A daily news service

JULY 7

Pope invites all US Catholics to contribute to Church's evangelizing mission

Vatican City, 7 (NE) In a message sent to Bishop Joseph Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pope John Paul II recalled "the important contribution which all Catholics together are urged to make to the mission of the Church in the United States".

In his message, on occasion of "Encuentro 2000", the Pope emphasizes that "at the dawn of the new Millennium, as the Catholic community in America takes up the challenge of the new evangelization, all are called to embody that fruitful unity within diversity which has its origin in the communion of the Blessed Trinity and is the dynamic source of the Church's mission in the world".

Although "Encuentro" is traditionally the gathering of the Hispanic Catholic Community in the United States, on occasion of the year 2000 the fourth nation-wide Encuentro will also include representatives of all sectors of the Catholic community, aiming to be a celebration "of the rich cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity which marks the Catholic Church in the United States."

"It is my hope that the present Encuentro, by bringing together representatives of the many cultural and linguistic groups which make up the Church in the United States, will lead to a more effective witness to the Gospel at every level of American society", the Pope further said in his letter. In closing, the Holy Father entrusted the celebration of Encuentro 2000 to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother and Patroness of America.

New Holy See document defends the Eucharist and Marriage

Rome, 7 (NE) The Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts made public yesterday a declaration reaffirming the ban on communion for divorced and remarried people. The document of the Vatican dicastery, presided by Archbishop Julian Herranz, was made public in six languages and states that "in the concrete case of the admission to Holy Communion of faithful who are divorced and remarried, the scandal, understood as an action that prompts others towards wrongdoing, affects at the same time both the sacrament of the Eucharist and the indissolubility of marriage."

"That scandal exists even if such behavior, unfortunately, no longer arouses surprise: in fact it is precisely with respect to the deformation of the conscience that it becomes more necessary for Pastors to act, with as much patience as firmness, as a protection to the sanctity of the Sacraments and a defense of Christian morality, and for the correct formation of the faithful", the document further stresses.

"Naturally", it continues, "pastoral prudence would strongly suggest the avoidance of instances of public denial of Holy Communion. ... In those situations, however, in which these precautionary measures have not had their effect or in which they were not possible, the minister of Communion must refuse to distribute it to those who are publicly unworthy."

Cardinal asks Spanish youth to have holiness as personal goal

Madrid, 7 (NE) To assume a deep commitment with Christian life and undertake holiness as a personal goal are among the main challenges proposed by Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco, Archbishop of Madrid, to Spanish youth. In his last pastoral letter addressed to Madrid's youth, Cardinal Rouco invited young faithful to witness their faith and fidelity to the Pope on occasion of the next World Youth Day to take place in Rome, and "to deeply live " the meaning of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.

Expressing his concern for many "youth from Madrid and from the world that have lost the meaning, the truth and the reason of life", Cardinal Rouco pointed out that Jesus is the only one who gives life a true meaning. "In unity with Peter's Successor we want to live again in Rome -representing youth from all the world- a meeting with Jesus", the Archbishop further stressed.

"Let us go to Rome and gather with youth from the five continents, following the call that the Pope makes to us! With his particular style, the one of a brave witness of the Gospel, he appeals to us: 'do not be afraid of being the saints of our new millennium!' Let us say to him: No, we are not afraid! Our project of life, by the grace and love of Our Lord Jesus Christ and by the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin, His Mother and ours, is no other than holiness!"

In August youth to pay homage to Holy Shroud

Turin, 7 (NE) Tens of thousands of youth from all over the world are expected to visit from August 12-26 the Italian city of Turin and pray before the Holy Shroud. In the frame of World Youth Day, delegations attending the event to be held in Rome are expected to visit the exposition of the "Sindone", specially exposed those days to allow the pilgrimages of young faithful.

Archbishop Severino Poletto of Turin, Custodian of the Holy Shroud, will preside on August 13 a Mass opening the exposition of the shroud, exhibited for the last time in 1998. The celebration will take place in the Cathedral of Turin, where the shroud is safely kept throughout the year.

In a recent press conference, the local authorities of Turin and Monsignor Giuseppe Ghiberti, President of the Diocesan Commission for the exhibition, presented a Pilgrim Guide and a video entitled "Meeting the Sindone". It was also announced that as from July 10, the Duomo of Turin will close to visitors in order to allow the necessary preparation works to take place. The Cathedral will open again on August 12, on occasion of the visit of groups of pilgrims in their way to Rome to attend World Youth Day.

As in the previous exhibition, the itinerary followed to visit the Duomo and the Holy Shroud will begin in the Royal Gardens, entering afterwards the Duomo, where the shroud is exposed over the main altar, and finishing in a small "piazza" beside the temple. A special place for the sacrament of Confession and for Eucharist adoration will be prepared there.

Italy: Senate donates bronze sculpture to Pope John Paul II

Rome, 7 (NE) As a simple but significant homage to Pope John Paul II, the Senate of the Republic of Italy will donate this week a bronze sculpture. The sculpture, work of an Italian artist, is entitled "Ascension", and will be placed in the Vatican Museum, at the entrance of the area where carriages are exhibited. The simple ceremony will take place today morning, and will be attended by Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, President of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City-State, Nicola Macino, Presiden of the Italian senate, and Francesco Buranelli, Director of the Vatican Museums. The sculpture will be offered to Pope John Paul II as a special homage to the Pontiff on occasion of the year 2000.

JULY 6

Man in sought by God and in search of God, recalls Pope

Vatican City, 6 (NE) During yesterday's general audience, Pope John Paul II began a new series of catechesis. "Having contemplated in previous catecheses the glory of the Trinity," the Pope said, "today we wish to undertake an interior journey along the mysterious ways in which God comes to meet man, to make him a participant in His life and His glory." Approximately 30.000 pilgrims attended the audience held in St. Peter's Square.

God makes the first step to meet man, the Pope stressed. "In His love for man," he observed, "God always goes in search of him, even when man is indifferent or hostile. Man then responds by seeking God: sensing that God loves him, he begins to love in return. And so begins the ceaseless interaction between God's initiative and man's response, which we find in universal religious experience, but especially in the Bible. "In the universal religious experience," affirmed the Holy Father, "we find an awareness of the primacy of God Who seeks out man to lead him to the horizon of His light and His mystery."

"Certainly, this absolute beginning does not erase the need for human action, does not eliminate the commitment for an answer by man, who is asked to allow God to reach him and to open the door of his life to Him, but who also has the possibility of closing himself off to such invitations." In conclusion, Pope John Paul quoted the "stupendous words placed on Christ's lips in the Book of Revelation: 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me'."

Thousands of Polish pilgrims celebrate Jubilee in Rome

Rome, 6 (NE) Thousands of Polish faithful will celebrate today, together with Pope John Paul II, a special activity in the frame of celebrations for the Jubilee 2000. Groups of polish pilgrims, most of them coming from Poland as well as from other European countries, will gather today in St. Peter's Square to begin a 3-day Jubilee celebration. It is expected that approximately 25 thousand Polish faithful will gather today before St. Peter's Basilica.

During three days, a series of Jubilee celebrations will be held in Rome. Activities will start today morning with a Mass presided by Pope John Paul II. During the afternoon, activities will continue in St. Peter's Square, and at 7:30 p.m., the Pope will preside a Liturgy for the Polish pilgrims.

On Friday, several masses will take place simultaneously in Rome's Patriarchal Basilicas. Finally, on Saturday, day dedicated to Christian commitment of the laity, a closing Mass will be held in St. Peter's Basilica. Together with the pilgrims, several Polish civil authorities will be present for the Jubilee celebration. Among them, the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Presidents of the Parlament and the Senate.

Only reconciliation will make Mexico progress, says Cardinal

Mexico City, 6 (NE) Highlighting that only if there is an authentic reconciliation among Mexicans will the country develop, Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico, called citizens to peace and unity during these moments of democratic transition. The Cardinal's declarations made reference to last Sunday's election, when Mexicans elected PAN candidate Vicente Fox as President, ending more than 70 years of PRI government.

"Enthusiasm may lead us to celebrate, but also to be realistic. The country does not change with an election", Cardinal Rivera stressed in declarations to the press after the inauguration of a sacred art exposition in Mexico City. "It is necessary the work of all Mexicans so that the country may progress. Our collaboration is necessary, and that those that will preside the government fulfill the projects inspired by the people".

The Archbishop of Mexico stated as well that "the fundamental steps have already been taken", such as the recognition of the Catholic Church and other religious groups. Nevertheless, he warned, "there are several other points to be discussed to determine the rights of religious associations" and others involving education and mass media.

Colombia: Bishops concerned by "anti-culture of death"

Cali, 6 (NE) Celebrating these days their LXIXth Plenary Assembly in the city of Bogota, Colombian Bishops expressed this week their concern for the spreading of an "anti-culture of death". The Prelates, gathered to reflect about Liturgy and New Evangelization, among other issues, called to peace and encouraged efforts to end the armed conflict affecting Colombia.

Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo of Medellin, President of the Bishops Conference, stated that violence in Colombia has created "an anti-culture of death", before which "it is indispensable that between all of us we try to find answers that may open perspectives of change". Meanwhile, Archbishop Isaias Durte of Cali condemned the terrorist attacks that recently took place in his archdiocese.

In relation to this, the Archbishop of Cali called those involved in the armed conflict to respect the life and freedom of the citizens of Cali, and allow Colombians to live in peace. Where guerrilla warfare is present, the Prelate said, paramilitary warfare will soon appear. It is necessary that all citizens understand that neither of these two forms of repression is the solution to the country's problems, Archbishop Duarte finally emphasized.

JULY 5

Argentina: Nuncio concerned by imposition of birth control methods

Buenos Aires, 5 (NE) Archbishop Santos Abril y Castello, Papal Nuncio in Argentina, expressed his concern for the use of birth-control methods, on many occasions imposed, which endanger the health of women all over the world. Speaking at a Jubilee event in Buenos Aires, Archbishop Abril y Castello stressed that the Holy See and the Argentinean Bishops will continue teaching that a society where "birth control methods are imposed, specially to women," and where the dangers of these methods are not clearly explained, cannot be approved.

During his conference, the Papal Nuncio referred to different situations that affect the dignity of people all over the world. Speaking about abortion, the Archbishop emphasized that the "mother's alleged permissive right" disappears "before the right to life of another human being, who cannot be eliminated without punishment, specially being innocent and undefended". "It is the duty of the government", he said, "to protect first those innocent and defenseless".

Archbishop Abril y Castello called as well to offer serious and undistorted programs of sexual education to youth, stressing also the role of family and other institutions to encourage morality and adequately inform about these issues. Finally, the Papal Nuncio urged faithful to commit themselves in order to "diminish today's social evils as much as we can, and help those affected by them", aiming to "raise the dignity of the individual and of the peoples".

"Human rights are not a fashion", says Bishop Belo

Rome, 5 (NE) "It is today a fashion to talk about the defense of human rights", but this expression runs the risk of becoming devaluated by being used in an abusive way "when concrete commitments do not follow the proclamation", stressed this week Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo of Dili (East Timor). The Prelate offered a conference during the opening session of the World Congress of Doctors, being held in Rome these days.

Speaking about human rights and health care, Bishop Belo stated that "human rights are not a fashion", expressing his concern for the fact that "human rights continue to be violated everywhere, in spite of so many conventions, seminaries and conferences". Addressing the doctors participating at the world congress, the Prelate stressed that "if well followed, the deontological norms of medicine constitute a complete scheme for the defense and protection of human rights".

"Respecting human rights, both social and individual" Bishop Belo recalled, "we work to create a sane public health, harmonious, mature and balanced". Therefore, he finally stressed, "it is fundamental to insist in the respect for the person, for the individual, without discriminations for social class or origin".

Spanish faithful celebrated "Day of the Pope"

Madrid, 5 (NE) "We define ourselves as such by our unity of faith, discipline and familiar communion with the Bishop of Rome, Peter's Successor and visible sign of the presence of Christ in the Church," said Archbishop Antonio Montero Moreno of Merida-Badajoz (Spain), during a recent pastoral message of occasion of the "Day of the Pope", celebrated last Sunday in Spain.

Talking to the faithful of the Spanish diocese, Archbishop Moreno highlighted that "our Christian people have always associated with full spontaneity the first Pope with the one who occupies the Roman See during each time of history." "We are glad to see incarnated this presence of Christ Shepherd in the single and venerable figure of the Holy Father John Paul II, with twenty-two years of a total donation and an admirable service to the apostolic ministry" -further emphasized the Bishop-.

Urging faithful to live charity and generosity, the Bishop of Merida-Badajoz finally reminded that the Holy See and the universal donations of the Pope feed themselves -such as in apostolic times- from the economic contribution of Catholics around the world, by means of the called "Peter's Pence". "I exhort the priests and the communities of the parishes to perform as they must this collect and answer to it with generosity," finally said the Prelate.

Medellin renews consecration of city to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Medellin, 5 (NE) The Archdiocese of Medellin, Colombia, renewed this week her consecration to Jesus' Sacred Heart, following a tradition begun 114 years ago. After the "March of faith and love" -that left from San Ignacio's plaza heading for the Metropolitan Cathedral-, the Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo, presided a Mass with the archdiocese's faithful.

"The consecration to the Sacred Heart is not an empty formula, it is a very concrete and real commitment with the country. With it we place a foundation for answering all the anguishes lived in Colombia", said Archbishop Giraldo during the celebration.

"Pope John Paul II explains the actual sense of the consecration to the Sacred Heart as a commitment with the construction of the 'Civilization of Love'. This expression, created by Pope Paul VI, has not a political meaning, but a cultural one. It could sound like: facing a culture of violence and of death, of hate and aggressiveness, of scorn for life and for people, we commit to build a culture based on the Gospel, that is to say, based on Christian love", the Prelate added.

After renewing his exhortation to build "an authentic new Colombia", the Archbishop remembered that "consecrating the country to the Sacred Heart is to want radical changes for Colombia, but inspired by the Gospel of pardon, of mercy and of reconciliation."

JULY 4

Colombian Bishops to reflect on liturgy and evangelization

Bogota, 4 (NE) Colombian Bishops began yesterday their LXIXth Plenary Assembly in the city of Bogota. The meeting was opened by Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo of Medellin, President of the Colombian Bishops Conference. During the event, the Prelates will specially discuss liturgy and new evangelization, as well as several social issues, among them the process of peace in this country. On Saturday, the Bishops gathered for the meeting will make a pilgrimage to Angostura, to pay homage to Blessed Mariano de Jesus, Colombian priest recently beatified by Pope John Paul II.

In his opening address, Archbishop Giraldo spoke about the different themes to be discussed in the next days. The Prelate specially stressed the importance of liturgy in the life of the Church and in the ministry of Bishops. Also, in view of the recent beatification of Father Mariano de Jesus, the Archbishop of Medellin presented him as a "gift of peace" for Colombians. "The witness of Father Marianito is a call to holiness made to Colombians during this Holy Year", the Prelate further emphasized.

Colombians must "build a new culture of peace, not to be understood as the simple solution to the armed conflict, but which expresses itself in an environment of respect for the rights of each and everyone," the Archbishop said in closing. "A reconciled and reconciling environment for everyone will then begin", he finally emphasized.

World Congress of Catholic Doctors begins in Rome

Rome, 4 (NE) The XXth World Congress of Catholic Doctors was inaugurated yesterday in Rome. During the next five days, the more than 4 thousands doctors from 44 different countries gathered in Rome will discuss several issues from a Catholic perspective, under the main theme "Medicine and Human Rights". Bio-ethics, euthanasia, and violence against unborn children will be among the topics to be discussed. The rights of the elderly people, assistance to terminal patients, abortion will be also themes present during the World Congress being held in Rome. The theme of the congress, organizers said, is related to the need for a new way to exercise medicine, aiming to combine the progress of science with the demands of morals and respect to human rights. The congress will be closed by Pope John Paul II, who will gather with participants on July 7 to celebrate the Jubilee of Doctors in St. Peter's Basilica.

Peoria Bishop calls faithful to live "spirit of sacrifice"

Peoria, 4 (NE) Christ is calling men "to be faithful to the deepest part of who they are as men," said Bishop John J. Myers of Peoria, during the closing Mass of the Catholic Men's Conference recently held in this diocese. Speaking about the spirit of sacrifice witnessed by the Lord Jesus, the Prelate stressed the importance of generosity and self-giving in Christian life. "If we are not willing to do that," said Bishop Myers -including a readiness to suffer for others- we are not really present" to those we love. The conference was the third of its kind sponsored by the Apostolate of St. Joseph, an organization of Catholic men founded on principals taught by Bishop Myers in his 1996 pastoral letter titled "Fathers Make Known to Your Children Your Faithfulness." The Bishop of Peoria highlighted the difference between the Lord's spirit of sacrifice and today's society. Too many men in today's society, he emphasized, "spend so much time fleeing from the idea of pain or discomfort."

Cardinal asks Nicaraguans to encourage peaceful elections

Managua, 4 (NE) The Archbishop of Managua (Nicaragua), Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo, expressed the need for a transparent electoral campaign, inviting people in the country to encourage the peaceful development of the elections which will decide the authorities for the 150 municipalities in the country. "I hope these elections will be carried out peacefully", the Cardinal declared to the local press, expressing nevertheless his concern due to several problems in the electoral system. In relation to this, Cardinal Obando called the Supreme Electoral Council to act according to what is stated by the law. The Archbishop of Managua made a special invitation to people in Nicaragua not to encourage violent acts during the campaign, and to raise special prayers to God during the next days so that everything takes place in a peaceful way.

JULY 3

Christ "speaks as well to today's world", says Pope

Vatican City, 3 (NE) "Christ's heart has a message for every human being. He speaks as well to today's world" said Pope John Paul II yesterday, as he gathered with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus prayer. During his address before the Marian prayer, the Pope recalled the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ's Sacred Heart.

"Christ's Heart, crucified and resurrected, is an endless source of grace, in which any human being can always find love, truth, mercy, specially during this year of the Great Jubilee", he emphasized. "In a society where information technology develops at an increasing rate, where we see ourselves attracted to a thousand things, frequently in contrast, man risks loosing the center, the center of himself".

"When showing us His Heart, Jesus recalls that before all, there, in what is intimate of the person, the destiny of every single individual is decided, life or death in a definitive way. Christ Himself gives us plentifully the life that allows our hearts, many times hardened because of indifference and selfishness, to open to a more elevated form of life", stressed the Pope.

Archbishop Aguer highlights evangelization of culture as "fundamental task"

Buenos Aires, 3 (NE) The profile of this year's pastoral mission must be "to continue with boldness and hope the work of evangelization", pointed out recently Archbishop Hector Aguer of La Plata, Argentina. In an interview published by "La Nación", the Prelate expressed as well his concern for the decadence of Christian values in society. Before this sad reality, he emphasized that "the fundamental task is to evangelize culture".

Reflecting about the situation in Argentina, Archbishop Aguer highlighted the necessity of facing "seriously some chronic problems, such as the gap between the baptized and those who practice their faith, as well as the evangelization of popular religiosity". "Popular religiosity", the Archbishop said, "must increasingly be an authentic expression of faith and not be infected with superstitious forms." People must work to rescue Christian values, he further emphasized, also encouraging the "presence of catholic and intelligent lay people in environments where culture is generated, such as universities, politics and economy."

The Archbishop of La Plata invited as well Argentinean Catholics to live charity with those most in need. In relation to this, he warned that in many occasions "militant Catholics do not understand nor even have assumed their obligation of contributing according to their possibilities to the maintenance of worship and ministry, to the financing of the evangelizing and missionary work of the Church and to the attention to the poor.

Archbishop of Medellin urges Colombians to construct "Civilization of Love"

Medellin, 3 (NE) Closing the activities for the "Archdiocesan Mission", Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo of Medellin urged Colombian faithful to "seal a new alliance to save the city and save Colombia". Celebrating the feast of Corpus Christi, the Prelate pointed out that "the moral illness that the country suffers is a lack of Christian love", stressing the invitation Pope John Paul II had made on many occasions to "construct, in Colombia, a new civilization, the Civilization of Love". To achieve this task -further emphasized Archbishop Giraldo Jaramillo- Colombians must place Jesus in the first place "and then we begin to construct our selves, our families, our city, the country". "Let's convert our love to the Lord and to the Country into concrete commitments. Let's defend life, live justice, learn solidarity, forgiveness; let's struggle hard for reconciliation. Let's seek peace by peaceful ways", the Archbishop finally concluded.

Rio de Janeiro commemorates 20th anniversary of first Papal visit

Rio de Janeiro, 3 (NE) With different commemorative activities, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, celebrated this weekend with great joy the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II' first visit to this city. On this occasion, the Archdiocese organized a youth pilgrimage that gathered hundreds of young faithful who crossed the streets heading to the Cathedral.

There, Cardinal Eugenio de Araujo Sales, Archbishop of Rio, presided a Mass commemorating the three days that lasted the Pope's visit to Brazil in 1980. The people here -the Cardinal had underlined earlier in the week- want to remember the event that we had the joy of living 20 years ago in Rio de Janeiro: our Holy Father's first visit to Brazilian lands. It was a time of grace."

Cardinal Araujo also reminded what he had written soon after this first visit: "That this which we have lived may be transformed in something durable and permanent in the memory of each one of us, people of Rio de Janeiro. Together, strengthening the moral values announced by him, we shall assume the responsibility of making Rio de Janeiro not only a wonderful city because of its beauties, but to be more human, committed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ".

JULY 1

Pope calls Archbishops to encourage communion with See of Peter

Vatican City, 1 (NE) Pope John Paul II received yesterday in audience the Archbishops who received the Pallium during the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul and invited the Prelates to work with renewed strength in favor of communion with the See of Peter and the unity of the Church. The ceremony of the Pallium, the Pope said, "is for everyone an unceasing call to witness Christ Resurrected" and "work untiringly for the unity of the Church around the Successor of Peter". "May the Lord, who has elected you, keep you always faithful to the apostolic duty entrusted to you," he said. "With yesterday's imposition of the Pallium, an ancient and meaningful rite has been renewed, which renews the unity of each one of your communities to the Holy See and the Successor of Peter," the Pope further stressed. "Together we form the only Church of Christ, called to proclaim the only Gospel for the salvation of all men in every corner of the Earth".

Message of Pope for Jubilee in Prisons made public

Vatican City, 1 (NE) Pope John Paul II' message for the Jubilee in Prisons, which will be held on July 9, was made public yesterday by the Holy See Press Office. In his message, the Pope requested a "gesture of clemency towards all those in prison" to be translated, in concrete terms, into a reduction of sentence. "Acceptance of this proposal by the competent authorities would not only encourage prisoners to look to the future with new hope but would also be an eloquent sign, at the dawn of the Third Christian Millennium," the message says. "If the Great Jubilee is a chance for those in prison to reflect upon their situation, the same may be said of civil society as a whole, ... of the authorities ... and of those in the legal profession." As part of the activities of the Jubilee in Prisons, the Pope will visit on July 9 the "Regina Coeli" prison in Rome.

Peru: Nuncio asks faithful to follow Pope's example

Lima, 1 (NE) With a solemn Eucharist celebration in the Cathedral of Lima, faithful in the Peruvian capital paid homage to Pope John Paul II, celebrating the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The Mass was presided by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Rino Passigato. Also present was Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima, together with other Peruvian Prelates.

"Pope John Paul II is for us the Vicar of Christ on Earth, and we are called to follow His example", the Nuncio stated during his homily. Meanwhile, addressing faithful at the end of the ceremony, Archbishop Cipriani expressed the adhesion and fidelity of faithful in Lima to the Successor of Peter. Before the final blessing, the Nuncio asked Catholics in the archdiocese to pray for the health of Cardinal Augusto Vargas Alzamora, Archbishop emeritus of Lima.

On June 29, several streets throughout the Peruvian coast were filled with processions of images of St. Peter. Following a traditional ceremony, the images were carried to boats for nautical processions. In the city of Lima, more than 30 boats filled with faithful accompanied the image of the Patron saint of fishermen. In Trujillo, in northern Peru, the image of St. Peter was placed on a "totora" boat, similar to those used by Pre-Inca inhabitants of the area hundreds of years ago.

Image of Virgin of Lujan enthroned in Poland

Buenos Aires, 1 (NE) An image of the Virgin of Lujan, Patroness of Argentina, was enthroned this week in Poland, during the inauguration of the Parish of the Presentation of the Lord, in the city of Warsaw. The act was presided over by the Archbishop of Warsaw, Cardinal Jozef Glemp, and was also assisted by a delegation of the Argentinean government headed by chancellor Adalberto Rodriguez Giavarini. "We have brought the image of the Patroness of Argentineans to Warsaw to establish a solid bridge of spiritual union between two peoples that in their majority share Christian values," the Argentinean chancellor declared. On the other hand, the Argentinean ambassador in Poland pointed out that it should be highlighted the presence of the Cardinal of Poland during the enthronement act. An image of the Patroness of Poland, Our Lady of Czestochowa, currently exits in Buenos Aires.

«Church News» authorizes the complete or partial reproduction of the information offered to our readers in this page, quoting the source (NE). Publication of the information in this page does not imply any compromise.

All rights reserved (©) Noticias Eclesiales