Holy Father calls youth to "become true friends of Jesus Christ"

Rome, 16 (NE) Pope John Paul II ended on Sunday his apostolic visit to Slovakia, calling the young to "become true friends of Jesus Christ". At the end of the Mass, during which he beatified Bishop Vasil' Hopko and Sister Zdenka Cecilia Schelingova, Pope John Paul recited the Angelus with the estimated 250,000 faithful gathered at the Petrzalka esplanade of Bratislava.

Addressing the young people present in the Mass, the Pope said: "You are the hope of the Church and of society; you are the hope of the Pope! Do not be afraid to become true friends of Jesus. Learn from Him how to love this world properly and you will build with His help the civilization of love."

In remarks made before the angelus, the Pope referred to the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and said: "At the conclusion of the celebration we wish once again to place ourselves spiritually at the foot of the Cross of Christ and receive from Him the sublime gift of His Mother, who from that moment also became the Mother of the Church. Like the Apostle John, we too welcome her into our home, to learn from her the interior disposition of listening and that attitude of humble generosity in service, which characterize her as the first disciple of the Lord."

Slovakia: Pope beatifies witnesses of the faith in the 20th century

Rome, 16 (NE) On Sunday morning Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass on the Petrzalka esplanade in Bratislava and beatified Bishop Vasil' Hokpo (1904-1976) and Sister Zdenka Cecilia Schelingova (1915-1955), witnesses of the faith in the 20th century. Attending the Eucharistic celebration were the president of the republic, numerous civil and military authorities, as well as thousands of faithful not only from Slovakia but also from other bordering countries.

In his homily today, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Pope invited everyone "to look upon the Cross, a 'privileged place' where the love of God is revealed and shown to us. Bishop Vasil' Hopko and Sister Zdenka Schelingova, whom I have had the joy of enrolling today among the Blessed, looked at the Cross with unshakeable faith."

"Both shine before us," the Pope said, "as radiant examples of faithfulness in times of harsh and ruthless religious persecution. Bishop Vasil' never repudiated his attachment to the Catholic Church and to the Pope. Sister Zdenka did not hesitate to risk her life so as to assist God's ministers. Both faced up to an unjust trial and an ignoble condemnation, to torture, humiliation, solitude, death. And so the Cross became for them the way that led them to life, a source of fortitude and hope, a proof of love for God and man."

Kashmir's First Minister praises Catholic education

Rome, 16 (NE) Catholic schools were publicly praised by the first minister of Jammu-Kashmir state in India, according to Fides news agency. In a speech to inaugurate the school years Minister Mufti Mohammad Syeed, praised Catholic institutions of education for the high quality of instruction offered. He said that schools run by the local Church as well as institutes run by missionaries "help heal rifts among the people" supplying "the best education possible to people of all social classes and religions" and he praised in particular the service offered by Christians to the poor, orphans, the excluded in Kashmir, India and the rest of the world.

Also, in an interview with Fides Service, Bishop Elampassery of Jammu-Srinager stressed the importance of the work done by Catholic schools. "By building schools in villages we help children and slowly build good relations with the people. Our method of evangelising is in fact to promote respect for the dignity of every person, like Mother Teresa", said the Bishop

Holy See re-publishes Pope John XXIII Encyclical "Pacem in Terris"

Rome, 16 (NE - eclesiales.org) The Holy See is now offering for sale a new edition of the Encyclical "Pacem in Terris" written by the Blessed Pope John XXIII, in the 40th anniversary of its first publication. The volume has been prepared by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and has an introduction prepared by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State, as well as a presentation made by Archbishop Renato Martino, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Also, the volume includes the Pope's Message for the World Day of the Peace 2003.

Pope begins four-day pastoral visit to Slovakia

Rome, 12 (NE - eclesiales.org) With an urgent call to defend the country's Catholic roots, Pope John Paul II begun yesterday his four-day pastoral visit to the Slovak Republic. The Pope's 102 foreign apostolic trip started in Bratislava, the country's capital city located on the Danube River. The Holy Father was welcomed at Bratislava's airport by civil, religious and military officials.

Addressing those present to welcome him at the airport, the Pope stressed that in the near future Slovakia will become a full member of the European Community. "Dearly beloved, bring to the construction of Europe's new identity the contribution of your rich Christian tradition! Do not be satisfied with the sole quest for economic advantages. Great affluence in fact can also generate great poverty".

"Only by building up, not without sacrifices and difficulties -the Hole Father stressed-, a society respectful of human life in all its expressions, that promotes the family as a place of reciprocal love and growth of persons, that seeks the common good and is attentive to the needs of the weakest, will there be a guarantee of a future based on solid foundations and rich in goods for all."

Following the ceremony, the Pope went to the apostolic nunciature in Bratislava where, at 12:30, he met with the country's president, Rudolf Schuster. Afterwards he welcomed, in separate audiences, the president of the Slovak National Council, Pavol Hrusovsky, and Prime Minister Mikulas Zurinda.

Pope John Paul had previously visited Bratislava in 1990 when it was part of Czechoslovakia. On January 1, 1993, in a peaceful change, Czechoslovakia became two independent nations, the Czech and the Slovak Republics. The Holy Father once again visited Slovakia June 30 to July 3, 1995. On this present pilgrimage he will travel to the dioceses he has not yet visited.

Bishops stress need of reconciliation and religious freedom in Cuba

Havana, 12 (NE - eclesiales.org) Bishops in Cuba made an urgent call to reconciliation in the country, in a recent message published on occasion of the 5th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Cuba. The message has been signed by the 13 bishops of the island and is titled "The social presence of the Church". In it, the Bishops stress the need for greater liberty of expression and political participation in the nation.

The document also remembers the Pope's visit, as well as his claim for Cuba to "open herself with all her great possibilities to the world and the world open itself to Cuba". The bishops highlighted that the words of the Holy Father are also "a call for our people to an inner opening" that may provide the exercise of all rights, including "the liberty of expression and of social and political participation".

On the other hand the Prelates stressed that, although the Church is not a political association and her first goal is to promote a dialogue of reconciliation, it is necessary to reaffirm her right to interfere "when, from the exercise of the power, fundamental human rights are menaced". "The Church does not have political interests, since she is not linked neither to the government nor to the opposition". The bishops underlined that the government does not know the nature and mission of the Church when it considers her a "a competitive entity", and sustains a "subtle fight" against her.

Referring to religious liberty, the document says that it implies recognition of the Church's right to build temples, allow the coming of priests and religious people who want to work in Cuba, and give access to mass media and to education.

After remarking their commitment with reconciliation, the Bishops announced that they are ready to "develop a pastoral work of reconciliation to heal the historical wounds in our people".

Peru: Marian congress held in Arequipa

Arequipa, 12 (NE - eclesiales.org) "Mary, Mother of the Church" is the theme of a three-day Marian congress held in the city of Arequipa, in southern Peru. The congress, which started last Wednesday and will end today, is organized by the Archdiocese of Arequipa and San Pablo Catholic University. The aim of the event is to offer a space for reflection on the dynamic function of Holy Mary in the life of the Church, especially in this year dedicated to the Rosary.

Attending the Congress are the Archbishop Luis Sánchez-Moreno Lira of Arequipa; Bishop Mario Busquets Jordano of Camaná; and the Auxiliary Bishop of Lima, José Antonio Eguren.

Many Catholic associations like the Christian Family Movement, the Marriage of Cana Catholic Community, the Crusades of Holy Mary and the Christian Life Movement, have been present at the meeting, actively participating in the reflections.

The main conferences were entitled: "The Holy Rosary in the life of the Church", "Mary in the Christian Life", and "Mary in the Christian family". The panels were about "The mysteries of the Holy Rosary", "Mary in the priestly ministry and in consecrated life", and "Mary, Eucharistic Woman".

The Choir of the San Pablo University and the catholic group "Vientos del Sur" have also performed in cultural activities during the Congress. There has also been a presentation of the trailer of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion", which shows the last twelve hours in the life of Christ.

Pakistan: thousands attend pilgrimage to Marian Shrine of Mariambad

Rome, 12 (NE - eclesiales.org) Thousands of pilgrims expressed last week their love to the Mother of God, during the 54th pilgrimage to the national Marian Shrine of Mariambad (City of Mary), in Pakistan. From September 5-7, approximately 500 thousand pilgrims made their way to the shrine, 90 km from Lahore, the main city of Punjab. For the Catholic community in Pakistan, the pilgrimage known as Ziarat is a central annual event.

Reflecting on this year's theme for the pilgrimage "Our Lady and a Church where everyone participates actively", Archbishop Lawrence Saldhana of Lahore stressed the important role of "young people and women in the Church: they too must share their talents for the good of the community." Calling those present to pray "for ourselves, for our nation, for peace in the world" he reminded the Catholics present that the last eleven months have been the Year of the Rosary, proclaimed by Pope John Paul II. "The Holy Father called for this Year of the Rosary in order to put prayer and particularly this Marian prayer back at the heart of Christian family life", the Archbishop said.

Guatemala: Bishops call to participate with responsibility in next presidential elections

Guatemala City, 12 (NE - eclesiales.org) "Peace is possible, a Responsible Vote is an Opportunity" is the title of a message issued by the Conference of Bishops of Guatemala, calling people to participate with responsibility in the presidential elections. The Bishops urged the people to reflect deeply and take a responsible part in the next presidential elections, to take place November 9, "because every vote counts for building a better society".

In their message, the Prelates highlighted several traits necessary for building a Guatemala ruled by respect for the rights of every individual, respect for life, where co-existence is founded on the truth, where the media serve to communicate the truth, and where justice reigns.

The Bishops offered as well certain criteria for reflection and evaluation to help Guatemalans vote with responsibility at the elections. "We urge you to vote with responsibility before God, before yourselves and before society. Vote above all -stressed the Prelates- for a government which will work for the common good and for a party which guarantees solidarity and reconciliation, promotes the dignity and equality of Guatemalans".

Croatia: Archbishop announces construction of shrine to honor martyrs

Rome, 12 (NE - eclesiales.org) Archbishop Josip Bozanic of Zagreb announced the construction of a shrine to honor Croatian martyrs killed in the 15th century. During a Mass to commemorate the 510th anniversary of the Battle of Krbava, where thousands of Croatians died to defend their faith against a Turkish invasion, the Archbishop said that the sanctuary will be built in collaboration with civil authorities. "The Pope -said Archbishop Bozanic- encourages us to honor our martyrs". The Prelate also stressed that the martyrs "offered their lives for their brothers", "affirming their Christian love for their neighbor." The event must serve to "build a future working for reconciliation, solidarity and social justice", the Archbishop said.

Multimillionaire company uses its resources against Gibson's "The Passion"

Miami, 8 (NE) The movie 'The Passion' produced by the famous Hollywood actor Mel Gibson, that aspires to present a collection of images that speak for itself about Jesus' Passion, has found in AOL an acute opponent.

Some time ago, and without having seen the film, two institutions of pressure in the United States, the Jewish Anti Defamation League (ADL) and the polemical Simon Wiesenthal Center, have been asserting that they fear Gibson's movie could arouse anti Jewish feelings. AOL has given extensive cover to the affirmations of these two institutions whose radical line is extensively known. It has stood out that "near 25 persons protested in front of the News Corporation in Manhattan (New York), owner of the Twentieth Century Fox and Fox broadcast and its cables network". They were echoing the mentioned organizations' fears. One of the supposed reasons used to endorse their accusations is that Mel Gibson's father is a conservative catholic who would have anti-semite visions, according to such radical sources.

Through subtle manipulations presenting the news, such as saying that "the Christian audiences chosen by Gibson have praised the artistic excellence of the film and its fidelity to the Gospels" -discrediting for displacement the Christians opinion by sliding the idea of "chosen" audiences-, they oppose the opinion of hundreds who have indeed seen the whole movie and also the many testimonies of those who have seen a five minutes preview, against the judgments of two radical groups specialized in pressure, publicity and the protest of 25 persons. Curiously, this was enough for Fox ceasing to promote the movie.

Spokesmen from ICON Films have appealed to the right of religious liberty to present the Passion of Jesus the most faithfully to the evangelical narration as possible. "Those who are opposed to the Gospels are opposed to the movie", have declared Gibson's spokesmen. Likewise they have stressed the spirit of faith lived during the filming, with daily celebration of the Holy Mass in the movie studios and other demonstrations of faith.

There is also one factor that has not passed unnoticed: during the filming several non Christian protagonists have converted to Christianity. It has been indicated that this matter may thrust the campaigns against The Passion, after a long Hollywood campaign against Christian faith and the Catholic Church specifically.

Some time ago, Archbishop Foley, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, made explicit its protests by the persistent attitude to slide anti-Catholic messages in the movies. His accusation, distributed in a video, went accompanied by multitude of images taken from American movies that presented a tendentious vision of Church and Catholics' faith.

Regarding the movie The Passion, one of the 20,000 movie's preview observers in an Eucharistic Congress declared: "the images that I have seen have touched me so deep that I came to shed tears. The movie's realism makes us able to live those moments of the Passion with Jesus and the Virgin Mary".

United States: first catholic university in 40 years starts this week

Miami, 4 (NE - eclesiales org) The first catholic university founded on the last 40 years in the United States, the Ave Maria University, started its activities this week in the city of Naples, in Florida. The academic year begun with a hundred students who will take part as interns in the university community. Over the next years, the university expects to receive up to 5,000 new students.

The academic campus located east of Naples will cover 750 acres, and will include a town, also called Ave Maria, and modern sports facilities, as reported the university spokesmen. The Ave Maria University is a project sponsored by Tom Monaghan, founder of Dominos Pizza and former owner of the Detroit Tigers, who has dedicated great part of his fortune to promote catholic education during the last decades.

In this first year of classes, the Ave Maria University is offering the classical liberal curriculum of arts, which includes philosophy, theology, science, literature, history, mathematical, economy, political sciences and classical languages.

Faithful must ask God for joy and optimism, says Pope

Rome, 4 (NE) Psalm 91, "Praise to the Lord, Creator", was the theme of Pope John Paul II catechesis during the weekly general audience, held yesterday in the Paul VI Hall. The Holy Father told the 9,000 people present that this psalm begins "with a great call to celebrate and praise the Lord with song and music" throughout the whole day.

After emphasizing that "the fundamental theme of the psalm is good and evil," the Pope indicated that in this canticle "two opposite ways of behavior" are compared. The faithful "penetrate the depth of the Lord's thoughts and in this way their lives are illuminated with light and glory. On the contrary, perverse men ... are incapable of understanding the hidden meaning of human vicissitudes. ... The psalmist is convinced that God will reward the just already in this life, giving them a happy old age and He will punish those who are evil soon." "Psalm 91," he added, "inspires joy, trust, optimism: gifts that we must ask from God precisely in our time when there is often the temptation of distrust and even desperation."

The Pope stressed that "the roots of just men are found in God from Whom they receive the lifeblood of divine grace. The life of the Lord nourishes and transforms them, making them prosperous and fruitful, that is, capable of giving themselves to others and bearing witness to the faith. The concluding words of the psalmist," he ended, "are related to the announcement of the perennial fidelity of the Lord."

Pope calls to pray for peace and reconciliation in the world

Rome, 4 (NE) Prayers for the peace and reconciliation in the world, especially in countries that suffer due to violence, was the invitation made by the Pope John Paul II for this month. It is the Holy Father's general prayer intention, as the Holy See announced this week. The Holy Father has asked catholics from all over the world to pray this month that "the countries that are suffering because of war, terrorism and violence may find the way of reconciliation, concord and peace". Likewise, the missionary intention of the Holy Father for September is praying "for the Christian communities in Central Asia, who live among persons from other religious traditions, so that they may commit themselves to spread the good new of the Kingdom with the practical testimony of their faith".

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