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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

CATHOLIC NEWS WORLD: MON. JAN. 10, 2011














CATHOLIC NEWS WORLD: MON. DEC. 10, 2011: headlines-

AMERICA: USA: BISHOPS OFFER PRAYERS FOR VICTIMS FAMILIES

AFRICA: NIGERIA: MISSIONARY PRIEST CALLS FOR PEACE AND UNITY

EUROPE: GREAT BRITAIN: ARCHBISHOP NICHOLS ISSUES STATEMENT ON ORDINATION

AUSTRALIA: CHURCH WELCOMES FAIRER REFUGEE ASSESSMENT

TODAY'S SAINT: JAN. 11: ST. WILLIAM OF BOURGES

TODAY'S GOSPEL: JAN. 10: MARK 1: 14- 20



MASS TO MARK THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE

VATICAN CITY, 8 JAN 2011 (VIS REPORTS) - At 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday 12 January in the papal basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. will preside at a Eucharistic celebration to commemorate the first anniversary of the Haitian earthquake.

According to a communique "the initiative to hold a commemorative Mass for the victims of the terrible earthquake was promoted by the Haitian ambassador to the Holy See. Members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See and other diplomats present in Rome have been invited to attend".

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IMAGE SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, 8 JAN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

- Cardinal Mare Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

- Cardinal Claudio Hummes O.F.M., prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy.

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COLLABORATION BETWEEN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND FAMILY

VATICAN CITY, 9 JAN 2011 (VIS) - As is customary on today's Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, this morning in the Sistine Chapel the Pope presided at the celebration of the Eucharist during which he baptised twenty-one newborn boys and girls, children of employees of the Vatican and the Holy See.

In his homily the Pope explained how Baptism makes its recipients part of "the reciprocal exchange of love that exists in God between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. By the gesture that I am about to perform", he said, "the love of God flows over them inundating them with His gifts. Through the washing of the water your children are made part of the life of Jesus, Who died on the cross to free us from sin and, rising again, defeated death".

"By giving us the faith, the Lord gave us the most precious thing in life: the most authentic and most beautiful reason to live. ... The faith is a great gift with which He also gives us eternal life, which is true life. ... By receiving Baptism, these children are given an indelible spiritual seal, the 'character' which will exist forever as an interior mark of the fact that they belong to the Lord, and which makes them living members of His mystical body which is the Church. In becoming part of the People of God, a journey begins for these children today, which should be a journey of sanctity and conformity to Jesus. He is placed within them like the seed of a magnificent tree which must be allowed to grow".

"Of course", the Pope went on, "a free and informed adherence to this life of faith and love will later become necessary, and this is why, following Baptism, children must be educated in the faith, instructed in accordance with the wisdom of Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Church so that the seed of faith they receive today may grow within them and they may achieve full Christian maturity.

"The Church", he added, "which today welcomes them among her children must, with the parents and godparents, take on the responsibility of accompanying them on this journey of development. Collaboration between the Christian community and the family is more necessary than ever in the current social context in which the institution of the family is threatened on many sides and finds itself having to face no small number of difficulties in its mission to educate in the faith. The collapse of stable points of cultural reference and the rapid and continual transformation of society make the task of education truly difficult. Hence it is necessary that parishes make every effort to support families, small domestic Churches, in their duty to transmit the faith", the Holy Father concluded.

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REDISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF BAPTISM

VATICAN CITY, 9 JAN 2011 (VIS) - At midday today, following this morning's celebration in the Sistine Chapel during which he baptised a number of newborn infants, the Pope appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with several thousand pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square below.

The Holy Father explained how today's Feast of the Baptism of the Lord ends the liturgical period of Christmas. "This mystery of Christ's life", he said, "is a visible sign that His assuming the flesh was the sublime act of love of the three divine Persons. We can say that after this solemn event the creative, redemptory and sanctifying action of the Most Holy Trinity became increasingly manifest in the public mission of Jesus, in His teaching and miracles, in His passion, death and resurrection".

"It is truly the Messiah, Son of the Most High God, Who, emerging from the waters of the River Jordan, establishes regeneration in the Spirit and opens, for those who wish, the possibility of becoming children of God. It is, indeed, no coincidence that each baptised person acquires the status of child on the basis of a Christian name, an unmistakeable sign that the Holy Spirit causes man to be 'born again' in the bosom of the Church".

Benedict XVI highlighted how "Baptism is the beginning of spiritual life, which reaches fullness through the Church. At the moment of the Sacrament, while the ecclesial community prays and commends a new child to God, the parents and godparents undertake to welcome the neo-baptised and to support it in its formation and Christian education. This is a great responsibility, which derives from a great gift! Therefore, I wish to encourage all the faithful to rediscover the beauty of being baptised and thus of belonging to the great family of God, and to bear joyful witness to their faith that it may generate fruits of goodness and harmony".

Following the Marian prayer, the Pope mentioned "the people of Haiti a year after the great earthquake which was, alas, followed by a serious cholera epidemic. Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' will travel to the Caribbean island today to express my constant proximity, and that of the entire Church".

The Holy Father then turned to address a group of Italian parliamentarians whom he thanked "for their commitment, and that of their colleagues, in support of religious freedom. With them I also greet the Coptic faithful, who are present here today and to whom I renew expressions of my closeness", he concluded.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, 9 JAN 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga of the clergy of the diocese of Mbeya, Tanzania, assistant professor at St. Augustine's university of Tanzania, as bishop of Dodoma (area 41,311, population 1,951,000, Catholics 407,000, priests 106, religious 605), Tanzania. The bishop-elect was born in Bunda, Tanzania in 1966 and ordained a priest in 1996.

On Saturday 8 January it was made public that he appointed:

- Msgr. Antonio Guido Filipazzi, nunciature counsellor, as apostolic nuncio, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Melzo, Italy in 1963 and ordained a priest in 1987.

- Msgr. Edgar Pena Parra, nunciature counsellor, as apostolic nuncio, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1985.

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HOLY FATHER'S ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS

VATICAN CITY, 10 JAN 2011 (VIS) - This morning in the Sala Regia of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, Pope Benedict pronounced his traditional annual address to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See. He also received the greetings of the ambassadors formulated in a speech delivered by Alejandro Emilio Valladares Lanza of Honduras and dean of the diplomatic corps.

The Holy See currently maintains full diplomatic relations with 178 States, to which must be added the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It also has relations of a special nature with the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

Furthermore, the Holy See has observer-State status at the United Nations, as well as being a member of seven organisations and agencies of the UN system, observer in eight others, and member or observer in five regional organisations.

Ample extracts of the Holy Father's address are give below:

"Humanity throughout history, in its beliefs and rituals, demonstrates a constant search for God and 'these forms of religious expression are so universal that one may well call man a religious being'. The religious dimension is an undeniable and irrepressible feature of man's being and acting, the measure of the fulfilment of his destiny and of the building up of the community to which he belongs. Consequently, when the individual himself or those around him neglect or deny this fundamental dimension, imbalances and conflicts arise at all levels, both personal and interpersonal".

"The right to religious freedom, ... is indeed the first of human rights, not only because it was historically the first to be recognised but also because it touches the constitutive dimension of man, his relation with his Creator. Yet is this fundamental human right not all too often called into question or violated? It seems to me that society, its leaders and public opinion are becoming more and more aware, even if not always in a clear way, of this grave attack on the dignity and freedom of 'homo religiosus', which I have sought on numerous occasions to draw to the attention of all".

"The Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, which took place in the Vatican in October, was a moment of prayer and reflection in which our thoughts turned insistently to the Christian communities in that part of the world which suffer greatly because of their fidelity to Christ and the Church.

"Looking to the East, the attacks which brought death, grief and dismay among the Christians of Iraq, even to the point of inducing them to leave the land where their families have lived for centuries, has troubled us deeply. To the authorities of that country and to the Muslim religious leaders I renew my heartfelt appeal that their Christian fellow-citizens be able to live in security, continuing to contribute to the society in which they are fully members. In Egypt too, in Alexandria, terrorism brutally struck Christians as they prayed in church. This succession of attacks is yet another sign of the urgent need for the governments of the region to adopt, in spite of difficulties and dangers, effective measures for the protection of religious minorities"

"I appreciate the concern for the rights of the most vulnerable and the political farsightedness which some countries in Europe have demonstrated in recent days by their call for a concerted response on the part of the European Union for the defence of Christians in the Middle East.

"Finally, I would like to state once again that the right to religious freedom is not fully respected when only freedom of worship is guaranteed, and that with restrictions. Furthermore, I encourage the accompaniment of the full safeguarding of religious freedom and other humans rights by programmes which, beginning in primary school and within the context of religious instruction, will educate everyone to respect their brothers and sisters in humanity.

"Regarding the states of the Arabian Peninsula, where numerous Christian immigrant workers live, I hope that the Catholic Church will be able to establish suitable pastoral structures.

"Among the norms prejudicing the right of persons to religious freedom, particular mention must be made of the law against blasphemy in Pakistan: I once more encourage the leaders of that country to take the necessary steps to abrogate that law, all the more so because it is clear that it serves as a pretext for acts of injustice and violence against religious minorities. The tragic murder of the governor of Punjab shows the urgent need to make progress in this direction: the worship of God furthers fraternity and love, not hatred and division. Other troubling situations, at times accompanied by acts of violence, can be mentioned in south and south-east Asia, in countries which for that matter have a tradition of peaceful social relations.

"The particular influence of a given religion in a nation ought never to mean that citizens of another religion can be subject to discrimination in social life or, even worse, that violence against them can be tolerated. In this regard, it is important for inter-religious dialogue to favour a common commitment to recognising and promoting the religious freedom of each person and community. And, as I remarked earlier, violence against Christians does not spare Africa. Attacks on places of worship in Nigeria during the very celebrations marking the birth of Christ are another sad proof of this.

"In a number of countries, on the other hand, a constitutionally recognised right to religious freedom exists, yet the life of religious communities is in fact made difficult and at times even dangerous because the legal or social order is inspired by philosophical and political systems which call for strict control, if not a monopoly, of the State over society. Such inconsistencies must end, so that believers will not find themselves torn between fidelity to God and loyalty to their country. I ask in particular that Catholic communities be everywhere guaranteed full autonomy of organisation and the freedom to carry out their mission, in conformity with international norms and standards in this sphere. My thoughts turn once again to the Catholic community of mainland China and its pastors, who are experiencing a time of difficulty and trial. I would also like to offer a word of encouragement to the authorities of Cuba, a country which in 2010 celebrated seventy-five years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations with the Holy See, that the dialogue happily begun with the Church may be reinforced and expanded.

"Turning our gaze from East to West, we find ourselves faced with other kinds of threats to the full exercise of religious freedom. I think in the first place of countries which accord great importance to pluralism and tolerance, but where religion is increasingly being marginalised. There is a tendency to consider religion, all religion, as something insignificant, alien or even destabilising to modern society, and to attempt by different means to prevent it from having any influence on the life of society. Christians are even required at times to act in the exercise of their profession with no reference to their religious and moral convictions, and even in opposition to them, as for example where laws are enforced limiting the right to conscientious objection on the part of health care or legal professionals.

"In this context, one can only be gratified by the adoption by the Council of Europe last October of a resolution protecting the right to conscientious objection on the part of medical personnel vis-a-vis certain acts which gravely violate the right to life, such as abortion.

"Another sign of the marginalisation of religion, and of Christianity in particular, is the banning of religious feasts and symbols from civic life under the guise of respect for the members of other religions or those who are not believers. By acting in this way, not only is the right of believers to the public expression of their faith restricted, but an attack is made on the cultural roots which nourish the profound identity and social cohesion of many nations. Last year, a number of European countries supported the appeal lodged by the Italian government in the well-known case involving the display of the crucifix in public places. I am grateful to the authorities of those nations, as well as to all those who became involved in the issue, episcopates, civil and religious organisations and associations, particularly the Patriarchate of Moscow and the other representatives of the Orthodox hierarchy, as well as to all those - believers and non-believers alike - who wished to show their sympathy for this symbol, which bespeaks universal values.

"Acknowledging religious freedom also means ensuring that religious communities can operate freely in society through initiatives in the social, charitable or educational sectors. Throughout the world, one can see the fruitful work accomplished by the Catholic Church in these areas. It is troubling that this service which religious communities render to society as a whole, particularly through the education of young people, is compromised or hampered by legislative proposals which risk creating a sort of State monopoly in the schools; this can be seen, for example, in certain countries in Latin America. Now that many of those countries are celebrating the second centenary of their independence - a fitting time for remembering the contribution made by the Catholic Church to the development of their national identity - I exhort all governments to promote educational systems respectful of the primordial right of families to make decisions about the education of their children, systems inspired by the principle of subsidiarity which is basic to the organisation of a just society.

"Continuing my reflection, I cannot remain silent about another attack on the religious freedom of families in certain European countries which mandate obligatory participation in courses of sexual or civic education which allegedly convey a neutral conception of the person and of life, yet in fact reflect an anthropology opposed to faith and to right reason".

"On this solemn occasion, allow me to state clearly several principles which inspire the Holy See, together with the whole Catholic Church, in its activity within the intergovernmental international organisations for the promotion of full respect for the religious freedom of all. First, the conviction that one cannot create a sort of scale of degrees of religious intolerance. Unfortunately, such an attitude is frequently found, and it is precisely acts of discrimination against Christians which are considered less grave and less worthy of attention on the part of governments and public opinion. At the same time, there is a need to reject the dangerous notion of a conflict between the right to religious freedom and other human rights, thus disregarding or denying the central role of respect for religious freedom in the defence and protection of fundamental human dignity. Even less justifiable are attempts to counter the right of religious freedom with other alleged new rights which, while actively promoted by certain sectors of society and inserted in national legislation or in international directives, are nonetheless merely the expression of selfish desires lacking a foundation in authentic human nature. Finally, it seems unnecessary to point out that an abstract proclamation of religious freedom is insufficient: this fundamental rule of social life must find application and respect at every level and in all areas".

"Promoting the full religious freedom of Catholic communities is also the aim of the Holy See in signing Concordats and other agreements. I am gratified that States in different parts of the world, and of different religious, cultural and juridical traditions, choose international conventions as a means of organising relations between the political community and the Catholic Church, thus establishing through dialogue a framework of co-operation and respect for reciprocal areas of competence. Last year witnessed the signing and implementation of an agreement for the religious assistance of the Catholic faithful in the armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and negotiations are presently under way with different countries. We trust that they will have a positive outcome, ensuring solutions respectful of the nature and freedom of the Church for the good of society as a whole.

"The activity of the papal representatives accredited to States and international organisations is likewise at the service of religious freedom. I would like to point out with satisfaction that the Vietnamese authorities have accepted my appointment of a representative who will express the solicitude of the Successor of Peter by visiting the beloved Catholic community of that country. I would also like to mention that in the past year the diplomatic presence of the Holy See was expanded in Africa, since a stable presence is now assured in three countries without a resident nuncio. God willing, I will once more travel to that continent, to Benin next November, in order to consign the Apostolic Exhortation which will gather the fruits of the labours of the second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops".

"I would like once more to state forcefully that religion does not represent a problem for society, that it is not a source of discord or conflict. I would repeat that the Church seeks no privileges, nor does she seek to intervene in areas unrelated to her mission, but simply to exercise the latter with freedom. I invite everyone to acknowledge the great lesson of history: 'How can anyone deny the contribution of the world's great religions to the development of civilisation? The sincere search for God has led to greater respect for human dignity. Christian communities, with their patrimony of values and principles, have contributed much to making individuals and peoples aware of their identity and their dignity, the establishment of democratic institutions and the recognition of human rights and their corresponding duties. Today too, in an increasingly globalised society, Christians are called, not only through their responsible involvement in civic, economic and political life but also through the witness of their charity and faith, to offer a valuable contribution to the laborious and stimulating pursuit of justice, integral human development and the right ordering of human affairs'.

A clear example of this was Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta: the centenary of her birth was celebrated at Tirana, Skopje and Pristina as well as in India, and a moving homage was paid to her not only by the Church but also by civil authorities and religious leaders, to say nothing of people of all religions. People like her show the world the extent to which the commitment born of faith is beneficial to society as a whole.

"May no human society willingly deprive itself of the essential contribution of religious persons and communities! ... For this reason, as we exchange good wishes for a new year rich in concord and genuine progress, I exhort everyone, political and religious leaders and persons of every walk of life, to set out with determination on the path leading to authentic and lasting peace, a path which passes through respect for the right to religious freedom in all its fullness".

AMERICA: USA: BISHOPS OFFER PRAYERS FOR VICTIMS FAMILIES

Archbishop Dolan Calls for Prayers, Greater Respect for Human Life in Wake of Arizona Shooting

USCCB REPORT: WASHINGTON -- (January 10, 2011) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) renewed their call for respect for human life, as the nation mourned for those affected by the shooting that killed six, including John M. Roll, the chief judge for the United States District Court for Arizona, and wounded at least a dozen others, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The incident occurred on the morning of January 8, when Giffords was meeting with constituents outside a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona.

“Our prayers and concern are with those most immediately affected by this violence,” said Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the USCCB. “We commend to God those who have died and we pray for the families who lost loved ones and for those who are suffering from their wounds. We also pray for the person who committed these acts and those who are responsible for his care.”

“While we as bishops are also concerned about the wider implications of the Tucson incident, we caution against drawing any hasty conclusions about the motives of the assailant until we know more from law enforcement authorities.” Archbishop Dolan said. “Violence of any kind must be condemned. When the target of a violent act is a public official, it shakes the confidence of the nation in its ability to protect its leaders and those who want to participate in the democratic process. As bishops we call once more for respect for the life and dignity of every person as we work together for the common good, seeking to address the various social and political issues that face us as a nation.”
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Keywords: Archbishop Timothy Dolan, president, bishops, USCCB, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, statement, prayers, shooting, violence, respect, human life, Representative Gabrielle Giffords, Judge John M. Roll, Tucson, Arizona

http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-006.shtml

AFRICA: NIGERIA: MISSIONARY PRIEST CALLS FOR PEACE AND UNITY

ALL AFRICA REPORT: Rev. Fr. Patrick Kwis-SMA of the Society of Missionary of Africa, a Catholic religious group, on Sunday urged Christians and Muslims not to compromise the peace and unity of the country.

Kwis-SMA, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that both religions preach peace, unity and tolerance.

He called on religious leaders to educate their followers, especially the youths about the sacredness of life and mutual benefits of peaceful co-existence.

"Christians and Muslims must do everything possible to put a stop to incessant killing of innocent Nigerians who are the pride of the nation," Kwis-SMA said.

He said the Federal Government should ensure security of lives and property and that those found guilty of killing in the country must be punished.

The cleric also called on the Federal Government to carry out thorough investigation into the various bomb blasts in the country.

"Thorough investigations must be started and after the findings, whoever is indicted should be tried accordingly," he said.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201101101461.html

EUROPE: GREAT BRITAIN: ARCHBISHOP NICHOLS ISSUES STATEMENT ON ORDINATION

ICN REPORT:
Archbishop Nichols statement on Ordination of Anglican Bishops, Personal Ordinariate | Archbishop Vincent Nichols,  President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, Ordination, former Anglican, Personal Ordinariate.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales has issued the following statement on the Ordination to Catholic Priesthood of three former Anglican bishops and the establishment in England and Wales of a Personal Ordinariate.

On Saturday 15 January, it will be my privilege to ordain John Broadhurst, Andrew Burnham and Keith Newton to priesthood in the Catholic Church. This ceremony will take place in Westminster Cathedral.

On or before this date, I expect the Holy See to announce the establishment of the first Ordinariate for groups of former Anglicans and their clergy who seek full communion in the Catholic Church. The three men ordained on Saturday will be the first priests of this Ordinariate.

This is a unique moment and the Catholic community in England and Wales is privileged to be playing its part in this historic development in the life of the Universal Church.

We offer a warm welcome to these three former bishops of the Church of England. We welcome those who wish to join them in full communion with the Pope in the visible unity of the Catholic Church. We recognise the journey they are making with its painful departures and its uncertainties. We salute their depth of searching prayer and the desire which leads them to seek to live within the community of the Catholic Church under the ministry of the Bishop of Rome. This is the faith we share.

We are deeply grateful for the depth of the relationship which exists here between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. This firm, positive and on-going relationship is the context for Saturday's important initiative. We are grateful, too, for the sensitive leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He graciously acknowledges the integrity of those seeking to join the Ordinariate and has assured them of his prayers. This is the noble spirit of true ecumenism between the followers of Christ.

Pope Benedict has made clear his own intentions: that the Ordinariate can serve the wider cause of visible unity between our two churches by demonstrating in practice the extent to which we have so much to give to each other in our common service of the Lord. With this in mind he describes this step as 'a prophetic gesture.'

With great trust in the Lord, we look forward to Saturday, to the new phase of Church life it brings and we ask God's blessing on its future development.

Source: CCN

http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=17437

ASIA: CHINA: APPROVED ARCHBISHOP TO BE ORDAINED BY POPE

UCAN REPORT: The new secretary of the Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples, Archbishop-elect Savio Hon Tai-fai, will be ordained by Pope Benedict XVI on Feb. 5, the third day of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The pope will ordain him, two apostolic nuncios and two other secretaries of the Vatican dicasteries together in Rome.

The Salesian family here will organize a delegation to Rome.

Archbishop-elect Hon to be ordained by pope thumbnail
Archbishop-elect Savio Hon Tai-fai (left) and Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun attend a farewell gathering on Jan.
On Jan. 9, about 400 local Catholics bid an early farewell to the archbishop-elect with a Mass, a get-together and a dinner. Another gathering is scheduled for Jan. 15.

Some Catholics have expressed hopes that the archbishop-elect could help improve China-Vatican relations and be pro-active in investigating mainland China’s bishop candidates as the congregation he serves is responsible for missionary work and has jurisdiction over the Church in China.

As a Chinese priest assuming the most senior post ever in the Roman Curia, Archbishop-elect Hon told ucanews.com recently that he has felt “pressure every day” since the announcement on Dec. 23.

“I’m reluctant to leave my hometown and take the Vatican post, but I will devote every effort to follow God’s will,” he said.

He said he would pray for “humility to put down oneself, wisdom to discern God’s will, patience to respect the others’ pace, joy to share with others, strength to complete his duty, charity to treat the others well and perseverance to seek the Church’s greatest interests.”

He admitted that his teacher and confrere Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun’s deep insight and sense of justice had inspired him.

“We should respect the underground Catholics who have been loyal to their faith and understand the value of their existence,” he said.

“It is too hasty and one-sided to ask them to join the ‘open’ Church because of problem in priestly formation and other difficulties that they encounter.”

On guarding Church principles such as bishop ordination without papal approval, “I am a hardliner,” he said.

After his ordination, Archbishop-elect Hon will return to Hong Kong for celebrations on Feb. 19 and 20. “I hope to share the joy also with the mainland Catholics,” he noted.

The 60-year-old archbishop-elect was invited to teach at mainland seminaries and give spiritual guidance to students occasionally from early 1990s to 2003. In recent years, he occasionally gave lectures for mainland priests.

http://www.ucanews.com/2011/01/11/archbishop-elect-hon-to-be-ordained-by-pope/

AUSTRALIA: CHURCH WELCOMES FAIRER REFUGEE ASSESSMENT

Cath. Bishops Conf. of Australia: Media Release 10 January 2011 Catholic Church welcomes faster and fairer refugee assessment process
The Catholic Church welcomes the announcement by Immigration Minister Chris Bowen on changes which would make the assessment process for refugees and asylum seekers faster and fairer.
A more efficient and streamlined process would ensure refugee claims are assessed without excess amounts of time spent in detention, while maintaining a rigorous assessment of each claim.
Bishop Eugene Hurley of the Bishops Commission for Pastoral Life said that the changes are an important step toward achieving fairer outcomes for those seeking asylum in Australia.
“The announcement by the Minister resulting from the High Court decision last November represents a new era of justice for refugees which was sorely needed. It seems that these changes, if implemented well, will ensure the integrity of procedural fairness will be upheld”, he said.
Director of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) Fr Maurizio Pettena CS sees the new changes as an opportunity to move closer towards onshore processing of claims which would ensure access to the Courts is met with sufficient access to legal representation.
“Offshore detention should be a policy choice of last resort due to the negative impacts on the mental health of refugees. The majority of refugees arrive in a state of trauma which is often escalated by the isolation of detention and the uncertainty of not knowing if and when their claim for protection will be processed”, he said.
The Church hopes that this newly announced position which was made in response to last year’s High Court decision will be one which respects and upholds the human dignity of those seeking safety in this country.
For media enquiries please contact Fr Maurizio Pettena 0427 667 648, Joe Moloney (02) 6201 9895 or Beth Doherty 0407 081 256.

TODAY'S SAINT: JAN. 11: ST. WILLIAM OF BOURGES

St. William of Bourges

CISTERCIAN BISHOP

Feast: January 10



Information:

Feast Day:January 10
Born:

12th century in Nevers, France

Died:10 January 1209 at Bourges, France
Canonized:17 May 1217 by Pope Honorius III

Ciscertian bishop, also called William of Dongeon. He was born at Nevers, France, and studied under his uncle, Peter, the archdeacon of Soissons, before receiving ordination and appointment as a cannon of Soissons. He helpd the same post in Paris adn then entered the monastery of Grandmont, transferring to the Cistercian community at Pontigny. In succeeding years, he was abbot of Fontaine-Jean, in Sens; abbot of Chalis, near Senlis; and bishop of Bourges, receiving consecration in 1200. The last office he was compelled to take at the behest of Pope Innocent III (r. 1198-1216). As bishop, he distinguished himself by his austerities, concern for the poor, the defense of the rights of the Church against the French crown, and his success in converting many members of the Albigensian heresy. He was canonized by Pope Honorius III (r. 1216-1227).

TODAY'S GOSPEL: JAN. 10: MARK 1: 14- 20

Mark 1: 14 - 20
14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."16And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.17And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."18And immediately they left their nets and followed him.19And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets.20And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb'edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.

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