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DECEMBER 24

Pope to inaugurate tonight Great Jubilee

Vatican City, 24 (NE) With a solemn ceremony at Midnight today, during which Pope John Paul II will cross the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, the Church will begin celebrations for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, recalled this yesterday, as he explained journalists several aspects of the ceremony during which the Holy Father will inaugurate the Jubilee Year 2000.

The Holy Father -explained Navarro-Valls- will join a procession in the atrium of St. Peter's Basilica, stop in prayer when he arrives at the Holy Door where the Gospel of Luke will be read, as well as several verses from Psalms, then proceed to simply push open the two bronze panels of the Holy Door. The procession will continue inside the Vatican Basilica until it reaches the papal altar where John Paul II will proclaim the start of the Jubilee Year. The Christmas vigil Mass will then start.

Meanwhile, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah, will, in the grotto in Bethlehem, proclaim open the Jubilee in the Holy Land.

The director then gave some statistics for tomorrow evening's ceremony: 8,200 people will be seated in St. Peter's Basilica where television monitors will allow them to better see the actual opening of the Holy Door; 40,000 will be seated in St. Peter's Square where there will be mega-screens; 58 countries will provide live television coverage, including Cuba. The Holy Year beginning tonight will be celebrated along the year 2000, and finish on January 6, 2001.

Birth of Jesus, center of millennium celebrations, says Cardinal O'Connor

New York, 24 (NE) "Here in New York there are many preparations for the new millennium, and there will be big civil celebrations. But we should remind ourselves that there would not be celebration if Christ had not come 2000 years ago," stressed Cardinal John O'Connor, during a recent Mass held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. The birth of Christ, the Archbishop remarked, "is essential, it is what this new millennium points out, and nothing else."

During his homily, Cardinal O'Connor requested the faithful to meditate on the meaning of the Holy Door, which Pope John Paul II will open on Christmas Eve. "It means -he stated- to claim the responsibility of every faithful of crossing this threshold acknowledging that Jesus is the Lord and strengthening our faith in Him in order to live the life he has given us."

Recalling finally the words of the Pope, the Archbishop of New York highlighted that the entrance to the new millennium could be summarized as crossing the threshold of hope. "May each one of us be filled with the hope that the Lord grants to all those that open their hearts," he concluded.

"Silent Night": A Christmas carol that has united people throughout the world who celebrate the birth of the Son of God

Rome, 24 (NE) "Silent Night, Holy Night". These are the first verses of a simple but fascinating song repeated throughout the years in the different places where Christmas is celebrated. Translated to many languages, they are words that have accompanied these celebrations uniting different races and languages in a common worship to God. Words whose melody has evoked in the hearts of those who listen to them the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God in the virginal womb of Holy Mary.

Nevertheless, only a few actually know the origin of one of the most traditional Christmas carols. The finding of an original script dated 1816 allowed to clarify the story of the song and its author, and Austrian priest born in December 1792. His name was Joseph Mohr, and was born in a humble family. His natural inclination to music was soon discovered by the cathedral choirmaster, who helped him to receive an education. By 1810 the young Joseph was studying and preparing himself for priesthood, being ordained five years after.

He was moved to Mariapfarr, his father's village, a place surrounded by woods and fresh air, where it is believed he wrote the poem that would later be famous as a Christmas carol. Because of his health, he was moved again to another town, Oberndorf, 13 miles of Salzburg, where he met Franz Xaver Gruber, a musician who would become his friend. As the Christmas of 1818 came closer, Joseph searched for the verses of his Christmas poem, and together with Gruber made some arrangements to the poem and thus was born the traditional Christmas carol.

That same Christmas, precisely 181 years ago, the organ of the temple broke down, which forced the priest to use alternative songs for the Mid Night celebration. At the time, it would have been very difficult for a song in German, accompanied by a guitar, to be sung at the temple, at least in such a solemn ceremony. The situation allowed the song to be heard publicly for the first time. It happened on Christmas of 1818, in a Church dedicated to St. Nikolas in Oberndorf. Father Mohr would be called to the Father's presence on 1848, dying in poverty after a life consecrated to his priesthood, and leaving behind to the world a song that has illuminated with joy and hope millions of homes which celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus.

Park reproducing life in the times of Jesus inaugurated in Argentina

Buenos Aires , 24 (NE) "Holy Land", a seven-hectare park reproducing several events of Jesus' life was inaugurate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a ceremony attended by the Apostolic Nuncio, Ubaldo Calabressi, and President Fernando de la Rua. The park reproduces in detail several sites of Palestine at the time when Jesus lived and preached. The Apostolic Nuncio in Argentina blessed the park, wishing that the place may "encourage feelings of authentic and sincere conversion". The two and a half-hour tour begins with the creation of man, followed by reproductions of several characters from the Old Testament. An impressive manger represents the birth of Jesus, with more than 150 life-size figures. Visitors can also walk through several streets, plazas, where actors represent life as it was in the times when the Lord lived.

Archbishop warns about dangers of sects and New Age

Mexico City, 24 (NE) "What should we think about sects?" is the title of a recent book written by Archbishop Javier Lozano Barragan, President of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers. In this publication he analyzes several sects and Protestant groups, expressing his concern for the "great supermarkets of religion" that offer "a religion for one's private consumption", custom made for one's own satisfaction. A special mention is made regarding "New Age," affirming that it mixes esotericism, occultism, mythical thoughts and magic, together with several ideas taken from Christianity and astrophysics. All of this combined with universal human values such as freedom, development of the human potential, and solidarity, among others. This reality, the Mexican Archbishop says, demands from the Catholic Church a new integral evangelization and not a mere offer among other "religious products of consumption". The Church -he added- has to act from her identity as the only Church founded by Christ for the salvation of mankind.

DECEMBER 23

Pope invites to live Christmas with profound involvement

Vatican City, 23 (NE) "Let us ready ourselves to live the Christmas event of salvation with profound involvement, starting the Holy Year with deep joy," said Pope John Paul II during the weekly catechesis held yesterday at the Paul VI Hall. During the General Audience, the last one before the beginning of the Holy Year, the Pope urged pilgrims to contemplate "in the poverty of the manger the great 'event' of the Incarnation."

"God made himself man in order to meet each of us. Let us allow this great mystery to transform our lives during the whole period of grace of the Jubilee," said the Pontiff. He also recalled the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "May the Virgin Mary, who was the first to prepare a worthy home for the promised Messiah, and who still today presents Him to the world, teach us to open, indeed to throw wide open, the doors of our heart to the Christmas message of light and peace."

At the end of the audience the Holy Father addressed a large group of Polish faithful. He exhorted them to live the spirit of Christmas celebration. "For my native land," he said in Polish, "I hope that the spirit of the Great Jubilee may pervade all hearts with the sacred fire of love. May mercy, goodness and human solidarity reign in our homes."

Italy prepares for International Eucharistic Congress

Rome, 23 (NE) The Holy Year of the 2000 is called to be an "intensely Eucharistic year." Within this framework, the International Eucharistic Congress, to be held in Rome during the year 2000, will be one of the main events of Jubilee celebrations. Last week, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar general of the Holy Father for the diocese of Rome and President of the Italian Bishop's Conference, sent the bishops of the Italian dioceses the definitive program for the Eucharistic Congress. The Cardinal highlighted the fact that the Pope had chosen Italy for this important Church event, encouraging a participation "rich in enthusiasm and effort." To help the preparation of this event and the intense Eucharistic reflection during the entire Jubilee year, an agenda has been prepared that aims to become a "spiritual guide to live this Holy Year day by day," as it was explained by the Head of the Liturgical Office of the Vicariate of Rome. It will include reflections, prayers and other material for Eucharistic mediation, based on passages from the Bible, patristic tradition and liturgy.

Brazil: Cardinal urges to give shelter to city's homeless

Rio de Janeiro, 23 (NE) According to the prefecture of Rio de Janeiro, there are 985 persons that sleep at this city's streets. Facing this situation, Cardinal Eugenio de Araujo Sales, Archbishop of Sao Sebastiao of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has asked the 239 parish priests from the archdiocese to give all these people a place where to sleep from Christmas on. "I am conscious of the magnitude of what I am asking you, but I trust in the Grace of God and in your creativity to find solutions, even when they apparently don't exist," said the Cardinal.

The Brazilian Archbishop highlighted the initiative as an excellent way to begin the Jubilee Year, and emphasized that it will be the Child Jesus, born in a manger, who will teach us to welcome our needy brethren this Christmas. "Is it a dream? No! It is confidence in my priests. It is a challenge that is born in the heart of the Child. He will tell us how to act. I can affirm that soon in Rio de Janeiro there will be nobody who sleeps at the street, but he who refuses the invitation made by the parish priest in the name of God."

Korea: Church prepares for challenges of new century

Rome, 23 (NE) Catholics in South Korea are preparing intensely for the celebration of the year 2000. Towards the beginning of December, the Bishops in this country gathered for a four-day meeting to reflect on the future of the Church in Korea and renew the evangelizing commitment in the country. One of the fruits of the Bishop's meeting has been a pastoral letter, inviting Korean Catholics to welcome the Holy Year with a renewed spirit and also to celebrate it in a significant way.

The Bishop's message calls as well for a greater witness of Christians in society, highlighting among the numerous challenges the need to assist the crisis in families, the formation of the youth and the importance of an appropriate incarnation of the Gospel in culture.

A special invitation has been made to encourage "expressions of reconciliation" with the people of North Korea, forgetting past hatreds and offering all the material and spiritual aid possible to the brother nation which faces a deep economic crisis.

Meanwhile, Fides agency informed that a group of Catholics in North Korea have expressed their desire to celebrate the Jubilee Year in Rome, together with Pope John Paul II. As the Vice-president of the National Commission of Reconciliation of the Archdiocese of Seoul pointed out, Catholics of the diocese of Changchung expressed to a Vatican delegation recently visiting North Korea their desire to participate in the ceremony of opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, to be presided by Pope John Paul II.

Bishops concerned for abusive use of religious symbols in advertising campaigns

Madrid, 23 (NE) Through a declaration made this week, the Spanish Bishops' Conference denounced the "abusive use" of religious symbols in the advertising campaigns of several commercial products. The message of the Spanish Bishops reiterates declarations made last week by Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco, Archbishop of Madrid, who affirmed that "the use of the symbols of the Church in ads is not acceptable. The reaction of Christians should be to avoid buying the products of advertisements who use these as instruments to sell."

Calling to encourage an "ethics of publicity," the Bishops' Conference of this country lamented the "abusive use of symbols, languages, buildings and people of religious and ecclesial character in advertising campaigns," highlighting the numerous protests that have been raised among faithful due to this. "It is necessary to lament and denounce -the message pointed out as well- what happens with other announcements also and what happens with other advertisements where violence, sex or materialistic consumerism is encouraged, offending common sense and the principles of ethics and advertising deontology."

DECEMBER 22

Pope highlights importance of Petrine ministry

Vatican City, 22 (NE) Pope John Paul II recalled yesterday the importace of the ministry that the Pope as Successor of the first of the Apostles exercises. During a meeting with members of the College of Cardinals and the Roman Curia, the Holy Father reminded them that today is the last time this century and millennium that they meet for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings.

During his address, the Pope highlighted the service that this ministry means, pointing out that "if the vocation of the Successor of Peter, surrounded by his collaborators, has a particular meaning in the Church, it is precisely because it is a ministry, a service. Christ said to Peter: 'Confirm your brothers'". Only in virtue of the power of Christ, noted the Pope as he reflected on the mission of he who is Successor of Peter, "that he can sustain his brothers notwithstanding his personal weakness".

"It is necessary to keep in mind this truth about the 'ministerium petrinum'. He who is the Successor of Peter and exercises such a ministry can never forget this, and those who, in whatever capacity, participate in this ministry must never forget it".

The Holy Father also recalled the years of preparation that have taken place in view of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000. He encouraged the promotion of a "culture of charity," and recalled that the "announcement of salvation must always be accompanied by an active witness of charity."

Peace and hope for Holy Land, asks Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

Rome, 22 (NE) A "message of peace and hope, founded upon the presence of God among us in the mystery of the Incarnation and Nativity," was sent by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah, on occasion of Christmas celebrations. "Christmas is special this year," writes Patriarch Sabbah, "for we celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of our Lord and God Jesus Christ… We praise God for this gift and for the mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word."

The Patriarch's message specially emphasizes the need of peace in the Holy Land. He lamented the different tensions that afflict the region, and also recalled that "peace will be the fruit of justice". "The year of the Jubilee, as we put ourselves before the mystery of God who made Himself our companion, and who is the Lord of History, recalls us that peace is possible, and that we must search it and attain it."

Patriarch Sabbah also recalled with joy the Pope's future pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "At the occasion of the Great Jubilee, the Holy Father will make his spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It will be a visit of faith and prayer." This visit will become a blessing for all, it will indicate "a voice of the Spirit in our country, a message of peace to our peoples in quest of peace."

"God accompanies us in the history we make day by day. May the world, in his efforts to create a new world order, welcome the Spirit of God. Only the Spirit will renew the face of the earth, the heart of humanity and restore justice in relations among peoples and persons". "We ask God to bestow upon us the grace to listen to Him and to see Him, in all our actions and in all our brothers and sisters".

Midnight Mass in Bethlehem to be broadcast live via the Internet

Rome, 22 (NE) For the second year now, Internet navigators will be able to see a live broadcast of the Midnight Mass to be held in Bethlehem. This service will be offered again at Al-Bushra's web site, at http://www.al-bushra.org/ Al-Bushra announced as well that a recording will be also available at its web site for those who will not be able to see the live broadcast. The Midnight Mass, celebrating the 2000th anniversary of the Lord's Nativity, will be presided by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah.

Five-ton Bell donated to Pope for Jubilee Year

Rome, 22 (NE) It weights five tons, and has a circumference of 6 meters. These are some of the characteristics of a huge bell, donated to Pope John Paul II on occasion of the Holy Year. The bell will be given to the Pontiff the 2nd of January, on occasion of the Jubilee of the Children. Made especially for the Holy Father by the Pontifical Foundry Marinelli di Agnone, the bell will be taken to Saint Peter's Square shortly after the celebration of Christmas. As the Italian agency ANSA informed, the bell has the Pope's shield engraved as well as the inscription "Jubilaeum MM." The Marinelli di Agnone Foundation is one of the oldest in the country and the only one that at the moment bears the title of Pontifical, as it has since 1923. During the presentation of the gift that will be given to the Holy Father, Pasquale Marinelli, director of the foundry, pointed out that this was a dream ever since the Holy Father visited the foundry back in 1995.

Jubilee, time for evangelization, reconciliation and celebration, says US Bishop

Washington, 22 (NE) "This Christmas will be truly unique as together we observe the two thousandth anniversary of Christ's Birth in Bethlehem and begin to celebrate the Year of the Great Jubilee", wrote Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington. Addressing faithful in his Christmas message published in the Catholic Herald's latest issue, the Prelate highlighted Pope John Paul II' special insistence to not forget the general theme of this Holy Year: "Open Wide the Doors to Christ: Evangelize, Reconcile and Celebrate!" "May we allow His Presence to permeate us so completely that the witness of our lives will make clear the Good News of His love and foster reconciliation and unity", encouraged as well Arlington's Bishop. "May Christmas 1999 be for everyone a feast filled with light, the prelude to an especially deep experience of grace and divine mercy".

DECEMBER 21

Popes Pius IX and John XXIII to be raised to the altars

Vatican City, 21 (NE) Popes Pius IX and John XXIII will probably be proclaimed blessed during the Great Jubilee of the year 2000. This was confirmed yesterday by the decrees of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which were read during a ceremony in presence of Pope John Paul II. Among the future blessed is also Guillaume Joseph Chaminade, French priest founder of the Society of Mary.

During the ceremony two decrees were presented that confirmed the miracles attributed to the intercession of Blessed Jose Maria de Yermo y Parres, secular priest and founder of the Congregation of the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Poor and of Maria Faustina, of the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin, Mary of Mercy.

The decrees confirming the miracles attributed to the intercession of six Venerable Servants of God were also read. These included Pope Pius IX and Guillaume Joseph Chaminade, as well as Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago, Puerto Rican layman, who may become the first blessed born in the Caribbean. After this, 6 decrees about the martyrdom of Servants of God, as well as four decrees about the heroic virtues of the Servants of God were presented. Among these was Pope John XXIII.

Before the promulgation of the decrees, Archbishop Saraiva Martins, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, emphasized among the 18 causes of canonization, beatification, martyrdom and heroic exercise of virtues, those of the Popes Pius IX and John XXIII. From Pope Pius IX he recalled that "the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary Most Holy, the calling of the I Vatican Council and the reaffirmation of the primacy of Peter reveal the soul of a man of God exclusively dedicated to the service of Universal Pastor of the Church, for the construction of the Kingdom of God on earth."

He also highlighted the pontificate of Pope John XXIII, from 1958 until 1963. The Archbishop recalled that he gave " two important encyclicals, 'Mater et Magistra' (May 20, 1961) on social evolution in the light of Christian doctrine and 'Pacem in terris' (April 11, 1963), on peace between all peoples ". The approval of a miracle attributed to his intercession is still awaited, in order to beatify the Pope, who convoked the Vatican II Council. This is expected to happen soon. The investigation is very advanced. Therefore, it is probable that he will be raised to the altars during the year 2000.

Cuban faithful to see opening of Holy Door

Miami, 21 (NE) Cuban faithful may participate, as millions of people will do from different places of the world, of the beginning of the Holy Year that will take place at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The Church in Cuba made known yesterday that it has achieved the government's authorization to transmit through local TV the opening of the Holy Door and the beginning of the Great Jubilee of year 2000, to be presided over by Pope John Paul II during Christmas night and transmitted all over the world. Due to the petition of the Cuban Bishop's Conference, the ceremony will be seen at 10 p.m., local time.

Christmas message of Cuban Bishops calls to national reconciliation

Miami, 21 (NE) Addressing "all men of good will," the Bishops in Cuba called for national reconciliation in the Island in their message on occasion of Christmas celebrations. The Cuban Bishops recalled the time of Christmas as a "time of encounter with others, with the suffering, of acceptance and respect for each other without any distinctions."

The message issued by the Cuban Bishops' Conference also pointed out that Christmas is a time of "recognizing everybody's rights, of helping everybody's duties to be accomplished, of easing the development of one's potentialities and personal gifts, of defending life in all its manifestations, of searching, without excluding anybody, fair solutions for the problems that afflict us all."

In the same way, the Cuban Bishops published a message directed to the Venezuelan people, expressing their solidarity in view of the recent natural disasters that the country is facing. "We wish to be in communion with our brother Bishops of the Church in Venezuela and express to them our feelings of Christian solidarity toward the affected people, at the same time that we accompany them in their pain for the victims through our prayer," read the message.

US Bishops urge to "authentic human development" for the most needy

Saint Louis, 21 (NE) The public policy committee of the Missouri Catholic Conference urged citizens and legislators to a "genuine search for the common good" when using the share given to the state from the multi-state tobacco settlement, which amounts to more than $ 6 billion payable in the next 25 years.

"We hope that the needs and ideas of ordinary citizens are not overlooked in favor of well organized interest groups," stated the Prelates in their communique. They also recalled the importance of putting the most needy in the first place, as well as the promotion of an "authentic human development". "Authentic human development -said the statement- offers each person the opportunity to develop their full potential."

The Missouri Bishops emphasized the importance of recalling the criterion of "common good", defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church as "the group of conditions of social life that permits the group and each of its members to attain their perfection in a fuller and easier way." "When we assist those less fortunate we are acting in solidarity with them and we are enhancing the common good," the statement said.

Cardinal Rivera asks to renew hope and conversion during Christmas

Mexico City, 21 (NE) "It is not true that the only future ahead of us is one of skepticism and fear. On the contrary, the truth is that death, solitude and desperation remain conquered by whoever shelters this Child and communicates him to the rest," affirmed Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico, in his last Sunday homily.

Christmas -he continued- communicates us the good news that each one of us is loved, and that we are free, that we can advance toward something better and that we can commit again to re-do our society, because the Lord Jesus "comes to propose a new style of values that cause a new style of life."

"God takes flesh, through the grace of the Holy Spirit -the Cardinal added- God preferred time rather than the temple, so that from the temple we may seek out to find him. Not in the hazy horizon of estranged spiritualities, but on the concrete everyday life of our history."

Venezuelans pray for victims of floods

Caracas, 21 (NE) With great fervor and trust in God, faithful of the Archdiocese of Caracas, Venezuela, paid homage to a venerated image of the Lord Jesus, as it was taken in procession through the streets of the city. A large multitude gathered for the procession, which traditionally only takes place once a year during Easter, and prayed for the victims and people affected by the strong rains and floods that have caused enormous damages in the country. Veneration to the image of the Nazarene, kept in the Basilica of Saint Teresa, dates back three centuries. Before the procession Archbishop Ignacio Velasco of Caracas presided a Eucharist celebration. During the Mass, prayers were also offered for the victims of the floods and the areas affected. Arcbishop Velasco invited those present to conversion and solidarity with the victims.

DECEMBER 20

Pope to visit Holy Land March 21 - 26

Rome, 20 (NE) Pope John Paul II will visit Holy Land from March 21 to 26, said yesterday Israeli officials from the Prime Minister's bureau in Israel. As it was informed, the dates for the Holy Father's pilgrimage were finally set after a visit to Israel of a Vatican delegation, headed by Father Roberto Tucci. It was also made known that during his visit, the Pope will meet Prime Minister Ehud Barak, as well as President Ezer Weizman. Meanwhile, Madrid's ABC daily informs in today's issue that the Nunciature in Israel confirmed that Pope John Paul II would stay at a Vatican compound on East Jerusalem's Mount of Olives. The Holy Father would arrive to Israel from Jordan, and visit the holy places in Jerusalem, and it is expected that he will preside a solemn Mass at Nazareth's Basilica of the Annunciation and visit the Sea of Galilee, in northern Israel, among other places.

Blessed Mary, model of preparation for Christmas, says Pope

Vatican City, 20 (NE) "Christmas has become, with all reason, the feast of gifts, because it celebrates the greatest gift that God has given humanity, the person of Jesus Christ," said Pope John Paul II, as he addressed pilgrims gathered yesterday at St. Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus prayer. "We have to live this traditional way of celebration in tune with the meaning of the event, with a simple and sober style," the Pontiff said.

During his address, the Pope encouraged faithful to prepare this Christmas, in which we celebrate the 2000 anniversary of the birth of the Lord Jesus, following the model of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Father specially emphasized her "attitude of faith, which consists in listening to the Word of God to receive it with full disposition of mind and heart."

"The Church symbolically expresses, with the opening of the Holy Door, that God has opened all the ways of salvation. It is our duty to answer, as Mary did, with a personal and sincere 'yes', opening the space of our own existence to the love of God. Let the example and the intercession of Mary help us to welcome the Savior, in order to receive the authentic gift of his Nativity with plenitude," he concluded.

Argentina: 400.000 gather in celebration to prepare Jubilee

Buenos Aires, 20 (NE) Thousands of Argentinean faithful gathered this weekend at Buenos Aires famous Obelisk to celebrate in a true feast of faith the "Christmas of the Millennium." Official sources calculated that more than 400,000 people assisted to the event, held last Saturday in preparation for the beginning of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.

The Eucharist celebration was presided by Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires. President Fernando de la Rua, among several authorities, attended the event, together with faithful from different parts of the country. Hundreds of priests arrived early in the afternoon to confess the multitude, that greatly attended the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as an immediate preparation for the celebration of the Holy Year.

Only if we let Jesus "be with us, as Mary and Joseph did, a culture of encounter becomes possible, in which nobody is excluded, in which all of us look at each other as brothers," recalled Archbishop Bergoglio during his homily. "Two thousand Christmases, and the Child is not deceived from the faithful, from us," stated as well the Prelate. "He still gives Himself to us, putting Himself in our hands, in this act of self donation that is the Eucharist."

Archbishop of Cali: We must learn from Mary to welcome Jesus

Cali, 20 (NE) "The Virgin Mary, the young woman of Nazareth, tells us how to welcome the Son of God. She tells us with her example the attitudes we need to welcome Him in the poor, in those who suffer, in his Word and in the Eucharist," stated Archbishop Isaias Duarte of Cali, in a recent reflection about "The Virgin Mary and Christmas".

The Colombian Prelate wished everybody a Christmas "full of blessings from God." He also recalled how the prophecy of Isaiah takes place in the Virgin Mary: "A virgin will conceive and will give birth a son. He will be called the Son of God." He emphasized the importance to learn from Her the virtues with which she welcomed the Messiah: humility, gratitude, awe, and the obedience that "makes us accept what God wants from us".

The Archbishop also recalled all Colombians that "each man and woman has received from God a mission in this world. This is life's main point, the axis from which everything else is organized." Urging faithful to justice and solidarity, Archbishop Duarte recalled as well that this would only be possible "if we welcome Christ and let him be born in our hearts." In this way we will also receive the precious gift of peace, stated the Prelate.

Lima's Archbishop calls to unity in the Church in communion with Pope

Lima, 20 (NE) Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima, Peru, stressed last weekend the need to encourage unity in the Church, in communion with St. Peter's Successor, the Bishop of Rome. Gathering together with students finishing their studies at Lima's Pontifical and Civil Faculty of Theology, Archbishop Cipriani stated that unity in the Church must be lived "cum Petro et sub Petro". The students finishing their studies at this university elected Archbishop Cipriani as godfather of the promotion. During his homily at a Mass presided by the Archbishop, the Prelate called the members of the "Our Lady of Gudalupe" promotion to live humility and have a special respect and reverence for the Church's liturgy.

DECEMBER 18

Pope inaugurates new illumination systems for St. Peter's Basilica

Vatican City, 18 (NE) Pope John Paul II inaugurated yesterday a new system of illumination for St. Peter's Basilica. During a ceremony held at the Clementine Hall in the Vatican, the Holy Father blessed yesterday afternoon what has become one of the most important works of restoration in St. Peter's Basilica looking forward to the celebration of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. Last September, the Holy Father himself blessed and inaugurated the facade of the Basilica, after a two-year long restoration period that gave the impressive facade its original beauty. "May this Basilica shine as a city over a mountain" said the Pope on that occasion. The Holy Father's words got a new meaning yesterday, as the Pontiff blessed the illumination system, which includes more than 450 lights that from now on will permanently illuminate the facade, the atrium, as well as the Basilica's cupola, which can be seen from almost any point in the Eternal City.

Holy Father expresses his solidarity to Venezuelans after tragedy

Caracas, 18 (NE) Pope John Paul II sent the Venezuelan people a message of solidarity, transmitted yesterday by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, after the recent tragedy due to the heavy rains and floods in the country. The Pope was "deeply grieved as he knew the painful news about the floods and landslides," said the message, expressing the Pope's prayer for victims and inviting people to "to help the wounded and affected, in order to overcome this adversity."

"His Holiness also manifests his compassion to the relatives of the deceased, and his closeness to those who have lost relatives, homes and goods. He also encourages public organisms, institutions and men of good will to help efficaciously and with generous spirit and Christian charity, in these difficult moments of great suffering."

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Bishop's Conference exhorted all "men and women of good will to be generous with those affected by the rains." A special collection will take place on Sunday December 19 in all the country's churches. The fund raised will be taken to the afflicted dioceses to cover the most urgent needs.

Catholics in China prepare for Jubilee celebrations

Rome, 18 (NE) Catholics in China prepare -amid the difficulties they suffer caused by the government and police- the activities to celebrate the Jubilee in communion with the whole Church. Fides news agency informed that some Chinese bishops have published a small book to prepare Catholics for the celebration of the Jubilee. The book explains places where faithful may attain indulgences.

"The thousands of copies of this small book, and other information about the Jubilee, are a sign of the unity and courage of the faithful in China," noted the news agency, stressing the desire of the Church in China to celebrate the Jubilee together with other places in the world. Moreover, a group of women from Northern China have elaborated a handmade robe for the Holy Father, as a symbol of the preparation of the Church in China for the Holy Year.

In his recent message to Catholics in China, the Holy Father addressed those "pastors and faithful that still cannot express fully and visibly their communion with this Apostolic See," urging then as well to announce the Gospel with courage.

Canonization process for Juan Diego still going on, says Vatican Archbishop

Rome, 18 (NE) Archbishop Jose Saraiva Martins, Prefect for the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, stated that Blessed Juan Diego's process of canonization is advancing, being based on a very solid historical investigation. In relation to the process of the Mexican Indian witness of the appearances of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Archbishop Saraiva recalled the research work done by Father Fidel Gonzalez, who was in charge of the Committee for the historical research regarding Blessed Juan Diego's canonization. The research process has been "very rigorous", said the Archbishop, stating that it confirms not only the existence of Juan Diego, but also his heroic virtues. It is still not known if the canonization will be carried out during the Jubilee year, once the Pope gives his final approval. In relation to a possible date, Archbishop Edward Nowak, Secretary for the Vatican Congregation, said that it will be Pope John Paul II who will finally decide.

DECEMBER 17

Catholic journalism must be "moral force" transmitting truth

Rome, 17 (NE) A culture without truth is the real threat against objectivity of information, stated Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, Archbishop of Bologna, as he gathered with a group of journalists from the Catholic Union of Italian Press. The Cardinal encouraged journalists to undertake the "fight against the progressive fading of the values that make life truly human" and against "the exaltation of the spiritual vacuum and the lack of meaning."

The Archbishop of Bologna emphasized the need of a "moral force" that can transmit the truth through mass media, without making it relative to other interests. "People believe that somebody that has moral certainties cannot be really free." Nevertheless, he explained, "he who doesn't have convictions that commit him, and remains open and at disposition to acquire always changeable contents and practical orientations, deceives himself if he believes he is free. That is the freedom of the leave that falls from the tree, which randomly dances with each blow of wind. It is the freedom of the slave from everybody and everything."

Addressing those present, Cardinal Biffi recalled the most precious resource that a Catholic journalist has: "To let oneself be guided by Jesus, he who has shown us how truth is freedom's only credible premise... In your profession, great is the fortune of him who has humbly received the 'true light that illuminates each man' in his spirit."

"Passionately adhered to Christ, the only Master of truth, you can develop the habit of critically evaluating everything said and each social, political and cultural position. You can also have the gift of reaching and helping others reach the ultimate and authentic sense of every question, every longing, every concern from the people of your time."

Spanish Bishops recall St. John of Avila

Madrid, 17 (NE) The Spanish Bishop's Conference has published a message for the V centenary of Saint John of Avila's birth. With the document "Saint John of Avila, Master of Evangelizers", the Spanish bishops want to promote the knowledge and devotion to this XVII century saint. A new edition of his works and the celebration of a Symposium have been announced, among other activities to celebrate the V centenary.

"His strong personality," states the document, "his deep love to Christ, his passion for the Church, his ardor and apostolic generosity are permanent stimuli to live in fidelity to the vocation God calls each of us to live, and to become His witness at the beginning of this new millennium."

The message, after recalling the rich spiritual legacy left by Saint John of Avila, specially his most important work "Audi Filia", makes public the request that the Bishops of Spain have made to Pope John Paul II: declare Saint John of Avila "Doctor of the Universal Church." The Spanish pastors conclude their message making vows to make "the Saint Master of Avila" become for all the people of God -lay and consecrated persons, and priests- a 'master of evangelizers', as he was during his lifetime."

Saint John of Avila was born the 6th of January of 1499 in Almodovar del Campo (Ciudad Real) in the jurisdiction of Toledo, Spain. His apostolic work was rich and intense. Very important are his efforts to reform the clergy of the time. He was convinced that the Catholic reformation inspired by the Council of Trent needed holy priests. His spirituality is an original expression of the Spanish Reformation. He died on May 10, 1569, in Montilla, Cordoba and was beatified by Pope Leo XIII the 6th of April of 1894. Pope Pius XII declared him Patron saint of the secular Spanish clergy the 2nd of July of 1946, and Pope Paul VI canonized him on May 31, 1970.

Patriarch Bidawid: Pope's trip postponed for security reasons

Rome, 17 (NE) In an interview published by Fides news agency, the Patriarch of the Chaldeans, Raphael Bidawid, stated that Pope John Paul II's trip to Iraq has been postponed for security reasons. As Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Vatican secretary for relations with states, said a some days ago, Patriarch Bidawid confirmed that the trip had been postponed and not cancelled definitively.

"We are very sad that the visit has to be put off yet again, but here in Iraq nothing is stable. Nevertheless the Holy Father's visit is not cancelled, it is only postponed: the Jubilee year is long and the millennium is only just beginning," affirmed the Patriarch.

The reason for the postponement, declared Patriarch Bidawid to Fides, is security. "The embargo, the no-fly zone mean Iraq cannot provide security for the Pope. The Americans and the British have all the air space in their hands. Months back they bombed an area near Ur. And if they were to bomb the site during the Papal Visit? Or some mad man in their name?"

"It is not a question of Vatican-Iraq relations" he added. "I can say that the Iraqi government and the Holy See have a good relationship. Iraq would be honoured to welcome the Pope." "The Pope deeply desires to make this visit", Patriarch Bidawid concluded. "We Iraqis also want him to come. But we must sacrifice it for better times. In January, when the visit was to take place, the Holy Year will have only just begun. The Pope could come later, or at the end of the year".

US Bishop calls to give witness of Catholic identity

Pittsburgh, 17 (NE) "A Millennium Reflection: What It Means To Be A Catholic" is the title of a pastoral letter recently issued by Bishop Donald W. Wuerl, of Pittsburgh, challenging faithful in the diocese to "consider what it means to call ourselves members of the Catholic Church" and to apply Catholic teaching in their lives. In the frame of Jubilee celebrations, writes the Prelate, the Church calls her members to "accept and to proclaim in word and deed the living gospel of Jesus Christ."

Bishop Wuerl makes it clear that being Catholic means accepting the whole body of Catholic faith and then putting it into action. "Catholic faith requires action-deeds that conform to God's will," he writes. "It is not enough to say, 'I am a Catholic.' Our actions must show our identity." Calling for a spiritual renewal in the diocese, Bishop Wuerl insisted as well that Catholics must know and explain their faith. "The Catholic Church has many identifying qualities that we believe were instituted by Christ when he established the Church," he writes. "We need to recognize them, be comfortable with them and be able to explain them."

Dialogue and reconciliation for Paraguay during Jubilee

Asuncion, 17 (NE) Yesterday during a press conference, the Church in Paraguay made public some of the activities that will take place in this country on occasion of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. Bishop Pastor Cuquejo, Spokesman of the Paraguayan Bishop's Conference, informed that the first event after the aperture of the Holy Year on the 24th of December will take place on Sunday 26, "with the opening of the doors of reconciliation at the cathedrals".

The Jubilee, stated Bishop Cuquejo, will highlight the mystery of Trinity, and will also promote the spiritual reconciliation among people. He also explained that what is being celebrated in the year 2000 is the anniversary of the birth of the Lord Jesus, and that the celebration of the Jubilee wants precisely to express the joy of this event.

During the press conference, the Prelate expressed the wish that during this time dialogue and reconciliation among Paraguayans be promoted. In relation to this, he stated that economic systems must also be reconciled, so that everybody adequately participates from the goods, in order to combat poverty, because "we have reached a level of poverty we never had before in Paraguay."

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