Catholic News 2

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146374&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

IMAGE: CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via EPA

By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When the search for profits outweighs all other considerations in society, money becomes a god who terrorizes humanity -- excluding the majority of people and causing those still well off to build walls to cower behind, Pope Francis said.

"The entire social doctrine of the church and the magisterium of my predecessors rebel against money as an idol that reigns instead of serves, tyrannizing and terrorizing humanity," the pope said.

Like all forms of terrorism, the terrorism of an economy focused only on making money relies on people's fear for effectiveness, Pope Francis said Nov. 5 during a meeting at the Vatican with participants in the third World Meeting of Popular Movements, a collection of grassroots organizations of the poor, the underemployed, indigenous communities and farmworkers.

"When this terror, which is sown in the peripheries with massacres, pillaging, oppression and injustice, explodes in the centers with various forms of violence -- including odious and vile attacks -- the citizens who still have some rights are tempted by the false security of physical or social walls," he said. "Walls that enclose some and exile others."

Frightened citizens building walls on one side and frightened and excluded people on the other -- "is this the life that God our father wants for his children?" the pope asked.

Wherever there is fear, he said, there is someone who will increase and manipulate it. "Because fear, besides being good business for merchants of weapons and death, weakens and destabilizes us, destroying our psychological and spiritual defenses, anesthetizing us to the suffering of others and, in the end, making us cruel."

Pope Francis said mercy is the "best antidote" to fear. It works better than anti-depression medicine and is "much more effective than walls, iron bars, alarms and weapons. And it is free."

Mercy and courage also are needed to respond to the huge wave of refugees, migrants and displaced people all over the globe, he said.

"No one should be forced to flee his or her homeland," he said. "But the evil is doubled when, facing terrible circumstances, the migrant is thrown into the clutches of human traffickers to cross the border. And it is tripled if, arriving in the land where he or she hoped to find a better future, one is despised, exploited or even enslaved."

Pope Francis urged members of the popular movements to lobby their governments to be more welcoming of migrants and to improve programs to ensure their integration into their host societies.

The political activism of the groups, he said, is important for ensuring true democracy and not simply an attitude where politicians address poverty without ever listening to or responding to the poor.

In democracies, he said, people who "seek the common good can defeat, with the help of God, the false prophets who exploit fear and desperation, who sell magic formulas of hatred and cruelty or selfish well-being and illusory security."

When getting involved in politics, though, the pope said, members of the movement must guard against corruption.

All people are called to be honest, he said, but politicians and public servants have an even greater obligation. "The standard is very high: one must live the vocation of service with a strong sense of austerity and humility. This applies to politicians, but also for social leaders and for us pastors."

Pope Francis said politics is not the place for "anyone who is too attached to material things or to the mirror, those who love money, lavish banquets, sumptuous houses, refined clothes, luxury cars."

They don't belong in the seminary, either, he said.

Seeking power or money "sullies the noble cause" of politics as service, the pope said.

"Fight the fear with a life of service, solidarity and humility on behalf of the people, especially those who suffer," he said. "Against the terror, the best remedy is love. Love heals all."

Saying that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "always chose fraternal love, even in the midst of the worst persecution and humiliation," Pope Francis quoted from one of the sermons of the civil rights leader:

"Hate for hate only intensifies the existence of hate and evil in the universe. If I hit you and you hit me and I hit you back and you hit me back and go on, you see, that goes on ad infinitum. It just never ends. Somewhere somebody must have a little sense, and that's the strong person. The strong person is the person who can cut off the chain of hate, the chain of evil."

- - -

Follow Wooden on Twitter: @Cindy_Wooden.

- - -

Copyright © 2016 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. www.catholicnews.com. All rights reserved. Republishing or redistributing of CNS content, including by framing or similar means without prior permission, is prohibited. You may link to stories on our public site. This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To request permission for republishing or redistributing of CNS content, please contact permissions at cns@catholicnews.com.

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146373&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

By Carol Glatz

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Indifference, criminal networks and powerful economic interests still pose a challenge to those fighting against human trafficking, Pope Francis said.

While much has been done in recognizing the seriousness and extent of this "true crime against humanity," he said, "much more needs to be done on the level of raising public awareness and effecting a better coordination of efforts by governments, the judiciary system, law enforcement officials and social workers."

The pope spoke Nov. 7 to more than 100 people taking part in the second assembly of RENATE -- Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation. Network members and supporters were meeting in Rome Nov. 6-12.

In his speech to participants, the pope said this modern form of slavery was "one of the most troubling" open wounds afflicting the world today "and constitutes a true crime against humanity."

The pope thanked those present, especially women religious, for their "faithful witness to the Gospel of mercy, as demonstrated in your commitment to the recovery and rehabilitation of victims," and for efforts in advocacy, education and building coordinated responses to the problem.

"I think especially of the distinctive contribution made by women in accompanying other women and children on a deeply personal journey of healing and reintegration," he added.

However, the pope recognized that one of the challenges they face "is a certain indifference and even complicity, a tendency on the part of many to look the other way where powerful economic interests and networks of crime are at play."

"For this reason, I express my appreciation of your efforts to raise public awareness of the extent of this scourge, which especially affects women and children," he said.

He said he hoped their meeting would help them become "a more effective witness to the Gospel in one of the great peripheries" of the world today.

- - -

Copyright © 2016 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. www.catholicnews.com. All rights reserved. Republishing or redistributing of CNS content, including by framing or similar means without prior permission, is prohibited. You may link to stories on our public site. This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To request permission for republishing or redistributing of CNS content, please contact permissions at cns@catholicnews.com.

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146372&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

WOODRUFF, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina man's confession to a decade-long crime spree has cracked open a cold case that had haunted the victims' relatives and has prompted law enforcement investigators to expand their search for human remains beyond the property where they discovered a woman chained inside a storage container....

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146371&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

CUSHING, Okla. (AP) -- Dozens of buildings sustained "substantial damage" after a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck an Oklahoma town that's home to one of the world's key oil hubs, but officials said Monday that no damage has been reported at the oil terminal....

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146370&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

MIAMI (AP) -- Shy and admittedly awkward, Janet Reno became a blunt prosecutor and the first woman to serve as U.S. attorney general and was also the epicenter of a relentless series of political storms, from the deadly raid on the Branch Davidian compound at Waco, Texas, to the seizure of 5-year-old Cuban immigrant Elian Gonzalez....

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146369&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Latest on the U.S. presidential campaign (all times EDT):...

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146368&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Furiously campaigning to the last, Hillary Clinton tried Monday to emerge from the cloud of suspicion that has followed her campaign and close her historic bid with a call for unity and hope. Donald Trump vowed not to make it easy....

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146358&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

(Vatican Radio) A week on from the Pope’s trip to Sweden for the Commemoration of the Protestant Reformation, theologians and the media are still assessing and discussing the impact of this historic visit. But what was it like to view the Pope’s journey as a Swedish Catholic journalist?

Charlotta Smeds is head of Vatican Radio’s Scandinavian service. She gave us her perspective.

Listen: 

 

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146357&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

(Vatican Radio) On Monday, Pope Francis spoke out against human trafficking, in an address to members of RENATE: Religious in Europe Networking against trafficking and exploitation).

The group is in Rome for their 2^nd European Assembly, which took place on Sunday. The theme of this year’s assembly was “Ending Trafficking Begins with Us.”

In his address to members of the group, Pope Francis once again denounced “the trade in human beings” as “a modern form of slavery, which violates the God-given dignity of so many of our brothers and sisters, and constitutes a true crime against humanity.” He acknowledging that much has been accomplished in educating the public about human trafficking, but said “much more needs to be done on the level of raising public consciousness” and in coordinating the various efforts of those engaged in fighting against trafficking in human persons.

The Holy Father commended the work of RENATE in raising public awareness of the extent of “this scourge which especially affects women and children.” He especially praised them for their “faithful witness to the Gospel of mercy, as demonstrated in [their] commitment to the recovery and rehabilitation of victims.” The Pope made special mention of the work of women in accompany other women and children in the process of recovery.

Pope Francis concluded his remarks by expressing his confidence that the members of RENATE would contribute “to a more effective witness to the Gospel in one of the great peripheries of society.”

The full text of Pope Francis’ address to the Second European Assembly of Renate can be read below:

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I extend a cordial welcome to you, who are taking part in this Second Assembly of the Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation.  I thank Sister Imelda Poole for her kind words of greeting on your behalf, and I offer my prayerful good wishes for the fruitfulness of these days of prayer, reflection and discussion.  It is fitting that your Assembly takes place in Rome during this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.  In this season of grace, all of us are invited to enter more deeply into the mystery of God’s mercy and, like the Good Samaritan, to bring the balm of that mercy to so many open wounds in our world. 

One of the most troubling of those open wounds is the trade in human beings, a modern form of slavery, which violates the God-given dignity of so many of our brothers and sisters and constitutes a true crime against humanity.  While much has been accomplished in acknowledging its gravity and extent, much more needs to be done on the level of raising public consciousness and effecting a better coordination of efforts by governments, the judiciary, law enforcement officials and social workers.

As you well know, one of the challenges to this work of advocacy, education and coordination is a certain indifference and even complicity, a tendency on the part of many to look the other way (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 211) where powerful economic interests and networks of crime are at play.  For this reason, I express my appreciation of your efforts to raise public awareness of the extent of this scourge, which especially affects women and children.  But in a very special way, I thank you for your faithful witness to the Gospel of mercy, as demonstrated in your commitment to the recovery and rehabilitation of victims. 

Your activity in this area reminds us of “the enormous and often silent efforts which have been made for many years by religious congregations, especially women’s congregations”, to care for those wounded in their dignity and scarred by their experiences (cf. Message for the 2015 World Day of Peace, 5).  I think especially of the distinctive contribution made by women in accompanying other women and children on a deeply personal journey of healing and reintegration. 

 

Dear friends, I trust that your sharing of experiences, knowledge and expertise in these days will contribute to a more effective witness to the Gospel in one of the great peripheries of contemporary society.  Commending you, and all those whom you serve, to the loving intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, I cordially impart my blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in the Lord. I will remember all of you in my prayers, and I ask you, please, to pray for me.

 

Full Article

http://www.myspiritfm.com/News?blogid=8267&view=post&articleid=146356&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has named the Archbishop of Indianapolis, Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., to be the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, USA. Archbishop Tobin succeeds Archbishop John J. Myers, whose resignation the Holy Father accepted on Monday.

BIOGRAPHY OF ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH TOBIN, C.Ss.R.

(From the Archdiocese of Newark)

The Most Reverend John J. Myers, fifth Archbishop of Newark, was born in Ottawa, IL on July 26, 1941 to M. W. “Jack” and Margaret Donahue Myers. He is the eldest of seven children.

The Archbishop’s family traces its roots to Ireland, England and France; relatives settled in northern Illinois in the late 1800s.

Earlier ancestors of Mrs. Myers (Spaulding was the family name) served in the Revolutionary War.

The Myers family farmed near Earlville, IL, a town of 1,400 located 20 miles north of Ottawa. The Myers children all worked with their father and shared the family chores; prayer was very much a part of their everyday routine. Young John Myers was an altar server in his parish, St. Theresa, from an early age.

John Myers attended public grammar and high schools in the Earlville, IL area. While completing studies at Loras College in Dubuque, IA (1959–1963), Bishop John B. Franz offered him the opportunity to prepare for the priesthood in Rome and continue his seminary education through the Pontifical North American College, the national seminary in Rome for the formation of candidates for priesthood from the United States. Father Myers was ordained a priest for service to the Diocese of Peoria by Bishop Francis Reh on Dec. 17, 1966 at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome. He then received a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Gregorian University, Rome in 1967. He later earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC in 1977.

Father Myers’ first assignment was as assistant pastor at Holy Family Parish, Peoria in 1967. He then served in the Department of International Affairs of the United States Catholic Conference from 1970 to 1971. His next assignment was as associate pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Champaign, IL from 1971 until 1974.

Among the administrative positions Father Myers held in the Diocese of Peoria were: Administrator of St. Mary Cathedral (1977-1978 and 1984); diocesan Vice Chancellor (1977-78); Vocations Director (1977-1987); diocesan Chancellor (1978-1987); and diocesan Vicar General (1982– 1990). He also served as a Member of the diocesan Presbyteral Council (1968–1970 and 1984–1990) and Board of Consultors (1978–1990).

On September 3, 1987, Bishop Myers was installed as Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria, and acceded to the See of Peoria on January 23, 1990.

On July 24, 2001, His Holiness, Blessed Pope John Paul II, called Bishop John J. Myers to serve as the fifth Metropolitan Archbishop of Newark, NJ. He was installed as Archbishop of Newark on October 9, 2001.

His Holiness conferred the Pallium on Archbishop Myers on June 29, 2002.

In addition to his responsibilities as Metropolitan Archbishop of Newark, Archbishop Myers has also served since 2001 as the Ecclesial Superior, missio sui iuris, of the Turks & Caicos Islands. In 2005, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop Myers to the post of Ecclesiastical Delegate for the Pastoral Provision for admitting married former Anglican clergy in the United States to the Catholic priesthood.

He held this post until 2011.

During the twelve years as Chief Shepherd in Newark, Archbishop Myers has shepherded the people of the Local Church of Newark through numerous significant events and challenges. Assuming his responsibilities almost immediately after the September 11 terrorist attacks, he visited Ground Zero and sought to ease the sorrow of rescue and recovery workers there.

He officiated at numerous funeral and services for those who perished in the World Trade Center attacks, and published a pastoral message, “If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?” - A Reflection on Faith and Terrorism.

As a Member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Myers helped draft the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the linchpin document that guides the Church in dealing compassionately with victims of abuse and openly with civil authorities.

Archbishop Myers also oversaw the celebration in 2003 of the 150th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Newark, including publication of a history book, Seeds of Faith, Branches of Hope.

In recognition of the need to address the future of the Archdiocese and its institutions, Archbishop Myers launched two studies in 2002, the New Energies Parish Transition Project and the Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools. These two initiatives, which concentrated on parish and community participation, provided valuable ideas and solutions to help parishes and schools strengthen their presences and provide a way for parishes to adapt to demographic shifts that had occurred in northern New Jersey in recent decades. Further strengthening of Catholic elementary schools began in 2011 through a Catholic Education Commission. The Archdiocese implemented the Commission’s recommendations and a new roadmap for Catholic elementary education during the 2014-2015 school year.

Archbishop Myers also helped raise awareness both in New Jersey and nationally to the sin of human trafficking, and worked with local, regional and national agencies to implement programs to provide assistance to the victims of these crimes and stronger enforcement of laws to punish perpetrators.

Through his work as President of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the Catholic Church in New Jersey, Archbishop Myers and his brother bishops have been instrumental in addressing such important public issues as the abolition of the death penalty, affordable housing, poverty, and charity care.

A reflection of his episcopal responsibilities as an authentic teacher of the Faith, Archbishop Myers has since 2001 served as President of the Board of Regents and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Seton Hall University, the archdiocesan university. In addition, he has chaired the Academic Affairs Committee and Finance Committee of Catholic University of America, Washington, DC; been a Member of the Seminary Committee of Catholic University, and; been a Member of Catholic University’s Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. Further, from 2003 until 2008 he was a Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors of the Pontifical North American College, Rome and Chair of its Finance Commitee.   Since 2008, he has served as Chair of the North American College's Board of Governors.

He previously served as a Member of the Seminary Board of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Mount St.Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD.  He also was a founding Member and Member of the Board of Directors of the Association for Catechumenal Ministry.

Throughout his 25 years as bishop and Member of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Myers has served on or chaired numerous committees, initiatives and task forces, including: Canonical Affairs; Shrines and Pilgrimages; Vocations; Hispanic Affairs; Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse; Task Force on Catholic Colleges and Universities; Aid to the Church in Eastern Europe; Ad Hoc Committee on the Revision of the Conference By-Laws; Restructuring; and Domestic Policy.

Currently, he serves as Trustee of the Papal Foundation and Chair of the Foundation’s Investment Committee; as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Foundation, Inc.; as a Member of the Episcopal Advisory Board of the Theology of the Body Institute; and Member of the Bishops Advisory Board of the Pope Paul VI Institute.

Archbishop Myers has participated extensively in numerous Canon Law projects, and has produced scholarly writings on a range of topics including diocesan finance, ecclesial ministries, the rights of unborn children, the Eucharist, human trafficking, and the family. In recognition of this extensive experience in Canon Law projects, Archbishop Myers served from 1998 until 2008 as a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legal Texts. In this capacity he would assist this arm of the Roman Curia that interprets the laws of the Church. In 2008, he was named a Member of this Pontifical Council.

A Third-Degree Knight of Columbus, Knight Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Knight Commander-Grand Cross of the Sovereign Constantinian Order of the Martyr St. George, and Conventual Chaplain of the Order of Malta, Archbishop Myers also has been awarded Doctorates of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Mt. St.

Mary University, Emmitsburg, MD, from Loras College, Dubuque, IA, and from St. Peter’s University, Jersey City; a Juris Doctor, honoris causa, from Seton Hall University Law School; and Doctorate in Theology, honoris causa, from Catholic University of America.

Archbishop Myers’ motto, Mysterium Ecclesiae Luceat (translated:“Let the Mystery of the Church shine forth”) is a succinct summary of the central theme of the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium. He has often said, “I cannot make someone believe. I can, however, explain what the Church teaches and the reasons for that teaching, and then invite him or her to be open to that teaching and embrace it.”

 

Full Article