A daily news service

August 28

Cardinal Stafford will attend inauguration of new cathedral in Los Angeles

Rome, 28 (NE - eclesiales.org) Pope John Paul II has named Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, his special envoy for the inauguration of the new Cathedral of Los Angeles. In the letter sent by the Pontiff to Cardinal Stafford, the Pope commended him to transmit to faithful in the United States his greetings as well as his apostolic blessing, expressing his hope that the new cathedral helps to increase among Catholics a "right faith" and a "solid piety". The inauguration of the Cathedral will take place on September 2.

Marian sanctuary consecrated in Benin

Rome, 28 (NE - eclesiales.org) Last Sunday, in Dassa Zoume (Benin), the Marian Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Peace was consecrated on occasion of the 48th Annual National Pilgrimage of the Church in Benin. More than 20 thousand pilgrims attended the ceremony, not only from all over Benin, but also from neighbor countries like Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Togo. The solemn Mass was presided by Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, Dean of the College of Cardinals, concelebrating with other 200 bishops and priests.

Cardinal Gantin emphasized in his homily that this national pilgrimage -under the motto: "The Sacrament and the Virgin May"- takes place in the context of the first Eucharistic Congress of Benin. He encouraged the faithful to participate with fervor in the Eucharistic Sacrament and to increase their filial love to Blessed Mary.

Before the Mass, the message sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, was read. "Pope John Paul II -says the message- hopes that this sanctuary, dedicated to the Mother of God, Mother of Peace, be for all the Christian people a call to live more deeply the gift received in baptism, to be, each day more, living stones in the Church, family of God, authentic artisans of a peace founded on justice and mercifulness, and to be courageous missionary of the Gospel."

August 23

Cardinal Rivera invites faithful to work for the transformation of society

Mexico City, 23 (NE - eclesiales.org) The Archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, invited faithful to defend their faith and through it transform society. While presiding the Sunday Mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral the Cardinal regretted that some people forget or reject God for ignorance, indifference, fear or because they participate in hostile groups against religion. "This intimate and vital union with God to which every man and woman is called can be forgotten and unknown and even explicitly rejected", explained the Cardinal.

Among the reasons for this, he pointed out, are "the rebellion against the presence of evil in the world, ignorance or religious indifference, the desires of the world and of the wealth, the bad example of faithful, currents of thought hostile to religion and, finally, this attitude of the sinful man who, for fear, hides from God and escapes before his call".

Cardinal Rivera also expressed that there are many "great Christian people" who struggle to change society. "How good is to have in the Christian communities these great people", he emphasized, also adding that neither should be underestimated the work of those "who, from the silence of their domestic work or from the routine of an office or window, love and want to take according to God the responsibility that has been put in their hands".

Colombia: Church offers to mediate to free kidnapped by guerrilla

Bogotá, 23 (NE - eclesiales.org) The Church in Colombia has offered to help mediating the liberation of hundreds of people who are now kidnapped by the guerrilla. "The Church is willing to do everything that is within her reach, like facilitating and mediating to open spaces for the return of all the kidnapped", said the Archbishop of Bogota and President of the Bishop's Conference of Colombia, Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Sáenz. Declaring to the press, he also made a call "for all the guerrilla fighters of the FARC and the ELN to understand that the country does not want and completely rejects this kind of violations of the human rights and the person's dignity like kidnapping is". Cardinal Rubiano made these commentaries after he was asked by the families of 12 deputies from the Assembly of the Department of Valle to mediate their liberation.

August 20

Emotive farewell ceremony closes Pope's apostolic visit to Poland

Rome, 20 (NE - eclesiales.org) With a moving ceremony, Pope John Paul said good-bye to Poland and closed his 98th apostolic trip and his eight visit to his homeland. Yesterday afternoon, thousands of faithful gathered at Krakow's international airport, named after the Holy Father, to bid farewell to the Pope.

In his farewell speech, the Pope thanked all the people involved in the preparation of his visit. "I want to greet everyone", the Pope said. "I cherish in my heart every good thing that has happened and in which I have taken part during these days," he said. "Jesus, in You we trust"!, he pointed out when saying goodbye. "May this sincere confession brings relief to the future generations in the new millennium. May God, rich in mercy, bless you"!.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Józef Glemp, Archbishop of Warsaw, said goodbye to the Holy Father on behalf of Polish faithful. "We will begin in Warsaw -he said - the construction of the Temple of the Divine Providence, the great promise formulated 211 years ago by the nation". "We hope, Holy Father, that you may come to bless the walls of the new temple", he pointed out.

Anti-Catholic Intolerance in 21th century

Rome, August 20 (NE - eclesiales.org) In recent times a constant increase of attacks against the Catholic Church has been taking place. It seems unbelieving the systematic of this campaigns, that have taken place in different places of the world. Numerous catholic communities are persecuted for their faith in countries where they are a minority. China, Russia, India and Pakistan, are some of those countries. But the list is quite large. Also in numerous nations of the West, in which the defense of the liberty and above all of religious liberty is incessantly proclaimed, the attacks against the Church do not come from intolerant majorities, but from small anti-Catholic groups of pressure which are not less intolerant. They also come from the State. In these last nations, mass media has had a fundamental part in the systematic campaign of mining the authority and the role of the Catholic Church.

In a recent article, appeared in the last edition of the monthly magazine "Jesus", the Italian catholic journalist Vittorio Messori, is very clear in denouncing this. In the mentioned article, he refers to the media in United States, saying that a new norm has imposed upon the traditional five "W's" (Who? What? When? Where? Why?) The media law is known as "ABC", "All But Catholicism". The way in which many media behave seems to give the reason to the world famous Italian writer.

It is a fact, affirms Messori, "that a large series of accusations have reappeared" against the Church. "The 'machine of war' mounted by the European illuminists of the seventeen century under the motto 'Crush the Infamous one' (that is to say the Church), is nowadays directed by many forces, old and at the same time new." Recent surveys show that nowadays "the Christians are the most defamed group, and often, more pursued" in the world.

This "climate of renewed aggression", that is taking place in the middle of reassurances that "proclaim a tolerance of which to suspect", affirms Messori, has been denounced also by numerous bishops. The well known Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico City, indicated that a campaign against the Church existed, and that its main objective seems directed against the Hierarchy, as well as institutions of the Church, in countries such as the United States, Mexico, Chile and others. Cardinal Rivera Carrera indicated that among the characteristics of this campaign, that he claimed to be international is to discredit the Church and its relevant members.

A recent book of the also Italian writer Antonio Socci has thrown new lights and raised important questions regarding this situation of anti-Catholic intolerance. With the title "The new persecuted. An Investigation about anti-Christian intolerance in the new century of the martyrdom", Socci tells the impressive history of that multitude of murdered Catholics in the 20th century and in today's world. Persecutions of the communist state and nazis, and the persecutions in China, Sudan, Indonesian and Nigeria in which nowadays members of the Church are tortured, denigrated, calumniated, segregated and even murdered has been put before the eyes of the West. The horrendous reality of more than 45 million killed for being Christians has been revealed to the eyes of the world.

In an interview granted to Vatican Radio, Socci indicated that "that which is more shocking is that a reality as that of the Church -that does not have earthly ambitions, that does not preach political projects, that simply announces Jesus Christ- has in a way gathered against Her so vast hatred".

Messori, in turn, culminates his article calling the attention upon the unnoticed things that pass everyday, the innumerable good works that the Church carries out everywhere. "They are many who make meticulous exams of the Church about what she has -or would have done- poorly. But practically no one has asked how much evil has the Church avoided". "It is easy to condemn in the past of the Church" the sins that were committed. "But for innumerable persons... how much good has been done and also how much bad has been avoided". "We will not get tired to tell everyone: the true balance of the Church can be done buy God alone. For us men it shall only be clear at the end of history".

August 17

Poland receives with great enthusiasm Pope Juan Pablo II

Rome, 17 (NE - eclesiales.org) With great joy, Poland received yesterday Pope John Paul II, in his eight visit to his homeland. Faithful from all over the country have gathered in Krakow, a city now filled with posters and images of the Pope and allusive to his new pastoral visit. Around four million people are expected to see the Holy Father during his visit, along the streets and in the sanctuaries of the Divine Mercy and of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, which he will visit.

After descending from the airplane, the Pope was acclaimed by the multitude gathered in the airport to receive him, shouting "Welcome home", "We love You", "Welcome to Krakow." During his address, the Pontiff recalled the words he pronounced in 1979 during his first visit: "Be not afraid".

The Pope also manifested his great happiness for the visit. In a moment he interrupted his speech offering excuses because, contrary to the president Kwasniewski and Cardinal Macharski, he pronounced his speech being seated. "The blame is of this lectern that they have put me and that doesn't allow me to get up", he joked. Also, the Pope remembered the main reason of his visit, the inauguration of the sanctuary of the Divine Mercy.

"From here, thanks to the humble service of an unusual witness -Saint Faustina - it resonates the evangelical message of the merciful love of God. My first objective is the sanctuary of the Divine Mercy. I am glad to be able to consecrate a new temple that will become a world center for the devotion to Merciful Jesus", he affirmed.

After concluding the ceremony, the Pope went to the house of the Archbishop of Krakow, once his own residence, where he will reside until Monday, when he returns to Rome.

Persecutions against catholic in India continue

Rome, 17 (NE - eclesiales.org) It was recently presented in India a report concerning the situation in which the Christian community lives in this country. The document -presented by Father George Palackapilly, executive secretary for education and culture of the Bishops Conference in India-, informed that the article number 30 of the Constitution of India guarantees to religious minorities the right to establish and freely administrate their own scholars institutes. However, the priest warned the 22 Catholic congressmen of the country that there is a strategy from "anti-minorities" groups to terminate or wrongly interpret such article of the Constitution. This occurs in a context in which the cases of religious persecution in India are considerably increasing. Last July 18, a religious sister was arrested by the police of Ambikapur (State of Chattisgarh, Central India) and condemned to six months in jail for helping some Hindus to embrace Catholicism.

Indonesia: New violent attacks against Christian community

Rome, 17 (NE - eclesiales.org) The Christian community in Indonesia suffered a new attack this week. At least five people resulted dead in an attack against some villages at the center of the island of Sulawesi. According to what informed Vatican Radio, two churches and hundreds of houses have been set on fire. This was the second attempt this week. According to Father Julio Salettia, Rector of the Catholic Seminary of Sulawesi, three Christian villages were attacked. The local population was forced to escape to Tetena, a place where Christians are a majority. Although the origin of the attacks has not been discovered yet, it seems to be a new attack against the Christian community by extremist Islamic groups. Besides, Father Salettia pointed out that "there are some Muslim politicians that use religion for political aims", something that explains the origin of some of the attacks against Christians in this country.

August 14

Colombian Cardinal stresses that role of the Church is to encourage reconciliation

Miami, 14 (NE - eclesiales.org) "Which is the role of the Church with regard to violence in Colombia? It is reconciliation, it is to call to reconciliation", affirmed Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Saenz, Archbishop of Bogotá, in an interview granted to "La Voz Católica", weekly publication of the Archdiocese of Miami.

The Cardinal visited at the end of the month of July Colombians that live in the south of Florida, in the United States, most of them far from their homeland because of violence. The Archbishop celebrated two Masses, in the Parish of the Good Shepherd, in Kendall, and in the Cathedral St. Mary, northeast Miami.

During the interview, the Cardinal stressed that Catholics should help to encourage reconciliation and accompany the process "not as negotiators or simple mediators", but helping through their faith. On the other hand, he encouraged Colombians living in the United States to not forget their country nor lose the hope of a peaceful future for their homeland.

Ecuador: university students renew evangelizing commitment

Guayaquil, 14 (NE - eclesiales.org) Students of diverse universities of Guayaquil, Ecuador, met this weekend with occasion of the IV Congress of Catholic University students. Under the motto "Duc in Altum", the encounter had the active participation of delegates of universities from Quito, Manta y Santo Domingo de los Colorados. The congress was organized by the Christian Life Movement. During the event, held in the Catholic University of Guayaquil, almost 500 university delegates meditated around the theme of the encounter, reflecting about several issues related to Christian life and the challenge of announcing the Lord in today's society. At the end of the meeting, participants committed themselves in diverse evangelizing works, in areas such as health pastoral, human promotion and culture.

August 9

Pope dedicated weekly catechesis to recent apostolic visit to Guatemala and Mexico

Rome, 9 (NE - eclesiales.org) Pope John Paul II dedicated last Wednesday's catechesis to his recent apostolic trip to Guatemala and Mexico. From the balcony of the interior courtyard of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope offered diverse memories and reflections on his recent apostolic visit. Speaking of Guatemala, he recalled Brother Pedro de San José de Betancur, native of Tenerife, whom he canonized.

The Pope defined the new saint "as a man of intense prayer and an intrepid apostle of the divine mercy." Later on, he recalled his visit to Mexico, St. Juan Diego's canonization and the beatification of the martyrs Juan Bautista and Jacinto de los Angeles.

Speaking of San Juan Diego, the Pope stressed that he was a humble and generous man, affirming that the apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe "constituted a landmark in the history of the evangelization in Mexico and a model for a perfectly incultarated evangelization".

About the Blessed Juan Bautista and Jacinto de los Angeles, the Pope said that they were fruit of the first evangelization among the Indian Zapotecas and an encouragement to give witness of Christ, event to the point of self sacrifice.

Cardinal Bergoglio asks Argentineans for hope at Saint Cajetan´s Feast

Buenos Aires, 9 (NE - eclesiales.org) The Archbishop of Buenos Aires and Primate of Argentina, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, presided over the Mass this week on occasion of Saint Cajetan´s Feast, patron of bread and work, at the sanctuary of Liniers. Since midnight thousands of faithful entered the church to pray before the image of the saint. Lines to enter the temple covered several blocks, while Mass was celebrated each hour inside the church.

"May we as a people receive this grace: to wish to give our life for our brothers we live with in our dear Argentine Nation," said the Cardinal in his homily. He further emphasized that "we want to rescue those deep values we have received as a people and, in these difficult moments, give a testimony of hope and charity."

"We want to rescue -he added- this strength of our loyal people that knows how to carry the Cross helping others... We want to rescue the grace of this 'blessing from Jesus to those who cry' for they have hunger and thirst of justice, and receive from His hands the console we need."

Archbishop of Guadalajara: "The Pope continues to surprise us"

Guadalajara, 9 (NE - eclesiales.org) "The Pope continues to surprise us." With this title Cardinal Juan Sandoval, Archbishop of Guadalajara, commented on his weekly message World Youth Day to Mexican faithful. The Mexican Cardinal highlighted the Pope's energy and optimism towards life, as well as "his attitude of always looking at the future."

"The impression we had from Pope John Paul II -the Cardinal further emphasized- is that he has overcome all the expectations... The voice of the Pope, on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday assemblies, was the voice of a strong man; a clear voice that easily passed from the written text to improvisation, or from one language to another, with a huge spiritual proximity to young people. He surprised us with his physical energy, at the same height of his spiritual strength."

Besides, the Archbishop highlighted the simplicity, joy and optimism with which the Pope talks to young people and the exigency he demands of them." "We asked the young people why they assisted to the Meeting, what they expected from the Pope; why they follow him. The answer was: "He is a man that makes us feel the presence of God, our dignity of human beings and Christians; his words and example fills us with joy and hope" -the Cardinal further said.

August 7

Pope prepares next apostolic trip to Poland

Rome, 7 (NE - eclesiales.org) Just a few days after arriving from Canada, Guatemala and Mexico, Pope John Paul II is now preparing his 98th apostolic trip, during which he will visit his native Poland. The program of his next trip, to take place August 16-19, was made public this week. Three years after his last visit, the Holy Father will stay at the residence of the Archbishop of Krakow, in whose chapel he was ordered priest, and will carry out a private visit to the cemetery where his parents are buried.

According to the program, one of the main objectives of the Pope's visit will be the inauguration on Saturday August 17 of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, in the district of Lagiewniki, outside Krakow. On Sunday the Holy Father will hold an encounter with the faithful, presiding a Eucharist celebration in a park of the city. In the afternoon, the Pope will visit the Cathedral of Krakow and afterwards the cemetery of Rakowice.

On Monday he will visit the sanctuary of Kalwaria Zedrzydowska, where he will preside Mass, with occasion of the 400 anniversary of the dedication of the Sanctuary of the Passion of Jesus and of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary. At 6:30 p.m. local time, the Pope will leave Poland and return to Rome.

Cardinal Rouco: the Pope has invited young people to change the world

Madrid, 7 (NE - eclesiales.org) Young people need "more truth and authenticity, and less conventions", affirmed last week Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco, Archbishop of Madrid (Spain), commenting the recent World Youth Day held at Toronto, during which he highlighted the testimony that Pope John Paul II gives to the youths.

The Pope's presence is fundamental, he pointed out, affirming that the Holy Father becomes "a direct main character, because he mixes almost physically with the youths in the big celebrations", and because he "becomes a committed witness of the Gospel", in such a way that young people want to be like him, "following Christ without conditions".

"Through his pastoral style, his way of exercising the ministry and his service to the Church", Cardinal Rouco said, the Pope "breaks conventions", "as the Lord did". He, the Archbishop continued, addresses central issues, "at an age were youth need more truth and authenticity, and less conventions."

The Pope has invited the youths of the Third Millennium "to be full-time Christians, to be holy, so that the globalized world can change. And when he calls them ' light of the world', he tells them that they must not be afraid to say the truth, to live in the truth, so that this truth opens up a path in the world," the Cardinal said.

August 6

Pope encourages youth from WYD to evangelize their own countries

Rome, 6 (NE) During yesterday's Angelus prayer at Castelgandolfo, Pope John Paul II recalled the recent celebration of World Youth Day, and invited the young participants to return to their countries to announce the Lord. "The young people gathered at Toronto have learned that in the words of Jesus is the answer to the desire of happiness and hope that beats in their hearts". "An answer that convinces as well because Jesus did not limit himself to enunciate the Beatitudes", but "lived them personally" even sacrificing himself, the Pope said.

"The Beatitudes are the Magna Charta of those who want to introduce in the world a new civilization. The young have understood this and have left Canada decided to entrust themselves to Christ, because they know 'he has words of eternal life'". A world without reference to Christ -this is the message of Toronto- is a world that, sooner or later, ends up being against man".

"That is why youth from more than 170 countries have welcomed Christ's invitation to be 'salt of the Earth and light of the world'. Be first salt and light, to afterwards act as salt and as light. This has been the challenge of the 17th World Youth Day. Youth has welcomed it, and have now returned to their countries to be constructors of a new 'civilization of love'".

August 2

Mexicans flooded streets to say good-bye to Pope John Paul II

Mexico City, 2 (NE) With a "México lindo, Dios te bendiga" (Beautiful Mexico, may God bless you), Pope John Paul said good-bye yesterday to the Mexican people. The Pope's words were followed by the applause of the multitude gathered at the Basilica of Guadalupe. At the end of the beatification ceremony of the two martyrs of Oaxaca, the Pope thanked all the people involved in the organization of his fifth visit to Mexico. "Thanks to those who so warmly have received me in the streets of this city, to those who have come from far away, to those who have listened and who will welcome the message I leave", he further said.

Quoting a popular song, the Pope said: "I leave but I am no leaving. I am leaving, but I will not be absent, for in my heart I stay". "Mexico, Mexico, Beautiful Mexico, may God bless you". The crowd warmly cheered the Pope, thanking his words.

After the ceremony, the Pope went to Mexico City's international airport. Throughout the streets, a crowd estimated in 4.2 million greeted the Holy Father, singing "que se quede, que se quede" (may he stay, may he stay"). Upon boarding his plane, named "Mexico siempre fiel" (Mexico always faithful"), groups of mariachis gave a final goodbye to the Pope.

Pope raised to the altars the two martyrs of Oaxaca

Mexico City, 2 (NE) Thursday morning in the basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope John Paul II presided at the liturgy of the Word in which he beatified the 'martyrs of Oaxaca,' Juan Bautista and Jacinto de los Angeles. Cardinals and bishops of Mexico and members of the papal entourage concelebrated with the Holy Father. During the ceremony, indigenous languages such as zapoteco, mixteco, nahuatl, mazateco, mixe, maya and purepecha were used.

The new blesseds were two Mexican fathers of families who lived in the second half of the 17th century in the state of Oaxaca. Because of their good qualities, the Dominican missionaries entrusted them to safeguard the purity of the faith and public morality of the local Christian communities. After denouncing a solemn act of idolatry before the ecclesiastical authorities in the community of San Francisco de Cajonos, they were assassinated by their fellow countrymen on September 16, 1700. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints declared the martyrdom of these Servants of God on July 7, 2001.

In his homily Pope John Paul II recalled that the Gospel arrived in their land which is "a rich mixture of cultures" in 1529 with the Dominican Fathers who used the "native languages and the manners and customs of the local communities."

"The two Blesseds are an example of how, without regarding one's ancestral customs as myths, one can reach God without renouncing one's own culture but letting oneself be enlightened by the light of Christ, which renews the religious spirit of the best popular traditions. Juan Bautista and Jacinto de los Angeles, husbands and fathers of families, and men whose conduct - as their fellow citizens recognized at the time - was blameless, remind Mexican families today of the greatness of their vocation, the value of fidelity and love and the generous acceptance of life."

The Pope concluded his words by inviting everyone to renew, before the Virgin of Guadalupe, the commitment to evangelization of the martyrs of Oaxaca. "Let us enable all the Christian communities to share in this task, so that they may proclaim their faith with enthusiasm and pass it on in its entirety to future generations. Evangelize by strengthening the bonds of fraternal communion and by witnessing to your faith by an exemplary life, in the family, at work and in social relations! Seek the Kingdom of God and his justice here on earth through effective, brotherly solidarity with the neediest and the marginalized! Be the builders of hope for all society!"

Pope blessed future shrine of Saint Juan Diego

Mexico City, 2 (NE) Pope John Paul II blessed yesterday the future shrine that will be dedicated to Saint Juan Diego, whom he canonized last July 31. On his way to the Basilica of Guadalupe for the beatification of two Mexican Indian martyrs, the Pope stopped in front of the future shrine and blessed the site. According to the Archdiocese, construction of the church will begin soon, and is expected to be completed by the year 2006. The shrine will be built in a place now used as a cinema, although it was originally designed to be a church

August 1

"We declare and define saint blessed Juan Diego", said Pope during impressive canonization ceremony

Mexico City, 1 (NE) Pope John Paul II canonized yesterday Blessed Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, during an impressive ceremony held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. "We declare and define saint blessed Juan Diego", said the Pope, whose words were instantly acclaimed by the more than 12.000 people that filled the Basilica. Millions followed the ceremony from square outside thanks to giant screens and through national television.

Several cardinals and Mexican bishops from America, the Philipines and other places attended the ceremony, as well as the president of the republic, Vicente Fox and civil authorities. There were also many indigenous people who came from different regions in the country, representatives of Mexico's many ethnicities and cultures.

In the homily, the Pope affirmed that Juan Diego was "the simple and humble Indian who contemplated the sweet and serene face of the Virgin of Tepeyac, so dear to the peoples of Mexico." He continued: "In accepting the Christian message without forgoing his indigenous identity, Juan Diego discovered the profound truth of the new humanity, in which all are called to be children of God. Thus he facilitated the fruitful meeting of two worlds and became the catalyst for the new Mexican identity, closely united to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose mestizo face expresses her spiritual motherhood which embraces all Mexicans. This is why the witness of his life must continue to be the inspiration for the building up of the Mexican nation, encouraging brotherhood among all its children and ever helping to reconcile Mexico with its origins, values and traditions."

The Holy Father emphasized that "the noble task of building a better Mexico, with greater justice and solidarity, demands the cooperation of all. In particular, it is necessary today to support the indigenous peoples in their legitimate aspirations, respecting and defending the authentic values of each ethnic group. Mexico needs its indigenous peoples and these peoples need Mexico!"

"At this decisive moment in Mexico's history, having already crossed the threshold of the new millennium, I entrust to the powerful intercession of Saint Juan Diego the joys and hopes, the fears and anxieties of the beloved Mexican people, whom I carry in my heart."

"Blessed Juan Diego, a good, Christian Indian," he concluded, "whom simple people have always considered a saint! We ask you to accompany the Church on her pilgrimage in Mexico, so that she may be more evangelizing and more missionary each day."

Cardinal Rivera thanked Pope for canonization of Saint Juan Diego

City of Mexico, 1 (NE) With emotive and eloquent words, Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico, thanked Pope John Paul II for his visit to Mexico and for the canonization of Blessed Juan Diego. The Pope "is here today, faithful to the appointment, and here is Mexico wanting to be always faithful to the love of Christ, to the love of 'The Morenita', to the love of the Pope and of the Church", said the Cardinal, at the beginning of the canonization ceremony.

"The Lady of Heaven that one day made of a sterile hill a garden of roses, and of an 'ayate' its best painting, fulfills, by the most supreme action of the highest shepherd of the church, the promise made to Juan Diego." "That is why, Holy father, every heart exults in happiness and gives thanks to God for this gift of munificence".

Further on, the Cardinal Rivera expressed his gratitude to the Pope for visiting "the land of ours forefathers to proclaim the holiness of a humble contemplative and evangelizing layman: a simple and humble Indian that revealed to us the serene and sweet face of our 'Morenita'".

"Most Holy Father, may your apostolic blessing fall like fertile dew upon this Mexican nation and upon all the peoples of America", he concluded.

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