November 19, 2007
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** DAILY READINGS:
First Reading:
1 Macc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=2459
Psalm:
Ps 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=2460
Gospel:
Lk 18:35-43
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=2461
** SAINT OF THE DAY:
St. Raphael Kalinowski
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=58
** TOP STORIES:
- Defend marriage and family life at all costs, Benedict XVI tells Africans
- Natural disasters and human tragedies do not mean the end of the world, says Pope
- Pope is working on three documents simultaneously, Vatican sources say
** MORE HEADLINES
- Future Health Minister of Argentina to maintain predecessor's pro-abortion stance
- Japan faces population implosion
- New book responds to "Golden Compass"
- Elderly and infirm are not "a problem," Pope says
- Holy See desires rapid conclusion of talks with Israel, says Vatican spokesman
- Largest sexual abuse settlement reached with Oregon Province Jesuits
- Mother delivers quintuplets after refusing multiple abortions
- Archbishop Broglio appointed to serve U.S. Military
- Locations for visits to new cardinals published
- Benedict XVI calls on the international community to help Bangladesh after Cyclone Sidr
- U.S. Bishops' International Policy Chairman speaks about Israeli-Palestinian conflict
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TOP STORIES
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Defend marriage and family life at all costs, Benedict XVI tells Africans
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11014)
VATICAN CITY, November 19 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI had a special message for Africa in his meeting with the bishops of Kenya today. As the bishops completed their "ad limina" visit, the Pope exhorted them to defend "at all costs" the institutions of marriage and family life, which are under attack from the "globalized secular culture".
Praising the esteem in which Africans hold marriage and family life, the Holy Father told the Kenyan bishops that "[t]his precious treasure must be guarded at all costs." The cause of "the ills besetting some parts of African society, such as promiscuity, polygamy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, can be directly related to disordered notions of marriage and family life," Benedict noted.
"For this reason," he added, "it is important to assist parents in teaching their children how to live out a Christian vision of marriage, conceived as an indissoluble union between one man and one woman, essentially equal in their humanity and open to the generation of new life."
Pope Benedict showed particular concern that authentic African culture is being undermined by anti-life movements. "While this understanding of Christian family life finds a deep resonance in Africa, it is a matter of great concern that the globalized secular culture is exerting an increasing influence on local communities as a result of campaigns by agencies promoting abortion," he said. "This direct destruction of an innocent human life can never be justified, however difficult the circumstances that may lead some to consider taking such a grave step."
The Holy Father also instructed the bishops that "[w]hen you preach the Gospel of Life, remind your people that the right to life of every innocent human being, born or unborn, is absolute and applies equally to all people with no exception whatsoever."
Out of concern for the women who find themselves in difficult circumstances, the Pope reminded the Catholic community that it "must offer support to those women who may find it difficult to accept a child, above all when they are isolated from their family and friends." Catholics should also "be open to welcome back all who repent of having participated in the grave sin of abortion, and should guide them with pastoral charity to accept the grace of forgiveness, the need for penance, and the joy of entering once more into the new life of Christ."
Benedict XVI pointed out how the Church in Kenya "is well known for the fine contribution made by its educational institutions in forming generations of young people in sound ethical principles and in opening their minds to engage in peaceful and respectful dialogue with members of other social or religious groups.
"At a time when a secularist and relativist mentality is increasingly asserting itself through global means of soial communication, it is all the more essential that you continue to promote the quality and the Catholic identity of your schools, universities and seminaries. Take the steps necessary in order to affirm and clarify their proper institutional status," he concluded. "Today there is a particular need for highly trained professionals and persons of integrity in the area of medicine, where advances in technology continue to raise serious moral questions."
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Natural disasters and human tragedies do not mean the end of the world, says Pope
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11011)
VATICAN CITY, November 18 (CNA) - With thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus prayer today, Pope Benedict XVI rejected the "recurring messianisms" that are continually announcing the imminent end the world. He explained that "history is ongoing, and involves human tragedies and natural calamities."
Reflecting on the Gospel reading for this Sunday, the Holy Father recalled that, since its inception, the Church "prayerfully lives in the care of its Lord, scrutinizing the signs of the times and keeping the faithful on guard against the calls of messianisms, which from time to time announce the imminent end of the world ".
"Actually, the Pontiff said, history must take its course, which also involves human tragedies and natural calamities. As time develops, the design of salvation that Christ has already taken effect in his incarnation, death and resurrection [becomes clearer]. This mystery is continually announced by the Church and actualized in her preaching, with the celebration of the sacraments and the testimony of charity. "
Faced with the problems of life, "do not be afraid for the future," said the pope, who urged parishioners to accept "the invitation of Christ to face everyday events trusting his love."
Antidote against nihilism: faith and charity
Finally, Benedict XVI highlighted the example of charity of consecrated persons, especially those who "have withdrawn into contemplation enclosed in monasteries".
"Monasteries", he said, are a "spiritual oasis" which indicate that God and his love are the ultimate reason worth living for.
"Faith that operates in charity is the true antidote to the nihilistic mentality, which in our time is always expanding its influence in the world," the Holy Father stressed.
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Pope is working on three documents simultaneously, Vatican sources say
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11007)
ROME, November 16 (CNA) - Sources at the Holy See have confirmed to CNA that Pope Benedict XVI is set to finish an encyclical on the virtue of hope that, according to the Italian daily La Repubblica, will be called "Spe Salvi" (Saved by Hope). In addition, they said the Pontiff is also working simultaneously on two other important texts, including one on social issues.
After the announcement of the theme of the next encyclical, which according to the Italian daily, could be published before Christmas, Vatican sources consulted by CNA said the Pope is also working on a social document, confirming what was informally said during the Pope's vacation last summer.
This new document, "which may or may not be an encyclical, would be an updating of the themes contained in Populorum Progressio from the perspective of the social and ethical challenges posed by globalization," the sources said.
This year marked the 40th anniversary of Populorum Progressio, the encyclical by Paul VI that addressed the issue of human development as an integral phenomenon that should have political, social, ethical and spiritual effects.
"There has not been, therefore, 'a change' in what the Holy Father is interested in, but rather he is working on different texts at the same time, as he did as a theologian and as a Cardinal," sources explained.
They also said Benedict XVI is working on a third text: the second and last part of his book on Jesus Christ. In this second part, he will write about the Gospel passages on the Passion, Resurrection and the infancy of Jesus. "This theological and personal work of the Pope, which will be the second part of 'Jesus of Nazareth,' is also being written, without impacting the other official documents which he is considering publishing as part of his Magisterium," sources said.
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MORE HEADLINES
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Future Health Minister of Argentina to maintain predecessor's pro-abortion stance
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11024)
BUENOS AIRES, November 19 (CNA) - The new Health Minister of Argentina, Graciela Ocana, who was recently named to the post by President-elect Cristina de Kirchner, said she would maintain the pro-abortion stance of her predecessor.
Ocana first took a post in the administration of Nestor Kirchner in 2004 after having been a representative for the province of Buenos Aires in the national congress.
As a congresswoman, Ocana voted in favor of the morning after pill, homosexual unions, "reproductive" health laws and obligatory sex-ed in schools without parental consent.
According to some media reports, Ocana decided not to have children because of trauma she suffered as a child. She was raised by her grandparents from the age of five after her mother died giving birth to her brother.
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Japan faces population implosion
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11023)
TOKYO, November 19 (CNA) - The dwindling population of Japan will threaten the "foundation of communities," -- police, fire, and other basic services -- an impending white paper by the Japanese government will report.
Japan's population peaked in 2005 at 127 million people. Current projections forecast a decline of thirty percent by 2050 to 89 million people. On average Japanese women have only one child. The birth rate must average 2.1 children per woman to maintain the population.
At the same time, Japan's population is among the oldest in the world, averaging 43 years of age. By the year 2050, the average Japanese person is predicted to be 61 years old.
During Japan's 2007 Children's Day, the government noted that the number of children in Japan had declined for the 26th consecutive year. 2,000 junior and senior high schools have closed due to lack of children, and some of these buildings are being converted into senior care centers. Pediatricians are changing their specialty to geriatric care, while some lonely seniors pretend child-like robot dolls are substitute grandchildren.
Brian Clowes, writing for Human Life International, declares "if a government promotes "family planning" for decades, if it drills into the people's heads the idea that children are messy, noisy, expensive, and bad for the environment, once it has promoted and funded millions and millions of abortions, there is really no way back."
He cites as most problematic young Japanese women's aversion to marriage. Seventy percent of young single women say they have no intention of getting married.
"The only solution to the plague of depopulation is to rekindle the love of God and children in the people's hearts. The Japanese must undo three decades of anti-natalist propaganda with an intensive program of teaching the people the value of family, the beauty and joy that children provide, and the satisfaction of fidelity to a husband or a wife until death," Clowes writes.
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New book responds to "Golden Compass"
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11020)
HOLLYWOOD, November 19 (CNA) - Both supporters and critics have described the upcoming children's fantasy movie "The Golden Compass" as the "anti-Narnia." It is based on Philip Pullman's controversial "His Dark Materials" trilogy, a series which has been criticized for promoting atheism to children and attacking Christianity.
A new book has been published to assist concerned parents and readers everywhere in responding to Pullman's vision.
Titled "Pied Piper of Atheism: Philip Pullman and Children's Fantasy", by Sandra Miesel and Peter Vere, the book examines the truth about Pullman and his books. It explores his beliefs about God, religion, Christianity, the Catholic Church, and atheism as well as how he tries to advance his opinions through his written work.
The authors also explain Pullman's strong disdain for Christian fantasy writers like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, while comparing his work to that of other children's and fantasy literature.
The authors bring notable qualifications to their critique.
Sandra Miesel, a co-author of the best-selling book "The Da Vinci Hoax", has master's degrees in both biochemistry and medieval history from the University of Illinois. A writer, critic, and editor of fiction, she has worked with many well-known fantasy and science fiction authors.
Her co-author Peter Vere, a canon lawyer and Catholic journalist, has previously written about Pullman's work for several publications, including The Washington Times and This Rock magazine.
"Pied Piper of Atheism" will address the many objectionable aspects of Pullman's books in a non-sensational, fair, but firm manner.
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Elderly and infirm are not "a problem," Pope says
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11019)
ROME, November 19 (CNA) - During an audience on Saturday with participants of the 22nd international conference promoted by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, Pope Benedict XVI called for complete respect for the life and human dignity of the infirm and the elderly, who are often marginalized as a "weight" and a "problem" by "today's mentality of efficiency."
The Pope commented on the theme of the conference, "The Pastoral Care of Elderly Sick People," which is of interest to "an increasingly larger population, which has many needs and at the same time unmistakable human and spiritual resources."
"Today's mentality of efficiency" views elderly sick people as "a 'burden' and a 'problem' for society," the Holy Father said in his message. "Those who have an understanding of human dignity, however, know that the elderly must be respected and supported while they face the serious difficulties linked to their state," he added.
The elderly who are affected by incurable illnesses need palliative care that is able to mitigate the pain, the Holy Father said, in order to face "in a conscious and human way the last stage of earthly existence, to serenely prepare for death." Moreover, in addition to competent medical care, "the sick need understanding, comfort and constant encouragement and accompaniment."
John Paul II and suffering
Noting that for Christians death is a "journey towards the embrace of the heavenly Father, full of tenderness and mercy" and that the sick need the support of their family and the Sacraments, the Pope recalled the witness of John Paul II.
"On numerous occasions, my venerable predecessor John Paul II, especially by offering an "exemplary witness of faith and courage" in his illness, exhorted scientists and physicians to never cede "to the temptation to have recourse to the practice of shortening the life of the elderly or the sick, practices that would in fact result in forms of euthanasia."
He also exhorted those charged with care for the infirm, as well as politicians and administrators, to never forget that "the temptation of euthanasia appears as one of the more alarming symptoms of the culture of death that is advancing above all in the society of well-being."
Benedict XVI called for a "general commitment" to respect human life not only in Catholic hospitals but in all places that offer medical care, and he exhorted "believers facing illness and death to "not to lose their serenity, because nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of Christ."
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Holy See desires rapid conclusion of talks with Israel, says Vatican spokesman
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11017)
VATICAN CITY, November 19 (CNA) - The director of the Holy See's Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, reacted this weekend to statements by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the former Apostolic Nuncio to Israel, who said he had reservations about the current negotiations between the Holy See and that country, saying the archbishop's comments represent "his thought and this personal experience gathered during his years of service" in the Holy Land.
"The interview with Archbishop Sambi, was published on the website www.terrasanta.net, reflects his thought and his personal experience gathered during his years of service at the Apostolic Delegation of Jerusalem, and as nuncio in Israel," Father Lombardi stated in a press release.
"The Holy See, for its part," the statement continued, "reiterates its previously stated desire during the recent visit by President Peres with the Holy Father—'for a rapid conclusion to the important negotiations already in progress' in order to find a common solution to existing problems."
In the interview, Archbishop Sambi, current Apostolic Nuncio in the United States, said the economic accord between the Holy See and Israel has still not been signed "after almost ten years of useless negotiations because of the continuous delays on the part of the Israeli delegation in holding meetings, the delegation's lack of decision-making authority, in a word, because of the absence of political will."
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Largest sexual abuse settlement reached with Oregon Province Jesuits
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11016)
PORTLAND,OR, November 19 (CNA) - The largest settlement yet against a Catholic religious order has been reached between the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus and several sexual abuse victims in Alaska, according to Anchorage lawyer Ken Roosa.
The AP has reported that the Jesuit order will pay $50 million to compensate damages that involved roughly 13 priests during the years of 1961 and 1987 with victims ranging from age five to teenagers.
There are ten provinces within the Jesuit Order in the United States. The Oregon Province that consists of the states Oregon, Montana, Washington, Idaho and Alaska reports to superiors in Rome and is separate from the Archdiocese of Portland.
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Mother delivers quintuplets after refusing multiple abortions
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11015)
LONDON, November 19 (CNA) - A Russian mother has given birth to quintuplets despite opposition from doctors who wanted her to abort some of them. Varvara Artamkin and her husband Dimitri had to travel to England in order to keep all of their children.
She and her husband Dimitri, a 28 year-old math professor, were told by Russian doctors that they would not treat Varvara during her pregnancy unless she aborted two or three of her babies. The doctors said the 'selective terminations,' as the abortions are called, were essential to giving the remaining babies a chance of survival.
Mr. Artamkin's grandmother, Irina, 74, speaking from her home in Moscow, described their plight: "They went to several maternity hospitals to ask them to take her on but the doctors kept saying they would only accept her on the condition that she terminated two or three of the babies."
Irina continued: "Our families are very religious people - Varvara's father is an archpriest - and the church teaches that abortion is murder. Varvara and Dimitri wanted all their babies and they would not agree to such a condition."
The expecting parents were too poor to seek treatment abroad, but Vavara's father, a senior priest in the Russian Orthodox Church, secured anonymous benefactors in Oxford who are paying the bill for the care of Varvara and all her new daughters.
Dimitri's sister, Maria, 24, said: "For me, that they were born alive was a miracle. It was all in God's hands and I was elated. We will go to church and light a candle for each baby."
Varvara gave birth in an Oxford hospital a week ago to five daughters 14 weeks pre-mature. As of Thursday, all of the newborns were said to be doing "very well."
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Archbishop Broglio appointed to serve U.S. Military
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11013)
VATICAN CITY, November 19 (CNA) - The Vatican announced today that Archbishop Timothy Paul Broglio has been selected to be the Archbishop of United States Military Services, taking the place of Archbishop Edwin Frederick O'Brien who was named Archbishop of Baltimore in July 2007.
Archbishop Broglio was born in 1951, and was ordained in 1977 to the Diocese of Cleveland. After serving there for two years, he returned to Rome to continue his studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy.
Currently, Archbishop Broglio serves as Apostolic Nuncio to Dominican Republic as well as the Papal Delegate to Puerto Rico.
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Locations for visits to new cardinals published
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11012)
VATICAN CITY, November 19 (CNA) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations has published the locations and times for those who wish to visit with the newly created cardinals following their elevations to their new rank this coming Saturday.
Visits can be paid to the cardinals between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 24 at the locations listed below.
The consistory for creating the 23 new cardinals will be held in St. Peter's Square at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday, November 24.
Also in St. Peter's Square, at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, November 25, Solemnity of Christ the King, the Holy Father will preside at a concelebrated Mass with the new cardinals, during which he will give them their ring of office.
Locations for courtesy visits:
Paul VI Hall:
Atrium: Cardinals Francisco Robles Ortega, Urbano Navarrete S.J. and Umberto Betti O.F.M.
Hall: Cardinals Agustin Garcia-Gasco Vicente, Sean Baptist Brady, Lluis Martinez Sistach and Andre Vingt-Trois.
Palace of the Governorate of the Vatican City State:
Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo.
Palazzo Della Canonica – Fabric of St. Peter's:
Vicariate of Vatican City: Cardinal Angelo Comastri.
Library: Cardinal Giovanni Coppa.
Apostolic Palace:
Sala Regia: Cardinals Leonardo Sandri and John Patrick Foley.
Hall of Blessings: Cardinals Theodore-Adrien Sarr, Oswald Gracias, Daniel N. DiNardo, Odilio Pedro Scherer, John Njue, Emmanuel III Delly, Estanislao Esteban Karlic.
Sala Ducale: Cardinals Paul Josef Cordes and Stanislaw Rylko.
Sala dei Paramenti 1: Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco.
Sala dei Paramenti 2: Cardinal Raffaele Farina S.D.B.
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Benedict XVI calls on the international community to help Bangladesh after Cyclone Sidr
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11010)
VATICAN CITY, November 18 (CNA) - Before starting the Angelus prayer today in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his closeness with the people of Bangladesh, who were devastated by Cyclone Sidr this past Thursday, and implored the international community to provide assistance to those who are suffering from the consequences of this calamity.
Government sources report that Sidr has taken the lives of 2,217 people, although local media estimate that the death toll could reach three thousand when the counting is finished in the more remote areas. The Holy Father reminded those suffering that they should turn to Jesus who promised to meet our everyday needs and that they should live "trusting in his loving providence."
The Pontiff expressed his closeness to those who are suffering and launched an appeal for international solidarity, which has already acted to address the immediate need. "
"I encourage every effort to be put into action to provide relief to those brothers who are being severely tested," said the Pope.
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U.S. Bishops' International Policy Chairman speaks about Israeli-Palestinian conflict
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11009)
BALTIMORE, November 16 (CNA) - In an exclusive interview with CNA earlier this week, Bishop Thomas Wenski took time to explain why the Bishop's Conference supports a two state solution to bring peace to the Holy Land. The USCCB Chairman of the Committee on International Policy made his comments in light of the upcoming Annapolis peace conference, due to begin on November 27.
Bishop Wenski began by pointing to a letter published by the Orlando Sentinel this past week, in which he was joined by leaders from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions, who voiced their belief that "peace between Israelis and Palestinians is possible."
In their letter, the religious leaders all agree that the way to bring peace about is "the creation of a two-state solution, a recognized and secure Israel and an independent and viable Palestinian state, comprising the West Bank and Gaza, living side-by-side in peace with each other."
Endorsing dialogue as the means to achieve peace, the leaders wrote, "[p]eace in the land holy to the three major monotheistic religions will not be won by military means, but only through a negotiated settlement that is built on realistic compromises and concrete reciprocal steps that inspire confidence and help overcome decades of mutual suspicion and hostility."
Causes of the Stalemate
Bishop Wenski lamented the fact many factors are contributing to "the continuing stalemate in the region." Among the causes he cited were: weak leadership on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides, Hamas' role in the Gaza Strip, the building of the security wall by the Israelis, and the continuing expansion of Jewish settlements in the Western bank.
In addition, "Israel seems to be reducing the Palestinian territories into a series of cantons…and cutting them off from each other," the bishop said.
Another obstacle to peace is "the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where most of the population lives on less than a dollar a day, threatens the sustainability of any political settlement and thus the security of Israel," the leaders wrote.
Ascendancy of Iran
Wenski also mentioned the fact that the situation in Israel and Palestine is linked to the recent ascendancy of Iran. "I think that a lot of the neighbors of Israel understand that the continuing conflict between Israelis and the Palestinians strengthens Iran's efforts to gain influence in the region. Most of the Arab states recognize that as a threat to their interests," he said.
The international policy chairman also gave some advice on what the Israelis and Palestinians should do to make the Annapolis peace summit a success. The preparation for the conference should include "Palestinian steps to strengthen policing and improve security and the recognition of Israel; Israeli steps to halt expansion of settlements and improve freedom of movement to help revive the shattered Palestinian economy; and the recognition of a Palestinian state. An effective ceasefire is indispensable."
(END)
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