A daily news service

FEBRUARY 8

Holy Father urges parents to value their vocation to transmit life

Vatican, 8 (NE) In his weekly encounter in Saint Peter's Square with pilgrims gathered for the Angelus prayer, Pope John Paul II urged to «meditate on the greatness of the mission entrusted by the Lord to the parents, of transmitting the gift of life». Yesterday took place as well in Italy the Day for Life under the theme: «Paternity and maternity, Gift and commitment». Recalling this event, the Pope lamented that many couples «obeying a hedonist and selfish mentality, deliberately give up voluntarily the joy of being mothers and fathers».

The Holy Father urged as well that in this year of preparation for the Great Jubilee, dedicated to the Father, «may arise the conscience of all parents of their great vocation to paternity and maternity and stimulate the public authorities to create a more favorable environment for the birth of new lives».

The Pope manifested as well his joy in receiving a Declaration, signed by a significant number of teachers of the University of Rome, in which a firm accusation was held against human clonation». He also encouraged the university staff to continue «defending the human being from the moment of his conception».

Church in Argentina defends immigrants against new law

Buenos Aires, 8 (NE) A new project of law that would limit the entrance of foreigners to the country and would likewise facilitate the expulsion of illegal residents has greatly concerned the Church in Argentina. Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio, of Buenos Aires, recently requested «a quick and fair» solution for this problem, that specially affects the poorest immigrants, who cannot obtain any documentation due to the high costs that these entail. The archbishop's request was made during an Eucharistic celebration that counted with the presence of a great number of immigrants from different Latin American countries.

Members of the hierarchy of the Church in Argentina have criticized the new project of law in different opportunities. The Commission for the Pastoral of Migrants recently manifested that «the high index of unemployment in our country is not solved expelling those who are illegal».

This commission also affirmed that crime, one of the motives for which the law is proposed, «is too complex, serious and widespread of a problem to attribute its causes to a single component». «The immigrant is a son of God and beyond his contribution to the economic, social and cultural progress, he is a person», added the Argentinean Episcopate commission.

Archbishop of Saint Louis reaffirms message against death penalty

Saint Louis, 8 (NE) Archbishop Justin Rigali of Saint Louis recently explained again the important mission the Church has defending the life of every human being. The American archbishop and six other bishops from Missouri recently issued a statement against death penalty, penalty that was strongly criticized by the Holy Father on his visit to this country. The case of Darrel Mease, whose death sentence was commuted through the intercession of Pope John Paul II, has given hope that this problem may be reconsidered and solved in a greater number of places.

Archbishop Rigali affirmed that nevertheless «the larger problem still remains: ¿Is this going to go on? We need to look again at the whole issue». He highlighted the important role the Episcopate has and will continue having in the defense of life in the cases of death penalty: «The Missouri bishops intervene in every single case», he said. «This is nothing new and it will continue».

As the bishops of Missouri expressed in their statement, the practice of death penalty «undermines a respect for all human life». «Death penalty», they added «may seem to be the only antidote to the senseless violence seen everywhere in society… yet we believe that violence begets violence, death begets death». «It is time to turn away from the simple but ineffective solution of the death penalty and begin the more difficult task of building peace in our troubled communities».

Brazilian artist presents sculpture of the «Christ of the Third Millennium»

Sao Paulo, 8 (NE) Brazilian artist Claudio Pastro recently presented the image of the «Christ of the Third Millennium». Pastro was appointed by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America to create the sculpture of the Savior that will preside over the festivities of the Jubilee Year 2000 at the Vatican.

The original image, 90 cms tall, represents Jesus Christ as Savior and Evangelizer. «I'm following 2000 of years Church tradition. But I had the concern to give the image the force of the first impact of Christ in Asia, Europe, Brazil and the whole world», explained the Brazilian artist.

Archbishop Cipriano Calderon, Vice President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America appointed Pastro to sculpt the image that symbolizes the presence of Jesus Christ in the year 2000. The Brazilian artist explained the image: Christ's left hand is holding the Gospel, while the right hand shows the way that must be followed and at the same time it blesses the faithful. «He is seated just as the Teacher he is. He is the man of Nazareth, the Lord of Life».

FEBRUARY 7

VII World Day of the Sick to be held this week in Lebanon

Vatican City, 7 (NE) This week, from the 8th to the 11th of February, the VII World Day of the Sick will take place at the shrine of Our Lady of Harissa in Beirut, Lebanon. Pope John Paul II has named Archbishop Javier Lozano Barragán and Cardinal Fiorenzo Angelini, President and President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral assistance to health care workers as special envoys for the event.

The chosen place has many and profound meanings, regarding the circumstances in which the meeting will take place. The Holy Father, who from the beginning of his pontificate has shown special love for the sick, reminds us that this World Day for of the Sick will be held «within the scope of preparation for the Great Jubilee of the year 2000… dedicated to the universal Church and to a more careful reflection on God the Father». Therefore, it becomes «a privileged moment for reference to the Father and a dutiful reminder of the primary commandment of love, about whose observance we are all called to give an account».

Portuguese bishops highlight importance of new technologies for evangelization

Lisbon, 7 (NE) Portuguese Bishops recently gathered together on occasion of the Seminars of Episcopate of Braga in order to renew the evangelizing efforts of the Church in this country. After the meeting, the Portuguese bishops arrived to a series of conclusions considering the evangelization work in view of the new challenges of the third millennium.

After three days of work, one of the most important conclusions has been the need to use the «new communications media» for the evangelization of society. «The Church must make herself conscious of the new realities and see how they can be useful for the evangelization», commented Bishop Jorge Ortiga, Auxiliary Bishop of Braga, in charge of coordinating these Seminars. The Bishop highlighted especially the use of the Internet as well as electronic mail in view of the evangelization efforts.

Portuguese bishops have also requested to the different dioceses of the country to place web pages of their local newspapers on the Internet, with the purpose of offering «reviews on the life of the diocese as well as permanently updated information».

Book of Readings on Reconciliation published by American Bishops

Washington, 7 (NE) The Subcommittee on the Third Millennium of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, promoting the preparation of the American Catholics for the celebration of the Great Jubilee, has published a 52-page book under the title «Book of Readings on Reconciliation». In its introduction Bishop Wilton Gregory, Subcommittee Chairman, states: «As we look around our world today we see signs of the need for reconciliation and healing». «We are invited to sweep aside the many reasons we have for putting off reconciliation with God, our families, communities, friends and colleagues».

This publication has eleven essays that develop the theme reconciliation, which has become fundamental in the life of the Church facing the challenges of the new millennium. It also develops other themes closely related, such as forgiveness and the Sacrament of Penitence. The essays want to be a help in order to «experience the Year 2000 as a graced moment in history, to enter into the Third Millennium of Christianity a renewed people».

Diocese of Rome celebrated Feast of the family in preparation for the XXI Day of Life

Rome, 7 (NE) As preparation for the XXI Day of Life to be held today in Italy, the diocese of Rome celebrated yesterday the Feast of the Family. The meeting took place in the Pope Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. It included the testimony of some couples on the formation of families and their commitment in society, and also the prayer of a Rosary. After praying the Rosary, the Pope's message for this occasion was read. Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of Pope John Paul II for the diocese of Rome, and Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family participated in the event.

In his message, the Holy Father expressed his joy for the realization of this initiative, which evidenced the effort of the diocese of Rome «to proclaim and give witness to the Gospel of life and family». He recalled the importance to defend families, «special gift for the civil and ecclesial community». He also emphasized the motto of the event, «Maternity and Paternity. Gift and commitment», saying that it is the task of each one of us to «live according to this gift following the particular personal vocation».

FEBRUARY 6

Strong declaration of Missouri Bishops against capital punishment

Saint Louis, 6 (NE) Recalling Pope John Paul II's plea to «proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation», the bishops of Missouri have emitted a declaration against capital punishment, qualified by the Holy Father as «cruel and unnecessary» during his recent visit to Saint Louis. The American bishops reaffirm their position against this practice pointing in their document that it «undermines a respect for all human life». They also make an energetic calling for «a new response to violence that gives life, not death».

In their message the bishops state that although «death penalty may seem the only antidote for all this violence... we believe that violence begets violence, death begets death». For this reason, the path to follow is that of pardon and respect for the holiness of life. «Forgiveness -they point out- communicates God's mercy to the sinner and can lead to repentance and a new life, even for one who has committed murder. But the death penalty takes away this opportunity; it is a sign of despair, not hope».

After confronting the different «reasons» that are given in order to justify capital punishment, the bishops of the state of Missouri make a strong calling to solve this problem of violence in a realistic way. «How do we reduce the violence in our society?», they ask themselves, to later respond: «Death penalty is surely not the answer. It does not deter crime. Nationwide, there is little difference between the murder rates of states with capital punishment and those without. We must look elsewhere for answers». The answer is to bring hope and show a different way for people. «This approach of responding to people in childhood and adolescence is our best hope for ending the cycle of violence», they point out, adding that «It is time to turn away from the simple but ineffective solution of the death penalty and begin the more difficult task of building peace in our troubled communities».

Church in Argentina remembered Cardinal Eduardo Pironio

Buenos Aires, 6 (NE) Bishop Ubaldo Calabresi, Apostolic Nuntio in Argentina, presided yesterday the Eucharistic celebration on occasion of Cardinal Eduardo Pironio's first anniversary since his decease. Numerous bishops concelebrated in the Holy Mass that took place in the Basilica of our Lady of Lujan. Bishop Ruben Di Monte, of Avellaneda, pronounced the homily, recalling moments of the beloved Argentinean Cardinal's life, who for several years served the Holy See as a close collaborator to Pope John Paul II. «The evangelical Beatitudes, that he meditated and preached so much, he had the grace of living them through the action of the Holy Spirit. He taught us how to love the Holy Spirit, in moments in which very few remembered Him», Bishop Di Monte manifested. He also reminded on the profound love of Cardinal Pironio for the Mother of God.

Theological and Pastoral Renewal Course held in Rio

Rio of Janeiro, 6 (NE) Yesterday the ninth Theological and Pastoral Actualization Course held at this Brazilian archdiocese concluded. The meeting, yearly sponsored by Cardinal Eugenio Araujo de Sales, Archbishop of Rio of Janeiro, gathered in this occasion more than 130 Brazilian cardinals, archbishops and bishops.

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, General Vicar of the Holy Father for the diocese of Rome, Bishop Paul Josef Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, and Auxiliary Bishop Rino Fisichela of Rome offered the different conferences throughout the course that was held from the 1 to 5 of February.

During the event, Dom Eugenio Araujo de Sales asked for a collective blessing for the city, in favor of the diminution of violence. «We cannot get accustomed to it» he declared, referring to violence. «I take advantage of the presence of bishops to attain graces for the city».

Almost seven million peregrinated to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida in 1998

Sao Paulo, 6 (NE) Six million eight thousand pilgrims visited the National Sanctuary of Aparecida during 1998 to venerate Brazil's Patroness. This figure is truly a «record» for a year, as official sources revealed, surpassing the number of last year's visitors for more than half a million. The devotion to the Mother of God in her Sanctuary of Aparecida attracts millions of faithful yearly, not only from Brazil, but also from numerous places from the entire American continent.

FEBRUARY 5

Cardinal Ratzinger will meet presidents of Doctrinal Commissions in America

Rome, 5 (NE) A delegation from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, led by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation, will travel to the United States for a meeting with the Presidents of the Doctrinal Commissions of North America and Oceania. According to a communique released yesterday, the meeting will take place in San Francisco, from February 9 to 12. During the meeting, Cardinal Ratzinger will give a conference on «Subjectivism, Christology and the Church».

«The initiative is part of the task of the Congregation to promote and guide the Doctrine of Faith» and «receives a special character for its direct contact with the local episcopates», stated the communique made public yesterday at the Holy See press office. «The aim of the meeting is above all to become better acquainted with the realities of the religious situation in North America and in Oceania and to reflect in this regard with local bishops». «It is also hoped to further promote the functioning of the doctrinal commissions of the Episcopal conferences, as well as their regular and systematic collaboration with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the light of the Circular Letter on Doctrinal Commissions of November 25, 1990 and the Motu proprio 'Apostolos Suos'."

The San Francisco meeting follows similar encounters in Bogota in 1984, Kinshasa 1987, Vienna 1989, Hong Kong 1993 and Guadalajara 1996. Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, also forms part of the delegation, and will give a conference on the Church's Magisterium and the «Professio fidei», the profession of faith required by all those who teach in the name of the Church. Other conferences will talk about the character of the theologian in the Catholic university in the light of the Motu proprio «Ad tuendam fidem», the question of feminism and the question of homosexuality.

Church in Spain expresses concern for situation of religious teaching in schools

Madrid, 5 (NE) The Secretary of the Bishop´s Conference of Spain, Bishop Juan José Asenjo, expressed again the Church's concern for the situation of religious teaching in schools. Regarding the issue of religious classes in Spanish public and private schools, Bishop Asenjo highlighted the Church's disposition to a dialogue with the government and political parties to reach a just and lasting solution «so that the future of this teaching will not depend on the changes of government».

The argued point is the current law on religion classes. On one hand, it prescribes that it is obligatory in all educative centers. Nevertheless, the participation of the student is voluntary. As the Director of Religious Matters, Alberto de la Hera, recently expressed, «the problem is that those who do not want religion can choose break, assisted study or play games». This would diminish the participation of students in religious classes. On the other hand, De la Hera also expressed that, in his opinion, it is «improbable that this problem will find a solution during this legislature», due to the proximity of elections and the cost in votes that this may signify.

Freedom of speech threatened in the United States says Pro-life activist

Miami, 5 (NE) Planned Parenthood and a group of abortionists well-known for their anti-life campaigns have obtained from a federal jury in Oregon that a Pro-life group be fined with a sanction of up to 107 million dollars. The cause would be that of placing a list of anti-life organizations under the motto: «Wanted». The case was sentenced in court in Portland, which considered in a rather peculiar way that the word «Wanted» was equivalent to a death threat. Under such argument, freedom of speech of some pro-life organizations would be affected, punishing them for pointing out those who promote abortion. In relation to the verdict, a pro-life activist manifested: «We are living an advance of those distressing days of "Big Brother" described by Orwell… Freedom of speech is threatened in America».

Cardinal urges political and social parties to solidarity and understanding

Santo Domingo, 5 (NE) Yesterday Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, Archbishop of Santo Domingo, urged political and social parties to solidarity and understanding for the benefit of the nation. Making a reference to recent confrontations between diverse national sectors, Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez affirmed that social and political organizations must reach an understanding in order to contribute with solutions to the problems of the nation for the benefit of the Dominican people.

During a Eucharistic celebration, that counted with the participation of the president of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez, the Archbishop of Santo Domingo also made a calling to solidarity among Dominicans. He manifested the Church's intention in the Dominican Republic to continue making efforts in that sense. On the other hand, he also stressed the necessity that the country has of more institutions that contribute in social work.

FEBRUARY 4

Pope John Paul II urged to aid those suffering from the cold

Vatican City, 4 (NE) Yesterday morning, the Pope appeared at his window on Saint Peter's Square to greet the gathered pilgrims from different parts of the world. As it had been announced, the traditional General Audience, which the Pope celebrates every Wednesday, did not take place. «A seasonal illness has forced me to suspend all activity these days», said the Holy Father. «Today, however, I can't miss the occasion to address you who have come for the weekly Wednesday audience».

«May the Lord, whom we contemplated as the Light which illuminates the path of salvation of every man, shine in the life of each of you and fill it with his joy and peace». After this, the Pope sent cordial greetings to those who are greatly suffering from the cold, above all the homeless. He also remembered the earthquake victims and the ill. He manifested his hope for the necessary aid to be there for each one of them.

Presentation of book on Pope John Paul II and Ecclesial Movements

Lima, 4 (NE) Yesterday in Lima, Peru, the book «Juan Pablo II y los Movimientos Eclesiales. Don del Espíritu» (John Paul II and Ecclesial Movements. Gift of the Spirit.) was presented. The author, Germán Doig, General Coordinator of the Christian Life Movement and member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, explained to the hundreds of people attending the event that this book is «a presentation of the teachings of the Holy Father to the Movements during the days of Pentecost last year, based on the three texts of those days». The texts are: Message to the World Congress on the Movements, Speech at the Encounter with the Movements and New Communities, and the Homily at the Eucharist of the Solemnity of Pentecost.

The presentation began with a video specially edited for the occasion, with images from the activities of last year's Pentecost, when the Holy Father, in the framework of the year dedicated to the Holy Spirit, convoked the Movements to celebrate together with him, in Rome, the Solemnity of Pentecost. The book, stated Doig, pretends to «gather and present in systematic order» what the Pope said in those three pronouncements. They constitute a synthesis of the 20 years of his pontificate, «that gathers and presents, regarding the Third millennium, the fundamental guidelines of the Movements». These texts are relatively synthetic, therefore this new publication «explains some of its elements, of the concepts that the Holy Father gave as orientation, looking for a better understanding of the rich teachings of the Pope on these new experiences, that germinate within the Church».

On commenting these messages, Doig declared that Pope John Paul II «from the beginning of his pontificate talked about the Movements, encouraged them and invited them to a greater participation in the mission of the Church by offering the gifts that the Holy Spirit had granted them». He also said that the words of the Holy Father in those Encounters are a «confirmation and also a demanding encouragement», as well as an invitation for the movements to «reinforce their evangelizing efforts facing the Third Millennium».

Mexican Bishop responds to attacks against the Church and the Holy Father

Mexico City, 4 (NE) The former bishop of the Mexican diocese of Papantla, Bishop Genaro Alamilla Arteaga, wrote an article in defense of the Church and the Holy Father in his last visit to Mexico answering the critics recently received from various sectors. «A moral and world leader, a leader of concord and of peace, a leader of forgiveness and reconciliation, and above all, a herald of truth and overwhelming promoter and defender of the human rights, had to get in the face to some who due to their reckless living in search of wealth at any price, or because of their unlimited desire for power, or, even, for their immoral way of living, do not stand some truths being talked about», explained Bishop Alamilla.

He said that the slanders sustained against him were but «vain voices and innocuous writings» written by people «ignorant, anticlerical and extremely liberal but already out of date». The Bishop also stood out that «on the other hand the reasonable people, free and even non believing welcomed the Pope's messages with approval, some even made purpose of taking them to practice and others even decided to change the direction of their lives». Later on he pointed out that the warm welcoming to the Holy Father and his message, can be in no way considered as «fanaticism nor fetishism, even less as idolatry, as some stubbornly said», it is rather a sample of the validity of the «social doctrine of the Church that doesn't have its origin in any political party or ideology, but rather in the Gospel».

Reflection on Sacramental pastoral in the diocese of Porto

Porto, 4 (NE) In a recent meeting in the diocese of Porto in Portugal, under the presidency of the Bishop of the diocese, Dom Armindo Lopes Coelho, the importance of getting in to the study of sacramental apostolate in the life of the Church and in view of the present challenges was highlighted. The priests gathered together in communion with their Pastor manifested their concern and attention «for the new situation of the secularized world in which we live in and which presents new challenges to the action of the Church in the world».

According to what they pointed out one of these challenges is to carry out «a grater effort of welcoming, of revitalization of the sacramental celebrations and their preparation, and of intensifying coordinated forms of action». Dom Lopes Coelho took advantage of the opportunity in order to point out the importance of living with Hope, which characterizes the action of the Church, and appeal to the faithful to live with charity «as a frame of reference in the path of preparation of the whole Church for the Great Jubilee of the year 2000».

FEBRUARY 3

Cardinal Martinez Somalo presided Mass on occasion of the day of Consecrated life

Vatican City, 3 (NE) Saint Peter's Basilica was yesterday beautifully illuminated by the candles of the many consecrated men and women from different parts of the world gathered for the Day of Consecrated Life. The solemn Mass, on the occasion of the Presentation of the Lord, was presided by Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, in representation of the Holy Father, who wasn't able to attend due to the cold he has caught these days.

Cardinal Martinez Somalo read during the celebration the words the Holy Father had sent for the occasion. The text was directed to the consecrated men and women of the whole world, those that «have given their lives entirely to the work at the service of their brethren for the Kingdom of God». He specially mentioned those consecrated men and women that have «poured their blood at the frequently difficult apostolic service done in mortifying conditions», and who «faithful to their spiritual and charitable mission have known how to unite their own sacrifice to Christ's sacrifice for the salvation of humankind».

He also mentioned the «consecrated lay persons, discrete witnesses in the world», as well as those who are «in the front line among the poor and margined». He later referred to the consecrated as to those men and women who «decisively contribute in the work of evangelization, giving it a prophetic force founded on the deepness of their option for the Gospel».

Bishop asks for Reconciliation and Justice for Chilean people

Santiago, 3 (NE) A great number of Chilean Catholics participated yesterday at the procession of the Virgin of Candelaria, in the Archdiocese of Conception. Around 2000 faithful peregrinated preceded by the image of the «Virgen de la Candelaria». Archbishop Antonio Moreno of Conception presided the celebration which took place on the day of the Presentation of the Lord. In declarations to a local newspaper, Auxiliary bishop Felipe Bacarreza highlighted the importance of this feast, in which the presentation of the Child Jesus at the temple is remembered.

«Today we celebrate the purification of the Virgin Mary», he stated. Later he emphasized the need of justice and reconciliation for the Chilean population. The Church awaits, close to the New Millennium of Evangelization, «a much greater impulse towards the conversion to Jesus Christ, of authenticity of Christian life, and it becomes evident that in our national living together, the values that must predominate are those of reconciliation and justice, that have always been necessary to reinforce», he said.

Dom Araujo requests Brazilian Catholics to be faithful to Holy Father

Rio do Janeiro, 3 (NE) Dom Eugenio de Araujo Sales, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, recently shared with Catholics of the Brazilian archdiocese the blessing that the Holy Father's pilgrimage meant for the American continent. Dom Araujo was one of the many bishops that accompanied Pope John Paul II during his last visit to Mexico. The Archbishop of Rio pointed out the evangelizing testimony given by the Holy Father, who «travels the world and whose testimony touches people like nobody else's, especially young people, that are the future of nations». The Archbishop also made a calling to faithfulness to the Holy Father who is the head of the Catholic Church. «It is necessary to be faithful to whom God himself trusted the keys of his Kingdom», he affirmed.

Bishop protests against pressures and manipulation of Cuban government

Miami, 3 (NE) «The social activities of the laity of Pinar del Rio and their magazine «Vitral» continue subject to strict control», said recently Bishop Jose Ciro Gonzalez. The pressure that the Cuban government is exerting on those responsible of the magazine and other committed Catholics of the diocese of Pinar del Rio, «are not just isolated cases. I refer to guidelines for work and general orientations», the Bishop observed.

Bishop Gonzalez raised his claim for an authentic religious freedom, that may respect not only some manifestations of worship, but above all the wholeness of faith and doctrine of the Catholic Church and its consequent evangelizing action. He affirmed that «one must not confuse freedom of worship with religious freedom. This one implies a recognition of the Church in society». Finishing, he declared firmly that «I sometimes believe that what they expect (the Cuban officials) from a dialogue (with the Church) is for us to change, that we may stop expressing what Catholic Social Doctrine teaches, that Christian identity may dilute its identity. That is not a dialogue, but a monologue».

Retiring President of Venezuela attended «Te Deum» Mass during last day in office

Caracas, 3 (NE) Rafael Caldera, retiring president of Venezuela, attended yesterday to the «Te Deum» Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of Caracas. On his last day as President of Venezuela, Caldera participated in the Eucharist celebration presided by Archbishop Ignacio Velasco, of Caracas, together with other ministers of the executive cabinet as well as some retiring members from the High Military Staff. The Mass was held moments before the presidential ceremony took place in the Congress.

During the Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Velasco thanked God for the good direction in which the country was now heading, requesting also that the Lord may illuminate the new President, Hugo Chavez. Upon concluding his homily, the Archbishop of Caracas manifested his hope in the future, pointing out that it is «a new millennium that will open up new horizons for the youth and the children that aspire for a future of peace, progress and well-being».

FEBRUARY 2

Catholic Schools Week begins in the United States

Washington, 2 (NE) «Catholic Schools: Faith for a Brighter Future», is the theme for the 25th annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week, which is being carried out in different dioceses of the United States since Sunday the 31st of January. This event, organized by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Catholic Conference (USCC), aims to build support and recognition for the over 8200 Catholic schools nationwide.

The topic for this year is centered on the very foundations of Catholic schools: faith. The president of National Catholic Educational Association pointed out that from the recognition and acceptance of this foundation «all else flows: a curriculum infused with values, high academic standards and discipline». «The challenge for our schools in 1999 -Bishop Raymond Boland, of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, highlighted- is preparing our youth for a world that is in constant change». «Schools should not only focus on imparting information, but also in teaching how to think in a critical way and to solve problems through teamwork... And above all, Catholic schools have the challenge of founding our children in the teaching of Christ».

Tomorrow will be a central day inside the week's agenda, when the «National Appreciation Day» takes place. The encounter will be carried out in Washington with a delegation of over 100 Catholic students, professors and parents, that will meet with congressional leaders willing to promote Catholic schools. Meanwhile, across the country, diocesan and school leaders will also meet with civic officials on this day to encourage supporters nationwide to showcase the great accomplishments and contributions of Catholic schools to the country.

More than 40 young people confirmed in Denver by Cardinal Stafford

Denver, 2 (NE) More than 40 young people received the sacrament of Confirmation from the hands of Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The Mass was held last week-end in Denver. The young people, who had prepared themselves during 5 months to receive the sacrament, expressed their joy for the presence of Cardinal Stafford, former Archbishop of Denver. The Eucharist took place at the «Our Lady of Loreto» parish. Before Mass, Cardinal Stafford gave each one of the young people a stamp of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frossati.

During the homily, he asked the sponsors to be witnesses of Christian life for the young confirmed. He also remembered the person of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frossati, and narrated his life, showing him as a special example for the candidates who were to be confirmed. He was born 1901 and died in 1925. He was a child of a wealthy family, and excelled in his service to the poor and sick, whom he used to visit at night. The Cardinal recalled that the Holy Father referred to him as the «young man who lived the eight Beatitudes».

Cardinal Stafford encouraged the candidates to live the Beatitudes, inviting them to have a «pure heart, to visit the sick and be peacemakers. One must be open to the presence of Jesus. Jesus identified himself specially when he said "When you do this to the least of my brothers, you do this to me". Open your hearts and be generous». He also asked the young people to pray constantly, specially the Our Father.

Festivities of the Virgin of Suyapa attract pilgrims of all over the country

Honduras, 2 (NE) On occasion of the festivities carried out for the Virgin of Suyapa, it is expected that more than 100 thousand pilgrims of all over the country will visit this year the Sanctuary of the Patron of Honduras. This was pointed out by a priest involved in the preparation of the feast, who also manifested that although the feast of the Virgin is on the 3rd of February, pilgrims «began to arrive since last Wednesday, with even more pilgrims on Saturday and Sunday».

«Many are the Christians that have come to praise the Virgin and thank her because they saved their lives during hurricane Mitch; others have come to pray for their deceased relatives and so that the country may recover», he said. The Honduran people, mainly Catholic, venerate the image of the Virgin of Suyapa for more than two centuries now. The image was discovered in 1747 by two Honduran peasants in the area belonging to the town of Suyapa.

Former Archbishop of Santiago recovers his health

Santiago, 2 (NE) After having been interned in the Center of Intermediate Cares of the Catholic University Hospital of Chile for two weeks now because of a severe pneumonia, the Former Archbishop of Santiago, Cardinal Raul Silva Henriquez, is already out of any grave danger and it is expected that he will be able to retun home sometime this week. The Cardinal of 92 years of age has been recovering during these days and if he continues developing positively in his state of health he will be released and will be able to finish his treatment and recovery at home. As the newspaper "La tercera de Chile", informed yesterday, a doctor from the Clinical Hospital of the Catholic University affirmed that the state of the Cardinal is now «stable in its graveness».

FEBRUARY 1

Holy Father recalls pilgrimage to American continent

Vatican City, 1 (NE) Defying the intense chill in Rome, Pope John Paul II appeared for a brief moment at his window over Saint Peter's Square to greet the pilgrims and pray the Angelus. «Today the Pope has a cold. Therefore his words will be brief», said yesterday the Successor of Peter in his brief allocution before the Marian prayer.

The Pope recalled his recent pilgrimage to the American continent. «I have returned three days ago from the pilgrimage to Mexico City and Saint Louis in the United States. I thank God for granting me this possibility», he declared. «We entrusted to Holy Mary of Guadalupe, Patron of Mexico and of the whole Continent, the destiny of the American peoples and their new evangelization». He also greeted the children and young people of the Catholic Action of Rome, who concluded the «Month of Peace», telling them that the mission of each Christian includes reminding everyone that there always is a time for peace.

Reflections on the Church in America shared by founder of ecclesial movement

Lima, 1 (NE) With the presence of more than 2000 members of the Christian Life Movement (MVC), Luis Fernando Figari, founder of this ecclesial movement, offered on Saturday a series of important reflections concerning the reality of the Church in America. During this annual encounter of the MVC in the archdiocese of Lima, Figari reflected on hope, Christian life, and the evangelization of the American continent.

Upon commencing the conference Figari made a brief analysis of the world's current situation in the last centuries of the millennium. He mentioned the disillusion that reigns in today's society, along with multiple forms of evasion, that are spread greatly due to the modern communications media. He also described what he qualified as an «irrational yearning of man for that which is perishable», pointing out the process of dehumanization of which it becomes a victim upon forgetting the fundamental realities of himself.

Afterwards he explained how the culture of death extends its domain to the interior of the human being. Against this culture of death a culture of the life rises in opposition, «of life in an integral sense». The meditation on hope was always present underlying Figari's conference. Considering these realities, «the son of the Church, nurtured by faith and illuminated and encouraged by grace, perceives the divine Plan and strives to follow it, living a Christian life in hope», he said in an intense passage of his exposition that was closely followed by the hundreds of participants.

«The calling to a Christian life pulls the person out of disillusion, as well as from a false optimism, and reorients it to the path of realization that is open to communion. Christian life expresses itself in an admirable way in the dynamic of the quadruple reconciliation and constitutes an invitation to dye to death, to be reborn to life. That is the appealing horizon of Hope!»

He also carried out a brief analysis of the encyclical «Fides et ratio», pointing out that this document of the Holy Father highlights «the dignity of the human being, in order to rescue the correct sense of reason and the cognitive capacity that God has put in his nature», open to the search for truth, for which the human being counts with two gifts that complete and harmonize each other: faith and reason.

Afterwards he remembered that this year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Plenary Council of Latin America, which had been mentioned by the Holy Father in his pilgrimage to the American Continent. In an interesting reflection, the founder of the MVC mentioned the present importance of many of the aspects in the message of the Plenary Council. «All this leads to meditate on the importance of historical memory, as well as to look into the teachings of the Church, knowing our faith in order to live the Christian life to which God invites us», he added.

He also made other mentions during his conference to the recent pilgrimage of Pope John Paul II to the American continent, highlighting the Pope's encouraging words urging to take responsibility in the challenges that the present and future confront us with. He said that the Holy Father's message was a whole program of Christian life at the threshold of the Third Millennium of faith. During his visit «the Pope reminds us the trajectory and sense of our history. When he proclaims "America, land of Christ and of Mary"!, he makes an allusion to a history that goes up to the present date and awaits to see itself projected through the trimillenary threshold». «His presentation before the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico -he said- is a sign whose eloquence is worth more than a million words».

He also evoked the story of the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Juan Diego, pointing out the evangelizing impulse that from it developed. He later pointed out the «Marian geography» among this continent's peoples filed with «sanctuaries like rosary beads in a living prayer».

He pointed out how the Pope puts himself in the dynamic perspective of history. Mentioning as an example of this vision that during his visit to the United States he recalled the 300th anniversary from the first Mass in what would later be the city of Saint Louis, he also explained what being a «gateway to the west» and «mother of dioceses» meant. In another moment he also remembered the resounding words of the Holy Father in the Kiel center in Saint Louis. Figari manifested how the Pope presents a great challenge to the youth that extends to all: «Although you are young, the time for action is now!».

After this he analyzed diverse topics of the post-synodal exhortation «Ecclesia in America», pointing out that it gathers a rich and varied group of papal orientations on diverse aspects of Christian life. Among others, he highlighted the importance that the document gives to the necessity of the personal encounter with the Lord, conversion, communion and solidarity, as well as the presence of the Virgin Mary and the universal calling to holiness.

«Encounter, conversion and communion with God, with ourselves, with our brethren, and with all of nature». An entire program of Christian life «that does not stay in impossible projects but rather focusing on the Lord and relying in the strength that the Holy Spirit pours into our hearts, we get ready to carry out responding to God's Plan».

At one moment of the conference and relating it to the historic process of the Church in these lands, he expressed his happiness for the first Mass in Lima of the new Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani. «It is a very important moment. The former archbishop Cardinal Augusto Vargas Alzamora, having completed his period serving the People of God in Lima, passes the responsibility of service to the new pastor». He also added: «I want to ask you, as I have been doing so already, that we may accompany very closely Archbishop Juan Luis, through our prayer, and with our effective answer to his Pastoral orientations. May the eternal Father always cover him with plentiful blessings».

Asking those present to open their hearts to the Lord, the founder of the Christian Life Movement concluded with an exhortation to respond to the mission of the New Evangelization, «with conversion, and adhesion from the deepest of our beings to He who is the Way, Truth and Life». «Let us transform through hope», he added summoning everyone to holiness «because only with Saints will we transform the world. And holiness is not only a concept; holiness concerns human beings, men and women, those of us who form the Church and that have as a mission the transformation of today's world so it won't continue being what it has been in the past».

Church in Santo Domingo celebrated National Youth Day

Santo Domingo, 1 (NE) Yesterday the National Youth Day was celebrated in the Dominican Republic. During the Eucharistic celebration, Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, Archbishop of Santo Domingo, manifested his will that «all the youth of this country feel deeply involved with their own evangelization». Cardinal Lopez de Rodriguez affirmed as well that it is the responsibility of youth to transform the world, but the different sectors of society are as well responsible of cooperating in the realization of that task. Present at Mass were the Vicepresident of the Dominican Republic and the director of the office of promotion of the Youth, among other officials.

During the celebration, which was transmitted trough television media, the Cardinal said «that we are in need of giving young men and women serious reasons to live for, solid reasons to live a much more hopeful life». Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez reminded also that the National Youth Day is an excellent opportunity for all of the Dominican society to renew its efforts in favor of youth, inviting public and private institutions to do so.

Highlighting the efforts of the Church in favor of the Dominican Youth through the Youth Pastoral, the Archbishop of Santo Domingo urged young people to participate with enthusiasm in the diverse activities that it offers. He also called society's attention upon the diverse institutions such as schools and universities, highlighting the need to transform them into real evangelization centers.

Cardinal George: assume the challenges and put ourselves on action

Chicago, 1 (NE) «Last week, in Mexico City, Peter went to where Mary once stood and brought all of us around the altar of her Son, our Lord», said Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago, recalling the intense moments of the Holy Father's visit to American lands. The Archbishop pointed out the importance of putting into practice the transformation of America's culture into a culture of life, guided by the document «Ecclesia in America» given by the Pope at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Regarding the Apostolic Exhortation, he explained that it is an application of Vatican II to the Church in this hemisphere as we enter the third millennium. The exhortation, he said, «lists a series of pastoral challenges that we in the Archdiocese will have to take to heart and work out in the years to come». «Just as the Pope gave it to the bishops of Mexico, he added, I will give it to the pastors and other priests during the clergy convocation here next June. And then the work will begin».

Two more Missionaries of Charity offered their lives in Sierra Leone

Rome, 1 (NE) Two more sisters Missionaries of Charity were murdered in the passed days by rebels in Sierra Leone. After the liberation of Italian missionary Gugliermo Zambiasi and of three other religious on the 29 of January, it was known that sisters Sueva, of Bangladesh, and Carmeline, of Kenya, were victims of another combat with the rebels of the United Revolutionary Front (URF). Both sisters, as well as the other liberated catholic missionaries were taken hostage by the URF on the 14th of January. The group cocnsisted of six Missionaries of Charity, five priests and Archbishop Joseph Ganda, of Freetown. To that same group belonged sister Aloyius Mary, also belongings to the Missionaries of Charity, killed by the rebels on the 22nd of January.

«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