A daily news service

MAY 8

Pope recalls witnesses of faith in the XXth century

Vatican City, 8 (NE) Pope John Paul II dedicated yesterday's meditation before the prayer of the Regina Caeli to explain the commemoration of the witnesses of faith of the XXth century, which took place a few hours later in the Roman Coliseum. The Pope recalled that during the XXth century many people have witnessed their faith "amid difficult persecutions, in jail, suffering privations of every kind, and many of them have also shed their blood to remain faithful to Christ, to the Church, to the Gospel".

"Among the lights of these heroic disciples of Christ", the Pope further said, "shines with special brightness that of Mary, the faithful Virgin, martyr at the foot of Christ's Cross". "Since her 'Fiat' pronounced in Nazareth all the way to the Calvary, all her existence was modeled into her Son's by the Holy Spirit, giving witness of God the Father and His merciful love", he affirmed.

Before concluding his reflection, the Pope recalled as well that "in the first community in Jerusalem, Mary represented the living memory of Jesus, of His Incarnation, Passion, Death and Resurrection". "Every believer and all the Christian community, in time of trial, finds in the Blessed Virgin support and counsel," he finally emphasized.

With prayer campaign, Costa Ricans prepare for first Social Week

San Jose, 8 (NE) The Archdiocese of San Jose, Costa Rica, will host this week one of the central Jubilee events to be held in this country: the First Social Week to take place in Costa Rica, to reflect on the theme "Family and Social Justice for the Third Millennium". "Social Weeks", said Archbishop Roman Arrieta of San Jose in a recent message, "have always been meetings of special reflection and dialogue between members of social life, of analysis of the problems of society in the light of the social doctrine of the Church".

"These Weeks are called to become a strong encouragement to take into practice the human and Christian values in the construction of a society worthy of man", the Prelate further said. As preparation for the Social Week to be held in the Archdiocese of San Jose, Archbishop Arrieta invited faithful to a "very strong spiritual preparation", having in mind the event in itself as well as the "fruits that we expect it to bear". The Archdiocese encouraged last week a prayer campaign among faithful for the First Social Week in Costa Rica.

To the meeting, to be opened today, will attend a delegate from Pope John Paul II, as well as several members of the College of Cardinals, of the Pontifical Academy for Sciences, the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Pontifical Council for the Family, as well as Costa Rican Bishops and rectors and teachers of universities.

Historic open-air Mass gathers thousands in Mexico

Mexico City, 8 (NE) A great celebration of faith was held last Saturday at Mexico City's Zocalo plaza, involving thousands of Catholics who for first time in 140 years attended an open-air Mass in the country's most important public space. In the fame of celebrations for the Second Eucharist Congress, a procession of the Blessed Sacrament through several streets of the city's historic center was also held, followed by faithful from different parts of the nation. The Eucharist celebration was attended by President Ernesto Zedillo, the first time a Mexican President attends a religious event of this kind.

"Jesus is the light of the peoples, illuminating Mexican society, families, schools and universities", said Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico, during the celebration. "Faith in Christ", he added, "is an integral part of the Mexican nation. Do not let that light of faith to be closed, since Mexico needs it to be able to build a fair society, helping those who have nothing".

Also present together with nearly 150 bishops was Cardinal Jorge Medina Estévez, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments, who recalled that the Church is one, and cannot be divided. "Do not be divided, continue with your faith in Christ. The Church in Mexico has been example of fidelity to the Savior, practicing charity and forgiveness even when she has been subject of the most atrocious violence because of her defense of faith, as in the 'guerra cristera'", the Chilean Cardinal said, who was named as Pope John Paul II' special Envoy for the event.

Miracle in Naples: hundreds witness liquefaction of saint's blood

Naples, 8 (NE) Hundreds of faithful in Naples, Italy, were once again witnesses of a miracle that year after year takes place in this city: the liquefaction of the blood of the Patron saint St. Januarius. During the first week of May, a time of the year in which the miracle usually takes place, faithful gathered in the Cathedral, together with several ecclesiastical and civilian authorities, to see the liquefied blood, something the happens every year since the XIVth century.

This year, the miracle took place faster than what is usual. Before the reliquary containing the blood of the Bishop martyred during the IVth century was shown to the faithful present in the Cathedral, it was already liquid, immediately arousing the applause of the crowd. A procession lead by the Archbishop of Naples, carrying the reliquary containing the saint's blood, as well as a reliquary containing parts of the saint's bones, was held afterwards through several streets of the city.

Although many explanations have been given, scientists have not been able to explain why the blood of the St. Januarius, kept dry in a special reliquary in the Cathedral, becomes liquid during established days of the year, as for example the day of the saint's feast day in September. Devotion to St. Januarius dates back to the fifth century.

MAY 6

Pope calls to unite faith and reason in universities

Vatican City, 6 (NE) On occasion of the 76th Day of Rome's Sacred Heart Catholic University, Pope John Paul II sent a letter to teachers and students encouraging them to continue the mission of "uniting, in the academic environment, the courage of reason and the 'parrhesia' of faith." "Against the crisis of faith, a characteristic present in great part of today's culture, faith must undertake the responsibility of a greater effort", the Pope said, so that reason may fully recover her own and original metaphysical capacity.

In order for a culture of solidarity "to be authentic and profound", the Pope further explained in his message, "it needs something that may be termed 'solidarity of culture'." That is "a view of knowledge that, although aware of its limits, is not contented by mere fragments but rather attempts to put them together to create a synthesis of truth and knowledge." "Nothing is more devastating in contemporary culture than the widespread illusion that reaching the truth is an illusion of traditional metaphysics."

The Catholic University, he emphasized, is particularly called "to contribute to overcoming the shameful divide between scientific progress and values of the spirit that drives towards materialism, and whose outcome is an individualistic and competitive society that often gives rise to injustice and violence, marginalization and discrimination, conflict and wars."

The 76th Day of Rome's Sacred Heart Catholic University will be celebrated tomorrow Sunday, May 7, on the theme "A culture of solidarity for our country."

Italy: Bishop's Conference encourages Christian presence in universities

Rome, 6 (NE) "The Christian Community and the University, today, in Italy" is the title of the document issued by the Commission for Catholic Education, Culture, School and University of the Italian Bishop's Conference. The document was presented this week during a press conference attended by several rectors of Catholic academic centers of this country. The text analyses the changes occurred in the academic world during these years and underlines the importance of Christian presence in universities.

The new document aims to put Christian inspiration in different environments, developing a cultural project with Christian orientation in universities. The teachings of Pope John Paul II on the academic world, the document stresses, should be also applied and its study will be encouraged. During the press conference, it was also emphasized that the document must serve as well as a preparation for the Jubilee of teachers and university students.

The text, stated the president of the episcopal commission which prepared the document, aims to "hold a sincere and constructive dialogue among Christians and university in the crucial moment of changes that have been occurring, with special attention on teachers and students."

Conclusions of the European Congress of Pro Life Movements presented

Vatican City, 6 (NE) The Holy See Press Office made public this week the conclusions of the European Congress of Pro Life Movements, gathered under the theme "Europe for Life. The 'Evangelium vitae' in the Third Millennium." The congress, that took place from April 7 to 9 in Granada (Spain), was organized by the Pontifical Council for Family, the Archdiocese of Granada and the Commission for Family and Life of the Spanish Bishop's Conference.

"Our Pro Life Movements, -state the conclusions- acknowledge the singular dignity of the human person. The divine action that creates the human person gives certain sacredness to the act of cooperation with God with which life is communicated. This act must remain open to life. Human life, due to its divine origin and vocation, is inviolable from the beginning of its existence until its natural end."

The text denounces as well the fact that "frequently it is a minority that manipulates public opinion with statistics, which in reality, in its majority is in favor of life." It also urges "to be vividly conscious that in the present situation the elimination of penalization of abortion and eventually of euthanasia is easily understood by the people as the moral rightness of such actions."

Against the anti life mentality, European Pro Life Movements state that "the embryo is a person since its conception. As human person, from the moment of its conception the nascituro is subject of rights, specially the natural right to life, which must be acknowledged by the legal order." "The person of the embryo", continues the text, "not only must be respected, as natural reason itself acknowledges, but loved as Christ loves him."

Bishops in Philippines condemn murder of hostages and Catholic priest

Rome, 6 (NE) The Catholic Bishop's Conference in Philippines condemned the murder of four civilians, among them a Catholic priest, who where kidnapped by a fundamentalist Islamic group. The group held a group of more than 20 hostages since March 20, during the wave of different attacks against Philippine religious schools. "Justice and peace cannot be reached through violence", stated the communiqué of the Philippine Bishops, urging those involved in the process of peace in the region of Mindanao to "return to the table of negotiations" as the "only true path to peace." Pope John Paul II sent as well a message of solidarity to the President of the Philippine Bishop's Conference, expressing his closeness in prayer for the tragic facts, and also urging those involved in the conflict to "renounce to the paths of violence that have caused such great suffering among the population."

MAY 5

Pope praises "dedicated and courageous witness to the Gospel" of Cardinal O'Connor

Vatican City, 5 (NE) Pope John Paul II expressed yesterday his gratitude to Cardinal O'Connor for his many years of service and Christian witness. In his telegram sent to Auxiliary Bishop Robert Brucato after the Archbishop's death, the Pope said that "with a deep sense of personal loss I have received the news of the death of Cardinal John J. O'Connor and I offer my prayerful condolences to you, the Auxiliary bishops and the priests, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of New York."

"With gratitude to God for the Cardinal's many years of dedicated and courageous witness to the Gospel as chaplain in the armed forces, as Bishop of Scranton and as Archbishop of New York, I join you in commending this faithful servant of the Church to our Heavenly Father's eternal Love. As a deeply spiritual man, a warm and zealous pastor, an effective teacher of the faith and a vigorous defender of human life, Cardinal O'Connor modelled his own life and ministry on the figure of the good shepherd who to the end 'gives his life for the flock'".

As it was announced yesterday through the Holy See Press Office, Pope John Paul II has decided to send Cardinal Angelo Sodano, State Secretary, to the funeral service of Cardinal O'Connor, to take place on Monday at 2 p.m.

US Bishops pay homage to Cardinal O'Connor

Washington, 5 (NE) "Speaking for the Bishops of the United States, and for so many others, I offer my condolences and prayers to the Cardinal's family and the people of New York. I give thanks to God for the light that shined through Cardinal O'Connor and I pray for the happy repose of his soul," said Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference, in a statement issued after the death of Cardinal O'Connor.

Several US Bishops praised yesterday the Cardinal, who since 1984 headed the Archdiocese of New York. "Cardinal O'Connor was an outstanding priest, an exemplary Bishop, and a true friend," said Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, upon learning of Cardinal O'Connor's death. "In the midst of sickness and physical weakness, he demonstrated the strength which comes from trust in God. With his suffering united to the sufferings of Christ, Cardinal O'Connor taught us complete and joyful acceptance of God's Will."

Meanwhile, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver recalled the Cardinal as "a skilled leader who never lost the courage to speak the truth; a man of great heart and intellect; and above all, a disciple of Jesus Christ." Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago, stated that "Cardinal O'Connor challenged the people of New York and the people of the nation to respect the lives of the unborn, the infirm and the unwanted." For him, Chicago's Archbishop further stressed, "this was not empty rhetoric. He supported his profound oratory with the actions of a true shepherd."

The mission of the Church is eminently pastoral, states Nuncio in Mexico

Mexico City, 5 (NE) After presenting his credentials to the president of the nation, the new Apostolic Nuncio in Mexico, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, stated that the mission of the Church is eminently pastoral, therefore there will be no intervention in political matters. The Nuncio also emphasized that the Church intervenes in the moral and spiritual orders and forms consciences, but she does not assume tasks or responsibilities that do not correspond to her and that are more suited for the public authority. But, he pointed out, it is evident that salvation, and the spiritual aspect, is very related to the whole human reality, because it animates the life of man, the family, individual, social and political life. If we are all good Christians we will be contributing in the political, social, material and in every field, stated the Nuncio.

Spanish Cardinal emphasizes need of an integral anthropology

Madrid, 5 (NE) On occasion of the Day of Health and Security in Work, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco, Archbishop of Madrid, published a new Pastoral Letter, recalling that any "social-political and economic project, to be truly human, must view man at work as a person with inalienable dignity, responsibility and rights. In definite as a participant of the work of the Creator." In his message, the Spanish Archbishop also affirmed the importance of constructing a just society starting from an integral view of the human being.

"Nothing truly human can be foreign to the Church or to Christians because her mission is to continue the work of Christ who came to the world to give witness of truth," recalled the Cardinal. He also emphasized in this new pastoral document that "the Church knows that her mission is not political, economic or social, but religious. But from her religious mission comes the light and the strength for the development of the person and the construction of human society in justice and love."

The Archbishop of Madrid also warned in his words against "individualism and utilitarianism that dominate today, which try to convince man of its independence from the moral law, -which is the expression of the objective and true good of man and society-, and of its independence from God". To face this reality "a purification of the moral conscience of our society regarding the good of the person and the common good" is necessary. This will be "achieved and consolidated only if it is framed, based and if it receives its force from an integral anthropology that contemplates all dimension of the good of man and of common good."

"The supreme moral criterion that comes from this unitary and integral anthropology," finally stated the Spanish Prelate, is that "we must search the good of the whole man and the good of all men, for we all form a unity and we are called to be and to behave as the great family of the children of God".

Archbishop Chaput urges faithful not to forget mission to announce the Gospel

Denver, 5 (NE) Participating in the congress "Faith and Family" in Melbourne, Australia, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver emphasized the vocation of every Christian to be an evangelizer. He also stressed the "missionary vocation" of family. "We don't have a 'vocations crisis'. We have hearing problem," the Archbishop said during his conference.

"God's calling plenty of young men to priesthood and plenty of young women to religious life. But they don't answer because they can't hear… or they're afraid… or they don't recognize God's voice. And that's because all of us, in a way, have forgotten our primary vocation to be missionaries, beginning within the family itself," the Prelate clearly stated during his intervention.

In order to recall the responsibility of every Christian to be well formed for this evangelizing mission, the Archbishop of Denver recalled the example of the apostles, who from uneducated people "matured into serious leaders." "Your faith should be cultivated and deepened throughout your lives. That's part of your duty as adult Catholics," affirmed Archbishop Chaput.

MAY 4

Pope continues catechesis on the mystery of the Trinity

Vatican City, 4 (NE) During yesterday general audience held in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II centered his catechesis on "the glory of the Trinity in the Passion." The Pope recalled to the 50.000 faithful gathered that the Gospel account of the Passion and Death of Christ emphasizes His "intimate relationship with the heavenly Father."

St. John highlights that "with absolute faith in the Father, Jesus departs to carry out His supreme act of love." "In the passion," the Pope emphasized, "the bond that unites Him to the Father is shown as being particularly intense and, at the same time, dramatic. ... When the hostility of men is unleashed upon Him, He reminds Peter that the hour of darkness is part of the Father's divine plan."

"The Holy Spirit also participates in this constant dialogue between Father and Son," the Holy Father said. "In His passion, Christ fully opened His anguished human state to the action of the Holy Spirit who gave Him the necessary motivation to make of His death a perfect offering to the Father. ... The Father, then, glorifies the Son, giving Him the power to communicate the Spirit to all men."

Cardinal O'Connor called to the Father's House

New York, 4 (NE) Cardinal John O'Connor, Archbishop of New York, was called yesterday night to the Father's House. "His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor has completed his earthly journey and has gone home to God. The cardinal died May 3, 2000, at 8:05 p.m., in his residence on Madison Avenue," said the statement read by the Archdiocese of New York spokesman Joseph Zwilling, who announced the news of the Cardinal's death shortly after 10 p.m.

Today at the Holy See, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Holy See Press Office Director, said that "the Holy Father is deeply saddened by the news of Cardinal O'Connor's death. Cardinal O'Connor was an extraordinary figure in the Catholic Church in the United States. He was a truly faithful shepherd and an outstanding witness to faith and human dignity. He performed his priestly duties in the most passionate manner, always helping those in need. His presence will surely be missed". Navarro-Valls also informed that the Holy Father has decided to send Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, as a personal envoy to Cardinal O'Connor's funeral.

Cardinal O'Connor's health began to fail after he had a brain tumor removed in August last year. He had been experiencing a growing weakness over the past month and a half. This weakness caused the Cardinal to limit his public activities and appearances in early March, and to cease other official archdiocesan acts in late March. In the official statement read by the Archdiocese, it was informed that Cardinal O'Connor had received the sacrament of the sick last Saturday and on several other occasions during his illness.

"One of the Cardinal's most passionate beliefs was that by uniting our suffering with the suffering of Christ on the cross, we can be instruments of enormous good in the world,", said the communique. "The Cardinal united his own illness and suffering of these past eight months with the suffering of Christ, and always accepted the changes in his condition with great faith in God, and in His mercy and gentle goodness."

Cardinal John Joseph O'Connor was born in Philadelphia, in January 1920. He entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia at age 16 and was ordained nine years later. He spent most of his religious life in military uniform, joining the Navy in 1952 in answer to a call for more chaplains during the Korean War. After leaving the Navy in 1979, he was made an Auxiliary Bishop and assigned to the military vicariate under Cardinal Terence Cooke of New York. In May 1983 he was appointed Bishop of Scranton, and in 1984, he was named Archbishop of New York. Pope John Paul made him Cardinal in May 1985.

Argentina: Archbishop Karlic actualizes norms to protect Eucharist

Buenos Aires, 4 (NE) Archbishop Estanislao Karlic of Parana, also President of the Argentinean Bishop's Conference, has been fostering a campaign in his Archdiocese to encourage devotion to the Eucharist, as well as to protect the Holy Sacrament and avoid profanations. With this aim the Argentinean Prelate recently issued a series of norms that update those given in the year 1996, aiming to make inviolable "the places where the Holy Sacrament is kept and deposited." The six norms contained in the actualization were published in the Bulletin of the Archdiocese of Parana, based on the norms contained in the Code of Canon Law. The norms established by Archbishop Karlic refer to the conditions of the tabernacles, security of infrastructure, work of parish priests, tabernacles in communities of consecrated life, tasks of the episcopal vicariate of liturgy and responsibilities of those in charge.

Archdiocese of Guadalajara prepares allegorical parade of the History of Salvation

Mexico city, 4 (NE) A great feast of faith is what the city of Guadalajara will live on May 28 when approximately a million people will go to the streets to appreciate the parade of allegorical cars with the theme "Jesus Christ, Joy of Humanity." More than twenty-five cars will represent different passages of the History of Salvation and other important events in the history of the Church.

Among the themes to be represented are the Alliance between God and Abraham, then different moments of the life of the Lord Jesus and also some important landmarks from the last 2000 years of the history of the Church. Other themes also to be represented, are: "The Great Jubilee of the year 2000", "Social commitment of the Church", "The missionary Church", "The Eucharist", "Martyrs of Christ King", "The Pope gives the document Church in America" and the "Virgin of Zapopan."

Present in this important event will be Cardinal Juan Sandoval, Archbishop of Guadalajara, the Auxiliary Bishops and different civil authorities, such as the State governor, the secretary of government and the municipal presidents of the zone of Guadalajara. Organizers also informed that the necessary security measures would be taken, considering the great number of people that will attend the event.

Archbishop of Asuncion encourages teachers to teach faith and morals

Asuncion, 3 (NE) The teachers of the Archdiocese of Asuncion, Paraguay celebrated the Day of the Teacher with a pilgrimage and an Eucharist during this week. The pilgrimage -organized by the Association of Catholic Educative Institutions- began in the Uruguaya Square and finished in the Metropolitan Cathedral where the Eucharist took place. During the homily, Archbishop Felipe Santiago Benitez of Asuncion recalled the teachers their mission of educating in values and helping pupils to open themselves to transcendence. He also criticized the phenomenon of functional agnosticism that occurs in different levels. He stated that "many people tells us 'we are not interested in knowing God'. This is present in the modern culture of Paraguay: a religious indifference." He urged teachers to face this situation transmitting faith to youth with their own witness of life, based on the certainty given by the Lord's Resurrection.

MAY 3

England and Wales celebrate 150th anniversary of the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy

London, 3 (NE) With different activities and celebrations, the Catholic Church in England and Wales will celebrate tomorrow, May 4, the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in both countries. The anniversary will be marked by two events in London to take place this Thursday. As it was announced, Mass will take place at Westminster Cathedral at 2.30pm, and Vespers will be celebrated at St George's Cathedral on the evening.

On 29 September 1850, Pope Pius IX, with the Bull "Universalis Ecclesiae" reconstituted the structure of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, establishing 13 dioceses, each with a Bishop. From 1688 to 1840, there had been 4 districts, and from 1840 to 1850, 8 districts, each governed by a Vicar Apostolic. Since 1850, the number of dioceses has increased to 22.

The choice of churches where celebrations will take place this year is historically significant. St George's Cathedral was where Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, England and Wales's first new Metropolitan Archbishop since the protestant revolt, was installed in 1850. Westminster Cathedral was built in 1895 and became the cathedral of the Archbishops of Westminster. After Pope Pius IX reform, Westminster became the metropolitan see and its occupant the lawful successor of the Catholic archbishops of Canterbury.

Nuncio in Spain urges faithful a greater identity between faith and life

Madrid, 3 (NE) In recent declarations to Madrid's ABC daily, the Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Archbishop Manuel Monteiro de Castro, urged this country's faithful a greater presence in society. The Archbishop specially noted the need to "find a greater identity between faith and action." "One shouldn't be afraid of showing oneself as one is. If I, as a Christian, am convinced that the values that I have are the best for society, I offer them," emphasized the Prelate, who arrived to the country approximately a month ago.

During the interview, Archbishop Monteiro de Castro also emphasized the need of a greater effort of the Catholics to give witness of faith. He called attention on the presence of faithful in mass media. "Catholic journalists," he stated, "have to secure the identity between faith and life I talk about." "We mustn't forget that it is true that these means are fundamental for evangelization today," he further said.

The Apostolic Nuncio in Spain also recalled the importance of defending life. "For the Church, everything referred to life is sacred. The Lord has said 'you shall not kill', it doesn't matter if it is at the beginning, in the case of abortion, or if it is in another stage of life, when the person is old or gravely ill," he said. "Life is always sacred. If one begins to attack life, it doesn't matter in which phase, we talk about a radical utilitarianism. If the life of a being is useful to me, I keep it. If it is not useful, I eliminate it. And this is terrible for society."

Exposition of Ecuadorian religious art inaugurated in Peru

Lima, 3 (NE) Since April 27 a selected exposition of colonial art from the famous School of Quito can be admired in the capital of Peru. "The Passion in the art of Quito" is the name of the exposition that gathers more than 100 works, among paintings and sculptures, coming from temples and monasteries from Quito, Ecuador. The works reflect a perception of the redemptive pain of the Lord Jesus in what was the Real Audience of Quito during the Colony.

The exposition that shows the Mestizo cultural synthesis forged in Peru and Ecuador by the Catholic faith presents itself as a gesture of reconciliation among two countries that until before the signing of the treaties of peace of Brasilia, a few years ago, had had a long history of wars and conflicts. The initiative is from the Ambassador of Ecuador in Peru, Horacio Sevilla, who said that to avoid the treaty from remaining only 'in paper' it is necessary for both countries to grow in the knowledge of their common religious and cultural roots.

The Schools of Quito in Ecuador and of Cuzco in Peru reflect the ability of colonial artisans to make an original appropriation of the Spanish baroque in Latin American lands, harmonically uniting them with esthetical forms from pre Hispanic cultures.

St. Louis Archdiocese launches funding campaign to support Catholic education

St. Louis, 3 (NE) The Archdiocese of St. Louis officially launched this week the 2000 Archdiocesan Development Appeal (ADA), a campaign throughout the more than 200 parishes in the archdiocese to raise funds for the Church's needs and activities. As the archdiocesan weekly reported in its last issue, the annual ADA campaign serves more than a half million people each year through its support of Catholic education, and pastoral and charitable programs and services. Through May 14, more than 3,000 volunteers from parishes in St. Louis City and 10 surrounding counties will solicit donations and assist their parishes in reaching this year's goal, over $10 million. The theme of this year's campaign, held every year for the last 50 years, is "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." As in other years, it was informed that Catholic education will be a key priority, with almost 50 percent of contributions going toward funding for elementary and high schools and other educational facilities, including the seminary. "The goal of ADA is not just financial," said 2000 Archdiocesan Development Appeal chairwoman Joan Lipic. "We want 100 percent participation from all parishes. The need is great, and we must do all we can to help our brothers and sisters."

Archbishop Aguer emphasizes teaching of the Church on work

La Plata, 3 (NE) On the Day of Work, Coadjutor Archbishop Hector Aguer of La Plata said that the present labor situation in Argentina has replaced the "pride of working" with the "fear for unemployment". Among the causing factors of this phenomenon, the Archbishop pointed out the "new economic orientations, separated from a Catholic view of life, that prevail today and have made 'work' an insecure reality in itself, threatened in its subsistence and that, therefore, doesn't give reasons for the celebration of its traditional day."

He also recalled that work is a "basic condition for the personal fulfillment, for family life and order in the civil community." He urged to give the Day of Work its traditional meaning, as it has been understood in Argentina, linked to the liturgical memory of Saint Joseph the Worker. This celebration, "precisely placed in this day, gave the possibility to actualize the contents of the social teaching of the Church, that since the Rerum novarum encyclical has always proclaimed work as a center of the correct conception of economy."

MAY 2

Pope celebrated with thousands of workers feast of St. Joseph

Rome, 2 (NE) With an invitation to "globalize solidarity", Pope John Paul II presided yesterday a Eucharist celebration on occasion of the Jubilee of the Workers, on the day in which the Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Approximately 200 thousand people gathered at Tor Vergata, at the outskirts of Rome, where the Pope said that humanity must see the new millennium as an opportunity to rediscover the authentic value of work.

"The new millennium -the Pope said- invites to study the social and economic disequilibriums that exist in the world of work, to reestablish the hierarchy of values in which the dignity of the men and women who work, as well as their freedom, responsibilities and participation, assume their priority". Before the multitude gathered to meet the Pope, the Pontiff warned those present that technology, apart from the great possibilities it offers, must not lead humanity to create false values.

"Solidarity, participation, and the possibility to manage this radical changes constitute, if not the solution, at least guarantee the necessary ethics so the people are not converted in instruments, but in protagonists of their future". "All this can be achieved, and since it is possible, it becomes a duty", he emphasized.

The event counted with the presence of 54 delegations from different countries, as well as with tens of thousands of Italian workers, members of the different unions in the country. Also present was Giuliano Amato, recently named Italian Prime Minister.

Thousands attended culminating event of Pilgrimage 2000

Boston, 2 (NE) "Certainly this is an effort to reach out to young people and help them realize ... they are the church of the future", said Cardinal Bernard Law, Archbishop of Boston, who celebrated with thousands of Catholic teens and young adults "Pilgrimage 2000". The event, organized by the Archdioceses of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, began Saturday morning and closed with a Eucharist celebration attended by approximately 20.000. The Mass was held at Fenway Park, the first time in at least 50 years the ballpark had been host to a non-athletic event, organizers said. "We hope the thousands of young people here will dedicate themselves to that ideal: the love of God and the love of their neighbor," Cardinal Law said. Pilgrimage 2000 began last September with a similar event at Foxboro Stadium. Although the Mass was the culminating event of Pilgrimage 2000, those who took part will continue with a "follow-through period," gathering in their local communities to define the goals they mapped out over the last seven months of preparation.

Exact replica of Shrine of Fatima built in Puerto Rico

San Juan, 2 (NE) A replica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal is being built at the outskirts of a town in Puerto Rico, and is soon to be finished. The replica of the Marian sanctuary in honor of the apparitions to the three little shepherds, the only one in Latin America, is currently being constructed near a religious convent, and expects to gather pilgrims from different parts of the country and also from other nations of the continent.

Construction began after several years of efforts and after obtaining the necessary permits, as well as the authorization of the Bishop of Leiria-Fatima, in Portugal, where the original shrines stands and receives thousands of pilgrims every year. The replica under construction is the second one being constructed, and will represent Latin America and the Caribbean. The first replica was constructed in New Jersey, and represents the United States and Canada.

The construction of the shrine aims to be a faithful replica of the original sanctuary in Fatima. In a small chapel inside, an image of the Virgin of Fatima especially brought from Portugal is kept. Large groups of pilgrims are expected to visit the church next Saturday 13, to celebrate a new anniversary of the Marian apparitions as well as the beatification of two of the three children shepherds.

Relics of St. Anthony of Padua visit Argentina

Buenos Aires, 2 (NE) Almost 15 thousand faithful visited yesterday the church of St. Anthony of Padua, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to pay homage to the relics of this saint currently kept in this church. An image of the saint, together with some relics, arrived to Argentina on Saturday, and will stay in the country for several weeks for faithful to pray and pay homage to the saint. The relics will visit 40 cities and 15 provinces in Argentina, as part of celebrations for the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Anthony. The pilgrimage of the relics, which will visit several countries, began five years ago. On July 27, they will return to Buenos Aires, and afterwards will be taken to Uruguay. St. Anthony of Padua was born in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal. In the year 1221 he joined the Franciscans, and among other things, he preached during several years against heretics, especially Cathars and Albigensians. Anthony finally settled in Padua, where he died in June, 1231, when he was 36 years old.

MAY 1

Pope canonized Polish nun Faustina Kowalska

Vatican City, 1 (NE) Pope John Paul II canonized yesterday Mother Faustina Kowalska, a polish nun known for spreading the devotion to the Divine Mercy. The ceremony held at St. Peter's Square was attended by thousands of pilgrims, many of them coming from Poland. In Krakow, at a shrine dedicated to the Divine Mercy, hundreds of Polish faithful followed through a satellite link-up the celebration held in Rome.

Yesterday's canonization was the first celebrated by Pope John Paul II in this Holy Year. During his homily, the Pontiff highlighted several characteristics of the life of the saint, specially related to the devotion to the Divine Mercy. "Through the work of this Polish nun", the Pope said, "this message is linked forever to the twentieth century, the last of the Second Millennium and bridge to the Third Millennium". "It is not a new message, but it can be considered to have a special illumination to help us relive intensely the Gospel of Easter, to offer it as a ray of light to men and women of our time".

During the celebration, the Holy Father announced as well that in the next years, the second Sunday of Easter will be known as Sunday of the Divine Mercy. "It is a perpetual invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and troubles that await human beings in the following years", the Pope further stressed.

Italy: Celebration for first anniversary of Padre Pio's beatification

Rome, 1 (NE) "With Our apostolic authority, we declare that from now on, the venerable Servant of God, Pio of Pietrelcina, shall be called Blessed". With these words Pope John Paul II solemnly raised to the altars, almost a year ago, Padre Pio de Pietrelcina. On that occasion, thousands of pilgrims filled St. Peter's Square, the Via della Concilliazione, and St. John Lateran's Square, expressing their joy for the beatification of the Capuchin friar whose life and witness of God attracted, and still continues to do so, many people to conversion and a closer relationship with the Lord. Tomorrow, May 2, on the first anniversary of Padre Pio's beatification, thousands of pilgrims will now travel to the region of San Giovanni Rotondo, for a thanksgiving Mass. The Eucharist celebration will be presided by Cardinal Paul Poupard, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, at the Capuchin shrine of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Traditional Holy Year celebrations began in Spain

Madrid, 1 (NE) With a Solemn ceremony held this weekend, faithful in Spain began celebrations for the "Lebaniego" Holy Year. The ceremony, during which was opened the Door of Forgiveness of the shrine of St. Toribio de Liebana, in the Diocese of Santandar, opened a year of celebrations and activities which follow centuries of tradition. This traditional Jubilee year, celebrated for the last time in 1996, will close on April 29, 2001. Official sources informed that almost 1.5 million pilgrims are expected to visit the shrine, which guards as from the ninth century a relic regarded as the largest fragment existent of Christ's Cross, the "Lignum Crucis".

It was precisely because of the custody of the Lignum Crucis since the IXth century that the monastery obtained from the Pope in 1512 the power to grant plenary indulgences to faithful a week after celebrations for the Patron Saint. Afterwards, this privilege was increased to grant indulgences during an entire year, a faculty shared as well by the Shrine of Santiago de Compostela, where the Apostle James is said to be buried, which in 1999 celebrated the last Jacobean year of the millennium.

Peace is born from the interior of human beings, stresses Bishop Belo

Sao Paulo, 1 (NE) During his visit on occasion of celebrations for the 500th anniversary of Evangelization in Brazil, Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, Apostolic Administrator of Dili, East Timor, attended an event in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo with the title "Dialogue for peace". The event, held during the XVI biannual International Book Fair in Sao Paulo, was also attended by the Secretary of Justice and the President of the Brazilian Book House. During his intervention, Bishop Belo, who in 1996 received the Nobel Prize for Peace, stressed that "peace is born from the interior of human beings". To attain peace, the East Timor Bishop emphasized, people must change in their inner selves. If this does not take place, he warned, events such as the one suffered by the people in East Timor, invaded by Indonesian forces and subject for years to a cultural manipulation, might once again take place.

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