A daily news service

MARCH 31

Eliminating God from society is advancing towards our own destruction, says Archbishop

Bogota, 31 (NE) Recalling Pope John Paul II's calling "to be prepared to cross the threshold of the Third Millennium", Bogota's Archbishop Pedro Rubiano Saenz recently issued a Pastoral Letter pointing out some of the guidelines for the preparation of year 2000 Jubilee celebrations.

Arcbishop Rubiano Saenz affirmed that "violence, war, corruption, dishonesty, drug dealing" are a demonstration that "when God is removed from one's own life, of one's home, and society, from public and private institutions", one advances "toward destruction and degradation". In view of this, the Colombian prelate said that "the incarnation of the Son of God gives us the true approach in order to judge temporary realities and all projects aiming to make the life of man truly human".

Also, he reminded how "the preparation for the Jubilee introduces us in the divine pedagogy of salvation that impels each person to be converted, to recognize the wrong doings that through actions or omissions one has caused and to repair them and do penance as a principle of rehabilitation and a condition for the reconciliation with God and our brothers". Finally, the Archbishop asked the faithful to live a deep personal renewal during this time, "that may lead us to live in coherence with faith in order to participate actively in the mission of the Church announcing Jesus Christ with the testimony of one's own life".

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem: "We hope to see the Pope among us"

Rome, 31 (NE) "The pilgrimage of the Holy Father Pope John Paul II, of which so much was said in these days, remains a hope for all the Churches… we hope to see the Pope among us", said Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah, on his message for Easter celebration. Even though the Pope's trip has not yet been defined, the Patriarch expressed his hope on a future Holy Father's visit to Holy Land. "He will come, he will pray, he will convey to us a word of justice, truth and reconciliation", he said.

In his message issued for Easter, Patriarch Sabbah emphasized that the message of this year's Easter is "related to the immediate preparations for the Great Jubilee of the year 2000: it bears the main significance of the Jubilee, the significance of forgiveness, renewal, conversion, return to God". The Patriarch also urged the faithful to welcome the "Spirit of God, the spirit of justice, reconciliation and love".

"Easter, he said, is a message of hope for Jerusalem and all the Church of Jerusalem where Jesus is risen, and where we, Christians of this land, are called to witness to the Lord Jesus in our difficult times in these days". "To all our faithful in all parts of our dioceses, Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Cyprus, I wish a happy and Holy Easter. May it be a source of conversion and hence a true resurrection in the heart of each of us", concluded the Patriarch.

"Authority is not about power, but service", Bishop points out to civil authorities

Lima, 31 (NE) The Prefect, the governor, majors and councilors, as well as diverse civil authorities of the Constitutional Province of Callao, Peru, met this week with Bishop of Callao, Miguel Irizar, in a day of reflection in preparation for Holy Week. "Authority is not about power, but service", the Bishop pointed out during the day to the more than thirty authorities of Callao.

The event of reflection, that lasted about four hours, was the authorities' initiative. The past 29th of December a first day of reflection was held at the diocese, after which authorities requested Bishop Irizar a second meeting. In this opportunity, the authorities made a halt to their daily activities in order to meditate upon their responsibilities in light of the Gospel.

Bishop Miguel Irizar requested for a greater commitment with faith, exhorting the authorities to work so that "faith may pass on to daily life". "Our Christian faith should be reflected in our lives", he affirmed. The meeting concluded with a Eucharistic celebration.

Medellin: Archbishop asks to abandon selfishness to reach peace

Medellin, 30 (NE) Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo, of Medellin, urged Colombian people to leave aside personal interests in order to seek for the common good and achieve the reconciliation and peace so much needed in the country.

Talking about the spirit of selfishness, he said that the main obstacle "in the processes and negotiations for peace is that everyone looks for his own interests, either political, economic, revolutionary or journalistic". "The reality that the whole country acknowledges of drugs and commerce of weapons is a consequence of that selfishness", the Archbishop affirmed, saying that for that reason it becomes urgent to "look for the common good and well-being for all".

Many Colombian Bishops have joined themselves to this calling for peace and reconciliation in these days. Among them is Bishop Fabio Suescun, of Pereira, whose diocese was struck last January by an earthquake. Bishop Suescun requested people to have greater strength in their hearts in order to live in harmony, creating from faith a new society of love, justice and peace.

Dominican Cardinal urges faithful to appropriately celebrate Holy Week

Santo Domingo, 31 (NE) Dominican Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopes Rodriguez urged the island's catholic faithful to celebrate Holy Week in a duly and appropriate way, showing their commitment to Catholic faith. During a recent TV program, the Archbishop of Santo Domingo said that unfortunately "we live in a secularized world". "It is a world which does not give much importance to religious values, at least in certain sectors of society", said the Cardinal. Nevertheless, he called the people of Dominican Republic to accompany the Lord "with great piety" during the celebrations of the Mysteries of His Passion, Death and Resurrection.

MARCH 30

Pope meets Italian president in new efforts to achieve peace in the Balkans

Rome, 30 (NE) Pope John Paul II met yesterday Italian president Oscar Luigi Scalfaro to talk about the situation in the Balkans and about efforts in favor of a long lasting peace. As informed, during the meeting they discussed "on the dramatic situation in the Yugoslavian Republic, looking for possible ways in order to establish peace as soon as possible in this region". The meeting, held in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, is one more example of the significant efforts being made by Pope John Paul II in favor of peace in the region.

Regarding the difficult situation, Cardinal Angelo Sodano has pointed out that "one can not talk about peace and negotiations under the nightmare of bombs and massacres". In declarations published yesterday by Italian newspaper "La Repubblica", the Vatican State Secretary said that "all should commit in this work of pacification in order to quiet the weapons and turn to dialogue among the parties".

The Vatican Cardinal informed that the Holy See was carrying out significant works through the nuncios and was also in contact with the UN "in order to put a stop to the bombing and to any violence in the Balkans". "We hope that soon the future of the peoples of the Balkans be based on peace and never more on war", he affirmed.

Cardinal Stafford asked youth to value Gift of Baptism

Rome, 30 (NE) Within the frame of the celebration for the XIV World Youth Day Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, had an encounter over the weekend with the youth of the Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto, Italy. Presiding over the Eucharistic Celebration, the American Cardinal recalled the Pope's message for that day, urging the young people to be coherent with the gift of Baptism.

Cardinal Stafford pointed out the necessity of understanding one's own identity as disciple of Christ, called to participate from the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. "Dear Young people: you are baptized in the name of Jesus. You are a new creation. Your life is different to that of those that still live in the old creature", he affirmed.

The Cardinal also requested the youth to reject the countless offers that come from the culture of death, reminding them that they, through Baptism, have been called to a new life. Upon concluding his homily, Cardinal Stafford exhorted the youth to meditate "on the mysteries of their initiation in the event of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus", as a preparation for the World Youth Day of the year 2000.

Peace is only achieved with the effort of each individual, says Nicaraguan Archbishop

Managua, 30 (NE) In declarations given after the Sunday Mass celebration at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Managua, Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo exhorted all Nicaraguans to work for peace, harmony and reconciliation in the country.

Referring to recent accusations on Nicaraguan President Arnoldo Aleman, he pointed out the necessity of not making any judgements on people. National peace is not going to be achieved if it doesn't count with the efforts of each citizen, said the prelate, calling people to seriously meditate on national problems.

Also, he expressed his grief due to the series of meetings that the National Assembly still does not resume due to internal problems. The Cardinal manifested his hope that the crisis be solved soon, because "the National Assembly needs to work in order to give just laws and to carry out the agenda they have in their hands".

Brazilian Catholic radio station begins broadcasting after 25 years

Sao Paulo, 30 (NE) Over 25 years after being censored by a military regime, radio station "9 de Julho" (9th of July) began transmitting again last week to Brazilian Catholics. The station was blessed last March 19 by Archbishop Claudio Hummes, of Sao Paulo, together with Bishop Fernando Figueiredo of Santo Amaro and other ecclesial authorities as well as communication experts.

The radio station belongs to the archdiocese of Sao Paulo, and is currently broadcasting on an experimental basis. The official day for the inauguration has yet not been announced. The Brazilian archdiocese expects that the renewed radio station will allow a more effective evangelization of the Brazilian people, specially in a city like Sao Paulo.

"Way of the Cross" for peace in Colombia

Cali, 30 (NE) Thousands of Catholic faithful participated in the last stage of the "National Way of the Cross for Peace" that has taken place in Colombia. The Cross that presided the procession finally arrived to the city of Cali, where it was welcome by a large number of people after crossing four different regions of the country.

Archbishop Isaias Duarte Cancino of Cali asked the faithful to stop violence and hatred. The colombian prelate made a special appeal to end drug dealing, which he named as one of the main sources of evil in the city and in the region.

At the last station of the "Via Crucis", Archbishop Duarte prayed so that "in Colombia be respected the dignity of children, of young people and of the old, the dignity of all those who have been abused in their rights".

MARCH 29

«Young People: This is your hour», points out Holy Father

Vatican City, 29 (NE) Thousands of youth participated yesterday along with Pope John Paul II in the Eucharistic celebration that the Holy Father presided on occasion of the World Youth Day. The Holy Father requested to the youth gathered in Saint Peter's Basilica, as well as to all those that participated in the different places of the world, to renew their participation in the urgent tasks of the new evangelization. This year, the World Youth day was celebrated at a diocesan level.

The Holy Father pointed out that World Youth Days are moments in which the youth «gathered with their shepherds, profess and proclaim the own faith in Christ with happiness, question themselves on their deepest aspirations, experience ecclesial communion, and confirm and renew their own commitment in the urgent task of the new evangelization».

«Dear young people: with happiness reach out to the encounter with Christ», said the Pope. «Look for Him and find Him in the adhesion to his word and to his mysterious ecclesial and sacramental presence. Live with Him in fidelity to his Gospel. That is demanding, it is true, to the very sacrifice, but at the same time the only source of hope and true happiness». «In the vigil of the new millennium, said the Pope to the youth, this is your hour».

Patriarch Sabbah presides Palm Sunday celebration in Jerusalem

Rome, 29 (NE) Presided over by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah, hundreds of faithful participated yesterday in the celebration of the feast of Palm Sunday in the Holy Land. The pilgrims from different places of the world attending the ceremony remembered the entrance of the Lord Jesus to Jerusalem with songs and laudatory hymns.

From the Mount of Olives, the pilgrims traveled for approximately an hour down the path until entering into the Old City of Jerusalem and arriving to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where a Eucharistic celebration presided by the Patriarch Sabbah took place.

Originally, the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre was built by orders of the Emperor Constantine between the years 325 and 335 where tradition points out as the Calvary and Sepulchre of the Lord Jesus. Of the Basilica built at the time of Constantine today only remains the rotunda of the original temple, called the "Anastasis", meaning "Resurrection" in Greek. Currently, most of the construction belongs to the XII century, when Crusaders reconstructed the temple.

Neutrality concerning truth betrays mission of universities, points out Archbishop

Lima, 29 (NE) «The University knows that scientific objectivity rejects all ideological neutrality, ambiguity and conformism that in reality reflects a not very brave attitude». With these words Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima recently described the role of the University in society, highlighting the necessity that it has of «serving the cause of truth».

In a recent interview published by Peruvian newspaper «El Sol», Archbishop Cipriani underlined that «the love for truth commits the life and work of the scientist and sustains his endurance in honesty in view of possible uncomfortable situations». «The presumed neutrality is resulting to be a fiction that ends up in intolerance and fanaticism», he added. The interview to the Archbishop of Lima took place after the ceremony in which he was recognized as Great Chancellor of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUC).

«This may seem hard or exaggerated, but I am talking of verifiable realities, of cultural expressions of a postmodern permissivism that rejects learned objectivity to allow the dominance of the rich and powerful over the weak and poor».

«The university, any university, has a foundational impulse, a spiritual energy, that leads to investigation, to teaching, to the defense of human values, as well as to the search for truth, the humanistic studies, the progress of the sciences, etc.», he affirmed. In the same way, talking about faith and culture, the Peruvian Archbishop highlighted that «faith is made culture because it teaches how to love man in his concrete humanity».

«If the University is faithful to the principles that I have mentioned -he affirmed- it becomes an exciting adventure of the spirit, in which professors and students freely insist on discovering the wisdom, the reality of the world, the road to perfection and progress». The specific vocation of all Catholic Universities «is consecrated without reservations to the cause of truth, in order to serve, at the same time, the dignity of man and the cause of the Church».

Grave abuses in Mass cause serious concern on Catholic faithful

Rome, 29 (NE) Great surprise and indignation caused one of the celebrations on occasion of the death anniversary of Salvadoran Bishop Oscar Romero. The Mass celebrated in a Church in Rome to commemorate the day showed the dangers posed by ideology in the members of the "theology of liberation". The event was organized by association Pax Christi and CIPAX, among others, and has been qualified by some as a "sacrilegious irreverence".

Presided by Brazilian Bishop Tomas Balduino and Bishop Italo Castellani, of Faenza, the Mass was a strange combination of forbidden "innovations" in Catholic Liturgy with political and revolutionary propaganda. For example, one of the readings was changed for a text written by Bishop Juan Gerardi, after which attendants answered "Word of God".

The prayer of the "Our Father" was surprisingly changed. In what is an utter violation to liturgical norms, the prayer taught by the Lord Jesus to the Apostles contained ideological sentences, such as "Our Father, of the poor and indigent!"; "Our Father, of martyrs and tortured!"; and "God Father, Revolutionary, Brother of the poor, God of the oppressed". Some even repeated together with the bishops parts of the Eucharist prayers allowed only to celebrants.

The event highlighted once more the poor fidelity to the Gospel and the Church of some sectors lost to ideology. These people showed themselves unable to care for the proclamation of the Gospel, to the point of showing no respect for Eucharist liturgy and the Real Presence of the Lord.

Archbishop of Miami urges to recognize need for God

Miami, 29 (NE) Archbishop John Favalora, of Miami, recently issued a letter to all the faithful of the archdiocese on occasion of Holy Week. The prelate reflected specially on the words of the Lord upon the Cross: "I thirst", stressing the value of the "totally human reaction" of Jesus to the suffering He had to bear during His Passion.

"Through these sufferings He identified Himself with our human condition, a condition frequently marked by physical pain and sickness, as well as emotional and psychological wounds", stated Archbishop Favalora. We all thirst in a physical and spiritual sense, he continued, and "Jesus is the one who can calm our thirst".

The prelate asked as well all Catholic faithful to recognize during this Holy Week that "we are thirsty" and that "we should let Jesus and the Father calm our thirst with the only thing that can truly satisfy it: the water of eternal life".

MARCH 27

Pope invites youth to conversion and Confession

Vatican City, 27 (NE) Meeting the youth of Rome in preparation for the World Youth Day, Pope John Paul II urged young people to Conversion and reconciliation with God. In the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, the Holy Father answered some questions asked by the youth, inviting them to participate in the World Youth Day to be held August 2000 and also encouraged them to invite their friends "who are indifferent to the faith".

"Only thanks to a constant process of conversion and renewal, will the person move forward on the path of self-knowledge, the control of their will and the capacity to avoid evil and do good", said the Holy Father. "In Confession, we live at first hand the essence of the love of God. He comes to meet us in the most fitting way, which is that of mercy. By this, I do not mean that the way of conversion is easy".

The Pope also renewed his plea to peace, asking to put an end as soon as possible to the conflict taking place in Yugoslavia. "I hope with all my heart that arms are silenced as soon as possible and that dialogue and negotiation are resumed so that with the participation of all, a just and lasting peace may reign throughout this region".

Church promotes solidarity in view of "consumerist philosophy"

Madrid, 27 (NE) The Episcopal Commission of Social Pastoral of the Spanish Bishops' Conference published a document on occasion of the "Fraternal Love day", that will be celebrated this Holy Thursday. The document denounces the "consumerist philosophy" that is adopted in many sectors of the Spanish society as well as the "scandalous and bloody inequalities" present in society.

In view of this "inertia that sprouts from original sin", the document recalls the Christian attitude towards solidarity consisting "of fraternal love that sprouts as a result from experiencing the love of the Father that, in Jesus through the action of the Holy Spirit, makes us children of God and universal brothers".

The document of the Episcopal Commission finishes encouraging today's Christians not to "conceal the Gospel from our society", keeping in mind that "a privileged way of announcing the Gospel is by living it, through our actions, through the fraternal solidarity that the Lord teaches us".

"Last Cathedral of the millennium" was inaugurated

Mexico City, 27 (NE) The "last Cathedral of the millennium", as it has been called, was inaugurated Thursday in the Mexican diocese of Ecatepec. The new Cathedral will be the see of one of the most populated dioceses of the country, counting almost four million Catholics.

More than 30 bishops attended the inauguration, as well as different political personalities, including Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo. A great number of people participated of the Mass from the exterior of the Cathedral through giant television screens.

A message sent by Pope John Paul II was read during the Eucharistic Celebration. The Holy Father pointed out that the Cathedral is a sign of faith and hope for the peoples of Ecatepec. It is the construction of a spiritual building, the expression of the faithful that pilgrim, that have hopes in the midst of the difficulties and miseries, said the Pope.

Bishop Onesimo Cepeda Silva, of Ecatepec, committed himself to continue working in order to continue the evangelization of "our Mexican land, so lacking of everything and so in need of love". Finally, during the homily, Cardinal Noberto Rivera, urged all those present to be as "live stones" that sustain the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, stating that the Cathedral of Ecatepec must be a symbol of unity and of evangelizing vitality.

Catholic Church in Peru requests to include study of religion in high school

Lima, 27 (NE) Bishop Miguel Irizar, General Secretary of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference, said recently that the Catholic Church will request the government to include the study of religion in high school programs. Such programs, that begin this year as part of the educational reform taking place in the country, currently include different private and public schools.

The Bishop pointed out that the Peruvian Bishops' Conference would make "a very serious claim" if the teaching of religion was not included in the project soon. Also, it was informed that a written request had already been made to the Ministry of Education. On his part, the Ministry of Education pointed out that it had already studied the possibility of including it in the study plan.

MARCH 26

Cardinal Castrillon presents Pope's Letter to Priests

Vatican City, 26 (NE) Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, presented yesterday Pope John Paul II's Letter to Priests for Holy Thursday 1999. The presentation was held at the Holy See Press Office. Also attending was Archbishop Csaba Terniak, Secretary of the Congregation.

Cardinal Castrillon explained that the Pope's Letter is focussed on the theme of divine fatherhood. Among other things, he emphasized that it began with the words "Abba Father". "Priests are invited to be permeated by this fatherhood, but they are also called to give it to the whole world, which is in such urgent need of it". The Cardinal Prefect also affirmed the importance of the Eucharist for the priest's life. This sacrament is "the inexhaustible mystery of Christ and from his prayer is the summit and source of all good". "The Holy Sacrifice is the absolute center of the life and day of the priest. Priesthood and the Eucharist are indissolubly united", commented the Vatican Cardinal.

In his letter, the Pope urges all priests to "carry out with confidence and courage their duty of guiding the community to authentic Christian prayer". "This is a duty which no priest may ever forsake, even though the difficulties caused by today's secularized mentality can at times make it extremely demanding for him".

Argentineans celebrated «Unborn Child's Day»

Buenos Aires, 26 (NE) Ratifying as a priority the «firm defense of human life from the moment of its conception», Argentinean President Carlos Menem qualified abortion as «the typical expression of a culture of selfishness and death». These were the words of the Argentinean leader stated yesterday during the celebration of the first «Unborn Child's Day».

About 1300 people gathered in order to participate in the event carried out in a theater in Buenos Aires. The ceremony began with the reading of a message sent by Pope John Paul II for the event. Among the assistants present were several Argentinean bishops, as well as Vatican representatives and bishops from other countries. The President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, also sent a letter pointing out the historical character of the event.

Archbishop Renato Martino underlined the importance of the defense of «the dignity of the human person», highlighting Argentina's role «in the defense of life from its conception». Also attending, Cardinal Bernard Law manifested his happiness for the celebration. The Archbishop of Boston compared the meaning of the celebration with the dramatic situation in the United States where 2000 legal abortions are carried out daily.

Archbishop Cipriani ordained new priests in Archdioceses of Lima

Lima, 26 (NE) Celebrating the Solemnity of the Announcement of the Lord, Lima Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani presided a Eucharistic celebration during which he ordained two deacons as priests. These are the first priests ordained by Archbishop Cipriani since he took possession of the Archdioceses of Lima last January. The prelate invited the new priests, members of "Sodalitium Christianae Vitae", to holiness and a demanding ecclesial service.

The Archbishop especially invited the new priests to «bear Christ life». «There is only one priesthood -he said- and that is Christ, Supreme and Eternal Priest, the rest participate from that one priesthood». In that sense, recalling Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Exhortation «Ecclesia in America», Archbishop Cipriani urged them to «place as the center of their activity what is essential in their ministry: allowing themselves to be configured with Christ, Head and Shepherd, source of pastoral quality, offering themselves every day with Christ in the Eucharist».

He also made a strong calling to promote vocations for priesthood, requesting those present to help and support the work of the Church in that sense. This has been one of the major challenges pointed out by the Archbishop. Referring especially to parents, he asked that in homes a favorable environment for the maturing of vocations be encouraged. Parents should encourage their sons when they hear God's call, he added.

Archbishop asks not to treat unborn children as "things"

Buenos Aires, 26 (NE) Coadjutor Archbishop of La Plata Hector Aguer pointed out as a «fundamental topic for the future of society» the defense of life from the moment of its conception. In a letter on occasion of the «Unborn Child's Day», celebrated yesterday in Argentina, the Archbishop answered to different objections against the celebration, affirming that the future of the country «required that many children be born and that they be raised and educated as due».

«Even in the initial, intimate, periods of his development, the conceived child is not a thing, something that just belongs to the mother's body of that she can dispose at will. Rather he is somebody, a new individual, with a complete human condition and endowed with the dignity of the image of God».

He also manifested that the date chosen for the celebration of the «Unborn Child's Day» couldn't be a more appropriate one «for on March 25th we celebrate the conception of Jesus Christ in the womb of the Virgin Mary». «As the II Vatican Council teaches -he added- 'the mystery of man is only clarified upon the light of the mystery of the Incarnated Word'. He totally identified himself with us and wanted to pass through the initial periods of human development; not only was He a boy, but also a 'child about to be born'».

Cardinal urges politicians to reflect during Holy Week

Managua, 26 (NE) Nicaraguan Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo urged to reflect also on the problems of the country during Holy Week. The Cardinal's message was especially directed to the country's politicians, seeking to promote useful actions to help raise the country's image abroad and also among Nicaraguans. The Archbishop of Managua made a special reference to recent accusations on President Aleman alleging corruption, stating the negative effects having on Nicaraguan people. «I hope that this Holy Week we take time to think. Nicaraguans must think over what is good for our country".

MARCH 25

Holy Father stresses need to "cooperate" with God

Vatican City, 25 (NE) "God the Father's Providential Love" was the theme of Pope John Paul II's weekly catechesis held yesterday during the General Audience. Receiving thousands of pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square, the Pope reminded that the solicitude of divine providence is concrete and immediate. "God cares for all, from the least things to the great events of the world and its history".

Referring to the problem of the existence of evil in the world, the Pontiff manifested that Revelation "helps us to understand that it is not willed by God, but that it entered the world because of man's sin". God allows it, the Holy Father pointed out, "for the salvation of the person, by drawing good from evil".

The Pope manifested as well the need to cooperate with divine grace for salvation. Reminding that "God's plans are not those of the person; they are infinitely greater, and are often incomprehensible for the human mind", the Holy Father highlighted that "we should not passively wait for what He sends us". Rather, we should "cooperate with Him so that He complete what He began to do in us".

Time to live "spirit of reconciliation" in Cuba, says Cardinal

Miami, 25 (NE) Cardinal Jaime Ortega, Archbishop of Havana, made a recent calling to "return to the essence of the Christian message, which is contained within the prayer of the 'Our Father'", and in doing so discover the merciful Father that gives us reconciliation. He affirmed that if the human being learns to walk through the path of forgiveness, as the Father teaches us to, then a community of reconciled people would exist.

In an article published by the bulletin "Here the Church", the Cardinal also pointed out that during the present millennium neither mercy, nor reconciliation nor humbleness have been considered to be important values in the ethical and social actions in the world. "From Nietzsche and Marx, to Hitler and Stalin, at a great human cost, diverse ideologies have faced each other, having all in common the rejection of God the Father, the absence of mercy, and their capacity of generating conflicts instead of favoring reconciliation".

Finally, referring to Cuban reality, Cardinal Ortega warned that many times it has occurred that no space is given for reconciliation. However he urged once again to confirm the efficacy of reconciliation and forgiveness and "not to follow hates or resentments among the sons of a same people but rather to make a true spirit of reconciliation prevail among us».

Argentinean Catholic lawyers join in defense of life

Buenos Aires, 25 (NE) In view of celebrations taking place today in Argentina on occasion of the "Unborn Child's Day", the Corporation of Catholic Lawyers issued a declaration supporting the initiatives in favor of the defense of life. "The right of life -inherent to the fact of living- is sufficient reason for the juridical order to acknowledge, guard and respect this right, giving its protection from the beginning to the end, from conception to death", said the statement

"The institution of the 25th of March as the "Unborn Child's Day", coinciding with the celebration of the Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus, ratifies the firm Argentinean position in the world as defenders of the right to life from the moment of conception", added the Catholics lawyers.

The Law Faculty of the Catholic University of La Plata issued a similar declaration, also on occasion of the Unborn Child's Day. This declaration strongly rejected abortion and genetic manipulation. "From the same moment of conception, this new being has the right to unconditioned respect", it stated.

"Nevertheless, independent from the specific mission of parents, the duty to receive and serve life involves all, and must be expressed specially with the weaker". "Human life is sacred, because from its beginning it implies the creating action of God and it remains always in a special relation to the Creator. Only God is the Lord of Life, from its beginning until its end: nobody under any circumstances can claim the right to kill an innocent human being", concludes the declaration.

Spain: Concern for religious education continues

Madrid, 25 (NE) "In a democratic society, not sectarian nor seeking to laicize, it is a civil right of the citizens", stated Archbishop Fernando Sebastian of Pamplona referring to religion classes in Spanish schools. The archbishop recently issued a letter appealing to the moral obligation of parents to include religion in the formation of their children.

The petition of Archbishop Sebastian adds to petitions already made by many Spanish prelates in relation to the religion course, considered an obligatory subject in schools, but whose study is optional. Under current legislation, students can choose whether to study religion or play games or have assisted study. Spanish shepherds as well as other civilian authorities have already expressed their concern for these legislation that undermines the formation of Spanish youth.

Archbishop Antonio Cañizares of Granada recently stated that "the religion class is fundamental in the promotion of integral education of the person, so that it doesn't remain in a mere functional dimension". "We want an education according to the article 27 of the Constitution", he continued, "in which the great questions of mankind are answered. This will only occur if the alternative is a serious subject and not pastimes, recess or assisted study, as in past years".

Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco, President of the Spanish Bishop's Conference, also expressed the concern of the Church in Spain in relation to the subject of religion. He emphasized that religious education "has a peculiarity that responds to its own nature", and asked for an alternative to the problem "that it isn't recess or assisted study". The mission of the Church "is not reduced to the sacristy" he underlined. "Concrete problems such as the teaching of religion class have to do with the ideal of search for freedom".

Church in Colombia requests cease-fire for Easter

Medellin, 25 (NE) Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo called the different groups involved in conflicts in Colombia to cease aggressions and violence in view of Easter celebrations. The archbishop said that Easter is a time of reflection and reconciliation, asking all Colombian people to contribute to peace during these days.

The Church in Colombia is making a strong calling in favor of the ceasing of hostilities throughout these days. One of the most important activities aiming to establish peace in the suffered nation has been the "Via Crucis for Life, Justice and Peace". The event being carried out in different dioceses is organized by the Colombian Bishops' Conference together with National Office of Social Pastoral. Local press has considered the event as "the biggest Colombian mobilization for national reconciliation".

MARCH 24

National reconciliation is urgent, points out Mexican archdiocese

Mexico City, 24 (NE) The Archdioceses of Mexico, in its last edition of the newspaper "From the faith", pointed out that national reconciliation as a necessary urgency in order to change a society in which "the law of the strongest", corruption and injustice, prevails above all.

The Church's action is not limited to the sacristy nor only to liturgical activities, the editorial points out. Catholics, on the contrary, have the obligation of proclaiming the Gospel in all human realities. "Each one from his own place, the bishops and priests from their divine responsibilities of guiding the faithful offering them the sound doctrine and illuminating on God's will for man; the laymen, once they have listened to His Word, putting it into practice, all having to proclaim the Gospel".

The archdiocese's newspaper highlights that only when this national reconciliation becomes a reality, will the politicians participate from their parties, the labor union members from their organizations, promoting justice. The intellectuals, fathers and mothers in their families will teach the most finest virtues: charity, patience, forgiveness, openness to life. All in all, we will have a Christian and truly human culture.

XIV World Youth Day to be held on Sunday

Rome, 24 (NE) "Dear young people, hold fast to the love that God gives you. Remain anchored to this certainty, the only certainty capable of giving a meaning, strength and happiness to your lives. Remember he has written your names on the palm of his hand". With these words Pope John Paul II has addressed the millions of youths that will celebrate the XIV World Youth Day this weekend.

The event will be held on March 28th at a diocesan level, and will be a special moment of preparation for the great Jubilee for Youth that will be carried out in Rome from the 15th to the 20th of August next year. In the document, the Holy Father urges youth to be "witnesses of the love of the Father, in the Church as well as in the diverse environments in which their daily existence develops".

Later on, reminding that "unfortunately, the more man loses the sense of sin, the less he appeals for forgiveness to God", he says that "although it is not always conscious and clear, in the heart of man exists a deep longing for God". On the other hand, He always reaches out in the search for an encounter offering us reconciliation.

The preparatory Message for the Youth Day concludes with a request that the Virgin Mary may guide youth "toward Jesus, so that, following Him, they may learn how to cultivate their relationship with the heavenly Father. As in the wedding at Cana, She invites all to do whatever the Son tells them, knowing that this is the path in order to arrive to the house of the "merciful Father"".

Bishop promotes corporation in favor of peace and solidarity in Colombia

Medellin, 24 (NE) The objective is to discover the immense dignity of men, "the urgency of uniting us in the search for the common well-being, the will of peace, the recognition of the value of the spirit and of God". With these words, Bishop of Sonsón-Rionegro, Flavio Calle, presented the Corporation "Life, Justice and Peace". The organization was born in Antioquia, Colombia, with the purpose of promoting peace and reconciliation in this region.

As the Colombian Bishop informed, the corporation will carry out diverse initiatives for an integral human development, in order to strengthen life, justice and peace in this region strongly affected by violence and terrorism. The members are of diverse social classes, aiming to negotiate before authorities as well as public and private institutions for the execution of works in benefit of the community, especially in favor of the most in need.

Through their actions they expect to create a movement for peace and reconciliation in this region. "Our pillar is solidarity: ' the firm and persevering determination of getting involved for the good of all and of each one, so that we may be truly responsible of all", Bishop Calle affirmed.

Archbishop Karlic: "Unborn Child's Day" should be celebrated in other countries

Buenos Aires, 24 (NE) Archbishop Estanislao Karlic, President of the Argentinean Bishop's Conference, expressed his "deep joy" for the next celebration of the Unborn Child's Day in Argentina. This celebration, organized by the government, "implies the confession of the dignity of the human person, image and likeness of God", said the prelate.

"Let the Lord give us all Argentineans the necessary wisdom and the coherent virtue to custody and promote the dignity of man during his whole life, in the faithful love of the family, in the integrity of education, in the morality of culture, in an authentic social justice that protects the most needy".

The celebration will take place on the 25th of March, Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. At the end of his letter, Archbishop Karlic expressed his hope that the celebration might "extend to the cities and countries of the whole of America, which we have to build, as Pope John Paul II urged us, founded on the great truths and values".

Christian Life Movement celebrates fifth anniversary of Pontifical Approbation

Lima, 24 (NE) Yesterday, feast of Saint Toribio of Mogrovejo, second Archbishop of Lima and Patron Saint of the Bishops of Latin America, the Christian Life Movement (MVC) celebrated with joy the fifth anniversary of its approbation as an International Association of Christian Faithful of Pontifical Right. The members of the MVC, movement founded in 1985 in Lima, Peru, had diverse activities thanking God for the blessings received during this years in the different countries in which it is present, in America and Europe. The celebration of the Eucharist as well as moments of prayer in the different places marked this day of reflection and prayer.

Luis Fernando Figari, founder of this ecclesial Movement originated in Latin America, issued a message for all the members of the Movement. "This occasion in which we commemorate the grace received five years ago, he said, must also be a day of special and intense prayer, so that with the impulse that God gratuitously pours in our hearts we feel urged to respond to the mission of the Church, facing the Third Millennium".

Emphasizing that "all gift implies an answer, implies cooperation", he recalled the intense experiences lived in Rome during the encounter of the Holy Father with the movements, and the Solemn Mass of Pentecost, as well as the days of the Pope's visit to Mexico. In this anniversary, the founder of the MVC specially urged the members of the Movement to "raise their voices in thanks to the Highest, from whom all good comes" and to "an effective and affective commitment in the mission He convokes".

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