Cuba agreed to free 52 political prisoners
Cuba, July 08, 2010 - Cuba has agreed to free 52 political prisoners after a meeting between Cuban President Raul Castro and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and brokered by the Catholic Church.Five prisoners were released immediately and would travel "shortly" to Spain with their families, Cardinel Jaime Ortega, the archbishop of Havana announced. The remaining 47 dissidents will be freed within the next three to four months, a church statement said.The 52 prisoners are part of a group of 75 dissidents who were sentenced to jail terms of between six and 28 years in Cuba. The Cuban government claimed they were "mercenaries" working in the interest of foreign nations, such as the United States.'New era'Spanish Foreign Minister Moratinos said this was "a new era" for communist Cuba, and said that Castro had assured him the exiles and their relatives would be able to return to visit Cuba and their property would not be confiscated. These measu ...Read More
Pappal Preacher's 1st Lenten Homily
"Dispensers of the Mysteries of God: priests, ministers of the Word and the Sacraments".VATICAN CITY, 5 MAR 2010 - In the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel of the Vatican Apostolic Palace at 9 a.m. today, in the presence of the Holy Father, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap., preacher of the Pontifical Household, delivered the first Lenten sermon. The theme of his meditations this year is: "Dispensers of the Mysteries of God: priests, ministers of the Word and the Sacraments".This year's Lenten meditations will continue to explore the episcopal and priestly ministries in the context of the current Year for Priests. Particular attention will be given to the following aspects: the person of Jesus Christ, heart of the Christian message; announcing what we live and living what we announce; how to live and help others to live the Eucharistic mystery; towards a renewal of the Catholic priesthood in the Holy Spirit.The next two sermons will be given on the Friday 12 and Fri ...Read More
Pope's brother apologizes to abuse victims at his former school
WARSAW, Poland -- The brother of Pope Benedict XVI apologized to child victims of sexual abuse at his former school even though he said he was unaware of the alleged incidents."There was never any talk of sexual abuse problems and I had no idea that molestation was taking place," Msgr. Georg Ratzinger said, recalling his 30 years as choirmaster at the school that trains the elite boys' choir of the Regensburg Cathedral.His comments came during an interview with the German newspaper Neue Passauer Presse March 9."I'm deeply sorry for anyone whose spiritual or physical integrity was injured by abuse," said Msgr. Ratzinger, who was choirmaster between 1964 and 1994. "Today, such things are condemned even more because of greater sensitivities. I also condemn them, and simultaneously ask pardon from the victims."Msgr. Ratzinger recalled that the priest who headed the school from 1953 until his death in 1992 had slapped boys in the face, but said he had not con ...Read More
Fr. Federico Lombardi ISSUES COMMUNIQUES ON KILLING OF CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA AND SEX ABUSE CASES IN GERMANY, AUSTRIA, HOLLAND
Killings in NigeriaHoly See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. on Monday expressed "concern and horror" at the violent conflicts which have taken place in Nigeria in recent days. The attacks led to the deaths of 500 Christians of the Berom ethnic group, in villages in central northern Nigeria, at the hands of Muslims of the Fulani ethnic group. Fr. Lombardi also explained that the events are to be seen "not as a religious, but a social confrontation."Echoing that statement were the words of Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria, in an interview with Vatican Radio. "This is a classic conflict between herdsmen and farmers, except that the Fulani are all Muslims and the Berom all Christians,” said the archbishop. He added that “The international media are quickly led to report that it is Christians and Muslims who are killing one another; but this is not true, because the killings are not caused by religion but by social, economic, tr ...Read More
Christmas time exodus brings some silent nights to nation's capital
WASHINGTON - Christmas is a time of year filled with references and allusions to things and times past, regardless of where it is celebrated.In the nation's capital, one might think the Dec. 19 snowstorm that dumped a record 16.4 inches of snow on Washington would have made for some silent nights, the occasional spinning of tires on icy pavement excepted.Usually during the Christmas season in the Capitol building, not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. However, with the Senate taking a series of votes on health care reform legislation right up to and on Christmas Eve before recessing, the place was buzzing.Washington is a mecca that draws people from all over the country who want to try to make their mark, most often in public policy but also the media, the arts, or a range of other endeavors.But they're not necessarily here to stay and many keep strong ties to their home states. Most Christmases there's an exodus to rival the one in the Old Testam ...Read More
USCCB: We will have to oppose the health care bill vigorously
Washington, U.S.A, oct.09, 2009 - The leadership of the US bishops' conference has issued a clear statement of opposition to the heath-care reform legislation pending in Congress.In a joint letter to Congress, Cardinal Justin Rigali and Bishops William Murphy and John Wester said expressed their "disappointment" that the legislation did not incorporate safeguards to prevent taxpayer subsidies for abortion, to protect the consciences of health-care workers, and to cover the needs of legal immigrants. These problems make the legislation unacceptable in its present form, they said.The prelates' letter emphasized that the Church regards health care as a fundamental right, and reminded lawmakers that the US bishops have consistently supported efforts to provide comprehensive health care for all American citizens. However, the legislation must incorporate fundamental principles of justice, they said. "If final legislation does not meet our principles, we will have no choice ...Read More
Bishop Martin: Special Concern needed towards Catholics, the target of Neo-Pentecostal Groups
Vatican City, Oct.09, 2009 - The increasing number of Catholics in Africa who flock to the evangelical churches is a topic of concern at the second special Synod of Bishops for Africa.Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, told synod participants Oct. 6 that while the church in Africa is experiencing rapid growth "there is sadly also an increasingly deeper fragmentation among Christians."Sometimes dialogue with the charismatic, Pentecostal and other evangelical communities is difficult or even impossible "because of their aggressive behavior and, to say the least, their low theological standard," he said.But ecumenical relations must continue or be established where possible, he said, and the church must engage in some serious, self-critical reflection.Some of the questions the church must ask itself, the cardinal said, are "What is wrong or what is deficient with our own pastoral work? Why (do) so many ...Read More
Praying the Rosary by Bishop Fulton J sheen
From the earliest days, the Church asked its faithful to recite the one hundred and fifty Psalms of David. This custom still prevails among priests, who recite some of these Psalms every day. [9] However, it was not easy for anyone to memorize the one hundred and fifty Psalms. Then, too, before the invention of printing, it was difficult to procure a book of the Psalms. That is why certain important books like the Bible had to be chained like telephone books are today; otherwise people would have run off with them.Incidentally, this gave rise to the stupid lie that the Church would not allow anyone to read the Bible, because it was chained. The fact is, it was chained just so people could read it. The telephone book is chained, too, but it s more consulted than any book in modern civilization!The people who could not read one hundred and fifty Psalms wanted to do something to make up for it. Therefore, they substituted one hundred and fifty Hail Marys. They broke up th ...Read More
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of October 2009
General: That Sunday may be lived as the day on which Christians gather to celebrate the risen Lord, participating in the Eucharist.Missionary: That the entire People of God, to whom Christ entrusted the mandate to go and preach the Gospel to every creature, may eagerly assume their own missionary responsibility and consider it the highest service they can offer humanity. ...Read More
Pope Benedict to visit Rome Synagogue
Rome, Italy, Oct.03,2009 – On the eve of the Jewish New Year, which was celebrated on September 19 this year, Benedict XVI sent the chief rabbi of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, a telegram of good wishes and friendship. In it, he confirmed that he will soon visit the synagogue of Rome, "animated by the profound desire to manifest my personal closeness and that of the whole Catholic Church" to the Jewish community.The synagogue in Rome will be the third one visited by Benedict XVI, after the synagogue in Cologne in August of 2005 and the Park East synagogue in New York, in April of 2008. Before him, John Paul II had visited the synagogue in Rome on April 13, 1986. ...Read More
Convention Center Collapses, 23 Christians Killed
Kathmandu, Nepal, Oct.03, 2009 - A major Christian gathering in eastern Nepal ended in tragedy when the convention center collapsed.At least 23 Christians died and 100 were injured when a bamboo structure housing participants collapsed in Dharan on Sept 29.Around 1,800 Christians of the El Shaddai group had gathered for a 10-day convention that began on Sept 28. The gathering was organized by the Zion El Shaddai Church."A three-story makeshift bamboo structure where women and children had been housed in collapsed at 11:30 p.m. It is believed that the participants at the convention included people from Bhutan, and Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri in India.Christians at this time of the year organize conventions to take advantage of the 15-day holiday for Dashain, a Hindu festival.According to Protestant pastor Laxmi Prasad Neupaney, members of Protestant Churches usually gather at this time of the year to "renew their faith.""Christians bel ...Read More
Pope Meets New U.S. Ambassador to Vatican
Vatican City, Oct.02, 2009 - Welcoming the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI outlined wide areas of potential cooperation with the administration of President Barack Obama, but drew a sharp line on the issues of abortion and the rights of conscience.The pope called for "a clear discernment with regard to issues touching the protection of human dignity and respect for the inalienable right to life from the moment of conception to natural death, as well as the protection of the right to conscientious objection on the part of health care workers, and indeed all citizens."He made the remarks at a ceremony Oct. 2 to accept the credentials of Miguel Diaz, named in May by Obama as the ninth U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. After the encounter at the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo south of Rome, Diaz held talks at the Vatican with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.The pope's comments on the right to life touched on a current d ...Read More
Pakistani President's discussion with Pope Benedict XVI
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, Oct.02, 2009 - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Benedict XVI have discussed anti-Christian violence in Pakistan, emphasizing the need to overcome discrimination.The leader of the Islamic republic visited the Pope today in Castel Gandolfo.A communiqué from the Vatican press office characterized the discussion as "cordial," saying it "provided an opportunity to examine the current situation in Pakistan, with particular reference to the fight against terrorism and the commitment to create a society more tolerant and harmonious in all its aspects."The communiqué added: "Talk then turned to the positive role played by the Catholic Church in the social life of the country through her educational, health care and aid activities."Evoking recent episodes of violence against Christian communities in some localities, and the elements that have favored such serious incidents, emphasis was given to the need to overcome all forms of disc ...Read More
Pope: Little way of St.Therese is the humble path of love
Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Oct 02, 2009 - As the Catholic Church celebrated the feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI offered his reflections on what her life can teach the faithful. The French saint's “little way,” he said, is the “humble path of love, capable of enveloping and giving meaning and value to all human affairs."The Holy Father made his comments on Thursday as he bid farewell to Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano—the diocese in which the papal summer residence is located—as well as the numerous personnel that made the Pontiff's two month stay possible.After thanking everyone for their service, the Pope recalled the fact that today marks the Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, a Carmelite nun of the convent of Lisieux."Her witness," he said, "shows that only the Word of God, accepted and understood in its concrete requirements, can become the source for renewed life.”“To our society, often permeated by a rationalis ...Read More
Pope's cyprus visit scheduled
Rome, Italy, Oct 2, 2009 - The government of Cyprus announced on Thursday that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted an invitation to visit the country made by President Demetris Christofias during an audience with the Holy Father at the Vatican on March 27.The papal trip could take place in June of 2010, according to a story published by Vatican Radio.According to the report, Maronite Archbishop Josef Souaef of Cyprus, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem, and Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Custodian of the Holy Land, have expressed their joy at the announcement of the Pope’s visit. ...Read More
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