ZENIT, Daily dispatch
The World Seen From Rome
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VATICAN DOSSIER
* Benedict XVI Urges Formation in Faith for Gabon
* Leader of Iceland and Pope Discuss Environment
* Masters of Faith Are Needed, Pontiff Says
WORLD FEATURES
* Cardinal Urges Faithful to See "Bella"
* Vocation Video Wins Award
* Australian Bishops Offer Election Guidelines
NEWS BRIEFS
* Catholic Campaign Gives $9.5 Million to U.S. Poor
* Pyongyang Diocese Marks a Milestone
SPIRITUALITY
* The Pharisee and the Publican
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VATICAN DOSSIER
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Benedict XVI Urges Formation in Faith for Gabon
Bishops of African Nation Visit Pope
VATICAN CITY, OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The faithful of the west African country of Gabon need formation so they can found their lives upon Christian principles, Benedict XVI says.
The Pope said this today to bishops from the episcopal conference of Gabon, in Rome for their five-yearly visit.
The Holy Father noted that the people of Gabon "sometimes let themselves be attracted by the consumerist permissive society, paying less attention to the poorest people of their country. I encourage them to increase fraternal sentiment and solidarity. Furthermore, a certain relaxation has been noted in the lives of Christians, taken in by the attractions of the world. It is my hope that their conduct become ever more exemplary in terms of spiritual and moral values."Benedict XVI identified one of the most vital tasks of the Church in Gabon as "transmitting the faith and acquiring a deeper knowledge of the Christian mystery. In order to meet the challenges they face, the faithful need a thorough formation that enables them to found their Christian life upon clear principles."
"Ecclesial communities will be more vibrant and the faithful will draw strength from the liturgy and from individual, family and community prayer, so that, in all fields of social life, they become witnesses of the Good News and workers for reconciliation, justice and peace in this world of ours which needs these things more than ever," he said.
Youthful evangelizers
The Pope emphasized the role of youth in Gabon, expressing the hope that the young may become "the first evangelizers of their peers. Many times, through friendship and sharing, people come to discover the person of Christ and to join themselves to him."
After noting the bishops' concern about the low numbers of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life, the Holy Father noted that "the seminary in Libreville must be watched over with particular care because the future of evangelization and of the Church are at stake." This, he said, "will not cease to be a stimulus so that, in each diocese, pastoral care of vocations develops and intensifies."
The Holy Father encouraged priests and religious, and their families, to "mobilize themselves through prayer, attention to the youngest and a concern for transmitting the call of Christ, so that the vocations your country needs may arise and spread."
"Nor can we forget," he continued, "the role of Catholic education, in which teachers and educators have the mission of the integral education of the young. This task requires witness to and transmission of the faith, as well as attention to vocations."
With reference to priests, the Pope stressed that, "living in constant intimacy with Christ, they will have a sharper awareness of the need to remain faithful to the commitments made before God and the Church, especially [...] chastity and celibacy. In this way, they will experience their priestly ministry ever more as a service to the faithful."
"They will find spiritual support in the brotherhood of priests, comforted by you who are father and brother to them," Benedict XVI told the bishops. "Thus, together, you will be able to implement joint pastoral projects that give fresh impetus to the mission. I encourage each priest to seek [...] the good of the Church and not personal advantage, conforming his life and mission to the gesture of the washing of the feet. From such love, lived as disinterested service, profound joy will arise."
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Leader of Iceland and Pope Discuss Environment
VATICAN CITY, OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is encouraging the international community to favor the protection of the environment.
The Pope said this today when he received in audience Geir Haarde, prime minister of Iceland. The leader then met with the Holy Father's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.
The Vatican press office reported: "In the course of the cordial discussions, the mutual respect and esteem marking relations between Iceland and the Catholic Church were noted, as was the contribution the Church makes to society, especially in the educational and social fields.
"Certain international questions of joint interest were also examined, highlighting the need for an ever greater commitment on the part of the international community to promote peace, fight against poverty, and favor environmental protection."
The audience with Benedict XVI was a first for Haarde, a Protestant, who showed enthusiasm when presenting the Holy Father a cross and a Bible translated to Icelandic. The Holy Father gave the prime minister pontifical metals and rosaries.
Only about 2% of Iceland's 300,000 citizens are Catholic.
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Masters of Faith Are Needed, Pontiff Says
Greeting Marks Beginning of Academic Year in Rome
VATICAN CITY, OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says the Gospel message needs to affect the way people think, judge and act, and thus, the world needs masters of faith and well-trained heralds.
The Pope affirmed this when he greeted students of the Roman pontifical universities gathered in St. Peter's Square on Thursday.
The students' meeting with the Holy Father followed a Eucharistic concelebration presided over by Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. The event marked the beginning of the academic year.Benedict XVI encouraged the students and professors to "establish a climate in which commitment to study and fraternal cooperation enable you to enrich one another, not only in what concerns cultural, academic and doctrinal aspects, but also on a human and spiritual level."
He told them that the chance to study in Rome, "see of Peter's Successor and thus of the Petrine ministry," a city "rich in historical memories, in masterpieces of art and culture, and above all in eloquent Christian testimony [] will help you to reinforce the sense of belonging to the Church and of fidelity to the universal magisterium of the Pope."
And "the presence of students from every continent in the academic institutions, colleges and seminars, offers you as well the chance to experience the beauty of forming part of this unique, great family of God," he continued.
Tradition
"Over time," the Pontiff added, "universities and ecclesiastical faculties came into being, now centuries old. There, entire generations of priests and pastoral workers were formed, including many great saints and illustrious men of the Church."
Referring to Pope John Paul II's apostolic constitution "Sapientia Christiana," which calls for a consideration of new problems in the light of Christian revelation and a presentation of truth "in a manner adapted to various cultures," Benedict XVI affirmed that this commitment "is more pressing than ever in our postmodern age, in which the need is felt for a new evangelization, and which needs masters of faith and appropriately trained heralds and witnesses of the Gospel."
"The time you spend in Rome can and must serve to prepare you to undertake [...] the task that awaits you in the various fields of apostolic activity," the Pope said. "In our own time, the Church's evangelizing mission requires, not only that the Gospel message be spread everywhere, but that it penetrate deeply into the way people think, into their criteria for making judgments and their behavior."
"In a word," he concluded, "the entire culture of modern man must be permeated by the Gospel."
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WORLD FEATURES
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Cardinal Urges Faithful to See "Bella"
Film's Lead Actor Considered Catholic Role Model
HOLLYWOOD, California, OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The film "Bella" is destined to have an extraordinary impact on people's lives, said the chairman of the U.S bishops' conference committee on pro-life activities.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, said the film, released today in the United States, "has a message that is so connected to life: to the problems of life, the challenges of life, the value of life." The cardinal wrote to his fellow bishops encouraging them to host advanced screenings of "Bella" with the hope of spreading the film's message.
The film won the 2006 People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.
"Bella" is a story about a young pregnant woman who loses her job, and a man who is unable to recover from a tragic accident in his past. Their friendship changes their lives and brings new hope to both.
The film features actors Eduardo Verástegui, Tammy Blanchard, Manual Pérez and Ali Landry.
Verástegui, a teen heartthrob during his years as a professional musician and actor, is now known as a Catholic role model. After a spiritual conversion that brought him back to Catholicism, he is now an outspoken defender of the right to life, chastity and his faith.
In a Spanish-language interview with the Eternal Word Television Network in July, Verástegui noted that he has clear "the purpose of my life, of our lives -- I was not called or born to be an actor, nor created to be famous, nor rich, nor an engineer, a doctor, a success. I was called to be a saint."
Alejandro Monteverde directed and co-wrote "Bella," produced by Metanoia Films. Steve McEveety, producer of "Braveheart" and "The Passion of the Christ," was the executive producer.
To locate a theater showing "Bella," see www.bellathemovie.com.
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Vocation Video Wins Award
Film Hailed as "Extremely Moving"
WASHINGTON, D.C., OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops' video promoting priestly vocations -- called by one viewer "the best look at the priesthood I have ever seen on film" -- was named winner of the Gabriel Award.
"Fishers of Men," an 18-minute DVD that is part of a vocational recruitment project launched last year by the U.S. episcopal conference, received today the Gabriel Award in California, given by the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals.
More than 60,000 copies of the video, produced by Grassroots Films of Brooklyn, New York, have been distributed. The bishops' project takes into account that a 2007 survey sponsored by the vocations secretariat reported that 80% of newly ordained priests in the United States say a priest invited them to consider the vocation.
"I thought it was extremely moving," said the U.S. bishops' conference general secretary, Monsignor David Malloy, "and it sort gave that great reminder for why we got in this in the first place. In fact, I would love for my nephews to see it at some point."
The video, combining images, music and testimonies, reveals many elements of the daily life of a priest. A dramatic representation of a priest giving last rites to a dying boy shows how the example of the priests' ministry can inspire vocations.
Another viewer, David Morton, said he was "moved to tears."
Joseph Campo, producer of "Fishers of Men," said the production staff has "always had a positive view and appreciation of the Catholic priesthood throughout the world, and we are grateful for the opportunity to portray what it means to be a priest in the film, 'Fishers of Men.'"
"Serious filmmakers always work to produce something of extraordinary artistic quality," he continued. "When the work can serve a noble goal such as inviting men to the priesthood, it's doubly rewarding for the artists."
Popular
Monsignor Edward Burns, executive director of the episcopal conference's Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Formation, noted the broad reception of the DVD and the project.
"This program has reached almost 50% of our dioceses and is now going international," he said. "Nineteen countries have contacted us regarding this program. It is not only a resource for the church in the United States but hopefully a resource for the Church universal. The testimonies of young men who have watched this production have made it all worthwhile."
Bishop Blase Cupich of Rapid City, chairman of the episcopal Committee on Vocations, said the project has exceeded expectations.
"'Fishers of Men' has appeal across the board and reminds all Catholics why they treasure their priests," Bishop Cupich said. "Anyone interested in the priesthood, whatever his age, responds to the DVD's message: The priesthood is a call to service.
"With modern cinematography the filmmakers have captured the timeless calling of the priesthood: Follow and be like Jesus."
The trailer of the video can be seen at http://ccc.usccb.org/video/fishers_of_men1.wmv.
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Australian Bishops Offer Election Guidelines
Focus on 8 Key Platform Points
MELBOURNE, Australia, OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The bishops of Australia are encouraging citizens to head to the ballot box and "apply the test of the common good" above their own individual interests.
The prelates urge Catholics "to take their democratic freedoms seriously and become involved in the political process," as the nation prepares for elections to the federal Parliament on Nov. 24.
The Australian bishops' statement, released last week, called attention to eight key areas for voters to consider: life, family, indigenous peoples, education, health, environment, immigration and refugees, and peace.
"Respect for life and the fostering of the inherent dignity of the person underpins what it is to be human," they wrote. "All human life is to be respected, particularly the most vulnerable, including the unborn, the sick and elderly, people with disability, and communities ravaged by poverty, abuse, famine or war."
The bishops said they welcome "the growing consensus that the level of abortion is deeply disturbing" and also mentioned that "respect for human life also requires constant vigilance to ensure that euthanasia and assisted suicide are never legalized in Australia."
"The deepest questions are raised by the creation and deliberate destruction of human embryos for stem cell research. The Catholic Church is not opposed to stem cell research. On the contrary, we strongly support research based on adult stem cells, as well as those that are derived from umbilical cord blood. The Church supports ethical stem cell research through its research institutes, healthcare services, teaching hospitals and health professionals," they added.
Reducing pressure
Noting the rights of the family, the bishops wrote, "At a time when family life is subject to unprecedented pressure, families must be supported in every possible way. There must be legal recognition of the unique nature of marriage between a man and a woman, and proper protection for the rights of children. Tax arrangements and social service support nets should be aimed at strengthening families and reducing the pressures on them."
The bishops said indigenous peoples should be adequately represented in the process of government, "so that Australia's first peoples may be heard and their hopes and aspirations pursued as a national priority."
Noting the role of the Church in educating Australians, the bishops said, "Funding models must be fair, open and transparent, reflecting accurately contributions from the Commonwealth, states, and parent and private contributions. There should be no barrier to education because of an incapacity to pay."
Similarly, the bishops insisted that every person has a right to health care. "Significant reform is needed to ensure that households maintain their capacity to obtain basic health care. Without such reform, involving both the Commonwealth and states, Medicare will not be able to keep pace with the steady increase in user charges and fees."
Protecting water
The bishops made reference to the drought that continues to plague Australia and called for government policies to safeguard water supplies.
Regarding immigrants and refugees, the bishops said, "We believe that all asylum seekers, regardless of how they arrive in Australia, should have their claim processed in Australia, according to international convention. Claims should be processed as speedily as possible, ensuring that people do not spend long periods in detention. People who are found to be refugees should receive permanent visas which allow them to access government services and employment, giving them the security they need to build a new life in Australia."
Finally, the Australian prelates urged world peace, saying "it is not God's way to oppose violence with greater violence. [] We support efforts to build a culture of peace by promoting overseas aid policies which provide access to proper nourishment, health, housing and education."
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NEWS BRIEFS
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Catholic Campaign Gives $9.5 Million to U.S. Poor
Parish Collection Funds Grants
WASHINGTON, D.C., OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Donations from an annual national collection taken up in parishes before Thanksgiving, and totaling some $9.5 million this year will be helping more than 300 poverty-fighting organizations.
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development distributed the money to 314 projects in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico in 2007.
The average award is $30,500 and will go to local organizations that address the specific concerns of their poor and low-income members. These groups work toward economic justice, fair housing, health care access, living wages, and immigrant and worker rights, among other concerns.
John Carr, interim executive director, highlighted the importance of the campaign: "Overcoming widespread poverty in the richest nation on earth is a moral imperative. The U.S. Census Bureau report released in August indicates that 36.5 million Americans still live at or below the poverty line -- $20,614 for a family of four."
When the donations are taken up each year, 25% of the funds remain in the diocese for local Catholic Campaign initiatives.
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Pyongyang Diocese Marks a Milestone
Maryknolls Organize 80th Anniversary Celebration in New York
NEW YORK, OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- When the apostolic administrator of Pyongyang, North Korea, requested a prayer service to mark the 80th anniversary of the diocese's foundation, the petition was heard as far away as New York.
The Maryknoll Sisters in New York acted on Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jin-Suk's request, and hosted a celebration last month to mark the anniversary of the initial establishment of the ecclesial territory in 1927, which was made a diocese in 1962.
The cardinal presided over the event, which highlighted the relationship between the Korean Church and the Maryknoll missionaries, who had a long history of serving the burgeoning Catholic community in the country before Communists began to persecute Christians in the 1940s.
Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, also attended the event.
During the Mass celebrated by Cardinal Cheong, also archbishop of Seoul, prayer intentions included the hope that the Catholic community of North Korea would be revitalized, reported the Fides news agency of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
The Maryknoll missionaries contributed to the evangelization of Korea, and some lost their lives when the communist regime came to power. Only two Maryknoll sisters from the original group of missionaries who served in Pyongyang are still alive. Sisters Elenita Barry, 100, and Sarah Fogarty, 92, attended the event.
The North Korean government now reports 3,000 Catholics in the region, and one church, in Pyongyang, the capital.
Cardinal Cheong exhorted those at the celebration to understand and pray for the difficult situation in which the North Koreans live. "It is our duty," he said, "to pray for and support the tiny Catholic community in North Korea, which has lived in silence since the peninsula was divided."
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SPIRITUALITY
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The Pharisee and the Publican
Gospel Commentary for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
By Father Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap
ROME, OCT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- This Sunday's Gospel is the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. Those who attend Mass this Sunday will hear a commentary more or less of this type.
The Pharisee represents the conservative who feels himself in line with God and man, and looks with contempt on his neighbor. The publican is the person who has committed an error, but he recognizes it and humbly asks God for forgiveness. The latter doesn't think of saving himself on his own merits, but rather through the mercy of God. The preference of Jesus between these two is clear, as the last line of the parable indicates: The latter returns to his house justified, that is, forgiven and reconciled with God; the Pharisee returns home just as he left it -- preserving his sense of righteousness, but losing God's.
Hearing this commentary, and repeating it here, leaves me dissatisfied. It's not because it is mistaken, but it doesn't respond to our modern times. Jesus told these parables to those who were listening to him in the moment. In a culture charged with faith and religious practice like that of Galilee and Judea of his time, hypocrisy consisted in flaunting the observance of the law and of holiness, because these were the things that brought applause.
In our secularized and permissive culture, values have changed. What is admired and opens the path to success is the contrary of that other time: It is the rejection of traditional moral norms, independence, the liberty of the individual. For the Pharisees the key word was "observance" of the norms; for many, today, the key word is "transgression." To say that an author, a book or a show is a "transgressor" is to give it one of the most desired compliments of today.
In other words, today we should turn the terms around to get at the original intention. The publicans of yesterday are the new Pharisees of today! Today the publican, the transgressor, says to God: "I thank you Lord, because I am not one of those believing Pharisees, hypocritical and intolerant, that worry about fasting, but in real life are worse than we are." Paradoxically, it seems as if there are those who pray like this: "I thank you, Lord, because I'm an atheist!"
Rochefoucauld said that hypocrisy is the tribute that vice pays to virtue. Today it is frequently the tribute that virtue pays to vice. This is shown, in fact, especially among youth, who show themselves worse and more shameless than they are, so as not to appear less than others. A practical conclusion, valid as much in the traditional interpretation alluded to at the beginning, as in the development given here, is this one: Very few -- perhaps no one -- are always in the role of the Pharisee or always in the role of the publican, that is, righteous in everything or sinners in everything. Most of us have a little of both in us. The worst thing would be to act like the publican in our daily lives and like the Pharisee in church. The publicans were sinners, men without scruple, who put money and business above everything else. The Pharisees, on the contrary, were, very austere and attentive to the law in their daily lives. We thus seem like the publican in daily life and the Pharisee
in the temple, if, like the publican we are sinners, and like the Pharisee, we believe ourselves just.
If we must resign ourselves to being a little of both, then let us be the opposite of what we have just described: Pharisees in daily life and publicans in church! Like the Pharisee, we must try in daily life to not be thieves and unjust, but to follow God's commandments and pay our dues; like the publican, when we are before God, we must recognize that the little that we have done is entirely God's own gift, and let us implore, for ourselves and for all, God's mercy.
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Father Raniero Cantalamessa is the Pontifical Household preacher. The readings for this Sunday are Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14.
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