A daily news service

JANUARY 24

Second day of joy for Mexico and the whole American Continent

Mexico City, 24 (NE) A great multitude crowded the streets of the Mexican capital to greet the Holy Father on his second day of pilgrimage to Mexico. On this occasion the warm expressions of love and welcome begun little after 8 o'clock in the morning, time when the Pontiff went to the Basilica of Guadalupe. The voices cried: «John Paul II, the whole world loves you», accompanying the greetings with thousands of Vatican and Mexican banners.

At the arrival to the Basilica, and being received by thousands of persons that waited from early in the morning, the Successor of Peter blessed the image of Blessed Juan Diego at the «Parish of the Indians», located at the enormous esplanade outside the Basilica known as the «Atrium of the Americas».

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Pope, together with 500 cardinals and bishops, as well as 5000 priests. Outside the Basilica giant screens were installed so that the people that filled the Atrium of the Americas and the surroundings of the temple could participate from the Mass.

At the beginning of the Mass, Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico, held a brief welcome address in which he thanked the Holy Father's presence and efforts in the world. At the end of the Eucharist the Vicar of Christ gave the post-sinodal Apostolic Exhortation «Ecclesia in America», which gathers the propositions of the Synod of Bishops for America, held at the end of 1997. It contains the main guidelines Pope John Paul II defines for the mission of the Church in this continent at the threshold of the new Millenium, inviting all Catholics to a New Evangelization.

In the afternoon the Holy Father went to the Presidential Residence of Los Pinos, in order to meet the Mexican president, Ernesto Zedillo, who ceremoniously received the Holy Father. They met in private for 43 minutes. After this the 175 members of the diplomatic corps also received the Holy Father.

Pope urges to awaken the consciences of men with the Gospel

México City, 24 (NE) At the Basilica of Gaudalupe, Pope John Paul II gave yesterday an important homily for Catholics of the whole continent. It was interrupted many times by the applause of the multitude gathered at the Basilica. «Today we celebrate, in this Basilica of Guadalupe, Marian heart of the Americas, and we thank God for the special assembly for the Synod of America», said the Holy Father. «Today, one year after the celebration of that Synod Assembly, and in conjunction with the hundredth Anniversary of the Plenary Council for Latin America which took place in Rome, I have come here to place at the feet of the Virgin of the Tepeyac, Star of the New World, the Apostolic Exhortation «Ecclesia in America», which places together all the contributions and pastoral suggestions of the Synod, entrusting to the Mother and Queen of this continent the future of its Evangelization».

The Holy Father, talking in Portuguese, reminded that America is the Continent of Hope, highlighting «the force of its numerous youth, the value given to family, the blossoming of the sacerdotal vocations and vocations to the consecrated life, and specially the deep religiosity of its peoples».

One of the most intense moments of the homily was the part pronounced in English, in which Pope John Paul II made a clear and energetic call to make the «Continent of Hope become also the Continent of Life». «The time has come to eliminate all attack against life in the continent», he declared. «The Church must proclaim the Gospel of life and blame the culture of death... we must awaken the consciences of men and women with the Gospel, to emphasize their sublime vocation as children of God».

Lastly, the Pope declared that the 12th of December, throughout all America, should «be celebrated to the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe with the liturgical rank of Feast». He also expressed: «I want to entrust and offer the future of the Continent to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ and the Church». The Successor of Peter ended his homily praying to the Virgin Mary: «For you Oh Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, honor, glory and praise from your sons and daughters of the American Continent. Amen».

Cardinal Rivera highlights Holy Mary's role in the New Evangelization of America

Mexico City, 24 (NE) «America and the Pope, under the ever sweet and everlasting gaze of this Queen of Mexico and Empress of the Americas! 20 years ago, your Holiness, fell in love with Her, and Mary has guided you to cover all fields of the world and to everywhere plant the face of God». With these words Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico, addressed the Holy Father at the beginning of the Eucharist celebration held yesterday at the Basilica of Guadalupe.

The Archbishop expressed in the name of all present the joy and gratitude that filled everyone for the presence of His Holiness. He specially thanked the Pope for the Apostolic Exhortation «Ecclesia in America», «which is the result of our Ecclesial communion and the Collegial affection of the bishops of the American continent with the Successor to Saint Peter. This is the fruit of the encounter of shepherds of this continent with the Risen Lord, who guides to conversion, communion and solidarity in the American Continent».

Speaking on the challenges of the New Evangelization, Cardinal Rivera highlighted the fundamental role of Mary, as she had had a fundamental presence when America was first evangelized. «The "Mother of the most true God for whom we live" has guided our missionaries, the first fathers of our faith», said the Mexican Cardinal. «And she guides the ship which is the Church in the midst of storms. Through Her, the American Continent still awaits the words of Peter, the Word of He in whom Peter has always trusted: "Lord, to whom shall we go, you alone have the words of everlasting life". She will guide all pastoral agents of America to proclaim in courage and imagination the Gospel of salvation that Your Holiness once again brings us. The Lady of Heaven will bring a new Spring time of faith and this will flourish in our continent».

Post synodal exhortation of Pope John Paul II: A Calling to the New Evangelization of the American Continent

Mexico City, 24 (NE) After an intense day of encounter with the Lord Jesus, Pope John Paul II addressed the whole American continent with his Post synodal Apostolic Exhortation «Ecclesia in America». The Holy Father placed the document at the feet of our Virginal Mother of God, our Lady of Guadalupe. The document has been issued under the title: «Post synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Ecclesia in America" of the Holy Father John Paul II, to the bishops, priests and deacons, men and woman religious, and to all the faithful on the encounter with the living Jesus Christ, the way to conversion, communion and solidarity in America».

The document consists of an introduction, six chapters and a conclusion. The different chapters develop the theme proposed by the Synodal Assembly: «The encounter with the living Jesus Christ, path to conversion, communion and solidarity in America». Thus, the first chapter is titled «The encounter with the living Jesus Christ». The second is «Encountering Jesus Christ in America today». «The path of conversion» and «The path to communion» are the titles of the third and fourth chapter. The fifth develops the theme «The path to solidarity». Finally, the sixth chapter is titled «The Church in America today: the New Evangelization».

The calling to a New Evangelization

The document expounds diverse important aspects on the life of the Church in the American continent at the threshold of the Third Millennium of Faith. In the first paragraphs, and all along the whole exhortation, we find the nucleus of the Holy Father's message: the calling to a New Evangelization of the Continent of Hope. Remembering the words of the Apostle: «Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!», the Pope pointed out in his first paragraphs: «This command goes to the whole Church, and the Church in America, in this particular moment of its history, it is a calling to receive and respond with loving generosity to this fundamental mission».

Full of joy for the gift of its faith received over five hundred years ago, and aware of the greatness of the blessings received, «the pilgrim Church in America wishes to bring the whole of society and every man and woman to share the richness of faith and communion in Christ». Referring to the series of synodal Assemblies that have been carried out, the Holy Father pointed out «how "the theme underlying them all is that of evangelization, or rather the New Evangelization, the foundations of which were laid down in the Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Nuntiandi" of Pope Paul VI».

Starting point: The encounter with the living Jesus Christ

In this urgent calling to a New Evangelization the Holy Father pointed out the starting point of the evangelizing program: «The encounter with the Lord». Remembering how «the encounters with the Lord risen, true, real and substantially present in the Eucharist» have constituted a spiritual climate along the Synod of America, Pope John Paul II highlighted in the first chapter the essentiality of the «encounter with the living Jesus Christ», referring to the encounter with the Lord risen- as presented in many of the New Testament narratives- and the Church, as a place where man can discover the presence of Jesus Christ and have an encounter him. As privileged places for the encounter with Christ, the Holy Father highlighted the Holy Scriptures «read in the light of Tradition, the Fathers and the Magisterium», as well as the sacred Liturgy, especially the Eucharist, «privileged for the encounter with the living Jesus Christ».

Recalling the Constitution of the II Vatican Council «Gaudium et spes», the Pope states that «indeed, "the Word of God, by taking on our human nature in all things save sin, manifests the Father's plan by revealing to each human person the way to realize fully his or her vocation. Thus Jesus not only reconciles man with the Father, but also reconciles man with himself and thus reveals his true nature».

Presence of Mary in the American continent

The maternal presence of our Blessed Virgin Mary is highlighted by the Holy Father in a special way. «How couldn't we mention the Blessed Virgin's role concerning the Pilgrim Church in Latin America, on the path to the encounter with the Lord? Indeed the Blessed Virgin "is tied in a special way to the History of the American People that reached the encounter with Jesus through Mary». «In many places of our continent -the Supreme Pontiff added- the presence of the Mother of God has been very intense from the days of the first evangelization», adding that «the apparition of our Blessed Virgin Mary to Juan Diego at Tepeyac, in the year 1531, had a decisive repercussion for the evangelization». Influence that «goes beyond the boundaries of the Mexican nation, reaching the whole continent». Within this context, Pope John Paul II declared that on the 12 of December the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe be celebrated in the entire continent.

The Calling to holiness

Some of the chapters of the Holy Father's Exhortation point out the urgency of the calling to conversion. Conversion that is not complete «if the conscience of the demands of a Christian life are lacking and if one doesn't make the effort to complete them», which implies abandoning «the world way of thinking and acting» and «accepting and making one's own the new mentality proposed by the Gospel». Conversion must also aim toward holiness. «Holiness- affirmed the Holy Father- is the goal of the path to conversion, because conversion «is not a goal in itself, but rather a process toward God, who is Holy. Holiness involves imitating God and glorifying his name in the deeds we carry out in our lives». «In that path of conversion and of striving for holiness "the ascetic means that have always existed in the Church's practice, and that reach their summit in the sacrament of pardon, received and celebrated with the necessary dispositions; should be stressed on"». «Only he who is reconciled with God can be a protagonist of an authentic reconciliation with and among brothers», the Holy Father affirmed.

Pope John Paul II also remembered the fruits of holiness in the American continent, that «offer heroic models of Christian life in the diversity of states of life and of social spheres». «The fruits of holiness have flourished from the first days of the evangelization of America. Thus we have Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617), "the New World's first flower of holiness", proclaimed principal patroness of America in 1670 by Pope Clement X». «After her, the list of American saints has grown to its present length». Upon remembering the models of holiness, the Holy Father pointed out the importance of the Popular piety deeply rooted in the diverse nations of the continent. «The Synod Fathers stressed the urgency of discovering the true spiritual values present in popular religiosity, so that, enriched by genuine Catholic doctrine, it might lead to a sincere conversion and a practical exercise of charity».

Evangelization of the culture

The Holy Father's concern for the families is also manifested in the document. «Many insidious forces are endangering the solidity of the institution of the family in most countries of America». «The family life -he adds- is a path to carry out the universal vocation to holiness». Also, the Holy Father accused «a model of society in which the powerful rule, marginalizing and even eliminating the weak. I am thinking of the children who are not born yet, defenseless victims of abortion; in the elderly and incurable sick people, victims sometimes of euthanasia; and in so many other human beings marginalized by consumerism and the materialism», also referring to the unnecessary death penalty. The Pope underlined the importance of the defense of human life «from the moment of conception up to the moment of natural death». He also makes a special reference to the importance of the evangelization with the youth, «a great social and evangelizing force».

The evangelization of the culture appears as a topic of supreme importance in the document of Pope John Paul II. «My Predecessor Paul VI widely remarked that "the split between the Gospel and culture is undoubtedly the drama of our time". Hence the Synod Fathers rightly felt that "the New Evangelization calls for a clearly conceived, serious and well organized effort to evangelize culture"». The incarnation of the Gospel appears as a key element in the New Evangelization. «The mestiza face of the Virgin of Guadalupe was from the start a symbol of the inculturation of the Gospel, of which she has been the lodestar and the guide. Through her powerful intercession, the Gospel will penetrate the hearts of the men and women of America and permeate their cultures, transforming them from within».

Speaking on the evangelization of the culture, the Holy Father makes a special reference to the evangelization of the social communications media. «For the New Evangelization to be effective, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the culture of our time in which the social communications media are most influential. Therefore, knowledge and use of the media, whether the more traditional forms or those which technology has produced in recent times, is indispensable». «On the other hand- he adds-, the same media can contribute to model the culture and mentality of the men and women of our time».

«The memories of the dark chapters in the American history concerning the existence of slavery and other situations of social discrimination, must be situated in a sincere desire for conversion that leads to reconciliation and communion», the Holy Father affirmed, pointing out that the Church in America should embody the solidarity of the universal Church toward the poor and marginalized, of all genders, in their pastoral initiatives. «The attention to the more needy arises from the option of preferential love for the poor. A love that does not exclude and can not be interpreted as a sign of particularism or sectarism; loving the needy, the Christian imitates the attitudes of the Lord, that was devoted with feelings of compassion to the necessities of the people who were spiritually and materially indigent».

Throughout the document, the Pope John Paul II also calls the attention on diverse areas in the pastoral at the threshold of the Third Millennium of the Faith, as, for example, the action of the Church in the educational field, the growing respect for the human rights, the phenomenon of globalization, the reality of urbanization, the weight of the foreign debt, the corruption, the dealing and consumption of drugs. Upon talking about the importance of the eclesial communion, the Holy Father highlighted the relationships with the oriental church Catholics; the effort to consolidate the unity of the clergy in each particular church; the development of the vocational pastoral and the formation of seminarists; the revaluation of consecrated life in the future of the New Evangelization, and the participation of the lay in the ecclesial life, among others. Concerning the participation of the lay, the Pope affirmed that «the renovation of the Church in America won't be possible without the active presence of the lay», working «in the family life, as well as the social, labor, cultural and political life, to which evangelization he has been called to», as well as in the «construction of the ecclesial community as delegates of the Word, catechists. Also visiting sick people or imprisoned people, animating groups, etc.».

Conclusion

«Trusting in this promise of the Lord, the pilgrim Church in America prepares enthusiastically to meet the challenges of today's world and those that will come in the future», said the Holy Father in the conclusion of the document. «The Church in America wishes to walk in hope, as the Synod Fathers declared: "With serene trust in the Lord of history, the Church prepares to cross the threshold of the Third Millennium freed from prejudice, hesitation, selfishness, fear or doubt, and convinced of the fundamental and primary service which she must provide as a testimony to her fidelity to God and to the men and women of the continent"».

«The celebration of the beginning of the Third Christian Millennium can be the right moment for the People of God in America to renew "their thanks for the great gift of faith», that it began to receive five centuries ago. «The year 1492, beyond its historical and political meaning, was the great year of grace when America welcomed the faith: a faith which proclaims the supreme gift of the Incarnation of the Son of God two thousand years ago, and which we will solemnly commemorate in the Great Jubilee now so close».

«This twofold sense of hope and gratitude must accompany every pastoral action of the Church on the continent, permeating with the spirit of the Jubilee the various initiatives in the dioceses, parishes, religious communities, ecclesial movements, and the activities which will be organized at both regional and continental levels». «Therefore -Pope John Paul II concluded-, I invite all the Catholics of America to take an active part in the evangelizing initiatives which the Holy Spirit is stirring in every part of this immense continent, so full of resources and hopes for the future». The Apostolic Exhortation ends with a prayer for the families.

The full text of the Pope's document has been placed in the Internet in different sites. It can be currently found at http://www.newevang.org/mvceng/text/ecclesia.htm or at the Vatican web page (www.vatican.va)

Church in Colombia asks to continue dialogues for peace

Medellín, 24 (NE) In this year's first meeting, the Commission for National Conciliation, conformed by some Colombian bishops and presided over by Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo, of Medellin, and also President of the Colombian Episcopal Conference, expressed his disposition to mediate in the relationship between the Colombian government and the country's guerrilla groups, specially the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), which declared -two days ago- that the relationship was «frozen».

The Commission, whose principal aim is to work for the reconciliation of the Colombian people, exhorted to continue with the dialogs for peace, in spite of the difficulties that appear during the process. «Processes of pacification are complicated by nature» stated Archbishop Giraldo, adding that it was natural that during the development of these processes, difficulties and obstacles arise.

JANUARY 23

Impressive welcome to Pope John Paul II in Mexico

Mexico City, 23 (NE) With immense happiness and accompanied with the singing of "mariachis" and the applause of the Mexican people, Pope John Paul II was welcomed yesterday at the Benito Juarez International Airport of Mexico City. After greeting President Ernesto Zedillo and the First Lady, the Holy Father went towards the presidential hangar in order to begin the welcoming ceremony of his apostolic pilgrimage. There, President Zedillo expressed to the Pope that the Mexican people rejoiced and felt honored with his presence.

The Holy Father made his address expressing the «great joy to find myself, once again, in this blessed land, where our Holy Mary of Guadalupe is worshiped as a lovely Mother». «I come as a Jesus Christ's Apostol and as Saint Peter's successor to remark the faith of my brothers and sisters. I come to pray, and to announce the Word of God to all men and women. In this ocassion, this city will be the place of a holy and historical meeting: I will join to the bishops of all the American Continent for presenting tomorrow, at the Basilica de Guadalupe, the fruits of the Synod that began 1 year ago at Rome».

«The Bishops of America marked the principal points of the future pastoral action that, form the faith we share, and the desire of an answer to the God´s Salvation Plan and the dignity of the human beings in the context of societies who can share justice, reconciliation and openness in the technical process that needs a moral progress».

The Holy Father also mentioned the fidelity of Mexican people, saying: «ever since the Mexican people welcomed me 20 years ago with open arms and full of hope, they have accompanied me along many of my journeys. I can still hear the sound of their greetings in my ears: Mexico, always loyal, always faithful, always present!».

Afterwards the Pope made a significant description of Mexican identity, saying it was a nation of deep Catholic roots, «a country where the catholic faith served usefully in the blending of the old ethnical and antagonistic plurality into a unity of brotherhood and destiny». This foundation is so important that «it is not possible to comprehend Mexico without the faith that the first 12 Franciscans brought from Spain and that was strengthened by Dominicans, Jesuits, Augustinians and other preachers of Christ's word of salvation.»

Also in his speech, the Successor of Peter pointed out: «I come to you, Mexicans of different social classes and conditions, and to you brothers of this American Continent, in order to greet you in the name of Christ. Together with my brother bishops of Mexico and of all over America I come to kneel before the mantle of the Blessed Juan Diego». And precisely while facing the Virgin of Tepeyac the Supreme Pontiff requested «at the end of a fertile and tormented millennium, that the next millennium, in Mexico, in America and in the whole world, may secure roads of fraternity and peace be opened, that in Jesus Christ may find secure bases and spacious roads for progress».

Finally the Holy Father concluded his first speech in Mexican lands trusting to the maternal cares of Holy Mary of Guadalupe, «the destiny of this nation and of the whole Continent».

About one million people will participate in the Sunday Mass with the Holy Father

Mexico City, 23 (NE) Over one million people will attend the Eucharistic celebration that the Holy Father will preside this Sunday in Mexico. The entrance to the «autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez» will be open from the previous day at six in the afternoon, for there are many willing to spend the night there in order to get good places the following day. Also, it is estimated that there will be about 2.300 trucks that will arrive between Saturday and Sunday with pilgrims coming from different places of the country.

The State government and the law enforcing agencies of the city, together with numerous civil organizations, have organized a special operation that includes numerous security measures, such as the establishment of two contention areas, the closing of diverse arteries, the installation of phones, of stations for locating people, Red Cross facilities, and even the presence of epidemic brigades.

The Holy Father will arrive to the circuit on Sunday at 9:00am in the morning on a helicopter. Upon descending, he will go through the circuit in the «Popemobile» and at 10:30 will ascend through the elevator to the atrium from which he will preside the Holy Mass.

Bishops of Dominican Republic warn against secularism

Santo Domingo, 23 (NE) This week the Dominican Republic Episcopal Conference issued a Pastoral Letter to the whole country, on occasion of Our Lady of Altagracia´s Day. The main theme of the Letter -signed by all the nation's bishops-, is God's paternity, and with this scope it deals with many aspects of the Dominican reality. «Jesus insists on presenting God as Father of all human beings», point out the Pastors, and by doing so, He highlights «His provident solicitude, His generous love and merciful forgiveness». The bishops also underline the importance of fighting against poverty and the necessity of a greater unity in this Caribbean country.

The document deals -among other themes- with secularism, stating that «it opposes the reality of God Father and His action» and «proclaims that creation explains itself and is capable of developing itself without any reference to God, whose reality or importance is completely denied». This situation necessarily leads to the idolatry of possession, power and pleasure and takes away the meaning of life, declare the bishops. «Secularism holds that God is incompatible with human liberty and that religion is antihuman and alienating, for it separates man from his earthly labor».

The Pastoral Letter also refers to «Mary, the Father's favorite daughter». Her «being Mother of the Savior also included to be, through her son, Mother of all the saved». In this sense, the Dominican Republic bishops state that «Our Lady of Altagracia becomes an outstanding example for us of uniting -in a single love- the love for God and love for the neighbor».

JANUARY 22

John Paul II: Prophet of reconciliation and hope, says Cardinal Castrillón

Rome, 22 (NE) «Reaffirming the positive values of our faith» and «avoiding the deterioration of them» are fundamental challenges for the evangelization in the American continent, recently pointed out Cardinal Dario Castrillon, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy. He also declared that Pope John Paul II will visit the American continent «as what he is: a prophet of reconciliation and hope, of understanding between people, of peace and human rights».

In declarations to the Mexican newspaper «El Universal», Cardinal Castrillon stated that he considered the current moment to be a time of opportunities for the American continent, for in it are concentrated the greatest number of Catholics in the whole world. «This must be taken as a responsibility», he added, pointing out the crucial role these countries play in the New Evangelization, «new in its aims, in its forms, in its methods and its manifestations». The Cardinal highlighted as well the necessity of avoiding cultural imposition of approaches and uses that are opposed to the Catholic moral, referring explicitly to abortion.

Regarding the Pope's pilgrimage to Mexico and the United States, the Cardinal affirmed that the visit will be an opportunity to live a continental unity, as well as giving a positive answer to the challenge that the Holy Father will present through his Post-sinodal Exhortation. The Pope's visit will be plentiful with positive fruits not only for the Church, but also for the rest of the sectors of society because of the content of the messages he will expound during his 85th international trip, Cardinal Castrillon concluded.

Centenary of Pope Leo XIII´s Letter on «Americanism»

Lima, 22 (NE) Today, the 22 of January, is the centenary of Pope Leo XIII´s Apostolic Letter «Testem benevolentiae». With this document, written in 1899 in Latin, and addressed to Cardinal James Gibbons, then Archbishop of Baltimore, Pope Leo XIII expressed his deep concerns to all the Shepherds of the United States. The pontifical Letter was indeed sent to all the circa 80 American bishops of that time. It was first issued in an English translation in a newspaper in Baltimore, and later published in newspapers and magazines at other cities.

Long passages of this Apostolic Letter can be read in different collections of magisterial texts, such as the one by Henry Denzinger, as well as that by Justo Collantes. It is actual in many aspects. In the Internet, translations of the «Testem benevolentiae» may also be found. Spokesmen of the «Biblioteca Electrónica Cristiana» (BEC) (Christian Electronic Library) www.multimedios.org have informed that on the occasion of the centenary a new Spanish translation of the official Latin text will be posted. An English translation of the «Testem benevolentiae» may be found with the searcher at www.ewtn.com.

In the document, Pope Leo XIII wrote that he was not going to repeat the praises he had formerly expressed to the North American people in other occasions. On the contrary, he wanted to point out certain mistaken ideas that had begun to become evident in the North American country as well as in Europe, included by the term «Americanism». He emphasized that they should «be avoided and corrected».

In this document Pope Leo XIII pointed out -with reference to the false ideas that were being propagated- that the excuse on which they were based was that «in order to more easily attract those who differ from her, the Church should shape her teachings more in accord with the spirit of the age and relax some of her ancient severity and make some concessions to new opinions, recently introduced in the peoples». The Holy Father, on account of his apostolic office, having «to guard the integrity of the faith and the security of the faithful», warned in that Apostolic Letter that «many believe that these concessions should be made not only in matters of discipline, but even in regard to doctrines that belong to the deposit of the faith». «They contend that it would be opportune, in order to gain those who differ from us, to omit certain points of the teachings of the Church, as if they were of minor importance, or to tone them down so as to change the meaning which the Church has always attached to them».

«It does not need many words, continued the Pontiff, to prove with what an inadmissible design such things have been thought. It is enough to recall the nature and origin of the doctrine the Church proposes». Quoting the I Vatican Council, the Pope Leo XIII added: «For the doctrine of faith which God has revealed, has not been proposed like a philosophic invention to be perfected by human creativity, but it has been delivered as a divine deposit to the Spouse of Christ to be faithfully kept and infallibly declared. Hence the meaning of the sacred dogmas is perpetually to be retained which our Holy Mother, the Church, has once declared, nor is that meaning ever to be departed from under the pretence or pretext of a deeper comprehension of them».

«Let it be far from anyone´s mind, added the Pontiff, to diminish or suppress for any reason any doctrine that has been handed down. Such a policy would tend rather to separate Catholics from the Church than to bring in those who differ». The rule of life laid down for Catholics is not of such nature that it cannot accommodate itself to the exigencies of various times and places, explained the Pope. Moreover, he continued, through the years, the Church «has been accustomed to so yield that, the divine principles of moral being kept intact, she has never neglected the character and genius of the nations which she embraces».

The Letter also corrects diverse matters, such as that related to the interpretation of the active and passive virtues, spiritual direction, direct influx of the Holy Spirit on the will and other topics related to both pragmatist and individualistic interpretations of the life of faith. Pope Saint Pious X refers to some of these teachings in his constitution on the sanctity of the clergy, «Haerent animo», in which he quotes the Letter of Pope Leo XIII.

The reactions were manifold. Those who held the ideas that were object of this Apostolic Letter even talked about a «phantom heresy», while some North American Archbishops, led by Archbishop Corrigan of New York sent quick expressions of gratitude to the Pontiff, for having precisely corrected these errors, and thanked him in name of all the faithful. A voluminous monographic work by the Jesuit historian Gerald Fogarty on the activities of the main coordinator of the «americanist» group in Europe and the United States, Father Denis J. O´Connell, during the years 1885 and 1903, effectively revealed the existence of a group, at the end of last century, very related to modernism, organized on the ideas and the work alluded by Pope Leo XIII in his Apostolic Letter "Testem benevolentiae".

Annual Mass for Life in Philadelphia

Miami, 22 (NE) More than a thousand persons participated in the Annual Mass For Life, celebrated last week at the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Philadelphia. The ceremony was presided by Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia. In his homily, Cardinal Bevilacqua talked about human liberty and the significance of a correct option. He also emphasized the importance to be authentic Catholics amidst the world, actively living according to our own faith. The participants prayed especially for the victims of abortion, with the hope that each time more persons will understand and defend the true value of life and human dignity.

Encounter with founder of ecclesiastic movement to reflect on the apostolate for the Third Millennium

Lima, 22 (NE) «Evangelizers for the Third millennium». This was the theme that gathered delegations of diverse Latin American countries of the Christian Life Movement in the city of Lima. Since last Monday they have met daily to reflect on the mission to announce the Lord in the Third Millennium of our Faith. Yesterday the main event took place: the encounter with the founder of the Christian Life Movement, Luis Fernando Figari.

Figari reminded the participants that «each human being has a deep thirst of transcendence, of encounter and cries for an ultimate meaning, for the answer, it longs to authentically be a human person». He also exhorted those present to be coherent with that deep interior thirst and with the gift of grace, living an intense Christian life «that is the invitation to live the life in He who is Life, who shows us the Truth and leads us towards plenitude».

He also recalled that we should live and share the gift of faith with others from our own experience. The founder of the MVC (Christian Life Movement) emphasized that to adequately respond to the mission to announce the Gospel, this announcement should be done «from our encounter with Christ in the Church». He stressed that «the world needs saints», and that «only saints will change the world». He ended his speech inviting the numerous participants of these days of apostolic reflection to be «artisans of the Civilization of Love».

JANUARY 21

Pope John Paul II meditates upon God's fatherhood according to the Old Testament

Vatican City, 21 (NE) God’s fatherhood according to the Old Testament was the subject of the weekly catechesis offered yesterday by Pope John Paul II. The Holy Father recalled that the People of Israel, facing the portent of creation and the renewal of life, «not understandable without intervention», «had the intuition of the fatherhood of God». This intuition matured, specially due to his salvific interventions, that tend to establish a covenant and to consider the chosen People as his primogenital son».

Referring to God’s tenderness, which many Old Testament passages testify, the Pope declared that God was seen by Israel as «an exigent father». This is explained by the «respect that the Jewish society demanded towards parents». Nevertheless, «God's paternity towards Israel is marked by an intense, constant and compassionate love», because it shows itself «regardless of its infidelities and correcting Israel's behavior, as does the father with the favorite son». At the end of his catechesis, close to his apostolic pilgrimage to the American continent, he asked the Spanish speaking pilgrims to beg our Virgin of Guadalupe «to guide the steps of the New Evangelization within the beloved Spanish speaking peoples».

Mother Catherine Drexel could be the second American canonized Saint born in the United States

Rome, 21 (NE) In the upcoming visit of Pope John Paul II to the city of Saint Louis, Missouri, he will probably announce the canonization of the blessed Catherine Drexel, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Sacrament. Mother Drexel founded the «sacramentines» toward the end of the XIX century, having evangelization, education and human promotion of afro-american and native North Americans as its charisma. Mother Drexel would be the second American canonized Saint born in the United States, a nation that counts more than sixty million Catholics.

The Holy See's recognition of a miracle attributed to Mother Drexel has leveled the road to the her canonization. In 1974 a 14 year old teenager named Robert Gutherman had lost his hearing in the right ear due to a strange and serious infection that caused bone degenerating of his auditory system. Even the most powerful antibiotics were powerless against the illness. The doctors were not able to sooth Robert's pain either. Some sacramentine nuns, friends of the Gutherman family, encouraged Robert's parents to pray to Mother Drexel for her to intercede before God for the sick boy. On that night, in spite of his pain, the youngster joined his family in prayer. On the next morning the pain had disappeared and Robert had recovered his hearing. The doctor that assisted him examined Roberts ear with incredulity. «I cannot believe what I am seeing. The body is curing itself. Is this possible?», wrote the doctor later.

The cause of Mother Caterina was introduced in 1964, nine years after her death. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1988. But a new miracle was required for canonization. After a long process, in which the medical staff of the Vatican Congregation examined the case, Robert's recuperation was declared to be a miracle.

Probably the most notable miracle was Catherine Drexel's life. She was born in 1858, in the heart of one of the richest and most notable families of Philadelphia. Catherine ever since she was little girl helped the poor, especially blacks recently liberated from slavery. Her testimony was a constant and uncomfortable testimony for the people of the frivolous society of Philadelphia. The premature death of her parents had left her with an immense fortune, that added up to what would be about 250 million dollars at the present time. Catherine soon understood that charity should always be accompanied by a Christian formation and human promotion.

Her opportunity to contribute in a more concrete task came when two missionaries among the Indians of Dakota requested the financing of schools for the natives. Catherine lent her help and committed herself to going to Rome in search for missionaries. In an interview with Pope Leo XIII the young Drexel requested for the Holy Father's help. The wise Pontiff, that had perceived Catherine’s spiritual longing, answered: «Well, my daughter, why don't you become a missionary?».

Pope Leo XIII's words were engraved in Catherine’s heart. In 1889, with 30 years of age, Catherine Drexel decided to enter into the religious life. Her decision constituted a «scandal» among the high society of the main cities of the eastern coast, attached to their vertiginous material growth, but indifferent to the wide sectors of needy people that were formed on the periphery of the cities. When she made her profession, Catherine added a private vote: «being mother and handmaid of colored people and Indians».

In 1891 she founded a new congregation, the nuns of the Sacred Sacrament, in order to serve her «poorer children». A skillful employment of the money of her inheritance allowed the building of eleven schools for Indians in rural regions. But her greatest commitment was her work with Americans of African origin. She inaugurated 100 schools in the country and ghettos of the southern cities. Mother Drexel founded Xavier University in New Orleans, the first catholic university for colored people in the United States.

Farewell mass for Cardinal Vargas Alzamora at the Cathedral of Lima

Lima, 21 (NE) Yesterday hundreds of Catholics accompanied Cardinal Augusto Vargas Alzamora in his last Mass as Shepherd of this centenary Archdiocese. Lima’s Cathedral was beautifully arranged for the occasion and outside the Cathedral big screens were placed, so more persons could participate in the Eucharistic celebration. At the beginning of the Mass, Auxiliary Bishop Alberto Brazzini spoke in the name of the Church of Peru. He spoke words of gratitude for the Cardinal's years of service as Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Lima.

In his homily the Cardinal thanked the great love that Lima’s citizens showed to him during this time. He also mentioned the invaluable help of the Auxiliary Bishops, the clergy, religious and lay people and pointed out that «nothing of what I have done would have been possible without your presence and collaboration». He highlighted that we are cooperators of God´s grace and as such we must regard our whole work.

The Cardinal, whose resignation was recently accepted by the Holy Father upon reaching the age limit, said that «if there is something I can count as my own initiative and as God´s inspiration, is having asked our Lady of Evangelization to be the Patron of the Archdiocese of Lima». The image, called Our Lady of Evangelization, was the first to reach Peruvian lands, in the XVI century. The Cardinal narrated how the first archbishop of Lima, Fray Jeronimo of Loayza, honored the Virgin with the first rose that blossomed in Peruvian land. Remembering this, Pope John Paul II in his second visit to Peru, gave the Virgin the «golden rose», following an ancient catholic tradition. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Cardinal Vargas rendered honor to the Virgin that accompanies this land's evangelization works for more than 450 years.

At the end, the Apostolic Nuncio in Peru thanked in the name of the Holy Father, Cardinal Vargas for his dedicated service to the Church, and gave him the Holy Father's apostolic blessing. Cardinal Vargas Alzamora will be succeeded by Archibishop Juan Luis Cipriani, former Archbishop of Ayacucho.

Main events of Holy Father’s visit transmitted through the Internet

Mexico, 21 (NE) Aiming to transmit to greater number of people the Holy Father’s message when he pilgrims to the American continent, the Archdiocese of Mexico City has announced that it will transmit through the Internet the main events of the Pope’s visit. This will be done through the web page of the Mexican archdiocese at www.arzobispadomexico.org.mx.

JANUARY 20

Pope John Paul II's Lenten message for 1999

Rome, 20 (NE) Yesterday, Pope John Paul II's Lenten message for 1999 was presented in the Vatican. The Holy Father's message has a verse from the Book of Isaiah as its title: «The Lord will prepare a banquet for all peoples» (Is 25,6). Meditating on these words, the Pope pointed out that they «lead us first to reflect upon the gracious providence of the Heavenly Father towards all men and women». The Holy Father also pointed out Lent to be «a favorable time to offer to the Lord sincere thanks for the wonders he has done for man», especially for our redemption obtained by the Lord Jesus. This gratitude should be born from the «experience of the love the Father shows us», reminding us that the Father «is incessantly calling us towards himself, and in every occasion in which we succumb to sin, he shows us the way of returning to his house, where we can reencounter that singular care of which we have been made recipient in Christ».

The Holy Father's message also reminds us that Christ «breaks the boundary of temporality and opens for us the door of definitive participation in the life of God». In that sense, Lent invites us to «recognize that "our Homeland is in heaven" (Ph 3, 20)», and to focus our eyes «beyond the horizon of this world, in view of the perfect and eternal communion with the Holy Trinity». For this precise reason the Pope exhorts all Catholics to renew their efforts to serve the most poor and needy, so that «they may experience, in the Church's solicitude, the celestial Father's tenderness that, since the beginning of the world, thought of each man in order to fill him with his blessing».

«May Mary, our Lady of Mercy, encourage our steps. She was the first in knowing and welcoming the Father's loving plan, she believed and is "blessed amongst women" (Lk 1, 42). She obeyed in suffering and, for that reason, was the first to participate of the glory of the children of God», the Holy Father's message concluded.

Cardinal Ruini exhorts to conversion and to a «profound interior formation»

Rome, 20 (NE) Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of the Holy Father for the diocese of Rome and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference presented, in a speech to the Italian Episcopate, the extent of the action the Church should carry out in order to face today's challenges. «The social context we live in and the moral, cultural and spiritual atmosphere we breathe make the exigency of a continuous and profound interior transformation particularly necessary», he said. The Cardinal described the atmosphere of consumism, hedonism and skepticism that prevails in our culture today. To face this, added the Cardinal, we Christians must work to «construct the way that will help us and our neighbor to live in God's presence in the socio-cultural world of today and of tomorrow, trying to modify it and renew it in a Christian sense».

He declared the importance of the means of communication in the process of transformation of culture and specially addressed «those who have an institutional, political, administrative responsibility in the economy and in the work of public opinion». The President of the Italian Episcopal Conference renewed the «cordial invitation to assume with objectivity the important role family has in the Italian social fabric and to take consequent and durable options».

The Holy Father will meet groups from many countries via satellite

Mexico City, 20 (NE) The Holy Father will visit physically only Mexico and the United States, but many encounters via satellite have been planned with diverse Latin American countries. The 25th of January, Pope John Paul II will communicate with the Brazilian Catholic channel «Rede Vida», with a multitude that, taking advantage of the commemoration of the city's anniversary, will be gathered at Sao Paulo, awaiting the salutation of the Holy Father. After the transmission of the salutation, the television will display images of the group greeting His Holiness. All this will happen as the Pope is in the «Encounter with the representatives of all generations of this century» in the Azteca Stadium of Mexico City.

It has been also announced that on the occasion of the Holy Father's visit, EWTN will launch a new channel in Mexico: EWTN - Mexico. The news was given by Cardinal Juan Sandoval, Archbishop of Guadalajara, at a press conference recently held in Mexico. The catholic channel will be launched the 22nd of January.

JANUARY 19

Church in the United States: celebrating life

Denver, 19 (NE) Diverse activities are being carried out in several North American archdioceses with the intention to remind us of the value of human life from the moment of conception. The numerous activities have been in part an answer to the very unfortunate anniversary of the date in which abortion was legalized in the United States. In Saint Louis, where the life of the archdioceses is signed by the activities of preparation for the Holy Father's visit, Archbishop Justin Rigali celebrated on Saturday a Pro-Life Mass in the Cathedral Basilica. In that same way, the topic chosen for this year, «I have called you each by name», reminds us of the children that are killed even before birth.

Some conferences on the topic have been programmed in the Archdiocese of Denver, as well as a Pro-Life rosary. A Eucharistic celebration has been carried out as well in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Mass was dedicated to respect for life, and was presided by Archbishop Charles Chaput. On the other hand, Archbishop John Myers of Peoria, exhorted the Catholics of his archdiocese to be missionaries «of the Good News of human dignity» in the middle of a world that rejects life. «Our attitude toward the sanctity of life in these closing years of the "American century" will speak volumes about our true character as a nation», he said.

The central celebration will be the «Pro-Life March», which will be carried out in Washington D.C. on the 22 of January. In fact on that same date of 1973 the unfortunately celebrated «Roe vs. Wade» judicial case was carried out. Due to its results the Supreme Court legalized abortion in the United States. On that occasion, «Roe», alias for Norma McCorvey, had became pregnant for third time and appealed to the power of the American judiciary system with the intention of obtaining the «right» of aborting her son. On that opportunity she lied in order to affirm that her pregnancy was due to rape, a story that was used by a group of lawyers in order to obtain the legalization of abortion in the United States. It is estimated today that from that decision taken by the Supreme Court, around 40 million abortions have been practiced in the United States.

Years later, Norma McCorvey would convert to Christianism, giving a total turn in her life and collaborating actively with groups in favor of the defense of life. Some years ago, she gave to the representatives of the Supreme Court a video with the story of her life, looking forward to make it known «so that mothers going through difficult moments in their pregnancies or those who got pregnant in diverse conditions, may choose life for their children and bless the name of Jesus».

Cardinal Rivera exhorts to listen and welcome the Holy Father's message

Mexico City, 19 (NE) In regards to the commercial vortex and all the movement that the Holy Father's next visit has generated in the American continent, Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico City, requested «not to get lost in anecdotes and even less in the criticism to which we have been so accustomed during the last days». The Mexican Archbishop also underlined the importance of everyone openly receiving the Pope, displaying the identity and traditions that characterize Mexicans.

It is fundamental, the Cardinal remarked, to listen to what he comes to say, because his words will mark the guidelines for the American evangelization in the following years. «Without minor doubt, the most important thing that the Holy Father comes to tell us is written in the Synod document that contributes his proposals for the evangelization for America. It is a document of the Pope for each one of us, for all of us who live in this continent, from Alaska to the point farthest south», he expressed. Cardinal Rivera exhorted Mexicans to open their hearts in order to welcome the message of the Holy Father and respond with the same effort that he has made to be able to come to these lands. Finally he pointed out that «the Holy Father doesn't come to preach on himself, neither does he come to transmit to us science or human experience, however valuable it may be. He is here to announce us He for whom all things were made, He who can make a new creation in each one of us and in our continent. He who takes away the sins of the world proclaims the gospel that saves. He comes to proclaim Jesus Christ sacrificed and risen from the dead».

New Archbishop of Lima said good-bye to the faithful at the Archdiocese of Ayacucho

Lima, 19 (NE) Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, new Archbishop of Lima, presided over in the Basilica Cathedral of Ayacucho his last Sunday Eucharistic celebration in that Episcopal seat. The attendance was impressive. The people from Ayacucho expressed their love and gratitude to their former Archbishop in many ways. «I have learnt so much with you, and also became part of your joys, but now it is my duty to serve the people of Lima» he said during his homily, in which he also invited the people to unite conscience to action. Moreover, Archbishop Cipriani thanked all those who helped him during his episcopate. The new Archbishop of Lima will succeed Cardinal Augusto Vargas Alzamora, whose resignation was accepted by the Pope as he had already reached the age limit, according to Canon Law.

JANUARY 18

Holy Father asks faithful to pray for his coming peregrination to America

Vatican City, 18 (NE) Yesterday, during his address before the Angelus prayer, John Paul II recalled his coming peregrination to America. «I ask you to accompany me with your prayers during this important apostolic trip. It will give me the awaited opportunity to return as a pilgrim to visit the Virgin of Guadalupe, Patroness of Mexico and all America», he declared. The Holy Father recalled that he had visited Mexico twenty years ago, in the first apostolic pilgrimage of his pontificate and he trusted to Mary´s intercession the «new Evangelization of America, where the larger part of Catholics and Christians of the world live».

Cubans commemorate first anniversary of papal visit to Cuba

Miami, 18 (NE) Catholic cubans will peregrinate to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, in order to commemorate the fist anniversary of the Pope´s historic visit to the isle. This peregrination was announced by Archbishop Pedro Claro Meurice Estíu, of Santiago de Cuba. Archbishop Meurice celebrated a couple of days ago a thanksgiving Mass for the «numerous fruits of conversion and solidarity generated in the isle since the Holy Father visited Cuba». The peregrination to the Marian Sanctuary will take place this Sunday 24th of January.

It was precisely the 24th of January of 1998 that the Holy Father, during his third Eucharistic celebration in Cuba, crowned the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, Patroness of Cuba, naming her «Mother of Reconciliation». In moving words, pronounced facing thousands of enthusiastic faithful at the Plaza Antonio Maceo of Santiago de Cuba, the Holy Father asked «the Virgin, loving Mother of all, to unite all her children in reconciliation and fraternity». «Mother of reconciliation!», he said, «gather your people, dispersed around the world. Let Cuba become a home for brothers and sisters, so that this people may open their mind, their heart and life to Christ, the only Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with the Father and with the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever».

Caledonian Patriarch of Babylon asks for the total end of sanctions to Iraq

Madrid, 18 (NE) In a recent visit to Spain, the Caledonian Patriarch of Babylon, his Beatitude Raphael I Bidawid, spoke on the difficult situation which Iraq is going through. This situation would be partly due to the economical sanctions applied to Iraq and maintained in the last years. Concerning the matter the Patriarch of about 600.000 of Caledonian rite Catholics in Iraq and Iran summoned the Western countries to put an end to the sanctions, warning on the necessity of a total condoning and not only a partial one. «With the condoning of the seizure of foods that the UN proposes, the whole country would become a field of refugees. Everything would stop: industry, agriculture, any activity, only in order to wait for the portion of food», he declared.

In an interview published by the weekly publication of the Archdiocese of Madrid «Alpha and Omega», the Patriarch manifested his hope that Pope John Paul II may visit Iraq. «He has promised to go to Iraq, though it will depend on the political situation of the region, and that his health may permit it also», he said. A couple of weeks ago, the Patriarch had confirmed the Popes desire to pilgrim to the lands of Iraq as soon as the conditions permit it, «to be able to carry out a spiritual pilgrimage through the route of Abraham before the Jubilee».«And we are all praying so that it may happen», he added.

Concerning the dramatic situation that this country is going through, Faiq Bourachi, responsible of the Office of Caritas International for Iraq in Amman (Jordania), pointed out that according to the government Iraq obtained help during the crisis only from the Catholic Church. This help was distributed between the whole population, Catholics as well as Muslims. The sanctions have caused the paralysis of a great part of the industry of the country, and at the moment a preoccupying lack of medicines exists. This situation is worsened by the lack of medical equipment, especially since some hospitals have been bombed during the military aggressions.

New basilica in San Giovanni Rotondo

Rome, 18 (NE) In view of the jubilar celebrations of the year 2000, San Giovanni Rotondo sanctuary, where the relics of Father Pio of Pietrelcina remain, is getting prepared to receive the millions of faithful that will arrive to this important place of pilgrimage. The most important task that is being carried out in this place is the construction of a new basilica that will be able to receive about ten thousand people. The construction, that should be concluded towards the end of the year, has been carried out with the support of the faithful that pilgrim in great numbers to the sanctuary. Besides the construction of the new basilica, houses are being constructed to allow more people to pilgrim during the celebrations of the Great Jubilee.

The great example of Christian life manifested throughout Father Pio's life attracts thousands of pilgrims every year to the Sanctuary of San Giovanni Rotondo. In view of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, a great amount of faithful are expected to pilgrim to this sanctuary in the region of Foggia, Italy. As announced some weeks ago, the capuchin priest will be beatified by Pope John Paul II in May, 2 this year.

JANUARY 17

Chilean government awards medal to Cardinal Stafford

Rome, 17 (NE) Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Lay, was conferred the «Gran Cruz de la Orden al Mérito» by the Government of Chile. Through this solemn act, that took place during the course of the week in Rome, the South American country expressed its recognition and gratitude to Cardinal Stafford -and with him to the whole pontifical council that he presides- for the zeal that the Council expressed on occasion of the continental encounter of young people held in Santiago last year. On that opportunity, along with the North American Cardinal, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State of Pope John Paul II, was present at the event as special envoy of the Holy Father.

The act counted with the presence of the Chilean ambassador for the Holy See, Javier Luis Egaña Baraona, who in the name of the Chilean President Edward Frei, conferred the important distinction to Cardinal Stafford. Along with Cardinal Stafford, Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Lay, was also honored with the «Gran Cruz de la Orden Bernardo O´Higgins», as well as other members of the Pontifical Council.

Cardinal Francis George emphasizes importance of «moral structure of freedom»

Chicago, 17 (NE) Cardinal Francis George, recalling Pope John Paul II´s last speech to the United Nations, recently highlighted the importance to defend the «moral structure of freedom» for the human being, in order to be able to properly understand the topic of human rights. The Archbishop of Chicago recalled the «modern political genesis of "rights language"» and pointed out the labor the Church has done -specially the Pontiffs and the II Vatican Council- in the transformation of this language from the point of view of an integral vision of man and his liberty.

Cardinal George presented this century´s main ideologial utopias regarding the human rights: the nazist and communist conception of «justice without freedom», in which «in the name of a presumed justice, persons were deprived of liberty, stripped of the most elementary rights»; and the liberal utopia of a «freedom without truth» in which it is impossible to «sustain human rights and freedom because it is deliberately agnostic about the truth and value of the human person». It is necessary, the Cardinal recalled, in order to face the force many of these mistaken conceptions of human rights and liberty still have, to become «heralds of the human dignity» in this world.

Pastoral center for Hispanics is built in the Archdiocese of Newark

Miami, 17 (NE) Many North American dioceses and archdioceses are concerned with the necessity to respond to the numerous presence of Latin American Catholics. Last December's inauguration of the «Guadalupe Center» in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, is a sign of this effort to promote the pastoral work with Hispanics.

«Let this be your home», saidArchbishop Theodor McCarrick, of Newark, at the inauguration of this pastoral center dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, Patron of America and Star of the Evangelization. Necessary home to respond to the urgent need of formation of lay people and priests that may as well collaborate in the important mission of transmitting the Gospel to the 400 thousand Hispanics that live in that Archdiocese.

Cardinal Landazuri commemorated in an attended Eucharistic celebration

Lima, 17 (NE) In an attended Eucharistic celebration, the people of Lima remembered yesterday Cardinal Juan Landazuri Ricketts, whom was summoned to the House of the Father two years ago. The Holy Mass, celebrated in the Cathedral of Lima and in which a great number of people participated, was presided by Cardinal Augusto Vargas Alzamora. In his homily, Cardinal Vargas highlighted the generous spirit of service that characterized his predecessor in the Prime See of Peru: «a life dedicated entirely to the service of the Church» that must serve as model to the world blinded by the desire for power and of everything that may be useful to him. Later on he pointed out with happiness how the number of people that come to the tomb requesting the intercession of whom was Archbishop of Lima for 35 years was now increasing. Finally the Cardinal higlighted a virtue that he qualified as central in the Cardinal: «He was a man of God and the people recognized him as such».

«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