A daily news service

August 23

Cardinal Stafford comments on world youth encounter

Rome, 23 (NE) In an interview to an Italian newspaper, Cardinal James F. Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity commented on different aspects of the World Youth Encounter that concluded last Sunday. The cardinal stated that in his opinion "we must underline the fact that this has been a great tribute to the Pope, who truly has got a great charisma, as he has proven in his welcome to the youth."

"What has impressed me the most," shared the Cardinal, "were the confessions at the Circus Maximus." He also emphasized that "it is very important for the Church, for the whole Church, beginning with the bishops, to see that these young people ask to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation." He also stated that to his point of view the questions of the young pilgrims "and their attention today are focused on the meaning of the cross of Christ."

Regarding the extraordinary number of people that gathered at Tor Vergata, he declared that it was a "great surprise" for him. "At the beginning," continued the Cardinal, "we expected around five hundred thousand people; as time passed, we expected more, but we certainly didn't think it would reach two million."

Cardinal Ruini comments on the Pope's relation with the young people

Rome, 23 (NE) "The Pope has also shown on Saturday night that he is perfectly capable of resisting the hardest physical efforts. But above all he has shown the simplicity, naturalness, spontaneity that characterizes his relation with young people," declared Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Holy Father's Vicar to the diocese of Rome, some hours after the World Youth Meeting had concluded.

He also observed that the close relation of the Holy Father with young people shows a faith that "is made a true experience of life." He said on Sunday, before the beginning of the Mass with the Pope, that the young people "sincerely welcome the invitation that the Holy Father made to them during these days to be brave witnesses of the Gospel in all the world."

Colombia: Seek Jesus Christ to reach peace and justice

Cali, 23 (NE) "We must seek Jesus Christ in the Eucharist with true love and we will find the strength to work for peace and justice, virtues so necessary in our country," stated Archbishop Isaias Duarte of Cali, renewing once again his exhortation to put one's eyes on the Lord Jesus to reach true peace in Colombia. Writing for the newspaper "El Pais" of Cali, the Archbishop recalled that only "inasmuch we human beings get closer to Jesus Christ, listen to his Word and live according to his teachings, will we find the remedy for the violence that destroys our homeland; we will find answers to the desire of eternity that subsists in the heart of each human being."

Twenty thousand young people celebrate youth jubilee in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo, 23 (NE) Surpassing the estimated number, over 20,000 young people gathered together on Sunday in the Corinthians Gymnasium to celebrate the Jubilee of the Young People of the Ecclesiastical Province of Sao Paulo. "And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us" was the slogan of the meeting that lasted almost six hours, in which the young people prayed, sang and reflected about the call that the Lord makes to them to live their Christian lives coherently.

The event began with many stories about the presence of the Lord in our reality. After, the Vocational Pastoral of the Archdiocese presented a theatrical work based on the biblical passage of the blind Bartimeo, entitled. "Courage, stand up. He calls you." Then the Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Claudio Hummes, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, which was the main act of the meeting.

The message that the Holy Father directed to the young people from all over the world on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Young People was presented on a giant screen, constituting an important moment of reflection about Christian life among the young people. Finally, theatrical and music groups finished the meeting.

August 22

Holy Father urges Hungarians to announce the Good News

Vatican City, 22 (NE) Pope John Paul II sent a message to Budapest on occasion of the celebration of the first Millennium of the crowning of Holy Stephan, Patron of Hungary. The message was sent through Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State of the Vatican. During the celebrations, a hundred thousand persons accompanied a 2km. procession of a relic of Saint Stephan on Sunday 20. The last similar procession took place in Hungary's capital in 1947, lead by Cardinal Mindszenty, who some time after was imprisoned.

The Papal message was read by Cardinal Lásló Paskai, Archbishop of Budapest. In it, the Pope stated that one thousand years ago the Holy King Stephan "wanted to found the State upon the rock of Christian values and he wanted to receive the royal crown from the Pope, my Predecessor Sylvester II. Thus," he continued, "the Hungarian Nation was constituted in deep unity with the See of Peter."

The Pope also said that the history of the Church in Hungary "during the tormented XX century" has been marked by the persecution of the Communist regime. He thus recalled great figures such as Cardinal József Mindszenty, Blessed martyr Bishop Vilmos Apor and Venerable László Batthyány-Strattmann.

He also stated that "regretfully, in the last generations, not everybody has had the possibility to know Christ, Our Savior. This period of history has been marked by tribulation and suffering. Now it is your task, Hungarian Christians, to take the name of Christ and announce the Good News to your beloved fellow citizens."

To the new Hungarian generations the Pope said that the different dimensions of culture, "the meaning of values, the thirst -frequently unattended- of great and eternal things, the infinite desire present in man, find their consummation in Jesus Christ, Way, Truth and Life."

Two million young people in Mass with the Pope

Rome, 22 (NE) "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." With this passage of Saint John's Gospel Pope John Paul II began his homily in the Mass celebrated yesterday for more than 2 million young people gathered on the Campus of the Tor Vergata University.

The Holy Father arrived at 8 a.m. to meet the youth gathered for the Closing Mass of the XV World Youth Encounter. The Eucharist began at 8:30, after the greeting by Cardinal Camillo Ruini.

"Will you also go away?" said once again the Holy Father, pointing out that "Christ's question surpasses the centuries and arrives to us, questions us personally and requests from us a decision. Which is our answer? Dear youths, if we are here today it is because we are reflected in the Apostle Peter's statement, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life'". And he further explained, "Only Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God and of Mary, the Father's eternal Word, who was born two thousand years ago in Bethlehem of Judah, can satisfy the deepest aspirations of the human heart."

"Yes, dear friends, Christ loves us and he loves us always!" exclaimed the Pontiff raising excited applause. "He loves us even when we disappoint him, when we don't correspond to what he expects from us. He never closes to us the arms of his mercy."

The Holy Father then exhorted the youths with great strength to give testimony of Christ, "the Word that made himself flesh two thousand years ago" and who "is present today in the Eucharist. Of this testimony," he added, "our society has an urgent necessity, it is needed more than ever by youths, often tempted by the illusions of an easy and comfortable life, by drugs and hedonism which later lead to the spiral of desperation, senselessness, of violence. Jesus doesn't like half-hearted responses and doubts not to urge us with the question, 'Will you also go away?' With Peter, before Christ, Bread of life, today we also want to repeat, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life'."

Toward the end of his homily, the Holy Father thanked God "for the gift of youth", which through the young people "remains in the Church and in the world". He also exhorted those present to confirm and to deepen their adhesion to the Christian community to which they belong, and paraphrasing Saint Catherine of Siena he told them, 'If you are what you have to be, you will light fires in all the world!"

The Pontiff concluded his homily with an old thanksgiving prayer that "sings at the same time of the gift of Jesus, the Eucharist and the Church.".

Once the Mass finished, and after Cardinal Francis Stafford's greeting, the Holy Father prayed with all those who were present the Marian prayer of the Angelus, that he introduced with a small message in which he thanked all those who had participated somehow in the XV World Youth Encounter, specially those who had collaborated in its organization. Before concluding the Assembly, the Holy Father also wanted to invite the youths for the next World Youth Encounter that will be held in Toronto, in the summer of 2002.

More evidence: Juan Diego was a real person

Mexico City, 22 (NE) The «Centro de Estudios Guadalupanos» (Center of Guadalupean Studies) has recently published the book "El Mensajero de la Virgen" (The Virgin's Messenger), written by a team of archaeologists and anthropologists, in which it is proven that the Blessed Juan Diego was a real person. "Men of little faith, Juan Diego existed", affirmed the investigating Asunción García Samper, head of the team formed by members of the National Institute of Anthropology and History and of the Center of Guadalupean Studies. The anthropologist showed his genealogical tree back to year 100 AC, passing through 900 relatives. If you want to find Juan Diego among the poor, she pointed out, you won't find him since he was a noble, grandson of Nezahualcóyotl and a recognized person in Mexico-Tenochtitlán. She also explained that the bundle of the tilma where the "Virgen Morena" had stamped her image corresponds to the customs of the noble class.

Monsignor Enrique Salazar, Director of the Center of Guadalupean Studies, has also announced that around October 12 he will present the document to Pope John Paul II.

A phenomenon in Internet: Gimiji

Rome, 22 (NE) Gimiji is how the initials of the emblem of the World Youth Encounter, Giornata Mondiale della Gioventù, sound in Italian. The dynamic emblem is becoming known as Gimiji.

The Secretariat of the Encounter has been carrying out an effective service in Internet, offering abundant information about the Encounter, its antecedents and development and live broadcasts.

Gimiji represents the Holy Father below the image of the Vatican Basilica, which appears in red in the background, and the Church is represented by the famous Bernini colonnade, which like two orange colored arms, opens wide to the world of the youth, in yellow.

August 21

Holy Father exhorts youth to become martyrs of daily life

Rome, 21 (NE) On Saturday the prayer vigil that preceded the Pope's Mass with the youth took place. Approximately two million young people participated at this memorable day. With songs and applauses they expressed their love to Pope John Paul II and their overwhelming joy for encountering Christ. This has been the greatest gathering that has taken place in Rome ever.

The Holy Father arrived in helicopter and then saluted the youth in his "Pope mobile" until he reached the stage where he was to preside the event. During the vigil a the memory of the apostles and some Christian martyrs was remembered. Then 4 young people shared their witness of encounter with the Lord. Towards the end, the Pope gave the Gospel by St. Mark to representatives of the five continents. A communitarian profession of faith was then made.

The Pope, clearly moved by the vitality of the faith of the young multitude, shared with them some reflections. "Dear friends", he said, "to believe in Christ today, to follow Jesus as Peter, Thomas, and the first Apostles and witnesses did, demands of us, just as it did in the past, that we take a stand for him, almost to the point at times of a new martyrdom: the martyrdom of those who, today as yesterday, are called to go against the tide in order to follow the divine Master. "Perhaps," added the Pope, "you will not have to shed your blood, but you will certainly be asked to be faithful to Christ! A faithfulness that must be lived in the circumstances of everyday life."

After this, talking about the hunger of God that each human being experiences, he told the youth that "it is Jesus in fact that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise." The Pope also reminded them that "the various godless messianic systems which tried to take the place of Christian hope have shown themselves to be truly horrendous." The Holy Father urged the youth not to follow this ways but those of the Lord Jesus.

Towards the end of his intervention, the Pope told the "young people of the century now beginning" that "in saying ´yes´ to Christ you say ´yes´ to all your noblest ideals. Do not be afraid of entrusting yourselves to Him. He will guide you, He will grant you the strength to follow Him every day and in every situation," he added.

"May Mary Most Holy," prayed the Pope at the end, "the Virgin who said ´yes´ to God throughout her whole life, may Saints Peter and Paul and all the Saints who have lighted the Church's journey down the ages, keep you always faithful to this holy resolve."

Mexico: that the positive law doesn´t oppose natural or divine law

Mexico City, 21 (NE) In the face of the disturbing situation in Mexico because the Legislative Assembly of the Federal District (ALDF) may approve the proposal to increase the legal grounds for abortion, the Archdiocese of Mexico issued a message directed to various groups of people. The Justice and Peace Commission, the Juridical Commission, the Pastoral of Health, the Pastoral of the Family and the general direction of Social Communication of the Archbishopric affirmed together that abortion is a result of conducting liberty through the ways of evil, even tending to "pervert" the consciences of those who promote or practice it, because they consider it a "good action" when it is actually objective and intrinsically bad. All men and women of good will must thus defend human life "without fear" from the moment of conception on.

Directed to the legislators, the message affirms that "beyond the positive laws, always perfectible and revocable, remains the realm of natural morals and true freedom, that require congruence between thinking and doing." Further on, the commissions recalled that founded in natural and divine law, the Church has proclaimed and defended, from its beginnings, the sacredness of human life because it's "the highest gift of God's creation" and because human life "constitutes the logical, juridical and essential principle of all human rights. With special love and affection," they continue, "we make a call to all Mexican women inviting them to value and defend, against the threat of the abortion, the incomparable gift of their maternity."

Buenos Aires: demands against anti-life law

Buenos Aires, 21 (NE) The controversial "Law of Reproductive Health," passed in July by the Legislature of the City of Buenos Aires, has been the object, in addition to much criticism, of several law suits. The Pro-Family Association and the League of Housewives demand that the law be declared unconstitutional, since it goes against the rights of the unborn child as contemplated in the Constitution and various international treaties.

The law in question provides for the prescription of intrauterine devices (IUD) and certain hormone treatments that tacitly include the abortive pill known as the "day after pill". In case the Superior Court of Justice of Buenos Aires comes to recognize the unconstitutional character of the law, the latter would immediately lose its validity.

It was also informed that 7 married couples are suing the Government of the City before the National Justice because the law, in determining that the Municipal Hospitals should prescribe birth-control methods to minors under the age of 18, goes against the rights of the parents of these minors to assert their authority to a perform a similar action. As the lawyers for the defense showed, the mentioned aw suits are based on the International Treaty concerning Children Rights -assumed by Argentina- that prescribes that the aspects relating to family planning are a non-transferable duty of the parents.

Competition in Chile of paintings on the family

Santiago de Chile, 21 (NE) "The Children, Springtime of the Family and Society" is the topic under which a National Painting Competition for high school students is being organized in Chile. The aim is to promote the Pope's Third World Meeting with the Families, and because of this the same topic of the Meeting has been chosen for the competitions. According to the organizers, more than 10.000 Chilean schools have been invited to participate in the competition, and the answer has outdone the expectations. "To receive this massive answer confirms, once again, all Chile's love for the Pope and for the Family", they affirmed.

The initiative of the competition has come from the school called "Santísima Trinidad" in the city of Concepcion and has the support of the National Jubilee 2000 Commission of Chile's Episcopal Conference, the Ministry of Education and the National Fine Arts Museum. As prizes for the best works 6 airplane tickets to Rome to attend the Pope's World Meeting with the Families, to be held at the beginning of October, will be awarded.

August 19

Holy Father welcomes Cuban World Youth Encounter delegation

Castelgandolfo, 19 (NE) Yesterday morning, at the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo, Pope John Paul II received the delegation of Cuban youth that have peregrinated to Rome to participate at the XV World Youth Encounter. The young people came with Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino, Archbishop of Havana and with Bishop Carlos J. Baladron Valdes of Guantanamo-Baracoa.

"Today," the Holy Father told them, "I wish to recall you the words I told you during my unforgettable trip to Cuba: Continue contemplating Christ. He wants to offer you His friendship again; his eyes, full of tenderness, continue watching the Cuban youth, living hope of the Church and of Cuba. ´Don´t be afraid to open your hearts to Christ.´ Don't close yourselves to His love."

He also stated before the present that the World Youth Encounter is "a priviledged occasion for evangelization, for Church communion and interior renovation through the personal encounter with Christ, together with the many young people from the whole world, pilgrims to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul."

At the end, the Pope exhorted them to be witnesses of Christ, "assuming the concrete commitments to spread the civilization of love in all areas: family, Church communities and work. I ask the Lord that, in this Jubilee Year, the Spirit fills you with blessings and gifts."

Young members of the CLM participate at the World Youth Encounter in Rome

Rome, 19 (NE) Within the framework of celebrations in Rome, a numerous group of young people from the Christian Life Movement participated yesterday at a Eucharistic celebration in the traditional church of Holy Maria in Monte.

Many members of the CLM are participating in the various activities that are taking place in the Eternal City on occasion of the XV World Youth Day, together with thousands of young people from the whole world.

During Mass, the young participants expressed, through chants and prayers, their will to live the present pilgrimage to Rome as an occasion of encounter with the Lord Jesus. They also committed themselves to the announcement of the Gospel in their different countries of origin. In the afternoon, they joined other CLM members that had participated in other activities and also the great multitude of young people gathered at the celebration of the Via Crucis.

Departing from the ancient Basilica of Holy Mary in Aracoeli, presided over by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of His Holiness for the city of Rome, and a numerous group of bishops, thousands of young people followed the Stations reciting the Our Father in Latin. The readings in different languages were listened with great attention. An atmosphere of deep prayer and recollection was experienced through the whole avenue of the Imperial Forums, that was crowned with an immense icon of Jesus Christ. The cross advanced amid torches and palms, while at the sides thousands of candles held by the participants lightened the night.

One day more has passed in the development of this event of world importance, where more than a million young people from 160 countries have met in Rome, thus answering the call of Pope John Paul II on occasion of the Holy Year of 2000.

After the Via Crucis, at night, groups of young people began marching to Tor Vergara, in the outskirts of the city, to place themselves for the Saturday activities and the Holy Mass presided over by the Pope on Sunday. The great installations presided by the Pontifical Seat are awaiting to be filled by the multitude of the Church's children. The magnitude and transcendence of the XV World Youth Encounter inspire us to consider it as an auspicious dawn that opens the XXI century.

British decision in favor of human cloning is condemned

Rome, 19 (NE) Bishop Eio Sgreccia, Vicepresident of the Pontifical Academy for Life and Head of the Bioethics Institute of the Catholic University in Rome, in declarations to the Italian press condemned the recent inform presented by the British government that supports the cloning of human embryos for therapeutic purposes. This is a decision that "should shock the whole civil order's consciences," stated Bishop Sgreccia, who then asked: "What difference is there between these experiments and the lethal experiments on human beings, without consensus, already prohibited since the times of Hilter?" Among other things he condemned that "the human embryo become experimental material" and stated that the public opinion "shouldn't let itself become deceived by utilitarian criteria."

Cardinal Thomas Winning, Archbishop of Glasgow and President of the Bioethics Committee of the Episcopate of Great Britain and Ireland, stated that "obtaining stem cells from a human embryo is morally evil because it implies the destruction of a human life," life that is "inviolably sacred."

Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro prepares for great pilgrimage to Aparecida

Rio de Janeiro, 19, (NE) The Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro is organizing for next August 26 a great pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida. The organizing commission informed that this year more than 50,000 devotees from this diocese are expected from to peregrinate to the Sanctuary to pray before the image of the Patroness of Brazil. This number exceeds last year's.

According to the presented program, activities will start today with a Mass at 8 a.m. at the Basilica. Cardinal Archbishop Dom Eugenio Sales of Rio will preside over the mass. The Auxiliary Bishops and many priests of this archdiocese will concelebrate. After the Mass, the pilgrims will pray the Via Crucis, following the path that goes from the Sanctuary to a hill called "Morro do Cruzeiro" along which there are 13 chapels with the Stations. At the last station they will pray before a Sepulcher built in the esplanade of the hill where there is an image of our Lord.

The tradition of the annual pilgrimage to Aparecida began in 1990 in the Archdiocese of Rio and it has been growing ever since.

August 18

Pope John Paul II: "Dear young friends, love Christ and love the Church!"

Castelgandolfo, 18 (NE) "Dear young friends, do not doubt about God's love for you! He has a place in His heart for you and a mission for you in the world," exclaimed Pope John Paul II to the almost 400 young participants of the International Forum, during the Mass that was celebrated yesterday for them in the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo. The Forum had taken place in Rome from August 12 to 15.

Also present at Mass were Cardinal James Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and the Secretary of the same Council, Bishop Stanislao Rylko.

During the Mass, the Holy Father urged those present to understand their participation at the event as a blessing and also as a responsibility which demands a response of conversion that becomes concrete in the apostolic work. "The task is enormous," stated the Pope, "but do not forget that, when the Lord calls us, He gives us the necessary strength and grace to answer the calling."

"Dear young friends," later exhorted the Pope, "love Christ and love the Church! Love Christ as He loves you. Love the Church as Christ loves her." Towards the end, he emphatically reminded the young people that "authentic love doesn't put conditions, doesn't make calculations, doesn't recriminate, it simply loves."

Youths´ message shows desire of holiness

Rome, 18 (NE) The International Youth Forum concluded its sessions on Tuesday 15. On Saturday 19, at the Tor Vergata esplanade, Pope John Paul II will read before the World Youth Encounter participants the conclusions, fruit of the deliberations carried out at the Forum.

Commenting the conclusions edited by the more than 300 delegates of the International Forum, Monsignor Renato Boccardo, responsible for the youth section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, pointed out that they reflect the youth's desire for holiness, as well as their adhesion to the Holy Father. He also said that the participants of the Forum "have welcomed the Pope's words contained in the message of this World Journey: 'Don't be afraid of being the saints of the Third Millennium'. They are also conscious of the urgency of generously responding to what the Church and the world expect from them."

He also indicated -in an interview granted to the Fides agency- that the young people did understand that "Jesus became a man and that He reconstitutes man in his original dignity, redeeming and calling him back to the friendship with Himself" and that the answer to God´s action in man shall be holiness. Pope John Paul II's message to the youths on the World Youth Encounter is "a missionary call: be evangelizers! The missionary enterprise is constant: The Pope urges the youths to announce to other young people what they have experienced."

Mexico has celebrated the Assumption for 350 years

Mexico City, 18 (NE) As Auxiliary Bishop José de Jesus Aguilar of Mexico explained, it is known that since the year of 1650 the Mexican people have celebrated the "Day of the Assumption of the Virgin" in the Cathedral of the capital city. This celebration has been linked to the anniversary of the Temple because of its proximity. Bishop Aguilar, who is also the Major Sacristan of the Cathedral, informed that on August 31 will be celebrated the 377th anniversary of the construction of the Cathedral. "For this reason on Thursday 31 all the candles that surround the cathedral will be lit and it is expected that some Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese may visit it." The actual temple replaced the first one built by the Spanish for the evangelization of the residents of the area.

"Celebration of forgiveness" in the Circus Maximus

Rome, 18 (NE) Over 2000 priests will be rotating to administer the sacrament of Reconciliation to the crowd of young people that has arrived to Rome for the World Youth Encounter. The Circus Maximus has been provided with over 400 wooden confessionals that will welcome the penitents from the first hours of the morning until night. As well, in addition to the eucharistic celebrations and penitential liturgies, the young people can have access to a silent place to make their conscience's exam.

Besides this valuable initiative, all the Roman parishes have made a special effort to make it possible for the young people from all over the world to confess in their own Language. This concern is a result of the conviction of the World Youth Encounter organizers that reconciliation with God is an essential factor that makes it possible for the young people to encounter Christ and to follow Him. This "Celebration of Forgiveness", as this initiative has been called, will continue until Friday.

August 17

Holy Father expresses his joy for the enthusiasm of the youth

Rome, 17 (NE) Father Ciro Benedettini, Vice-director of the Press Office of the Holy See informed that "the Holy Father expressed his joy for the atmosphere of feast and the enthusiasm with which the more than 700,000 young people present since yesterday have come to the Jubilee. They have welcomed with their age's freshness and spontaneity the invitation to grow deeper in their friendship with Christ and to give witness of their faith." He also referred to the enormous number of young people that have peregrinated to the St. Peter's Basilica and has crossed the Holy Door. They have been "more than 20,000 per hour."

The Press Office informed that during second day of the World Youth Encounter many Bishops have catechized the young people. The catechesis began at 10 a.m. and took place in 155 different places in Rome. More than 300 bishops gave the catechesis in 32 different languages. They will take place until next Friday. Among them were Cardinal Camillo Ruini, who gave a catechesis in Italian at St. John Lateran´s Basilica. He talked about "the Emmanuel, God among us." Cardinal Bernardin Gantin spoke in French at the Flaminio Stadium in Rome; Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid catechized in Spanish at the Commerci City, in the via Portuense in Rome. These are only some of the many bishops that catechized yesterday.

It is esteemed that more than 700,000 young people arrived in the first 24 hours of the Encounter to the Eternal City. This number is 30% more than the expected.

Pope John Paul II: "The Assumption o the Virgin reminds us that our true homeland is heaven"

Castelgandolfo, 17 (NE) On Tuesday noon, a few hours before the official opening of the World Youth Encounter, the Holy Father met the pilgrims at the Papal Palace in Castelgandolfo to pray the Angelus. The Pontiff recalled that the Feast celebrated on Tuesday, August 15, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary to Heaven, shows the belief "always present in the People of God, guided by Revelation and Tradition", that the Mother of Jesus, "is associated with her Son's Victory over death."

"Mary, chosen by God as a most pure seat to 'come to inhabit' amid men, at the end of her terrestrial existence, was immediately received in heaven," explained the Holy Father to the pilgrims. "The Assumption," continued the Pope, "reminds us that our true homeland is Heaven and offers us the Virgin's maternal help to prepare us for the definitive meeting with Christ at the end of our pilgrimage on the earth."

The Pope then thanked the organizers and numerous volunteers who are cooperating in the World Youth Encounter and said that while the event lasts, "Rome will be the capital of the world's youth. On this Jubilee date we invoke the Holiest Virgin's maternal protection", the Holy Father concluded.

News Agency discloses "New Age" background in world summit's organizers

New York, 17 (NE) The "UN News" informed in its latest edition that a "World Summit of Spiritual Leaders and Religious for Peace" will start on August 28 in New York, convened by the United Nations (UN). The "United Initiative of Religions", a group which "condemns the traditional notion of Christian evangelization" is in charge of organizing the summit. The UIR, meant to be the spiritual arm of the UN, "declares itself to be against the 'dogmatic' religions, as promoters of 'fundamentalism', as well as in favor of abortion, sexual freedom for adolescents, legalization of homosexual unions and against the 'unsustainable' population growth". The agency also indicates the search for a "new ethical code" that, based on the New Age syncretism, can serve as the "spiritual foundation of the new world order".

Madrid: greatly attended procession in the honor of the "Virgen de la Paloma"

Madrid, 17 (NE) The traditional procession of the "Virgen de la Paloma" (Virgin of the Dove) took place in the streets of Madrid on Tuesday. Hundreds of thousands of Madrilenians went to pray before the painting of the Holy Mother and to accompany Her in a pilgrimage through the center of Madrid. Thus the week of celebrations that takes place every August in the honor of Saint Cajetan, Saint Lorenzo and the "Virgen de la Paloma" ended. The activities began at noon, when members of the municipal Corporation offered flowers to the Virgin, putting them at the replica of the painting of the Patroness. Further on, the devoted people walked toward the Church of the "Virgen of the Paloma", where a Mass was celebrated.

One of the most intense moments of the whole celebration was the presentation of the picture that has the original image of the "Virgen de la Paloma". Following a tradition, the firemen were in charge of bringing down the image with great care and reverence, in the middle of shouts of "Long life to the Virgin de la Paloma!" In the afternoon, after thousands of devotees came to kiss the image and to pray before it, the procession began. It was also informed that it was the largest ever held in Madrid. At night, the image returned to its temple, thus ending the celebration that so clearly shows the religious fervor and the filial devotion to Mary of the Madrilenian people.

«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