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September 30

US Bishops criticize approval of abortion pill

Washington, 30 (NE) The Secretariat of the Catholic Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities issued this week a statement denouncing the approval by the FDA of the abortion pill Mifepristone. "The FDA's approval of the abortion pill Mifepristone", reads the statement, is the lastest in a series of capitulations to abortion advocates who dismiss serious concerns about the drug and its effects." "The Church and the pro-life community will continue to speak the truth about the deadly drug, while ministering to women who are in a crisis situation or who suffer after an abortion."

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, in a statement released on Thursday, stressed that the approval of Mifepristone is a "sad commentary on the diminishing respect for human life in America." "While the drug removes abortion even further from public consciousness, it still produces the same result as any surgical abortion - it ends a human life. Moreover, it can also threaten the life of the mother through incomplete abortion, infection, and excessive bleeding."

"We must all work to eliminate the social conditions that compel women to have abortions and pray that all Americans will open their hearts by choosing to give life to their children rather than premature death," further said Pennsylvania's Catholic Bishops.

Peruvian Archbishop urges unity and national reconciliation

Lima, 30 (NE) Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima urged Peruvians yesterday to work in favor of reconciliation in the country, in view of the current crisis that is affecting the nation. In declarations to a local radio, the Archbishop stressed the need for unity "in order to avoid further divisions in these critical moments". "It is not a time for revenge, for hate or paybacks", Archbishop Cipriani emphasized, "because they are not constructive nor creative". The Prelate also called Peruvians to be calm and encourage peace, so that the democratic progress recently begun in the country may advance in a rapid and transparent way. Expressing his confidence that the necessary steps to solve the problems that affect the nation will be taken, Archbishop Cipriani finally called people involved in business and economy to provide the necessary economical frame so that the progress of the country and those most in need are not affected by the crisis.

Italy: new book of American nun in defense of Pope Pius XII

Rome, 30 (NE) "Pius XII: Architect of Peace" is the title of the recent book written by Sister Marguerita Marchione, recently published in Italy. A few years ago, Sister Marguerita, now 78 years old, decided to defend Pope Pacelli from the numerous and unjust accusations regarding the persecution of Jews during the Second World War. The Italian daily "Avvenire" recently informed that the American nun of Italian origin, who will soon publish an autobiography titled "The Fighting Nun", interested herself in the life of Pope Pius XII in 1994 when she found out that fifty years before some nuns of her congregation had saved the lives of hundreds of Jews by sheltering them in their monastery. They were ordered to do so by Pope Pius XII.

In this way the first book, "Yours is a precious witness: memoirs of Jews and Catholics in wartime in Italy," was written. It is a full account of witnesses of how in Italy many religious men and women, instructed by Pope Pius XII, helped many Jews and saved them from the Nazi persecutions. Little after, a new book followed: "Pius XII: Architect of Peace," that concentrated on the Pope and his action during the war.

Sister Marguerita explains that by writing on the actions of Pope Pacelli her desire is to serve truth. "When I think of Pius XII, of the difficulties of his pontificate that occurred during the most tragic period of human history, I feel the need to answer the calumnious accusations that have been aimed at him," she stated. She answers the accusations that Pope Pacelli did little or nothing to face the situation of the Jews: "These calumnies are a terrible injustice! The historic evidence says exactly the contrary."

The recent work of the English writer John Cornwell and his absurd calumnies, which in spite of their lack of respect for historic truth have been widely promoted by the international press, is one of the motivations of Sister Margherita. " It's not my place to judge him. But when he says that he is a historian and that he is in a position to judge Pius XII because he supported Hitler, I am ready to combat him," she firmly asserts.

Pro-life prayer meetings to be held in St. Louis

Saint Louis, 30 (NE) "Helpers Of God's Precious Infants" is the name of a new association promoted and directed by the Pro-Life Office of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. Recently inaugurated by Archbishop Justin Rigali, the activity consists of dedicating the third Saturday of every month to prayer for the defense of life. After the celebration of the Mass in the Basilica Cathedral, the Holy Sacrament will be exposed and there will be a procession through the streets of Saint Louis praying the Rosary. "The procession is a silent prayer vigil. The only words spoken are the prayers of the Rosary. No banners are carried. There are no placards or signs of any kind. A framed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the single exception. It is carried at the head of the procession so that, in a certain sense, the Blessed Mother leads those who are giving this silent witness to the sanctity of every human life," explained Archbishop Rigali, adding that the presence of all who attend "gives visible expression to our conviction that life will triumph."

September 29

Pope presides Mass in honor of Popes Paul VI and John Paul I

Vatican City, 29 (NE) Pope John Paul II presided yesterday, in St. Peter's Basilica, a Mass to commemorate his predecessors, Pope Paul VI, who died on August 6, 1978, and Pope John Paul I, who died on September 28 that same year. During his homily, the Holy Father said that "this year the traditional celebration for the repose of the souls of my venerated predecessors Paul VI and John Paul I receives a special meaning and further spiritual strength from this time of Jubilee grace."

"Such strength," the Pope pointed out, "looking at it closely, redounds not only to the benefit of the souls of these brothers of ours, but also to the benefit of everyone gathered here in prayer. If indeed it is given to us to offer prayers for the repose of their souls, they, beyond the threshold of death, invite us to mediate on the final destination of our earthly pilgrimage."

"The Book of Wisdom," the Pope observed, "tells us that 'the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest' because 'he pleased God and was loved by Him'. What great love the Father reserved for the venerated Popes Paul VI and John Paul I! He called them to the faith, to the priesthood, to the episcopacy, to the petrine ministry. He enriched them with countless gifts of wisdom and virtues. And we, while we pray to God for them, ... give him thanks for having given them to the Church."

The world has "hunger of God", states founder

Lima, 29 (NE) The world has "hunger of God", said yesterday Luis Fernando Figari, during a meeting in Lima (Peru) with several apostolic leaders and coordinators of the Christian Life Movement (CLM) celebrating their II National Meeting. During the event, L.F. Figari, founder of different eclesial associations, such as Sodalitium Christianae Vitae and the Marian Community of Reconciliation, encouraged those present to answer to the hunger of God present in today's men and women proclaiming the Lord.

In his address, the founder of the CLM stressed the existence of "a world that denies God pretending He does not exist". But the Lord goes to the encounter of man, and "God's love humbly continues to knock to the heart of human beings, begging them to open the doors of their hearts". Highlighting the importance of respect to people's freedom and the free exercise of faith, he recalled afterwards the witness given by the more than two million young people who attended World Youth Day in Rome, as well as the Youth Day held a few weeks ago in Lima during the National Eucharistic Congress, which gathered 80 thousand people. These manifestations are "a sign", a "reality that tells us that the flame of faith is alive in today's world", and is at the same time "a sign that must be attended, which speaks loud and clear of the hunger of God present in the human heart".

Recalling the witness of faith given by the hundreds of thousands of young faithful who pilgrimaged to Rome, who visited in spirit of prayer the different Roman churches and made long cues to pass through the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica, Figari quoted several passages of the Pope's address to youth gathered at Tor Vergata. The Pope, he stressed, presented with great realism the demands of Christian life, highlighting as well that "faith is stronger than every difficulty". "To say yes to Jesus Christ is to say yes to all our most noble ideals", he said, quoting the Holy Father. Analyzing these expressions of faith, Figari said that "we cannot be insensible to the concrete realities that the Spirit is pointing out".

Later on, the founder of the Christian Life Movement stressed as well the importance of the Declaration "Dominus Iesus", from the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith on the Unicity and Salvific Universality of Jesus Christ and the Church. He highlighted the solemn nature of the approval given by the Pope to the declaration. This document, he emphasized, "affirms the Catholic identity", pointing out "what must be believed to be a true son of the Church". It has a great importance since it reaffirms the contents of faith "against relativism and theological and philosophical prejudgments".

Finally, the founder of the CLM invited those preset to follow the example of Blessed Mary, "letting themselves be impregnated by the living Word" and proclaiming the Lord in their daily lives.

Argentina: Reflections on Pope Paul VI and Latin America

Buenos Aires, 29 (NE) The Argentinean Catholic University Santa María of Buenos Aires will organize some days of reflection on the pontificate of Pope Paul VI and Latin America. The purpose of the event, that will take place from October 10 to 11, is to "analyze his great pastoral guidelines, his thought on Latin American culture and civilization, his social teachings and, specially, evangelization." Organized by this university and the Paul VI Institute of Brescia (Italy), the event will be inaugurated at 9:30 by the Auxiliary Bishop of Cordoba and the president of the Bishop's Commission for Faith and Culture, Bishop Jose Angel Rovai. Lecturers from different countries will participate. They will reflect on themes such as "The thought of Paul VI on Latin American culture and civilization," "Great pastoral orientations of Paul VI for Latin America," and "Paul VI and the Evangelization of Latin America".

Mexican Archbishop warns against relativistic and functionalistic mentality

Mexico City, 29 (NE) Calling for the rediscovery of the authentic values of the human person, Archbishop Emilio Berlié of Yucatán stated that today much is said about human rights, but paradoxically enough a great number of crimes justified by supposed values are committed. "Everyone talks about values, but they invent or determine their own moral code," added the Mexican Pprelate. He gave the example that today even the authorities defend the death of the most innocent and defenseless beings, the unborn, and that the same authorities declare that they recognize the value of human life.

Going further into the analysis of present reality, Archbishop Berlie denounced that "today everybody talks about principles, but today more than ever, nobody knows what is meant when they are mentioned. In our present technocratic and functionalistic society, the most important words have lost their original meaning and force." Because everything is reduced to a new logic: "whatever doesn't give immediate results, whatever isn't useful for production and consumption, whatever is not directed toward hedonism, hasn't got, according to this current mentality, any value at all."

September 28

Pope recalls Holy Year must be "intensely Eucharistic"

Vatican City, 28 (NE) Pope John Paul II began yesterday a new series of catecheses on the Eucharist. During the General Audience, the Pope stressed that the Holy Year must be "intensely Eucharistic", and that after reflecting about the glory of the Trinity, "we begin a catechesis on that great yet humble celebration of divine glory: the Eucharist".

Before the more than 35.000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope said that "it is great because it is the principal expression of Christ's presence among us 'always, to the close of the age.' It is humble, because it is delegated to the simple signs of everyday life, bread and wine, the ordinary food and drink of the land of Jesus and of many other regions."

"The earthly revelation of divine glory reaches its apex in the events of Easter... The Paschal mystery, expression of the 'perfect glorification of God,' is perpetuated in the Eucharistic sacrifice, commemoration of death and resurrection entrusted by Christ to the Church, His beloved bride." The Holy Father highlighted that "today the most exalted celebration of divine glory is undoubtedly the liturgy. ...Christian Worship is the most vital expression of the encounter between divine glory and the glorification that arises from the lips and heart of man."

Canonizations: great encouragement to Church in China, says Cardinal

Rome, 28 (NE) The canonization of several Chinese martyrs to take place on October 1 "is a great honour for the Chinese people and a great encouragement for the Church in China", said Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi, Bishop of Kaohsiung, in declarations to Fides agency. The Cardinal will be present for the celebration on October 1 and the next day he will preside a Thanksgiving Mass in St Peter's Basilica. "Since I was a child I use to pray for this day", he said, recalling that "everyone has their saints and now China has too!"

"Saints are important in the Church. In Europe all the particular Churches in the different countries have their own saints. On the Asian continent, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines all have their canonized saints and martyrs." The Church was established in China much earlier than in these other countries. More than 700 years ago Franciscan missionary Giovanni da Montecorvino arrived in China and he became the first Archbishop of Peking, Cardinal Shan recalled.

The Chinese Bishop also expressed his sadness for the reaction of the Chinese government to the canonization. "I think it is a mistake to give the event a political interpretation… In other cases, the governments of Japan, Philippines, Vietnam did not react in this way: they saw the canonization of the martyrs as a great honour for the nation." The Cardinal also informed that in China a novena has been prayed in every diocese as a preparation, and on October 28 in Taipei a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving will take place.

The canonization "will be a source of great encouragement for the Christians who are persecuted. Catholics have prayed and hoped for this, for a long time. I remember many years ago when I was a child and I lived in China we used to pray for the canonization of our martyrs because this is a great honour for us and a call to be witnesses of the faith. Our motives are only religious, not political."

'Dominus Iesus' responds to misconceptions about Christ, says Cardinal Araujo

Rio de Janeiro, 28 (NE) Cardinal Eugênio de Araújo Sales, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, issued a message to faithful in his archdiocese highlighting the importance of the 'Dominus Iesus' Declaration, recently issued by the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith. "The subtlety of the mistakes exposed in the 'Dominus Iesus' Declaration," the Cardinal affirmed, "reveals the importance of the document and the excellent timing of its publication. It urges that such serious deviations be detected and the ways that lead to God be preserved, revealed by Jesus, unique and universal Savior." The Cardinal's message highlights the explanation made by the 'Dominus Iesus' of the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, thus answering relativist positions, in which "Jesus is nothing but a person, maybe with extraordinary personal qualities, but unable to represent God in a universal and definitive manner."

New Pro-life effort before US congress

Washington, 28 (NE) According to recent news from the Department of Communications of the Episcopate of the United States, the Executive Director of the Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, Gail Quinn, has sent a missive to the members of the Congress urging approval of the "Born-Alive Infants Protection Act ".

The Act reaffirms what should be obvious: each infant who is fully born and shows signs of life must be recognized in law as a human person. "The point is so obvious that, until recently, the chief argument against the Act was that it seemed redundant and unnecessary," affirms the official in her letter. Nevertheless, she stresses, the Act has been criticized by the "National Abortion Rights Action League " (NARAL), which faulted the Act for reaffirming that infants born prematurely are human persons.

"Many have criticized abortion advocates for insisting on the vacuously incomplete phrase 'right to choose.' We had assumed the phrase was coined to avoid the brutal reality of abortion. Now an even more grotesque possibility presents itself: The object of the verb was omitted so the 'pro-choice' agenda could encompass killing after birth, in addition to killing before birth by abortion," warns Quinn, who highlighted the course against human life that is being followed since the legalization of abortion. "To ensure that the abortion mentality does not expand to undermine the rights of fully born infants, I urge Congress to approve the Protection Act for Infants Born Alive," she concluded.

September 27

Holy See stresses religious motivation for canonization of Chinese martyrs

Vatican City, 27 (NE) Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls stressed yesterday the religious nature of the canonization of 120 martyrs in China. Commenting the declaration made on September 26 by the spokesman of the foreign affairs ministry in Beijing, Sun Yuxi, Navarro-Valls said these declarations can "only deeply sadden those who see in the imminent canonization of 120 martyrs in China the exaltation of men and women, the majority of whom were Chinese citizens (87 of 120), who knew how to live their own commitment to faith with coherence, up to the point of giving their lives."

"Next Sunday's ceremony", continued the spokesman, "has no political motivation and is not directed against anyone, much less the great Chinese people, whose traditions of civility have always been recognized and appreciated by the Holy See, in particular by Pope John Paul II." "To accuse this body of witnesses (including defenseless men and women of all ages) of 'enormous crimes' is the result of a unilateral reading of history and a mystification, if concrete proofs are not presented."

Whoever reads "dispassionately and with objectivity the biographies of the well-deserving missionaries who will be canonized next Sunday can only be struck by and filled with admiration at their self-denial and their desire to serve the Chinese people", Navarro-Valls further said. "Besides, as is well known, the Holy See proceeds with a beatification or a canonization only after a very serious and deeply studied examination, not only of the sources of the historical testimonials but also of the heroic virtues of the persons to be honored.

"With the canonization, the intention is not to formulate a judgment on complex historical periods, during which the majority of the 120 martyrs were called to give their own supreme witness. The solemn ceremony aims instead at making the light of their faith in Christ, Savior of all men, shine before the Church and the eyes of people of good will from throughout the world," he said in closing.

Three years after earthquake, Assisi exhibits again religious art

Rome, 27 (NE) Three years after an Earthquake struck the city of Assisi, in the Italian region of Tuscany, the impressive works of religious art of the Museum-Treasure of the Basilica of St. Francis will be admired once again in their original place. After the earthquake that severely damaged the famous basilica and many buildings in the medieval city on September 26, 2000, several chalices, reliquaries, illuminate books and other important works of art kept in the museum had been on exhibit throughout different cities in the world.

The Treasure was created eight centuries ago, in the year 1253, when Pope Innocentius IV prohibited the Franciscan friars to disperse any sacred vestments, books or liturgical ornaments. The Treasure was transformed into a Museum in 1897. Over the last three years, the different objects kept in the Museum traveled throughout Europe and North America, since after the earthquake their security could not be guaranteed in Assisi.

Commenting the reopening of the museum, the Italian Minister for Culture said that the Basilica of St. Francis "is one of the most beloved places of devotion, besides being a symbol of what St. Francis preached." The Minister stressed that the reconstruction of the sacred place had involved "the professionalism and sensitiveness of many people, but above all, of their faith."

Paraguay: Archbishop calls youth to commitment with the future

Asuncion, 27 (NE) Last weekend, the Archbishop of Asuncion, Felipe Santiago Benitez, invited thousands of young Paraguayans to create a new generation of business men and officials ruled by the values of the Gospel. While presiding over the Youth Jubilee in the Cathedral, organized by the Archdiocese of Asuncion, the Prelate commented the current situation of the South American country, pointing out the responsibility that the young people have with a view to the future of the nation. Previously, Archbishop Benítez had presided over a pilgrimage from the Metropolitan Seminary to the Cathedral, where the celebration took place.

In his homily, the Archbishop particularly highlighted that the young people "should reclaim the value of the law in the relation between governors and the governed and the right valorization of human dignity." Encouraging as well the formation of a "new generation of public officials" and of "business men who understand social responsibility", the Prelate reflected upon the means of communication, encouraging defense of truth and objectivity in information. Finally, Archbishop Benitez pointed out, "in all these challenges Christians should be in the lead."

Archbishop Sandri urges correct use of Mass Media

Mexico City, 27 (NE) Last Sunday Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, recently named Substitute for the Secretary of State of the Holy See by Pope John Paul II, closed the "II Catholic Meeting of Communicators" organized by the Commission for Social Communications of the Bishops' Conference of Mexico (CEM).

In doing so, the Archbishop highlighted the great importance that communicators have in the configuration of a new society and warned that they must not forget that "they aren't the absolute truth, but the conducting thread that should lead towards it." As well he explained that the moral conscience about the right use of the means of communication should not only be property of some, but rather concern journalists, actors, producers, performers, exhibitors, distributors, salespersons, critics and whoever intervenes in the execution and diffusion of communications.

"Their mission is, as a result, to treat economic, political and artistic matters in order that they do no damage to the general welfare," pointed out the Argentinean Archbishop. The means of communication are not, and couldn't ever be, absolutely independent," but rather "should serve the general welfare and, thus, be ruled by the ethics which are mankind's patrimony."

September 26

Pope invites Uruguay to defend and encourage true human values

Vatican City, 26 (NE) Receiving yesterday the Letters of Credence from the new ambassador of the Republic of Uruguay, Pope John Paul II recalled the "Uruguayan people's peaceful and pacifying vocation", highlighting as well that the Church in this country has to be "sign and instrument of reconciliation and peace". The Pope also said that after difficult and often painful times that have affected this country, "eclesial institutions in Uruguay are always ready to do what they can (…) to attain a fair social harmony".

The Church, said the Pope, "never forgets that true peace, like the common good, is intimately linked to the cause of justice," stressing afterwards that "it is important that, also in the international arena, agreement exist between your country and the Holy See to defend with vigor and promote with constancy those values that dignify human existence." He added that the defense of human rights, solidarity, the promotion of a culture of life "is an inescapable ethical duty, both for people and for institutions."

The Pope also said that the family and education are "special fields in which understanding and collaboration must be closest, in scrupulous respect of their respective roles and in the firm conviction that any initiative in these fields must be subordinate to the fundamental and primary right of the family. (The family) must be recognized and supported by effective measures, both to maintain its natural configuration and to exercise its right to educate children."

Italian Bishops stress commitment with missionary activity

Rome, 26 (NE) The final document of the Permanent Council of the Italian Bishop's Conference was presented yesterday. The document, approved during the assembly held last week by the Italian Bishops in Torino, emphasized that a central point that must be stressed during the next decade is the Church's missionary activity.

In relation to this, the last chapter of the document is dedicated to the "demands of the renovation of the christian community and the planning of the pastoral work, that must converge increasingly more in the centrality of the Eucharist, on the first evangelization, on the collaboration of the laity and the involvement of youth and families".

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Pope's Vicar for the Diocese of Rome and President of the Italian Bishops Conference, commented as well that the center of the controversies of ethics in biotechnology is "today's dialogue between faith and science". Regarding this issue, it was said that it is necessary to encourage a "better qualification of the ecclesial community" through "specific initiatives of formation" of through the "sensitization of faithful regarding critical and unavoidable themes".

"Vocations: Everybody's Business", says Fall River Bishop

Fall River, 26 (NE) "Vocations: Everybody's Business" is the title of the last Pastoral Letter of Bishop Sean O'Malley of Fall River, MA. The recent document highlights the gift of priesthood given by Christ to His Church to perpetuate the Eucharist, to preach the Gospel, and to forgive sins, inviting as well to consider the responsibilities that every single faithful has to encourage vocations to priestly and religious life. "What is the problem? Is God calling fewer people?", asks Bishop O'Malley in his letter. "I think not. God is still calling; but many are not heeding the call, like the rich young man in the Gospel whom Jesus invited to discipleship but who declined because he was very rich and very attached to his wealth." Stressing that there is not a "crisis of vocations", the Bishop of Fall River recalls that "as Catholics, we need to promote vocations in the Church. It is the responsibility of the entire community to pray for vocations and to invite our young people to consider the possibility that God might be calling them to a vocation as a priest or religious."

Peru: profession of "fraternas" gathers hundreds of faithful

Lima, 26 (NE) With great joy four members of the Marian Community of Reconciliation made last Sunday their perpetual profession, consecrating themselves for life to the service of the Lord. The Church Our Lady of Reconciliation in the city of Lima, Peru, overflowed with assistants during the Mass, presided by Bishop Emeritus Raimundo Revoredo of Juli. The Bishop encouraged the "fraternas", as they are known in Spanish, to walk the path of holiness.

Bishop Revoredo recalled several fragments of the II Vatican Council, stressing the special commitment that the Marian Community of Reconciliation has in the evangelization of culture, in the apostolate with the youth and the work of assistance to those most in need. Also present during the Eucharist celebration were hundreds of members of the Sodalite Family in Lima, parents and relatives of the newly professed, as well as Luis Fernando Figari, Superior General of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, who is the founder of the Marian Community of Reconciliation.

The Marian Community of Reconciliation, known in Spanish as "Fraternidad Mariana de la Reconciliación", was founded in the city of Lima in 1991. That same year it received the canonical recognition of the Peruvian archdiocese. The Community has houses in several countries, including Peru, Colombia, United States and Italy.

September 25

Holy Father encourages filial piety to Blessed Mary

Vatican City, 25 (NE) “Aren’t we celebrating the 2000 years of the birth of Christ? Then, it is natural that the Jubilee of the Son be also the Jubilee of the Mother,” exclaimed Pope John Paul II yesterday during the Eucharist celebrated on occasion of the conclusion of the XX International Mariologic-Marian Congress and the celebration of the Jubilee of the Sanctuaries. The Eucharistic celebration took place at St. Peter’s Square in the morning. Around 50,000 people attended the Mass.

During his homily, the Pope expressed that Mary “has walked our path and has been solidary to us in the ‘pilgrimage of faith.’ But in this interior path, Mary cultivated an absolute fidelity to the Plan of God.” The Pontiff noted that “in the incarnated Word and in Mary the infinite distance between the Creator and the creature becomes extremely close; they are the holy space of the mysterious union of the divine and the human nature, the place where the Trinity manifests itself for the first time. Here Mary represents the new humanity, ready to reestablish, with obedient love, the dialog of the covenant.”

The Pope then explained some of the characteristics of a true Marian piety. Among them, he stated, it must be “founded on Scripture and Tradition” and “must express itself in the effort to imitate the “Most Holy” in a path of personal perfection.” The Pope also stated that the “height” of the Virgin Mary “is rooted in her ‘humility’” and that “for this humility she is directed to God who has filled her with gifts, making her the ‘Kejaritomene’, the full of grace.” The Pope also referred to the “most special relation of Mary with the Trinity,” pointing out that “if Mary is the ‘Theotokos’, the Mother of the Only Son of God, who can we be surprised that she lives a most unique relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit?”

Pope urges European Union to protect the common good of society

Vatican City, 25 (NE) Pope John Paul II received the presidents of parliament of the European Union on Saturday. He emphasized the need that the European Union takes care of the common good of the people, also recalling the Christian roots of the continent. “In the Church's social teaching, which draws upon biblical revelation and natural law, the notion of the common good applies at every level of organization in human society. There is a national common good,” he emphasized, “which State institutions are meant to serve.”

Recalling the redaction of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights that is taking place, the Pontiff stated that “the Union must not forget that Europe is the cradle of the notions of the person and of freedom, and that these notions emerged because the seed of Christianity was planted deep in Europe's soil. In the Church's thinking, the person is inseparable from the human society in which he or she develops… Human rights cannot become pretensions against human nature itself,” he stated.

In concluding, the Pope expressed his hope that Europe may “succeed in forging the consensus necessary to set among its highest ideals the protection of life, respect for one another, mutual help and a fraternity which excludes no one. Whenever Europe draws from its Christian roots the great principles of its vision of the world, it knows that it can look serenely to the future”.

Peru: Bishops encourage dialogue in favor of general welfare

Lima, 25 (NE) The Bishops of Peru issued a communiqué on Friday calling for dialogue and to overcome the crisis, asking those responsible to "promote an efficient and constructive dialogue that makes possible a meeting and consensus with respect to the government of the country and the solution of its urgent problems. Ethical and civic responsibility require from all a respect for the legal framework of all institutions, without using them for personal or group interests,” recalled as well the Bishops, pointing out the need for people who take part in such institutions to "have moral integrity in their attitudes and proposals, without closed partisan preferences and with the capacity for elevated and constructive dialogue, based on truth and reciprocal respect and always looking for the common welfare." Recalling the Catholic roots of the Peruvian people, they asked the responsible public and politicians to assume as well the "commitment of recovering the moral and ethical, civic, human and Christian values" for the integral development of the country.

Restoration of organs for sacred music is promoted in Europe

Rome, 25 (NE) Recently a Congress took place in Croatia organized for the preservation of organs in the Temples of Europe and the formation of experts in sacred music. The Congress, held in Varazdin, was sponsored by the Pontific Counsel for Culture and the Croatian Minister of Culture.

The title of the congress was: "The Organ as European Cultural Heritage" and it congregated over 100 representatives from 15 European countries. During the congress they reflected on the cultural and historic value that these instruments have developed in Europe through the centuries. As well, the participants from all of Europe exhorted the governors of Europe to protect this common patrimony and promote the diffusion of the sacred music with organs.

The legislatures of some European countries have already emitted laws that promote the restoration of organs. Such is the case of Italy, a country in which the law, recently, provides for the restoration of organs and the promotion of organists to play them. As well, it was pointed out that only in Italy there are over 12.000 pipe organs and they all are destined to liturgical use.

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