Catholic News 2

(Vatican Radio) A new manual has been released called “Handbook for Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights.”

The volume is produced by Franciscans International and ATD Fourth World, with the collaboration of Caritas Internationalis.

During a press conference at the Holy See Press Office on Thursday, the Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis called the Handbook “a systematic, extremely concrete tool.”

Brother Michael A. Perry, OFM, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, said he hopes the book “might serve as an effective tool for deepening capacity, mutual trust, critical analysis, and social cohesion among those living in conditions of extreme poverty.”

Here is the full intervention of Brother Michael A. Perry, OFM

MAKING HUMAN RIGHTS WORK

FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY

A FRANCISCAN PERSPECTIVE ON RIGHTS BASED APPROACH

Bro. Michael A. Perry,

Minister General and Servant of the Order of Friars Minor,

on behalf of the Conference of Franciscan Families

Rome – 17 December 2015

Good morning!

Pope Francis reminds us that “The human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to human and social degradation. In fact, the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet” (Laudato Si’, no. 48).

One of the most fundamental insights of Biblical and Catholic Social teaching and that of our Franciscan tradition, relates to the fundamental dignity that all creatures enjoy by their very existence.  This dignity cannot be earned, nor can it be denied or diminished without serious consequences.  Societies that fail to respect the fundamental dignity of their citizens, and those who sojourn within their borders, not only do harm to the persons most affected - principally those who are poor, marginalized and excluded, but also undermine the very foundations upon which human societies are constructed and from which they derive their right to exist.

As is made clear in the Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, par. 36: “All policies relevant to poverty must be aimed at empowering persons living in poverty.  They must be based on the recognition of those persons’ right to make their own decisions and respect their capacity to fulfil their own potential, their sense of dignity and their right to participate in decisions affecting their lives.”  The values espoused and promoted in the Guiding Principles, and elucidated in the very helpful Handbook for Implementation, are most clearly reflected in the Social Development Goals, to which the Franciscan family actively and energetically subscribes at the local, national and international levels.

Franciscan men and women in India, Indonesia, South Sudan, Lebanon, Lampedusa (Sicily), Peru, Kenya, and in other parts of the world are working together with other religious congregations, with the local Bishops’ Conferences, with Caritas-based groups, with other Christians churches, with Muslims, Jews, Hindus and also with non believers, engaging directly with those trapped in extreme and all forms of poverty and exclusion, gaining their trust (cf. Handbook, p. 13), promoting social cohesion, identifying and activating human and other resources at the local, national, and international levels (cf. Handbook, p. 18, Step 3), and developing programs and strategies by which they might pursue an effective course of advocacy.  Franciscans International continues to play a critical role in its collaborative work with Franciscan and other organizations at the grassroots.

In India, the Franciscans and their Muslim and Hindu partners are living and working closely together on a tea plantation, educating the workers and their families about their fundamental rights, the right to a decent wage, to just and safe work conditions, and to quality health care and education for themselves and their families.  They also are helping workers to organize and to bring their concerns regarding abuses committed by state and non-state actors to the attention of competent State authorities so as to gain their confidence and commitment to protect human rights (cf. Handbook, p. 19, Step 4).

In Indonesia, the Franciscans and their partners are establishing a strong link between promotion of human rights and the rights of the natural environment through their work with local farming cooperatives they are helping to create and sustain.  From a Franciscan perspective, the human and natural environments are intrinsically and inextricably intertwined. These same farmer cooperatives are now exercising control over land use, playing a major role in the fixing of prices for their agricultural and other products, and are working with civil authorities to defend against exploitative and abusive landowners and national and multi-national interests that do harm to both the human community, especially those who are poor and marginalized, and to the natural environment. Strong monitoring and measurement tools are slowly being developed in collaboration between Franciscans, the poor who are their partners, and with other groups and individuals, in order to measure progress achieved and also to identify weaknesses within their own respective approaches to social analysis and advocacy.

It is the hope of the Minister Generals of the Franciscan family (CFF) who I represent today that the Handbook for Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, produced by Franciscans International, ATD Fourth World, in collaboration with Caritas Internationalis might serve as an effective tool for deepening capacity, mutual trust, critical analysis, and social cohesion among those living in conditions of extreme poverty.  It also is our hope that these Guidelines will help ensure full respect for the inherent rights and dignity of all and that, through the concerted efforts of the world community,  the Social Development Goals might be fully realized, and with them, extreme poverty might be wiped from the face of the earth. 

Thank you!

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(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Canadian College was the scene on Tuesday morning for a scholarly gathering exploring the history of the Apostolic Delegation to Canada. One of the featured speakers on this second day of the two-day conference under the joint sponsorship of the Canadian Embassy to the Holy See and the École française of Rome, was Fr. Athanasius McVay, a Church historian and priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton.

Fr. McVay spoke with Vatican Radio about the role of the Holy See in mediating the cultural tensions between the Latin Church authorities and the burgeoning Ukrainian Catholic population in Canada in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. “The idea of unity-in-diversity was not so strong,” in those days, explained Fr. McVay.

Click below to hear Fr. Athanasius McVay's extended conversation with Chris Altieri

“Within a single [given] country,” he continued, “especially in the [Latin] Church after the Council of Trent, there was always this desire for uniformity: uniformity became a great value in the Latin Church,” and so the ritual and liturgical practices of the Ukrainian Catholics were viewed with suspicion, even as were the practices and traditions of the Catholics, whose presence in the host country was of longer establishment.

“When the Apostolic Delegate was appointed in 1899,” Fr. McVay said, “he was able to – as an extension, as a legate of the Roman Pontiff – to extend the universal jurisdiction of the Roman Pontiff, to mediate, especially – I think that one of the most important – theologically – aspects of Papal primacy is mediation between the Churches.”

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received Birthday Wishes and a celebratory cake on Thursday as he greeted members of the Italian “Azione Cattolica” movement thanking them for their commitment to welcome migrants.

It was a special morning in the Vatican as a large group of children and young people who belong to the non-political lay organization sang “Happy Birthday” to the Pope as he received them for the annual Christmas audience on the day that marks his 79th birthday. 

Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni: 

In a festive atmosphere, the Pope commended them for their desire to live the Gospel to the full, and for their mission to involve family members, parishes and communities in an actively Christian life.

He said that by participating actively in the Mass and in Catechism, they become like missionaries and are able to bring Jesus to others.

The Pope complimented them on the motto of their formative programme for the current year which is “Journeying towards You” and said that to “journey towards the Lord means to take the good road – not the evil one; it means to put oneself on the road of forgiveness, of peace, of solidarity”.
          
“In this regard – he said – your initiative in favour of Migrants in the Agrigento diocese is a very good one.” 

And he invoked the Lord’s blessing for the project which – he said - aims to give and exemplary welcome to “so many brothers and sisters or ours who arrive full of hope, but are also wounded and in desperate need of so much, including peace and bread”.

With your enthusiasm and your prayers – the Pope said – you can make a special contribution; and he encouraged them to also share their belongings with other young people who have none.

Pope Francis concluded with a special greeting to some of the leaders of “Azione Cattolica” who were present at the audience and thanked them for the commitment they show imparting a Christian education.

And he invoked the Lord’s blessing for the project which – he said - aims to give and exemplary welcome to “so many brothers and sisters or ours who arrive full of hope, but are also wounded and in desperate need of so much, including peace and bread”.

With your enthusiasm and your prayers – the Pope said – you can make a special contribution; and he encouraged them  to also share their belongings with other young people who have none.

Pope Francis concluded with a special greeting to some of the leaders of “Azione Cattolica” who were present at the audience and thanked them for the commitment they show imparting a Christian education.

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday said today’s globalization of indifference is rooted in a distorted or unbalanced humanism in which “man has taken the place of God and therefore has become in turn a victim of various forms of idolatry.” At the same time, he pointed to a positive development, saying we are witnessing from those with more mature consciences a growing “non-violent reaction” to the wars and terrorism that have marked this year. The Pope’s remarks came in an address to the Ambassadors from India, Latvia, Guinea and Bahrain to the Holy See who were presenting their Letters of Credence.

In his discourse, Pope Francis urged the Ambassadors to work together to promote a culture of solidarity in our world that can help counteract the globalization of indifference which, he said, is unfortunately “one of the negative trends of our times”. Whilst recognizing that this attitude of indifference can take many different forms and there are many causes that help to feed it, Pope Francis said its roots can be found in today’s “distorted humanism in which man has taken the place of God.”  As a result of this, he added, “mankind has become in turn a victim of various forms of idolatry.”

He went on to say that “indifference towards God, towards our neighbour and towards the environment is inter-linked” and each helps to feed the other.  Saying this indifference can only be counteracted with a response that tackles all three elements, the Pope called for “a renewed humanism that reinstates human beings in their correct relationship with the Creator, with others and with creation.”

In order to achieve this aim, said Pope Francis, we need to promote a culture of solidarity and sharing and this requires the active involvement of political, social, cultural and educational leaders, as well as the mass media that nowadays exert a strong influence on personal and social attitudes. 

Noting that 2015 unfortunately has been marked by a growing number of violent conflicts and terrorist attacks, Pope Francis said there was some good news as this situation was triggering “a growing non-violent reaction” that is spiritual and moral among those with more mature consciences. He said the Catholic Church through its Jubilee of Mercy wishes to encourage this process by spreading throughout the world the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Listen to this report by Susy Hodges: 

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Violence against the Christians of eastern India’s Odisha state erupted with untold savagery in 2008, with Hindu extremists ‎blaming the August 23 murder of their leader Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati on Christians, despite claims to the assassination by ‎Maoist rebels.   The persecution with its epicentre in Kandhamal District, is ‎one of the most brutal against Christians in India.  Among the numerous victims killed for their faith was Parikhita Nayak, whose legs were first hacked and then body chopped, while his wife Kanak Rekha Nayak and their two little daughters watched helplessly amidst tears and pleas for him.  Today, the simple woman with an unshakable faith in Christ, is bringing up her children amidst great difficulty in a slum where she has taken shelter.  She was invited to share her heart-rending testimony with participants in the recent National Eucharistic Congress of India held in Mumbai, Nov. 12-15.   She spoke in her native Odia with the help of an interpreter in English.  Here are a some excerpts.

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(Vatican Radio) Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, the Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, addressed the 10th Ministerial Conference of the  World Trade Organization (WTO) on Thursday in Nairobi.

“Modernising multilateralism could therefore be achieved by rediscovering the roots of the multilateral ideal, which is ultimately based on the fact that all human beings are united by a common humanity rooted in the dignity of the human person,” he said.

“Following this premise, both individual actors and multilateral institutions can work together with the goal of reaching the common good,” said Archbishop Tomasi.

The said the Holy See stresses the importance of “recognising a primacy” of multilateral agreements over bilateral and regional ones.

“Despite its limits and its complexity, the multilateral framework gives pluralism a universal dimension and facilitates inclusive dialogue,” he said. “More specifically, in a multilateral framework weaker and smaller countries are better safeguarded than in a regional and bilateral setting where the counterparts are large and strong countries.”

The full statement by Archbishop Tomasi is below

Statement by H.E. Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva

World Trade Organization (WTO) 10th Ministerial Conference
Nairobi, 17 December 2015

The Delegation of the Holy See wishes to begin by expressing thanks and congratulations to President Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amina Mohamed and to the people of Kenya for the warm welcome and excellent arrangements that have been made for this occasion. My Delegation extends its appreciation also to the Chairman of the General Committee and the Director General for their tireless efforts in preparation for the Conference. This Tenth Ministerial Conference of WTO represents a time of hope. But for this hope to be realized, all present must remain faithful to the promises and commitments made to the poor in Doha. There has been less than satisfactory progress in the areas of trade for the poorest countries. As recalled by Pope Francis in his recent visit to U.N.O.N.: “while recognizing that much has been done in this area, it seems that we have yet to attain an international system of commerce which is equitable and completely at the service of the battle against poverty and exclusion. Commercial relationships between States, as an indispensable part of relations between peoples, can do as much to harm the environment as to renew it and preserve it for future generations.”[1]

On this occasion of the 20th anniversary of the WTO, we observe that in the evolution of the talks over the last years there is a sense of detachment from the issues that are perceived as relevant by specialists and by the general public. The high hopes following the launch of the Doha round of negotiations rapidly gave way to disillusions and disappointments. After years of lengthy negotiations, these hopes have been revived by the Bali agreement, only to be subsequently dashed by the difficulties in implementing the Bali package.

            We clearly live in unprecedented times. Globalisation is shaping and changing the world economy at a speed that is totally unexpected; some countries, in particular emerging economies, are experiencing social and economic changes that are of an order of magnitude far larger than previous historical experiences. This is certainly positive as most of those transformations are for the better and have allowed millions of poor individuals to be lifted out of poverty; however, these developments expose the limits of the WTO and other multilateral institutions. They appear slow to adapt to change and are characterised by a decision making process that is too lengthy and cumbersome.

            In particular, there is the risk that the WTO, by focusing its efforts on negotiating details of complex trade agreements, could miss the point of the most relevant issues.  The widespread implementation of regional trade agreements, some of which resemble multilateral agreements on a small scale, is a testimony of the fact that where the multilateral approach fails, alternatives are pursued.

            Such rules have been among the guiding principles of GATT’s negotiations and subsequently of the WTO, but over time they seem to be lost among the endless details of trade agreements. We therefore hope for the WTO to rediscover and re-emphasise its basic principles as stated in the preamble of the agreement that established the WTO: Recognizing that their relations in the field of trade and economic endeavour should be conducted with a view to raising standards of living, ensuring full employment and a large and steadily growing volume of real income and effective demand, and expanding the production of and trade in goods and services, while allowing for the optimal use of the world’s resources in accordance with the objective of sustainable development, seeking both to protect and preserve the environment and to enhance the means for doing so in a manner consistent with their respective needs and concerns at different levels of economic development.

The Holy See hopes for a change in this approach, that it would be more aimed at fostering inclusion and development of people in an increasingly interdependent world.

            We encourage all member countries to simplify WTO procedures, guided by the principles of solidarity and the centrality of the human person, in order to reach a stronger and more inclusive participation.

            Those same principles and rules should be effectively adopted by member countries which need to comply with their individual actions to the general principles of limited sovereignty. It is important that this concern be shared among all members at all levels. This concern, in fact, had already been raised by Pope Benedict XVI: “Unfortunately, too much confidence was placed in those institutions, as if they were able to deliver the desired objective automatically. In reality, institutions by themselves are not enough, because integral human development is primarily a vocation, and therefore it involves a free assumption of responsibility in solidarity on the part of everyone.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 11).

            Modernising multilateralism could therefore be achieved by rediscovering the roots of the multilateral ideal, which is ultimately based on the fact that all human beings are united by a common humanity rooted in the dignity of the human person. Following this premise, both individual actors and multilateral institutions can work together with the goal of reaching the common good.     

2. Regionalism and multilateralism

            As stressed above, during the last decades, there has been a proliferation of regional and bilateral trade agreements conducted in parallel with negotiations at the multilateral level. A few weeks ago, twelve of the largest trading nations in the world reached agreement on the Trans Pacific Trade Partnership; similarly, the US and the EU are in advanced stages of negotiations to close the deal on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a deal that contains a large set of measures aimed at significantly reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers significantly.

            Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) have several advantages: by respecting article 24 of GATT, they are a step towards trade liberalisation; moreover, they can provide a framework that allows developing countries a gradual adjustment to the increased degree of competition implied by free trade; finally, they can be a valuable instrument to develop South-South trade which could be a crucial element in the development of several developing countries.

            However, there are several risks associated with RTAs. The most relevant is that they risk being interpreted as a substitute to multilateral negotiations. In a sense, this is a case where pluralism is interpreted as being opposed to multilateralism and where the particular good is seen as opposed to the common good.

            The Holy See strongly stresses the importance of recognising a primacy of multilateral agreements over bilateral and regional ones. Despite its limits and its complexity, the multilateral framework gives pluralism a universal dimension and facilitates inclusive dialogue.  More specifically, in a multilateral framework weaker and smaller countries are better safeguarded than in a regional and bilateral setting where the counterparts are large and strong countries. In such asymmetric settings, advanced economies inevitably have more bargaining power with respect to LDCs, with the result that the latter are not able to grasp fully the benefits of the agreements.

3. Rules of Origin

            Rules of Origin have prevented LDCs from grasping the full benefits of preferential trade agreements. These rules set requirements that are difficult to meet by developing countries. Such rules are often considered to be overly restrictive and inflexible, making it difficult for LDCs to take full advantage of the preferences they are granted.

            In several cases, LDCs are collectively able to meet the requirements set by the Rules of Origin of developed countries, however, individually they fail to do so. Since the Bali conference, LDCs have been advocating on several occasions the need for a multilateral framework for reforming the design and implementation of rules of origin by advanced economies in preferential trade agreements. Efforts should be increased in order to reach an agreement by the Nairobi conference. Particular attention should be given to the possibility of tailoring the definition of Rules of Origin according to the level of development and industrialisation of the country or to the possibility that requirements for LDCs should be binding collectively and not individually.

            More generally, advanced economies should multiply their efforts to design preferential treatments for LDCs which are effectively accessible to them. All too often, in fact, preferential treatments remain only on paper and are not effectively used by LDCs because they lack the tools and the possibilities to comply with them. A more effective dialogue between LDCs and preference granting countries should be encouraged in order to maximise the possibility for the former to take the most of the benefits of trade.

4. Agriculture

            The agriculture sector plays an important role in the economy of most LDCs, accounting for 24% of the GDP and more than a third of employment in LDCs. A key negotiating priority has therefore been to support reform of agriculture rules including market access, domestic support and export competition.

            Accomplishing the main objectives of the agriculture negotiations, i.e. substantial improvements in market access, phasing out of all forms of export subsidies and substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic support, would constitute a positive outcome for LDCs, who remain vulnerable to the effects of trade-distorting agricultural policies followed by other Members. WTO Members have recognized the special needs of LDCs by providing them with specific flexibilities. However, the simple removal of agricultural subsidies in developed countries is not enough and may produce negative consequences for the poor. Therefore, the reduction of distorting subsidies should be accompanied by international support aimed at increasing agricultural production in an inclusive and sustainable way. In this respect, the example of cotton with its dual track approach of addressing simultaneously the trade and development aspects has been a unique and successful initiative by the WTO and could potentially constitute an example for other products.

5. Service waiver

            Following the 2013 Bali decision on the operationalisation of the services waiver, negotiations have progressed in identifying the tools to be applied in this context. Among such tools, emphasis has been given to the expansion of the access for temporary movement of workers under the Mode 4 of GATS. Regarding negotiations on temporary migrant workers, special attention should be given to the selectivity of those measures. Selective measures often result in large brain drains from LDCs which in turn may hinder the accumulation of human capital and growth in these countries. Greater effort should be put in finding tools that accompany the service waiver with the development of the service sector in LDCs that could potentially employ returning migrants.

            More generally, the temporary movement of workers is part of a global phenomenon of international movement of peoples (due to a variety of economic, environmental and political causes, including violent conflict) of such large proportions that is reshaping the societies of whole countries and regions. However great care should be taken when dealing with this issue, discriminating against economic migrants. As stated by Pope Benedict XVI: “Obviously, these labourers cannot be considered as a commodity or a mere workforce. They must not, therefore, be treated like any other factor of production. Every migrant is a human person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance” (Caritas in Veritate, 62). The fundamental nature of the human being has therefore to be at the centre of any negotiation dealing with migration and labour movement.

6. Trade and development: an ecological approach

            It is well known that trade is intimately connected with development as it is one of the most robust and effective channels for enhancing economic growth. In discussing trade policies all countries should be aware that we are all part of the same human community and we all make use of the same global resources. “Whether believers or not, we are agreed today that the earth is essentially a shared inheritance, whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone.” (Laudato Si’, 93)

            The recent encyclical letter of Pope Francis is rich with suggestions and indications on this theme. Here we offer to the debate two specific issues. The first is the importance of the environmental dimension of the policies implemented. It is essential to seek comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems. We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature”. (Laudato Si’, 139)

            The second is the importance of labour. In implementing policy actions to tackle the current economic challenges, we need to bear in mind that the first objective should be the increase of employment. Labour enhancing policies are not only important for the development of countries and regions, but mostly for the development of the talents that each human being has. “We were created with a vocation to work. The goal should not be that technological progress increasingly replace human work, for this would be detrimental to humanity. Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfilment. Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work.” (Laudato Si’ 128)

            These are clearly challenging issues that require an enormous effort in coordinating the initiatives of different multilateral institutions; however, they can be the beginning of a new approach to trade and development centred on an integral ecology respecting both human and social dimensions.

Mr. President,  

            In conclusion, the Holy See Delegation remains confident that a sense of common responsibility, as shown in the previous Ministerial Conference, will bring us to reach an historic result in Nairobi. In this regard, before the Assembly of the UNON the Holy Father expressed his desire  that: “the deliberations of the forthcoming Nairobi Conference will not be a simple balancing of conflicting interests, but a genuine service to care of our common home and the integral development of persons, especially those in greatest need”. In the context of a “family of nations” those countries economically more developed can provide assistance that will allow for attainment of the development which corresponds to our shared human dignity.

[1] Pope Francis, Address to U.N.O.N., Nairobi, 26 November 2015.

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(Vatican Radio) Britain’s Prince Charles met on Thursday with Iraqi and Syrian Catholics, warning of the “ crisis which threatens the very existence of Christianity in the land of its birth”. The heir to the throne met with members of London’s Iraqi Chaldean and Syriac Catholic communities, as well as representatives of the Orthodox and Armenian Churches from the war-torn region.

The encounter was hosted by the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and included representatives of charities working on behalf of those suffering conflict and persecution throughout the Middle East.

Speaking of the roots of Christianity in that region, Prince Charles highlighted the dual challenges of supporting those in need, while also ensuring that “the spiritual and cultural heritage of Christianity in the Middle East is preserved for future generations”.

To find out more, Philippa Hitchen talked to Cardinal Nichols just after the moving encounter…

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New York City, N.Y., Dec 17, 2015 / 06:56 am (CNA).- The Archdiocese of New York says that it takes seriously accusations in a recent lawsuit claiming that a New York priest embezzled money and maintained scandalous personal habits, while also saying that a diocesan investigation has found nothing to substantiate the allegations.

“The Archdiocese has been investigating these allegations for many months, and has repeatedly requested any information or documentation that might substantiate the allegations that have been made,” Joseph Zwilling, communications director for the Archdiocese of New York, told CNA in a statement.

“Thus far, no evidence has been offered, and our forensic audit has thus far failed to uncover evidence of embezzlement,” he said. “We have been in touch with the District Attorney since the summer, and have promised to turn over anything that might be criminal in nature. We urge anyone with such evidence to do the same.”

The suit alleges that the Fr. Peter Miqueli, former pastor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church on Roosevelt Island and St. Frances De Chantal Church in the Bronx, was engaged in a “million dollar embezzlement scheme,” taking funds from his former parishes’ collections over the course of a decade. 

In addition, the suit alleges, Fr. Miqueli “used the donations to grow his personal wealth, purchase a house in New Jersey, take dozens of international vacations, purchase and use illegal drugs,” and pay for the sexual services of a male escort. 

The suit further claims that the Archdiocese of New York, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, were made aware of the situation, and that the archdiocese confirmed its knowledge in Nov. 2014.

Fr. Miqueli resigned as pastor of St. Frances de Chantal on Dec. 11, after publication of the allegations in the New York Post.

Zwilling responded to the situation in a Dec. 11 e-letter to the parishioners of St. Frances de Chantal. 

He declined to comment on the specific legal matter of the suit, saying the legal matters would best be addressed in court.  

Speaking more generally, Zwilling said that the “archdiocese has, from the beginning, taken these allegations seriously, and has been investigating them, including conducting a forensic audit of the parish, which is still on-going.” 

“To date we have found nothing to substantiate the allegations that have been raised, and, in fact, with regard to the parish finances, we know that the allegation that Father Miqueli stole $1 million from each parish, as was alleged by the plaintiffs’ attorney, is completely false,” Zwilling stated. 

However, he noted, the archdiocese did find Fr. Miqueli “had deficient management and administrative practices,” and that the archdiocese placed forward directives to address those practices. 

Zwilling, also noted that auxiliary bishop, Bishop John Jenik, has met with parishioners “in an effort to try to hear their concerns and reach a resolution.” 

Continuing, Zwilling stated that the archdiocese has asked that those making claims “please provide us with documentation, but they have thus far failed to do so.” He reiterated his request that anyone with information or documentation contact the Archdiocese or the District Attorney. 
 
“If, in the course of our ongoing investigation, we find additional information, we will, of course, take appropriate action in response,” the communications director concluded.

Photo credit: Sean Pavone via www.shutterstock.com

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IMAGE: CNS photo/Debbie Hill

By Judith Sudilovsky

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) -- Though the Christmas tree was lit in Nativity Square in the traditional ceremony, and some traditional pre-Christmas parades have taken place, the Christmas spirit this year in Bethlehem has been dampened by the political situation which, since October, has taken the lives of almost 100 Palestinians and 22 Israelis.

Few pilgrims are visiting the holy sites -- or the souvenir shops that line Manger Square -- and there is none of the customary festive caroling at the square in the evenings leading up to Christmas Eve. Hawkers who come from Hebron to sell Santa Claus hats and Christmas-themed headbands sit dejectedly on stone pillars, half-heartedly trying to sell their wares to locals who continue walking past them. It takes them more money for the taxi ride to Bethlehem than what they make during the day, said Jasan Zided, 38, who has six children to support.

One souvenir seller noted that while some pilgrim groups from Nigeria and East Asia are still visiting Bethlehem, the big spenders like the Russian groups are no longer coming, mainly because of their involvement in Syria and the November attack on the Russian airplane in Egypt.

Among the few pilgrims was Monica Reina, 47, from Madrid, who was on a group pilgrimage.

"We have come on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We are not afraid, we always feel protected by God," she said. "But there are very few people here, which is sad. If we as Christians stop coming here, then the Holy Land will cease to exist as the Holy Land."

"It is very sad," said Veronica Alhihi, 22, a Catholic teacher at the Ephpheta Paul VI Pontifical Institute for the deaf, who was on an outing to see the Christmas tree with the school's first and second graders. "It is hard to be happy when there is death. Even though we Christians all around the world feel the joy of Jesus' birth, there is a deep sadness inside of us."

Palestinians have been frustrated by an increase in the number of Israeli settlements on their territory and continued restrictions on movement, which Israel says are necessary for security. The most recent violence that has limited the tourists followed attempts by extremist Jews to visit and pray at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound, which is holy to both Jews and Muslim. Riots have broken out in the West Bank, and Palestinians have stabbed Israeli civilians as well as Israeli police and soldiers, both within the Green Line and in the West Bank.

In solidarity with the difficult situation, the celebrations will be modest this year, said Bethlehem Mayor Vera Baboun. Rather than shooting off fireworks after the lighting of the Christmas tree, Bethlehem officials asked churches to ring their bells, she said.

"Bethlehem is all about peace. It is a city of peace, but it is a walled city," said Baboun. "The situation here is very contradictory. Every year is becoming worse. We lit the Christmas tree, but with sadness. A word like sadness should not even be expressed in Bethlehem. We have the right to celebrate the blessing of Our Lord, and our children deserve to live that joy despite the sadness."

Bethlehem has a 27 percent unemployment rate and a 22 percent poverty rate and not enough budget to help all the needy, she said. Many Christian organizations try to fill in some of the gaps, she said.

Bethlehem depends on the tourism industry, which has been hard hit for the past two months. Hotels are reporting dismal occupancy rates and no new reservations for the coming months, noted Manhal Assaf, director of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism Information Office in Bethlehem.

Big dance parties and public celebrations, which local young people and Israeli Christian Arabs liked to attend, will not be held this year, though smaller indoor private events will be take place, said Assaf.

"Last year, we had full occupancy on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25," she said. "It is very quiet now."

Adnan Tarrabin, 45, said on a good day he would get some 200-300 customers at his coffee shop. Now he just spends the time lounging out in the winter sun in front of the shop. By midday, he had only had 15 customers, he said.

"Even last year after the Gaza war was better than this year," he said. "Here in Bethlehem, it is quiet. The problem is in the whole Middle East, and tourists are afraid to come here because of Syria, but here it is safe. The Israeli people are our cousins, we are all human beings and we want peace. This circle of violence is not good for anyone, not for young people, not for anybody. The two sides need to sit down together and make peace. When we have a good economy we don't have any problems."

Small family-owned handicraft workshops that depend on the Christmas visitors to sell their wares have perhaps been the hardest hit. Most are owned by Christian families. Several owners were going from store to store with bags of olive wood carvings and crosses, hoping to sell a few items to store owners. One shop owner bought a few smoothened and shined olive wood Jerusalem crosses from one man, but said he doubted they would be sold.

"I don't know how we will celebrate Christmas this year," said the handicraft workshop owner, who declined to give his name, as he left the store with several plastic bags of his merchandise.

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