A daily news service

DECEMBER 8

Popes John XXIII and Pius IX to be possibly beatified September 2000

Rome, 8 (NE) The beatification of Popes John XXIII and Pius IX will probably be announced next December 20. According to reports of the Italian press, they would be beatified in September, 2000. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints will read the 20th of this month a series of decrees approving the beatification and canonization of several candidates. No name has been announced yet, but it is believed that among them are those of the two pontiffs.

Pope Paul VI began the process of beatification of Angelo Roncalli, Pope John XXIII, in 1965. The miracle proposed for the beatification of the "Good Pope" is the healing of Caterina Capitani, superior of the Daughters of Charity at the hospital of Agrigento (Sicily). She asked the intercession of Pope Roncalli when her illness was declared incurable after a surgery to extract a tumor from her stomach.

The process of beatification of Pope Pius IX, whose pontificate from 1846 to 1878 is the longest of history, is very advanced. Already in 1986 the Congregation for the Causes of Saints acknowledged the miracle attributed to his intercession. This is the case of a French nun who was inexplicably cured from a fractured knee in 1899 after asking the intercession of the Pontiff. It was precisely Pope Pius IX who proclaimed the dogma of Immaculate Conception the 8th of December of 1854.

Cardinal Ratzinger: return to the synthesis of faith, life and reason

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, stated during a colloquium in France that a truly satisfactory answer for man "demands the combination of knowledge and action. This was the basis of the power of conviction of the Christianity of the Fathers of the Church." The event took place in the University of Paris from the 25th to the 27th of November. Reflections were centered on the question: "¿2000 years after what?" Cardinal Ratzinger also noted that in the actual relativistic and skeptic environment at the end of the millennium, "Christian contents are usually reduced to mere symbolic discourse. They are granted no more truth than the myths of the histories of religions." In order to face this, the Vatican Cardinal urged to return to the sources where a vigorous synthesis of "reason, life and faith, which made Christianity a universal religion" is forged, in order to encourage a deep evangelization.

Archbishop of Bogota: "We all must look for reconciliation"

Bogota, 8 (NE) "This year Christmas has an exceptional meaning: it is the beginning of the Great Jubilee convoked by the Holy Father to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God and his birth in Bethlehem at Judea two thousand years ago," stated the Archbishop of Bogota, Pedro Rubiano Saenz, in a recently issued Christmas message to faithful. The Prelate urged to live "Christmas spirit with joy, with profound family and community sense." Recalling the "call to a change of attitude and life" that Jesus Christ makes to everyone during the Holy Year, the Archbishop of Bogota urged Colombians to "look for reconciliation, for true and just peace, that guarantees the respect of life and the dignity of each person."

Mexico: Congress on "John Paul II and the Virgin of Guadalupe"

Mexico City, 8 (NE) Tomorrow, Thursday 9th, the International Congress "John Paul II and the Virgin of Guadalupe" will begin in the Archdiocese of Mexico. The event, that will last until the eve of the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday 12th, will count with the participation of renowned historians who will expose the historical event of the appearances of the Virgin from a scientific perspective.

Organizers of the event informed that, besides from presenting "recent investigations on Juan Diego and the image of the Virgin," the congress aims to meditate on the meaning of the celebration bearing the fact of its extension to the entire continent. This was stressed by the Pope himself when he called Our lady of Guadalupe, "Mother and Evangelizer of all America," in his postsynodal document "Eclessia in America."

"The appearance of Mary to Juan Diego on the Tepeyac, in 1531, had a decisive repercussion on the evangelization," affirmed the Holy Father in his exhortation. The congress will aim to look into the fact of Blessed Mary's importance in the Church that pilgrims in the American Continent at the threshold of the third millennium.

Paraguay celebrates feast of Virgin of Caacupe

Asuncion, 8 (NE) With the celebration of the Holy Mass, attended by the new Apostolic Nuncio, several members of the Episcopal Conference, and thousands of pilgrims, Paraguayan faithful will celebrate today an intense homage to the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Claudio Gimenez of Caacupe will preside over the main celebration in honor to the Mother of God.

As Bishop Gimenez declared to a local newspaper, during his homily he plans on highlighting the theme of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, meditating on the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Regarding this, the Bishop explained that the motto of the Marian festivity of Caacupe this year is "We are temples and shrines of the Holy Trinity.''

On the other hand, he will urge Paraguayan people to build a new society, projecting the presence of God from the heart toward society with transparency and honesty. In past days, Paraguayan Catholics have been celebrating a "Novena" prayer in preparation to celebrate the feast of the country's Patroness.

DECEMBER 7

Pope received participants of Plenary Assembly of Christian Life Movement

Vatican City, 7 (NE) Pope John Paul II received in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican the participants of the first Plenary Assembly of the Christian Life Movement, being held these days in Rome. During the Audience, the Holy Father addressed the CLM representatives with encouraging words. Some couples members of the Movement brought their children to the audience, expressing the CLM's option to defend family values.

The Holy Father was warmly greeted at his entrance to the Clementine Hall, in the Apostolic Palace. Afterwards, Luis Fernando Figari, founder of the Christian Life Movement, addressed the Pope, thanking him for the "witness of your work in the exercise of your petrine ministry, which we accompany with our prayers."

"I greet you with affection now that you visit me on occasion of the first Plenary Assembly being held here in Rome in order to pray and reflect next to the tomb of the apostles Peter and Paul," said Pope John Paul II during his address. "You see the world from the center of Catholicity, meditating on the meaning of the universality of the Gospel, that cannot exclude any culture, any region in the world, any sector of society. You also renew your firm adhesion to the Successor of Peter, who has been named by Christ to confirm the faith of his brethren."

"Born in Peruvian lands in 1985 with a definite evangelizing projection, the Christian Life Movement has extended in many American countries and has also surpassed the boundaries of this Continent. It includes, apart from the Sodalitium, other committed groups and associations, that from their different vocations and states of life, proclaim Christ as the Savior of humanity." "Just before the Great Jubilee," said as well the Holy Father, "I encourage you to prepare your hearts to receive the mercy of God and to favor a coherent and deep spirit of Christian life in your environments and apostolic works. Unite the spirit of initiative with fidelity to the Gospel in the formation of youth. Let culture be open to the sense of transcendence, and also let poverty, in all its manifestations, receive from effective charity and solidarity a ray of hope. By doing this you will be authentic artisans of reconciliation in the present world."

"As I entrust Blessed Mary the fruits of this first Plenary Assembly, so that you vivify your Christian commitment and the evangelizing drive of your communities and groups, I impart you from heart the Apostolic Blessing, which I joyfully extend to all the members of the Christian Life Movement."

After finishing his message, the Pope received from the founder of the CLM a beautiful crucifix, done upon a basis of silver artwork made by Peruvian artisans. This lays on top of a world made with a semiprecious stone from Brazil, bearing the Pope's emblem. The image represents Christ, Reconciler of the world and Lord of History. The emblem of the Pope on the world represents the ministry of Peter that the Holy Father accomplishes in the world as Universal Pastor, Vicar of Christ. The Pope vividly thanked this present. He left with an expression of joy, among the enthusiastic greetings of participants. The Pope concluded the audience wising "¡Merry Christmas to all!"

Cuba: Cardinal Ortega stresses significance of Symposium "Ecclesia in America"

Miami, 7 (NE) At the end of the International Symposium "Apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America, anthropologic, economic and social implications in Cuba", Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino, Archbishop of Havana, emphasized the "value in itself" that the event had as a moment of conversion in the framework of the Jubilee Year and the preparation for the challenges of the third millennium. He also considered the meeting, which counted with the presence of Archbishop Jean Louis Tauran, Secretary of the Holy See for relations with States, as a "sign of internal openness" in relations between Church and State in Cuba. The symposium -assured Archbishop Ortega y Alamino- was a "symbolic example of what a path of dialogue is and can be."

Cardinal Lopez Trujillo gives conference on "Family and New Evangelization"

Rome, 7 (NE) Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, gave yesterday an important conference with the theme "Family and New Evangelization" in the framework of the Christian Life Movement's Plenary Assembly, being held in Rome.

During his conference, Cardinal Lopez Trujillo gave several insights on the reality of the family in the contemporary world, highlighting the sacramental dimension of the family, born from Jesus Christ. There can be no real pastoral if the family is neglected, stated as well the Vatican Cardinal, pointing out worrying characteristics of the impact of a secularized and agnostic world on today's families. Regarding this, he emphatically stressed the need for people to be well informed and trained. He also expressed his concern for the growing number of people with a "liberal" attitude regarding human values.

Later on, Cardinal Lopez Trujillo affirmed the necessity of treating women with respect and regarding her dignity "and not as an object, as occurs in certain perspectives that are popular today." Regarding the dignity of women, the Vatican Cardinal said that those who encourage legislations favorable to permissive attitudes should also be asked: " What kind of mother would you have wanted?"

Together with many interesting examples outlining the complex panorama in relation to the family and respect for life, Cardinal Lopez Trujillo recalled some orientations for the pastoral work with families, aimed to faithful and to those who calling themselves faithful lack a coherent vision of what Christian life is. He also highlighted the role of church movements in what he pointed out as a necessary commitment in family pastoral.

He concluded his intervention with a dialogue with participants of the CLM's Plenary Assembly. He said that the today's situation will have to revert considering the failure that will come as a consequence of "the policies taken by many countries." He highlighted that permissiveness, the crisis in the identity of the family, the lack of commitment in marriage observed in many places, will inevitably drive to a crisis of society, that will have to induce the reversion of these policies.

Sistine Chapel finally restored

Vatican City, 7 (NE) After 20 years of meticulous restoration works, the Sistine Chapel finally restored Chapel showed yesterday her original beauty. After having regained the color of the murals on the ceiling, the last stage of the works have concluded with the restoration of the lateral image of the chapel.

On Friday December 10 a press conference will be carried out in the Sistine Chapel finally restored Chapel, attended by Cardinal Edmund Szoka, President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, as well as the directive members of the Vatican Museums.

The construction of the Sistine Chapel finally restored Chapel was carried out by command of Pope Sixtus IV, from where the name derives. The decoration of its walls was commended to the best Italian painters of the time, among them Michelangelo.

From 1508 to 1512 Michelangelo painted, -by commendation of Pope Julius II- the ceiling of the vault, that represents different scenes of the Old Testament. But it wasn't until 1556, when he painted "the Final Judgement" over the main altar of the historic chapel, where many pontiffs have been elected over the centuries.

DECEMBER 6

Pope invites to "commitment of conversion" in view of Great Jubilee

Vatican, 6 (NE) During his brief address previous to Sunday's Angelus prayer, Pope John Paul II invited faithful to specially prepare themselves for this Christmas that will open the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. From his window over St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father stressed that "the four weeks of Advent constitute, in a way, the atrium of entrance to the Great Jubilee." "Let us prepare our spirit with prayer -the Pontiff said- so that the next Christmas may find us prepared for the encounter with the Savior that comes!"

The Pope also made an urgent calling to a "commitment of conversion." "To find our Redeemer we need 'conversion,' to walk toward Him in a joyful faith, abandoning those ways of thinking and living that prevent us from following Him completely," he pointed out. Advent is a "time of expectation and hope. The Church trusts herself this Sunday to the comforting promise of Isaiah: 'All men will see the salvation of God,'" he added.

"Within three days, celebrating the Immaculate Conception, we will contemplate the first and most achieved application of this promise. In Mary, 'full of grace', what God wants for each person is fulfilled" "Her spiritual beauty invites us to trust and hope; the Virgin, beautiful and blessed, encourages us to prepare the path to the Lord and to make his paths strait, in order to contemplate one day next to her the salvation of God."

Rome: Cardinal Moreira Neves presided Sunday Mass during Plenary Assembly of the Christian Life Movement

Rome, 6 (NE) Cardinal Lucas Moreira Neves, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, presided yesterday a solemn Sunday Eucharist, within the framework of the I Plenary Assembly of the Christian Life Movement, taking place these days in Rome.

In a homily of intense theological depth, Cardinal Moreira stated that "the contemporary history of the Church confirms the opinion of Paul VI. He said in the Evangelii Nuntiandi that the Church movements are an expression of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit inspires these movements for the mission of preparing the ways to the Lord in the present culture and civilization. Pope John Paul II constantly develops the ideas of Paul IV. Acting with spiritual courage, speaking prophetic words, he proposes to Church movements the mission of announcing Jesus Christ in all ways: with words, actions and specially bearing witness with one's own life."

Cardinal Moreira also noted the common characteristics that link the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae and the Christian Life Movement, both founded by Luis Fernando Figari. "The main characteristic and strong inspiration is the love and service to the Church." "Both show, from their beginning, their passion for the universal Church, for the Pastor of the universal Church, for the servants of the universal Church in Rome. Therefore you have wished to make your first Assembly in Rome, center of Catholicism. But at the same time, you have the sense, the perfect conscience of the particular Churches with their own characteristics. He who observes the Christian Life Movement and the Sodalitium from above sees them clearly committed to the particular Church, and the bishops, the clergy, the People of God at the particular Churches."

"I have personally accompanied your existence and action. I rejoice on your capacity to be open to youth, a youth that has lost hope for many reasons, a lost youth, young people confused in their mind and heart by ideologies, by strange mentalities, by projects of humanity that don't respect the human person. You have got compassion for the young people, and commit yourselves with great courage and enthusiasm to the salvation of this youth", he said. "But you don't forget family! I am also glad to see you committed to the construction of family, so ill in this time, so threatened, hurt by so many forms of familiar destruction: divorce, abortion, lack of respect for the elderly or for the lives of the children."

The Cardinal also noted some other characteristics of the Sodalite Family. "Once I discovered how much you love the theme of reconciliation. This is another aim of yours. A reconciliation capable of creating communion, unity. A reconciliation that is mutual forgiveness of offenses. It isn't denying evil or injustice. It means trying to defeat evil and injustice, not with more evil or injustice, but with reconciliation as a factor of justice and good." "What can we say about your work with the poor? This is not a political, merely social or economical option. It is an option for the poor according to the Gospel. Born in a continent where two thirds of the Catholics are also poor, you didn't close your eyes to this reality." The Cardinal continued with the analysis of the characteristics of the CLM and commented other aspects that he "knows from first-hand", as he said. He finished by saying: "I sincerely desire and pray in this Mass for this Assembly to place you before your vocation and mission in the Church. I wish a greater diffusion of the Movement, in many countries, in order to help the Church in this tremendous and important step into the Third Millennium. Let God listen to us and Blessed Mary protect this Assembly and inspire the best for the Church in Latin America and the Church in the world."

Since December 1st, delegations of members of the CLM from different countries of America and Europe, congregated in the Eternal City, have had intense days of work during the Plenary Assembly of the CLM. These reflections have been enriched by the contributions of Archbishop Jorge Mejia, Librarian and Archivist of the Holy Roman Church, who gave the members of the CLM a conference on "Faith and life in the current world", as well as of Guzman Carriquiry, Sub-Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, who talked about the "Challenges of the New Evangelizaiton." Many pastors who serve the Universal Church at the Apostolic See, such as Archbishop Javier Lozano Barragan, President of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, Bishop Stanislaw Rylko, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and also Bishop Cipriano Calderon, Vicepresident of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, have also been present during the discussions of the First Assembly, in spirit of prayer. They have presided significant Eucharistic celebrations during these days.

US Diocese encourages prayer campaign for life

Peoria, 6 (NE) "Just after the Catholic Church celebrates its belief that Mary was conceived without sin, and in the middle of our joyful Advent waiting for the Son of God carried in her womb, will come a sad day for all who believe in the rights and dignity of the pre-born human person", wrote Peoria's archdiocesan weekly, The Catholic Post, recalling the opening on December 9 of an abortion facility in Bettendorf, annouced by Planned Parenthood. Quad Cities Right to Life has invited all churches in the area to mournfully ring their bells for five minutes at noon that day, and is encouraging the faithful to pause in prayer for the unborn and their mothers during that period. A sidewalk prayer chain is also being organized at the site. The building of the abortion center had been delayed for several years due to an intense pro life movement in the area, that has announced as well the intention to build a Life and Family Center on an adjacent parcel of land.

Historic Catholic cathedral to be consecrated in Russia

Rome, 6 (NE) In what is considered a historical event for Catholics in Russia, the next 12th of December the consecration of the cathedral dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Mary will take place. Cardinals and Bishops from several European episcopates will be present in the solemn ceremony, that constitutes a significant landmark in the life of the Church in Russia.

"This consecration fulfills the promise of the Virgin of Fatima: 'My immaculate heart will triumph'. The church, in fact, is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception," pointed out to Vatican Radio Bishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, Apostolic Administrator for European Russia.

Originally built in the year 1911, the cathedral was confiscated by Soviet authorities in 1936, divided and used as a factory and office building. The condition of the temple was very bad when it was returned to the Catholic Church 3 years ago.

The restoration of the Cathedral was especially possible thanks to the help of the Italian Bishops' Conference, as well as of diverse German dioceses and of the Bishops' Conference of the United States, together with individual contributions. "All this -affirmed Bishop Kondrusiewicz- is without doubt a sign of great solidarity among the Church in the west and east."

Symposium on the Eucharist and Holiness begins

Rome, 6 (NE) Today in the city of Rome will begin a congress under the theme "Sacrament, Holiness and sanctification." The encounter, organized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, will be presided by Archbishop Jose Saraiva Martines, Prefect of the Congregation. The event will begin with several talks offered by professors in biblical theology, sacramental theology, patristic and spirituality of the papal athenaeums of Rome. The congress, in view of the International Eucharistic Congress to be held next year, aims to promote a spirit of conversion and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, following the example of saints. It also seeks to contribute to the understanding of the importance of the Sacrament in the Christian life of the members of the Church.

DECEMBER 4

Archbishop Tauran calls for more freedom of expression and action in Cuba

Miami, 4 (NE) At the end of his visit to Cuba, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States, expressed the necessity of "freedom of thought, expression, action and dissention" for the Cuban people. The Prelate left from the island after participating at the Symposium "Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America: anthropologic, economic and social implications in Cuba," organized by the Cuban Bishop's Conference.

"The State must be more than tolerant; it must congregate all cultural and spiritual components that constitute the fabric of the nation," declared Archbishop Tauran, who also met Fidel Castro during his visit. "The relation of open cooperation between Church and State supposes that the faithful have full freedom of thought, expression and action. This includes freedom of dissention," he emphasized.

Pontifical Council for Family presents congress to help handicapped children

Vatican, 4 (NE) The Pontifical Council for Family prepares for the Year of Children a congress committed to the problem of handicapped children. The dicastery, presided by Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, announced through Vatican Radio that the event's specific aim is to "promote concrete initiatives to help, counsel and support families that have handicapped members."

Msgr. Francesco Di Felice, Subsecretary of the Pontifical Council, informed that a complementary objective is to encourage public institutions' applications of plans of solidarity with these families. He explained that the congress will also be a preparation for the third meeting of the Holy Father with families, that will take place next year with the theme "Children, spring of family and society."

Patriarchs call for peace and justice in Holy Land

Rome, 4 (NE) "The message of the Year 2000 invites us to concentrate upon the essential and basic meaning of the Jubilee, that is, the commemoration of the Incarnation of the eternal Word of God in the Holy Land," says the message of the Patriarchs and Heads of Christian Churches in the Holy Land, on the occasion of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000. The message, signed in Bethlehem and dated December 4, urges faithful at the Holy sites to give "faithful witness to the message that we bear", specially calling to the promotion of justice and peace in the region.

"We desire that our societies be established on the basis of justice and equality in rights and duties," it reads. "Our celebration of the Great Jubilee entails the intensification of our efforts here in the Holy Land, so that our Churches may remain faithful to their call and their message, and that our faithful remain true to their faith and to their freedom and aspirations in times when difficulties multiply day by day."

30 Brazilian martyrs to be beatified on year 2000

Rio do Janeiro, 4 (NE) Within the frame of celebrations for the V centennial of the evangelization of Brazil, Pope John Paul II will beatify 30 Brazilian martyrs killed in the XVIIth century. According to the Brazilian Bishops' Conference (CNBB), the celebration will be carried out on March 5, 2000, in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Two priests, Andrea Soveral and Francisco Ferro, and 28 lay people, were murdered by natives incited by Dutchmen Calvinists in the state of Rio Grande del Norte, Brazil, in 1645.

Pope John Paul II signed the document certifying the martyrdom of the two priests and the 28 laymen on December 1998. On that occasion, Msgr. Francisco of Assis Pereira, postulator of the cause, pointed out that the process of certification of the martyrdom lasted nearly 10 years. According to what the documents for the process inform, together with the 30 future blessed other 120 Catholics died murdered, but it has not been possible to recognize them as martyrs because of lack of documentation.

Archdiocese of Bogota holds day of prayer and fasting for peace

Bogota, 4 (NE) Yesterday, faithful of the Archdiocese of Bogota, Colombia, carried out a day of prayer and fasting for peace and reconciliation in the country. The initiative was encourage by Archbishop Pedro Rubiano Saenz of Bogota, who recognized "the signs that the Colombian people are carrying out in order to encourage a sincere search for peace." According to Archbishop Rubiano, the aim of the day of prayer and fasting for peace was to "implore for God's peace and strength in order to avoid fainting in the search and construction of peace, based on truth and justice." "It is all about being witness of our faith and our trust in God the Merciful Father, and contributing, as faithful, to the search of peace," the Archbishop stated.

DECEMBER 3

Pope asks for more possibilities of freedom in Cuba

Vatican City, 3 (NE) The defense of human rights, as well as the promotion of "new possibilities for freedom and participation" for citizens, were yesterday asked by Pope John Paul II for Cubans. The Pope received the Letters of Credence of the new Cuban Ambassador, Isidro Gomez Santos during a ceremony in which the Holy Father requested as well that Cuba may find, in the international community, "support and financial aid in order to be able to adequately meet current needs."

Stressing the need to respect the rights of the Church in Cuba, the Pope cofirmed that "the Church awaits even greater openness - by means of an enriching exchange of means and personnel - to the solidarity that the Universal Church has displayed, with a true sense of collaboration and while respecting the unique aspects of Cuban culture."

Referring to Church-State relations, the Pope said that rendering these more fluid would "surely contribute to harmony, progress and the good of everyone, with no distinctions whatsoever. On this question, it is essential to maintain a correct view of relations between the political community and the Church and to distinguish clearly between the actions that the faithful, either individually or in groups, carry out personally as citizens, in keeping with their Christian conscience, and the actions they perform in the name of the Church, in communion with their pastors."

In his message, Pope John Paul II asked Cuban people to "open even wider the doors to Christ". "May no-one, no institution, no ideology place obstacles in the way of all men opening themselves to Christ! This is my chief desire for all citizens of the beloved nation of Cuba".

Holy See awaits Iraq's "green light" for Papal pilgrimage

Rome, 3 (NE) The Holy See awaits the definitive permission from Baghdad for the expected pilgrimage of the Holy Father to Iraq, said Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State of Pope John Paul II. The Vatican Cardinal declared as well that the Holy See hopes this to happen as soon as possible. After a conference offered on "Being ambassador at the Holy See today", the Cardinal said that "maybe there has been a lack of communication" in the dialogue with Iraq about the motives of the Papal pilgrimage.

"It is evident that the trip is of religious character, to follow Abraham's footsteps," he stated. "We still do not know the reasons for this vacillation to give a definitive 'green light', but we trust that we can solve them quickly." On the other hand, Cardinal Sodano also commented on the construction of the Mosque next to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, wishing "good sense to prevail" in order to reach a fair solution.

Chilean Post Office issues stamp for Great Jubilee

Santiago, 3 (NE) The Chilean Post Office began yesterday the circulation of a new postage stamp created especially for the celebration of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000. The stamp was presented during a ceremony where it was explained that the initiative is a "very clear way to transmit to the entire world this concern that there is in Chile, that the celebration of 2000 years of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ does not pass in vain."

"With the emission of this stamp, the symbol of the Jubilee year will not only be present in Chilean places. It will also circulate throughout many countries. Thus we hope to collaborate with the mission of inviting everybody to celebrate the two thousand years of the Incarnation and Birth of Jesus Christ and to enter with Him into the Third millennium of the Christian era," stated Juan Ignacio Ugarte, president of the Post office in Chile.

50 thousand stamps have been printed. The stamp portrays the Chilean flag and a globe that shows the American continent. Over the globe there is a light with the form of the cross that illuminates the American continent, showing as well the logo of the Jubilee 2000.

US stem cell research guidelines erode respect for human life

Washington, 3 (NE) Guidelines issued on Wednesday by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding stem cell research erode respect for human life, warned a member of the U.S. bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. The draft guidelines authorize use of taxpayer funds for research on stem cells obtained by destroying live human embryos, explained Richard Doerflinger, an associate director of the U.S. bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "Yesterday President Clinton signed legislation reaffirming that the federal government must not fund research in which human embryos are harmed or destroyed. Today his Administration gave researchers detailed instructions on how to evade that law", Doerflinger said, urging "Americans concerned about this further erosion of respect for human life to express their views to the NIH" during the 60-day comment period allotted for these guidelines.

Kenya: Church urges to solidarity to face famine

Rome, 3 (NE) The Catholic Church in Kenya made an urgent call to solidarity to face the grave situation that the northern part of the country is suffering. During a press conference, Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a'Nzeki of Nairobi, spoke of more than 200,000 people afflicted by the lack of food in that region. He also urged international institutions and other organizations to focus their help at this area.

In the past days, members of the Bishop's Conference of this country have also noted the urgent need of help. They urged "all faithful, men and women of good will, financing institutions, business community, as well as companies that produce food, to help victims of this famine." They also demanded the government to encourage a better distribution of the food. "Kenya is an agricultural country, with enough food for everyone. Even with the actual lack of food, there are parts that have had good crops during the season," they stated.

DECEMBER 2

Pope urges to commitment to defend family

Vatican City, 2 (NE) Pope John Paul II spoke about commitment to the promotion of the family during yesterday's general audience with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. "The very concept of the family, as a community based on matrimony between a man and a woman, is being attacked in the name of an ethical relativism that is gaining ground in large sectors of public opinion and even of civil legislation", warned the Pope during his catechesis.

The Holy Father stressed as well that "the crisis in the family becomes the cause of the crisis in society". "No small number of pathological phenomena - from solitude to violence to drugs - may also be explained because nuclear families have lost their identity and function".

Before this reality, the Holy Father underlined that "the family draws its strength from the definitive alliance of love that man and woman mutually exchange, thus together becoming collaborators with God in giving the gift of life". "Man and woman are called by God to live a "profound communion" of love. "God entrusts to this 'unity of two' not only the work of procreation and family life, but the creation of history itself."

"Through the experience of Christian families", the Pope concluded, "the Church can learn to cultivate a more familial dimension among all members of the community."

Christian Life Movement begins Plenary Assembly in Rome

Rome, 2 (NE) The Christian Life Movement (CLM) began yesterday its first Plenary Assembly in Rome, with a spirit of prayer and gratitude, together with the commitment to collaborate each time more in the task of the New Evangelization. During the following days more than two hundred delegates from different countries of America and Europe where this Church movement is present will gather to participate at the different activities of the Assembly.

The Christian Life Movement was founded by Luis Fernando Figari in Lima, Peru, in 1985. On March 23, 1994, feast of St. Toribio of Mogrovejo, second Archbishop of Lima and Patron saint of the Latin American Bishops, the Holy See officially approved the Movement as an International Association of Christian Faithful of Pontifical Right.

Yesterday, Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, gave the inaugural conference of this important event. The founder of the Movement also gave a conference during this first day. He shared his reflections on the commitment of the members of the CLM as children of the Church at the threshold of the Third Millennium. The intense day finished with the celebration of the Holy Mass presided by the Vice President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Bishop Cipriano Calderón.

Puerto Rico: Bishops call to pacific solution regarding US military base

San Juan, 2 (NE) The Puerto Rican Bishop's Conference issued yesterday its first official statement on the military practices at the US naval base in the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. The Bishops urged people to begin "a chain of prayer and meditation of the Word of God" in order to make justice and peace prevail at the solution of the situation. Military practices at the island have been firmly rejected by the local population. In the past days several acts of protest against the practices and the presence of the base itself have taken place.

The Bishop's declaration emphasizes that such practices constitute "a real threat against the quality of life, health and economic betterment" of the area. The Puerto Rican Prelates approved manifestations, stating that nevertheless these must take place "free from any bad attitude or violent acts," always looking for a "cordial and productive" dialogue.

In the past days Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez Nieves of San Juan recalled that a massive civil disobedience as sign of protest is "the last resource, not the next to last. I think that the government of Puerto Rico has a series of legal actions to use. I think that these must all be used before making a call to massive civil disobedience," he stated.

Church in Cuba begins reflection on "Ecclesia in America"

Miami, 2 (NE) The Catholic Church in Cuba began yesterday in Havana the Symposium "Apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America: anthropologic, economic and social implications in Cuba." Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States, inaugurated the international Symposium, organized by the Bishop's Conference of Cuba. The event has gathered 150 representatives from different Cuban dioceses, as well as from other countries. Archbishop Tauran stated at the beginning of the Symposium that there must be neither distrust nor fear in the relations between government and Church. The Vatican Prelate also reflected on the relations between the Church and the State in modern society. The inaugural day also counted with the presence of Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino, Archbishop of Havana.

Archdiocese of Philadelphia launches new Hispanic radio program

Philadelphia, 2 (NE) "The new millennium and, in particular, the Jubilee Year, afford an opportunity for people to renew their relationship with God and to renew their faith" said Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, inviting Catholics "who may, for whatever reason, feel separated from God" to "come back home".

In a recent news conference at the Archdiocese Office Center, Philadelphia's Cardinal expressed the importance to use Mass Media in order to announce the Gospel especially among those who are far from the Church. "More than ever, the Church in Philadelphia will be using the media "to spread God's Word to the people of the Archdiocese", he stated.

Recalling millennium celebrations, Cardinal Bevilacqua stressed the fact the "we are really celebrating the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ". We're celebrating the greatest event that happened in human history" when "God entered humanity. God came down and became one of us."

During the press conference, the Cardinal announced as well the Archdiocese's new half-hour Hispanic radio program, "La Voz de Dios en Las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos" ("The Voice of God in the Voices of the People"), on air since last Sunday. The Cardinal also recalled "Disciples on the Internet", an initiative that allows individuals to ask questions about the Church. More than 7,0000 questions from approximately 3,000 people have been received, said the Cardinal.

DECEMBER 1

Holy Father confirms beatification of little shepherds of Fatima

Vatican City, 1 (NE) Pope John Paul II confirmed to a group of Bishops from the Portuguese Bishop's Conference, present at the Vatican for an "ad limina" visit, that Francisco and Jacinta, the little shepherds of Fatima that witnessed the apparitions of the Virgin, will soon be raised to the altars.

The Holy Father has expressed his wish to peregrinate to the sanctuary of Fatima to beatify the children there. The decree regarding the miracle attributed to their intercession, necessary for the beatification, was promulgated in June of this year.

In his message to Portuguese Bishops, the Pontiff proposed "the Holy Year as a time to reflect upon oneself" and experience the full life one longs for. He also defined "wanting to arbitrarily do away with the instruments of grace and salvation" as foolish. The Holy Father requested that "one of the fruits of the Great Jubilee of 2000, be the general return of all faithful Christians to the sacramental practice of confession."

The Pope stated that "sacramental forgiveness allows to 'once more take part in the Eucharist as the sign that he has again found communion with the Father and with his Church.'" He urged as well Portuguese Catholics to the "habit and commitment of weekly participation in the Eucharist."

Catholic Church in Philippines to hold National Youth Day

Rome, 1 (NE) The Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines, together with the Archdiocese of Manila, will organize next week an encounter for youth that will congregate for three days young people from all across the country. The National Youth Day will take place from the 10th to the 12th of December. From 1991 until 1997 the National Youth Days were held locally in the diocese and in the parishes. This year the encounter will take place at a nation-wide level with the theme: "Rejoice, the Lord is with you!"

The Youth Day, organized within the framework of the Great Jubilee of year 2000, will include different activities for reflection, and will foster the commitment of Philippine young people with the celebration of the Holy Year. Meditation of the mystery of the Trinity will receive special emphasis, together with moments of prayer. The young participants will also share the experience of the First Asian Youth Day that took place in Thailand in August this year.

Confession encouraged as preparation for Great Jubilee

Peoria, 1 (NE) In a recent message to faithful, Bishop John Myers of Peoria, IL., urged Catholics in the area to prepare themselves for the Jubilee of Year 2000, looking for a "spiritual renewal in our own lives, in the Church and in the world." In his message, the Prelate called to find such renovation specially "attending to the Sacrament of Penitence or Reconciliation." The Bishop of Peoria recalled the character of "sacramental encounter with the Risen Lord" that the Sacrament of Reconciliation has. It brings, he explained, "healing and renewed strength in the spiritual struggle, which is ours. I can think of no better way to deepen this peace of conversion than seeking forgiveness of God by approaching the Sacrament of Reconciliation," he noted.

Archbishop of Medellin encourages new Campaign for peace

Medellin, 1 (NE) The Archbishop of Medellin and President of the Colombian Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo, expressed his support for a new campaign to encourage peace in the country. The campaign, called "Letters for Peace", aims to encourage Colombian citizens to write letters to those responsible for violence and conflict, expressing their concern for Colombia's current situation. Letters must be written between December 16 to 24.

Archbishop Giraldo encouraged the campaign, fostered by the Colombian Center of Public Relations and Organizational Communications (Cecorp). "It is a possibility of feeling concerned and thinking aloud on the way in which all of us can contribute to create a culture of peace," said the Archbishop of Medellin, concerning the campaign. Regarding the situation of Colombia, the Archbishop affirmed that "it is not only about those who bear guns. Among ourselves, there are several levels of conflict that have to be overcome."

Famous 'Auto sacramental' presented in atrium of Lima's Cathedral

Lima, 1 (NE) The first of a series of performance of the famous 'auto sacramental' written by Spanish dramatist Pedro Calderon de la Barca: "The Great Theater of the World" was presented yesterday in the atrium of the Cathedral of Lima, Peru. One of the masterpieces of theater, "The Great Theater of the World" was presented originally in Madrid, Spain, in 1649. Last night, as it was done during the XVI and XVII centuries in several European countries, people attended the "Auto sacramental" performed in front of the Basilica's beautiful facade.

An 'auto sacramental' is a one-act religious play aiming to catechize people by representing diverse biblical episodes, lives of saints and liturgical ceremonies, among other themes. They were usually performed coinciding with main celebrations of the liturgical year such as Christmas, Easter and, especially, Corpus Christi.

"The Great Theater of the World" is probably the most famous 'auto sacramental' of Calderon de la Barca. The theme develops an original analogy between reality and a play, where the author is God, the theater is the world and the actors are the men that should represent their roles the best way possible, keeping in mind "act well for God is God."

One of the greatest dramatists of Spain's Golden Age (17th century), Calderon de la Barca wrote more than 120 plays, including "Life is a Dream", in the year 1635.

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