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AUGUST 14

Holy Father hails consecration of church in Georgia

Vatican City, 14 (NE) "This building recalls the sorrows of Georgia, as well as the sacrifice of the country's Catholics", wrote Pope John Paul II, in a letter sent to the Catholic community in Georgia. The Pope's message was issued on occasion of the consecration of the Church of the Assumption, in the capital city of Tbilisi.

The historic temple was built during the XIX century, but was closed down by soviet authorities in 1941. It was used as an administrative building and later on as a gymnasium.

After the Republic's proclamation of independence, in the early 90', the building was given back to the Catholic community in 1994. Restoration works began then, lead by Bishop Giuseppe Pasotto, Apostolic Administrator of the Caucasus.

In his letter on occasion of the temple's consecration -to take place August 15- the Pope writes that the Church of the Assumption "rises again as a symbol of Georgia's new hope and as proclamation of the Resurrected Christ, in Whom darkness become light".

Spanish Theologian condemns human cloning

Madrid, 14 (NE) "Human beings cannot be produced, but procreated. Producing human beings is to degrade them to objects that are fabricated", said Spanish Theologian Juan Antonio Martinez-Camino, in declarations to Madrid's ABC newspaper.

Martinez-Camino, member of the Spanish Episcopal Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith, explained that for the Church both cloning and artificial reproduction threaten the natural process of procreation. Any technique of artificial reproduction, he said, is "morally illicit".

The Spanish Theologian warned as well about the growing approval regarding human cloning. Although this idea caused horror back in 1997 with "Dolly's" cloning, nowadays this is changing, he affirmed.

Regarding the manipulation of embryos, the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith published in 1987 a document, "Donum Vitae", condemning human cloning as "contrary to the dignity of both human procreation and marriage".

Marian feast begins for Vietnamese Catholics at La Vang

Rome, 14 (NE) Thousands of Vietnamese Catholics pilgrimaged yesterday to La Vang, Vietnam, for closing celebrations of the bicentenary of Our Lady of La Vang apparitions.

In buses, cars, bikes, and on foot, the groups of pilgrims arrived to the national sanctuary, setting up tents in the vicinity to participate during the three-day long celebration. Improvised confessionals were used by priests to attend the need of sacramental reconciliation.

Vietnam is the country with the largest number of Catholics -apart from the Philippines- in Southeast Asia. It is expected that 200,000 people may visit the site by Sunday.

Early this week Pope John Paul II sent a message to encourage celebrations and invite pilgrims to "remain faithful to Christ and witness His love". The Holy Father has named Philippine Cardinal Jose Sanchez as his special envoy.

Colombian bishops visit region torn down by guerrilla

Medellin, 14 (NE) Headed by Archbishop Alberto Giraldo of Medellin, President of Colombia's Episcopal Conference, a delegation of Colombian bishops and priests visited this week the locality of Narino, in the region of Antioquia. The area was seriously damaged during recent attacks by members of the guerrilla.

Groups of local faithful participated at the Mass presided by Archbishop Giraldo. The Prelate, who invoked several times to peace and reconciliation, urged to adopt the guidelines of international humanitarian rights, as a guarantee for people not involved in the armed conflict.

During the bishop's visit, the project of reconstruction of the town hall was presented, as well as material and spiritual support.

AUGUST 13

Sri Lanka: Cardinal Schonborn to conduct seminary for local clergy

Rome, 13 (NE) "Renewal and the Catechism of the Catholic Church" will be the theme of the Seminar to be conducted by Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, Archbishop of Vienna, for members of the clergy in Sri Lanka.

The Austrian Cardinal will offer the seminar during a visit to this country, to take place August 17-28, which also expects to strengthen ties between the Church in Austria and the Church in Sri Lanka. Over 125 members of the Catholic clergy have already registered for the Seminar.

During his visit, Cardinal Schonborn, also President of the Austrian Bishops Conference, will meet President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. The Archbishop will also hold meetings with local Bishops, the Apostolic Nuncio, and members of the Catholic Business Persons and Professionals Association (CBPA) of Sri Lanka.

Cardinal Schonborn was member of the team that participated in the edition of the new Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Philippines: Appeal for humanitarian service for victims of calamity

Manila, 13 (NE) The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called Philippine people to solidarity after the disaster brought on to several regions by recent floods, urging to pray for those who have perished or lost loved ones and properties.

More than a hundred lives and millions worth of devastated property were the cost of massive floods that hit widespread areas of western and central Luzon and the whole of the National Capital Region.

The Philippine episcopate called to put aside all other differences and unite forces for humanitarian service to victims and their families, in a time of needs that "transcend all other personal, sectoral and political interests because they impact on the very survival, health and safety of our people".

"The cross becomes lighter to bear when more people share its weight, and this is the most fitting spiritual message for these days when so many people have died and continue to suffer due to this calamity", said the message of the CBCP President, urging people to material and spiritual solidarity and support.

Encourage a nation with a great soul, ask Argentinean Bishops

Buenos Aires, 13 (NE) Members of the Permanent Commission of the Argentinean Bishop's Conference finished yesterday a three-day meeting encouraging people -specially politicians- to foster the "project of a nation with a great soul".

During a press conference after the meeting, Archbishop Karlic of Parana, President of the Episcopal Conference, said he was confident that the Argentinean people will meet the challenges of the next millennium.

Other Bishops present at the news conference informed about the pastoral strategy for the next years and preparations for the celebration of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000.

Answering questions from the local press, the members of the Permanent Commission affirmed as well that the Church will not support any political party, inviting people to vote consciously in the next presidential elections.

Catholic Church in Kenya condemns call to legalize abortion

Rome, 13 (NE) The Catholic Church in Kenya condemned yesterday calls to legalize abortion in the country. Declarations were made by Father Michael C. Ruwa, secretary general of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, who issued a statement saying that the recent call by Health Permanent Secretary Julius Meme to legalize abortion was against the sanctity and dignity of human life.

"Life -said the speaker of the Episcopate- should be protected with utmost care from the moment of conception". He also underlined that "an unborn baby was a human being who received life directly from its maker - the Lord".

As local newspaper The Nation informed, Father Ruwa criticized as well recent declarations by Dr Miriam Were, of the United Nations Population Fund, asking the introduction of sexual education in schools to teach contraceptive methods.

"If introduced in schools the rate of immorality and pregnancies among our children will shoot up", said Father Ruwa, regarding Dr. Were's declarations. He also recalled that in countries were abortion has been legalized there have been negative results, including an increase in sexual-related activities among the youth

Preparations for Missionary Congress continue

Vatican City, 13 (NE) Yesterday Pope John Paul II named Cardinal Josef Tomko as his special envoy for the VI Latin American Missionary Congress and I American Missionary Congress, to be held in Argentina. The Vatican Cardinal, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, will attend the event to be held in the Archdiocese of Parana from September 28 to October 3.

AUGUST 12

Christian Life is the way to heaven, says Pope

Vatican City, 12 (NE) Christian life as the way to reach heaven was the theme of yesterday's catechesis, during Pope John Paul II' general audience with pilgrims at the Vatican. The Pope traveled by helicopter from Castelgandolfo to the Pope Paul VI Hall, where the weekly audience took place.

"Christian life can be considered as a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father", the Pope said, recalling that "our present life is already marked by the salvation which Christ has won for us through his death and resurrection".

"We are journeying towards the full actualization of this salvation, which will take place at the final coming of the Lord. As we make this journey, we are called to share in the Paschal mystery of the Lord and to live up to the demands of Christ's offer of redemption".

An important part of this, the Holy Father explained, is the "continual purification and struggle against sin, in the knowledge that in rising from the dead, Christ has already overcome the power of sin and death". "In involving ourselves in the realities of this passing world, we must fix our gaze on our final goal, bringing the light of God to bear on all that we do".

Catholic Faith: South America's common characteristic, says Archbishop

Lima, 12 (NE) Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima affirmed yesterday that Ecuadorian President Jamil Mahuad's visit to Peru was a great step forward in the history of the Continent. The Peruvian Prelate stressed as well the need for unity among South American countries, naming the Catholic faith as the common characteristic of these countries.

"Live like brothers with Ecuador means a giant leap forward for many generations", said the Archbishop regarding President Mahuad's visit to Lima, taking place these days.

On a recent homily during independence celebrations, the Archbishop of Lima considered the peace treaty signed last year between Ecuador and Peru as one of the most important events for both countries in the last years.

Archbishop Cipriani also called South American countries to unity in order to solve present difficulties. "As long as we are not brothers, truly and at all levels, it will be very difficult to overcome poverty", he said. "South America must join together as a series of cultures with a common characteristic: the Catholic Faith".

Weekend of prayer and Eucharist Adoration for Denver youth

Denver, 12 (NE) More than 2000 young people gathered last week at the new Hamilton Gymnasium at the University of Denver, to share for a weekend their experience of Christian life. The event became a time for youth to participate together at Mass, prayer and Eucharist adoration.

Youth from Kansas, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming -and even Prince Albert, Canada and more than 70 young people from France visiting Denver on a pilgrimage- took part at the event. A special emphasis during the weekend was given to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

During the closing Mass, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver explained that every person has a hunger that longs to be satisfied. Quoting from St. Augustine, he told them "Our hearts will not be at rest until they are at rest in God".

Urging the young people to be generous, he underlined that there is always room in God's house and that nothing can separate them from His love. "What Jesus did for the hungry crowd, Jesus requires that we do for others", he said

Bishop invites young people to encourage a culture of love and chastity

Asuncion, 12 (NE) Encourage "a culture of love, abstinence and chastity" was the call made by Auxiliary Bishop Adalberto Martinez, to a group of young people gathered for the Week of Solidarity and Austerity, held recently in Paraguay. The Bishop warned the young attendants about the lost of Christian values in society, as well as on the massive campaign to promote what is called "safe sex", explaining the dangers that these pose to society. The meeting began with a pilgrimage in which the young people participated enthusiastically, and ended at the Cathedral, where the closing Mass took place.

AUGUST 11

Michelangelo's "Pietàs" together in Rome for Jubilee year

Rome, 11 (NE) Every day, multitudes admire Michelangelo's famous sculpture, the "Pietà", at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, only a few meters away from the Holy Door. Although it is certainly the most widely known, the image of the Virgin embracing the Lord after being crucified -sculpted by Michelangelo for the Jubilee of year 1500- was not the only one he did.

Half a millennium afterwards and for another Jubilee Year -this time the Great Jubilee of year 2000- pilgrims visiting Rome will possibly be able to admire one of Michelangelo's masterworks, but this time together with the other two "Pietàs" sculpted by him during his life, nowadays kept at two different Italian cities. The initiative, informed "Il Messaggero", would be promoted by Italian President Ciampi.

The exhibition of the three "Pietàs", to take place at the Quirinal -once residence to the Popes and now to Italian Presidents- would start soon after the opening of the Holy Door, possibly on January 2, and continue until the Jubilee of Artists, February 18.

One of the other two "Pietàs" made by Michelangelo is kept at the Castello Sforzesco Museum in Milan. The other one, known as the "Pieta' di Palestrina" -taking its name after the town near Rome where it came from- is kept at the "Galleria dell'Accademia" in Florence. In this city there is as well another "Pietà" begun by Michelangelo, but never actually finished.

U.S. and Cuban Cardinals gather for Marian celebration in Mexico

Mexico City, 11 (NE) U.S. Cardinal Bernard Law, Archbishop of Boston, and Cuban Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino, Archbishop of Havana, will participate next week at celebrations for the 50 anniversary of the Pontifical crowning of Our Lady of Izamal, Queen and Patron of Yucatan, in Mexico.

Archbishop Emilio Berlie of Yucatan announced the participation of both Cardinals during last Sunday's homily. Celebrations, explained the Mexican Prelate, will take place Sunday August 22. The Mass will be presided by Cardinal Law, while Cardinal Ortega will preach at the Cathedral.

Fifty years ago, considering the historic importance of the Virgin's image for local Catholics, Archbishop Fernando Ruiz Solorzano -then heading the Archdiocese of Yucatan- asked and obtained the grace to crown the Virgin as Queen of Yucatan, by Pontifical decree issued by Pope Pius XII. The solemn ceremony took place August 22, 1949.

Archdiocese of Madrid: Highest number of open causes for beatification

Madrid, 11 (NE) The Archdiocese of Madrid, Spain, is currently the ecclesiastical see that has the highest number of open beatification processes among all archdioceses and dioceses in the Church, said this week Ricardo Quintana Bescos, responsible for causes in the Spanish archdiocese.

As he informed, the archdiocese headed by Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco has currently eleven open causes. From these eleven, five were introduced last year. Apart from these, ten more are in preparation, but have not yet been open.

Most of these causes are individual, although there are several that are collective, such as the martyrdom of 31 Jesuits killed during the Spanish Civil War, as well as 22 martyred Oblate nuns from Pozuelo. Not all causes belong to people in Madrid, although in each case it was decided to begin the process in this city.

African Bishops stress need of formation for evangelization

Rome, 11 (NE) Last week concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, the 13th Plenary Assembly of the Association of Members Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa. The meeting gathered more than 90 bishops and several groups of priests and laity at Nairobi's Catholic University. Representations came from countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Among other issues, the assembly stressed the need of and adequate formation for a more efficient and profound evangelization. Participants underlined the need of a special work with youth, stating that all Christians must be able to express and explain their faith and attract more persons to the Church.

AUGUST 10

Pope encourages Marian pilgrimage in Vietnam

Vatican City, 10 (NE) Although he will not be able to travel to Vietnam for the closing ceremony of the bicentennial celebration of Our Lady of La Vang Marian apparition, Pope John Paul II has sent a letter of encouragement and hope for Vietnamese pilgrims to the Marian sanctuary.

In his message directed to Archbishop Étienne Nguyên Nhu Thê, of Hue, the Holy Father asks Vietnamese Catholics to "trust in our common Mother, many times inovoked as 'Stella Maris', so that amid the storms of sin and the painful events of history, you may remain faitful to Christ and witness His love".

Pope John Paul II was invited to preside the closing ceremonies of the event, but the Papal pilgrimage was blocked by the government, which demanded diplomatic relations to be established with the Holy See in return for permission.

Celebrations will be held August 13-15, with Philippine Cardinal Jose Sanchez as the Pope's special envoy. Thousands of pilgrims are travelling these days to Vietnam's national sanctuary, in the district of Hai Lang, 40 miles north of Hue.

Peru: Conferences to highlight country's Catholic roots

Lima, 10 (NE) "Catholic roots in Peruvian history" is the main theme of a series of conferences to be held this month in the city of Lima, Peru. Organized by the Cultural Institute "Vida y Espiritualidad" (Life and Spirituality), four Peruvian experts will discuss on August 24 and 25 the importance of faith in the history of Peru.

Sponsored by the Episcopal Committee for Education, presided by Bishop Miguel Irizar of Callao, conferences will be directed to Bishops, priests, religious and lay people in general.

At the same time, participants will also be able see the popular art exposition "Evangelization through Peruvian art", exhibiting the work of several young and talented Peruvian artists expressing the strong influence of the Catholic faith in Peru's culture and history.

As organizers explained, both initiatives aim to reflect on the deep Catholic root in Peru since the times of Evangelization, and from this identity foster a renewed effort towards New Evangelization.

Strong evangelization campaign continues in Brazil

Rio do Janeiro, 10 (NE) "'A new heart for Rio 2000' is the goal for the Popular Mission on the way to the Third Millennium" said recently Cardinal Eugenio de Araujo Sales, Archbishop of Rio do Janeiro, as he explained the intense apostolic activity being held in this Brazilian city.

"The Popular Mission on the way to the Third Millennium is an answer to the Lord's command: 'Go and proclaim the Gospel, make all people my disciples'", said Cardinal de Araujo, informing of the current successes of the campaign, which is reaching "promissory" numbers.

The Archbishop of Rio also explained that the campaign will conclude with the consecration of all the city to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

"The spirituality which flows from this symbol of divine mercy and the norms of conduct that come from it for modern man have and extraordinary transforming power", he stated, assuring that one of the aims now is to teach the significance of this symbol.

Archdiocese helps poor pilgrim to Rome for Jubilee year

Rome, 10 (NE) The Archdiocese of Manila, Philippines, begun a campaign to help Catholics with low economic resources and committed with parish work pilgrim to Rome and Holy Land during Great Jubilee celebrations.

In collaboration with the Philippine Fund of Solidarity, the initiative will allow at least one person from each of the 78 dioceses in this country to attend Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and the opening of the "Holy Door".

Candidates must be between 15 and 55 years old, be active members of a lay organism in their parish and have the approval of the parish priest or the diocesan Bishop.

In this country, where population is approximately 80 % Catholic, Jubilee celebrations will begin December 24, 1999, with the blessing of the Glorious Cross at the Cathedral. The Cross will then pilgrim along the different parishes and return back to the Cathedral for the closing ceremonies of the Holy Year, on January 6, 2001.

AUGUST 9

Holy Father highlights Pope Paul VI' pontificate

Vatican City, 9 (NE) Pope John Paul II recalled yesterday Pope Paul VI' "unforgettable" pontificate, as he met with pilgrims to pray the weekly Sunday Angelus at Castelgandolfo. Pope Paul VI, he said, especially with his encyclical Ecclesiam Suam, "pointed the path for an inspired eclesial itinerary towards the third millennium".

"How cannot thank God for the gift of these prophetic lessons that have illuminated the path of the Christian people over the last thirty-five years", said Pope John Paul II regarding Ecclesiam Suam.

He also praised the work of Pope Paul VI during the II Vatican Council, with which "the Church has reflected over her intimate nature and her universal mission".

The Holy Father finally thanked for the "fruitful apostolic ministry of the unforgettable Paul VI", asking Blessed Mary, "Mother of the Church and Star of Evangelization", to intercede for the Church and help her face future apostolic challenges.

"Do not conform to mediocrity", says Pope to youth

Madrid, 9 (NE) "Do not conform yourselves with mediocrity. The Kingdom of Heaven is for those who strive with force to reach it", said Pope John Paul II to thousands of young people gathered for the European Youth Meeting, that finished yesterday at Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

The Pope's message, transmitted to youth on Saturday night at Santiago through a video, became an urgent invitation for young people to commit themselves with the tasks of the New Evangelization and live a life of sanctity.

"Do not be afraid to be saints! Have the courage and humility to present yourselves to the world, determined to be saints, since from sanctity comes a true and fulfilling freedom", stressed the Pontiff.

The young people present welcomed enthusiastically the Pope's message brought by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican State Secretary and Pontifical Legate for the event. "The Church -continued the message- looks at you with hope. You are the generation called to transmit the gift of faith to the new millennium".

"This is the best service you can offer today to society: offer the Gospel of Christ through your life with all its radical novelty. A novelty capable of attracting the heart of young people because of her beauty, goodness and truth".

Europe must be built in fidelity to its Christian heritage, says Cardinal Sodano

Madrid, 9 (NE) Obradoiro Square, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, became yesterday full with groups of pilgrims from all over Europe that participated at the closing Mass for the European Youth Meeting, held there over the weekend.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican State Secretary and the Pope's special envoy for the event, presided the celebration together with Archbishop Julian Barrio of Santiago de Compostela and Archbishop Lajos Kada, Apostolic Nuncio in Spain. Also present were more than 50 Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops from different European countries.

Europe's unity, affirmed Cardinal Sodano during his homily, will last and be fruitful if it is based on the human and Christian values the form its soul. The Vatican Cardinal also invited the young attendants to Jubilee celebrations to be held next year.

On Saturday, the Papal Legate presided a Mass at Santiago's Cathedral, asking young people present to "commit themselves with the construction of a new Europe, faithful to her rich Christian heritage", so that it can "progress based on the fundament of truth and authenticity, as a land of peace and concord".

Devotion to St. Cajetan gathers half a million faithful in Argentina

Buenos Aires, 9 (NE) Half a million faithful gathered last Saturday at Liniers, west Buenos Aires, Argentina, to participate at celebrations for one of the most popular local devotions: St. Cajetan, regarded here as the Patron Saint of Work.

Not even the freezing weather nor the pouring rains stopped devotees to pilgrim to his sanctuary and ask for his intercession, in what is one of the most traditional feast of popular devotion celebrated in Argentina.

Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires urged people to live solidarity, stating that today the Argentinean capital city has become "a desert where it is difficult to find friendly faces and solidarity".

In a message previous to celebrations, a priest from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe said that the feast of St. Cajetan was an opportunity for faithful to reflect about their life of faith and the meaning of work, as a dignified expression of the person.

This feast, he affirmed, "is a true expression of faith, were the close relationship between Christianity and work is manifested. It is precisely the Son sent by the Father who has given human work its most profound meaning".

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