Catholic News 2
JERUSALEM (AP) -- The Trump administration appears to be easing away from longstanding U.S. support for Palestinian statehood as the preferred outcome of Middle East peace efforts, which may please some allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. But the alternatives are few, and each comes with daunting and combustible complications, including for Israel itself....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump blamed intelligence officials and the media Wednesday for what he called the "very, very unfair" treatment of his ousted national security adviser and for "illegally leaked" information about reported contacts between his campaign advisers and Russian officials....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday asked Israel's prime minister to "hold off" on building Jewish settlements in land the Palestinians claim for their future state, yet held back from explicitly endorsing support for a future independent Palestine....
(Vatican Radio) US and Mexican border Bishops have vowed to continue to follow the good example of Pope Francis and seek to construct bridges rather than the walls of exclusion and exploitation.A joint statement released by Bishops of the border between Texas and Northern Mexico, calls on governments to adopt policies that respect the human rights of migrants and undocumented residents.Please find below the full Statement entitled “The cry of Christ and voice of the migrant moves us”:Statement of the bishops of the border between Texas and northern MexicoThe cry of Christ and voice of the migrant moves us1. We greet great you joyfully from the basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de Valle, in the diocese of Brownsville, Texas. We speak on behalf of the bishops, priests, religious and committed lay persons who are participating in the bi-annual meeting of Tex/Mex border bishops. For this meeting we have invited representatives from all the border dioceses b...
(Vatican Radio) US and Mexican border Bishops have vowed to continue to follow the good example of Pope Francis and seek to construct bridges rather than the walls of exclusion and exploitation.
A joint statement released by Bishops of the border between Texas and Northern Mexico, calls on governments to adopt policies that respect the human rights of migrants and undocumented residents.
Please find below the full Statement entitled “The cry of Christ and voice of the migrant moves us”:
Statement of the bishops of the border between Texas and northern Mexico
The cry of Christ and voice of the migrant moves us
1. We greet great you joyfully from the basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de Valle, in the diocese of Brownsville, Texas. We speak on behalf of the bishops, priests, religious and committed lay persons who are participating in the bi-annual meeting of Tex/Mex border bishops. For this meeting we have invited representatives from all the border dioceses between the USA and Mexico.
2. We began these biannual meetings in 1986 as an expression of the communion of the Universal Church. The prime concern in all these years has been to address the life and pastoral needs of our migrant brothers and sisters.
3. In this difficult moment in our history we hear the cry of our migrant brothers and sisters whose voices reflect the voice of Christ Himself.
4. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as immigrants and refugees sought for a place to live and work hoping for a compassionate human response. Today this history repeats itself; this morning we visited detention centers and respite centers for mothers and their adolescent and minor children traveling with them. These centers are described as places of intolerable and inhumane conditions. There we heard the evangelical call: “Because I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was hungry and you gave me food…” (Mt 25:35-36).
5. Over the years we have seen first-hand the suffering that is caused by a broken immigration system caused by political structures and economic conditions that result in threats, deportations, impunity and extreme violence.
6. We have seen the pain, the fear, and the anguish suffered by the persons who have come to us, who may be facing having to live among us in the periphery of our society. Many have been extorted in their workplace, they have lived under the constant threat of deportation and have suffered the fear of the possible separation from their families and friends.
7. This reality is made evident as we consider the measures taken by the present administration. We can sense the pain of the separation of families, loss of employment, persecutions, discrimination, racism, and unnecessary deportations that paralyze the development of persons in our societies and the development of our nations leaving them of hope.
8. Immigration is a global phenomenon that arises from economic and social conditions, and the poverty and insecurity that directly displaces entire populations, causing families to feel that migration is the only way to survive. The migrant has a right to be respected by international law and national law as he/she faces the violence, criminality and inhuman policies of governments as well as the world’s indifference.
9. Regardless of their migration condition, the human dignity that every person possesses, must be respected in the person of the migrant. They are subjected to punitive laws and often mistreated by civil authorities both in their country of origin, the countries through which they travel, and the country of their destination. It is essential that governments adopt policies that respect the human rights of migrants and undocumented residents.
10. The border cities consider themselves to be sister cities and friends, because they share the same land, the same faith, the same traditions, the same culture in solidarity. We bishops shall continue to follow the good example of Pope Francis; we shall seek to construct bridges rather than the walls of exclusion and exploitation.
11. We affirm that the friendship between families and neighbors results in friendship between towns and between countries. Our encounter is already a clear manifestation of joy and a profound sign of lasting hope. The cross that Pope Francis blessed between the cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, in memory of the visit of Pope Francis on February of 2016, has become a sign of unity between the countries. This has become a symbol of encounter, unity and fraternity.
12. We reiterate our commitment to care for pilgrims, strangers, exiles, and migrants affirming that all persons have a right to live in conditions worthy of human life. If these are not given they have a right to migrate (Pope Pius XII), and we pledge ourselves as bishops, members of two different Episcopal Conferences, to monitor the suffering of our migrant brothers and sisters.
13. In the church there are no strangers, migrant families should feel at home in every church as their homeland. (JPII)
14. Through Catholic Charities USA and houses for migrants in Mexico, we will continue to offer qualities services to migrant families including spiritual, legal, and material assistance.
15. Likewise, we will maintain our constant presence in detention camps and assistance centers for migrants, on the border between southern Mexico and the USA.
16. We will continue to support and bless the well-known lay organizations that offer wholehearted support to migrants.
17. We applaud the many families in Mexico and the USA that open their hearts and their homes to migrants on their journey.
18. In these initiatives we find our support in prayer and the significant presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe who has accompanied the migrant since 1531. “Am I not here whom am your mother?”
19. We invite all persons of good will to join us in prayer and in carrying out this ministry, “we fly to your patronage O Holy Mother of God, do not despise our petitions in this hour of need but free us from all danger O Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen”
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday spoke of “the need to maintain the unity of faith, tradition, Christian culture, and to live the Gospel every day.”He was speaking to pilgrims at his General Audience from Poland, noting Tuesday’s celebration of the liturgical feast of “these two brothers from Thessaloniki brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples,” Saints Cyril and Methodius, patrons of Europe.“These two brothers from Thessaloniki brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples,” Pope Francis said.At the end of the Audience, he again invoked the two saints when he gave his final blessing.“Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, evangelizers of the Slavs, and co-patrons of Europe,” Pope Francis said. “May their example help you, dear young people, to become missionary disciples in every environment; may their tenacity encourage you, dear sick people, to offer your sufferings for the conversio...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday spoke of “the need to maintain the unity of faith, tradition, Christian culture, and to live the Gospel every day.”
He was speaking to pilgrims at his General Audience from Poland, noting Tuesday’s celebration of the liturgical feast of “these two brothers from Thessaloniki brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples,” Saints Cyril and Methodius, patrons of Europe.
“These two brothers from Thessaloniki brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples,” Pope Francis said.
At the end of the Audience, he again invoked the two saints when he gave his final blessing.
“Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, evangelizers of the Slavs, and co-patrons of Europe,” Pope Francis said.
“May their example help you, dear young people, to become missionary disciples in every environment; may their tenacity encourage you, dear sick people, to offer your sufferings for the conversion of those in distant places; and may their love for the Lord enlighten you, dear newlyweds, to make the Gospel the guiding principle of your family life.”
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday praised a children’s choir singing at his General Audience for persevering in song, even as they were constantly interrupted by applause while performing for the Holy Father.The young singers from the choir ‘Note Ascendenti’ – of the community of Sant'Eufemia Lamezia in the Italian region of Calabria – began singing when the Pope welcomed them during his greetings to Italian pilgrims.Twice, thinking the children had finished, the Paul VI Audience Hall burst into applause, only for the young singers to start up once again. When the choir finally concluded, the crowd roared its approval.The scene made Pope Francis chuckle, and, speaking off the cuff, he said “When you want to do something, you do it!”“It is like this with prayer,” – the Pope continued – “When we ask something of the Lord: Insist, insist, insist ... is a good example, a good example of prayer! T...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday praised a children’s choir singing at his General Audience for persevering in song, even as they were constantly interrupted by applause while performing for the Holy Father.
The young singers from the choir ‘Note Ascendenti’ – of the community of Sant'Eufemia Lamezia in the Italian region of Calabria – began singing when the Pope welcomed them during his greetings to Italian pilgrims.
Twice, thinking the children had finished, the Paul VI Audience Hall burst into applause, only for the young singers to start up once again. When the choir finally concluded, the crowd roared its approval.
The scene made Pope Francis chuckle, and, speaking off the cuff, he said “When you want to do something, you do it!”
“It is like this with prayer,” – the Pope continued – “When we ask something of the Lord: Insist, insist, insist ... is a good example, a good example of prayer! Thank you! I hope that this encounter will inspire in each of us a renewed intention of Christian witness in the family and society.”
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican on Wednesday praised the role of military chaplains during a meeting on the subject organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).“War always leaves a permanent mark upon a human being, it disfigures not only bonds among brothers and nations, but it also disfigures soldiers who have witnessed the atrocities that war causes,” said Monsignor Janusz Urbanczyk, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the OSCE.“Thus, the Church sends military chaplains to accompany military personnel in every situation and context, to support them as well as being with them in their daily work and to serve in every moment their spiritual needs, while also assisting their understanding of the centrality of human beings and the common good of the country where they serve,” he continued.The Vatican diplomat also pointed out the importance of religious freedom, both in peacetime and in war.“As a fundamental human rig...
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican on Wednesday praised the role of military chaplains during a meeting on the subject organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
“War always leaves a permanent mark upon a human being, it disfigures not only bonds among brothers and nations, but it also disfigures soldiers who have witnessed the atrocities that war causes,” said Monsignor Janusz Urbanczyk, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the OSCE.
“Thus, the Church sends military chaplains to accompany military personnel in every situation and context, to support them as well as being with them in their daily work and to serve in every moment their spiritual needs, while also assisting their understanding of the centrality of human beings and the common good of the country where they serve,” he continued.
The Vatican diplomat also pointed out the importance of religious freedom, both in peacetime and in war.
“As a fundamental human right it should be enjoyed by every person, at every time, in any situation; therefore, also by everyone who serves in the Armed Forces, both in peacetime and in war,” – Msgr. Urbanczyk said – “If the Armed Forces are truly to reflect what our participating States strive to be, it behoves them to be exemplary in respecting those basic rights that we have rightly elevated to the title of ‘human rights’ first and foremost among their own personnel.”
The full statement is below
STATEMENT BY MONSIGNOR JANUSZ S. URBANCZYK
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HOLY SEE,
AT THE 845th MEETING OF THE OSCE
FORUM FOR SECURITY CO-OPERATION
15 FEBRUARY 2017
RE: ROLE OF MILITARY CHAPLAINS IN THE ARMED FORCES AND THE FREEDOM OF BELIEF (IN PEACETIME OR AT WAR)
Mr. Chairman,
The Holy See would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Romanian FSC Chairmanship for organising – within the context of the Forum – a security dialogue on the “Role of military chaplains in the armed forces and the freedom of belief in peacetime or at war”, two issues of understandable importance to the Holy See. Let me also thank the speakers for their valuable contributions to our discussions.
The Catholic Church “has always wanted to provide with commendable promptness and proportionately to the various needs and the spiritual care of the military,”1 in peacetime as well as in times of war. War always leaves a permanent mark upon a human being, it disfigures not only bonds among brothers and nations, but it also disfigures soldiers who have witnessed the atrocities that war causes.2 Thus, the Church sends military chaplains to accompany military personnel in every situation and context, to support them as well as being with them in their daily work and to serve in every moment their spiritual needs, while also assisting their understanding of the centrality of human beings and the common good of the country where they serve. In this way, military personnel – sustained by chaplains – can have, as Pope John Paul II said, “the role of sentinel, who scans the horizon to avert danger and promote justice and peace everywhere [...] to put force at the service of the important values of life, of justice, of forgiveness and of freedom.”3
The concrete expression of this pastoral care for military personnel is the Military Ordinariate, a Church jurisdiction equivalent to a Diocese. An Ordinariate is established to provide sacramental and pastoral care of those serving in the Armed Forces and their families of a given country, led by a Bishop, following an international agreement with the given State. At present there are 36 such ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the world – including in 17 OSCE participating States – with more than 2,500 chaplains, serving as “faithful heralds of the truth of peace.”4 In addition, the Catholic Church in all countries stands ready to provide, through its Dioceses and parishes, sacramental and pastoral care to military personnel, assisting them in becoming “examples of Christian hope, which is the certitude of the victory of love over hate and of peace over war”.5
Finally, the Holy See values greatly the attention given by the FSC to the freedom of religion or belief, in peacetime and at war. Freedom of religion or belief is one of the fundamental human rights. Not only is it recognized as such by The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (art. 18), it is also listed among the Decalogue of the Helsinki Final Act (art 1, VI), and further safeguarded by subsequent commitments of this Organization. As a fundamental human right it should be enjoyed by every person, at every time, in any situation; therefore, also by everyone who serves in the Armed Forces, both in peacetime and in war. If the Armed Forces are truly to reflect what our participating States strive to be, it behoves them to be exemplary in respecting those basic rights that we have rightly elevated to the title of “human rights” first and foremost among their own personnel.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
1 His Holiness John Paul II, Apostolic Constitution Spirituali Militum Curae, 1.
2 Address of His Holiness Pope Francis in the fourth course for the formation of military chaplains on international humanitarian law promoted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 26 October 2015.
3 Jubilee of the armed forces and the police, homily of His Holiness John Paul II, 19 November 2000. 2
4 Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for the celebration of the World Day of Peace 2006.
5 Greeting of His Holiness Pope Francis to the participants in the Jubilee for the armed forces and law enforcement, 30 April 2016.
The importance of peace in Myanmar was the takeaway message that provided food for thought for catechists and young people when they attended an animation program on Feb. 7-9.Some 29 catechists, young people and priests attended the three-day program at Holy Rosary Shrine in Chanthagone, near Mandalay, organized by Karuna (Caritas) Myanmar. Participants prepared placards that read "Stop War" and lobbied for peace.Father Christopher Raj, the resource person of the program, said that he was impressed by the attendees' creativity."I stress the importance of peace as the Catholic Church designates 2017 as the year of peace and it is very important as the country is still grappling with civil wars," Father Raj, from Lashio Diocese, former chaplain of Karuna Myanmar, told ucanews.com.Catechists and young people will share the importance of peace and the pope's message on Lent with their respective areas and church ministries.Myanmar’s Cardinal, Cha...
The importance of peace in Myanmar was the takeaway message that provided food for thought for catechists and young people when they attended an animation program on Feb. 7-9.
Some 29 catechists, young people and priests attended the three-day program at Holy Rosary Shrine in Chanthagone, near Mandalay, organized by Karuna (Caritas) Myanmar. Participants prepared placards that read "Stop War" and lobbied for peace.
Father Christopher Raj, the resource person of the program, said that he was impressed by the attendees' creativity.
"I stress the importance of peace as the Catholic Church designates 2017 as the year of peace and it is very important as the country is still grappling with civil wars," Father Raj, from Lashio Diocese, former chaplain of Karuna Myanmar, told ucanews.com.
Catechists and young people will share the importance of peace and the pope's message on Lent with their respective areas and church ministries.
Myanmar’s Cardinal, Charles Maung Bo, had issued an appeal last December to all religions and all ethnic groups in the nation to make 2017 the Year of Peace. (UCAN)
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis is set to visit a Rome parish which aims to encourage young thespians and is committed to serving the poor.The Holy Father will celebrate Mass on Sunday at the parish of Santa Maria Josefa del Cuore di Gesù at Ponte di Nona, a district in the east of Rome.Before Mass, the pope will speak to young people in a newly-launched parish theatre and will also meet Caritas volunteers who distribute food parcels to more than 200 families in the area.The parish, which suffers from high unemployment, consists mainly of young couples with small children and numbers about 20,000 people.Describing the moment he announced the visit to parishioners, pastor Fr Francesco Rondinelli said: “For a few seconds they looked at me dumbfounded - then there was an explosion of joy.“The aspect that most moved me is that everyone, even those who have a small physical ailment, have offered their help to prepare the perfect welcome.“Every parish priest dreams...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis is set to visit a Rome parish which aims to encourage young thespians and is committed to serving the poor.
The Holy Father will celebrate Mass on Sunday at the parish of Santa Maria Josefa del Cuore di Gesù at Ponte di Nona, a district in the east of Rome.
Before Mass, the pope will speak to young people in a newly-launched parish theatre and will also meet Caritas volunteers who distribute food parcels to more than 200 families in the area.
The parish, which suffers from high unemployment, consists mainly of young couples with small children and numbers about 20,000 people.
Describing the moment he announced the visit to parishioners, pastor Fr Francesco Rondinelli said: “For a few seconds they looked at me dumbfounded - then there was an explosion of joy.
“The aspect that most moved me is that everyone, even those who have a small physical ailment, have offered their help to prepare the perfect welcome.
“Every parish priest dreams that his community receives a visit from the Holy Father, but I would never have hoped for one. It seemed to me an impossible desire to achieve, let alone a few months since my appointment.”
He said that when Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the Cardinal Vicar of Rome, called him about the visit, “my legs started to shake and I felt the joy difficult to put into words.”
Santa Maria Josefa del Cuore di Gesù is a newly built church dedicated to Saint Maria Josefa Sancho de Guerra, the Spanish foundress of the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus of Charity. She was canonised by Pope Saint John Paul II on October 1, 2000.
The first Mass in the Church was celebrated by the then Cardinal Vicar Camillo Ruini on January 27, 2001. In December of that year, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass there and gave the community a precious crucifix, which is today placed on the altar, as well as a statue of the pietà.
The parish has a Catechesis programme attended by more than 200 children who also have the use of football and basketball courts.
Fr Rondinelli, aged 39, who took up the parish appointment only five months ago, grew up with drama and thinks it is an important part of a teenager’s formation.
“I would like, then, to organise courses in theatre for young people and adults to bring in more participants and protagonists.
“We have a beautiful theatre, fully equipped, which can accommodate 200 people, but remains unused up until now. "
As well as meeting the youth and Caritas volunteers, Pope Francis will also speak to families and the sick of the parish. He will hear four confessions of parishioners.
The visit, beginning at about 4pm, will be the 13th of his pontificate to a parish in the Diocese of Rome.
(Richard Marsden)
St. Agnes College in Mangalore, India has received ‘College of Excellence’ status from the University Grant Commission(UGC)With this, the college becomes the only educational institution under Mangalore University, third in the state and 18th college in India to receive this prestigious tag."This status was granted to the college on February 8, outdoing itself in its annual evaluation of the past and the present. The college received a cumulative of Rs 1.5 crore grant under the previous status. Under the new status, an addition of Rs 0.5 crore will be granted to upgrade academic facilities," said principal of the college, Sr Dr Jeswina, in a press meet at the college premises here on Friday, February 9.The college was awarded the status of 'College with Potential for Excellence' by the UGC in 2006. The fourth cycle of accreditation by NAAC is due in the first week of March this year."The college which will celebrate its centenary in 2021, is the ...
St. Agnes College in Mangalore, India has received ‘College of Excellence’ status from the University Grant Commission(UGC)
With this, the college becomes the only educational institution under Mangalore University, third in the state and 18th college in India to receive this prestigious tag.
"This status was granted to the college on February 8, outdoing itself in its annual evaluation of the past and the present. The college received a cumulative of Rs 1.5 crore grant under the previous status. Under the new status, an addition of Rs 0.5 crore will be granted to upgrade academic facilities," said principal of the college, Sr Dr Jeswina, in a press meet at the college premises here on Friday, February 9.
The college was awarded the status of 'College with Potential for Excellence' by the UGC in 2006. The fourth cycle of accreditation by NAAC is due in the first week of March this year.
"The college which will celebrate its centenary in 2021, is the first in Mangalore University, the third in state and 18th in the country to receive this status by the UGC. The other two in the state are St Joseph's College and Sophia's College, Bengaluru."
The institute will work towards elevating the quality of education. The amount we receive will be utilized under four heads- Agnes Ignite centre, Agnes Research Centre, Agnes Towards Community and Agnes Women's Centre," Sr Dr Jeswina further added.
Ignite Centre
"This is dedicated to educate staff and students and introduce them to the ITC model of teaching. A digital library will be introduced. Seminars, conference for staff and students. Latest software will be introduced to students," she said.
Agnes Research Centre
It was recognised by the Mangalore University in 2007 post graduate courses. All graduation courses and PhD fall in the ambit of the centre. Minor and major research is being done in the centre. The rightship is yet to be received.
Towards Community
Helps apply the theory in the real world for students. It also creates awareness through social work. Agnes has a tie-up with CODP. It's also called the ATC for the past three years.
Women's Centre
School dropouts and economically disadvantaged women are catered to here by teaching them culinary skills, fashion designing and basic computer skills.
"St Agnes College is recognised as a landmark of quality education. The grant from the status is given to improve the quality of education, and not for infrastructure. The process will include upgradation of lab equipment and instruments, a digital library, and training both for teachers and students, among others," said Dr Deviprabha, HoD of commerce.
"BCom is integrated with Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, by Royal Charter, UK which makes it a CA course of international standard. Under humanities, we will introduce a journalism course," she said.
Vice principal Sr Dr Venessa, Dr Noeline J Pinto, HOD of Botany, and registrar of examination Charles Pais, were also present at the meet.
On the Verge of Centenary
St Agnes College (Autonomous) is a premier Catholic educational institution founded on July 2, 1921 by the great visionary Mother Mary Aloysia, the second superior general of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation who was a recipient of Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal of the First Class (1929), for her contribution in the field of women’s education. The institution she founded was the first women’s college on the west coast of India and the first under private management in the whole country.
It is also the first college under private management in the whole country. Though a minority institution, it has held open the door of opportunity to individuals irrespective of caste, creed or economic status.
From its inception, the institution took the cause of women’s education as a providentially-ordained mission and imparted higher education to women not merely of south India but also far away places in the country. However, beginning with its foray into post-graduate education in 2008, it has also welcomed male students to its PG programmes.
The College promotes sound national, social and family values and works on the assumption that the country requires honest, sensitive and intelligent citizens. With this in mind, it shapes individuals who will serve as the nation’s heart and mind. (UCAN, Daijiworld)
