MAKING GOD KNOWN IN OUR WORLD

 

VATICAN CITY, 10 NOV 2009 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from the Holy Father addressed to participants in the sixtieth general assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), which is being held this week in the Italian town of Assisi.

 

  Reiterating the theme of the "urgent task of education", about which he had spoken to the Italian prelates last May, the Pope explains that this "concerns all sectors of the Church and means that the great questions of the modern age must be faced with decision: the question concerning the nature of man and his dignity (a decisive element in the complete formation of the person), and the 'question of God' which seems ever more pressing in our own times".

 

  Benedict XVI also repeats words he pronounced this summer in the cathedral of Aosta , Italy : "If our fundamental relationship with God is not living, if it is not lived, then none of our other relationships can take their correct form. ... If we do without God, if God is absent, we lack the compass ... to show us the path, the direction we must follow. God! We must bring the truth of God back into the world, make Him known, make Him present".

 

  The Holy Father goes on: "In order for this to happen we, first and foremost and with all our being, must become living adoration, a gift that changes the world and restores it to God. This is the profound message of the Year for Priests".

 

  Turning then to consider the question of southern Italy, one of the themes due to be examined during the course of the assembly, the Pope notes how the prelates "felt the need to give voice and support to the needs of the country, which cannot hope to develop unless it is united. The Church's presence in the south is a seed for personal and social renewal, and for integral development", he says.

 

  The Pope also dwells on another of the items on the agenda of the general assembly, that of the new Italian edition of the funeral rites. In this context, he concludes his Message by noting how "the funeral is an important moment in which to announce the Gospel of hope and to reveal the maternity of the Church. ... In a culture that tends to remove the idea of death - when, indeed, it does not seek to exorcise it by reducing it to a spectacle or transforming it into a right - it is the task of believers to shine the light of Christian revelation on that mystery".

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PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: SEMINAR ON ASTROBIOLOGY

 

VATICAN CITY, 10 NOV 2009 (VIS) - The conclusions of a study week on astrobiology, organised by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Vatican Observatory, were presented this morning in the Holy See Press Office.

 

  Participating in the press conference were Fr. Jose Funes S.J., director of the Vatican Observatory; Jonathan Lunine, professor at the department of physics in Rome 's Tor Vergata University ; Chris Impey, professor at the department of astronomy in the University of Arizona and the Steward Observatory, Tucson , U.S.A. , and Athena Coustenis, professor at the "Observatoire de Paris-Meudon", LESIA/CNRS, France .

 

  "Why is the Vatican involved in astrobiology?" asked Fr. Funes in his remarks, going on to explain that "although astrobiology is an emerging field and still a developing subject, the questions of life's origins and of whether life exists elsewhere in the universe are very interesting and deserve serious consideration. These questions offer many philosophical and theological implications".

 

  "Astrobiology is the study of life's relationship to the rest of the cosmos: its major themes include the origin of life and its precursor materials, the evolution of life on earth, and its future prospects on and off the earth. ... The study week provided a special opportunity for scientists from different basic disciplines to spend an intensive week understanding how the work in their particular specialty might have an impact on, or be impacted by, that in other areas. Nowhere is this more evident than in the work being done on how life formed on the earth and evolved with the changing environment", explained Professor Lunine.

 

  For his part, Professor Impey observed that "if biology is not unique to the earth, or if life elsewhere differs bio-chemically from our version, or if we ever make contact with an intelligent species in the vastness of space, the implications for our self-image will be profound. It is appropriate that a meeting on this frontier topic be hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The motivations and methodologies might differ, but both science and religion posit life as a special outcome of a vast and mostly inhospitable universe. There is a rich middle ground for dialogue between the practitioners of astrobiology and those who seek to understand the meaning of our existence in a biological universe".

 

  The press conference on the study work - held in the Vatican 's Casina Pio IV from 6 to 10 November - concluded with the remarks of Athena Coustenis on the subject of the exploration of outer planets and their systems.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

 

VATICAN CITY, 10 NOV 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father appointed:

 

 - Msgr. Celso Morga Iruzubieta, bureau chief at the Congregation for the Clergy, as under secretary of the same congregation.

 

 - Fr. Felice Ruffini M.I. as consultor of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

 

 - Archbishop-bishop Felix Anthony Machado of Nashik , India , as bishop of Vasai (area 7,596, population 3,523,000, Catholics 122,000, priests 139, religious 499), India .

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HOLY FATHER RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF KAZAKHSTAN

 

VATICAN CITY, 6 NOV 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:

 

  "Today, Friday 6 November 2009, His Holiness Benedict XVI received in audience Nursultan Nazarbayev, president of the Republic of Kazakhstan . Mr Nazarbayev subsequently went on to meet Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

 

  "During the course of the cordial discussions, attention turned to questions concerning the economic crisis in the light of the Encyclical 'Caritas in Veritate', to inter-religious dialogue and to the promotion of peace, on the eve of Kazakhstan 's presidency of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

 

  "At a bilateral level consideration was given, with satisfaction, to the good relations that exist between the Holy See and the Republic of Kazakhstan , and to certain themes concerning the current situation of life in the country. Mention was also made of the peaceful coexistence between faithful of various religions, and the hope expressed that believers may have an ever more active role in the life of the nation and in favour of the common good".

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AUDIENCES

 

VATICAN CITY, 6 NOV 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

 

 - Five prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, on their "ad limina" visit:

 

    - Bishop Jacyr Francisco Braido C.S. of Santos .

 

    - Bishop Manuel Parrado Carral of Sao Miguel Paulista, accompanied by Bishop emeritus Fernando Legal S.D.B.

 

    - Bishop Caetano Ferrari O.F.M. of Bauru .

 

    - Bishop Sergio Krzywy of Aracatuba .

 

  This evening he is scheduled to receive in separate audiences:

 

 - Cardinal William Joseph Levada, perfect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

 

 - Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

 

VATICAN CITY, 6 NOV 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father appointed:

 

 - Fr. Giuseppe Sandri M.C.C.J., provincial superior of the Combonian Missionaries in South Africa , as bishop of Witbank (area 56,886, population 2,614,000, Catholics 103,278, priests 38, permanent deacons 8), South Africa . The bishop-elect was born in Faedo , Italy in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1972.

 

 - Fr. Vincent Nguyen of the clergy of the archdiocese of Toronto, Canada, adjunct judicial vicar and vice chancellor, and Fr. William Terrence McGrattan of the clergy of the diocese of London, Canada, rector of the Saint Peter major seminary, as auxiliaries of the archdiocese of Toronto (area 13,000, population 5,556,000, Catholics 1,889,000, priests 835, permanent deacons 110, religious 1,176). Bishop-elect Nguyen was born in Vietnam in 1966 and ordained a priest in 1988. Bishop-elect McGrattan was born in London , Canada in 1956 and ordained a priest in 1987.

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MASS FOR DECEASED CARDINALS AND BISHOPS

 

VATICAN CITY, 5 NOV 2009 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Basilica the Pope presided at the traditional November Mass for the souls of cardinals and bishops who died over the course of the year. Members of the College of Cardinals concelebrated with the Holy Father.

 

  At the beginning of his homily, Benedict XVI recalled the names of the cardinals who passed away during the last twelve months: Avery Dulles, Pio Laghi, Stephanos II Ghattas, Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, Paul Joseph Pham Dinh Tung, Umberto Betti, and Jean Margeot, expressing his affection for them and for the many archbishops and bishops who also died this year.

 

  "In these our venerated brothers we like to recognise the servants of whom the gospel parable speaks", said the Pope in his homily, "faithful servants whom the master, returning from the wedding banquet, finds watchful and alert; pastors who have served the Church, assuring the necessary care for Christ's flock, witnesses of the Gospel who, in their variety of gifts and tasks, gave proof of assiduous vigilance, of generous dedication to the cause of the Kingdom of God".

 

  Separation from loved ones is painful, observed the Holy Father, and death "is an enigma charged with anxiety". Yet, "for believers, however it comes, it is always illuminated by the 'hope of immortality'. The faith sustains us in these moments full of human sadness and distress".

 

  Commenting then on the First Letter of St. Peter, the second reading of today's Mass, Benedict XVI noted how it encourages us "during our earthly pilgrimage to maintain the prospect of hope, a 'living hope', alive in our hearts, ... because God in His great mercy has regenerated us 'through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead'.

 

  "This", he added, "is the reason we must be 'full of joy', even if we are afflicted by suffering. If, indeed, we persevere in goodness, then our faith, purified by many trials, will one day shine forth in all its splendour and resound to our praise, glory and honour when Jesus appears in His glory".

 

  And the Holy Father concluded: "Here is the reason for our hope, which already brings us to exult 'with an indescribable and glorious joy' as we journey towards the goal of our faith: the salvation of souls".

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FRIENDSHIP AND DIALOGUE BETWEEN CHURCH AND ARTISTS

 

VATICAN CITY, 5 NOV 2009 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture and of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church, and Antonio Paolucci, director of the Vatican Museums, held a press conference to present Benedict XVI's forthcoming meeting with artists, due to take place on 21 November in the Sistine Chapel.

 

  Archbishop Ravasi recalled how the meeting, promoted by his dicastery, is to be celebrated on the tenth anniversary of John Paul II's Letter to Artists of 4 April 1999, and the forty-fifth anniversary of Paul VI's meeting with artists of 7 May 1964.

 

  "The event", he explained, "is not like a general audience of the Holy Father, open to any artist or exclusively to Christian-inspired artists, rather it aims to be representative of the desire for dialogue between the Church and the world of the arts, a dialogue which must necessarily develop over various stages and using various means".

 

  The 255 artists who have accepted the invitation to attend come from various continents and are divided into five categories: painting and sculpture; architecture; literature and poetry; music and song; cinema, theatre, dance and photography.

 

  The Sistine Chapel Choir will sing at the beginning and end of the 21 November meeting and, before the Pope's address, extracts of John Paul II's Letter to Artists will be read out to the assembly. After the meeting, a reception will be held in the "Braccio Nuovo" of the Vatican Museums during which the artists will receive a medal in the Pope's name to commemorate the event.

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SEMINAR ON SPORT, EDUCATION AND FAITH

 

VATICAN CITY, 5 NOV 2009 ( VIS ) - The "Church and Sport" section, founded by John Paul II in 2004 as part of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, has announced its third study seminar which is to have as its theme: "Sport, education and faith: a new season for Catholic sport associations". The aim of the event is to explore the relationship between sporting activity, the formation of the human person, and faith, within the field of Catholic sport associations.

 

  The seminar, according to a communique published today, will take place on 6 and 7 November in the Villa Aurelia Conference Centre in Rome . It is due to be attended by representatives of sport and youth ministry from episcopal conferences, presidents of Catholic associations at the national and international level, and personalities from the worlds of professional and amateur sport.

 

  The morning of 6 November will be dedicated to the Church's mission within the world of youth sports. After the reading of a Message from Benedict XVI and some opening remarks from Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, attention will turn to the role of sport associations in the Catholic world, in the light of Church teaching. Afterwards Mike McNamee, professor at Swansea University in Wales , will deliver a lecture on a possible correlation between sports and human virtue.

 

  The afternoon will see a panel discussion in which professional sportspeople will discus what it means to be a champion, "that is to say, to offer an idea of success that is not limited to mere fame or victory but is rather defined by virtuous behaviour that is lived both on and off the field". The day will conclude with an analysis of the relationship between sport and spiritual life, offered by Susan Saint Sing, former U.S. Olympic rower.

 

  The second day of the conference will begin with a contribution on new approaches and educational strategies in sports environments, delivered by Edio Costantini, president of the John Paul II Sports Foundation. Afterwards a panel discussion will explore the opportunities offered by Catholic sport associations for bearing witness to Christ "through the work of evangelisation, the exercise of Christian charity, or in ecumenical and inter-cultural dialogue". The conference will conclude with an address by Bishop Josef Clemens, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

 

VATICAN CITY, 5 NOV 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father:

 

 - Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Seville , Spain , presented by Cardinal Carlos Amigo Vallejo O.F.M., upon having reached the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Archbishop Juan Jose Asenjo Pelegrina.

 

 - Appointed Archbishop Eliseo Antonio Ariotti, apostolic nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea , as apostolic nuncio to Paraguay .

 

 - Appointed Msgr. Orazio Pepe, official at the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, as bureau chief at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

 

 - Appointed Fr. Vladimir Fekete S.D.B. as ecclesiastical superior of the "sui iuris" mission to Baku , Azerbaijan . He succeeds Fr. Jan Capla S.D.B., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same "sui iuris" mission was accepted by the Holy Father.

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IN MEMORIAM

 

VATICAN CITY, 5 NOV 2009 ( VIS ) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

 

  - Bishop Francis Baldacchino O.F.M. Cap. of Malindi , Kenya , on 9 October at the age of 73.

 

  - Bishop Antonio do Carmo Cheuiche O.C.D., former auxiliary of Porto Alegre , Brazil , on 14 October at the age of 82.

 

 - Archbishop-bishop Joan Marti Alanis, emeritus of Urgell , Spain , on 11 October at the age of 80.

 

  - Bishop Hermann Raich S.V.D., emeritus of Wabag , Papua New Guinea , on 9 October at the age of 75.

 

  - Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli, emeritus of Wilmington , U.S.A. , on 8 October at the age of 77.

 

 - Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil O.C.D. of Verapoly , India , on 26 October at the age of 70.

 

  - Bishop Lazaro Perez Jimenez of Celaya , Mexico , on 25 October at the age of 66.

 

 - Archbishop Marian Przykucki, emeritus of Szczecin-Kamien , Poland , on 16 October at the age of 85.

 

  - Bishop Vasile Louis Puscas, emeritus of Saint George in Canton of the Romanians, U.S.A. , on 3 October at the age of 94.

 

  - Bishop Libero Tresoldi, emeritus of Crema , Italy , on 22 October at the age of 88.

 

  - Bishop George Patrick Ziemann, emeritus of Santa Rosa , U.S.A. , on 22 October at the age of 68.

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STABILITY OF MORAL VALUES DIGNIFIES SOCIETY

 

VATICAN CITY, 30 OCT 2009 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received the credential letters of the new ambassador of Panama , Delia Cardenas Christie.

 

In his address, the Pope highlighted that "the identity of Panama , which for centuries has been forged as a mosaic of ethnicities, peoples, and cultures, presents itself as an eloquent sign to the human family that peaceful co-existence between persons of diverse origins in a climate of communion and cooperation is possible". In this sense, he encouraged all its citizens "to work toward greater social, economic, and cultural equality between the distinct sectors of society, renouncing selfish interests, strengthening solidarity, and reconciling wills, so that, in the words of Pope Paul VI,  'the scandal of glaring inequalities' might be uprooted."

 

The Pope emphasized that "the Gospel message has played an essential and constructive role in shaping Panama 's identity, forming part of the nation's spiritual patrimony and cultural heritage".

 

"The Church's presence holds particular relevance in the area of education and in assisting the poor, the sick, the weak, the imprisoned, and immigrants, as well as in the defence of aspects as basic as the commitment to social justice, the fight against corruption, the work toward peace, the inviolability of the right to life from the moment of conception until natural death as well as in safeguarding the family based on marriage between a man and a woman. These are irreplaceable elements for creating a healthy social fabric and building a dynamic society, precisely because of the stability of the moral values sustaining, ennobling, and dignifying it".

 

The Pope continually referred to the commitment of Panamanian authorities "in strengthening democratic institutions and public life rooted upon strong ethical pillars. In this respect they have spared no efforts to promote an efficient and independent juridical system and to act in all areas with honor, transparency in community activism, and professionalism and diligence in resolving the problems affecting the citizens. This will favor the development of a just and fraternal society in which no sector of the population is forgotten or doomed to violence or marginalization".

 

  "The valuable role Panama is playing in the political stability of Central America bears noting," he highlighted, "in moments where the current situation shows how the consistent and harmonic progress of the human community does not depend solely on economic development or technological discoveries".

 

  The Holy Father concluded by pointing out that "these aspects necessarily have to be carried out with those of an ethical and spiritual nature because a society advances primarily when in it abounds in persons with inner righteousness, faultless conduct, and the resolute will to work toward the common good, and who also impart to further generations a true humanism, sown within the family and cultivated at school so that the welfare of the nation be the fruit of the fundamental growth of the person and of all persons".

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POPE RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY YEAR PARTICIPANTS

 

VATICAN CITY, 30 OCT 2009 (VIS) - This morning, Benedict XVI received participants in the conference sponsored by the Specola Vaticana (Vatican Observatory) for the International Year of Astronomy accompanied by Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo, President of the Governorate of Vatican City.

 

  The Pope recalled that the International Year of Astronomy coincides with the 400 year anniversary of Galileo's first observations of the heavens made with a telescope and added; "As you know, the history of the Observatory is in a very real way linked to the figure of Galileo, the controversies which surrounded his research, and the Church's attempt to attain a correct and fruitful understanding of the relationship between science and religion".

 

  "I take this occasion," he continued, "to express my gratitude not only for the careful studies which have clarified the precise historical context of Galileo's condemnation, but also for the efforts of all those committed to ongoing dialogue and reflection on the complementarity of faith and reason in the service of an integral understanding of man and his place in the universe".

 

  The pontiff observed that "the International Year of Astronomy is meant not least to recapture for people throughout our world the extraordinary wonder and amazement which characterized the great age of discovery in the sixteenth century.  (...)  Our own age, poised at the edge of perhaps even greater and more far-ranging scientific discoveries, would benefit from that same sense of awe and the desire to attain a truly humanistic synthesis of knowledge which inspired the fathers of modern science".

 

  "As we seek to respond to the challenge of this Year -- to lift up our eyes to the heavens in order to rediscover our place in the universe -- how can we not be caught up in the marvel expressed by the Psalmist so long ago?  Contemplating the starry sky, he cried out with wonder to the Lord: 'When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place, what is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man, that you should care for him'?".

 

  "It is my hope," the Pope concluded, "that the wonder and exaltation which are meant to be the fruits of this International Year of Astronomy will lead beyond the contemplation of the marvels of creation to the contemplation of the Creator, and of that Love (...) which, in the words of Dante Alighieri, 'moves the sun and the other stars'".

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BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR NOVEMBER

 

VATICAN CITY, 30 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for November is: "That all the men and women in the world, especially those who have responsibilities in the field of politics and economics, may never fail in their commitment to safeguard creation".

 

  His mission intention is: "That believers in the different religions, through the testimony of their lives and fraternal dialogue, may clearly demonstrate that the name of God is a bearer of peace".

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AUDIENCES

 

VATICAN CITY, 30 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

 

- Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa , president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

 

- Professor Angelo Caloia.

 

  This evening he is scheduled to receive Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

 

VATICAN CITY, 30 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father:

 

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Kohima , India , presented by bishop Jose Mukala, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the code of canon law.

 

- Appointed Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, archbishop emeritus of Westminster , Great Britain , as member of  the Congregation for Bishops and for the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

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NOTICE

 

VATICAN CITY, 30 OCT 2009 (VIS) - We remind our readers that will be no VIS service next Monday, November 2, All Souls Day. Service resumes on Tuesday, November 3.

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MESSAGE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELECTION OF KAREKIN II

 

VATICAN CITY, 27 OCT 2009 (VIS) -  Today, the Pope's message to His Holiness Karekin II on the tenth anniversary of his election and enthronement as Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians was made public.

 

  "I know of your personal commitment to dialogue, cooperation and friendship between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church," the Holy Father writes, "clearly expressed by the various meetings that have taken place recently between Your Holiness and the Successor of Peter. I pray that the good relations that have been established between us may continue to grow in the years ahead."

 

  Benedict XVI emphasizes that "recovery of freedom for the Church in Armenia towards the end of the last century brought joy to Christians throughout the world. The immense task of rebuilding the ecclesial community fell upon Your Holiness's shoulders.  What has already been achieved, in such a short time, is truly remarkable: new initiatives have flourished for the Christian education of the young, for the training of clergy, the creation of new parishes, the building of new churches and community centres, as well as the promotion of Christian values in the social and cultural life of the nation."

 

  The Pope concludes the message asking God that "through the intercession of Saint Gregory the Illuminator," founder and patron of the Armenian Apostolic Church , "we may be ever more closely united in a holy bond of Christian faith, hope and love."

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FIFTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

 

VATICAN CITY, 16 OCT 2009 (VIS) - Given below are extracts from further reports of the language groups, presented yesterday morning in the Vatican's Synod Hall during the Fifteenth General Congregation, the texts of which were only made public yesterday afternoon.

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE GROUP A: ARCHBISHOP ANTHONY JOHN VALENTINE OBINNA OF OWERRI , NIGERIA . "There was a positive and healthy experience of ecclesial communion throughout the Synod. Let us try to transmit this within our Churches and organisations. ... The lay faithful have to be made aware of their role as agents of reconciliation, justice and peace in their areas of work or spheres of activity. ... To strengthen the African family it is not sufficient to condemn: positive initiatives need to be undertaken to correct irregular situations. To respond to the numerous victims of injustice on the continent, the unborn (abortion), orphans, street children, disabled, prisoners, persecuted and marginalised communities, we need to create structures of justice, peace, and pastoral care, understanding and empathy in the Church and from the Church. ... The compendium of the Church's social doctrine should be an obligatory text for the formation and skills acquisition of lay people. ... We need to use official texts on human life and sexuality to teach seminarians and young people the Christian doctrine and approach to sexuality. ... The catechesis on the family has to be promoted to become part of the compendium of the Church's social doctrine. Women have to be given roles in the Church as full members. Renewed efforts have to be made to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas".

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE GROUP B: BISHOP SITHEMBELE ANTON SIPUKA OF UMTATA , SOUTH AFRICA . "We note that the lack of publicity for the Synod reflects our weakness in communication, so we need, on our return, to communicate what we discussed and decided here. We could give more publicity to the results of the Synod in South Africa to make up for shortcomings in its preparation. We note that there is a link between this and the last Synod, the Family of God and how to keep them together are the objectives. We need to organise more Synods, reinforce the commissions of justice and peace, or establish them where they do not exist, and form small committees to spread the results from the foundations, even before the final publication of the results of the Synod by the Pope. ... Unfortunately, we do not have a permanent formation after Baptism and Confirmation that might help people remain in the Church. For this reason we have to look again at our current methodology of catechesis. There is a problem with the hierarchical structure in African society as a result of which superiors cannot ask forgiveness of inferiors. For example, it is unthinkable that a husband would ask forgiveness of a wife or an old man of a young man. This also applies to ethnic groups: one ethnic group might not consider it appropriate to ask another for forgiveness. It further appears that traditional African means of reconciliation are an obstacle to the Christian ideal and practice of reconciliation".

 

FRENCH LANGUAGE GROUP B: BISHOP LOUIS PORTELLA MBUYU OF KINKALA, PRESIDENT OF THE EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE OF THE CONGO . "There are many urgent requirements: (1) The formation of people with decision-making power, now and in the future (a spiritual and doctrinal, but also a technical formation, undertaken by chaplains who have also undergone appropriate formation). (2) Giving women their due place. (3) Educating people in peace from an early age and helping them change their way of looking at others, the same applies to education in the rule law and in all other Christian values that concern society. The family, the fundamental cell of society, merits important pastoral attention. The pastoral care of the family involves all its members: children and young people must receive a careful education, couples must progress in conjugal love, parents must accept their responsibilities as the first teachers of their children. The Christian values of matrimony and family must therefore be at the centre of appropriate pastoral initiatives. The relationship between our culture and the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation leads us towards an incultured catechesis of these Sacraments. In this sector, why not think about a continental Eucharistic Congress inspired by theological research, catechesis and incultured celebration?"

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE GROUPS E: BISHOP MARTIN IGWEMEZIE UZOUKWU OF MINNA , NIGERIA . "We have to have a positive attitude towards African traditions, see them as an opportunity and examine them closely to purify and use them in the process of reconciliation. Diversity too has to be seen as a gift; it was created by God and it is a resource. But often politicians use our diversity to divide one ethnic group from another and create tension and conflict; for this reason reconciliation has to be de-politicised, freed from the blackmail of not always clear political motivations. ... Particular attention must be paid to the formation of the clergy who in their work are building the Kingdom of God every day. Even the priest risks losing sight of the greatness of his vocation and is threatened by the mentality of the world that spreads the non-values of materialism. The priest has to imitate Christ in serving, not in being served. Seminarians should be taught how to use the new media, to make their education more complete and to be able to evangelise also using internet and other new instruments that become available with technological progress".

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FIRST MEETING WITH THE SOCIETY OF ST. PIUS X

 

VATICAN CITY, 16 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. released the following declaration yesterday afternoon:

 

  "The first of the planned meetings with representatives of the Society of St. Pius X will take place on the morning of Monday 26 October.

 

  "For the Pontifical Commission 'Ecclesia Dei' the meeting will be attended, apart from by its secretary Msgr. Guido Pozzi, by Archbishop Luis F. Ladaria Ferrer S.J., secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and by the previously appointed experts: Fr. Charles Morerod O.P., secretary of the International Theological Commission; Msgr. Fernando Ocariz, vicar general of Opus Dei; and Fr. Karl Josef Becker S.J. All three experts are consultors of the Congregation for he Doctrine of the Faith.

 

  "The meeting will take place in the Palazzo del Sant'Uffizio. The contents of the discussions, which will focus on unresolved doctrinal issues, will remain strictly private.

 

  "At the end of the meeting a communique will be released".

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POPE MEETS PRINCE OF MONACO AND UKRAINIAN PRIME MINISTER

 

VATICAN CITY, 16 OCT 2009 (VIS) - "This morning the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Prince Albert II of Monaco ", according to a Holy See Press Office communique released today.

 

  The Prince "then went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

 

  "In the course of the cordial discussions, and having mentioned certain aspects of the current international situation such as the integral development of peoples and the protection of natural resources and the environment, attention turned to themes of mutual interest including the importance of a solid cultural and moral formation of the young and the defence of life in all its phases".

 

  This morning the Holy Father Benedict XVI also received in audience Yulia Vladimirovna Timoshenko, prime minister of Ukraine .

 

  "The prime minister subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

 

  "During the cordial discussions, attention turned to certain questions associated with the promotion of peace and of international co-operation, especially in Europe .

 

  "The focus then turned to the contribution made by the Catholic Church, of both rites, to Ukrainian society, especially in the field of education and in spreading human and Christian values".

 

  "Furthermore, mention was made of all matters of mutual interest in the relationship between the civil and religious authorities, and the hope was expressed that the recent positive developments may help to solve the unresolved questions".

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GUARANTEEING RESOURCES TO END THE SCOURGE OF HUNGER

 

VATICAN CITY, 16 OCT 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father has sent a Message to Jacques Diouf, director general of the United Nation's Rome-based Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) for the occasion of World Food Day. The Day falls annually on 16 October and commemorates the anniversary of the foundation of the FAO in 1945. The theme of this year's Day is: "Achieving food security in times of crisis".

 

  "The current crisis, which affects all sectors of the economy without distinction, strikes particularly seriously at the agricultural world where the situation has become dramatic", writes Benedict XVI. "The crisis calls on governments and on the various components of the international community to make decisive and effective choices.

 

  "Guaranteeing individuals and peoples the chance to defeat the scourge of hunger means ensuring they have real access to adequate and healthy nourishment", he adds. "This is, in fact, a concrete expression of the right to life which, though solemnly proclaimed, all too often fails to be fully implemented".

 

  The Holy Father further observes that the theme of the Day makes it clear that "agriculture must be able to command a sufficient level of investment and resources". The theme also "helps us to understand that the goods of creation are by their nature limited, and hence they require responsible management capable of favouring food security, also with a view to that of future generations".

 

  "Achieving this objective", Benedict XVI continues, "calls for a modification in lifestyles and ways of thinking". What is needed is "a form of co-operation that protects the cultivation methods of each area and avoids the thoughtless exploitation of natural resources. Furthermore, I hope that such co-operation may safeguard the values specific to the rural world and the fundamental rights of people who work the land. ... Experience shows that technical solutions, advanced though they may be, are ineffective if they do not focus on the person, who remains the principle protagonist and who, in his spiritual and material dimension, is the origin and aim of all activity".

 

  Finally the Pope recalls that access to food "is a fundamental right of individuals and peoples, and will become a reality, and hence a form of security, if adequate development is guaranteed in all the various regions. In particular, the drama of hunger will only be overcome by 'eliminating the structural causes that give rise to it and promoting the agricultural development of poorer countries. This can be done by investing in rural infrastructures, irrigation systems, transport, organisation of markets, and in the development and dissemination of agricultural technology that can make the best use of the human, natural and socio-economic resources that are more readily available at the local level'".

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CHRISTIANS AND HINDUS FOR INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

 

VATICAN CITY, 16 OCT 2009 (VIS) - Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, has written a message to Hindus for the feast of Deepavali, which is being celebrated during the month of October. The message, published today, is entitled: "Christians and Hindus: Committed to Integral Human Development".

 

  "In the process of integral development, protection of human life and respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of the person, are a responsibility of everyone, both individually and collectively", says the text, which also bears the signature of Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, secretary of the pontifical council.

 

  "Respect for others therefore implies the recognition of their freedom: freedom of conscience, thought and religion".

 

  Cardinal Tauran and Archbishop Celata conclude by stating that "integral human development also requires the political will to work towards ensuring greater protection of human rights and peaceful co-existence. Development, freedom and peace are inextricably linked together, and they complete one another".

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AUDIENCES

 

VATICAN CITY, 16 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

 

- Cardinal Ivan Dias, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.

 

 - Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu, apostolic nuncio to Cuba.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

 

VATICAN CITY, 16 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father appointed:

 

  - Bishop Henryk Marian Tomasik, auxiliary of Siedlce , Poland , as bishop of Radom (area 8,000, population 918,328, Catholics 911,180, priests 771, religious 531), Poland .

 

 - Fr. Felice Ruffini M.I., as a member of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care.

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FIFTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

 

VATICAN CITY, 15 OCT 2009 (VIS) - The Fifteenth General Congregation of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops began this morning in the presence of the Holy Father. The meeting was dedicated to reading the reports of the Working Groups (or language groups).

 

  The president delegate on duty was Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier O.F.M., archbishop of Durban , South Africa , and 224 Synod Fathers were present.

 

  Following are excerpts from some of the reports:

 

PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE GROUP: COADJUTOR ARCHBISHOP GABRIEL MBILINGI C.S.SP. OF LUBANGO , ANGOLA , PRESIDENT OF THE INTER-REGIONAL MEETING OF THE BISHOPS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (IMBISA). "Some suggestions: (1) An explicit reference to the social doctrine of the Church, which must form part of our evangelising and catechising doctrine. (2) Catechesis must follow the catechumenal model which leads people to make a personal choice for Christ. (3) Highlight the vital function of consecrated life in the life and mission of the Church. ... (4) Present the world of politics as a form of service to society, helping Christian politicians to shoulder their responsibilities in accordance with their faith. ... As for the clergy, it is important to insist that they live their priestly ministry as service to the People of God and not as an exercise of authority. ... (5) Decisively, clearly and precisely denounce serious human rights situations. (6) Have the courage to follow the path of reconciliation and purification of memory within the Church".

 

FRENCH LANGUAGE GROUP E: FR. EDOUARD TSIMBA C.I.C.M., SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (SCHEUT FATHERS). "The search for truth is a necessary condition for reconciliation. ... To speak of reconciliation means to speak about the mercy of God. Only a person reconciled with God, a person who lives in peace, is able to bring peace. Therefore it is necessary to recall the value of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the seriousness that agents (priests) must dedicate to this subject, setting aside all the time and preparation needed for both personal confession and community celebrations. ... The life and witness of many Christians, sometimes to the point of martyrdom, are worthy of being remembered and are a source of reinforcement for the faith. The life and example of Church workers is, without distinction, of great importance in this area of reconciliation. ... We must inspire the collaboration of men as well as women, using their qualities in the Church and in society. May all Christians, each according to their ministry, be proud of being such and of demonstrating it in their lives. ... Holiness is a plea for us all, men and women, and is worthy of an important place in the text".

 

FRENCH LANGUAGE GROUP A: FR. GERARD CHABANON M. AFR., SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE MISSIONARIES OF AFRICA (WHITE FATHERS). "Two important themes: (1) The family: This is the base cell of Christian society and communities. It is threatened by poverty, poor government, difficulties in teaching children, violence and the irresponsibility by fathers of families who abandon their wives and children. (2) Islam: ... There are many different situations in Africa, in particular between North and South of the Sahara . 'Arab-ness' and 'African-ness' do not always share the same values. A dialogue of life and a social dialogue could be developed between Christians and Muslims. Emphasis was given to the fact that we must aim everywhere at freedom of conscience and reciprocity of worship".

 

ENGLISH-FRENCH LANGUAGE GROUP A: BISHOP JEAN MBARGA OF EBOLOWA , CAMEROON . "In general, the 'relatio post disceptationem' was positively received. ... However, a multi-ministerial vision of the Church would have given more importance to the place and mission of all categories of the People of God in the Church, especially lay people. The question of tribalism in the Church is still the major challenge. A balance could have been found between theological developments and the extent of the human dramas in Africa to which the Synod Fathers must find answers. The prophetic action of the 'justice and peace' commissions are deserving of greater consideration. ... Ecclesial communion is a force which must allow Africans to confront their challenges with hope and ... in universal solidarity".

 

  This afternoon and tomorrow morning, the Synod Fathers will again meet in language groups to prepare their proposals, which they will then submit to the Secretariat General of the Synod for presentation to the Holy Father.

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CARDINAL KASPER PRESENTS A NEW BOOK ON ECUMENISM

 

VATICAN CITY, 15 OCT 2009 (VIS) - Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, presented a new book on ecumenism at a press conference held this morning in the Holy See Press Office. The work is entitled "Harvesting the Fruits. Basic aspects of Christian Faith in Ecumenical Dialogue. Ecumenical Consensus, Convergences and Differences" and was published recently by the London publisher "Continuum".

 

  "This book", the cardinal explained, "is the result of two years of intense efforts I undertook with officials of my pontifical council, in collaboration with our consultors and ecumenical partners. ... In the work we analyse the main Protestant communities, which were the first to establish ties with us following Vatican Council II", and examine the current situation, "with an eye both to the past and to the future".

 

  During the presentation, Cardinal Kasper announced a symposium, due to be held in February 2010, which, taking the text of this book as its starting point, will discuss the future of Western ecumenism.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

 

VATICAN CITY, 15 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy Father:

 

 - Appointed Msgr. Paul D. Sirba of the clergy of the archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, U.S.A., vicar general of Duluth, U.S.A., as bishop of Duluth (area 57,875, population 439,478, Catholics 60,532, priests 82, permanent deacons 41, religious 142). The bishop-elect was born in Saint Paul in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1986.

 

 - Appointed Fr. Fernando Isern of the clergy of the archdiocese of Miami, U.S.A., pastor of the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, as bishop of Pueblo (area 124,754, population 626,000, Catholics 121,000, priests 90, permanent deacons 33, religious 94), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Havana , Cuba in 1958 and ordained a priest in 1993. He succeeds Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

 

- Appointed Fr. Jorge Carlos Patron Wong, rector of the major seminary of the archdiocese of Yucatan, Mexico, as coadjutor of the diocese Papantla (area 12,000, population 2.065,338, Catholics 1,553,432, priests 86, permanent deacons 1, religious 130), Mexico. The bishop-elect was born in Merida , Mexico in 1958 and ordained a priest in 1988.

 

 - Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the diocese of Chur , Switzerland , presented by Bishop Paul Vollmar S.M., in accordance with canons 411 and 401 para. 1 of the Code of Canon Law.

 

 - Appointed Msgr. Robert C. Evans of the clergy of the diocese of Providence, U.S.A., pastor of the parish of St. Philip at Greenville, as auxiliary of the same diocese (area 3,247, population 1,089,000, Catholics 651,000, priests 390, permanent deacons 104, religious 754). The bishop-elect was born in Moultrie , U.S.A. in 1947 and ordained a priest in 1973.

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FOURTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

 

VATICAN CITY, 13 OCT 2009 (VIS) - The Fourteenth General Congregation of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops - dedicated to the presentation of the "Relatio post disceptationem" (report after the discussion) - began today at 4.30 p.m. in the presence of the Holy Father and 223 Synod Fathers. The president delegate on duty was Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

 

  The "Relatio post disceptationem" was read out in English by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, archbishop of Cape Coast , Ghana . Extensive extracts from the document are given below:

 

THE SETTING OF THE SECOND ASSEMBLY: AFRICA 'S WOES OR CHALLENGES?

 

Very many positive changes have been registered both in the Church and in the larger society in Africa since the First Special Assembly for Africa . ... Nonetheless, there are still many shadows within the Church and in society, fifteen years after the conclusion of the First Assembly.

 

The Synod Fathers have cited many instances and reflections of these "shadows" at various sittings of this assembly. Thus, in the:

 

Local Churches:

The Synod Fathers candidly recognised insufficient appreciation for the role of women and youth in their local communities, and their poor faith-formation. Politicians and other civil servants have not always enjoyed the accompaniment and formation that would have enabled them to properly witness to their faith in their life and work. The use of the media must be developed beyond the use of local radio stations. The witness of the Church is sometimes compromised by the difficulty that some pastoral agents have in being faithful to their vows, vocations and states of life.

 

Socio-Cultural Sphere:

Many Synod Fathers bemoaned the fate of the family in Africa , ... and considered the institution under serious threat of instability and dissolution by poverty, conflicts, traditional beliefs and practices (witchcraft), and disease, principally, malaria and HIV-AIDS. ... But the Synod Fathers also described in various ways a ferocious onslaught on the family and the related fundamental institution of marriage from outside Africa something they attributed it to diverse sources.

 

Women, referred to at the First Special Assembly for Africa as "beasts of burden", have begun to emerge in certain countries to prominence and to leadership roles in law, politics, economics and engineering. But they are also "undeveloped resources" in certain countries, suffering exclusion from social roles, inheritance, education and decision-making places.

 

The issue of "migration" came up for special mention, on account of emerging legislations in Western countries, which appear designed to keep out Africans. The assembly was also invited to consider the issue of "ethnicity". When it develops exclusivist traits, it destroys community living, becomes intolerant of other cultures and ethnic groups, like racism.

 

Socio-Political Sphere:

Apart from the lone mention of Senegal 's political stability, South Africa 's democratic governance and Ghana 's increasing success with democratic governance, most of the references to politics and governance on the continent were very critical for various reasons, and proposed that local Churches establish chaplaincies and accompany politicians with formation in the "Doctrine of the Social Teachings of the Church".

 

Socio-Economic Sphere:

"Poor" and "poverty" were two recurrent expressions which the Synod Fathers generally used about their countries, governments, people and Churches. The poverty of the people had justified, in several interventions, development projects undertaken by the Church. ... On the national and governmental level, the assembly criticised the incidence of corruption and bribery, and the negotiation of contracts with investors, particularly of extractive industries, which bring no profit to the people, but cause conflicts and environmental degradation.

 

Industrialisation is low in most African countries; and their economies are agricultural and producers of raw material ... needing assistance from foreign Governments, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to finance their budgets and carry out development projects.

 

The Church may see the present and persistent shadows in Africa as challenges and opportunities to grow in intimacy with the Lord. The challenges above and the very many more which were mentioned in the assembly (environment, arms-trafficking, etc.), invite us to a true conversion of hearts.

 

THE STRENGTHENING OF FAITH IN CHRIST

 

The assembly was reminded once that "a Synod of Bishops cannot be understood as a special session for Africa of the United Nations with its public declarations". This was a powerful reminder to the synodal assembly of its being a Church-gathering and a faith-assembly that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, professes faith in God and in Christ, His Son, and has gathered to discern God's will and direction for His family in Africa.

 

Thus, the Synod Fathers variously affirmed in their interventions the Christ-centeredness of the synodal theme, and the need to approach and to live it Christ-centred. ... Thus all forms of experience and practice of the synodal theme (reconciliation, justice and peace) need to be "evangelised" by the Gospel.

 

CHRIST OUR RECONCILIATION

 

It is our relationship in Christ with God and with one another which requires reconciliation; and its purpose is to repair and to restore the communion that God's covenant and our sonship in Christ establish, but which sin threatens and breaks up.

 

The Synod Fathers listened to testimonies of the ... urgency of reconciling enemies, and observed on its being an exercise in truth and merciful love. The liturgy and the Sacrament of Penance offer privileged moments for [its] celebration.

 

The Synod Fathers also recounted several traditional methods of reconciliation, and wondered whether elements of these traditional celebrations could not enrich the forms of celebration of the Sacraments in the Church. In doing so, there should be no confusion about the efficacy of the celebration; for as was said in the assembly, it is "the Good News of the Precious Blood of Christ, given for the redemption of the whole world which transforms the cup of suffering of the very many victims of bloodshed on the continent". It requires a spirituality, and not a strategy!

 

CHRIST OUR JUSTICE

 

Reconciliation, as was also observed in the assembly, is the restoration of justice and the just demands of relationships.

 

The justice (righteousness) of God and of His kingdom is a revelation of God, which is destined to be the righteousness of human beings. ... It is the revelation of Christ, "Who while we were still sinners died for us" to prove God's love for us. It is, therefore, the revelation of Christ as our justice/righteousness.

 

The justice of Christian "diakonia" and the justice of our Christian living in the Church in Africa is the justice of the kingdom; and its principal characteristic is that it is justice exercised in love and mercy. ... Compensation is not [its] main purpose. [It aims] at healing through admission of guilt and pardon.

 

CHRIST OUR PEACE

 

Peace is the one term whose definition (as "education", as "development" and as "justice") was popularly cited by the Synod Fathers. ... The "peace" that is Christ does not have just a secular sense, it being the absence of conflict, the presence of harmony in the home and within the family, individual and communal (national) security and prosperity. "Peace", is not just when human beings and their societies fulfil their respective duties and recognise the rights of other persons and societies; and it is not just one of the results of working for justice. "Peace" essentially transcends the world and human efforts. It is a wholeness determined by God and bestowed on the man/woman of justice.

 

But it is also as such righteous bearers on earth of the peace of Christ that we need to recall, as we did with "justice", that "peace" is an activity that goes beyond strict justice and requires love. It derives from communion with God and is aimed at the wellbeing of man (humanity).

 

DISCIPLES, SERVANTS OF RECONCILIATION, JUSTICE AND PEACE

 

To ensure its mission of reconciliation, justice and peace, the Church-Family of God in Africa should become aware of her identity, ponder her being and act attentively to the truth and faithfully to her mission. Her members should themselves be reconciled within her and be a model of Christ the Servant. The communion among pastors, the witness of their life, their relationships with co-workers and their treatment of employees, are several areas which deserve consideration.

 

THE FAMILY

 

All African cultures hold the family in great esteem. ... The Synod Fathers vigorously denounced the ideology and international programmes which are imposed on African countries under false pretexts or as conditions for development assistance. They are harmful for the family. ... There is the urgent need to re-define the family as the "domestic Church" and the primary place for education in love, reconciliation, justice and peace.

 

THE DIGNITY OF WOMAN AND HER ROLE IN SERVICE TO RECONCILIATION, JUSTICE AND PEACE

 

Women engender life and train other members of the family to be truly human. But their personal growth and development remains thwarted, frustrated by cultural traditions (genital mutilation) and their dignity wounded by modern situations (pornography, prostitution, violence and many kinds of humiliations in society). ... The Church-Family of God is invited to do something about the grave injustices which have been meted out to them. Women need to be recognised in society as well as in the Church as active members engaged in the life of the Church. Their contribution to the development and the protection of the human family, even in times of conflicts, must be recognised and appreciated. ... The Synod Fathers are called upon to give serious consideration and thought to women and to courageously highlight the potentialities of women already demonstrated in the management of their family life. They are certainly capable of doing a lot for the Church.

 

Consequently, an in-depth evangelisation of traditional culture will help free them from certain customs and practices that are contrary to the Gospel, but which are still very much in vogue in certain societies today.

 

THE SOCIO-RELIGIOUS SECTOR

 

Fear and insecurity characterise the life of faith among many of the peoples of Africa (doubt, suspicion, self-defence, aggression, fear of evil spirits, divination, occultism, syncretism). ... The Catholic faithful find the sects appealing, because of problems in society that they may have, and because of their desire for quick solutions to their physical and psychological problems. ... The Synod Fathers were invited by some speakers to return to teaching basic elements of the Christian faith in order to help the faithful to live their daily lives in coherence with their faith. A balanced spirituality can help Christians to resist the pressures of the sects.

 

As for injustices suffered (armed conflicts, violence), the Synod Father heard moving testimonies by persons who have experienced pardon - which show that Justice-Forgiveness-Truth are inseparable. What has been an injury inflicted cannot be repaired, unless the evil is recognised and confessed. Upon confession, forgiveness, requested and granted, frees both victim and perpetrator to establish a new and stronger relationship.

 

It is crucial to convince the Christian faithful that the fraternal bonds established by Christ through the waters of Baptism and through His Blood are stronger than blood ties. ... Consequently, the sacred character and dignity of each person are recognised and respected no matter who a person is and whatever the situation in which he finds himself. ... The Eucharist as source and summit of Christian life should be where reconciliation and peace are best expressed. The same Body of Christ feeds us and the same Blood of Christ flows in our veins.

 

The celebration of the Sacrament of Penance should vividly manifest its double aspects: personal and communitarian. In certain cases everything points to the communitarian celebration of reconciliation in order to dress and heal the wounds of families and societies ripped apart by situations of violence, conflict and war. As sin has a social dimension, so reconciliation should also engage the whole community.

 

THE PROPHETIC MISSION OF THE CHURCH FAMILY OF GOD IN AFRICA

 

The Church-Family of God, by her nature, her coherent social doctrine, her geographical extension and her solicitude for the good of the human person is in a better position than other organisations to assume the work of reconciliation, justice and peace in Africa . ... To speak of reconciliation, justice and peace and to guarantee a more sensible and better co-ordinated engagement between conflicting parties, bishops must speak with one voice within their episcopal conferences (national, regional or continental). It is necessary to create a synergy between all ecclesiastical institutions. ... in order to engage the Church's many aspects of life and activities in the service to reconciliation, justice and peace.

 

The tragedy of the pandemic of HIV-AIDS was not overlooked by the Synod Fathers. ... The mission of the Church-Family of God in Africa, in living fidelity to the Gospel of Christ, is committed to the fight for the reduction of the social stigmatisation of the persons affected by HIV/AIDS, as it is in the effort to replace violence through building bridges of reconciliation, justice and peace and as it is committed to engaging public authorities in order to speak in the name of and on behalf of those who have no voice. An appeal was made for synergy and solidarity among all, so that diseases in Africa receive the same attention (treatment) as those of Europe .

 

THE LAITY

 

The conflicts in Africa force us to look at their recent history (the danger of exaggerated nationalism and the concept of race which are anti-Christian). Many Christians are in public offices, in political life and in places where decisions are taken (the parliament). Despite this, however, some laws contrary to Christian morals have been passed, especially concerning the family. ... The Synod Fathers recognised that it is not enough to train the lay faithful in political leadership in various countries on the continent, but it is also necessary to support them in their work in order to make them agents of change in society (good management of families, social responsibility and political organisations).

 

THE MEDIA

 

The coverage of African conflicts and their manipulation by the media constitute a challenge to the Church-Family of God in Africa . ... The power of the media can also be useful in spreading the Good News in a continent that is still largely characterised by the oral tradition and culture.

 

A good technical and religious formation of Catholic agents of communication (especially in the social teachings of the Church) is a priority. ... Particular attention is to be given to youth. They are the first to be victimised by the devastating effects of globalisation on their moral standards and value system.

 

THE CLERGY

 

It is necessary to create a "ratio nationalis institutionis sacerdotalis", to help favour discernment and spiritual and affective formation, adapted to circumstances and persons. This rigorous discernment and a spiritual, affective formation adapted to situations will make of priests persons firmly rooted in their cultures and faithful to the teaching of the Church.

 

THE CONSECRATED LIFE

 

The Synodal Fathers are called upon to help religious life remain faithful to its prophetic mission by supporting it to carry out its mission.

 

ONE CHURCH-FAMILY OF GOD WITH MANY FACES

 

The Church-Family of God in the north of the Sahara has the same mission of service as the Church south of the Sahara . However, it is still not entirely integrated in the Church-Family of God in Africa . It is a "crossroad" Church (with many paths coming together), which, however, is called to be the "Church of the Pentecost", because it becomes a multi-cultural Church on account of the increasing number of sub-Saharian students. ... Despite its situation of being a Christian minority in the midst of Muslims, the Church has good dialogue rapport with Islam and is involved in different services to society: social, cultural and educational. The Synod Fathers from these Churches invited their brother-bishops to engage and to dialogue with other religions without "complexes": to overcome their fears and past burdens (relationships between the Arab world and black Africa ), and to establish partnerships with Muslims of good will, so as to reduce tensions.

 

CONCLUSION

 

The task of the faithful lay person is to be "salt of the earth and light of the world", especially in those places where only the lay person is able to render the Church present.

 

In this Synod, the sense has been variously expressed that the Church-Family of God in Africa must be transformed from within; and that she must transform the continent, its islands and the world like "salt" and "light". She envisages an apostolic mission, which her pastors and other pastoral workers have variously articulated in this assembly as: (1) Liberating the continent's people from fear of all sorts. (2) Ensuring a conversion that is deep and permanent, and a solid formation of all kinds. ... (3) Dialogue on all levels, including the environment. (4) Advocacy roles for various social concerns and needs, especially the place of women in society, the education of children and youth. (5) Migration and various forms of population movement which require our pastoral care. (6) The challenging ministry of changing attitudes and mentalities, freeing them from effects of a past of colonialism, exploitation, etc. (7) Positioning the continent and its people to resist the onslaught of globalisation and the attendant challenges of a global ethic, unjust trade conditions, ethnocentrism, fundamentalisms, etc.

 

The polyvalent symbol, salt, expresses the very many forms of Paschal existence, under which the Church-Family of God in Africa must serve reconciliation, justice and peace (and now also truth, which this assembly has closely associated with them). The light of the Gospel leads us on.

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SYNOD FATHERS MEET IN LANGUAGE GROUPS

 

VATICAN CITY, 14 OCT 2009 (VIS) - This morning, while the Holy Father held his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, the Synod Fathers met for the second time in language groups, to begin discussing the "Relatio post disceptationem" (report after the discussion).

 

  The third session of language group meetings will be held today from 4.30 to 7 p.m.

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UNITE LOVE FOR GOD WITH LOVE FOR NEIGHBOUR

 

VATICAN CITY, 14 OCT 2009 (VIS) - In his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke about Peter the Venerable, whom he described as "an admirable example of a man rigorously ascetic with himself yet understanding towards others".

 

  Peter the Venerable, the Holy Father explained, was born around the year 1094. In 1122 he "was elected as abbot of Cluny ", and died in 1156. "He cultivated friendship, particularly that of his monks, who were wont to confide in him sure of being accepted and understood".

 

  "This holy abbot is an example for monks and other Christians in our own time, with its frenetic pace of life in which episodes of intolerance and lack of communication, of division and conflict, are not infrequent", said the Pope. "His witness invites us to unite our love for God with love for neighbour, and never to cease creating bonds of fraternity and reconciliation".

 

  Benedict XVI highlighted how Peter the Venerable, "with profound ecclesial sensibility, affirmed that the vicissitudes of the Christian people must be felt 'in the depths of the heart' by everyone who considers themselves to be 'members of the Body of Christ'. And he added: 'they are not nourished by the Spirit of Christ who do not feel the wounds of the Body of Christ' wherever they may occur".

 

  The Pope went on to explain how Peter "also showed great concern and solicitude for people outside the Church, particularly Jews and Muslims. In order to favour understanding with Muslims, he commissioned a translation of the Koran".

 

  The Pope also emphasised the abbot's "love for the Eucharist and his devotion to the Virgin Mary", as well as his "predilection for literary activities, for which he had a talent".

 

  "Although he was not a systematic theologian, he was nonetheless a great investigator of the mystery of God. His theology had its roots in prayer, especially liturgical prayer. Among the mysteries of Christ he preferred that of the Transfiguration, which prefigures the Resurrection. It was, in fact, he who introduced this feast to Cluny " with the aim of favouring "contemplation of the glorious face of Christ".

 

  For Peter the Venerable the ideal for monks to follow "consists in 'tenacious adherence to Christ' through ... silent contemplation and constant praise of God".

 

  "If this lifestyle, associated with daily work represents ... the ideal for monks, it can, to a large extent, also represent an ideal for all Christians who wish to become true disciples of Christ, characterised by their own tenacious adherence to Him through humility, hard work and a capacity for forgiveness and peace".

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TWELFTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

 

VATICAN CITY, 12 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - In the Synod Hall at 4.30. p.m. today, the Twelfth General Congregation of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops began in the presence of the Pope. The president delegate on duty was Cardinal Theodore-Adrien Sarr, archbishop of Dakar , Senegal , and 210 Synod Fathers were present.

 

  Extracts from some of the Synod Father's speeches are given below:

 

BISHOP TESFASELASSIE MEDHIN OF ADIGRAT , ETHIOPIA . "I have not noticed enough attention accorded to formation, which is a fundamental subject for the Church in Africa . ... We must therefore ensure that the formation we give to our future priests and agents of evangelisation makes them aware of the challenges, self‑confident, balanced and mature ministers who could stand against and through the serious turbulence of the times. ... The formation programmes of the major seminaries and houses of religious formation should be given serious attention and evaluation, to determine their quality and effectiveness in producing members of the Church who can be true witness to reconciliation, justice and peace. We should use our higher learning institutes by establishing a faculty which develops and integrates into its modules the best practices and most effective African cultural ways of reconciliation".

 

ARCHBISHOP LAURENT MONSENGWO PASINYA OF KINSHASA , DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO . "Peace goes hand in hand with justice, justice with right, right with truth. ... Thus it is necessary, at all costs, to promote a rule of law in which primacy is truly given to law and especially to constitutional law; a rule of law in which arbitrary and subjective judgments do not create the law of the jungle; a rule of law in which national sovereignty is recognised and respected; a rule of law in which each individual is fairly given his due. ... In seeking peaceful solutions, all paths, especially the diplomatic and political paths, must aim at re-establishing truth, justice and peace. ... It is in by eliminating all barriers, exclusion, discriminatory laws in worship and society, and especially by suppressing hatred, that men are reconciled and peace is made".

 

BISHOP KRIKOR-OKOSDINOS COUSSA OF ALEXANDRIA OF THE ARMENIANS, EGYPT . "In 1915, the Ottomans ... killed the Armenian people in Greater Armenia and Lesser Armenia ( Turkey ). One and a half million people perished during this genocide. The Armenians left and were dispersed, first in the Middle East then throughout the world. ... As this Synod takes place ninety-four years after the killings, following Christ's call to forgive one's enemies, the leaders of the Armenian State and the heads of the Armenian Churches (Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical) are performing an act of public pardon towards the Turks. We do so while appealing to the Turks to recognise the genocide, to pay homage to the martyrs and to grant Armenians their civil, political and religious rights. The path of reconciliation between the two States has begun. For this, I appeal to political leaders that they may support our progress alongside the Turks, with the Universal Church and the African Church in distress".

 

BARBARA PANDOLFI, PRESIDENT OF THE SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE KINGSHIP OF CHRIST, ITALY . "Members of Secular Institutes are a hidden presence, accepting the precariousness of daily life alongside others without protection or privileges, searching for ways and solutions that sometimes exist only in the realm of possibility, and living with the longing for universal brotherhood. The vocation of secular institutes highlights the need for the promotion of a mature laity, one capable of contributing to the edification of a civil society based on the human values of Christianity. ... Since most secular institutes in Africa are female institutes, there is an urgent need to favour and promote the worth of women, not just as wives and mothers, but as people capable of responsibility and autonomy in different areas of social life, just as there is an urgent need for them to play a specific and not just a subordinate role in the Church. If the first fracture of mankind, caused by sin, was that between man and woman, one sign of peace and reconciliation would be the promotion of authentic joint responsibility and effective acknowledgment of equal dignity between men and women, over and above all domination and discrimination".

 

  Today's General Congregation concluded with an address by Jacques Diouf, director general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), one of the three special guests who are participating in the Synod at the invitation of the Holy Father. Excerpts from his remarks are given below.

 

  "First and foremost, Africa means shared values of civilisation based on the historical awareness of belonging to the same people. ... Africa, martyred, exploited, despoiled by slavery and colonisation but now politically sovereign, must not fall back into rejection and negation, even if she has a duty to remember the past. She must have the greatness to forgive and continue to develop a cultural conscience based on her own identity which rejects alienating assimilation. She must study the operational concepts of Blackness and 'African-ness', including the diaspora. ... Africa has always been presented in the light of the difficulties she faces, but she is the land of the future which in the next forty years will experience strong demographic growth. ... With [her] resources, ... Africa cannot be ignored in the economic development of the planet. ... Food security is essential for the reduction of poverty, the education of children and the health of the people, but also for lasting economic growth. ... From this point of view, one essential factor is the contribution of African women to agricultural production and commerce, and their role in nourishing the entire family. In fact, any initiative aimed at facing the problem of food insecurity in Africa cannot hope to be successful without taking this economic and social fact into account. ... Of all the suffering the African continent experiences, hunger remains the most tragic and the most intolerable. Any commitment to justice and peace in Africa cannot be separated from the need for progress in achieving the right to food for all. ... The Church has always given herself the task of comforting the misery of the poorest and the motto of the FAO is 'Fiat Panis': 'Bread for all'. Most Holy Father, in your last Encyclical 'Caritas in Veritate' you highlight how all economic decisions have moral consequences. ... The vision of a world free of hunger is possible if there is political will at the highest level. ... The great spiritual and moral forces are an inestimable support for us in our activities. ... I would also like to praise the Church's action in the field, with the poorest of the poor. Missionaries and religious ... often undertake difficult tasks alongside inter-governmental organizations, NGOs and civil society, tasks that are at times ungrateful but always useful. ... I would like to underline the convergence of religious teachings, especially those of the Catholic Church and Islam, towards the need to oversee the rational use of resources on the basis of a strategy respectful of the persons and things of this world, without excess or waste. All these teachings underline the fundamental role of social responsibil­ity, recommending solicitude towards the poorest. From this point of view, the Church's social doctrine plays an essential role".

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THIRTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

 

VATICAN CITY, 13 OCT 2009 (VIS) - The Thirteenth General Congregation of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops was held this morning in the Vatican's Synod Hall in the presence of 220 Synod Fathers. The president delegate on duty was Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

 

  Extracts from some of the Synod Father's speeches are given below:

 

BISHOP ERNESTO MAGUENGUE OF PEMBA , MOZAMBIQUE . "The principle source of wealth of the continent is its people, especially the young, adolescents and children. ... Many young people are drawn into violence, prostitution, the trafficking and consumption of drugs, organised crime, ethnic and tribal conflicts, religious fundamentalism and satanic sects, among other things. ... In such a context, I suggest that the synodal assembly: (1) Sends out a message of trust and encouragement to the young. ... (2) Denounces the marginalisation, manipulation and violation of children's rights as one of the most terrible forms of injustice. (3) Highlights the need for a serious study of African youth, ... and for the integral education and formation of the young. ... (4) Revises the content and method of catechesis and of the various catechisms".

 

BISHOP SERVILIEN NZAKAMWITA OF BYUMBA , RWANDA . "The Church in Rwanda , in her pastoral care of reconciliation, justice and peace following the terrible events of the genocide of the Tutsi and others - and in the wake of the challenges she has encountered and has partly overcome - is convinced that the work of reconciliation is God's initiative. ... The Justice and Peace Commission, in collaboration with other commissions and pastoral care agencies, has accompanied the process of reconciliation with various programmes aimed at educating people in values and at forming agents of reconciliation. ... In this pastoral care of reconciliation, the Catholic Church ... collaborates closely with other religious confessions and with public and private institutions that operate in the field of post-genocide reconciliation".

 

ARCHBISHOP EDWARD TAMBA CHARLES OF FREETOWN AND BO, SIERRA LEONE. "The multinational extractives are causing so much injustice in Africa that the Church can no longer remain silent about them. In their desire to exploit the continent's rich natural and mineral resources, these companies can do anything, including the fomenting of inter‑ethnic conflicts, sale of arms and ammunition, and the overthrow of legitimate governments. The oil‑rich Delta States in Nigeria and the eastern and southern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo are clear examples of this. Confronted by such hostile forces, many local Churches cannot do much to ensure that the companies accept their corporate responsibility. Therefore I am appealing that local Churches and episcopal conferences of the affected regions intervene to ensure that just mining policies are established to ensure that African States and their populations benefit from their own natural and mineral resources. I am also appealing to local Churches of countries from which those multinationals come to intervene on behalf of Africa and its people. Those companies may be bringing home cheap oil and cheap tropical hard wood, but they are causing untold sufferings for our people in Africa . In the name of God and of our ecclesial communion, we appeal to you to help us to stop their injustices against our people".

 

FR. JAN GEERITS S.D.S., APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE COMORES. "There are barriers and limitations in the work of evangelization in the Comores. ... As we are a minority, there is a real danger that our small Catholic communities become tired and discouraged. Nevertheless, the smallness of our Catholic communities spurs us to invest in the mission of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Not being allowed to evangelise with the mouth and the word, nothing stops us from speaking with our hands, that is: serving the population in all humility through works of charity. Each man is unique and has the ability to choose freely to be (or not to be) the image of his Creator. God constantly invites us to say yes with a patience that is beyond us, without ever obligating or forcing His creatures. ... Thus, it is an injustice to obligate one's fellow man to become a Muslim and to exclude salvation a priori to all those who do not follow Islam. This injustice can never lead to reconciliation and profound peace with Muslims and must be recognised one day as an ... error, both by their and by the simple faithful, so that this separating wall may finally fall as others fell in the past".

 

ARCHBISHOP LIBORIUS NDUMBUKUTI NASHENDA O.M.I., OF WINDHOEK , PRESIDENT OF THE NAMIBIAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE. " Namibia is basically enjoying political and economic stability, but the Church is nevertheless called upon to be a vigilant and prophetic watchdog with regard to the issues of reconciliation, justice and peace. ... We have tried to embark upon two projects which I would like share with you: (1) We have called upon the clergy, religious and faithful to encourage both the faithful and people of good will; to exercise their democratic right to vote in order to elect as their future leaders those who will be good servants and ... will fight against all forms of corruption. ... We have been meeting with all political parties to call upon them to uphold the principle of democracy in their campaigning in a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect in order to maintain our hard won peace, ... while affirming the fact that, in any race, there is always a winner and a loser, and that the latter should accept the result with dignity and humility. African leaders should therefore learn to relinquish power gracefully. (2) Special ministry to sex‑workers ‑ prostitution ‑ for which we have a priest with this charism. In many situations these sex‑workers, of whom 80 percent are infected by the HIV/AIDS virus, are forced into this life‑style by poverty and are sexually abused by well‑salaried people".

 

FR. ZEFERINO ZECA MARTINS S.V.D., PROVINCIAL FOR ANGOLA OF THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD. "I wish to refer to the Chinese workers who are to be found all over Africa . Certainly for the Chinese State they are workers who are sent outside the borders to increase their hegemony in the worldwide economic panorama. For our States, they are no more than the manpower required for a speedy reconstruction of the infrastructures destroyed by war. I therefore propose that the episcopal conferences work with those dioceses in which the pastoral care of immigrants is a necessity in order to create a pastoral programme for bringing the Gospel of Christ to Chinese workers in African countries".

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PAPAL VISITS TO FAO AND TO SYNAGOGUE OF ROME

 

VATICAN CITY, 13 OCT 2009 ( VIS ) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communiques this morning:

 

  "On the morning of Monday 16 November, the Holy Father Benedict XVI will visit the Rome headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), for the occasion of the opening of the World Summit on Food Security, due to take place as part of the FAO's thirty-sixth general conference (18 to 23 November)".

 

  "On the afternoon of Sunday 17 January 2010, the Holy Father Benedict XVI will visit the Synagogue of Rome to meet the local Jewish community for the occasion of the twenty-first Day for the study and development of dialogue between Catholics and Jews, and of the Feast of the 'Mo'ed di Piombo' which falls on the same day". The feast commemorates a miraculous event of 1793 when the Jews of Rome escaped an attack by the populace of the city thanks to a sudden storm which doused the fires that had been ignited against the gates of the ghetto".

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