presented
Stein as a "teacher of liturgical spirituality." The saint formed part of the
German liturgical renewal movement of the 1930s, he said, and she was "impressed
by Christian liturgy, specifically the Catholic."

Father Castellano, a consultor of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the
Faith, referred to Stein's stay at the Benedictine Abbey of Beuron, Germany,
fulcrum of the liturgical renewal of the time.

According to the Carmelite, "the liturgical aspect in Edith Stein has not had
the attention it merits."

Among the saint's liturgical texts, Father Castellano highlighted the one that
expressed a desire to make the Eucharist the center of life -- the need "to move
from the liturgical experience of presence, sacrifice and communion, to a
pedagogy of life," he said.

"St. Edith Stein is a teacher because she was first a disciple of the crucified
God," said philosopher Analiza Margarino.

"To see Edith as a teacher of empathy is to see her as a teacher of relation,"
Margarino said. "For her, empathy did not mean to be assimilated to the other
but to be in the world and take care of the other, to accept him in his own
identity."

Stein's position against relativism was addressed by Marco Paolinelli. For
Stein, he said, "the Truth is not relative, it is eternal, and it is the spirit
that finds Truth and does not produce it." Paolinelli also highlighted the
saint's stress on "the human person and objective Truth."

Carmelite Javier Sancho Fermin, director of the St. Teresa/St. John
International Center of Avila, a future university focused on mysticism,
referred to what he called "the journey of an atheist woman who went from
Judaism to atheism and finally to the Catholic faith."

The "foundation of her life was great trust and absolute abandonment to God,"
Father Fermin said.

The saint died in a gas chamber in Auschwitz on Aug. 9, 1942.


* * *

Papal Household Preacher's First Meditation for Advent 2003 (Part 1)

Father Cantalamessa's Talk in Presence of Pope and Roman Curia

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 8, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The theme of the meditations that the
Papal Household preacher, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, is giving this
Advent to John Paul II and his aides in the Roman Curia, in preparation for the
celebration of Christmas, is: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification
(1 Thessalonians 4:3): Reflections on Christian holiness in the light of the
experience of Mother Teresa of Calcutta."

Following is Part 1 of the text preached last Friday in the Redemptoris Mater
Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, in the presence of the Holy Father.

Father Raniero Cantalamessa
Advent 2003 in the Papal Household
First Homily

"Go From Your Country and See"

Holy Father, Venerable Fathers, Brothers and Sisters:

The beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta last October 19 highlighted the
fact that there is only one authentic greatness in the world: holiness. Looking
at the multitude that filled every corner of St. Peter's Square and the Via
della Conciliazione at the moment that the blessed's image was unveiled and the
choir was singing the Alleluia, this truth was all together evident. What other
person in the world has been so honored? Such a large crowd, which gathered
spontaneously, without out being ordered to do so, as so often happens with
totalitarian regimes, but simply out of admiration and love for the person.

It was a confirmation of the truth of Pascal's well-known thought. There are in
the world three possible orders or levels of greatness: the order of bodies, in
which wealthy people, extraordinarily beautiful people or those of an imposing
physical presence stand out; the order of intelligence and genius, in which
artists, writers and scientists are distinguished; and the order of holiness in
which, after Christ, the Virgin and the saints are outstanding ("Pensées"
793Br.).

Almost an infinite distance, Pascal writes, separates the second order from the
first, but an infinitely infinite distance separates the third from the second
order, the order of holiness from that of genius. "One drop of holiness,"
musician Gounod said, "is worth more than an ocean of genius." The glory of
holiness does not end with time, but lasts eternally. The theory of the saints,
which we have before us in the facade of this chapel reminds us precisely of
this, and accompanies us in this meditation, encouraging us to follow them.

In the apostolic letter "Novo Millennio Ineunte," the Holy Father says that
holiness "is the perspective in which the whole pastoral endeavor of the Church
should be situated." This holiness, he explains, is above all an objective that
Christ has made possible for us with his redeeming death, and that we have
received at baptism, but, he adds, "the gift is translated in turn into a
"commitment" that must govern the whole of Christian life."[1]

On other occasions I have reflected on the holiness of Christ as a free gift to
be appropriated through faith, effecting what I like to call the "coup of
audacity" in the spiritual life; this time, in the wake of Mother Teresa, I
would like to emphasize the holiness of Christ as a model to "imitate" in life.

To this end, a thought of Mother Teresa is quoted in the invitation card to
these Advent homilies. It says: "Today the Church needs saints. This calls for
our combating our attachment to comforts that lead us to choose a comfortable
and insignificant mediocrity. Each one of us has the possibility to be a saint,
and the way to holiness is prayer. Holiness is, for each of us, a simple duty."

At the source of holiness

In Mother Teresa's life we discover what is the initial act from which the
daring enterprise of holiness stems, the "first stone" of the building. For our
consolation, we discover that this act can occur at any age in life. In other
words, it is never too late to begin to be saints. St. Teresa of Avila lived
quite an ordinary life for many years, not without compromises, when the change
took place that made of her what we know.

The same happened in the life of her namesake, Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Until
the age of 36 years, she was a religious of the Congregation of Loreto,
certainly faithful to her vocation and dedicated to her work, but nothing led to
foresee something extraordinary in her.

It was during a train trip from Calcutta to Darjeeling for her annual spiritual
retreat that the event that changed her life occurred. God's mysterious voice
addressed a clear invitation to her: Leave your order, your previous life, and
put yourself at my disposition for a work that I will indicate to you. Among
Mother Teresa's daughters, that day -- September 10, 1946 -- is remembered with
the name of "day of inspiration."

Today, thanks to the documents that came to light during the process of
beatification, we know the exact words Jesus said to her: "I want Indian
religious, Missionaries of Charity, who will be my fire of love among the
poorest, the sick, the dying, the children of the streets. I want you to bring
me the poor. ... Will you refuse to do this for me? And also: There are convents
with many religious who take care of rich and privileged people, but for my
indigents there is absolutely none."

At that moment, the experience of Abraham was renewed in Mother Teresa's life,
to whom one day God said: "Go from your country and your kindred and your
father's house to the land that I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). The "Go!"
addressed to Abraham is different from the order given later to Lot to go from
Sodom (see Genesis 19:15). Nothing shows that Ur of the Chaldeans had a
particularly corrupt environment and that Abraham could not be saved by staying
where he was. In his "Roman Triptych," the poetic text published this year, the
Pope reflects on Abraham's probable sentiments before the divine proposal: "Why
must I go from here? Why must I leave Ur of the Chaldeans?"[2]

We know that Mother Teresa asked herself the same questions. It was an interior
laceration. She confided to Archbishop Perier: "I have been and continue to be
very happy as a religious of Loreto, to leave what I love and expose myself to
new hardships and sufferings which will be great." Turning to Jesus she said:
"Why can't I be a perfect Loreto religious? ... Why can't I be like all the
others? ... What you ask me is too great for me ... Look for a more worthy and
generous soul."

Also repeated here is something constant in the Bible. Moses said: "I am not
eloquent" (Exodus 10), and Jeremiah: "I am only a youth ..." (Jeremiah 1:6). But
God knows how to distinguish when the objections of those he calls stem from a
resistance of the will, or when they stem, instead, from fear of being deceived
or of not being up to the mission. So he is not offended by their requests for
explanations.

He was not surprised by Mary's question, "How shall this be?" while he
reprimanded Zechariah and left him dumb for the same question (see Luke 1:18).
Mary's question did not stem from doubt, but from the legitimate desire to know
what she should do to accomplish what God was asking of her.

In the end, Mother Teresa, like Mary, said her full "fiat" to God, "yes." She
said it with the deeds we know and she said it with joy. The Greek word
translated into Latin as "fiat" is "genoito." It is in the optative mood, not
concessive as "fiat": It does not express simple assent or resignation to
something occurring, as if saying: "If it cannot be done any other way, I agree,
'Fiat voluntas tua!'" On the contrary, it expresses desire, impatience, joy to
have something occur. This is why it is called the optative mood. "God loves a
cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7): a word that Mother Teresa never tired of
stressing to her daughters but above all that she showed all her life with her
smile.

2. The seed of the pomegranate

On this point, the fundamental act is clear, that "first stone" on which Mother
Teresa's, and all Christian holiness, is founded: it is the response to a call,
and obedience to a divine inspiration, discerned and recognized as such. Simone
Weil, who was not a saint but absolutely admired holiness, spoke of the "consent
that the soul gives in these moments to God, as something imperceptible, amid
all the carnal inclinations, a miniscule seed of the pomegranate, which still
decides its destiny for ever."[3]

All the great holy undertakings of the Bible and of the history of the Church
hinge on a "yes" said to God at the moment he reveals his will personally to
someone. From Abraham's faith-obedience, Scripture has the whole subsequent
history of the Chosen People depend: "by your descendants shall all the nations
of the earth bless themselves, because you have obeyed my voice" (Genesis
22:18); from Mary's faith-obedience, God willed to have the beginning of the new
and eternal covenant depend.

In his autobiographical book "Gift and Mystery," the Holy Father, John Paul II,
writes: "In the autumn of 1942 I made my 'final decision' to enter the seminary"
[4]: the cursive in the text indicates many explanations that are not given, but
are intuited. That decision was also preceded by a call; it was the decision to
respond to an invitation, as every priestly vocation is. Now we know what God
has built on that decision, on that "Here I am, I will go," pronounced long ago
in 1942.

I can imagine the amazement and wonder of Mother Teresa at the end of her life
when she recalled that train trip. What God was able to do with her little and
long-suffering "Yes"! What a grandiose plan he already had in mind that she did
not know! I cannot think of her soul at the end of her life without singing an
amazed and overwhelmed: "Magnify my soul, Lord ... because the Almighty has done
great things in me."

At the beginning of this year the Missionaries of Charity gave me the honor of
preaching the Spiritual Exercises in preparation for the General Chapter held in
Calcutta -- in reality, they were the ones who preached Exercises to me with
their extraordinary seriousness, poverty, and incessant prayer.

It seemed to me from the first moment that, from heaven, Mother Teresa was
advising that the first Chapter held after her death should be the occasion for
a moving choral Magnificat to God from her daughters for that which he did in
her life and continues to do in theirs. I said this with simplicity to those
present and, after the Chapter had closed, Sister Nirmala, the Mother General,
confided that the General Chapter had been, above all, precisely this.

In the life of each one of us, as in Mother Teresa's life, there has been a
call; otherwise we would not be here. Our "Yes" was, also, perhaps, a "Yes" in
the dark, without knowing where it would lead us. Years later, we should not be
afraid to acknowledge what God has been able to build on that little "Yes,"
despite our resistances and infidelities, and we, too, should intone a moving
and grateful "Magnify my soul" to the Lord.

[Tuesday: On good inspirations]


1 "Novo Millennio Ineunte," 30.

2 John Paul II, "Roman Triptych," III. Mount in the Region of Moriah, 1 (Vatican
Press Library), 2003, p. 35.

3. S. Weil, "Intuitions pré-chrétiennes," Paris, 1967 (Italian translation, "La
Grecia e le intuizioni prechristiane," Turin, 1967, p. 113.s.).

4 John Paul II, "Gift and Mystery," Vatican Press Library, Rome, 1996, p. 21.



* * *

Mel Gibson's "Passion": On Review at the Vatican

Exclusive Interview With Father Di Noia of the Doctrinal Congregation

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 8, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Several high-ranking Vatican officials
who attended a private screening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"
this past weekend in Rome came away impressed.

Members from the Vatican Secretariat of State, the Pontifical Council for Social
Communications, and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the group
that oversees Catholic doctrinal questions, expressed unanimous appreciation and
approval of the film.

The following is an exclusive ZENIT interview with one of the viewers, Dominican
Father Augustine Di Noia, undersecretary of the doctrinal congregation.

Father Di Noia taught theology in Washington, D.C., for 20 years, and served for
seven years as the theologian for the U.S. bishops' conference before coming to
work for Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger at the doctrinal congregation a little over a
year ago.

The film is scheduled for release in 2004.

Q: Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" has been a newsmaker for months --
well before its scheduled release. As one of the handful of people who have
actually seen it, what is your overall impression of the film?

Father Di Noia: Seeing this film will be an intensely religious experience for
many people. It was for me.

Stunning cinematography and consistently brilliant acting, combined with the
director's profound spiritual insight into the theological meaning of the
passion and death of Christ -- all contribute to a production of exquisite
artistic and religious sensitivity.

Anyone seeing this film -- believer and unbeliever alike -- will be forced to
confront the central mystery of Christ's passion, indeed of Christianity itself:
If this is the remedy, what must the harm have been?

The Curé of Ars says somewhere that no one could have an idea or explain what
Our Lord has suffered for us; to grasp this, we would have to know all the harm
sin has caused him, and we won't know this until the hour of our death.

In a way that only great art can do, Mel Gibson's film helps us grasp something
almost beyond our comprehension. At the outset, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the
devil tempts Christ with the unavoidable question: How can anyone bear the sins
of the whole world? It's too much. Christ nearly shrinks at the prospect, but
then convincingly proceeds to do just that -- to take on, according to his
Father's will, the sins of the whole world. It's astonishing really.

There is a powerful sense, sustained throughout the film, of the cosmic drama of
which we are all a part. There is no possibility of neutrality here, and no one
can remain simply an onlooker in these events. The stakes are very high indeed
-- something that, apart from Christ himself, is most clearly intuited only by
his mother Mary and by the ever-present devil.

Gradually the viewer joins the characters in a dawning realization about this as
the action moves inexorably from the Mount of Olives to the Mount of Calvary.

Q: Is the film faithful to account of the passion of Christ in the New
Testament?

Father Di Noia: Remember, there are four accounts of the passion of Christ in
the New Testament, concerned chiefly to present the religious meaning of these
events.

In "The Death of the Messiah" -- probably the most complete and most balanced
study of the Passion narratives ever written -- Father Raymond Brown
demonstrated that, while there are some differences among them, they are in
substantial agreement overall.

Mel Gibson's film is not a documentary but a work of artistic imagination. He
incorporates elements from the Passion narratives of Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John, but remains faithful to the fundamental structure common to all four
accounts. Within the limits possible in an imaginative reconstruction of the
passion of Christ, Gibson's film is entirely faithful to the New Testament.

Q: What struck you most about the film?

Father Di Noia: You want the simple answer? Jim Caviezel and Maia Morgenstern.
Playing Christ has to be one of the hardest of all dramatic roles. I was very
struck by the intensity of Caviezel's portrayal of Christ. This is not easy to
pull off, without the appearance of an intrusive self-consciousness.

Caviezel -- and surely Gibson too -- understand that Jesus is the incarnate
divine Son of God, who is nonetheless fully human. Thinking back on the film, I
realize that Caviezel accomplishes this primarily through his gaze, even when he
looks out at us and those surrounding him through his one uninjured eye.

Caviezel conveys, entirely convincingly and effectively, that Christ is enduring
his passion and death willingly, in obedience to his Father, in order to satisfy
for the disobedience of sin. We are witnessing what the Church would come to
call Christ's "voluntary suffering."

Recall the words of St. Paul: "Just as through one man's disobedience all became
sinners, so through one man's obedience, all shall become just" [see Romans
5:19]. And it's not just about obedience. It's mainly about love. Christ is
enduring this out of love for his Father -- and for us. Dramatically, there is
absolutely no doubt about this in Jim Caviezel's outstanding portrayal of Jesus
in this film.

But Maia Morgenstern's Mary is equally powerful. It reminded me of something St.
Anselm said in a sermon about the Blessed Mother: Without God's Son, nothing
could exist; without Mary's Son, nothing could be redeemed.

Watching Morgenstern's portrayal of Mary, you get the strong sense that Mary
"lets go" of her Son so he can save us, and, joining in his suffering, becomes
the Mother of all the redeemed.

Q: There have been reports that the film is excessively violent. What did you
think?

Father Di Noia: It's not so much violent as it is brutal. Christ is treated
brutally, chiefly by the Roman soldiers. But there is no gratuitous violence.
The artistic sensibility at work here is clearly more that of Grünwald and
Caravaggio than that of Fra Angelico or Pinturrichio.

We are talking about a film, of course, but Gibson has clearly been influenced
by the depiction of the sufferings of Christ in Western painting. The utter
ruination of Christ's body -- graphically portrayed in this remarkable film --
must be set within this context of artistic depiction. What many artists merely
suggest, Gibson wants to show us.

In a manner entirely consistent with the Christian theological tradition, Gibson
dramatically presents to us the Incarnate Son who is able to bear what an
ordinary person could not -- both in terms of physical and mental torment. In
the end, the ruined body of Christ must be seen with the eyes of Isaiah the
prophet who described the Suffering Servant as bruised beyond recognition.

The physical beauty of Jim Caviezel serves to accentuate the overall impact of
the progressive disfigurement which Christ undergoes before our eyes -- with the
terrible result that, like the Suffering Servant, "he had no form or comeliness
that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him" [Isaiah
53:2]. It requires the eyes of faith to see that the disfigurement of Christ's
body represents the spiritual disfigurement and disorder caused by sin.

Gibson's portrayal of the scourging of Christ -- from which many viewers may be
tempted to turn their gaze -- presents graphically what St. Paul says in Second
Corinthians: "For our sake he [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that
in him we might become the righteousness of God" [5:21]. When you see the ruined
body of Christ in this film, you know what it means "to be sin."

Q: Over the years, many directors have tried their hand at films about Jesus, or
the passion. Does Mel Gibson's film that strike you as being particularly
original?

Father Di Noia: I am not a film critic. Critics will have to judge Gibson's film
in comparison with other great depictions of Christ's life and passion, such as
Pasolini's and Zeffirelli's. Like these other filmmakers, Mel Gibson brings his
own unique artistic sensibility to the subject matter, and in that sense his
film is entirely original.

Certainly, "The Passion of the Christ" is much more intensely focused on the
suffering and death of Christ than most other films in this genre. But, as an
initial reaction, three things about Gibson's film strike me as being quite
distinctive.

One is the portrayal of the devil, hovering in the background, and sometimes in
the foreground, as a constant, eerily menacing presence. I can't think of
another film that has done this with such dramatic effectiveness.

Another thing is Christ's solitude: Somehow, though surrounded by crowds of
people, the film shows that Jesus is really alone in enduring this terrible
suffering.

Finally, there is the depiction of the Last Supper by means of a series of
flashbacks interwoven with the action of the film. Lying on the blood-drenched
stone pavement after the scourging, Christ eyes the blood-spattered feet of one
of the soldiers, and the film flashes back, significantly, to the washing of his
disciples' feet at the Last Supper.

Similar flashbacks throughout the rest of the passion and crucifixion bring us
to the breaking of bread and the drinking of the cup: The audience, through
Christ's eyes, witnesses him saying "This is my body" and "This is my blood."
The sacrificial, and thus eucharistic, meaning of Calvary is depicted through
these haunting flashbacks.

There is a powerful Catholic sensibility at work here. In his recent encyclical
on the Eucharist, Pope John Paul II says that Christ established the memorial of
his passion and death before he suffered -- in anticipation of the actual
sacrifice of the cross. In Mel Gibson's artistic imagination, Christ "remembers"
the Last Supper even as he enacts the sacrifice it memorializes.

For many Catholics who see these images, Mass will never be the same. In any
case, issues of originality entirely aside, Mel Gibson's film will undoubtedly
be considered to be among the very best.

Q: Does "The Passion" blame anyone for what happened to Christ?

Father Di Noia: That's a very interesting, and very difficult question. Suppose
you pose it to someone who was unfamiliar with the Gospel passion narratives
until seeing this film.

"Who is to blame for what happened to Jesus?" you ask. The other person pauses
for a moment to think about this, and then responds: "Well, they all are, aren't
they?" This answer seems exactly right to me.

Looking at "The Passion" strictly from a dramatic point of view, what happens in
the film is that each of the main characters contributes in some way to Jesus'
fate: Judas betrays him; the Sanhedrin accuses him; the disciples abandon him;
Peter denies knowing him; Herod toys with him; Pilate allows him to be
condemned; the crowd mocks him; the Roman soldiers scourge, brutalize and
finally crucify him; and the devil, somehow, is behind the whole action.

Of all the main characters in the story, perhaps only Mary is really blameless.
Gibson's film captures this feature of the Passion narratives very well. No one
person and group of persons acting independently of the others is to blame: They
all are.

Q: Are you saying that no one in particular is to blame for Christ's passion and
death?

Father Di Noia: Well, I guess I am saying that -- certainly in a dramatic sense.
But from a theological point of view, too, Mel Gibson has depicted in a very
effective way this crucial element in the Christian understanding of the passion
and death of Christ.

The narrative recounts how the sins of all these people conspire to bring about
the passion and death of Christ, and thereby suggests the fundamental truth that
we are all to blame. Their sins and our sins bring Christ to the cross, and he
bears them willingly.

That is why it is always a serious misreading of the Passion stories in the
Gospel either to try to assign blame to one character or group in the story, or,
more fatefully, to try to exempt oneself from blame. The trouble with this last
move is that, if I am not one of the blameworthy, then how can I be among those
who share in the benefits of the cross?

A line from a Christmas carol comes to mind: "As far as the curse extends, so
far does his mercy flow." We must acknowledge that our sins are among those
Christ bore, in order to be included in his prayer, "Father forgive them for
they know not what they do." We very much want not to be left out of this
prayer.

The Christian reader is summoned to find his or her place within this drama of
redemption. This is clear in the solemn public reading of the Passion narratives
during the Catholic liturgies of Holy Week, when the congregation takes the part
of the crowd that shouts such things as "Crucify him."

In a paradoxical way, the liturgy helps us to understand these otherwise
horrendous outcries as prayer. Naturally, we don't literally "want" Christ to
suffer crucifixion, but we do want to be saved from our sins. In the perspective
of faith, even the chilling "Let his blood be upon us and on our children" must
be understood not as a curse but as a prayer.

Precisely what we want -- and what even the crowd gathered before Pilate
unknowingly wanted -- is that, as the Book of Revelation puts it, we be "washed
in the Blood of the Lamb."

Q: There has been a lot of controversy about the film's alleged anti-Semitism or
anti-Judaism. Can you tell ZENIT what you think about this?

Father Di Noia: Speaking as a Catholic theologian, I would be bound to condemn
anti-Semitism or anti-Judaism in any recounting of the passion and death of
Christ -- and not just because of the terrible harm that has been done to Jewish
people on these grounds, but also because, as I have already suggested, this
represents a profound misreading of the passion narratives.

But let me answer your question plainly: There is absolutely nothing
anti-Semitic or anti-Jewish about Mel Gibson's film.

It is regrettable that people who had not seen the film, but only reviewed early
versions of the script, gave rise to the charge that "The Passion of the Christ"
is anti-Semitic. I am convinced that once the film is released and people get a
chance to see it, the charge of anti-Semitism will simply evaporate.

The film neither exaggerates nor downplays the role of Jewish authorities and
legal proceedings in the condemnation of Jesus. But precisely because it
presents a comprehensive account of what might be called the "calculus of blame"
in the passion and death of Christ, the film would be more likely to quell
anti-Semitism in its audiences than to excite it.

From a theological perspective, what is even more important is that the film
conveys something that the evangelists and the Church have always seen clearly:
What Christ experiences in the journey from Gethsemane to Golgotha, and beyond,
would be completely unintelligible apart from God's covenant with Israel.

The conceptual framework is set almost entirely by the history and literature,
the prophets and heroes, the stories and legends, the symbols, rites, and
observances, and ultimately the entire culture of Judaism.

It is this framework, most fundamentally, that renders intelligible and
expressible the natural need for satisfaction and redemption in the face of
human sin and the loving determination on God's part to fill this need.

Far from inciting anti-Semitism or anti-Judaism, Gibson's film will compel his
audiences to deepen their understanding of this indispensable context of the
passion and death of the Jesus of Nazareth, the Suffering Servant.

Q: What will the film's impact be?

Father Di Noia: You know that throughout Christian history, the faithful have
been encouraged to meditate on the passion of Christ. The spirituality of every
great saint -- the names of St. Francis, St. Dominic, St. Catherine of Siena,
come immediately to mind -- has been marked by a devotion to the passion of
Christ.

Why was this? Because it was recognized that there was no surer way to summon
from the human heart the love that even begins adequately to respond to the love
of God who gave his Son for our sake.

I think that Mel Gibson's film will move people to this kind of love. Your heart
would have to be made of stone for it to remain unmoved by this extraordinary
film and by the unfathomable depth of divine love it endeavors to bring to life
on the screen.


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight : Literary Genres (187-232)

This chapter contains fifteen sections on the use of rhetoric in medieval
monastic literary forms.

The first section is entitled "The Literature of Silence". Monks wrote in order
to express themselves through non-verbal communication. "In this domain also,
the lectio divina was the monk's school." (189). Although monks read aloud in a
low voice to themselves in private scriptural reading, reflection and prayer,
they were not speaking while doing this since dialogue is an interaction that
requires at least two persons. Monks read their scriptures to themselves to
focus intently on the meaning of the text in prayerful silence. This spiritual
attitude of silence continued after their meditation and affective prayers from
the heart and contemplation of the glory of God when they carried their silence
with them in writing down their meditations in what Leclercq calls "The
Literature of Silence".

Holy silence quiets the soul and fosters spiritual growth and maturity of the
human person. As we perform our daily lectio divina let us foster a spirit of
reverent silence that allows us to keep a reflective mind-set throughout our
day. Mary, our perfect model in the Christian life was a woman wrapped in
silence. Her few words recorded in the Gospels of Luke and John are so profound
that they can furnish us with reflections every day of our lives.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/120903.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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;
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keyword in the long rectangular white box alongside the long
rectangular button that reads SEARCH ARCHIVE, and then click that
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__________________________________________________
© Copyright 2003 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 233

WEDNESDAY 10 December 2003


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Urges Examination of Conscience on Liturgical Reform
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• Pope Lists 3 Reasons Why Youth Fear to Accept Call to Priesthood
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Vocations Crisis Demands Solid Priestly Formation, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Development Depends on Integral Education, Pope Tells Paraguayan
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Popular Devotions Promoted as Way to Shape the Culture
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Papal Household Preacher's First Meditation for Advent 2003 (Part 2)
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Baghdad Archbishop Says Coalition Forces Must Stay
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Vietnam's New Cardinal at Mass of Thanksgiving
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

John Paul II Urges Examination of Conscience on Liturgical Reform

On 40th Anniversary of Vatican II's "Sacrosanctum Concilium"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II has called for an
examination of conscience on the application of the Second Vatican Council's
constitution on the sacred liturgy.

In this connection, the Pope has written an apostolic letter on "the 40th
anniversary of the conciliar constitution 'Sacrosanctum Concilium' on the
liturgy," published Friday by the Vatican press office.

The text, published only in Italian for now, was signed by John Paul II last
Thursday, the actual anniversary of the constitution's publication.

The examination is to "verify the road traveled so far" in regard to the
"reception of Vatican Council II," especially with respect to the
"liturgical-sacramental life" of the Church, the Holy Father wrote.

"Is the liturgy lived as the 'source and culmination of ecclesial life,'
according to the teaching of 'Sacrosanctum Concilium'?" is the first question in
the apostolic letter.

"Has the rediscovery of the value of the Word of God brought about by the
liturgical reform found a positive acceptance in our celebrations?" the Pope
asks. "Up to what point has the liturgy become a part of the concrete life of
the faithful and marks the rhythm of each one of the communities?"

"Is the liturgy understood as the path of holiness, inner force of apostolic
dynamism and of the Church's missionary character?" he adds.

The liturgical renewal needs a "proper formation of ministers and of all the
faithful," the Holy Father says, while offering guidelines for the "conscious
and active participation in liturgical celebrations desired by the Council."

This is why the Pontiff considers that a "liturgical pastoral program" is
necessary in fidelity to the new documents issued by the Holy See which regulate
it.

In addition, the Pope says that liturgical reform calls for the rediscover of
Sunday -- "synthesis of the Christian life and condition to live it well" -- and
of the "art of prayer" -- "not only through the Liturgy, but also through pious
practices."

The thirst for God that contemporary men and women experience, despite
secularization, must be slaked by intimate contact with Jesus Christ in the
Eucharist, the Pope explains.

Therefore, the Holy Father calls for the promotion of "fitting celebrations,
paying due attention to the different categories of people: children, youths,
adults, the elderly, the handicapped."

"All should feel welcome in our assemblies, to be able to breathe the atmosphere
of the first believing community," he writes.

John Paul II also encourages the rediscovery of the "experience of silence" in
Christian communities.

"In a society that lives ever more frenetically, often deafened by noise and
distracted by the ephemeral, it is vital to rediscover the value of silence," he
says.

In a word, the Pope says that "the pedagogy of the Church must 'dare' to present
lofty objectives as, for example, the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours."
* * *


Pope Lists 3 Reasons Why Youth Fear to Accept Call to Priesthood

Friendship With Christ Is Key, He Says

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II cites three reasons why it
is hard for young men to embrace a priestly vocation: fear of commitment, lack
of a clear understanding of this ministry, and a deficient relationship with
Christ.

The Pope made this analysis when he met with a group of French bishops during
their five-yearly visit to Rome.

"The first difficulty is fear of long-term commitment, as they are afraid to
assume risks in face of an uncertain future, living as they do in a changing
world in which their interest is fleeting, linked essentially to instant
satisfaction," the Holy Father said Friday.

"It is certainly an essential constraint to the availability of youths, which
will only be surmounted by giving them confidence in a perspective of Christian
hope," the Pope said.

In this connection, "the whole educational work is called into play, offered
first of all by the family and the school, which is completed through the
different pastoral proposals for youth."

The second difficulty for young men to enter the seminary is "the proposal of
the priestly ministry in itself," the Pope continued.

"For several generations, the ministry of priests has evolved considerably in
its forms; at times, the very convictions of many priests regarding their own
identity have been violently shaken," he said.

In fact, "in the eyes of the public the priestly ministry has often been
devalued," the Holy Father added.

"Today, the form of this ministry might still seem unclear, difficult for youths
to perceive, and lacking in stability," he said. "Therefore, it is necessary to
support the ordained ministry, to give it its full place in the Church, in a
spirit of communion that respects the differences and their genuine
complementarity" with the laity.

The third difficulty and "the most fundamental," according to the Pontiff,
affects the relationship of youths with the Lord.

"Their knowledge of Christ is often superficial and relative, amid a
multiplicity of religious proposals, while the desire to be a priest is
nourished essentially from intimacy with the Lord, in a really personal
dialogue, which is expressed above all by the desire to be with him," the Pope
said.

He added: "Of course everything that can foster in children and youth the
authentic discovery of the person of Jesus and of the vital relationship with
him, which is expressed in the sacramental life, in prayer, and in service to
one's brothers, will be beneficial to awaken vocations."

* * *


Vocations Crisis Demands Solid Priestly Formation, Says Pope

Sees a "Trial of Faith" for Pastors and the Flock

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says the vocations crisis
must be answered by seminaries that form future priests solidly, including
emotionally and morally.

The Pope illustrated this concern in an address Friday to the second group of
French bishops, from the ecclesiastical provinces of Rennes and Rouen, who are
on their five-yearly visit to Rome.

In his address, the Holy Father focused on the "serious crisis of vocations"
that France is experiencing, as are other Western countries, which the bishops
refer to constantly in reports they have given the Pope.

It is "a sort of crossing of the desert which constitutes a genuine trial of
faith both for pastors as well as the faithful," the Holy Father acknowledged.

Instead of yielding to "discouragement," the Pope invited the bishops "to assume
the challenge with firm hope," paying special attention to the formation of
future priests in the seminary, "educational community on the way."

The formation of youths who wish to be priests must take account of four
complementary dimensions -- "human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral
formation," the Holy Father explained.

Noting "a social environment -- characterized by a general relativism of values
spread by the media and the trivialization of sexuality," the Pontiff
recommended that the bishops focus on "the human, emotional and moral formation
of the candidates."

John Paul II encouraged the formators of seminaries, assisted by competent
specialists, to help youths to "know clearly the objective exigencies of the
priestly life," esteeming "in its just measure the gift of celibacy," "gift of
love offered to the Lord and to those who will be entrusted to them."

"In the human and emotional formation of candidates to the priesthood, as well
as in all the other dimensions of their formation," the Pope said, "it is a
question of seeking and contemplating Christ, the Incarnate Word, and new and
perfect man. It is a question of taking him as a model to be imitated in
everything, to be a priest in his name."

* * *

Development Depends on Integral Education, Pope Tells Paraguayan

Says a Democracy Without Values Ends in Totalitarianism

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II said that Paraguay's
development depends on education, and he called for initiatives to improve the
quality of health care, housing and working conditions.

The Pope made this proposal today to Marcos Martínez Mendieta, the new
ambassador from Asuncion to the Holy See, during the ceremony to present his
letters of credence.

The Holy Father explained that the objective of Paraguay's development is to
make possible that "the integral formation of a person is within everyone's
reach, preparing the new generations to fully assume their responsibilities as
citizens capable of being actors in the nation's progress, actively pursuing the
common good."

In this connection, it is imperative to pay special attention "to education in
real moral values and those of the spirit, promoting an authentic cultural
policy that consolidates and disseminates them," the Pope said.

"A new proposal of fundamental values is necessary, such as honesty, austerity,
responsibility for the common good, solidarity, the spirit of sacrifice and the
culture of work, the capacity for dialogue and participation at all levels,
which can ensure better development for all the members of the national
community," he added.

"A democracy is maintained or declines according to the defense of the values it
incarnates and promotes, as a democracy without values is easily turned into a
visible or concealed totalitarianism, as history demonstrates," the Pope
stressed.

He added that Paraguay's development calls for "initiatives that really increase
the quality of life of citizens, paying special attention to the area of health,
housing and working conditions."

According to the Statistical Yearbook of the Catholic Church, Paraguay, which
has just over 6 million inhabitants, is 85.5% Catholic. It has 21 bishops, 355
diocesan priests, 442 priests religious, 56 permanent deacons, 358 men religious
(not priests), 4,949 women religious, and 39,107 catechists.

* * *


Popular Devotions Promoted as Way to Shape the Culture

U.S. Bishops Encourage Everyday Forms of Piety

WASHINGTON, D.C., DEC. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- At a time when New York City
schools are allowing Jewish menorahs and Islamic crescents but trying to ban
Christian nativity scenes, U.S. bishops asre encouraging the faithful to
practice popular devotions and transform the culture.

"In genuine forms of popular piety, the Gospel message assimilates expressive
forms particular to a given culture while also permeating the consciousness of
that culture with the content of the Gospel," the bishops' conference recently
wrote in a statement, quoting from the "Directory on Popular Piety and the
Liturgy."

The bishops' conference issued "Popular Devotional Practices: Basic Questions
and Answers" following its fall meeting for two reasons.

First was to encourage the faithful to make use of sound devotional practices,
so that their faith might permeate more thoroughly in their lives and culture.
Second was to give the faithful a fuller understanding of the proper role of
popular piety, to help them avoid misapplications of it.

Examples of devotions given in the document include pilgrimages, novenas,
processions and celebrations in honor of Mary and the other saints, the rosary,
the Angelus, the Stations of the Cross, the veneration of relics and the use of
sacramentals.

The bishops asserted that an increase of popular piety is evidence of the
Church's influence on society. "First of all, by introducing the Catholic faith,
the Church transforms the culture, leaving the imprint of the faith on the
culture," they said.

"At the same time, however, the Church assimilates certain aspects of the
culture, as some elements of the culture become absorbed and integrated into the
life of the Church," they added. "This twofold process can be seen in the
development of popular devotional practices."

Both the liturgy and popular piety have a role in this transformation, the
bishops wrote.

"While this inculturation of the faith takes place in the liturgy, popular
devotions carry the faith a step deeper into the everyday life of a particular
culture," they said. "When properly ordered to the liturgy, popular devotions
perform an irreplaceable function of bringing worship into daily life for people
of various cultures and times."

Though the bishops expounded on the importance of popular devotions, they were
sure to emphasize the primacy of the liturgy in their document.

"Since the liturgy is the center of the life of the Church, popular devotions
should never be portrayed as equal to the liturgy, nor can they adequately
substitute for the liturgy," they wrote. "What is crucial is that popular
devotions be in harmony with the liturgy, drawing inspiration from it and
ultimately leading back to it."


* * *


Papal Household Preacher's First Meditation for Advent 2003 (Part 2)

Father Cantalamessa's Talk in Presence of Pope and Roman Curia

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is Part 2 of the meditation
delivered by the Papal Household preacher, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa,
in the presence of the Pope and Roman Curia last Friday. It was the first of
this year's Advent meditations.

The meditation was given in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Apostolic
Palace. Part 1 appeared Monday.

Father Raniero Cantalamessa
Advent 2003 in the Papal Household
First Homily

"Go Forth From Your Country ..., " Part 2

[Holy Father, Venerable Fathers, Brothers and Sisters ... ]

Good inspirations

But now we should recall that maxim of the ancients in regard to devotion to the
saints: "Imitari non pigeat quod celebrare delectat": we must not fail to
imitate what we like to celebrate.[5] Mother Teresa's case reminds us of
something essential for our sanctification: the importance of obeying
inspirations. This is not something to be practiced only once in life. God's
first and decisive call is followed by many other discreet invitations that we
call good inspirations. All our spiritual progress depends on our docility to
these inspirations.

It is easy to understand why fidelity to inspirations is the shortest and surest
way to holiness. This is not the work of man; it is not enough to have a very
clear program of perfection to be able to carry it out gradually. There is no
identical model of perfection for all. God does not make saints in series; he
does not like cloning. Each saint is a new invention of the Spirit. God can ask
of one saint the opposite of what he asks of another. To take examples close to
our time: What do Escrivá de Balaguer and Mother Teresa have in common? Yet, for
the Church, both are saints.

Therefore, we do not know from the beginning what, specifically, is the holiness
God wills for each one of us: Only God knows it and he reveals it along the way.
By doing so he avoids man's limiting himself to following general rules that are
valid for all. He must understand what God is asking of him and only of him. Let
us think what would have happened if Joseph of Nazareth had limited himself to
following faithfully the then known rules of holiness, or if Mother Teresa had
obstinately observed the canonical rules in force in religious institutes.

What God wants from each one in particular is discovered through the events of
life, the word of Scripture, the advice of a spiritual director; but the
principal and common means is, precisely, the inspirations of grace. These are
the interior requests of the Spirit in the depth of the heart through which God
not only makes known what he is asking, but at the same time communicates the
necessary strength to realize it if the person accepts.

Good inspirations have something in common with biblical inspiration, leaving to
one side, of course, the authority and extent which are essentially different.
"God said to Abraham ...", "God spoke to Moses": this speaking of the Lord was
not, from the point of view of phenomenology, different from the one that takes
place in inspirations of grace. God's voice, also in Sinai, did not resound in
the exterior, but within the heart in the form of clarity, impulses originated
by the Holy Spirit. The Ten Commandments were not inscribed in stone by God's
finger, but in Moses' heart, who then wrote them in stone. "Men moved by the
Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:21); they were the ones who were
speaking, but moved by the Holy Spirit; they repeated with their mouth what they
heard in their heart.

All faithfulness to an inspiration is recompensed by ever more frequent and
strong inspirations. It is as if the soul was in training to come to an
ever-clearer perception of the will of God and a greater facility to fulfill it.

Discernment of spirits

The most delicate problem in regard to inspirations has always been to discern
those that come from the Spirit of God from those that come from the spirit of
the world, one's own passions, or the evil spirit.

The topic of discernment of spirits has undergone a notable evolution over the
centuries. In the beginning, it was regarded as the charism that served to
distinguish between words, prayers and prophecies pronounced in the assembly,
which ones did or did not proceed from the Spirit of God. Then, it served
especially to discern one's "own" inspirations and to direct one's choices. The
evolution is not arbitrary; it is, in fact, the same gift although applied to
different objects.

There are criteria of discernment that we could call objective. In the doctrinal
field, for Paul these are summarized in the recognition of Christ as Lord: "No
one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus be cursed!' and no one can
say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:3); for John
they are summarized in faith in Christ and in his Incarnation: "Beloved, do not
believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for
many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you will know the
Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the
flesh is of God, and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God" (1
John 4:1-3).

In the moral area, a fundamental criterion comes from the consistency of the
Spirit of God with himself. The latter cannot ask for something that is contrary
to the divine will, as expressed in Scripture, in the teaching of the Church,
and in the duties of one's own state. A divine inspiration will never request
acts that the Church considers immoral, no matter how many arguments to the
contrary that are capable of being suggested in these cases; for example, that
God is love and, therefore, everything that is done for love is of God.

If a religious disobeys his Superiors, even for a laudable objective, it would
certainly not be an inspiration of grace, because the first inspiration that God
sends is a precise circumstance. It was above all to respond to this need that
St. Ignatius of Loyola developed his doctrine on discernment.

He invites us to observe the intentions -- the "spirits" -- that are behind a
choice and the reactions that the latter causes.[6] It is known that what comes
from the Holy Spirit brings with it joy, peace, tranquility, gentleness,
simplicity, light. Instead, what comes from the evil spirit brings sadness,
disturbance, agitation, disquiet, confusion, darkness. The Apostle clarifies it
by contrasting the fruits of the flesh -- enmities, discord, jealousy,
dissension, divisions, envies -- with those of the Spirit which are, however,
love, joy, peace ... (see Galatians 5:19-22).

In practice, it is true, things are more complex. An inspiration can come from
God and, despite this, cause great disturbance. But this is not due to the
inspiration, which is gentle and peaceful, as is everything that comes from God;
it stems, rather, from resistance to the inspiration. A serene river also, when
it meets obstacles, causes whirlpools. If the inspiration is accepted, the heart
finds itself immediately in profound peace. God recompenses each little victory
in this area, making the soul feel his approval, which is the purest joy in the
world.

To allow oneself to be guided by the Spirit

The concrete fruit of this meditation must be a renewed decision to entrust
ourselves in everything and for everything to the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
as in a sort of "spiritual direction."

If it is important for every Christian to accept inspirations, it is vital for
those who have tasks of governance in the Church. Only in this way is the Spirit
of Christ itself allowed to guide his Church through his human representatives.
It is not necessary that all passengers in a ship have their ear attuned to the
radio on board to receive directions, warnings of icebergs, or meteorological
conditions, but it is indispensable that those who are in charge do. From a
courageously accepted "divine inspiration" of Pope John XXIII, the Second
Vatican Council was born and many more prophetic events occurred in more recent
times.

It is this need of the guidance of the Holy Spirit which has inspired the words
of the "Veni Creator: Ductore sic te praevio vitemus omne noxium": "with you as
guide we shall avoid all evil." In his "Roman Triptych," the Holy Father takes
up this word when, speaking of the moment of choosing the Successor of Peter, he
puts in the mouth of those present the prayer: "You who penetrate everything --
show us!"

We must all abandon ourselves to the interior Teacher who speaks to us without
the noise of words. As good actors, we must listen carefully, on great and small
occasions, to the voice of this hidden prompter, to recite our part faithfully
in the theater of life.

It is easier than one thinks, because he speaks to us within, he teaches us each
thing, he instructs us on everything. "But the anointing which you received from
him abides in you, and you have no need that any one should teach you; as his
anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie" (1 John
2:27). It is enough sometimes to glance within, to have a movement of the heart,
a moment of recollection and prayer.

With the words of a very well known liturgical prayer we ask God , through the
intercession of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, the gift of recognizing and
following his divine inspirations as she followed them: "Actiones nostras,
quesumus Domine, aspirando preveni et adjuvando prosequere, ut cuncta nostra
oratio et operatio a te semper incipiat et per te cepta finiatur."[7] "Inspire
our actions, Lord, and accompany them with your help, so that all our activity
has its beginning in you, and its fulfillment in you. Through Our Lord Christ."


5 "Florilegium Frisingenese," n. 371 (CCL, 108D).
6 Cf. St. Ignatius of Loyola, "Spiritual Exercises," Fourth Week (Ed. BAC,
Madrid, 1963, pp. 262 ff.).
7 Prayers of Thursday following Ash Wednesday.



* * *

Baghdad Archbishop Says Coalition Forces Must Stay

Otherwise, Iraq Faces Chaos, He Warns

BAGHDAD, Iraq, DEC. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- An eventual withdrawal from Iraq of
Americans or allies "would be a great lack of responsibility," as "it would mean
going from anarchy to chaos," warns Latin-rite Archbishop Jean Benjamin Sleiman
of Baghdad.

"To abandon Iraq to itself would imply to prepare a tragic future for us all,"
the archbishop said to Missionary Service News Agency on Friday. "It would be a
terrible legacy for the West which would be added to the Middle East focus,
making everything extremely difficult."

Postwar Iraq is unstable, he observed. In "the days following the fall of
Baghdad, the Iraqi army was dismantled, removing from the country a structure of
security without replacing by something able to carry out the same task."

"So, 400,000 armed men, who could control in some way, after purifying the top
leaders and prosecuting the guilty, are at present scattered in society without
a source of income," Archbishop Sleiman said. "Who is to say if some are not
participating in the guerrilla movement?"

According to the archbishop of Baghdad, "To the currents of militant
fundamentalists, both among the Sunnis as well as she Shiites, have probably
been added very professional forces from abroad, as the growing complexity and
organization of the attacks demonstrates."

"Perhaps the al-Qaida network has found the way of arriving in the country, and
perhaps nations exist that will profit from drowning the Americans in the
burning sand of Iraq," he noted.

Archbishop Sleiman also lamented the increase in kidnappings to demand ransoms.
"We suspect that the kidnappers are former secret service agents who for years
have watched people and know well which families to pressure and for how much,"
he said.

However, a new element is disturbing the already precarious coexistence between
foreigners and Iraqis: "Over the past months American religious organizations
have arrived in Iraq -- which I would not like to classify as 'sects' -- who
announce openly among the population that they are in Iraq to convert the
Muslims."

"These groups constitute a genuine provocations for Muslims and we are not
surprised if some Muslims react" aggressively, the archbishop said.

Given the existing situation, the archbishop made an appeal: "If the United
Nations handles Iraq's problems with the consensus of the international
community, including the Arab countries, then there will be a force recognized
by all and it will not be impossible to obtain the solidarity of the majority of
the Iraqi population."

The United Nations "on its own would be ineffective; the peace contingents must
stay," he concluded.



* * *


Vietnam's New Cardinal at Mass of Thanksgiving


HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, DEC. 9, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Thousands of Vietnamese
Catholics celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving here with their new cardinal,
Reuters reported.

Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Mân, 69, today joined a capacity crowd at the
French colonial-era Notre Dame Cathedral that was filled with cheers and
applause.

Several of the congregants were in wheelchairs and the audience also included
U.S. Cardinal Bernard Law from Boston and a deputy head of the Church in South
Korea.

"The cardinal position which I have undertaken is the joy of the people of God
and of the Vietnam nation,'' Cardinal Mân told the Mass in Vietnamese.



* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The second section of chapter eight is called "History". Monks loved to read and
write history. Historical writings gave monks windows to the past to learn of
their predecessors and to learn from them. Two types of historical writings
developed "narrating history in general or the lives of the saints." (193). The
role of history is to serve as a model for our personal growth. History
instructs us and inspires us by advocating and encouraging us to do good and
what is right and proper. The examples of past lives help to motivate us to
reform our lives and undertake the challenges of daily life to live in
accordance to Christ and His teachings in the Gospels and as taught by the Holy
See.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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
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• Live EWTN TV - English • EWTN AM/FM RADIO
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• The Journey Home (Video) • EWTN Religious Catalogue

Send EWTN donations online:
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* * *

3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/121003.htm>

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:
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AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE DIVINE OFFICE: recited by the
Monks of Adoration:
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/audiolit.html>

* * *

5. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

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DOWNLOAD FREE SCRIPTURAL ROSARY
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Our Father Movie
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* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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
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<http://www.clairval.com>

10. 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'll 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.
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__________________________________________________
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 234

THURSDAY 11 December 2003

Feast of St. Damasus I, Pope

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Comments on Canticle in Revelation 19
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Christ Still Comes to Bring Justice and Peace, Pope Says
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Caracas Bishops Condemn Profanation of Images of Virgin Mary
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Philippine Episcopate Opposes Lifting of Death-Penalty Ban
----------------------------------------------------------------
• POPE GREETS SEMINARIANS FROM POLAND
----------------------------------------------------------------
• HUMANITARIAN AID MUST NOT BE A VICTIM OF CONFLICT
----------------------------------------------------------------
• OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• New Draft of Constitution Fails to Mention Christian Roots
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Theologians Videoconference on Catechesis Planned
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Process of Beatification Opens for 124 Korean Martyrs
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Videos Capture the Places Where Jesus Walked
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Comments on Canticle in Revelation 19

Part of John Paul II's Series on Vespers

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 10, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave at today's general audience, which he dedicated to comment on
the canticle of Revelation 19:1-7.

1. Continuing with the series of Psalms and canticles that constitute the
ecclesial prayer of vespers, we are reflecting on a hymn, taken from Chapter 19
of the Book of Revelation, and composed of a sequence of alleluias and
acclamations.

Behind these joyful invocations there is the dramatic lament intoned by the
king, the merchants and seamen in the preceding chapter, in face of the collapse
of imperial Babylon, the city of evil and oppression, symbol of the persecution
unleashed against the Church.

2. In antithesis to this cry that rises from the earth, a joyful choir of a
liturgical nature resounds in heaven that, in addition to the alleluia, also
repeats the amen. In the text of Revelation, the various acclamations similar to
antiphons, which the liturgy of vespers now unites in a single canticle, in fact
are put on the lips of several personalities. We see first of all a "great
multitude," made up of the assembly of angels and saints (see verses 1-3). Then
the voice is heard of "twenty-four elders" and "four living creatures," symbolic
figures which seem to be the priests of this heavenly liturgy of praise and
thanksgiving (see verse 4). Finally, the hymn of a single voice is raised (see
verse 5), which, in turn, involves in the singing the "great multitude" with
which it began (see verses 6-7).

3. In future stages of our itinerary of prayer, we will have occasion to
illustrate the individual antiphons of this grandiose and festive hymn of praise
by diverse voices. Now we will content ourselves with two observations. The
first refers to the opening acclamation which states: "Salvation, glory and
might belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments" (verses 1-2).

At the heart of this joyful invocation is the representation of God's decisive
intervention in history: The Lord is not indifferent, as an impassible and
isolated emperor, before human vicissitudes. As the Psalmist says, "The Lord's
throne is in heaven. God's eyes keep careful watch; they test all peoples"
(Psalm 10[11]:4).

4. What is more, his look is source of action, because he intervenes and
demolishes the arrogant and oppressive empires, he pulls down the proud who defy
him, he judges all those who commit evil. The Psalmist also describes with
picturesque images (see Psalm 10:7) this irruption of God in history, as the
author of the Book of Revelation had evoked in the preceding chapter (see
Revelation 18:1-24) the terrible divine intervention in Babylon, uprooted from
her center and flung into the sea. Our hymn makes reference to this intervention
in a passage that is not taken up in the celebration of vespers (see Revelation
19:2-3).

Above all, therefore, our prayer should invoke and praise the divine action, the
Lord's effective justice, his glory obtained with the triumph over evil. God
makes himself present in history, placing himself on the side of the righteous
and victims, precisely as stated in the brief and essential acclamation of the
Book of Revelation and as repeated frequently in the singing of the Psalms (see
Psalm 145[146]:6-9).

5. We should highlight another topic of our canticle. It is developed from the
final acclamation and is one of the dominant motives of the Book of Revelation
itself: "For the wedding day of the Lamb has come, his bride has made herself
ready" (Revelation 19:7). Christ and the Church, the Lamb and the bride, are in
a profound communion of love.

We will try to have this mystical espousal shine through the poetic testimony of
a great Father of the Syrian Church, St. Ephrem, who lived in the fourth
century. Using symbolically the sign of the wedding of Cana (see John 2:1-11),
he invites the city itself, personified, to praise Christ for the great gift
received:

"Together with my guests I will thank him because he has judged me worthy to
invite him: / He who is the heavenly Spouse, who descended and has invited all;
/ and I, too, was invited to enter his pure wedding feast. / Before the people I
will acknowledge him as Spouse, there is none other like him. / His wedding
chamber has been ready for centuries, and is furnished with riches and lacks
nothing: / not like the feast of Cana, whose want he satisfied" ("Inni sulla
verginità," [Hymns on Virginity], 33,3: "L'arpa dello Spirito" [The Lyre of the
Spirit], Rome, 1999, pp. 73-74).

6. In another hymn that he also dedicated to the wedding of Cana, St. Ephrem
underlines how Christ, invited to others' weddings (specifically the spouses of
Cana), wanted to celebrate the feast of his wedding: the wedding with his bride,
which is every faithful soul. "Jesus, you were invited to the wedding feast of
others, the spouses of Cana, / here, instead, it is your feast, pure and
beautiful: It rejoices our days, / because your guests also, Lord, have need of
your songs: Let your lyre fill everything! / The soul is your bride, the body is
the nuptial chamber, / your guests are the senses and thoughts. / And if only
one body is for you a wedding feast, / the whole Church is your nuptial
banquet!" ("Inni sulla fede" [Hymns on the Faith], 14,4-5: op. cit., p. 27).


[At the end of the audience, the following summary was read in English. Then the
Holy Father greeted English-speaking pilgrims as follows:]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today's canticle, taken from the Book of Revelation, expresses the joy of the
angels and saints in their heavenly liturgy of thanksgiving. God is praised
because he intervenes to defeat the power of evildoers and to defend all victims
of injustice. The canticle also celebrates the marriage of Christ the Lamb and
the Church his bride. Some Fathers of the Church, such as St. Ephrem, applied
this nuptial imagery of Christ's union with his Church to our individual souls.

I offer a warm welcome to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present
at today's audience, especially those from England, Ireland and the United
States. Upon all of you I cordially invoke joy and peace in our Lord Jesus
Christ.


* * *

Christ Still Comes to Bring Justice and Peace, Pope Says


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 10, 2003 (Zenit.org).- As was true 2,000 years ago, Christ
comes to the hearts of people this Christmas to bring justice and peace, John
Paul II says.

Before bidding farewell today to the thousands of pilgrims at the general
audience in Paul VI Hall, the Pope had special greetings for young people,
newlyweds and the sick. Some of the latter were in the front seats.

"During Advent, a time of waiting that prepares us for Christmas, Mary, the
Virgin of Hope, is especially present," the Holy Father said in his greeting.

"I put you all in her hands so that you can prepare yourselves to receive Christ
who comes to realize his Kingdom of justice and peace," he concluded in Italian.




* * *


Caracas Bishops Condemn Profanation of Images of Virgin Mary

Chávez Sympathizers Blamed for Attack

CARACAS, Venezuela, DEC. 10, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Caracas Archdiocese
expressed sorrow over the public "mutilation" of images of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, at the hands of supporters of President Hugo Chávez.

The attack took place Saturday when a march by sympathizers of "Chavismo" passed
by the Plaza Francia of Altamira on the way to Bolivar Avenue.

Incidents like these "not only do not reflect the feelings of the majority of
the people of Venezuela, who identify with the principles of the Catholic
faith," but "are rejected, both for the offense itself of venerated images as
well as the fact that they manifest the breakdown and loss of values of those
who acted in this way," the archdiocese said in a statement Monday.

In response to the attacks, the text invites Catholic faithful "to work
tirelessly so that the values of truth, justice, love, and peace will be present
in the life of all of us who live in Venezuela."

The text was signed by Caracas' auxiliary bishops: Nicolás Bermúdez Villamizar,
apostolic administrator; Roberto Dávila Uzcátegui; and Saúl Figueroa Albornoz.

Appealing for dialogue, the bishops said that "only if love of neighbor
prevails, will we be able to continue to meet and relate to one another as
brothers, despite the differences that might exist between us."

Condemning the profanation, Archbishop Baltazar Porras of Merida, president of
the Venezuelan episcopal conference, said that it was not just a question of
vandalism, "but that there were manifestations of real contempt for the most
minimal respect that should be given any person or symbol, not just the
religious."

The archbishop believes that the attack is another incident in a "continual
escalation of the most absolute lack of respect for any kind of institution or
value, as if a political plan were an absolute god, which must be rejected."



* * *

Philippine Episcopate Opposes Lifting of Death-Penalty Ban

Moratorium Ended in the Wake of Rash of Kidnappings

MANILA, Philippines, DEC. 10, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Philippines' Catholic
bishops are opposing the cancellation of the moratorium on the death penalty and
reaffirmed their stance against capital punishment.

Their position was articulated at a public meeting by Archbishop Fernando
Capalla of Davao, president of the bishops' conference, AsiaNews reported.

The bishops voiced their view as news arrived of President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo's ending of the moratorium. Only a few months ago Arroyo was received by
the Pope in the Vatican, where she reiterated her position against capital
punishment and promised to abide by moral principles.

"We do not believe it will deter crime unless there is a general breakdown of
law and order," said Archbishop Capalla, in a statement issued Monday.

Arroyo lifted the freeze on the death penalty last Friday after a recent rise in
kidnappings-for-ransom.

"As much as I am averse to the taking of human lives, as a matter of principle,
the president must yield to the higher public interest when dictated by
extraordinary circumstances," Arroyo said. She added that she would not oppose
prisoner executions scheduled for January.

Two men face execution by lethal injection on Jan. 30, said Dionisio Santiago,
warden of the State Bureau of Corrections.

There are 25 criminals on death row, guilty of kidnappings and drug-related
crimes, say officials. The Philippines is said to be the Asia's kidnapping
capital, with an average of one abduction every three days.

This year alone, 158 incidents have been reported. Some cases remain unreported
for fear of retaliation by kidnappers on the victim's families.

Monsignor Rodolfo Diamante, executive secretary for the bishops' Commission on
Prison Pastoral Care, believes that Arroyo was pressured into lifting the ban in
order to appease the country's Chinese community, whose members have been
gravely affected as victims of kidnapping incidents in Manila.

The president's move is purely political while "succumbing to pressure from a
group from which she needs assistance," the monsignor said.

Archbishop Capalla said that "as citizens of this country, we respect the
president's right and prerogative to protect public order as well as the right
to change her mind."

Yet, he said, "the Roman Catholic Church must claim and uphold her right and
freedom to speak on moral issues while respecting the rights and freedom of the
state government or of anyone dissenting or disagreeing with her."




* * *

POPE GREETS SEMINARIANS FROM POLAND

VATICAN CITY, DEC 9, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning welcomed the
rector, priests, professors, religious and lay collaborators and seminarians
from the major seminary of Radom, Poland, recalling his visit to the new
seminary in 1991 and speaking on the historical and spiritual legacies of
which the seminarians today are heirs.

   He noted that in this year of formation you have the motto "Imitate what
you will celebrate - "imitare quod tractibus". This is an invitation that
each one of you seminarians, God willing, will hear during the liturgy of
ordination. Usually this refers to the mysteries enclosed within the Eucharist
and its celebration. In reality the deeper content of this call seems to come
directly from Christ's words: "Do this in memory of Me". And "Christ's memory"
is His entire earthly life, but above all, its paschal conclusion."

   He pointed out that their pastoral service is constituted by a diversity
of actions, of which, the Council says, the Eucharist is the source and summit.
Whatever your service is, the invitation to imitate its deepest meaning is
always current and just."

   "Humanly speaking, this is not an easy task to fulfill," the Holy Father
added. "In your lives today, and above all in the priesthood make sure there
is always time for prayer. Make every effort to prepare yourselves in the
best possible way for your priestly duties through a solid study of doctrine -
not only theological but also through other disciplines that will help you in
your contacts with modern man - or by learning a pastoral praxis - but base this
preparation on the solid foundation of prayer."



* * *


HUMANITARIAN AID MUST NOT BE A VICTIM OF CONFLICT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2003 (VIS) - Made public today was the speech given by
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations
Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva during the 28th
International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent held in that Swiss
city from December 2 to 6.

   The nuncio noted that this conference "takes place at a moment marked by
rumbles of war and by an explosion of terrorism of such a magnitude unknown
before today. Civilian victims of well reported and of forgotten wars and of
their destructive consequences run in the millions. In fact, some States and
non-State actors try to exploit the desperation of endemic poverty and of
extreme social inequality by promoting their private objectives through violent
actions."

   On the question of humanitarian law, Archbishop Tomasi said that "some
governments are reticent in accepting effective control mechanisms while
public opinion seems to have become accustomed to violations of humanitarian
law as if the painful spectacle of so many victims were leading to resignation
instead of prompting a reaction capable of influencing wrong political and
military choices." He stressed that "the Holy See looks at international
humanitarian law as an important, invaluable, non-negotiable and still relevant
instrument" and "will continue to promote appropriate initiatives of
inter-religious character to defend human dignity during armed conflicts and to
increase respect for international humanitarian law, especially through the vast
network of Catholic education institutions."

   The archbishop pointed out that "a sadly eloquent sign among others of
disregard towards humanitarian law is given by the attacks purposely directed
against humanitarian personnel who generously serve in the midst of conflicts,
in particular by the recent deadly attacks against the International Committee
of the Red Cross."

   He closed by affirming that "the Movement of the Red Cross and the Red
Crescent can count on the partnership and support of the Catholic Church.
Collaboration with religious institutions and faith communities will make for a
more effective humanitarian action."

* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Valdomiro
Koubetch, O.S.B.M., professor of Theological Studies of the Claretian Fathers in
Curitiba, Brazil, as coadjutor bishop of the eparchy of Sao Joao Batista em
Curitiba of the Ukraines (Catholics 161,500, priests 67,permanent deacons 2,
religious 547), Brazil.  The bishop-elect was born in 1953 in Mandaguacu, Brazil
and was ordained a priest in 1981.

* * *


New Draft of Constitution Fails to Mention Christian Roots


ROME, DEC. 10, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A new draft of the European Constitutional
Treaty does not mention the continent's Christian roots, a topic that has
attracted much papal concern.

The text's failure to mention Christianity was confirmed in a press meeting
today by Franco Frattini, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Italian presidency of the European Union will present the document at the
Brussels summit this Friday and Saturday. Frattini said that "the heads of
government will decide directly" on the issue.

Monsignor Aldo Giordano, secretary of the Council of European Bishops'
Conferences, said that the prelates look with "great expectation" to the
Brussels meeting.

At the same time, Monsignor Giordano thinks that Article 51 guarantees a
"transparent and regular" dialogue between European institutions and the
churches and religious communities, "an important novelty for the churches, from
the juridical point of view."

"In addition," he told Vatican Radio in an interview, "the fact that the
Constitutional Treaty includes the Charter of the Fundamental Rights of the
European Union means that there are elements that guarantee freedom and freedom
of religion."



* * *

Theologians Videoconference on Catechesis Planned


ROME, DEC. 10, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican Congregation for Clergy has
organized a theologians videoconference on catechesis this Friday.

The event can be followed live beginning at midday Central European Time.

The speakers include Catholic theologians in cities such as Rome, Moscow,
Regensburg, Johannesburg, Bogota, Madrid, New York, Taipei, Sydney and Manila.

The conference may be followed live or recorded on the Web page of the
Congregation for Clergy, http://www.clerus.org.

After the conference, the original-language texts of the theologians' talks will
be available on the same Web page.


* * *

Process of Beatification Opens for 124 Korean Martyrs

Paul Yun Ji-Chung and Companions Died in 1791

SEOUL, South Korea, DEC. 10, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See has approved the
opening of the beatification process for Paul Yun Ji-Chung and 123 companions,
tortured and killed for the faith in 1791, when Christianity had just reached
Korea.

The missionary agency Fides was informed of the decision by the Korean Bishops'
Commission for Beatifications and Canonizations. Last year the Church in Korea
sent all the relative documentation to the Vatican Congregation for Sainthood
Causes.

The commission formed a panel of history experts to act as consultors for the
Vatican congregation, presided over by Andrea Kim Jin-so director of Honam
History Center.

In 1791, Paul Yun Ji-Chung, a noble who had become a Christian, decided not to
bury his mother according to traditional Confucian customs widespread in Korea.
The incident was reported to the local authorities and ferocious persecution of
Christians began.

Yun Ji-Chung was the first of many noble Korean Christians to be exiled or
killed for their faith in Christ. Christianity, introduced in Korea in 1784, was
officially banned as an "evil cult that destroyed human relations and
traditional moral order."

Catholics in Korea went underground until 1895, when they obtained freedom of
worship but in a century they experienced four major persecutions: Shinyu in
1801; Gyhae in 1839; Byung-o in 1846; and Byung-In in 1866. The local Church
estimates that no fewer than 16,000 Korean Catholics were martyred during this
period.

Domenico Youn Minku, of Suwon Catholic University, who is a postulator of the
beatification cause, told Fides: "Unique in the history of the Church, it was
lay people who introduced the faith in Korea. Korean scholars discovered the
faith by reading books in Chinese carried by European missionaries to China.
After the first baptism in 1784, the young Church was soon afflicted by fierce
persecution."

* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The third section "Their Purpose in Writing" is "to incite to the practice of
virtue and promote praise of God, the events once recorded must, to a certain
extent, be interpreted. Above all they must be situated in a vast context; the
individual story is always inserted in the history of salvation. Events are
directed by God who desires the salvation of the elect." (194).

Lectio divina develops this sense of the continuity of time. The Old and New
Testaments are the history of salvation revealed by God as recorded by the
sacred authors. Sacred Scripture reveals how God's salvation is brought to
individuals and to the who world. God's passionate desire to save His fallen
children is portrayed in the biblical narratives that encourage and inspire the
reader to grow in faith, love and confidence. Monastic writing continues this
recordation of the history of salvation and pursues the same effect to encourage
and inspire in order to bring about a greater faith, love and confidence to the
reader.

Lectio divina makes us aware that we are living in the continuum of time in
which God's plan for our personal salvation is being worked out moment by moment
just as it is coming to completion for the whole world. Lectio gives us an
awareness that God is active each moment of our earthly existence interacting
immediately and directly with us and the world to guide us to the salvation by
Jesus Christ merited by the Cross. Reflective reading of scripture allows us to
see parallels and echoes between the text and our own situation that come alive
and bear the hallmark of reality within our own personal experiences. This is
why we can read scripture and oftentimes feel as if the text were speaking to us
on a very private and personal basis. Our common human nature, sinfulness,
shortcomings, and struggles of life make the texts fit everyone since we are all
sharers in the same drama of life. God continually calls each and everyone of us
to a more intimate and satisfying relationship with Him. Let us learn to pay
careful attention growing more sensitive to His loving whispers every moment of
our lives.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

Videos Capture the Places Where Jesus Walked

Steve Ray's Films Show Sacred Sites of Salvation History

MILAN, Michigan, DEC. 10, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Steve Ray isn't just a tourist when
he travels to the Holy Land and elsewhere in the Mideast.

He considers himself a pilgrim -- a sojourner seeking the historical truth of
the Catholic Church in the places and events of its sacred past.

On his pilgrimages, Ray brings his wife, Janet, and a camera crew that films him
sharing the good news of salvation history and literally retracing the paths of
Peter, Mary, Moses and Jesus -- the four videos released to date in his 10-part
series, "The Footprints of God: The Story of Salvation from Abraham to
Augustine" (Ignatius).

Ray shared with ZENIT why he travels to these sometimes-dangerous places and how
he hopes to fortify the faith of Catholics, young and old, by sharing the story
of salvation.

Q: What inspired you to start filming your video series, "The Footprints of
God"?

Ray: Shortly after converting from evangelical Protestantism to the Catholic
Church, our family took a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome. We followed the
footprints of Our Lord and the apostles.

When we returned home I noticed a big change in my children. I asked, "Why do
you suddenly have such a passion for Jesus and the Church?" Without hesitating
they replied, "While visiting those holy sites we realized in a profound way
that Christianity is real historical truth. Jesus really lived; he really died
and rose again -- and we saw where it happened."

I wanted to bring that same profound reality to other Catholic families; I
wanted to see Catholics get excited about their faith.

The actual moment we decided it should be an adventure video series was at 2
a.m. about three years ago. From a sound sleep I sat bolt upright in bed. I
shook my wife awake and scared her half to death. "Janet," I said, "we have to
make a 10-part video series on the history of salvation from a Catholic
perspective!" She responded, "You're crazy! Go back to sleep!"

But I couldn't sleep. So I jumped out of bed, sat at my computer and typed out
the outline for the whole series.

Q: What have you learned about your subjects by physically walking in their
footsteps?

Ray: Living in 21st-century America makes it difficult in many ways to relate to
the real people and history in the Bible.

We are 2,000 years removed from the land, languages and customs that underlie
our Christian faith -- all on the other side of the world. By walking in sandals
along their very footsteps I have learned many practical and spiritual things
about the heroes of the faith.

When walking through the Sinai desert in the blistering sun with sand in my
teeth I understood why the Israelites grumbled in the wilderness. A night out in
a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee gave me a great appreciation for the
apostles and for many of the stories of the New Testament. Once you've been
there you never read the Bible or hear the readings at Mass the same again.

Walking miles along dusty roads or riding a donkey across rocky fields with
flies buzzing around your head caused me to constantly reflect on the fact that
the Second Person of the Trinity gave up the glory of heaven to struggle and
suffer, to stub his toes on rocks in Nazareth like I was doing, to experience
sunburn and thirst in the Jordan Valley like I was doing. I've gained a profound
appreciation for the Incarnation.

Mary was not the sweet-smelling icon that we often see in art. Mary was not a
wealthy girl, and visiting Israel quickly made me realize that life was very
tough for a young Jewish girl in the first century.

Wearing rustic sandals, Mary trudged along dusty paths with donkeys and camels.
She worked hard with her calloused hands. Mary did not have daily showers and
modern conveniences, and riding a donkey all day is hard work. Having studied
her life on location from Jerusalem to Ephesus has given me a great love for
Mary the Jewish girl as much as for Mary the Queen of Heaven.

Q: What are some of the adventures you've encountered while filming this series?

Ray: I've always loved adventure peppered with a little danger. When I was kid I
always had broken bones and stitches. The excitement never ends on this project.

While creating a burning a bush in the Sinai desert for "Moses: Signs,
Sacraments and Salvation," I was arrested by Egyptian police. While trying to
get the right aerial footage we unhappily knocked a window out of an Egyptian
Air Force helicopter over the Red Sea. Our Israeli helicopter pilot crashed with
a filming crew shortly after flying with us -- it could have been us.

The Arabian stallion I was riding for the opener of one documentary got in a
fight with another stallion and with slashing hooves he finally fell over
backwards right on top of me. I've handled cobras, stood among Palestinian
militants with hoods and machine guns, waded in the Nile and awoke one morning
with 50 mosquito bites.

But very profound things have happened as well. I'll never forget spending two
nights locked in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem with our filming
crew. The midnight solitude and beauty of that church is indescribable. We had
the blessing of working and praying at the very place where Jesus Christ died,
was buried and rose again -- and for two nights we had it all to ourselves.

Q: How has your faith grown as you have visited these religious sites?

Ray: In the Holy Land I can never consider myself simply a tourist. There is a
much deeper dimension. I prefer to use the word "pilgrim." In Israel I am, in a
real sense, walking on sacred ground. Even in Egypt, when God confronted Moses
at the burning bush, he told Moses to remove his sandals because he was standing
on holy ground.

Even though we are often working -- filming, narrating, directing -- my wife,
Janet, and I never lose the sense of being in God's presence in a unique and
real way. I can recall many times when we've wept tears of joy, overwhelmed at
the profound realization of where we were standing. In these marvelous sites God
was involved in human history in a very unique way.

Q: Why is it important for Catholics to see the sites of Church history?

Ray: Many people are afraid to visit the lands of the Bible because of the
current unrest, so we decided to bring the Holy Land back to them. Every
Christian should experience Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the Jordan River.

Our faith is not a thing of fiction. It is not just an interesting religion made
up of fairy tales. It is truth rooted in history -- in space and time. God
exists and in the biblical lands he revealed himself in a special way.

I don't know of anyone who has not come back from a pilgrimage to the land of
Our Lord who was not profoundly moved. My kids were no exception.

I want Catholic kids to stay Catholic, to love their faith, to know it is true
and to live it out with vigor. I want adults to understand and defend their
faith. To be immersed in our history is to be firmly rooted in the Church.

It also gives us a much deeper appreciation for the Mass, for the Scriptures and
for the authority of the Church. All of these things have their roots in the
Holy Land.

Q: What audience are you trying to reach?

Ray: Our goal is to reach everyone. The videos are intelligent and theological
but they are also fun and adventurous. They plumb the deep truths of the
Christian faith but they do it in an entertaining and quick-paced format.

One night I invited a large group to preview our first video, "Peter, Keeper of
the Keys." Among the group were two theology professors and a whole lot of kids.
Everyone watched the video with equal attention. Even the kids laughed and asked
questions. I was overjoyed because I realized that our goal of reaching young
and old alike had been achieved.

The videos are being used to great advantage -- and fun -- by seminaries,
elementary schools, CCD and RCIA classes, families and even religious orders. A
month ago, Father Benedict Groeschel thanked me for making the series. He said
he always wanted to do something like this and now we have done it for him. I
took this as a great compliment.

Q: You have already done videos on Peter, Mary, Moses and Jesus. Who will be
your subjects for the six subsequent videos, and why?

Ray: Our goal is to cover the whole story of salvation. In the end, our series
will include four documentaries on the Old Testament, four on the New Testament
and two on the early Church.

Our next video/DVD, scheduled for an April 2004 release, will be "Paul,
Contending for the Faith." We have just returned from four weeks of filming in
six countries to get the story of St. Paul ready. We have great adventures to
share from Antioch and Tarsus in central Turkey, to Athens, Corinth, Jerusalem
and Rome.

We are currently writing the script for "David and Solomon: Building the
Kingdom." Following will be: "Elijah and Elisha: Conscience of the Kingdom,"
"Abraham: Father of Faith and Works," "The Church Fathers: Handing on the
Faith," and "The Doctors of the Church: Defining the Faith."

We have a few years to go and we are excited to bring all the riches of our
faith and history back home for Catholic families, parishes and schools.


* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/121103.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 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
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Vidimus Dominum, and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright
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All correspondence should be sent to:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 235

FRIDAY 12 December 2003

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641), Foundress of the Visitation
Order

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Pleads With Europe on Eve of Crucial Meeting
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• Audience With Israeli Official Focuses on Peace
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• Togo Leader Meets With Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Auction to Benefit Church in Azerbaijan
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Holy See Voices a Defense of International Humanitarian Law
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Book Culls a Century of Papal Writings on Faith and Culture
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Looking at Leo XIII's Legacy
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Philippine Native Is Named Auxiliary for Los Angeles
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Cardinal Marc Ouellet on the State of Quebec
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• VALLE D'AOSTA OFFERS CHRISTMAS TREES TO VATICAN CITY
---------------------------------------------------------------
• PRESENTATION OF MESSAGE FOR WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------
• AUDIENCES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

John Paul II Pleads With Europe on Eve of Crucial Meeting

Urges the Continent Not to Forget the Contribution of Christianity

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appealed to European
citizens not to forget the values that forged the continent's history, and to
recognize that Christianity was the force capable of promoting those ideals.

The Pope's appeal today came on the eve of the start of a two-day meeting of the
European Council in Brussels, which is expected to complete the text of the
future European Constitution.

Sources in the Italian government, which currently holds the presidency of the
European Union, told ZENIT that mention of the Christian roots in the preamble
of the Constitutional Treaty is all but discarded.

During the annual Mass celebrated for university students in St. Peter's
Basilica, the Holy Father said: "It is indispensable that the Europe of today
safeguard its patrimony of values, and recognize that it was above all the force
of Christianity that was capable of promoting, conciliating and consolidating
them."

The Pope's homily was an appeal to the 10,000 young people from 34 countries to
make their contribution to "the process of European integration."

"Undoubtedly, for the unity of Europe, the social, political and economic
structures are of great importance, but the humanistic and spiritual aspects
cannot be left to one side," John Paul II said.

He read the entire homily himself in a clear and strong voice. Cardinal Camillo
Ruini, the Pope's vicar for Rome, presided over the Mass.

The Mass closed the international congress on the mobility of university
students among the European countries, and the meeting of national delegates of
university pastoral care. The Council of European Bishops' Conferences organized
both initiatives.

At the end of the Mass, the Pope gave the icon "Seat of Wisdom" to the Irish
delegation. The Virgin Mary's image will visit the universities of Ireland.


* * *

Audience With Israeli Official Focuses on Peace


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The path to peace in the Holy Land was
the focus of the audience John Paul II gave to Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister
Silvan Shalom.

Following his meeting today with the Pope, Shalom met with Vatican Secretary of
State Cardinal Angelo Sodano in the presence of Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the
new Vatican secretary for relations with states.

"In the talks, the [two] sides expressed their point of view on the path that
must be followed to attain peace in the Holy Land," Vatican spokesman Joaquín
Navarro-Valls said later.

"In particular, stress was put on the need to come out of the present situation,
as well as the need for concrete acts of reconciliation on the part of all," he
said.

Discussions touched on issues that affect the life of the Catholic Church in the
Holy Land, including the "commitments adopted with the Fundamental Agreement of
1993," said Navarro-Valls.

On Nov. 16, John Paul II condemned terrorism, on the eve of Israeli Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon's visit to Rome. The Pope also said the "Holy Land does
not need walls but bridges" in reference to the barrier being built by the
Israelis, which has been condemned by the international community.



* * *


Togo Leader Meets With Pope


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II granted a brief audience
to General Gnassingbe Eyadema, president of Togo and Africa's long-reigning head
of state.

The Pope also greeted the entourage accompanying the African president. Later,
Eyadema met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano. The Vatican
press office gave no details of the discussions.

The Holy Father visited Togo in 1985, during his 27th international apostolic
trip.

Eyadema, 66, has been in office since 1967. He was re-elected for five years
last June 1, following contested elections.

Togo, which lies between Ghana and Benin, has a population of 5.4 million. Half
of the people profess indigenous beliefs, while 27.9% are Catholic, 1% are other
Christians, and 20% are Muslim. The country's precarious economy is burdened
with foreign debt.



* * *

Auction to Benefit Church in Azerbaijan


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 11, 2003 (ZENIT.org-Fides).- The tiny Catholic community of
Baku, Azerbaijan, will be the beneficiary of the proceeds of this year's Vatican
charity auction.

The Pontifical Urban University of Rome has housed the numerous artistic objects
given to John Paul II and to the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of
Peoples, which organized today's event.

This is the third such auction. Proceeds from previous sales went to the
children of Afghanistan, to the peoples of Mongolia, and to refugees of Angola.

Catholics in Azerbaijan are a small community, 150 people. The superior of the
mission, Salesian Father Josef Daniel Pravda, said he and his little flock are
very grateful for this unexpected Christmas gift, which will help to support and
assist the many orphans and homeless people in Baku.

Part of the funds will go toward the construction of a new church. Work will
start next year, and the church will be built in the style of the one destroyed
under the Stalin regime.

The small Catholic community, in collaboration with the Red Crescent
organization, runs a soup kitchen primarily for immigrant families who have fled
situations of war in the Caucasus, Nagorno-Karabakh or Chechnya.




* * *


Holy See Voices a Defense of International Humanitarian Law

At Red Cross Conference in Geneva

GENEVA, DEC. 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See raised its voice forcefully in
defense of international humanitarian law, especially in wartime.

The Catholic Church's position resounded at the 28th International Conference of
the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, held here from Dec. 2-6. The speech given by
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican's permanent observer to the United
Nations in this Swiss city, was made public Wednesday.

Archbishop Tomasi said the meeting was taking place "at a moment marked by
rumbles of war and by an explosion of terrorism of such a magnitude unknown
before today."

"Civilian victims of well-reported and of forgotten wars and of their
destructive consequences run in the millions," he lamented. "In fact, some
states and non-state actors try to exploit the desperation of endemic poverty
and of extreme social inequality by promoting their private objectives through
violent actions."

In this context, "the Holy See looks at international humanitarian law as an
important, invaluable, nonnegotiable and still relevant instrument," the
archbishop stressed.

Therefore, the Church "will continue to promote appropriate initiatives of
interreligious character to defend human dignity during armed conflicts and to
increase respect for international humanitarian law, especially through the vast
network of Catholic education institutions," he said.

"Some governments are reticent in accepting effective control mechanisms, while
public opinion seems to have become accustomed to violations of humanitarian law
as if the painful spectacle of so many victims were leading to resignation
instead of prompting a reaction capable of influencing wrong political and
military choices," the Vatican representative said.

As "a sadly eloquent sign" of contempt for humanitarian law, Archbishop Tomasi
mentioned "the attacks purposely directed against humanitarian personnel who
generously serve in the midst of conflicts, in particular by the recent deadly
attacks against the International Committee of the Red Cross."

The "movement of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent can count on the partnership
and support of the Catholic Church," he added. "Collaboration with religious
institutions and faith communities will make for a more effective humanitarian
action."




* * *


Book Culls a Century of Papal Writings on Faith and Culture

From Leo XIII to John Paul II

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See unveiled a new book that
gathers more than a century of papal teachings on faith and culture.

The volume, entitled "Faith and Culture: Anthology of Texts of Papal Teaching
from Leo XIII to John Paul II," was published by the Pontifical Council for
Culture.

In more than 1,500 pages, the book covers issues that extend "from the arts to
technology, from ideologies to the family, from sports to politics, from
universities to cultural identity, from globalization to inculturation,"
explained Cardinal Paul Poupard, council president.

The volume, which covers papal teachings from 1890 to 2002, includes several
indexes for easy reference.

Cardinal Poupard shared a story to illustrate the importance the Pope attaches
to the book's contents. At the start of his pontificate, John Paul II, who
already had in mind the creation of a Council for Culture, told then Bishop
Poupard in a private meeting: "Without a pastoral program of culture, there can
be no pastoral care at all."

The Holy Father would explain this concept later in the letter he wrote when
establishing the Pontifical Council for Culture in 1982: "A faith that does not
build culture is a faith that is not fully accepted, not fully thought out, not
faithfully lived."

"This anthology," Cardinal Poupard said, "seeks to present different pastoral
moments and attitudes of the last nine popes, noting the continuity and
innovations of a dialogue between faith and culture, in the complex mission of
inculturating and evangelizing the culture."



* * *

Looking at Leo XIII's Legacy

International Congress Recalls His View on Faith, Society and the Economy

ROME, DEC. 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Leo XIII's ability to maintain relations with
just about every sovereign state helped earn him the sobriquet "the Pope of
peace," participants a congress heard.

The ongoing importance of the social and political thought of the Pontiff
(1810-1903) was highlighted, on the centenary of his death, at the international
congress entitled "Leo XIII, Timeliness of a Pope," held at the Palazzo Altieri.

The congress, which ended last Saturday, focused on two important challenges
addressed by the Pope born Vincenzo Pecci: the elaboration of the Church's
social doctrine, and the Church's dialogue with the modern world.

Professor Nikolaus Lobkowicz, of the University of Eichstatt, spoke about Leo
XIII's diplomatic activity and political concern.

"He was able to maintain relations with all sovereign states -- except for the
Italian House of Savoy -- and with all governments," Eichstatt said. "This is
why he is known as 'the Pope of peace,' 'the politician Pope' and even 'teacher
of politics.'"

The congress gathered specialists such as Andrea Riccardi, professor at the Rome
III University and founder of the Community of Sant'Egidio; Jean Dominique
Durand of the Lyon III University; Massimo Cacciari, of St. Raphael University
of Milan; and Ernesto Galli della Logia, of the University of Perugia.

According to Bishop Rino Fisichella, rector of the Lateran University, "It would
not be correct to remember Pope Pecci only for the social encyclical 'Rerum
Novarum.'"

Leo XIII faced "the end of temporal power, which occurred with the capture of
Rome, and since 1870 laid the premises for a different presence of the Church in
the world," Bishop Fisichella said.

"He had a lucid and keen intelligence, nourished by a passionate love of reading
and study, especially of St. Thomas," he added.

Historian Giorgio Rumi, president of the committee for the events marking the
centenary of Leo XIII's death, recalled that "Pope Pecci was the first Pope in
15 centuries who did not enjoy temporal power but only purely spiritual
authority."

In fact, the papal territories had been annexed by the Italian republic, and an
agreed solution, according to international law, was still pending between Italy
and the Holy See.

Ferdinando Adornato, president of the Cultural Commission of the Italian Chamber
of Deputies, said: "Leo XIII's lessons of peace, his vision of society based on
freedom and solidarity, his concept of a democracy strengthened by reference to
truth are a precious light for any one who wishes to advance toward the future."

Leo XIII's role in the missions was also studied. Professor Claude Prudhomme of
the Lyon II University said that Leo XIII "has not gone into posterity as a
great missionary Pope and yet, in his pontificate he was able to integrate the
foreign missions in the governance of the Church, bringing Rome closer to the
mission."

The committee published a booklet on Michael Novak's address entitled "Human
Dignity and Freedom of the Person," in which the U.S. scholar states that "Leo
XIII was a precursor of contemporary economic theories, of the uselessness of
socialism, and of the centrality of man."




* * *

Philippine Native Is Named Auxiliary for Los Angeles


LOS ANGELES, DEC. 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appointed Father Oscar
Azarcon Solis, of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana, as auxiliary
bishop of Los Angeles.

The priest has been pastor of the St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish in Thibodaux,
the Vatican press office said in a statement today.

Oscar Azarcon Solis was born in 1953 in San Jose City, Philippines, and was
ordained a priest in 1979 for the Diocese of Cabanatuan.

He emigrated to the United States in 1984, and from 1984 to 1988 was assistant
parish priest of St. Rocco Parish in the Archdiocese of Newark in New Jersey. He
was incardinated in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in 1992.



* * *

Cardinal Marc Ouellet on the State of Quebec

"I Hope That There Will Be a Reawakening of Our Spiritual Patrimony"

ROME, DEC. 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Marc Ouellet hopes to help his flock
rediscover its deeply Catholic identity.

The archbishop of Quebec talked about the mission that awaits him in Canada, in
this interview with ZENIT soon after the last consistory in Rome.

Q: Your Eminence, after your time in Rome teaching dogmatic theology at the John
Paul II Institute and after spending some time as the secretary of the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, you are now the new archbishop
of Quebec. What are the new challenges that you are facing right now?

Cardinal Ouellet: It is certainly a new life for me to be the new pastor of a
diocese. After working in the ecumenical field and dealing with theological
dialogue with other Christian beliefs I am now back in my own country, where my
own Christian roots are, and I see the great need of a new evangelization in the
terms of John Paul II.

Many of my brothers and sisters in the faith have lost knowledge of their own
faith; they don't practice anymore and even lost memory of that faith. In the
school system, history does not have a big place and even religion has lost its
importance.

Therefore I see a great need of handing on the faith through the renewal of
family life, a new understanding of marriage as the foundation of the family and
of society, and also the importance of maintaining the school as a place where
faith is transmitted ... and the parish community [as a place] to develop a
stronger catechesis.

The school is not giving a real catechesis, therefore it is necessary to
complete the religious practice in relation with the sacraments. That is one of
the challenges we have to face not only in my diocese but also in the whole
province of Quebec.

A second challenge is the youth. There is a gap between the generations. My
generation has not really transmitted the faith to their children. Some of the
children are not even baptized. We see very few children in church on Sundays.

Q: Is there a certain ignorance, or do you sense that there is even hatred
against the Church?

Cardinal Ouellet: It is more ignorance among the youth. They have not learned
anything about the Church. It really concerns me. But now, after the World Youth
Day in Toronto, things are changing slowly.

I have invited young people to celebrate with me in the spirit of World Youth
Day, and 700 of them came to my cathedral. It was a big success. I gave them
catechesis and we had other activities the whole day. Many of them had been in
Toronto; others came for the first time.

It was so good that we decided that we must repeat the experience of World Youth
Day.... So I invited them to make a pilgrimage with me at the end of August to a
very famous shrine in the diocese, St. Anne de Beaupré, and more than 500
responded with great enthusiasm to my invitation. We walked 14 kilometers
together. I gave them the catechesis of the Sunday, which was about the Letter
of St. Paul to the Ephesians 5:31, where Paul speaks about marriage.

It was such a good experience. In the evening we had a celebration of the mercy
of God and then the Eucharist and finally a fire at the river shore until
midnight. Many priests came as well and gave assistance for the sacrament of
penance. There is a new spirit developing here.

The attitude of the newspapers and television is usually not very positive
toward the Church in Canada, but these events in Rome, the 25th anniversary of
the Pope, the beatification of Mother Teresa and the consistory have been
covered very positively. I hope this will have also a lasting impact on the
youth.

Q: Can you say that the situation of the Church in Canada is similar to the
situation in the U.S. or is it very different? Is there a similar crisis?

Cardinal Ouellet: I don't know the situation in the States very well. I think
that in the States the situation is a bit better in the terms of religious
practice.

The culture there is a culture of free initiative, and the Catholics had to
fight for their own faith, because they were living in a sort of supermarket of
different beliefs -- whereas in Quebec we had a Christian and Catholic society;
everything was given and we took it for granted, and all of a sudden everything
fell apart.

Secularization of all the institutes, hospitals, trade unions -- we had Catholic
schools -- all of this fell apart in the last 30 years. Now we start to really
react against this, because if we allow this process to continue we will also
disappear as a nation.

Christianity was part of our cultural identity. If it disappears we won't
survive as a culture that is French, that has its precise historical
configuration. I hope that there will be a reawakening of our spiritual
patrimony. That is what I am preaching since I am back in Quebec.

Q: Is it true that the French population in Canada is mostly Catholic whereas
the English-speaking population is Protestant?

Cardinal Ouellet: Before it was like that, but now the situation has changed.
Catholics are now widespread in the whole country. Probably the majority of
Catholics is still in Quebec.

Of a population of 30 million Canadians, half of them are Catholic and half
Protestant, half on the French side and half on the English side. Also most of
the immigrants from Haiti and Latin America are Catholics and they help us to
remember our own roots.

There is a republican and secular spirit that has taken over in the French
culture. But I can see that my presence is indicating a new trend. And I really
want to help my people to rediscover the heart of their identity.

Q: The people in Canada will certainly notice that you are a man of dialogue ...

Cardinal Ouellet: When I got back to Quebec the press had already formed a
prejudice saying that I was ultraconservative, since I was coming from Rome and
I was appointed to create "order and discipline" even among the bishops.

I think now this image starts to change because the coverage of the celebrations
in Rome was so positive. Hopefully they will accept to deal with a real person
and not to deal with preconceived ideas about me.

It is a very demanding challenge, but I accept all interviews. I try to answers
about the values and what I want to do. I have been involved also in public
debates; they have given me critical attention, but at least it is attention.

Q: Maybe even the prejudice against Rome will change slowly ...

Cardinal Ouellet: Yes, this would be nice. If you consider, the gift of holiness
of Mother Teresa is so positive. It is a gift of this Pope whom people consider
as so conservative. I always point out his openness for dialogue, his ecumenical
gestures, his fight for world peace.

Q: You have chosen the motto "Ut unum sint" [that they all be one] when you
became a bishop. After the time that you have spent working in the Pontifical
Council for Promoting Christian Unity, do you see a concrete possibility of
continuing to work into that direction even in your new position as the
archbishop of an important diocese?

Cardinal Ouellet: The motto is at the heart of Our Lord's prayer before his
death. It has implication for ecumenical work obviously, but it has so much
meaning also for the life of each community.

Today there is a real challenge of unity at a local level, because if you lose
your own identity you need to be brought back to the heart of the Gospel.

I think we need also to deepen our understanding of unity. Unity is the
Trinitarian unity that means: "like you and me, Father, that they may be one in
us." It is not just to have the same ideas about politics or social justice; it
is a share in the heart of the mystery of God and this is the truth of every
single parish community.

The motto is so universal: It is universal in quality, in intensity of communion
of the Trinitarian mystery, and in extension. It implies the whole world and
whole humanity, which is called to enter into this mystery. So I won't change my
motto.

Q: Unity starts in the family ...

Cardinal Ouellet: Yes, today we face not just a moral crisis, but an
anthropological one as well. We are losing the sense of the difference between
man and woman, the complementarity of the sexes. The culture is trying to
suppress the difference of sexes as if being a woman or a man makes no
difference.

So the Church is reminding the world that the difference of the sexes is
important, fundamental and it even belongs to the vocation of man to image God,
to give a reflection of the mystery of God -- because in the divine Persons you
have equality but you have also difference.

The Father is the Father and the Son is the Son and the Son is absolutely not
the Father and vice versa. And the Spirit is completely different from the
Father and the Son, but they are God together. There would be no God without the
difference of the divine Persons in the unity of love.

We are created in the image of God. So it is very important to be created as a
man or a woman, and it is not the same. If we want a true humanity, we need to
accept the difference and to live out the difference in a love which is open to
a third. That is the mystery of God.

We live in a critical moment for anthropology but we have a wonderful
opportunity to announce the deepest part of the mystery of God, which is
Trinitarian love and which is inherent in the mystery of love between a man and
a woman and their child.

Q: Could you explain a bit about your relationship with Hans Urs von Balthasar,
with whom you have done your doctoral thesis?

Cardinal Ouellet: I was thinking a lot of him in these days for two reasons:
first of all, because he was nominated a cardinal but he never came to the
consistory because he died three days before on the 26th of June 1988. In a way
this gesture of the Holy Father has had its impact, recommending what he
[Balthasar] did as a theologian, which was a huge contribution, which is still
to be discovered not only by the theologians but by the Church as a whole.

During the consistory, on my side there was sitting another disciple of
Balthasar, the archbishop of Lyon, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin. There are also
others, like Cardinal Schönborn, Cardinal Stafford or the new cardinal of
Esztergom-Budapest, Peter Erdö, who have been influenced by his writings. And
Cardinal Ratzinger, of course, knew him well.

That means that the spiritual and intellectual heritage of von Balthasar is
still alive and now has penetrated more deeply into the hierarchy of the Church.
Not to forget the Pope himself! Ecumenically the theology of von Balthasar is a
treasure. I have seen Lutherans reacting very positively to the soteriology of
von Balthasar. And also when Rowan Williams was appointed the new archbishop of
Canterbury, he made a reference to von Balthasar as a sign of hope for the
future of closer relationships between the Anglican and the Catholic Church.

Balthasar's theology is a seed of new evangelization. The Pope's program of new
evangelization has its substance in von Balthasar's theology, which is deeply
Trinitarian and which has a ramification in anthropology and in the way we
understand the Church and the relation between the institution and charism.

There is a deep and refreshing vision of the mystery of the Church, and the
nuptial dimension of ecclesiology is very developed as well in his theology.
This is what the Church needs in the future.

* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The fourth section is entitled: "Critical Judgment". Leclercq says, "the second
characteristic of monastic historiography is, precisely, its scientific aspect."
(196). The first characteristic is "history conceived as a religious teaching
and the second being that "the monk historians gave proof of the scientific
spirit." (ibid.) Leclercq points out that in an age when monks were inclined
toward credulity rather than scepticism they exhibited sobriety like that of
Letaldus of Micy who wrote regarding legends of St. Julian: "I have omitted the
things which seemed to me less probable. On the other hand, I did not think I
ought to pass over in silence what I have learned of the authentic testimony of
some of the ancients . . ." (cf Vita S. Juliani, Epist. dedic. 4; PL 137.784).

Authentic religious spirit and piety embraces rational truth and right reason.
False religious spirit rejects rationality where emotion has precedent over
reason. The false religious spirit rejects the scientific spirit and thus
creates a tension between faith and reason, and religion and science as if these
are opposing forces or opposites in nature. The authentic Catholic spirit has
always embraced the scientific spirit prefer truth, rationality and logic over
myth and unbrideled credulity that is ruled by emtion. This is confirmed by the
public record of official Catholic doctrine and dogma. Unfortunately, Church
history contains examples of periods when members of the hierarchy were
indifferent to science as in the case against Galileo. Yet, the core of the
Catholic faith which is never opposed to science and scientific truth can be
misrepresented to the public by hierarchy that do. In such cases public opinion
erroneously concludes that it is the Church doing this rather than individuals
who alone are the ones acting privately rather than on good faith and sound
judgment. The Church today is filled with members of intellect and introspection
that grasp scientific principles and encourage dialogue that reveals the
correspondence between scientic truth and the Catholic faith.

"Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground" is the advice given by many
spiritual directors to souls that aspire to holiness. Like the medieval monk who
piously is inclined to credulity maintain also the objective scientific spirit
of right reason and sound judgment. The whole of religion is to nourish the
world with right reason and proper use of logic in order to correctly understand
ourselves and our world and live the authentic life of faith and love firmly
established in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

VALLE D'AOSTA OFFERS CHRISTMAS TREES TO VATICAN CITY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2003 (VIS) - A 30-meter high, 110-year old spruce tree
from the northern Italian region of Valle DAosta will be placed in St. Peter's
Square tomorrow, adjacent to the immense nativity scene currently being
constructed by Vatican workmen.. The tree, along with twenty other smaller ones
that will be placed in and around Vatican City, are the gifts of this Italian
region to the Holy Father for Christmas 2003.  John Paul II has spent seven
summer vacations in Valle D'Aosta.

   Three hundred people from Valle DAosta, including the president of the
region, will symbolically present the tree to the Holy Father at the general
audience on Wednesday, December 17. One of the other trees, decorated by
regional artisans, will grace the Paul VI Hall: At the foot of  the tree
will be a handmade nativity scene in wood which last Christmas was in the
upper Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

   That same afternoon, at 4:30 in St. Peter's square, Cardinal Edmund Szoka,
president of the Governorate of Vatican City, will preside at the official
tree lighting ceremony. He will be joined by officials of Valle D'Aosta and
members of local folklore groups and choirs will entertain.

* * *

PRESENTATION OF MESSAGE FOR WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2004

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2003 (VIS) - On Tuesday, December 16, at 11:30 a.m. in
the Holy See Press Office, the Popes message will be presented for the 37th
World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on January 1, 2004 on the theme:
"International Law, A Path to Peace." Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, Bishop
Giampaolo Crepaldi, Msgr. Frank J. Dewane and Giorgio Filibeck, respectively
president, secretary, undersecretary and official of the Pontifical Council for
Justice and Peace, will speak during the press
conference.

* * *

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2003 - The Holy Father today received in separate
audiences:

- Gnassingbe Eyadema, president of the Republic of Togo, and an entourage.

- Archbishop Edmond Farhat, apostolic nuncio in Turkey and Turkmenistan.

- Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, apostolic nuncio in India and Nepal.

- Silvan Shalom, minister of Foreign Affairs for Israel, and an entourage.

- Two prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Sudan on their "ad limina"
visit:

     - Bishop Vincent Mojwok Nyiker of Malakal.

     - Bishop Cesare Mazzolari of Rumbeck.

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/121203.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 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
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All correspondence should be sent to:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 236

MONDAY 15 December 2003


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• God's Closeness Is Secret of Christian Joy, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Asks Children to Pray for Him
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II's Address to New Ambassador of Denmark
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope's Address to New Ambassador of Singapore
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Papal Address to New Ambassador of Estonia
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Holy See Address at Summit on Information Society
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Lists Key Conditions for Peace in Holy Land
----------------------------------------------------------------
• U.S. Bishops on Why Homosexual "Marriage" Is a Contradiction
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Delay in Vote on Constitution Is Criticized
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• On the Unmistakable Characteristic of Christian Joy
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

God's Closeness Is Secret of Christian Joy, Says Pope

Such Happiness "Can Coexist With Suffering," He Adds

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- God's love is the foundation of
Christian joy, which no trial or suffering can affect, John Paul II said as he
invited Christians to prepare spiritually for Christmas.

"Advent is a time of joy, because it makes us relive the expectation of the
happiest event in history: the birth of the Son of God of the Virgin Mary," the
Pope said today before praying the midday Angelus.

On the Third Sunday of Advent, the Pope dedicated his reflection -- addressed to
several thousand pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square -- to Christian joy.

"To know that God is not far but close, not indifferent but compassionate, not a
stranger but a merciful Father who follows us lovingly while respecting our
freedom -- all this is reason for profound joy that different daily events
cannot affect," he said.

"An unmistakable characteristic of Christian joy is that it can coexist with
suffering, because it is totally based on love," added the Pope, who read his
address in a clear voice.

"In fact, the Lord who is at hand, to the point of becoming man, comes to infuse
in us his joy, the joy of loving," he said.

"Only in this way can one understand the serene joy of the martyrs even in the
midst of trials, or the smile of charity of the saints before those who are
suffering: a smile that does not offend but consoles," the Pope concluded.



* * *

John Paul II Asks Children to Pray for Him


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- At a pre-Christmas meeting with
pilgrims, John Paul II asked the children present to pray for him and for the
people who turn to him in their difficulties.

Hundreds of children gathered in St. Peter's Square today to pray the midday
Angelus and to have the Pope bless the figurines of the Baby Jesus they were
holding, a tradition on the Third Sunday of Advent.

Eventually, the children will place the images of the Christ Child in the crib
of their nativity scenes at home.

"Dear children and boys and girls, when you put the figurine of Baby Jesus in
the crib, say a prayer for me and for the many people who turn to the Pope in
their difficulties," he said. In farewell, he wished a "Merry Christmas to all!"




* * *

John Paul II's Address to New Ambassador of Denmark

"An Eclipse of the Sense of God Has Cast Its Shadow"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address John Paul II
delivered on Friday to Birger Dan Nielsen, the new ambassador of Denmark to the
Holy See, in the ceremony to present his letters of credence.


Your Excellency,

I am pleased to welcome you today and to accept the Letters of Credence by which
you are appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of
Denmark to the Holy See. Though my visit to your country took place some years
ago, I fondly recall the warmth and hospitality with which I was received. I
thank you for the gracious words of greeting which you bring from Her Majesty
Queen Margrethe II, and I would ask you to convey to Her Majesty, to the
Government and to the people of Denmark my good wishes and the assurance of my
prayers for the peace and well-being of the nation.

The Holy See's steadfast commitment to promoting the dignity of the human person
stands at the heart of her diplomatic activity. Without an authentic
understanding of the incomparable worth of men and women, claims to defend
fundamental human rights and efforts to attain peaceful coexistence among
peoples will prove vain. It is only in the respect and protection of the
inviolable dignity of every person that the search for solidarity and harmony in
our world finds its sure basis. Indeed, the urgent need for the entire human
family to give practical expression to what my predecessor, Blessed Pope John
XXIII, called the four pillars of peace -- truth, justice, love and freedom --
stems precisely from their being "requirements of the human spirit" (Message for
the 2003 World Day of Peace, No. 3).

Within the international community Denmark has long been esteemed for the
generosity which has marked its relations with the developing nations of the
world. Tangible expression of such solidarity is found in Danish leadership of
peace-keeping operations, generous assistance with aid projects, and readiness
to contribute to the requirements of international stability and security
necessary for social and economic advancement across the globe. In this regard,
I am particularly glad to acknowledge Your Excellency's observation concerning
the way in which Denmark and the Holy See have mutually supported the Millennium
Declaration. Your nation's exemplary commitment to funding that Declaration's
goals has not gone unnoticed and I am confident that Denmark will be a reliable
supporter of the newly proposed International Finance Facility, the initiatives
of which the Holy See welcomes.

Effective solidarity is always an expression of a firm and persevering desire to
promote the common good. Though this desire resonates deeply within the hearts
of all men and women, it also requires the determination to foster actively a
culture of acceptance. To this end, your country has sought to introduce peace
education programs, to support projects combating poverty and injustice, and to
encourage tolerance especially in regard to the immigrant community. At their
most significant level such laudable initiatives help to elicit a recognition of
the essential nature of human life as a gift and of our world as a family of
persons. True commitment to human solidarity on an international level in fact
finds its roots in the domestic family. If authentic and mature communion
between persons within the family -- the first and irreplaceable school of
social life -- is not truly appreciated and protected, then the relationships of
international solidarity, marked by respect, justice, dialogue and love, which
serve the common good will be severely impeded (cf. apostolic exhortation
"Familiaris Consortio," No. 43).

During my visit to Denmark I observed that your flag, the Dannebrog, is marked
with the sign of the Cross. I suggested that by being faithful to this
historical symbol of your existence as a people, Denmark will be faithful to her
very self. Integral to your history is the Christian Gospel which, as an
inspiration and support for your people (cf. Arrival Speech, Copenhagen, 6 June
1989), is as crucial today as it has been for over a thousand years. However,
one cannot but notice that an eclipse of the sense of God has cast its shadow
not only over your own country but over others on the Continent of Europe as
well. Many people are disoriented, uncertain, and some even without hope. With
numbers of Europeans living without spiritual roots, it is not surprising that
there are political and social moves to create a vision of Europe which ignores
its religious heritage and, in particular, its profoundly Christian soul (cf.
postsynodal apostolic exhortation "Ecclesia in Europa," No. 7). The advocates of
these misguided efforts assert the rights of the peoples of Europe, and claim to
speak in their name, yet are blind to the reality of the higher objective law
written on the heart of every man and woman and known to the human conscience.

A vision of Europe detached from God can only herald social fragmentation, moral
confusion and political disunity. In the face of the troubling signs which cloud
the horizon of the European continent I wish to repeat again the words from
Scripture which I quoted during my visit to your country: "God so loved the
world that he gave his only Son. This light has come into the world and those
who live by his truth come out into the light so that it may be plainly seen
that what they do is done in God" (Jn 3:16; 19-21). Christ's truth does not
disappoint. It illuminates and directs our ways, dispelling the shadows of
bewilderment and fear. Christ again invites us all "to blaze new trails leading
to a 'Europe of the spirit,' in order to make the continent a true 'common home'
filled with the joy of life" (postsynodal apostolic exhortation "Ecclesia in
Europa," No. 121).

With these words of encouragement I assure you that the Catholic Church, in
ecumenical fellowship with her Christian brothers and sisters in your land, will
continue to work for the spiritual enrichment and social development of the
Danish people. Through the witness of charity the Church reaches out to all men
and women, irrespective of ethnicity or religion, facilitating the growth of a
"culture of solidarity" and restoring life to the universal values of human
existence (cf. ibid., No. 85).

Mr. Ambassador, I am confident that the mission which you begin today will help
to strengthen the cordial bonds of understanding and cooperation between Denmark
and the Holy See. As you take up your new responsibilities be assured that the
various offices of the Roman Curia are ready to assist you in the fulfillment of
your duties. Upon you, your family and your fellow citizens I invoke the
abundant blessings of Almighty God.





* * *

Pope's Address to New Ambassador of Singapore

"The Courage of a New Solidarity"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address John Paul II
delivered on Friday to Walter Woon, when the new ambassador of Singapore to the
Holy See presented his letters of credence.

Your Excellency,

I am pleased to welcome you to the Vatican and to accept the Letters of Credence
appointing you Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Singapore to the
Holy See. I thank you for the kind greetings you have expressed on behalf of
President S.R. Nathan and the Government and people of Singapore, and I ask you
kindly to convey my good wishes and the assurance of my prayers for the peace
and well-being of the nation.

Your presence here today takes my thoughts to the visit I was privileged to make
to your country in 1986. The time I spent in Singapore allowed me the
opportunity to experience at first hand a culture shaped by the influence of so
many different ethnic and religious groups, which have for years lived in
harmony with one another. Singapore has been greatly enriched by its variety of
cultures and peoples and should take pride in its tradition of respect and
esteem for this patrimony. In fact, your country's commitment to encouraging an
authentic spirit of unity in diversity has made a significant contribution to
the region and you can rightly claim that it is one of the most developed in
Asia. Although Singapore is small in size and population, it nevertheless plays
an important role in the area, often acting as a bridge of cultural exchange
between East and West.

In order for authentic globalization to be achieved, governments and peoples
should encourage cultural diversity, at all times ensuring that it remains
grounded in the moral principles and values which govern human behavior and
relationships. Singapore has demonstrated its dedication to these precepts by
the ongoing commitment to religious tolerance, which it has enthusiastically
fostered since independence. It is to be hoped that the harmony which has
traditionally prevailed among the followers of the various religions in
Singapore will continue and grow even stronger. This is especially important
today, as moments of recent tension and tragic incidents in your region have
challenged the mutual respect which is basic to the peaceful co-existence of all
peoples. In accordance with your best traditions, there is a need for continued
dialogue, understanding and cooperation among the followers of the various
religions in order to ensure that all people work together for a civilization
built upon the universal values of solidarity, justice and freedom.

Singaporean society is permeated by a deep appreciation for the importance of
the spiritual and transcendent dimensions of human life. This has contributed to
a recognition of the need to develop a culture in which "people live together"
always avoiding the temptation to become a society which rejects, marginalizes,
uproots or oppresses others (cf. encyclical letter "Evangelium Vitae," No. 18).
This fundamental responsibility towards our brothers and sisters is a
characteristic of social interaction which must be exercised at both national
and international levels. Your country's resolve to assist those beyond its
borders is evident in the impressive international support which you offer. In
fact, our shared commitment to the less fortunate is one of many areas which
unite Singapore and the Holy See in our desire to serve the common good. An
example of this cooperation can be seen in our joint efforts to form young
professionals from poor countries in the region through the Singapore-Vatican
Third Country Training Program, initiated five years ago. Education is a key to
sustained development. I am therefore hopeful that our attempts to train young
people as conscientious and honest citizens will not only benefit their
individual countries but will also assist Asia and the entire global community.

Responsibility for the well-being of others extends to all sectors of life. In
this regard, I am aware of the significant contributions your country has made,
especially in the spheres of science and technology. The ability to serve
humanity through these is a gift demanding great respect. At no time can
governments support initiatives which threaten the sanctity of human life for
scientific or economic gain. "The great moral challenge facing nations and the
international community in relation to development is to have the courage of a
new solidarity, capable of taking imaginative and effective steps to overcome
both dehumanizing underdevelopment and the 'overdevelopment' which tends to
reduce the person to an economic unit" (postsynodal apostolic exhortation
"Ecclesia in Asia," No. 32). For this reason, proper judgment and prudent
deliberation concerning the control of these fields is essential. Such
discussions should include the different religious traditions which play a
significant role in the life of your nation. These groups make an essential
contribution to the genuine progress of society by drawing attention to the most
profound human questions and values and by giving the spiritual and moral
direction which must always accompany scientific and technological advances.

Even though the Catholic Church in Singapore is relatively small, her members
are proud contributors to the country's political, cultural and social
development. At a time when your nation and much of Asia are attempting to
rethink past policies concerning family life and demographics, Catholics have
much to offer. As I stated in 1986, "Families have a unique place in the Church
as a community of life and love. While being a communion of persons in dialogue
with God, they have an important role in society. They must remain open to the
larger community, so that the loving concern they show in their homes may be
extended to others for the betterment of all" (Homily in Singapore, No. 9). A
firm commitment to a culture of life and a culture of the family is an essential
building block to the social fabric of every country and a requirement for
long-term success.

Mr. Ambassador, it is my hope that, as you take up your new responsibilities,
the bonds of friendship between the Holy See and Singapore will be increasingly
strengthened. You can be assured that the various offices of the Roman Curia are
ready to assist you in fulfilling your mission. Upon yourself and the beloved
people of your nation I invoke abundant divine blessings.



* * *


Papal Address to New Ambassador of Estonia

"An Increasingly Obvious Crisis of the Family"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address John Paul II
delivered on Friday to Priit Kolbre, when the new ambassador of Estonia to the
Holy See presented his credentials.

Your Excellency,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Vatican as you present the Letters of
Credence by which you are appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Republic of Estonia to the Holy See. I would ask you kindly to convey to
His Excellency Mr. Arnold Rüütel my appreciation of his good wishes, which I
warmly reciprocate, and to assure him and the people of Estonia of my prayers
for the nation's well-being. Ten years ago I embarked on my "pilgrimage of
peace" to various Baltic nations including your own beloved country, where I
thanked God that "the lamp of freedom" had been lit anew. That visit remains
vivid in my mind and I gratefully recall the warmth and hospitality with which I
was received by civic and religious leaders alike.

The Church's diplomatic relations form a part of her mission of service to the
whole human family. Her heartfelt desire to foster fruitful relations with civil
society is anchored in her conviction that the hope of building a more just
world -- a world more worthy of man -- cannot ignore an understanding of man's
supernatural vocation. The Holy See's diplomatic activity seeks therefore to
promote an understanding of the human person who "receives from God his
essential dignity and with it the capacity to transcend every social order so as
to move towards truth and goodness" (encyclical letter "Centesimus Annus," No.
38). From this foundation the Church applies the universal values pertaining to
truth and love to the vast array of cultures and nations that constitute our
world.

As Your Excellency has observed, the arrival of the Catholic Church in Estonia
dates back to the twelfth century. Together with other Europeans, Estonians
rightly understand that the truths and values of Christianity have long been the
foundation of the very fabric of European society. This heritage does not,
however, belong just to the past. It is a project always in the making. It is
therefore imperative that as the nations of Europe move towards a new
configuration, Christianity's perennial proclamation of the truth should be
recognized and reclaimed. It is in recovering Europe's true identity, upon which
its freedom and democracy are founded, that the genuine progress of its cultural
and civic institutions can be assured (cf. postsynodal apostolic exhortation
"Ecclesia in Europa," No. 109).

The people of Estonia know only too well that, when the treasure of the
Christian faith is repressed or even denied, authentic social development
founders and the vision of a society marked with hope fades. In the wake of a
tragic period of fear and intimidation in European history, when the supremacy
of force prevailed, the Christian faith proposes its Gospel of life assuring a
future of hope and freedom, a future in which the supremacy of love and truth
will prevail. No human folly or shallow sense of inclusiveness can be allowed to
deny future generations this path to genuine personal fulfillment and
sustainable solidarity between peoples, rooted in the hope that "does not
disappoint" (Rm 5:5). In this regard I am confident that the Government of
Estonia will support the efforts of the Holy See to ensure that the Treaty of
the Constitution of Europe will recognize Christianity's place at the heart of
the Continent's life and future.

As Estonia continues to engage in the delicate but profoundly satisfying task of
forging its national spirit there is much for which to be grateful. Freedom of
thought and expression, now enjoyed by your citizens, is the condition for the
search for truth which defines the human person. The experience of history
teaches us however that the journey from oppression to liberty is arduous. It is
often marked by hollow promises of hope and the lure of false forms of freedom
detached from an essential link with truth. The passing of an era of repressive
political ideology must not be allowed to usher in one of destructive secularist
ideology. The human person -- the one who seeks truth -- is also the one who
lives by belief (cf. encyclical letter "Fides et Ratio," No. 31). It is to
believing communities then that political and civic authorities can turn with
confidence for a commitment to the humanization of society, by shaping a
European social order respectful of every man and woman and thus in accordance
with the common good (cf. postsynodal apostolic exhortation "Ecclesia in
Europa," No. 117).

There is no doubt that one of the greatest needs in Estonia today is to ensure
that the sacred institution of marriage, willed by God in the very act of
creation, with its concomitant of stable family life, is affirmed and supported.
Both civic and religious leaders of all denominations must work together towards
this end. Many cultural, social and political factors are in fact conspiring to
create an increasingly obvious crisis of the family. The tragedy of divorce
desolates family life and harms communities and individuals, especially
children. The scourge of abortion, in addition to violating the essential
dignity of human life, often causes untold emotional and psychological pain to
the mother who herself is frequently a victim of circumstances contrary to her
deepest hopes and desires. Faced with these afflictions, I again remind civil
leaders that they have a duty to make courageous choices to protect life through
legislative measures (cf. encyclical letter "Evangelium Vitae," No. 90) and to
uphold the values and demands of the family through effective social policies. I
also appeal to the Christian community of Estonia to bear steadfast witness to
the sublime beauty of the intimate communion of life and love which defines the
family and brings joy to human society.

Members of the Catholic Church, though few in number in your country, will
continue to pray and work for the continuing development of the Estonian people
and nation. I thank you for your gracious words of appreciation for what the
Church is achieving through her humanitarian organizations, notably Caritas, in
bringing a spirit of hope and practical assistance to vulnerable groups. Her
mission of service to all peoples, particularly the poor and marginalized,
stands at the heart of her witness to Christ's all-encompassing love.

Mr. Ambassador, during your term as Estonia's representative to the Holy See the
various departments of the Roman Curia will do all they can to assist you in the
discharge of your duties. I offer my best wishes for the success of your
endeavors to strengthen the cordial relations already existing between us. Upon
you, your family and all your fellow citizens I invoke the abundant blessings of
Almighty God.




* * *


Holy See Address at Summit on Information Society

Archbishop John Foley Highlights 3 Moral Foundations of Communications

GENEVA, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address of Archbishop John
Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, and head
of the Holy See delegation, delivered Thursday at the World Summit on the
Information Society.

The purpose of the meeting was to identify concrete policies to overcome the
technological gap that exists among countries worldwide.

Mr. President,
Distinguished representatives:

The Holy See is very pleased that this World Summit on the Information Society
is being held under the high patronage of the United Nations Secretary General
and is also grateful that the International Telecommunications Union has taken
the lead in organizing this gathering.

As you might expect, the Holy See is most interested in the human and moral
implications of the information society.

Thus, we are particularly grateful that agreement has been reached on the
"Ethical Dimensions of the Information Society" (Nos. 56-59) in the Declaration
of Principles.

We think that most men and women of good will would approve that "all actors in
the Information Society should take appropriate actions and preventive measures
against abusive uses of ICTs, such as illegal and other acts motivated by
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, hatred,
violence, all forms of child abuse, including pedophilia and child pornography,
and trafficking in and exploitation of human beings."

In our commendable concern to make information and communications technology
available to the broadest possible range of persons, I would hope that we might
remember three basic moral foundations of communication: the overriding
importance of truth, the dignity of the human person, and the promotion of the
common good.

In this context, access to information is essential to the development of a
healthy society in which all citizens might be well informed and active
participants, in keeping with their dignity and in light of the common good.

All of us are committed to avoiding the possibility that information and
communications technologies and programs might aggravate any inequalities which
already exist.

As the Holy See has always stated, the protection of private property, including
intellectual property, has the fundamental social task of serving the common
good of the human family and, as such, should allow for safeguard mechanisms,
even if this differs from market logic and the law of immediate economic return.

Development must be understood in a fully human way, concretely enhancing every
individual's dignity and creativity.

His Holiness Pope John Paul II, in an address to the United Nations Secretary
General and to the Administrative Committee on Coordination of the United
Nations (April 7, 2000), spoke of a "growing sense of international solidarity"
that offers the United Nations system "a unique opportunity to contribute to the
globalization of solidarity by serving as a meeting place for States and civil
society and a convergence of the varied interests and needs."

My delegation is particularly interested in the role of media and ICTs in the
preservation and construction of peace. We hope that this Summit will end in a
high-profile commitment in favor of peace, taken by all of us. It is just one
aspect of the ICTs' enormous potential for good, but perhaps the most urgent.

In these days, we cannot build a lasting peace without the cooperation of media
networks. They can serve the culture of dialogue, participation, solidarity and
reconciliation without which peace cannot flourish.

If peace is the state which exists when each person is treated with dignity and
allowed to develop as a whole person, a courageous contribution of media,
instead of featuring violence, immorality and superficiality, could foster a
more open and respectful use of ICTs to build better reciprocal knowledge and
respect and to foster reconciliation and a more fruitful relationship among
peoples of different cultures, ideologies and religions.

Technology is a means: We are responsible for using it so that, in this
communication age, the search for truth and true freedom might be advanced among
all peoples.

Thank you.




* * *

John Paul II Lists Key Conditions for Peace in Holy Land


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 12, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Peace will elude the Holy Land unless
both sides in the conflict reject violence and embrace a dialogue that leads to
the recognition of every person's rights, says John Paul II.

The Pope expressed this conviction today when receiving the letters of credence
of Mohammed Jaham Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, the new ambassador of Qatar to the Holy
See. Part of the papal address was dedicated to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.

The Holy See "never loses an occasion to remind the international community of
its duty to act with insistence before the parties in dispute so that they will
commit themselves to genuine negotiations," the Pope said.

"There will be no genuine peace in this region without reciprocal relinquishment
of violence and without recourse to courageous dialogue that will lead to
recognition of the right of each one to live freely in his land, in respect of
justice and the security of all, in particular around the holy places," he
added.

"May that much desired day come in which this land, so loved by all the children
of Abraham, will again see the return of peace!" the Pope exclaimed.

On Thursday, John Paul II appealed to Palestinians and Israelis for "concrete
acts" of peace when he received Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Silvan Shalom
in audience.




* * *

U.S. Bishops on Why Homosexual "Marriage" Is a Contradiction

Denying Status to Same-Sex Unions Seen as Requirement of Justice

WASHINGTON, D.C., DEC. 12, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Denying marriage to homosexual
couples does not demonstrate unjust discrimination or lack of respect, because
marriages and same-sex unions are essentially different realities, says the U.S.
bishops' conference.

"To uphold God's intent for marriage, in which sexual relations have their
proper and exclusive place, is not to offend the dignity of homosexual persons,"
the bishops wrote in their statement, which they overwhelmingly approved at
their meeting last month.

"Christians must give witness to the whole moral truth and oppose as immoral
both homosexual acts and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons," the
statement said.

The statement comes at a time of serious debate over the definition of marriage
in the United States. A Massachusetts court recently ruled in favor of same-sex
marriage. Vermont allows civil unions between homosexuals, and laws in
California and Hawaii extend some economic benefits to same-sex couples.

The bishops stressed that marriages and same-sex unions are fundamentally
different.

"For several reasons a same-sex union contradicts the nature of marriage," they
said. "It is not based on the natural complementarity of male and female; it
cannot cooperate with God to create new life; and the natural purpose of sexual
union cannot be achieved by a same-sex union."

"Persons in same-sex unions cannot enter into a true conjugal union. Therefore,
it is wrong to equate their relationship to a marriage," they said.

Some proponents of same-sex unions want equal rights for homosexual couples
under law. But the bishops rejected redefining marriage to provide legal
benefits for homosexual persons.

"The legal recognition of marriage, including the benefits associated with it,
is not only about personal commitment, but also about the social commitment that
husband and wife make to the well-being of society," they said. "It would be
wrong to redefine marriage for the sake of providing benefits to those who
cannot rightfully enter into marriage."

The bishops pointed out that some benefits sought by persons in homosexual
unions could already be obtained without regard to marital status. For example,
individuals can agree to own property jointly with another, and they can
generally designate anyone they choose to be a beneficiary of their will or to
make health care decisions in case they become incompetent.

To explain the state's responsibility in supporting marriage between a man and a
woman, the bishops wrote, "Across times, cultures and very different religious
beliefs, marriage is the foundation of the family. The family, in turn, is the
basic unit of society. Thus, marriage is a personal relationship with public
significance."

"The state has an obligation to promote the family, which is rooted in
marriage," they said. "Therefore, it can justly give married couples rights and
benefits it does not extend to others. Ultimately, the stability and flourishing
of society is dependent on the stability and flourishing of healthy family
life."

The bishops concluded that the state or the Church could not redefine marriage,
as it was given by God.

"Marriage is a basic human and social institution," they wrote. "Though it is
regulated by civil laws and church laws, it did not originate from either the
church or state, but from God. Therefore, neither church nor state can alter the
basic meaning and structure of marriage."




* * *

Delay in Vote on Constitution Is Criticized

Convention of Christians for Europe Reproaches Italy

ROME, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The failure to agree on a European
Constitution is due to an ideology that puts political agreements ahead of
values, said an official of the Convention of Christians for Europe.

In a press statement, the group criticized the result of the Inter-Governmental
Conference that ended Saturday without agreement on the system of voting in the
European Union, blocking the approval of the draft Constitutional Treaty.

Ireland, which will hold the EU presidency during the first semester of 2004,
must now continue the talks among the governments. No date has been set for
further analysis of the draft.

"The lack of agreement on the European Constitution represents the failure of an
ideology that would like to construct Europe by removing its Christian roots and
trusting only in political calculations," said Giorgio Salina, vice president
for Italy of the Convention of Christians for Europe.

The statement reproached the Italian government, current EU president, for
having sought a "high profile" agreement on technical questions that blocked the
approval of the convention, and accepting an agreement of "very low profile"
that rejects the mention of the Christian roots in the preamble.

The Christian group proposes a return to the plan of the leaders who launched
the process of European integration after World War II -- Konrad Adenauer,
Robert Schuman and Alcide De Gasperi, all of them Christian politicians -- in
order to base the European Constitution on "shared values" and "rules of
coexistence that respect the effective equality and dignity of all its members."


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Mother Teresa's "Dark Nights" Can Teach Us a Lot, Says Preacher

Father Cantalamessa's 2nd Advent Homily for Pope and Roman Curia

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- From the dark night of the mystics
such as Mother Teresa, we can learn "how to behave in the time of dryness," a
preacher said at a mediation in the presence of the Pope.

Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the Papal Household preacher, delivered
that message Friday when he gave his second meditation for Advent 2003, on
Christian holiness in the light of the experience of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

He delivered the homily in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Vatican Apostolic
Palace, in the presence of John Paul II and officials of the Roman Curia.

After Mother Teresa said her "yes" to the divine inspiration, which called her
to leave everything to serve the poorest of the poor, "an oppressive darkness
came upon her," Father Cantalamessa explained. She was entering the experience
of the "dark night of the spirit," he said.

In letters to her spiritual director, Mother Teresa explained the "profound
contradiction" her soul was suffering, and the "feeling of not being loved by
God," something which accompanied her until her death in 1997.

"The most perfumed flower of Mother Teresa's night is her silence about it," the
Papal Household preacher said. "Even the people who were closest to her did not
suspect anything, until the end, of this interior torment."

According to Father Cantalamessa, "This strange phenomenon of a night of the
spirit that lasts practically the whole of life" has a point of novelty that
goes beyond purification.

"It is the means of protection invented by God for today's saints who live and
work constantly under the spotlight of the media," he said.

In fact, this suffering -- "the silence of God" -- impeded Mother Teresa from
being affected by the fame she enjoyed among everyone, the Capuchin said.

"But there is an even more profound reason that explains why these nights are
prolonged for a whole lifetime: the imitation of Christ, participation in the
dark night of the spirit that Jesus had in Gethsemane and in which he died on
Calvary," Father Cantalamessa continued.

Yet, it "would be a serious error to think that the life of these persons was
all gloom and suffering," the Capuchin stressed. He quoted John Paul II's
apostolic letter "Novo Millennio Ineunte," in which is expressed the
"paradoxical blending of bliss and pain" that these persons experience.

Through such an experience "the mystics have arrived within a step of the world
of those who live 'without God,'" to the extent that they become "the ideal
evangelizers in the postmodern world, where one lives as if God did not exist."

Moreover, we believers "learn from the dark night of the mystics and, in
particular, of Mother Teresa: how to behave in the time of dryness, when prayer
becomes a struggle," Father Cantalamessa said. He pointed to the Gospel
according to Luke, which tells how Jesus in his agony in the garden prayed
fervently.

The Capuchin's third and last meditation for this Advent will take place next
Friday.



Chapter Eight (to be continued tomorrow)

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

On the Unmistakable Characteristic of Christian Joy

It Can Coexist With Suffering, Says John Paul II

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave today before praying the midday Angelus with several thousand
pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.


1. "Rejoice in the Lord always. ...The Lord is at hand" (Philippians 4:4-5).

With these words of the Apostle Paul, the liturgy invites us to joy. It is the
Third Sunday of Advent, called precisely because of this "Gaudete" Sunday. They
are the words with which the Servant of God, Pope Paul VI, wished to entitle in
1975 his memorable apostolic exhortation on Christian joy, "Gaudete in Domino!"

2. Advent is a time of joy, because it makes us relive the expectation of the
happiest event in history: the birth of the Son of God of the Virgin Mary.

To know that God is not far but close, not indifferent but compassionate, not a
stranger but a merciful Father who follows us lovingly while respecting our
freedom -- all this is reason for profound joy that different daily events
cannot affect.

3. An unmistakable characteristic of Christian joy is that it can coexist with
suffering, because it is totally based on love. In fact, the Lord who "is at
hand," to the point of becoming man, comes to infuse in us his joy, the joy of
loving. Only in this way can one understand the serene joy of the martyrs even
in the midst of trials, or the smile of charity of the saints before those who
are suffering: a smile that does not offend but consoles.

"Rejoice, O full of grace, the Lord is with you!" (Luke 1:28). The Angel's
annunciation to Mary is an invitation to joy. Let us ask the Holy Virgin for the
gift of Christian joy.

[After praying the Angelus, John Paul II greeted the pilgrims as follows:]

I greet with affection the children of Rome, who have come for the traditional
blessing of the images of Baby Jesus; I thank the Center of Roman Oratories,
which organizes this beautiful initiative. Dear children and boys and girls,
when you put the figurine of Baby Jesus in the crib, say a prayer for me and for
the many people who turn to the Pope in their difficulties.

[After a brief greeting in Spanish and Polish, the Holy Father concluded in
Italian:]

Merry Christmas to all!

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/121503.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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.

__________________________________________________
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 237

TUESDAY 16 December 2003


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
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• John Paul II's Address to Bishops of Sudan
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• Cultural Bias Has No Place in Church, Says Pope
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• Liberation Theology, According to John Paul II
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• Law of the Market Is Not Enough, Insists Pope
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• Guadalupe Feast Prompts Papal Plea for Evangelization
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• Papal Household Preacher's 2nd Meditation for Advent 2003 (Part 1)
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Ethiopian Cardinal Paulos Tzadua Dies
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• OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
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• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

John Paul II's Address to Bishops of Sudan

"Always Reflect the Attitude of Christ the Good Shepherd"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address John Paul II
delivered today to the bishops of the Sudanese episcopal conference on the
occasion of their five-yearly visit, after meeting privately with them in
separate audiences.


Dear Brother Bishops,

1. "May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways" (2
Thessalonians 3:16). At this decisive moment for your country, as two decades of
violent conflict and bloodshed seem poised to give way to reconciliation and
pacification, I greet you, the members of the Sudan Catholic Bishops'
Conference, with these words of the Apostle Paul, words of comfort and
reassurance, words founded on the Word who is "the life and the light of men"
(cf. John 1:4), Jesus Christ, our hope and our peace.

These days of your visit ad Limina Apostolorum are privileged moments of grace
during which we strengthen the bonds of fraternal communion and solidarity which
unite us in the task of bearing witness to the Good News of salvation. As we
reflect together on this mission received from the Lord and on its particular
implications for you and your local communities, I wish to call to mind the
figures of two intrepid witnesses to the faith, two holy individuals whose lives
are intimately connected with your land: Saint Josephine Bakhita and Saint
Daniel Comboni. I am convinced that the example of steadfast commitment and of
Christian charity given by these two devoted servants of the Lord can shed much
light on the present realities facing the Church in your country.

2. From her earliest years Saint Josephine Bakhita knew the cruelty and
brutality with which man can treat his fellow man. Abducted and sold into
slavery as a young child, she was all too familiar with the suffering and
victimization that still afflicts countless men and women in her homeland and
throughout Africa and the world. Her life inspires the firm resolve to work
effectively to free people from oppression and violence, ensuring that their
human dignity is respected in the full exercise of their rights. It is this same
resolve that must guide the Church in the Sudan today as the nation makes the
transition from hostility and conflict to peace and concord. Saint Bakhita is a
shining advocate of authentic emancipation. Her life clearly shows that
tribalism and forms of discrimination based on ethnic origin, language and
culture do not belong in a civilized society and have absolutely no place in the
community of believers.

The Church in your country is acutely aware of the hardships and pain that
afflict those fleeing war and violence -- especially women and children -- and
she mobilizes not only her own resources in helping to meet their needs but also
draws on the generosity of outside volunteers and benefactors. Particularly
noteworthy in this regard is the work of Sudanaid, the national relief agency
overseen by the Aid and Development Department of your Bishops' Conference,
which rightly enjoys widespread esteem for the various charitable projects in
which it is engaged. Brothers, I would suggest that a solid basis for seeking
Church representation in the process of normalization currently under way can be
found precisely in the much-needed assistance that she lends to the many
refugees and displaced persons who have been forced from their homes and family
lands.

Moreover, the many contributions that the Church makes to your country's social
and cultural life can help you to establish closer and more positive
relationships with national institutions. A tentative opening on the part of
civil leadership can already be seen in the presence of Christians in the
current government, and in the reactivation of the Commission for Interreligious
Dialogue. You should do all that you can to encourage this, even as you insist
that religious pluralism, as guaranteed by the Sudanese Constitution, should be
respected.

An important corollary in this regard is your duty to address significant issues
that touch upon the country's social, economic, political and cultural life (cf.
"Ecclesia in Africa," No. 110). As you know so well, it belongs to the Church to
speak out unambiguously on behalf of those who have no voice and to be a leaven
of peace and solidarity, particularly where these ideals are most fragile and
threatened. As Bishops, your words and actions are never to be the expression of
individual political preferences but must always reflect the attitude of Christ
the Good Shepherd.

3. With this image of the Good Shepherd in mind, I turn now to the figure of
Saint Daniel Comboni, who, as a missionary priest and Bishop, worked tirelessly
to make Christ known and welcomed in Central Africa, including the Sudan. Saint
Daniel was keenly concerned that Africans should have a key role in evangelizing
the continent, and he was inspired to draft a missionary blueprint for the
region -- a "plan for the rebirth of Africa" -- that enlisted the help of native
peoples themselves. In the course of his missionary activity, he did not let the
great suffering and many hardships that he endured -- privation, exhaustion,
illness, mistrust -- divert him from the task of preaching the Good News of
Jesus Christ.

Bishop Comboni was moreover a strong advocate of inculturating the faith. He
took great pains to familiarize himself with the cultures and languages of the
local peoples he served. In this way, he was able to present the Gospel in a
manner and according to the customs that his listeners readily understood. In a
very real way, his life is an example for us today, clearly demonstrating that
"the evangelization of culture and the inculturation of the Gospel are an
integral part of the new evangelization and thus a specific concern of the
episcopal office" ("Pastores Gregis," No. 30).

Brothers, it is this same apostolic fervor, missionary zeal and deep concern for
the salvation of souls that must be a hallmark of your own ministry as Bishops.
Make it your first and foremost duty to care for the flock entrusted to you,
looking after its spiritual and physical well-being, spending time with the
faithful, in particular with your priests and the religious in your Dioceses.
The pastoral ministry of the Bishop, in fact, "finds expression in his 'being
for' the other members of the faithful while not detracting from his 'being
with' them" ("Pastores Gregis," No. 10).

In all this, yours must be an invitation, gentle yet insistent, to conversion,
the conversion of hearts and minds. Faith grows to maturity as Christ's
disciples are educated and formed in a thorough and systematic knowledge of his
person and message (cf. "Catechesi Tradendae," No. 19). Thus, the continuing
formation of the laity is a priority in your mission as preachers and teachers.
Spiritual and doctrinal formation should aim at helping the lay faithful to
carry out their prophetic role in a society which does not always recognize or
accept the truth and values of the Gospel. This is especially the case for your
catechists: these dedicated servants of the Word require proper formation, both
spiritual and intellectual, as well as moral and material support (cf. "Ecclesia
in Africa," No. 91).

It would also prove helpful if a simple catechism in the language of the people
were prepared and made available. Similarly, suitable texts in local languages
could be prepared and distributed as a means of presenting Jesus to those who
are unfamiliar with the Christian message and as a tool for interreligious
dialogue. This could be especially helpful in those areas exempt from Shari'ah
law, particularly in the Federal Capital of Khartoum. Here too I would like to
encourage you to rekindle your efforts to establish a Catholic University in
Khartoum. Such an institution would allow the priceless contribution that the
Church makes in elementary and secondary education to be brought to bear also in
the area of higher education. A Catholic University would also be of great
assistance in helping you to fulfill your duty of seeing that properly trained
teachers are available to impart Christian instruction in the public schools.

4. Turning to those who assist you most closely in your pastoral ministry, I
urge you always to cherish your priests with a special love and to regard them
as precious co-workers and friends (cf. "Christus Dominus," No. 16). Their
formation must be such that they are ready to put aside all earthly ambition in
order to act in the person of Christ. They are called to be detached from
material things and to devote themselves to the service of others through the
complete gift of self in celibacy. Scandalous behavior must at all times be
investigated, confronted and corrected. With your friendship and fraternal
support, as well as that of their brother priests, it will be easier for your
clergy to be wholly devoted, in chastity and simplicity, to their ministry of
service.

Of course, the attitudes and dispositions of a true shepherd must be nurtured in
the hearts of future priests long before their ordination. This is the purpose
of the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation provided in the
seminary. The guidelines contained in my postsynodal apostolic exhortation
"Pastores Dabo Vobis" will prove invaluable for evaluating candidates and
improving their training. At the same time, steps should be taken to ensure that
proper priestly formation continues after ordination, especially during the
early years of ministry.

In the faith life of your communities Religious and Missionary Institutes
continue to play a decisive role. While respecting the legitimate internal
autonomy established for religious communities, the Bishop is to help them
fulfill -- within the local Church -- their obligation to bear witness to the
reality of God's love for his people. As Pastors of Christ's flock, you should
urge careful discernment of the suitability of candidates to the religious life
and help superiors to provide a solid spiritual and intellectual formation, both
before and after profession.

5. In the fulfillment of your many duties, you and your priests must always be
attentive to the human and spiritual needs of your people. Time and resources
should never be spent on diocesan or parochial structures or on development
projects at the expense of people; nor should such structures or projects impede
personal contact with those whom God has called us to serve. Equity and
transparency must be the indispensable traits characterizing all financial
matters, with every effort being made to see that contributions are truly used
for the purposes intended. The Church's pastoral mission and the duty of her
ministers "not to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28) must always be the
overriding concern.

The concepts of service and solidarity can also do much to foster greater
ecumenical and interreligious cooperation. A specific initiative that could help
to spur progress in this area is the establishment of an agency for coordinating
the various programs aimed at lending assistance and humanitarian aid throughout
the various regions of the country. Such coordination would undoubtedly serve to
increase the effectiveness of these programs and could even prove helpful in
making contacts for the issue of the government permits necessary for travel to
certain areas. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Sudan could actively
sponsor and promote such a coordinating agency. On the model of the
understanding already present in Southern Sudan with members of the Anglican
Communion, the agency would be open to representatives of other Christian
denominations and other religions, including Islam, thus fostering a climate of
mutual trust through joint cooperation in the areas of educational and
humanitarian assistance.

6. Dear Brother Bishops, my words to you today are meant to offer encouragement
in the Lord. I am aware of your daily toils and of the great pain and suffering
that your people still endure: I assure you and them once more of my prayers and
solidarity. With all of you I beseech the God of peace to grant success to the
process of dialogue and negotiation now under way, so that truth, justice and
reconciliation may again reign in the Sudan. I commend you and your Dioceses to
the loving care of Mary, Queen of Apostles, and to the heavenly intercession of
Saints Josephine Bakhita and Daniel Comboni. During this season of Advent, as we
prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth, may you and the priests, Religious and
lay faithful of your local Churches be renewed in the hope that springs from the
"glad tidings of great joy" proclaimed in Bethlehem. To all of you I cordially
impart my Apostolic Blessing.


* * *

Cultural Bias Has No Place in Church, Says Pope

Sees Inculturation of Gospel as a Key Part of New Evangelization

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Cultural or ethnic discrimination has
no room in the Church, John Paul II said categorically as talked of the need for
inculturation of the faith.

The Pope voiced this commitment of the Church when he received the Catholic
bishops of Sudan, in Rome for their five-yearly visit. The Holy Father talked of
the lessons bequeathed by two saints linked to Sudan: Josephine Bakhita and
Daniel Comboni.

"Tribalism and forms of discrimination based on ethnic origin, language and
culture do not belong in a civilized society and have absolutely no place in the
community of believers," the Pope said today.

At age 7, Josephine Bakhita (1869-1947) was sold and purchased five times by
Arab traders. In 1882, an Italian consular agent purchased her and took her to
Italy. There, she learned about Christianity and was baptized in 1890, entering
later in the Institute of Canossian Daughters of Charity.

"Her life inspires the firm resolve to work effectively to free people from
oppression and violence, ensuring that their human dignity is respected in the
full exercise of their rights," the Pope said.

"It is this same resolve that must guide the Church in the Sudan today as the
nation makes the transition from hostility and conflict to peace and concord,"
he said. "St. Bakhita is a shining advocate of authentic emancipation."

The Holy Father presented Bishop Daniel Comboni as "a strong advocate of
inculturating the faith."

The Italian (1831-1881) was the first bishop of central Africa. Founder of the
Comboni missionaries, his motto was "Save Africa through Africa."

"St. Daniel was keenly concerned that Africans should have a key role in
evangelizing the continent, and he was inspired to draft a missionary blueprint
for the region -- a plan for the rebirth of Africa -- that enlisted the help of
native peoples themselves," the Pontiff noted.

"In a very real way," the Holy Father said, "his life is an example for us
today, clearly demonstrating that the evangelization of culture and the
inculturation of the Gospel are an integral part of the new evangelization and
thus a specific concern of the episcopal office."




* * *

Liberation Theology, According to John Paul II

Says Evangelization and Human Promotion "Intimately Connected"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says genuine
evangelization leads logically to human promotion, that is, to the "integral
liberation of the person."

The Pope addressed the principles of an authentic theology of liberation today
when he met with Carlos Rafael Conrado Marion-Landais Castillo, the Dominican
Republic's new ambassador to the Holy See.

"Human promotion must be the logical consequence of evangelization, which tends
to the integral liberation of the person," the Holy Father said in the address
he prepared for the occasion, quoting words he spoke in Santo Domingo on Dec.
12, 1992, on the fifth centenary of the start of the evangelization of the
Americas.

"Over these five centuries the Church has accompanied the journey of the
Dominican people, proclaiming the Christian principles to them, which are a
source of solid hope and infuse renewed dynamism to society," the Pope
explained.

The "work of evangelization and human promotion" are actions "that are not
opposed but are intimately connected," he noted.

This explains the action of the Church in the Dominican Republic "in favor of
the disabled, AIDS patients, ethnic minorities, emigrants and refugees," he
said.

Another "reason for joy is the presence of the Church in the educational field,
through a pontifical university in Santiago -- with premises also in the capital
city -- four Catholic universities, several technical Institutes and women's
polytechnic institutes, and almost 300 educational centers and parochial
schools," the Pope observed.

"In addition, other institutions of the Catholic Church make a significant
contribution to the common effort to foster a more just society, attentive to
the needs of its weakest members," he said.

In his address, the Holy Father encouraged the Caribbean nation's episcopate in
the preparation of a plan for the pastoral program of evangelization on the
occasion of the 500 years of existence of episcopal sees on the island.





* * *

Law of the Market Is Not Enough, Insists Pope

Insists on a Need for Solidarity

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The law of the market and
globalization does not guarantee justice, so there must be solidarity to give
people precedence over profits, says John Paul II.

The Pope made this point today when he received the letters of credence of
Carlos Rafael Conrad Marion-Landaus Castillo, the new ambassador of the
Dominican Republic to the Holy See.

"In today's world, it is not enough to limit oneself to the law of the market
and its globalization," the Holy Father said. "Solidarity must be fomented,
avoiding the evils that stem from capitalism, which put profit above the person
and make [the latter] the victim of so many injustices."

"A development model that does not take into account and address these
inequalities cannot prosper in any way," he said.

"Those who always suffer most in the crises are the poor. This is why they must
be the special object of the vigilance and attention of the state," the Pope
continued.

"The struggle against poverty must not be reduced simply to improving their
conditions of life, but to removing them from this situation creating sources of
employment and adopting their cause as one's own," he added.

To achieve this, the Pope stressed "the importance of education and formation as
elements in the struggle against poverty, as well as respect for fundamental
rights, which cannot be sacrificed for the sake of other objectives, as this
would strike against the real dignity of the human being."

In his address, the Pope responded implicitly to those who think that the Church
should not speak out on economic or political issues.

"Although in her service to society it is not the Church's role to propose
solutions of a political or technical order, nevertheless she must and wants to
point out the motivations and orientations that come from the Gospel to
enlighten the search for answers and solutions," he said.

"At the root of peoples' social, economic and political ills is usually the
rejection or neglect of real ethical, spiritual and transcendental values," he
added. "It is the mission of the Church to recall, defend and consolidate them."

"In the solution of these problems, it must not be forgotten that the common
good is the objective to attain, for which the Church, without claiming
competencies that are foreign to her mission, lends her collaboration to the
government and to society," he concluded.



* * *


Guadalupe Feast Prompts Papal Plea for Evangelization


MEXICO CITY, DEC. 15, 2003 (Zenit.org).- In a message on the feast of Our Lady
of Guadalupe, John Paul II urged those gathered for a Mass at the Marian
basilica here to continue their work in the new evangelization.

Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, president of the Pontifical Council for Health
Care Workers, concelebrated a Mass on Friday at the Basilica of Our Lady of
Guadalupe with numerous bishops of the Americas and Europe.

Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, apostolic nuncio in Mexico, read the papal message
addressed to Cardinal Lozano Barragán. In it, the Pope said he was spiritually
united to the pilgrims, "presenting to the maternal intercession of the Virgin
Mary the joys and hopes, bliss and sorrows of all the American faithful."

Cardinal Lozano Barragán and Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, archbishop
primate of Mexico, greeted the pilgrims who came on foot, bicycles, motorcycles,
trucks, cars and other means of transportation, to offer flowers in thanksgiving
to the Patroness of the Americas, and to ask for her favors.

The papal message also encouraged those present "to continue with renewed
enthusiasm, faithfully united to their pastors, in the tasks of the new
evangelization, announcing Christ, proclaiming the message of salvation, and
coming close to the sources of grace through the sacramental and charitable life
of the Church."




* * *


Papal Household Preacher's 2nd Meditation for Advent 2003 (Part 1)

On Mother Teresa's "Dark Nights"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is Part 1 of the second Advent
meditation that Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa delivered at the Vatican
last Friday, in the presence of the Pope and members of the Roman Curia.

Father Raniero Cantalamessa
Advent 2003 at the Papal Household
Second Homily

"Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow ..."

One day, Francis of Assisi exclaimed: "Emperor Charles, Orlando and Oliver, all
the paladins and brave warriors who were courageous in combats, pursuing the
infidels to the death with much sweat and toil, gained a glorious and memorable
victory over them, and in the end these holy martyrs fell in battle for the
faith of Christ. But now there are many, who only by narrating their feats, want
to receive honor and glory from men."[1]

In one of his Admonitions, the saint explained what he wished to say with those
words: "It is a great shame for us, servants of the Lord, that the saints acted
with deeds and we, recounting and preaching the things that they did, want to
receive honor and glory."[2] These words come to my mind as an austere sign at
the moment I set about to give the second meditation on the holiness of Mother
Teresa of Calcutta.

1. In the darkness of the night

What happened after Mother Teresa said her "yes" to the divine inspiration that
was calling her to leave everything to place herself at the service of the
poorest of the poor? The world knew well all that happened around her -- the
arrival of her first companions, the ecclesiastical approval, the vertiginous
development of her charitable activities -- but until her death, no one knew
what happened within her.

It has been revealed by her personal diaries and her letters to her Spiritual
Director, made public on the occasion of the process of beatification: "With the
start of her new life at the service of the poor, an oppressive darkness came
upon her."[3] A few brief passages suffice to give an idea of the density of the
darkness in which she found herself:

"There is so much contradiction in my soul, such deep longing for God, so deep
that it is painful, a suffering continual -- yet not wanted by God, repulsed,
empty, no faith, no love, no zeal .... Heaven means nothing to me, it looks like
an empty Place"[4]

It was not difficult to recognize immediately in this experience of Mother
Teresa a classic case of that which scholars of mysticism, following St. John of
the Cross, usually call the dark night of the spirit. Tauler gives an impressive
description of this stage of the spiritual life:

"Now we are abandoned in such a way that we no longer have any knowledge of God
and we fall into such anguish so as not to know any more if we were ever on the
right path, nor do we know if God does or does not exist, or if we are alive or
dead. So that a very strange sorrow comes over us which makes us think that the
whole world in its expanse oppresses us. We no longer have any experience or
knowledge of God, and even all the rest seems repugnant to us, so that it seems
that we are prisoners between two walls."[5]

Everything leads one to think that this darkness was with Mother Teresa until
her death,[6] with a brief parenthesis in 1958, during which she was able to
write jubilantly: "Today my soul is filled with love, with joy untold, with an
unbroken union of love."[7] If from a certain moment she no longer speaks about
it, it is not because the night was finished, but rather because she got used to
living with it. Not only did she accept it, but she recognizes the extraordinary
grace it held for her.

"I have begun to love my darkness for I believe now that it is a part, a very
small part, of Jesus' darkness and pain on earth."[8]

The most perfumed flower of Mother Teresa's night is her silence about it. She
was afraid, in speaking about it, of attracting attention to herself. Even the
people who were closest to her did not suspect anything, until the end, of this
interior torment of Mother. By her order, the spiritual director had to destroy
all her letters and if some have been saved it is because he, with her
permission, had made a copy for the Archbishop and future Cardinal T. Picachy,
which were found after his death. Fortunately for us, the archbishop refused to
acquiesce to the request made also to him by Mother to destroy them.

The most insidious danger for the soul in the dark night of the spirit is to
realize that it is, precisely, the dark night, of that which great mystics have
lived before her and therefore to be part of a circle of chosen souls. With the
grace of God, Mother Teresa avoided this risk, hiding her torment from all under
a constant smile.

"The whole time smiling -- Sisters and people pass such remarks -- they think my
faith, trust and love are filling my very being. ... Could they but know -- and
how my cheerfulness is the cloak by which I cover the emptiness and misery."[9]

A known desert Father says: "No matter how great your sufferings are, your
victory over them is in silence."[10] Mother Teresa put this into practice in a
heroic manner.

2. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

On the occasion of the canonization of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina some lay
observers expressed the thought that the sanctity of the mystic Padre Pio seemed
archaic, as opposed to Mother Teresa's, the saint of charity, which would be a
modern holiness. Now we discover that Mother Teresa was also a mystic (that
Padre Pio was also a saint of charity is sufficiently demonstrated by the work
he realized for the "relief of suffering")!

The error is to contrast these two lines of Christian holiness which, on the
contrary, we often see wonderfully united, that is, in highest contemplation and
most intense action. St. Catherine of Genoa, considered one of the summits of
mysticism, was proclaimed by Pius XII patroness of hospitals in Italy, because
of her work and that of her disciples in favor of the sick and incurable, which
reminds us very much of that of Mother Teresa in our days.

In a beautiful article, written on the occasion of the beatification, an Indian
author described Mother Teresa as "a sister for Gandhi."[11] Undoubtedly many
traits join the two great souls, the two Mahatmas of modern India, but it is
even more correct, I believe, to see in Mother Teresa "a sister for Padre Pio."
They are joined not only by the same veneration of the Church, but also a same
cyclone of glory on the part of world public opinion. One distinguished herself
in corporal works of mercy, the other in spiritual works of mercy. But it was
proper to Mother Teresa to remind the world of today that the worst poverty is
not the poverty of things but the poverty of God, of humanity and of love; in a
word, the poverty of sin.

The trait that brings these two saints closest is perhaps precisely the long
dark night in which they lived their whole life. I will always remember the
impression I had when reading, in the choir of San Giovanni Rotondo, the account
displayed in a frame, in which Padre Pio described the fact of the stigmata to
his spiritual father. He ended by making his own the words of the Psalm which
says: "Lord, punish me no more in your anger; in your wrath do not chastise me!"
(Psalm 38:2). He was convinced, and this conviction accompanied him throughout
his life, that stigmata were not a sign of predilection or acceptance on the
part of God but, on the contrary, of his refusal and just divine punishment for
his sins. It was what opened my eyes to the mystical stature of this my brother,
in whom until then, I was not much interested.

To spread light, both these souls had to go through life in darkness, convinced,
in addition, of "deceiving" people. St. Gregory the Great says that the mark of
superior men is that "in the pain of their own tribulation, they do not neglect
their usefulness to others; and while they endure with patience the adversities
that strike them, they think of teaching others that which is necessary, similar
in this to certain great doctors who, stricken themselves, forget their wounds
to cure others."[12] This sign shines out in an eminent degree in the life of
Mother Teresa and of Padre Pio.

3. Not only purification

But why this strange phenomenon of a night of the spirit that lasts practically
the whole of life? Here there is something new in regard to that which teachers
of the past have lived and explained, including St. John of the Cross. This dark
night is not explained only with the traditional idea of passive purification,
the so-called purgative way, which prepares for the illuminative and the unitive
way. Mother Teresa was convinced that it was precisely this in her case; she
thought that her "I" was especially hard to overcome, if God was so constrained
to keep her such a long time in that state.

But this was not true. The interminable night of some modern saints is the means
of protection invented by God for today's saints who live and work constantly
under the spotlight of the media. It is the asbestos suit for the one who must
walk amid the flames; it is the insulating material that impedes the escape of
the electric current, causing short circuits ...

St. Paul said: "And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of
revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh" ([see] 2 Corinthians 12:7). The
thorn in the flesh that was God's silence was revealed most effective for Mother
Teresa: It preserved her from any intoxication, amid all the world's talk about
her, even at the moment of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. "The interior pain
that I feel," she said, "is so great that I don't feel anything from all the
publicity and people's talking."

This also joins Mother Teresa to Padre Pio. One day Padre Pio, looking out from
the window on the crowd gathered in the square, asked in wonder from the brother
who was next to him: "But why have all these come here?" and to the reply: "For
you, Father," he left in haste sighing: "If they only knew ..."

But there is an even more profound reason that explains why these nights are
prolonged for a whole lifetime: the imitation of Christ, participation in the
dark night of the spirit that Jesus had in Gethsemane and in which he died on
Calvary, crying: My God, my God, why hast thou abandoned me?" In the apostolic
letter "Novo Millennio Ineunte," precisely in regard to the "suffering face" of
Christ, the Pope writes:

"Faced with this mystery, we are greatly helped not only by theological
investigation but also by that great heritage which is the 'lived theology' of
the saints. The saints offer us precious insights which enable us to understand
more easily the intuition of faith, thanks to the special enlightenment which
some of them have received from the Holy Spirit, or even through their personal
experience of those terrible states of trial which the mystical tradition
describes as the 'dark night.' Not infrequently the saints have undergone
something akin to Jesus' experience on the Cross in the paradoxical blending of
bliss and pain."[13]

The letter mentions the experience of St. Catherine of Siena and of Teresa of
the Child Jesus; now we know that the example of Mother Teresa could also be
mentioned. She was able to see her trial ever more clearly as an answer to her
desire to share the "Sitio" of Jesus on the cross:

"If my pain and suffering, my darkness and separation give you a drop of
consolation, my own Jesus, do with me as you wish. ... Imprint on my soul and
life the suffering of your heart .... I want to satiate your thirst with every
single drop of blood that you can find in me. ... Please do not take the trouble
to return soon. I am ready to wait
for you for all eternity."[14]

It would be a serious error to think that the life of these persons was all
gloom and suffering. "Novo Millennio Ineunte," we heard, speaks of a
"paradoxical blending of bliss and pain." Deep down in their souls, these
persons enjoy a peace and joy unknown by the rest of men, deriving from the
certainty, stronger than doubt, of being in the will of God. St. Catherine of
Genoa compares the suffering of souls in this state to that of purgatory and
says that the latter "is so great, that it is only comparable to that of hell,"
but that there is in them a "very great contentment" that can only be compared
to that of the saints in Paradise.[15]

The joy and serenity that emanated from Mother Teresa's face was not a mask, but
the reflection of profound union with God in which her soul lived. It was she
who deceived herself about her story, not the people.

[Tuesday: By the side of the atheists]

* * *

[1] "Leggenda Perugina," 72 (Fonti Francescane, No. 1626)

[2] "Ammonizioni," VI (FF, No. 155).

[3] Father Joseph Neuner, S.J., "On Mother Teresa's Charism," Review for
Religious, September-October 2001, vol. 60, No. 5 [following abbreviation: JN]
(The documents quoted in this homily were graciously put at my disposition by
the General Postulation of the Cause of Mother Teresa.)

[4] "There is so much contradiction in my soul, such deep longing for God, so
deep that it is painful, a suffering continual -- yet not wanted by God,
repulsed, empty, no faith, no love, no zeal. ... Heaven means nothing to me, it
looks like an empty Place" (JN)

[5] "Giovanni Taulero, Omelia" 40 (ed. G. Hofmann, Johannes Tauler, Predigten,
Friburgo in Br. 1961, p. 305).

[6] Cf. Father A. Huart, S.J., "Mother Teresa: Joy in the Night," Review for
Religious, September-October 2001, vol. 60, No. 5 [following abbreviation: AH].

[7] "Today my soul is filled with love, with joy untold, with an unbroken union
of love" (JN).

[8] "I have begun to love my darkness for I believe now that it is a part, a
very small part, of Jesus' darkness and pain on earth" (JN).

[9] "The whole time smiling -- Sisters and people pass such remarks -- they
think my faith, trust, and love are filling my very being. ... Could they but
know -- and how my cheerfulness is the cloak by which I cover the emptiness and
misery" (AH).

[10] "Apophtegmata Patrum," Poemen 37 (PG 65, 332).

[11] G. Varangalakudy, "A sister for Gandhi," The Tablet, 11 October 2003, p.
12.

[12] St. Gregory the Great, Moralia in Job, I,3,40 (PL 75, 619).

[13] NMI, 27

[14] "If my pain and suffering, my darkness and separation give you a drop of
consolation, my own Jesus, do with me as you wish. ... Imprint on my soul and
life the suffering of your heart. ... I want to satiate your thirst with every
single drop of blood that you can find in me. ... Please do not take the trouble
to return soon. I am ready to wait for you for all eternity" (JN).

[15] Cf. St. Catherine of Genoa, "Trattato del Purgatorio," 4 (ed. Cassiano
Carpaneto da Langasco, "Sommersa nella fontana dell'amore. Santa Caterina
Fieschi Adorno," vol. 2, "Le opere," p. 96; cf. also vol. 1. "La vita," pp. 49
s.




* * *

Ethiopian Cardinal Paulos Tzadua Dies

Was Archbishop Emeritus of Addis Ababa

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 15, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II sent a message of
sympathy following the death of Cardinal Paulos Tzadua, archbishop emeritus of
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who died in the Vatican on Thursday. He was 82.

Paulos Tzadua was born in the Eritrean town of Addifini on Aug. 25, 1921. After
a short stay in Gaggiret, as a member of the student body of the Capuchin
priests, he entered the seminary of Cheren.

Ordained a priest in 1944, he carried out pastoral tasks in Eritrea and Ethiopia
until he received a scholarship to study at the Catholic University of Milan,
where he obtained a doctorate in jurisprudence.

After his return to his country, he was elected secretary-general of the
Eritrean episcopal conference, a post he held along with pastoral service to
university students.

In 1973 he was named auxiliary bishop of Addis Ababa. Two years later, he was
elected president of the Ethiopian episcopal conference, a post he held until
1999. Pope Paul VI named him archbishop of Addis Ababa in 1977, and John Paul II
made him a cardinal on May 25, 1984.

In 1994 Cardinal Tzadua was delegate president of the special Assembly of the
Synod of Bishops of Africa.

With his death, the Church now has 192 cardinals, including 132 electors under
age 80 who could vote in a conclave.

In his message of sympathy, John Paul II said he would offer "fervent prayers to
God so that he will grant eternal rest to this faithful pastor."




* * *

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Bernard
Hombach Lutkermeier of Juigalpa, Nicaragua, as bishop of the diocese of Granada
(area 7,453, population 540,112, Catholics 483,682, priests 54, religious 161),
Nicaragua. He succeeds Bishop Leovigildo Lopez Fitoria, C.M. whose resignation
from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted upon having
reached the age limit.


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The fifth section is entitled: "The Lives of the Saints". A branch of medieval
historiography is hagiography dealing with the lives of saints. Its purpose is
to edify by witnessing the heroic virtues of Christians who seized every
opportunity to practice virtue.Metrical texts or those written in rhym were
mainly intended for the legendarium, a collected volume of saints legends to be
read during the divine office. "The saint, therefore, is considered above all as
a model, a Christian personality who should be imitated." (200-201).

The lives of saints were not usually biographies but merely the highlights of
heroic virtues and deeds. This tradition of hagiography is an extension of that
found in sacred scripture when accounts are given of holy men and women. When we
read the lives of saints that are drawn from either scripture or later writings
we can be inspired and taught through the Christian academy where the saint
serves as our instructor on how to conduct ourselves in heroic imitation of
Christ our perfect model and example in all things.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/121603.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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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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
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__________________________________________________
© Copyright 2003 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 238

WEDNESDAY 17 December 2003


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope's Message for World Day of Peace
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Successor Named Cardinal Biffi in Bolog
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• Italy's in-Vitro Fertilization Legislation Not Morally Licit, Says Vatican
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Papal Household Preacher's 2nd Meditation for Advent 2003 (Part 2)
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Priest, 69, Shot Dead in Guatemala
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Pope's Message for World Day of Peace

"An Ever Timely Commitment: Teaching Peace"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 16, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul
II's message for the World Day of Peace to be observed Jan. 1.


Message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II
For the Celebration of the World Day of Peace
1 January 2004

An Ever Timely Commitment: Teaching Peace

My words are addressed to you, the Leaders of the nations, who have the duty of
promoting peace!

To you, Jurists, committed to tracing paths to peaceful agreement, preparing
conventions and treaties which strengthen international legality!

To you, Teachers of the young, who on all continents work tirelessly to form
consciences in the ways of understanding and dialogue!

And to you too, men and women tempted to turn to the unacceptable means of
terrorism and thus compromise at its root the very cause for which you are
fighting!

All of you, hear the humble appeal of the Successor of Peter who cries out:
today too, at the beginning of the New Year 2004, peace remains possible. And if
peace is possible, it is also a duty!

A practical initiative

1. My first Message for the World Day of Peace, in the beginning of January
1979, was centered on the theme: "To Reach Peace, Teach Peace."

That New Year's Message followed in the path traced by Pope Paul VI of venerable
memory, who had wished to celebrate on January 1 each year a World Day of Prayer
for Peace. I recall the words of the late Pontiff for the New Year 1968: "It
would be Our desire, then, that this celebration take place each year as a sign
of hope and promise, at the beginning of the calendar which measures and guides
the journey of human life through time, in order that Peace, with its just and
salutary equilibrium, will dominate the unfolding of history yet to come."(1)

Faithful to the wishes expressed by my venerable Predecessor on the Chair of
Peter, each year I have continued this noble tradition by dedicating the first
day of the civil year to reflection and to prayer for peace in the world.

In the twenty-five years of Pontificate which the Lord has thus far granted me,
I have not failed to speak out before the Church and the world, inviting
believers and all persons of good will to take up the cause of peace and to help
bring about this fundamental good, thereby assuring the world a better future,
one marked by peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

Once more this year I feel bound to invite all men and women, on every
continent, to celebrate a new World Day of Peace. Humanity needs now more than
ever to rediscover the path of concord, overwhelmed as it is by selfishness and
hatred, by the thirst for power and the lust for vengeance.

The science of peace

2. The eleven Messages addressed to the world by Pope Paul VI progressively
mapped out the path to be followed in attaining the ideal of peace. Slowly but
surely the great Pontiff set forth the various chapters of a true "science of
peace". It can be helpful to recall the themes of the Messages bequeathed to us
by Pope Paul VI for this occasion.(2) Each of these Messages continues to be
timely today. Indeed, before the tragedy of the wars which at the beginning of
the Third Millennium are still causing bloodshed throughout the world,
especially in the Middle East, they take on at times the tone of prophetic
admonishments.

A primer of peace

3. For my part, throughout these twenty-five years of my Pontificate, I have
sought to advance along the path marked out by my venerable Predecessor. At the
dawn of each new year I have invited people of good will to reflect, in the
light of reason and of faith, on different aspects of an orderly coexistence.

The result has been a synthesis of teaching about peace which is a kind of
primer on this fundamental theme: a primer easy to understand by those who are
well-disposed, but at the same time quite demanding for anyone concerned for the
future of humanity.(3)

The various colors of the prism of peace have now been amply illustrated. What
remains now is to work to ensure that the ideal of a peaceful coexistence, with
its specific requirements, will become part of the consciousness of individuals
and peoples. We Christians see the commitment to educate ourselves and others to
peace as something at the very heart of our religion. For Christians, in fact,
to proclaim peace is to announce Christ who is "our peace" (Eph 2:14); it is to
announce his Gospel, which is a "Gospel of peace" (Eph 6:15); it is to call all
people to the beatitude of being "peacemakers" (cf. Mt 5:9).

Teaching peace

4. In my Message for the World Day of Peace on 1 January 1979 I made this
appeal: To Reach Peace, Teach Peace. Today that appeal is more urgent than ever,
because men and women, in the face of the tragedies which continue to afflict
humanity, are tempted to yield to fatalism, as if peace were an unattainable
ideal.

The Church, on the other hand, has always taught and continues today to teach a
very simple axiom: peace is possible. Indeed, the Church does not tire of
repeating that peace is a duty. It must be built on the four pillars indicated
by Blessed John XXIII in his Encyclical "Pacem in Terris": truth, justice, love
and freedom. A duty is thus imposed upon all those who love peace: that of
teaching these ideals to new generations, in order to prepare a better future
for all mankind.

Teaching legality

5. In this task of teaching peace, there is a particularly urgent need to lead
individuals and peoples to respect the international order and to respect the
commitments assumed by the Authorities which legitimately represent them. Peace
and international law are closely linked to each another: law favors peace.

From the very dawn of civilization, developing human communities sought to
establish agreements and pacts which would avoid the arbitrary use of force and
enable them to seek a peaceful solution of any controversies which might arise.
Alongside the legal systems of the individual peoples there progressively grew
up another set of norms which came to be known as "ius gentium" (the law of the
nations). With the passage of time, this body of law gradually expanded and was
refined in the light of the historical experiences of the different peoples.

This process was greatly accelerated with the birth of modern States. From the
sixteenth century on, jurists, philosophers and theologians were engaged in
developing the various headings of international law and in grounding it in the
fundamental postulates of the natural law. This process led with increasing
force to the formulation of universal principles which are prior to and superior
to the internal law of States, and which take into account the unity and the
common vocation of the human family.

Central among all these is surely the principle that "pacta sunt servanda":
accords freely signed must be honored. This is the pivotal and exceptionless
presupposition of every relationship between responsible contracting parties.
The violation of this principle necessarily leads to a situation of illegality
and consequently to friction and disputes which would not fail to have lasting
negative repercussions. It is appropriate to recall this fundamental rule,
especially at times when there is a temptation to appeal to the law of force
rather than to the force of law.

One of these moments was surely the drama which humanity experienced during the
Second World War: an abyss of violence, destruction and death unlike anything
previously known.

Respect for law

6. That war, with the horrors and the appalling violations of human dignity
which it occasioned, led to a profound renewal of the international legal order.
The defense and promotion of peace were set at the center of a broadly
modernized system of norms and institutions. The task of watching over global
peace and security and with encouraging the efforts of States to preserve and
guarantee these fundamental goods of humanity was entrusted by Governments to an
organization established for this purpose -- the United Nations Organization --
with a Security Council invested with broad discretionary power. Pivotal to the
system was the prohibition of the use of force. This prohibition, according to
the well-known Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, makes provision for
only two exceptions. The first confirms the natural right to legitimate defense,
to be exercised in specific ways and in the context of the United Nations: and
consequently also within the traditional limits of necessity and
proportionality.

The other exception is represented by the system of collective security, which
gives the Security Council competence and responsibility for the preservation of
peace, with power of decision and ample discretion.

The system developed with the United Nations Charter was meant "to save
succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has
brought untold sorrow to mankind."(4) In the decades which followed, however,
the division of the international community into opposing blocs, the cold war in
one part of the world, the outbreak of violent conflicts in other areas and the
phenomenon of terrorism produced a growing break with the ideas and expectations
of the immediate post-war period.

A new international order

7. It must be acknowledged, however, that the United Nations Organization, even
with limitations and delays due in great part to the failures of its members,
has made a notable contribution to the promotion of respect for human dignity,
the freedom of peoples and the requirements of development, thus preparing the
cultural and institutional soil for the building of peace.

The activity of national Governments will be greatly encouraged by the
realization that the ideals of the United Nations have become widely diffused,
particularly through the practical gestures of solidarity and peace made by the
many individuals also involved in Non-Governmental Organizations and in
Movements for human rights.

This represents a significant incentive for a reform which would enable the
United Nations Organization to function effectively for the pursuit of its own
stated ends, which remain valid: "humanity today is in a new and more difficult
phase of its genuine development. It needs a greater degree of international
ordering."(5) States must consider this objective as a clear moral and political
obligation which calls for prudence and determination. Here I would repeat the
words of encouragement which I spoke in 1995: "The United Nations Organization
needs to rise more and more above the cold status of an administrative
institution and to become a moral center where all the nations of the world feel
at home and develop a shared awareness of being, as it were, a family of
nations."(6)

The deadly scourge of terrorism

8. Today international law is hard pressed to provide solutions to situations of
conflict arising from the changed landscape of the contemporary world. These
situations of conflict frequently involve agents which are not themselves States
but rather entities derived from the collapse of States, or connected to
independence movements, or linked to trained criminal organizations. A legal
system made up of norms established down the centuries as a means of
disciplining relations between sovereign States finds it difficult to deal with
conflicts which also involve entities incapable of being considered States in
the traditional sense. This is particularly the case with terrorist groups.

The scourge of terrorism has become more virulent in recent years and has
produced brutal massacres which have in turn put even greater obstacles in the
way of dialogue and negotiation, increasing tensions and aggravating problems,
especially in the Middle East.

Even so, if it is to be won, the fight against terrorism cannot be limited
solely to repressive and punitive operations. It is essential that the use of
force, even when necessary, be accompanied by a courageous and lucid analysis of
the reasons behind terrorist attacks. The fight against terrorism must be
conducted also on the political and educational levels: on the one hand, by
eliminating the underlying causes of situations of injustice which frequently
drive people to more desperate and violent acts; and on the other hand, by
insisting on an education inspired by respect for human life in every situation:
the unity of the human race is a more powerful reality than any contingent
divisions separating individuals and people.

In the necessary fight against terrorism, international law is now called to
develop legal instruments provided with effective means for the prevention,
monitoring and suppression of crime. In any event, democratic governments know
well that the use of force against terrorists cannot justify a renunciation of
the principles of the rule of law. Political decisions would be unacceptable
were they to seek success without consideration for fundamental human rights,
since the end never justifies the means.

The contribution of the Church

9. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Mt 5:9).
How could this saying, which is a summons to work in the immense field of peace,
find such a powerful echo in the human heart if it did not correspond to an
irrepressible yearning and hope dwelling within us? And why else would
peacemakers be called children of God, if not because God is by nature the God
of peace? Precisely for this reason, in the message of salvation which the
Church proclaims throughout the world, there are doctrinal elements of
fundamental importance for the development of the principles needed for peaceful
coexistence between nations.

History teaches that the building of peace cannot prescind from respect for an
ethical and juridical order, in accordance with the ancient adage: "Serva
ordinem et ordo servabit te" (preserve order and order will preserve you).
International law must ensure that the law of the more powerful does not
prevail. Its essential purpose is to replace "the material force of arms with
the moral force of law,"(7) providing appropriate sanctions for transgressors
and adequate reparation for victims. This must also be applicable to those
government leaders who violate with impunity human dignity and rights while
hiding behind the unacceptable pretext that it is a matter of questions internal
to their State.

In an Address which I gave to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See on
13 January 1997, I observed that international law is a primary means for
pursuing peace: "For a long time international law has been a law of war and
peace. I believe that it is called more and more to become exclusively a law of
peace, conceived in justice and solidarity. And in this context morality must
inspire law; morality can even assume a preparatory role in the making of law,
to the extent that it shows the path of what is right and good."(8)

Down the centuries, the teaching of the Church, drawing upon the philosophical
and theological reflection of many Christian thinkers, has made a significant
contribution in directing international law to the common good of the whole
human family. Especially in more recent times the Popes have not hesitated to
stress the importance of international law as a pledge of peace, in the
conviction that "the harvest of justice is sown in peace by those who make
peace" (Jas 3:18). This is the path which the Church, employing the means proper
to her, is committed to following, in the perennial light of the Gospel and with
the indispensable help of prayer.

The civilization of love

10. At the conclusion of these considerations, I feel it necessary to repeat
that, for the establishment of true peace in the world, justice must find its
fulfillment in charity. Certainly law is the first road leading to peace, and
people need to be taught to respect that law. Yet one does not arrive at the end
of this road unless justice is complemented by love. Justice and love sometimes
appear to be opposing forces. In fact they are but two faces of a single
reality, two dimensions of human life needing to be mutually integrated.
Historical experience shows this to be true. It shows how justice is frequently
unable to free itself from rancor, hatred and even cruelty. By itself, justice
is not enough. Indeed, it can even betray itself, unless it is open to that
deeper power which is love.

For this reason I have often reminded Christians and all persons of good will
that forgiveness is needed for solving the problems of individuals and peoples.
There is no peace without forgiveness! I say it again here, as my thoughts turn
in particular to the continuing crisis in Palestine and the Middle East: a
solution to the grave problems which for too long have caused suffering for the
peoples of those regions will not be found until a decision is made to transcend
the logic of simple justice and to be open also to the logic of forgiveness.

Christians know that love is the reason for God's entering into relationship
with man. And it is love which he awaits as man's response. Consequently, love
is also the loftiest and most noble form of relationship possible between human
beings. Love must thus enliven every sector of human life and extend to the
international order. Only a humanity in which there reigns the "civilization of
love" will be able to enjoy authentic and lasting peace.

At the beginning of a New Year I wish to repeat to women and men of every
language, religion and culture the ancient maxim: "Omnia vincit amor" (Love
conquers all). Yes, dear Brothers and Sisters throughout the world, in the end
love will be victorious! Let everyone be committed to hastening this victory.
For it is the deepest hope of every human heart.

From the Vatican, 8 December 2003.

JOHN PAUL II

* * *

Notes

(1) Insegnamenti, V (1967), 620.

(2) 1968: 1 January: World Day of Peace
1969: The Promotion of Human Rights, the Road to Peace
1970: Education for Peace Through Reconciliation
1971: Every Man is My Brother
1972: If You Want Peace, Work for Justice
1973: Peace is Possible
1974: Peace Depends on You Too
1975: Reconciliation, The Way to Peace
1976: The Real Weapons of Peace
1977: If You Want Peace, Defend Life
1978: No to Violence, Yes to Peace

(3) These are the themes of the successive twenty-five World Days of Peace:
1979: To Reach Peace, Teach Peace
1980: Truth, the Power of Peace
1981: To Serve Peace, Respect Freedom
1982: Peace: A Gift of God Entrusted to Us!
1983: Dialogue for Peace, A Challenge for Our Time
1984: From a New Heart, Peace is Born
1985: Peace and Youth Go Forward Together
1986: Peace is a Value with No Frontiers North-South, East-West: Only One Peace
1987: Development and Solidarity: Two Keys to Peace
1988: Religious Freedom, Condition for Peace
1989: To Build Peace, Respect Minorities
1990: Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All of Creation
1991: If You Want Peace, Respect the Conscience of Every Person
1992: Believers United in Building Peace
1993: If You Want Peace, Reach Out to the Poor
1994: The Family Creates the Peace of the Human Family
1995: Women: Teachers of Peace
1996: Let Us Give Children a Future of Peace
1997: Offer Forgiveness and Receive Peace
1998: From the Justice of Each Comes Peace for All
1999: Respect for Human Rights: The Secret of True Peace
2000: "Peace on Earth to Those Whom God Loves!"
2001: Dialogue Between Cultures for a Civilization of Love and Peace
2002: No Peace Without Justice, No Justice Without Peace
2003: "Pacem in Terris": A Permanent Commitment

(4) Preamble.

(5) John Paul II, Encyclical Letter "Sollicitudo Rei Socialis," 43: AAS 80
(1988), 575.

(6) Address to the Fiftieth General Assembly of the United Nations, New York (5
October 1995), 14: Insegnamenti, XVIII/2 (1995), 741.

(7) Benedict XV, Appeal to the Leaders of the Warring Nations, 1 August 1917:
AAS 9 (1917), 422.

(8) No. 4: Insegnamenti, XX/1 (1997), 97.

[Translation issued by Vatican press office]



* * *

Successor Named Cardinal Biffi in Bologna


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 16, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II named Archbishop Carlo
Caffarra of Ferrara-Comacchio, Italy, to succeed Cardinal Giacomo Biffi as head
of the Archdiocese of Bologna.

Carlo Caffarra was born in 1938. In 1980 he founded the John Paul II Institute
for Studies on Marriage and the Family, with headquarters in Rome, and opened
branches in the United States, Spain and Mexico.

Cardinal Biffi, 75, recently presented his resignation for reasons of age. He
leaves Bologna after almost 20 years of service. He is the author of numerous
well-known publications of a theological and catechetical character.

The Bologna Diocese has close to 1 million faithful, 416 parishes, 444 diocesan
priests, 299 religious priests, 76 permanent deacons, 34 seminarians, 398 men
religious, 1,023 women religious, 130 educational institutions and 50 charitable
institutions.




* * *


Italy's in-Vitro Fertilization Legislation Not Morally Licit, Says Vatican

Bill Far From Perfect, Warns Bishop Sgreccia

ROME, DEC. 16, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The legislation approved by the Italian Senate
allowing for in vitro fertilization is not licit from the standpoint of Catholic
morality, says a Vatican official.

Bishop Elio Sgreccia, vice president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, made
that assessment about the Law on Artificial Insemination approved by the Senate
in a 169-92 vote last Thursday.

The legislation would prohibit recourse to heterologous fertilization, which
involves gametes from a third party. The legislation would limit access to IVF
techniques to older, heterosexual couples, who are married or in a stable
relationship, and of a potentially fertile age.

The legislation would prohibit preventive genetic tests, and the freezing,
cloning of or experimentation on human embryos. Doctors who ignore these
restrictions would face severe sanctions.

Because of the restrictions, the norm has been labeled "Catholic" by many
critics -- "a first mistake that must be clarified" because the law "does not
reflect Catholic morality," Bishop Sgreccia told Vatican Radio.

"Everyone knows -- and it is good to repeat it -- that for the Catholic view of
life and procreation," the child must be conceived "within a conjugal act of
love," he explained. "A law that allows conception in a test tube is never
considered licit."

He noted that some Catholics and non-Catholics alike have promoted the
legislation.

"They have worked as citizens concerned by the damages that can come, not only
from the 'Wild West' situation which existed until today, but by artificial
procreation in its various technologies, which increasingly multiply," the
bishop added.

He noted that the legislation at least tries to avoid the freezing of embryos,
an act that subjects human creatures to a "hell of ice."

Such a fate is a "work of heartless utilitarianism, to make these creatures
victims of experimentation, in any event, destined to suppression," Bishop
Sgreccia said.

The new law limits "the possibilities of artificial procreation at least within
the family, in such a way that the child that is born can recognize a father and
a mother."

This is "a very important advantage for education, for identity, for the
psychological and moral growth of the child," he noted.

"What has been achieved is no joke," he said. Yet, "we cannot say that the law
is in keeping with Catholic morality, or that it is perfect in all its points."




* * *


Papal Household Preacher's 2nd Meditation for Advent 2003 (Part 2)

On Mother Teresa's "Dark Nights"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 16, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is Part 2 of the second Advent
meditation that Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa delivered at the Vatican
last Friday, in the presence of the Pope and members of the Roman Curia.

Part 1 appeared Monday.


Father Raniero Cantalamessa
Advent 2003 at the Papal Household
Second Homily

"Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow ..."

4. By the Side of the Atheists

Rather than "archaic" saints, the mystics are the most modern among the saints.
The world of today knows a new category of people: the atheists in good faith,
those who live painfully the situation of the silence of God, who do not believe
in God but do not boast about it; rather they experience the existential anguish
and the lack of meaning of everything; they too, in their own way, live in the
dark night of the spirit. Albert Camus called them "the saints without God." The
mystics exist above all for them; they are their travel and table companions.
Like Jesus, they "sat down at the table of sinners and ate with them" (see Luke
15:2).

This explains the passion in which certain atheists, once converted, pour over
the writings of the mystics: Claudel, Bernanos, the two Maritains, L. Bloy, the
writer J.K. Huysmans and so many others over the writings of Angela of Foligno;
T.S. Eliot on those of Julian of Norwich. There they find again the same scenery
that they had left, but this time illuminated by the sun. This year is the 50th
anniversary of the first representation of "Waiting for Godot," the most
representative drama of the theater of the absurd, but few know that its author,
Samuel Beckett, in his free time read St. John of the Cross.

The word "atheist" can have an active and a passive meaning. It can indicate
someone who rejects God, but also one who -- at least so it seems to him -- is
rejected by God. In the first case, it is a blameworthy atheism (when it is not
in good faith), in the second an atheism of sorrow, or of expiation. In the
latter sense we can say that the mystics, in the night of the spirit, are the
"a-tei," those without God. Mother Teresa has words that no one would have
suspected of her:

"They say people in hell suffer eternal pain because of the loss of God. ... In
my soul I feel just this terrible pain of loss, of God not wanting me, of God
not being God, of God not really existing. Jesus please forgive the
blasphemy."[16]

But one is aware of the different nature, of solidarity and of expiation, of
this "atheism" of hers:

"I wish to live in this world which is so far from God, which has turned so much
from the light of Jesus, to help them -- to take upon myself something of their
suffering."[17]

The mystics arrived within a step of the world of those who live without God;
they have experienced the dizziness of throwing themselves down. Again, Mother
Teresa who writes to her spiritual father:

"I have been on the verge of saying -- No. ... I feel as if something will break
in me one day. ... Pray for me that I may not refuse God in this hour -- I don't
want to do it, but I am afraid I may do it."[18]

Because of this the mystics are the ideal evangelizers in the postmodern world,
where one lives "etsi Deus non daretur," as if God did not exist. They remind
the honest atheists that they are not "far from the kingdom of God"; that it
would be enough for them to jump to find themselves on the side of the mystics,
passing from nothingness to the All. Karl Rahner was right to say: "Christianity
of the future, will either be mystical or it will not be at all." Padre Pio and
Mother Teresa are the answer to this sign of the times. We should not "waste"
the saints, reducing them to distributors of graces or of good examples.

4. Our Little Night

The mystics have, however, something to say also to us believers, not only to
the atheists. They are not an exception, or a category apart from Christians.
Rather they show in an amplified way, what the full expansion of the life of
grace should be. One thing above all we learn from the dark night of the mystics
and, in particular, of Mother Teresa: how to behave in the time of dryness, when
prayer becomes a struggle, effort, a beating of the head against a "wailing
wall."

There is no need to insist on Mother Teresa's prayer in all those years passed
in darkness; the image of her in prayer is the one we all still have before our
eyes. A series of very beautiful prayers are among the most precious legacy that
she has left to her daughters and to the Church. Of Jesus, the evangelist Luke
says that "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly," "factus in agonia
prolixius orabat" (Luke 22:44). It is what is also observed in the life of these
souls.

Dryness in prayer, when it is not the result of dissipation and of compromises
with the flesh, but permitted by God, is the attenuated and common form that the
dark night takes in the majority of people who tend to holiness. In this
situation, it is important not to give up and begin to omit prayer to give
oneself to work, seeing that very little is achieved by being at prayer. When
God is not there, it is important at least that his place remain empty and that
it not be taken by some idol, especially the one called activism.

To avoid that happening, it is good to interrupt one's work every now and then
to raise at least a thought to God, or to simply sacrifice a bit of time to him.
In the time of dryness it is necessary to discover a special type of prayer that
Blessed Angela of Foligno defined as forced prayer and that she said she herself
practiced:

"It is a good thing and very pleasing to God that you pray with the fervor of
divine grace, that you watch and make efforts to carry out every good action;
but it is more pleasing and acceptable to the Lord if, receiving less grace, you
do not reduce your prayer, your vigils, your good works. Act without grace, as
you acted when you had grace. ... You doyour part, my son, and God will do his.
Forced, violent prayer is very acceptable to God."[19]

This is a prayer that can be made with the body and with the mind. It is a
secret alliance between the will and the body and it is necessary to use it to
reduce the mind ... to reason. Even when our will cannot command the mind to
have or not have certain thoughts, it can command the body: the knees to kneel,
the hands to be joined together, the lips to open and pronounce some words; for
example: "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit."

An Eastern mystic, Isaac the Syrian, said: "When the heart is dead and we no
longer have the least prayer nor any supplication, may he come and find us
prostrated with our faces to the ground perpetually." Mother Teresa also knew
this "forced" prayer:

"The other day I can't tell you how bad I felt -- there was a moment when I
nearly refused to accept -- deliberately I took the Rosary and very slowly
without even meditating or thinking -- I said it slowly and calmly."[20]

The simple staying with the body in church, or in the chosen place of prayer,
the simple being in prayer, is now the only way that remains to continue to be
persevering in prayer. God knows that we can go to do a hundred more useful
things which will gratify us more, but we stay there, we consume to the end the
time given to him in our schedule, or by our resolution.

To a disciple who continually lamented not being able to pray because of
distractions, an elderly monk, to whom he turned, replied: "Let your thinking go
where it will, but let not your body leave the cell!"[21] It is advice that is
valid also for us, when we find ourselves in situations of chronic distractions
that are no longer within our power to be able to control: Let our thinking go
where it wills, but let our body remain in prayer!

In time of dryness we must remember the very sweet word of the Apostle: "the
Spirit helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26 ff.). He, without our being aware,
fills our words and sighs with the desire of God, of humility, of love. Then the
Paraclete becomes the strength of our "weak" prayer, the light of our
extinguished prayer; in a word, the soul of our prayer. Truly, as the Sequence
says, he "waters that which is arid," "rigat quod est aridum."

All this comes through faith. Suffice it for me to say: "Father, you have given
me the Spirit of Jesus; forming, therefore, 'only one Spirit' with him, I recite
this Psalm, I celebrate this holy Mass, or I am simply in silence, here in your
presence. I wish to give you that glory that Jesus would give you, if he was to
pray again from earth." With this certainty we conclude our reflection praying:

"Holy Spirit, you who intercede in the hearts of believers with inexpressible
sighs, knock at the hearts of so many of our contemporaries who live without God
and without hope in this world. Enlighten the minds of those who at this moment
are delineating the future physiognomy of our continent; make them understand
that Christ is not a threat for any one, but a brother of all. That to the poor,
the little, the persecuted and the excluded of the Europe of tomorrow not be
removed, with culpable silence, the guarantee that until now has most defended
them from the arbitrariness of the great and from the harshness of life: the
name of the first of them, Jesus of Nazareth!"


[16] "They say people in hell suffer eternal pain because of the loss of God.
... In my soul I feel just this terrible pain of loss, of God not wanting me, of
God not being God, of God not really existing. Jesus, please forgive the
blasphemy," cf. Father Joseph Neuner, S.J., "On Mother Teresa's Charism," Review
for Religious, September-October 2001, vol. 60, No. 5 [following abbreviation:
JN].

[17] "I wish to live in this world which is so far from God, which has turned so
much from the light of Jesus, to help them -- to take upon myself something of
their suffering" (JN).

[18] "I have been on the verge of saying -- No ... I feel as if something will
break in me one day." "Pray for me that I may not refuse God in this hour -- I
don't want to do it, but I am afraid I may do it," cf. Father A. Huart, S.J.,
"Mother Teresa: Joy in the Night," Review for Religious, September-October 2001,
vol. 60, No. 5 [following abbreviation: AH].

[19] "Il libro della Beata Angela da Foligno," ed. Quaracchi, Grottaferrata,
1985, p. 576 s.

[20] "The other day I can't tell you how bad I felt -- there was a moment when I
nearly refused to accept -- deliberately I took the Rosary and very slowly
without even meditating or thinking -- I said it slowly and calmly" (AH).

[21] "Apophtegmi dei Padri," from the Coislin manuscript 126, No. 205 (ed. F.
Nau, in Revue de l'Orient Chrétien, 13, 1908, p. 279).

[Translation by ZENIT]


* * *



Priest, 69, Shot Dead in Guatemala


GUATEMALA CITY, DEC. 16, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A Guatemalan priest was shot and
killed by unknown gunmen on Sunday near the Santo Cura de Ars church where he
resided.

Police reports said that Father José María Ruiz, known as "Padre Chemita," was
shot as he was going to the parish house, located in a poor and dangerous area
of the capital.

Shortly after the murder, Cardinal Rodolfo Quezada Toruño went to the scene of
the crime.

"It is an absurd crime and it shows us the high levels of violence in which
Guatemala lives," the archbishop of Guatemala said. "I hope this crime will not
go unpunished, as many others."

Father Ruiz, 69, was well known for his social work. After he stood as a
candidate for the mayoralty of Guatemala City, and entered as a partner in hotel
enterprises, he was suspended from his priestly ministry, as stipulated by canon
law. The canonical measure was removed in 1999 at his request after he withdrew
from these activities.


* * *


LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

Section six: "Legends," is a very brief comment on the pious exaggerations many
accounts of the lives of saints contained. The causes of these were based on
various factors: an overly zealous spirit of credulity, the need to have
edifying material for the divine office reading, and so on.

Section seven "Conventional Themes," is summed up by Leclercq in these words: "
Their design was not to relate true stories, but to expound a moral doctrine
which is, itself, always true." (202).

In these two sections we learn that what medieval monastic lives of saints were
interested in are examples of moral virtue and courage to demonstrate to the
reader how a particular virtue was lived out for their imitation and
instruction. The saints life was rendered in an idealized style that made them
larger than life so that the reader would call upon them as a patron saint
seeking their companionship and prayers before God to receive all the graces
requisite to obtain the virtue and moral victory of overcoming a weakness,
defect and fault. In this sense the lives of the saints were similar to one of
the functions of lectio divina since scriptural reading lends itself to the
reader to adopt the sacred author as a spiritual companion and intecessor.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's Homily
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• 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/121703.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 3, Issue 239

THURSDAY 18 December 2003


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• On the Expectations of Advent
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Cardinal Highlights Papal Analysis of Terrorism
----------------------------------------------------------------
• 110-Year-Old Christmas Tree Graces Square
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Bethlehem's "Light of Peace" Brought to Vatican
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Address on 55th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Archbishop Named for Calabar, Nigeria
----------------------------------------------------------------
• General-Audience Attendance Tops 17 Million
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Student Martyrs Under Nazism Seen as Models for World Youth Day
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Struggles of Today's Converts to Catholicism
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

On the Expectations of Advent

A "Proclamation of Hope," Says John Paul II

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul
II's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to reflect on the
mystery of Christmas.


1. "The Kingdom of God is near: it will not delay." These words, taken from
today's liturgy, express the climate of our diligent and prayerful preparation
for the Christmas celebrations, which are now close.

Advent maintains alive our expectation of Christ, who will come to visit us with
his salvation, realizing fully his Kingdom of justice and peace. The annual
recalling of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem renews in the hearts of
believers the certainty that God is faithful to his promises. Advent is,
therefore, a powerful proclamation of hope, which touches profoundly our
personal and communal experience.

2. Every man dreams of a more just and solidaristic world, where dignified
conditions of life and peaceful coexistence render relations harmonious between
individuals and peoples. Often, however, it is not like this. Obstacles,
contrasts and difficulties of various kinds weigh down our existence and at
times almost oppress it. The forces and courage of being committed to the good,
risk yielding to evil that at times seems to have the upper hand. It is
especially in these moments that hope comes to our help. The mystery of
Christmas, which we will relive in a few days, assures us that God is Emmanuel
-- God with us. For this reason, we must never feel alone. He is close to us, he
became one of us being born in the virginal womb of Mary. He shared our
pilgrimage on earth, enabling us to attain that joy and peace, to which we
aspire from the depth of our being.

3. The time of Advent brings to light a second element of hope, which refers
more generally to the meaning and value of life. Not infrequently we are asked:
Who are we? Where are we going? What is the meaning of what we do on earth? What
awaits us after death?

There are, undoubtedly, good and honest objectives: the search for better
material well-being, the pursuit of ever more advanced social, scientific and
economic ends, a better realization of personal and communal expectations. But
are these ends sufficient to satisfy the most profound aspirations of our
spirit?

Today's liturgy invites us to broaden our vision and to contemplate the Wisdom
of God who comes from on High and is able to embrace the ends of the world,
disposing everything "with gentleness and strength" (see responsorial antiphon).

May a spontaneous invocation spring then from the Christian people: "Come, Lord,
do not delay."

4. Worth underlining, finally, is a third element characteristic of Christian
hope, which is very evident in the time of Advent. Advent and especially
Christmas are a reminder to man, who rises from daily affairs and seeks
communion with God, that God took the initiative to come to meet us. Becoming a
baby, Jesus assumed our nature and established his covenant with the whole of
humanity forever.

We can conclude, therefore, that the meaning of Christian hope, re-proposed by
Advent, is that of confident expectation, of active availability and joyful
openness to the encounter with the Lord. He came to Bethlehem to stay with us
forever.

Therefore, let us nourish these days of immediate preparation for the Birth of
Christ with the light and warmth of hope, dear brothers and sisters. This is my
wish for you here present and for your loved ones. I entrust it to the maternal
intercession of Mary, model and support of our hope.

Happy Advent and Happy Christmas to all!

[Translation by ZENIT]

[At the end of the audience, the following summary was read in English, before
John Paul II greeted pilgrims in various languages. To the English-speaking he
said:]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The season of Advent, during which we await the coming of Christ, bears the
signs of great hope. God remains faithful to his promises and becomes one of us,
born of the Virgin Mary, to show us the path of justice, peace, and joy. When we
contemplate the Wisdom of God found in Christ, our greatest difficulties can be
overcome, and our deepest aspirations satisfied.

In face of doubts and divisions in our world, let the light and warmth of our
Christian hope be at Christmastime a sure sign of Christ's covenant with all
humanity.

I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims here today, including
the groups from Australia and the United States. I wish you a joyful preparation
for Christmas. Upon you and your families I invoke the peace and love of our
Lord Jesus Christ who comes among us. Happy Christmas!

* * *

Cardinal Highlights Papal Analysis of Terrorism

When Presenting Message for World Day of Peace

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A novelty of John Paul II's message
for World Day of Peace 2004 is its analysis of terrorism, says a Vatican
official.

"In the fight against terrorism the Holy Father gives two important indications,
one of a political and educational nature and the other related to international
law," Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice
and Peace, said at a press conference Tuesday.

The cardinal explained that the Pope emphasizes that "the causes must be
eliminated that are at the origin of unjust situations, from which at times the
bloodiest and most desperate acts arise."

The Italian cardinal added that John Paul II insists on the need for "education
inspired by respect for human life in all circumstances."

Cardinal Martino made his statements in the Vatican press office when presenting
the papal message for the World Day to be observed Jan. 1.

He voiced a hope saying, "Love must also extend to international law."

"International law must never be detached from ethical and moral assumptions,"
the cardinal stressed, echoing words in the papal message, which includes a call
to the evangelical command of love and forgiveness.

Echoing another theme in the message, Cardinal Martino said: "International law
should avoid the law of the strongest prevailing."

Several times during the press conference, the cardinal stressed "the validity
of the United Nations" and remarked that recent popes have all desired "a reform
of the U.N." The cardinal himself was a longtime Holy See observer to the United
Nations.

"The Pope believes that the end never justifies the means," he added.
"Democratic governments know well that the use of force against terrorists
cannot justify the denial of the principles of a state of law.

"The Pope reminds the forgetful that there are only two exceptions that allow
recourse to force: the natural right to legitimate defense, exercised with the
criteria of need and proportionality, in the ambit of the United Nations, and
the system of collective security, which assigns to the Security Council
competence and responsibility in the matter of maintaining the peace."

Responding to a journalist's question, Vatican spokesman Joaquín Navarro-Valls
explained that "increasingly, the Pope dictates more and writes less," adding
that John Paul II "continues to correct personally the drafts of texts, which
are always in Polish."



* * *


110-Year-Old Christmas Tree Graces Square


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Christmas tree in St. Peter's
Square was illuminated, a gift this year from the Val d'Aosta region of northern
Italy.

The fir, almost 30 meters (100 feet) high and 110 years old, is a thanksgiving
gift from this autonomous region, which has welcomed John Paul II for seven of
his summer holidays.

Val d'Aosta sent the Pope more than 20 firs, which are decorating various areas
of the Vatican this Christmas.

One of these trees adorned Paul VI Hall today, site of the general audience. A
Nativity scene made in the same region was also on display.

Three hundred citizens of Val d'Aosta came to Rome to give the Pope his gift.
They were accompanied by Carlo Perrin, president of the region, and by their
bishop, Giuseppe Anfossi.

"I am very grateful to all those who made this Christmas gift possible, which
will remind visitors and pilgrims of the birth of Jesus, light of the world,"
the Holy Father said at the end of the audience when greeting his guests.

Later, at sundown on a particularly cold day in Rome, U.S. Cardinal Edmund
Szoka, head of the commission that governs Vatican City, presided at the
ceremony of illumination of the tree.


* * *

Bethlehem's "Light of Peace" Brought to Vatican


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- In a festive atmosphere, John Paul II
received the "lamp of peace," brought from Bethlehem to the Vatican by
representatives of the scout movement.

The lamp's flame was lit in the Basilica of the Nativity in the town of Jesus'
birth. It is being taken around Europe to light a candle or a lamp in parishes
and institutions, as a sign of peace.

It was taken to Paul VI Hall today, for the general audience, by representatives
of Catholic scouts.

The lamp has been touring Europe since 1986, the year the initiative was
launched in Austria. Since then, scouts associations of diverse countries have
committed themselves to take it around the world as a sign of Christian love and
fraternity.

Scout organizers told ZENIT that the light also implies a gesture of charity. In
agreement with local scout movements, the lamp is accompanied by a collection of
funds for poor children, the handicapped, refugees or marginalized people.




* * *


Address on 55th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

At U.N., Archbishop Migliore Appeals for Recognition of a Right to Life

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address delivered Dec. 10
by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, head of the delegation of the Holy See, to the
U.N. General Assembly on the 55th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.

Mr. President,

My delegation is pleased to join the observance of the 55th anniversary of the
promulgation and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This
extraordinary development in the protection of fundamental human rights was
based on the greatest traditions of the "jus gentium" -- the Law of Nations --
which is founded upon the objective moral order as discerned by right reason.
The principle of right reason is at the core of the natural law which has
inspired and continues to give vitality to the Universal Declaration. Eminent
scholars have noted the inextricable connection between the natural law and the
reality that all human rights and fundamental freedoms of the human person and
of peoples are inalienable.

When we examine the Charter, we come to realize all the more the nexus between
the United Nations Organization and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
one of the most precious and important documents in human history. The medieval
canon lawyers and the gallant legal commentators of the 16th-century like
Vitoria and Suárez had already developed precedents for the basic principles of
human rights that flow from the primacy and dignity of the human person. These
rights are not a creation of the state but flow from the character and nature of
humanity itself. In fact, we do not have to go very far to see the impact the
Universal Declaration has had on so many resolutions promulgated by this General
Assembly. Similarly, the Declaration has had a positive impact on national
constitutions and other basic laws that have been drafted over the past several
decades.

In identifying certain fundamental rights which are common to every member of
the human family, the Declaration has decisively contributed to the development
of international law. Moreover, it has resolutely challenged those human laws
which have denied men and women the dignity to which they are entitled because
of who they are. Sadly, the fundamental rights, proclaimed, codified and
celebrated in the Universal Declaration are still the object of severe and
constant violations.

But, there are other challenges to the proper implementation of human rights.
There is, for example, a tendency of some to choose self-serving rights. In some
circumstances, what is inalienable to some human beings is simultaneously denied
others. A case in point would be the denial of the most fundamental right --
that is the right to life itself from which all other rights naturally and
logically flow. Such practices threaten the integrity of the Declaration. Any
doubt cast on the universality or existence of non-derogable norms would
undermine the whole edifice of human rights.

While there is a growing trend to take a selective approach to human rights, my
delegation wishes to uphold the original vision of the Declaration -- a vision
in which political and civil rights are indispensable for social and economic
justice, and vice versa. In this era of rapid globalization, when poor countries
are facing the daunting challenge of addressing sociopolitical and economic
instability, the international community must keep striving to bring together
the two halves of the divided soul of the human rights project -- its resounding
affirmation of freedom and its insistence on one human family for which all bear
a common responsibility. In fact, one of the greatest threats today to the
integrity of the universal rights enshrined in the Declaration comes from
exaggerated individualism that often leads the stronger to lord it over the
weak. And this is repugnant to the Declaration and to the fundamental rights
which it promotes and protects.

Mr. President, to accept universal principles does not mean they must be brought
to life in the same way everywhere. Universality need not entail homogeneity.
Indeed, the framers of the Universal Declaration contemplated a legitimate
pluralism in forms of freedom. As an eminent scholar once put it, "there can be
many different kinds of music played on the Declaration's thirty strings." It is
unfortunate that this pluralist understanding is often forgotten, even by
friends of the human rights project.

Mr. President, the world in which we live today exists under the shadows of war,
terrorism and other threats to human survival and to the innate dignity of the
human person. At the source of many of these shadows lies a denial of some of
the universal rights. Ironically, it is human beings who cast these shadows.
Yet, we have also been given wisdom to use the light of right reason to dispel
them. The noble principles contained in the Universal Declaration will enable us
to achieve this goal of a bright future for all, not just for some of the human
family.

During this anniversary year of 2003, we still need to ask the question: what
has happened to everyone's right "to a social and international order in which
the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized"?
(Art. 28). The dignity, freedom and happiness acknowledged by the Declaration
will not be fully realized without solidarity amongst all peoples. Inspired by
the example of all those framers of this Declaration who have taken the risk of
freedom, can we not recommit ourselves also to taking the risk of solidarity --
and thus the risk of peace?

Though the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is now 55 years old, much of
its promise remains to be fulfilled. However, it still is "one of the highest
expressions of the human conscience of our time" and "a real milestone on the
path of the moral progress of humanity" (John Paul II, Address to the U.N.,
October 2, 1979 and October 5, 1995). My delegation is convinced that the
Declaration will continue to stand as a beacon on humanity's long journey
towards a more free, just and peaceful society.

Thank you, Mr. President.



* * *


Archbishop Named for Calabar, Nigeria


CALABAR, Nigeria, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appointed Bishop
Joseph Edra Ukpo of Ogoja, Nigeria, as archbishop of Calabar.

Bishop Ukpo will succeed Archbishop Brian David Usanga, who retired for reasons
of age, the Vatican press office announced today.

Joseph Edra Ukpo was born on June 6, 1937. He was ordained for the Diocese of
Ogoja in 1965. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Ogoja in 1971 and named
bishop in March 1973.

The Calabar Archdiocese has 2.3 million inhabitants, including 189,000
Catholics.




* * *

General-Audience Attendance Tops 17 Million


VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A total of 17,138,200 people have
attended the 1,112 midweek general audiences John Paul II has held during his
25-year pontificate.

In 2003, as of last week, the Pope held 48 general audiences attended by 501,700
pilgrims. The figure represents two more audiences than last year and five more
than in 2001. In fact, it is more than over the past 11 years, reflecting a
lower number of papal trips.

The Papal Household Prefecture published the figures Tuesday in an
end-of-the-year report. The report includes figures on the number of
participants each month for the past five years in the general audiences.

The greatest number of pilgrims arrived in October, the month of John Paul II's
silver anniversary and the beatification of Mother Teresa. A total of 59,000
people attended general audiences with the Pope in October.

The data refer only to the Wednesday general audience, and does not include the
pilgrims who pray the Angelus on Sundays in St. Peter's Square, or those who
attend liturgical celebrations and private audiences.

The general audiences are usually held in Paul VI Hall or, weather permitting,
in St. Peter's Square.




* * *


Student Martyrs Under Nazism Seen as Models for World Youth Day

"White Rose" Cost Them Their Lives in Wartime Germany

COLOGNE, Germany, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Student martyrs who stood up to
Nazism would make good models for participants in World Youth Day 2005, says a
Church official in Germany.

Monsignor Helmut Moll of the Cologne Archdiocese, a theological consultor of the
Vatican Congregation for Sainthood Causes, made that suggestion about the
wartime "White Rose" martyrs, according to the Italian bishops' SIR news agency.

"If I had to suggest a model of holiness for Cologne WYD 2005," he said, "I
would choose the White Rose youths -- Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic students
of Munich who, in 1942, fought to defend the dignity of man and religion in face
of Nazism."

The Munich youths "had understood that [Nazism] represented a great threat and
opposed it clearly in six leaflets, taking positions against the deportation of
Jews," explained Monsignor Moll, who was the vice postulator of the cause of
canonization of Edith Stein and Nicholas Gross.

"The leaflet, which they circulated in German cities and universities, were
signed with a 'white rose.' When they were discovered, they were all killed," he
said.

"They were youths rich in faith, with a profound ecumenical vision. Although
they lived at a different time, they are of enormous importance" at present,
said the priest. He is the author of the 20th-century German martyrology, which
lists more than 700 people recognized as martyrs by the Church.

In the priest's opinion, "Our society is poor in Christian models; therefore, as
the Pope has said, we need figures who are an example of faith, hope and
charity. These martyrs are real models of faith who have something to say to all
our young people."

He added: "Events such as WYD are a special occasion to show that one can be a
witness of faith even though one is young."



* * *

Struggles of Today's Converts to Catholicism

Father Charles Connor on the Special Role of the New Faithful

SCRANTON, Pennsylvania, DEC. 17, 2003 (Zenit.org).- An expert in Church history
greatly admires those who "thought their way to the truth" in the 19th century,
but insists that modern day converts are even more remarkable.

Father Charles Connor recognizes that people who feel called to become Catholics
today must chose to embrace a Church that is attacked by secularism even as it
recovers from post-Second Vatican Council turmoil.

The author of "Classic Catholic Converts" (Ignatius) and host of an EWTN series
on the topic, Father Connor shared with ZENIT what challenges the new faithful
have faced and what gifts they have brought to the Church in recent centuries.

Q: What compelled you to write this book?

Father Connor: It was a combination of interest in the Catholic intellectual
revival of the 1920s and 1930s, as well as a long-standing fascination with
British Catholic history.

The story of the Catholic Church in Britain, especially since the Reformation,
is the story of so many converts who came to the Church in a wide variety of
ways and contributed so substantially to its buildup. At the same time, many of
these same individuals in the 20th century were the writers and thinkers who so
convincingly and intellectually defended the Church, thereby attracting others
to it.

Perhaps a final thought is my admiration for so many who, by their own power,
thought their way to the truth.

Q: What is a common theme among these very different conversion stories?

Father Connor: There would be a few. One was a search for truth in unity and
completeness in doctrine. So many converts were disillusioned by the confusion
rampant in their faith traditions -- each person appeared to be an authority to
himself or herself, using entirely subjective criteria of private judgment in
all matters of belief.

Another common area was the growing awareness of the real presence of Our Lord
in the Most Blessed Sacrament -- body, blood, soul and divinity. It was a
serious lack in all other Christian traditions; even in those rare instances
where an ecclesial body claimed to possess it, such claims were proven invalid
in the minds of those who kept investigating.

Still another similarity was the consolation so many discovered in the Church's
teaching on papal supremacy, or the doctrine of papal infallibility. They
provided such a clear road map of life and the assurance that all who listened
to the vicar of Christ were listening to Christ himself, building his Church as
he did on the rock of Peter's confession of faith.

Q: What were some of the most dramatic struggles the converts in your book
faced?

Father Connor: The biggest challenges were overcoming some of their innate and
deeply held prejudices against the Church of Rome, working their way through an
obstacle that was hindering their reception into the Body of Christ and, so
often, facing rejection and being ostracized by their families and friends --
those they held closest.

Q: How have these struggles changed throughout history? Are they the same in
modern times?

Father Connor: Today the struggles would be quite different, in that they would
have an added dimension: modern secularity, from which the Church has not been
immune; and post-Vatican II confusion.

Today the potential convert witnesses the Church in disarray, including
theological variation from Church doctrine, dissent from within, generations of
Catholics who have lost their way morally, etc.

Therefore, it is all the most poignant when one enters the modern day Catholic
Church. It's still the one sure foundation, still the Church established by
Christ, still the ecclesial body where the fullness of truth may be found, but
subject nonetheless to the turmoil that has followed every general council in
Church history.

Also, one would have to mention the false perceptions about ecumenism which have
become part and parcel in our times. Real ecumenism should be no obstacle
whatsoever to convert making -- in fact, it should enhance it. Unfortunately, in
some minds, the concept has come to stand for religious indifference or the view
that one religion is the same as another.

Q: How do converts, in general, enrich the Church?

Father Connor: They bring an enthusiasm that is often lacking in cradle
Catholics. They have arrived at the faith through various channels and they
deeply treasure what they have found. Also they bring a tremendous fervor and
spirituality, which enhances the household of faith tremendously.

Finally, they often bring from their former traditions a great knowledge and
love of the Lord's word in Scripture. It is important to note that conversion to
Catholicism is not a rejection of one's past -- it is, rather, a bringing it
into completion.

Q: What can the Church do to encourage more conversions and support those who
are seeking full union with the Church?

Father Connor: Priests can and should do far more preaching about it from the
pulpit. If one is truly proud of what one has and is convinced of its
correctness, does it not follow that it should be shared with as many others as
possible?

Groups such as the Catholic Evidence Guild should be encouraged. Convert inquiry
classes should spring up both on the diocesan and parish level. Books of
apologetics, either new or reprinted, should be circulated.

More than anything, Catholics should not hide their talents or their faith under
a bushel basket -- individual initiative is so often the best means. This can
certainly be achieved by the quality of our lives, but even more so by very
directly putting the question to someone we may know and saying, "Have you ever
thought of becoming Catholic?"

* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The eighth section is entitled: "The Truth of Hagiography". "Lives of saints, of
a different sort, were composed with the more or less conscious design of laying
the groundwork for their canonization, particularly from the beginning  of the
second half of the twelfth century on. Before this  already taken place time,
some of these lives go on the assumption that the canonization has or that they
themselves are its equivalent; they validate the cult and give it its
expression. . . . But sometimes the account is intended to obtain a bishop's
recognition of a cult, "the elevation" of the saint's relics, or the Pope's
proclamation of his sanctity, that is, his canonization." (204).

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/121803.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 3, Issue 240

FRIDAY 19 December 2003


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Offers Guidelines to Overcome Crisis of Consecrated Life
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CELEBRATIONS PRESIDED OVER BY THE POPE AT CHRISTMAS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Nativity Scene in St. Peter's Square Was John Paul II's Idea
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Papal Praise for "The Passion"
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Anglican Still Hopeful for Ecumenical Ties With Catholics
----------------------------------------------------------------
• French Law on Religious Symbols Wouldn't Be a Solution, Says Episcopate
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Lithuania "Coming Back Home" to Christian Europe
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Focolare Movement Plans New Center in Jerusalem
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Indian-State Official Threatens to Close Christian Charities
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Pope Offers Guidelines to Overcome Crisis of Consecrated Life

Among Them: Ongoing Formation, and a Deeper Understanding of Charism

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II offered guidelines for
the Church to overcome the crisis of consecrated life that is reflected in
statistics compiled by the Holy See.

The Pope requested that every possible effort be made to support this "gift of
God for the Church," when he met today with a group of French bishops and with
the archbishop of Monaco.

This crisis of the consecrated life, he told the bishops, causes the aging of
religious communities, "with inevitable consequences for the life of the
institutes, for their witness, for their governance, and also for the options
connected to their mission."

The Statistical Yearbook of the Church reveals that in 1985 there were 917,432
women religious, with temporary or perpetual vows, in the Church; in 2001 there
were 792,317.

In those 16 years, the figure for Europe declined from 493,045 to 357,840. The
number of women religious is constantly decreasing in Latin America, North
America and Oceania, while it is increasing in Africa and Asia.

According to the same source, in 1985 there were 150,161 religious-order
priests; in 2001 they decreased to 138,619. Over those 16 years, Europe declined
from 71,642 to 62,546. Their number is decreasing in all the continents except
Africa, where there has been a slight increase since the year 2000.

The number of non-ordained religious with perpetual or temporary vows decreased
from 65,208 in 1985 to 54,970 in 2001. They are decreasing everywhere except in
Asia and Africa.

In his address to the bishop, the Holy Father offered guidelines to enable the
Church to surmount this crisis of consecrated life.

First, he emphasized "permanent formation" of the religious, "in particular at
the theological and spiritual level."

John Paul II then stressed the need for religious to understand their charisms
more profoundly in order to "renew their works, paying particular attention to
listening with great willingness to the new calls of the Spirit" and responding
"to the spiritual and missionary urgencies of the moment."

The Pontiff also asked the bishops and all Catholics to "promote the vocation
and mission of consecrated life."

He further advocated "institutional dialogue" between religious congregations,
bishops' conferences and the conferences of religious superiors to attain a
"genuine consensus and fruitful exchanges." The objective is that each institute
of consecrated life integrate itself better in the life of the diocesan Church,
the Holy Father said.

He said that religious today are protagonists of "imaginative charity,"
especially with persons "wounded by life," and that their witness continues to
address youths.

For this reason, John Paul II requested the bishops and religious to give
"renewed attention to young people who wish to commit themselves to the
religious life," ensuring that they receive a solid "human, intellectual, moral,
spiritual, communal and pastoral" formation.

The Pope noted that, even amid the crisis of consecrated vocations, new
communities of consecrated life are springing up.

"The new religious communities are an opportunity for the Church," the Holy
Father said. "Helped by the bishops, whose task it is to be vigilant, they still
have need to mature, to establish themselves, and on occasions to organize
themselves according to the canonical rules in force, with prudence."

"May all remember that the spirit of dialogue, of fraternal coexistence at the
service of Christ, and of the mission must prevail without cease!" he exhorted,
stressing that all "competition and antagonism" must be avoided.


* * *

CELEBRATIONS PRESIDED OVER BY THE POPE AT CHRISTMAS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2003 (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

- Wednesday, 24: Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. The Pope will celebrate
Midnight Mass in the Vatican Basilica.

- Thursday, 25: Solemnity of the Birth 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.

- Wednesday, 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 2004

- Thursday, 1:  Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. The Holy Father will preside at
the celebration of the solemnity within the octave of Christmas in the Vatican
Basilica at 10 a.m. on the occasion of the 37th World Day of Peace on the theme
"An Ever Timely Commitment: Teaching Peace." The Eucharist will be celebrated by
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State.


* * *

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Pier Giacomo
Grampa, rector of Papio College and pastor-archpriest of Ascona, Switzerland as
bishop of Lugano (area 2,811, population 282,181, Catholics 235,669, priests
288, permanent deacons 288, religious 630), Switzerland. The bishop-elect was
born in Busto Arsizio, Italy in 1936 and was ordained a priest in 1959. He
succeeds Bishop Giuseppe Torti whose resignation from the pastoral care of the
same diocese the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit


* * *


Nativity Scene in St. Peter's Square Was John Paul II's Idea

An Artistic Endeavor That Requires Three Months of Work

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Pilgrims and TV audiences worldwide
know about the outsized Nativity scene displayed in St. Peter's Square each
Christmas.

But not all of them know that it was a novelty brought to the Vatican by none
other than John Paul II.

Noticing the absence of Christmas decorations in the area enclosed by the
Bernini colonnade, in 1982 the Pope suggested that the mystery that occurred in
Bethlehem be represented in the area, in keeping with the Nativity spirit
realized by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.

Now, 20 people work for three months every year to design and build the
Vatican's Nativity ensemble. Various plans are proposed to the Vatican's
technical services, including architects and engineers. An ad hoc commission is
set up to carry out the selected design.

There are endless details to be attended to: choice of place, architectural
structure, decorations, straw, fir trees, music, etc. Every year is different.

Construction as such begins in St. Peter's Square on Dec. 8, feast of the
Immaculate Conception of Mary. It ends on Dec. 17. The Nativity scene is on
display until Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the
Temple.

Of the 17 personages of the Nativity, nine are old in origin. They were part of
the Nativity prepared in 1842 by St. Vincent Pallotti, in the Roman Church of
Sant'Andrea della Valle. The other eight were added over the years to enrich the
ensemble.

The novelty this year is that the Nativity is circular in shape, so that it can
be appreciated from all points of the square.

At the center is the simple presentation of the nativity, with Jesus, Mary and
Joseph. On the sides are scenes of daily life, as well as men and women in
adoration before the Messiah, to whom they offer gifts.

The Christian symbols of water and fire are displayed on the sides of the
Nativity. The water flows from two large receptacles, representing the source of
life. The fire, including a chimney, represents the light and warmth of Christ.

Next to the Nativity scene is a monumental Christmas tree -- this year, a
30-meter fir from Val d'Aosta in the Italian Alps.


* * *


Papal Praise for "The Passion"

"It Is as It Was," John Paul II Says

NEW YORK, DEC. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"
gains a new admirer: the Holy Father.

According to various news sources, John Paul II is the latest to see Gibson's
movie on Christ's passion the weekend before last, in the Vatican, apparently in
his private rooms, on a television, with a DVD, and accompanied by his closest
friend, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz.

Afterward, and with an eloquent economy, John Paul shared with Archbishop
Dziwisz his verdict. The latter, in turn, later shared John Paul's five-word
response with the co-producer of the movie, Steve McEveety.

"This is what the Pope said: 'It is as it was.'"

In a recent piece in the Opinion Journal, columnist Peggy Noonan, a contributing
editor of the Wall Street Journal, notes that the Pope joins other leading
Church figures, such as Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, prefect of the
Congregation for Clergy, who have praised the film and even suggested that all
priests see it.

Dominican Father Augustine Di Noia, undersecretary of the Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith, told ZENIT in an interview published Dec. 8: "Seeing this
film will be an intensely religious experience for many people. It was for me.
Stunning cinematography and consistently brilliant acting, combined with the
director's profound spiritual insight into the theological meaning of the
passion and death of Christ -- all contribute to a production of exquisite
artistic and religious sensitivity."




* * *

Anglican Still Hopeful for Ecumenical Ties With Catholics

Mary Tanner Addresses Conference in Rome

ROME, DEC. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Fostering of good relations between Anglicans
and Catholics is more necessary than ever, says an Anglican Communion figure.

"There is no collapse in relations between Anglicans and Catholics. What is
more, we need one another more than ever," said Mary Tanner at a conference of
the Pro Unione Center of Rome last week. Tanner is an Anglican member of the
International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission.

The English professor spoke at the annual conference in honor of Father Paul
Watson and Mother Lausana White, founders of the Society of Atonement, the
Franciscans who direct the Pro Unione Center of Rome, an institution dedicated
to ecumenism.

"We are at a moment that is equally rich in dangers and opportunities," Tanner
said. "Anglican-Catholic relations must go forward exploring the ecclesiological
implications posed by the present situation."

She referred to the "problematic context" the Anglican Communion is going
through because of the ordination of an open homosexual as an Episcopalian
bishop in the United States. The speaker said it is important to know "who is in
communion with whom."

Tanner claimed that "perhaps, we Catholics and Anglicans have never been so
close," and she stressed the importance of the visit of Rowan Williams, the
Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, to the Pope last Oct. 4.

"On that occasion the Pope expressed at the same time both a warning and
warmth," Tanner said. She emphasized that the Pontiff is concerned, even as he
is aware of the progress made toward visible union.





* * *

French Law on Religious Symbols Wouldn't Be a Solution, Says Episcopate

Reaction to President Chirac's Decision

PARIS, DEC. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- France's Catholic bishops say a law that
would ban use of religious symbols in schools will not solve the problems over
laicism and separation of church and state.

On Thursday, President Jacques Chirac said he favored a law that would ban the
use of "obvious" religious signs in schools. He accepted the majority of
recommendations offered last week by the Stasi Commission, which he appointed.

Chirac requested the prohibition of signs that "obviously manifest religious
membership" -- the Muslim veil, the Jewish yarmulke, or an "excessively" large
cross -- although discreet signs would be accepted, such as a small cross, or
Star of David.

The French president rejected the commission's suggestion that two holidays be
established -- one Jewish and one Muslim -- in the school calendar. He limited
himself to request that justified absences be facilitated for students
celebrating Yom Kippur and Aid el Kebir.

Chirac was also in favor of a law that would deny patients in public hospitals
the right to refuse being attended to by health care personnel of the opposite
sex. Muslim women increasingly have refused to be attended to by male doctors.

"The code of laicism, envisaged by the president of the republic and entrusted
to the government, can contribute to remind effectively of the principles and
rules that govern us in this matter," the president of the French episcopal
conference, Archbishop Jean-Pierre Ricard, affirmed in a statement today.

"But it will also have to stress that laicism is above all the art of living
together, enriched by experience and practice," the archbishop of Bordeaux
added. "The state has the responsibility to guarantee the same respect, the same
consideration to all the great spiritual families."

"The question of religious dress or signs in public schools and in the
administration has focused the debate," the prelate continued. "The president of
the republic wants a legislative solution. He outlines the problem. We don't
believe, however, that voting on a law will be the miraculous answer to all the
difficulties."

"A law will never dispense from the discernment that must be done according to
the different situations, also to discern what is 'obvious" and what is
'discreet,'" Archbishop Ricard wrote. "We think that, although it is necessary
to recall the laws, it will not suffice. Education, pedagogy and the
reaffirmation of a common plan of society seems to us to be of primary
importance today."

"If the school must be preserved from every form of violence, pressure [and]
disturbance in the educational framework, it must not be, as the president
properly stresses, 'a place of uniformity, anonymity, in which signs of
religious membership are prohibited,'" the episcopal representative said.

"One must be careful, therefore, that in its formulation, a law on religious
signs is not seen as a sign of suspicion of the great majority of people, whose
signs of religious membership are not a disturbance of public order," the
archbishop said.




* * *


Lithuania "Coming Back Home" to Christian Europe

Cardinal Backis Says Nation Hopes to Bring Along Its Values

ROME, DEC. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Catholic Church's strong show of
solidarity after the fall of the Berlin Wall has enabled Lithuania to rediscover
its European roots, says Cardinal Audrys Jouzas Backis.

The archbishop of Vilnius, capital of the Eastern Europe nation, said that such
solidarity helped Lithuania more than any political effort.

"This was the start of the building of a united Christian Europe, and only on
this common base shall we succeed in advancing the well-being of our citizens,"
the cardinal said during a recent visit to the German headquarters of the
charity Aid to the Church in Need. Lithuania is scheduled to join the European
Union in May.

"There are many direct attacks against the Church in recent times," Cardinal
Backis said. But "we see them also as a reaction to the European challenge."

This year, Lithuania celebrated the 750th anniversary of its conversion to
Christianity, which dates back to the coronation of Mindaugas, its first and
only king, by the Pope.

"At that time we first joined a Christian Europe, becoming members of a
Christian family, and now we wish to come back to this family," Cardinal Backis
said. "We are coming back home."

Although the social shock of Western practical materialism and Eastern Communist
ideology create obstacles to traditional moral values, Cardinal Backis has faith
in the work of youth groups within the parishes, and in the activities of the
Catholic Family centers.

With thousands of signatures, the Catholic groups succeeded in blocking
bioethics laws seen as destructive, as well as in vitro-fertilization.

"We do not have nice programs nor beautiful pedagogic literature to offer
Europe," he added. "We wish to communicate with our brothers and to give our
human point of view. There are values that have been saved."

About 80% of Lithuania's 3.5 million citizens are Catholic.



* * *

Focolare Movement Plans New Center in Jerusalem


JERUSALEM, DEC. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The foundations have been laid in old
Jerusalem for a Focolare spirituality and study center, next to the stone steps
where tradition says Jesus on Holy Thursday prayed to the Father for unity.

The initiative is in the context of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of
the Focolare Movement, celebrated last week, when members took up the first
collection for the project.

An agreement was signed last month by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem,
granting a plot of land in perpetuity to the Focolarini for the project.

It is the realization of a dream which founder Chiara Lubich had since her first
visit to the Holy Land in 1956.

The Focolare Movement, founded in 1943, today involves 4.5 million people in 182
countries; more than 2 million are followers and sympathizers. It emphasizes a
spirituality of unity, including ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and
dialogue with nonbelievers.

The Focolare Movement has been active in the Holy Land for 25 years. It has
centers in Jerusalem and Haifa.

* * *

Indian-State Official Threatens to Close Christian Charities


NEW DELHI, India, DEC. 18, 2003 (Zenit.org).- A newly elected official of the
northwestern state of Rajasthan has threatened to close all Christian-run
orphanages and social institutions.

On Dec. 1, the pro-Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won elections in
three of four states, including Rajasthan.

Madan Dilaver, newly elected director of social affairs for Rajasthan, has
openly proclaimed his intention to close institutions run by the Christian
minority, sources told the Missionary Service News Agency.

In particular, Dilaver said he would like to dismantle the Emmanuel Bible
Institute Samiti, of Kota, which looks after 6,000 orphans and manages 150
centers for lepers and 140 rest homes for the needy.

He apparently has started a campaign against the Bible institute's president,
alleging his supposed implication in "anti-national activities" and in organ
trafficking, the news agency reported.

Sources said that it might be a sign of a return of Hindu "hatred campaigns"
against Christians, and they appealed to the international community to
intervene against Dilaver and those who instigate interreligious violence.


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The ninth section is entitled: "The Sermon". Monastic sermons were specifically
written to enhance and foster monastic observance. They were drawn from
scripture or the Rule making a point that would encourage fidelity to the order
and the religious vocation.

The tenth section "Sententiae" are brief manuscripts of sermons written by
auditors that encapsulated the outline of the talk. From these sections we learn
from Leclercq how the monastic system filtered the core of sacred scripture in
the sermon. The sermon served as a sort of audio divina where the auditor heard
the word and a reflection that established for points for edification and
instruction. In a sense sermons were themselves the products of lectio divina
and disseminated the distilled reading to a large group assembled
simultaneously.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/121903.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2003 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 4, Issue 1

MONDAY 5 January 2004


* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Papal Intention: an End to Discrimination
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Mourns for Nuncio Ambushed in Burundi
----------------------------------------------------------------
• New International Order Urged for Sake of Peace
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Prays for a Year of Peace, Family Unity and Vocations
----------------------------------------------------------------
• 29 Catholic Missionaries Slain in 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Aid Requested for Quake Victims in Iran
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Iran's Catholics Joining Quake-Relief Efforts
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Papal Intention: an End to Discrimination


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- During the month of January, John Paul
II is praying for people to recognize one another as members of one family, and
thus overcome all forms of discrimination.

This is the general intention of the Apostleship of Prayer, which the Holy
Father makes his own, offering prayers and sacrifices together with thousands of
lay people, religious, priests and bishops.

The intention for this month reads: "That all men and women may recognize that
they are members of God's one family and end wars, injustice and discrimination
among themselves."

The Pope is also praying for the following missionary intention: "That every
mission Church may engage itself in the training of apostolic personnel."



* * *


Pope Mourns for Nuncio Ambushed in Burundi

Archbishop Michael Courtney Dies After Attack on Car

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II sent a telegram of
condolence to the episcopate in Burundi, expressing "spiritual closeness and my
compassion" for the ambush slaying of the Irish-born papal nuncio to that
African country.

In his telegram Tuesday the Pope said he was "deeply saddened by the tragic news
of the violent death of Archbishop Michael A. Courtney, apostolic nuncio in
Burundi."

Upon hearing the news of the death Monday, "the Holy Father recollected himself
in prayer, entrusting to Christ, the Good Shepherd, the soul of this faithful
and generous servant of the Church and the Holy See, who died while carrying out
his difficult mission," read the telegram sent to Archbishop Simon Ntamwana,
president of the episcopal conference of Burundi.

The Pope also transmitted his condolences to the relatives of the slain
archbishop.

The murder of an apostolic nuncio is unprecedented in modern history. Even
during the two World Wars, no papal ambassador was killed.

"I ask the Lord of life to accept him into his kingdom of light and peace," the
Holy Father said in his telegram, "he who manifested the daily concern of the
Successor of Peter for more than three years to all the citizens of Burundi."

The Pope encouraged "everyone to commit themselves to follow Christ, rejecting
violence, which is a path without a future, and to build up lasting peace, based
on justice, respect for others, and security for all."

A statement issued late Monday by the Vatican Secretariat of State said the
assassination took place in Minago, a town 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the
capital, Bujumbura, where the prelate had gone in order to carry out pastoral
obligations.

"The automobile in which the pontifical representative was traveling this
afternoon, with a priest wounded in the attack, a driver and another person, was
shot at with firearms from a nearby hill," the statement explained.

"Archbishop Courtney, who was taken with great difficulty to the closest
hospital in Bujumbura, did not regain consciousness due to serious wounds which
caused an uncontrollable hemorrhage. Despite the doctor's efforts, the prelate
died during emergency surgery," it added.

"With the death of Archbishop Courtney, the list of missionaries who have given
their life for the Gospel during 2003 grows longer. And now, for the first time,
the name of the pontifical representative is added to that list of generous
faithful. May the Lord grant them eternal rest!" said the text.

Michael Courtney was born in Nenagh, County Tipperary, in 1945. He was ordained
a priest at age 23. He entered the Holy See's diplomatic service in 1980,
serving in South Africa, Senegal, India, Yugoslavia, Cuba and Egypt.

In 1995 he was appointed special envoy with functions of permanent observer of
the Holy See to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. John Paul II named
him apostolic nuncio in Burundi in 2000 and making him an archbishop.

Archbishop Courtney was due to leave Burundi soon, as the Pope named him
apostolic nuncio in Cuba. An opportune moment was being awaited to announce this
new mission, the assistant director of the Vatican press office, Father Ciro
Benedettini, said on Vatican Radio.

Father Claudio Marano, religious of the Missionary Brothers of St. Francis
Xavier, told Vatican Radio that Archbishop Courtney "was a nuncio who never
remained silent."

"His desire was to sit around the table with everyone to attain peace," Father
Marano said. "He did so also this Christmas, in the Mass celebrated in the
cathedral. He constantly repeated: 'Let's all sit around a table, including the
group that will not sign the cease-fire.'"

Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated in October
1993, after only four months in office. Since then, some 200,000 Burundians have
perished in ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. The army blamed the
nuncio's killing on the rebel National Liberation Forces. But FNL guerrillas
rebels denied they killed the papal envoy, Agence France-Presse reported.

The Holy See's diplomatic service, the oldest in the world, goes back to the
time of papal legates sent by Popes to represent them at important councils. A
legate was present at the Council of Nicaea in the year 325.

According to the Vienna Diplomatic Convention of April 18, 1961, the Holy See's
ambassadors, known as apostolic nuncios, are considered the deans of the
diplomatic corps of the country where they are assigned.


* * *


New International Order Urged for Sake of Peace

Pope Says Temptation to Mistrust Must Be Overcome

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II started the new year by
insisting that peace is "possible" and thus a "duty," and he called for a new
international order.

That was the focus of the Pope's homily today at the Mass to celebrate the
solemnity of the Mother of God. The Church also marked World Day of Peace.

The Holy Father concentrated on the need to teach peace, an issue he highlighted
in the first year of his pontificate. "Given that peace is possible -- I wish to
repeat -- it is a duty," he explained in St. Peter's Basilica.

"In the face of situations of injustice and violence that oppress various areas
of the planet, in the face of the permanence of armed conflicts frequently
forgotten by public opinion, it is ever more necessary to build together paths
of peace," the Pope said. "Therefore, it is indispensable to teach peace."

He said it is particularly necessary to teach peace in the land where Jesus was
born, which, "unfortunately, continues to live in dramatic conditions."

"It is necessary, however, to persevere without yielding to the temptation to
mistrust," the Holy Father added. "An effort is necessary on the part of all to
have the fundamental rights of people respected through constant education in
lawfulness."

"With this objective, everything possible must be done to overcome the logic of
strict justice in order to open also to that of forgiveness. In fact, there is
no peace without forgiveness," the Pope said.

Commenting on the international scene, the Holy Father explained that there is
an ever-greater need for "a new international order, which will make use of the
experience and results obtained in these years by the United Nations."

He called for such "an order that will be capable of giving solutions that are
appropriate to the problems of today, based on the dignity of the human person,
the integral development of society, solidarity between rich and poor countries,
and the capacity to share the resources and extraordinary results of scientific
and technological progress."

Ambassadors of countries accredited to the Holy See attended the Mass, which was
presided over by the Holy Father and celebrated by Vatican Secretary of State
Cardinal Angelo Sodano.


* * *


John Paul II Prays for a Year of Peace, Family Unity and Vocations


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II closed out 2003 by
presiding at a thanksgiving "Te Deum" and praying that the new year would bring
peace, family unity, and vocations to the consecrated life.

Amid thousands of pilgrims who filled St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, the
Pope read his homily in a clear voice, and ended by imploring for peace "for the
whole world."

Addressing his prayer through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the
Holy Father had prayed earlier for the work the Church carries out in service
"of the family, young people, and vocations of special consecration."

"May families respond ever more fully to the plan God has always had for them!"
the Pope exclaimed.

With the year 2004 in mind, he appealed to the faithful to invoke "the maternal
protection of Most Holy Mary, to ask her to continue to guide our way."

Pilgrims arrived in the early hours to attend the "Te Deum," ignoring rumors of
possible terrorist attacks against the Vatican.


* * *


29 Catholic Missionaries Slain in 2003

But List Is Far From Complete, Says Fides

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- At least 29 Catholics were killed in
2003 while carrying out their missionary work, including lay people and an
archbishop, says the Vatican missionary agency Fides.

The most recent deaths were those of German Father Anton Probst, a religious of
the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, killed on Dec. 24 in Akono,
Cameroon, and Irish Archbishop Michael Courtney, apostolic nuncio in Burundi,
victim of an ambush Monday.

There were four more missionaries killed in 2003 than in 2002, and four fewer
than in 2001. Fides, the organ of the Vatican Congregation for the
Evangelization of Peoples, explained that the list is incomplete, since it is
only a fraction of the number of Catholics who died because of their faith.

The list includes the names of four lay people, 20 priests, one religious, and
three seminarians.

Colombia, where six missionaries were killed, proved once again to be the most
dangerous country to carry out missionary work. There were four other deaths in
Latin America: two missionaries in El Salvador, one in Brazil, and one in
Guatemala.

Seventeen died in Africa: six in Uganda, five in Congo, and one each in
Cameroon, Burundi, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Somalia and Kenya.

Two died in Asia: one in India and another in Pakistan.

Here is the list published by Fides:

-- Father Dieudonné Mvuezolo-Tovo from Congo, coordinator for Catholic schools
in Bas province, Congo, shot dead on March 11 by a man in military uniform on
the Tshimpi Matadi Road.

-- Father Nelson Gómez Bejarano from Colombia, 52, parish priest of the Shrine
of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Armenia, Colombia. Killed on March 22 by
robbers.

-- Father Martin Macharia Njoroge from Kenya, 34, died on April 11 in a hospital
in Nairobi from injuries inflicted by robbers on the city outskirts. The robbers
forced him to get out of his car and then fired several shots at him. They
escaped with his car, which they abandoned a short distance away. He was in
charge of St. Francis Xavier Parish at Parklands. A brother of his, also a
priest, was killed in 2000.

-- Father Raphael Ngona from Congo was shot dead May 6 on the premises of Bunia
diocesan offices where he was living temporarily, having been appointed parish
priest at Drodro.

-- Three seminarians were kidnapped in Lachor, Uganda (in the Archdiocese of
Gulu) during the night of May 10 and subsequently killed. Altogether, 41 boys
were abducted by Lord's Resistance Army rebels. Some escaped, and the rest are
believed to be still held by the rebels.

-- Father Aimé Njabu and Father Francois Xavier Mateso, from Congo, were found
dead on May 10 in Nyakasanza parish, on the outskirts of Bunia. Father Njabu was
slain with a machete and Father Mateso was shot dead in the parish compound. A
number of parishioners were also found dead.

-- Father Jairo Garavito, 36, of Colombia, was killed May 15 by a group of
delinquents who broke into the parish house at Yerbabuena di Chia, in the
Cundinamarca region. He died of suffocation after being beaten, gagged and
bound.

-- Franciscan Father Manus Campbell, of Ireland, was killed May 21 by robbers
who broke into the parish in the outskirts of Durban, South Africa. A member of
the Order of Friars Minor, he had been a missionary in South Africa for 45
years.

-- Ana Isabel Sánchez Torralba, 22, of Spain, was on her first mission abroad as
a member of the Calasanziano Voluntary Missionary group, when she was killed in
Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, on July 1 during a police raid.

-- Father George Ibrahim, 38, of Pakistan, was shot dead at dawn July 5 by armed
men who broke into his parish dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima at Renala Khurd,
in the Okara district.

-- Capuchin Father Taddeo Gabrieli, 73, of Italy, stabbed to death July 19 at
Imperatriz, Brazil, by a person he was trying to assist. The person apparently
was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The priest had devoted his life to
evangelization.

-- Comboni Missionary Father Mario Mantovani, 84, of Italy, and Comboni Brother
Godfrey Kiryowa, 29, of Uganda, were shot dead Aug. 14 on the road between
Capeto and Kotido, Uganda, by cattle thieves. Father Mantovani had assisted
lepers in Uganda for 45 years.

-- Father Alphonse Kavendiambuku of the Matadi Diocese, in Congo, killed Aug. 26
at Kavuaya, by five former military men who attacked the car in which the priest
and another two passengers were traveling.

-- Father Lawrence Oyuru, parish priest at Ocero, in the Soroti Diocese in
Uganda, was killed with 25 other people in an ambush staged by Lord's Resistance
Army rebels on the Soroti-Manasale road on Sept. 1.

-- Father William de Jesús Ortez, 32, born in Jucuapa, El Salvador, was parish
priest at the cathedral in the Santiago de Maria Diocese. He was shot dead
inside the cathedral Oct. 5. The sacristan, Jaime Noel Quintanilla, 23, was also
shot dead.

-- Annalena Tonelli, 63, of Italy, a voluntary medical worker, was shot dead
Oct. 5 as she left the hospital she herself had opened and where she had cared
for the local people for 33 years at Borama, Somalia.

-- Father Sanjeevananda Swami, 52, of India, died of wounds inflicted by
aggressors in Belur Kolar district, in the Bangalore Diocese, on Oct. 7.

-- Father Saulo Carreño, 38, of Colombia, parish priest at Saravena, was shot
dead in his car Nov. 3. Maritza Linares, a hospital worker traveling with him,
was also killed, probably by outlaws fighting for control of this oil-rich area,
near Sarare hospital on the Saravena-Fortul road.

-- Father Henry Humberto López Cruz, 44, a parish priest at Villavicencio, was
stabbed to death in the parish house during the night of Nov. 3. His body, tied
to a chair, was found the next day by a cleaning woman.

-- Father José Rubín Rodríguez, 51, of Colombia, parish priest at La Salina,
Casanare, was kidnapped Nov. 14 and murdered in the rural area of Tame. His body
was found Nov. 21.

-- Father José Maria Ruiz Furlan, 69, of Guatemala, shot dead Dec. 14 at his
parish in a poor district of Guatemala City. He was known to be a passionate
human rights activist who worked to improve the living conditions of the poor.

-- Father Anton Probst, 68, of Germany, a Claretian missionary, was killed after
Christmas Eve Mass at a novitiate in Akono, Cameroon. He was returning to his
room when he met with thieves who gagged and bound him and beat him to death.

-- Archbishop Michael Courtney, 58, of Ireland, apostolic nuncio in Burundi, was
mortally wounded in his car during an ambush on Monday at Minago.




* * *


Aid Requested for Quake Victims in Iran


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- As soon as John Paul II learned of the
Iranian earthquake, he expressed his closeness to the country's residents and
urged Catholic institutions to join in relief efforts.

On Dec. 26, the Pope requested that a telegram be sent to Archbishop Angelo
Mottola, apostolic nuncio in Iran, in which the Holy Father expressed "his
profound sympathy to the authorities of the country and the Iranian people."

Before praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square on
Sunday, the Pope appealed for prayers for the victims of the quake that
devastated the city of Bam.

He invited "international organizations, especially Catholic charitable
institutions, to help with generosity our Iranian brothers and sisters, affected
by such a grave catastrophe. May the solidarity of the whole world, felt
especially in the Christmas climate, make their situation less dramatic."

Some sources put the death toll at close to 30,000. Others fear it could reach
40,000 or higher.

On Tuesday, the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" announced that John Paul II made a
financial donation to relief efforts.

"With this gesture," a "Cor Unum" statement explained, "His Holiness wishes to
sustain and encourage, through Catholic structures present in that nation, the
relief work for those suffering from the consequences of the catastrophic
earthquake." No details on the exact amount of the donation were given.

Caritas Internationalis, the world federation of national Catholic aid
organizations, has mobilized to help those affected by the quake.



* * *


Iran's Catholics Joining Quake-Relief Efforts

Nuncio Tells of Aid in Wake of Devastation

TEHRAN, Iran, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Iran's Catholics have been collecting
money and medicines for the victims of last Friday's earthquake that devastated
the city of Bam and left nearly 30,000 dead.

Archbishop Angelo Mottola, apostolic nuncio in Tehran, confirmed that Iran's
Catholics have been working for relief efforts since the day after the quake in
the Kerman province.

Estimates of the number of dead vary; some officials say the final toll could
hit 40,000. The number of wounded is considerably higher. The ancient city of
Bam was virtually destroyed.

Archbishop Mottola told AsiaNews: "There are no Christians, yet we have many
friends [there]. And unfortunately there is no way to get in touch with them.
Even cell phones don't work, and I am worried, since I still haven't had any
word as to whether these friends are alive or dead."

The archbishop has been in Tehran for nearly four years. "The situation is
really on the brink of desperation," he said. "As soon as we became aware of the
disaster, on Saturday, December 27, we called a meeting of Catholic Church
bishops and decided to help the people of Bam as much as we could."

Iran's Catholics number around 16,000 in a total population of 62 million
inhabitants. In the wake of the Khomeini regime, relations are now improving
between the Church and the government of President Mohammad Khatami.

The Church donated about $500 to the relief effort. "The amount is not large,"
the nuncio acknowledged. "However it is the first sign of closeness and
solidarity with our brothers and sisters."

"We have also asked Caritas Internationalis to contribute to this cause, as a
most important act of human solidarity," he added. "The situation is quite
frightening."

"In addition to the tragedy of deaths," he continued, "there are survivors in
need of help in the form of food, medicine, tents and blankets. They have
nothing, while living and sleeping in this desert area. Travel to the region is
also made difficult. To reach the disaster area there is only a small airport
and a single desert road."

Many charitable organizations have already responded to the appeal, including
Dutch and German charities as well as Caritas Internationalis. Representatives
from Sécours Catholique, a French charity, have also arrived in Tehran. The
charities have allocated 50,000 euros ($63,000) each. The sum goes partly to
fulfill emergency needs and partly to rebuild the Bam area, which was 80%
destroyed.

Before praying the midday Angelus on Sunday, John Paul II appealed to Catholics
and the international community worldwide to show solidarity for the earthquake
victims.

"I am comforted by the Holy Father's appeal for the Bam quake victims,"
Archbishop Mottola said. "I really hope the world and especially Christians
accept his urgent call."

Other Christian communities in Iran, including Orthodox and Protestants, are
collecting emergency goods to be sent to quake victims.


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The eleventh section of chapter eight is entitled: "St. Bernard and his
"Secretaries"". This section briefly describes the role of a notary in writing
the text of an author during the medieval period. At this time the word
"dictare" did not mean dictation as it does today or during the patristic age
but was looser meaning "to compose" a literary text. This is why the notaries or
secretaries of St. Bernard who wrote treatises after his death often have their
writings confused with his since they are similar and by the same hands.

The twelfth section "Rhetoric and Sincerity" explains how medieval sermons
became more theological tracts that were more like scholastic apologies that
defended or proved a theological truth than a sermon that was a reflection drawn
from lectio divina meant to inspire.


Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/010504.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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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below the word "Home"; (2) then click on the articles posted by date;
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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 4, Issue 2

TUESDAY 6 January 2004

Blessed Andre Bessette

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Sri Lanka Eyes Anti-Conversion Law
----------------------------------------------------------------
• German Missionary's Murder in Cameroon Linked to Robbery
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Patriarch Sabbah Calls Barrier a Blow for Peace
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Bethlehem Birth Shows Value of Human Life, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Implores an End to Terrorism and Wars
----------------------------------------------------------------
• What Is Happening in Fatima?; Death in Burundi
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF
MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Sri Lanka Eyes Anti-Conversion Law


COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Sri Lanka hopes to introduce a
law that will limit conversions from one religion to another, the country's
Minister of Religious Affairs announced.

The Colombo government will promote a legislative disposition directed to those
who use a variety of "incentives" to convince others to change their religion.

"More than 7,000 Hindus, from the northeast and central provinces of Sri Lanka,
have converted to Christianity in the past 10 years," Minister of Religious
Affairs Thiagarajah Maheswaran, a Hindu, told the press during a visit to
Madras, India.

Maheswaran added: "The conversions have grown in recent months, since
international humanitarian agencies committed to the reconstruction of the
country have begun to construct churches."

Sri Lanka has been devastated by devastated by two decades of conflict between
the government and the rebel Tamil Tigers.

In recent days the question of conversions has come to the fore again with the
death of a Buddhist monk who led the struggle against religious conversions from
Buddhism to Christianity, according to the Missionary Service News Agency.

According to doctors, Venerable Gangodavila Soma Thera died in Russia in early
December following a heart attack. However, some Buddhists blame Christians for
his death, thus fueling the tensions between the two communities.

About 70% of Sri Lanka's 20 million inhabitants are Buddhist; 15% are Hindu, 8%
Christian (of the latter 6.7% is Catholic) and 7% Muslim.


* * *

German Missionary's Murder in Cameroon Linked to Robbery


AKONO, Cameroon, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- A German missionary priest was found
murdered after Christmas Eve Mass at an novitiate in Akono, apparently the
victim of robbers.

Father Anton Probst, 68, a Claretian missionary, was found gagged, his hands and
feet tied, near his room at the novitiate 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of
Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon.

He had taken part in the Christmas Eve Mass, and apparently was attacked by
robber when he returned to his room. The assailants fled with objects of little
value.

Father Probst was born in 1935 in Messhofen, Germany. He was ordained a priest
in 1967. He worked for 24 years in Congo before arriving in Akono 11 years ago.
His funeral will be held this Sunday.



* * *


Patriarch Sabbah Calls Barrier a Blow for Peace


BETHLEHEM, West Bank, DEC. 25, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Prayers for Mideast peace
found little resonance of hope in Jesus' birthplace as Bethlehem spent another
Christmas encircled by the Israeli army.

Latin-rite Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem said in a Christmas homily that
Israel's building of a huge barrier through the West Bank was a blow to peace
efforts.

"The military barrier is turning Palestinian cities and villages into a huge
prison, demolishing houses and agriculture," he said at Midnight Mass, according
to Reuters. Christian Palestinians and foreign pilgrims made their way through
Israeli army roadblocks to pack the ancient Church of the Nativity for the Mass.




* * *


Bethlehem Birth Shows Value of Human Life, Says Pope

In Christmas Homily, He Laments Violence in World

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 25, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says that in the manger
at Bethlehem God shows the value of all human life, for which he became man more
than two millenniums ago.

The Pope delivered that message in his homily at the Christmas Midnight Mass he
presided over in St. Peter's Basilica. Some 10,000 people participated in the
Mass.

Looking tired but firm, the Holy Father addressed himself to the Child Jesus in
the homily: "May the gift of your life make us understand ever more clearly the
worth of the life of each human being."

"The Prince of Peace is born in the lowly and cold cave of Bethlehem," he
recalled. "In the austere poverty of the crib we contemplate a babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. … Let us pause in silence and worship."

"May the radiance of your birth light up the night of the world. May the power
of your message of love thwart the proud snares of the evil one," the Holy
Father added.

"Too much blood is still being shed on the earth! Too much violence and too many
conflicts trouble the peaceful coexistence of nations!" he exclaimed. "You come
to bring us peace. You are our peace!"

One of the petitions in the Prayer of the Faithful was for nations martyred by
war and guerrilla movements. Another, in Arabic, was for those who recognize
Abraham as a spiritual father -- Jews, Muslims and Christians -- to renounce
"all sentiments and action of hate, revenge and violence."

The Mass was broadcast by 78 television channels in 48 countries.


* * *


Pope Implores an End to Terrorism and Wars

In Message for Christmas

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 25, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II's message for Christmas
turned into a plea to God for world peace and an end to terrorism.

"Save us from the wars and armed conflicts which lay waste whole areas of the
world," the Pope asked before giving Christmas greetings in 62 languages and
imparting his blessing "urbi et orbi" -- to the city of Rome and the world.

"Save us from the scourge of terrorism and from the many forms of violence which
assail the weak and the vulnerable," he added under clear, cold skies.

The Holy Father read the full text of his message, which was shorter than in
years past. The night before the 83-year-old Pope presided over the lengthy
Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

Instead of speaking from the balcony of the basilica's facade, as was scheduled,
the Pontiff preferred to come down to St. Peter's Square in his movable chair,
in order to be closer to the 60,000 pilgrims on hand.

He prayed: "Save us from discouragement as we face the paths to peace, difficult
paths indeed, yet possible and therefore necessary; paths which are always and
everywhere urgent, especially in the land where you were born, the Prince of
Peace."

"The Savior is born for us!" he affirmed, noting the basis of Christian hope for
peace. "A wave of tenderness and hope fills our hearts, together with an
overpowering need for closeness and peace."

"What wonder! By being born in Bethlehem, the Eternal Son of God has entered
into the history of each person living on the face of the earth," the Pope said.

"May the joy of your Nativity reach to the farthest ends of the universe!" he
concluded.

The Pope's Christmas message was carried by a record 82 television channels in
50 countries, said Vatican spokesman Joaquín Navarro-Valls.



* * *


What Is Happening in Fatima?; Death in Burundi

Building Project Raises Eyebrows

By Delia Gallagher

ROME, JAN. 1, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Controversy has broken out over the
construction of a new building near the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in
Portugal.

Several Web sites devoted to news about Fatima have expressed outrage at the
possibility that the new building might be used for interreligious purposes.

"Fatima to Become Inter-faith Shrine" headlined the Nov. 1 online dispatch of
English-language Portugal News.

In the report, the rector of the shrine, Monsignor Luciano Gomes Paulo Guerra,
says, "The future of Fatima, or the adoration of God and his mother at this holy
shrine, must pass through the creation of a shrine where different religions can
mingle."

The head of the Leiria-Fatima Diocese, Bishop Serafim de Sousa Ferreira e Silva,
faxed me a three-page statement written in Portuguese (I had it unofficially
translated) by the rector of the shrine, dated Dec. 28.

The letter resumes the news published by Portugal News, including Monsignor
Guerra's statement that the shrine would become a place "where different
religions can mingle."

According to the letter, the rector has been inundated by correspondence due to
this "sensationalist news."

The rector clarifies: "God willing, a religious space, will begin to be
constructed very shortly, and though it is the presumption of some journalists
that it will resemble a stadium, it will in fact be a church, with seating for
9,000; it will be exclusively destined to be a place of Catholic worship,
located not next to the current basilica, but between the Cruz Alta and a
national road and, when opportune, ... can receive pilgrims of other convictions
who wish to fraternally partake in our way of prayer."

Regarding the controversy surrounding the building, the rector mentions
specifically Father Nicholas Gruner, a Canadian priest who runs The Fatima
Crusader, a quarterly newsletter.

"It is our conviction," says Monsignor Guerra, "that the article in Portugal
News has been guided by some members of the group led by Father Gruner, a priest
who finds himself in an irregular canonical situation, who persists in his
crusade in favor of the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
according to the secret of Fatima (although it has been said and re-said that
this consecration has already occurred) and who distributed pamphlets during our
October conference against the realization and intentions of the conference."

Father Gruner was suspended "a divinis" by the Vatican in 1996 -- meaning he is
relieved of his priestly functions, primarily administering the sacraments. He
continues to take a critical stance toward John Paul II's vision of ecumenism,
as evidenced by a 2000 document called, "We Resist You to Your Face" -- the You
referring to the Pope.

The conference to which Father Guerra refers was held Oct. 10-12 and sponsored
by the Sanctuary of Fatima, entitled, "The Present of Man -- The Future of God:
The Place of Sanctuaries in Relation to the Sacred."

Conferees included Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical
Council for Interreligious Dialogue; Cardinal José da Cruz Policarpo, patriarch
of Lisbon; Bishop Silva; Father Jacques Dupuis, professor of theology at Rome's
Gregorian University; and Monsignor Guerra.

On the third day of the conference the floor was opened to representatives of
Hindu, Buddhist, Judaic and Islamic religions. Orthodox and Anglican
representatives also spoke.

During the conference no mention was made of the construction of a new shrine.

When I recently spoke to Archbishop Fitzgerald in Rome, he said he was surprised
that the news of the building had caused such consternation.

"As far as I know, there are no plans that the building is designed specifically
for inter-faith purposes," the archbishop said. "We recognize that Fatima is a
place of pilgrimage for many religions." But he added that the shrine
nonetheless retains its Catholic identity.

"It was the Pope himself who said in Assisi in October 1986 that we are all
pilgrims together," continued Archbishop Fitzgerald. "As I said at the
conference in Fatima, we must learn to journey together, for if we drift apart
we do ourselves harm, but if we walk together we can help one another to reach
the goal that God has set for us."

Monsignor Guerra's statement concurs with Archbishop Fitzgerald's sentiments, as
most of it is taken up with an explanation of the importance of interreligious
dialogue.

The rector of the shrine contends that the Fatima apparitions were exhortations
to ecumenical dialogue. His statement says that the Virgin Mary knew that her
choice of the site in Portugal would one day be understood as a deliberate
association with the daughter of the Islamic prophet Mohammed (whose name was
Fatima).

Monsignor Guerra further suggests that in the Fatima apparitions there are "at
least two implicit calls to the exercise of the spirit of dialogue with persons
of other convictions."

In the first and third apparitions, he said, the Angel of Peace lies prostrate
on the ground in prayer. In the third apparition, Communion under the species of
bread is given to the oldest seer, while the two younger, Francisco and Jacinta,
receive Communion for the first time under the species of the wine.

Since the practice of receiving Communion under both species has fallen out of
wide use in the Latin-rite Catholic Church, but not in the Orthodox Churches,
"the message of the Angel of Peace contains an exhortation to ecumenical
dialogue with those Churches separated from Rome for a thousand years," writes
Monsignor Guerra.

The angel's prostration in prayer "has connotations for any religious
confession," and recalls that "all human beings are God's creatures and loved by
him, and that with such prayer we can maintain serious contact with other
religions, such as agnostics and even atheists."

What started out as a debate over a building seems to mask a larger question of
the ecumenical work of the Catholic Church as a whole, and Fatima in particular.

Father Gruner is quoted as saying, "The Fatima message is specifically directed
at the Catholic Church." Monsignor Guerra would probably concur.

The question remains, however, just what the Church is called to do with that
message.


* * *



LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The thirteenth section of chapter eight "Monastic Letter Writing" describes the
letter writing and postal system within the medieval monastic system. One
significant form was the rotulus or roll. This was a strip of parchment that was
suspended to a wooden or ivory rod called an umbillicus. The message was
inscribed in gall ink with a large blank space at the end to accomodate
signatures and comments from each monastery that received it. This was stored in
a wooden or metalic cylinder envelope that had a leather strap to hang on the
shoulder of the rolliger or letter carrier. The roll was usually an important
announcement from one monastery to another and all houses affiliated with it.
The courrier would bring the roll to each house and have it read it aloud for
all to hear. As he approached the monastery bells would ring assembling all to
hear the announcement. It was usually the obituary news of one of the monks
calling all to pray for them. The roll was unfurled in the choir and a cantor
would read it initiating the prayer request. After the monastery completed their
prayers they would sign and comment in the blank space on the roll. After the
blank space was filled additional parchments were sewn on for the remaining
houses to be visited. "An ancient roll from the Abbey of St. Peter of Ghent
measures almost 70 feet in length and this is in proportion to the distance
travelled, for the carrier visited as many as 524 religious houses and the
additions made to the document required 28 extra pieces of parchment. The
carrier was almost 16 months on his journey. A roll from St. Bovon is almost 100
feet long. It consists of fifty pieces of parchment and represents a twenty
month's journey." (221).

The use of the roll reminds us of the spread of the Good News or Gospel during
the apostolic period. As we read and reflect on how the apostles spread the
Gospel bringing it to many towns, villages and houses consider the analogy of
the medieval monastic courrier traveling far and long bringing the same message
to many who acknowledged receipt with their comments which now forms the corpus
of patristic writing.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/010604.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2004 John N. Lupia for Roman Catholic News at the URL:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 4, Issue 3

WEDNESDAY 7 January 2004

St. Raymond of Penafort

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Plea on Epiphany
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Renews Peace Appeal to Leaders of Nations
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Reaffirms Value of Dialogue With the World
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Mourns for Victims of Egypt Plane Crash
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Eastern Christians Greeted for Christmas
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Adoration Tally Presented to Pope by Vocation.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Custodian of Holy Land Urges Rebirth of Dialogue
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Guadalajara's Cardinal Cleared in Money Investigation
----------------------------------------------------------------
• 2 Out of 3 Catholic Universities Are in the Third World
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Plea on Epiphany

John Paul II Says, "Christianity Does Not Feel Foreign to the World"

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 6, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave today, feast of the Epiphany, before praying the Angelus with
pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

* * *

1. In today's feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Gospel of Matthew speaks of
a mysterious "star," which guided the Wise Men to Jerusalem and then Bethlehem,
where they adored the Child Jesus (see 2:2,7,9,10).

The star, which led the Wise Men to Christ, recalls the rich symbolism of light,
very present at Christmas. God is light, and the Word made man is "light of the
world" (John 8:12), light that shows people the way: "Lumen gentium."

2. This great truth inspired my venerable predecessor Paul VI when, exactly 40
years ago, he undertook his historic pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Precisely on
January 6, 1964, at Bethlehem, in the Basilica of the Nativity, he pronounced
memorable words. Among other things, he said: "We look at the world with great
affection. If the world feels it is foreign to Christianity, Christianity does
not feel foreign to the world." And he added that the mission of Christianity in
the midst of humanity is a mission of friendship, understanding, encouragement,
promotion, uplifting: a mission, that is, of salvation.

And from that place that saw the Prince of Peace being born, he exhorted leaders
of nations to an ever-closer collaboration to "establish peace in truth, in
justice, in liberty and in fraternal love."

3. With all my heart I make my own these words of the Servant of God Paul VI,
while invoking the intercession of Mary Most Holy, star of humanity on
pilgrimage in time. "With the maternal help of Mary, may every man come to
Christ, light of truth, so that the world may advance on the path of justice and
peace."



* * *


John Paul II Renews Peace Appeal to Leaders of Nations

Recalls Paul VI's 1964 Visit to the Holy Land

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 6, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II reiterated a 1964 appeal
by his predecessor Pope Paul VI and called on world leaders to collaborate for
the sake of peace and justice.

The Holy Father recalled the day of Epiphany that Paul VI spent in the Basilica
of the Nativity in Bethlehem exactly 40 years ago, during the latter's historic
visit to the Holy Land.

"From the place that saw the Prince of Peace being born, he exhorted leaders of
nations to greater collaboration to establish peace in truth, in justice, in
freedom, and in fraternal love," John Paul II said as he addressed 20,000
pilgrims gathered today in St. Peter's Square for the midday Angelus.

The visit to the cave where tradition says that Christ was born also served Paul
VI to relaunch the dialogue between the Church and the world, John Paul II
explained in a clear voice.

"If the world feels it is foreign to Christianity, Christianity does not feel
foreign to the world," he said, repeating the words of Paul VI.

Paul VI visited the Holy Land from Jan. 4-6, 1964, when the Second Vatican
Council's working sessions had resumed following the death of John XXIII.

The first return of a Successor of Peter to the Holy Land was planned by the
Pope's personal secretary. The Holy Father wished to retrace the paths on which
Jesus walked, as a spiritual return to the origins of Christianity and the
Church.

In a manuscript dated Sept. 21, 1963, Paul VI explained the objectives of his
first apostolic trip: "It must be a very quick trip, characterized by
simplicity, piety, penance and charity."

A meeting between the Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of
Constantinople, "first among equals" of the Orthodox Churches, took place on
Jan. 5, 1964, on the Mount of Olives. The object was to overcome the schism that
has existed for almost 1,000 years.



* * *


Pope Reaffirms Value of Dialogue With the World


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 6, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II chose the feast of
Epiphany to reaffirm dialogue between the Church and the world.

"If the world feels it is foreign to Christianity, Christianity does not feel
foreign to the world," the Pope said today before praying the Angelus with
20,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Paul VI pronounced the same words on Jan. 6, 1964, from the Basilica of the
Nativity in Bethlehem.

Speaking from his library window, John Paul II said: "The mission of
Christianity in the midst of humanity is a mission of friendship, understanding,
encouragement, promotion, uplifting. That is, a mission of salvation."

Reflecting on the feast of Epiphany, he said: "The star which led the Wise Men
to Christ, recalls the rich symbolism of light, very present at Christmas. God
is light, and the Word made man is light of the world, light that shows peoples
the way."

The Holy Father added: "With the maternal help of the Virgin, may every person
come to Christ, light of truth, so that the world may advance on the path of
justice and peace."



* * *


Pope Mourns for Victims of Egypt Plane Crash


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 6, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II expressed his profound
sympathy for the death of 148 passengers who died in a Paris-bound jetliner that
crashed after takeoff from Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt.

In a telegram sent to Archbishop Fortunato Beldelli, apostolic nuncio in France,
the Pope "expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families affected and
assures all those hit by this catastrophe of his solidarity and spiritual
closeness."

The message, sent on behalf of the Holy Father by Vatican Secretary of State
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, states that the Pontiff "entrusts those who died to the
mercy of God and asks God Almighty to embrace them in his peace and light."

John Paul II concludes by asking "God to sustain and console all the persons who
are so harshly tried by this drama, with the hope that they may be able to find
the help that they need in these sorrowful hours."

The dead included 133 French tourists. The Boeing 737 plunged into the deep
waters of the Red Sea on Saturday, near the tourist center of Sharm el-Sheik.

French Deputy Foreign Minister Renaud Muselier, who visited Sharm el-Sheik after
the accident, said Monday there was no reason to suspect a terrorist attack.



* * *


Eastern Christians Greeted for Christmas


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 6, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II greeted Christians of the
Eastern Churches who were preparing to celebrate Christmas according to the
Julian calendar.

The Russian Orthodox Church is the largest among the Eastern Churches
celebrating Christmas on Wednesday.

Following today's recitation of the Angelus with some 20,000 pilgrims in St.
Peter's Square, the Pope greeted the "brothers and sisters of the Eastern
Churches," assuring them of his "constant remembrance in prayer."

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II sent greetings to John Paul II on the
occasion of the West's Christmas, "an event which has filled with joy the hearts
of Christians in the world during more than two thousand years," the message
stated.

"From the depth of my heart I wish His Holiness a Happy Christmas," the
patriarch said in his message, also sent to the leaders of the other Christian
communities that celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25. "May our Lord Jesus Christ
give him strength of spirit and body."



* * *


Adoration Tally Presented to Pope by Vocation.com


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 6, 2004 (Zenit.org).- A Web site that aimed to log 100,000
hours of eucharistic adoration for vocations as an gift for John Paul II ended
up surpassing its goal.

The site, www.vocation.com, logged more than 125,000 hours by the time its
six-month campaign for eucharistic adoration ended on Christmas Day.

Catholic faithful from 41 countries logged in their time spent praying before
the Blessed Sacrament with this intention. Participating countries included
Australia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, India, China, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico,
the United States, Britain, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, France, Hungary, the Czech
Republic and Bulgaria.

Last Friday, officials representing Vocation.com presented the results of the
campaign to the Pope in a private audience. The campaign was a Christmas gift
celebrating the 25th anniversary of his pontificate.

The Web site, sponsored by the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi
movement, has resources for young people considering vocations.

Legionary Father Anthony Bannon responds to questions sent in to the site, and a
database of the Q&A's is available online. The site also includes vocation
promotion materials for download, and a free weekly ShoreLines newsletter.




* * *

Custodian of Holy Land Urges Rebirth of Dialogue


JERUSALEM, JAN. 6, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The superior of the Franciscan Custody of
the Holy Land made a New Year's appeal to political leaders worldwide to make
2004 "the year of the rebirth of dialogue and peace."

"'Peace on earth to men of good will,' the angels sang while announcing the
birth of Christ," Father Giovanni Battistelli told the Italian episcopate's SIR
news agency. "However, where in the Holy Land are the men of good will? Those
who can, those who govern, should transform words into concrete actions of
peace."

"Those who have the fate of peoples in their hands must find practical means to
overcome the difficulties," he said. "The wall of separation, murders, terrorist
attacks, and various confrontations are no good in this land."

"2003 has left us a trail of blood, but also the Pope's words full of hope, who
does not forget the sufferings of the people who live here," Father Battistelli
continued.

The Franciscan sees a bright spot. "Pilgrims returning to the holy places are
increasing," he said. "The return of pilgrims also contributes to give local
communities both the spiritual and material support that will make them stay and
not emigrate."



* * *

Guadalajara's Cardinal Cleared in Money Investigation

Was Accused by One-time Attorney General

MEXICO CITY, JAN. 6, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Mexican attorney general's office
closed an investigation after concluding that Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez of
Guadalajara was innocent of accusations of money laundering.

José Luis Santiago Vasconcelos, responsible for the office's Section on
Organized Delinquency, said in a press conference Dec. 26 that there was no
proof of laundering, illicit origin of funds, or tax fraud on the part of the
archbishop of Guadalajara.

He clarified that the construction of four churches and a shelter for immigrants
was not paid for with illicit funds, as former Attorney General Jorge Carpizo
had claimed.

On July 8, Carpizo denounced Cardinal Sandoval, accusing him of being involved
in financial irregularities, but the attorney general's office proved that all
financial moves by the cardinal were legal.

The Finance Ministry will not prosecute the cardinal because there was no tax
evasion either, the attorney added.

Sources close to the cardinal's defense attributed the accusations against him
to the way in which then Attorney General Carpizo concluded the investigation
into the 1993 killing of Cardinal Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo.

Carpizo concluded that Cardinal Posadas was killed by mistake during a fight
between drug traffickers. But Cardinal Sandoval contended the killing was
premeditated.

José Vasconcelos, of the attorney general's office, said that Carpizo's
denunciation did not reflect any "mean or unhealthy" interest against Cardinal
Sandoval, but that there had been sentiments "that reached these extremes."

He said, however, that the office would not be party to using the judicial
process "for personal revenge and interpersonal conflicts."




* * *


2 Out of 3 Catholic Universities Are in the Third World

According to Census of the Congregation for Catholic Education

ROME, JAN. 6, 2004 (Zenit.org).- A census by the Vatican Congregation for
Catholic Education reveals that two out of every three Catholic universities are
in the Third World, many in non-Christian areas.

Specifically, of the 1,358 Catholic universities worldwide, administered by
religious or the laity, 802 are in developing countries.

Many of the schools in predominantly non-Christian environments are in Asia.
There are 291 Catholic universities in India, 48 in Indonesia, eight in Korea,
and three in Pakistan.

"The presence of Catholic universities is in line with evangelization,"
Monsignor Vincenzo Zani, undersecretary of the congregation, told the Italian
newspaper Avvenire. "Not only do they take the Gospel to the realm of the
professions and to society, at times the schools are also the only official
presence of the Church."

Monsignor Zani cited Morocco and Tunisia, "where religious activity is not
allowed," yet Catholic schools are "much appreciated" because of the "formation
they guarantee" and their "service to society."

Evangelization fosters development in various ways, he said.

"First of all, in our universities there is cultural, scientific and
technological promotion capable of combining the availability of technologically
more advanced instruments with an original approach to science, with a clear
concept of man," Monsignor Zani said.

"Suffice it to think of the role that a faculty of ours of anthropological and
social sciences can play in a country where human rights are violated," he
added. "Evidently, processes of formation and, therefore, of influence on
society are long, but this is the only way possible."

Moreover, "the universities themselves are places of social and economic
development, capable of creating mechanisms to initiate self-development," as is
the case with the Agrarian Faculty of Entebbe, in Uganda, the monsignor
explained.

"In the heart of the forest, this presence is changing the face of the
territory," he said. "Students are taught and exposed to more rational methods
of agriculture, for example, for coffee."

The university has become the "point of reference for the whole of the
population, which attends it, learns and exchanges information," Monsignor Zani
added.

Catholic universities are also places "where one learns concretely a more human
way of relating to one another, where one is accepted, where there is
seriousness, respect of identity, room for religiosity." He said these are
important aspects "considering our great presence in non-Christian and
underdeveloped" environments.

Cooperation is another specific trait of the world's Catholic universities. We
"do not want to create happy islands, but to unite rootedness in diverse local
realities with international openness," Monsignor Zani continued.

"This solidarity allows, among other things, that poor countries also have
ultramodern instruments of formation, with the possibility of exchanges for
students and professors," he emphasized.

In fact, "it is a solidarity that functions even in the same country, as
occurred in Argentina because of the recent economic collapse," the monsignor
said. "The 24 Catholic universities of the country have supported one another
and have thus been able to surmount the emergency, guaranteeing the regularity
of courses."


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The fourteenth section of chapter eight "Vocation Letters" describes the varity
of monastic correspondence: (1) inspire and encourage others to join the
religious life; (2) to exhort, console or give spiritual direction; (3) letters
of doctrinal and theological opinion; (4) business letters for monastic property
and financial management concerns; (5) letters of recommendation; (6) letters
addressed to the dying; (7) letters regarding monastic fraternity. In these
various forms of epistles we see reflected in them the same qualities and
characteristics found in the canonical epistles of the New Testament. In this
respect monastic letters reflect the monks lectio divina reflections. This
thought should way upon us when conducting our own personal affairs, namely, how
daily lectio divina should augment and guide our words both written and oral to
reflect the light of Christ and His Gospel.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/010704.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2004 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 4, Issue 4

THURSDAY 8 January 2004



* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Invoking Mary, Mother of the Redeemer
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Circus Players Perform for the Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Rome Guide Goes Beyond Art to Seek the Saintly
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Caritas Baby Hospital Embraces Bethlehem
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Alexy II Sees a Russian Rebound for Orthodox Church
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Former Diplomatic Aide Is Named Bishop in Pennsylvania
----------------------------------------------------------------
• New Jersey's "Fetus Farm" Law Condemned
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Chiapas Tensions Rising
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Invoking Mary, Mother of the Redeemer

John Paul II's Address at First General Audience of 2004

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul II's
address at today's general audience, the first of 2004.

1. "Alma Redemptoris Mater ... Mother of the Redeemer ..." Thus we invoke Mary
at Christmastide, with an ancient and moving Marian antiphon, which then
continues with these words: "'Tu quae genuisti natura mirante, tuum sanctum
Genitorem' -- To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator."

Mary, Mother of God! This truth of faith, profoundly connected to the Christmas
celebrations, is particularly evident in the liturgy of the first day of the
year, solemnity of Mary Most Holy, Mother of God. Mary is the Mother of the
Redeemer; she is the woman chosen by God to realize the salvific plan centered
on the mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word.

2. A humble creature bore the Creator of the world! Christmastide renews our
awareness of this mystery, presenting us the Mother of the Son of God as
co-participant in the culminating events of the history of salvation. The
age-old tradition of the Church has always considered the birth of Jesus and the
divine maternity of Mary as two aspects of the Incarnation of the Word. "In
fact," the Catechism of the Catholic Church quoting the Council of Ephesus
confirms, "the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly
became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal
Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary
is truly 'Mother of God,' 'Theotokos'" (No. 495).

3. From the fact that Our Lady is "Mother of God" stem all the other aspects of
her mission; aspects that are well evidenced by the titles with which the
community of disciples of Christ in every part of the world honor her. First of
all that of "Immaculate" and of "Assumed," as she who would bear the Savior
could not be subject to the corruption resulting from original sin.

Moreover, the Virgin is invoked as Mother of the Mystical Body, that is, of the
Church. In keeping with the patristic tradition expressed by St. Augustine, the
Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that she "is 'clearly the mother of the
members of Christ' ... since she has by her charity joined in bringing about the
birth of believers in the Church, who are members of its head" (No. 963).

4. Mary's whole existence is profoundly connected to that of Jesus. It is she
who offers Jesus to humanity at Christmas. On the cross, at the supreme moment
of the fulfillment of the redemptive mission, it will be Jesus who will make a
gift of his Mother to every human being, as a precious inheritance of
redemption.

The words of the crucified Lord to John, the faithful disciple, constitute his
testament. He entrusts his Mother to John and, at the same time, entrusts the
Apostle and every believer to the love of Mary.

5. In these last days of Christmastide, let us pause to contemplate in the crib
the silent presence of the Virgin next to the Child Jesus. The same love, the
same concern she had for her divine Son, she reserves for us. Let us allow her,
therefore, to guide our steps in the New Year, which Providence gives us to
live.

This is my wish for all of you in this first general audience of 2004. Sustained
and comforted by her maternal protection, we will be able to contemplate with
new eyes the face of Christ and to walk more rapidly on the paths of goodness.

Once again, happy New Year to you here present and to your loved ones!

[Translation by ZENIT]

[At the end of the audience, a collaborator read the following summary in
English:]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Church's celebration of the Christmas season centers on the mysteries of
Christ's incarnation and Mary's divine motherhood. As the Virgin Mother of the
Incarnate Word, Mary was from the beginning closely associated with her Son's
saving work. Mary gave Christ to the world at his birth; and from the cross the
dying Redeemer entrusted her to the Church and to each believer. In these final
days of the Christmas season, let us join Mary in contemplating the newborn
Savior and entrust ourselves to her maternal protection during the coming year.

[Then the Pope greeted the English-speaking pilgrims as follows:]

I am pleased to greet the English-speaking pilgrims present at today's audience,
including the groups from Denmark and the United States of America. I thank the
choirs for their praise of God in song. Upon all of you and your families I
invoke the Lord's richest blessings for a peaceful New Year.



* * *


Circus Players Perform for the Pope


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II's first general audience
of the year had a special touch: circus entertainment.

More than 100 performers of the American Circus and other shows -- in Rome for
the Christmas period -- were on hand in Paul VI Hall for today's general
audience, which attracted 4,000 people, including many children.

A juggler-clown performed before a smiling Pope, who expressed his appreciation
by imparting his blessing.

The performers and their families greeted the Holy Father personally after the
performance. He patted the children, some of whom were dressed up as clowns.

Other pilgrims sang songs for the Pope, who appeared appreciative. John Paul II
has been able to rest over the Christmas period and appeared much improved
physically, as compared to last October, when he constantly exerted himself
during the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of his pontificate. Today he
spoke in a clear voice and appeared in good humor.

Today, Thursday, the Holy Father will receive Ivo Sanader, the new Croatian
Prime Minister, in a private audience. Next Monday, John Paul II will deliver
his annual address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.



* * *


Rome Guide Goes Beyond Art to Seek the Saintly

A Church Is Not a Museum, Says Author

ROME, JAN. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Elvira Obenbach asks an obvious question in her
new book: "Why publish another guide to the churches of Rome?"

Obenbach's reply is spiritual, not artistic. "This guide is to fill a lacuna and
to lead a pilgrim not to the artistic work but in the footprints of the saints
and blessed," she writes in the introduction.

"This guide" is "In the Footprints of the Saints in Rome: Guide to the Icons,
Relics and Houses of Saints" ("Sulle Orme dei Santi a Roma. Guida alle Icone,
Reliquie e Case dei Santi"). Vatican Press, the Holy See's official publishing
house, has just come out with the work.

The author chose 100 churches, convents and houses of Rome in which there are
traces of holiness. The book is composed of 100 précis indicating practical
information on a place, its relics and sacred images, illustrated with a picture
and brief history. The précis are classified by areas, and each area is preceded
by a map to help the pilgrim.

"The book was born as a result of the impression that the churches of Rome have
become, above all, places to visit because of the artistic treasures they
contain," she told ZENIT. "It is good to remind the public that art is a
support, not the essence."

Obenbach has been the librarian at the Germanic Archaeological Institute of Rome
since 1968. The guide has a prologue by Monsignor Marco Frisina, director of the
Liturgical Office of the Rome Diocese, who writes: "The relics of the saints are
not only parts of their bodies but especially a testimony of their lives. This
book is intended to help one follow in the path of these witnesses, to make us
pilgrims following the imprints of faith in the school of the saints."

According to Obenbach, "The Creator is beauty and because of this, places of
worship have always been adorned in honor of the Lord."

"A church is not a museum but the house of God, where one can also find the
bodies of saints, icons and images venerated for centuries, visited by persons
who today are raised to the altar," the author added.

"Rome is undoubtedly the place where most saints are present or with the most
traces of saints who have passed through the city," Obenbach noted.

"Accompanying people of the Orthodox faith, I have become conscious of the
wealth of our Church. Although they don't have the tabernacle, they venerate
relics and icons," she continued. "This is why I thought that with the guide I
could make a small contribution toward union with the Orthodox Church, a
profound desire of our Holy Father."

The saints mentioned are from all periods, beginning with the Apostle Peter and
ending with Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei.

See http://www.libreriaeditricevaticana.com.




* * *

Caritas Baby Hospital Embraces Bethlehem

Center Caters to the Poorest, Regardless of Creed

BETHLEHEM, West Bank, JAN. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- In a town that has seen its
share of strife in recent years, the Caritas Baby Hospital is open to little
patients of all faiths and races.

"No child will be denied help in this symbolic place" is the motto of this
health center for children, which makes no distinctions of race or religion.

The only pediatric hospital in the Palestinian zones, it was built with the help
of the Swiss-German Caritas. The institution's name, Kinderhilfe Bethlehem,
means "help the children in Bethlehem." Its care is directed to mothers and
children of the Holy Land.

The hospital was founded during Christmas of 1952, when Father Ernst Schnydrig
saw a desperate man bury his dead son in the mud behind a Palestinian refugee
camp.

Profoundly moved by the incident, Father Schnydrig decided to rent a house where
he installed 14 beds and named it Caritas Baby Hospital. He was determined that
help would never be denied to a child in Jesus' birthplace. The Franciscan
Isabellines of Padua run the hospital.

"We treat illnesses, caused by misery and poverty, which have practically
disappeared in Europe: the consequence of malnutrition and inadequate
nourishment, genetic malformations, and skin and intestinal tract diseases,"
explained Dr. Gregor Schubiger, of the pediatric clinic of the canton of
Lucerne, and medical adviser of the KHB, in statements reported by the
Italian-language Web page Giovani.

The hospital now has 82 beds, an outpatient clinic, a school of nursing, a
school for mothers, a day-care center and social services.

The focus of the hospital's activity is the poorest people. Patients' families
share the expenses with a contribution according to their means.

Every year, Caritas Baby Hospital admits 3,000 children, while more than 15,000
receive outpatient clinic treatment. This work is possible thanks to the help
received from donors in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Austria.

With its 200 dependents, the hospital is also one of the most important job
providers in the region.

For more information or to send contributions, contact the representative for
Switzerland:

Monsignor Valerio Crivelli
Via Cortivallo, 11
CH-6903 Lugano-Besso
Switzerland
Telephone: 091-967-1868



* * *


Alexy II Sees a Russian Rebound for Orthodox Church


MOSCOW, JAN. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow says he
believes a rebirth of the Eastern Church in under way in Russia.

In his Christmas message issued today -- a day when the Eastern Churches
celebrate the birth of Jesus -- Patriarch Alexy II reviewed the year just ended.

"Churches and monasteries are being built and restored. More and more children
and adults are learning the truths of the faith," stated the leader of the
Russian Orthodox Church, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of
Christ the Savior.

"Partnership between the Church, state and various public organizations has been
put on a firm footing," he added. "We continue to have difficult yet fruitful
dialogue with non-Orthodox Christians, people of other religions and
convictions."

On Dec. 23, the patriarch presided at a meeting of the Moscow clergy in which he
assessed the life of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The latter has 132 dioceses, 154 bishops, 847 monasteries and hermitages, 16,350
parishes with 15,605 priests, and 3,405 deacons.

It has 681 churches and chapels in Moscow (in 1990 there were fewer than 40),
five theological academies, two Orthodox universities, an advanced theological
study center for the laity, 33 major seminaries and 44 minor ones.




* * *


Former Diplomatic Aide Is Named Bishop in Pennsylvania


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 7, 2004 (ZENIT.org).- John Paul II has named Monsignor
Lawrence Brandt, 64, as bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, in Pennsylvania.

He will succeed Bishop Anthony Bosco, 76, whose resignation was accepted by the
Pope.

Lawrence Brandt was born in 1939 in Charleston, West Virginia. After elementary
school education in Pennsylvania, he studied at the Josephinum in Ohio. He
obtained a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, in
1966, and completed his theological studies at the Gregorian University, Rome.

He was ordained a priest in 1969 for the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Following ordination, he attended the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy and,
beginning in 1973, was assigned to successive diplomatic service on behalf of
the Holy See in Madagascar, Germany, Ecuador and Algeria.

He left the diplomatic service for family reasons in 1981, and was incardinated
in the Diocese of Erie. He served as vice chancellor there before returning to
Rome to complete a doctorate in canon law at the Lateran University. Besides
serving as chancellor of the Diocese of Erie, he served as pastor of St.
Hedwig's Church there.

The Greensburg Diocese, in southwestern Pennsylvania, has a Catholic population
of 183,000 out of a total population of 682,000.



* * *

New Jersey's "Fetus Farm" Law Condemned


WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- A U.S. bishops' aide assailed a New
Jersey law that allows destruction of human embryos and lethal experimentation
on cloned babies throughout pregnancy.

New Jersey Governor James McGreevey this week signed the bill that sanctions the
moves.

"The New Jersey law is designed to encourage government-sanctioned 'human fetus
farms,'" said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, spokeswoman for the bishops' Pro-Life
Secretariat.

The law, lobbied for by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, takes fatal
research on cloned human beings to a new and alarming level, according to Ruse.

It promotes the cloning of human embryos and their development up through late
fatal stages, so they can be aborted for supposedly useful cells and tissues up
to the time of birth, she said.

"This is the most extreme, inhumane pro-cloning legislation in the country,"
said Ruse. "It should be scorned by every American who believes in common
decency and basic human rights for all."



* * *

Chiapas Tensions Rising

Bishop Fears New Clashes Between Indian Communities

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, Mexico, JAN. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- New clashes could
be brewing among the Indian communities in the troubled state of Chiapas, warns
a bishop.

"What is most painful is that now Indians are confronting Indians, Zapatistas
non-Zapatistas, the poor against the poor," Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel of
San Cristobal said in his New Year's message, published by the diocese.

Ten years after the uprising of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, "it
is worrying that there are no prospects of renewed dialogue with the government
due to mistrust and discouragement," Bishop Arizmendi said.

The prelate said that the division between the native communities is due
primarily to the fact that some accept government support, while others continue
to reject it and to call for autonomy. To this are added differences of a
political and religious nature, as well as conflicts related to the agrarian
question.

"Because of these differences, one cannot, for example, construct or pave a
street -- a fundamental requisite for more dignified conditions of life," Bishop
Arizmendi said.

Despite some progress, many marginalized communities still lack access to basic
services, such as water, light and schools, he said. "Many children and women
die of curable illnesses because of lack of medical care."

Bishop Arizmendi clarified that he does not approve of "recourse to arms. This
has been and will continue to be our position."




* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

The fifteenth and final section of chapter eight "Florilegia" deals with a
literary form of extracts from authors forming a "patchwork" like the cento. The
florilegia is an antique Graeco-Roman literary form that cites authors teachings
on a subject as authorities to shed light or resolve disputes on doctrinal
matters. Florilegia were used in the schools as handbooks that presented
arguments and proofs clearly outlined to facilitate research by distilling
essential material that waded through numerous manuscripts making research quick
and convenient. Monastic florilegia deal primarily with spiritual matters and
are known as prayer and meditation books that enhance lectio divina. In lectio
divina reading Sacred Scripture leads to meditation on the text. Florilegia
served as a guide presenting reflections composed by previous generations of
holy monks. Florilegia are especially useful when aridity sets in and meditation
is dry.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/010804.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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
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__________________________________________________
© Copyright 2004 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 4, Issue 5

FRIDAY 9 January 2004



* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Quality of Society's Life Gauged by Care of Disabled, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Mentally Handicapped Have Need to Love, Says John Paul II
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Says Ideologies Must Not Halt Dialogue Between Faith and Reason
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II and Croatian Discuss Future of Europe
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Church in Venezuela Won't Be Silent, Says Archbishop
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Senegal's Bishops Threatened for Criticizing Nation's Crisis
----------------------------------------------------------------
• OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Longtime Vatican Aide, Now a Bishop
----------------------------------------------------------------
• "Semina Verbi"
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pius XII and the Cold War
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Fatima, Continued
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Kids Help Kids Through Missionary Society of Holy Childhood
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Quality of Society's Life Gauged by Care of Disabled, Says Pope

"Rights Cannot Be Only the Prerogative of the Healthy"

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The quality of life of a community is
measured by the care given to the weakest, especially the disabled, says John
Paul II.

The Pope expressed this conviction in a message sent to the participants of the
international Symposium on the Dignity of the Person with Mental Handicaps,
being held in the Vatican through Friday.

The three-day symposium, an initiative of the Congregation for the Doctrine of
the Faith, is taking place at the conclusion of the European Year of Disabled
Persons.

The Holy Father begins his message by outlining the Christian view of the
situation. The "disabled person, even when wounded in the mind or in his
sensorial and intellective capacities, is a fully human individual, with the
sacred and inalienable rights proper to every creature," he writes.

"The human being, in fact, regardless of the conditions in which he lives his
life and the capacities that he might manifest, possesses a unique dignity and
singular value starting from the beginning of his existence until the moment of
natural death," the lengthy message says.

"The person of the disabled, with all his limitations and sufferings, compels us
to question ourselves with respect and wisdom on the mystery of man," the Pope
continues. "The more we penetrate the dark and unknown areas of human reality,
the more we understand that precisely in the most difficult and disquieting
situations the dignity and grandeur of the human being emerges."

"The wounded humanity of the handicapped challenges us to acknowledge, accept
and promote in each one of these brothers of ours the incomparable value of the
human being created by God," the papal text explains.

"The quality of life within a community is measured, to a large extent, by
commitment in the care of the weakest and the neediest, and by respect for their
dignity as men and women," the Pope adds.

"The world of rights cannot be only the prerogative of the healthy," he writes.
"The participation must be facilitated of the disabled person, to the degree
possible, in the life of society and he must be helped to develop all his
potential in the physical, psychic and spiritual order."

"A society that would only make room for fully functional members, completely
autonomous and independent, would not be a society worthy of the human being,"
he says categorically.

"Discrimination in virtue of efficiency is no less to be condemned than that in
virtue of race or sex or religion," the Pontiff explains.

At the same time, John Paul II states that there is "a subtle form of
discrimination in the policies and educational projects that try to hide or deny
the deficiencies of the handicapped person, proposing styles of life and
objectives that do not correspond to their reality and in the end are
frustrating and unjust."

"The recognition of rights must be followed, therefore, by the sincere
commitment of all to create concrete conditions of life, support structures and
juridical guarantees capable of responding to the needs and the dynamics of
growth of the handicapped person and those who share his situation, beginning
with his relatives," the papal document exhorts.

"People with mental handicap perhaps have greater need of care, affection,
understanding and love," John Paul II adds. "They cannot be left alone,
defenseless or unprotected, in the difficult task of facing life."



* * *

Mentally Handicapped Have Need to Love, Says John Paul II

Urges Educational Support for Them

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says the mentally
handicapped have the same need for love proper to every man and woman, and he
calls for "continuous and discreet educational support" for them.

The Pope addressed the emotional and sexual dimension of the mentally
handicapped in a message sent to the participants of the Symposium on the
Dignity of the Person with Mental Disabilities, being held here through Friday.
The symposium is an initiative of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
at the conclusion of the European Year of Disabled People.

"Particular attention must be given to the emotional and sexual dimensions of
disabled persons," the lengthy papal message states. "It is an aspect that is
often eliminated or addressed in a superficial and reductive or even ideological
way."

"The sexual dimension is, however, one of the constitutive dimensions of the
person who, insofar as created in the image of God Love, is originally called to
manifest itself in encounter and communion," he adds.

"The assumption for the emotional-sexual education of the handicapped person
lies in the conviction that he has the same need for affection as any other
person. He also needs to love and to be loved, has need of tenderness, closeness
and intimacy," the Pope writes.

"The reality, unfortunately, is that the person with disabilities must live
these legitimate and natural needs in a situation of disadvantage, which becomes
ever more evident with the passage from childhood to adulthood," he continues.

"The handicapped person, although he has lesions in his mind and in his
interpersonal relations, seeks genuine relations in which he is appreciated and
recognized as a person," the Pope states.

"The experiences realized in some Christian communities have shown that an
intense and stimulating community life, a continuous and discreet educational
support, the promotion of friendly contacts with adequately trained persons, the
custom of channeling impulses and of developing a healthy sense of modesty as
respect of one's own personal intimacy, are often able to re-balance emotionally
the person with mental disabilities and lead them to experience rich, fruitful
and satisfying interpersonal relations," the message adds.

"To show the handicapped person that he is loved, means to reveal to him that we
value them," the Holy Father continues. "Attentive listening, understanding of
needs, the sharing of sufferings, patience in accompaniment are likewise ways to
introduce the handicapped person to a human relationship of communion to make
him perceive his value, to make him aware of his capacity to receive and give
love."

"Without a doubt, handicapped people, in revealing the radical frailty of the
human condition, are an expression of the drama of suffering and, in our world
eager for hedonism and seduced by ephemeral and deceitful beauty, their
difficulties are often perceived as a scandal and a provocation and their
problems as a burden that must be eliminated or rapidly resolved," the Pope
says.

"They, however, are living images of the crucified Son. They reveal the
mysterious beauty of the One who emptied himself for us and became obedient unto
death," the Pontiff contends.

"Because of this, and with reason, it has been said that persons with
disabilities are privileged witnesses of humanity," he points out.

He adds: "They can teach all what saving love is and can become messengers of a
new world, which is not dominated by force, violence and aggressiveness, but by
love, solidarity, acceptance, a new world transfigured by the light of Christ,
Son of God, incarnated for us, crucified and resurrected."




* * *


Pope Says Ideologies Must Not Halt Dialogue Between Faith and Reason

Addresses His Appeal to Universities and Centers of Higher Studies

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appealed to universities,
academies and centers of higher studies to do everything possible so that no
ideology interrupts the dialogue between faith and reason.

The Pope made his appeal today when he received representatives of Polish
academic communities of Wroclaw and Opole, who came to the Vatican accompanied
by Cardinal Henryk Roman Gulbinowicz, archbishop of Wroclaw.

The Holy Father's Paul II's compatriots bestowed on him the Academic Golden
Laurel for the 50th anniversary of the defense of his thesis in order to become
a professor in the School of Theology at the Jagiellonian University.

The Pope recalled that he was the last professor to join the faculty before the
Communist authorities shut it down.

"It was an act meant to divide the institutions, as well as to pit reason and
faith against each other," he said. "I am not speaking about that distinction
that was born in the late Middle Ages on the basis of the autonomy of the
sciences, but of the separation that was imposed violently on the spiritual
heritage of the nation."

"Nevertheless, I never abandoned the conviction that those efforts would not
achieve their goal," the Pope added. "This conviction grew strong in me thanks
to personal interaction with men of science, professors from diverse disciplines
who bore witness to the profound desire for dialogue and the common search for
truth."

The Holy Father referred to his encyclical "Faith and Reason," in which he
affirms: "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to
the contemplation of truth."

"Your presence here, inspires in me the hope that this lively dialogue will last
and that none of the current ideologies will be able to interrupt it," he
concluded. "With this hope, I direct my gaze toward all universities, academies
and high schools."




* * *

John Paul II and Croatian Discuss Future of Europe


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader
discussed the integration of the European Union and the future of the continent
with John Paul II in a private audience.

Recalling the Pope's visits to Croatia, the Prime Minister thanked him for the
meeting "and for all you have done for Croatia and for the support you have
given it now that Croatia is moving toward the Union." Croatia is expected to
enter the European Union in 2007.

The meeting today lasted about 10 minutes. At the end, the Pope greeted the
Prime Minister's wife, Mirjana, and his 10-member entourage.

Sanader took office a few weeks ago, after Parliament gave his government a vote
of confidence on Dec. 23. It marked the return to power, after four years, of
the center-right Croatian Democratic Community.

The Prime Minister gave the Holy Father the first copy of the Croatian edition
of "Roman Triptych," the book of poetry written by John Paul II and published
last spring.

About 87% of Croatia's 4.5 million inhabitants are Catholic.




* * *


Church in Venezuela Won't Be Silent, Says Archbishop

Episcopate Urged to Press on Despite Attacks

CARACAS, Venezuela, JAN. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The Church in Venezuela "cannot
remain silent" about the country's crisis, even in the face of attacks and
calumnies, says the president of the bishops conference.

In his opening address Monday at the assembly of the Venezuelan episcopal
conference, Archbishop Baltazar Porras Cardozo of Merida said that the country
is heading toward a dangerous "polarization which is foreign to what an integral
democracy should be, open to a multiplicity of options and respect for
differences and dissidence."

Under President Hugo Chávez, "Venezuelan society is attempting to engage in a
process of so-called socioeconomic, juridical-political, cultural and even
religious changes, which are risky and subversive of all existing structures,"
Archbishop Porras lamented.

"Recent history -- our own and other people's -- reminds and teaches us that
authoritarianism colored by pseudo legality, demagogic and exclusive, generates
poverty, fanaticism and violence," he warned.

In the face of such a crisis, the Church "must not and cannot remain silent,
paralyzed by an all too human or frightened prudence because of attacks and
calumnies," the archbishop added.

"We need to proclaim, in season and out of season, the Christian view of man and
to work especially to safeguard human dignity in all its dimensions, …
struggling for the common good as the creation of the best possible conditions
for personal, family and collective life," he emphasized.

Archbishop Porras recalled John Paul II's words on the challenges facing a
bishop. "In face of those situations of injustice … which inevitably open the
door to conflict and death, the bishop is defender of the rights of man created
in the image and likeness of God," the Venezuelan prelate said.

The archbishop also mentioned the recall referendum aimed at Chávez as the
"ideal" democratic way to "re-establish harmony in national coexistence."

"The hope of the greater part of the population is to re-legitimize public
powers and open political possibilities for a future where all of us
Venezuelans, without exception, have a place," the prelate said.

"We must not allow ourselves to fall prey to the fatality of having to accept
intolerance, exclusion, hatred and violence, as the only way to live," the
president of the Venezuelan episcopate exhorted.

He appealed to all Catholics to engage in a "systematic campaign for
reconciliation," and, in particular, requested educational institutions
connected to the Church to intensify "their specifically evangelizing work."




* * *


Senegal's Bishops Threatened for Criticizing Nation's Crisis


DAKAR, Senegal, JAN. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Senegal's bishops have received death
threats for their criticism last November of the sociopolitical decay of this
western African country.

The threats, which human rights organizations have taken seriously, are
contained in a letter to Archbishop Theodor Adrien Sarr of Dakar, president of
the Senegalese episcopal conference, which includes the bishops of Senegal,
Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde.

The letter was sent from the capital on Dec. 9 by the so-called Group of Steel
Youths, which says that it has the support of President Abdoulaye Wade,
according to Vatican Radio.

Wade came to power in April 2000, after spending 26 years in the opposition. His
way of governing this country of 10.5 million has come under increasing
criticism.

At the end of their Nov. 29 meeting, the bishops lamented the increase in
unpunished crimes and expressed their concern over the threats to democracy and
the progressive degeneration of the political and social climate in Senegal.

Wade replied by sending a letter to Archbishop Sarr saying the criticisms were
unjust and presented Senegal "as an apocalyptic country in a tranquil sea."

Foes of Wade's government have also endured threats in recent months.




* * *

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 7, 2004 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation of Bishop Howard George Tripp from the office of
auxiliary of the archdiocese of Southwark, England upon having reached the
age limit.

- Appointed Bishop Gil Antonio Moreira, auxiliary of Sao Paulo, Brazil, bishop
of the diocese of Jundiai (area 2,299, population 962,214, Catholics 769,771,
priests 85, permanent deacons 63, religious 226), Brazil.  He succeeds Bishop
Amaury Castanho whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the
Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Bishop Joseph F. Naumann, auxiliary of St. Louis, U.S.A. as
coadjutor archbishop of the archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (area 32,425,
population 1,174,500, Catholics 197,752, priests 159, religious 756), U.S.A.

- Approved the election canonically carried out by the Synod of Bishops of
the Church Armenian Catholic Church, which met in Bzommar, Lebanon from
September 1-9, 2003, of Fr. Kricor-Okosdinos  Coussa, pastor of Holy Cross
Parish in Alep, Syria and of Holy Martyrs Parish in Rakka, Syria, as bishop of
the eparchy of Alexandria of the Armenians (Catholics 1,276, priests 1,
religious 5), Egypt.  The bishop-elect was born in Alep in 1953 was ordained
a priest in 1980.


* * *

Longtime Vatican Aide, Now a Bishop; "Semina Verbi"

Former Secretary Under Cardinal Ratzinger Is Installed

By Delia Gallagher

ROME, JAN. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- On Tuesday, in St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal
Joseph Ratzinger celebrated the episcopal installation of Monsignor Josef
Clemens, the former secretary at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith,
now secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Under Bernini's imposing bronze and gold chair of St. Peter, the new prelate was
welcomed into the fraternity of bishops by 13 Vatican cardinals, more than 35
bishops and the melodious voices of the Legionaries of Christ choir.

Tourists who happened in on the basilica on that cold evening on the feast of
Epiphany were able to witness the intimate warmth that the Vatican offers to one
of its own.

The Mass was celebrated in Bishop Clemens' native tongue, German, as well as in
Latin and Italian.

Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, a longtime friend of Josef Clemens, read
the first reading in impeccable Italian. Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, the
Pope's private secretary, sat with his fellow bishops behind a row of cardinals
that included Giovanni Battista Re, Renato Martino and Darío Castrillón Hoyos,
who head the dicasteries overseeing bishops, justice and peace, and clergy,
respectively.

Cardinal Ratzinger in his homily spoke of the mission of the bishop "in a dark
world."

"A careful reading of the sacred Scriptures shows us something new," said
Cardinal Ratzinger. "We see not only the pilgrimage of the faithful toward God,
but the pilgrimage of God toward us."

"God comes down from the stars, just as the song says," said the cardinal,
referring to a popular Italian Christmas song, "and looks for man."

"And this is the beautiful mission of a bishop: to be an instrument of the
pilgrimage of God towards humanity," he said.

"In a dark world," said Cardinal Ratzinger speaking without notes, "the bishop
lights a candle of great joy and is the carrier of the divine light."

Bishop Clemens, in a short thank-you speech after the Mass, said: "I wish to add
something to Cardinal Ratzinger's invitation to the bishop not to proclaim
himself but the message of the one who sends him."

"The bishop is also one who guides the gaze of humanity toward the star which
never is never spent; that man will not lose himself on other paths," said
Bishop Clemens.

* * *

"Semina Verbi" (Seeds of the Word)

By Delia Gallagher

Ecumenism -- what it is and how it should be carried out -- has long been a
source of debate in theological and pastoral circles within the Church.

This week, La Civiltà Cattolica, the Jesuit journal that is vetted by the
Vatican's Secretariat of State before publication, weighs in on the issue with
an article entitled, "The Seeds of the Word, Elements of Truth in Non-Christian
Religions."

The article refers specifically to a debate going on in Italy and Germany, but
its points may be of interest to English-speaking ecumenical watchers.

The argument in brief is that the "semina Verbi" (seeds of the Word) referred to
by the Church Fathers as present in classical Greek thinkers "has been
illegitimately extended by the Second Vatican Council to include religions,
cultures and national traditions of non-Christian people," according to the
article.

"It is the scandal of those who in the words of Jean Dumont, want to keep
separate Rome and Jerusalem," continues the Civiltà Cattolica article.

The article states that for some German theologians, "the doctrine of 'semina
Verbi' was applied by the apologist Fathers only to certain great thinkers, not
to ancient religions as a whole."

So Justin, for example, praises Socrates, while Clement refers to the Greek
poets and philosophers who have recognized the one true God.

Yet this idea of a seed of truth present in pre-Christian thinkers, the German
argument goes, "does not lend itself neither to the promotion of a theory of
universal redemption nor of a re-evaluation of pagan religion."

Vatican II, however, did just that.

"Semina Verbi," according to La Civiltà Cattolica, appears only once in a
Vatican II document ("Ad Gentes," Article 1, No. 11), but its idea pervades
other documents, particularly "Nostra Aetate," on non-Christian religions.

Further, says the article, "a discussion on 'semina Verbi' cannot but enlarge
itself to other related themes ... regarding the salvation of non-Christians,
the salvific value of non-Christian religions, the absolute salvific role of
Christianity ... and the rapport between these and the missionary duty of the
Church."

La Civiltà Cattolica admits it is "praiseworthy to establish the exact meaning
of the formula 'semina Verbi' in those ancient authors," but it admonishes those
theologians who seek "to set in stone that meaning."

"It is as if," continues the article, "the conscience of the Church cannot
progress and cannot reflect on its faith in order to preach it in a planetary
context that is no longer that of the Fathers and which imposes problems almost
unknown in their time."

"Beyond the truth of the faith, which must be conserved and preserved 'eodem
sensu eademque sententia,'" says the article, "the negation of any possible
development in teaching and in the predication of those same truths and of
pastoral behavior risks the danger and the suspicion of fundamentalism, despite
every good intention."

* * *

Pius XII and the Cold War

By Delia Gallagher

Historians and others will be interested in a new book entitled "Religion and
the Cold War," edited by Dianne Kirby and published by Palgrave-Macmillian,
which collects a series of essays by academics on the Vatican's role in the Cold
War.

The book is a fascinating read because it brings together quite different
approaches to and opinions on Vatican politics in Europe and in America, the
role of Pius XII, the power of the Russian Orthodox Church, and even a look at
how Christianity was portrayed in films of the time.

Two essays, for example, consider the role of Pius XII in the Cold War -- and
arrive at radically different conclusions.

Frank Coppa, professor of history at St. John's University, New York, takes the
view that Pius XII played an integral role in the political maneuverings of the
Cold War. Coppa writes:

"Pope Pius XII mobilised Catholic forces to combat communism, initiating a
global campaign against Bolshevism in general and the Soviet Union in
particular, thus contributing to the opening of the Cold War. American
historians have finally recognised the part played by the United States in
provoking the Cold War, [but] the papal role has not always been recognised."

By contrast, Peter Kent of the University of New Brunswick, in his essay "The
Lonely Cold War of Pope Pius XII," claims that the Vatican role was ineffectual:

"While the Roman Catholic Church provided much of the ideological rhetoric of
the Cold War, it had little direct influence on the course of events. … On the
outbreak of war in 1939, the newly-elected Pius XII recognised that Soviet
communism posed a major threat to the traditional Catholic civilisation of
Europe. Believing that the continued dislocation of European society by war
would only work to the advantage of international communism, the Pope's first
objective was to assume a posture of impartiality so that he could be available
as a mediator."

Coppa argues, however, that Pius XII was anything but impartial. The former
writes:

"On 1 July 1949, the decree was promulgated in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis,
providing papal support for a condemnation and excommunication [of communist
supporters] which had never been launched against Nazism. The accusations
sanctioned by Pius XII against communism were equally applicable to Nazism,
which likewise violated the basic teachings of the Faith but for reasons still
debated, from 1939 to 1945, he chose not to unleash such charges against it, or
its adherents. However, in the post-war period Pius proved critical of nazism as
well as communism, as he moved closer to the Western allies."

Kent, however, sees a Pius XII in 1950 as a man without allies. Myron Taylor,
the U.S. president's personal representative to the Pope, closed the American
Office to the Vatican, and the Church in Eastern Europe was under attack.

"While the 1950 Holy Year appeared as an impressive public display of the Church
triumphant," concludes Kent, "this only put a good face on a difficult
situation. ... Pope Pius XII stood alone internationally and within his Church
as he celebrated the Holy Year of 1950."

There are many other interesting essays that deserve to be read, on Harry
Truman's religious legacy, on the situation of local churches in Yugoslavia,
Germany, France and England. My advice is to get the book and learn more.

* * *

Fatima, Continued

By Delia Gallagher

My article on Fatima (see Rome Notes, Jan. 1) provoked a number of responses,
though I stand by the story. Those interested in the full text of the statement
by the rector of the Fatima shrine, plus an in-depth look at the controversy,
will want to get the February issue of Inside the Vatican magazine
(www.insidethevatican.com).




* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Nine: Monastic Theology (233-286)

This chapter contains eighteen sections that describe monastic theology. The
first section "Definition of Theology" discusses the medieval monastic mind that
split into two camps rivalling one another where one claimed theology a science
and the other merely wisdom. Part of the problem lay in the Aristotelian idea of
science and medieval interpretation of what constituted a discipline as a
science. Having a workable definition of theology limits the scope and
identifies appropriate subject matter and material. Leclercq cites Yves Congar's
definition: "Theology may be taken as a "discipline in which the truths of the
Christian religion, based on and illuminated by revelation, are interpreted,
developed and ordered into a body of doctrine." (See Yves Congar, "Theologie,"
Dic. de theol. cathol. XV. I.341 (Paris, 1946).

From such a definition one can view lectio divina as a reading and reflection of
the foundational material of the Catholic faith and of all Catholic doctrine.
This is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church is an excellent reading
companion to aid in lectio divina reading, reflecting, and prayer sessions in
our daily lives. Useful are the scriptural indexes and footnotes in the
Catechism. If you are reading a specific biblical passage you may wish to take a
look to see if it is included in the Catechism's index and look up the reference
to the corresponding entry number to learn how that scripture reveals a truth,
is interpreted, classified and organized within the framework of the whole of
Catholic doctrine. This is easily learned by reading the entry and looking to
see which section it falls in.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

Kids Help Kids Through Missionary Society of Holy Childhood

Commitment to Evangelization Is at the Root of Aid

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- After a century and a half, the
Pontifical Missionary Society of Holy Childhood is still helping children extend
a helping hand to millions of their contemporaries worldwide.

The group, which is under the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples,
was founded in Paris by Bishop Charles de Forbin Janson of Nancy, in May 1843.

"Moved by the sufferings of some Chinese children, who were abandoned,
unbaptized and without anything," the bishop began by creating a movement that
also included "French children who prayed for Chinese children and then
committed himself to help them financially," Father Patrick Byrne,
secretary-general of Missionary Childhood, told Vatican Radio this week.

"Today we have a strong presence of Missionary Childhood in almost all the
countries of the world, and we administer a large fund for projects similar to
the first one," he said. "Deep down, however, there is always the commitment to
evangelize the children who still don't know Christ."

According to data issued by the pontifical group, of the world's 800 million
children, 250 million are considered "slaves" and some 12 million suffer and die
from illnesses and malnutrition each year.

Some 18,000 children die daily from hunger alone, while AIDS has left 14 million
orphans. At least 300,000 are child-soldiers and some 20 million have been
displaced by bellicose conflicts.

In this context, the purpose of the World Day of Missionary Childhood, observed
last Tuesday, the feast of Epiphany, is to awaken in children a universal
missionary conscience, and material and spiritual communion with other
youngsters, especially those of the poorest areas and Churches.

Active in 115 countries, Missionary Childhood in 2002 allocated $13 million in
aid to finance 2,667 projects worldwide, especially in Africa and Asia.

"In Germany, for example, on the occasion of the day of Kings, there is a great
fund-raising campaign for the children of the world," Father Byrne said. "Half a
million children mobilize from all parishes. They go from house to house singing
carols and asking for financial and spiritual help for needy children."



* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/010904.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2004 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,
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All correspondence should be sent to:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 4, Issue 6

MONDAY 12 January 2004

First Week in Ordinary Time

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• On the Baptism of Jesus
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Papal Address to New Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Calls for Removal of Causes of Terrorism
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Disarmament Urged in Ivory Coast
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Resumes Call for Constitution to Recognize Christianity
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Misunderstood "Rights" a Threat to Families, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope to Stay at Vatican on Ash Wednesday
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Highlights Culture as Terrain of Church's Missionary Action
----------------------------------------------------------------
• European and American Bishops to Meet in Holy Land
----------------------------------------------------------------
• New Vancouver Archbishop Named
----------------------------------------------------------------
• The Wonder of Theology of the Body
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

On the Baptism of Jesus

"He Comes as the 'Lamb of God'"

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II delivered today before praying the Angelus at midday.


1. Today is celebrated the Baptism of the Lord. The Gospels recount that Jesus
went to John the Baptist near the Jordan River, and asked to receive the baptism
of penance from him. But immediately after, while he was praying, "the Holy
Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from
heaven, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased'" (Luke 3:21-22).

It is the first public manifestation of the messianic identity of Jesus, after
the adoration of the magi. This is the reason why the liturgy relates the
Baptism to Epiphany, with a chronological leap of some 30 years: The Child, whom
the magi worshipped as the messianic king, is consecrated today by the Father in
the Holy Spirit.

2. In the Baptism in the Jordan, Jesus' messianic "style" is already clearly
perceived: He comes as the "Lamb of God" to take upon himself and to take away
the sin of the world (see John 1:29,36). This is how the Baptist presents him to
the disciples (see John 1:36). In the same way, we, who at Christmas celebrated
the great event of the Incarnation, are invited to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus,
the human face of God and the divine face of man.

3. Mary Most Holy is the unsurpassable teacher of contemplation. If she had to
suffer humanly in seeing Jesus leave Nazareth, from his manifestation she
received new light and strength for the pilgrimage of faith. The baptism of
Christ constitutes the first mystery of light for Mary and for the whole Church.
May it shed light on the path of all Christians!


* * *

Papal Address to New Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See

"To Counteract International Terrorism"

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is the address John Paul II
delivered on Saturday when receiving the letters of credence of Bambang
Prayitno, the new Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See.

Mr. Ambassador,

I extend a warm welcome to you as I accept the Letters of Credence appointing
you Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to
the Holy See. This occasion rekindles the memories of the visit I made to your
country in 1989, when I experienced at first hand the hospitality, warmth and
rich cultural traditions of the Indonesian people. With these recollections, I
am grateful for the greetings and good wishes which you bring from President
Megawati Soekarnoputri. I gladly reciprocate her kind sentiments, and I ask you
to convey to her and to the Government and people of Indonesia the expression of
my esteem and the assurance of my prayers for the Nation's continuing
development and prosperity.

As you have remarked, your country and the Holy See enjoy bonds of friendship
and cooperation which are made ever stronger by our mutual commitment to working
for the peace and well-being of all peoples at every level of society. This is
an undertaking that involves all men and women of good will, and is today a task
of unprecedented importance as the entire human family seeks effective means to
counteract international terrorism. There is no question that this baneful
scourge has grown more virulent in recent years, generating brutal massacres
that serve only to exacerbate difficult situations, increase tensions and erode
possibilities for peace among peoples and nations. Your own country has
unfortunately had first-hand experience of such heinous acts of violence and
disregard for the inviolability of innocent human life. The deep shock felt
worldwide fifteen months ago when a terrorist bomb exploded in Bali still
remains very much present in the mind and heart of the international community.

Despite the contempt for human life that such terrorist attacks represent, our
response must never be one of hatred or revenge. Nor are measures that are
merely punitive or repressive sufficient. The fight against terrorism must also
be conducted at the level of politics and education. Political mobilization is
needed to eliminate the underlying causes of situations of injustice that can
drive people to actions of desperation and violence. Likewise necessary is a
commitment to programs of education that are inspired by and foster respect for
human life in all circumstances. In this way the unity of the human race will
prevail, proving more powerful than any contingent division separating
individuals, groups and peoples (cf. Message for the 2004 World Day of Peace,
No. 8). And it is precisely in this regard that the great religions of the world
have a particularly important role to play.

Interreligious understanding and cooperation will in fact do much to promote a
clearer sense of the oneness of all mankind, helping to eradicate the social and
cultural causes of terrorism. I am convinced moreover that Islamic, Christian
and Jewish religious leaders must be at the forefront in condemning terrorism
and in denying terrorists any form of religious or moral legitimacy. Dialogue
must be promoted as a means of mutual awareness, as an exchange of spiritual
patrimonies and as an instrument for peacefully overcoming differences. This is
the only way to guarantee the unity, ensure the stability and build the
democracy so ardently desired by the great Nation that you represent.

In this same regard, I am pleased to note your Government's active commitment to
maintaining harmony among the followers of the different religions present in
Indonesia. Indeed, the motto displayed on your national coat-of-arms -- Bihneka
Tungal Ika, "unity in diversity" -- expresses an important guiding principle as
your country strives to build and strengthen a society based on the democratic
principles of freedom and equality, regardless of language, ethnic background,
cultural heritage or religion. The presidential elections scheduled to take
place later this year -- a truly historical moment for Indonesia -- provide an
excellent opportunity to reinforce these principles in the country's democratic
institutions and to foster the full participation of all citizens in the public
life of the Nation. This political climate can also prove to be of great
advantage in the ongoing transformation of Indonesian society, as efforts are
made to eliminate corruption and to ensure that the human rights of all
citizens, especially those belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, are
respected.

For her part, the Catholic Church is an active partner in the continuing
national program of developing structures capable of satisfying the hopes and
aspirations of all the peoples of the archipelago. Her role in the area of
education is of particular importance: although Catholics account for only a
very small part of the total population, they have developed an extensive and
effective school system. The commitment to religious tolerance and to the
fundamental principle of religious freedom allows the Church to make a priceless
contribution to the life of the country. I am hopeful that the Government will
continue to assist her in pursuing this mission by respecting the Catholic
identity of her schools and educational activities.

Mr. Ambassador, I am sure that your mission will further strengthen the bonds of
understanding and friendship between us. You can be assured that the Holy See
will remain a committed partner with your country as it seeks to advance its own
development and to be a force for stability and peace in Asia and within the
wider community of nations. Upon yourself and the beloved people of the Republic
of Indonesia I cordially invoke the abundant blessings of Almighty God.



* * *

John Paul II Calls for Removal of Causes of Terrorism

Says Punitive Measures Aren't Enough

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says the response to
terrorism must not be motivated by hatred or revenge, and warns that "merely
punitive or repressive" measures are not sufficient.

Instead, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of terrorism, the Pope said
Saturday when he received the new Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See, Bambang
Prayitno, in audience.

Focusing on the subject of terrorism, the Holy Father said that there "is no
question that this baneful scourge has grown more virulent in recent years,
generating brutal massacres that serve only to exacerbate difficult situations,
increase tensions and erode possibilities for peace among peoples and nations."

"Your own country has unfortunately had firsthand experience of such heinous
acts of violence and disregard for the inviolability of innocent human life," he
told the ambassador, who presented his letters of credence.

That same day, a bomb blast killed four people at a cafe in the Palopo area of
Indonesia's South Sulawesi province, and wounded at least three others,
according to police and hospital sources. It was not immediately clear who was
responsible for the attack.

Extremists of Jemaah Islamiyah, a group linked to the al-Qaida terrorist
network, were blamed for the October 2002 attack that destroyed two nightclubs
in Bali and killed 202, mostly foreign tourists.

The attack "still remains very much present in the mind and heart of the
international community," the Pope said.

The Jemaah Islamiyah group was also accused of the attack last Aug. 5 on a
Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, which left 12 dead and 150 wounded.

"Despite the contempt for human life that such terrorist attacks represent, our
response must never be one of hatred or revenge," the Pope said. "Nor are
measures that are merely punitive or repressive sufficient."

"The fight against terrorism must also be conducted at the level of politics and
education," he added.

"Political mobilization is needed to eliminate the underlying causes of
situations of injustice that can drive people to actions of desperation and
violence," John Paul II explained.

Also "necessary is a commitment to programs of education that are inspired by
and foster respect for human life in all circumstances," he continued.

"In this way the unity of the human race will prevail, proving more powerful
than any contingent division separating individuals, groups and peoples," he
said. "And it is precisely in this regard that the great religions of the world
have a particularly important role to play."

"Interreligious understanding and cooperation will in fact do much to promote a
clearer sense of the oneness of all mankind, helping to eradicate the social and
cultural causes of terrorism," the Pope said.

"I am convinced moreover that Islamic, Christian and Jewish religious leaders
must be at the forefront in condemning terrorism and in denying terrorists any
form of religious or moral legitimacy," he emphasized.

"Dialogue must be promoted as a means of mutual awareness, as an exchange of
spiritual patrimonies and as an instrument for peacefully overcoming
differences," the Holy Father said. "This is the only way to guarantee the
unity, ensure the stability and build the democracy so ardently desired by the
great nation that you represent."

In his meeting with Ambassador Bambang Prayitno, John Paul II recalled his trip
to the Pacific archipelago in 1989 "when I experienced […] firsthand the
hospitality, warmth and rich cultural traditions of the Indonesian people."

Of Indonesia's more than 234 million inhabitants, 88% are Muslim, 5% Protestant,
3% Roman Catholic, 2% Hindu, 1% Buddhist.





* * *

Disarmament Urged in Ivory Coast

Pope Hoping for More Dialogue in War-torn Nation

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appealed to all sides
involved in Ivory Coast's 15-month-old civil war to lay down their weapons.

The Pope made that plea Saturday when he received in audience the west African
country's new ambassador to the Holy See.

"May the dialogue of weapons make room for the weapons of dialogue," the Pontiff
said in the address he delivered to career diplomat Kouame Benjamin Konan.

Ivory Coast was plunged into civil war in September 2002. The country is
struggling for political and institutional stability, despite last year's Paris
agreement, which lead to the establishment of a government of national unity.

"I profoundly desire that the process of national reconciliation continue and be
intensified," the Pope said. "The will of the diverse sides involved in the
conflict to bring disarmament to an end is an important stage in the path to
peace."

John Paul II, who has visited Ivory Coast three times, said that peace
"manifests the noble aspiration to say yes to reconciliation and no to violence
so that the various components of the nation can advance together, on the paths
of concord and national unity."

"I do not doubt that disarmament will affect all the weapons held by the
population, thus contributing to the country's internal stability," he added.

Lastly, the Holy Father appealed to "religious leaders and to members of all the
communities to commit themselves with all their energies to this essential task
for stability, for development, and for the nation's radiance."

"Mutual trust, which should always inspire and impregnate the social, political
and economic life of a country at all levels, is rooted in the promotion of
universal moral values, such as respect for human rights and the sense of the
dignity of each person," he explained.

About 30% of Ivory Coast's 16.9 million inhabitants are Christians; 40% are
Muslims and 17% are animists.



* * *


John Paul II Resumes Call for Constitution to Recognize Christianity

Appeals to Italian Government to Exert Pressure on European Union

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 9, 2004 (Zenit.org).- As the draft European Constitution
remains at a standstill, John Paul II is again insisting that the document make
explicit recognition of the continent's Christian roots.

The Pope appealed to Italy today to do everything possible to achieve this
objective, which has been supported publicly by the government as well as by
many opposition leaders.

Reminding the government that Christianity is a part of the "historic patrimony
of the Italian people," the Pope appealed to the country "to do all that is
possible so that, in the competent bodies, Europe will also recognize its own
Christian roots."

These roots, he said, "are capable of ensuring an identity for the citizens of
the continent that is not ephemeral or based simply on political and economic
interests, but on profound values that do not perish."

The Holy Father made his appeal when receiving the letters of credence of
Giuseppe Balboni Acqua, the new Italian ambassador to the Holy See.

"The ethical principles and ideals that constituted the foundation of the
efforts for European unity are even more necessary today, if there is to be
stability in the institutional profile of the European Union," the Pope
stressed.

Finally, John Paul II urged Italy to "continue to remind its sister nations of
the extraordinary religious, cultural and civil heritage that has given Europe
greatness through the centuries."

The European Inter-Governmental Conference held in Brussels last month ended
without an agreement on the system of voting in the European Union's
decision-making process, blocking the approval of the draft Constitutional
Treaty.

Ireland, which holds the rotating EU presidency in the first quarter of 2004,
will likely continue the talks between the governments. No date has been set for
a conference to analyze the draft Constitution again.




* * *


Misunderstood "Rights" a Threat to Families, Says Pope


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 9, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II said the family is
threatened by an erroneous understanding of rights, and he appealed for social
and financial help for this primary institution.

"The central role of the family is threatened today, according to the opinion of
many people, by a misunderstood sense of rights," the Pope said today when
receiving the letters of credence of Giuseppe Balboni Acqua, the new Italian
ambassador to the Holy See.

It is "the task of those in power to promote laws that favor its vitality," the
Holy Father said. "The family expects aid of a social and financial nature that
is necessary for the development of its mission."

The family is "called to carry out an important educational function, forming
mature and enriched persons by moral and spiritual values, who will be able to
live as good citizens," he added.

"It is important that the state give aid to the family, without ever suffocating
the freedom of the parents' educational choice, based on their inalienable
rights and efforts, to consolidate the family nucleus," the Holy Father
concluded.

For years, the Pope and Italian bishops have appealed for public aid for Italian
private schools, which are among the least subsidized in Europe.



* * *


Pope to Stay at Vatican on Ash Wednesday


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II plans to preside at the
celebration of the Word on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Vatican, instead of in
a basilica in the city of Rome.

A notice of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, issued Saturday by the
Vatican press office, states that the celebration will take place in Paul VI
Hall, in lieu of the weekly general audience.

The statement adds that all the faithful who intended to attend the general
audience and all others wishing to do so, may participate in the rite of
blessing and imposition of ashes in the auditorium.

In previous years, the Pope presided at this celebration in the Basilica of St.
Sabina, on the Aventine Hill. The decision is based on the desire to avoid
further effort for the Pope, Vatican sources told ZENIT.

The custom to start Lent in that Roman basilica was introduced by Gregory the
Great in the sixth century. The custom ended in 1769 but was re-established by
John XXIII in 1960.



* * *

Pope Highlights Culture as Terrain of Church's Missionary Action

Anthology Compiles Over a Century of Papal Teaching

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 9, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Culture is a "significant Areopagus" of
the Church's missionary action, says John Paul II.

The Pope said this at a meeting to present the book "Faith and Culture:
Anthology of Texts of Papal Teaching from Leo XIII to John Paul II," published
by the Pontifical Council for Culture.

In its 1,500 pages, the volume brings together more than a century of papal
teaching on the subject, touching upon questions of art, technology, ideology,
the family, sports, politics, universities, cultural identity, globalization and
inculturation.

Meeting with the members of the Council for Culture, the Pontiff said the book
"is further testimony that in the course of the centuries papal teaching has
always cultivated a positive view of relations between the Church and the
protagonists of the world of culture."

"The cultural ambit constitutes, in fact, a significant Areopagus of the
missionary action of the Church," he said.

The Holy Father added: "Following in the footsteps of my venerated predecessors,
I have tried to maintain a constant dialogue with the exponents of culture,
presenting to people of the third millennium the saving message of Christ."

After the meeting with the Pope, council president Cardinal Paul Poupard
explained that faith which does not create culture is not genuine faith.

He told Vatican Radio: "Faith is man's response to God's proposal, and when one
receives this Good News of the love of God, this transforms the whole of life:
personal life, family life," work and leisure, "that is, the whole of culture."



* * *

European and American Bishops to Meet in Holy Land


JERUSALEM, JAN. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Catholic bishops from Europe and the
Americas will meet in Bethlehem and Jerusalem this week for a conference
entitled "The Universal Church in Solidarity with the Church of the Holy Land."

The episcopal conferences of Canada, the United States, England and Wales,
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland will send bishops to the meeting.
Hosts of the event are Latin-rite Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem, and the
Assembly of Catholic Bishops of the Holy Land.

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community, the
Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) and Caritas Latin America will
also be represented.

The conference of England and Wales is coordinating the meeting, which runs
Monday through Thursday.

Participants will include Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the U.S. episcopal
conference; Archbishop Brendan O'Brien, president of the Canadian conference;
and Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool, vice president of the conference of
England and Wales and a representative for the CCEE.


* * *

New Vancouver Archbishop Named

Victoria's Raymond Roussin to Succeed Adam Exner

OTTAWA, JAN. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II named Bishop Raymond Roussin of
Victoria as archbishop of Vancouver in British Columbia.

Bishop Roussin, 64, will succeed Archbishop Adam Exner, who reached the
mandatory age of retirement of 75.

Archbishop-elect Roussin has been bishop of Victoria since March 1999. He had
been named coadjutor of Victoria in September 1998. He was first named a bishop
in 1995 to Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, a position he held until that diocese's
dissolution in 1998.

Born in 1939 in Saint Boniface, Manitoba, he graduated in theology from the
University of Freiberg, Switzerland, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1970
as a member of the Congregation of Marianists. He taught for many years in
Quebec, Manitoba and the United States before becoming superior of his order
from 1980-86.

He was also president of the Western region of the Canadian Religious Conference
from 1984-1986.

The Vancouver Archdiocese has a Catholic population of 402,310 in 94 parishes
and missions, served by 89 diocesan priests, 87 religious order priests, one
permanent deacon, 145 religious sisters and brothers.

In another appointment last week, the Pope named Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Naumann
of St. Louis as coadjutor archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas.

A coadjutor enjoys the right of succession when the incumbent retires or dies.

Joseph Naumann was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 4, 1949. He was ordained
a priest of the St. Louis Archdiocese in May 1975. He was named vicar general of
the archdiocese in 1994 and appointed auxiliary bishop in July 1997.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has a Catholic population of 200,000 in
a total population of nearly 1.2 million.

Archbishop James Keleher, 72, has been head of the archdiocese since September
1993.


* * *


The Wonder of Theology of the Body

Author Leticia Soberón on John Paul II's Groundbreaking Catechesis

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II's appreciation of the
human body is yet to be discovered by a wide audience, says the author of a new
book that looks at the Pope's thought.

"Perlas: Teología del Cuerpo en Juan Pablo II" (Pearls: Theology of the Body in
John Paul II), published by Edimurtra, is written by Leticia Soberón, a
psychologist who analyzes the first cycle of 63 catecheses on the theology of
the body, delivered by the Holy Father from Sept. 5, 1979, to May 6, 1981.

Soberón, born in Mexico City, works in the Pontifical Council for Social
Communications, in coordinating RIIAL, the Information Network of the Church in
Latin America. In this interview with ZENIT she explained her work.

Q: Why re-read teachings that this Pope imparted over 22 years ago?

Soberón: These teachings, which the Pope gave with his catechesis, were already
very opportune in the years when they were imparted, but they are extremely
urgent at present.

Q: What is John Paul II's specific contribution to the topic?

Soberón: The Pope makes a gift to the world by enlarging its horizon of
understanding of what the human being is with his body, a body with sexuality,
which is image of God.

The Pope reminds us that "holiness entered the world with the human body." It is
a gift because he reminds us without fear, without traces of Manicheism, that
God's creation of the human body and reflection on human relations is much
greater than the issues usually addressed in public addresses.

Those who hear these teachings will be able to be reconciled with themselves;
they will feel happy and called to a wonderful task in the apprenticeship of
love and relations with others.

Q: However, when public opinion addresses the topic of the body and the Church,
everything seems to be reduced to a list of prohibitions.

Soberón: This book describes in a wonderful way the wonder of our existence as
global, integral men and women, called to live in mutual communion.

The Pope teaches us to know ourselves and guides us on that human path, at times
terrible and difficult, of interpersonal relations in which frequently good
intentions and genuine love are mixed with desires to dominate, and with
concupiscence.

Whoever is formed in this teaching understands himself much better and has a
sort of compass to be guided in a relationship and to heal it through openness
to Christ's redemption.

It can be said that the Pope does not lower the standard of Christian demands in
regard to the corporal, but makes it an occasion for a profound transformation,
with no contempt or fear of the body.

Q: Why is this teaching not understood?

Soberón: Profound truths -- and these are such -- require listening, time and
dedication. These messages are not for 10-minute consumption. Many people intuit
this. Even nonbelievers greatly rejoice when seeing this clarity and this hymn
of gratitude to the Creator for the beauty of the person in his totality.

The Pope touches many nonbelievers who might find in this book the clarity of
his view of the human being, whom he sees as already saved and calls to seek
salvation.

Q: What is necessary for this message to be lived?

Soberón: These catecheses should be used in all Catholic teaching -- at least
the Catholic -- of children.

It should be present in the pastoral plans of family formation, in marriage
teams and preparation for marriage, in apostolic movements, parishes,
catecheses.

In this way one can succeed in reconciling the human being with his own reality
and to make him capable of choosing freely, without being afraid of his own
instincts, but without being a slave to them. By reading this message, by
understanding oneself, and by being able to give oneself to the other in a full
and worthy way, one is happy.

In one of the catecheses, the Pope points out that "happiness consists in being
rooted in love." Love heals shame. With the redemption, Christ restores and
improves original innocence. This gives an incredible fullness to marriage and
to all areas in which relations between men and women take place in society.

Q: This message resonates in a world that seems to be obsessed by sex.

Soberón: The Pope teaches that one must not be afraid of legitimate and normal
attraction. It is natural and, in addition, responds to a call to communion
between persons, that is, the body has what he calls "spousal significance."

But at the same time he warns against an attitude of dominance, of use, which
reduces the other to a thing, and strips him of his dignity as person -- and be
careful, because this can happen even within marriage.

This attitude, and the reaction it causes, does not correspond to the dignity
that every person deserves in his body and totality. Therefore, the attraction
is good in itself, but it must be purified and must allow itself to be guided by
a radical respect, ordering itself to the communion of the persons and sincere
self-giving.

Q: At the end, the book concludes with a passage from "Roman Triptych." Why
include the poems published by the Pope last spring if they are not a part of
the cycle of catecheses?

Soberón: It is to show that the Pope has not abandoned this subject, which he
addressed at the beginning of his pontificate.

He also published passages of the address he delivered in the ceremony on the
occasion of the restoration of the Sistine Chapel, which he refers to as "shrine
of the theology of the body," and a very incisive passage from his "Letter to
Families" on Manicheism, as something that obfuscates correct understanding of
the Church's messages on the human body.

In a word, it is a message that has spanned the whole of this pontificate and
that we cannot ignore. The Pope himself points out that without this theology of
the body one cannot understand the teachings of the Church on life and the
family that followed the Second Vatican Council.


For more information or to order Soberón's Spanish-language book, contact
edimurtra@....


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Nine (continued)

The second section "The Unity of Theology" explains through an operative
definition what that means from a Catholic perspective. "Fundamentally, as there
is but one Church, one faith, one Scripture, one tradition and one authority,
there is but one theology. Theology cannot be the specialty of any one milieu,
where it would be, as it were, imprisoned. Every great personality, every
culture, and even more, necessarily, every reflection on the Catholic faith,
every theology is, by its essence, universal and overflows the confines of
specialization. It is only within the great cultural entities which have
succeeded one another in the life of the Church that different currents can be
observed; but they cannot be separated." (236).

Theological reflection on scripture during lectio divina or in any independent
situation should bear the essential character and hallmarks of the Catholic
faith as the unity of theology in its operative definition demonstrates. Not
every thought or idea entering the mind as a result of reflecting on scripture
is necessarily, in itself, expressive of the unity of theology but must be
tested to see if it fits within the universal framework and supports and
enhances what the Church has held all along.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/011204.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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;
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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
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__________________________________________________
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 4, Issue 7

TUESDAY 13 January 2004

St. Hilary

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II's Address to Diplomatic Corps Accredited to Holy See
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Sees Threat to Religious Freedom in Europe
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Iraq Needs International Help, Insists John Paul II
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Christians, If United, Could Better Promote Peace, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Peace Demands an End to Vicious Circle, Pope Says
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Church's Structure Is Not Political, Says John Paul II
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Ideal Priest for Shrines Is Described
----------------------------------------------------------------
• St. Thomas More: Role Model for Modern Politicians
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Fr. Benedict Groeschel in Critical Condition
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Immigration Reform Plan Could Do Better, Says Bishop
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

John Paul II's Address to Diplomatic Corps Accredited to Holy See

Assesses International Situation

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave today to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See. He
gave the address in French.


Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am always pleased, at the dawn of a new year, to meet with you on the occasion
of the traditional exchange of greetings. I am particularly grateful for the
good wishes that his Excellency Ambassador Giovanni Galassi expressed to me in
your name. My heartfelt gratitude for your noble sentiments as well as the
benevolent interest with which you follow daily the activity of the Holy See.
Through your persons, I feel close to the peoples you represent. All may rest
assured of the prayer and affection of the Pope, who invites them to unite their
talents and resources to build together a future of peace and shared prosperity!

This appointment also offers me a privileged occasion to glance, together with
you, at the world, exactly as it is shaped by the men and women of this time.

The celebration of Christmas reminds us of God's tenderness for humanity,
manifested in Jesus, and has made resonate once again the ever new message of
Bethlehem: "Peace on earth to the men whom the Lord loves!"

This message comes to us this year once again while many peoples continue to
experience the consequences of armed struggles, suffer poverty, are victims of
scandalous injustices or of pandemics that are difficult to control. His
Excellency, Mr. Galassi, has echoed these with the acuity we all recognize in
him. For my part, I would like to share with you four convictions that at the
beginning of the year 2004 absorb my reflection and prayer.

1. Peace ever threatened

Peace has been damaged these last months by the events that have taken place in
the Middle East, which appears, once again, as a region of contrasts and wars.

The numerous steps taken by the Holy See to avoid the painful conflict that
occurred in Iraq are known. What is important today is that the international
community help the Iraqis, who have freed themselves of a regime that oppressed
them, so that they will be able to take up again the reins of their country, to
consolidate its sovereignty, to determine democratically a political and
economic system in keeping with their aspirations, and that Iraq will return to
be a credible member of the international community.

The lack of resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian problem continues to be a
factor of permanent de-stabilization for the whole region, without counting the
unspeakable sufferings imposed on the Israeli and Palestinian populations. I
will never tire of repeating to the leaders of these two nations: The option for
arms, the recourse on one hand to terrorism and on the other to reprisals, the
humiliation of the adversary, the propaganda of hatred, lead nowhere. Only
respect for the legitimate aspirations of one another, the return to the
negotiating table, and the concrete commitment of the international community
can lead to the beginning of a solution. An authentic and lasting peace cannot
be reduced to a simple balance between the forces present; it is above all the
fruit of a moral and juridical act.

I could mention other tensions and conflicts, especially in Africa. Their impact
on the populations is dramatic. To the effect of violence are added the
impoverishment and deterioration of the institutional fabric, making whole
nations fall into despair. One should also evoke the danger that the production
and trade of arms still represent, which continue to supply these areas in
danger.

This morning I would like to render homage in particular to Archbishop Michael
Courtney, apostolic nuncio in Burundi, recently killed. Just like all nuncios
and all diplomats, he wished to serve above all the cause of peace and dialogue.
I pay tribute to his courage and concern to support the Burundian people in
their path to peace and greater fraternity, in virtue of his episcopal ministry
and of his diplomatic task. Likewise, I recall the memory of Mr. Sergio Viera de
Mello, special U.N. representative in Iraq, killed in an attack in the exercise
of his mission. I also want to recall all the members of the diplomatic corps
who, in the course of the last years, have lost their lives or have had to
suffer because of their mandate.

And, how can one not mention the international terrorism that, in sowing fear,
hatred, and fanaticism, dishonors all the causes it seeks to serve? I will limit
myself to say that every civilization worthy of this name implies the categoric
rejection of relations of violence. For this reason, and I say it to an
auditorium of diplomats, we can never be resigned to accept passively that
violence take peace as hostage!

It is more urgent than ever to return to a more effective collective security
that gives to the United Nations the place and role that correspond to it. It is
more necessary than ever to learn the lessons of the distant and recent past. In
any case, one thing is clear: War does not resolve conflicts between peoples!

2. Faith: force to build peace

Although I will speak here in the name of the Catholic Church, I know that the
different Christian confessions and the faithful of other religions consider
themselves witnesses of a God of justice and peace.

When we believe that every human person has received from the Creator a unique
dignity, that each one of us is the subject of inalienable rights and freedoms,
that to serve others is to grow in humanity, and -- with greater reason --when
one calls oneself a disciple of the One who said: "By this all men will know
that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35), one
can clearly understand the capital represented by communities of believers in
the construction of a pacified and peaceful world.

Insofar as the Catholic Church is concerned, she puts at the disposition of all
the example of her unity and universality, the witness of many saints who have
known how to love their enemies, and of many political men who have found in the
Gospel the courage to live charity in conflicts. Wherever peace is challenged,
there are Christians witnessing with words and deeds that peace is possible.
This is the meaning, you know it well, of the interventions of the Holy See in
international debates.

3. Religion in society: presence and dialogue

Communities of believers are present in all societies as an expression of the
religious dimension of the human person. Therefore, believers legitimately
expect to be able to participate in the public dialogue. Unfortunately, it must
be said that it is not always like this. We are witnesses, in recent times, in
certain countries of Europe, of an attitude that could endanger the effective
respect of freedom of religion. Although the whole world is in agreement in
respecting the religious sentiment of individuals, the same cannot be said of
the "religious event," namely, the social dimension of religions, when
forgetting commitments assumed in the framework of what was then called the
"Conference on the Cooperation and Security in Europe."

Often the principle of secularism is invoked, legitimate in itself, if it is
understood as the distinction between the political community and religions (see
"Gaudium et Spes," No. 76). But distinction does not mean ignorance! Secularism
is not laicism! It is nothing other than respect for all beliefs on the part of
the state, which ensures the free exercise of worship and of spiritual, cultural
and charitable activities of the communities of believers.

In a pluralist society, secularism is a place of communication between the
different spiritual traditions and the nations. Church-state relations can and
must make room for respectful dialogue, which transmits fruitful experiences and
values for the future of the nation. A healthy dialogue between the state and
the churches -- which are not currents, but members -- can undoubtedly favor the
integral development of the person and the harmony of society.

The difficulty to accept the religious factor in public life has been verified
in an emblematic way on the occasion of the recent debate on the Christian roots
of Europe. Some have made a re-reading of history through the prism of reductive
ideologies, forgetting what Christianity has contributed to the culture and
institutions of the continent: the dignity of the human person, freedom, the
sense of the universal, the school and university, works of solidarity. Without
underestimating the other religious traditions, it is a fact that Europe was
established at the same time that it was evangelized. And it is a duty of
justice to recall that, until a short time ago, Christians, in promoting the
freedom and rights of man, have contributed to the peaceful transformation of
authoritarian regimes, as well as to the restoration of democracy in Central and
Eastern Europe.

4. Christians, all together, are responsible for the peace and unity of the
human family

You know that the ecumenical commitment is one of the interests of my
pontificate. In fact, I am convinced that if Christians were able to overcome
their divisions, the world would be more solidaristic. For this reason I have
always favored joint meetings and declarations, seeing in each one of them an
example and stimulus for the unity of the human family.

Christians, we have the responsibility of "the Gospel of peace" (Ephesians
6:15). All of us together can contribute effectively to respect for life, the
safeguarding of the dignity of the human person and of his inalienable rights,
of social justice and of the preservation of the environment. Moreover, the
practice of an evangelical style of life enables Christians to help their fellow
human beings to overcome their instincts, to live gestures of understanding and
forgiveness, to go out together to assist the needy. Insufficient value is given
to the pacifying force that united Christians could have within their own
community, as well as within the civil society.

If I say this, it is not only to remind all those who invoke Christ about the
urgent need to undertake with resolution the path that leads to unity as Christ
wills it, but also to point out to leaders of societies the resources of the
Christian heritage and of those who live it to which they can take recourse.

In this area, a concrete example can be mentioned: education in peace. You will
have been able to recognize in these words the theme of my Message for the 1st
of January of this year. In the light of reason and faith, the Church proposes a
pedagogy of peace to prepare better times. She wishes to put at the disposition
of all her spiritual energies, convinced that "justice must be complemented with
charity" (No. 10). This is what we humbly propose to all men of good will
because "we Christians feel, as a characteristic proper to our religion, the
duty to form ourselves and other for peace" (No. 3).


These are the thoughts that I wished to share with you, Excellencies, ladies and
gentlemen, at the beginning of a new year. They have matured before the crib,
before Jesus who has shared and loved the life of men. He continues to be
contemporary to each one of us and to each one of the nations here represented.
I entrust to God in prayer their plans and realizations, and I invoke for you,
yourselves, and for your loved ones the abundance of his blessings. Happy New
Year!


* * *


John Paul II Sees Threat to Religious Freedom in Europe

Secularism Is Confused With Laicism, He Warns

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II warns that a confusion
between secularism and laicism is spreading in Europe and could become a threat
to freedom of religion.

The Pope's concern, which he expressed last year in the context of the redaction
of the draft of the European Union's Constitutional Treaty, was one of the key
points of his address today to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.

"We are witnesses, in recent times, in certain countries of Europe, of an
attitude that might endanger effective respect for freedom of religion," the
Holy Father said in his new year's address to the ambassadors.

"Although everyone is in agreement in respecting the religious sentiment of
individuals, the same cannot be said of the 'religious event,' namely, the
social dimension of religions," he said.

"The principle of secularism is frequently invoked -- legitimate in itself, if
understood as the distinction between the political community and religions,"
the Pope said in French. "But distinction does not mean ignorance! Secularism is
not laicism!"

"It is nothing other than respect of all beliefs on the part of the state, which
ensures the free exercise of worship, and of spiritual, cultural and charitable
activities of the communities of believers," he explained.

"In a pluralist society, secularism is the place of communication between the
diverse spiritual traditions and the nation," the Holy Father continued.
"Church-state relations can and must make room for respectful dialogue, which
transmits fruitful experiences and values for the future of a nation."

"A healthy dialogue between the state and the churches … can undoubtedly favor
the total development of the person and the harmony of society," he added.

This debate, he said, "was verified in an emblematic way on the occasion of the
recent debate on the Christian roots of Europe."

"Some have done a re-reading of history through the prism of reductive
ideologies, forgetting what Christianity has contributed to culture and to the
continent's institutions: the dignity of the human person, freedom, a sense of
the universal, the school and university, the works of solidarity," John Paul II
said.

"Without underestimating the other religious traditions, it is a fact that
Europe was established art the same time as it was evangelized," the Pope
observed.

Addressing the European question, the Holy Father said that "it is a duty of
justice to recall that until recently Christians, in promoting the freedom and
rights of man, have contributed to the peaceful transformation of authoritarian
regimes, as well as to the restoration of democracy in Central and Eastern
Europe."


* * *


Iraq Needs International Help, Insists John Paul II

Says Terrorism Must Not Take Peace as Hostage

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Saying that this is not the moment to
look back on the Iraq war, John Paul II called on the international community to
help give the country a future.

The Pope made these observations today in his traditional address to the
diplomats accredited to the Holy See.

"The numerous steps taken by the Holy See to avoid the painful conflict that
occurred in Iraq are known," the Holy Father said.

"What is important today," he added, "is that the international community help
the Iraqis who have freed themselves from a regime that oppressed them, so that
they will be able to take up the reins of their country, to consolidate its
sovereignty, to determine democratically a political and economic system in
keeping with their aspirations and that Iraq be again a credible member of the
international community."

At the same time, the Pope condemned "international terrorism that, by sowing
fear, hatred and fanaticism, dishonors all the causes its seeks to serve."

"Every civilization worthy of this name implies the categoric rejection of
relations of violence," he said. "We can never be resigned to accept passively
that violence take peace as hostage!"

Repeating the proposal he made Jan. 1, the World Day of Peace, John Paul II
said: "It is more urgent than ever to return to a more effective collective
security that gives the United Nations the place and role that belong to it."

"More than ever, lessons must be learned from the distant and recent past," he
said. "In any event, one thing is clear: War does not resolve conflicts between
peoples."

Today's meeting with the diplomatic corps brought together representatives from
174 states that have official relations with the Holy See. That is more than
twice the number of countries that had official ties with the Vatican in 1978.




* * *

Christians, If United, Could Better Promote Peace, Says Pope

Sees the Overcoming of Differences as a Pacifying Force

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appealed to Christians of
all confessions to discover the "pacifying force" they could unleash by
overcoming their own divisions.

This was the conclusion of the Pope's address today to the diplomatic corps
accredited to the Holy See, in which he analyzed the situation of world peace.

"You know that the ecumenical commitment is one of the interests of my
pontificate," he told the ambassadors. "I am convinced that if Christians were
capable of overcoming their divisions, the world would be more solidaristic."

"This is why I have always favored joint meetings and statements, seeing in each
one an example and stimulus for the unity of the human family," the Holy Father
said.

We "Christians have the responsibility" to propound "the Gospel of peace," he
added. "All of us together can contribute effectively to respect for life, the
safeguarding of the dignity of every human person and of his inalienable rights,
of social justice, and of the preservation of the environment."

"Moreover, the practice of an evangelical style of life enables Christians to
help their fellow human beings to overcome their instincts, to engage in
gestures of understanding and forgiveness, and to go together to the assistance
of those in need," the Pope said.

"Insufficient value is placed on the pacifying force that united Christians
might have within their own community, as well as within civil society," he
contended.




* * *


Peace Demands an End to Vicious Circle, Pope Says


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says that peace cannot
make progress in the Holy Land until the logic of hatred, violence, reprisals
and humiliation is abandoned.

"The lack of resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian problem continues to be a
factor of permanent de-stabilization for the whole region, without counting the
unspeakable sufferings imposed on the Israeli and Palestinian populations," the
Pope said today when meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy
See.

"I will never tire of repeating to the leaders of these two nations: The choice
of arms, recourse on one hand to terrorism and on the other to reprisals, the
humiliation of the adversary, the propaganda of hatred, lead nowhere," he said.

"Only respect of the legitimate aspirations of one another, the return to the
negotiating table and the concrete commitment of the international community can
lead to the beginning of a solution," the Holy Father said.

He added: "Authentic and lasting peace cannot be reduced to a simple balance
between the forces present; it is above all the fruit of a moral and juridical
act."




* * *


Church's Structure Is Not Political, Says John Paul II

Notes That Pastors and Faithful Have Different Roles

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Church pastors must never be
considered as simple executors of decisions derived from majority opinions, says
John Paul II.

Addressing a full assembly of the Vatican Congregation for Clergy, the Pope
explained that the structure of the Church does not follow political models. The
assembly Saturday focused on the relation between priests and laity, and on
pastoral care at shrines.

"In the exercise of their office, the legitimate pastors must never be
considered as simple executors of decisions derived from opinions arising from a
majority in the ecclesial assembly," the Holy Father said.

"The structure of the Church cannot be conceived by following simply human
political models," he added. "Its hierarchical constitution is based on the will
of Christ and, as such, forms part of the 'deposit of the faith,' which must be
preserved and totally transmitted through the centuries."

The Pope explained that the Church is "a people that has Christ as head, the
dignity and freedom of the children of God as condition, the old and always new
precept of love as law, and the Kingdom of God as end."

John Paul II emphasized that the "common priesthood of all the faithful differs
essentially from the ministerial and hierarchical" priesthood.

"Both, however, are united in a close relationship and ordered to one another,"
he noted. "Pastors have the task to form, govern and sanctify the People of God,
while the lay faithful, together with them, form an active part of the mission
of the Church, in a constant synergy of efforts, and in respect of the specific
vocations and charisms."

This collaboration is made concrete in "the various counsels provided by
canonical ordering at the diocesan and parish level," the Pope said. This
involves "organizations of participation that give the possibility of
cooperation for the good of the Church, keeping in mind the knowledge and
competence of each one," he affirmed.

"These structures, arising from indications of the [Second Vatican] Council, are
in need of updating in their ways of acting and in the statutes, according to
the norms of the Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1983," the Holy Father said.

The criterion the Pope emphasized in this task was "to safeguard a balanced
relation between the role of the laity and that which is proper to the diocesan
ordinary or the parish priest."

He asked the Congregation for Clergy to follow carefully "the evolution of these
organs of consultation."




* * *

Ideal Priest for Shrines Is Described

Sensitivity and Zeal Are Key, Says John Paul II

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- If shrines are to be places where
people encounter God, they must be served by priests of great pastoral
sensitivity, apostolic zeal and a spirit of warm welcome, says John Paul II.

The Pope described the traits that should characterize priests who serve in
shrines when he addressed the plenary assembly of the Vatican Congregation for
Clergy, which studied this topic in its working agenda.

Shrines "attract numerous faithful in search of God, ready therefore for a more
incisive proclamation of the Good News and open to accept the invitation to
conversion," the Holy Father said in his address Saturday.

"It is important, therefore, that in them priests carry out their ministry with
acute pastoral sensitivity, animated by apostolic zeal, gifted with a paternal
spirit of welcome, and with experience in the art of preaching and catechesis,"
he said.

John Paul II emphasized the need for shrines to offer pilgrims the possibility
of going to confession.

"The confessor, particularly in shrines, is called to reflect with each one of
his actions and words the merciful love of Christ," the Pope said. "Therefore,
he needs appropriate doctrinal and pastoral formation."

He added: "At the center of every pilgrimage there are liturgical celebrations,
in the first place, Holy Mass." He urged that the latter always be prepared with
care and animated "by a profound devotion, eliciting the active participation of
the faithful."




* * *

St. Thomas More: Role Model for Modern Politicians

Gerard Wegemer on the Saintly Statesman's Legacy

DALLAS, Texas, JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Politicians today could learn a lot
from their patron saint, Thomas More, by looking to his mastery of self,
rhetoric and moral issues.

So says Gerard Wegemer, a dedicated student of More who has written two books on
the 16th-century statesman: "Thomas More: A Portrait of Courage" (Scepter) and
"Thomas More on Statesmanship" (CUA Press). The former focuses on how More
understood and lived the virtues in family and political life; the latter looks
at More's understanding of human nature and the elements needed for
statesmanship.

Wegemer, a professor of literature at the University of Dallas and the founding
director of the Center for Thomas More Studies, is editing a paperback series of
More's major works.

He shared with ZENIT how modern statesmen must follow in the footsteps of More.

Q: How is St. Thomas More a portrait of courage, particularly for politicians?

Wegemer: St. Thomas More, made patron of statesmen and politicians by Pope John
Paul II in 2000, held the highest office of England under King Henry VIII, but
gave up that office and eventually his life to defend fundamental principles of
justice.

Although More ingeniously sought to avoid imprisonment and death -- after all,
he had a growing family to care for and a deep love of life -- his love of truth
and conscience eventually led to martyrdom.

More is a "portrait" of courage, instead of a mere sketch, because he lived
courage in every aspect of his life: in the diligent attention to his family
members and their education, in the diligent study of the issues in his
professional and political work, in the diligent care for his neighbors and
friends, especially God, the first of his friends, etc.

Courage for More was constant and he gave cheerful attention to duty in whatever
forms that duty took.

Cheerfulness and good humor are the qualities for which More is most famous,
even in his own lifetime. To maintain cheer in all circumstances, even on the
scaffold, takes a remarkable courage from which any politician can profit.

Politicians are always under pressure and always face opposing and contentious
views, so contentious that hatred and war can result. More mastered himself,
rhetoric and the issues of his day to such a degree that he became the spokesman
of his country and of his Church -- his conscious objective was to allow the
light of reason to reign, rather than the heat of emotion. Towards this end, he
knew that humor played an essential role.

More was also a genius, yet nevertheless he trained himself for 15 years after
law school before accepting a position in King Henry's court. By that time, More
was 41; his marriage with his second wife was settled -- his first wife had died
after the birth of their fourth child; his children were older; and he was
prepared for the emotional, moral and political challenges that arose
immediately.

It might be said that More is most useful to politicians today because he shows
how one must educate oneself to be a genuine statesman.

For example, how do politicians train themselves not to be unduly influenced by
the opinions of others?

According to More, the primary objective of education is the "inner knowledge of
what is right" -- "recti conscientia," a right conscience -- knowledge that does
not depend "on the talk of other people." Otherwise, as More put it: "A mind
must be uneasy which ever wavers between joy and sadness because of others'
opinions."

Here again we return to the centrality of More's cheerfulness and good humor as
a mark of his balanced statesmanship.

Q: How did More integrate his interior, spiritual life with his exterior life in
politics?

Wegemer: As More is the first person to use the word "integrity" in the English
language, your question goes to the heart of his attractive personality and of
the reason that he was so trusted and beloved by his fellow citizens.

In the 16th-century play "Sir Thomas More," written in part by Shakespeare, Sir
Thomas is described as "the best friend the poor ever had" and he is shown to be
so well admired that he stops a riot by his presence and his persuasion. As
politicians know, their reputation is their most important human asset, and this
is shown in More's life as well.

More started every day in prayer and study, even -- or rather, especially --
during his busiest days as Lord Chancellor. He was convinced that God works
through conscience and is present in conscience, but that the voice of
conscience whispers only after sufficient study and attention.

As Pope John Paul II put it in his proclamation of 2000, St. Thomas More
"demonstrated in a singular way the value of a moral conscience which is 'the
witness of God himself, whose voice and judgment penetrate the depths of man's
soul.'"

More relied regularly on the sacraments. He attended Mass each day; he had a
lifelong devotion to the Eucharist; and he frequented the sacrament of penance,
especially before making any major decision. He also led the family prayers when
he was at home, which included the rosary.

Q: What are the differences between, say, John F. Kennedy's position on his
faith and public duties, as compared to Thomas More's?

Wegemer: More studied so deeply that he saw how politics could be lived so that
there need be no conflict between temporal and spiritual duties. That is why his
last words were "I die the King's good servant and God's first." That "and" is
highly significant.

When Henry VIII insisted on manipulating the laws of England to achieve his own
will, More took every possible opportunity to remind the King of the demands of
justice. History has proved that More was right and that Henry was a tyrant.

Politicians today need the same broad historical and philosophical and
theological perspective that More achieved through years of study.

Q: Recently, Bishop Raymond Burke of La Crosse appealed to Catholic politicians
in Wisconsin to vote more in line with the faith they profess. What
responsibilities do Catholic lawmakers have to vote in accordance with Church
teachings?

Wegemer: Revelation gives light and clarity to principles that are needed to
solve the complex issues of any age. This gift gives the Catholic politician an
even greater responsibility to be a genuine statesman, that is, to find real
solutions that take into account all factors and views but without sacrificing
essential principles. As the example of More shows, the light of Revelation is a
help for real progress, not a hindrance.

Q: The U.S. bishops recently called for more Catholics to get involved in
politics. Why should Christians participate in civic life? How can the example
of Thomas More guide Catholics who want to enter the modern political scene?

Wegemer: As I mentioned earlier, More formed and attended carefully to his
conscience, and conscience reveals to each one the natural duties of real life.
One of those duties is citizenship, the exciting and challenging endeavor of
working with one's neighbors for the common good.

More was a great citizen, a great friend, a great father and a great husband who
was born in the heart of London, in a family that had been active for
generations in every aspect of civic life. The character of St. Thomas More, in
other words, did not simply happen, any more than the character of Pope John
Paul II simply happened by chance.

The Pope's strong and cultured personality, as well as his deep and learned
piety, was rooted in generations of Catholics refined by extraordinary
sufferings. And St. Thomas More's exceptional statesmanship and human elegance
were rooted in generations of a devout Catholic family immersed in London's long
tradition of self-government.


* * *


Fr. Benedict Groeschel in Critical Condition

ORLANDO, JAN. 12, 2004 --- Fr. Benedict Groeschel, an internationally known
Roman Catholic author, speaker and  television personality with several TV
programs on EWTN, is in critical condition after a being struck by a car at
Orlando International Airport on Sunday evening while walking to a restaurant.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel, who is director of spiritual development for the Diocese
of New York, is in the critical care unit(CCU), according to Joe Brown, a
spokesman for Orlando Regional Medical Center. According to EWTN officials Fr.
Benedict Groeschel suffers at least a broken arm and leg, as well as head
trauma. According to Father Andrew Apostoli, Fr. Benedict was placed in CCU
because he suffered a heart attack besides the injuries. However, he has
recovered from that and is now both stable and conscious.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel, aged 70, is in Central Florida scheduled to speak at the
San Pedro Retreat Center in Seminole County as a guest lecturer for the
International Institute for Clergy Formation.  A former Capuchin, Fr. Benedict
Groeschel is the founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York.

A licensed psychologist, Fr. Benedict Groeschel has for over 30 years counseled
priests and religious and in particular priests accused of child sexual abuse.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel has a wonderful sense of humor keeping a photo of a
hippopotamus in his wallet throughout his priestly career since Sacred Scripture
tells us that God looks at the hippopotamus and laughs.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel also has the gift of tears and whenever he says Mass
weeps during the liturgy.

We are now weeping and deeply saddened to hear of this accident, and ask all
subscribers to please keep Fr. Benedict in your prayers.



* * *


Immigration Reform Plan Could Do Better, Says Bishop

Comprehensive Program Seen as Needed

WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN. 12, 2004 (Zenit.org).- President George Bush's recently
announced immigration reforms are "an important first step" but need to go
further, says the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Migration Committee.

Coadjutor Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, Florida, called for comprehensive
reform "that will truly address our current immigration crisis."

"While this issuance of a proposal is an important first step in a long overdue
reform of our immigration system," Bishop Wenski said, "this particular proposal
does not provide a solution to the serious problems we experience as the result
of continuing undocumented migration and an immigration system that is broken."

"What is needed to respond to these problems is truly comprehensive immigration
reform that will provide opportunities for legalization for the undocumented
currently living in the United States, temporary worker programs with full
worker protections and a path to permanency, as well as a reform of our family
immigration system that will allow immigrant families to reunite in a timely
fashion," the bishop said.

Bush's plan would grant a renewable three-year term of temporary legal status on
undocumented workers currently in the country, as well as allowing new immigrant
workers to come to the United States as long as they have a guaranteed job
awaiting them here.

Bishop Wenski said standards for immigration reform outlined by the bishops last
January would guide their evaluation of the proposal as it evolves in
congressional deliberations.



* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Eight (continued)

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/011304.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll always be safe."

* * *

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
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__________________________________________________
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 4, Issue 8

WEDNESDAY 14 January 2004

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Fondly Recalls Louis de Montfort's Marian Doctrine
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Points Military Personnel to Prince of Peace
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Church's Social Doctrine Could Aid Cuban Society, Says Pope
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Charism of Church Government Lies With Pastors, Says Cardinal Castrillón
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Jerusalem Patriarch Calls on All Churches to Help Peace
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Francis Arinze and God's Invisible Hand
----------------------------------------------------------------
• One Who Shunned Oath to Hitler Is on Possible Path to Beatification
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Venezuelan Bishops Warn of Democracy Slipping Away
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Mexico Looks Ahead to Eucharistic Congress
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

John Paul II Fondly Recalls Louis de Montfort's Marian Doctrine

In a Message on 160th Anniversary of "True Devotion"

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The 160th anniversary of the
publication of "True Devotion to Mary" has given John Paul II the chance to
recall the doctrine of its author, St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort.

It is to the saint that the Pope owes his episcopal motto, "Totus Tuus," an
expression of his total belonging to Jesus through Mary.

In his youth, Karol Wojtyla received "a great help" from the work.

"I found the answer to my perplexities due to the fear that the devotion to
Mary, if excessive, might end by compromising the supremacy of the worship owed
to Christ," the Pope said in his message to the religious of the Montfort
family, which the Vatican press office published today.

"Under the wise guidance of St. Louis-Marie, I understood that, if one lives the
mystery of Mary in Christ, such a risk does not exist," the Pope said in his
letter dated Dec. 8, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

St. Louis-Marie wrote "True Devotion to Mary" at the start of 1700, but the
manuscript was practically ignored until it was rediscovered in 1842 and
published a year later.

Re-read in the light of the Second Vatican Council, the Montfort doctrine
retains "its substantial validity," the Holy Father said.

"As is known, in my episcopal coat of arms [...] the motto 'Totus Tuus' is
inspired by the doctrine of St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort. These two
words express total belonging to Jesus through Mary," John Paul II explained.

"'Totus tuus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt,' St. Louis-Marie wrote; and he
translates: 'I am all yours, and everything of mine belongs to you, my beloved
Jesus, through Mary, your holy Mother,'" the Pope said.

According to the saint's thought, Mary "accompanies us in our pilgrimage of
faith, hope and charity toward an ever more intense union with Christ, only
Savior and Mediator of salvation," the Holy Father said.

For St. Louis-Marie, true Marian devotion is Christ-centered and becomes a
privileged means "to find Jesus Christ perfectly, to love him tenderly, and to
serve him faithfully."

In this connection, Mary becomes the faithful echo of God, the Pope said: "Every
time that you honor Mary, Mary praises and honors God with you."

The Holy Father continued: "St. Louis-Marie contemplates all the mysteries
beginning with the Incarnation, which takes place at the moment of the
Annunciation," in such a way that in the treatise "Mary appears as 'the true
earthly paradise of the New Adam,' the 'virgin and immaculate earth' from which
he has been formed."

"She is also the New Eve," John Paul II added, "associated to the New Adam in
the obedience that repairs the original disobedience of man and woman. Through
this obedience, the Son of God enters into the world. The cross itself is
already mysteriously present in the instant of the Incarnation."

St. Louis-Marie wrote: "All our perfection consists in being conformed, united
and consecrated to Jesus Christ. ... Now, from Mary being the creature most
conformed to Jesus Christ, one learns that, among all the devotions, the one
that most consecrates and conforms a soul to Our Lord is devotion to Mary, his
holy Mother, and that the more a soul is consecrated to Mary, the more
consecrated it will be to Jesus Christ."

The cross, the Pope said, is the culminating moment of Mary's faith: "Through
this faith, Mary is perfectly united to Christ in his despoliation. ... This is,
perhaps, the most profound kenosis of faith in the history of humanity."

For more information, see http://www.montfort.org.


* * *


Pope Points Military Personnel to Prince of Peace


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II invited Italian military
personnel to begin the year by contemplating Christ as the one who brings peace
to the world.

The papal message was given to officials of the 31st Division of the Italian Air
Force, who accompany the Pope on his trips outside Rome, and who were welcomed
to the Vatican this morning by the Holy Father who wished them a happy new year.

"In recent days the liturgy has invited us to contemplate Jesus who became man
and came among us," the Pope said. "He is the light that illuminates and gives
meaning to our existence. He is the redeemer who brings peace to the world."

"Let us welcome him with trust and joy!" the Holy Father added. "The Blessed
Virgin Mary who, as a thoughtful mother, presents him to us, also watches over
us. I invite you to turn to her at every moment and to entrust the just-begun
year of 2004 to her."

John Paul II thanked the officials for "the dedication and commitment with which
you have for years facilitated the ministry of the Successor of Peter."



* * *


Church's Social Doctrine Could Aid Cuban Society, Says Pope

Sends Message for Bicentenary of Archdiocese

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Cuba's laity should be educated about
the Church's social doctrine in order to enlighten the island nation "through
peaceful dialogue" where freedom and love can prevail, says John Paul II.

The Pope made that point in a message sent for the bicentenary of the Cuban
Archdiocese of Santiago. Celebrations marking the bicentenary began Nov. 23 with
a Mass in the cathedral of Santiago, presided over by Archbishop Pedro Meurice
Estiu. Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino of Havana was among those on hand for the
Mass.

John Paul II wished to be united spiritually in "the thanksgiving to the
Almighty for the abundant fruits of Christian life obtained in these years," the
message states, sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano and
read by Archbishop Meurice.

"The Pope encourages each parish to foster, through civic and religious
formation, the integral education of all those who draw near to the Church with
a desire to grow in humanity," the text continues.

This task needs the "generous collaboration of missionaries, catechists and
committed laymen" and the fostering of "human promotion and social assistance of
the neediest," the Holy Father said.

"Moreover, it might be of great help to prepare the laity with the study and
application of the social doctrine of the Church to illuminate serenely all
realms of Cuban society through peaceful dialogue and a fraternal coexistence,
where freedom, justice, truth and love prevail," the message continued.

Lastly, the Holy Father encouraged Cubans "to always be witnesses of unity and
fidelity to the message of Christ," commending "the people of God on pilgrimage
in Santiago de Cuba to the protection of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre."




* * *


Charism of Church Government Lies With Pastors, Says Cardinal Castrillón

Puts Role of the Laity in Perspective

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- While the laity can collaborate in
diocesan and pastoral councils, the charism of government to discern the
community's path "is the exclusive task of the bishop or pastor," says a Vatican
official.

Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos made that observation in the wake of last
weekend's plenary assembly of the Congregation for Clergy, of which he is
prefect.

On Saturday, John Paul II received the members of the Vatican congregation at
the conclusion of their plenary assembly, whose works focused on consultative
bodies of the Church 20 years after their advent. The Pope emphasized the need
to update these bodies, while respecting the diverse vocations and not confusing
the structure of the Church with human political models.

"Consultative bodies are an expression of ecclesial communion," Cardinal
Castrillón explained Monday on Vatican Radio. "We are, therefore, united in the
call that God has made to all; we, all members of the Church, are united in
baptism. ... There is a basic equality: called to be children of God."

During the dicastery's working sessions, "we have seen that these bodies
represent great wealth because of the participation of the laity, who help
pastors to see the human reality, the reality of the world," the cardinal
continued.

At Saturday's audience John Paul II underlined the need to "safeguard a balanced
relation between the role of the laity and that which is properly the competence
of the diocesan ordinary or the parish priest."

"The structure of the Church cannot be conceived according to simple human
political models," the Pope said. "Its hierarchical constitution is based on the
will of Christ and, as such, forms part of the deposit of faith, which must be
preserved and totally transmitted through the centuries."

Cardinal Castrillón in his radio interview said: "We have experience that often
there is talk in the name of the Spirit, but not a few times also in the name of
the evil spirit, and it is the Pope for the universal Church, and the bishops
for the local Churches, who must undertake this discernment. This is why the way
of participating in the responsibility of the Church is different."

"The faithful do so with the strength of baptism and confirmation, because the
Holy Spirit is also present in them," the cardinal continued. "But the charism
of government to carry out this discernment, which can be regarded as certain
for the whole community and, therefore, governing to direct the entire
community, is the exclusive task of the bishop or pastor in the parish."

He added: "It is precisely in this area where the problems are found, because
there is no lack of councils that would like to have the power of government
and, consequently, dominate the parish or the Church … [and] this, obviously, is
not accepted by the Church."


* * *


Jerusalem Patriarch Calls on All Churches to Help Peace

Addresses Meeting of Bishops of America and Europe

JERUSALEM, JAN. 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- At the start of a meeting of European and
American bishops, the Catholic Church in the Holy Land made an appeal to all
churches worldwide to help promote reconciliation.

Latin-rite Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem made his appeal Monday before
the bishops from England and Wales, the United States, Canada, Austria, France,
Germany, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia and Switzerland, as well as two European
episcopal groupings. Also present was the bishop representing Caritas in Latin
America.

The Holy Land is "not only the scene of a political conflict between
Palestinians and Israelis," the patriarch said.

It is also "a Christian land," he said, and therefore "churches of the world
have the responsibility to affirm this Christian character of the land by making
themselves present through many ways of presence, pilgrimages, reconciliation
and to respect the human person in general."

Patriarch Sabbah added: "What is required indeed from the churches of the world
is not to side with this side or the other but to help toward reconciliation,
because the reconciliation of both peoples is also the best way to help the
Christian presence in this land."

The Latin-rite patriarch highlighted the obtaining of visas and residence
permits for Church officials in the Holy Land as a new difficulty relating to
"freedom of movement for the personnel of our various Churches."

"It is a question of religious freedom, a question of free access to the Holy
Land which allows Churches according to the Fundamental Agreement between the
Holy See and the state of Israel, to have the freedom of maintaining their
presence in the Holy Land with all the required personnel, religious or lay,"
said Patriarch Sabbah.

"These meetings are important in order to strengthen our mutual communion and in
order to find support and hope," he added.

The patriarch's address came near the beginning of a busy schedule for the
bishops, who are meeting for four days, initially at Bethlehem University, then
at the Knights' Palace Hotel in the Old City, Jerusalem, according to the
coordinator of the meeting, the bishops' conference of England and Wales.

The apostolic nuncio to the Holy Land, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, told the meeting
of the grim reality of daily life for the Palestinian population and of his
fears that the security fence the Israelis are building would pass through
Catholic land.

"The Pope has said that the Holy Land does not need walls, it needs bridges,"
the nuncio said.

Archbishop Sambi noted a bright spot, however. "The religious are active in the
Holy Land, and that is a sign of hope," he said.

Brother Vincent Malham, president of Bethlehem University, reported that the
school -- whose student body is 34% Christian -- had been forced to close a
dozen times in its 30-year history. "Around three years ago, the building we are
in was hit by three large missiles," he said.

"When Westerners come -- and we have not had too many in the last three years --
people here notice it," he said. "Your presence is very, very important. I pray
it will be a sign of hope for people here in the Holy Land."

Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the U.S. bishops' conference, said: "I am
relieved we can all meet in the Holy City of Bethlehem." He outlined some of the
work that was being done to make it easier for Church workers to get visas and
residence permits.

Bishop Gregory also said that he has urged U.S. President George Bush to support
the "road map" for peace and, with ecumenical colleagues, was lobbying to have a
meeting with Bush on the Holy Land.

Archbishop Patrick Kelly, vice president of the bishops' conference of England
and Wales, told the meeting of the efforts being made at home, including
communications with the Israeli Embassy in London, and debate in the House of
Commons and House of Lords, where a letter from the archbishop had been quoted.

Commenting on the Holy Land situation, he said: "In many things which happen, we
see the seeds of hope."




* * *


Francis Arinze and God's Invisible Hand

Book Summarizes Series of Interviews With Nigerian Cardinal

ROME, JAN. 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- A new book touches on Francis Arinze's
spiritual journey, including his childhood baptism up to his days as a cardinal
prefect of a Vatican dicastery.

"God's Invisible Hand," summarizing a series of interviews, recounts the
spiritual journey of Cardinal Arinze, the 71-year-old prefect of the
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

In the book the Nigerian recounts how he came to see the invisible hand of God
as the guide of history and of his own life, a concept that has become central
to his spirituality and decision-making.

Speaking with Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell, the cardinal reveals many
previously untold details of his personal journey. The book has been published
in Kenya by Paulines Africa.

From Francis Arinze's school years in Nigeria, through his university days in
Rome and his studies in London, the reader gets a glimpse of his life as priest
and bishop.

The book reveals what it meant to be the youngest bishop in the world when
participating in the final session of the Second Vatican Council. The work also
records his years as a "fugitive bishop" in Biafra during the Nigerian civil war
of 1967-1970.

The volume refers to his postwar effort to reconstruct in Church in the
Archdiocese of Onitsha, following the expulsion of missionaries from the
country, and covers the period he spent as president of the Nigerian episcopal
conference, which culminated with John Paul II's first visit to the country in
1982.

Blessed Michael Cyprian Iwene Tansi, a priest and the first blessed of west
Africa, baptized Francis Arinze at age 9. He played a key role in the latter's
life, inspiring him in his priestly vocation. The book refers to their spiritual
relation and reveals how the cardinal opened the way for his "mentor's"
beatification.

The second part of the book focuses on key moments in the prelate's life, such
as his appointment by John Paul II as president of the Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue (1984-2002).

It also offers the cardinal's personal reflections when accompanying the Pope on
his trips to Morocco, Egypt and South Africa, on his work in the Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith, and on his conversation with Mother Teresa of
Calcutta shortly before her death.

In the 400-page volume, 16 of which comprise photographs, the reader will also
find the testimony of the moment when Cardinal Arinze presided at the funeral of
the seven Trappist monks of Algeria who were decapitated by Muslim
fundamentalists.

In October 2002, John Paul II appointed Cardinal Arinze as head of the
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. In the final interview,
recorded in December 2002, the cardinal reflects on his 18 years of experience
in heading the Church's dialogue with other religions as president of the
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and explains how he perceives
his new mission.




* * *


One Who Shunned Oath to Hitler Is on Possible Path to Beatification

Josef Mayr-Nusser's Choice Shared by His Wife

BOLZANO, Italy, JAN. 13, 2004 (ZENIT.org-Avvenire).- The Bolzano-Bressanone
Diocese has opened the local phase of the process of beatification of Josef
Mayr-Nusser, who was sentenced to die for forgoing an oath of fidelity to
Hitler.

Father Josef Innerhofer has been appointed postulator of the cause. For many
years, Father Innerhofer was director of the diocesan weekly Katholisches
Sonntagsblatt. He is now director of Radio Sacra Famiglia and Radio Grüne Welle.
He also is responsible for gathering the material that documents the life of
Mayr-Nusser.

The candidate for beatification, whose friends nicknamed him "Pepi," enrolled in
the SS unit of the Nazis in 1944. The recruitment contravened international
conventions, according to which an occupying power cannot enroll citizens of the
occupied state in its own army.

This forced incorporation obliged Josef Mayr-Nusser, 34, to leave his family --
his wife, Hildegard, and son, Albert, born a few months before -- to train for a
period in Prussia.

At the end of the training, Mayr-Nusser was to take the following oath: "I swear
to you, Adolf Hitler, Führer and chancellor of the Reich, fidelity and valor; I
solemnly promise fidelity until death to you and to superiors designated by you;
may God help me."

In a Italian State Radio and Television documentary, Franz Treibenreif, comrade
and friend of Mayr-Nusser, said that when it came to taking the oath, "Josef was
pensive and worried. Unexpectedly, he raised his hand: 'Sir Major-General,' he
said with a strong voice, 'I cannot take an oath to Hitler in the name of God. I
cannot do it because my faith and conscience do not allow it.'" It was Oct. 4,
1944.

His companions tried to dissuade him, but Mayr-Nusser was sure of what he was
doing and that his choice was shared by his wife. "You would not be my wife if
you expected something different from me," he wrote to her from prison.

Josef Mayr-Nusser's action had matured in previous years, when with friends of
Catholic Action in south Tyrol, he wondered what it meant to be a Christian and
tried to interpret the circumstances surrounding him in the light of the Gospel.

The needy were also among his concerns. As president of the St. Vincent's
Conference, Mayr-Nusser was constantly visiting the poor and giving them
material and spiritual help.

After refusing to take the oath, Mayr-Nusser was imprisoned, transferred to
Danzig and prosecuted. Sentenced to death for "defeatism," he was sent to the
Dachau concentration camp but never arrived. Sick with dysentery, he was found
dead in the train going to the camp on the morning of Feb. 24, 1945. He had a
rosary and the Gospel in his hands.

As a German-speaking leader of Catholic Action Youth, Mayr-Nusser had publicly
stated and written that Nazism could not be reconciled with the values of
Christian ethics.

"Mayr-Nusser is the most exemplary person of the last century in Alto Adige,"
Father Innerhofer says in the magazine Jesus. "He was a simple father of a
family, a man of the people who had the courage to read the inhuman history of
the time with the eyes of faith."


* * *

Venezuelan Bishops Warn of Democracy Slipping Away

Address Nation's Crisis at Their At Plenary Assembly

CARACAS, Venezuela, JAN. 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The Venezuelan episcopal
conference warned about the danger in the country of substituting its
constitutional democratic model with an exclusive revolutionary plan.

The 43 members of the episcopate articulated their warning at the close of their
plenary assembly last week, where they discussed the spiritual, social, economic
and sociopolitical situation of the nation.

"We perceive that there are efforts and initiatives that tend to the solution of
problems of the population, and that the democratic will of the people has been
confirmed with deeds, concretely with the days of collection of signatures last
November for recall referendums," the bishops state.

"Nevertheless, we alert about the danger of changing the constitutional
democratic model for an exclusive and excluding revolutionary plan, promoting by
the force of power a process of socioeconomic, juridical-political, cultural and
even religious change, dispensing with the consensus of the population," they
add.

"As a consequence, there is further division among Venezuelans, which has caused
an unprecedented polarization," the bishops said. "Intolerance has degenerated
into hatred, fanaticism and violence."

"The direction President Hugo Chávez is giving the country calls into question
participatory democracy and the independence of public powers," the bishops
stressed.

"It tends, rather, to foster centralism, state control and 'messianism,'" they
said. "The harmful practice of excessive public spending continues, which has
fueled corruption, patronage and populist practices, all of which are
facilitated by the weakening and impotence of controlling bodies."



* * *


Mexico Looks Ahead to Eucharistic Congress


MEXICO CITY, JAN. 13, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Mexico's bishops have declared 2004 the
"Year of the Eucharist."

This was one of the messages that Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, archbishop
primate of Mexico, gave to the official New Year's Pilgrimage to the Shrine of
the Virgin of Guadalupe last weekend.

The cardinal invited the faithful to live their Christian life in view of the
International Eucharistic Congress scheduled to take place in Guadalajara from
Oct. 10-17.

Vatican spokesman Joaquín Navarro-Valls confirmed that the Church in Mexico and
the government have invited John Paul II to participate in the event. No
decision has been announced on whether the Pope will go.

In his address, Cardinal Rivera said that fear has been spreading in Mexican
society in face of the growing unemployment and the political differences that
emerged at the end of last year in the legislative chambers.

"Let us pray for our brothers who are unemployed, but let us also pray for those
who are in danger of being unemployed," he said. "And let us pray for our
authorities and for entrepreneurs so that they will have the imagination and
initiative to make possible more sources of work in our city and in our
homeland."


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Nine (continued)

The third section entitled :Two Cultural milieus" briefly discusses the
distinction between the town schools and monastic schools. The fourth section
"Two Kinds of Schools" describes the "monk's schools and the clerical schools.
The monk's schools are "internal" schools, that is open to children who are
preparing for monastic life, and to them alone, or "external schools" to which
other children are admitted, and the latter are sometimes located outside the
cloister; Cluny for example, had an external school in the market town next to
the cloister." (238).  "In the internal school the liberal arts were taught in
the liturgical setting to prepare the future monk for lectio divina and the
young religious thereby acquired a liberal culture, "contemplative" in tendency.
On the contrary, the clerical schools, situated near the cathedrals in the
cities, are attended by men who have already either in parochial or monastic
external schools, received a liberal arts training." (239).

From this we learn how carefully monk's were trained and prepared to exercise
their minds and hearts in lectio divina. As Lecercq says they "acquired a
liberal culture, "contemplative" in tendency." How different this view is from
some contemporary circles of spirituality that advocate picking up the Bible and
reading, meditating, and interpreting on one's own. Proper education for lectio
divina was considered essential by the great spiritual masters of the medieval
period to the present. It is through appropriate training that one learns how to
grasp the biblical text, where to find commentaries, dictionaries, spiritual
reflections and Catholic catechetical and doctrinal teachings based on a
specific text being read that allow for a more fruitful read and reflection.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

CATALOGUE OF LINKS

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3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/011404.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2004 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
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All correspondence should be sent to:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 4, Issue 9

THURSDAY 15 January 2004

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Meditation on Canticle of 1 Peter 2:21-24
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Appearing Healthier
----------------------------------------------------------------
• OTHER  PONTIFICAL  ACTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Bishop Named for Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn
----------------------------------------------------------------
• VATICAN CITY TRIBUNAL TO INAUGURATE 75TH YEAR
----------------------------------------------------------------
• SERVING THE TRUTH, A MARK OF THE NEW ARCHBISHOP
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Vatican Poised for a Historic Concert
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Neocatechumenal Way Opens a Chapel on the Mount
----------------------------------------------------------------
• German Episcopate Rallying the Faithful for World Youth Day
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Cause of Canonization Under Way for Polish Family
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Meditation on Canticle of 1 Peter 2:21-24

John Paul II Reflects on Christ on the Cross for Our Sins

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 14, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul
II's address at today's general audience, which he dedicated to comment on the
canticle of vespers in Chapter 2 of the First Letter of Peter (verses 21 to 24).


1. After the pause for the Christmas celebrations, we continue today with our
meditations on the liturgy of vespers. The canticle just proclaimed, taken from
the First Letter of Peter, focuses on the redemptive passion of Christ, already
announced at the moment of the baptism in the Jordan.

As we heard last Sunday, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jesus reveals
himself from the beginning of his public activity as "beloved Son," in whom the
Father is well pleased (see Luke 3:22), and the true "Servant of Yahweh" (see
Isaiah 42:1), who frees man from sin through his passion and death on the cross.

In the mentioned Letter of Peter, in which the fisherman of Galilee describes
himself as "witness to the sufferings of Christ" (5:1), the memory of the
passion is very frequent. Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb without blemish, whose
precious blood was poured out for our redemption (see 1:18-19). He is the living
stone rejected by men, but chosen by God as the "cornerstone," which gives
cohesion to the "spiritual house," that is, to the Church (see 2:6-8). He is the
righteous one who sacrifices himself for the unrighteous in order to lead them
back to God (see 3:18-22).

2. Our attention is now focused on the profile of Christ drawn in the passage we
heard (see 2:21-24). He appears to us as the model to contemplate and imitate,
the "program," as the original Greek says (see 2:21), to be realized, the
example to follow without hesitations, conforming ourselves to his choices.

In fact, use is made of the Greek verb of following, of discipleship, of setting
off in the very footsteps of Jesus. And the steps of the divine Master are
directed on a road that is steep and exhausting, as one reads in the Gospel:
"Whoever wishes to come after me must ... take up his cross, and follow me"
(Mark 8:34).

At this point the Petrine hymn delineates an amazing synthesis of the passion of
Christ, described in the words and images of Isaiah applied to the figure of the
suffering Servant (see Isaiah 53), reread in a messianic note by the ancient
Christian tradition.

3. This story of the passion in the form of a hymn is formulated through four
negative (see 1 Peter 2:22-23a) and three positive (see 2:23b-24) declarations,
where Jesus' attitude is described in that terrible and grandiose event.

It begins with the double affirmation of his absolute innocence expressed with
the words of Isaiah 53:9: "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his
mouth" (1 Peter 2:22). Two other considerations follow on his exemplary conduct
inspired by meekness and gentleness: "When he was insulted, he returned no
insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten" (2:23). The Lord's silent
patience is not only an act of courage and generosity. It is also a gesture of
confidence in the Father, as the first of the three positive affirmations
suggests: "He handed himself over to the one who judges justly" (ibid.). His was
a total and perfect confidence in divine justice, which guides history towards
the triumph of the innocent.

4. Thus we arrive at the summit of the account of the passion that points out
the salvific value of the supreme act of Christ's self-giving: "He himself bore
our sins in his body on the tree, so that, free from sin, we might live for
righteousness" (2:24).

This second positive assertion, formulated with the expressions of Isaiah's
prophecy (see 53:12), specifies that Christ bore "in his body" "on the tree,"
that is, on the cross, "our sins," to be able to annihilate them.

On this road, we too, freed from the old man, with his evil and misery, can
"live for righteousness," that is, in holiness. The thought corresponds, though
in terms that to a great extent are different, to the Pauline doctrine on
baptism, which regenerates us as new creatures, immersing us in the mystery of
the passion, death and glory of Christ (see Romans 6:3-11).

The last phrase -- "By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24) -- points
to the salvific value of the suffering of Christ, expressed with the same words
used by Isaiah to denote the saving fruitfulness of the pain suffered by the
Servant of the Lord (see Isaiah 53:5).

5. Contemplating the wounds of Christ by which we were saved, St. Ambrose said:
"I have nothing in my works with which I can glorify myself, I have nothing to
boast about and, consequently, I will glory in Christ. I will not glorify myself
because I am just, but I will glory because I am redeemed. I will not glorify
myself because I am exempt from sins, but I will glory because my sins have been
remitted. I will not glorify myself because I have helped or been helped, but
because Christ has been my advocate with the Father, because the blood of Christ
was poured out for me. For me, Christ tasted death. Guilt is more profitable
than innocence. Innocence made me arrogant, guilt has made me humble" ("Giacobbe
e la Vita Beata," [Jacob and the Blessed Life], I,6,21: Saemo, III, Milan-Rome,
1982, pp. 251.253).

[Translation by ZENIT]

[At the end of the general audience, the following summary was read in English:]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Following the celebration of Christmas, we contemplate today a passage of the
First Letter of Peter, which examines our Lord's glorious Passion as foreseen at
his Baptism in the Jordan River. This canticle acts as a synthesis of the
Prophet Isaiah's figure of the Suffering Servant and is key to understanding the
ancient Christian concept of the Messiah. As we reflect on the image of our
afflicted Savior, let us recall the words of St. Ambrose who said: "I will not
be glorified because I am just, but I will be glorified because I am redeemed."

[The Holy Father then greeted pilgrims in several languages. In English, he
said:]

I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims present today,
including the groups from Denmark and the United States of America. Upon all of
you and your families, I invoke the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Happy New Year!



* * *

Pope Appearing Healthier


VATICAN CITY, JAN. 14, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II was in good humor at the
general audience as he improvised words addressed to pilgrims, including many
children.

The children, who came to the Vatican today with excursions organized by Italian
schools, sang songs for the Pope, whose health has appeared to improve
noticeably in recent weeks.

As the Holy Father smiled, some 4,000 pilgrims began to chant: "We love you!"

The Pontiff responded: "You say: 'We love you' ... I also love you!" He smiled
again, and the audience in Paul VI Hall broke out in loud applause.

The Holy Father greeted a group of children from Belarus, who are guests of the
Modugno Hospitality Group, in Bari, in the south of Italy.

John Paul II read his catechesis in Italian, which he dedicated to comment on
the canticle in 1 Peter 2:21-24. He then greeted pilgrims in six languages.

The Pope's diction was clearer than it was in October, during the celebrations
for the 25th anniversary of his pontificate.




* * *


OTHER  PONTIFICAL  ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2004 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Andre Marceau,
pastor and episcopal vicar of Bazas et de la Cote, France, as bishop of
Perpignan-Elne (area 4,143, population 392,803, Catholics 302,500, priests 107,
permanent deacons 12, religious 161), France.  The bishop-elect was born in
Cerons, France in 1946 and was ordained a priest in 1972.


* * *


Bishop Named for Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn


WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN. 14, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II has named Chorbishop
Gregory John Mansour to be bishop of the eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn.

He also accepted the resignation of the Bishop Stephen Hector Doueihi, 76, from
the governance of the eparchy, or diocese of the Eastern Church.

Gregory John Mansour was born in Flint, Michigan, in 1955. He received a
bachelor's degree in health education from Western Michigan University,
Kalamazoo.

He studied for the priesthood at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in
Washington, D.C., and was ordained in September 1982. He has received a
bachelor's degree in theology from the Catholic University of America and a
licentiate in spiritual theology from the Gregorian University in Rome.

Bishop-elect Mansour served as pastor of St. George Maronite Catholic Church,
Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He is currently protosyncellus (vicar general) and
chancellor of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles and rector of
St. Raymond Co-Cathedral, St. Louis, Missouri.

The jurisdiction of the eparchy extends to the Maronite Catholics in 16 states
and the District of Columbia.


* * *


VATICAN CITY TRIBUNAL TO INAUGURATE 75TH YEAR

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2003 (VIS) -  Friday, January 16, marks the inauguration
of the 75th judicial year of the tribunal of Vatican City State, according to a
communique published today by the tribunal.

   Following a 9 a.m. Mass in the chapel of the Governorate officiated by
Cardinal Edmund Szoka, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City
State and president of the Governorate, in the presence of Cardinal Angelo
Sodano, secretary of State, there will be a ceremony in the Audience Hall of the
Tribunal that will include a report by the Promoter of Justice, Prof. Nicola
Picardi, on the activity of several judicial bodies.

   Top officials and magistrates of Vatican City and representatives of the
Italian magistrature will be present.


* * *


SERVING THE TRUTH, A MARK OF THE NEW ARCHBISHOP

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2004 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today welcomed Archbishop
Michael Miller, together with his Basilian brothers, family members and other
friends who accompanied him to Rome for his episcopal ordination last evening in
St. Peter's Basilica.

   The Pope noted that  Archbishop Miller's episcopal motto, Veritati Servire,
"to serve the truth," is an eloquent summary of the commitment that has marked
his priestly life, both at the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, Texas, and
during his five years of service at the Vatican. I am certain that this same
dedication will continue to inspire and strengthen him as he now returns to Rome
and takes up his duties as Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education.
With prayerful good wishes for his new ministry, I cordially impart my Apostolic
Blessing to him and to all here present."


* * *


Vatican Poised for a Historic Concert

Jews, Muslims and Christians to Gather This Saturday

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 14, 2004 (Zenit.org).- An unprecedented concert will take
place in the Vatican, in which 300 Jewish, Christian and Muslim artists will
perform, to promote understanding between peoples, cultures and religions.

The Concert of Reconciliation, to be held Saturday in Paul VI Hall, will be
performed by artists of the Philharmonic Orchestras of London; Krakow, Poland;
Ankara, Turkey; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It will be conducted by U.S. maestro Gilbert Levine, who for many years was
conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Krakow, where he met Cardinal Karol
Wojtyla, the future Pope.

Levine himself suggested the concert to John Paul II last summer, at a meeting
in Castel Gandolfo, in thanksgiving for the 25th anniversary of his pontificate.

According to the program, Levine will conduct the Pittsburgh Symphony in a
performance of composer John Harbison's new work, "Abraham," for chorus and
orchestra.

Inspired by Genesis 17:14, the piece presents the divine call of the man whom
Jews, Christians and Muslims alike all look to as their father in faith. The
chorus will comprise singers from Pittsburgh and the Turkish capital, Ankara.
The concert will also include a performance of parts of Gustav Mahler's Second
Symphony.

In a statement issued in November, the Vatican explained that the concert is
taking place "to promote the commitment to a peaceful coexistence among all the
children of Abraham."

Sponsors of the statement were the Holy See's Commission for Religious Relations
with the Jews, and the pontifical councils for Promoting Christian Unity and for
Interreligious Dialogue. The U.S.-based Knights of Columbus is funding the
concert.

"In a certain sense," the statement said, "the concert next January 17 enlarges
the horizon of that multitude of peoples who today more than ever must find in
themselves and radiate the strength of fraternity, from which peace arises."

The concert is expected to attract, among others, the Chief Rabbi of Rome,
Riccardo Di Segni; his predecessor, Elio Toaff; leaders of Rome's mosque; and
the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.


* * *


Neocatechumenal Way Opens a Chapel on the Mount

Domus Galilaeae Center Seen as a Bridge

TIBERIAS, Israel, JAN. 14, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The Neocatechumenal Way has opened
a chapel at its Domus Galilaeae International Center, a facility seen by its
director as "a bridge with the whole Jewish tradition."

Latin-rite Patriarch Michael Sabbah of Jerusalem presided over the dedication of
the chapel on Sunday. The center is located on the Mount of the Beatitudes here.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio in Israel; Father Giovanni
Battistelli, Franciscan Custodian of the Holy Land; and professors of
Jerusalem's biblical universities, as well as representatives of ecclesial
movements, attended the ceremony, together with the founders of the
Neocatechumenal Way -- Kiko Argüello, Carmen Hernández, and Father Mario Pezzi.

"According to many exegetes, from this place the apostles were sent by Jesus
Christ to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Gospel," the director of the
center, Father Rino Rossi, told Vatican Radio.

Recalling highlights of the ceremony, Father Rossi added: "The Lord has also
given us the grace to have many relics of martyrs and saints of many places of
the world, among them St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony, St. Ignatius of
Loyola; it was as if precisely in this place, there was an echo of the apostles'
evangelization throughout the world, which has given fruits of holiness."

The dedication of the new chapel took place in the context of a meeting of 250
"itinerants" of the Neocatechumenal Way, representing 108 countries.

A giant fresco in the apse, painted last summer by Kiko Argüello in the
tradition of Eastern iconography, depicts the Last Judgment.

In the early 1980s, the Custody of the Holy Land offered the Neocatechumenal Way
the possibility of building, on a plot located on the Mount of the Beatitudes, a
center of formation, studies and retreats, an endeavor of particular interest
for the Church and for Israel.

Ever since hearing about the Domus Galilaeae project in 1994, John Paul II has
been enthusiastic about it, seeing in it a service for all peoples and "for the
whole Church." The Pope blessed the Shrine of the Word in the Center in March
2000.

In Domus Galilaeae, Christians, especially priests and seminarians, will be able
to be in direct contact with the living tradition of Israel, following in the
footsteps of St. Justin, Origen, St. Jerome and many other Fathers of the
Church, who returned to Jewish sources to understand the meaning of Jewish
prayer, celebrations and liturgies which daily nourished Jesus.

"Without foreseeing it, the center is also awakening great interest among Jews,"
Father Rossi said. "There are, in fact, very many Jews who come to visit us,
because there are aspects of the building that refer to our roots as Christians
and are situated in the Jewish tradition. Therefore, this center hopes to be a
bridge with the whole Jewish tradition."

With the passing of time, "other possibilities are being envisioned, as there
are many episcopal conferences that are requesting its availability for
meetings, conferences or international gatherings at the theological and
biblical level," the director of the center revealed.

Domus Galilaeae is located near the summit of the mountain known as the
Beatitudes, which rises in front of Lake Tiberias, above Tabgha, the place of
the first multiplication of loaves, and Capernaum.

The Neocatechumenal Way, approved as a way of Christian initiation for the
rediscovery of baptism, is active in more than 900 dioceses.



* * *


German Episcopate Rallying the Faithful for World Youth Day


BERLIN, JAN. 14, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The German episcopate appealed to Catholics
to prepare spiritually and materially for World Youth Day 2005 so that it will
be a "great celebration of faith."

The appeal was made in a pastoral letter, approved by the Permanent Council of
the bishops' conference and read at all Masses in Germany last Sunday.

Invited by John Paul II, hundreds of thousands of youths will meet in Germany to
reflect on the theme "We Have Come to Worship Him," as articulated by the magi
in the Gospel according to Matthew. World Youth Day 2005 will focus on "the
vocation of men to seek, find and worship Christ."

Events for World Youth Day, which runs from Aug. 11 to 21, 2005, will culminate
in Cologne, with a vigil with the Pope planned for Aug. 20. The closing Mass is
the following day.

The preparation for WYD "should be a spiritual starting point for our Church,"
the German bishops said in their message. "We must recognize the signs of the
times and our responsibility to renew ourselves in the faith and to be a
'missionary' Church, a task in which the preparation for WYD appears as an
extraordinary opportunity and obligation."

* * *


Cause of Canonization Under Way for Polish Family


PRZEMYSL, Poland, JAN. 14, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The Archdiocese of Przemysl is
promoting the canonization of a Catholic family whose members were killed by the
Nazis for harboring Jews during World War II.

Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma were killed in their town of Markowa on March 24, 1944,
for hiding eight Jews who had escaped from internment by the occupying German
forces.

Their children, four boys and two girls, were also killed. Wiktoria Ulma was
pregnant when she died. The family was killed in their back garden.

News of the cause of canonization was made public by the postulator, Father
Stanislaw Jamrozek, who was interviewed by the Catholic news agency Kai.

"The petition for canonization," he said, "started with the residents themselves
of the town of Markowa, who in this way wished to show their friendship and
affection for the memory of these persons."


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Nine (continued)

The fifth section "Schoolmasters become monks" cites more than a dozen famous
monks who were schoolmen that converted to the monastic way of life. "What is
involved for all of them is a real change not only in their state in life but in
their spiritual orientation, in other words, a true conversion like St.
Benedict's." (242).

The monastic way of life is the daily focus seeking its desire for God. As the
title of Leclercq's book states the love of learning must be combined with one's
desire for God to exhibit the characteristics of the monastic life. For all
Christians including laypeople, lectio divina is a means to pursue both learning
and God in one's daily life.

Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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 Today's 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.nccbuscc.org/nab/011504.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2004 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,
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Vidimus Dominum, and Noticias Eclesiales own the original copyright
for their news releases as credited. All copyright materials copied
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All correspondence should be sent to:
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ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS

Volume 4, Issue 10

FRIDAY 16 January 2004

SPECIAL EDITION

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------
• WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A FRATERNAL, JUST SOCIETY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

Program for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2004

18-25 January 2004









WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2004



My peace I give to you (Jn 14: 23-31)



To those organizing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity



Adapting the text





This material is offered with the understanding that, whenever possible, it will
be adapted for use at the local level. In doing this, account must be taken of
local liturgical and devotional practice, and of the whole social and cultural
context. Such adaptation should normally take place ecumenically.


In some places ecumenical structures are already set up for adapting the
material. In other places, we hope that the need to adapt it will be a stimulus
to creating such structures.


Using the Week of Prayer material


For churches and Christian communities which observe the week of prayer together
through a single common service, an order for an ecumenical worship service is
provided.


Churches and Christian communities may also incorporate material from the week
of prayer into their own services. Prayers from the ecumenical worship service,
the "eight days", and the selection of additional prayers can be used as
appropriate in their own setting.


Communities which observe the week of prayer in their worship for each day
during the week may draw material for these services from the "eight days".


Those wishing to do Bible studies on the week of prayer theme can use as a basis
the biblical texts and reflections given in the "eight days". Each day the
discussions can lead to a closing period of intercessory prayer.


Those who wish to pray privately may find the material helpful for focusing
their prayer intentions. They can be mindful that they are in communion with
others praying all around the world for the greater visible unity of Christ’s
church.


The search for unity: throughout the year


The traditional date for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is 18-25
January. Those dates were proposed in 1908 by Paul Watson to cover the days
between the feast of St Peter and the feast of St Paul, and therefore have a
symbolic meaning. In the southern hemisphere where January is a vacation time
churches often find other days to celebrate the week of prayer, for example
around Pentecost (which was suggested by the Faith and Order movement in 1926),
which is also a symbolic date for the unity of the church.


But the search for Christian unity is not limited to one week each year. We
encourage you therefore not only to be flexible concerning the date but also to
understand the material presented here as an invitation to find opportunities
throughout the whole year to express the degree of communion which the churches
have already received, and to pray together for that full unity which is
Christ’s will.


Biblical Text for 2004


My peace I give to you (Jn 14: 23-31)


Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will
love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does
not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but
is from the Father who sent me.


"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate,
the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you
everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with
you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.


You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved
me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is
greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it
does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler
of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has
commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be
on our way."


(New Revised Standard Version)


Theological and Pastoral Introduction


My peace I give to you (Jn 14: 23-31)


We seldom pray for that which does not involve us; and we pray most fervently
for that which concerns us deeply, that which touches upon the people and the
world we know. And yet prayer also expands the human heart. Saint Isaac the
Syrian speaks of the merciful heart as one which burns with great compassion for
all people, for every created thing. Gripped by a "strong and vehement mercy", a
compassion "without measure in the likeness of God", such a heart offers up
prayer from the midst of all suffering, offers up prayer even for those who do
one harm, for "enemies of the truth" (Homily 81).Today’s world needs such
expansive merciful hearts, such prayer rising from the midst of the groans of
humanity, of the whole created world.


The quest for peace in the Middle East, a quest shared by many other peoples in
other parts of the world, forms the particular backdrop of the celebration and
meditations for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for 2004. As peace in our
world remains elusive and is obstructed at every turn, the search for peace, and
the profound hopes which are entwined in that search, form a vital part of the
prayer which rises from our hearts to the merciful heart of God in our day.


We all want peace. It is human to find fulfilment in it and long for it from the
depths of our hearts. Yet the path which leads to peace is not so self-evident,
nor is it well-trod. Our hope is that the third millennium will be a millennium
of peace, a millennium of return to faith in God. The Arabic word for peace is
salaam; the Hebrew word, from the same Semitic lineage, is shalom. In the Middle
East, as in all contexts where the adherents of different religions live side by
side, constructive relationships between religious traditions - built on
dialogue and a common pursuit of peace and justice, rooted in a shared
recognition of the dignity of every human person - are an essential
pre-requisite if we are to be blessed with the gift of peace. In turn, a spirit
of reconciliation and common mission among Christians and Christian communities
is foundational to the pursuit of peace. Our common concern for the
establishment of peace should serve to draw us more closely into communion with
one another.


The biblical concept of peace is richly expressive and multi-faceted, suggesting
wholeness and well-being, happiness and security, integrity and justice. Our
Christian faith tells us that true peace is given us only if we follow God’s
ways, as set forth in scripture, and if we take up the path to peace proclaimed
and lived by Jesus Christ. "He is our peace" (Eph 2: 14), and as his disciples,
our unity must be a reconciliation in him. The witness to peace of a fragmented
Christian community is fraught with ambiguities; an inner contradiction weakens
our ability to spread Christ’s peace. By contrast, unity among the churches
gives power and credibility to our witness, setting convincingly before the
world the vision of a universal reconciliation in Christ. Reconciliation among
the churches is a way to peace and gives integrity to its proclamation. We all
share in the responsibility of seeking the unity which will bear authentic
witness to Jesus’ peace; just as we all are called, in diverse ways but inspired
and encouraged by the same Spirit, to be artisans of his peace and
reconciliation in the world.


The Eastern churches have lived through unique and difficult historical
circumstances. These ancient churches, and the countries that are the birthplace
of Christianity, have often been deprived of peace. They have longed for it
through the generations, and have persistently prayed to obtain it. Their
present situation leaves these churches longing for peace more than ever before,
and their patrimony and heritage, traditions and rites urge them to ask
fervently for that peace in their prayers. That is why they have chosen the
theme of peace for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.


For the churches of the Middle East today, living side by side as a minority
within their culture, with their multiplicity and their many mixed marriages,
the work of ecumenism is not an abstract ideal but a vital need. Only through
fostering an ecumenical spirit are they able to exist meaningfully. Unity and
peace are their most heartfelt concerns, their paramount and all-pervasive
dream. A common struggle has brought them together and a vision of the future
serves to unite them. Peace is their daily worry, their abiding hope.


In the early days of Christianity the Christian community was one, and while
incarnating that unity has never been easy, the early church stands through the
centuries as the primary model of a community that could live in peace and
proclaim that peace effectively. It is not so today: we are not yet fully
united, and our witness to peace is compromised accordingly. Those who wish
peace would do well to pray and strive for unity. Mindful of this relationship,
the church is called to pray for peace in unity and for unity in peace.


The choice of this year’s theme also results from the conviction of the churches
of the Middle East that Christians throughout the world, by undertaking this
prayer ecumenically, would be standing in solidarity with the hopes and
sufferings of the people of this region. Their request is reminiscent of the
apostle Paul, travelling about, collecting gifts for the mother church of
Jerusalem; today the gift being sought is the prayer and spiritual support of
sisters and brothers united in a common desire for peace.


Peace means putting things back in their natural and God-given order. It touches
on all relationships and all manner of relationships. Paradise has often been
depicted as a peaceful life between God and God’s people, between each person
and his or her neighbour, between the human race and the created world. Peace
exists only where there is justice. By contrast, sin is that which causes a
breach in these relationships. Sin disperses, justice unifies. Our daily actions
and the choices we make have repercussions, for good or evil; through them we
inevitably draw nearer to or distance ourselves from God and our neighbour; we
obtain and spread peace, or dissipate and rupture it. In the East, people greet
each other by wishing them peace, because that is the best one could wish
another, the best relationship one could entertain with one’s neighbour, the
human right one strives most to protect.


God the Father is the God of peace, who reconciled us by the blood of his only
Son (2 Cor 13:11).In the eucharistic anaphoras of the Oriental churches, the
people proclaim "a mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise", thus remembering the
mercy of God shown forth in his self-revelation and self-gift in Christ, who
lifts us up to share in the peace which only God can give. Jesus came to build
his peace on earth and to give it to us (Jn 14:27), and he calls his church to
be leaven for a new paradise, universalizing that true peace which he so desires
to give to the world. Liturgical rites, worship and adoration, in their variety
of forms, all search for the reconciliation of human beings with God, with one
another, with the universe and within ourselves. As such, prayer for peace
includes a strong interior dimension: calling forth the conversion and opening
of our hearts, that we might bear within us Christ’s mercy; fostering the
childlike trust that God is bringing forth for and within us what we cannot
create for ourselves; bearing fruit in charitable works carried out in
thanksgiving to God and in order to foster reconciliation and a peaceful life
with our neighbours far and near; inviting perseverance in asceticism and inner
purification; and, as already suggested, necessarily linked to the longing and
striving for unity in all spheres of human life.


Prayer for peace also prepares us, as individual Christians and as church, to
undertake the prophetic mission which belongs intrinsically to the body of
Christ: to be instruments and artisans of peace and justice, of a new humanity,
in our broken and war-riddled world. Active commitment to the pursuit of peace
and justice is the fruit of the Holy Spirit working within us. This is not a
human project, but the work of God; and as the scriptures are quick to relate,
God’s peace is not the world’s peace. The prophets Isaiah (2:4) and Micah (4:3)
speak of a time when nations "shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their
spears into pruning hooks". This vision of turning instruments of war into those
which build up the community continues to inspire Christians to be skilled in
the tools of dialogue and non-violent resolution of conflict in the pursuit of
peace with justice, using means which fully cohere with the end we seek, as
Jesus himself did. Micah and Jeremiah also give witness to a prophetic tradition
of crying out against hypocrisy and a false rhetoric of peace, railing against
those "saying ‘peace, peace’ when there is no peace" (Jer. 6:14), those "who cry
‘Peace’" when their own needs are met, but declare war against those who put
"nothing into their mouths" (Mic. 3:5).Many Christians and Christian communities
in our day have entered into public discourse about the means to bring about
peace, at times challenging political and ideological platforms and policies of
"peace" which are built upon violence, injustice, oppression of others. In some
parts of the world, the prophetic witness of confronting narrow or false
definitions of peace with the biblical vision is not possible, or comes at great
personal and communal cost. These places occupy a special place in our prayer
for peace.


In the year 2004, Christians throughout the world once again have a common date
for the celebration of Easter. The paschal mystery is the source of our hope,
the wellspring of our mission, the promise that peace is possible. We are
reminded that while violence, injustice and hatred may thrive for a time, it is
God’s power to transform death into life, to bring reconciliation from all that
seems to undermine it, which will ultimately prevail. As we celebrate Easter on
the same date this year throughout the Christian world, may our celebrations
throughout this holy season be an incentive to share more deeply the hope and
joy, as well as the mission, which rises out of the tomb with the Risen Lord.
The year 2004 also falls within the World Council of Churches’ Decade to
Overcome Violence, an initiative which invites our prayer and calls for our
commitment to work for peace.


Through the worship service and the biblical texts and meditations for the eight
days, the biblical vision of peace will be set forward and reflected upon from
diverse perspectives, with the hope of drawing Christians together in opening up
the rich treasures of our heritage in order to be better instruments of Christ’s
transforming peace in the world. The gospel text for the worship service is John
14: 23-31, part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples before he is put
to death. In this paschal context, Jesus assures his followers that if they keep
his word, he and the Father will make a home in them. He offers them the gift
and promise of peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you". In
taking leave of his disciples, Jesus tells them something of how they are to be
bearers of that peace for all the world, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.


This same Johannine text provides a starting point for the reflections of the
eight days, unfolding and reflecting on the implications of the Christian
understanding of peace. All peace, within the church and in the world, has its
foundations in God’s creative and life-giving love for us (day 1). In revealing
the Father’s love to us, Jesus promises to bring his disciples an interior peace
and serenity even amidst turmoil (day 2). Those who hear Jesus’ words and take
them to heart become bearers of his peace (day 3). This is the work of the Holy
Spirit, bringing peace and forgiveness, and enlivening us to place our minds and
hearts at the service of a world longing for peace (day 4). While the world
seeks peace and security through strength and the exercise of power, Christ’s
peace comes through humility and service, seeking to overcome evil with good
(day 5). To walk the path of discipleship is to live increasingly free from fear
and anxiety, ever mindful that God’s love is greater than anything which opposes
us (day 6). Trusting in Christ’s resurrection and awaiting his coming again in
glory, Christian life is to be lived against a horizon of hope, while standing
in solidarity with those whose lives are scarred by doubt, fear and sorrow (day
7). Authentic peace, the peace which God longs to give us, brings joy, but it
also obliges us to pour ourselves out for others, so that all might share in
that peace (day 8).


Preparation of the material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2004


The initial draft of this material has come to us from Christians who live and
make their witness in the ancient city of Aleppo, Syria.


We offer sincere thanks to those who worked on behalf of the churches in Aleppo
(Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant) to prepare these texts in their initial form:
Mgr Gregorios Youhanna Ibrahim (Metropolitan, Syrian Orthodox Church), Mgr
Boulos Yazdji (Metropolitan, Greek Orthodox Church), Mgr Antoine Odo (Bishop,
Chaldean Church), and Mgr Boutros Marayati (Archbishop, Armenian Catholic
Church; coordinator of the local group and representative to the international
preparatory group).


The material reached its present form at a meeting of an international
preparatory group named by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
of the Catholic Church, and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council
of Churches. The group met at the Pastoral Secretariat in the headquarters of
the Episcopal Conference of Sicily. We wish to thank Mgr Carlo Di Vita and his
entire staff for their warm welcome and friendly support of our work.


The group was grateful for the opportunity to visit the "Centro Paolo
Borsellino" in Palermo, Sicily and to receive an explanation of its important
social and educational work.


Ecumenical Worship Service


Introduction


My peace I give to you (Jn 14: 23-31)


The theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for 2004 and for this
ecumenical worship service have been proposed by the Christian churches of the
city of Aleppo in Syria. Ecumenical relations there are very much alive and
occasions for celebrating together are frequent.


This celebration intentionally takes up the model of ecumenical celebration
regularly used by the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches of Aleppo, and
is characterized by a doxology of praise at the beginning, prayer of repentance,
an importance given to biblical teaching, sung intercessory prayers and
invocation of the Holy Spirit.


The prayers which make up this worship and those proposed in ‘Additional
Prayers’ have come from different liturgical traditions of these Oriental
churches. Most of the prayers used in the order of worship come from the Syriac
liturgical tradition.


It would be an act of spiritual ecumenism to use only the prayers proposed
without seeking to modify them, to enter into the movement of this celebration,
following its order and keeping its essential liturgical elements. It could also
be an occasion, if that is possible within the local ecumenical situation, to
invite representatives from the Orthodox and Oriental churches to participate in
the worship and to reflect together on how to adapt these proposals.


But some communities will certainly experience some difficulty in making all the
prayers and certain expressions their own. We therefore propose - as an
alternative - rather than rewriting the oriental prayers, that they should
either be shortened, or that others be chosen from the additional prayers
offered, or that prayers from a more familiar tradition be used. Whatever the
choice made, if the structure, the order and each element from the worship are
maintained, the essence of the celebration will be discernible and the spiritual
goal achieved: not of imposing the prayers of one liturgical tradition, but of
permitting the assembly to enter with faith into the spiritual experience of our
sisters and brothers of the East. The spiritual unity of all Christians who wish
to prayer for peace in the world in this year 2004 and for their communion in
faith in the Risen Christ, who is its source, will be clearly evident.


This is the order of the worship with notes on the relation of its diverse
elements with the theme:


The congregation sings a hymn of thanksgiving to the Lord and prepares with a
prayer of repentance to listen to the word of God. To our hearts this prayer
brings inner peace, fruit of God’s mercy, and attentiveness to his word.


The liturgy of the word is the largest part. It is a proclamation of peace as
God’s gift to humanity, as a promise from Jesus to his own disciples becomes
reality in the mystery of his cross and resurrection and is consummated by the
gift of the Holy Spirit to the church. According to the teaching of Paul to the
Ephesians, and following the example of his pastoral care as an apostle towards
the members of the newly established local churches, we are called upon to love
each other in the communion of the Holy Spirit. This mutual love between
Christians and between churches, of which ecumenism is an essential part, lends
credibility to our witness and our specific engagement as Christians in seeking
peace in the world.


The sign of peace, placed in the middle of the worship - between bible readings
and the creed followed by intercessions - should be given particular emphasis as
well as the renewal of commitment from all present "to keep the unity of the
spirit by the ties of peace, in order to become one body...".Several proposals
are made to express and encourage the members of the congregation to make this
sincere, renewed commitment to fostering peace and the reconciliation of
Christians.


A symbol of peace could be incorporated, for instance palm branches, a dove, or
the lighting of candles; but a rainbow is to be preferred. This symbol could be
emphasised from the beginning of the worship. It could be referred to in the
sermon, made a central part of the celebration and taken up again in the
dismissal.


It is also an idea to invite people to testify as to how they are active or have
been active in the service of peace. The positive ecumenical situation in Aleppo
itself is a testimony to be heard in the course of the worship.


Opened with thanksgiving to the God of peace the worship closes with a prayer to
the Holy Spirit, precious treasure and source of peace.


The ministers present from the local churches, whether or not they have actively
participated in the worship could give the final blessing together. The
dismissal could, among other things, emphasize the fact that common prayer finds
its fulfilment at the very heart of life. Our ecumenical worship services and
the benefits they bring in the life of the world increase the communion between
Christians: a prophetic announcement of the Gift of Peace.


Order of Worship


Opening


It is recommended that at the beginning of the worship its structure - of hymns,
music and readings of God’s word - should be briefly presented.


For the responsive prayers, it is recommended that several readers be involved.


The rainbow could be an artistic evocation produced by the local community.


The offering, should be taken up at the most suitable moment in the service, and
can be presented as a sign of that ecclesial unity and peace which is impossible
without sharing and justice.


L: Worship leader


C: Congregation


R: Reader


L: In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit


C: Amen.


Opening hymn: (song of praise)


Some of the congregation, for example the different readers and worship leaders
preceded by the children, can enter in procession, the Bible carried at the
head. The procession will pass below the rainbow, which should be appropriately
positioned in the worship space.


Prayer of praise from the Syriac liturgy

(use in full, in part, or choose another.)


L. In your light we shall see light, Jesus full of light; you are the true light
which illumines the whole creation; enlighten us with your joyous light,
splendour of the Father in heaven.


Pure and holy one who dwells in the habitations of light, keep us from evil
passions and thoughts of hatred and grant that we may do deeds of justice with
purity of heart.


On this holy day which has brought us together we implore you to grant unity to
your church: keep us in the fullness of your peace.


C. Amen.


L. Let us thank God the Father, Lord of all, let us adore his only Son and
glorify his Holy Spirit in giving our life into his keeping and begging for his
mercy.


C. Have pity on us, O God, merciful and good.


Prayer of repentance from the Syriac liturgy

(use in full, in part or choose another)


L. Have mercy upon us, omnipotent God. We praise you, we bless you, we adore
you. We beseech you, Lord God, be favourable unto us. O bountiful God, friend of
all, have mercy upon us.


C. Lord, have mercy.


L. We remember your death, Lord Jesus, we proclaim your resurrection, we await
your coming in glory. Be merciful to all.


C. Lord, have mercy.


L. For all our petitions, we ask you to show forth to us your graciousness, O
you who are the friend of all, grant that we may go forward this holy day and
all the days of our life in peace and fear of God. Take away from us, from all
your people and your church all jealousy, all temptation, all diabolical works.
Deliver us from the plotting of the wicked, from visible and invisible enemies.
And grant us in abundance good and profitable deeds, for you have given us the
power to crush the snakes, scorpions and all enemy powers. Lead us not into
temptation but deliver us from evil through your grace, your goodness and your
love for all shown forth in your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to
whom be the glory, honour, power and praise, and also to the Holy Spirit who is
of the same substance, who gives life, now and always and forever and ever.


C. Amen.


L. Lord our God, answer our prayers, help us and save us. Accept our prayers and
our petitions and in your mercy remove from us all condemnation, chastisement
and anger. Grant us security, peace, and the happy and peaceful end which you
grant to the children of peace. Give us the Christian end which you desire for
us and which is worthy of your divine majesty that we may render to you grace
and praise now and for ever.


C. Lord receive our prayer for pardon and our repentance.


L. May we receive from God the forgiveness of our faults and sins, now and for
ever.


C. Have mercy on us Lord God, forgive our faults and their faults, our
negligence and their negligence, errors committed wilfully or not, consciously
or unconsciously. Amen.


Bible Readings


Isaiah 57 : 19-21, 60: 17-22


Psalm 72: 1-8


Romans 15: 30-33, 16: 1-16[OR Ephesians 2: 13-18]


Gospel reading: John 14: 23-31


Sermon


(Moment of silence)


Prayer for peace and sharing of peace from the Syriac liturgy

(to be used as given or another may be chosen)


L. Make us worthy, Lord our God to refresh our souls and to fill our hearts with
the new wine of your Paraclete.


C. Fulfil our prayer, Lord.


L. Awaken our hearts with the light of your grace and free them from the shadows
of sin; lighten our spirits with the spiritual rays of your Holy Spirit .


C. Fulfil our prayer, Lord.


L. Make us worthy, Almighty Father, to exchange a sign of peace each with his or
her neighbour with a holy kiss, through the love of our Lord and our God.


C. Before you, Lord God, we bow our heads in adoration.


Song

(during which the congregation exchange the Peace)


Nicene Creed


L. Let us listen to God with wisdom and proclaim:


C. I believe in one God…


Intercessions from the Syriac liturgy of Antioch

(to be used as given, or in part, or another may be substituted. Time may be
allowed for free prayers.)


R. Let us make our petitions to God Almighty, Father of our God and Saviour
Jesus Christ:


We pray you Lord, in your graciousness, friend of all, remember your one, holy
universal and apostolic church .


C. We pray for the peace of the one, holy, universal and apostolic church.


R. Bless these creatures spread from one end of the world to the other, all the
peoples and flocks. May your peace come down from the heavens into all hearts,
bring peace to this generation, and fulfil us with your grace. Our government,
the army, the chiefs of state and the peoples, our neighbours, the immigrants
and the expatriates, clothe them with all peace, O King of Peace. Give us your
peace, for all things come from you. May we belong to you O God our Lord, for we
know only you. Your holy Name is that which we proclaim. May our souls live in
your Holy Spirit. May the deathly power of sin not prevail upon your servants
nor upon any people of the earth.


C. Kyrie eleison


R. Let us pray to God Almighty, Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We
beg your graciousness, O friend of all. Remember our gatherings in the name of
our holy church, bless them and let them spread throughout all the earth.


C. We pray for this church.


R. You have reconciled the creatures of the earth with those of heaven and you
have made them one. You have accomplished your plan in the flesh and as your
body rose into heaven you filled the universe with your divinity and you said to
your disciples and to the holy apostles: "I leave you peace, I give you my
peace". Now O Lord of peace and of security, grant us these blessings, purify us
from all sin, from all duplicity, from all hypocrisy, from all evil, from all
machinations and the memory of evil shrouded by death. Clothe us with your
perpetual peace so that we may keep the trust of the apostolic faith and may
live united by the ties of charity.


C. Kyrie eleison


R. May security and prosperity without end reign upon all the surface of the
earth; decree for us your peace, that we may all become, in the unity of the
faith, a perfect being measuring up to the plenitude of Christ.


C. Kyrie eleison


R. Bless, O Lord, the peace of your church, all your people and all your
creatures. Pacify and reconcile all enemies and warring peoples, that their
spears may be transformed into pruning hooks and their lances to plowshares and
that they may learn war no more. And keep them all in your name.


C. Kyrie eleison


R. Lord save your people and bless your inheritance, watch over and keep it for
ever. Maintain it in the true faith in glory and dignity all its days: establish
it in the love and peace which surpasses all things.


C. Kyrie eleison


R. O Holy Spirit, make us worthy of contributing to the sanctification of your
heavenly treasures and of offering to you in purity and holiness a true
adoration here and in all places, now and all the days of our lives, that your
good news may be proclaimed unto the ends of the earth.


C. Kyrie eleison


The Lord’s Prayer

(each in his or her own language)


Renewal of commitment


C. Lord, as you have taught us, we bow down before you in all humility,
gentleness and patience, supporting each other with love and trying to keep the
unity of the spirit by the bonds of peace, that we may become ‘one body and one
spirit’, according to our common calling and vocation. With one voice, repenting
of our divisions, we commit ourselves to working together for reconciliation,
peace and justice, and we stand together in imploring you: help us to live as
your disciples, overcoming selfishness and arrogance, hatred and violence; give
us the strength to forgive. Inspire our witness in the world, that we might
foster a culture of dialogue, and be bearers of the hope which your gospel has
implanted in us. Make us instruments of your peace, so that our homes and
communities, our parishes, churches and nations might resonate more fully with
the peace you have long desired to bestow upon us. Amen.


Testimonies


Participants may come up one after the other to give their testimonies. In
narrative form they can recount how they are or have been witnesses of men and
women at the service of peace around them or how they themselves have found in
Christ the power to reconcile, to contribute to peace between people, between
the churches.


A worship leader can either comment on the symbol of peace chosen, or briefly
conclude the testimonies and introduce the hymn to the Holy Spirit, giver of
peace.


Hymn

(on the theme of peace in the Holy Spirit)


Invocation to the Holy Spirit


God the Comforter, Spirit of truth, treasure of treasures and source of life,
who shares all gifts and grants divine grace, God of peace and of security,
come, dwell in us, purify us from all sin. Create in us a pure heart, renew in
us a firm spirit. O Spirit of peace and of love, Spirit of chastity and purity,
Spirit of piety and holiness, Spirit of wisdom and intelligence, Spirit of
counsel and power, O merciful and good Holy Spirit, grant us that font of tears
which washes our hearts of all impurity, that you may condescend to make them
your dwelling place. Come light in us the fire of your divine Love, rekindle in
us the spirit of charity that we may live in you forever. Amen.


Blessing


Final hymn


***


Biblical Reflections and Prayers for the Eight Days


Day 1


Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them (Jn 14: 23)


The love of God, the foundation of peace


Deut 7: 7-11 He is the faithful God who maintains his love for a thousand
generations


Ps 25: 2-10 Be mindful of your mercy and of your love for they are eternal


1 Jn 4: 7-12 God is love


Lk 15: 1-2, 11-32He ran and put his arms around him and kissed him


Commentary


In the parable of the prodigal son it is through the love of the father that the
younger son regains his former status. This same love calms the agitated
thoughts and pacifies the troubled heart of the elder son. Both of them
comprehend the desire for reconciliation within the love of the father and their
obedience to this desire gives to their household a foundation of peace.


The profound desire of Christians is to accept Christ’s invitation to confidence
and peace based on the love of the Father. This love which is their common
heritage is also the cement of their unity.


Like the sons in the parable, they each keep that identity which has been shaped
by their history, and which is constantly renewed by faithfulness to the word of
the Father. They are motivated by their common search for the divine peace which
they want to share and which pours forth from the Only Son over all humankind.


When Christians establish their dwelling place in God, they go deeper into his
word which becomes alive and effective. They enter into communion with the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, thus discovering the fruit of the love of
God.


Prayer


We thank you, Lord, for the love with which you have loved us.


Grant us the grace to welcome this love in confidence that it may become a
source of peace for the church and for the world, and may be recognized by all
humanity. Amen.


Day 2


We will come to them and make our home with them (Jn 14: 23)


Inner peace, calm and serenity


Song 3: 3-5 Do not awaken love until it is ready


Ps 3: 3-7 I wake again for the Lord sustains me


Eph 4: 1-6 One God and Father …who is above all and through all


Mk 6: 45-51 He got into the boat with them


Commentary


The peace in the hearts of the disciples comes from the presence of the Lord
Jesus Christ with them in the boat. It is this presence which brings calm and
serenity to the whole church, and is bestowed on those who live out their own
vocation struggling alone in the desert of contemplation and equally on those
who serve in the world, even to the extent of giving their life for their
neighbour.


Through their wholehearted engagement in action or contemplation, such
Christians seem to follow a path far removed from the common calling of
Christians; but in fact they join the company of the faithful at the very heart
of their worship. Neither passive nor dreamers, they carry within themselves the
church and the church is honoured by their spiritual struggle. With their
brothers and sisters in baptism they find the strength to witness serenely to
the promised presence of Christ who brings them into the communion of the
trinity.


Humanity longs for the presence of men and women of peace. Christians are called
to witness to peace through the gentleness, humility and patience of God, who is
present in the life of each person.


He or she who lives out these words of God- "we will come to them and we will
make our home with them" - can become, through that peace, a privileged agent of
Christian unity.


Prayer


Lord, shore up my trembling spirit on the rock of your commandments and, in the
same way that you calmed the storm through the power of your presence, calm the
waves of my agitated life, leading me into the vessel which is your church. Give
me that faith which reminds me that you are present with us even now and until
the end of time. Amen.


Day 3


The word that you hear (Jn 14: 24)


Christ, Word of the Father


Deut 30: 11-14 The Word is very near to you…


Ps 85 (84): 2-14 (The Lord says) "Peace for his people and his faithful"


2 Cor 1: 18-22 Every one of God’s promises has found a ‘Yes’ in his person


Lk 10: 38-42 She listened to what he was saying


Commentary


The Son never ceases to receive from the Father. His will seeks that of the
Father, to utter a ‘Yes’ which brings peace to the world. For it is peace which
God desires for humanity. And when Jesus travels among us those who listen to
him receive the very Word of God. "Love and truth come together, justice and
peace embrace one another". Facing the hostility of men and women, the Word
counters with the love of God for humanity. Through the silence of the cross, he
has united all peoples in himself and has introduced us into the peace of God.


This Word who is so accessible to humanity penetrates deeply into the hearts of
those who take the risk of welcoming him. Thus, when Martha and Mary offer him
hospitality they taste this word, experiencing a great peace: "this word which
you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me". This ‘best part’ would
produce a fruitful legacy, and the apostles, following after Christ and on his
behalf, would in turn be called to be artisans of reconciliation and peace.


This Word is today offered to our churches and when we welcome the living Christ
in our common liturgies of the word, or in our joint actions in the service of
others, we are led to reconciliation. We come together in him with the blessing
of our common Father and our churches become better servants of the Word and
witness to the peace of God at work.


Prayer


O Lord our God, in Jesus Christ

Your only Word

You have put hatred to death.

Through his death, in the silence of the cross

You have reconciled human beings to one other and to yourself.

Transform our words of violence into words of peace

And give us the grace not to refuse the cost of this universal reconciliation.
Amen.


Day 4


The Holy Spirit will teach you and remind you of all I have said to you (Jn 14:
26)


Peace, fruit of the Spirit


Jer 31: 31-34 I will put my law within them


Ps 51 (50): 10-17Sustain in me a willing spirit


Gal 5: 22-25The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace


Jn 20: 19-23Peace be with you … Receive the Holy Spirit


Commentary


The day the Holy Spirit came down upon them, the terrified apostles, who were
hiding and not knowing what to do, suddenly saw opening before them a new
doorway into understanding how God had become human in Jesus Christ. The Holy
Spirit was given to them, so that they might understand and remember.


The Holy Spirit taught the disciples what depth of humanity is revealed in
authentic communion with God. The Spirit of peace and reconciliation breathes
over the church and renews it, even where there is sin, so that it can witness
to this work of the Spirit. The Spirit of truth, knowledge and wisdom inspires
resources within the different churches, that they may make known what has been
taught to them of the divine life and its fruit, which is peace.


Through the Spirit the disciples remember not so much their sins, but the pardon
and peace Jesus offered to humanity. Everything about his life - his
life-changing words, the actions through which he cured wounds - becomes present
and real, given to humanity once again. Each is invited to peace with God, to be
at peace with him or her self, at peace with the other.


The churches receive this invitation while participating in humanity’s struggle
for peace, a struggle which prepares them for unity, this other fruit of the
Spirit. The peace between our churches can witness to the One Spirit which
inhabits them, which teaches them and which brings to their minds all that the
One Lord has taught them.


Prayer


O Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit

One God,

God of truth, peace and justice

Open our minds

Enlighten our spirits

Lead us to welcome the spirit of truth in our churches

That it may guide us towards true peace. Amen.


Day 5


I do not give to you (my peace) as the world gives it (Jn 14: 27)


Peace and violence: God’s peace and the world’s peace


Is 11: 1-17 They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain


Ps 119: 161-165 Great peace have those who love your law


Rom 12:18-21 Overcome evil with good


Jn 12: 12-19 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord


Commentary


The relationship between God and fallen human beings has been broken by sin. We
have to struggle to survive by hard work and are faced with suffering, illness
and the inevitability of death. Human life is often motivated by selfishness and
rivalry, and people living in fear and enmity have lost the gift of peace. Many
deny the existence of God and seek to control the world for themselves.


In the Old Testament we read of the ways in which people sought their own
security by building walls and oppressing the neighbouring nations while waiting
for the "Day of the Lord". According to the Old Testament prophets, peace was
the sign of the last days and the Messiah was the king of the expected peace.
For his part the prophet Isaiah designates more clearly the expected Messiah as
"the suffering servant of God", the "Prince of Peace" who would bestow his
everlasting peace built on charity and sincere repentance.


In the New Testament Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey and thus reveals himself
to the crowd as Prince of Peace. Before Pilate he says solemnly that his kingdom
is not of this world. Christ is our peace and through him we are reconciled with
God the Father. He commands us to love one another as he and the Father love us
and so we can be reconciled with our fellow human beings.


In our own day we can be tempted to build up our own security through the
oppression of others and the amassing of weapons of war. To do so is to seek a
false kind of peace which is contrary to the will of God. We should make peace
by seeking reconciliation with one another and building up understanding and
justice. We must not seek revenge but leave the final judgement to God.


If we are to call for this kind of peace in our international life, then we must
demonstrate it in the life of our churches. Christians must seek to understand
one another and work and pray for the unity of the church. Such peace and unity
is the work of the Spirit in us.


Prayer


Lord God of peace, Source of all consolation, grant us the gift of your Holy
Spirit in our lives.

In a world which seeks security through violence and war, make us messengers of
your peace.

As members of your church, the body of Christ, forgive us the sin of our
divisions and give us the courage to seek that unity which is your gift and your
will and in which lies our peace. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.


Day 6


"Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid" (Jn 14: 27)


Do not be afraid


Is 43: 1-7 Do not fear, for I am with you.


Ps 23: 1-6 I fear no evil; for you are with me


1 Jn 4: 16-21 There is no fear in love


Mt 8: 23-27 Why are you afraid, you of little faith?


Commentary


For the second time in the conversation after the last supper, Jesus invites his
disciples to confidence and to peace. The disciples are filled with sadness,
fear and the wish to withdraw from the harsh realities before them. Two thousand
years later we meet the disciples in their fears and anxieties: What will the
future bring? What changes and what troubles? From where can we find the courage
to face them? We are afraid to be left alone, to have nobody and nowhere to turn
when we are in despair and when the storms of life seem to consume us. We fear
that we are not loveable and that love is an achievement and peace is a reward
and that, if we fail, love and peace will be taken away from us. But Jesus
through his love and thoughtfulness, frees us from this fear. While travelling
the long road of conversion we become increasingly convinced that this love is
greater than anything which could frighten us. It is through Jesus that we get
to know and to understand that peace is a free gift of God which is offered to
human beings, and it is their freedom to accept or to refuse it.


For those who allow God’s unconditional love to become the foundation of and a
living reality in their lives, it is an experience of liberation. Although this
liberation does not mean that all struggles and sufferings will be removed from
their existence, it does mean that they are enabled to act and to live without
fear. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you
are with me", as the psalmist describes this existential experience.


When God relates to us by giving us love and peace he also relates us to each
other; we are related in and through him. We are sisters and brothers. The
acceptance of God’s love will only become visible in our lives and in our world
when we make it visible through the love we have for each other. This is not
only true for individual Christians but also for our churches and different
traditions. Wherever we build up our identities against each other we not only
destroy our human relationships and bring division instead of reconciliation but
we also disconnect from the very source of life and peace, from God.


The storms which shake our world are too strong for Christians and churches
unwilling to stand up against them as sisters and brothers united in Christ and
led by the Holy Spirit, who is not a spirit of fear but of love and
encouragement.




Prayer


Lord Jesus, on the lake one word from you was sufficient to soothe the fear of
the apostles and appease the fury of the waves; in the middle of the storms of
this world, grant to your church and to the men and women of the whole world the
grace to hear your word, "Be not afraid", and let it become an encouragement
that we may act in peace where there is hate and bring reconciliation where
division prevails. Amen.


Day 7


I am going away and I am coming to you (Jn 14: 28)


Waiting for the glorification of Christ


Hab 2: 1-4 I will stand at my watch-post


Ps 130: 1-8 My soul waits for the Lord


Rm 8: 18-27 For the creation waits with eager longing


Mt 25: 1-12 Keep awake therefore


Commentary


Jesus speaks about his leaving and promises at the same time his coming again.
With these words Jesus indicates to his disciples that his way will lead through
the darkness of passion and death to the glory of his resurrection. With Easter
the glorious revelation of the coming new creation becomes visible. We trust in
the resurrection of Christ and we are waiting for his final glorification. This
is the hope of salvation and peace for all humankind and the whole earth. This
hope unifies us as Christians and is a vital source of nourishment for our life.
This hope is grounded in God’s word and promise. Like Habakkuk we are waiting
for God to fulfil his word. Like the psalmist we are looking at God’s
faithfulness.


We wait in hope and solidarity with this world. Many people ask for God’s
presence. They are without hope, full of doubts, fear and sorrows. They see
injustice, grief and violence and cannot believe in a future of justice and
peace. As people who wait, Christians share the cries and tensions of this
world. We do not merely stand beside it. We often feel our powerlessness, and
ask questions about God’s concealment from us. In hearing the cries of the
world, we hear the longing for God’s peace, for the freedom of the children of
God. The unity of Christians would be a strong sign for the world of the full
birth of a new humanity.


Christ’s promise inspires us to trust in his power and truth. The story of the
bridesmaids encourages us to a hope patient in Christ and in readiness. The time
may be long but the day will come when the risen Lord will return and release us
from all pain and suffering. Waiting for Christ’s glorious revelation is an
opportunity for witness and mission. It is a time for love and peace, for
reunion and reconciliation. It is an occasion to share and support each other.So
the hope in our heart for which we are longing will become visible and credible:
the victory of God’s peace and the victory of God’s love will be made manifest.


Prayer



God, you reveal your glory in the life and in the power of your risen Son.We
pray together, that your kingdom will come.


We long for the glorious day of Christ’s revelation when the kingdom of death
and tears will end and your kingdom of peace, justice and love will be
established forever. Amen.


Day 8


Rise, let us be on our way (Jn 14:31)


Going forward in the peace of Christ


Am 5:10-15Hate evil and love good, and establish justice


Ps 16:8-9I keep the Lord always before me...


Eph 5:8-21Live as children of light


Mt 25:31-40Just as you did it to one of the least...you did it to me


Commentary


Christ has shown the way to peace by accepting the cross for he knew that the
ruler of this world had no power over him. His invitation to rise and be on the
way is another way for him to bring us into the paschal mystery of his cross and
resurrection. There is an intimate link between the offer of peace that Jesus
makes to us and how we internalize and live this in the world. Can we be at
peace – can we be in peace as long as one of the least suffers injustice,
hunger, nakedness, in short anything less than the dignity that is theirs as a
work of God’s creation? The message of the prophets is clear: authentic
"shalom–peace" is where integrity and wholeness are found, where good is sought
and where justice is established.


All who have accepted Christ and have clothed themselves in light seek all that
is good and right and true. Indeed, when they receive the poor and feed the
hungry and are peace makers for the sake of justice, it is Christ’s light that
shines from within them since they have died with Christ and risen with him.


In the end, both as churches and as individual Christians, we will be called to
make an accounting of how we have become at one – in peace – with those who have
no peace because they lack the essentials of human dignity. Christ’s offer of
peace creates a communion with him and the Father since by accepting it we
accept to live in him and he in us. This communion accomplishes the
reconciliation between earth and heaven, between us and God. This gift of peace
is both a challenge and a pledge: a challenge because it obliges us to learn how
to pour out ourselves thereby creating space for the other. The gift is a
pledge, since it is the seal of Christ’s abiding presence in our hearts; the
best quality of peace is joy.


Prayer


Triune God, you have revealed to us that the works of darkness and injustice
have to be conquered by the dying and rising of Jesus. Jesus’ offer of peace
encourages us to imitate him in breaking the bonds of inhumanity, of injustice,
of hatred, of disunity. Strengthen us with your Spirit of peace that we may
always hate evil, love good and establish justice. Do not allow us to cry
"Peace" when we are comfortable but declare war against those who go hungry and
live in precarity. Enable us to find your peace in humble and courageous service
of the least of these who are members of your family. Amen.


Additional Prayers from Oriental Liturgies


Byzantine Church of Antioch


From Morning Prayer


In the early dawn our soul turns to you, for your commandments illumine the
earth. We have desired to fulfil all charity and holiness living in the fear of
God. For it is you our true God that we glorify. Hear our prayer and fulfil our
desires. Lord remember all who pray to you, each by his or her name and save
them by your might. Bless your people, sanctify your inheritance. Give peace in
your world, to your churches, your servants and to all your people. For your
name, worthy of all honour and praise, is blessed, O God, Father, Son and Holy
Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen


(Second of the 12 prayers of Matins)


Prayers for peace from the liturgies of St John Chrysostom and St Basil


In peace, let us pray to the Lord


- Lord, have mercy.


For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord


- Lord, have mercy.


For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God
and the unity of all let us pray to the Lord


- Lord, have mercy.


Let us pray to the Lord for an angel of peace, a faithful guide, guardian of our
souls and of our bodies


- Grant this prayer, O Lord.


Let us pray to the Lord for that which is good and useful to our souls, as well
as the peace of the world


- Grant this prayer, O Lord.


For the completion of our lives in peace and repentance.


- Grant this prayer, O Lord.


For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and without suffering,
and for a good account before the judgement seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord


Grant this prayer, O Lord.


Syriac Church of Antioch:


Anaphor of James, the brother of our Lord

(from the Divine Liturgy of St James)


L. Account these our unworthy selves to be worthy of this salvation, that freed
from all guilt and united together by the chain of love we may greet one another
with the holy and divine kiss of peace and that we may offer glory and thanks to
you and to your only Son and to your Holy Spirit, all holy and good, and
adorable and life-giving, who is of one substance with you, now and forever,
world without end.


C. Amen. Bless us, Lord


L. Peace be with you all.


C. And with your spirit.


L. Let us give peace to one another with a holy and divine kiss in the love of
our Lord and God.


C. O Lord our God make us worthy of this peace.


L. And after this divine and holy peace has been given, let us bow our heads
before our merciful Lord in adoration.


C. We bow our heads before you, our Lord and our God.


Anaphor for Christmas Sunday from Saint James of Saroug, doctor of the church


L. Lord God, whose serenity is infinite and peace unshakeable, and whose love
cannot break its ties. By your grace, you created human beings to be
incorruptible; and when they disobeyed your orders because of the jealousy of
the devil they were condemned to death. Through the coming of your only Son our
Lord and our life-giving God, you have filled the earth with heavenly peace,
that peace which angel hosts proclaimed, saying ‘Glory to God in the highest,
peace on earth and goodwill to all’. Fill our hearts with your goodness, purify
us now from all stain, all dishonesty, all mortal jealousy, from all evil and
all wickedness.


Make us worthy to exchange the peace in purity and with a holy kiss; to commune
in the heavenly and everlasting gifts which you have given us through Christ,
our Lord. By him and through him you are glorified and praised, now and forever
and ever.


C. Amen. Bless us, Lord


L. Peace be with you all.


C. And with your spirit.


L. Let us give peace to one another with a holy and divine kiss in the love of
our Lord and God.


C. O Lord our God make us worthy of this peace.


L. And after this divine and holy peace has been given, let us bow our heads
before our merciful Lord in a sign of adoration.


C. We bow our heads before you, our Lord and our God.


Armenian heritage


Prayer to the Holy Spirit (by Saint Gregory of Narek)


I pray to your everlasting, powerful Lordship, O powerful Spirit

Send down the dew of your sweetness,

Grant to my soul and to my spirit which dominates my senses, the benefit of the
fullness of the grace of your abundant mercy.


And till the able field of my hardened, earthly heart that it may receive and
propagate the spiritual seed.


We confess that it is through your supreme wisdom that our gifts flourish and
grow within us.


For it is you who consecrates the apostles, who inspires the prophets, teaches
the doctors, makes the dumb to speak and opens the closed ears of the deaf.


That is why he who is of the same nature as you, who is of one body with the
Father who is the first born Son accomplishing all things with your aid, you
have proclaimed God, equal in essence to the Father.


Give me, a sinner, also the grace to speak with confidence of the life-giving
mystery of the good news of your gospel


To walk in the way and with the rapid stride of the spirit

Across the infinite space of the testaments you have inspired.


And at the moment I undertake to explicate your word in public

May your mercy precede me

To inspire me in due time of that which is worthy, useful and pleasing to you.


For the glory and praise of your divinity

And for the full edification of the universal church.


And cover me closely with your right hand

And strengthen me with the grace of your compassion.


Dispel from my mind the sombre mist of forgetfulness

Chasing with it the shadows of sin

That I may be lifted up with the sharpness of my intelligence

From life on earth towards the heights.


Spread within me once more the bright and wondrous rising

Of the knowledge of your divinity, O great one

That I may be worthy to do and to teach, to be a good example to my listeners,
friends of God.


To you be all glory, with the all powerful Father and the Only Son our
salvation,

Now and for ever and ever. Amen


Chaldean Church


From the Oriental Chaldean Rite: Offertory Song from Mass of the Lord’s
Circumcision


May my peace be in you. Glory to God. Peace and safety on earth; joy and hope to
all humanity, without distinction. Such is the good news of the birth and
mission of Christ, yesterday, today and for ever.


How beautiful are the steps of the messengers of the good news of peace! Christ
has called us to live in love, far from dispute: neither to oppress, to be
jealous, to humiliate, nor to judge. He has called us to act with goodwill to
wipe away all discord. And the Lord will reward our efforts. Happy are the
peacemakers! That is the teaching of Jesus Christ. Peace cannot reign without
friendship, sincere dialogue. Love, justice, truth and equality are the
guarantees of lasting peace. "My peace I leave you, my peace I give to you" .O
Lord of peace, may we live in respect of each other, in a spirit of truth and
affirmation, rejecting all jealousy, overcoming evil with patience, wiping it
away with pardon and bringing in the reign of peace through goodness.


***


Aleppo, an Ecumenical City*


Introduction


The city of Aleppo is located in the North of Syria. It has been known since
antiquity as a point of encounter for the various civilizations that followed
one another, and as a crossing-point for commercial caravans, connecting the
Far-East and the West, the North and the South. The impressive citadel and the
ancient souks (markets) of the old town bear witness to its past.


Aleppo was also known as "Borée".An ancient tradition explains that Aleppo –
halab in Arabic – comes from the word halib, which means milk. Tradition has it
that Abraham passed through the city and had his cows milked there!


1. Historical survey


Christianity was introduced very early into Aleppo. Ecclesiastically the city
depended on the Apostolic See of Antioch (80 km away), where the disciples of
Christ were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26).The historian Michael the
Syrian reports on a tradition according to which the regions of Aleppo and
Mounbouj were evangelized by the apostle, Simon the Zealot.


The first Christian community of Aleppo existed for three centuries without an
official hierarchy owing to persecution by the pagan Roman government. There
were several martyrs, the most renowned being the two saints, Serge and Bacchus
and the two doctors, Cosmos and Damien.


After the official recognition of the Christian religion at the beginning of the
4th century, the church of Aleppo was constituted as a suffragan eparchy of the
See of Antioch; it was at that time that churches were built, and convents set
up with a flowering of hermitages and monastic cells.


The ancient churches of Aleppo, the deserted towns and the ruined churches
around the city are the best witnesses from this period of the blossoming of
Christianity in the area, such as the church of St Simon the Stylite, and the
churches of Mouchabbak, Qalb and Qorechet.


Aleppo’s monastic life reached its peak between the 4th and the 5th centuries.
The renown of the stylites, "the chosen of God", spread beyond the region. The
stylites included the women Marana and Kira from the era of Bishop Acace of
Aleppo (378-432).


This Christian presence was shaken and put in jeopardy several times over the
centuries, first under the Roman and later the Byzantine governments, because of
Arius’ heresy and the rejection of the Chalcedonian Council.After the Muslim
conquest, the Christians were put under zimmah (tutelage) by the conquerors.


At the end of the Crusades, and following the invasions by the Seljukians, the
Mamelukes, the Tatars and the Mongols, the situation stabilized in the 15th
century when Syria was taken over by the Ottomans. They recognized several
Christian communities as socio-cultural entities which enjoyed a certain degree
of internal autonomy: millet.


The Christians, divided according to their origins and traditions, learned to
live side by side. This situation was tangible in Aleppo because of the close
proximity of the ancient Byzantine-Melkite, Armenian, Maronite and Syrian
churches.


In the 17th century, merchants flooded into the Syrian metropolis. Consulates
were established to protect their interests accompanying them also came many
religious missionaries who contributed to a new spiritual expansion. The
founders of five religious Oriental Orders originated from Aleppo, each
establishing convents in Lebanon.


In the 18th century a trend developed in Aleppo in favour of unity with Rome,
resulting in the Armenian, Byzantine-Melkite and Syrian churches each splitting
into two communities: Orthodox and Catholic.


The Chaldean and the Latin communities were constituted in the 19th century.
Later, as a result of the efforts of Protestant missionaries, two Evangelical
communities, one Armenian and one Arab, were created.


At the beginning of the 20th century relations between the churches were not
cordial, but a number of social and national factors led the Christians to come
together over the course of the years, until the advent of a new period of
fraternal ecumenical relations, inaugurated by the historical embrace between
Pope Paul VI and the Patriarch Athenagoras in Jerusalem. And since the soil was
quite fertile in Aleppo, already known for its rich religious traditions, the
seed of unity found a natural place to grow, to ripen and bear fruit up until
the present.


This is why during the past 35 years Aleppo has known a rapid evolution in
ecumenical relations between the local Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant
churches. It was the religious leaders who contributed to the creation of that
ecumenical climate according to the directives of their respective synods,
without ignoring the fact that the laity also imposed an ecumenical spirit in an
environment where unity among Christians is of primary importance.


2. Aleppo today


Aleppo is a city of 1,500,000 people. Christians are in a minority, forming 10%
of a mainly Muslim population. Arabic is the official language, but among the
Christians there are some who speak Armenian and Syriac. Aleppo has eleven
Christian communities recognized as taifeh; three Orthodox eparchies (Armenian
Apostolic, Greek Orthodox of Antioch, Syrian Orthodox of Antioch), six Catholic
eparchies (Greek-Melkite, Armenian, Syrian, Maronite, Chaldean, Latin), and two
Protestant communities (Armenian and Arab).


It is clear that all religious leaders, although they live in the same
territory, have jurisdiction only over "the people" of their own communities.
All communities have their statutes recognized by the State and are juridically
independent regarding marriage certificates, ecclesial courts, worship services,
property management, administrative boards, etc. One practice specific to Aleppo
is the closure on Sunday of several private schools, factories and shops,
although the official holiday is Friday. Christians who work on Sundays are
given free time to attend their religious services. Liturgical celebrations and
the main ecclesial events, such as marriages and baptisms, take place on
Sundays, and the actual attendance of Christians exceeds the official
percentage.


There are 36 churches operating in Aleppo, besides 17 chapels and 21 convents.
The faithful are assisted by 98 priests, religious and pastors and 75
consecrated nuns. Aleppo, remains a source of priestly and religious vocations,
and is the see of three minor seminaries and three youth formation programmes.


Charitable, educational and cultural institutions patronized by the churches, as
well as schools, hospitals, clinics, old people’s homes, orphanages, etc.,
contribute greatly to the social development of the city and serve all without
discrimination.


Moreover, Aleppo is distinguished by its spirit of conviviality and
neighbourliness with the Muslims. Relations between religious leaders and among
the people, Christians and Muslims alike, are fraternal and cordial, marked by
reciprocal respect and cooperation in the social area, and by shared
participation in national duties. Christians have their representatives in the
parliament, in the official and administrative bodies; they enjoy full civic
rights and are equal in the eyes of the law. In these contexts they are called
to bear witness before their fellow citizens through their good conduct, their
righteousness and their unity.


This mosaic of Christian communities finds its unity thanks to the fact that
religious leaders meet regularly - on the last Saturday of every month - to
discuss pastoral questions and to take common decisions on social issues and
unforeseen situations. They are committed to rejecting all means of proselytism,
to help one another safeguard the interests of the churches, and to bear witness
before the Muslims. They have a Council of Heads of Aleppo’s Christian
Communities which has its own secretariat, makes statements and issues general
directives.


3. Internal ecumenical relations


Motivated by this ecumenical spirit, the churches of Aleppo have been able to
achieve significant progress in three ways: spiritual sharing; pastoral
agreement and collaboration in charitable works.


a. Spiritual sharing:


Bishops and priests participate in baptisms, marriages, engagements and funeral
ceremonies in the various churches. Often, these celebrations become ecumenical
events, making a positive impression on all the faithful. The culmination of
Aleppo’s ecumenical relations is reached each year during the Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity. The local ecumenical commission takes care of the celebrations
and also prepares the booklets to help the faithful to participate in the
prayers. The first celebration brings the faithful together. The second
gathering is for young people. The third gathering for prayer assembles the
whole clergy and is followed by a fraternal "agapé". A special ecumenical
celebration, in the Armenian language, is organized by the three Armenian
communities of the city, who also celebrate together commemorations of national
or religious events.


It should be noted that the priests of the various communities (more than 95)
know each other and enjoy good relations. As a result, an ecumenical yearbook
has been published for all the communities of Aleppo.


b. Pastoral understanding:


There is real understanding at the pastoral level between the various churches
of Aleppo. In fact, they all recognize the baptism of the other churches, as
well as mixed marriages. It is the custom for a wife to worship with her
husband’s faith community. Applications for passage from one church to another,
however, are only seldom accepted, for valid reasons.


All private schools, confraternities and catechism centres have an ecumenical
character. It is noteworthy that the catechism books used in all schools of
Syria have been written by an ecumenical commission. That project was a
precursory move in the area of ecumenism.


It should also be noted that the Protestant led "Bible society", and the
Institute of Theology of the Catholic Catechism Society, as well as the Orthodox
movements, all work for the promotion of the ecumenical spirit. Furthermore, all
material published on behalf of the churches of Aleppo, such as the diocesan
bulletins and the parish leaflets, is characterized by an ecumenical spirit.


Several ecumenical inter-confessional commissions operate in collaboration with
the Middle-East Council of Churches (for youth – for family – for promoting
women’s affairs– for health…).


A new church was recently consecrated in a new district of the city, serving
both Orthodox and Catholics; this church will be open to all Christians.


One of our common pastoral concerns is the problem of emigration, which weighs
heavily on the Oriental churches. We fight against this plague in a spirit of
ecumenical solidarity. Our plan is centred on three lines:


We have roots in the Arab countries: hence the importance for us to take care of
pertinent archaeological sites and to encourage groups of young people to visit
the ancient churches in ruin and to study the history of our churches of the
Orient.


We have a common history with our Muslim brothers and sisters: hence the
importance of our presence and of our common life in one and the same homeland.


We have privileges which are not found in other countries: hence the importance
to caution Christians against succumbing to the lure of developed countries.


c. Charitable collaboration:


As we have already mentioned, the churches of Aleppo are notable for their
collaboration in the humanitarian and charitable fields, providing assistance to
old people, orphans, poor people, families in difficulties, handicapped persons…
while hospitals and clinics have adopted an ecumenical line of conduct by making
no distinction between people of different confessions .In Aleppo, spiritual
communion is concretely embodied in the communion of charity.


We are still hoping to start a theological and doctrinal dialogue, thus far
absent from our ecumenical relationships which, as indicated, are limited to the
spiritual, pastoral and humanitarian areas. Moreover, we are still looking for
ways to unify the date of Easter, a central concern among the faithful. At
present, some churches celebrate Easter according to the Gregorian calendar,
others according to the Julian calendar, which is a scandal when we pursue
unity. We have also been disturbed by the creation of a new, independent
ecclesial community in Aleppo, which does not participate in ecumenical
activities, as it refuses to recognize the baptism of the other churches and is
expanding through an offensive form of proselytism.


4. External ecumenical relations


Several bishops and leaders of Aleppo’s religious communities have official
relations with international ecumenical councils and authorities, and take part
in bilateral theological dialogues with sister churches. This involvement is
also beneficial for our local ecumenical relations.


Among these councils :


§The World Council of Churches has organized various meetings in Aleppo. The
most important of these had as its theme the unification of the date of Easter.
The event has become known as the "Aleppo Consultation".


§The Middle-East Council of Churches has found a fertile ground for ecumenism in
Aleppo; for that reason, it has set up an office dealing with Christian
education, and it organizes various ecumenical activities in the interests of
family, youth and women (these activities include, in the first place, courses
of pedagogic formation).


§The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity keeps up with the
ecumenical activities in the city and has sent several representatives with a
view to promoting dialogue among sister churches of the Orient, and reviving the
process of unity.


It should also be noted that all visits to Aleppo made on various occasions by
the patriarchs, are opportunities for ecumenical events.


Pope John Paul II’s visit to Syria, May 5-8, 2001, has certainly given a fresh
boost to the ecumenical spirit and charitable atmosphere among the churches.
Although circumstances did not permit the Holy Father to visit Aleppo, the whole
city, with its religious leaders and a large number of faithful went to the
capital city of Damascus to welcome him and take part in the celebrations
presided over by the Pope, and in the ecumenical encounters in his honour.


Conclusion


In closing our general review of ecumenical relations in Aleppo, we thank God
for the journey we have undertaken together and we offer him our distress at
what is still separating us, trusting that the Lord, Creator of all unity, will
turn our desire for unity into reality. "Now to him who by the power at work
within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or
imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever. Amen." (Eph 3:20-21).


***


Some key dates in the history of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity


ca. 1740 In Scotland there was a Pentecostal movement with North American links,
whose revivalist message included prayers for and with all churches.


1820 The Rev. James Haldane Stewart publishes "Hints for the General Union of
Christians for the Outpouring of the Spirit".


1840 The Rev. Ignatius Spencer, a convert to Roman Catholicism, suggests a
"Union of Prayer for Unity".


1867 The First Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops emphasizes prayer for
unity in the Preamble to its Resolutions.


1894 Pope Leo XIII encourages the practice of a Prayer Octave for Unity in the
context of Pentecost.


1908 The observance of the "Church Unity Octave" initiated by the Rev. Paul
Wattson.


1926 The Faith and Order movement begins publishing "Suggestions for an Octave
of Prayer for Christian Unity".


1935 Abbé Paul Couturier of France advocates the "Universal Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity" on the inclusive basis of prayer for "the unity Christ wills by
the means he wills".


1958 Unité Chrétienne (Lyon, France) and the Faith and Order Commission of the
World Council of Churches begin co-operative preparation of materials for the
Week of Prayer.


1964 In Jerusalem, Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I prayed together
Jesus’ prayer "that they all may be one" (John 17).


1964 The "Decree on Ecumenism" of Vatican II emphasizes that prayer is the soul
of the ecumenical movement and encourages observance of the Week of Prayer.


1966 The Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches and the
Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity [now known as the Pontifical Council
for Promoting Christian Unity] begin official joint preparation of the Week of
Prayer material.


1968 First official use of Week of Prayer material prepared jointly by Faith and
Order and the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity [now known as the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity]


1975 First use of Week of Prayer material based on a draft text prepared by a
local ecumenical group.


1994 Text for 1996 prepared in collaboration with YMCA and YWCA.




Themes 1968-2003


In 1968, materials officially prepared jointly by the WCC Faith and Order
Commission and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity began to be
used.


1968 To the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1: 14)

Pour la louange de sa gloire


1969 Called to freedom (Galatians 5: 13)

Appelés à la liberté

(Preparatory meeting held in Rome, Italy)


1970 We are fellow workers for God (1 Corinthians 3: 9)

Nous sommes les coopérateurs de Dieu

(Preparatory meeting held at the Monastery of Niederaltaich, Federal Republic of
Germany)


1971 ...and the communion of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13: 13)

...et la communion du Saint-Esprit

(Preparatory meeting held in Rome, Italy)


1972 I give you a new commandment (John 13: 34)

Je vous donne un commandement nouveau

(Preparatory meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland)


1973 Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11: 1)

Seigneur, apprends-nous à prier

(Preparatory meeting held at the Abbey of Montserrat, Spain)


1974 That every tongue confess: Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2: 1-13)

Que tous confessent: Jésus-Christ est Seigneur

(Preparatory meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland)


(In April 1974 a letter was sent to member churches and other interested parties
concerning the setting up of local groups to be involved in the preparation of
the Week of Prayer brochure. An Australian group was the first to take up this
plan in preparing the 1975 initial draft of the Week of Prayer.)


1975 God’s purpose: all things in Christ (Ephesians 1: 3-10)

La volonté du Père: Tout réunir sous un seul chef, le Christ

(Material from an Australian group. Preparatory meeting held in Geneva,
Switzerland)


1976 We shall be like him (1 John 3: 2) or, Called to become what we are

Appelés a devenir ce que nous sommes

(Material from Caribbean Conference of Churches. Preparatory meeting held in
Rome, Italy)


1977 Enduring together in hope (Romans 5: 1-5)

L’espérance ne deçoit pas

(Material from Lebanon, in the midst of a civil war. Preparatory meeting held in
Geneva)


1978 No longer strangers (Ephesians 2: 13-22)

Vous n’êtes plus des étrangers

(Material from an ecumenical team in Manchester, England)


1979 Serve one another to the glory of God (l Peter 4: 7-11)

Soyez au service les uns des autres pour la gloire de Dieu

(Material from Argentina. Preparatory meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland)


1980 Your kingdom come (Matthew 6: 10)

Que ton règne vienne!

(Material from an ecumenical group in Berlin, German Democratic Republic.
Preparatory meeting held in Milan)


1981 One Spirit - many gifts - one body (1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13)

Un seul esprit - des dons divers - un seul corps

(Material from Graymoor Fathers, USA - Preparatory meeting held in Geneva,
Switzerland)


1982 May all find their home in you, O Lord (Psalm 84)

Que tous trouvent leur demeure en Toi, Seigneur

(Material from Kenya. Preparatory meeting held in Milan, Italy)


1983 Jesus Christ - the Life of the World (1 John 1: 1-4)

Jesus Christ - La Vie du Monde

(Material from an ecumenical group in Ireland. Preparatory meeting held in
Céligny (Bossey), Switzerland)


1984 Called to be one through the cross of our Lord (1 Cor 2: 2 and Col 1: 20).

Appelés à l’unité par la croix de notre Seigneur

(Preparatory meeting held in Venice, Italy)


1985 From death to life with Christ (Ephesians 2: 4-7)

De la mort à la vie avec le Christ

(Material from Jamaica - Preparatory meeting held in Grandchamp, Switzerland)


1986 You shall be my witnesses (Acts 1: 6-8)

Vous serez mes témoins

(Material from Yugoslavia (Slovenia) - Preparatory meeting held in Yugoslavia)


1987 United in Christ - a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5: 17-6: 4a)

Unis dans le Christ - une nouvelle création

(Material from England - Preparatory meeting held in Taizé, France)


1988 The love of God casts out fear (1 John 4: 18)

L’Amour de Dieu bannit la Crainte

(Material from Italy - Preparatory meeting held in Pinerolo, Italy)


1989 Building community: one body in Christ (Romans 12: 5-6a)

Bâtirla communauté: Un seul corps en Christ

(Material from Canada - Preparatory meeting held in Whaley Bridge, England)


1990 That they all may be one...That the world may believe (John 17)

Que tous soient un...Afin que le monde croie

(Material from Spain - Preparatory meeting held in Madrid, Spain)


1991 Praise the Lord, all you nations! (Psalm 117 and Romans 15: 5-13)

Nations, louez toutes le Seigneur

(Material from Germany - Preparatory meeting held in Rotenburg an der Fulda,
Federal Republic of Germany)


1992 I am with you always ... Go, therefore (Matthew 28: 16-20)

Je suis avec vous...allez donc

(Material from Belgium - Preparatory meeting held in Bruges, Belgium)


1993 Bearing the fruit of the Spirit for Christian unity (Galatians 5: 22-23)

Pour l’unité: laisser mûrir en nous les fruits de l’Esprit

(Material from Zaire - Preparatory meeting held near Zurich, Switzerland)


1994 The household of God: called to be one in heart and mind (Acts 4: 23-37)

La maison de Dieu: Appelés à être un dans le cœur et dans l’esprit

(Material from Ireland - Preparatory meeting held in Dublin, Republic of
Ireland)


1995 Koinonia: communion in God and with one another (John 15: 1-17)

La koinonia: communion en Dieu et les uns avec les autres

(Preparatory meeting held in Bristol, England)


1996 Behold, I stand at the door and knock (Rev. 3: 14-22)

Je me tiens à la porte et je frappe

(Preparatory meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal)


1997 We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5: 20)

Au nom du Christ, laissez-vous reconcilier avec Dieu

(Preparatory meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden)


1998 The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8: 14-27)

L’Esprit aussi vient en aide à notre faiblesse

(Preparatory meeting held in Paris, France)


1999 He will dwell with them as their God, they will be his peoples (Rev. 21:
1-7)

Dieu demeurera avec eux. Ils seront ses peuples et lui sera le Dieu qui est avec
eux

(Preparatory material from Malaysia: meeting held in Monastery of Bose, Italy)


2000 Blessed be God who has blessed us in Christ (Eph 1: 3-14)

Béni soit Dieu, qui nous a bénis en Christ

(Preparatory material from the Middle East Council of Churches: meeting held at
La Verna, Italy)


2001 I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14: 1-6)

Je suis le chemin, et la vérité et la vie

(Preparatory material from Romania and meeting held at Vulcan, Romania)


2002 For with you is the fountain of life (Ps 36: 5-9

Car chez toi est la fontaine de la vie (Ps 35, 6-10)

(Preparatory material CEEC and CEC, meeting near Augsbourg, Germany


2003 We have this treasure in clay jars (2 Cor. 4: 4-18)

Car nous avons ce trésor dans des vases d’argile

(Preparatory material churches in Argentina, meeting at Los Rubios, Spain)




* * *


WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A FRATERNAL, JUST SOCIETY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 15, 2004 (VIS) - The administrators of the Italian region of
Lazio, and the city and province of Rome were welcomed by the Pope this morning
to the Vatican for the traditional exchange of New Year's greetings.

   In his talk to the elected officials the Pope noted that "the difficulties
that mark the current world situation are also felt in this land of ours.
Difficult moments are, however, those in which the positive energies of a
population and its representatives can and  must more clearly emerge." He added
that "the contribution of each person is indispensable in building a more just
and fraternal society. Conflicts and tensions must be overcome together: It is
necessary to fight together against terrorism which, sadly, also concerns this
beloved city of ours."

   Overcoming violence, stated John Paul II, can be done by building "a
civilization of love. . And how can we not think of the family as the most
important place to realize this civilization of love. The family represents the
human space in which the person, from the very start of his existence, can feel
the warmth of affection and grow in a harmonious way. Precisely for this reason
we must salute political and administrative choices aimed at supporting the
family nucleus, seen as a 'natural society based on marriage',  according to the
Italian Constitution."

   The Holy Father directed their attention to the "concrete interventions"
needed in many sectors of society, especially for those people "in situations of
acute need, the elderly who live alone, young people who have been abandoned,
the weaker parts of society such as immigrants, and young people." He assured
them that "parishes, religious communities, Catholic institutions and volunteers
will continue to offer . their capillary contribution."

* * *


OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 15, 2004 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Jose Manuel
Lorca Planes, vicar general of the diocese of Cartagena, Spain and pastor of the
same circumscription, as bishop of Teruel y Albarracin (area 11,867, population
90,625, Catholics 89,631, priests 148, religious 221), Spain. The bishop-elect
was born in Espinardo, Spain in 1949 and was ordained a priest in 1975.


* * *

LECTIO DIVINA

Chapter Nine (continued)

The sixth section "The Cloister and the Schools" provides a brief sketch on the
fundamental differences between the two. The cloisters are the arena in which 
sanctity is pursued beyond mere academic learning. The spiritual aspect of
learning enchances the acquisition of knowledge and clarity of mind to
appreciate and grasp truth. Cloister learning and education adheres closely to
the unity of theology and fidelity to Catholic doctrine. Whereas the schools
focused merely on the teachings of schoolmen which can lead to conclusions that
depart from the mentality and doctrine of the cloisters.

Lectio divina can allow every Christian to live in a virtual cloister. Lectio
divina is not the mere reading of the scriptures or isolated to learning on any
of the various levels of academic study of the biblical texts. Like the monk
studying in the cloister all who participate in lectio divina are called to
pursue their personal sanctity and deepen their prayer life since meditation and
prayer are essential characteristics of lectio.


Jean Leclercq, O.S.B., The Love of Learning and the Desire For God. A
Study of Monastic Culture. (NY: Fordham University Press, 1961, 1974)
ISBN 0-8232-0406-5

* * *

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3. Today's Lectionary Readings Text
<http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/011604.htm>

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. Polish Rosary Hour by the Conventual Franciscans
<http://www.rosaryhour.net/ra/program.ram>

* * *

6. CHANTED ROSARY ONLINE
<http://www.monksofadoration.org/rosarych.html>

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

Our Father Movie
<http://www.dayspring.com/movies/webmovies/lordsprayer.html>

* * *

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

* * *

8. 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 toperpetuate 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

* * *

9. 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.

Sample Newsletter
<http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~vlaisney/lettre.cgi?language=EN>

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>

10. 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'll 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 2004 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 4, Issue 11

MONDAY 19 January 2004

* * *

WEAR THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL AND
PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FOR CHURCH UNITY

* * *

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
----------------------------------------------------------------
• "Concert of Reconciliation" Calls Believers to Reject Violence
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II's Address at "Concert of Reconciliation"
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Noting the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Congratulates Asian Peoples on Lunar New Year
----------------------------------------------------------------
• John Paul II Makes Plea as Week for Christian Unity Opens
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Pope Welcomed E-mail Greetings
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Cardinal Lustiger Warns State Against Meddling in Religion
----------------------------------------------------------------
• OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• Women's Vocation Tied to Love, Says John Paul II
----------------------------------------------------------------
• LECTIO DIVINA
----------------------------------------------------------------
• CATALOGUE OF LINKS
----------------------------------------------------------------
• EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE SORROWFUL HEART OF MARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
• DAILY REMINDER
----------------------------------------------------------------
• ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS ARCHIVES
----------------------------------------------------------------
• COPYRIGHT NOTICES
----------------------------------------------------------------

* * *

"Concert of Reconciliation" Calls Believers to Reject Violence

Gathers Jewish, Christian and Muslim Leaders at Vatican

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 18, 2004 (Zenit.org).- A concert attended by John Paul II and
leading rabbis and Muslim religious leaders became an urgent call to
reconciliation among followers of the three faiths.

At the end of the musical event Saturday evening, the Pope addressed the
audience in Paul VI Hall, saying that believers of the monotheist religions
"cannot accept that the earth be afflicted by hatred, that humanity be troubled
by endless wars."

The papal address brought to a close the "Concert of Reconciliation" among Jews,
Christians and Muslims, which took place in the presence of numerous religious
leaders, including Israel's Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger and the secretary general
of the World Islamic Call Society, Mohammed Ahmed Sharif.

Also present were representatives of the Orthodox Churches, the Federation of
Evangelical Churches, and the Anglican Communion.

"The history of relations among Jews, Christians and Muslims is characterized by
lights and shadows and, unfortunately, has known painful moments," said the
Pope, who was flanked by Elio Toaff, former chief rabbi of Rome, and Abdulawahah
Hussein Gomaa, imam of the Rome mosque.

"Today the pressing need is felt for a sincere reconciliation among believers in
the one God," said the Holy Father.

"Together, we express the hope that people will be purified of the hatred and
evil that constantly threaten peace, and that they will be able to extend to one
another reciprocally hands free of violence but ready to offer help and comfort
to those in need," the Pope said, his voice clear.

"The Jew honors the Almighty as 'protector of the human person,' and God 'of the
promises of life,'" he continued. "The Christian knows that love is the reason
why God enters into relationship with man and that love is the response awaited
from man. For the Muslim, God is good and is able to fill the believer with his
mercies."

"Nourished by these convictions, Jews, Christians and Muslims cannot accept that
the earth by afflicted by hatred, that humanity be troubled by endless wars," he
added.

"Yes! We must find in ourselves the courage of peace," John Paul II said. "We
must implore from on high the gift of peace. And this peace will spread as oil
that soothes, if we walk without ceasing on the road of reconciliation."

"Then the desert will become a garden where justice will reign, and the effect
of justice will be peace," he concluded quoting the prophet Isaiah.

The concert, organized by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity,
the Holy See's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, and the
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, commemorated the first meeting
of religious leaders for peace, in Assisi, at which John Paul II presided 18
years ago.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Council for Promoting Christian Unity
and the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, gave the opening
address.

He highlighted this pontificate's most important gestures to foster
reconciliation between the children of Abraham, such as the Pope's visit to the
synagogue of Rome in 1986, his prayer at Jerusalem's Wailing Wall in 2000, the
visits to Cairo's Al Azhar University (also during the Jubilee year), and to the
Umayad Mosque in Damascus in 2001.

John Paul II has been the first Pope since the Apostle Peter to visit a
synagogue and the very first to step into a mosque.

"Thank you for your example in the face of contempt, hatred and violence,"
Cardinal Kasper said. "Thank you for your messages that exhort to reciprocal
respect among men and all religions; thank you for your contribution to peace in
the world."

The concert was performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the choirs of
London; Ankara, Turkey; Krakow, Poland; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, conducted
by Gilbert Levine.

The orchestra performed John Harbison's "Abraham" and parts of Gustav Mahler's
Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection," which was inspired by the poem "Dziady" by
Polish dramatist Adam Mickiewicz.

The "Concert of Reconciliation" was held one day after the Holy Father received
the two chief rabbis of Israel, Ashkenazi Yona Metzger and Sephardic Shlomo
Amar. The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See described the meeting as "historic."



* * *


John Paul II's Address at "Concert of Reconciliation"

Jews, Catholics and Muslims Join in Event at Vatican

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 18, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave Saturday at the end of the "Concert of Reconciliation" in Paul
VI Hall.



1. With heartfelt emotion I took part in this evening's concert dedicated to the
theme of reconciliation among Jews, Christians and Muslims. I listened,
participating interiorly, to the splendid musical performance, which has been
for all of us an occasion of reflection and prayer. I greet and express
heartfelt gratitude to the promoters of the initiative and to all who
contributed to its concrete realization.

I greet the presidents and members of the pontifical councils who sponsored this
highly significant event. I greet the personalities and representatives of the
various international Jewish organizations, of the churches and ecclesial
communities, and of Islam, who with their participation make this meeting of
ours that much more evocative. My special thanks go to the Knights of Columbus,
who offered their concrete support to the concert, and to RAI, represented here
by its directors, which has ensured its proper transmission.

I then greet famous maestro Gilbert Levine and the members of the Pittsburgh
Symphony Orchestra as well as the choirs of Ankara, Krakow, London and
Pittsburgh. This evening's selection of musical excerpts has called to our
attention two important points that, in a certain sense, unite all those who are
called to Judaism, Islam and Christianity, even if their respective sacred texts
address them in different ways. The two points are: the veneration for the
Patriarch Abraham and the resurrection of the dead. We have heard the masterful
commentary in John Harbison's sacred motet "Abraham," and in Gustav Mahler's
Symphony No. 2, inspired in the dramatic poem "Dziady" of the famous Polish
dramatist Adam Mickiewicz.

2. The history of relations among Jews, Christians and Muslims is characterized
by lights and shadows and, unfortunately, has known painful moments. Today the
pressing need is felt for a sincere reconciliation among believers in the one
God.

This evening, we are gathered here to give concrete expression to this
commitment to reconciliation, through the universal message of music. We were
reminded of the warning "I am God the Almighty. Walk in my presence and be
blameless" (Genesis 17:1). Every human being hears these words reverberating in
himself: He knows that one day he will have to render account to that God who,
from on high, observes his way on earth.

Together, we express the hope that men will be purified of the hatred and evil
that constantly threaten peace, and that they will able to extend to one another
reciprocally hands free of violence but ready to offer help and comfort to those
in need.

3. The Jew honors the Almighty as "protector of the human person," and God "of
the promises of life." The Christian knows that love is the reason why God
enters into relationship with man and that love is the response awaited from
man. For the Muslim, God is good and is able to fill the believer with his
mercies. Nourished by these convictions, Jews, Christians and Muslims cannot
accept that the earth be afflicted by hatred, that humanity be troubled by
endless wars.

Yes! We must find in ourselves the courage of peace. We must implore from on
high the gift of peace. And this peace will spread as oil that soothes, if we
walk without ceasing on the road of reconciliation. Then the desert will become
a garden where justice will reign, and the effect of justice will be peace (see
Isaiah 32:15-16).

"Omnia vincit amor"!



* * *



Noting the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

John Paul II Speaks of a "World Thirsty for Peace"

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 18, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address
John Paul II gave today before praying the midday Angelus with several thousand
pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.


1. "My peace I give to you." These words of Jesus, taken from the Gospel of John
(see 14:27), constitute the theme of the annual Week pf Prayer for Christian
Unity, which begins today. It is significant that the theme was proposed by the
churches of the Middle East, where unity and peace are the most acutely felt
priorities.

During the next eight days, in every part of the world, Christians of various
confessions and traditions will gather to pray intensely to the Lord, to
reinforce their common commitment to full unity. They will do so precisely from
the richness of meaning contained in the promise of Christ, meditating, day by
day, on the evangelical gift of peace and on the efforts the latter entails.

2. In promising his peace, Christ assured his disciples of support in trials.
And is not, perhaps, the persistent division among Christians a painful trial?
This is why they feel acutely the need to turn to their only Lord, so that he
will help them to overcome the temptation to discouragement in the difficult
path that leads to full communion.

In fact, in a world thirsty for peace, it is urgent that the Christian
communities proclaim the Gospel unanimously. It is indispensable that they
witness the divine Love that unites them, and that they be bearers of joy, hope
and peace, becoming leaven of new humanity.

3. It is my heartfelt wish that this Week of Prayer bear copious fruits for the
cause of Christian unity. May it be a propitious occasion for those who believe
in Christ to exchange a fraternal embrace, in the peace of the Lord. May the
maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, obtain this gift for
us.



* * *

Pope Congratulates Asian Peoples on Lunar New Year

Greeting at End of Angelus Encounter

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 18, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II congratulated the peoples
of Asia as they prepare to celebrate their New Year this week.

At the end of his traditional meeting today with pilgrims gathered in St.
Peter's Square, the Holy Father greeted the "great peoples of the East,
especially the Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans, who during the next few days are
celebrating with joy the end of the lunar year."

"I assure them of my closeness and sincerely wish them peace and prosperity," he
added, speaking from the window of his study.

On this occasion, the East is celebrating the start of the lunar New Year 4702
-- the Year of the Monkey.

"This greeting is the sign that the universal Church has not fo