Thursday, April 30, 2015

News Vatican Information Service April 30, 2015


SUMMARY:

- The Pope receives the president of the Republic of the Seychelles
- To the Anglican-Catholic Commission: the cause of unity is not an optional undertaking
- To the Community of Christian Life: reach out to the neediest frontiers of humanity
- Telegram for the death of Cardinal Giovanni Canestri: a wise pastor, attentive to the needs of others
- Pope Francis' prayer intentions for May
- Presentation of the concert for Papal works of charity
- New commission for Vatican communications
- The international community must not resign itself to the tragedy of Christians in the Middle East
- Audiences
- Notice
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The Pope receives the president of the Republic of the Seychelles

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father Francis received in audience the president of the Republic of the Seychelles, James Alix Michel, who subsequently met with Cardinal secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations existing between the Holy See and the Republic of the Seychelles. Mention was made of the Catholic Church’s contribution to the service of society, especially in the fields of welfare and education, and themes of common interest were considered, such as the dignity and full development of the human person and the protection of the environment.

Finally, there was an exchange of opinions on the socio-political situation in the country and in the region.

To the Anglican-Catholic Commission: the cause of unity is not an optional undertaking

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – This morning Pope Francis received in audience twenty members of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, meeting in these days in order to study the relationship between the universal Church and the local Church, with particular reference to processes for discussions and decision making regarding moral and ethical questions. The Commission was created as a result of the historic meeting in 1966 between Pope Paul VI and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Arthur Michael Ramsey, who signed a joint declaration to establish dialogue based on the Gospel and the common tradition in the hope of leading to the unity in truth for which Christ prayed.

Although that goal has not yet been reached, the Commission's visit to the Pope shows how “the shared tradition of faith and history between Anglicans and Catholics can inspire and sustain our efforts to overcome the obstacles to full communion”. Furthermore, the commission will shortly publish five jointly agreed statements from the second phase of the Anglican-Catholic dialogue, a reminder that ecumenical relations and dialogue are not secondary elements of the life of the Churches. “The cause of unity is not an optional undertaking and the differences which divide us must not be seen as inevitable”, said the Holy Father.

There is a strong bond that already unites us which goes beyond all divisions”, underlined Francis. “It is the testimony of Christians from different Churches and traditions, victims of persecution and violence simply because of the faith they profess. And not only now, that there are many of them; I think also of the martyrs of Uganda, half Catholics and half Anglicans. The blood of these martyrs will nourish a new era of ecumenical commitment, a fervent desire to fulfil the last will and testament of the Lord: that all may be one. The witness by these our brothers and sisters demands that we live in harmony with the Gospel and that we strive with determination to fulfil the Lord's will for his Church. Today the world urgently needs the common, joyful witness of Christians, from the defence of life and human dignity to the promotion of justice and peace. Together let us invoke the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to be able to respond courageously to the 'signs of the times' which are calling all Christians to unity and common witness”.

To the Community of Christian Life: reach out to the neediest frontiers of humanity

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – This morning Pope Francis received in audience the Community of Christian Life (CVX) and the Student Missionary League, for the inauguration of the National Conference of the two Italian groups, exponents of Ignatian spirituality, to be held in Frascati, Italy, from today until 3 May, on the theme “Beyond Walls”. The Holy Father handed them a written discourse in which he indicates various priorities to be taken into account on their spiritual and community path.

First, he mentions the challenge of promoting a culture of justice and peace. “Faced with a culture of illegality, corruption and confrontation, you are called to devote yourselves to the common good, also through service to those linked to politics. If Christians dissociate themselves from direct involvement in politics, it would be a betrayal of the mission of the lay faithful, who are called upon to be salt and light in the world, also through this form of presence”.

He focuses on family pastoral ministry, following the last Synod of Bishops, as a second apostolic priority, and encouraged them to help diocesan communities in their care for families, the vital cell of society, an in accompanying couples as they prepare for marriage. He also emphasises the importance of working with those who have “drifted away” from the Church: among them there are many separated couples, “who suffer as a result of the failure of their plans for married life”, and also other difficult family situations.

Finally, he turns his attention to missionary life, and encourages them to maintain their capacity to “go out towards the frontiers of humanity at its neediest”. The Pope mentions the members of communities present in Syria, Lebanon and plans for the reception of immigrants in Sicily, and reminds them that, “in this luminous and fruitful apostolic style, you too can be active in inspiring the various educational institutions in Italy, Catholic and state-managed, as in other parts of the world”.

Telegram for the death of Cardinal Giovanni Canestri: a wise pastor, attentive to the needs of others

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – The Holy Father has sent a telegram of condolences to Cardinal Agostino Vallini, his vicar for the diocese of Rome, for the death at the age of 97 of Cardinal Giovanni Canestri, who was archbishop of Genoa, Italy from 1987 to 1995. Originally from the diocese of Alessandria, the late cardinal belonged to the clergy of Rome.

The passing of the venerated cardinal elicits in my heart profound emotion and sincere admiration for an esteemed man of the Church who lived with humility and devotion his long and fruitful priesthood and episcopate in the service of the Gospel and of the souls entrusted to him. I recall with gratitude his fervent ministry, first as a deputy priest during the difficult war years in the outskirts of Rome, areas affected by suffering and poverty; then as a parish priest in two populous suburbs, intent on educating the young in particular in the joy of faith. Upon being appointed as auxiliary bishop of Rome, he devoted himself with apostolic intensity to the spiritual and material needs of the people, while participating diligently in the work of Vatican Council II. In his episcopal ministry in Tortona, then as vicegerent and subsequently archbishop of Cagliari, and finally Genoa-Bobbio, he demonstrated pastoral wisdom and generous attention to the needs of others, reaching out to all with goodness and gentleness. I raise fervent prayers that the Lord receive the late cardinal in eternal joy and peace, and I bestow upon you and those who share in sorrow the comfort of my apostolic blessing, with a special thought for the Apostolic Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who lovingly cared for him especially in these last years of his infirmity”.

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for May

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) - The Holy Father's universal prayer intention for May is: “That, rejecting the culture of indifference, we may care for our neighbours who suffer, especially the sick and the poor”.

His intention for evangelisation is: “That Mary's intercession may help Christians in secularised cultures be open to proclaiming Jesus”.

Presentation of the concert for Papal works of charity

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – This morning a press conference was held in the Holy See Press Office to present the concert organised to support the Pope's charitable work, which will take place on 14 May, solemnity of the Ascension, at 6 p.m. in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. The concert, to be conducted by Maestro Daniel Oren and performed by the Philarmonic Orchestra of Salerno, Italy and the choir of the diocese of Rome led by Msgr. Marco Frisina, is sponsored by the Papal Almoner, the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation, and the St. Matthew Foundation, in memory of Cardinal Van-Thuan, and unites culture with charitable concerns. For the occasion, the donations gathered will be entirely devolved to the office of the Apostolic Almoner, the dicastery responsible for the Pope's charity.

The protagonists of the event are the most needy, the poor and sick, who will occupy the front rows and have been invited through charitable and voluntary associations: the Great Priory of Rome and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Circle of St. Peter, diocesan Caritas, the Sant'Egidio Community and the Centro Astalli, which assists migrants and refugees, the Daughters of Charity and other associations present in the diocese of Rome. The event will also be attended by detainees from the Rebibbia prison and various inhabitants of camps for nomadic peoples. Elderly people, families and young people from the Roman parishes have also been invited, especially those from the quarters afflicted by material and spiritual difficulties.

An invitation is required to attend the concert. These are entirely free and may be obtained online before 8 May by compiling the form on the website of the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, at http://www.corodiocesidiroma.com/concerto-aula-paolo-vi.html.

During the press conference, Msgr. Diego Ravelli, head of the office of the Apostolic Almoner, explained that this will be a concert not only “with” the poor but rather “for” the poor, as the donations made by the sponsors and all those who wish to offer an economic contribution will be destined for Pope Francis' charitable works. This task is entrusted to the Apostolic Almoner, whose mission is explained below, and which receives every day a great number of letters from needy people and families, a number that has increased along with the economic crisis, rising unemployment and the phenomenon of immigration. All these letters are authenticated by parish priests and other ecclesiastical authorities, to whom as guarantors the economic assistance will be given, to be devolved to the people concerned, “as it is important for the Pope's concrete gesture to be integrated with the solidarity of the local Church and Christian parish community”.

Aid will be modest as it is hoped it will reach the largest possible number of people”, he continued. “The Almoner's Office also supports associations devoted to alleviating the suffering of different groups of people in difficulties, such as the homeless, political refugees, prisoners, overseas university students, hospital inpatients, the elderly, single mothers and orphaned or abandoned children. Similarly, again with modest subsidies, it also intervenes outside Italy, especially in the poorest countries, to support initiatives of a charitable nature promoted by bishops and diocesan or religious priests. Particular attention is also given to cloistered women religious, who often lack sufficient economic resources for everyday needs or to face extraordinary or unexpected maintenance work on community buildings”.

In total, the sum that the Apostolic Almoner distributed in 2014 exceeded one and a half million Euros”, said Msgr. Rivelli, who went on to remark that when Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Konrad Krajewski in 2013 he instructed him to reach out to the poor, not to wait for them to ask for help, and to “leave his desk to go in search of them beyond the office walls”.

All this is possible thanks to the charity fund available to the Almoner, made up of donations from private individuals and groups or bodies, or collections organised for the purpose, and offers directly from the hands of the Holy Father, who receives contributions for his charity during the general audiences and from meetings with pilgrims. The majority of the funds, however, come from the faculty, delegated to the Almoner by Pope Leo XIII, to grant apostolic blessings in the form of documents on parchment to the faithful who request them for certain occasions”.

New commission for Vatican communications

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – During the last meeting of the Council of Cardinals to assist the Holy Father in the governance of the universal Church and to draw up a plan for the revision of the apostolic constitution “Pastor bonus” on the Roman Curia (13-15 April 2015), the final report of the committee charged with proposing reform of Vatican communications, the so-called Vatican Media Committee (VMC), was examined.

The Council of Cardinals subsequently proposed to His Holiness the institution of a commission to study this final report and to suggest feasible approaches to its implementation. The proposal was favourably accepted by the Holy Father, who on 23 April decided to institute the commission and to appoint its members.

The new commission will be chaired by Msgr. Dario Edoardo Vigano, director of the Vatican Television Centre, and its members will be: Paolo Nusiner, director general of the daily newspaper “Avvenire”, Nuova Editoriale Italiana, Milan; Msgr. Lucio Adrian Ruiz, head of the Vatican Internet Service, directorate of Telecommunications of the Governorate of Vatican City State; Fr. Antonio Spadaro, S.J., director of “La Civiltà Cattolica”; and Msgr. Paul Tighe, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

The international community must not resign itself to the tragedy of Christians in the Middle East

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, spoke yesterday at the opening of the Symposium “Christians in the Middle East: what future?”, organised by the Sant'Egidio Community and the archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto, Italy.

In his address, the cardinal remarked that many Christians in the East, hearing just a few days ago the story of Pilate's famous gesture of washing his hands, “may have thought of the indifference and inaction to which the international community appears to have resigned itself before the tragedies that have for some years now been wearing away at Syria and Iraq”. He added, “it is also saddening to see the incapacity of leaders in Lebanon, even those who are Christians, to arrive at consensus on the new president on the basis of a line of conduct due less to conscience than to the weighty influences of the forces that compete for supremacy in the area”.

We trust, however, that in the heart of all people, both in the West and in the East, the governor Pilate's poignant question remains alive: 'Quid est veritas?', 'What is truth?', followed by his search and service to it. The truth is first and foremost an act of removing every veil and covering from reality. It cannot be denied that if a solution has not yet been found it is certainly because the problems are many and complex, and also touch upon the internal relations between the different groups of Muslim faithful and between them and other religions present in the region, including Christians. But it is also legitimate to think that there are interests and balances of power and wealth that go before – seemingly without conceding a step – the mere survival, rather than the well-being, of the populations. And this is a scandal: let us remember what the Lord says, still today, to all the Cains on earth: 'What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground'.

Cardinal Sandri went on to mention that every year he launches an appeal, on behalf of the Holy Father, for support and aid to Christians in the Holy Land, a term that designates not only those who live within the borders of the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, but also all the places linked to salvation history, the area of Mesopotamia and Persia, where the apostles preached, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt, where the Holy Family sought refuge.

But mentioning a presence thus configured must be an indication of a method also for discussion at other levels”, he added. “It is not possible to speak of stability in the Middle East without reference to the age-old question of Israel and Palestine, accepting that Christians are permitted to live relatively peacefully in both territories. On the other hand, there must be no doubt regarding the need for all States, including Israel, to exist and be protected, not threatened. It is the task of Christian pastors throughout the Middle East to help their faithful to grow in this knowledge, pouring abundant oil of consolation, forgiveness and mercy on the wounds of the recent past. If we do not move in this direction, there is no doubt that power-crazed groups such as ISIS will multiply, especially as they are supported with arms and resources by various interested parties”.

The West appears to have lost, over the centuries, the capacity for conceiving of itself within a healthy religious framework of reference, and increasingly favours an exasperated secular model, if not indeed a true 'eclipse of God'. The destruction and horrors of the Middle East – which some wish to attribute exclusively to the religious factors – must not become an excuse to confirm this partial and mistaken vision, but rather a stimulus for rethinking the coexistence of and collaboration between different sectors of society for the full development of humanity”, concluded the prefect.

The participants in the symposium subsequently attended the Basilica of St. Nicholas, patron of Bari, where they prayed for the saint's intercession to bring an end to the suffering of Christians in the Middle East and to accompany the work of the Pan-Orthodox Council, to be held in Turkey in 2016.

Audiences

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father received in audience Bishop Robert Francis Provost, apostolic administrator of Chiclayo, Peru.

Notice

Vatican City, 30 April 2015 (VIS) – We inform our readers that tomorrow, Friday 1 May, feast of St. Joseph the Worker and a holiday in the Vatican, the Vatican Information Service bulletin will not be transmitted. Service will resume on Monday, 4 May.


You can find more information at: www.visnews.org
The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.
Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City





Wednesday, April 29, 2015

News Vatican Information Service April 29, 2015


SUMMARY:

- General audience: the dignity of marriage
- The Pope sends a video message to guests at the Caritas centres
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General audience: the dignity of marriage

Vatican City, 29 April 2015 (VIS) – Following last Wednesday's catechesis on God's original plan for man and woman as a couple, the Pope spoke at today's general audience about marriage, recalling that Jesus' first miracle took place during the wedding at Cana, when He transformed water into wine and thus ensured that the celebrations could take place. “This fact reminds us of Genesis, when God completed His creation with his masterpiece: man and woman”, he said. “And Jesus began His miracles with this masterpiece, in marriage. … Thus Jesus teaches us that the masterpiece of society is the family: the man and the woman who love each other. ... Since that time, many things have changed but that 'sign' of Christ contains a message that remains valid”.

Nowadays it does not seem easy to describe marriage as a celebration that is renewed over time, in the different seasons in the entire life of spouses. It is a fact that fewer people marry. Instead, in many countries the number of separations is increasing, while the number of children is in decline. The difficulty of staying together – both as a couple and as a family – leads to bonds being broken with increasing frequency and rapidity. … In effect, many young people are led to give up the plan of an irrevocable bond and a lasting family. There is a kind of culture of the provisional: everything is temporary, and it seems that nothing is permanent”.

For this reason, the Pope continued, one of the questions we must face nowadays is why young people do not choose to get married, and seem to have little confidence in marriage and in the family. “The difficulties are not only of an economic nature, although these are very important”, he observed. “Many people believe that the change that has taken place in recent decades was set in motion by the emancipation of women. But this argument is not valid either. It is an insult, a form of misogyny that seeks to subjugate women. If men behave in this way, we are like Adam, when God asked him who had eaten the fruit of the tree, and he said that the woman gave it to him”.

In reality, almost all men and women would prefer emotional security in the form of a solid marriage and a happy family … but, for fear of failure, many do not even want to think about it. … Perhaps it is precisely that fear of failure that is the greatest obstacle to receiving the word of Christ, Who promises His grace to the matrimonial union and to the family”. However, “marriage consecrated by God preserves that bond between man and woman that God has blessed ever since the creation of the world; and it is a source of peace and good for all married and family life. For example, in the early times of Christianity, this great dignity of the bond between man and woman defeated an abuse considered to be entirely normal in those times, that is, the right of husbands to repudiate their wives, even for the most specious and humiliating reasons. The Gospel, the Gospel that announces this sacrament, ended this culture of habitual repudiation”.

The Christian seed of radical equality between spouses must bear new fruit today”, emphasised the Holy Father. “The witness of the social dignity of marriage will become persuasive, the witness of reciprocity between husband and wife, of complementarity. .. And as Christians we must become more demanding in this respect. For example, in decisively supporting equal pay for equal work: inequality is a scandal. Why is it taken for granted that women should earn less than men? No! They have the same rights. At the same time, the maternity of women and the paternity of men should be recognised as a richness that remains valid, especially for the benefit of children. Equally, the virtue of hospitality in Christian families today retains a crucial importance, especially in situations of poverty, degradation and domestic violence”.

Do not be afraid of inviting Jesus to the wedding celebrations! And also His Mother Mary!” exclaimed Pope Francis. “Christians, when they marry 'in the Lord', are transformed into an effective sign of God's love. Christians do not marry only for themselves: they marry in the Lord in favour of all the community, of society as a whole”.

The Pope sends a video message to guests at the Caritas centres

Vatican City, 29 April 2015 (VIS) – Yesterday evening in the Brancaccio theatre, Rome, the guests of the Caritas reception centre were the protagonists of the play “Se non fosse per te” (“If it were not for you”), directed by Carlo Del Giudice, which narrates their life stories. It recounts stories of love, disappointment and abandonment, but also of mutual love for children, parents, life and God. It offers a unique opportunity for dialogue between Rome and her most vulnerable citizens, in which Pope Francis wished to participate by sending a video message to the actors.

The way in which you speak to the city offers a meaningful opportunity for dialogue and exchange. Between you, on the stage, displaying your hidden talents, assisted by expert professionals who have guided you as actors to enable your resources and potential to flourish – and those who are listen, surely amazed by the richness you offer. Whoever thought that a homeless person could be someone we can learn from? Whoever thought they could be a saint? Instead, this evening you transmit to us from the stage valuable teachings on love, on the needs of others, on solidarity, and on how to find, amid difficulties, the love of the Father”.

Poverty is the great teaching that Jesus gave to us when he descended into the waters of the Jordan to be baptised by John the Baptist. He did not do so out of a need for penance, for conversion; He did so in order to be among the people, people in need of forgiveness, in the midst of us, sinners, in order to bear the burden of our sins. And this is the path He chose so as to console us, save us, liberate us from our misery. That which gives us true freedom, true salvation and true happiness is His love of compassion, tenderness and sharing. The Good Samaritan who lifts us up, beaten by robbers”.

St. Gregory of Nyssa, a great theologian of antiquity, writes: 'Consider well who are the poor in the Gospel and discover their dignity; they wear the face of the Lord. In His mercy He has given them His own face'. And St. Augustine said, 'On earth Christ is hungry in the poor. You must fear Christ in heaven and recognise Him on earth; on earth He is poor, in heaven He is rich'”.

I too wish to make these words my own. You are not a burden to us. You are the wealth without which our attempts to discover the face of the Lord are in vain. A few days after my election, I received from you a letter of well wishes and offers of prayer. I remember replying immediately, to tell you that I hold you in my heart and am at your disposal. I confirm those words. On that occasion I asked you to pray for me. I reiterate my request, as I am truly in need of your prayers”.

The Pope went on to thank all the workers of Caritas Rome. “I think of them as my hands, the hands of the bishop, in touching the Body of Christ. I also thank the many volunteers from the parishes of Rome and other parts of Italy. In this way they discover a world that requires attention and solidarity; men and women who seek affection, relationships, dignity, and with whom we can experience charity by learning to welcome, listen and give of ourselves”.

The Pope remarked that the city of Rome has in all times been distinguished by persons filled with God's love. “Let us think of St. Lawrence (his jewels were the poor) and St. Pammachius (a Roman senator who converted and devoted himself exclusively to the service of the least among us), St. Fabiola (the first to build a hostel for the poor in Porto), St. Philip Neri, Blessed Angelo Paoli, St. Joseph Labre (the 'beggar saint'), and Don Luigi di Liegro, founder of Caritas Rome. How I would like Rome to shine with 'pietas' for those who suffer, with welcome for those who flee from war and death, with willingness, smiles and magnanimity for those who have lost hope. How I would like the Church of Rome always to show herself to be an ever more attentive and caring mother to the weak. We all have weaknesses, all of us; everyone has their own. How I would like the parish communities in prayer, as a poor person enters the Church, to kneel in veneration as they do when the Lord enters! How I would like the flesh of Christ to be touched in the needy of this city”.

The Pope concluded his message by expressing his hope of meeting the actors personally, as occurred recently with the homeless in the Sistine Chapel, and he bestowed on them his blessing.


You can find more information at: www.visnews.org
The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.
Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City






Tuesday, April 28, 2015

News Vatican Information Service April 28, 2015


SUMMARY:

- The Pope greets UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences
- “Cor Unum” to send 100,000 dollars to earthquake-stricken Nepal
- Audiences
- Other Pontifical Acts
______________________________________

The Pope greets UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences

Vatican City, 28 April 2015 (VIS) - Shortly after 9 a.m. this morning in the Casina Pio IV, seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Holy Father briefly met with the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon, present at the Academy for the subsequent opening presentation of the international workshop “Protect the Earth, dignify humanity. The moral dimensions of climate change and sustainable development”.

During the private audience the secretary of the United Nations, as he explained in the following press conference, expressed to the Pope his gratitude for having agreed to address the Assembly of the United Nations this coming 25 September and remarked that he was looking forward to the Holy Father’s discourse on the occasion and to his forthcoming encyclical. He also illustrated various aspects of the United Nations’ current commitment not only to environmental issues, but also to migrants and the dramatic humanitarian situations in the areas of the world affected by conflicts.

Cor Unum” to send 100,000 dollars to earthquake-stricken Nepal

Vatican City, 28 April 2015 (VIS) – Following the earthquake that struck the territory of Nepal with extraordinary vehemence last weekend, the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” has undertaken to send a first contribution of 100 thousand dollars for aid to the population on behalf of the Holy Father.

This sum, which will be sent to the local Church, will be used to support aid operations for the displaced and other affected persons, and is intended as a first and immediate concrete expression of Pope Francis' “spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement” towards those afflicted, as he assured during the Regina Coeli of Sunday 26 April. Episcopal conferences and Catholic charitable entities are already extensively involved in humanitarian works.

According to the data currently available but not yet definitive, there have been more than 4,300 victims so far and approximately 7 million affected in 34 districts of Nepal, a million homeless, and around 2 million children in need of assistance. Numerous villages are isolated and aid has not yet reached them. The government has estimated that roughly 400 thousand buildings have been destroyed.

Audiences

Vatican City, 28 April 2015 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father received in private audience Rafael Correa Delgado, president of the Republic of Ecuador, and entourage.

Other Pontifical Acts

Vatican City, 28 April 2015 (VIS) – The Holy Father has appointed:

- Rev. Fr. Edward Mapunda as bishop of Singida (area 49,341, population 1,500,000, Catholics 238,307, priests 67, religious 437), Tanzania. The bishop-elect was born in Mango, Tanzania in 1964, and was ordained a priest in 1997. He holds a Master's degree in education from the University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and has served as formator and subsequently vice-rector of the minor seminary of Singida. He is currently bursar and diocesan delegate for health.

- Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, as president of the Commission for Lawyers.


You can find more information at: www.visnews.org
The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.
Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City





Monday, April 27, 2015

News Vatican Information Service April 27, 2015


SUMMARY:

- Queen Silvia of Sweden and her family visit the Pope
- The Pope praises the dynamism of the Church in Benin
- Ordination of nineteen new priests: imitate the Father, who never tires of forgiving
- Regina Coeli: contemplation and thanksgiving are not enough – we must follow the Good Shepherd
- Telegram for the earthquake in Nepal
- To the John Paul II Foundation: nurture solidarity with Christian fraternity
- Audiences
- Other Pontifical Acts
______________________________________

Queen Silvia of Sweden and her family visit the Pope

Vatican City, 27 April 2015 (VIS) – At 10 a.m. today, in the private Library of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father received in private audience Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, accompanied by various family members and her entourage.

This afternoon, Her Majesty will participate in a workshop at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences organised by the Embassy of Sweden to the Holy See and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences on the theme of the fight against human trafficking, with particular attention to children. She will subsequently visit the Vatican Apostolic Library for the inauguration of the “distribution desk” realised with the contribution of the King Gustaf VI Adolf Foundation.

During the conversation, which took place mostly in Spanish, a language the Queen knows well, she informed the Pope of the activities she promotes in Sweden, especially for the benefit of children, and the Pope took the opportunity the express his gratitude for the welcome extended by Sweden to refugees and displaced persons. Among the gifts from Queen Silvia, the Pope received three small Swedish prayer books, also adapted for children. The religious education of her children has been particularly close to the sovereign's heart, and the Pope expressed his lively appreciation.

Princess Madeleine, with her husband and one year-old daughter Leonore, were also present in the Queen’s entourage, and the Pope therefore received the young family with particular affection.

The Pope praises the dynamism of the Church in Benin

Vatican City, 27 April 2015 (VIS) – The vitality of the Church, the pastoral ministry of the family, attention to priests and persons religious, and relations with the civil authorities are the central themes of the written discourse that the Pope handed to the bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Benin this morning, at the end of their “ad Limina” visit.

The Holy Father begins by praising the dynamism of parish life, the extensive participation of the faithful in ceremonies and the increase of vocations to the priesthood, but he also echoed the prelates' reports that it is at times superficial and lacking in solidity and strength. “Therefore, it is important that the desire for a profound knowledge of the Christian mystery not be the prerogative of an elite, but instead must inspire all faithful, as everyone is called to holiness. It is imperative that the Church in Benin resists and defeats the winds to the contrary that are rising throughout the world and do not fail to blow upon you too. I know that you are vigilant in the face of numerous ideological and media attacks. The spirit of secularisation is at work in your country too, although it is not yet very visible. Only a faith profoundly rooted in the heart of the faithful, and lived in a concrete way, will enable you to face this”.

One of the challenges to the Church in Benin is family pastoral ministry, to which the upcoming Synod will seek to respond. The Pope thanks the prelates of Benin for their prayers for this assembly, and for their mobilisation of the dioceses to participate in such important event. “I can only encourage you to continue with determination in the efforts you have undertaken to support families, both in their faith and in their daily life. I know that the pastoral ministry of marriage remains difficult, considering the real social and cultural situation of the people. However, do not be discouraged, but persevere tirelessly as the family in defence of the Catholic Church is a reality willed by God; it is a gift of God that brings joy, stability and happiness to people and to societies. It is an important challenge since the family, as the basic unit of both society and of the Church, is the place where authentic human and Gospel values are transmitted”.

The bishop of Rome then turns to the theme of the education of the younger generations, who must bring solidarity, justice and mutual respect to the society of the future. “It is necessary to promote in your country – without of course renouncing any of the Truth as revealed by the Lord – the encounter between cultures and dialogue between religions, especially with Islam. It is well known that Benin offers an example of harmony between the religions present in her territory. It is however wise to be vigilant, considering the current world climate, in order to conserve this fragile heritage. I am particularly pleased that an international colloquium on interreligious dialogue has been held, under the presidency of Cardinal Tauran, which was widely appreciated”.

Your local Churches have a key role in promoting harmony and justice in the progress of the country”, Pope Francis observes. “But it is a role they also play in healthcare and human development. How much work is carried out in the name of the Gospel in your dioceses! While the global crisis is affecting many countries, it is necessary to go against the grain with courage, fighting against the throwaway culture that reaches everywhere and spreading the Gospel values of hospitality and encounter. The service of charity is a constitutive dimension of the mission of the Church, and it is an expression of her essence. However, it should be borne in mind that the spirit of the works accomplished by the Church has a specific nature that must be clearly identified: she never acts as a form of simple social aid, but rather as the manifestation of the tenderness and mercy of Jesus Himself, who tends to the wounds and weaknesses of His brothers. The joy of the Gospel is thus announced to humanity in the most effective way”.

The Pope thanks the priests of Benin for their generous service into the Gospel and mentions again the great number of vocations, a blessing from the Lord, and encourages the Church in Benin to share her resources with the Churches of other regions which are lacking. However, he writes, “when you send your priests to study or on missions elsewhere, do so with judgement, without forgetting the needs of your own Churches”.

The final paragraphs of the text are dedicated to the good relationship between the Church and the civil authorities in the country. “The voice of the Church is listened to and her action is appreciated. I invite you to continue to take your place fully in the public life of the country, especially in these times. I know you are engaged in constant work to encourage relations between the different components of society. I invite you to continue along this path, taking care not to enter directly into the political arena or party disputes. The conduct of public affairs remains the duty of the laity, whom you have the important duty of ceaselessly educating and encouraging”.

Ordination of nineteen new priests: imitate the Father, who never tires of forgiving

Vatican City, 26 April 2015 (VIS) – On the 52nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis conferred priestly ordination to nineteen deacons: thirteen from the Roman diocesan seminaries (Pontifical Roman Major Seminary, “Redemptoris Mater” Diocesan College, Seminary of Our Lady of Divine Love) and six from other colleges. The Mass was concelebrated by the Holy Father and Cardinal Agostino Vallini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, vicegerent, the auxiliary bishops, the superiors of the seminaries involved, and the deacons' parish priests.

During the liturgy of ordination, the Pope pronounced the homily for this rite, improvising some paragraphs. “These sons of ours are called to the order of the presbytery. It is good for us to reflect a little on the ministry to which they will be elevated within the Church. As you well know, the Lord Jesus is the sole Supreme Priest of the New Testament, but in Him also all the holy people of God is constituted as a priestly people. All of us! Nonetheless, among all His disciples, Jesus wishes to choose some in particular to publicly exercise priestly office on behalf of all mankind, thus continuing His personal mission as teacher, priest and pastor. … They have reflected on this, their vocation, and now they are to receive the ordination to the priesthood. And the bishop risks – risks! - and chooses them, just as the Father risked for each one of us”.

And to you, who are about to be raised to the order of the presbytery, consider that by exercising the ministry of the Holy Doctrine you will participate in the mission of Christ, the sole master. Dispense to all that Word of God, that you yourselves have received with joy. Read and meditate diligently on the Word of the Lord so as to believe in what you have read, to teach what you have learnt in faith, to live what you have taught. And may this be the nourishment of the People of God; may your homilies never be dull; may your homilies arrive straight to the heart of the people as they come from your heart: what you say to them is what you have in your heart. In this way one offers the Word of the Lord, and in this way your doctrine will be joy and sustenance to Christ's faithful; the aroma of your life will be witness, as example edifies, whereas words without example are empty. They are ideas that never reach the heart and may even do harm; they do not do good”.

When you celebrate Mass, acknowledge then what you are doing. Do not be hasty! Imitate what you celebrate – it is not an artificial rite. … With Baptism, you will add new faithful to the People of God. You must never refuse Baptism to those who ask for it. With the Sacrament of Penance you will forgive sins in the name of Christ and of the Church. And I, in the name of the Jesus Christ, the Lord, and His spouse, the Holy Church, I ask you never to tire of being merciful. You will be in the confessional to forgive, not to condemn! Imitate the Father, Who never tires of forgiving. With the holy oils you will bring relief to the sick. By celebrating the holy rites and raise at the different times of the day the prayers of praise and supplication, you will become the voice of the People of God and of the whole of humanity. Aware of having been chosen among men and constituted for their benefit to attend to matters of God, exercise Christ's priestly work with joy and sincere charity, intent solely on pleasing God and not yourselves. A priest who lives to please himself, who acts like a peacock, is unpleasant”.

Finally, participating in Christ's mission as Head and Pastor in filial communion with your bishop, make efforts to unite the faithful in a single family – you are ministers of unity in the Church and in the family – to lead them to God the Father by means of Christ in the Holy Spirit”, he concluded, adding. “and always keep before your eyes the example of the Good Shepherd, Who did not come to be served, but to serve; not to remain in comfort, but to reach out to seek and save what was lost”.

Regina Coeli: contemplation and thanksgiving are not enough – we must follow the Good Shepherd

Vatican City, 26 April 2015 (VIS) – At the end of the celebration of Holy Mass for new vocations, Pope Francis appeared at the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to pray this Sunday's Regina Coeli with the faithful gathered in the square. Beforehand the Holy Father spoke about the figure of Jesus, the Good Shepherd in Whom we contemplate God's Providence.

The Father gave us the greatest and most precious gift He could give. It is the highest and purest love, as it is not motivated by any need, it is not conditioned by any calculation, it is not attracted by any interest to receive in exchange. Before this love of God, we experience immense joy and open ourselves up to the the acknowledgement of what we have freely received. But contemplating and giving thanks are not enough. We must also follow the Good Shepherd. In particular, those who have the mission of guides in the Church – priests, bishops, popes – are called upon to assume not the mentality of a manager but rather that of a servant, in imitation of Jesus Who, despoiling Himself, saved us with His mercy. The new priests of the diocese of Rome, whom I have had the joy of ordaining this morning in St. Peter's Basilica, are also called to this style of pastoral life”.

The Pope invited two of the newly ordained priests to appear at the window to greet the people and to thank the faithful for their ordination, and he asked that Our Lady might obtain for him, for the bishops and the priests of all the world the grace of serving the holy people of God through the joyful preaching of the Gospel, heartfelt celebration of the Sacraments and patient and gentle pastoral guidance”.

Following the Marian prayer, the Pope assured his closeness to those affected by the powerful earthquake in Nepal and neighbouring countries. “I pray for the victims, for the injured, and for all those who suffer as a result of this disaster”, he said. “May they have the support of fraternal solidarity. And let us pray to Our Lady to be close to them”.

Telegram for the earthquake in Nepal

Vatican City, 26 April 2015 (VIS) – Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has sent a telegram of condolences on behalf of the Holy Father to Bishop Paul Simick, of the apostolic vicariate of Nepal, for the victims of the earthquake that struck the country and neighbouring India, Tibet and Bangladesh.

His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake and the resultant loss of many hundreds of lives in Nepal, as well as in neighbouring countries. He expresses his solidarity with all affected by this disaster and assures those who grieve for deceased family members of his closeness in prayer. His Holiness commends the souls of the victims to the loving mercy of the Almighty and he offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they continue their rescue efforts and assistance to those touched by this tragedy. Upon them all he invokes the blessings of the Almighty as a pledge of healing and consolation”.

To the John Paul II Foundation: nurture solidarity with Christian fraternity

Vatican City, 25 April 2015 (VIS) - “The canonisation of John Paul II has given a new impulse to your work in the service of the Church and evangelisation. It has rendered it, if possible, even more universal. And you offer a valuable contribution to ensuring that the spiritual legacy of this Pope saint may continue to make fertile the great field of the Church and to support her path through history”, said the Pope this morning to the members of the John Paul II Foundation, whom he received in audience in the Sala Clementina of the Apostolic Palace.

Francis thanked them for their initiatives in the educational field, recalling John Paul II's great love for the young. “You contribute to ensuring that his charism and his paternity continue to bear fruit”, he remarked, also emphasising the valuable opportunities they offer to priests and laypeople to enhance their formation, to be better prepared and to accompany communities in facing the cultural and pastoral challenges of our times.

It is enough to think of one of the key words of his teaching, 'solidarity': a word that some people thought ought to become obsolete, but which in reality still retains all its prophetic force”, he continued. “Therefore, it is important that you, first of all, in your 'network' of the Circles of Friends of the Foundation, live this solidarity among yourselves, nurturing it continually with Christian fraternity, inspired in turn by prayer and obedience to the Word of God”.

Audiences

Vatican City, 27 April 2015 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Professor Riccardo Di Segni, Chief Rabbi of Rome;

- Archbishop Bruno Musaro, apostolic nuncio to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Holy See delegate at the League of Arab States;

- Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, apostolic nuncio to Cuba;

- Ten prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Benin, on their “ad Limina” visit:

- Archbishop Antoine Ganye of Cotonou;

- Bishop Eugene Cyrille Houndekon of Abomey;

- Bishop Francois Gnonhossou, S.M.A., of Dassa-Zoume;

- Bishop Victor Agbanou of Lokossa;

- Archbishop Pascal N'Koue of Parakou;

- Bishop Paul Kouassivi Vieira of Djougou;

- Bishop Clet Feliho of Kandi;

- Bishop Antoine Sabi Bio of Natitingou;

- Bishop Martin Adjou Moumouni of N'Dali;

- Rev. Jean-Benoit Gnambode, diocesan administrator of Porto Novo.

On Saturday, 25 April, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops;

- Guillermo Leon Escobar Herran, new ambassador of Colombia to the Holy See, presenting his letters of credence;

- Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines;

- Msgr. Fernando Chica Arellano, Holy See permanent observer at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (F.A.O.), International Fund for Agricultural Development (I.F.A.D.), and World Food Programme (W.F.P.);

- Bishop Antonio Augusto dos Santos Marto of Leiria-Fatima, Portugal.

Other Pontifical Acts

Vatican City, 27 April 2015 (VIS) – The Holy Father has appointed Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, U.S.A., as metropolitan archbishop of Sante Fe (area 158,296, population 1,473,000, Catholics 328,850, priests 207, permanent deacons 215, religious 269), U.S.A. He succeeds Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese upon reaching the age limit was accepted by the Holy Father.


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