Catholic News 2

(Vatican Radio) As part of ongoing celebrations of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis held a special General Audience on Saturday morning.

The special Saturday Audiences are being held once each month throughout the Jubilee Year.

During his Audience, Pope Francis focused on the topic of Mercy and Service, basing his reflections on the words of Jesus after He washed the feet of His disciples (John 3:12-14).

Below, please find the official English-language summary of the Pope’s message at the General Audience on Saturday, 12 March 2016:

Dear Brothers and Sisters: As we draw near to Easter in this Holy Year of Divine Mercy, we reflect today on the Lord’s gesture of washing the feet of His disciples. In this striking act of humility, Jesus tells them, and us, to do the same for one another. He gave us a clear example of His new commandment of love. As Saint John says, just as He laid down His life for us, so we ought to lay down our lives for one another (cf. 1 Jn 3:16). Jesus shows us that love is service – lowly, quiet and hidden – of our brothers and sisters, especially those in greatest need. By bending low to wash His disciples’ feet, Jesus also invites us to acknowledge our failings, to pray for one another and to forgive each other from the heart. He shows us that to be “merciful like the Father” means to follow Jesus daily along the path of humble service.

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(Vatican Radio) An extensive free exhibition opens in Rome this week showing an array of artifacts from Holy Jubilees of past centuries. “Antiquorum Habet” will be inaugurated 15 March by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Italian Senate President Pietro Grasso.

The exhibition is housed in the Sala Zuccari of the Palazzo Giustiniani on via della Dogana Vecchia in Rome.

The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of the Jubilee, from 1300 to the present day. Maps of pilgrim routes are shown as well as the history of the patriarchal basilicas. There are manuscripts, printed books, etchings, newspapers, magazines, photographs and documentaries of the Italian Senate.

Many precious documents have been provided by the Vatican Apostolic Library and the Numismatic Office of the Vatican City. In addition to the 500 artifacts on display, visitors have the opportunity to see more than 1,300 digital images on 5 computer stations in the Sala Zuccari, as well as archival video footage, provided courtesy of Rai Teche and Istituto Luce.

The title of the exhibition, Antiquorum Habet, is taken from the first words of the Papal Bull of the Jubilee of 1300 promulgated by Pope Boniface VIII. The document itself is on display, a rare occasion of public exposure only granted in exceptional cases by the Apostolic Library.

In the same room, visitors can see a precious artifact with a connection to the great Medieval poet Dante Alighieri – a gold locket containing dust and fragments of laurel leaves taken from his tomb. The tomb of the poet was opened in 1865 on the occasion of the 6^th centenary of his birth. Scholars generally accept that Dante was in Rome for the first Holy Year in 1300. Along with the locket, the exhibition displays valuable editions of the works of the great poet.

The exhibition covers the development of the rites and the ceremonies of the Jubilee Year from two perspectives – the pilgrim and the destination, in this case, Rome.

The exhibition officially opens 15 March for media and dignitaries and for the public on the 16^th, running to 1 May.

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(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis addressed the participants of a formation course held by the Roman Rota on Saturday. The course for canon lawyers focused on the new juridical process for the verification of marital nullity.

Listen to Devin Watkins' report:

In his prepared remarks, Pope Francis focused on the importance of the recent modifications to the Church’s process for the declaration of marital nullity.

The Holy Father said the rescripts Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus and Mitis et Misericors Iesus were the fruit of the year long preparation for the Synod on the Family.

He said the resulting ‘short process’ had an important pastoral focus, aimed at easing the conscience of many people worried about the validity of their marriage. “Charity and mercy, beyond the reflection on experience, pushed the Church to make herself ever more near to her children, recognizing their legitimate desire for justice.”

The Pope also encouraged the canon lawyers assembled to put into practice these new norms in Ecclesial Tribunals throughout the world. “It is important that the new norms be received and meditated, in merit and in spirit, especially by members of Ecclesial Tribunals, in order to better serve families in justice and charity.”

He went on to remind those present of the reason for the changes. “The Church is Mother and desires to show the face of God who is ever faithful to His love, merciful, and always capable of giving strength and hope. What concerns us most regarding separated persons living in a new union is their participation in the community of the Church.”

Pope Francis concluded his address with words of praise for the many families who remain faithful to their marriage despite difficult situations.“These witnesses of marital fidelity should be encouraged and promoted as examples to be imitated. Many women and men put up with major problems so as not to destroy the family, to be faithful in health and sickness, in difficulty and tranquility: this is fidelity. And they are good!”

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The Archdiocese of Kampala in Uganda has announced the institution of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine as a full Catholic parish in honour of Pope Francis’ visit last year. Pope Francis visited Munyonyo, the location where the Uganda martyrs started their journey towards the place of execution at Namugongo. When he visited Munyonyo, Pope Francis blessed the cornerstone for a new Church. He also met catechists and teachers of the country.

The creation of Munyonyo as a parish was announced by the Archbishop of Kampala, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. When Pope Francis visited Munyonyo, the road leading to the shrine was also re-named ‘Pope Francis Road’ after the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) supported the name change.

Archbishop Lwanga said that Munyonyo has been created as a parish in remembrance of Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to the shrine during his visit in November last year. On his first-ever visit to Uganda, the Pope also made a pilgrimage to Namugongo where he celebrated the 50th anniversary of the canonisation of the Uganda Martyrs – an event delayed for a whole year in anticipation of the Pontiff’s visit.

Archbishop Lwanga has thanked the Christians of Nsambya, Ggaba and Kibuye-Makindye parishes for their support towards Munyonyo over the years. The Franciscans, a religious congregation, are in-charge of Munyonyo parish. It will be the 64th Catholic Parish in Kampala Archdiocese.

The Uganda Martyrs were canonised in Rome on 18 October 1964.

Saints Andrew Kaggwa and Denis Ssebuggwaawo were killed at Munyonyo where the new shrine is being constructed while Pontiano Ngondwe was killed at Kyamula where St Pontiano Ngondwe sub-parish is located.

(Juliet Lukwago in Kampala)

Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va

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Countries in the AMECEA region have committed themselves to creating a learning forum among national conferences on the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. AMECEA stands for Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa.

In the context of Pope Francis’ call for the effective protection of minors, the AMECEA Pastoral Department recently held a seminar on the “Implementation of Child and Youth Protection Policy in AMECEA Countries.” The seminar was held at Kurasini, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 7 to 10 March 2016, in collaboration with the Tanzania Episcopal Conference.

In opening remarks, the Secretary General of Tanzania Episcopal Conference, Fr. Raymond Saba, said, “Many children live in extreme hostile environment and are not fully protected. Many of them are growing up with violence in the home; suffering abuse, either physical or sexual, some experience emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation, exclusion or discrimination. Such violations affect growth and hamper pursuit of the children’s dreams and it is our responsibility to protect the children and their welfare, ” he said.

In emphasising the need for the Church’s resolve to promote protection of minors and vulnerable adults, Fr. Saba said that all children have the right to protection. He said children have the right to live, to be safe, to belong, to be heard, to receive adequate care and to grow up in a caring environment.

Speaking at the same event, Fr. Febian Pikiti Mulenga, AMECEA Pastoral Coordinator, said that the aim of the seminar was primarily to create a learning forum among national conferences on the promotion of and the protection of the dignity of minors and vulnerable adults, using the forms and methods, consonant with the nature of the Church.

And, speaking as a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Sr. Kayula Lesa, said “the family is the first place where protection for children should begin. Parents and all those who take care of children are responsible for building a protective and loving home environment. Likewise, all other Church establishments like schools, Parishes and communities are responsible for building a safe and child-friendly environment outside the child's home. In all these settings children should be fully protected so they can grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential,” Sr. Kayula said.

The three days seminar, which was attended by 22 participants from all the AMECEA member countries, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda and Zambia, was sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

(Source: Amecea online news)

Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va

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Vatican City, Mar 12, 2016 / 04:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Saturday Pope Francis told participants in course on the streamlined annulment process that the main goal of the new norms is pastoral, and seeks to reach out to families suffering from a broken marriage.

“These measures have an eminently pastoral goal: to show the Church’s concern for those faithful who are waiting for a quick verification on their marital status,” the Pope said March 12.

He noted that many faithful suffer due to the end of their marriages, and couples are frequently “oppressed by doubt” as to whether or not their marriage was valid or in valid.

It is out of both charity and mercy, as well as lived experience, that the Church decided to create the new, streamlined annulment process, which aims to grow closer to persons with a failed marriage, and to meet “their legitimate desire for justice,” he said.

Francis stressed the new procedures were created with a pastoral intention, and that for divorced couples living in a second union, the “most important” concern of the Church is that they don’t feel ostracized, but continue to participate in the ecclesial community.

Pope Francis spoke to participants in a formation course for the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, the Holy’s See’s main court, dedicated the new marriage annulment process. Held in Rome, the course ran from March 7-12, and was closed by an audience with the Pope.

In his speech, Francis noted that many divorced couples seeking an annulment found the process overly complicated, and many encountered difficultly in accessing the appropriate ecclesial judicial structures.

Because of this, he said, he decided to streamline the process, putting into place a new set of norms aimed at simplifying the procedures so couples aren’t left waiting for an answer, often harassed by doubt.

The changes were published Aug. 15, 2015, in two motu proprio - or letters issued by the Pope “on his own initiative.” The documents were entitled “Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus” (The Lord Jesus, a meek judge), which deals with modifications in the Latin Rite's Code of Canon Law, and “Mitis et misericors Iesus” (Jesus, meek and merciful), which outlines changes for Eastern Churches who, although in full communion with Rome, have historically had a different process.

In a nutshell, the new rules, which went into effect Dec. 8, 2015, drop the automatic appeal previously required after a decision on nullity had been reached, and place a stronger emphasis on local bishops, allowing them to make their own judgements on obvious cases of marriage nullity.

In his speech to the course participants, Pope Francis said it’s important that the new rules are “received and deepened in,” particularly by those managing the ecclesial tribunals, in order to create “a service that is more just and charitable for families.”

Those who have experienced a failed marriage and are awaiting a ruling on the sacrament’s validity must be helped to move forward in the process “as smoothly as possible,” he said.

He encouraged the course participants “to treasure what you have learned,” always keeping in mind the “salus animarum (salvation of souls), which is the supreme law of the Church,” as they continue their work.

In addition to caring for the wounds of couples in a failed marriage, Francis also emphasized the need to recognize families who continue to persevere in the sacrament, despite difficult conditions.

“These witnesses of marital fidelity must be encouraged and pointed to as examples to imitate,” he said, noting that many men and women bear heavy burdens so as not to destroy the family.

“To be faithful in sickness and in health, in difficulties and in the good times: this is fidelity,” he said, and thanked the participants for their commitment to working for justice.

He urged them not to view their mission as a mere profession, “or worse, as a power, but as a service of souls, especially those which are most wounded.”

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Vatican City, Mar 12, 2016 / 06:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Saturday Pope Francis said that love is more than just saying nice words and doing things – it means forgetting oneself and serving others, just as Jesus did when he washed the feet of the disciples.

“By washing the feet of the apostles, Jesus wanted to reveal how God acts toward us, and to give an example of this ‘new commandment’ of loving one another as he has loved us; that is, giving his life for us, the Pope said March 12.

Love, then, “is the concrete service we give to each other,” he said, explaining that love isn’t just saying or doing things, but “love is service! A humble service, done in silence and hiddenness, as Jesus himself said: ‘Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.’”

Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square for his third Jubilee general audience, which are being held once a month throughout the Jubilee of Mercy.

He continued his catechesis on mercy as it is understood in scripture, this time focusing on the passage in the Gospel of John when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples.

It is such an “unexpected and shocking gesture” that Peter doesn’t want to accept it, the Pope said, and pointed to Jesus’ question of “Do you understand what I have done for you?”

When Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and tells them that “if I, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, also you must wash the feet of others,” he is pointing out to them the path they must take if they want to both live their faith in him and bear witness to his love.

“Jesus has applied to himself the image of the ‘Servant of God’ used by the prophet Isaiah,” Francis said, emphasizing that the fact that the Son of God “makes himself a servant!”

To serve others, then, means to use and make available the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us in order for the community to grow, he said, adding that this type of service also includes sharing one’s material goods “so that no one is in need.”

“This sharing and dedication to whoever is in need is a lifestyle which God also suggests to many non-Christians, as a path of authentic humanity,” the Pope noted.

He encouraged pilgrims not to forget that in washing the disciples’ feet and in asking us to do the same, Jesus is also inviting us to confess our failings and to pray for each other so that we know “how to forgive from the heart.”

“Love (and) charity, is service,” he said, and in off-the-cuff comments pointed to a letter he received last week from a woman caring for her elderly mother and disabled brother.

In her letter, the woman both thanked the Pope for the Jubilee of Mercy, and asked that he pray for her to grow closer to the Lord.

“The life of this person was to heal her mother and brother…her life was to serve, to help, and this is love,” he said. “When you forget yourself and think of others – this is love.”

Pope Francis closed his audience by noting how in the washing of the feet, Jesus teaches us to be true servants, as he was for each one of us.

“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, to be merciful like the Father means to follow Jesus on the path of service.”

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