Showing posts with label Pope Benedict XVI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pope Benedict XVI. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2009
Watching rocking Psalm reading
While preparing to blog some more I saw on the TV the rocking version of Psalms 102(103) during the Papal mass in Czechoslovakia. LOVED IT!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
More regarding the Pope's visit
I was very happy at the warm reception given to the Holy Father at the Aida Palestinian refugee camp yesterday. Unlike cynics, I do not feel that Palestinians "exploited" the Pope's visit at all. Rather, as I know all too well, when a group is marginalized, and then has a chance to have some moments to speak on the world stage, it is wise, not exploitative, to seize the opportunity, especially when they are speaking their truths from their hearts.
Today was also a good day, I believe, with such a warm welcome given to the Pope in Nazareth. The Church of the Annunciation, by the way, is one of my favorites. The meaning of what happened there is unmistakable and supported, not suppressed, by the architecture.
I was also glad at the tone of the meeting with the Prime Minister. At last, a meeting that does not include nagging about the Pope's choice of words regarding the history of Israel. Maybe with a few more meetings like that, people can look to solving the problems of the present and the future, yes? I am not saying this without sympathy. As I've blogged before, people need to understand the indelible scar on the Jewish psyche caused by the Shoah, and I know it well.
But sometimes the Jews act like this with the Pope. They keep trying to press into his hands a list of groceries to buy, thinking he is a greengrocer, while he is actually a carpenter. Being mad when he does not accept the grocery list, but constructs a structure of mutual dialogue and support, is illogical and a problem of being stuck in an inaccurate, but understandable, mindset. Stop nagging the carpenter to be a greengrocer who is given a list of "essentials" to fill. Accept, instead, the greater essential that he offers.
Today was also a good day, I believe, with such a warm welcome given to the Pope in Nazareth. The Church of the Annunciation, by the way, is one of my favorites. The meaning of what happened there is unmistakable and supported, not suppressed, by the architecture.
I was also glad at the tone of the meeting with the Prime Minister. At last, a meeting that does not include nagging about the Pope's choice of words regarding the history of Israel. Maybe with a few more meetings like that, people can look to solving the problems of the present and the future, yes? I am not saying this without sympathy. As I've blogged before, people need to understand the indelible scar on the Jewish psyche caused by the Shoah, and I know it well.
But sometimes the Jews act like this with the Pope. They keep trying to press into his hands a list of groceries to buy, thinking he is a greengrocer, while he is actually a carpenter. Being mad when he does not accept the grocery list, but constructs a structure of mutual dialogue and support, is illogical and a problem of being stuck in an inaccurate, but understandable, mindset. Stop nagging the carpenter to be a greengrocer who is given a list of "essentials" to fill. Accept, instead, the greater essential that he offers.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Pope's visit to Jordan and Israel
I was so pleased, but not at all surprised, at the generous hospitality of the King and Queen of Jordan, as they served as welcoming hosts to Pope Benedict XVI.
It is not at all surprising that much of the Common Word Initiative flows from Jordan, and I can only praise them and pray for even further harmonious results.
Today I was able to watch the TV coverage, thanks to EWTN, of the Pope's first day in Israel.
I have not been at all delighted with the attitudes of some (actually, of many), and the resultant media focus, in the days leading up to the Pope's visit. To call it anticipatory qvetching would be giving it a humorous tolerance that it does not merit. To say that many sought to be wet blankets, putting a damper of gloom over a visit that is potent in potential for progress and grace would also be an understatement. The griping and misplaced expectations about the Holy Father only underscores that it seems that very few people understand who or what a religious leader is anymore, whether Jew or Christian.
Um, here's a news flash. A religious leader, a proper one, as the Pope most certainly is, teaches people about God. God is his focus, not whether he uses the "correct" words to describe secular and historic events. A religious leader is a preacher, a minister, and an evangelist, wearing one or more of those hats as appropriate to the occasion.
The Pope is the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the Bishop of Rome, the Heir to Saint Peter. He points always to God, the one God that Jews, Christians and Muslims share. When a man becomes Pope his place of birth, his schooling, what his father did, etc means absolutely nothing. He now becomes entirely belonging to God.
Now, having said this, I was totally delighted at President Peres' warm hospitality, his thoughtful remarks, and most of all, how he obviously comprehends what I just wrote here about the Pope. I could see in Mr Peres' face how he appreciated the deeply scriptural statements by the Pope, as Pope Benedict continually placed the focus of his listeners upon God and God alone.
Ironically, it seems that one of the Rabbis, one I respect (don't get me wrong on this) was less appreciative of the scriptural focus of the Holy Father and instead looked for personal apologies, secular orientation and wanting the Holy Father to be more of the Vicar of Word Smithing.
Yes, let's be honest. Pope John Paul II was more of a politician on such occasions, and that, I think, while seeming to fill a hungry belly for the audience ultimately was one of the times that he was the least manifesting of his preaching and ministering responsibility. So I understand that many pine for the personal and secular words that JPII used. But in my opinion, and I loved JPII dearly, I believe that too often his temptation to be communications maven overtook his Vicar of Jesus Christ focus, and so he would use a personal tact, a political tact, to please the audience and to be loved in return. That's not the job of the Pope, my friends, and Pope Benedict will never make that mistake.
Instead, Pope Benedict consoles through God, the ultimate consoler, if only people actually listen to what he is saying. I was very moved at how I could see that Mr Peres, with some surprise, understood that the Pope was connecting the listeners to the Consoler in Chief, God, instead of trying to select personal or political verbiage to meet some criterion.
I hope that when the Prime Minister, who greeted the Pope at the airport, but who had other important tasks in Egypt, reads the text of what the Pope said, he recognizes this too.
To the critics of the Pope: My friends, how can you be disappointed by a speech by the Pope that is rooted in our shared scripture, focused on God? Think about what that is saying about your preferences. You would rather that the Pope echo words that you have selected, rather than provide thoughtful unity as we all look to God for our unity, our consolation, and our answers? That seems a poor choice, my friends. I would think that anyone expects genuine religious leaders to continually illuminate God upon human's problems, not echo scripts and verbiage expectations on a personal level. Too often religious leaders travel the world to act like chiefs of state, or the head of the "grievance department," rather than focus on their first role of faith formation with continual emphasis on God and God's scripture.
It is not at all surprising that much of the Common Word Initiative flows from Jordan, and I can only praise them and pray for even further harmonious results.
Today I was able to watch the TV coverage, thanks to EWTN, of the Pope's first day in Israel.
I have not been at all delighted with the attitudes of some (actually, of many), and the resultant media focus, in the days leading up to the Pope's visit. To call it anticipatory qvetching would be giving it a humorous tolerance that it does not merit. To say that many sought to be wet blankets, putting a damper of gloom over a visit that is potent in potential for progress and grace would also be an understatement. The griping and misplaced expectations about the Holy Father only underscores that it seems that very few people understand who or what a religious leader is anymore, whether Jew or Christian.
Um, here's a news flash. A religious leader, a proper one, as the Pope most certainly is, teaches people about God. God is his focus, not whether he uses the "correct" words to describe secular and historic events. A religious leader is a preacher, a minister, and an evangelist, wearing one or more of those hats as appropriate to the occasion.
The Pope is the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the Bishop of Rome, the Heir to Saint Peter. He points always to God, the one God that Jews, Christians and Muslims share. When a man becomes Pope his place of birth, his schooling, what his father did, etc means absolutely nothing. He now becomes entirely belonging to God.
Now, having said this, I was totally delighted at President Peres' warm hospitality, his thoughtful remarks, and most of all, how he obviously comprehends what I just wrote here about the Pope. I could see in Mr Peres' face how he appreciated the deeply scriptural statements by the Pope, as Pope Benedict continually placed the focus of his listeners upon God and God alone.
Ironically, it seems that one of the Rabbis, one I respect (don't get me wrong on this) was less appreciative of the scriptural focus of the Holy Father and instead looked for personal apologies, secular orientation and wanting the Holy Father to be more of the Vicar of Word Smithing.
Yes, let's be honest. Pope John Paul II was more of a politician on such occasions, and that, I think, while seeming to fill a hungry belly for the audience ultimately was one of the times that he was the least manifesting of his preaching and ministering responsibility. So I understand that many pine for the personal and secular words that JPII used. But in my opinion, and I loved JPII dearly, I believe that too often his temptation to be communications maven overtook his Vicar of Jesus Christ focus, and so he would use a personal tact, a political tact, to please the audience and to be loved in return. That's not the job of the Pope, my friends, and Pope Benedict will never make that mistake.
Instead, Pope Benedict consoles through God, the ultimate consoler, if only people actually listen to what he is saying. I was very moved at how I could see that Mr Peres, with some surprise, understood that the Pope was connecting the listeners to the Consoler in Chief, God, instead of trying to select personal or political verbiage to meet some criterion.
I hope that when the Prime Minister, who greeted the Pope at the airport, but who had other important tasks in Egypt, reads the text of what the Pope said, he recognizes this too.
To the critics of the Pope: My friends, how can you be disappointed by a speech by the Pope that is rooted in our shared scripture, focused on God? Think about what that is saying about your preferences. You would rather that the Pope echo words that you have selected, rather than provide thoughtful unity as we all look to God for our unity, our consolation, and our answers? That seems a poor choice, my friends. I would think that anyone expects genuine religious leaders to continually illuminate God upon human's problems, not echo scripts and verbiage expectations on a personal level. Too often religious leaders travel the world to act like chiefs of state, or the head of the "grievance department," rather than focus on their first role of faith formation with continual emphasis on God and God's scripture.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Congratulations message from Pope to Obama
President elect Obama received a great message from Pope Benedict XVI and also from Cardinal Bertone.
http://www.zenit.org/article-24161?l=english
http://www.zenit.org/article-24161?l=english
Friday, October 10, 2008
Agree with Pope Benedict re Pope Pius XII
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0805150.htm
snip
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Among the thousands who crammed into St. Peter's Basilica for a Mass commemorating Pope Pius XII, many were hoping for an announcement about his beatification, a step toward sainthood. That didn't happen. Pope Benedict XVI strongly praised Pope Pius and prayed that his sainthood cause would make progress, but he made no promises and set no dates. He did not declare Pope Pius "venerable," the step that would have advanced the cause and, no doubt, would have prompted much applause in the basilica. To make sure that no one got the wrong idea, the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, told reporters not to expect the pope to go off and sign such a decree immediately after the Mass. The pope was demonstrating his "spiritual union" with those hoping for canonization, but gave no indication about future steps, Father Lombardi said.
***
I agree with Pope Benedict and others who have defended Pope Pius XII from inaccurate and unfair attacks about the vigor of his intervention to save as many Jews as possible during World War II.
But I also agree with Pope Benedict going slowly about Pope Pius' sainthood cause. I do not see a linkage even though many will draw that obvious conclusion.
I think it is obvious that Pope Benedict is wisely slowing down the Vatican "saint factory" in general, and that Pope Pius will be part of that slower and more discerning process.
People, I know that everyone "wants" to see "their own" modern day saints declared. Everyone wants someone from their gender, culture, ethnic group, profession, age group, you name it, people seem to want saints declared that reflect their own image in the mirror. That is human and very understandable, but is actually an expression of weakness of faith rather than strength of faith.
We have people today who want "modern" and "representative" saints declared, but who actually know very little of the bona fide saints who have been declared through the ages, and do little to follow the lessons of their sanctity. Jesus himself cautioned that the Jews did not listen to Moses or Elijah, when he told the story of the rich man in hell who ignored the poor starving man Lazarus. This is an example of how the saints and prophets are to remain alive in their lessons and sanctity today, and not a constant rush to find a "representative, modern example of saint so that someone can 'believe more.'" If you need a saint the same color, ethnicity, age or gender as you to believe, then you aren't believing all that strongly in the first place.
Having said that, I share the joy when a saint is declared, such as the first female Asian Indian saint. But those glories and honors have been diluted by the recent several decades "frenzy" to push "representative" saints through the pipeline, whether they were actual saints or simply the good and pious believers that they undoubtedly were.
Pope Pius XII would be the last person who would want the honor of being a saint, as he already has received his reward in heaven, and he was a very humble man. This is not to say that he should not receive that declaration, should the facts and miracles be authentic and bear out in investigation. But I am saying that all real saints would be horrified to know their earthly advocates feel that they "must be declared saints" in order to "strengthen the faith" (by those who imply "modern 'inclusiveness'" is important).
All these holy people would ask why the Apostles, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and all the "traditional" and lesser known saints are not more than enough proof and model for current day "faith" and role models of sanctity.
snip
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Among the thousands who crammed into St. Peter's Basilica for a Mass commemorating Pope Pius XII, many were hoping for an announcement about his beatification, a step toward sainthood. That didn't happen. Pope Benedict XVI strongly praised Pope Pius and prayed that his sainthood cause would make progress, but he made no promises and set no dates. He did not declare Pope Pius "venerable," the step that would have advanced the cause and, no doubt, would have prompted much applause in the basilica. To make sure that no one got the wrong idea, the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, told reporters not to expect the pope to go off and sign such a decree immediately after the Mass. The pope was demonstrating his "spiritual union" with those hoping for canonization, but gave no indication about future steps, Father Lombardi said.
***
I agree with Pope Benedict and others who have defended Pope Pius XII from inaccurate and unfair attacks about the vigor of his intervention to save as many Jews as possible during World War II.
But I also agree with Pope Benedict going slowly about Pope Pius' sainthood cause. I do not see a linkage even though many will draw that obvious conclusion.
I think it is obvious that Pope Benedict is wisely slowing down the Vatican "saint factory" in general, and that Pope Pius will be part of that slower and more discerning process.
People, I know that everyone "wants" to see "their own" modern day saints declared. Everyone wants someone from their gender, culture, ethnic group, profession, age group, you name it, people seem to want saints declared that reflect their own image in the mirror. That is human and very understandable, but is actually an expression of weakness of faith rather than strength of faith.
We have people today who want "modern" and "representative" saints declared, but who actually know very little of the bona fide saints who have been declared through the ages, and do little to follow the lessons of their sanctity. Jesus himself cautioned that the Jews did not listen to Moses or Elijah, when he told the story of the rich man in hell who ignored the poor starving man Lazarus. This is an example of how the saints and prophets are to remain alive in their lessons and sanctity today, and not a constant rush to find a "representative, modern example of saint so that someone can 'believe more.'" If you need a saint the same color, ethnicity, age or gender as you to believe, then you aren't believing all that strongly in the first place.
Having said that, I share the joy when a saint is declared, such as the first female Asian Indian saint. But those glories and honors have been diluted by the recent several decades "frenzy" to push "representative" saints through the pipeline, whether they were actual saints or simply the good and pious believers that they undoubtedly were.
Pope Pius XII would be the last person who would want the honor of being a saint, as he already has received his reward in heaven, and he was a very humble man. This is not to say that he should not receive that declaration, should the facts and miracles be authentic and bear out in investigation. But I am saying that all real saints would be horrified to know their earthly advocates feel that they "must be declared saints" in order to "strengthen the faith" (by those who imply "modern 'inclusiveness'" is important).
All these holy people would ask why the Apostles, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and all the "traditional" and lesser known saints are not more than enough proof and model for current day "faith" and role models of sanctity.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
He's the Vicar of Jesus Christ
And so he loves the mother of Jesus, Mary.
Following a torchlight procession in the town square, Benedict praised Lourdes as a "place of light because it is a place of communion, hope and conversion."
At the shrine where Mary gave "pride of place to the sick, the poor and the little ones, we are invited to discover the simplicity of our vocation: it is enough to love," he told 40,000 faithful gathered in the square.
Organisers said they expected 150,000 faithful at the Sunday services in Lourdes, fewer than originally thought due to rain and a cold snap.
"The pope is bringing a message of peace," said Maryse Legat, who stood under grey skies near the arches of the Basilica of the Rosary leading to the grotto.
"He is here to guide us and give us certainties at a time when our world is caught up in too much turbulence," she said.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hU8jjtVuNnwkFiijUezpQOutfeuA
Following a torchlight procession in the town square, Benedict praised Lourdes as a "place of light because it is a place of communion, hope and conversion."
At the shrine where Mary gave "pride of place to the sick, the poor and the little ones, we are invited to discover the simplicity of our vocation: it is enough to love," he told 40,000 faithful gathered in the square.
Organisers said they expected 150,000 faithful at the Sunday services in Lourdes, fewer than originally thought due to rain and a cold snap.
"The pope is bringing a message of peace," said Maryse Legat, who stood under grey skies near the arches of the Basilica of the Rosary leading to the grotto.
"He is here to guide us and give us certainties at a time when our world is caught up in too much turbulence," she said.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hU8jjtVuNnwkFiijUezpQOutfeuA
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Holy Father praying for the world
He teaches, he preaches, he consoles, and he prays for all the world, faithful and those who don't believe. Pope Benedict prepares for his pilgrimage to France.
http://www.zenit.org/article-23589?l=english
What a contrast Pope Benedict XVI is to those who call themselves religious or spiritual leaders and who only speak of division and self superiority!
http://www.zenit.org/article-23589?l=english
What a contrast Pope Benedict XVI is to those who call themselves religious or spiritual leaders and who only speak of division and self superiority!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Pope affirms importance of entire Bible reading
This is why that is such a prominent topic and teaching tool on my blog. The Pope correctly identifies both the need for Catholics to read the Bible more and the necessity of proper context in its entirety. I could not have phrased it better than Pope Benedict did right here:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20080826.htm#head7
A challenge for Pope Benedict: Leading more people to read the BibleVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Pope Benedict XVI chose the Bible as the topic for this fall's Synod of Bishops, he turned the church's attention to an area he has long considered crucial and in need of revitalization. The pope's concern touches several levels. For one thing, despite an upsurge in biblical interest after the Second Vatican Council, only a minority of Catholics read the Bible regularly. The pope views the lack of scriptural formation as part of a wider crisis of catechetics in the church. At a more academic level, the pope sees a danger in modern biblical interpretation that he believes diminishes the meaning of Scripture and erodes the bond between Bible and church. In particular, he has warned that various modern-day methods of interpreting the Bible are too limiting; for instance, some scholars read Scripture as if they are seeking to break a code and pluck out answers one by one. Instead, Pope Benedict believes the Bible must be seen as a whole and as the word of God, in which everything relates to everything else and offers the possibility of a spiritual journey, rather than being seen as a textbook on divine matters. So in convoking some 250 bishops for the Oct. 5-26 synod, the pope did not intend to host a forum for scriptural analysis. His primary interest is pastoral, and a main challenge is to lead more Catholics to the Bible.
- - -
And on this topic, Pope Benedict made a prompt appointment of a vacancy that was opened due to a sad passing. Notice the bible scholar appointed to this position is an Archbishop from Congo.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0804336.htm
Pope names Congolese bishop as special secretary of synod on Bible
By John Thavis Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, Congo, as the special secretary of the October Synod of Bishops on the Bible.Archbishop Monsengwo, a longtime biblicist and one of Africa's most experienced churchmen, will assist in the preparation of two reports during the synod and the preparation of its final recommendations.
He replaces Bishop Wilhelm Egger of Bolzano-Bressanone, Italy, who died of a heart attack in mid-August. Bishop Egger was named special secretary in January and had been working over the summer to prepare for the Oct. 5-26 assembly.Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, told Vatican Radio Aug. 23 that the pope's appointment of Archbishop Monsengwo was a sign of the importance of Africa for the church.
Archbishop Monsengwo, 68, has participated in several synods in recent decades and, as a member of the Synod of Bishops' 15-man council, had been involved closely in the planning for the synod on the Bible.Archbishop Monsengwo studied in the 1960s at Rome's Pontifical Biblical Institute, earning a doctorate in biblical sciences. He was made a bishop in 1980, and was named to head the Archdiocese of Kinshasa in late 2007.
He is president of the Congolese bishops' conference and former president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.Archbishop Eterovic said that the planning for the October synod was in its final phase, and that a list of papal appointees to the synod would be announced soon. Some 250 bishops and some priests are expected to participate in the synod; they will include representatives chosen by bishops' conferences, synods of Eastern churches and confederations of religious orders.
***
All GREAT news!! The Holy Father knows what he is doing!! Trust in God, the Pope, and read your Bibles!!
For those of you who might be interested in tackling the entire Bible all over again (or reading it cover to cover for the first time) I have a suggestion, consistent with what I have been teaching and tudoring here. I'll put that suggestion in the blog's next entry!
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20080826.htm#head7
A challenge for Pope Benedict: Leading more people to read the BibleVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Pope Benedict XVI chose the Bible as the topic for this fall's Synod of Bishops, he turned the church's attention to an area he has long considered crucial and in need of revitalization. The pope's concern touches several levels. For one thing, despite an upsurge in biblical interest after the Second Vatican Council, only a minority of Catholics read the Bible regularly. The pope views the lack of scriptural formation as part of a wider crisis of catechetics in the church. At a more academic level, the pope sees a danger in modern biblical interpretation that he believes diminishes the meaning of Scripture and erodes the bond between Bible and church. In particular, he has warned that various modern-day methods of interpreting the Bible are too limiting; for instance, some scholars read Scripture as if they are seeking to break a code and pluck out answers one by one. Instead, Pope Benedict believes the Bible must be seen as a whole and as the word of God, in which everything relates to everything else and offers the possibility of a spiritual journey, rather than being seen as a textbook on divine matters. So in convoking some 250 bishops for the Oct. 5-26 synod, the pope did not intend to host a forum for scriptural analysis. His primary interest is pastoral, and a main challenge is to lead more Catholics to the Bible.
- - -
And on this topic, Pope Benedict made a prompt appointment of a vacancy that was opened due to a sad passing. Notice the bible scholar appointed to this position is an Archbishop from Congo.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0804336.htm
Pope names Congolese bishop as special secretary of synod on Bible
By John Thavis Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, Congo, as the special secretary of the October Synod of Bishops on the Bible.Archbishop Monsengwo, a longtime biblicist and one of Africa's most experienced churchmen, will assist in the preparation of two reports during the synod and the preparation of its final recommendations.
He replaces Bishop Wilhelm Egger of Bolzano-Bressanone, Italy, who died of a heart attack in mid-August. Bishop Egger was named special secretary in January and had been working over the summer to prepare for the Oct. 5-26 assembly.Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, told Vatican Radio Aug. 23 that the pope's appointment of Archbishop Monsengwo was a sign of the importance of Africa for the church.
Archbishop Monsengwo, 68, has participated in several synods in recent decades and, as a member of the Synod of Bishops' 15-man council, had been involved closely in the planning for the synod on the Bible.Archbishop Monsengwo studied in the 1960s at Rome's Pontifical Biblical Institute, earning a doctorate in biblical sciences. He was made a bishop in 1980, and was named to head the Archdiocese of Kinshasa in late 2007.
He is president of the Congolese bishops' conference and former president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.Archbishop Eterovic said that the planning for the October synod was in its final phase, and that a list of papal appointees to the synod would be announced soon. Some 250 bishops and some priests are expected to participate in the synod; they will include representatives chosen by bishops' conferences, synods of Eastern churches and confederations of religious orders.
***
All GREAT news!! The Holy Father knows what he is doing!! Trust in God, the Pope, and read your Bibles!!
For those of you who might be interested in tackling the entire Bible all over again (or reading it cover to cover for the first time) I have a suggestion, consistent with what I have been teaching and tudoring here. I'll put that suggestion in the blog's next entry!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Syrian Grand Mufti invites Pope, has wise words
http://www.zenit.org/article-23389?l=english
snip
Syrian Mufti Hopes Pope Visits for Pauline Year
Notes Wish That Vatican Can Help Bring Peace to Mideast
By Mirko TestaDAMASCUS, Syria, JULY 31, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The grand mufti of Syria is hoping for a visit from Benedict XVI during the Pauline Jubilee Year.
Ahmad Badr El Din El Hassoun invited the Pope to visit his country in the context of a meeting in Damascus with a group of journalists, on a trip following in the footsteps of the Apostle to the Gentiles.
"What I would like to say to the Holy Father is that at present, Damascus is the capital of Arab culture and, at the same time, the capital of the Year of St. Paul," Hassoun said. "I will be exceedingly happy if the Holy Father decides to accept our invitation to visit Syria in this year."
and
The grand mufti also expressed the hope that "the Vatican might play a role in planting the flower of peace in the Middle East."
"Deep down, among religious intellectuals, there is no quarrel but dialogue and discussion," the Muslim leader contended. "And I hope that the Holy Father will play a fundamental part in the peace of the world."
The great mufti recalled Pope John Paul II's urgent appeal not to erect walls but build bridges of dialogue, in reference to the wall of separation built between Israel and Palestinian territories.
"The Vatican had a fundamental role in the fall of the Berlin Wall," he said, "and I hope it will be able to play a similar role to demolish the wall being built in the land of peace."
***
These are very generous words and a very worthy and gracious example by a man of God toward another man of God. I would love to see such a dialogue and visit to take place!
snip
Syrian Mufti Hopes Pope Visits for Pauline Year
Notes Wish That Vatican Can Help Bring Peace to Mideast
By Mirko TestaDAMASCUS, Syria, JULY 31, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The grand mufti of Syria is hoping for a visit from Benedict XVI during the Pauline Jubilee Year.
Ahmad Badr El Din El Hassoun invited the Pope to visit his country in the context of a meeting in Damascus with a group of journalists, on a trip following in the footsteps of the Apostle to the Gentiles.
"What I would like to say to the Holy Father is that at present, Damascus is the capital of Arab culture and, at the same time, the capital of the Year of St. Paul," Hassoun said. "I will be exceedingly happy if the Holy Father decides to accept our invitation to visit Syria in this year."
and
The grand mufti also expressed the hope that "the Vatican might play a role in planting the flower of peace in the Middle East."
"Deep down, among religious intellectuals, there is no quarrel but dialogue and discussion," the Muslim leader contended. "And I hope that the Holy Father will play a fundamental part in the peace of the world."
The great mufti recalled Pope John Paul II's urgent appeal not to erect walls but build bridges of dialogue, in reference to the wall of separation built between Israel and Palestinian territories.
"The Vatican had a fundamental role in the fall of the Berlin Wall," he said, "and I hope it will be able to play a similar role to demolish the wall being built in the land of peace."
***
These are very generous words and a very worthy and gracious example by a man of God toward another man of God. I would love to see such a dialogue and visit to take place!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Pope announces Novena for Church in China
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=12643
snip
Hong Kong, May 14, 2008 / 05:20 pm (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI has decreed an indulgence for Catholics in Hong Kong who join a novena to Our Lady, Help of Christians asking for special prayers for the Church in China.
The novena is a response to the Pope’s call for May 24 to become a World Day for Prayer for the Church in China. He announced the day of prayer in his June 2007 letter to mainland Catholics and asked that it be dedicated to “the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai.”
According to UCA News, the Pope offered the indulgence at the request of Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, the Archbishop of Hong Kong. The indulgence is available to those who join in the diocese’s May 15-23 novena. Those joining in activities marking the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians on May 24 and the feast of Corpus Christi on May 25 are also eligible for the indulgence.
Cardinal Zen, writing in a message on the novena, said local Catholics are able to actively respond to the call for prayer “as part of the motherland,” asking God to bless their motherland and asking the Blessed Virgin to protect the Church.
***
Timely. I add my spiritual support to their prayers and efforts.
snip
Hong Kong, May 14, 2008 / 05:20 pm (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI has decreed an indulgence for Catholics in Hong Kong who join a novena to Our Lady, Help of Christians asking for special prayers for the Church in China.
The novena is a response to the Pope’s call for May 24 to become a World Day for Prayer for the Church in China. He announced the day of prayer in his June 2007 letter to mainland Catholics and asked that it be dedicated to “the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai.”
According to UCA News, the Pope offered the indulgence at the request of Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, the Archbishop of Hong Kong. The indulgence is available to those who join in the diocese’s May 15-23 novena. Those joining in activities marking the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians on May 24 and the feast of Corpus Christi on May 25 are also eligible for the indulgence.
Cardinal Zen, writing in a message on the novena, said local Catholics are able to actively respond to the call for prayer “as part of the motherland,” asking God to bless their motherland and asking the Blessed Virgin to protect the Church.
***
Timely. I add my spiritual support to their prayers and efforts.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Addendum
Of all the people alive on earth today, the Holy Father Pope Benedict 16 is the only one I would say is the closest to having that purity of vision of a person that I have just described regarding God. This is a natural effect of his continual closeness to the Holy Spirit.
This is one reason that people need to be more discerning about his reaction to the sight of someone who has suffered in the sexual abuse cases, for example. When he hears your story and sees your tears, of course he does deeply understand and comprehend what you have told him, and of your pain. But in his eyes he does not see a damaged soul, he sees the purity of soul that remains innocent and undaunted, even as the mind, body and spirit have been darkened and wounded. When he says that he prays for the victims, he is telling the truth and that is not inaction. In his prayer he is working with the Holy Spirit to magnify and strengthen the recognition of the innocent and pure soul that remains and shines, underneath the bodily and spiritual hurt. When the Holy Father, who is so close to the Holy Spirit, prays, he is providing spiritual healing nurishment to the sexual abuse victims so that they may increasingly come to see the beauty of their souls that remain untouched, just as God sees them.
I hope this helps in understanding and full restoration.
This is one reason that people need to be more discerning about his reaction to the sight of someone who has suffered in the sexual abuse cases, for example. When he hears your story and sees your tears, of course he does deeply understand and comprehend what you have told him, and of your pain. But in his eyes he does not see a damaged soul, he sees the purity of soul that remains innocent and undaunted, even as the mind, body and spirit have been darkened and wounded. When he says that he prays for the victims, he is telling the truth and that is not inaction. In his prayer he is working with the Holy Spirit to magnify and strengthen the recognition of the innocent and pure soul that remains and shines, underneath the bodily and spiritual hurt. When the Holy Father, who is so close to the Holy Spirit, prays, he is providing spiritual healing nurishment to the sexual abuse victims so that they may increasingly come to see the beauty of their souls that remain untouched, just as God sees them.
I hope this helps in understanding and full restoration.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Listening in on the Patriarch and the Pope
A gentle and beautiful informal meeting.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801277.htm
snip
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople spent almost half an hour speaking privately March 6 before going into a small Vatican chapel to pray together.Although it was the patriarch's first visit to the Vatican since Pope Benedict's election and the funeral of Pope John Paul II in April 2005, the visit was not a formal, orchestrated affair.The pope and the patriarch did not exchange speeches, but instead sat across a table from each other talking.And instead of participating in a liturgy, they walked into the tiny Chapel of Urban VIII near the papal library, stood in front of a painting of the Nativity and prayed silently.
snip
The patriarch was in Rome to help mark the 90th anniversary of the Jesuit-run Pontifical Oriental Institute, where he earned his doctoral degree.The patriarch delivered a lecture on "theology, liturgy and silence," focusing on how the spiritual experience of Eastern Christianity can promote Christian unity and respond to the needs of modern men and women.Patriarch Bartholomew praised the Oriental Institute's commitment to promoting the study of the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches and its contributions to Christian unity, particularly by highlighting the Eastern tradition in the heart of the Catholic Church."The church fathers were primarily pastors, not philosophers," he said. "They were concerned first with reforming the human heart and transforming society, not with refining concepts or resolving controversies."The patriarch said that at the center of their pastoral work was a recognition that humanity is "called to know and to become God," the call to holiness which the Orthodox term "deification."When Christians keep in mind the possibility that every human being and all of creation can be transformed in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, then they will meet every person and every situation with an attitude of awe and anticipation rather than judgment or fear, he said.Patriarch Bartholomew said the Orthodox tradition calls for silence and humility "before the awesome mystery of God, before the sacred personhood of human beings and before the beauty of creation."
snip
"Orthodoxy," he said, "was the common responsibility and obligation of all."
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801277.htm
snip
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople spent almost half an hour speaking privately March 6 before going into a small Vatican chapel to pray together.Although it was the patriarch's first visit to the Vatican since Pope Benedict's election and the funeral of Pope John Paul II in April 2005, the visit was not a formal, orchestrated affair.The pope and the patriarch did not exchange speeches, but instead sat across a table from each other talking.And instead of participating in a liturgy, they walked into the tiny Chapel of Urban VIII near the papal library, stood in front of a painting of the Nativity and prayed silently.
snip
The patriarch was in Rome to help mark the 90th anniversary of the Jesuit-run Pontifical Oriental Institute, where he earned his doctoral degree.The patriarch delivered a lecture on "theology, liturgy and silence," focusing on how the spiritual experience of Eastern Christianity can promote Christian unity and respond to the needs of modern men and women.Patriarch Bartholomew praised the Oriental Institute's commitment to promoting the study of the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches and its contributions to Christian unity, particularly by highlighting the Eastern tradition in the heart of the Catholic Church."The church fathers were primarily pastors, not philosophers," he said. "They were concerned first with reforming the human heart and transforming society, not with refining concepts or resolving controversies."The patriarch said that at the center of their pastoral work was a recognition that humanity is "called to know and to become God," the call to holiness which the Orthodox term "deification."When Christians keep in mind the possibility that every human being and all of creation can be transformed in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, then they will meet every person and every situation with an attitude of awe and anticipation rather than judgment or fear, he said.Patriarch Bartholomew said the Orthodox tradition calls for silence and humility "before the awesome mystery of God, before the sacred personhood of human beings and before the beauty of creation."
snip
"Orthodoxy," he said, "was the common responsibility and obligation of all."
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Pope Benedict XVI continues as the great teacher
What a gift the Holy Father is to humanity! I hope that more and more people come to realize and treasure him and his wise teaching.
Here is his Angelus teaching about the danger of pride, including religious pride. Do visit the Zenit.org site regularly, as I do, as it is a treasure trove of Vatican reporting and Catholic perspectives.
http://www.zenit.org/article-21954?l=english
Benedict XVI Warns Against Blindness of Pride
Says Christ Comes as Light to Heal
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 2, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says that even religion can become part of man's tendency to construct ideological systems, but constructing these systems leads to the blindness of egotism.
The Pope affirmed this today before praying the midday Angelus with thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The Holy Father first noted that the Lenten liturgy is symbolic of baptism.
"Last Sunday Jesus promised the Samaritan woman the gift of 'living water'; today, healing the blind man, Jesus reveals himself as the 'light of the world'; next Sunday, resurrecting his friend Lazarus from the dead, he will present himself as 'the resurrection and the light,'" he said. "Water, light, life: These are symbols of baptism, the sacrament that 'immerses' believers in the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ, freeing them from the slavery of sin and granting them eternal life."
Then turning his attention to the reading from today's liturgy, the Pontiff discussed the story of the man born blind.
Benedict XVI recalled how Jesus affirmed that the man's blindness was not the consequence of his or his parents' sin, and said "What comfort these words offer us."
"They allow us to hear the living voice of God, who is provident and wise Love! Before the man marked by limitation and suffering Jesus does not think about possible faults, but about the will of God that created man for life," he said. "And he immediately takes action: With a little bit of earth and saliva he makes some mud and spreads it on the eyes of the blind man.
"This gesture alludes to the creation of man, which the Bible recounts with the symbol of earth that is formed and animated by the breath of God. 'Adam,' in fact, means 'soil,' and the human body is indeed composed of elements of the earth. Healing the man, Jesus brings about a new creation."
Rejection
The Pope noted how the healing provoked "heated debate" because Jesus cured the man on the Sabbath.
"Thus, at the end of the episode, Jesus and the blind man meet up again, both being chased out by the Pharisees: one because he violated the law and the other because, despite the healing, he remains marked as a sinner from birth," he said.
The Holy Father explained how Jesus goes on to associate blindness with pride.
"To the blind man whom he healed Jesus reveals that he has come into the world for judgment, to separate the blind who can be healed from those who do not allow themselves to be healed because they presume that they are healthy," he said. "The tendency in man to construct an ideological system of security is strong: Even religion itself can become an element in this system, as can atheism, or secularism; but in constructing this system, one becomes blind to his own egoism."
Benedict XVI concluded with an exhortation to "allow Jesus to heal us, Jesus who can and wants to give us the light of God! Let us confess our own blindnesses, our myopias, and above all that which the Bible calls the 'great sin': pride."
Here is his Angelus teaching about the danger of pride, including religious pride. Do visit the Zenit.org site regularly, as I do, as it is a treasure trove of Vatican reporting and Catholic perspectives.
http://www.zenit.org/article-21954?l=english
Benedict XVI Warns Against Blindness of Pride
Says Christ Comes as Light to Heal
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 2, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says that even religion can become part of man's tendency to construct ideological systems, but constructing these systems leads to the blindness of egotism.
The Pope affirmed this today before praying the midday Angelus with thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The Holy Father first noted that the Lenten liturgy is symbolic of baptism.
"Last Sunday Jesus promised the Samaritan woman the gift of 'living water'; today, healing the blind man, Jesus reveals himself as the 'light of the world'; next Sunday, resurrecting his friend Lazarus from the dead, he will present himself as 'the resurrection and the light,'" he said. "Water, light, life: These are symbols of baptism, the sacrament that 'immerses' believers in the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ, freeing them from the slavery of sin and granting them eternal life."
Then turning his attention to the reading from today's liturgy, the Pontiff discussed the story of the man born blind.
Benedict XVI recalled how Jesus affirmed that the man's blindness was not the consequence of his or his parents' sin, and said "What comfort these words offer us."
"They allow us to hear the living voice of God, who is provident and wise Love! Before the man marked by limitation and suffering Jesus does not think about possible faults, but about the will of God that created man for life," he said. "And he immediately takes action: With a little bit of earth and saliva he makes some mud and spreads it on the eyes of the blind man.
"This gesture alludes to the creation of man, which the Bible recounts with the symbol of earth that is formed and animated by the breath of God. 'Adam,' in fact, means 'soil,' and the human body is indeed composed of elements of the earth. Healing the man, Jesus brings about a new creation."
Rejection
The Pope noted how the healing provoked "heated debate" because Jesus cured the man on the Sabbath.
"Thus, at the end of the episode, Jesus and the blind man meet up again, both being chased out by the Pharisees: one because he violated the law and the other because, despite the healing, he remains marked as a sinner from birth," he said.
The Holy Father explained how Jesus goes on to associate blindness with pride.
"To the blind man whom he healed Jesus reveals that he has come into the world for judgment, to separate the blind who can be healed from those who do not allow themselves to be healed because they presume that they are healthy," he said. "The tendency in man to construct an ideological system of security is strong: Even religion itself can become an element in this system, as can atheism, or secularism; but in constructing this system, one becomes blind to his own egoism."
Benedict XVI concluded with an exhortation to "allow Jesus to heal us, Jesus who can and wants to give us the light of God! Let us confess our own blindnesses, our myopias, and above all that which the Bible calls the 'great sin': pride."
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Very pleased Saudi King visits Pope in Vatican
Here are his comments the evening before meeting the Pope, at an Italian state dinner given in his honor. Source is the Saudi Press Agency.
King Abdullah said:
Allah Almighty has bestowed on us the bounty of mentality so as to keep away from atheism, and urged us to believe in him. At the same time Allah Almighty has enabled us to differentiate between good and evil, and undoubtedlyall heavenly religions advocate to treat others in a good manner. If the people adhere to the principles of their religions and become obedient to the orders of Allah Almighty, then the world will be free from disputes and subsequently peace and stability will prevail in the entire world.
In each civilization there are bright sides, and if its sons adhere to these bright sides, then there will be no probability for conflict against other civilizations.It is high time to start a civilization dialogue that eradicates the evil ideas and restores to the mankind hope for a bright future.
King Abdullah added:
Since the establishment of the modern Saudi state, relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy have been characterized by friendly attitudes and cooperation.I hope my current visit will give an impetus to these relations in all fields.We do appreciate the stand of Italy vis-à-vis the Middle East crisis, and we do feel happy when we work together for reaching a fair settlement that preserves to all Arab and Israeli parties their just rights in line with the resolutions of their international legitimacy.
And here is the Saudi press release after the King's visit with the Pope.
http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/cdetails.php?id=497320&catid=9
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques visits Vatican's Pope
Rome, November 6, SPA--The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud paid a visit to Vatican's Pope Benedictus XVI at the papal headquarters in Rome today within the framework of the Monarch's current visit to Italy. The King and the Pope held a bilateral meeting during which they emphasized the importance of dialogue between religions and civilizations to promote tolerance on which all religions urge, to renounce violence and to achieve security, peace and stability for all peoples of the world.The King stressed that peoples are combined by common values and the best expression of these shared values came in religions. The Monarch affirmed that turning back to these values is a solution to the suffering of peoples of the plights of differences and conflicts and that adherence to these values embodies the good, tranquility and social harmony for the human being, his family, society and relation with others. The two sides also stressed that violence and terrorism have nothing to do with a religion or a homeland and that all nations and peoples should work together in confronting and eliminating this phenomenon.Then the King and the Pope exchanged memorial gifts on this occasion. Later, the King accompanied by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister paid a visit to Vatican's Secretary (Premier) Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. --SPA
King Abdullah said:
Allah Almighty has bestowed on us the bounty of mentality so as to keep away from atheism, and urged us to believe in him. At the same time Allah Almighty has enabled us to differentiate between good and evil, and undoubtedlyall heavenly religions advocate to treat others in a good manner. If the people adhere to the principles of their religions and become obedient to the orders of Allah Almighty, then the world will be free from disputes and subsequently peace and stability will prevail in the entire world.
In each civilization there are bright sides, and if its sons adhere to these bright sides, then there will be no probability for conflict against other civilizations.It is high time to start a civilization dialogue that eradicates the evil ideas and restores to the mankind hope for a bright future.
King Abdullah added:
Since the establishment of the modern Saudi state, relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy have been characterized by friendly attitudes and cooperation.I hope my current visit will give an impetus to these relations in all fields.We do appreciate the stand of Italy vis-à-vis the Middle East crisis, and we do feel happy when we work together for reaching a fair settlement that preserves to all Arab and Israeli parties their just rights in line with the resolutions of their international legitimacy.
And here is the Saudi press release after the King's visit with the Pope.
http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/cdetails.php?id=497320&catid=9
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques visits Vatican's Pope
Rome, November 6, SPA--The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud paid a visit to Vatican's Pope Benedictus XVI at the papal headquarters in Rome today within the framework of the Monarch's current visit to Italy. The King and the Pope held a bilateral meeting during which they emphasized the importance of dialogue between religions and civilizations to promote tolerance on which all religions urge, to renounce violence and to achieve security, peace and stability for all peoples of the world.The King stressed that peoples are combined by common values and the best expression of these shared values came in religions. The Monarch affirmed that turning back to these values is a solution to the suffering of peoples of the plights of differences and conflicts and that adherence to these values embodies the good, tranquility and social harmony for the human being, his family, society and relation with others. The two sides also stressed that violence and terrorism have nothing to do with a religion or a homeland and that all nations and peoples should work together in confronting and eliminating this phenomenon.Then the King and the Pope exchanged memorial gifts on this occasion. Later, the King accompanied by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister paid a visit to Vatican's Secretary (Premier) Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. --SPA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
