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SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) -- California's newest huge wildfire advanced on thousands of homes Wednesday, feeding on drought-stricken vegetation and destroying an untold number of structures as it expanded to nearly 47 square miles....
(Vatican Radio) With a Moto Proprio, Pope Francis announced on Wednesday the establishment of a Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life. The Prefect of the new Dicastery will be the Irish-born Bishop Kevin Joseph Farrell, currently serving as Bishop of Dallas.Listen to this report by Ann Schneible: In his Apostolic Letter the Pope wrote that the new Dicastery will be "governed by special Statues" and all the responsibilities and functions held by the current Pontifical Councils for the Laity and for the Family will be transferred to the new Dicastery from September 1st. After that date the two Councils in question will cease to exist. As a loving Mother, the Pope wrote, the Church has always throughout the centuries shown her concern for the laity, the family and life, by witnessing our Lord’s merciful love for humanity and we want to ensure that “the riches of Jesus Christ are poured out appropriately and with profusion among the faithful.”...
(Vatican Radio) With a Moto Proprio, Pope Francis announced on Wednesday the establishment of a Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life. The Prefect of the new Dicastery will be the Irish-born Bishop Kevin Joseph Farrell, currently serving as Bishop of Dallas.
Listen to this report by Ann Schneible:
In his Apostolic Letter the Pope wrote that the new Dicastery will be "governed by special Statues" and all the responsibilities and functions held by the current Pontifical Councils for the Laity and for the Family will be transferred to the new Dicastery from September 1st. After that date the two Councils in question will cease to exist.
As a loving Mother, the Pope wrote, the Church has always throughout the centuries shown her concern for the laity, the family and life, by witnessing our Lord’s merciful love for humanity and we want to ensure that “the riches of Jesus Christ are poured out appropriately and with profusion among the faithful.”
For this reason, we are taking prompt moves so that that "the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia can respond to the situation of our times and adapt to the needs of the universal Church. In particular, our thoughts are turned towards the laity, the family and life to whom we wish to offer our support and help so that they are active witnesses of the Gospel in our times and as an expression of the goodness of the Lord."
A series of events through prayer and concrete works are being held to promote peace in the Archdiocese of Seoul from Aug 13 to 20, on the occasion of Korea’s 71st Liberation Day.The first event on the calendar is organized by the committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean people for young people titled ‘2016 Wind of Peace’. It is a pilgrimage from 13 to 19 August in the demilitarized zone to the border between the two Koreas. The participants include expats from Serbia, Slovenia, Lebanon and South Sudan. Archbishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul thanked for the opportunity and hoped that the young people might become the agents of peace in the future and promoters of reconciliation and try to resolve disputes big and small. From Aug 19-20, the ‘2016 Korean Peninsula Peace-sharing Forum’ will be held with the theme “Pathway to peace: a journey towards peaceful Korean Peninsula”.The for...
A series of events through prayer and concrete works are being held to promote peace in the Archdiocese of Seoul from Aug 13 to 20, on the occasion of Korea’s 71st Liberation Day.
The first event on the calendar is organized by the committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean people for young people titled ‘2016 Wind of Peace’. It is a pilgrimage from 13 to 19 August in the demilitarized zone to the border between the two Koreas. The participants include expats from Serbia, Slovenia, Lebanon and South Sudan.
Archbishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul thanked for the opportunity and hoped that the young people might become the agents of peace in the future and promoters of reconciliation and try to resolve disputes big and small.
From Aug 19-20, the ‘2016 Korean Peninsula Peace-sharing Forum’ will be held with the theme “Pathway to peace: a journey towards peaceful Korean Peninsula”.
The forum will be participated in by Catholic leaders, pacifists, and experts who have been working in hotly disputed regions suffering from civil war and terror attacks. They aim to discuss a solution for violence and conflicts and how to establish world peace.
On Aug. 19, a presentation will be held under the theme “From dispute to peace: The Voices from the fields for International Peace,” demonstrating how non-governmental organizations and people in troubled areas such as the Middle East, Europe, and Africa have successfully established peace.
On Aug. 20, the forum will officially begin with the address by Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung.
(Vatican Radio) French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyon, spoke of the significance of Wednesday’s private meeting between Pope Francis and President Francois Hollande in the Vatican and about the mood in France following the recent murder of a French priest near Rouen. Cardinal Barbarin was interviewed by Vatican Radio’s French Service shortly after the meeting was announced. Cardinal Barbarin noted that President Hollande had telephoned the Pope almost immediately after the “horrific” murder of 85 year old Father Jacques Hamel who had his throat slit while celebrating Mass in his church near the city of Rouen on July 26th. The perpetrators were two young French terrorists of North African origin. He said the conversation between the Pope and the French leader following that brutal act was “good, brotherly and moving.”Asked whether there was a climate of revenge in France following Father Hamel’s murder, Cardinal ...
(Vatican Radio) French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyon, spoke of the significance of Wednesday’s private meeting between Pope Francis and President Francois Hollande in the Vatican and about the mood in France following the recent murder of a French priest near Rouen. Cardinal Barbarin was interviewed by Vatican Radio’s French Service shortly after the meeting was announced.
Cardinal Barbarin noted that President Hollande had telephoned the Pope almost immediately after the “horrific” murder of 85 year old Father Jacques Hamel who had his throat slit while celebrating Mass in his church near the city of Rouen on July 26th. The perpetrators were two young French terrorists of North African origin. He said the conversation between the Pope and the French leader following that brutal act was “good, brotherly and moving.”
Asked whether there was a climate of revenge in France following Father Hamel’s murder, Cardinal Barbarin said mutual respect between Christians and Muslims must prevail over any desire for revenge. He said he and many other churchmen were touched by the fact that so many Muslims came to Mass in Rouen and other places across France on the Sunday following the murder of Fr. Hamel as a sign of respect. Many, he said, he said, came bearing gifts as well.
(Vatican Radio) “I am extremely humbled that our Holy Father Pope Francis has selected me to lead this newly formed dicastery,” says Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas, on his appointment as Prefect of the newly formed Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life. In a statement published on the diocesan website, Bishop Farrell said, “I look forward to being part of the important work of the universal Church in the promotion of the laity and the apostolate of the laity and for the pastoral care of the family in accordance with the Pope’s recent apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, the Joy of Love, and the support of human life.”Bishop Farrell said he was grateful for the appointment, he was experiencing “mixed emotions” about leaving the Diocese. “Dallas has been my home for 10 years and, from the beginning, I quickly grew to love the beautiful people and culture here,” he said. Noting with appreciation and gratitude the “har...
(Vatican Radio) “I am extremely humbled that our Holy Father Pope Francis has selected me to lead this newly formed dicastery,” says Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas, on his appointment as Prefect of the newly formed Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life. In a statement published on the diocesan website, Bishop Farrell said, “I look forward to being part of the important work of the universal Church in the promotion of the laity and the apostolate of the laity and for the pastoral care of the family in accordance with the Pope’s recent apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, the Joy of Love, and the support of human life.”
Bishop Farrell said he was grateful for the appointment, he was experiencing “mixed emotions” about leaving the Diocese. “Dallas has been my home for 10 years and, from the beginning, I quickly grew to love the beautiful people and culture here,” he said. Noting with appreciation and gratitude the “hard work and cooperation of the pastors, priests, diocesan staff and people,” Bishop Farrell said, “Together, I believe we have accomplished many goals, and put others in motion, that will continue to build up the Catholic Church in North Texas.”
Bishop Farrell asked for prayers for auxiliary Bishop Greg Kelly, who will care for Diocese until a new Ordinary is named, as well as prayers for himself as he undertakes his new role.
The new Dicastery will join the competencies and functions of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and the Pontifical Council for the Family beginning on 1 September 2016.
Below, please find the full statement by Bishop Kevin Farrell:
I am extremely humbled that our Holy Father Pope Francis has selected me to lead this newly formed dicastery. I look forward to being part of the important work of the universal Church in the promotion of the laity and the apostolate of the laity and for the pastoral care of the family in accordance with the Pope’s recent apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, the Joy of Love, and the support of human life.
While I am grateful for the Holy Father’s confidence in me, I meet this news with mixed emotions.
Dallas has been my home for 10 years and, from the beginning, I quickly grew to love the beautiful people and culture here. The strong faith, kindness and generosity of the people in the Diocese of Dallas surpassed all of my expectations. My brother priests were among the first to welcome me and I am extremely grateful for their collaboration, friendship, wise counsel and prayers. A bishop can get nothing of significance done in a diocese without the hard work and cooperation of the pastors, priests, diocesan staff and people. Together, I believe we have accomplished many goals, and put others in motion, that will continue to build up the Catholic Church in North Texas.
I cannot express enough my gratitude for all that the priests, staff and people have done and continue to do for me and the Diocese of Dallas. I know our Holy Father is working, as we speak, to find the right man to serve as the new chief shepherd. I am confident that, upon my departure, Bishop Greg Kelly will handle the needs of the diocese in the interim. Please pray for him. I also ask that you please pray for me as I begin this next unexpected chapter of my priesthood. May God continue to bless the Diocese of Dallas.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis had a private meeting in the Vatican on Wednesday with France’s President Francois Hollande. Their meeting came three weeks after the brutal murder of the elderly French priest, Father Jacques Hamel, who was killed by two young French terrorists claiming allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group whilst he was celebrating Mass in his church near the city of Rouen. Following the murder of Father Hamel, President Hollande telephoned Pope Francis to express his closeness and told him that “when a priest is attacked all of France is wounded.” Speaking on his flight to Poland, the Pope thanked the French President “in a special way” for having contacted him like “a brother.” President Hollande was accompanied on his visit to the Vatican by the French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and the French ambassador to the Holy See, Philippe Zeller. Wednesday’s encounter marked the ...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis had a private meeting in the Vatican on Wednesday with France’s President Francois Hollande. Their meeting came three weeks after the brutal murder of the elderly French priest, Father Jacques Hamel, who was killed by two young French terrorists claiming allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group whilst he was celebrating Mass in his church near the city of Rouen.
Following the murder of Father Hamel, President Hollande telephoned Pope Francis to express his closeness and told him that “when a priest is attacked all of France is wounded.” Speaking on his flight to Poland, the Pope thanked the French President “in a special way” for having contacted him like “a brother.”
President Hollande was accompanied on his visit to the Vatican by the French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and the French ambassador to the Holy See, Philippe Zeller.
Wednesday’s encounter marked the second time that Pope Francis and President Hollande have met in the Vatican. Their first meeting, which was an official one, took place on 24th January 2014.
The recent wave of unrest that has seen the burning of over 100 schools resulting in the destruction of property across Kenya are a scheme by well-organised cartels that seek to destabilise and disrupt learning in secondary schools across the country, principals of Catholic-sponsored schools have said.The principals who recently met during the annual Conference for Principals of Catholic-sponsored Schools at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Nairobi exchanged experiences as they tried to come to terms with the unprecedented number schools and dormitories torched, in Kenya.The School Heads explained that investigations were pointing to some radicalised vulnerable children funded to torch school dormitories and buildings. Non-teaching staff members of schools were also said to be colluding with students to frustrate school principals. Then there are student strikes orchestrated due to fear of taking exams. These are some of the reasons advanced by the Catholic s...
The recent wave of unrest that has seen the burning of over 100 schools resulting in the destruction of property across Kenya are a scheme by well-organised cartels that seek to destabilise and disrupt learning in secondary schools across the country, principals of Catholic-sponsored schools have said.
The principals who recently met during the annual Conference for Principals of Catholic-sponsored Schools at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Nairobi exchanged experiences as they tried to come to terms with the unprecedented number schools and dormitories torched, in Kenya.
The School Heads explained that investigations were pointing to some radicalised vulnerable children funded to torch school dormitories and buildings. Non-teaching staff members of schools were also said to be colluding with students to frustrate school principals. Then there are student strikes orchestrated due to fear of taking exams. These are some of the reasons advanced by the Catholic school authorities facing the challenge of fires deliberately started in schools. Government as well as Church schools have been targetted.
Addressing over 1000 Catholic principals and education secretaries, the Bishop of Kitui, Anthony Muheria challenged secondary school principals to rise to the task and delve deeper into understanding the world of the young people, if the scourge of fires and student strikes is to be purged.
Bishop Muheria further called on the school principals to understand the underlying problems that their students face. He encouraged the heads to instil in the learners solid moral values. Students need to be inspired with talks that motivate them towards participation in community service, he said. Teachers in Catholic schools also need mentorship projects that seek to help children reject drugs, Bishop Muheria advised.
The conference whose theme is” ‘Catholic schools - a place to Encounter Jesus Christ, the compassionate teacher” aims at covering issues such as the integration of Gospel values in education, teacher-management, Catholic Identity, examination integrity and the ongoing education reforms.
The three-day conference running from 16 to 18 August 2016 is being hosted by The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) Commission for Education and Religious Education. It is in line with the Jubilee year of Mercy being marked by the universal church.
(By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications in Nairobi)
Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va
Vatican City, Aug 17, 2016 / 06:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After a recent report confirmed that violence against children has increased in conflict zones, the Holy See is urging the United Nations and local governments to protect the innocent youth who are caught in the crossfire of violence around the world.“Never in recent memory have so many children been subjected to such violent brutality: children used as soldiers, suicide bombers, sex slaves, and disposable intelligence-gatherers in the most dangerous military operations,” read a recent statement from Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.“These crimes must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” he said.The archbishop's statements came during the United Nation's Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, which took place on Aug. 2 and was organized by the country of Malaysia.The council reviewed the S...
Vatican City, Aug 17, 2016 / 06:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After a recent report confirmed that violence against children has increased in conflict zones, the Holy See is urging the United Nations and local governments to protect the innocent youth who are caught in the crossfire of violence around the world.
“Never in recent memory have so many children been subjected to such violent brutality: children used as soldiers, suicide bombers, sex slaves, and disposable intelligence-gatherers in the most dangerous military operations,” read a recent statement from Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.
“These crimes must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
The archbishop's statements came during the United Nation's Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, which took place on Aug. 2 and was organized by the country of Malaysia.
The council reviewed the Secretary General's report on children caught in armed conflict, which confirmed that the 2015 year had only brought “increased intensity of grave violations.”
The report also noted that tens of thousands of young girls and boys have fallen prey to forced recruitment, sexual violence, and torture amidst the chaos of conflict zones. Over four thousand abductions had been reported in 2015 alone.
Although some progress such as counter-terror legislation has been passed in many instances, Archbishop Auza urged the UN and local governments to do more. He suggested a reintegration program for recovering child-soldiers and victims of sexual abuse as a way to heal the wounds inflicted on the innocent.
“A solution to the plight of children caught in armed conflict, in particular of child soldiers, requires sensitivity to finding ways to reintegrate these children back into their own communities,” the archbishop said.
He also encouraged an attitude of mercy and affirmation within the communities where the children are reintegrated, and spoke out against any prejudice that might hinder the acceptance of these children within their families.
“While we witness barbaric acts beyond anyone's imagination committed also by child soldiers, we must remember that these children are exploited and manipulated into what they have become,” Archbishop Auza stated, saying “we must also build pathways for counseling and reconciliation.”
Archbishop Auza denounced the continued airstrikes against schools and hospitals as intentional disregard for International Humanitarian Laws. He called upon the United Nations to “implement stronger measures for the protection of children in armed conflict.”
“In the fight against non-State armed groups and terrorism, States are urged to ensure that their responses to all threats against peace and security are conducted in full compliance with international humanitarian law, to ensure that children are not victimized twice,” the archbishop continued.
Urging the support from international communities, Archbishop Auza went on to say that “the obligation to put an end to barbaric acts against children caught in armed conflict is incumbent upon every one of us.”
“The Holy See hopes that the plight of children caught in armed conflict will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogue.”
Vatican City, Aug 17, 2016 / 09:47 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Jesus’ miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes is a lesson for us all, Pope Francis said Wednesday.“His compassion is not a vague sentiment,” the Pope said, adding that Jesus “loves us so much, and wants to be close to us.”The Pope reflected on the miracle of Jesus’ feeding of 5,000 people as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, saying that the miracle offered a lesson for Christ’s disciples.“He shows them that the few loaves and fishes they have, with the power of faith and of prayer, can be shared by all the people,” the Pope said. “It is a miracle that he does, but it is the miracle of faith, of prayer with compassion and love.”The pontiff summarized the gospel account in his catechesis at the weekly General Audience in the Paul VI Hall Aug. 16.“Jesus wishes to withdraw and pray, but seeing the multitudes, is moved by compassion and chooses to ...
Vatican City, Aug 17, 2016 / 09:47 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Jesus’ miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes is a lesson for us all, Pope Francis said Wednesday.
“His compassion is not a vague sentiment,” the Pope said, adding that Jesus “loves us so much, and wants to be close to us.”
The Pope reflected on the miracle of Jesus’ feeding of 5,000 people as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, saying that the miracle offered a lesson for Christ’s disciples.
“He shows them that the few loaves and fishes they have, with the power of faith and of prayer, can be shared by all the people,” the Pope said. “It is a miracle that he does, but it is the miracle of faith, of prayer with compassion and love.”
The pontiff summarized the gospel account in his catechesis at the weekly General Audience in the Paul VI Hall Aug. 16.
“Jesus wishes to withdraw and pray, but seeing the multitudes, is moved by compassion and chooses to remain with them. By instructing his disciples to feed the crowd, he teaches them to have faith and invites them to share in his concern for those in need,” he continued. “The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is a concrete sign of that merciful concern.”
The story in the Gospel of Matthew “clearly evokes” the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, the Pope said. Jesus lifts his eyes to heaven, says the blessing, breaks the bread and gives it.
“The Christian community is born and reborn continually by this Eucharistic communion,” Pope Francis said. This communion with Christ impels Christians today to go out to men and women to offer them “the concrete sign” of the mercy of Christ. This makes believers “servants of mercy.”
“Through our partaking of the Eucharist, we not only receive spiritual nourishment, but, conformed ever more fully to the Lord, we become signs of his merciful presence to those around us,” the Pope continued.
He prayed that God might make Christians become “instruments of communion” in their own relationships.
“May all of us, as members of Christ’s body, seek to bring to our families and communities, and especially to those most in need, the nourishment of God’s closeness, mercy and love,” he concluded.
IMAGE: CNS photo/Max Rossi, ReutersBy Junno Arocho EstevesVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Jesus' compassion toward people in need isnot a vague sentiment, but a calling for Christians to bring that samecompassion to others, Pope Francis said. By miraculously feeding thousands of people, Jesus made an act"of faith and prayer" that "shows the full strength of his willto be close to us and to save us," the pope said Aug. 17 at his weeklygeneral audience. Thousands of people packed the Paul VI audience hall, waving andstretching out their hands eagerly, hoping to greet the pope. Noticing a smallchild surrounded by people trying to greet them, Pope Francis motioned thecrowd to make way and gave the child a blessing. In his audience talk, the pope reflected on the Gospel reading of themultiplication of the loaves and fishes. Jesus, he noted, "does not have acold heart," but rather is moved by those who follow him and "feelsbound to this crowd."However, the pope noted that Jesus is not only concern...
IMAGE: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters
By Junno Arocho Esteves
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Jesus' compassion toward people in need is not a vague sentiment, but a calling for Christians to bring that same compassion to others, Pope Francis said.
By miraculously feeding thousands of people, Jesus made an act "of faith and prayer" that "shows the full strength of his will to be close to us and to save us," the pope said Aug. 17 at his weekly general audience.
Thousands of people packed the Paul VI audience hall, waving and stretching out their hands eagerly, hoping to greet the pope. Noticing a small child surrounded by people trying to greet them, Pope Francis motioned the crowd to make way and gave the child a blessing.
In his audience talk, the pope reflected on the Gospel reading of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Jesus, he noted, "does not have a cold heart," but rather is moved by those who follow him and "feels bound to this crowd."
However, the pope noted that Jesus is not only concerned with feeding the hungry crowd, but also invites his disciples to take part in feeding them.
"The Lord goes out to meet the needs of men and women and wants to make each one of us concretely share in his compassion," the pope said.
Jesus' blessing of the loaves before their distribution, he continued, is also repeated in the Last Supper and continues today in the celebration of the Eucharist.
In living this communion with Jesus, Christians are called not "to remain passive and estranged" but to relate with men and women by offering "a concrete sign of Christ's mercy and attention," the pope said.
"While we are nourished by Christ, the Eucharist we celebrate transforms us, little by little, into the body of Christ and spiritual food for our brothers and sisters," he said.
The miracle of the loaves and fishes, Pope Francis stressed, is a reminder of the church's two-fold mission to "feed the people and keep them united; that is, to be at the service of life and communion."
Christians, he stressed, are called to be "a visible sign of the mercy of God, who does not wish to leave anyone in loneliness and in need."
"We believers who receive this bread are compelled by Jesus to bring this service to others with the same compassion of Jesus. This is the path," the pope said.
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