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Sunday, July 24, 2011

CATHOLIC NEWS WORLD: SUN. JULY 24, 2011











VATICAN: POPE: CONDOLENCES FOR VICTIMS IN NORWAY- ABANDON HATRED

TODAY'S MASS READINGS: 17th SUN. OF ORDINARY TIME/ YEAR A


RADIO VATICANA REPORT: Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday prayed for the victim’s of Friday terrorist attack in Norway, which took nearly 100 lives. Speaking after his Angelus in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father said, “Unfortunately, yet again, comes news of death and violence,” and expressed his deep sorrow. He reiterated a “grief-stricken” appeal to all to forever abandon the way of hatred and to flee from the logic of evil.

Before reciting the Angelus, the Pope reflected on the importance of one’s conscience is doing good and avoiding evil. He was speaking about the first reading from Sunday’s Mass, which spoke of King Solomon, who had prayed to God to give him a meek heart, meaning a developed conscience to determine between good and evil.


The Pope said, “Solomon’s example applies to everyone…The moral conscience presupposes a capacity to listen to the voice of truth, and to be meek towards its indications.”

“In reality,” Pope Benedict XVI said, “the true quality of our own life and that of society depends on a person’s rightly formed conscience, and on everyone’s capacity to recognise good, separating it from evil, and to try and bring it about patiently to contribute to the cause of justice and peace.”
http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=507047

The Holy Father added, “People called to political office naturally have more responsibilities, and thus, as Solomon teaches, need God’s help even more.”Below is the full text of the telegram sent on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI expressing his sorrow after Friday's terrorist attacks:


His Majesty King Harald V
King of Norway

Profoundly saddened by the news of the great loss of life caused by the acts of senseless violence perpetrated in Oslo and Utøya, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI offers fervent prayers for the victims and their families, invoking God’s peace upon the dead and divine consolation upon those who suffer. At this time of national grief he prays that all Norwegians will be spiritually united in a determined resolve to reject the ways of hatred and conflict and to work together fearlessly in shaping a future of mutual respect, solidarity and freedom for coming generations.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Secretary of State

EUROPE: NORWAY: PRAYERS AT CHURCH FOR VICTIMS WITH PM AND KING

JESUSCARITASEST.ORG REPORT: Prayers and services are being held globally today for the victims of the Norway bombing and shooting that took place on Friday, July 22. The attack claimed 93 lives and many injuries. King Harald V and his wife Queen Sonja attended service in the Lutheran cathedral of Oslo. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg was also in attendance. Hundreds gathered outside the cathedral in the square, covered in candles and flowers.

The Prime Minister said, that the two days since the attacks took place felt like "an eternity - hours, days, and nights filled with shock and angst and crying".

Oslo Cathedral's website has this message: "We want to focus on the Lord's receptiveness towards life and all expressions of life. We believe in the Holy in contact with the ordinary. We believe that there is a connection between The Holy and glorified God and the human pain, loneliness and distress. We believe in contrasts and in the light that shines through our cracks."(image source: samanthabf.tumblr)
The memorial service was attended by politicians, survivors and victims' family














(image source: deutschewelle )
LLL(image source: rfi)

AMERICA: USA: 19 YOUTH CONFERENCE REACHING THOUSANDS OF TEENS

FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY RELEASE: Nineteen conferences across the U.S. and Canada will root more than 38,000 teens in Christ this summer.

Posted: Thursday, June 23, 2011


CONFERENCE MULTI-MEDIA


Photo Gallery on Flickr.com

Click on the image to see more photos from the conference at our Flickr.com photostream.

High School Youth Conference 1 2011


Watch the 2011 High School Youth Conference Promotional Video

Rooted-HSY_Promo_Video_thumbnail

STEUBENVILLE, OH—Stefanick spoke to over 1700 teens, youth ministers, chaperones, priests, and religious, who packed Finnegan Fieldhouse June 17-19 for Franciscan University of Steubenville's first on-campus High School Youth Conference of the summer. Nearly 40,000 teens will attend Franciscan's conferences this summer in 11 states and Canada.

The weekend centered around Jesus Christ, present in the Eucharist at Mass and in adoration, and his Holy Spirit, speaking through God's Word in Scripture and the magisterial teaching of the Church to bring the life and love of the Father to every human heart.

A conference highlight was a quiz-show style contest to win free copies of the new international youth catechism, YouCat, made possible through a partnership with Ignatius Press.

Other highlights of the weekend included talks by former MTV personality and director of Internet Ministries for Life Teen Matt Smith, a concert with Catholic singer and songwriter Kelly Pease, and life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ, especially through the sacraments.

"Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and come to know him in a deeper way," said Bob Rice, leader of the music ministry at the University's summer conferences. "As beautiful as it is to adore Christ in the Eucharist, it's even more beautiful to receive him."

Many youth were moved throughout the weekend to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

For audio recordings of the main talks by conference speakers, visit the Franciscan University Bookstore Conference page.

Upcoming Franciscan University summer conferences for adults include the Applied Biblical Studies Conference (July 27-29) for those seeking a deeper knowledge and understanding of Scripture, and the Defending the Faith Conference (July 29-31), which focuses on Catholic apologetics. Find out more atFranciscan University of Steubenville Summer Conferences

http://www.franciscan.edu/News/2011/Teens_Rooted_in_Jesus_Christ/

AFRICA: NIGERIA: BISHOPS CALL ON PRESIDENT TO STOP BOKO HARAM

Agenzia Fides REPORT - The President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has ruled out the imposition of a state of emergency in the State of Borno, shocked by the violence of the Boko Haram sect. The Nigerian Head of State stressed that normality is gradually returning to the north-east State and that therefore the imposition of emergency measures is not necessary. Previously, the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria had launched an appeal to the President, as he is the maximum authority of State security, to undertake energetic action against the Boko Haram sect. In a statement signed by Fr Peter Okonkwo, Assistant Secretary of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Bishops urged the President to act before the violence of the sect causes a real interfaith crisis. The Bishops emphasize that the attacks on behalf of the Haram Boko sect are part of a clear attempt to destabilize the country, by exploiting religion. Meanwhile, divisions have emerged within the Boko Haram, with the establishment of a faction, Yusufiyya Islamic Movement, which has condemned the indiscriminate attacks against civilians. (L.M.)

AUSTRALIA: NATIONAL MARRIAGE DAY RALLY ON AUGUST 16

DIOCESE OF CANBERRA REPORT: “Don’t meddle with marriage” is the message that will be sent to all politicians on 16August at the National Marriage Day Rally.

From 10am to 12noon, people are invited to gather in the Great Hall of Parliament House to voice their opinion on proposed laws to permit same-sex marriage.

“In August 2004, Australians from all over crowded into the Great Hall of Parliament House, the Marble Foyer, the surrounding balconies and the Forecourt, demanding that marriage be protected and defined as a ‘union between one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’,” Australian Family Association national vice president Mary-Louise Fowler said.

“The message was heard and subsequently the Marriage Amendment Act 2004 was passed on 13August 2004, with support from both sides of politics.”

Since then however the debates about redefining marriage have remerged.

“Many people, including Christians, are confused and have been silenced for fear of offending homosexuals,” Ms Fowler said.

“The fight to defend the institution of marriage is not about homophobia. It is rather about preserving the integrity of marriage, which is naturally oriented to the bearing and nurturing of children.”

Rally participants are encouraged to dress in ruby and gold, the colours of National Marriage Day.

Rebecca Hagelin, from the United States, will deliver the rally’s keynote address, One Man, One Woman: the Future of Civil Society.

To register for the rally, or for more information, go to www.marriageday.org.au.

http://www.cg.catholic.org.au/news/view_article.cfm?id=495

ASIA: PAKISTAN: MUSLIM FORCED TO HIDE FOR MARRYING CHRISTIAN

ASIA NEWS REPORT: A couple comprising a Christian and a Muslim is forced to live hiding: society condemns their love, for an Islamic scholar it "is punishable by death." The bishop of Islamabad: "The State must defend them, or it will soon disappear."

Islamabad (AsiaNews) - The religious intolerance that is destroying Pakistan continues unabated. The latest case in point is that of a couple comprising a Christian and a Muslim, who married without the consent of the families of origin and are now forced to live on the run from one place to another for fear of violence. The bishop of Islamabad has defended them: "Marriage should be free. The state must guarantee them freedom of choice. "

The pair is composed of Asthma Zubaida, a Muslim, and Basharat Masih, a Christian. Both lived in the town of Gujranwala, where they met and fell in love: the first was a teacher in the local government school, while Masih was an official of the Department of the school administration. Without parental consent, they were married in September 2010: since then have started to receive frequent death threats forcing them to flee.

The newlyweds have sought police help. Malik Arif, a police officer, said: "We have been contacted for assistance, they claimed the situation was life threatening. In fact, their complaint explains that her family attacked Masih a couple of months ago, when they discovered the marriage. The attacks also targeted the family of Christians. " "They too have been forced to flee."

One of Masih’s relatives, anonymous for security reasons, said: "We have been threatened, our home came under attack, they have even arrived at throwing stones at us from the street That Basharat is obviously more at risk: they want him dead. We asked for help, but nobody paid any attention to us: neither the police nor the local politicians. " Despite the fact she gave police a statement confirming that the marriage took place without any constraint.

Maulana Muhammad Sultan Haider, a Muslim scholar in Islamabad says that this "does not change anything. Only a Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman, because it would water down future generations. I condemn this marriage, I call it illegal, these two could be killed for what they did. "

Diametrically opposed to the opinion of Mgr. Rufin Anthony, bishop of Islamabad and Rawalpindi: "This is a case of intolerance. Marriage is a sacrament between two people, others have nothing to do with it. A state that fails to guarantee its citizens freedom of choice, religious or family, will not survive long. Why should a Muslim girl not marry a non Muslim? Why do marriages with non-Muslims aim to convert. They see it as a great victory, but is only coercion”.

TODAY'S SAINT: JULY 24: ST. JOHN BOSTE

St. John Boste

PRIEST AND MARTYR

Feast: July 24



Information:

Feast Day:July 24
Born:1544 at Dufton, Westmoreland, England
Died:24 July 1594 at Dryburn near Durham, England
Canonized:1970 by Pope Paul VI

Priest and martyr, b. of good Catholic family at Dufton, in Westmoreland, about 1544; d. at Durham, 24 July, 1594. He studied at Queen's College, Oxford, 1569-72, became a Fellow, and was received into the Church at Brome, in Suffolk, in 1576. Resigning his Fellowship in 1580, he went to Reims, where he was ordained priest, 4 March, 1581, and in April was sent to England. He landed at Hartlepool and became a most zealous missioner, so that the persecutors made extraordinary efforts to capture him. At last, after many narrow escapes, he was taken to Waterhouses, the house of William Claxton, near Durham, betrayed by one Eglesfield [or Ecclesfield], 5 July, 1593. The place is still visited by Catholics. From Durham he was conveyed to London, showing himself throughout "resolute, bold, joyful, and pleasant", although terribly racked in the Tower. Sent back to Durham for the July Assizes, 1594, he behaved with undaunted courage and resolution, and induced his fellow-martyr, Bl. George Swalwell [or Swallowell], a convert minister, who had recanted through fear, to repent of his cowardice, absolving him publicly in court. He suffered at Dryburn, outside Durham. He recited the Angelus while mounting the ladder, and was executed with extraordinary brutality; for he was scarcely turned off the ladder when he was cut down, so that he stood on his feet, and in thatposture was cruelly butchered alive. An account of his trial and execution was written by an eye-witness, Venerable Christopher Robinson, who suffered martyrdom shortly afterwards at Carlisle.

[Note: In 1970, John Boste was canonized by Pope Paul VI among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, whose joint feast day is kept on 25 October.]



source: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnboste.asp#ixzz1T1nf4w79

TODAY'S MASS READINGS: 17th SUN. OF ORDINARY TIME/ YEAR A

1 Kings 3: 5, 7 - 12
5At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask what I shall give you."
7And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people whom thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude.
9Give thy servant therefore an understanding mind to govern thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to govern this thy great people?"
10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.
11And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,
12behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.
Psalms 119: 57, 72, 76 - 77, 127 - 130
57The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep thy words.
72The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
76Let thy steadfast love be ready to comfort me according to thy promise to thy servant.
77Let thy mercy come to me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight.
127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, above fine gold.
128Therefore I direct my steps by all thy precepts; I hate every false way.
129Thy testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
130The unfolding of thy words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Romans 8: 28 - 30
28We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.
29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren.
30And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Matthew 13: 44 - 52
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,
46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
47"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind;
48when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad.
49So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous,
50and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.
51"Have you understood all this?" They said to him, "Yes."
52And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."