SUMMARY:
-
AUDIENCE WITH PRESIDENT OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
- THE
POPE TO OLYMPIC ATHLETES: BE MODELS OF FAITH IN SPORT
-
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOLY SEE AND CHINA
- JUSTICE
AND CHARITY ARE NOT IN OPPOSITION
- THE JOY
OF ADVENT
-
TELEGRAM FOR THE "SENSELESS TRAGEDY" AT SANDY HOOK
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- MESSAGE
FOR THE 50TH WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS, "SIGN OF HOPE
FOUNDED IN FAITH"
-
AUDIENCES
- OTHER
PONTIFICAL ACTS
______________________________________
AUDIENCE
WITH PRESIDENT OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
Vatican
City, 17 December 2012 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Apostolic
Palace the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Mahmoud
Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, who subsequently went
on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.,
accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations
with States.
The
cordial discussions made reference to the recent Resolution approved
by the General Assembly of the United Nations by which Palestine was
recognised as a Non-member Observer State of the aforementioned
Organisation. It is hoped that this initiative will encourage the
commitment of the international community to finding a fair and
lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which may be
reached only by resuming negotiations between the Parties, in good
faith and according due respect to the rights of both.
Attention
then turned to the situation in the Region, troubled by numerous
conflicts, in the hope that the courage for reconciliation and peace
will be found.
Finally,
mention was made of the contribution Christian communities can offer
to the common good in the Palestinian territories and throughout the
Middle East.
THE
POPE TO OLYMPIC ATHLETES: BE MODELS OF FAITH IN SPORT
Vatican
City, 17 December 2012 (VIS) - "Any sporting activity, be it at
amateur or professional level, requires loyalty in competition,
respect for one's own body, a sense of solidarity and altruism; it
and then also brings joy, satisfaction and celebration. All this
presupposes a path of true human development, requiring sacrifice,
tenacity, patience, and above all humility, which does not receive
applause but which is the secret of victory".
This
morning, with these words, the Pope received the athletes who
represented Italy in the London 2012 Olympics, and who won a total of
28 medals, eight of them gold. The athletes were accompanied by the
directors of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
"The
Church regards sport as a part of man's entire being, and recognises
that sporting activity is linked to education, the formation of the
person, relationships between people and spirituality", said the
Holy Father. "The athlete who lives his experience fully pays
attention to God's plan for his life, learns to listen to His voice
throughout the long periods of training, to recognise Him in the face
of his companions and even that of his adversaries. ... I think of
you, dear athletes, as both champions and witnesses, with a mission
to accomplish: with the admiration you inspire, become valid models
to imitate, ... masters of an honest and transparent sporting
practice".
The Pope
reiterated to the athletes that the pressure to obtain impressive
results should not induce them "to take short cuts, as in the
case of 'doping'. The team spirit that should encourage avoidance of
these blind alleys should also give support to those who are aware of
having made this mistake so that they might be heard and assisted.
In
relation to the Year of Faith, the Holy Father emphasised that sport
could also play a role in educating in "spiritual
'professionalism', or rather, living each day seeking the triumph of
good over evil, truth over lies and love over hate, above all in
ourselves. Considering the commitment to new evangelisation, the
world of sport may also be considered as a modern "Courtyard of
the Gentiles", that is, a valuable forum open to all, believers
and non-believers, where it is possible to experience the joy and
difficulties of encountering people of diverse cultures, languages
and religious orientations".
Finally,
the Pope recalled Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, "a young man
who embodied both passion for sport - especially mountaineering - and
passion for God", and invited the athletes to read his
biography. "Blessed Pier Giorgio shows us that being Christians
means loving life, loving nature, and above all, loving one's
neighbour, and especially those in difficulty. I hope that each one
of you will experience the greatest joy of all: that of improving and
loving more day by day".
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE HOLY SEE AND CHINA
Vatican
City, 17 December 2012 (VIS) - Today there took place an exchange of
Notes between the Vatican and Taipei, by which the Secretary of State
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated, respectively, that
the Holy See and the Republic of China have completed the necessary
procedures to allow the entry in force of the Agreement between the
Congregation for Catholic Education of the Holy See and the Ministry
of Education of the Republic of China on Collaboration in the field
of higher education and on the recognition of studies,
qualifications, diplomas and degrees.
The
Agreement was signed in Taipei on 2 December 2011 by Cardinal Zenon
Grocholewski, prefect for the Congregation for Catholic Education,
and Wu Ching-Ji, minister for Education of the Republic of China
(ROC). On 20 November it was unanimously approved by the
parliamentary assembly (Legislative Yuan) of the Republic of China.
It is an
agreement "of a cultural and administrative character",
stipulated within the framework of the UNESCO Regional Convention on
the recognition of studies, diplomas and teaching grades in Asia and
the Pacific, signed in Tokyo on 26 November 2011 with the
participation of the Republic of China and the Holy See, among other
States. It regulates two sectors: the academic-administrative domain
of the reciprocal recognition of studies, qualifications, diplomas
and grades, and that of collaboration in the field of higher
education, which would include the presence of the Catholic Church in
the university environment within the Chinese language zone.
By this
agreement, the Republic of China concedes to the Holy See the
recognition of study titles and ecclesiastical grades issued
throughout the world, respect for canon law on the structure and
management of Catholic universities and ecclesiastical faculties of
theology in Taiwan, and the possibility of proposing Catholic values
in the academic field in faculties other than those of theology. The
latter two guarantees are included, fundamentally, in Article 2,
which regards the recognition of the unique character of the
education system, specific to ecclesiastical universities and
faculties. This recognition implies respect for canon academic
legislation, the protection of the Catholic character of academic
institutions, the exclusive competence of the Holy See for content,
academic programmes and the appointment of directors and teaching
staff, as well as the individual written commitment on the part of
teachers and administrative staff to moral conduct compatible with
Catholic doctrine and morality. The rest of the Agreement is mostly
concerned with the technical and bureaucratic aspects of the
recognition of studies, qualifications, titles and grades. The
relevant UNESCO Regional Conventions are cited, often literally.
The
Agreement will also bring advantages to priests, seminarians and
clergy from continental China who undertake studies at the Fu Jen
Catholic University in Taipei.
JUSTICE
AND CHARITY ARE NOT IN OPPOSITION
Vatican
City, 16 December 2012 (VIS) - At midday, following his pastoral
visit to the parish of San Patrizio al Colle Prenestino, Benedict XVI
appeared at the window of his study to recite the Angelus with the
faithful gathered below in St. Peter's Square.
Today's
Gospel again presented the figure of John the Baptist; the Pope
commented on the words of the Baptist when he spoke to the people
gathered by the River Jordan to be baptised, who asked "What
should we do?", while awaiting the Messiah, a question that
proves to be "of current relevance".
"The
first response is addressed to the crowds in general. The Baptist
says, 'Whoever has two cloaks should give one to he who has none, and
whoever has food should do likewise'. Here we can see a criterion of
justice, inspired by charity", explained the Pope. "Justice
requires that we overcome the imbalance between those who have more
than they need and those who lack basic necessities; charity impels
us to care for one another, to reach out to others and meet their
needs, instead of seeking excuses to defend our own interests.
Justice and charity are not opposed, but both are necessary and
complement each other".
"The
second answer was addressed to some 'public officials', whose role
was to collect taxes on behalf of the Romans. Tax collectors were
disliked, largely because they often took advantage of their position
in order to steal. The Baptist advises them neither to change jobs,
nor to exact more than what was required. The prophet, in God's name,
does not ask for exceptional gestures, but rather the honest
fulfilment of one's duty. A first step toward eternal life is always
keeping the commandments, in this case the seventh: 'Thou shalt not
steal.'"
The third
response concerns soldiers, "another category with a certain
power, and therefore tempted to abuse it. John says to the soldiers,
'Do not oppress and extort anything from anyone; be content with your
wages'. Again, conversion begins with honesty and respect for others,
an indication that applies to everyone, especially those who bear
greater responsibility."
After the
Marian prayer, in his greetings in several languages, the Pope
recalled that the European meeting of the Taize community will take
place from 28 December to 2 January and, since the demand for
accommodation will exceed availability, renewed the appeal already
made in the parishes to families in Rome to extend their hospitality
to the young people who will gather in the capital, "so that
other families, with great simplicity, can enjoy this beautiful
experience of Christian fellowship".
He went
on to express his spiritual closeness to those who in Poland
participate in "Christmas Aid to Children". He said, "I
hope this charitable and ecumenical initiative, a gesture of tangible
assistance offered to those in need, will bring joy to the hearts of
many children. May the flame of the candles lit by families during
the Christmas Eve dinner be a symbol of this initiative, and may God
reward the generosity of hearts and bestow His blessing to all".
Finally,
the Pope greeted the children of Rome, gathered in St Peter's Square
for the traditional blessing of the figures of Baby Jesus which will
be placed in nativity displays on Christmas Eve.
THE
JOY OF ADVENT
Vatican
City, 16 December 2012 (VIS) - This morning Benedict XVI, as bishop
of Rome, visited the parish of San Patrizio al Colle Prenestino, an
area urbanised between the 1960s and 1980s, and which has a new
Church since 2007. The Pope was received by the parish community in
which he met with the children baptised this year, accompanied by
their fathers, and presided at the Holy Mass at 10 a.m.
On the
third Sunday of Advent, called "Gaudete" Sunday as it
invites us to be glad, the Holy Father observed that Advent is not
only a time for conversion but also for joy, because "it is the
time in which the anticipation of the Saviour is awakened in the
hearts of believers, and awaiting the arrival of a loved one always
brings joy".
The Pope
commented on the first reading in which Zephaniah uses the expression
"Sing aloud, O daughter Zion", explaining that the prophet
intended to say that "there is no longer any reason for distrust
... or sadness, whatever situation we have to face, because we are
certain of the presence of the Lord, which alone is enough to gladden
and cheer the heart. The prophet also makes us understand that this
joy is reciprocal; we are invited to rejoice, but also the Lord
rejoices at His bond with us".
"In
just a few days' time we will celebrate Christmas, the feast of the
coming of God, who came among us as a child and as our brother to be
with us and to share in our human condition. We must rejoice for His
closeness and His presence, and always to seek to understand that He
is truly near, so that the goodness of God and the joy of Christ
might enter into us. ... St. Paul expressed emphatically in one of
his letters that nothing can separate us from God's love as
manifested in Christ. Only sin can lead us astray from Him, but this
is an element that we ourselves bring to our relationship with Him.
However, even when we turn away from Him, He never ceases to love us
and to remain close to us with His mercy, His willingness to forgive
and to welcome us anew in His love".
Therefore
"we must never distress ourselves, as we can always express our
wishes,our needs and our concerns to the Lord 'with prayer and
petition'. This is a great cause for joy: to know that it is always
possible to pray to the Lord and that the Lord hears us, that God is
not distant from us, but truly listens to us, that He knows us and
never turns away from our prayers, and even if He does not always
respond as we might wish, he nevertheless responds."
However,
"the joy that the Lord communicates to us must find grateful
love in us. Indeed, we achieve full joy when we recognise His mercy,
when we become aware of the signs of His goodness. ... He who
receives the gifts of God in a spirit of selfishness does not know
true joy; rather, it is he who finds in God's gifts the opportunity
to love Him with sincere gratitude and to communicate His love to
others whose heart is filled with joy", concluded the Pope.
Following
the Eucharistic celebration, the Pope greeted the sick and elderly of
the parish and returned to the Vatican to pray the Angelus.
TELEGRAM
FOR THE "SENSELESS TRAGEDY" AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Vatican
City, 15 December 2012 (VIS) - A telegram of condolence was sent in
the Holy Father's name by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio
Bertone S.D.B. to Msgr. Jerald A. Doyle, diocesan administrator of
Bridgeport, United States of America, following the assassination of
26 people - twenty children and six adults - by a lone gunman at
Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut.
Benedict
XVI expressed his heartfelt grief and assured his closeness in prayer
to the victims, their families and all those affected by this
shocking event. "In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy he
asks God our Father to console all those who mourn and to sustain the
entire community with the spiritual strength which triumphs over
violence by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love".
MESSAGE
FOR THE 50TH WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS, "SIGN OF HOPE
FOUNDED IN FAITH"
Vatican
City, 15 December 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father's Message for the 50th
World Day of Prayer for Vocations, to be celebrated on 21 April 2013,
fourth Sunday of Easter, was published today, in which Benedict XVI
reflects on the theme of "Vocations as a sign of hope founded in
faith". Given below are extensive extracts from the message.
"Dear
Brothers and Sisters, what exactly is God’s faithfulness, to which
we adhere with unwavering hope? It is his love! He, the Father, pours
His love into our innermost self through the Holy Spirit. And this
love, fully manifested in Jesus Christ, engages with our existence
and demands a response in terms of what each individual wants to do
with his or her life, and what he or she is prepared to offer in
order to live it to the full.
"The
love of God sometimes follows paths one could never have imagined,
but it always reaches those who are willing to be found. Hope is
nourished, then, by this certainty: 'We ourselves have known and
believed in the love that God has for us'. This deep, demanding love,
which penetrates well below the surface, gives us courage; it gives
us hope in our life’s journey and in our future; it makes us trust
in ourselves, in history and in other people.
"I
want to speak particularly to the young and I say to you once again:
'What would your life be without this love? God takes care of men and
women from creation to the end of time, when He will bring His plan
of salvation to completion. In the Risen Lord we have the certainty
of our hope!' (Address to Young People of the Diocese of San
Marino-Montefeltro, 19 June 2011).
"Just
as He did during His earthly existence, so today the risen Jesus
walks along the streets of our life and sees us immersed in our
activities, with all our desires and our needs. In the midst of our
everyday circumstances He continues to speak to us; He calls us to
live our life with Him, for only He is capable of satisfying our
thirst for hope. He lives now among the community of disciples that
is the Church, and still today calls people to follow Him. The call
can come at any moment.
"Today
too, Jesus continues to say, 'Come, follow me'. Accepting His
invitation means no longer choosing our own path. Following Him means
immersing our own will in the will of Jesus, truly giving Him
priority, giving Him pride of place in every area of our lives: in
the family, at work, in our personal interests, in ourselves. It
means handing over our very lives to Him, living in profound intimacy
with Him, entering through Him into communion with the Father in the
Holy Spirit, and consequently with our brothers and sisters. This
communion of life with Jesus is the privileged 'setting' in which we
can experience hope and in which life will be full and free.
"Vocations
to the priesthood and the consecrated life are born out of the
experience of a personal encounter with Christ, out of sincere and
confident dialogue with Him, so as to enter into His will. It is
necessary, therefore, to grow in the experience of faith, understood
as a profound relationship with Jesus, as inner attentiveness to His
voice which is heard deep within us. This process, which enables us
to respond positively to God’s call, is possible in Christian
communities where the faith is lived intensely, where generous
witness is given of adherence to the Gospel, where there is a strong
sense of mission which leads people to make the total gift of self
for the Kingdom of God, nourished by recourse to the Sacraments,
especially the Eucharist, and by a fervent life of prayer. This
latter 'must on the one hand be something very personal, an encounter
between my intimate self and God, the living God. On the other hand
it must be constantly guided and enlightened by the great prayers of
the Church and of the saints, by liturgical prayer, in which the Lord
teaches us again and again how to pray properly.'
"Deep
and constant prayer brings about growth in the faith of the Christian
community, in the unceasingly renewed certainty that God never
abandons His people and that He sustains them by raising up
particular vocations – to the priesthood and the consecrated life –
so that they can be signs of hope for the world. Indeed, priests and
religious are called to give themselves unconditionally to the People
of God, in a service of love for the Gospel and the Church, serving
that firm hope which can only come from an openness to the divine.
"By
means of the witness of their faith and apostolic zeal, therefore,
they can transmit, especially to the younger generations, a strong
desire to respond generously and promptly to Christ Who calls them to
follow Him more closely. Whenever a disciple of Jesus accepts the
divine call to dedicate himself to the priestly ministry or to the
consecrated life, we witness one of the most mature fruits of the
Christian community, which helps us to look with particular trust and
hope to the future of the Church and to her commitment to
evangelisation. This constantly requires new workers to preach the
Gospel, to celebrate the Eucharist and the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.
"So
let there be committed priests, who know how to accompany young
people as 'companions on the journey', helping them, on life’s
often tortuous and difficult path, to recognize Christ, the Way, the
Truth and the Life, telling them, with Gospel courage, how beautiful
it is to serve God, the Christian community, one’s brothers and
sisters. Let there be priests who manifest the fruitfulness of an
enthusiastic commitment, which gives a sense of completeness to their
lives, because it is founded on faith in Him, who loved us first.
"Equally,
I hope that young people, who are presented with so many superficial
and ephemeral options, will be able to cultivate a desire for what is
truly worthy, for lofty objectives, radical choices, service to
others in imitation of Jesus. Dear young people, do not be afraid to
follow Him and to walk the demanding and courageous paths of charity
and generous commitment! In that way you will be happy to serve, you
will be witnesses of a joy that the world cannot give, you will be
living flames of an infinite and eternal love, you will learn to
'give an account of the hope that is within you'!"
AUDIENCES
Vatican
City, 17 December 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in
audience Cardinal Julian Herranz, Cardinal Jozef Tomko, and Cardinal
Salvatore De Giorgi.
OTHER
PONTIFICAL ACTS
On
Saturday, 15 December, the Holy Father appointed:
- Msgr.
Nicolas Henry Marie Denis Thevenin, nunciature counsellor, as
apostolic nuncio, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of
archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Saint-Dizier, France, in
1958 and ordained a priest in 1989. He entered the diplomatic service
of the Holy See in 1994, and has served as a papal representative in
India, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belgium, Lebanon, Cuba,
Bulgaria and in the Section for Relations with States of the
Secretariat of State. He was appointed to the College of Apostolic
Protonotaries "de numero participantium" in 2009.
-
Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, secretary of the Congregation for
Catholic Education, and Fr. Achim Buckenmaier, professor of dogmatic
theology and director of the Academy for the Theology of the People
of God at the Pontifical Lateran University, as consultors for the
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
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