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NOVEMBER 23

Pope John Paul II highlights example of new saints

Vatican City, 23 (NE) Meeting with groups of pilgrims that had attended the celebration of canonization held on the day before, Pope John Paul II stressed yesterday that the 12 new saints proclaimed on Sunday are a blessing for the Church.

"These saints," said the Pope, "beloved children of the Church and faithful witnesses of the Risen Lord, bear witness to us of a rich spirituality, forged in daily faith and in the unconditional commitment to their vocation of service to others."

The Martyrs of Turon, in particular, who come from different parts of Spain, and one of them from Argentina, "are the eloquent proof that faithfulness to Christ is more valuable than life itself," stated the Pontiff.

The Pope also recalled St. Benedetto Menni, member of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God and Founder of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as an "apostle in the field of holiness," who "was generous in effort and suffering" at his service.

At the end, the Holy Father referred to St. Tommaso da Cori. He recalled him as someone who "had understood that a reform begins with the work on oneself. Therefore his humble person is one of the great reformers of the Order of Minor Friars".

Cardinal Sodano presided Mass recalling peace between Argentina and Chile

Vatican City, 23 (NE) Yesterday the XV anniversary of the historic treaty of peace and friendship between Argentina and Chile was celebrated in the Vatican during a Mass presided by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State. The treaty, signed on November 29, 1984, constituted the "basis for the integration and cooperation between both nations," said the Cardinal, who also gave thanks for the peace between these countries "of deep Christian roots."

Cardinal Sodano also stated that the solution attained fifteen years ago must "be an example for the present international situation, where there are still many conflicts and where the threat of the use of violence" continues growing. The Vatican Secretary of State concluded praying to "Blessed Mary, Immaculate at the Sanctuary of Lujan (Argentina) and Mother of the Carmel at the Sanctuary of Maipu (Chile), so beloved and venerated by your people. I ask her to help, through her maternal intercession, the leaders of your noble countries in the task of preserving peace."

Also present at the celebration were Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Ubaldo Calabresi, Apostolic Nuncio in Argentina, and Archbishop Estanislao Karlic of Parana, Argentina. The president of Argentina, Carlos Menem, was also present.

Catholic Campaign of solidarity against poverty held in St. Louis

Saint Louis, 23 (NE) Putting into practice the message given by the Pope during his visit last year, the Church in St. Louis organized last weekend the annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. The campaign works to provide good jobs, decent housing, safe neighborhoods and strong leaders in communities across the country.

The annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development was held the weekend of Nov. 20 and 21 at parishes throughout the archdiocese. As the St. Louis Review reported, the campaign is one of the nation's largest private funder of projects that empower the poor and work to eliminate poverty and injustice in the United States.

Groups receiving grants from the campaign assist low-income residents in addressing housing issues, provide training for immigrants in neighborhood involvement, give support to women in transition from prison life to the community, and bring crime victims and perpetrators together for restorative justice.

In his message last year, the Pope urged to build a "just and human society", centered in the defense of human life and dignity. "If you want peace, work for justice. If you want justice, defend life. If you want life, embrace the truth -the truth revealed by God," stated the Holy Father during his visit, as the archdiocesan weekly recalled.

Death sentence is not the solution, says Cardinal Rivera

Mexico City, 23 (NE) Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico, stated last Sunday that the Church is not in favor of acts that threaten the gift of life, such as capital punishment. In order to take part in the Kingdom of God, he said during his homily, it is necessary to fight against the lies, the falsehood, the hypocrisy and the culture of death.

Alluding to the recent kidnapping and murder of a boy, he clarified that capital punishment is not the solution for those that attempt against the life of children. "We are easily tempted to proclaim the individual revenge by dictating the capital punishment, knowing that the revenge only creates more violence."

"In what measure are we in complicity with those while we continue applauding those projects and programs against the gift of human life, how much of that complicity will weigh over us if we continued fomenting the diffusion of violence?," he asked.

Concluding his homily, the Cardinal Archbishop of Mexico explained that peace is a fruit of justice, and that without it, it is impossible to achieve it. If one wants to live in harmony one must above all wave the flag of love, he stated.

Impressive image of Christ hails peace between Chile and Peru

Lima, 23 (NE) In a significant expression of peace among two brotherly nations of profound Catholic roots, yesterday an impressive image of the Christ of Peace was placed in the hill of Arica, Chile. The 11 meter high image, whose arms extend one toward Peru and the other toward Chile, was specified in a complementary treaty of Friendship signed in November, 1929, as an expression of good will between the two nations after waging war against each other. The image, brought from Spain and made by a Chilean artist, was placed finally on the Hill of Arica after 70 years since the signing of the agreement.

NOVEMBER 22

Pope John Paul II proclaims 12 new saints

Vatican City, 22 (NE) Pope John Paul II proclaimed yesterday 12 new saints, 10 of them martyrs, during a Eucharist celebration held inside St. Peter's Basilica due to the bad weather.

Among the new saints were Father Inocencio de la Inmaculada and Cirilo Beltran and his seven companions, Brothers of the Christian Schools, who were killed defending their faith in Spain in 1934. One of them was born in Argentina, becoming the first canonized saint born in this country.

Jaume Hilari Barbal, another martyr canonized yesterday, was killed in Tarragona, Spain, three years later, during the Civil War. "They didn't fear to shed their blood for Christ, thus they defeated death and now they participate in the glory of the Kingdom of God. Today I have the joy to inscribe them in the catalog of saints."

The Pontiff also proclaimed saints two Italian religious men: Benito Menni (1841-1914), priest of the Order of Saint John of God, who dedicated his life to the sick, and Tommaso da Cori (1655-1729), who was an "exceptional preacher and confessor."

These 12 new saints, said Pope John Paul II, "show us the path of the Kingdom of God, the path of the Gospel lived radically," and they "also support our serene certainty that all created realities find their plenitude in Christ". At the end of the ceremony the Pope prayed to the Virgin Mary, Queen of Saints, imploring her intercession so that we, "following her example, may also faithfully collaborate in the mystery of Redemption."

Bishops urge to reconciliation and respect for religion in Chile

Santiago de Chile, 22 (NE) This weekend, the Bishops in Chile issued an expected message regarding the next presidential elections, to be held December 12. In their words directed to Chilean Catholics and men of good will, the Prelates urged to vote in conscience and within the framework of the necessary reconciliation and respect of the religious values of the Chilean people.

Among other things, the Bishops recalled that "no political system is fully identified with the Kingdom of God". They also offered several guidelines to be considered at the time of voting for the next president. "Our people want to live in a reconciled country, whose social environment is animated by truth and justice, respect for persons and institutions, by generosity, mercy, forgiveness and peace, in one word, by love," they stated.

The message also recalled that the "Christian humanistic roots of our culture demand from us respect of human dignity, promotion of all human rights, starting from the protection and absolute respect of all life, as an inviolable gift of God from conception until its natural death."

The text made public by the Chilean Bishop's Conference points out the "importance of the religious dimension" of people and also emphasized the importance of youth. It finally stated that the new leaders and legislators must encourage "policies that favor the constitution of families that become true sanctuaries of life and peace, stable families, that value the children, where there is dialogue and faithfulness."

Largest neo gothic temple in Latin America concluded in Argentina

Lima, 22 (NE) Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima ordained yesterday as deacon a member of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, during a Mass held at the Archdiocese of Lima. A great number of members of the Sodalite Family, as well as relatives and friends of the ordained deacon, attended the Eucharist celebration, expressing their joy and gratefulness for all the blessings the Lord has given to the community with the presence of a new deacon. During the homily, Archbishop Cipriani expressed his joy for the vocations to priesthood and also urged the new deacon to "guide the people to the encounter with Christ." The Prelate recalled as well the example of Mary as fundamental for priestly life.

25 new churches constructed in Rome for Jubilee year

Rome, 22 (NE) The construction of new temples in the city of Rome has been an important area of growth for the Church in the Eternal City. Next Sunday, upon beginning the liturgical time of Advent, a campaign that aims to increase the conscience among faithful regarding the construction of new temples and parochial centers will begin in the diocese of Rome.

"We need, due to the growth of the city, of new parochial churches that may serve not only as holy places of worship, but also centers for life as a community," pointed out Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar General of Pope John Paul II for the Diocese of Rome, in a letter addressed to Roman faithful.

According to sources of the diocese, the project denominated "50 churches for Rome 2000" has already begun giving good results. Currently, there are 16 temples that have been already concluded, and 9 more are in construction. It is expected that before the year 2000 the city will have 25 new churches, which will be "authentic centers of life, point of reference and motor for activities in their area," as Cardinal Ruini pointed out.

Brazilian Cardinal denounces false arguments encouraging population control

Rio do Janeiro, 22 (NE) Cardinal Eugenio de Araujo Sales, Archbishop of Rio do Janeiro, was present in the "IV Latin American Congress of Movements for the Defense of Life," an initiative organized last weekend, in Brasilia, by the Pontifical Council for the Family and several Pro-Life movements. Recalling the congress in a recent article, the Brazilian Cardinal denounced as well several false arguments use to encourage population control.

Regarding what he calls a "demographic colonialism," Cardinal de Araujo pointed out that "false arguments camouflage pressures in order to avoid the growth of the population in weak and poor countries of the Third World." He also denounced "the loss of the sacred value of human life, especially of the most innocent." "I am lively impressed -he said- of a world where so much is talked about the respect for others, about fighting violence, and the preservation of human rights, and the advance of, what the II Vatican Council qualifies as an 'abominable crime': abortion."

Referring to another type of "colonialism", the "biological," type, he warned that "it is stimulated by the disproportional profit for certain laboratories and technicians, scientific teams without moral barriers." "Within the view of this -the Brazilian Cardinal pointed out- the congress proposes that a parliamentary group in defense of life and the family be constituted in each country of Latin America". He also stressed the need to propose a legislation that may protect life from its conception until its natural death, finally requesting as well support from Episcopal Conferences, parishes and movements to defend life.

NOVEMBER 20

Holy Father points out importance of developing a Christian humanism

Vatican City, 20 (NE) Pope John Paul II's message to the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture, held with the theme "For a New Christian Humanism, on the Threshold of a New Millennium", was made public yesterday. The different conceptions of contemporary man, wrote the Pope in his message, too often "have become systems of thought which have a tendency to turn away from the truth and to exclude God."

"They believe that thus they affirm the primacy of man, in the name of a supposed truth and full development," stated the Pontiff, "but these ideologies deprive man from the constitutive dimension of person created at the image and likeness of God." "This profound mutilation becomes today a true threat for man," he said.

It is necessary, continued the Pope, to "begin and develop a Christian anthropology for our time that constitutes our cultural basis." He also affirmed that "the most authentic humanism is the one that the Bible reveals us in God's Plan of Love for man. This Plan has become even more admirable through the Redeemer. 'Truly, only in the mystery of the Incarnated Word does the mystery of man find its true light'."

Religion classes declared obligatory in Peru

Lima, 20 (NE) The Peruvian government informed yesterday that religion classes will be obligatory in schools, thus rejecting the proposal of the Ministry of Education to make them elective. President Alberto Fujimori himself stated in a press conference that this subject "is considered important in the formation of students." He also said that the decision was taken after carefully listening to the positions in favor and against. Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima recently reaffirmed the position of the Church regarding the issue, which raised serious concern among Peruvian Bishops. The details of the implementation have not been established yet, neither has the number of hours of classes been defined. This will be decided after evaluating the aims and contents of the subject.

Largest neo gothic temple in Latin America concluded in Argentina

Buenos Aires, 20 (NE) Yesterday the new facade of the Cathedral of La Plata, Argentina was presented with a beautiful show of lights and sounds attended by 100.000 faithful. After more than a century since the beginning of its construction, the impressing neo gothic temple showed for the first time its two 112 meters high towers.

"The Church in Argentina, faithful to the spiritual richness that has characterized its history, knows well that it is not possible to expect a blossoming of Christian life in a context where faith is lived anonymously, reduced to subjectivity and the private dimension of existence," recalled Pope John Paul II in a message sent for the event. The Pope's message was read by Cardinal Raul Primatesta, Archbishop Emeritus of Cordoba, who presided over the act as a special legate of the Holy Father. Archbishop Carlos Galan of La Plata, who blessed the new constructions, the archdiocese's Coadjutor Archbishop Hector Aguer, as well as other civil authorities, were also present.

The Argentinean Theater's Orchestra and a chorus of 450 persons accompanied the ceremony during which different works of restoration were also presented. The Cathedral of La Plata is currently the greatest neo gothic temple in the American Continent. Approximately a million persons visit the temple yearly.

Chilean Bishop's Assembly stresses evangelization of youth

Santiago, 20 (NE) With a pilgrimage to the national Shrine of Our Lady of Maipu, the Chilean Bishop's Conference concluded this week their 78th Plenary Assembly. At the Marian shrine visited by thousands of faithful every year, Archbishop Javier Errazuriz of Santiago, President of the Bishop's Conference, gave a message highlighting several reflections made by the Prelates during their meeting. One of the main themes discussed during the Assembly, explained Archbishop Errazuriz, was the pastoral work among youth, with the presence of several Church associations and groups that carry on apostolate with young people. The profound significance and call to conversion in the frame of celebrations for the Great Jubilee was also discussed. After making an analysis of the current reality of Chile, it is expected that the Bishops in this country will soon issue a document offering faithful guidelines regarding different important issues. Among them the need to protect family, national reconciliation, human rights, and the defense of life.

NOVEMBER 19

Ideological action does not satiate the hunger, states Holy Father

Vatican City, 19 (NE) Yesterday morning the Pope gave a message to the participants of the XXX Assembly of the FAO, the United Nation's Organization for Alimentation and Agriculture, taking place in Rome. The Assembly began the 12th of November and will conclude on Tuesday the 23rd. Approximately a thousand people are participating.

In his message, the Pope enumerated the great evils that afflict humanity at the end of this millennium. Evils such as hunger, the growing gap between the rich and the poor, and violence. "Life itself is threatened", he stated.

The Pontiff also denounced the existence of "certain moral paralysis" in many areas of society before the most extreme problems of humanity. This makes people think "that there is nothing or very little to do," he added. In this context, the Pope explained that "action moved by ideologies does not satiate hunger." Instead, one can perceive the urgent need of the "force of hope, that is much deeper and infinitely more creative." "It is a more realistic, and at the same time, a more confident point of view," he said.

The Pope urged the "United Nations to become a more efficacious tool of development, solidarity and peace" for the coming millennium. In this way, he added, it can "guarantee the prevalence of the human rights, which transcend the will of individuals and nations".

International Conference "Economy and health" took place in Rome

Vatican City, 19 (NE) The Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers organized the XIV International Conference "Economy and Health", which took place yesterday. 588 guests from 70 countries participated. There were members of the Roman Curia, ambassadors and workers from different branches of health care.

Bishop Javier Lozano Barragan, President of the Pontifical Council, addressed in his introductory lecture on the importance of the theme "economy and health" in the actual context of globalization and privatization and the need of health care assistance in great scale. He also emphasized the important role the Church has in the health care area and detailed its specific contributions.

Cardinal Fiorenzo Angelini, Emeritus President of this dicastery, also gave a lecture on this theme. He talked about the necessity that countries with more resources must help those in need in the area of health care. Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi stated in his lecture that the human person's dignity "constitutes the architectonic principle to judge and solve human problems, even those related to economy and health."

Bishop Berlie calls not to give up before the strategy of sects

Mexico City, 19 (NE) Bishop Emilio Berlie, Archbishop of Yucatan, offered a conference titled "Jubilee of the Year 2000." His goal was to clarify the strategies used by some sects in Mexico during the last months, to spread fear and doubt among the faithful concerning the celebration and the authentic meaning of the year 2000.

"The sects, instead of presenting a program of life and hope, limit themselves to cause fear and restlessness in the heart of the faithful, waving the flag of the end of the world with the arrival of the year 2000," he affirmed. But "the end of the world is something that only God knows". For this reason "when they arrive at your door and tell you that the world is coming to an end, that the signs are visible, that the end is at hand, say no to the culture of fear, of terror. Feel glad for being ready to face death that is inevitable and which could be any day; for that will be when we arrive to the end of our earthly life."

After making these explanations, Bishop Berlie exposed the meaning and importance of the Jubilee, making a call to live it fully through forgiveness, faith and hope. "The Jubilee of the year 2000 -he reminded- must be lived in pardon and reconciliation. It is the opportunity to start again and re-answer to our faith with new intensity and hope, with that dignity that we have received from the Father, who receives the prodigal son, to whom he not only forgives but also exalts and returns his dignity."

Brazilian Archdioceses encourages Children's Pastoral

São Paulo, 19 (NE) With the aim of promoting and implementing Child Pastoral, the Archdioceses of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, is organizing on the 19th, 20th and 21st of November, a training-encounter. It will concern these fundamental topics concerning this pastoral: the basic health care policies, education and nutrition, human relationships, care during pregnancy and Catechesis.

The training meeting aims to create a Pastoral for the Child in parishes where there is no such a thing, to train leaders for parishes where it's already present and finally to summon more people that may contribute to it. The archdioceses is also promoting an encounter for the "evaluation and planning" destined to the groups that work in the area of community mental health, essential education and communications.

Bishops of Nicaragua make a call for peace and respect

Managua, 19 (NE) "Nicaragua needs an atmosphere of peace which may make it possible for all to develop and to live in a prosper way; especially those who face grave poverty," affirmed in a recent declaration the Bishops of Nicaragua, at the end of a yearly meeting Bishops' Conference of this country.

The Bishops made an invitation to "withdraw all the negative attitudes, either personal or common," and instead to live in Nicaragua "objectivity and respect for people." Towards the end of these meetings were made known the Pastoral orientations for this year, as well as the new directives of the Episcopate, that is still presided by Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Managua.

NOVEMBER 18

Pope John Paul II commented on his recent apostolic trip

Vatican City, 18 (NE) Yesterday, during the General Audience, Pope John Paul II commented on his recent apostolic visit to India and Georgia. Before the pilgrims gathered at Saint Peter's Square he thanked God for the opportunity to make this trip and to announce the Gospel in these lands.

The Holy Father specially recalled the promulgation ceremony of the post-synod Apostolic Exhortation "Ecclesia in Asia". He also referred to the role that the Church has had in the history of India from the times of the apostle Thomas´ predication.

The Pope also talked about the current problems of religious intolerance that frequently afflict many members of the Church in that country. He emphasized the importance of religious freedom.

Furthermore he explained the necessary conditions for different religions to live together. He said that, on one hand, evangelization "must always take place with a deep respect of the conscience of those who listen to the message", and on the other hand, "freedom of conscience and free exercise of religion are fundamental human rights in a society."

Then he talked about his trip to Georgia. The Holy Father emphasized how "after 70 years of communist repression -during which many Orthodox and Catholic martyrs gave heroic witness of their faith-, the little Catholic community of the Caucasian is progressively strengthening its life and structures." He also recalled with emotion "his visit to Saints Peter and Paul Church in Tibisili, the only Catholic temple that remained open during totalitarianism."

Diocese of Santo Amaro celebrated its VI Diocesan Assembly

São Paulo, 18 (NE) Last weekend, the diocese of Saint Amaro located in the Brazilian city of São Paulo, celebrated its VI Diocesan Assembly with a special festive nature due to the 10th anniversary of its founding. Almost 300 participants reflected on evangelization and preparation for the Jubilee year.

Bishop Fernando Antonio Figuereido of Santo Amaro emphasized the aim of this meeting and the urgent need of each Christian to commit himself to the task of being an evangelizer that wants to announce the Gospel in all places with his words and the coherent testimony of his Christian life.

In this VI Assembly, many pastors, religious and lay people were present. All of them work for the growth of this diocese in the different areas in which it has been divided. Delegates from the ecclesial movements that work in the diocese were also present.

National Commission for Lay calls to discern on program for candidates

Santiago de Chile, 18 (NE) In a recent message, the National Commission for Lay of the Chilean Bishops' Conference, has made a calling to society to keep in mind a group of basic principles to discern the different politic projects of the presidential candidates.

They pointed out in the letter that any government will necessarily have "a) The most faithful respect for each person and his dignity, from his conception until his death. b) To allow for all Chileans the access to freedom, that is born from the free access to culture and knowledge, to the benefits of the economic realities and to the exercise of their rights and civic duties. c) That it may tend to faithfully preserve the binding of marriage and to strengthen the family: fundamental cell of society and essential environment to make concrete and to develop our challenges as baptized people. d) To guarantee the free and equal access to health, education, housing and social protection, such as a worthy and just remuneration for work, without discrimination of sex, age, ethnic or religion. e) To value the contribution of Christianity to our culture"

Upon concluding the letter, the National Commission for Lay pointed out that each citizen's option should consider if the program of each candidate "is not in contradiction with the message of Christ, the Social Doctrine of the Church or its Magisterium, and that their participation, may imply to lead from a Christian vision that aims to facilitate the development of a just, fair and united country.

Christian Life Movement pilgrims to "Aparecida´s " shrine

São Paulo, 18 (NE) Last Sunday, about 400 members of the Christian Life Movement in Brazil carried out a great pilgrimage in view of the preparation for the I Plenary Assembly of the movement to take place at Rome in December. The CLM members of the different places where it is present: Rio, São Paulo, Niteroi, Petropolis and Londrina, began the pilgrimage in the city of Guaratingueta where the Blessed Brother Galvão lived and they culminated before the image of our Lady of Aparecida. Throughout the pilgrimage, the members of the CLM meditated on how all Christian is called to be a pilgrim, and how while we pilgrim toward the definitive encounter with the Lord, Mary our Mother offers us her care and maternal guide.

Upon arriving to the sanctuary it was full of people, that coming from all over the country, prayed before the patron of Brazil. The CLM members had a moment of encounter and fraternal sharing, and afterwards they participated in the Holy Mass. Finally, the pilgrims went once again toward the image, leaving their different intentions at her feet and raising a common prayer for the preparation of the I Plenary Assembly.

Church in Congo works for reconciliation

Rome, 18 (NE) Bishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, Archbishop of Kisangani - an area of Congo occupied by militaries since last year -, affirmed recently to the Fides agency that the Christian people "lives this period with a notable bravery, with a faith that helps them understand the profound meaning of the events, with a great spirit of hope."

Also, explaining the reasons for the attack to the Church in his country, the bishop pointed out that the Church "is attacked because of its mission… it's in favor of peace, it always requesting to silence the weapons, it is always making a choice for the dialogue." "This message is contrary to those that promote war," the Archbishop of Kisangani added, who highlighted the importance of "working for the reconciliation in this martyred territory."

NOVEMBER 17

Pope John Paul II visits Pontifical Lateran University

Vatican City, 17 (NE) Yesterday morning the Holy Father visited the Pontifical Lateran University in order to inaugurate the school year and to bless its new facilities. The Pope greeted the cardinals and bishops, as well as the teachers and students. He specially saluted Cardinal Camillo Ruini - University Great Chancellor and also Vicar of the Pope for the Diocese of Rome - and Angelo Scola, who is the Great Principal of the Institution.

The Holy Father said that the "renewed attention on man and his intrinsic relationship with the being and the question about God makes us see the specific task of each faculty and of the operant institutes of the Lateran University."

He specifically referred to the School of Philosophy, and said that "in the actual cultural context, the new dimensioning of reason's pretensions of exclusiveness and the confirmed aridity of the agnostic relativism, put the investigation of the integrality of the ´humanum´ at the center of the university's attention."

Then he referred to the School of Theology. The Pope urged to "assume the incessant tension of the intellectus fidei to always penetrate deeper in the mystery of God." The Pope also emphasized the work of the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. He confirmed the importance "of the search of the Plan of God for the person, matrimony and family."

Holy Father underlines the need of conversion to achieve positive social transformations

Vatican City, 17 (NE) Yesterday the 43rd Social Week of Italian Catholics was inaugurated with the reading of a message sent by the Holy Father. The event will take place in Naples until November 20th. It will develop the theme "What civil society do we want for Italy tomorrow?"

The Pope calls Italy his "second homeland," and expresses his hope that the "civil society will always be animated by Christian tradition and culture." He also stated that a change towards the good of society always begins with a spiritual renovation and the conversion of the society members. Together with the primacy of the spiritual level, he emphasized "the priority of the evangelization of culture, privileged terrain where faith encounters the existence and history of the human being."

The Holy Father also stated that one can never forget that "family is the heart of society. Family, founded in matrimony, is a stable community, a sanctuary of love and life." He then stated that the defense of family and life is a "sacred duty" of the authorities.

Archbishop Claudio Hummes affirms that there is a "New springtime for the lay"

Sao Paulo, 17 (NE) "The Holy Spirit made emerge and continues supporting an overwhelming mobilization of Christian lay men and lay women in the Church, throughout the world, and here in Brazil also." affirmed the Metropolitan Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Archbishop Claudio Hummes, in a recent communiqué. In the same way, showing his excitement for the growing of lay participation in the Church, he called it "the new springtime of the lay people, provided by the Holy Spirit and an extraordinarily renewal for the Church" and it has been organized in the different ecclesial movements.

Archbishop said that the lay ecclesial movements have become "one of the main strengths for the New Evangelization," and they have been spread all over because of the II Vatican Council, that gave to the lay a "new commitment and a decisive input." "Diverse Movements and different kinds of lay organizations were born, in this way now we have a very wide range of associations. They deeply enrich the ecclesial life and participate with enthusiasm in the Evangelization."

The Prelate reminded the Pope John Paul II´s support to the ecclesial movements, as well as the importance of the "Christifideles Laici" and the encounter with the Ecclesial Movements and New Communities that took place during the solemnity of Pentecost in 1998. In that occasion the Pope invited the lay to continue growing in maturity and fidelity to the Holy Spirit.

Relator of the Cause says that arguments against Pius XII are calumnies

Rome, 17 (NE) "Many false things have been said about Pius XII," recently affirmed Rev. Father Gumpel, S.J, who works as "relator" for the Pope´s cause since 1983. He is in charge of reading and reviewing all the researches done about the estimated Pontiff.

During an interview made by the Catholic News Service Agency, Father Gumpel pointed our that after three years of research about the Pope Pacelli, he is convinced that the Supreme Pontiff was a saint man who lived heroically the virtues of faith, charity, humility and prudence. "After studying more than 100,000 pages about this cause, I think that I am in the position to judge," he said.

The priest also stated a strong critic to John Cornwell´s book "Hitler's Pope", saying that a lot of arguments defended by groups against Pope Pius XII are "simply a calumny".

"National Meeting of Vocational Pastoral" will be held next week in Mexico

Mexico City, 17 (NE) From November 22nd to November 26th, the city of Mérida will welcome the attendants of the "XXXVI National Meeting of Vocational Pastoral". The participation will include priests, religious and laity who dedicate their work to the pastoral on vocations in the different dioceses of Mexico.

Archbishop Emilio Carlos Berlie, from the Archdiocese of Yucatán, will open the event on Monday with the celebration of the Holy Mass. During four days the participants will have the opportunity to think about and share their experiences on the main needs of the vocational pastoral in Mexico, as well as its plans for the Third Millennium.

NOVEMBER 16

Pope John Paul II comments his pastoral visit to India and Georgia

Vatican City, 16 (NE) On Sunday, during the traditional Angelus Marian prayer, Pope John Paul II briefly commented his recent apostolic visit to India and Georgia. He defined it as a "great spiritual experience." The Pope addressed the pilgrims gathered at Saint Peter's Square, telling them that this is a "landmark in the path of the New Evangelization." He promised to comment further at the General Audience on Wednesday.

The Pontiff also referred to "Thanksgiving Day" celebrated in Italy on Sunday, as an occasion to "thank God for the ending of the agricultural season and the beginning of a new era." He also blessed all countrymen from Italy and the whole world and urged "authorities and public opinion to consider with solidary effort the needs of the rural populations."

Christian Life Movement will celebrate first Plenary Assembly in Rome

Lima, 16 (NE) 14 years after its founding and 5 after its acknowledgement as an International Association of Christian Faithful of Pontifical Right, the Christian Life Movement (CLM) will soon celebrate its I Plenary Assembly. This meeting will be held from the 1st to the 10th of December of the current year, already at the threshold of the Third Millennium of faith. The delegates from the different associations of the Movement from different cities of America and Europe will gather in Rome to meditate on the identity and mission of the CLM.

Humberto del Castillo, Executive Secretary of the CLM, explained that the Assembly will take place in Rome, at the See of Peter, in order to "express our adherence to the Successor of Peter, and to confirm our ecclesiality." He also stated that the members of the CLM want to "make explicit their desire to participate in the mission of the Church, collaborating in the tasks of the New Evangelization."

USA: Annual Bishops' Meeting starts

Washington, 16 (NE) Yesterday the USA annual Bishops' Meeting began. The meeting took place in the country's capital. The bishops, who will be gathered until Thursday 18th, will discuss and decide in a very wade range of matters on ecclesial life in the United States in view of the new millennium.

As the communication's organisms of the Bishops' Conference informed, during these days the bishops will review and vote on a pastoral plan for adult faith formation in the country. It would be called as in the words of the disciples of Emmaus: "Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us," and it would present as one of its central goals to "give formation to adults in order to cultivate actively an alive baptismal and eucharistic spirituality; that may guide them to adopt a life of testimony and service."

Other documents shall also be worked on and approved: one on the pastoral for elderly and another one on the norms of admission to the diocesan seminaries. Also, the presentation and approval of the National Catechetical Directory, that aims to be an implementation of the General Directory for the Catechesis to the North American reality.

La Plata's Cathedral finished after one century

La Plata, 16 (NE) The historical unconcluded Cathedral of La Plata, Argentina, -one of the biggest temples in the world- whose construction began in 1903, has finally been finished. The two towers, of 110 meters high each one, will be blessed this coming Friday within the framework of a great ceremony. That same day, as a coincidence, is the Plata's anniversary of founding.

The temple had been used since 1932, but the towers were unconcluded. Also the pass of time had damaged the construction, for which a remodeling also had to be carried out respecting the original design made by Pedro Benoit and Ernest Mayer.

During the ceremony, the message and the blessing sent by Pope John Paul II with the purpose of the inauguration, will be read. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 people will gather to celebrate the culmination of the Cathedral. In the Cathedral's atrium the Argentine Theater orchestra will be located accompanied by a choir of 450 voices. Also the 25 tower bells will be heard for the first time.

Bishop Saenz Lacalle opposes to State health care system going on a strike

Miami, 16 (NE) In view of the indefinite strike declared by the Union of Workers of the State health care system, Bishop Fernando Saenz Lacalle, Archbishop of San Salvador warned that "it isn't wise" to take a measure of this nature. It will affect mainly the users of this system; and because of the vital importance this Institute offers, he emphasized that although "striking is a right that they have, it can not affect the users. These types of actions are the last resource an employee should take, for the social services are at risk."

The partial strike affects at the moment 50 percent of the capacities of the State health care system, but as the syndicalists affirm, it will increase as time goes by, all this if there are not better agreements on the budget improvements than the ones they had with the former administration of the institution.

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