Vatican News
- Serve the Lord with Detachment from the World
- Telegram for the Death of Cardinal Monduzzi
- Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi Visits Holy Father
- In Brief
- Audiences
___________________________________________________________
SERVE THE LORD WITH DETACHMENT FROM THE WORLD
VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received prelates from the Zambia Episcopal Conference who have just completed their five-yearly "ad limina" visit. Addressing them in English, the Holy Father told the bishops that his individual meetings with them over the days of their visit had led him to a "deeper appreciation of the Catholic Church in your country: her joys, her difficulties and her hopes."
"I encourage you," the Holy Father continued, "to urge your people to dedicate themselves to prayer and holiness, discovering the treasure of a life built on faith in Christ. ... The light of holiness that shines forth in those who have discovered this treasure is enkindled at the moment of Baptism. In Baptism Christ liberates the believer from the dominion of sin, freeing him from an existence filled with fear and superstition and calling him to a new life."
Pope Benedict then called on the bishops to instruct the faithful "in the value and the practice of prayer, especially liturgical prayer, where in a sublime way the Church is united with Christ the High Priest in His eternal intercession for the salvation of the world. Moreover, the Catholic Church encourages the faithful to practise popular forms of piety. Therefore, always teach your people the value of the intercession of the saints, who are the great friends of Jesus, and particularly the special intercession of Mary, His Mother, who is always attentive to our needs."
He then went on to consider the prelates' duty to guide the faithful "on the way that leads to sanctity ... with wise advice, unwavering resolve and paternal affection," and highlighted the importance of guidance "in your dealings with your brother priests, who at times can be led astray by the many temptations of contemporary society. As pastors and fathers to your co-workers in the vineyard, you must always communicate to them the joy of serving the Lord with a proper detachment from the things of this world."
"We believe that the Church is holy. When you urge your priests to live holy lives in accordance with their calling, when you preach generous love and fidelity in marriage and when you exhort everybody to practise the works of mercy, remind them of the Lord's own words: 'You are the light of the world.' ... Show Christ's compassion especially for the poor, for refugees, for the sick and for all who suffer.
"At the same time," he concluded, "in your teaching continue to proclaim the need for honesty, family affection, discipline and fidelity, all of which have a decisive impact on the health and stability of society."
AL/.../ZAMBIA VIS 061013 (450)
TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF CARDINAL MONDUZZI
VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - Benedict XVI has sent a telegram of condolence to Luigi Monduzzi for the death of his brother Cardinal Dino Monduzzi, prefect emeritus of the Pontifical Household, who died early this morning in Vatican City at the age of 84.
"It was with great sadness that I learned the news of the death of the dear Cardinal Dino Monduzzi at the end of a long and painful illness, and I wish to express my profound condolences to his relatives, to those who knew and respected him, and to the diocesan community of Faenza-Modigliana which numbers him among its most illustrious sons. During his life he provided, with great dedication, generous service to four Popes in the office of Chamberlain, later known as the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, and I especially recall the alacrity and intelligence with which he would organize the daily pontifical audiences and the pastoral visits within Italy. I raise fervent prayers to the Lord to welcome him to eternal joy and peace, and I send to you, to his nieces and nephews, to all his relatives, and to those sharing in the mourning for the loss of such a faithful servant of the Holy See, a comforting apostolic blessing as a sign of my intense participation in the general grief."
At 5 p.m. on Monday, October 16, the Holy Father will preside at the cardinal's funeral at the altar of the Cathedra in the Vatican Basilica.
TGR/DEATH/MONDUZZI VIS 061013 (260)
ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER ROMANO PRODI VISITS HOLY FATHER
VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office has released a declaration concerning today's visit to the Holy Father by Romano Prodi, prime minister of the Italian Republic. The prime minister was accompanied on his visit by Enrico Letta, under-secretary of State at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and by the Italian ambassador to the Holy See. Following his meeting with the Pope, Romano Prodi went on to meet Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.
"During the cordial meetings," reads the declaration, "consideration was given to topics concerning bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Italian Republic, with particular reference to the fields of bioethics, of the defense and promotion of life and the family, of solidarity, of dialogue between religions and cultures, and of the education of youth. Time was also dedicated to examining questions concerning international politics, especially as regards the situation in the Middle East and the Italian commitment in Lebanon, as well as the importance of Christian values in the process of European integration. The desire for close collaboration between the parties was reiterated, for the progress of the Italian nation and for the good of the international community."
OP/VISIT PRIME MINISTER/PRODI:LETTA VIS 061013 (220)
ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, AT THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE IN BERLIN, Archbishop Erwin Josef Ender, apostolic nuncio to Germany, and Ole von Beust, mayor and president of the senate of Hamburg, Germany, exchanged the instruments of ratification of an agreement between the Holy See and the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg signed on November 29, 2005. The agreement regulates relations between the Catholic Church and this city "lande" and came into effect on the day following the exchange of the instruments of ratification.
ARCHBISHOP CELESTINO MIGLIORE, PERMANENT OBSERVER of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, spoke yesterday before the plenary of the UN General Assembly, on the theme: "New Partnership for Africa's Development." In his English-language talk, Archbishop Migliore affirmed the need "to create new forms of solidarity at bilateral and multilateral levels through a more decisive commitment on the part of all, with the complete conviction that the well-being of the peoples of Africa is an indispensable condition for the attainment of the universal common good."
.../IN BRIEF/... VIS 061013 (180)
VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, archbishop of Ranchi, India.
- Bishop Emilio Patriarca of Monze, Zambia, on his "ad limina" visit.
This evening, he is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
AP:AL/.../... VIS 061013 (60)
- Simon Cananaean and Jude Thaddaeus, Jesus' Disciples
- Archbishop Migliore Speaks on Development Financing
___________________________________________________________
SIMON CANANAEAN AND JUDE THADDAEUS, JESUS' DISCIPLES
VATICAN CITY, OCT 11, 2006 (VIS) - The Apostles Simon the Cananaean and Jude Thaddaeus were the subject of the Pope's catechesis in his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 40,000 pilgrims.
The Holy Father explained how Simon is also known as the Zealot. "It is highly possible," he said, "that this Simon, if he did not actually belong to the nationalist movement of the Zealots, was nonetheless characterized by his ardent zeal for the Jewish identity, hence for God, for His people and for the Divine Law.
"If this was so," he added, "Simon was at the opposite extreme from Matthew who, as a tax collector, had practiced an activity universally considered as impure. This is an evident sign that Jesus calls His disciples and collaborators from the most diverse social and religious groups, without preclusion. He is interested in people, not in social categories and labels. ... All His followers, though different from one another, lived together, overcoming the understandable difficulties. Jesus Himself was, in fact, the cause of their cohesion." We, on the other hand, are "often inclined to underline differences and contrasts, forgetting that in Jesus Christ we are given the strength to settle our conflicts."
Turning to consider the figure of Jude, Benedict XVI explained how his name of Thaddaeus means "magnanimous." This Apostle's question to the Lord during the Last Supper - "how is that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?" - prompted "Jesus' indirect reply" which, said the Pope "affirms a very important truth: the full manifestation of Jesus to His disciples is not exterior but interior, it is conditioned by the disciple's love."
"To Jude Thaddaeus is attributed ... one of the Letters of the New Testament," the principal theme of which "is to warn Christians from all those who use the grace of God as a pretext for their own dissoluteness and to mislead their brethren with unacceptable teachings, introducing divisions within the Church."
"Today, perhaps, we are no longer accustomed to using such polemical language which, though adopting beautiful poetic imagery, does not fail to state with great clarity both what is distinctive of Christianity and what is incompatible with it. The path of tolerance and dialogue ... taken by Vatican Council II must certainly be continued with firmness and constancy. This must not, however, make us forget the duty to reconsider and highlight the irrefutable guiding lines of our Christian identity." An identity which is not merely cultural "but requires strength, clarity and courage of conviction."
Following the audience, the Pope blessed a statue of St. Edith Stein which has been placed in a niche on the outside of St. Peter's Basilica. The Discalced Carmelite saint was canonized by John Paul II eight years ago today.
AG/SIMON CANANAEAN JUDE THADDAEUS/EDITH STEIN VIS 061011 (480)
ARCHBISHOP MIGLIORE SPEAKS ON DEVELOPMENT FINANCING
VATICAN CITY, OCT 11, 2006 (VIS) - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations in New York, yesterday pronounced a talk before the second committee of the 61st session of the UN General Assembly, which is considering: "Follow-up to and implementation of the outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development."
In his English-language address, the apostolic nuncio highlighted the need to help developing countries because "foreign direct investment is unlikely to be significant, primarily because it is not meant to resolve problems of poverty and development as such," although "it may help do so if properly regulated."
He went on: "The Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers, prepared by developing country governments through participatory processes, have an important role in this process since they could provide an appropriate framework for defining national development strategies.
"External debt, which has crippled many economies for decades, also remains a concern although several useful initiatives are making inroads into the problem. The G8 proposal of July 2006 that the International Monetary Fund, the International Development Association and the African Development Fund cancel 100 percent of their claims over the poorest countries, most of them in Africa, is a welcome addition to the other initiatives in this regard."
DELSS/DEVELOPING COUNTRIES/UN:MIGLIORE VIS 061011 (220)
- Pope to Canonize Four Blesseds on Sunday
- Message to World Congress of Catholic Television
- Holy See Support for Conventional Weapons Control
- Opening of Roman Necropolis on Via Triumphalis
- Other Pontifical Acts
___________________________________________________________
POPE TO CANONIZE FOUR BLESSEDS ON SUNDAY
VATICAN CITY, OCT 10, 2006 (VIS) - At 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 15, the Holy Father will celebrate the Eucharist in St. Peter's Square and canonize the following Blesseds:
Rafael Guizar Valencia, bishop of Veracruz, Mexico (1878 - 1938); Filippo Smaldone, diocesan priest, founder of the Congregation of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart (1848 - 1923); Rosa Venerini, foundress of the Congregation of the "Maestre Pie Venerini" (1656 - 1728); and Theodore Guerin, nee Anna Teresa, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary of the Woods in the United States. (1798 - 1856).
OCL/CANONIZATION/... VIS 061010 (110)
MESSAGE TO WORLD CONGRESS OF CATHOLIC TELEVISION
VATICAN CITY, OCT 10, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., to Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, for the World Congress of Catholic Television, being held in Madrid, Spain, from October 10 to 12.
In his English-language Message, Cardinal Bertone affirms the need for "great unity between the Holy See and the local hierarchies in order to inspire and support the various television companies, and those that will develop in the future, helping them to remain faithful to their Catholic identity while preserving their diverse styles, sensibilities and cultural characteristics."
"The new forms of communication offer a highly favorable framework for more active participation of the public together with the media, promoting the inclusion of less fortunate sectors of the public and adapting themselves in a particular way to the experience of communion that is at the very heart of the Church."
To this end, concludes the cardinal secretary of State, "it is necessary, without fear of technology, with intrepid hope and faith, to promote a joyful, creative and professional presence in television. We must be co-workers of the truth so as to offer the Good News of our Lord in the multiple formats of audiovisual media, while also witnessing to the beauty of creation."
SS/CATHOLIC TELEVISION/BERTONE:FOLEY VIS 061010 (230)
HOLY SEE SUPPORT FOR CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS CONTROL
VATICAN CITY, OCT 10, 2006 (VIS) - The work of the 1st committee of the UN General Assembly, being held in New York, includes discussions on a proposed Resolution concerning the international control of the import, export and transfer of conventional weapons, and calling for the creation of a working group charged with preparing a draft of a treaty on the international trade in conventional weapons.
In this context, Cardinal Raffaele Martino and Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council "Justice and Peace" today published a declaration, in the name of the Holy See, expressing support for this initiative.
"Weapons cannot be considered as any other good exchanged," they write in their English-language statement, "their possession, production and trade have deep ethical and social implications and they must be regulated by paying due attention to specific principles of the moral and legal order."
The two prelates recall John Paul II's call to governments in his 1999 World Peace Day Message for "legally binding measures on trade control of conventional weapons on the global, regional and national level."
"The Holy See is convinced," the statement concludes, "that such a convention can be an important step towards a true global culture of peace, in which States, civil society and the military industry cooperate, with responsibility and solidarity, for a more peaceful and secure world."
CON-IP/CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS/MARTINO VIS 061010 (240)
OPENING OF ROMAN NECROPOLIS ON VIA TRIUMPHALIS
VATICAN CITY, OCT 10, 2006 (VIS) - On Thursday, October 12, as part of celebrations marking the fifth centenary of the Vatican Museums, the new section of the Roman necropolis on the Via Triumphalis will be opened. The sector came to light in 2003 during building work on a parking lot within Vatican City.
Excavation work in this area was undertaken by archaeologists from the Vatican Museums who uncovered a cemetery, part of the same complex that was discovered between 1959 and 1960. The two areas constitute part of a large burial ground along the old Via Triumphalis which led from Rome to Veio (Isola Farnese) over Monte Mario. Thanks to this latest discovery it is now possible to visit two of the most complete and well-documented necropolises of imperial Rome: the one on the old Via Cornelia (which can be visited in the excavations under St. Peter's Basilica) and this one on the Via Triumphalis.
Archaeologists have found around 40 small and medium-sized mausolea, and more than 200 individual graves on various levels, many with inscriptions. Most of the tombs - which date from the end of the first century BC to the beginning of the fourth century AD - are well preserved, and some have decorations, frescoes and mosaic floors.
Funerary altars, urns, and sarcophagi with figures in bas-relief have also been brought to light. Of particular interest is the sarcophagus of a young 'equites' (knight), Publius Caesilius Victorinus (270-290 AD), which shows a figure in prayer next to a tree and with a bird above. Some of the tomb inscriptions specify the profession and/or the place of origin of the occupants, while some of the altars have holes to hold flower garlands.
The archeological site may be visited on Fridays and Saturdays in groups of no more than 25 persons. Reservation is obligatory and may be done by sending a fax to Vatican Museums - Office for Special Visits (no. 0669881573) or by writing to visitespeciali.musei@scv.va.
.../ROMAN NECROPOLIS/VATICAN MUSEUMS VIS 061010 (340)
VATICAN CITY, OCT 10, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father Appointed Archbishop Leopldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, as apostolic nuncio to East Timor.
NN/.../GIRELLI VIS 061010 (30)
SUMMARY: OCTOBER 7 - 9
- Pilgrims from Romagna Recall John Paul II's Visit
- Cardinal Sepe, Papal Envoy to Asian Mission Congress
- Other Pontifical Acts
- Christian Spouses, Be Faithful to Your Vocation
- Young People: Make Christ Known Everywhere
- John Paul I: Faithful to Tradition, Open to Renewal
- Pope Commends Promotion of the Sacrament of Penance
- Commitment to Truth Opens the Way to Reconciliation- Audiences
PILGRIMS FROM ROMAGNA RECALL JOHN PAUL II'S VISIT
VATICAN CITY, OCT 7, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope received a large group of pilgrims from dioceses in the Italian region of Romagna, who have come to Rome to commemorate the apostolic trip made to their region by Servant of God John Paul II 20 years ago.
Benedict XVI told his audience how happy he was that, during their pilgrimage, they were reconsidering the talks pronounced by his predecessor in 1986.
Referring to the evangelizing mission of diocesan communities, the Holy Father indicated that "this demanding missionary mandate can be fulfilled only with the support of God, and with the convinced and courageous evaluation of the spiritual heritage that the people of Romagna have learnt to defend over the course of the centuries."
The Pope highlighted the fact that today, as 20 years ago, "there is no lack of challenges and problems for those who wish to live in coherence with their faith, exerting themselves to combine it with the requirements of everyday life." In this context, he recalled "the crises threatening so many families; the growing need for priestly and religious vocations to counter the worrying drop in numbers and increasing age of priests; ... [and] the numerous pitfalls of a consumer-driven and secularized society that seeks to seduce ever greater numbers of people, inducing them to a progressive abandonment of the values of the faith in their family, civil and political lives.
"These challenges," he added, "must be faced without losing heart, looking with trust to the many reasons for hope which, thanks to God, are not lacking. There are, for example, many people who wish to give meaning and solid value to their lives, men and women interested in a strong and sincere religious quest."
Paraphrasing the words of John Paul II to young people on his visit to the region - "bear witness to the joy of being Christians!" - the Holy Father said "may this be the commitment of you all. To this end continue, indeed intensify, ecclesial communion and be generous protagonists in the evangelizing mission with which the Lord entrusts you, treasuring the guidance that arose from that memorable visit of 20 years ago, and strengthened also by the grace of this pilgrimage."
AC/.../ROMAGNA PILGRIMS VIS 061009 (390)
CARDINAL SEPE, PAPAL ENVOY TO ASIAN MISSION CONGRESS
VATICAN CITY, OCT 7, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from Benedict XVI to Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, archbishop of Naples, Italy, and special papal envoy to the Asian Mission Congress which is due to be held in Chang Mai, Thailand on October 19-22.
In his Letter, which is written in Latin, the Holy Father expresses his solicitude for the people of Asia, recalls the Christian mission to "evangelize the poor and promulgate the year of the grace of the Lord," and transmits his best wishes to Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu, archbishop of Bangkok, Thailand.
Cardinal Sepe will be accompanied on his mission by Fr. Livio Maggi P.I.M.E. regional superior for Thailand and Cambodia of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, and Fr. John Baptist Somkiart Trinikorn, rector of the Baan Phu Waan pastoral training center of the archdiocese of Bangkok.
BXVI-LETTER/SPECIAL ENVOY/SEPE VIS 061009 (160)
VATICAN CITY, OCT 7, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the apostolic exarchate for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite resident in the Czech Republic, presented by Bishop Jan Kocis, in accordance with canon 218 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
- Appointed as members of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples Bishops Josef Voss, auxiliary of Munster, Germany, and Renato Ascencio Leon of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, as his special envoy to the closing ceremony of celebrations marking the 9th centenary of the dedication of the cathedral of Parma, Italy, due to take place on December 4, 2006.
RE:NA/.../... VIS 061009 (130)
CHRISTIAN SPOUSES, BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR VOCATION
VATICAN CITY, OCT 8, 2006 (VIS) - Prior to praying the Angelus this morning, Benedict XVI dedicated some remarks to today's Gospel text narrating Christ's reply to the Pharisees who asked Him whether it was lawful for a husband to repudiate his wife in accordance with a precept of Mosaic law.
Jesus replied "that this was a concession granted by Moses for their 'hardness of heart'," said the Pope, "while the truth of marriage goes back to 'the beginning of creation' when, as is written in the Book of Genesis, 'God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one.' And Jesus adds: 'they are no longer two but one. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder'."
The Holy Father went on: "This was God's original plan, as Vatican Council II recalled in the Pastoral Constitution 'Gaudium et spes': "The intimate partnership of married life and love has been established by the Creator and qualified by His laws, and is rooted in the conjugal covenant of irrevocable personal consent. ... God Himself is the author of matrimony."
Benedict XVI then called on Christian spouses "to remain faithful to their vocation at all stages of life, 'for better and for worse in sickness and in health' as they promised in the sacramental rite. Aware of the grace they have received, may Christian couples create families open to life and capable of facing together the many and complex challenges of our times."
Quoting John Paul II's Apostolic Exhortation 'Familiaris consortio,' the Holy Father said that "the sacrament of marriage 'makes Christian married couples and parents witnesses of Christ , ... missionaries, in the true and proper sense, of love and life.' This mission is directed both within the family - especially in serving one another and in the education of children - and outside the domestic community, where it is ... called to be a sign of God's love towards everyone."
ANG/MARRIAGE/... VIS 061009 (350)
YOUNG PEOPLE: MAKE CHRIST KNOWN EVERYWHERE
VATICAN CITY, OCT 8, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, after praying the Angelus in St. Peter's Square, the Pope greeted 350 young "missionaries" from parishes, associations, movements and communities of the diocese of Rome. They have been participating, together with priests religious and seminarians, in the third "mission of young people for young people" known as "Jesus at the center," held from September 28 to October 8 in the streets of the historic center of Rome.
The Pope expressed his happiness at the young people's "joyous commitment" to "announcing the Gospel in streets and squares, in schools and hospitals and in the places of entertainment of young Romans. I encourage you to maintain this missionary approach in your everyday lives, always seeking to take advantage of diocesan training initiatives."
Addressing Polish pilgrims, the Pope recalled that yesterday, October 7, was the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and he encouraged them to continue this Marian prayer. "As John Paul II wrote, 'with the Rosary, Christian people join Mary's school and allow themselves to be introduced to the contemplation of the beauty of Christ's countenance and to the experience of the profundity of His love.' May this prayer," Pope Benedict concluded, "be a source of abundant grace for everyone."
ANG/GOSPEL:ROSARY/... VIS 061009 (220)
JOHN PAUL I: FAITHFUL TO TRADITION, OPEN TO RENEWAL
VATICAN CITY, OCT 8, 2006 (VIS) - This evening in the Vatican, Benedict XVI attended a screening of "Papa Luciani, il sorriso di Dio," a film on the life of Pope John Paul I produced by the Italian State broadcaster RAI and by the company Leone Cinematografica. The film was directed by Giorgio Capitani and stars Neri Marcore.
After the screening, the Pope pronounced a few words. "We have," he said, "reconsidered the kind and gentle figure of a Pontiff strong in the faith, firm in his principles but always ready to welcome with a smile. Faithful to tradition and open to renewal, Servant of God Albino Luciani, as priest, as bishop and as Pope was tireless in his pastoral activity, constantly encouraging clergy and laity to seek in the various fields of the apostolate, the one common ideal of sanctity.
"Master of truth and zealous catechist, with his customary engaging simplicity he reminded all believers of the duty and joy of evangelization, highlighting the beauty of Christian love, the only power capable of defeating violence and of building a more fraternal humanity."
.../JOHN PAUL I/... VIS 061009 (200)
POPE COMMENDS PROMOTION OF THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
VATICAN CITY, OCT 9, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father received prelates from the Canadian (Western) Conference of Catholic Bishops who have recently completed their "ad limina" visit.
In his English-language talk to them, the Pope touched on the parable of the prodigal son, asking whether the elder brother does not in some way represent "those who sadly distance themselves from the Church? ... Unable to think beyond the limits of natural justice, he remains trapped within envy and pride, detached from God, isolated from others and ill at ease with himself."
"The bishop's responsibility to indicate the destructive presence of sin," said the Pope, "is readily understood as a service of hope: it strengthens believers to avoid evil and to embrace the perfection of love and the plenitude of Christian life. I wish therefore to commend your promotion of the Sacrament of Penance. While this Sacrament is often considered with indifference, what it effects is precisely the fullness of healing for which we long."
Benedict XVI highlighted the fact that the failure to recognize sin "is ultimately a weakening of our relationship with God." Where God is excluded from public life, he said, "the sense of offence against God - the true sense of sin - dissipates, just as when the absolute value of moral norms is relativized the categories of good or evil vanish, along with individual responsibility."
"When the need to seek forgiveness and the readiness to forgive are forgotten, in their place a disturbing culture of blame and litigiousness arises. This ugly phenomenon, however, can be dispelled."
Pope Benedict went on to refer to the work of the Catholic Aboriginal Council for Reconciliation and the Amerindian Fund, saying "such initiatives bring hope and bear witness to the love of Christ which draws us forward." In this context, he called on the prelates "to address with compassion and determination the underlying causes of the difficulties surrounding the social and spiritual needs of the Aboriginal faithful.
"Commitment to truth opens the way to lasting reconciliation through the healing process of asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness - two indispensable elements for peace. In this way our memory is purified, our hearts are made serene, and our future is filled with a well-founded hope in the peace which springs from truth."
AL/.../CANADA VIS 061009 (400)COMMITMENT TO TRUTH OPENS THE WAY TO RECONCILIATIONVATICAN CITY, OCT 9, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from Benedict XVI to Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, for a meeting of Australian bishops commemorating the 20th anniversary of John Paul II's visit to their country. The meeting was held in Alice Springs, Australia, from October 2 to 7.
In his Letter, written in English, the Pope indicates how recalling John Paul II's visit provides an opportunity to renew the aims and repropose the challenges he identified. These include faithfulness "to your worthy traditions," the capacity to "adapt your living culture whenever this is required," and above all the ability to open hearts "to the consoling, purifying and uplifting message of Jesus Christ."
"How," the Holy Father asks, "might these challenges be embraced when there is much that could lead to discouragement or even despair? As Jesus, during His time on earth, moved from village to village preaching the Good News of truth and love, He captured the attention of those who heard Him." He "made a deep impression because He taught them with authority. Indeed, every human community needs and seeks strong, inspiring leaders to guide others into the way of hope.
"Much rests therefore," he adds, "upon the example of the elders of communities. I encourage them to exercise authority wisely through faithfulness to their traditions, ... and most especially through a renewed _expression of their deep awareness of God, made possible through the Good News of Jesus Christ."
Addressing young people, the Pope writes "keep alight the flame of hope and walk tall. ... Don't allow your 'dreaming' to be undermined by the shallow call of those who might lure you into the misuse of alcohol and drugs, as promises of happiness. Such promises are false, and lead only to a circle of misery and entrapment."
The Pope praises achievements "along the path of racial reconciliation," though warning that "there is still much to be accomplished. No one can exempt themselves from this process. While no culture may use past hurt as an excuse to avoid facing the difficulties in meeting the contemporary social needs of its own people, it is also the case that only through the readiness to accept historical truth can a sound understanding of contemporary reality be reached and the vision of a harmonious future espoused.
"I therefore again encourage all Australians to address with compassion and determination the deep underlying causes of the plight which still afflicts so many Aboriginal citizens. Commitment to truth opens the way to lasting reconciliation through the healing process of asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness - two indispensable elements for peace."
BXVI-LETTER/AUSTRALIA/CASSIDY VIS 061009 (460)
VATICAN CITY, OCT 9, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, archbishop of Westminster, Great Britain.
- Four prelates from the Zambia Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Medardo Joseph Mazombwe of Lusaka.
- Bishop Andrew Aaron Chisha of Mansa.
- Bishop George Cosmas Zumaire Lungu of Chipata.
- Bishop Raymond Mpezele of Livingstone.
On Saturday, October 7, he received in separate audiences:
- Three prelates from the Canadian (Western) Conference of Catholic Bishops on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Lawrence Huculak O.S.B.M., of Winnipeg of the Ukrainians.
- Bishop Michael Wiwchar C.SS.R., of Saskatoon of the Ukrainians.
- Msgr. Charles Lavoie, diocesan administrator of Grouard-McLennan.
- Javier Guerra Laspiur, ambassador of Costa Rica, on his farewell visit.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
AL:AP/.../... VIS 061009 (150)
- Theologians Mission Through Silence And Contemplation
- XII Ordinary General Assembly of Synod of Bishops 2008
- The Holy See Appeals for Nuclear Disarmament
- Audiences
___________________________________________________________
THEOLOGIANS MISSION THROUGH SILENCE AND CONTEMPLATIONVATICAN CITY, OCT 6, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel, in the Vatican, the Holy Father concelebrated mass with the participants of the International Theological Commission.
In this homily, the Pope mentioned the figure of Saint Bruno, whose feast day is celebrated today and whose mission was characterized by "silence and contemplation (...) which allow us to find this deep, continuous union with God, in the dispersion of every day".
The mission of the theologian, Benedict XVI said, is to "keep in present the essential words in the loquacity of our times and other times (...) For the purification of our words and therefore those of the world, we need that silence that becomes contemplation, which allows us to enter into God's silence and thus reach the point where the Word is born, the redeeming Word".
He continued: "Our words and thoughts should only be used that they may be heard, may find space in the world, God's speaking, God's Word. Thus, once again, we are invited to this path of renouncing our own words; to this path of purification, that our words may be only instruments through which God may speak, and thus God is really not the object but the subject of Theology".
Afterwards, quoting the First Letter of Saint Peter, he recalls that "to speak to find applause, to speak orienting oneself to what men wish to hear, to speak in obedience to the dictatorship of common opinions, is considered a type of prostitution of words and soul". However, we need not submit to this typology but, "search for obedience to the truth. I believe this to be the fundamental virtue of the theologian, this harsh discipline to obedience to truth, which make us collaborators" and "the mouths of truth".
HML/THEOLOGY/... VIS 061006 (300)
XII ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF SYNOD OF BISHOPS 2008VATICAN CITY, OCT 6, 2006 (VIS) - Today, the Holy See Press Office informed that the Holy Father has convoked the XII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops dedicated to the theme: "The Word of God in the Life and the Mission of the Church", which will be held in the Vatican from October 5 to 26, 2008.
.../ORDINARY GENERAL SYNOD/... VIS 061006 (70)
THE HOLY SEE APPEALS FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENTVATICAN CITY, OCT 6, 2006 (VIS) - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, intervened before the 61st session of the General Assembly on all disarmament and international security items.
He said: "The Holy See takes this opportunity to appeal again to the international community to establish an obligatory legal framework aimed at regulating the trade of conventional weapons of any type, as well as regulating the know-how and technology of their production".
With reference to nuclear weapons, he stressed the urgent need for dialogue on this issue. He said: "My delegation agrees that the international community seems almost to be sleepwalking down the path (...), in which rapidly growing numbers of states feel obliged to arm themselves with nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear terrorism grows".
Archbishop Migliore emphasized the fact that the Holy See has, many times "asked that those governments which openly or secretly possess nuclear arms, or those planning to acquire them, agree to change their course by clear and firm decisions, and strive for a progressive and concerted nuclear disarmament. Policies of nuclear deterrence, typical of the Cold War, can and must be replaced by concrete measures of disarmament based on dialogue and multilateral negotiations".
DELSS/ARMS/UN:MIGLIORE VIS 061006 (210)
VATICAN CITY, OCT 6, 2006 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in audiences seven prelates from the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops, Canada, during their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Daniel J. Bohan, of Regina.
- Bishop Reynald Rouleau, O.M.I., of Churchill-Baie d'Hudson.
- Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie, O.M.I., of Keewatin-La Pas.
- Bishop Joseph Luc Andre Bouchard, of Saint Paul in Alberta.
- Bishop Frederick Bernard Henry, of Calgary.
- Archbishop Thomas Christopher Collins, of Edmonton.
- Archbishop Vernon James Weisberger, of Winnipeg.