Fiji Catholic Women's League in Savusavu this Year 2011

Catholic women converge

Salaseini Vosamana
Wednesday, August 24, 2011

MORE than 1500 Catholic women nationwide are expected to converge at St Andrews Parish in Savarekareka, Savusavu, this weekend for their annual conference.

The women will elect new office bearers and discuss development plans for the Catholic Women's League.

League president Susana Evening said the women from the 35 parishes throughout the country had anticipated the three-day event to fundraise and socialise with other parishioners.

Delegates are expected to start arriving today and the function starts on Friday.

"We will be discussing issues such as child protection, human trafficking, sexual assault and foremost we'll be fundraising to raise funds for our organisation. Part of the funds collected will also be directed to the Archbishop Petero Mataca to assist the seminarians with their education."

Holy Family Catholic Women's League president Selina Lee Wah said women would showcase some of their handicraft at the craft exhibition on Saturday to promote the talents and skills they have.

"Apart from the workshop and the fundraising drive, the meeting will also see to the enhancement of our individual spiritual growth. The Northern women are looking forward to a better celebration this year and we encourage the participation of more women because this meet only happens once in a year," Ms Lee Wah said.

Take The World Youth Day Experience Back Home, Says Pope Benedict

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 21 (CNA/EWTN News) - Pope Benedict XVI left Spain on the evening of August 21, after giving a challenge to the million-plus young people who came to World Youth Day in Madrid over the past six days.

"Now I ask you to spread throughout the world the profound and joyful experience of faith which you had here in this noble country," said the Pope, on the tarmac at Madrid's Barajas Airport.

"By your closeness and your witness, help your friends to discover that loving Christ means living life to the full."

Pope Benedict led nine events during his four-day visit for World Youth Day. The peak moment was Sunday's Mass at Cuarto Vientos airbase, with a congregation said to contain up to 2 million people.

Spain's King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia came to Barajas to bid the Pope farewell on behalf of the Spanish nation.

"Holiness, you have addressed words of love and hope, encouragement and confidence to a youth that treasures values like solidarity," said King Juan Carlos.

"I give the most heartfelt thanks for your visit to Spain. Thank you for the hope and the vision that you have given to our youth."

In response, the Pope told them that "Spain is a great nation whose soundly open, pluralistic and respectful society is capable of moving forward without surrendering its profoundly religious and Catholic soul."

The Pope thanked World Youth Day 2011's organizers, giving special mention to Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Madrid's Cardinal Archbishop Antonio Rouco Varela; and the event's General Coordinator, Monsignor Cesar Augusto Franco Martinez.

About two hundred young people got to come onto the tarmac to wave goodbye to the Pope. As with his arrival at the same location, he was "protected" by a line of mini-Swiss Guards, Spanish schoolboys dressed in the uniforms of the illustrious Vatican army.

"I leave Spain very happy and grateful to everyone," said the Pope.

"But above all I am grateful to God, our Lord, who allowed me to celebrate these days so filled with enthusiasm and grace, so charged with dynamism and hope."

He said the past week's "feast of faith" should inspire "great confidence" in God's love and care, keeping the Church "young and full of life, even as she confronts challenging situations."

"This is the work of the Holy Spirit, who makes Jesus Christ present in the hearts of young people in every age and shows them the grandeur of the divine vocation given to every man and woman."

The Pope said that young people respond when "one proposes to them, in sincerity and truth, an encounter with Jesus Christ, the one redeemer of humanity."

He concluded by urging the bishops of the world, and teachers of the faith at every level, to build on the lessons that young people have received in Madrid.

"Do not be afraid to present to young people the message of Jesus Christ in all its integrity, and to invite them to celebrate the sacraments by which he gives us a share in his own life."

The Pope then departed on his chartered Alitalia flight which will return him to Rome this evening.

And so ended World Youth Day 2011. Its effects around the world may have just begun.

At Closing Mass, Pope Tells Youth To Follow Christ Through His Church

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 21 (CNA/EWTN News) -
Pope Benedict XVI told over a million young pilgrims to World Youth Day that the best way to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is through the Catholic Church.

"Following Jesus in faith means walking at his side in the communion of the Church. We cannot follow Jesus on our own," he said in his homily at the event's closing Mass at Cuarto Vientos airbase on the outskirts of Madrid.

"Anyone who would be tempted to do so 'on his own,' or to approach the life of faith with the kind of individualism so prevalent today, will risk never truly encountering Jesus, or will end up following a counterfeit Jesus."

The Pope delivered his sermon in the searing heat of the morning, a contrast to the thunderstorm he'd endured during a prayer vigil at the same venue the night before.

"I hope you were able to sleep a bit," said the Pope to the young people just before Mass. He encouraged them to leave Madrid "firm in the faith," in keeping with the event's theme of becoming strongly rooted in Christ.

Remarkably, the young pilgrims seemed unfazed by both extremes of weather, greeting the Pope's arrival with a sea of world flags and cheers of "El Papa! Viva!"

The Pope drew his message from the day's Gospel reading, in which St. Peter responds to Jesus's question "Who do you say that I am?" with the answer, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Christ, in turn, proclaims: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it."

"The Church, then, is not simply a human institution, like any other. Rather, she is closely joined to God," said the Pope.

"Christ himself speaks of her as 'his' Church. Christ cannot be separated from the Church any more than the head can be separated from the body. The Church does not draw her life from herself, but from the Lord."

In the presence of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia of Spain, the Pope said the Catholic Church is the answer to a question that often arises today.

"There are many people today who feel attracted by the figure of Christ and want to know him better," realizing that "he is the answer to so many of our deepest concerns. But who is he really? How can someone who lived on this earth so long ago have anything in common with me today?"

The answer, said the Pope, was Christ's presence continuing through history in the Catholic Church.

The universality of that Church showed throughout the Mass, with readings and prayers delivered in an array of languages including Spanish, Italian, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and the Church's traditional Latin. In fact, like many World Youth Day events, the Papal liturgy combined traditional and more modern Catholic elements.

The Pope told young people that they, like Peter, "have been given the extraordinary task of being disciples and missionaries of Christ" - in their case, missionaries to their peers who "are looking for something greater and, because their heart tells them that more authentic values do exist, they do not let themselves be seduced by the empty promises of a lifestyle which has no room for God."

"The world needs the witness of your faith, it surely needs God," said the Pope, "I think that the presence here of so many young people, coming from all over the world, is a wonderful proof of the fruitfulness of Christ's command to the Church: 'Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.'"

The only disappointment for many pilgrims was that most were unable to receive Communion during Mass. This was due to the fact that many of the 17 Eucharistic chapels around the venue had blown down in last night's storm while others had to be dismantled due to safety fears.

Pope Benedict ended by telling the young people that he prayed for them "with heartfelt affection," that they would "grow in holiness of life" and "be effective witnesses to the truth that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God, the savior of all mankind and the living source of our hope. Amen."

Pope Braves Lightning Storm To Teach 1 Million Young Pilgrims

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 20 (CNA/EWTN News) -
In some of the most extraordinary scenes witnessed at any recent Papal event, Pope Benedict XVI braved thunder, lighting and driving rain to tell young people to stay close to Christ as they make their way in life.

"Be proud of the gift of faith which you have received, as it will illumine your life at every moment," said the Pope to over a million young people gathered for a prayer vigil at Cuatro Vientos air base on the outskirts of Madrid.

"Christ alone can respond to your aspirations. Let yourselves be seized by God, so that your presence in the Church will give her new life!"

Pope Benedict's address had barely started, however, when a ferocious lightning storm enveloped the entire event, threatening its very continuation.

"We are going to wait for a few more minutes, counting on your prayers, and see if this stops," said an event organizer over the public address system.

Young pilgrims got drenched while Pope Benedict took shelter from the wind and rain beneath a large white umbrella, held fast by his master of ceremonies Father Guido Marini.

The Pope remained remarkably serene amid the howling gales, although his hair was repeatedly buffeted by the wind - as was his prepared text, which subsequently was abandoned.

But the storm didn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm of young pilgrims, as many simply chose to dance and sing in the downpour.

And minutes later, and as the repeated chant of "We are the Pope's Children" went up to the heavens, the rain ceased.

"The storm? Wow. It was a blast," said a very wet 17-year-old Matt Horn, originally from Florida, to CNA. He added: "I guess it's a sign from God to wash away our sins and now that it's cleared we're clear of our sins for now - and hopefully that means that we'll now listen to the Pope and be his children as the chant says."

"Thank you for your joy and resistance. Your strength is bigger than the rain," said Pope Benedict as the rain let up. "The Lord sends you lots of blessings with the rain."

In a shortened speech, the Pope went on to urge the young people to use tonight's prayer vigil to grow closer to Jesus Christ as they discern their paths.

"Dear young people, in these moments of silence before the Blessed Sacrament, let us raise our minds and hearts to Jesus Christ, the Lord of our lives and of the future," said the Pope to English speaking pilgrims.

"May he pour out his Spirit upon us and upon the whole Church, that we may be a beacon of freedom, reconciliation and peace for the whole world."

A sense of peace descended on the crowd as the Mass choir sang Mozart's Eucharistic hymn "Ave Verum Corpus," before Pope Benedict led all present in the service of Benediction.

Movingly, most of the million-strong congregation chose to kneel in the mud before the Blessed Sacrament.

In an impromptu address before leaving, the Pope told the young pilgrims that they had "lived an adventure together" this evening, and thanked them for the sacrifice they were making with their all-night prayer vigil.

And he drew one further lesson from this evening's storms.

"Like tonight, with Christ you can face the trials of life. Do not forget. Thank you."

Pope Calls Upon Seminarians To Become Saints

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 20 (CNA/EWTN News) - Pope Benedict XVI has told over 4,500 students for the priesthood that they should spend their years of study becoming saints as well as priests.

"We have to be saints so as not to create a contradiction between the sign we are and the reality that we wish to signify," said the Pope at a special World Youth Day Mass for seminarians at Madrid's Cathedral of the Almudena.

"Looking at you, I again see proof of how Christ continues to call young disciples and to make them his apostles, thus keeping alive the mission of the Church and the offer of the Gospel to the world."

The young seminarians' enthusiasm for the Pope was evident from the moment of his arrival outside the Cathedral just after 10am. Glimpsing the Pope on television monitors, those inside spontaneously began to chant "Benedicto! Bendedicto!" and "El Papa! Viva!" amid youthful cheers and applause.

Immediately before Mass a young Spanish seminarian, Pablo Lamata Molina, welcomed the Pope on behalf of the several thousand students who were drawn from seminaries around the world.

In his homily the Pope noted how each of them had been called by Jesus. "You have followed his voice and, attracted by his loving gaze, you now advance towards the sacred ministry," said the Pope, before outlining how they should live life at seminary.

"First of all, they should be years of interior silence, of unceasing prayer, of constant study and of gradual insertion into the pastoral activity and structures of the Church."

The Pope also said that that a seminarian's heart "must mature while in seminary, remaining completely open to the Master" so that "this openness, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit, inspires the decision to live in celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven and, leaving aside the world's goods, live in austerity of life and sincere obedience, without pretense."

He also told them always to be faithful to the teachings of the Church, to "meditate well upon this mystery of the Church" as a divine institution, and only to proceed to the priesthood if they were "completely determined to exercise it in obedience to the Church's precepts."

All of this will prepare the seminarian to be a "servant, priest and victim" who will rely on the love of Jesus Christ and "not be intimidated by surroundings that would exclude God and in which power, wealth and pleasure are frequently the main criteria ruling people's lives."

The Pope, who recently celebrated his 60th year as a priest, reassured the seminarians that whatever challenges may arise after ordination, "God gives the right grace to face and overcome those challenges with love and realism."

Thus, said the Pope, the ministry of the priest will bring many people to Christ, the Church, and ultimately to Heaven.

"Through Christ we know that we are not walking towards the abyss, the silence of nothingness or death, but are rather pilgrims on the way to a promised land, on the way to him who is our end and our beginning."

Both seminary staff and students reacted warmly to the Pope's remarks.

Father Pedro Rivero, seminary rector for the Spanish Diocese of Tenerife, told CNA that the Pope "said several very important, fundamental things about our Catholic life and about priestly formation, such as the need for study, the need to be near to the poor and sick people and the importance of sanctity."

Meanwhile an Iraqi seminarian who read one of the prayers of intercession during the Papal Mass told CNA he was moved by all he saw and heard.

"I was very happy to meet the Pope and to pray with him and happy that he prayed for our Church and for peace," said Deacon Raed Fadhil Khadhur of the Mosul Archdiocese.

"I was also glad the Pope encouraged us seminarians to continue praying and to carry the faith in their hearts and to witness in the world."

The Mass concluded with Pope Benedict declaring the 16th century Spanish priest, St. John of Avila, a Doctor of the Church. After his proclamation, the congregation sang an anthem to Our Lady of the Almudena, the patron of Madrid.

Youth Describe 'Stronger' Faith And Excitement Following Pope's Address

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 19 (CNA/EWTN News) - The immense crowd of young people in Plaza de Cibeles was filled with excitement after Pope Benedict XVI's address to the youth in Madrid, Spain on Aug. 18.

"It brought tears to my eyes," beamed Hannah Davidson, an 18 year old from Kansas. "(My faith) is definitely stronger and I am going to promote it a lot more."

Language was no barrier for Pope Benedict's message to be heard and understood by non-Spanish speakers. Pilgrims were able to listen to the Pope's message in their native languages through various radio stations with live translations.

In his message, the Pope urged the youth to build "your lives upon the firm foundation which is Christ." He added, "(t)hen you will be blessed and happy and your happiness will influence others."

"They will wonder what the secret of your life is and they will discover that the rock which underpins the entire building and upon which rests your whole existence is the very person of Christ, your friend, brother and Lord, the Son of God incarnate, who gives meaning to all the universe."

Several young people spoke with CNA after the address, including Chris Desousa, a 27 year old from Australia. He said that so far, his favorite part of the experience was "building up to World Youth Day and actually seeing (the Pope) here. Now he is going to spend the next few days with us!"

"It was beautiful to hear him speak and address all the youth," he said, with an Australian flag tied around his neck.

For 19-year-old Michael McCormick from Massachusetts, it was powerful to see "people from all over the world who practice the same faith."

He explained that at home, "it can seem like you are the only one, but (to) see all of these people alive for God is really fantastic," especially "after a long couple of days in the sun and sitting here for a few hours."

Even those who were not able to see the Pope directly on stage had meaningful experiences, thanks to the many screens and speakers set up throughout the streets around Plaza de Cibeles.

"His presence here in Spain (is) so exciting," Kris Gomez, a 16 year old from the Philippines, said. Even though she did not get to see him drive by, "him being here was just... wooh!" she exclaimed, jumping with joy.

The area surrounding Plaza de Cibeles was filled with excited conversations, impromptu dances and cheers following the Pope's appearance.

Volunteers and city workers who picked up trash and directed traffic were encouraged by groups of pilgrims who cheered them on and expressed their thanks, with an authentic sense of fellowship that exemplified the event's energy.

A Rare Breed: The World Youth Day Pilgrim From Communist China

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 21 (CNA) - The final Mass of World Youth Day was a sea of national flags. In the million-strong crowd, however, it was hard to find one particular flag - China. That's until CNA bumped into Thomas Zeng.

"This week has been absolutely fascinating," said the university student who's traveled all the way from Shanghai to be at World Youth Day in Madrid. Thomas says he doesn't know of any other pilgrims from China.

"It is wonderful that I can meet so many Catholics, more than one million. That could never happen in my country, but I believe with the grace of God that it will one day."

Thomas is actually one of 8 to 12 million Chinese Catholics. About half of them, though, have ties to the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, a state agency founded in 1957.

Many bishops now belong to the Patriotic Association while maintaining communion with the Holy See, but the association's principles of independence and strong nationalism make this position difficult. The Patriotic Association has recently ordained several bishops without Vatican approval.

Thomas says it's "not difficult to be a Catholic in China." But to be "a good Catholic," he notes, might be a different matter: "If you want to proclaim (Catholicism), you will maybe be in trouble."

"I think after today I think I will be more brave to proclaim Jesus Christ to my friends, my classmates," says the student of management science at his home city's Shanghai Jiao Tong University, adding that he will no longer "be so afraid."

"People in the Middle East, they have a worse situation than us," he observed. "So we must be brave. We need not bear with fear, because God is with us and we have a lot of opportunities - especially in Shangai, as it is a very open, international city."

Pope Benedict XVI Defends The Dignity Of The Disabled

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 20 (CNA/EWTN News) - Pope Benedict XVI visited a center for mentally and physically disabled young people as part of his World Youth Day visit to Madrid.

"Dear friends, our society, which all too often questions the inestimable value of life, of every life, needs you," the Pope told those at the Instituto San Jose in Madrid on August 20.

"In a decisive way you help to build the civilization of love. What is more, you play a leading role in that civilization."

Pope Benedict met many of those who use the center, including 20-year-old Antonio who is both mentally and physically handicapped. He explained to the Pope how his parents' love had helped him overcome adversity.

"It was thanks to the love they showed me, even when faced with what could turn out to be an obstacle in their lives, they decided to look toward the future," the young man said. "This attitude helped us to excel. It helped us to never give in."

In response, the Pope said that the modern world often struggles to cope with suffering, such that "when suffering appears on the horizon of a young life, we are shaken; perhaps we ask ourselves: 'Can life still be something grand, even when suffering unexpectedly enters it?'"

But the Pope pointed out that "the true measure of humanity is essentially determined in relationship to suffering and to the sufferer," adding that "a society unable to accept its suffering members and incapable of helping to share their suffering and to bear it inwardly through compassion, is a cruel and inhuman society."

Madrid's Instituto San Jose was founded in 1898 and is run by the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God. The Pope praised the commitment of all those involved in the center, saying it proclaims "the greatness to which every human being is called: to show compassion and loving concern to the suffering, just as God himself did."

He said the presence of the young people at the institution "awakens in our often hardened hearts a tenderness which opens us to salvation," so that the "lives of these young people surely touch human hearts, and for that reason we are grateful to the Lord for having known them."

Earlier in the day the Pope also met with the organizers of World Youth Day at the Papal Nuncio's residence in Madrid to thank them for their efforts.

"Only love for the Church and zeal to evangelize young people can explain this generous commitment of time and energy, which will bear much apostolic fruit," the Pope told those who have worked for years to make this week's events possible. His thanks went out to both civil and ecclesiastical authorities.

"Since Jesus tells us that not even a cup of water given in his name will go without reward," said the Pope, "how much more will be rewarded the daily and unceasing contribution to the organization of a church event of such importance as the one we are now celebrating!"

Archbishop Dolan Praises Madrid's Move On Abortion And Confession

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 20 (CNA) - New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan has applauded the Madrid archdiocese's decision to authorize all priests at World Youth Day to forgive abortion, a task normally reserved for the local bishop.

"At special times like this the Church bends over backwards to say 'Alleluia, your sins are forgiven; go in peace, there is no limit to God's mercy,'" he told CNA on Aug. 19.

"Not bad if you ask me," he enthused. "Alleluia!"

Church regulations, known as canon law, require that "certain particularly grave sins" - including cooperation in an abortion - can only be absolved "by the Pope, the bishop of the place or priests authorized by them."

In practice, many bishops in countries such as the United States do authorize priests to forgive such sins, usually after special training. This week Madrid's Archbishop Antonio Rouco Varela has given this authority to all priests attending World Youth Day.

"This is to make it easier for the faithful who attend the World Youth Day celebrations to obtain the fruits of divine grace," the archdiocese explained on its website.

Archbishop Dolan said the current canon law showed the Church to be "a wise teacher."

"And one of the ways she teaches is by sometimes attaching certain penalties to sins that are particularly hideous - abortion would be one of them - so usually abortion is regarded as a 'restricted' sin."

But with pilgrims coming to the diocese for just a brief time, "you don't want to be in the position of saying 'hmm, could you come back tomorrow?'"

"No. You don't want to do that and Jesus wouldn't want us to do that."

Archbishop Dolan's sentiment is shared by Vicki Thorn, the Milwaukee-based founder of the post-abortion counseling network Project Rachel.

Thorn happens to be in Madrid this week, and told CNA that while abortion "must normally be taken to the bishop before forgiveness is granted," the process is "untenable at an event such as this."

It would be "an undue burden to expect a pilgrim to find the same priest before leaving after he has had to make contact with a bishop."

Thorn, who has counseled women after abortions for 44 years, says the experience of true repentance, followed by sacramental confession and absolution, "is absolutely critical to the healing process."

A woman who wrongly assumes that she has "committed the unforgiveable sin ... needs the grace of confession to heal."

Thorn also said that the "vast majority" of priests in the United States already have the authority from their bishops, to absolve Catholics who confess their involvement in an abortion.

Abortion sharply divides Spain, as it does most other Western countries. Last month, Spain's Socialist government received parliamentary approval for new laws liberalizing the process, in a country where over 100,000 children already die from abortion each year.

Pope Declares A New Doctor Of The Church: St. John Of Avila

22-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 20 (CNA/EWTN News) - Pope Benedict XVI has honored the 16th century Spanish priest St. John of Avila by naming him the 34th Doctor of the Catholic Church.

"In making this announcement here, I would hope that the word and the example of this outstanding pastor will enlighten all priests and those who look forward to the day of their priestly ordination," said the Pope at the conclusion of a special World Youth Day Mass for seminarians at Madrid's Cathedral of the Almudena on August 20.

St. John of Avila was born in 1500 in the town of Almodovar del Campo, 155 miles south of Madrid. A Christian of Jewish descent, he studied law at the University of Salamanca before being ordained a priest. He went on to become a great preacher, author and mystic, writing works that influenced St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and St. Francis Borgia among others.

His best-known works include "Audi Fili," a tract on Christian perfection, and his collected spiritual letters to his followers. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970, with his feast day falling on May 10.

The title of 'Doctor of the Church' is bestowed upon a saint whose writings are deemed to be of universal importance to the Church. The Pope must also declare the individual to be of "eminent learning" and "great sanctity." Other Doctors of the Church include St. Augustine, St. John Chryosostom, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Catherine of Siena.

"It is very happy news because he is the patron of secular priests in Spain, and it was a surprise because we didn't know this announcement was going to be made," said 22-year-old Madrid resident Alfonso Rodriguez-Ponga, speaking to CNA after the Mass.

"I think that he's a very important saint for Spanish people," said 28-year old Almudena Vigie, also from Madrid, "and I think that it's very good news because we all in Spain love this saint and we study him at school and know all about him. And now, hearing the Pope say he'll be a Doctor of the Church is very good news. We are very happy."

The last saint to be given the title was the 19th century French nun St. Theresa of Lisieux. Her elevation to the rank was announced by Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day in Paris back in August of 1997, with the proclamation coming into effect two months later.

Pontiff to Youth: See You in Rio de Janeiro

21-August-2011 -- ZENIT.org News Agency

MADRID, Spain, AUG. 21, 2011 (Zenit.org).- A delegation of young Brazilians present at Cuatro Vientos in Madrid erupted with applause at Benedict XVI's official announcement that the next World Youth Day would take place in their country in 2013.

The Pope, who would be 86 years old at the next youth day in August 2013, told the delegation in Portuguese: "I hope to be able to meet you in 2 years (...) in Rio de Janeiro."

The young Brazilians danced as they listened to the announcement.

Expressing his hopes for the occasion, the Holy Father added: "We ask the Lord that already in this moment he help with his strength those who will organize it and smooth the path of the young people of the whole world that they may again join the Pope in this beautiful city of Brazil."

The young people of Spain symbolically handed over the World Youth Day Cross to the Brazilians.

Commenting on this gesture, the Pontiff entrusted "to all present this great task: bring the knowledge and the love of Christ to the whole world. He wants you to be his apostles in the 21st century and messengers of his joy. Do not disappoint him!"

Rio de Janeiro, emblematic city of the country with the largest population of Catholics in the world, will be the site of this meeting over which the Pope has presided on 11 occasions outside of the Vatican.

The previous gatherings have taken place in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Czestochowa (Poland), Denver (United States), Manila (Philippines), Paris (France), Rome (Italy), Toronto (Canada), Cologne (Germany) and Sydney (Australia).

After Buenos Aries in 1987, the Brazilian city will be the second in Latin America to celebrate this international event.

To date, about 20 million young people have participated in the World Youth Days, initiated by John Paul II in 1984. The first was celebrated in Rome on Palm Sunday on the occasion of the Holy Jubilee Year of the Redemption (1983-1984).

Benedict XVI's Farewell Address to Spain

21-August-2011 -- ZENIT.org News Agency

"Spread Throughout the World the Profound and Joyful Experience of Faith"

MADRID, Spain, AUG. 21, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Here is a Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today at the departure ceremony of the Pope's visit to Spain, held at the International Airport of Madrid Barajas. The Holy Father was in the nation's capital to preside at the 26th World Youth Day.

* * *

Your Majesties,

Distinguished National, Autonomous Regional and Local Authorities,

Your Eminence the Archbishop of Madrid and President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference,

Your Eminences and Dear Brother Bishops,
Dear Friends,

The time has come for us to say good-bye. These days spent in Madrid, in the company of so many young people from Spain and from throughout the world, will remain deeply etched in my mind and heart.

Your Majesty, the Pope felt at home in Spain! And the young people who were the heart of this World Youth Day found a warm welcome here and in the many cities and towns of the country, which they were able to visit in the days before these celebrations.

I thank Your Majesty for your gracious words and for your presence at my arrival in Spain and now at my departure. I thank the national, autonomous regional and local authorities for the helpfulness and understanding which they showed before this international event. I also thank the thousands of volunteers who ensured the orderly unfolding of the many activities of this meeting: the various literary, musical, cultural and religious events of the Festival joven, the catecheses given by the Bishops and the main events in the presence of the Successor of Peter. I thank the police and security forces, and all those who helped by providing a wide variety of services: from the music and the liturgy to the details of transportation, health care and meals.

Spain is a great nation whose soundly open, pluralistic and respectful society is capable of moving forward without surrendering its profoundly religious and Catholic soul. In these days, it once more made this clear, revealing its technical and human resources in the service of an undertaking of immense consequence and promise: that of helping young people to become more deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

A particular word of gratitude is due to the organizers of World Youth Day: to the Cardinal President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and all the personnel of that Office, to the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela, his Auxiliary Bishops and the whole Archdiocese, and in particular to the General Coordinator, Monsignor César Augusto Franco Martinez, and the many generous members of his staff. The Bishops worked generously and diligently in their Dioceses to prepare for the celebrations, together with their priests, consecrated persons and the lay faithful. To all I express my gratitude and I pray that the Lord will bless your apostolic labors.

Nor can I fail to offer heartfelt thanks to the young people for having come to the World Youth Day and for their joyful, enthusiastic and intense presence. To them I say thank you, and I congratulate you for the witness which you gave in Madrid and in the other cities of Spain in which you stayed. Now I ask you to spread throughout the world the profound and joyful experience of faith which you had here in this noble country. Share your joy especially with those who would have liked to come but were unable to do so for various reasons, with all those who were praying for you and with all those whose hearts were touched by these celebrations. By your closeness and your witness, help your friends to discover that loving Christ means living life to the full.

I leave Spain very happy and grateful to everyone. But above all I am grateful to God, our Lord, who allowed me to celebrate these days so filled with enthusiasm and grace, so charged with dynamism and hope. The feast of faith which we have shared enables us to look forward with great confidence in Providence, which guides the Church across the seas of history. That is why she continues to be young and full of life, even as she confronts challenging situations.

This is the work of the Holy Spirit, who makes Jesus Christ present in the hearts of young people in every age and shows them the grandeur of the divine vocation given to every man and woman. We were also able to see how the grace of Christ tears down the walls and overcomes the barriers which sin erects between peoples and generations, in order to make all mankind a single family which acknowledges its one Father and which cultivates, by work and respect, all that he has given us in creation.

Young people readily respond when one proposes to them, in sincerity and truth, an encounter with Jesus Christ, the one Redeemer of humanity. Now those young people are returning home as missionaries of the Gospel, "rooted and built up in Christ, and firm in the faith", and they will need to be helped on their way. So I urge Bishops, priests, Religious and Christian educators in particular, to care for those young people who want to respond enthusiastically to the Lord's call. There is no reason to lose heart in the face of the various obstacles we encounter in some countries. The yearning for God which the Creator has placed in the hearts of young people is more powerful than all of these, as is the power from on high which gives divine strength to those who follow the Master and who seek in him nourishment for life. Do not be afraid to present to young people the message of Jesus Christ in all its integrity, and to invite them to celebrate the sacraments by which he gives us a share in his own life.

Your Majesty, before returning to Rome, I would like to assure the people of Spain of my constant prayers, especially for married couples and families who are facing various kinds of difficulties, the needy and the infirm, the elderly and children, as well as those who have no work. I pray in particular of the young people of Spain. I am sure that they will contribute the best they have to offer through their faith in Christ, so that this great country can face the challenges of the present hour and can continue along the paths of peace, solidarity, justice and freedom. Along with these intentions, I entrust the sons and daughters of this noble land to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, our heavenly Mother, and to them all I willingly impart my blessing. May the joy of the Lord always fill your hearts. Thank you.
© Copyright 2011 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Pope's Homily at Closing Youth Day Mass

21-August-2011 -- ZENIT.org News Agency

"The World Needs the Witness of Your Faith, It Surely Needs God"

MADRID, Spain, AUG. 21, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Here is a Vatican translation of the words Benedict XVI delivered today before and during the closing Mass of the 2011 World Youth Day, held at Cuatro Vientos Air Base in Madrid.

* * *
[Words Before Mass]

Dear Young Friends:

I have been thinking a lot about you during this time in which we have been separated. I hope you have been able to get some sleep in spite of the weather. I am sure that since dawn you have raised up your eyes more than once, and not only your eyes but above all your hearts, turning this occasion into prayer. God turns all things into good. With this confidence and trusting in the Lord who never abandons us, let us begin our Eucharistic celebration, full of enthusiasm and strong in our faith.

* * *

[Homily]

Dear Young People,

In this celebration of the Eucharist we have reached the high point of this World Youth Day. Seeing you here, gathered in such great numbers from all parts of the world, fills my heart with joy. I think of the special love with which Jesus is looking upon you. Yes, the Lord loves you and calls you his friends (cf. Jn 15:15).

He goes out to meet you and he wants to accompany you on your journey, to open the door to a life of fulfillment and to give you a share in his own closeness to the Father. For our part, we have come to know the immensity of his love and we want to respond generously to his love by sharing with others the joy we have received. Certainly, there are many people today who feel attracted by the figure of Christ and want to know him better. They realize that he is the answer to so many of our deepest concerns. But who is he really? How can someone who lived on this earth so long ago have anything in common with me today?

The Gospel we have just heard (cf. Mt 16:13-20) suggests two different ways of knowing Christ. The first is an impersonal knowledge, one based on current opinion. When Jesus asks: "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?", the disciples answer: "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets". In other words, Christ is seen as yet another religious figure, like those who came before him. Then Jesus turns to the disciples and asks them: "But who do you say that I am?" Peter responds with what is the first confession of faith: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God". Faith is more than just empirical or historical facts; it is an ability to grasp the mystery of Christ's person in all its depth.

Yet faith is not the result of human effort, of human reasoning, but rather a gift of God: "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven". Faith starts with God, who opens his heart to us and invites us to share in his own divine life. Faith does not simply provide information about who Christ is; rather, it entails a personal relationship with Christ, a surrender of our whole person, with all our understanding, will and feelings, to God's self-revelation. So Jesus' question: "But who do you say that I am?", is ultimately a challenge to the disciples to make a personal decision in his regard. Faith in Christ and discipleship are strictly interconnected.

And, since faith involves following the Master, it must become constantly stronger, deeper and more mature, to the extent that it leads to a closer and more intense relationship with Jesus. Peter and the other disciples also had to grow in this way, until their encounter with the Risen Lord opened their eyes to the fullness of faith.

Dear young people, today Christ is asking you the same question which he asked the Apostles: "Who do you say that I am?" Respond to him with generosity and courage, as befits young hearts like your own. Say to him: "Jesus, I know that you are the Son of God, who have given your life for me. I want to follow you faithfully and to be led by your word. You know me and you love me. I place my trust in you and I put my whole life into your hands. I want you to be the power that strengthens me and the joy which never leaves me".

Jesus' responds to Peter's confession by speaking of the Church: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church". What do these words mean? Jesus builds the Church on the rock of the faith of Peter, who confesses that Christ is God.

The Church, then, is not simply a human institution, like any other. Rather, she is closely joined to God. Christ himself speaks of her as "his" Church. Christ cannot be separated from the Church any more than the head can be separated from the body (cf. 1 Cor 12:12). The Church does not draw her life from herself, but from the Lord.

Dear young friends, as the Successor of Peter, let me urge you to strengthen this faith which has been handed down to us from the time of the Apostles. Make Christ, the Son of God, the centre of your life. But let me also remind you that following Jesus in faith means walking at his side in the communion of the Church. We cannot follow Jesus on our own. Anyone who would be tempted to do so "on his own", or to approach the life of faith with that kind of individualism so prevalent today, will risk never truly encountering Jesus, or will end up following a counterfeit Jesus.

Having faith means drawing support from the faith of your brothers and sisters, even as your own faith serves as a support for the faith of others. I ask you, dear friends, to love the Church which brought you to birth in the faith, which helped you to grow in the knowledge of Christ and which led you to discover the beauty of his love. Growing in friendship with Christ necessarily means recognizing the importance of joyful participation in the life of your parishes, communities and movements, as well as the celebration of Sunday Mass, frequent reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation, and the cultivation of personal prayer and meditation on God's word.

Friendship with Jesus will also lead you to bear witness to the faith wherever you are, even when it meets with rejection or indifference. We cannot encounter Christ and not want to make him known to others. So do not keep Christ to yourselves! Share with others the joy of your faith. The world needs the witness of your faith, it surely needs God. I think that the presence here of so many young people, coming from all over the world, is a wonderful proof of the fruitfulness of Christ's command to the Church: "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mk 16:15). You too have been given the extraordinary task of being disciples and missionaries of Christ in other lands and countries filled with young people who are looking for something greater and, because their heart tells them that more authentic values do exist, they do not let themselves be seduced by the empty promises of a lifestyle which has no room for God.

Dear young people, I pray for you with heartfelt affection. I commend all of you to the Virgin Mary and I ask her to accompany you always by her maternal intercession and to teach you how to remain faithful to God's word. I ask you to pray for the Pope, so that, as the Successor of Peter, he may always confirm his brothers and sisters in the faith. May all of us in the Church, pastors and faithful alike, draw closer to the Lord each day. May we grow in holiness of life and be effective witnesses to the truth that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God, the Saviour of all mankind and the living source of our hope. Amen.
© Copyright 2011 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Vatican Cardinal Urges Catholics, Muslims To Transmit Faith To Young People

19-August-2011 -- EWTNews Feature

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, head of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, urged Catholics and Muslims to strengthen their families and pass on moral values to their children, in a message for the upcoming end of Ramadan.


"Christians and Muslims, beyond their differences, recognize the dignity of the human person endowed with both rights and duties," Cardinal Tauran said.


"This is why the transmission of such human and moral values to the younger generations constitutes a common concern," he explained.


"It is our duty to help them discover that there is both good and evil, that conscience is a sanctuary to be respected, and that cultivating the spiritual dimension makes us more responsible, more supportive, more available for the common good."


Cardinal Tauran made his remarks in a letter to the Muslim community to mark the end of Ramadan, the traditional Islamic month of fasting which takes place this year from Aug. 1 - 29.


"The end of the month of Ramadan offers the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue a welcome occasion for sending you our most cordial wishes, hoping that the efforts you have so generously made during this month will bring all the desired spiritual fruits," he said.


Cardinal Tauran noted that the council wanted to emphasize "the theme of the spiritual dimension of the human person" in its annual Ramadan greeting.


"This concerns a reality which Christians and Muslims consider to be of prime importance, faced as we are with the challenges of materialism and secularization," he said.


"Christians and Muslims," he noted, "are too often witnesses to the violation of the sacred, of the mistrust of which those who call themselves believers are the target."


"We cannot but denounce all forms of fanaticism and intimidation, the prejudices and the polemics, as well as the discrimination of which, at times, believers are the object both in the social and political life as well as in the mass media," he underscored.


Cardinal Tauran concluded his letter by saying that the Catholic community is "spiritually very close to you, dear Friends," and "asking God to give you renewed spiritual energy" as "we send you our very best wishes for peace and happiness."


The letter was also signed by the council's secretary, Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata.


Read more: http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=3817#ixzz1VVyBcQLt 

Pope Offers Encouragement To Young Religious Sisters And Professors

19-August-2011 -- EWTNews Feature

Pope Benedict XVI met with young religious sisters and later with young university professors on Aug. 19 at the royal site of El Estorial. He emphasized the importance of the sisters' radical consecration and urged the professors to be a source of encouragement for students.

"The Pope spoke about a personal encounter with Christ, and that (encounter) is what fulfills us," said Sr. Ruth Martin, a 38-year-old sister of the recently founded religious community, Ieuso Communio.

"It was a huge privilege, a great joy!" she told EWTN News, amid the cheering and singing of sisters from various communities.

The sisters of Ieuso Communio, as young as 18 years old, caught the attention of those present, because of their denim habits, which symbolize the current day and age.

Pope Benedict told the group of more than 1,000 sisters gathered that the Church needs their "youthful fidelity, rooted and built up in Christ.

"Thank you for your generous, total and perpetual 'yes' to the call of the loved one," he continued.

"Your lives must testify to the personal encounter with Christ which has nourished your consecration, and to all the transforming power of that encounter."

The Pope said, referring to his World Youth Day message, that this witness is "all the more important today when we see a certain 'eclipse of God' taking place, a kind of amnesia which, albeit not an outright rejection of Christianity, is nonetheless a denial of the treasure of our faith, a denial that could lead to the loss of our deepest identity.

"In a world of relativism and mediocrity, we need that radicalism to which your consecration, as a way of belonging to the God who is loved above all things, bears witness."

Lorena Amador, a 27-year-old member of the Trinitarian Sisters of Madrid, noted that the large gathering of religious sisters is an encouragement for "young women who might feel called to the consecrated life to take the leap of faith."

In his address to university professors, the Pope stated that "(y)oung people need authentic teachers: persons open to the fullness of truth in the various branches of knowledge, persons who listen to and experience in own hearts that interdisciplinary dialogue; persons who, above all, are convinced of our human capacity to advance along the path of truth."

He encouraged the more than 1,000 professors gathered to "never to lose that sense of enthusiasm and concern for truth. Always remember that teaching is not just about communicating content, but about forming young people.

"You need to understand and love them, to awaken their innate thirst for truth and their yearning for transcendence. Be for them a source of encouragement and strength."

The Pope also explained that professors must be a source of understanding and love, as well as reason and faith.
"We cannot come to know something unless we are moved by love."

Read more: http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/World.php?id=3818#ixzz1VVxtKiJc 

Do Not Pass By Those Who Suffer, Pope Exhorts WYD Crowd

19-August-2011 -- Catholic World News Brief

After praying the Stations of the Cross at World Youth Day on Friday evening, August 19, Pope Benedict XVI told the young participants to "be sure not to pass by on the other side in the face of human suffering, for it is here that God expects you to give of your very best: your capacity for love and compassion."


"Christ's passion urges us to take upon our own shoulders the sufferings of the world," the Pope said, "in the certainty that God is not distant or far removed from man and his troubles."


The meditations for the Stations of the Cross were written by the Little Sisters of the Cross, who work with the poor, and the theme had been helping those who are in need. The Pope encouraged the WYD congregation to reflect on how Christ offered himself for us, and to follow that example of sacrifice for those in need.


Pope Benedict also called attention to the treasures of Spanish religious art that had been used during the Stations of the Cross, noting that "faith and art combine so as to penetrate our heart and summon us to conversion." At its best art strengthens devotion, he said, as "beauty places itself at its service and is able to depict the mysteries of our salvation in such a way as to move us profoundly and transform our hearts, as Saint Teresa of Jesus herself experienced while contemplating an image of the wounded Christ." 

A Life Built On Christ Leads To Happiness, Pope Tells Youth In Madrid

19-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 18 (CNA/EWTN News) - Pope Benedict XVI told the hundreds of thousands of young pilgrims at World Youth Day in Madrid that they will be happy and at peace if they center their lives on the "solid rock" of Jesus Christ.

Build "your lives upon the firm foundation which is Christ," he urged. "Then you will be blessed and happy and your happiness will influence others."

"They will wonder what the secret of your life is and they will discover that the rock which underpins the entire building and upon which rests your whole existence is the very person of Christ, your friend, brother and Lord, the Son of God incarnate, who gives meaning to all the universe."

The Pope made his remarks on the evening of Aug. 18 at the Plaza de Cibeles. The gathering was his first face-to-face meeting with the massive throng of cheering young people gathered from dozens of countries across the globe.

As the popemobile made its way to the plaza through the crowds, Pope Benedict smiled and waved to the thousands of youth waving their national flags and enthusiastically yelling their greetings.

The night's events included a local group of university students singing for the Pope, an official welcome from Archbishop of Madrid Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela, gifts being presented by several young people from the various regions of the world, and a liturgy that included a procession and Gospel reading.

"Today Madrid is also the capital of the world's young people, and the gaze of the whole Church is fixed here," Pope Benedict said. "Let us pray that his message of hope and love will also resound in the hearts of those who are not believers or who have grown distant from the Church."

In his homily, the pontiff drew from the Gospel of Mark reading that contrasts the wise man who built his house on rock and the foolish man who built his house on sand.

When "we do not walk beside Christ our guide, we get lost on other paths, like the path of our blind and selfish impulses, or the path of flattering but self-serving suggestions, deceiving and fickle, which leave emptiness and frustration in their wake," he said.

But if "you build on solid rock, not only will your life be solid and stable, but it will also help project the light of Christ, shining upon those of your own age and upon the whole of humanity."

The Pope lamented that many people today create "their own gods" and believe that they need "no roots or foundations" other than themselves.

"They take it upon themselves to decide what is true or not, what is good and evil, what is just and unjust; who should live and who can be sacrificed in the interests of other preferences; leaving each step to chance, with no clear path, letting themselves be led by the whim of each moment."

He noted that although these temptations are "always lying in wait," it is important not to give in, since they lead to a fleeting and illusory half-life which fails to satisfy.

"We, on the other hand, know well that we have been created free, in the image of God, precisely so that we might be in the forefront of the search for truth and goodness," he reminded the youth. We are "responsible for our actions, not mere blind executives, but creative coworkers in the task of cultivating and beautifying the work of creation."

Pope Benedict encouraged the young pilgrims to use the upcoming days to get to know Christ better. If you are "rooted in him, your enthusiasm and happiness, your desire to go further, to reach the heights, even God himself, will always hold a sure future, because the fullness of life has already been placed within you."

In his closing remarks, the Pope dedicated "the fruits of this World Youth Day to the most holy Virgin Mary, who said 'Yes' to the will of God, and teaches us a unique example of fidelity to her divine son, whom she followed to his death upon the Cross."

"Let us meditate upon this more deeply in the Stations of the Cross. And let us pray that, like her, our 'Yes' to Christ today may also be an unconditional 'Yes' to his friendship, both at the end of this Day and throughout our entire lives."

The Pope will pray the Stations of the Cross with the pilgrims at Cibeles Square on the evening of Friday, Aug. 19 after meeting with college professors and religious sisters earlier that day. On Aug. 20, he will meet patients at a local hospital and take part in a prayer vigil that night with the young people.

Pope Benedict's World Youth Day visit will culminate on Sunday, Aug. 21 in an outdoor Mass which is expected to draw over 1 million people.

Cardinal O'Malley Encourages Youth To Bring Friends To Jesus

19-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 18 (CNA/EWTN News) - Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston has encouraged young people faithfully attend Sunday Mass and to bring their friends to Jesus Christ.

"We live in a culture that is addicted to entertainment but we don't come to Mass to be entertained," he told World Youth Day pilgrims at a morning catechesis session in central Madrid August 17.

"Our presence there, gathered as a family, is of crucial importance. It is at the Sunday Eucharist that we learn our identity as Christ's family, where we witness to each other that we are believers and that we want to live as Jesus' disciples."

Cardinal O'Malley was addressing over 1,000 young English-speaking pilgrims who were crammed into the church of San Antonio. With pews at a premium, most of the young people had to make do with the marble floor.

Throughout his catechesis, the Archbishop of Boston likened the Church to a family - with the Eucharist at its heart.

"The Eucharist is Christ's saving presence in our community. It's our spiritual food. It's the most precious possession which the Church has in her journey through history. It is God's love taken to the extreme," he said.

Cardinal O'Malley also emphasized how Sunday Mass is the "family meal" for Catholics which we should make sure to attend.

"The shortest book in the world is the Irish cookbook," he joked, but his mother always insisted on family meals when he was growing up.

This morning's catechesis session was only one of 220 being offered in 27 languages all over Madrid during a three-day stretch. The sessions are allowing young Catholics to be personally taught by some of the most senior bishops in the Church.

And it is through the Catholic Church, said Cardinal O'Malley, that young people "have the same opportunity to be with Jesus as they did 2,000 years ago."

"Jesus established his Church and gave us the sacraments so that he will be able to touch our lives and not just the lives of those living 2,000 years ago in the Holy Land - so that he could be present everywhere in the world and for all times," he said.

Cardinal O'Malley concluded by suggesting to the pilgrims that "there's nothing more tragic than going through life without knowing how much we are loved by our family, our friends, by our God." In order to prevent that from happening, he urged each of the youth to help bring their friends to Jesus Christ.

The example he gave was of the paralytic man in the Gospel of Matthew who was lowered through the roof by his friends in order to receive healing from Jesus.

"Isn't that fantastic? Wouldn't you like to have friends like that? Tell me?" the cardinal asked the young people, who responded with cheers and applause. "Well you have to be friends like that first!" he replied.

"Cardinal O'Malley's words really made me proud to be a young Catholic and a member of the Catholic Church despite the persecutions you go through," said 17-year-old Matthew McConnell form Kingston-upon-Thames, England to CNA afterward.

His friend, 16-year-old Caitriona Lowry also from Kingston-upon-Thames, nodded in agreement. "I thought it really interesting the way he related it all to family. It made it seem like the Church is a big community we're all part of."

Cardinal George Issues 'Challenge Of Mission' To Young People

18-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

MADRID, SPAIN, August 18 (CNA) - Cardinal Francis George of Chicago has challenged World Youth Day pilgrims to respond to the initiative that God has already taken in their life.

"I want to tell young people that faith is a response to God's initiative and that his initiative in creation and in history culminates in Jesus Christ who give us a name that enables us to enter into friendship with God," Cardinal George told CNA during a morning catechesis session for English-speaking pilgrims on Aug. 17.

"And I want to tell them they should figure out their response in their own life - a response to evil, a response to the challenge of mission," he added.

Cardinal George addressed over 1,000 youngsters at the Church of St. Teresa and St. Joseph in central Madrid's Plaza de Espana. With all the pews taken, pilgrims found whatever space they could on the church floor, balcony or even the street outside.

"I thought Cardinal George did a really great job. He was very inspiring," said 24-year-old Carlie Collins from Melbourne, Australia, "talking about the use of a name in someone's life and how important that is and the connection you get from it just because of their name was really interesting."

"I think Cardinal George was very impressive," said Fr. Jim Doyle, a young priest from County Wexford in Ireland.

"I liked the whole thing about the person and that God calls each of us individually and as a person -- so we're not like anybody else and Jesus works within each person individually and has a special calling for everyone."

Cardinal George's also took questions from several young people before leading the congregation in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and then Mass.

At the same time, similar catechesis sessions were being hosted by bishops in churches all across Madrid.

"World Youth Day is always a wonderful experience," concluded Cardinal George.

"It's something I've tried to be part of ever since I've been a bishop. It's always very rewarding to see the young people come together and reinforce each other's faiths from very many parts of the world."

Pope: Fruits of WYD Will Grow in Silence

18-August-2011 -- ZENIT.org News Agency

Says Statistics Might Miss It, But Youth Meeting Is Important for Humanity's Future

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE, AUG. 18, 2011 (Zenit.org).- There will not be a great transformation in the Church starting tomorrow, admits Benedict XVI. Though there are a half million young Catholics gathered in Madrid to celebrate World Youth Day with the Pope, the "seeds" of this experience are like the seeds of the Gospel -- part is lost.

But, the Holy Father said during a press conference on the papal plane in flight to Madrid, for many people, World Youth Day will be the "beginning of a friendship with God and with others." It will open them to a "universality of thought" and make them aware of a "common responsibility." So these days do give much fruit: "God's sowing is always silent; it does not appear in the statistics. ... And we trust in this silent growth, and we are certain that, although the statistics do not say much about it, the Lord's seed really grows."

The Bishop of Rome answered questions ranging from how truth relates to multiculturalism, to how to give hope to young people overshadowed by a worldwide economic crisis. He was quick to affirm that World Youth Day was a divine inspiration given to his predecessor, Blessed John Paul II.

"I would say that these WYDs are a sign, a cascade of light -- they give visibility to the faith, visibility to the presence of God in the world, and thus give the courage to be believers," he said. "Often, believers feel isolated in this world, somewhat lost. Here they see that they are not alone, that there is a great network of faith, a great community of believers in the world."

The Pope noted how World Youth Day fosters friendships that cross the borders of cultures and countries. "The birth of a universal network of friendship that unites the world with God is an important reality for the future of humanity," he affirmed, "for the life of humanity today."

He recommended seeing WYD as a sign and part of a great journey. "It creates friendships, opens borders, makes visible that it is beautiful to be with God, that God is with us," he said. And, "in this connection, we wish to continue with this great idea of Blessed Pope John Paul II."

Truth and freedom

Benedict XVI reiterated one of his hallmark teachings when he was asked about the relationship between truth and multiculturalism.

The Pope noted that one of the great debates linked to Christianity today regards monotheism and an incapacity for dialogue with others.

"It is true that in history there have been abuses, both of the concept of truth as well as the concept of monotheism," he said. "There have been abuses, but the reality is totally different, as truth is only accessible in liberty."

He explained that a behavior can be imposed with violence, but truth cannot. "Truth opens only to free consent and, for this reason, liberty and truth are united intimately, one is condition of the other."

Separating truth from ethics and from man's great problems, the Pontiff warned, leads to "exposing man to the will of those who have power."

"We must always be in search of truth, of values," he affirmed. "We have fundamental human rights. These fundamental rights are known and recognized and, in fact, this puts us in dialogue with one another. Truth as such is open-minded, as it seeks to know better, to understand better, and it does so in dialogue with others. Thus, to seek truth and man's dignity is the best defense of liberty."

Iraqi Christians Worry After Car Bomb Hits Third Kirkuk Church

16-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

KIRKUK, IRAQ, August 16 (CNA) -
In less than two weeks, car bomb attacks have hit three churches in the northern Iraq city of Kirkuk. The city's archbishop lamented that Christians' security concerns are not a priority for the government.

On Aug. 15 it seemed that the entire country of Iraq was being hit with bomb attacks. The coordinated bombings hit 17 cities, ranging from northern Sunni lands to the southern Shiite-dominated region. According to an Associated Press estimate, 63 people were killed and 250 injured.

The explosion at St. Ephrem's Syrian Orthodox Church at 1:30 a.m. Aug. 15 did not injure anyone. But its priest, Fr. Gewargis Elias, was lucky to escape with his life.

Security staff spotted a vehicle carrying suspicious devices and ordered him out just minutes before the blast, Aid to the Church in Need reports.

"Today they attacked the church. Who knows if tomorrow they will attack the clergy or the people?" asked Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk.

"The government will provide guards and repairs but after that we are not sure if there will be another explosion. Our concerns are not a priority for the government. What can we do? How can we plan for the future?"

The archbishop, who visited the church after the attack, reported that the bomb left a huge hole in the main wall and smashed pews and other church furnishings. There was evidence the attack was carefully planned.

Archbishop Sako himself was awoken by the blast, which broke the windows of his house. The church is less than 0.6 miles from his home.

"I saw many people in the church when I was there," he said of his visit. "They were so very tired and shocked. They were asking: 'Why our church? What is the reason?"

"There is no justification for attacks like this. We Christians have no part to play in politics. We are not causing people any problems," the archbishop said.

Two weeks ago similar car bomb attacks took place at Holy Family Syrian Catholic Church and the nearby Evangelical church. At least 13 people in homes close to Holy Family church were injured, the majority not seriously.

Nobody had claimed responsibility for the attacks, Archbishop Sako said.

"This is only happening because we are Christians. Maybe the people responsible want to empty the city of Christians."

The local governor has promised Archbishop Sako that the government will provide guards for churches and funding for repairs. However, the archbishop said that such measures offer little long-term reassurance.

Christians are continuing to emigrate from violent areas of Iraq. Five families have left Kirkuk since the attacks two weeks ago and the archbishop estimates that thousands of Christians have left the city over the past 30 years.

"This exodus of Christians is going on all the time. It is a big loss for those Christians who want to continue here. How long can they resist the pressure to leave?"

Because of the bombings, celebrations for the Feast of the Assumption have been scaled back to "modest" levels.

However, Archbishop Sako reported good relations with the Syrian Orthodox and other churches in Iraq. He added that Christians will work together.

Rio De Janeiro To Host World Youth Day 2013

16-August-2011 -- Catholic News Agency

ROME, ITALY, August 15 (CNA/Europa Press) - The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro will host the next international celebration of World Youth Day, which will take place in 2013.

The announcement was confirmed by Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, who said the date for the event was set a year early in order to avoid logistical conflicts with the World Cup, which Brazil will host in 2014.

Traditionally, Pope Benedict would have announced the site of the 2013 World Youth Day while in Madrid this week, however the confirmation was likely made early due to comments by Brazilian officials that the city had been chosen.

The governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Sergio Cabral, and the city's mayor, Eduardo Pase are planning to be in Madrid this week to attend the youth event.

Some 14,000 young people from Brazil will also attend World Youth Day 2011.

UK Catholic Nurses Win Right Not To Assist Abortions

16-August-2011 -- EWTNews Feature

A London hospital recognized two Catholic nurses' right not to work in an abortion clinic after their lawyer argued that the pro-life position is a philosophical belief legally protected against discrimination and that conscientious objectors have the right not to take part in an abortion under British law.
"Taking the stand they did took immense moral courage and I am delighted that they have been successful," said the nurses' attorney Neil Addison, director of the Thomas More Legal Centre.
The two nurses are both from overseas and do not wish to be identified. They were moved from their normal nursing duties at a London hospital to work once a week at an abortion clinic, the British newspaper The Telegraph reports.
They were required to administer to pregnant women two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, to induce a miscarriage. The process is known as an "early medical abortion" and is an increasingly common non-surgical abortion method.
When the nurses discovered they were participating in abortions they objected. However, hospital managers told them that they must continue with the work.
"What would happen if we allowed all the Christian nurses to refuse?" one manager allegedly told them.
The hospital conceded the nurses' case after action from the Thomas More Legal Centre, which specializes in religious discrimination cases.
After an initial letter from the center, the hospital told the nurses that they would be excused from administering the abortion drugs but they would have to remain working at the clinic.
Addison again wrote to the hospital, explaining that the nurses would still be "morally complicit in abortion" if they continued to work in the clinic. The nurses were then assigned to other duties.
He said that the right to object to taking part in abortions is set out in the 1967 Abortion Act. He also cited the Equality Act of 2010, possibly the first time the law has been invoked to protect pro-life adherents.
"This particular interpretation of the Equality Act has never, to my knowledge, been argued before," Addison told The Telegraph.
However, since the courts have accepted that belief in global warming is protected under equality legislation, "there seems no reason why belief that human life begins at conception should not be equally protected."
Though the dispute did not involve court action, the nurses' success is a rare occasion where U.K. equality laws have protected Christians rather than restrict their freedom.
Homosexual activists and their supporters have used the Equality Act to close Catholic adoption and foster agencies because they could not in good conscience place children with homosexual couples.
In February two British judges ruled that a Christian couple should be barred from participating in the foster care of children because of their conviction that a homosexual lifestyle is immoral. Social workers raised concerns that the couple's attitudes would conflict with the Equality Act.
Read more: http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/World.php?id=3790#ixzz1VCUXmgBq