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SEPTEMBER 8

Vatican Cardinal invites politicians to defend family and life

Rome, 8 (NE) Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, pointed out yesterday the importance to encourage a network of politicians from America and Europe oriented to defend family and life.

The Vatican Cardinal said this during a press conference held to present the Declaration of Buenos Aires, a document that gathers different reflections from the III Meeting of Politicians and Legislators, which took place in Buenos Aires last August to reflect on "Family and life, 50 years from the Universal Declaration of human rights".

"The idea grows stronger and it seems excellent: it is a group of notable politicians, from America and Europe, that would help us to defend family and life", stated Cardinal Lopez Trujillo.

According to the Declaration, the constitution of a continental network of legislators and politicians in America in defense of life and family will aim to encourage a continued and agile dialogue, assistance and coordination of common initiatives".

The Declaration of Buenos Aires also fosters the fundamental values of family and life, promoting their transcendent dignity in the politic and legislative environment.

The President of the Pontifical Council for the Family also said that he will invite Argentinean President Carlos Menem to participate in this politician's network. "We hope that president Menem, once he is free from his present occupations, will be there, in the highest posts, because he has always been an renown determined leader, sincere and courageous", he stated.

Cardinal Stafford emphasizes need of formation for future priests

Denver, 8 (NE) As part of preparations for the dedication of the new St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in the Archdiocese of Denver, Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, presided yesterday a Mass in Denver attended by archdiocesan seminarians.

Bishop Guy Begard of Bellry-Ars concelebrated together with Cardinal Stafford and eight priests, among them Father Samuel Aquila, Rector of the Seminary to be inaugurated today with an open-air Mass in the quadrangle at the John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization.

At the beginning of the celebration, Father Aquila welcomed Cardinal Stafford, former Archbishop of Denver before being appointed President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity by Pope John Paul II. The Rector of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary thanked Cardinal Stafford for his presence and support.

During his homily, Cardinal Stafford addressed seminarians, recalling the urgent need for good and well formed priests. He also invited them to learn to meditate the Lord's word, collaborating in order to let the Lord transform their lives.

Migrant's Day urges to reconciliation in Argentina

Buenos Aires, 8 (NE) With occasion of the National Migrant's Day in Argentina, Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, urged to live reconciliation with migrants and understand their situation.

In a letter sent to the archdiocese's Migrations Department, Archbishop Bergoglio wrote that "in this year, dedicated to the Merciful Father, the celebration of the National Migrant's Day assumes a particular meaning, becoming an explicit invitation to live in reconciliation".

Archbishop Bergoglio stated that "in a cultural context deeply marked by differences, the challenge of reconciliation with the migrants is equal to reconciliation of man with his own humanity, which implies a permanent conversion".

He also indicated that the process of reconciliation must begin by reproving "any campaign that denigrates migrants, giving him the total or partial responsibility for the grave problems that presently afflict our society, such as unemployment and insecurity".

Legislation to give contraceptives to teenagers raises opposition

San Juan, 8 (NE) The President of the Pontifical Catholic University (PUC) of Ponce in Puerto Rico, Jose Alberto Morales, qualified as "insane" the proposal of Governor Pedro Rosello aiming to legislate the access of Puerto Rican teenagers to contraceptives.

Such a measure which would widely distribute contraceptives among teenagers does not solve "the problem of premature sex at all", underlined the President of the PUC in a recent interview, declaring his opposition to such project. Morales stated that on this matter several mistaken ideas have been spread, emphasizing the need for a defense of the ideas in favor of family and matrimony.

He also stated that if such project reaches public dimensions, he will expose his points of view in order to defend his position. "If this reaches public dimensions, we will have to participate in order to defend life and family", he declared.

Cuban faithful to celebrate Marian feast

Miami, 8 (NE) Cuban faithful pilgrimaged last night to the shrine of the Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre, Patroness of Cuba, in preparation for the celebration of her feast day. At 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday night, groups of pilgrims begun their journey from the Maria Auxiliadora church to the Marian shrine, were a Eucharist celebration was held at midnight. Mass was also celebrated at 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. today. The main Mass will be held at 9:00 am, presided by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Luis Robles. Several Cuban bishops and priests will also attend the Eucharist celebration.

SEPTEMBER 7

Holy See urges politicians and legislators in America to defend family and life

Vatican City, 7 (NE) On the first days of August this year, more than 50 Cardinals and Bishops, together with approximately 200 politicians and legislators, gathered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the III Meeting of Legislators and Politicians of America on defense of life.

After a month, the Pontifical Council for the Family -the Vatican Council which organized the event- has published the "Declaration of Buenos Aires", gathering the main reflections of the meeting which was held with the theme "Family and life, 50 years after the declaration of human rights". The document will be presented today during a Press conference.

Among several issues, the Declaration of Buenos Aires stresses the fundamental value of the family, which is today attacked by people who encourage "an ambiguous and mistaken attitude that threats the family's nature". The identity of family "is based on marriage", says the declaration, stating that behind the attacks against family, a rejection of God is present, Who is "the origin of natural law".

The declaration also reflects about the status of the human embryo, saying that the embryo "has its own rights, different from those of the mother's", and this is the reason why it should be defended and protected.

The document concludes offering several reflections over things that must be done to ensure the protection of family and life in our society. Among these, the need that politicians and legislators "consider the defense of the family and life as a main goal" in their carriers is particularly highlighted.

Politicians and legislators need to work especially to strongly oppose any initiative which endangers human life, such as abortion, stated the Declaration of Buenos Aires. They must also "support the construction of a continental network of politicians and legislators of America in defense of life and family".

Cardinal O'Connor: Our life is in God's hands

New York, 7 (NE) Large groups of faithful gathered last Sunday at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York to pray for the recovery of Cardinal John O'Connor, who last week had a small bran tumor removed during an 11 day stay at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

"God writes straight with crooked lines and only He knows what the next moment will bring", wrote recently New York's Archbishop, in his usual column in the Catholic New York, before he underwent brain surgery.

"Life is such a gift", the Cardinal wrote. "And after almost 80 years of living it, I have no sentiment as strong as gratitude ... everyone's life is ultimately in the hands of God".

The Archbishop, currently resting in his residence behind the Cathedral, expressed his gratitude for all the prayers and Masses said for him. It is expected that he will begin his regular Mass schedule with the Labor Day Mass.

Over 200.000 pilgrims at Marian shrine in Sri Lanka

Rome, 7 (NE) Over 200.000 pilgrims coming from all over Sri Lanka gathered on August 29 at the national shrine of Our Lady of Lanka to commemorate a new anniversary of the dedication of the Island to the protection of Our Lady of Lanka by Pope Pius XII in 1947.

The thousands of faithful also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica, which took place in 1974. Pilgrims gathered at the national shrine prayed especially for peace and progress in the country.

As Fides reported, the 1947 dedication was the result of a vow made by the Archbishop of Colombo, who asked the Virgin's intercession to safeguard Sri Lanka from the horrors of World War II and a possible Japanese invasion. Sri Lanka was preserved unharmed, and as an expression of gratitude, the construction of the Basilica was begun. The Basilica was finally consecrated to Our Lady of Lanka in 1974.

This year's celebrations, which became also a preparation for the National Eucharist Congress to be held next year, gathered the Bishops from all the other dioceses as well as an unprecedented number of pilgrims.

Lay "pilgrims" evangelize Brazilian city

Rio de Janeiro, 7 (NE) Knowing the importance of lay apostolic activity, the Archdiocese of Belem in Brazil is encouraging several "city missions" in all of its 43 parishes. The "Missions" started last August 26 with the "Mission Mass". The campaign begun by the archdiocese will encourage missionaries to strengthen the faith of local Catholics. More than 4.000 images of the Blessed Virgin and 100.000 books will be distributed to families opening their doors to missionaries. In some parishes these city "pilgrimages" are being taken as well as preparation for the "Holy mission" to take place next year, which involves the proclamation of the Gospel among non Catholics.

SEPTEMBER 6

Pope worried for "acts of intimidation and violence" in East Timor

Vatican City, 6 (NE) Meeting with pilgrims in Castelgandolfo for the Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope John Paul II said yesterday that regretfully, in the Eve of the Great Jubilee of year 2000, many "shadows" can be found in today's world that fall upon persons and peoples.

The Holy Father especially expressed his concern for the "grave acts of intimidation and violence" that have taken place in East Timor. After the Marian prayer, the Pope asked the Virgin's intercession to "inspire in everyone's heart feelings of peace and a constructive respect for the will expressed by the people of East Timor in past days".

The Pontiff also remembered yesterday Mother Teresa of Calcutta, on the second anniversary of her death. The Pope recalled the founder of the Missionaries of Charity as an example of a person that gave to Christ her entire life, putting herself at the service of her fellow brothers.

On Saturday, the Pontiff visited the Archdiocese of Salerno, where he inaugurated a new seminary, which bears his name. Addressing seminarians, he asked them to be "docile to the voice of the Lord and to generously give themselves to Him".

The Pope also addressed the young people present. "If the Lord asks some of you to dedicate yourselves entirely to the service of the Gospel, as priests or consecrated men or women, don't be afraid to courageously receive His proposal", he said.

Colombia: Church urges to Reconciliation in Week for Peace

Medellin, 6 (NE) The Bishop's National Secretariat for Pastoral in Colombia has emphasized reconciliation as the fundamental theme of reflection and action to build a better society and humanity during the "Week for Peace", to be held these days in this country.

Among the themes that parishes, groups, communities, families and educative centers will reflect on during this week are reconciliation with God and the restoration of one's own dignity, "which enables to offer and give peace".

Reconciliation with others, being conscious that we are children of the same Father and trying to restore society, putting violence aside and assisting those in need, will be also be encouraged, as well as reconciliation with nature, promoting its preservation.

The Bishop's Secretariat for Pastoral also stressed the importance of hope, and urged all Colombians to "reconcile themselves in hope", accepting that there are authentic reasons for hope based on God's mercy.

Thousands pilgrim to tomb of Mother Teresa on anniversary of her death

Rome, 6 (NE) Thousands of people went on pilgrimage yesterday to the tomb of Mother Teresa in Calcutta, commemorating the second anniversary of her death, which took place on September 5, 1997. The Missionaries of Charity, order founded by Mother Teresa, carried out several Eucharistic celebrations and acts of prayer for the beloved nun. Also, a special feeding program in several areas of the city was organized for the poor. The beatification cause of Mother Teresa has already been introduced in the Archdiocese of Calcutta.

Archbishop asks to oppose casinos in El Salvador

San Salvador, 6 (NE) Archbishop Fernando Saenz Lacalle of San Salvador expressed yesterday his opposition to the installation of casinos throughout the city. After the Sunday Eucharistic celebration, the Archbishop explained his position, affirming that casinos become "centers of vice" in society.

The possible installation of casinos has raised opposition among part of the population. The municipality of San Salvador has announced that it will carry out a plebiscite for people to vote in favor or in opposition to casinos. On this issue, Archbishop Saenz asked people to use the plebiscite in order to denounce what is incorrect. He also called voters to exercise their rights correctly and be against the installation of casinos.

The Salvadoran Archbishop stated as well the need for a more efficient work in centers of reclusion for minors. In view of recent incidents of violence in these places, Archbishop Saenz called authorities to transform these centers of detention into centers of rehabilitation, preparing youth to face life and their integration in society.

Militias attack Bishop Belo's residence in East Timor

Lisbon, 6 (NE) Violence has stepped up in East Timor after last August 30 referendum, when population in the island overwhelmingly voted in favor of independence. Paramilitary groups favorable to the government of Indonesia have increased their attacks on pro-independence supporters, with a still uncertain number of victims.

Yesterday, the residence of Bishop Carlos Belo, Apostolic Administrator of Dili and Nobel Prize winner for his defense of East Timor, was attacked by pro-Indonesia militias, who rampaged through the capital on Sunday night, attacking the Bishop's house, torching a church office and burning houses, as Reuters agency reported.

Shootings have not stopped since, putting in danger the hundreds of East Timorese that have sought refuge at the Bishop's residence. Hundreds of other refugees have also sought refuge in several churches along the island.

It is believed that the action of the militias has the support of the Indonesian armed forces. Diverse authorities talk about a "concerted and planned" operation in order to question the results of the August referendum. Madrid's ABC newspaper informed that observers reported from Jakarta that high-ranked government officials have allowed the militia to attack pro-independence supporters.

Almost 80% of participants in the referendum voted last week for the complete independence from Indonesia, after 24 years since the Indonesian army invaded this former Portuguese colony.

SEPTEMBER 4

Pope highlights role of family in society

Vatican City, 4 (NE) Pope John Paul II received yesterday in Castelgandolfo a group of Bishops from Zambia in their "ad limina" visit. In his address to the Zambian bishops, the Holy Father emphasized the great evangelizing service that the Church carries out in this African country, which is afflicted by poverty, conflicts, and the growth of illnesses such as Aids.

The Pope mentioned the defense of life and family as two of the greatest challenges that the Church must face. "The future of Zambia is the future of the Zambian families", he said. He warned against problems such as divorce, promiscuity and abortion, which are of great danger for society. "No society can flourish unless the family flourishes", he stated.

The Pope also reminded the Bishops the importance to protect the ministry of priests and specially their observance of celibacy. In addition, he exhorted them to build seminaries where future priests can be properly formed.

East Timor votes overwhelmingly for independence

Rome, 4 (NE) After 24 years of being invaded and illegally annexed to Indonesia, East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence. Almost 80% of votes registered during the referendum held August 30 went in favor of independence, in spite of the numerous threats and possible acts of violence announced by anti-independence factions

The results were made known yesterday by the UN's General Secretary, Kofi Annan, and by the chief of the UN mission in Timor East, in Dili. Results showed that 344,580 persons voted for independence (78.5%), while 94,388 voted for autonomy within Indonesia (21.5%).

A Portuguese colony since 1642, this mainly Catholic island obtained independence in 1975, only to be invaded a few days after by neighboring Indonesia. Since then, East Timor has been subjected to a hard and constant repression. Only in the first 11 years of occupation, approximately 200,000 of a population of about 800,000 died.

The fall of General Suharto and the election of Habibie -who announced the referendum in January this year- raised new hopes for the population, who finally voted massively in favor of independence. However, in spite of the voting, the reaction of anti-independence forces linked to the Indonesian army is still feared by the population.

Historic visit of North American Bishops to Vietnam

Washington, 4 (NE) A group of bishops representing the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the United States is carrying out a historic visit to Vietnam during these days. The trip is the first official visit of American bishops since the end of the war against Vietnam in 1975. Archbishop Theodore McCarrick of Newark declared to Reuters agency that even though there has been great progress concerning religious freedom, there was still much to do. He also emphasized the fact that the number of priests ordained in this Asiatic country has increased.

Mass celebrated in Argentina for victims of plane crash

Cordoba, 4 (NE) Archbishop Carlos Ñañez of Cordoba celebrated yesterday a Mass for the victims of the recent plane crash that took place in this Argentinean province. Many relatives of the victims attended the Eucharist celebration. The city's Cathedral was full of faithful who raised their prayers for the victims of the accident and expressed their solidarity with the afflicted.

Archbishop Ñañez called to accept the natural suffering that comes from the death of those beloved, inviting those present to open themselves to hope in the Lord Jesus, "who lives and gives life". "Let us accept his hand full of goodness, because with faith and hope we will find comfort and peace for our pain", said the Prelate. Cardinal Raul Primatesta, Archbishop Emeritus of Cordoba, was also present at the celebration.

Catholic T.V. channel celebrates first anniversary

Rio do Janeiro, 4 (NE) After a year on the air, "TV Horizonte" has surpassed every goal and expectation traced when it began it's service one year ago, informed recently the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, responsible for the Catholic TV channel.

Created to "make a different television, with a direct participation within society and accentuating the Christian values and hope", TV Horizonte looks forward to help people "grow in their social commitment, allowinig them to know the Church's Social Doctrine and create a critical conscience within society", said a speaker from the archdiocese.

Regarding this it was said that one of the most important challenges of the project is to offer programs with a rich dimension of values of faith, in a natural and attractive way. Among the achieved improvements mentioned was the increase in number of hours of braodcasting -from 1hour to 24 hours of daily broadcasting during this first year-, as well as the use of a digital satellite as from July this year.

SEPTEMBER 3

Peru: Conference on "Third Millennium and New Evangelization"

Lima, 3 (NE) "Third Millennium and New Evangelization" was the theme of the conference offered yesterday by Coadjutor Archbishop Hector Aguer of La Plata, Argentina, to Peruvian faithful. The event gathered hundreds of people in the city of Lima to reflect in the teachings of the Church at the threshold of the new millennium.

At the beginning of the conference, Archbishop Aguer declared the need to understand the deep meaning of the words "New Evangelization" and "Third Millennium" to avoid transforming them into simple slogans "without contents". Both terms, he explained, are related to the celebration of the Great Jubilee, and prepare the Church to face the characteristics of the coming world.

New Evangelization, he recalled "is not re-evangelization, but means new in its ardor, its methods and expression". It also "takes us back to the First Evangelization, that christianized our Latin American people". Referring to evangelization in this continent during the 16 and 17 centuries, the Prelate emphasized that "we must talk of a New Evangelization in the sense of a new impulse of this one and only Evangelization. We must inscribe the New Evangelization in continuity with the First Evangelization".

The Argentinean prelate also talked about five "chronic" problems that "demand the ordinary pastoral action in the Church's life" in view of New Evangelization in the Third Millennium. The first of these problems, he pointed out, is the breach that exists between the number of baptized and the number of those who actually practice their Catholicism. Secondly, he talked about a "popular piety not enough evangelized".

The third chronic problem he indicated was the moral decadence as "the people's way of life". He insisted that "the secularist phenomenon implies the decision, as a cultural fact, to live as if God didn't exist". In a society with these characteristics it is finally "the consensus which defines what is good and what is wrong, in a pragmatic way, without any reference to the essential goods of the human nature and the positive law of God".

"The growing fragility of familiar life" and the "absence of Catholic laity in the main places where the new cultural values are gestated" were the other two problems that the Argentinean Prelate mentioned during the conference. At the end of his talk, Coadjutor Archbishop Aguer answered several questions made by attendants.

Oldest Catholic church ruins found in China

Rome, 3 (NE) Ruins recently discovered along the ancient Chinese "Silk road" dating back to the XIII century are believed to be the place of an ancient Catholic church, probably the oldest Catholic temple in Asia. The site, about 380 miles northwest of Beijing, was found in a village called "Abinsm", meaning in Mongolian "place with many temples".

China's Xinhua News agency informed that the exact nature of the ruins was unknown, until recent excavations discovered some lions sculpted in white rock, similar to those found in Italian cathedrals. Tile shards found also carry designs similar to those found in Europe. The new findings made archeologists believe that it may be an ancient Catholic temple. Great walls 5 meter tall were also found among the remnants, which probably surrounded the temple.

National meeting of priests to reflect on reconciliation

Buenos Aires, 3 (NE) In preparation for the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, more than 400 priest will gather together in Cordoba, Argentina, to participate in the second National Meeting of Priests, organized by the Episcopal Committee for Ministry. The meeting, to be held September 7-9, will center its reflections on God the Father and the gift of reconciliation. The first conference will be given by the President of the Argentinean Episcopate, Archbishop Estanislao Karlic of Parana, about "The priest as a witness of the Father's mercy". Other themes will include "The priest as minister of reconciliation" and "God the Father in Scripture".

Denver to inaugurate new theological seminary

Denver, 3 (NE) On September 8, feast of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, the Archdiocese of Denver will celebrate a historic moment with the inauguration of the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver will celebrate an open-air Mass at the John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization for the occasion.

The ceremony will also be attended among others by Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and former Archbishop of Denver, Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, Archbishop of Paris, and Bishop Angelo Scola, Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

"This is truly a grace-filled and exciting time for the diocese", said Father Sam Aquila, Rector of the new seminary, which currently has 55 archdiocesan seminarians. "I believe God is providing us with a tremendous opportunity as a diocese with the number of priestly vocations that we are receiving".

Catholic University encourages reflection on ethics and human life

Lisbon, 3 (NE) The Faculty of Theology of Portugal's Catholic University will soon hold a course to reflect about "ethics in human life". The course, sponsored by the National Committee for Health Pastoral, will take place in Lisbon from September 13 through 17. Experts from the Catholic Medical Association and from the National Committee for Health Pastoral will attend the event.

During the five-day course, participants will reflect about several ethical issues related to the different stages of human life, such as abortion and euthanasia. Conferences will also be given on the "philosophic foundation of Bioethics", on "Ethic of life in history and in Christian tradition", as well as on Pope John Paul II' Encyclical "Evangelium vitae".

SEPTEMBER 2

"The Church does not fear the truth of history", says Pope

Vatican City, 2 (NE) "The Church does not fear the truth that comes from history", declared Pope John Paul II as he gathered yesterday with pilgrims during Wednesday's general audience in the Vatican.

"The II Vatican Council has inspired an important renewal impulse within the Church during this century", said the Pope. He also expressed that "the Church, faithful to the teachings of the Council, is conscious that only through the continuous purification of its members and institutions can she offer to the world a coherent witness of the Lord".

The Pontiff affirmed that the Church, following an "unavoidable exigency of truth" acknowledges "together with the positive aspects, the human limits and weaknesses of the many generations of followers of Christ".

He also explained that this acknowledgement should not "be understood as an act of false humility nor as a denial of its bi-millenary history, which is certainly rich in charity, culture and holiness".

God: the great excluded from education, claims Archbishop

Buenos Aires, 2 (NE) "¿How can we understand that in some educative environments all themes and questions are treated, but there is only one discriminated, one greatly forgotten: God?", asked Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, as he met yesterday with a group of local businessmen.

Addressing members of the Christian Association of Business Managers (ACDE), Archbishop Bergoglio emphasized the need of an education that forms in the respect for each person and the respect of diversity as a path to unity.

The Argentinean Prelate criticized the fact that today "it seems that the public environment must be 'light'", "lacking any type of conviction", where "the only admitted position is that in favor of vagueness, frivolity or the interests of the most powerful".

Archbishop Bergoglio invited the businessmen to a greater commitment with faith. He stressed the need to "generate a culture of encounter" in contrast to a culture of "fragmentation or of no integration".

Gypsy pilgrimage to Marian sanctuary of Lourdes

Rome, 2 (NE) Hundreds of gypsy families participated last weekend of the 43rd annual pilgrimage to the Marian Sanctuary of Lourdes, in France. Under the motto "With Mary on our road toward God, our Father", approximately 8,000 gypsies gathered at Lourdes, coming from numerous regions of France and other European countries, such as Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Rumania.

The main event of the pilgrimage took place on Sunday, when a Eucharist celebration was held at the Marian sanctuary. Upon concluding the Mass, began the blessing of the mobile houses, installed in the surroundings of the city. It is expected that the gypsy community will gather again next year, but this time in the city of Rome, in order to assist to the Jubilee of Migrants to be carried out in June.

Largest wooden crucifix in the world raised in Argentina

Buenos Aires, 2 (NE) Faithful in the city of Concordia, Argentina, raised last week a wooden crucified Christ to be probably the largest image of its kind in the world. As the the daily "El Diario" reported, the wooden cross is 20 meters high, while the image of Christ is 10 meters tall. Chilean artist Luis Javin Sissana, who donated his work to the community, carved the impressive wooden image. The body of the Lord Jesus was carved from a special trunk of a "timbo" approximately 250 years old, and the cross was made with "lapacho" wood, about 90 years old. The cross was raised at the Plaza San Carlos.

Africa: Church helps resettle families displaced by tribal conflicts

Rome, 2 (NE) The Catholic Church in Kenya has played a fundamental role in order to help the situation of hundreds of families displaced due to violent clashes between tribes in the country. As a local magazine informed recently, the Church in this nation has helped to resettle more than 1000 families over the last three years. Most of these families have been displaced by the 1992/93 tribal clashes that hit various parts of the country. Apart from being allocated land, the families were given rehabilitation materials to enable them build houses on the plots. The settlement program benefited only those who were unable to return to their farms

SEPTEMBER 1

Holy Land needs reconciliation, says Jerusalem Patriarch

Rome, 1 (NE) "This land, in which reconciliation of man with God has taken place, and from which reconciliation has been given to the world, hasn't found its own reconciliation yet". These are the words of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah, who denounced the difficult situation of Catholics that live in the holy places where the Lord once lived.

"To be Christian in Holy Land is a vocation, a vocation to a difficult life", declared Patriarch Sabbah in a recent interview published by the Catholic Italian newspaper "Avvenire". Problems are mainly caused by the politic, economic and social instability of the region, recalled the Patriarch. He also indicated one of its main consequences: the emigration of Christians. "Fifty years ago, from eight thousand people that live in Bethlehem, six thousand were Catholics; now there are twelve thousand, from forty thousand". The number of Catholics in the Patriarchate -which includes Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Cyprus- does not reach 140 thousand.

Nevertheless, "I don't think that sanctuaries will become museums", says Patriarch Sabbah. "There will always be a living Christian community at the holy places". This living community is preparing with great enthusiasm for the celebration of the Great Jubilee of Year 2000. "The first step was the Synod, begun in 1995, and which will conclude on February of 2000. With it we prepare ourselves as a Christian community for the Great Mercy", he stated.

Patriarch Sabbah also emphasized the visit of the Holy Father, "which will necessarily be the climax of the Holy Year. "I am convinced that we will receive from the Pope a great spiritual help for the path of the Church in Jerusalem". "From this place Peter departed. It all began in this city, in these places", he adds.

Among the needs of the Church at this region, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem stresses the importance of "a strategy that values the 'small flock' that lives in the places of the Lord". He indicates three main areas where help is needed. The first one is education, emphasizing the need to "offer college formation and to give in this way weight to Christian presence in society". There is also the need to raise funds and to keep and buy lands in the area, and also to guarantee good places where Christians can live in a time of general instability.

Central American Bishops create commission to help migrants

Managua, 1 (NE) After the meeting that Bishops from Nicaragua and Costa Rica held last weekend to discuss the problem of migration, Prelates from both countries announced the creation of a bilateral commission to encourage social projects in these neighbor countries, informed Ronald Bendaña, Director of Caritas in Nicaragua. About 500 thousand Nicaraguan migrants currently live in Costa Rica. During the Prelates' meeting, which was held in the city of Liberia, Costa Rica, the members of both episcopates agreed to ask the governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica to support development programs encouraged by municipalities in border areas to avoid migration. They also emphasized the need to encourage authorities to fortify dialogue in order to solve any conflict as brother countries.

Holy See encourages appropriate participation of youth during Holy Year

Vatican City, 1 (NE) With the purpose of encouraging youth on pilgrimage to Rome to an appropriate participation during the Great Jubilee, the Vatican Committee in charge of celebrations for the year 2000 has organized an "itinerary for the youth" all along the Holy Year.

The activities "are not planned to keep the youth away of their pilgrimage or other events in the jubilee", but rather to offer them moments of encounter with the Lord and of reflection about the meaning of the celebration, in which they can participate together with young people from other countries.

Eucharist Adoration will be specially encouraged. Every Thursday night, in the Church of Saint Agnes in Piazza Navona, there will be three hours of Eucharist Adoration for young people. The participation of youth in the sacrament of reconciliation will be also stimulated.

Other activities include gatherings of "witness and prayer", to be held Monday through Friday, and every Wednesday at 8:00 pm, young pilgrims will be congregated at Saint Peter's Square for the "prayer of the pilgrim". Finally, a radio program is being prepared which will be animated by young people for young people, and will be emitted by Vatican Radio in several languages.

Archbishop intercedes for liberation of kidnapped faithful

Cali, 1 (NE) After three months since the kidnapping of a group of parishioners in "La Maria" church, Archbishop Isaias Duarte Cancino of Cali, Colombia, presided a Eucharist celebration in the Plaza de Toros. The Mass was attended by several relatives of the faithful kidnapped last May.

"As you know, I met with the people in order to request on behalf of God for the liberation of those kidnapped", said the Archbishop to relatives during the homily. The Colombian prelate explained that the guerilla has agreed to release some people, although they continue firm in their intention of requesting money for their liberation.

"They have intentions of converting this sacrilegious kidnapping, for their own misfortune, in an extortive kidnapping", Archbishop Duarte affirmed. He called the guerilla once again to acknowledge their mistaken attitude and correct their error.

According to recent reports from the Colombian press, yesterday two hostages of the nearly 45 that the National Liberation Army maintains in captivity were released.

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