Diocesan Phase Ends on 2-Year Anniversary of Death
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 28, 2007 (Zenit.org).-
The postulator for Pope John Paul II's cause of beatification, Monsignor Slawomir Oder, said many people have already attributed miracles to the Pontiff's intercession. In a press conference on Tuesday, the postulator announced that the diocesan phase of John Paul II's beatification process would close on April 2. It will be the two-year anniversary of the Polish Pope's death. Among the supposed miracles attributed to the intercession of this Pope, Monsignor Oder mentioned many reported healings from tumors. However, he clarified, these were not considered for the beatification, since time is needed to validate the cures. One of the cases that is being considered is that of a French nun who was cured of Parkinson's disease two months after the Pope's death. The postulator said the name of the sister "cannot be revealed at this time." He said that on Palm Sunday, April 1, the bishop of the diocese where the presumed miracle occurred will address a letter to the diocese, explaining what happened. There are other reported healings as well, Monsignor Oder said. He mentioned two dealing with "One of the first ones presented to me was that of a Polish couple" who presented their little daughter "on the day of the closing of the diocesan process in Krakow." The postulator explained that she was born after the parents suffered for years with fertility treatments. Monsignor Oder spoke of another case, that of a "difficult pregnancy with loss of amniotic fluid. … After a few months of prayer asking for John Paul II's help, the fluid returned and the mother bore a healthy baby naturally." During the diocesan process approximately 130 testimonies were heard. ZE07032705
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Sisters Against Slavery
ROME, MARCH 29, 2007 ( Zenit.org).-
There is a side to the Eternal City that most of us are loathe to acknowledge. Passing through certain parts of Rome and its surroundings, one is likely to see women -- or often, girls -- lining the streets. Via Guilia is one such street known for prostitution, but there are others. To much of the world, these women and girls are mere prostitutes, but to Sister Eugenia Bonetti, they are victims of the most dehumanizing and crippling type of slavery. Sister Eugenia, who is also the head of the Italian Union of Major Superiors, was recently presented with the Woman of Courage award by the U.S. State Department for her efforts to combat trafficking in persons. The work of the religious was also acknowledged in 2004 when she was named one of six Heroes Acting to End Modern Day Slavery in the annual Trafficking in Persons report published by the State Department. First in Rome, and now throughout the world, Sister Eugenia has trained women religious to provide shelter and rehabilitation to women rescued from prostitution. According to the woman religious, the young women are the ones punished for the crime of prostitution. Sometimes, she said, they are arrested, thrown in jail where they might be mistreated, and then cast back out, while the men who use them walk away free. The women are bought and sold, traded and discarded at the whim of their traffickers and those who abuse them sexually, she said. "The statistics are staggering," said Sister Eugenia. "Sexual slavery is problematic worldwide, it happens here. It is in our face. "This problem is destroying women, and families. When I see a car stop with a baby seat in the back, I know this man has a wife and baby at home. "When we ask police to help, they often arrest the girls, and let the men go." According to Sister Eugenia, most of the women who are bought and sold for sex in Italy come to the country under the pretext of a job. In Italy, many are from Eastern Europe or Nigeria. "The girls are tricked into this," Sister Eugenia said. "They are offered what they believe to be good jobs." Once beyond the safe bounds of home, their documents are taken away and they are forced to sell their bodies for money. Many of the girls are just barely teenagers when they are forced into prostitution, she said. "It takes a Nigerian girl an average of 4,000 sexual encounters before she is released," the woman religious said. "Who can survive that? If a girl manages to survive physically, it is a miracle is she survives psychologically." Nevertheless, Sister Eugenia said there is hope for these women. Once they are safe, many recover and learn to support themselves. The Consolata Missionaries provide respite and rehabilitation for girls courageous enough to leave their traffickers. The religious said: "Our sisters leave the safety of our convents at night to reach out to these girls who know no safety. But there is always a danger. "When a girl leaves her captors, her family at home is often threatened. Many girls are afraid to leave their traffickers. "In some ways, we are fortunate in Italy because our laws offer some protection for these girls. When they cooperate with authorities, they receive other benefits and can be granted citizenship." Together with other religious sisters, the Consolata Missionaries have established an international network of shelters among women religious of various denominations. "Sisters can do this work," said Sister Eugenia. "When the girls see us, they know they can trust us. They see us as mothers, and they know they are loved. When I visit my girls, they call me 'Mama.'"
There is a side to the Eternal City that most of us are loathe to acknowledge. Passing through certain parts of Rome and its surroundings, one is likely to see women -- or often, girls -- lining the streets. Via Guilia is one such street known for prostitution, but there are others. To much of the world, these women and girls are mere prostitutes, but to Sister Eugenia Bonetti, they are victims of the most dehumanizing and crippling type of slavery. Sister Eugenia, who is also the head of the Italian Union of Major Superiors, was recently presented with the Woman of Courage award by the U.S. State Department for her efforts to combat trafficking in persons. The work of the religious was also acknowledged in 2004 when she was named one of six Heroes Acting to End Modern Day Slavery in the annual Trafficking in Persons report published by the State Department. First in Rome, and now throughout the world, Sister Eugenia has trained women religious to provide shelter and rehabilitation to women rescued from prostitution. According to the woman religious, the young women are the ones punished for the crime of prostitution. Sometimes, she said, they are arrested, thrown in jail where they might be mistreated, and then cast back out, while the men who use them walk away free. The women are bought and sold, traded and discarded at the whim of their traffickers and those who abuse them sexually, she said. "The statistics are staggering," said Sister Eugenia. "Sexual slavery is problematic worldwide, it happens here. It is in our face. "This problem is destroying women, and families. When I see a car stop with a baby seat in the back, I know this man has a wife and baby at home. "When we ask police to help, they often arrest the girls, and let the men go." According to Sister Eugenia, most of the women who are bought and sold for sex in Italy come to the country under the pretext of a job. In Italy, many are from Eastern Europe or Nigeria. "The girls are tricked into this," Sister Eugenia said. "They are offered what they believe to be good jobs." Once beyond the safe bounds of home, their documents are taken away and they are forced to sell their bodies for money. Many of the girls are just barely teenagers when they are forced into prostitution, she said. "It takes a Nigerian girl an average of 4,000 sexual encounters before she is released," the woman religious said. "Who can survive that? If a girl manages to survive physically, it is a miracle is she survives psychologically." Nevertheless, Sister Eugenia said there is hope for these women. Once they are safe, many recover and learn to support themselves. The Consolata Missionaries provide respite and rehabilitation for girls courageous enough to leave their traffickers. The religious said: "Our sisters leave the safety of our convents at night to reach out to these girls who know no safety. But there is always a danger. "When a girl leaves her captors, her family at home is often threatened. Many girls are afraid to leave their traffickers. "In some ways, we are fortunate in Italy because our laws offer some protection for these girls. When they cooperate with authorities, they receive other benefits and can be granted citizenship." Together with other religious sisters, the Consolata Missionaries have established an international network of shelters among women religious of various denominations. "Sisters can do this work," said Sister Eugenia. "When the girls see us, they know they can trust us. They see us as mothers, and they know they are loved. When I visit my girls, they call me 'Mama.'"
Zimbabwe's Ills Mostly Self-Inflicted
Say Bishops
Issue Appeal to End the Violence
ACCRA, Ghana, MARCH 29, 2007 (Zenit.org).-
A fact-finding group sent by bishops to evaluate Zimbabwe's situation came to a stark conclusion: Largely self-inflicted violence, chaos and anarchy are leading to despair in the southern African nation. The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) sponsored a fact-finding mission to the embroiled country. Members of its standing committee are meeting this week to reflect on the findings and have issued a report. They echo the observations made by the Zimbabwean bishops' conference in a recent pastoral letter. The SECAM message said Zimbabwe is characterized by the collapse of political, social, educational and economic structures. It found that in the chaos, political opponents and "ordinary citizens (have) become victims of violent acts, meted out for no legitimate reason" while basic needs are hardly met with food unaffordable. "Drugs and medical services are far beyond the reach" of most of the population, the bishops said. "The situation in Zimbabwe is not the result of a natural catastrophe or only of adverse international conditions," their message said. "It is largely self-inflicted. It is a crisis of moral leadership and of bad governance." The bishops' report called it a "situation of despair" and explained that some 4 million Zimbabweans have left the country in exile. Neighboring countries are thus also affected by Zimbabwe's situation, they explained. Today, meanwhile, African leaders put South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki in charge of defusing Zimbabwe's deepening political crisis, leaving him to mediate between President Robert Mugabe and his opponents, according to Reuters. A special summit of the Southern African Development Community also urged the West to drop sanctions against Mugabe's government and appealed to Britain to "honor its commitments" to fund land reforms in its former colony, the agency said. In Jesus' name The SECAM bishops, in their message, asked "the government of Zimbabwe, in the name of Jesus, to immediately stop the violence. And we urge all the political leaders of Zimbabwe to be fair, just and compassionate in governing their people." The bishops also appealed to many African leaders, including President John Agyekum Kufuor, chairman of the African Union, to "prevail upon the government of Zimbabwe to immediately take measures to stop the violence and carnage that is engulfing the country." "The major motivation of the Church's involvement in the development of people has been the promotion of the dignity of the human person, made in the image and the likeness of God," the bishops said. "As a Church we are aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us and will do all within our means to play our prophetic role and carry out the divine mission entrusted to us. That is why we shall continue to speak out for the voiceless, the marginalized and the oppressed in society." Finally, the bishops requested prayer: "We also urge all churches and people of faith and good will in Africa to join the people of Zimbabwe in their national day of prayer scheduled for April 14." ZE07032920
Issue Appeal to End the Violence
ACCRA, Ghana, MARCH 29, 2007 (Zenit.org).-
A fact-finding group sent by bishops to evaluate Zimbabwe's situation came to a stark conclusion: Largely self-inflicted violence, chaos and anarchy are leading to despair in the southern African nation. The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) sponsored a fact-finding mission to the embroiled country. Members of its standing committee are meeting this week to reflect on the findings and have issued a report. They echo the observations made by the Zimbabwean bishops' conference in a recent pastoral letter. The SECAM message said Zimbabwe is characterized by the collapse of political, social, educational and economic structures. It found that in the chaos, political opponents and "ordinary citizens (have) become victims of violent acts, meted out for no legitimate reason" while basic needs are hardly met with food unaffordable. "Drugs and medical services are far beyond the reach" of most of the population, the bishops said. "The situation in Zimbabwe is not the result of a natural catastrophe or only of adverse international conditions," their message said. "It is largely self-inflicted. It is a crisis of moral leadership and of bad governance." The bishops' report called it a "situation of despair" and explained that some 4 million Zimbabweans have left the country in exile. Neighboring countries are thus also affected by Zimbabwe's situation, they explained. Today, meanwhile, African leaders put South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki in charge of defusing Zimbabwe's deepening political crisis, leaving him to mediate between President Robert Mugabe and his opponents, according to Reuters. A special summit of the Southern African Development Community also urged the West to drop sanctions against Mugabe's government and appealed to Britain to "honor its commitments" to fund land reforms in its former colony, the agency said. In Jesus' name The SECAM bishops, in their message, asked "the government of Zimbabwe, in the name of Jesus, to immediately stop the violence. And we urge all the political leaders of Zimbabwe to be fair, just and compassionate in governing their people." The bishops also appealed to many African leaders, including President John Agyekum Kufuor, chairman of the African Union, to "prevail upon the government of Zimbabwe to immediately take measures to stop the violence and carnage that is engulfing the country." "The major motivation of the Church's involvement in the development of people has been the promotion of the dignity of the human person, made in the image and the likeness of God," the bishops said. "As a Church we are aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us and will do all within our means to play our prophetic role and carry out the divine mission entrusted to us. That is why we shall continue to speak out for the voiceless, the marginalized and the oppressed in society." Finally, the bishops requested prayer: "We also urge all churches and people of faith and good will in Africa to join the people of Zimbabwe in their national day of prayer scheduled for April 14." ZE07032920
Child's 1st Right Is to Be Born
Insists Holy See
Address Made at Council in Geneva
GENEVA, MARCH 29, 2007 (Zenit.org).-
The Holy See has told the Human Rights Council in Geneva that "the first right of the child is to be born." Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Holy See's permanent observer to the U.N. offices and agencies in Geneva, made that point during a recent address to the watchdog council. Speaking to the fourth session of the recently established council, the papal representative recalled that "The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child attributes to the child the fundamental rights of a person; it recognizes the child to have the same equality and dignity as any adult person." "In many cases, due to lack of will and of resources, good legal provisions and public policies are not implemented, with grave consequences for children," the prelate affirmed, according to the Vatican Information Service. "They often become the first victims of famines and wars." On the other hand, the nuncio added, "To many children the right to life is denied; prenatal selection eliminates both babies suspected of having disabilities and female children simply because of their sex, and thus denies the equal and intrinsic value of disabled persons and of girls for their families and for society." Archbishop Tomasi last Friday underlined that "the first right of children is that of being born and educated in a welcoming and secure family environment where their physical, psychological and spiritual growth is guaranteed, their potential is developed, and where the awareness of personal dignity becomes the base for relating to others and for confronting the future." The permanent observer recalled: "The Catholic Church's over 300,000 social, caring and educational institutions work daily to ensure both a peace-oriented and creative education for children, and the development of their talents, and to provide the reintegration of abused and neglected children into their families, if possible, and into society. "To pursue the defense of their rights and the elimination of all forms of violence against them remains an institutional challenge for the international community. "Success will be reached if priority is given to the natural role of the family and to the public culture that recognizes that children too are full human persons." ZE07032925
Address Made at Council in Geneva
GENEVA, MARCH 29, 2007 (Zenit.org).-
The Holy See has told the Human Rights Council in Geneva that "the first right of the child is to be born." Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Holy See's permanent observer to the U.N. offices and agencies in Geneva, made that point during a recent address to the watchdog council. Speaking to the fourth session of the recently established council, the papal representative recalled that "The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child attributes to the child the fundamental rights of a person; it recognizes the child to have the same equality and dignity as any adult person." "In many cases, due to lack of will and of resources, good legal provisions and public policies are not implemented, with grave consequences for children," the prelate affirmed, according to the Vatican Information Service. "They often become the first victims of famines and wars." On the other hand, the nuncio added, "To many children the right to life is denied; prenatal selection eliminates both babies suspected of having disabilities and female children simply because of their sex, and thus denies the equal and intrinsic value of disabled persons and of girls for their families and for society." Archbishop Tomasi last Friday underlined that "the first right of children is that of being born and educated in a welcoming and secure family environment where their physical, psychological and spiritual growth is guaranteed, their potential is developed, and where the awareness of personal dignity becomes the base for relating to others and for confronting the future." The permanent observer recalled: "The Catholic Church's over 300,000 social, caring and educational institutions work daily to ensure both a peace-oriented and creative education for children, and the development of their talents, and to provide the reintegration of abused and neglected children into their families, if possible, and into society. "To pursue the defense of their rights and the elimination of all forms of violence against them remains an institutional challenge for the international community. "Success will be reached if priority is given to the natural role of the family and to the public culture that recognizes that children too are full human persons." ZE07032925
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Elderly Chaldean nuns murdered in Iraq
Kirkuk, Mar. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Two Chaldean Catholic nuns were murdered in their residence in Kirkuk, Iraq, on March 26, police have reported.
Sisters Fawzeiyah and Margaret Naoum-- elderly siblings who lived together as Chaldean religious-- were stabbed repeatedly by an unknown assailant who broke into their residence, the police revealed.
Investigators had no immediate explanation for the killings, reporting that there was no sign of robbery.
Iraqi Christians have been subjected to frequent attacks in recent months, with some militant Islamic groups expressing determination to drive the Christian minority from the country. It is unclear whether the murder of the two sisters-- who lived near the Chaldean cathedral in Kirkuk-- was related to that form of religious violence.
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=50159
Friday, March 23, 2007
Hail Mary
The Three Hail Mary in honour of the Power, the Wisdom and the Mercy of the Most Holly Virgin
This practical was told by Saint Matilde (from XIII century), with promises of good death, if she was faithful to it, every day. It reads - also, in the revelations of Saint Gertrude:“During the moment where this Saint sang the Hail Mary, to the matins of the Annunciation she saw, suddenly, to gush out of the Heart of the Father, of the Son and the Holly Spirit, three luminous spurts that had penetrated in the Well Ventured Heart of the Virgin one. After that it heard these words: After the Power of the Father, to the Wisdom of the Son and the Merciful Love of the Holly Spirit, nothing it is come close to the Power, the Wisdom and the Merciful Love of Mary. “She advises - when someone needs important favours, to make three consecutive novenas.
Efficient novena of theThree Hail Mary
I – Oh Mary, Powerful Virgin, Virgo Potens, You to whom nothing is impossible... * ,by this same power that gratified You the Powerful Father , I conjures you, attended - me in the necessity where I find me. Therefore that You, you only can help - me, you do not abandon me, oh You who you are the lawyer of the most desperate causes ! It seems - me that the Glory of God, Your Honour and the good of my soul are on to the concession of this favour. If, therefore, as I think, it is in agreement to most nice and most holly will of God, I conjure You, oh Most Powerfull Petitioner, Omnipotentia Suplex, intercede for me next to Your Son who nothing can refuse - You. I ask you, on behalf of the Power without limits that the Celestial Father communicated You, and in honour of which I say You, in union with saint Matilde, to whom You disclosed the practical very salutary of the Three Hail Mary. – Hail Mary…( we pray it -).
II - Divine Wisdom, that you are called the Throne the Wisdom, Sede Sapientiae, because the non created Wisdom, the Verb of God, inhabited in You... You to whom this adorable Son communicated all the extension of Its Divine Science, in the measure where the most perfect creature could receive it... You know the largeness of my misery and how much necessity I have of Your assistance. Trusted in Your Divine Wisdom, I abandon me entirely between Your hands, so that You do everything, with force and tenderness, for the biggest Glory of God and greater well of my soul. Please therefore, to come in my aid, for the ways that You know to be most proper to reach this end. Oh Mary, Mother of the Divine Wisdom, I request You, to get - me the precious favour that I request; * I ask for in the same name of this incomparable Wisdom of that the Verb, Your Son, illuminated You, and in honour of which I say to You, in union with Saint Anthony of Lisbon and Saint Leonard of Porto Maurício, the most zealous preachers of Yours Three Hail Mary. – Hail Mary...
III – Oh good, oh tender Mother, true Mother of Mercy, Mater Misericordiae, that in these last times you called Yourself "Mother All Merciful one", I come to request - that you use with me of Your compassionate Goodness. Greater is my misery, but it must excite Your compassion. I know, I by no means do not deserve the precious favour that desire, I who I have You as many times saddened offending Your Son. But if I have been guilty, very guilty, I sincerely repent myself having wounded the so tender Heart of Jesus and Yours. Moreover, you are not You, as you said to Saint Brigit, "the Mother of the sorry sinful people"? You pardon - me, therefore, my passed ingratitude, and considering only Your Merciful Goodness and the Glory that of this will result for God and You, you get - me from the Divine Mercy the favour that I beg for Your intercession. * Oh You to whom nobody ever invoked vainly, "oh Clement, oh Merciful, oh sweet Virgin Mary; the Clemens, the Pia, the Dulcis Virgo Maria "! oh come, come to help me, I conjure You, for this Merciful Goodness that the Holly Spirit filled You for us, and in honour of which I say with Saint Alfonso of Ligory , apostle of Your Mercy and I give it apostle of Your Mercy and the doctor of the Three Hail Mary. – Hail Mary...
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I had already published this novena at http://www.geocities.com/paularegina24/ThreeHailMaryNovena.html
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Our Lady Untier of Knots
It's a beautiful devotion I know not a long time ago.
It looks full of significance because it's the devil who makes "knots" in our life to make us dispair and take our peace away, and it's Our Lady who unties all those knots.
It came from a painting existing since 1700 in a church in Perlach, Germany. It was painted by an unknown artist and inspired by a meditation made by St. Irenaeus -- who once said: "Eve, by her disobedience, tied the knot of disgrace for the human race; to the contrary, Mary, by her obedience, undid it."
Short Unfailing Novena To The Virgin Mary Untier of Knots©
INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY OF THE VIRGIN MARY UNTIER OF KNOTS"
From A Mysterious Painting Comes A Devotion To Mary, Undoer of Knots
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
"Homophobia Law" to Impact Homilies, Seminaries
BRASILIA, Brazil, MARCH 18, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Debate continues over so-called homophobia legislation, which seeks to criminalize anything considered a condemnation of homosexuality, including priests who speak against the practice in homilies. Priests could face two to five years imprisonment for preaching against homosexuality. And a rector of a seminary who refuses admission to a homosexual student could face three to five years. Thursday, Brazil's Senate declined to vote on the legislation. Instead, the senators decided to form a work group, which will organize public audiences to hear specialists on the subject. According to ZENIT sources, a number of citizens voiced opposition to the law, motivating in part the senators to form the study group. Specialists say the "homophobia law" would essentially imply a legal frame for religious persecution. One source told ZENIT: "In addition to the rights established in the constitution for all people, the homosexual, by the simple fact of being homosexual, would gain privileges." Maria das Dores Dolly Guimarães, lawyer and president of the Paulist Federation of Movements in Defense of Life, explained: "Whoever dared to criticize such behavior would be treated as a delinquent." ZE07031828
Monday, March 19, 2007
St. Joseph's Day and Father's Day
Litany of St. Joseph
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us..
Holy Mary, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Renowned offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph most just, pray for us.
Joseph most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph most strong, pray for us.
Joseph most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of artisans, pray for us.
Glory of home life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of families, pray for us.
Solace of the wretched, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of demons, pray for us.
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. .
V. He made him the lord of his household.
R. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray. O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever. R. Amen.
Blessed Brother André of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Joseph
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
The Eucharist and the Virgin Mary
33. From the relationship between the Eucharist and the individual sacraments, and from the eschatological significance of the sacred mysteries, the overall shape of the Christian life emerges, a life called at all times to be an act of spiritual worship, a self-offering pleasing to God. Although we are all still journeying towards the complete fulfilment of our hope, this does not mean that we cannot already gratefully acknowledge that God's gifts to us have found their perfect fulfilment in the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother. Mary's Assumption body and soul into heaven is for us a sign of sure hope, for it shows us, on our pilgrimage through time, the eschatological goal of which the sacrament of the Eucharist enables us even now to have a foretaste.
In Mary most holy, we also see perfectly fulfilled the "sacramental" way that God comes down to meet his creatures and involves them in his saving work. From the Annunciation to Pentecost, Mary of Nazareth appears as someone whose freedom is completely open to God's will. Her immaculate conception is revealed precisely in her unconditional docility to God's word. Obedient faith in response to God's work shapes her life at every moment. A virgin attentive to God's word, she lives in complete harmony with his will; she treasures in her heart the words that come to her from God and, piecing them together like a mosaic, she learns to understand them more deeply (cf. Lk 2:19, 51); Mary is the great Believer who places herself confidently in God's hands, abandoning herself to his will. (102) This mystery deepens as she becomes completely involved in the redemptive mission of Jesus. In the words of the Second Vatican Council, "the blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son until she stood at the Cross, in keeping with the divine plan (cf. Jn 19:25), suffering deeply with her only-begotten Son, associating herself with his sacrifice in her mother's heart, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of the victim who was born of her. Finally, she was given by the same Christ Jesus, dying on the Cross, as a mother to his disciple, with these words: ‘Woman, behold your Son."' (103) From the Annunciation to the Cross, Mary is the one who received the Word, made flesh within her and then silenced in death. It is she, lastly, who took into her arms the lifeless body of the one who truly loved his own "to the end" (Jn 13:1).
Consequently, every time we approach the Body and Blood of Christ in the eucharistic liturgy, we also turn to her who, by her complete fidelity, received Christ's sacrifice for the whole Church. The Synod Fathers rightly declared that "Mary inaugurates the Church's participation in the sacrifice of the Redeemer." (104) She is the Immaculata, who receives God's gift unconditionally and is thus associated with his work of salvation. Mary of Nazareth, icon of the nascent Church, is the model for each of us, called to receive the gift that Jesus makes of himself in the Eucharist.
Image from http://www.stmarysavannah.org/
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The Eucharist and moral transformation
82. "The moral urgency born of welcoming Jesus into our lives is the fruit of gratitude for having experienced the Lord's unmerited closeness."
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html#The_Eucharistic_form_of_the_Christian_life
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html#The_Eucharistic_form_of_the_Christian_life
The Blessed Sacrament
The practice of eucharistic adoration
67. With the Synod Assembly, therefore, I heartily recommend to the Church's pastors and to the People of God the practice of eucharistic adoration, both individually and in community. (194) Great benefit would ensue from a suitable catechesis explaining the importance of this act of worship, which enables the faithful to experience the liturgical celebration more fully and more fruitfully. Wherever possible, it would be appropriate, especially in densely populated areas, to set aside specific churches or oratories for perpetual adoration. I also recommend that, in their catechetical training, and especially in their preparation for First Holy Communion, children be taught the meaning and the beauty of spending time with Jesus, and helped to cultivate a sense of awe before his presence in the Eucharist.Here I would like to express appreciation and support for all those Institutes of Consecrated Life whose members dedicate a significant amount of time to eucharistic adoration. In this way they give us an example of lives shaped by the Lord's real presence. I would also like to encourage those associations of the faithful and confraternities specifically devoted to eucharistic adoration; they serve as a leaven of contemplation for the whole Church and a summons to individuals and communities to place Christ at the centre of their lives.
The location of the tabernacle
69. In considering the importance of eucharistic reservation and adoration, and reverence for the sacrament of Christ's sacrifice, the Synod of Bishops also discussed the question of the proper placement of the tabernacle in our churches. (196) The correct positioning of the tabernacle contributes to the recognition of Christ's real presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore, the place where the eucharistic species are reserved, marked by a sanctuary lamp, should be readily visible to everyone entering the church. It is therefore necessary to take into account the building's architecture: in churches which do not have a Blessed Sacrament chapel, and where the high altar with its tabernacle is still in place, it is appropriate to continue to use this structure for the reservation and adoration of the Eucharist, taking care not to place the celebrant's chair in front of it. In new churches, it is good to position the Blessed Sacrament chapel close to the sanctuary; where this is not possible, it is preferable to locate the tabernacle in the sanctuary, in a sufficiently elevated place, at the centre of the apse area, or in another place where it will be equally conspicuous. Attention to these considerations will lend dignity to the tabernacle, which must always be cared for, also from an artistic standpoint. Obviously it is necessary to follow the provisions of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal in this regard. (197) In any event, final judgment on these matters belongs to the Diocesan Bishop.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html#Adoration_and_Eucharistic_devotion
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Latin language
...I am thinking here particularly of celebrations at international gatherings, which nowadays are held with greater frequency. The most should be made of these occasions. In order to express more clearly the unity and universality of the Church, I wish to endorse the proposal made by the Synod of Bishops, in harmony with the directives of the Second Vatican Council, (182) that, with the exception of the readings, the homily and the prayer of the faithful, such liturgies could be celebrated in Latin. Similarly, the better-known prayers (183) of the Church's tradition should be recited in Latin and, if possible, selections of Gregorian chant should be sung. Speaking more generally, I ask that future priests, from their time in the seminary, receive the preparation needed to understand and to celebrate Mass in Latin, and also to use Latin texts and execute Gregorian chant; nor should we forget that the faithful can be taught to recite the more common prayers in Latin, and also to sing parts of the liturgy to Gregorian chant. (184)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html#Actuosa_participatio
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html#Actuosa_participatio
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
What? What? What?
"Women still do not get due respect in the Church which is why, in the opinion of many people, it gets some things wrong like its teaching on contraception."
What is she saying???
At http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/06/06/ncherie06.xml
Cherie Blair
What is she saying???
At http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/06/06/ncherie06.xml
Head covering and such
I remember, when I was a little girl, I, my mother and my grandmother used to wear a veil at Mass. Mine was white, because of my age, and quite little and very nice with lace triming it.Then it came the Vatican II with so many good things and even more bad ones. The use of the veil was not abolished but "in the spirit of Vatican II", women refused to wear that symbol of femininity and humility the same way priests and nuns left the use of their nice clothes and prefered to wear clothes that made them invisible in the world - not all, thanks God.Communion was not taken on tong anymore - we kept taking it that way, thanks God - and it was not needed to kneel to take the Lord.Old hyms were forgotten and strong and loud music played at Mass.The Sacrifice of the Altar was almost only a brotherly meal.
Now people are tired of all that anarchy.
We want to have the Old Rite - if not always, please God, let us have it some times.
We want to be able to kneel in the moment of taking communion without glances of disaproval.
We want to prise the Lord at Mass with the priest, as a captain, leading our prayers, turned to God and backed to us - when we go in a plain, or in a bus or else, the driver backs to us and takes us to our destiny. God is our destiny and the priest should be the driver.
We want to be together with all the world having one common language because our nation is the Catholic Church.
And, at last, I want, being a woman, have my head covered in sign of humility and femininity before God who created me a woman.
But how can I do that if I would be the only one doing that and everybody will look at me as I was in need of urgent internment in a psychiatric hospital?
But the Lord of the Hosts will come in our help and one day, I hope, we will be freed!
More reading about this matter at
http://handmaidleah.wordpress.com/2007/01/28/on-account-of-the-angels/
and
http://breath-and-heartbeat.blogspot.com/2007/03/all-about-mantillas.html
Also
http://breath-and-heartbeat.blogspot.com/2006/05/to-veil-or-not-to-veil.html
Note: I don't think the Council Vatican II was a bad thing, what I say is the smoke of Satan has entered the house of God, as Pope Paulus VI said, and it entered by the Council's doors.
Now people are tired of all that anarchy.
We want to have the Old Rite - if not always, please God, let us have it some times.
We want to be able to kneel in the moment of taking communion without glances of disaproval.
We want to prise the Lord at Mass with the priest, as a captain, leading our prayers, turned to God and backed to us - when we go in a plain, or in a bus or else, the driver backs to us and takes us to our destiny. God is our destiny and the priest should be the driver.
We want to be together with all the world having one common language because our nation is the Catholic Church.
And, at last, I want, being a woman, have my head covered in sign of humility and femininity before God who created me a woman.
But how can I do that if I would be the only one doing that and everybody will look at me as I was in need of urgent internment in a psychiatric hospital?
But the Lord of the Hosts will come in our help and one day, I hope, we will be freed!
More reading about this matter at
http://handmaidleah.wordpress.com/2007/01/28/on-account-of-the-angels/
and
http://breath-and-heartbeat.blogspot.com/2007/03/all-about-mantillas.html
Also
http://breath-and-heartbeat.blogspot.com/2006/05/to-veil-or-not-to-veil.html
Note: I don't think the Council Vatican II was a bad thing, what I say is the smoke of Satan has entered the house of God, as Pope Paulus VI said, and it entered by the Council's doors.
The importance of the Traditional Rite and Latin
Once again I must link to this wonderful blog
Today I recomend the reading of the article about the Mass at
http://pblosser.blogspot.com/2007/03/old-mass-and-great-thaw-forbidden.html
I think everybody should read it to learn why the Traditional Rite and Latin are so important.
We must know it because of ourselves and because of the others so we may to diminish their ignorance.
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Reformation is over... and we won!
I found this delightful article in an amazing blog called The Fullness of Faith - too good to miss, the article and the whole blog.
I'll add it to my side bar.
Look at this:
"Boy, it seemed as though the reformation had finished and we had won!"
at http://fulnessoffaith.blogspot.com/2007/02/reformation-is-over-and-we-won.html
Go there and read it.
I'll add it to my side bar.
Look at this:
"Boy, it seemed as though the reformation had finished and we had won!"
at http://fulnessoffaith.blogspot.com/2007/02/reformation-is-over-and-we-won.html
Go there and read it.
Antichristianism
French candidate would bar religion from public life
Paris, Mar. 8, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Green Party candidate in the French presidential race has declared flatly that religion has no place in public life.
“In today’s France, religions can only exist as a private matter,” Dominique Voynet said an interview with La Croix newspaper. She said that she could see rare exceptions to that rule, such as the inclusion of religious representatives on the National Ethics Committee.
The Green Party candidate opposes public funding for the construction of mosques. Instead she proposes that unused Catholic churches “which are after all the property of the entire nation and must not only serve Catholics” be given to other religious confessions.
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=49739
Paris, Mar. 8, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Green Party candidate in the French presidential race has declared flatly that religion has no place in public life.
“In today’s France, religions can only exist as a private matter,” Dominique Voynet said an interview with La Croix newspaper. She said that she could see rare exceptions to that rule, such as the inclusion of religious representatives on the National Ethics Committee.
The Green Party candidate opposes public funding for the construction of mosques. Instead she proposes that unused Catholic churches “which are after all the property of the entire nation and must not only serve Catholics” be given to other religious confessions.
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=49739
For Him and because of Him: the reason of life
As I was visiting one of my daily reading blogs
"...Christ there in the Sanctuary in the Tabernacle, the source of my ultimate consolation in life and in death."
And I answered in the comment box:
I understand how the Blessed Sacrament is important for you because is important for me also. I'm a cradle catholic. I remember, since the days when I could not take communion because I was too young, that I was sufering because of that. I knew what was the Blessed Sacrament so it hurted me not taking Him. So, since I finaly had my first communion - at 7 yo at in those years - I never stoped taking Him. If I feel I can not taking Him - or I shouldn't - I run to confession. I can truly say that I can't live without Him, without taking Him.
Why are they protesting?
March 12, 2007
POPE Benedict XVI plans to bring back the celebration of mass in Latin, overriding a rare show of protest from senior cardinals.
With a papal decree said to be imminent, Catholic publishers in Rome are preparing new editions of the Latin missal.
They have sent proofs to Vatican authorities for approval, the Rome newspaper La Repubblica has reported.
Vatican sources said Benedict, who is fluent in Latin, is considering the publication of a papal motu proprio (literally, on his own initiative), which does not require the approval of church bodies.
This would enable Benedict to ignore opposition from several cardinals.
The decree would declare the Latin, or Tridentine, mass an "extraordinary universal rite", and the vernacular mass, with which most Catholics are familiar, an "ordinary universal rite".
The late French archbishop Marcel Lefebvre was excommunicated for opposing changes in the church agreed by the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, including the replacement of the Tridentine mass with updated liturgy in local languages.
The Pope's proposal will be cheered by Lefebvre's traditionalist followers.
A special Vatican commission, appointed to examine the demands of traditionalists, met in December to help draft the decree. Today, celebration of the Tridentine rite is limited. Bishops can allow it, but only on the condition that the celebration is deemed a sign of "affection for the ancient tradition" and not a criticism of the reforms.
Benedict wrote in his memoirs, My Life: Memories 1927-1977, published when he was still a cardinal: "I was stunned by the ban on the ancient missal."
The Sunday Times
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Dilemma of the Convert
and of cradle catholics too.
http://thenewliturgicalmovement.blogspot.com/
and
http://pblosser.blogspot.com/
Read the comments, they are good.
http://thenewliturgicalmovement.blogspot.com/
and
http://pblosser.blogspot.com/
Read the comments, they are good.
Just a little joke
If I were a Pope I would be
Which Pope are You?
John Paul II: Congratulations, you were actually a decent person. You were much loved around the world by the Catholic population. You were especially loved by children.
Take this quiz!
Quizilla
Join
Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code
I found this at http://intothedeep.wordpress.com/2007/03/08/my-conversion-story/#comment-25
Which Pope are You?
John Paul II: Congratulations, you were actually a decent person. You were much loved around the world by the Catholic population. You were especially loved by children.
Take this quiz!
Quizilla
Join
Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code
I found this at http://intothedeep.wordpress.com/2007/03/08/my-conversion-story/#comment-25
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Spiritual Warfare
Queen of the Angels
"August Queen of Heaven, sovereign queen of Angels, you who at the beginning received from God the power and the mission to crush the head of Satan, we beseech you humbly, send your holy legions so that, on your orders and by your power, they will track down demons, fight them everywhere, curb their audacity and plunge them into the abyss.
Who can be compared to God?
Oh good and tender Mother, you will always be our love and our hope.Oh divine Mother, send the Holy Angels and Archangels to defend me and to keep the cruel enemy far from me.Holy Angels and Archangels defend us, protect us. Amen."
Prayer to St. Michael
Saint Michael the Archangel,defend us in battle.Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -by the Divine Power of God -cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Amen.
The Rosary
The Precious Blood of Christ
The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood
Eternal Father, we offer You the precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the cross and offered daily on the altar, for the glory of Your name, for the coming of Your kingdom, for the salvation of all people. " - and for..... here we put our needs.
Litany of the Precious Blood
"...Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us."
more at
St. Joseph
St. Joseph, model of purity and humility, and terror of demons, pray for us!
St . Anthony
"
Saint Anthony, Disperser of DevilsDear St. Anthony, it is still as St. Peter said: The devil prowls about, lion-like, looking for someone to devour. I confess that I don't always resist him; I sometimes toy with temptation. St. Anthony, Disperser of Devils, remind me of my duty to avoid all occasions of sin. May I always pray in temptation that I may remain loyal to my Lord Jesus. Pray for my other intentions, please. (Name them.) "
Saint Anthony, Disperser of DevilsDear St. Anthony, it is still as St. Peter said: The devil prowls about, lion-like, looking for someone to devour. I confess that I don't always resist him; I sometimes toy with temptation. St. Anthony, Disperser of Devils, remind me of my duty to avoid all occasions of sin. May I always pray in temptation that I may remain loyal to my Lord Jesus. Pray for my other intentions, please. (Name them.) "
Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
"Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints" O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.
http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/prayer.php?p=162
http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/prayer.php?p=162
Prayer against Depression
- by Saint Ignatius of Loyola
(sometimes depression is work of the adversary)
O Christ Jesus,when all is darknessand we feel our weakness and helplessness,give us the sense of Your presence,Your love, and Your strength.Help us to have perfect trustin Your protecting loveand strengthening power,so that nothing may frighten or worry us,for, living close to You,we shall see Your hand,Your purpose, Your will through all things.
St. Raphael and Our Guardian Angel
several prayers at http://www.katolik.nu/now/html/prayer.htm
Also
Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel
Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor {mention your petition} and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Saint Raphael of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease, and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways.
Images
Friday, March 9, 2007
Kosovo to Honor Mother Teresa
Church to Be Built in Her Parents' Native Land
KOENIGSTEIN, Germany, MARCH 6, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Kosovo's government has given permission to build a church dedicated to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Her parents were Kosovo natives. Bishop Dode Gjergji of Prizren, in the province of Kosovo, made that announcement when thanking the international charity Aid to the Church in Need for 12 years of support in Albania, Mother Teresa's native country. "The dream of my predecessor shall come true, a Catholic cathedral devoted to Mother Teresa," the prelate said. "For us, she is a sister, a member of the family." Bishop Gjergji said that the construction will begin after Easter. "As Mother Teresa's father and mother were from Kosovo, it is the wish of all the people, of the government and of the Muslims too," to build the church, the bishop added. "There are Christians since the first century here," he added. "And our Muslims have a special history; some of them go back to their Catholic roots now. Each day, delegations come from the villages to ask us for baptism. We need your prayers to sustain their conversion." Commenting on the situation of the Church in Kosovo, the 44-year-old bishop of Prizren said: "Even though we are a minority of 60,000 Catholics, and many young people have left the country to look for work … we have good communication and a normal life with all the people of Kosovo." "Help our Church in Kosovo," he urged, "as we only have our poor's help here. Since we are a bridge for peace here, after the ruin of war, our Church in Kosovo deserves it, not only to survive but to contribute to the life of people and to the society in Kosovo." ZE07030622
_________________
“
Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.
”
—Mother Teresa
________________
O F FI C I A L N O V E N A
T O
B L E S S E D T E R E S A O F C A L C U T T A
http://www.motherteresacause.info/Novena.htm
THANKSGIVING MASS FOR THE BEATIFICATION OFMOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA
HOMILY OF CARDINAL JOSÉ SARAIVA MARTINS
( he's portuguese, by the way)
http://www.motherteresacause.info/omelia20October2003.htm
Image from www.ewtn.com/anniversary/timeline/1997.htm
Via Crucis
Stations of the Cross
http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/stations/face.htm - with reflections by Mother Angelica
http://198.62.75.1/www1/jsc/TVCmain.html - in Jerusalem
Image from http://www.lonnawilliams.com/image2175.gif
Thursday, March 8, 2007
St. John of God, portuguese
Born at Montemor o Novo, Portugal, 8 March, 1495, of devout Christian parents; died at Granada, 8 March, 1550. The wonders attending the saints birth heralded a life many-sided in its interests, but dominated throughout by implicit fidelity to the grace of God. A Spanish priest whom he followed to Oropeza, Spain, in his ninth year left him in charge of the chief shepherd of the place, to whom he gradually endeared himself through his punctuality and fidelity to duty, as well as his earnest piety. When he had reached manhood, to escape his mastery well-meant, but persistent, offer of his daughter's hand in marriage, John took service for a time in the army of Charles V, and on the renewal of the proposal he enlisted in a regiment on its way to Austria to do battle with the Turks. Succeeding years found him first at his birthplace, saddened by the news of his mother's premature death, which had followed close upon his mysterious disappearance; then a shepherd at Seville and still later at Gibraltar, on the way to Africa, to ransom with his liberty Christians held captive by the Moors. He accompanied to Africa a Portuguese family just expelled from the country, to whom charity impelled him to offer his services. On the advice of his confessor he soon returned to Gilbratar, where, brief as had been the time since the invention of the printing-press, he inaugurated the Apostolate of the printed page, by making the circuit of the towns and villages about Gilbratar, selling religious books and pictures, with practically no margin of profit, in order to place them within the reach of all.
More at
Also at
www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/03-08.htm (from where I took the image)
Thanks to my visitors
This it was how I felt when I saw I had so many visitors and comments - and such good ones!
I was so amazed lookig at the long list of visitors that, if I was not seated, I would fall for sure.
Thanks to all.
Image from http://www.toutimages.com/cadregifs.htm
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Cardinal Arinze wisdom
#On women priests:
In the history of the Church, were there ever women priests? Women can't be made priests, at any time; even the pope can't do that, can he?
No, the pope issued a document about seven years ago* saying that the Church has no power to ordain women priests. There were never women priests in the Church. If Christ would have wanted women to be priests, His Blessed Mother surely should have been number one.
#Why do so many churches not place the tabernacle in the center of the altar or in a prominent place?
The directives from Rome -- including the new Missal issued two years ago -- say that the tabernacle in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved is to be located in a very prominent place either at the center or at such a side altar that it is really prominent and that around it there are kneelers and chairs so that people can pray -- kneel down or sit down. And it is to be so prominent that nobody should need to look for it when you enter the church.
Therefore, whenever you enter a church and you look for the tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved and you do not easily see it, then those who arrange it are already wrong. Because it should be prominent -- it should stand out -- to show our faith.
However, it is not a law that it must be at the center. But it is a law that where it is should be prominent. And that it should be easy for people to see it and to go there and pray. But unfortunately in some churches, sometimes those who did it did not know. But they did not know that they did not know.
So you enter the church and you ask where is the tabernacle? "They have taken the Lord away and we do not know where they have put Him". That's what Mary Magdalene said on Easter day.
More at
http://www.adoremus.org/1003Arinze.html
In the history of the Church, were there ever women priests? Women can't be made priests, at any time; even the pope can't do that, can he?
No, the pope issued a document about seven years ago* saying that the Church has no power to ordain women priests. There were never women priests in the Church. If Christ would have wanted women to be priests, His Blessed Mother surely should have been number one.
#Why do so many churches not place the tabernacle in the center of the altar or in a prominent place?
The directives from Rome -- including the new Missal issued two years ago -- say that the tabernacle in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved is to be located in a very prominent place either at the center or at such a side altar that it is really prominent and that around it there are kneelers and chairs so that people can pray -- kneel down or sit down. And it is to be so prominent that nobody should need to look for it when you enter the church.
Therefore, whenever you enter a church and you look for the tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved and you do not easily see it, then those who arrange it are already wrong. Because it should be prominent -- it should stand out -- to show our faith.
However, it is not a law that it must be at the center. But it is a law that where it is should be prominent. And that it should be easy for people to see it and to go there and pray. But unfortunately in some churches, sometimes those who did it did not know. But they did not know that they did not know.
So you enter the church and you ask where is the tabernacle? "They have taken the Lord away and we do not know where they have put Him". That's what Mary Magdalene said on Easter day.
More at
http://www.adoremus.org/1003Arinze.html
The Roman Rite has Latin as its official language
Cardinal Arinze on the importance of Latin in liturgy
an address given by Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, at Gateway Liturgical Conference, St Louis, Missouri, 11 November, 2006
1. Excelling Dignity of Liturgical Prayer
2. Different Rites in the Church
3. Advantages of Latin in the Roman Liturgy
4. Gregorian Chant - "It is not true that the lay faithful do not want to sing the Gregorian chant. What they are asking for are priests and monks and nuns who will share this treasure with them."
5. Did Vatican II discourage Latin? - "This is not the case."
6. The Vernacular: Introduction. Extension. Conditions.
7. On Translations into the Vernacular
8. What is expected of us?
"We should do our best to appreciate the language which the Church uses in her liturgy and to join our hearts and voices to them, according as each liturgical rite may indicate. All of us cannot be Latin speakers, but the lay faithful can at least learn the simpler responses in Latin. Priests should give more attention to Latin so that they celebrate Mass in Latin occasionally. In big churches where there are many Masses celebrated on a Sunday or Feast day, why can one of those Masses not be in Latin? In rural parishes a Latin Mass should be possible, say once a month. In international assemblies, Latin becomes even more urgent. It follows that seminaries should discharge carefully their role of preparing and forming priests also in the use of Latin (cf October 2005 Synod of Bishops, Prop. 36)."
More at
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=8617&lan=eng
Traditional Latin Mass
Catholics in the U.K. Appeal to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in Support of the Traditional Latin Mass
There has been much speculation in the media in recent months about the expectation from Rome of a document that will grant greater freedom for the celebration of the traditional (‘Tridentine’) Roman rite of Mass. There have been some highly critical comments from certain quarters, especially from the French and German bishops, who do not agree with the prospect of loosening the very tight restrictions imposed by most bishops around the world. It is a fact, for whatever reason, that these bishops oppose greater freedom for the celebration of the traditional Mass and have no interest in the opinions of the laity or even of many of their own priests who long to celebrate this ancient rite; a rite that has never been abolished and is still valid.
In an effort to counter the negative and uninformed attitudes of the bishops a number of public manifestos have been published by lay people in France, Italy, Poland, Germany, and including one from English-speaking people from around the world. A number of people in the UK wish to publicly declare their support for Pope Benedict XVI and his intention to grant greater freedom for the celebration of the ancient classical Roman rite of Mass.
More at
http://www.unavoce.org/news/2007/UK_Appeal_012907.htm
There has been much speculation in the media in recent months about the expectation from Rome of a document that will grant greater freedom for the celebration of the traditional (‘Tridentine’) Roman rite of Mass. There have been some highly critical comments from certain quarters, especially from the French and German bishops, who do not agree with the prospect of loosening the very tight restrictions imposed by most bishops around the world. It is a fact, for whatever reason, that these bishops oppose greater freedom for the celebration of the traditional Mass and have no interest in the opinions of the laity or even of many of their own priests who long to celebrate this ancient rite; a rite that has never been abolished and is still valid.
In an effort to counter the negative and uninformed attitudes of the bishops a number of public manifestos have been published by lay people in France, Italy, Poland, Germany, and including one from English-speaking people from around the world. A number of people in the UK wish to publicly declare their support for Pope Benedict XVI and his intention to grant greater freedom for the celebration of the ancient classical Roman rite of Mass.
More at
http://www.unavoce.org/news/2007/UK_Appeal_012907.htm
Iraqi Catholics Losing Hope, Says Priest
Sees a Kind of Genocide Underway
ROME, MARCH 1, 2007 (Zenit.org).- A priest of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq laments that the faithful are "losing hope" in the war-torn nation. Father Philip Najim, procurator to the Holy See for the patriarch of Babylon, commenting to ZENIT on the situation of Catholics in Iraq, said that the "only armament we have to create peace is our prayer." Father Najim said that, in addition to traditional Lenten sacrifices, Iraqi Catholics need to witness the peace of Christ in their behavior and attitudes by drawing strength from God. The priest described daily life in Iraq as a kind of genocide. The daily plague of kidnappings, deaths, bombings, fear and instability, coupled with the cumulative effects of the U.N.-imposed trade embargo that lasted 12 years, have all but demolished a culture that has roots deep in pre-Christian history. He added that he hopes that Christians in Iraq will find new strength by turning to God anew this Lent: "When we find ourselves in very complicated situations, we often recognize the limits of our humanity and can find strength again in God, our Creator." Father Najim said that Christians in Iraq date back to the first century. The Chaldean Church has its own patriarch, who is seated in Baghdad, and retains its own theological, liturgical and canonical traditions, while maintaining full communion with Rome. In Baghdad before the war, 35 parishes were flourishing. Now, many of the churches have been destroyed, and priests are limited to celebrating the liturgy only on Sundays, he said. Uprooted Father Najim added that Chaldean Catholics in Europe number more than 80,000. These represent, in part, the "diaspora" who have fled Iraq to escape the bloodshed. In the United States, there are two Chaldean Catholic Dioceses that include many Iraqi expatriates. Catholics in Iraq are a minority, but nonetheless, they play an important role, he added. Regarding the role of the Church in Iraq, the priest said: "Christians bear a powerful witness by their attitudes and way of life. "We have built our cultures and traditions, families, friendships and faith, and we have always been friends with our fellow Iraqis." Father Najim said that Church leaders in Iraq have invited all people to pray for peace and unity during Lent. He added: "The freedom and dignity of the person are primary in our Catholic faith, and they are the basis for peace. "There can be no democracy unless it comes from within, and there can be no democracy without freedom." ZE07030129
From Zenit.org
ROME, MARCH 1, 2007 (Zenit.org).- A priest of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq laments that the faithful are "losing hope" in the war-torn nation. Father Philip Najim, procurator to the Holy See for the patriarch of Babylon, commenting to ZENIT on the situation of Catholics in Iraq, said that the "only armament we have to create peace is our prayer." Father Najim said that, in addition to traditional Lenten sacrifices, Iraqi Catholics need to witness the peace of Christ in their behavior and attitudes by drawing strength from God. The priest described daily life in Iraq as a kind of genocide. The daily plague of kidnappings, deaths, bombings, fear and instability, coupled with the cumulative effects of the U.N.-imposed trade embargo that lasted 12 years, have all but demolished a culture that has roots deep in pre-Christian history. He added that he hopes that Christians in Iraq will find new strength by turning to God anew this Lent: "When we find ourselves in very complicated situations, we often recognize the limits of our humanity and can find strength again in God, our Creator." Father Najim said that Christians in Iraq date back to the first century. The Chaldean Church has its own patriarch, who is seated in Baghdad, and retains its own theological, liturgical and canonical traditions, while maintaining full communion with Rome. In Baghdad before the war, 35 parishes were flourishing. Now, many of the churches have been destroyed, and priests are limited to celebrating the liturgy only on Sundays, he said. Uprooted Father Najim added that Chaldean Catholics in Europe number more than 80,000. These represent, in part, the "diaspora" who have fled Iraq to escape the bloodshed. In the United States, there are two Chaldean Catholic Dioceses that include many Iraqi expatriates. Catholics in Iraq are a minority, but nonetheless, they play an important role, he added. Regarding the role of the Church in Iraq, the priest said: "Christians bear a powerful witness by their attitudes and way of life. "We have built our cultures and traditions, families, friendships and faith, and we have always been friends with our fellow Iraqis." Father Najim said that Church leaders in Iraq have invited all people to pray for peace and unity during Lent. He added: "The freedom and dignity of the person are primary in our Catholic faith, and they are the basis for peace. "There can be no democracy unless it comes from within, and there can be no democracy without freedom." ZE07030129
From Zenit.org
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Catholic converts
I really like converts.
I was born catholic and remained catholic. I was not that kind of people that has all the conditions to be a strong catholic and prefers to turn his back.
I was born catholic and grew up catholic. As I was grewing and maturing I grew more and more catholic.
I feel so good about it I would like everybody would be catholic too. So, when I know about somebody that converts to catholicism I feel so happy and interested in it.
That's why I will try to post a banner of Catholic Converts on the right side bar.
I will, in due time, post all links I can about people that converted.
For now, I will post this banner.
I was born catholic and remained catholic. I was not that kind of people that has all the conditions to be a strong catholic and prefers to turn his back.
I was born catholic and grew up catholic. As I was grewing and maturing I grew more and more catholic.
I feel so good about it I would like everybody would be catholic too. So, when I know about somebody that converts to catholicism I feel so happy and interested in it.
That's why I will try to post a banner of Catholic Converts on the right side bar.
I will, in due time, post all links I can about people that converted.
For now, I will post this banner.
A wonderful conversion story
I felt my throat hurting and tears wanted to jump out of my eyes as I read this conversion story at http://happycatholic.blogspot.com/2005/01/my-conversion-story.html
Go there and read it. All that blog is very good.
Go there and read it. All that blog is very good.
Catholic Defense Directory
We must know and defend ourselves: we are sheep in the middle of wolves. Some are just ignorant people that in their everyday lives say, by their actions, " I will not serve the Lord". Others know very well that Christians are an obstacle to the spread of evil. Some others know that, among the Christians, strong Catholics are the warriors. So, what to do? They build a network at the service of the enemy.
Just see these sites at http://www.phatmass.com/directory/index.php/cat/30
Just see these sites at http://www.phatmass.com/directory/index.php/cat/30
Monday, March 5, 2007
St. Joseph's month
We are in March, the month of St. Joseph.
I will try, during this month, to post links about this glourious saint, the husband of Our Lady and the foster father of Our Lord.
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The shadow
Even when we can not see him, his hand is always there!
