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 WASHINGTON-Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York called on everyone "concerned about the tragedy of abortion" to recommit to a "vision of life and love, a vision that excludes no one" on January 14. His statement marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Most Americans oppose a policy allowing legal abortion for virtually any reason - though many still do not realize that this is what the Supreme Court gave us," wrote Cardinal Dolan. "Most want to protect unborn children at later stages of pregnancy, to regulate or limit the practice of abortion, and to stop the use of taxpayer dollars for the destruction of unborn children. Yet many who support important goals of the pro-life movement do not identify as 'pro-life,' a fact which should lead us to examine how we present our pro-life vision to others."

"Even as Americans remain troubled by abortion," wrote Cardinal Dolan, a powerful and well-funded lobby holds "that abortion must be celebrated as a positive good for women and society, and those who cannot in conscience provide it are to be condemned for practicing substandard medicine and waging a 'war on women'." He said this trend was seen recently when President Obama and other Democratic leaders prevented passage of the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, "a modest measure to provide for effective enforcement" of conscience laws.

"While this is disturbing," said Cardinal Dolan, "it is also an opportunity." Pro-life Americans should reach out to "the great majority of Americans" who are "open to hearing a message of reverence for life." He added that "we who present the pro-life message must always strive to be better messengers. A cause that teaches the inexpressibly great value of each and every human being cannot show disdain or disrespect for any fellow human being." He encouraged Catholics to take part, through prayer and action, in the upcoming "9 Days for Life" campaign, January 16-24. More information on the campaign is available online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxJwfcefUiU

He also cited the Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis as a time for women and men to find healing through the Church's Project Rachel post-abortion ministry.

The full text of Cardinal Dolan's message is available online.
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Keywords: Roe v. Wade, anniversary, Pro-Life, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, 9 Days for Life, USCCB, U.S. bishops, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Year of Mercy, Project Rachel, Pope Francis
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Don Clemmer
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 WASHINGTON-National Catholic Schools Week 2016 will be observed in dioceses around the country, January 31-February 6. This year's theme, "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service," focuses on the important faith-building, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education.

"Catholic schools are a vital aspect of the Church's mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and so an important aspect of our own teaching mission," said Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha, Nebraska, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Catholic Education. He noted that Pope Francis reminded Catholic educators at the World Congress held in Rome in November to know the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and to offer them to students in Catholic schools as practical examples of how to live the Gospel. "By teaching the Good News of the Gospel, Catholic educators guide our students to Jesus Christ and his healing mercy," Archbishop Lucas said.

About 1.9 million students are currently educated in nearly 6,600 Catholic schools around the country. Students receive an education that prepares them for higher education, a competitive work environment, but most importantly, living a Christian life of virtue in a challenging society. "We want our students to keep their eyes fixed on eternity which is the ultimate goal of a complete education," said Archbishop Lucas.  

Archbishop Lucas added that the backbone of Catholic education is the relationship between the parent, the school and the Church - each doing a part to provide an educational environment that keeps Christ at the center of each child's life within a challenging and nurturing educational setting. "Catholic schools partner with families to provide a quality faith-filled education for children. At this time in society, elevating the rights and duties of parents and families is a critical ministry in the Church," he said.

The observance of Catholic Schools Week began in 1974. Schools and parishes around the country will hold activities such as Masses, open houses and pot luck gatherings to celebrate the communities they represent. The week also highlights the educational and community successes of Catholic schools around the county. One example is that an estimated 98 percent of students graduate from high school and 86 percent of Catholic school graduates attend college. This percentage has been consistent over the past 20 years.

More information is available online: www.ncea.org/our-services/catholic-schools-week and www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education/index.cfm
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Keywords: Catholic Schools Week, Archbishop George J. Lucas, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Committee on Catholic Education, Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service, National Catholic Education Association
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Don Clemmer
O: 202-541-3206

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(Vatican Radio) The 51st International Eucharistic Congress is taking place this week in Cebu, Philippines.

The event brings together thousands of people from around the world, to worship together and to celebrate the Eucharist.

The head of Vatican Radio’s English Section, Seán Patrick Lovett is in Cebu for the Congress. He said Thursday’s highlight was the address by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who spoke on the topic of “The Eucharist and Culture.” The Cardinal spoke of the need for a kind of “cultural intelligence,” which he defined as “a cultural awareness that allows us to meet people where they are at.”

Listen to Seán Patrick Lovett’s report:

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(Vatican Radio) The heart of the Christian is magnanimous because we were born of a loving Father and our arms should be open wide to welcome everyone with generosity – that’s what the Pope said at Thursday morning’s Mass at the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican. Among those attending the Mass was a number of priests who celebrated with the Pope their 50th year of ordination. 

Listen to this report by Tracey McClure:

The Christian is a witness to the light of God

"The mystery of God is light" - says Pope Francis - who comments on the day's Gospel in which Jesus says that the lamp does not come "to be put under a bushel, or under the bed, but to be put on the lampstand to illuminate: "

"And this is one of the traits of a Christian who has received the light in Baptism and must give it. That is, the Christian is a witness. Testimony. One of the peculiarities of Christian behavior. A Christian who brings this light, must show it because he is a witness. When a Christian would prefer not to show the light of God but prefers his own darkness, this enters his heart because he is afraid of the light .  And the idols, which are dark, he likes best. So he lacks: he’s missing something and is not a true Christian. Witness: a Christian is a witness. Of Jesus Christ, the Light of God. He has to put that light on the lampstand of his life."

The Christian is magnanimous: loses in order to gain Christ

In the Gospel, Jesus says: "The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you."  “Another trait of the Christian,”  says the Pope, “is magnanimity, because he is the child of a magnanimous father, of great heart."

"The Christian heart is magnanimous.  It is open, always. It is not a heart that is closed in on its own selfishness. Or one that’s calculating: up to this point, up to here. When you enter this light of Jesus, when you enter into Jesus’ friendship, when you let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit, the heart becomes open, magnanimous... The Christian, then, does not gain, but loses. But he loses to gain something else, and in this (between quotation marks) 'defeat' of interests, he gains Jesus; he gains by becoming Jesus’ witness.”

Thanks to the priests who have given light

Pope Francis then addresses those present who are celebrating 50 years of service in the priesthood:

"For me it is a joy to celebrate with you today, as you mark the 50^th anniversary of your priesthood: 50 years on the path of light and giving witness, 50 years of trying to be better, trying to bring light to the lampstand.  Sometimes we fall, but we get up again, always with the desire to give light, generously, that is, with a magnanimous heart. Only God and your own memory know how many people you have received generously with the kindness of fathers, of brothers ... to how many people whose heart was a bit 'dark’ have you given light, the light of Jesus. Thank you. Thank you for what you have done in the Church, for the Church and for Jesus."

"May the Lord give you joy, this great joy,” the Pope concluded, “of having sown well,  of having shown light well and of having opened your arms to receive all with magnanimity."

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(Vatican Radio) The biggest difference between African and Filipino Catholics discovered at the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu, Philippines, is in the way Mass is celebrated. That is the view of  Father Meshack Maine Phenethi - National Delegate from Lesotho, in southern Africa.

“The cultural of the Catholic Mass is the same, but the way we celebrate is different,” Fr.  Phenethi said.

Listen to the interview by Seàn-Patrick Lovett with Father Meshack Maine Phenethi:

“In Africa, we are dancing…the celebration of the Mass, and we take our time. Probably 2-3 hours in one Mass, because we take our time. We dance. We clap hands. That is the [largest] difference that I noticed here,” he told Vatican Radio.

Father Phenethi said the celebration of the Mass in the Philippines includes “fully active participation,” but they are not dancing.

One thing Father Phenethi would like to see more of during the IEC are presentations which are more grounded in the day-to-day life of the laity.

“The discussions seem to be more theological, more scientific, that they cannot even go up to the laity who are not having the theological background,” he said.

“As Africans I would want it to be down-to-earth so that  it can touch the lives of people…when we see the Eucharist, we see the centre that answers all of our anguish and everything,” said Father Phenethi.

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday received the President of the Republic of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who later met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, who was accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the  Secretary for Relations with States.

A communique from the Holy See Press Office called the meeting “cordial” and said the parties took note of the good relations existing between the Holy See and Togo, and the prospects for their further consolidation. The talks then focused on the contribution of Catholics to the development of the country and the integral progress of the Togolese people, especially in the field of education.

The communique said they also reviewed a number of challenges affecting the countries of West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, stressing the need for a common commitment to work towards peace and security in the region.

During the meeting, Pope Francis gave the President copies of  the Encyclical Laudato si’ and the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. President  Gnassingbé  gave the Holy Father a framed work of abstract art, created by an artist of Togo.

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