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FEBRUARY 29

Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem begins Jubilee tomorrow

Vatican City, 29 (NE) From March 1 to 4, 3,500 knights, dames and ecclesiastics from all over the world belonging to the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem will celebrate in Rome the Jubilee on occasion of the Holy Year. Pope John Paul II will receive members of the order, constituted at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 1099. Cardinal Furno, Grand Master of the order, will be present in several events to take place during the Jubilee. He will also preside Mass at the papal altar in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, March 4.

The charitable aim of the order is to assure the regular support of the Christian communities in the Holy Land with prayers and deeds. With the contributions of almost 20,000 knights and dames, the order meets the needs of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, among which is the maintenance of the clergy and upkeep of the patriarchal seminary and the parish schools.

The Order of the Holy Sepulchre was founded in 1099 to defend the pilgrims that traveled to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem after the crusaders conquered the Holy City. In 1498, Pope Innocent VIII united the order with the Knights Hospitallers, but was restored again in 1496 by Pope Alexander VI. He reserved to himself and his successors the title and office of supreme head, but empowered the Franciscan Custodian of Mount Sion, to confer in the name of the Pope the Knighthood of the Holy Sepulchre upon worthy persons. Popes Alexander VII in 1665 and Benedict XIII in 1727 confirmed the privilege

Pope Pius IX, when the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was reestablished in 1847, withdrew the Alexandrine faculty, and gave it to the new patriarch and his successors. He also entrusted the Order the aim of helping the needs and activities of the Patriarch. In 1996 the statutes were actualized for the last time. Pope John Paul II established and declared inalterable the charitable aim of securing the material and spiritual support of the Christian communities in the Holy Land.

Brazil: Mass for V Centenary of Evangelization to gather 350 Bishops

Rio de Janeiro, 29 (NE) Approximately 350 bishops and 150 priests will participate at the Eucharist that will commemorate the 500 years of the discovery and evangelization of Brazil, as the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) announced yesterday. It was also informed that the Mass will be celebrated on April 26, and not on the 22, day of the discovery, due to Easter celebrations. The Eucharist will take place at Coroa Vermelha, near Bahia, where the first Mass in Brazilian land was celebrated, 500 years ago. Prelates from different countries of the American continent and Europe will also be present at the celebration, together with bishops of Brazil. Pope John Paul II has named Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican State Secretary, as his special delegate for the celebration. Cardinal Sodano will deliver the homily during the Eucharist celebration. The participation of circa 300,000 persons is expected.

Boston: Holiness is the first vocation of Christians

Boston, 29 (NE) "The goal of these retreats is to strengthen in these men the conviction that their primary vocation is to holiness of life," recently stated Cardinal Bernard Law, Archbishop of Boston, in the last edition of the "The Pilot", after returning from a annual retreat of discernment that took place in his Archdiocese. "It is only with that strong conviction that one is able to discern the question of a vocation to priesthood, diaconate or the religious life," he stated. The retreat was attended by persons who find in their lives the call to a full consecration to the Lord. The Cardinal was glad with the response and participation during the retreat. He stated that to seek God's plan for each one "is what vocation discernment and all Christian life is about." This is expressed in the "words which Jesus taught us: 'Thy Will be done.'" After the retreat Cardinal Law emphasized the call to holiness as the way of Christian life, a call that everybody has and that is made concrete in the different states of life.

Jubilee of Scientists to encourage alliance between faith and science

Vatican, 29 (NE) The President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Cardinal Paul Poupard, presented yesterday the Jubilee of Scientists, that will be carried out from the 23rd to the 25th of May in the Vatican. The act that took place in the Holy See Press Office highlighted that the Jubilee of Scientists will gather scientists from all over the world aiming to recover the transcendent character of scientific investigation.

Cardinal Poupard reminded in his intervention that in the XIVth century the harmony between science and faith "was something natural." However, "this harmony between science and faith was broken in a time that corresponds more or less to the beginning of the Illustration," explained the Vatican Cardinal, who called to an alliance between science and conscience, "so that the trinomial science-technology-conscience may be at the service of the authentic well being of man."

"The Jubilee of Scientists, a novelty in the history of Jubilees, will constitute without doubt an important step in the dialogue with the world of sciences, for reciprocal benefit, for the life of the Church as well as for the scientific community," the Cardinal affirmed. "To see gathered in Rome, before the tomb of Saint Peter, so many scientists from many countries and of so many scientific disciplines will be the best witness of the compatibility between science and faith."

The event will be preceded by an international congress titled: "Philosophy- Science- Faith: Perspective for the III Millennium," to take place in the Vatican from the 23rd to the 24th of May. The Jubilee celebration for the scientists will take place on May 25th. On that day, after crossing the Holy Door of the Basilica of Saint Peter and participating from an Eucharistic celebration, participants will be received in audience by Pope John Paul II.

Italy: Church rejects politician's demand to approve contraceptives

Rome, 29 (NE) In view of the recent declarations of the General Secretary of the Left Democrats party, Walter Veltroni, a strong wave of disapproval has been raised in Italy. During a visit to South Africa, the political activist demanded to the Holy See to change its position with regard to the use of preservatives. The reason this change was demanded, according to Veltroni, is in order to put an end to the epidemic of AIDS that troubles the African continent.

To the declarations of Veltroni responded from Rome the Vice-president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Bishop Elio Sgreccia. Besides underlining that the words used by the Italian politician are "disrespectful," Bishop Sgreccia evidenced that for several years now, international organizations distribute preservatives in Africa "and it has been of no use". "For that reason to encourage the use of preservatives is a false pedagogic line and will end up being a deceit," he further said.

Even some Italian political sectors have reacted against the political declarations of Veltroni. Among them, Roberto Formignone, in representation of "Forza Italia," commented to the press that the declarations of Veltroni do not have another value than that of an "electoral propaganda," due to the lack of any justification for such a request and also considering that the Catholic Church is the institution that has most helped Africa to combat poverty and disease.

FEBRUARY 28

Pope stresses importance and actuality of II Vatican Council

Vatican City, 28 (NE) Pope John Paul II highlighted the importance and actuality of the II Vatican Council, which he said had been "a prophecy for the life of the Church and will continue to be one for many years along the third millennium". During the closing ceremony of the congress held since Friday to discuss the application of the II Vatican Council, which gathered more than 200 theologians and historians, the Pope said that the Council was "a gift", stressing the need to "profit from its still hidden richness."

In his address, the Holy Father remembered his own participation and experience at the Council. He also recalled what he said was a fundamental point in the teachings of the Vatican Council, expressed in the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et spes: "The truth is that only in the mystery of the incarnate Word does the mystery of man take on light." As the Pope said, "these are words much appreciated by me, that I have proposed several times in fundamental passages of my magisterium. This is the true synthesis that the Church must always have before her eyes when she dialogues with humanity today and in every other epoch."

As the Holy Father said, the symposium closed yesterday had continued the works began by the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops of 1985, held 20 years after the final session of the II Vatican Council. "What we did in the Council -he further emphasized- was to evidence that today's man, if he wishes to understand himself fully, needs Christ and His Church, which is in the world a sign of communion and unity."

The II Vatican Council, he affirmed, "requires every time of a much deeper knowledge", since "it is necessary that the original intention of the conciliar fathers is not lost. In fact, it must be restored, overcoming partial interpretations that obstructed the expression at its fullest of the novelty of the Conciliar teachings." Regarding this, the Pope stated that "to read the Council thinking that it means a rupture with the past is clearly deviating."

Holy Father's visit to Egypt concludes with pilgrimage to Mount Sinai

Vatican City, 28 (NE) Pope John Paul II visited on Saturday Mount Sinai, following the steps of Moses, in his last day of his pilgrimage to Egypt. The Pope visited the Greek-Orthodox monastery of St. Catherine at the Sinai. Since its foundation by Justinian in the VI century, the monastery, one of the oldest places of uninterrupted Christian adoration, has challenged invasions, political changes, and specially, Islam.

Under a blossoming almond tree, the Holy Father addressed some 500 Egyptian Catholics, to whom he talked about the Ten Commandments. "The Bishop of Rome," stated the Pope, "has come as pilgrim to Mount Sinai, attracted by this holy mount that rises as a majestic monument in honor of what God revealed here: Here he revealed His Name! Here he gave us His Law, the Ten Commandments of the Alliance!"

The Pontiff recalled that the Ten Commandments "aren't an arbitrary imposition of a tyrannical God. They were written in stone, but they were already written before in the human heart as the universal moral law, valid for all times and places." He also stated that the Decalogue", "evidences all those false gods that enslave the human being: self-love that excludes God, the lust for power and pleasure that changes the order of justice and degrades our human dignity, and that of the neighbor."

In the place where, according to tradition, took place the episode of the bush that burned without consuming and God revealed His Name to Moses, the Pope took off his shoes and knelt to kiss the land that God himself declared sacred to Moses. Later on, he paid homage to relics of St. Catherine of Alexandria, who was martyred in 307. The Holy Father also prayed before a Pantocrator, the most ancient icon that represents the Lord Jesus, whose face was painted according to the Holy Shroud which was in the Greek city of Eddesa at that moment.

US Diocese to establish Institute to train catechists

Peoria, 28 (NE) Bishop John J. Myers of Peoria recently announced the establishment of an ongoing "Diocesan Catechetical Institute," aiming at a renewal in the way teachers of the Catholic faith -in its schools, religious education programs, and other ministries- are trained, certified, updated, and recruited. "It is my hope and firm belief that this Institute will build the kind of pool of dedicated and effective teachers and catechists which is the dream of every director, principal, and pastor," wrote Bishop Myers in a recent letter to all pastors and administrators of religious education programs.

The institute, to be dedicated to St. John Bosco, will have as its mission the preparation and formation of catechists in the deep riches of the faith. "We expect to raise up a veritable army of teachers and catechists who are able to effect the kind of catechetical renewal which the Church is not only calling for, but anticipating," wrote Bishop Myers. The project of establishing an institute was presented by Bishop Myers for the first time in a 1993 Pastoral Letter. With the title, "To Reach Full Knowledge of the Truth," the letter regarding religious education stressed the urgent need to renew the teaching of religion in the diocese.

Nuncio in Israel highlights Pope Pius XII's acts during World War II

Rome, 28 (NE) Pope Pius XII made the right decision not to condemn the Nazi holocaust in public, for Hitler's reaction would have been even worse and even less Jews would have survived, stated recently Pope John Paul II' Nuncio in Israel, Archbishop Pietro Sambi. In an interview transmitted by an Israeli TV channel, Archbishop Sambi emphasized the attitude of Pope Pius XII during the difficult years of World War II. "Pius II didn't denounce the Nazi regime publicly. This made possible the saving of lives of many Jews. Some Catholic institutions dared to do this," added the Nuncio, who confirmed once again the position held by different experts and historians, stating that "he is convinced that a great condemnation would only have increased Hitler's persecution against the Jews." Asked about the attitude of Pope Pacelli during Hitler's persecution in the war years, Archbishop Sambi answered that "it is not necessary for the Holy Father to ask for forgiveness for the 'silence' of Pius XII."

Mexican Archdiocese warns against growing manipulation of language

Mexico City, 28 (NE) Presently there is a worrying "manipulation of language" that "hides true lies, as part of a culture of death that invades us", recently warned the Archdiocese of Mexico in its publication "Nuevo Criterio". Words are emptied of their contents, manipulated, and finally, the concepts that they represent are replaced by others in an imperceptible, subtle, but completely real way, the magazine denounced it its last issue.

"A culture of lie and simulation invades us… Not only new lives are annihilated, but those who, unprepared an ignorant of a process of manipulation of language, are seduced by false ideas and thus controlled. They think that they are free, but in reality, they are being manipulated from outside."

The article also states that "in this country we have become experts in manipulating language to hide the truth", especially in attacks against life and family. There is no more inflation, but the peso only "slides"; there are no electoral frauds, but only "irregularities"; government workers don't steal, they only "deviate resources"; there is no birth control, only "demographic planning"; no more euthanasia, but "sweet dream"; and now there will be no abortion, but only "emergency contraception" or the "pill of the day after", which in reality is a chemical product that aborts new human beings recently conceived, the magazine denounced.

FEBRUARY 26

18.000 faithful attended Mass celebrated by Pope in Egypt

Vatican City, 26 (NE) During his second day in Egypt, Pope John Paul II presided yesterday morning a Mass in the Main Hall of Cairo's Sports Palace in the presence of an estimated 18,000 faithful from each of the ecclesial communities belonging to the Coptic, Latin, Maronite, Greek, Armenian, Syriac and Chaldean rites. The Roman-rite Mass was celebrated in French and each of the concelebrants wore the vestments of their own rite. For the first time in many years, a Mass was not celebrated inside a church.

The Pope recalled the Lord's covenant with Moses and His people on Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, evidencing that "God does not cease to address man to communicate to him life in abundance". "In this land of Egypt," he observed, "the message of the new Covenant has been transmitted from generation to generation through the venerable Coptic Church, heir to the apostolic preaching and activity of the Evangelist Saint Mark who, according to tradition, suffered martyrdom in Alexandria."

During his homily, the Holy Father greeted the patriarchs, bishops, priests, religious and faithful taking part in the liturgy and affirmed: "Your presence here around the Successor of Peter is a sign of the unity of the Church of which Christ is the head." He concluded his homily with a plea: "Let us today renew our acceptance of the divine law as a precious treasure! ... May everyone hear the call of the God of the Covenant and discover the joy of being His sons and daughters."

Nationalist Hindu party proposes bill that could reduce Church's activity in India

Rome, 26 (NE) The nationalist Hindu party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has prepared a "Freedom of Religion Bill" which prohibits conversion from one religion to another "by use of force, allurement or fraudulent means," Fides agency reported this week. The bill, proposed in August 1999 by a legislative member of the BJP for the state of Gujarat, will be discussed in the February-March session. Since the BJP has an absolute majority of 182 members in the Assembly it is believed that the bill could be passed easily. But the President's approval is required before the bill can be enacted as a law.

Local religious minorities, including members of the Catholic Church, believe the proposed bill can be easily misused by Hindu fundamentalists to make false accusations and become a way of "legally" harassing religious minorities. In the last years, Hindu fundamentalists continue to accuse Christians of proselytizing under the guise of social service. In Gujarat since the outbreak of anti-Christian violence in 1998, there have been 70 attacks on Christian institutions or personnel.

According to the proposed bill, persons contravening the provisions could be punished with a maximum of 3-year imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of Rupees 2,000 (about US$ 50). If the victim is a minor, or a woman, punishment will be greater. The bill also grants the State government power to give priority to conversion case hearings in special courts. Furthermore, related persons must cooperate and give information or they will be punished in the same way.

Christians in India now fear a reduction in missionary activity. "Missionaries' work in education and health care can be easily misinterpreted," as local sources told Fides. Legal experts and religious leaders believe the purpose of the bill is "to halt the activities carried out by Christian missionaries."

Costa Rica: Archdiocese of San Jose celebrates 150th anniversary

San Jose, 26 (NE) Yesterday the Archdiocese of San Jose, Costa Rica, began a series of commemorative activities celebrating the 150 anniversary of its creation. Celebrations will continue until next Monday, February 28. It was precisely on February 28, 1850, that Pope Pius IX created the diocese of San Jose, with the bulla "Christianae Religionis Auctor", naming Bishop Anselmo Llorente y Lafuente as the first bishop of this jurisdiction.

Archbishop Roman Arrieta Villalobos of San Jose affirmed that this anniversary has a particular importance for the country and that is why several activities have been organized. Masses will be celebrated today and tomorrow. On Monday, a solemn commemoration at the Metropolitan Cathedral will take place, presided by Archbishop Arrieta. After the celebration, on February 29, the First General Assembly of the Bishop's Conference will be inaugurated, to discuss themes of national interest.

The Archbishop also emphasized the constitution of the diocese as an important moment in the history of evangelization in this country. He also recalled that 50 years ago the 100 Years of the Diocese of San Jose were commemorated. On that occasion, celebrations included the visit of the image of the Virgin of the Angels, Patroness of Costa Rica, to the Metropolitan Cathedral, together with the opening of a Seminary in Paso Ancho.

Archbishop of Detroit urges to critical attitude towards electoral campaign

Detroit, 26 (NE) "The challenge of our Church is to be principled without being ideological, to be political without being partisan to be civil without being soft, to be involved without being used," stated Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop of Detroit, expressing his concern for certain attempts to use the fact of being Catholic for electoral aims. Regarding this issue, Archdiocesan communications director Ned McGrath said that none of these efforts are affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Archdiocese of Detroit. "The reality is the word 'Catholic' isn't copyrighted. It can be used and misused," Cardinal Maida emphasized. "I urge my fellow citizens to see beyond party politics and to analyze campaign rhetoric critically," stated the Archbishop of Detroit. He added that "political leaders should be chosen according to their performance and their principles, not simply party affiliation or mere self-interest."

South Africa: number of seminarians reaches highest level

Rome, 26 (NE) This year the Church in South Africa has more than 500 seminarians, for the first time in its history, as Bishop William Slattery of Kokstad recently declared. The Prelate also emphasized that currently three hundred seminarians prepare themselves for their ministry as diocesan priests. This number, the highest ever in the history of the life of the Church in this African country, is a challenge and a calling to enhance and renew the structures of formation, he stated. "We must find immediately new formation models and structures. So many vocations represent a responsibility for our Church. It needs persons, financing efforts and operative plans," stated Bishop Slattery. On February, approximately 70 seminarians began a course of orientation in a local institute. The seminaries of Saint John Vianney and St. Peter are bordering the limit of their capacities. This has created the need to increase the capacity of seminaries in this country, so that the number of seminarians may keep rising, as well as the need for a solid formation for the future priests.

FEBRUARY 25

Pope begins apostolic trip to Egypt

Vatican City, 25 (NE) Pope John Paul II began yesterday his 90th foreign apostolic trip, in what has become the second part of his pilgrimage to the places linked to the history of salvation. At 9:40 in the morning, the Holy Father left Rome's Fiumicino Airport heading to the Arab Republic of Egypt. The Pope was welcomed at El Cairo's airport by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, His Holiness Pope Shenouda, His Beatitude Patriarch Stephanos II Ghattas, and Grand Sheikh Mohammed Sayed Tantawi.

In his welcome speech, President Mubarak recalled the challenge to stop religious fanatism of fundamentalists groups, which do not respect freedom of religion nor other human rights. Regarding this, the Pope in his turn stressed that "encouraging violence and conflict in the name of religion is a terrible contradiction and a great offense to God".

In his words, the Holy Father expressed his joy for being able to visit a country so rich, not only in wisdom and learning, but also in sanctity. After recalling the great cultures that existed in these lands, the Pope highlighted the history of Christianity in Egypt, making a special reference to the Church in Alexandria, founded by St. Mark, and linked to famous theologians such as St. Clement, St. Cyril and Origen. He also recalled that Egypt "was the birthplace of monasticism, which has played such a crucial role in the safeguarding of the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Church."

In concluding remarks, the Pope stated that "the unity and harmony of the nation are a precious value which all citizens should cherish, and which political and religious leaders must continually promote in justice and respect for the rights of all."

Archaeologists find remains of first church built in Brazil

Sao Paulo, 25 (NE) Remains of what could be the first catholic temple constructed in Brazil have been found in Porto Seguro, archaeologists from the Federal University of Bahia announced this week. After two months of excavations at a site near Porto Seguro Bay, 450 miles from Salvador de Bahia, a team of archaeologists expressed their confidence that the remains found were part of the first church in Brazil, dating back to the year 1503, when the construction was began. A stone column together with remains of what may have been the base for the altar confirmed former hypothesis.

"Archaeologists were already sure that the first church in Brazil was built somewhere in this area. Now we have been able to confirm that thesis", stated the Director of the National Institute for Artistic and Historic Patrimony in Porto Seguro. Evidence suggests that native Indians destroyed the church in 1560. The church is sited in a plateau overlooking the Bay of Porto Seguro.

Evangelization in Brazilian lands began with the 16th century, encouraged by the Portuguese. Several Franciscan friars were present in the first expedition to arrive to Brazil in 1500, which landed precisely in Porto Seguro. It was in this place where, in April 26 of that same year, the first Mass was celebrated.

Several missions continued the apostolic work. Around 1530, evangelization had a renewed impulse. By 1550, several convents were already active centers of evangelization in the cities of Bahia, Sao Paulo and Pernambuco, among others. Pope Julius III would name the first Bishop in 1551, Bishop Pedro Fernandes, who would later on be martyred.

US Bishop warns about recognition of non-marital unions

Arlington, 25 (NE) With the title "A Catholic Perspective on Domestic Partnership," Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington recently wrote and article explaining the Church's teaching regarding non-marital unions, recalling that "in recent times, local and state authorities have sought to extend recognition to non-marital unions in the form of 'domestic partnership' laws," presently being under discussion in Virginia.

In his article, Bishop Loverde quoted the II Vatican Council, saying that "the well-being of the individual person and of both human and Christian society is closely bound up with the healthy state of conjugal and family life." "Both the Old and New Testaments together allow us to see that, from the beginning, God intended man and woman to be united to each other in a faithful, complementary union from which children issue forth as a great gift and blessing," the Prelate affirmed.

The Bishop of Arlington also recalled that "not only in Sacred Scripture, but also in the Tradition and magisterial teaching of the Church through the centuries we find the constant affirmation that the moral norm of sexual activity is the permanent union of husband and wife for the essentially inseparable purposes of mutual love and procreation."

"The genuine goodness and holiness of marriage", concluded Bishop Loverde, "is therefore a constant theme of the Church's teaching." "The nature of this God-given goodness is especially important to recognize today, because those who would give to non-marital unions the privileges and status enjoyed by husbands and wives contradict not only the good and well-being of society, but they also contradict the divine design."

Mexico: Pro-Life associations encourage centers of support for pregnant women

Mexico City, 25 (NE) After the great success of the "Centers of support for pregnant women", which after 10 years of service have been able to open 24 centers in Mexico and avoided an estimated number of 22 thousand abortions, the Nation Pro-Life Committee and the Association "Human Life International", are organizing the I International Hispanic-American Congress of Help Centers for Pregnant women. The event, to take place from March 21 to 26 in Mexico City, will have two main parts. The first, as it was informed, aims to inform participants to the congress about the appropriate methodology to open a support center and give several basic guidelines to help women avoid having an abortion. During the second part, a number of psychologists will offer conferences regarding the circumstances that lead women to have an abortion, as well as on orientations to help women recover from any post abortion traumas.

FEBRUARY 24

Pope presided celebration in honor of Patriarch Abraham

Vatican City, 24 (NE) Following the general audience held in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II moved yesterday to the Paul VI Hall where he presided a "spiritual pilgrimage" to the lands of Patriarch Abraham. In this way, the Pope began the first part of his pilgrimage to the places related to sacred history, moments before his planned visit to Egypt, with a liturgical celebration in honor of the Patriarch Abraham.

Images of the places where Abraham lived in were shown during the liturgy, such as Ur of Chaldea. In Baghdad (Iraq) a multitude of Catholics gathered in the Saint Joseph Cathedral followed the ceremony via satellite. Pilgrims at the St. Peter's Square, who weren't able to enter the Paul VI Hall followed the liturgy in giant screens.

During the "spiritual pilgrimage" the Pope stated that "In Abraham's faith, God the Almighty has truly sealed an eternal alliance with the human race, the definitive fulfillment of which is Jesus Christ". "The only begotten Son of the Father" the Pope continued "of one being with Him, was made Man to introduce us, through humiliation on the Cross and the glory of the Resurrection, to the land of salvation that the merciful God has promised humanity from the very beginning."

Finally, the Pontiff called Mary "the insuperable model of the redeemed people who are journeying towards the accomplishment of this universal promise." The Mother of God "personally participated in the ordeal of the Son, believing and standing upright by the cross." Being faithful to the Plan of God, "like Abraham she accepted the sacrifice of the Son."

Preparations continue in Turin for exhibition of Holy Shroud

Rome, 24 (NE) On occasion of the Great Jubilee of Year 2000, thousands of people from different parts of the world will be able to pilgrim to Turin, Italy, to pay homage to the Holy Shroud, which according to solid traditions and scientific studies covered the Lord Jesus when he was buried. The exposition will take place again in the Cathedral of Turin, as it was done in 1998, from August 12 to October 22, and not from August 26, as it was originally programmed.

This and other announcements were made during a press conference held in Turin this week, at the archdiocesan seminary. As it was explained, the date has been moved to allow 15.000 young pilgrims visiting Turin on their way to Rome for World Youth Day to visit the Duomo, where the Shroud is kept, and pay homage to the "Sindone". The new date will also permit youth to program a pilgrimage to Turin after World Youth Day.

Organizers explained as well that a special area in the Cathedral is being prepared for confessions, and priests will be available to give the sacrament of reconciliation in 12 different languages. Wednesday afternoon will be a special time for sick pilgrims and people that accompany them to visit the Holy Shroud. A special chapel for continuous Eucharistic adoration is also being prepared. Among preparatory activities before August 12, a Symposium to discuss studies regarding the Shroud will take place from March 2 to 5.

As in 1998, to visit the Cathedral of Turin and pray before the Holy Shroud a reservation will be necessary, which can be obtained by phone of via internet at no cost. For more information about the exposition, visit the internet site: www.sindone.org. Approximately 2 and a half million people visited the Dome of Turin during the exhibition in 1998. This number will most probably be surpassed on occasion of the Holy Year of the 2000.

Cardinal urges lawmakers to halt executions in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, 24 (NE) Several death-penalty opponents, including Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, urged lawmakers on Tuesday to stop executions in Pennsylvania until several concerns, such as racial bias and sending innocent people to death row, are resolved. "There can be no doubt that capital offenders have committed heinous acts that must be punished quickly, justly and effectively," the Cardinal said. "However, the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person are not privileges we earn by any good deeds, nor can they be forfeited, whatever crimes one commits." Debate regarding this issue has been encouraged by the recent decision of Illinois Gov. George Ryan to temporarily suspend executions, the Archbishop also stated, expressing his hope that laws against human life may be changed soon in the United States.

Peru: religion class to be included in public schools

Lima, 24 (NE) Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima informed that religion classes will be included in the new pilot curriculum for several public and private schools, from which it was excluded at the beginning of last year. As "El Comercio" of Lima reported, the Archbishop held a three-hour meeting with the Peruvian Minister of Education, Felipe Garcia Escudero, during which they discussed the inclusion of religion classes. The minister confirmed the news in later declarations to the local press. Archbishop Cipriani affirmed that 90% of parents wishes ethic and moral education for their children, thus emphasizing the importance of the course of religion in the country's schools. He also declared that the Catholic Church feels responsible to offer an alternative that solves many of the problems that can be seen now in society, such as corruption, theft, destruction of family, and others.

Brazil: Catholics oppose to Carnival with spiritual retreats

Rio de Janeiro, 24 (NE) As an answer to excesses and dissoluteness encouraged by Rio de Janeiro's infamous carnival, the Archdiocese of Rio has organized several activities for Brazilian Catholics to attend during that event. Among them, the archdiocese has organized a spiritual retreat to last four days. As it was informed, any faithful may attend the activities and celebrations of the retreat, to be held in a local stadium with capacity for 25.000 people. From 8 in the morning to six in the afternoon, several priests will be offering confessions. A full program of conferences, celebrations and moments of prayer will also take place. Meditation will reflect about the theme "Celebrate Christ". The Archdiocese is encouraging as well other spiritual retreats among local parishes and ecclesial associations. Cardinal Eugenio de Araujo Sales, Archbishop of Rio, called faithful in the Brazilian archdiocese to hold celebrations to repair for offenses committed against God during the carnival. The Cardinal specially asked Catholics to organize rosaries, meditations and moments of Eucharist adoration.

FEBRUARY 23

Roman Curia celebrates Jubilee with Successor of Peter

Vatican City, 23 (NE) Yesterday, feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the Roman Curia celebrated with Pope John Paul II its Jubilee on occasion of the 2000th anniversary of the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus. The members of the Curia crossed the Holy Door of the St. Peter's Basilica and participated in a solemn Eucharist presided over by the Holy Father in the morning.

During his homily, the Pontiff urged his collaborators in the Curia to reflect on what "Christ told to Peter and about Peter" in the Gospel. The Holy Father recalled that the Church is founded "upon Peter's profession of faith and the consequent declaration of Christ: 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church'." He also noted that this is "the invincible founding, which the powers of evil shall not defeat."

He also pointed out that the Chair of Peter is "not founded on human guarantees, -'flesh and blood'- but on Christ, the cornerstone." The Pope then referred to the pastoral character of the ministry of Peter and indicated that this is "the character that qualifies the service of the Roman Curia, whose mission is to collaborate with the Successor of Peter in the development of the commandment received from Christ to take care of his flock."

At the end, the Pope prayed to the Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession. "Help us", the Pope prayed, to "live our mission at the service of the Gospel with faithfulness and joy, in expectance of the glorious return of the Lord, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and always."

Mexico: Archdiocese warns parents about Japanese cartoon series

Mexico City, 23 (NE) Through the weekly publication "Desde la Fe," (From the Faith) the Archdiocese of Mexico warned on Monday about the dangers that the Japanese "Pokemon" cartoon series could mean for Mexican children. As the archdiocese pointed out in its official bulletin, behind the huge merchandising phenomenon "one finds, as in many Japanese cartoons, a combination of elements that incite violence and sexual perversion among children". In a similar way, the Mexican archdiocese invited parents to reflect on the television programs seen by their children, avoiding those whose contents could affect their faith and values. "The whole idea behind Pokemon is to show children that they can turn into a powerful force and that they therefore do not have to listen to their parents," the publication affirmed. "These cartoons are not as innocents as they seem… They could be the tip of an iceberg with dramatic consequences."

Africa: New radio station in Tanzania will encourage evangelization

Rome, 23 (NE) The Catholic Church in Tanzania has decided to launch a radio station to help the evangelization of diverse remote populations of the African country. Radio Faraja, as it will be called, will also aim to stop the growing number of victims due to diverse violent popular beliefs, specially regions most affected by witchcraft-related killings. Father Norbert Kija, coordinator of the project, announced the radio would broadcast religious programs to encourage conversion in the predominantly pagan population in Shinyanga town, one of the leading region in Tanzania with more witchcraft-related killings. Transmissions will specially cover the Western part of Tanzania, as well as the area around Lake Victoria, where in the last years diverse cases of violence have taken place due to popular beliefs, causing the death of more than 500 people. Father Kija stated that the radio would devise programs that would aim to convert people and take them to discard old traditions encouraging violence.

Portugal: Congress discusses history and future of Christianity in Europe

Lisbon, 23 (NE) The Catholic University of Porto, Portugal, is holding these days a congress that has gathered several historians and theologians to discuss the theme "Twenty centuries of history: where is Christianity going?" As organizers of the event informed, the congress being held in the frame of celebrations for the Great Jubilee "is intended to have a retrospective and projective view of Christianity as we are crossing the Millennium." Reflections will also make a balance of the situation of Christianity in Europe, specially in Portugal, and encourage a renewed evangelization. During yesterday's session, Bishop Armindo Lopez Coelho of Porto emphasized the need to "find ways of pastoral renewal" to achieve an "effective presence of the Church in society… We must begin a new time in this Millennium that is beginning, establishing a dialogue with culture," the Bishop further stated. The meetings will continue until Thursday in the morning. Patriarch Jose Policarpo of Lisboa will also participate, giving a conference on "Christianity in Europe: Faith's Exile or Europe's Apostasy?"

US Cardinal calls for liberation of Archbishop in Congo

Washington, 32 (NE) "I vehemently deplore the recent arrest of Archbishop Emmanuel Kataliko of Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR)," wrote Cardinal Bernard Law, Archbishop of Boston and Chairman of the International Policy Committee of the U.S. Catholic Conference, in a statement issued last week. In it, Cardinal Law affirmed that Archbishop Kataliko was unjustly accused of "inciting ethnic hatred, genocide, and threatening law and order in the region", and is currently maintained under house arrest. "There are no legitimate grounds for these accusations", the Archbishop stated.

"This outrageous act on the part of the Rassemblent Congolais pour la Democratie (RCD) is a direct affront to the Archbishop's human rights and religious freedom". "It further demonstrates -the Cardinal emphasized- the gross violations of human rights by all parties involved in the war which has ravaged the Congo for more than three years. These violations must be denounced in the strongest possible way." Cardinal Law also recalled that Pope John Paul II called the arrest a "grave violation that painfully injures all Catholics."

The Archbishop of Boston also sent a letter to Ambassador Edith Grace Ssempala at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Washington, asking them to use "whatever influence it might have with the leaders of the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie to gain the immediate release of Archbishop Kataliko and the safe return to his diocese."

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