The Areopagus 11-25-09
posted by Phil Lawson
11-25-09
Recently, I mentioned a European Court’s ruling forbidding crucifixes in Italian classrooms. This drew strong reactions from Italy along with Poland and Greece.
It was noted that Crucifixes were forbidden in Poland under Communist rule—and now another outside organization is trying to do the same thing. “During Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday in Warsaw, Poland's (President) Kaczynski said that "nobody in Poland will accept the message that you can't hang crosses in schools.’
‘One shouldn't count on that. Perhaps elsewhere, but never in Poland,’Kaczynski said.”
Meanwhile, in Italy, a number of the provinces have responded by having Crucifixes put up in classrooms and refurbishing the ones that are already there.
Long term, the odds don’t seem in favor of these Christian expressions—given the track record of transnational organizations/agreements—but you have to admire their spirit—and indeed not going down without a fight!
Here’s the rest of the story:
Italian Mayors Order Crufixes Put in Classrooms in Revolt against European Court Ruling
Polish president and Greek Orthodox Church also hit out at decision against crucifixes in classrooms
By Hilary White
ROME, November 17, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Poland's president, Lech Kaczynski and the leadership of the Greek Orthodox Church have both hit out at a decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) attempting to ban the display of crucifixes in Italian public schools. At the same time, a general revolt against the ruling in municipalities all over Italy has been started by public officials, who are now ordering the display of crucifixes in schools, and levelling fines for non-compliance.
The November 3rd ECHR ruling, made in response to a complaint by an Italian secularist campaigner, said that the display of crucifixes violated the religious rights of pupils.
During Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday in Warsaw, Poland's Kaczynski said that "nobody in Poland will accept the message that you can't hang crosses in schools."
"One shouldn't count on that. Perhaps elsewhere, but never in Poland," Kaczynski said.
The reaction from Poland has touched a national nerve in a country where crucifixes and other religious symbols were banned under the atheistic communist rule and are now a prominent symbol of national sovereignty.
Lech Walesa, the former president and leader of the Solidarity movement that eventually freed Poland from its Soviet-controlled communist dictatorship, challenged the court ruling in a TV interview Thursday, saying, "We must respect minorities but also protect the rights of the majority."
At the same time, Archbishop Ieronymos, the Archbishop of Athens and primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece has also spoken out, urging all Europeans to oppose the ruling, saying the court is ignoring the role of Christianity in forming Europe's identity. The Greek Church has intervened in the case in response to a Greek citizen whose son is studying in Italy, the BBC reports.
The reactions from Greece and Poland reflect the warning made recently by UK legal expert Neil Addison, who told LifeSiteNews.com that, because of the intricacies of European Union law, the Italian crucifix ruling is likely ultimately to affect all 27 member states.
Addison, an author and expert on anti-discrimination law, said that if the Italian government loses their appeal, the ruling could result in the enforced exclusion of all public displays of Christian symbols all over Europe. Addison specifically warned that in countries like Greece and Cyprus, the common display of icons in public places would be under threat.
In fact, since the November 3rd ruling was announced, a secularist activist group in Greece, the Greek Helsinki Monitor, has called for a similar ruling to be applied to that country. The group is urging trade unions to challenge the presence of religious symbols in Greek schools.
The BBC reports that the Orthodox Church plans to hold an emergency Holy Synod to hash out a plan to oppose the ruling.
Meanwhile, Italian papers are reporting a general revolt across the country against the Strasburg ruling. All schools in the League Monza in the Lombardy region, have been given seven days to ensure that crucifixes are displayed in every classroom. The mayor of Besana in Brianza, Vittorio Gatti, signed an order levelling a €150 fine for non-compliance.
Mayor Gatti said, "We will give principals time to adjust, but then the order will be respected."
In a statement published on the municipality's website, the mayor referred to the ECHR decision, saying, "We believe that the crucifix is a symbolic expression in Italy of the religious origin of such important civic values as tolerance, mutual respect, enhancement of the person, freedom, solidarity and rejection of any discrimination."
"I believe I have decided the right thing. I have always seen crucifixes in schools and I believe we should have respect for our traditions and defend them against those who do not even know what they're talking about," Gatti said.
The mayor of Priverno in the province of Latina, Lazio, central Italy, signed an order which provides for the maintenance of crucifixes in classrooms of primary schools throughout the municipality. Mayor Umberto Macci, instructed the municipal police to check that crucifixes are in place, with non-compliance to be fined €500. Citing 1924 and 1927 regulations on school furniture, which provided for the display of crucifixes in schools, the mayor said they are "an expression of fundamental civic values and Italian cultural values."
The mayor of Ascoli Piceno in the in the Marche region near the central east coast, said the crucifix expresses "in a symbolic way, the origin of religious values of the republican constitution. I am referring to freedom, mutual respect, appreciation of the person, solidarity and the rejection of any discrimination."
Mayor Guido Castelli cited state laws that agreed the display of crucifixes in classrooms "does not seem open to criticism over the principle of secularism" of the Italian State.
Phil’s Tidbits:
In a true spirit of ecumenical collaboration, a group of 148 leading Evangelicals, Catholics and other Christians has drafted and issued what they are calling the “Manhattan Declaration.”
http://demossnews.com/manhattandeclaration/press_kit/manhattan_declaration_signers
This is a Christian expression on the sanctity of human life, marriage, and the need for religious liberty / conscience protections.
The signees include leaders from across the Christian spectrum including: Archbishops Dolan and Chaput, Charles Colson, Dr. James Dobson, Peter Kreeft, and George Weigel.
It is the type of collaboration that can and must happen if Christians are to work together to positively affect the culture. The fact that such a collaboration took place is a great sign of hope among Christians—and the potential for future unity which Christ calls us toward.
And lest you think there is no work to be done on the moral issues of the day—including marriage, take a look at this:
My wife came across this in the newspaper—relationship advice column:
“I’m deciding whether to use a private investigator to keep an eye on my fiance’s bachelor party. Family members say that if I feel I need to, I shouldn’t marry him. Friends say it’s good to see what he’d do if tempted. Your thoughts?” Thankfully the columnist, in less forceful terms then I would’ve used, advises this dear young lady to listen to her family and have a good conversation with her fiance’.
Children invariably suffer the worst from evil in the world and the many sins of adults. Pope Benedict recently requested prayers for these innocent victims.
Benedict XVI Asks Prayers for Children
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 18, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is asking prayers for all the children of the world, especially those who suffer, and he is urging the international community to be committed in responding to the problems that affect childhood.
The Pope made this appeal today during the general audience in Paul VI Hall. His exhortation marked the 20th anniversary of the U.N. convention on the rights of the child, approved Nov. 20, 1989.
"My thoughts go out to all the children of the world, especially those who live in difficult conditions and suffer because of violence, abuses, illness, war and hunger," the Holy Father said.
"I invite you to join yourselves to my prayer and, at the same time, I appeal to the international community so that efforts will be multiplied to offer an adequate answer to the tragic problems of childhood," he continued. "Let not the generous commitment of all be lacking, so that the rights of children will be recognized and their dignity be increasingly respected."
Finally, the US bishops get to have some fun too at their recent meeting.
From Zenit.org:
Baseball
In a test run of the electronic voting system, a question was put to the prelates: Was your favorite baseball team in the World Series this year?
Laughter arose from the crowd as the results were tallied: Some 75% of the bishops indicated that neither the New York Yankees nor the Philadelphia Phillies had their allegiance.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Recently, I mentioned a European Court’s ruling forbidding crucifixes in Italian classrooms. This drew strong reactions from Italy along with Poland and Greece.
It was noted that Crucifixes were forbidden in Poland under Communist rule—and now another outside organization is trying to do the same thing. “During Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday in Warsaw, Poland's (President) Kaczynski said that "nobody in Poland will accept the message that you can't hang crosses in schools.’
‘One shouldn't count on that. Perhaps elsewhere, but never in Poland,’Kaczynski said.”
Meanwhile, in Italy, a number of the provinces have responded by having Crucifixes put up in classrooms and refurbishing the ones that are already there.
Long term, the odds don’t seem in favor of these Christian expressions—given the track record of transnational organizations/agreements—but you have to admire their spirit—and indeed not going down without a fight!
Here’s the rest of the story:
Italian Mayors Order Crufixes Put in Classrooms in Revolt against European Court Ruling
Polish president and Greek Orthodox Church also hit out at decision against crucifixes in classrooms
By Hilary White
ROME, November 17, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Poland's president, Lech Kaczynski and the leadership of the Greek Orthodox Church have both hit out at a decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) attempting to ban the display of crucifixes in Italian public schools. At the same time, a general revolt against the ruling in municipalities all over Italy has been started by public officials, who are now ordering the display of crucifixes in schools, and levelling fines for non-compliance.
The November 3rd ECHR ruling, made in response to a complaint by an Italian secularist campaigner, said that the display of crucifixes violated the religious rights of pupils.
During Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday in Warsaw, Poland's Kaczynski said that "nobody in Poland will accept the message that you can't hang crosses in schools."
"One shouldn't count on that. Perhaps elsewhere, but never in Poland," Kaczynski said.
The reaction from Poland has touched a national nerve in a country where crucifixes and other religious symbols were banned under the atheistic communist rule and are now a prominent symbol of national sovereignty.
Lech Walesa, the former president and leader of the Solidarity movement that eventually freed Poland from its Soviet-controlled communist dictatorship, challenged the court ruling in a TV interview Thursday, saying, "We must respect minorities but also protect the rights of the majority."
At the same time, Archbishop Ieronymos, the Archbishop of Athens and primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece has also spoken out, urging all Europeans to oppose the ruling, saying the court is ignoring the role of Christianity in forming Europe's identity. The Greek Church has intervened in the case in response to a Greek citizen whose son is studying in Italy, the BBC reports.
The reactions from Greece and Poland reflect the warning made recently by UK legal expert Neil Addison, who told LifeSiteNews.com that, because of the intricacies of European Union law, the Italian crucifix ruling is likely ultimately to affect all 27 member states.
Addison, an author and expert on anti-discrimination law, said that if the Italian government loses their appeal, the ruling could result in the enforced exclusion of all public displays of Christian symbols all over Europe. Addison specifically warned that in countries like Greece and Cyprus, the common display of icons in public places would be under threat.
In fact, since the November 3rd ruling was announced, a secularist activist group in Greece, the Greek Helsinki Monitor, has called for a similar ruling to be applied to that country. The group is urging trade unions to challenge the presence of religious symbols in Greek schools.
The BBC reports that the Orthodox Church plans to hold an emergency Holy Synod to hash out a plan to oppose the ruling.
Meanwhile, Italian papers are reporting a general revolt across the country against the Strasburg ruling. All schools in the League Monza in the Lombardy region, have been given seven days to ensure that crucifixes are displayed in every classroom. The mayor of Besana in Brianza, Vittorio Gatti, signed an order levelling a €150 fine for non-compliance.
Mayor Gatti said, "We will give principals time to adjust, but then the order will be respected."
In a statement published on the municipality's website, the mayor referred to the ECHR decision, saying, "We believe that the crucifix is a symbolic expression in Italy of the religious origin of such important civic values as tolerance, mutual respect, enhancement of the person, freedom, solidarity and rejection of any discrimination."
"I believe I have decided the right thing. I have always seen crucifixes in schools and I believe we should have respect for our traditions and defend them against those who do not even know what they're talking about," Gatti said.
The mayor of Priverno in the province of Latina, Lazio, central Italy, signed an order which provides for the maintenance of crucifixes in classrooms of primary schools throughout the municipality. Mayor Umberto Macci, instructed the municipal police to check that crucifixes are in place, with non-compliance to be fined €500. Citing 1924 and 1927 regulations on school furniture, which provided for the display of crucifixes in schools, the mayor said they are "an expression of fundamental civic values and Italian cultural values."
The mayor of Ascoli Piceno in the in the Marche region near the central east coast, said the crucifix expresses "in a symbolic way, the origin of religious values of the republican constitution. I am referring to freedom, mutual respect, appreciation of the person, solidarity and the rejection of any discrimination."
Mayor Guido Castelli cited state laws that agreed the display of crucifixes in classrooms "does not seem open to criticism over the principle of secularism" of the Italian State.
Phil’s Tidbits:
In a true spirit of ecumenical collaboration, a group of 148 leading Evangelicals, Catholics and other Christians has drafted and issued what they are calling the “Manhattan Declaration.”
http://demossnews.com/manhattandeclaration/press_kit/manhattan_declaration_signers
This is a Christian expression on the sanctity of human life, marriage, and the need for religious liberty / conscience protections.
The signees include leaders from across the Christian spectrum including: Archbishops Dolan and Chaput, Charles Colson, Dr. James Dobson, Peter Kreeft, and George Weigel.
It is the type of collaboration that can and must happen if Christians are to work together to positively affect the culture. The fact that such a collaboration took place is a great sign of hope among Christians—and the potential for future unity which Christ calls us toward.
And lest you think there is no work to be done on the moral issues of the day—including marriage, take a look at this:
My wife came across this in the newspaper—relationship advice column:
“I’m deciding whether to use a private investigator to keep an eye on my fiance’s bachelor party. Family members say that if I feel I need to, I shouldn’t marry him. Friends say it’s good to see what he’d do if tempted. Your thoughts?” Thankfully the columnist, in less forceful terms then I would’ve used, advises this dear young lady to listen to her family and have a good conversation with her fiance’.
Children invariably suffer the worst from evil in the world and the many sins of adults. Pope Benedict recently requested prayers for these innocent victims.
Benedict XVI Asks Prayers for Children
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 18, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is asking prayers for all the children of the world, especially those who suffer, and he is urging the international community to be committed in responding to the problems that affect childhood.
The Pope made this appeal today during the general audience in Paul VI Hall. His exhortation marked the 20th anniversary of the U.N. convention on the rights of the child, approved Nov. 20, 1989.
"My thoughts go out to all the children of the world, especially those who live in difficult conditions and suffer because of violence, abuses, illness, war and hunger," the Holy Father said.
"I invite you to join yourselves to my prayer and, at the same time, I appeal to the international community so that efforts will be multiplied to offer an adequate answer to the tragic problems of childhood," he continued. "Let not the generous commitment of all be lacking, so that the rights of children will be recognized and their dignity be increasingly respected."
Finally, the US bishops get to have some fun too at their recent meeting.
From Zenit.org:
Baseball
In a test run of the electronic voting system, a question was put to the prelates: Was your favorite baseball team in the World Series this year?
Laughter arose from the crowd as the results were tallied: Some 75% of the bishops indicated that neither the New York Yankees nor the Philadelphia Phillies had their allegiance.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
The Areopagus 11-17-09
posted by Phil Lawson
11-17-09
As many of you no doubt already know, our dear Bishop Listecki has been called by Benedict XVI to shepherd the Church in Milwaukee. He has posted an 8 minute video goodbye to the people of LaCrosse on the diocesan website:
http://www.dioceseoflacrosse.com/
In his press release he offered the following words of love:
“When I was installed as Bishop of La Crosse, I ended my homily by stating 'Now you belong to me, I belong to you, but we belong to Christ.' That will never change.’"
Amen!
Archbishop Dolan (former bishop of Milwaukee—now in New York) gave Listecki his wholehearted endorsement—in his typical fashion:
For the last nine months, since my appointment as Archbishop of New York, I have daily asked our Lord to send a happy, holy, humble new archbishop to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Today my prayer is simply: “thank you, Lord!” Pope Benedict XVI has chosen wisely. Bishop Jerome Listecki is a good friend, and a most effective, generous, faithful, joyful shepherd. I feel bad for the Diocese of La Crosse, but rejoice with my beloved people of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee! Sorry, Gerry, that I did not leave the archdiocese in better shape, but I was counting on being there a lot longer! You’ve got some of the greatest clergy, sisters, and people in the Church … and now they’ve got one of the best archbishops anywhere! (P.S. In the confidential file in the safe is the list of my favorite fish fries).
Gotta love that last line. Godspeed Bishop Listecki!
Phil’s Tidbits:
I had previously mentioned the rapidly growing community of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. New update—they received 17 more women this year, bringing their total to 99. Not bad for a still young order! http://www.sistersofmary.org/
While I’m on the topic of religious sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George (FSGM) operate a house of formation for young women in the Diocese of LaCrosse. This is directed toward any religious community, and they frequently take trips to visit different ones. I just saw that this diocese has sent 26 women in to religious communities in the last 6 years---aided in no small part by these sisters. They have a regular newsletter which can be found here: www.materredemptoris.org
If you want to get a feel for the energy, joy and youth of religious life—take a look!
I came across this over at The American Papist Blog---pretty amazing indeed!
Amazing: Newborn babies cry with their mother's accent
I love picking up stories that reveal the humanity of unborn babies.
I've blogged before about the scientific studies which reveal that babies begin forming memories in the womb.
Now a new study shows that babies, even before they are born, are learning how to talk just like their mothers sound.
Look at the extract of the scientific findings:
"In the first days of their lives, French infants already cry in a different way to German babies...
In this study, the scientists compared recordings of 30 French and 30 German infants aged between two and five days old. While the French newborns more frequently produced rising crying tones, German babies cried with falling intonation.
The reason for this is presumably the differing intonation patterns in the two languages, which are already perceived in the uterus and are later reproduced."
Or to put it in simple English: before they are even born, babies start learning from their mommies.
Amazing.
Lastly, as we continue to celebrate “the Year of the Priest”—here’s another reminder of the heroes so many of them are…along with their need for our prayers.
Priests Slain in Guatemala, Brazil
4th Priest Killed in Brazil in 5 Months
ESQUIPULAS, Guatemala, NOV. 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A Franciscan priest was found murdered in a hotel room in Guatemala this week; he had been missing for several days.
Police reported that the Guatemalan priest, Father Miguel Ángel Hernández, 45, was kidnapped while traveling a few days ago from Ocotepeque, Honduras, where he had been assigned to work in a parish, to Chiquimula, Guatemala.
He was found dead with several stab wounds on Tuesday.
Also this week, another priest, Father Hidalberto Henrique Guimarães, 48, was found stabbed and beaten to death in Brazil.
He is the fourth priest killed in that country in five months.
The priest's body was found in his residence on Saturday night, with 18 knife wounds and several blows to the head, reported the Brazilian bishops' conference.
Father Guimarães was a parish priest of Our Lady of Grace Church, in the municipality of Murici, on the outskirts of Maceio, Vatican Radio reported.
He had been missing since Nov. 5, when he took part in a clergy meeting. In connection with this crime, on Sunday the police arrested two adolescents, aged 16 and 19.
Archbishop Antônio Muniz Fernandes of the Maceio Archdiocese said that not only the clergy, but the whole community is shocked by the incident.
In the past few months, three other Catholic priests have also been homicide victims in Brazil. The first, Father Gisley Azevedo Gomes, 31, worked in the national youth ministry office of the bishops' conference, and was murdered June 15 by a group of young men near Brasilia.
On Sept. 19, an Italian fidei donum missionary, Father Ruggero Ruvoletto, 52, was killed in Manaus by a blow to the head.
A week later, on Sept. 26, Father Evaldo Martiolo, 33, who belonged to the Diocese of Cacador, was murdered in a robbery by a 21-year-old youth and a 15-year-old adolescent.
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
As many of you no doubt already know, our dear Bishop Listecki has been called by Benedict XVI to shepherd the Church in Milwaukee. He has posted an 8 minute video goodbye to the people of LaCrosse on the diocesan website:
http://www.dioceseoflacrosse.com/
In his press release he offered the following words of love:
“When I was installed as Bishop of La Crosse, I ended my homily by stating 'Now you belong to me, I belong to you, but we belong to Christ.' That will never change.’"
Amen!
Archbishop Dolan (former bishop of Milwaukee—now in New York) gave Listecki his wholehearted endorsement—in his typical fashion:
For the last nine months, since my appointment as Archbishop of New York, I have daily asked our Lord to send a happy, holy, humble new archbishop to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Today my prayer is simply: “thank you, Lord!” Pope Benedict XVI has chosen wisely. Bishop Jerome Listecki is a good friend, and a most effective, generous, faithful, joyful shepherd. I feel bad for the Diocese of La Crosse, but rejoice with my beloved people of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee! Sorry, Gerry, that I did not leave the archdiocese in better shape, but I was counting on being there a lot longer! You’ve got some of the greatest clergy, sisters, and people in the Church … and now they’ve got one of the best archbishops anywhere! (P.S. In the confidential file in the safe is the list of my favorite fish fries).
Gotta love that last line. Godspeed Bishop Listecki!
Phil’s Tidbits:
I had previously mentioned the rapidly growing community of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. New update—they received 17 more women this year, bringing their total to 99. Not bad for a still young order! http://www.sistersofmary.org/
While I’m on the topic of religious sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George (FSGM) operate a house of formation for young women in the Diocese of LaCrosse. This is directed toward any religious community, and they frequently take trips to visit different ones. I just saw that this diocese has sent 26 women in to religious communities in the last 6 years---aided in no small part by these sisters. They have a regular newsletter which can be found here: www.materredemptoris.org
If you want to get a feel for the energy, joy and youth of religious life—take a look!
I came across this over at The American Papist Blog---pretty amazing indeed!
Amazing: Newborn babies cry with their mother's accent
I love picking up stories that reveal the humanity of unborn babies.
I've blogged before about the scientific studies which reveal that babies begin forming memories in the womb.
Now a new study shows that babies, even before they are born, are learning how to talk just like their mothers sound.
Look at the extract of the scientific findings:
"In the first days of their lives, French infants already cry in a different way to German babies...
In this study, the scientists compared recordings of 30 French and 30 German infants aged between two and five days old. While the French newborns more frequently produced rising crying tones, German babies cried with falling intonation.
The reason for this is presumably the differing intonation patterns in the two languages, which are already perceived in the uterus and are later reproduced."
Or to put it in simple English: before they are even born, babies start learning from their mommies.
Amazing.
Lastly, as we continue to celebrate “the Year of the Priest”—here’s another reminder of the heroes so many of them are…along with their need for our prayers.
Priests Slain in Guatemala, Brazil
4th Priest Killed in Brazil in 5 Months
ESQUIPULAS, Guatemala, NOV. 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A Franciscan priest was found murdered in a hotel room in Guatemala this week; he had been missing for several days.
Police reported that the Guatemalan priest, Father Miguel Ángel Hernández, 45, was kidnapped while traveling a few days ago from Ocotepeque, Honduras, where he had been assigned to work in a parish, to Chiquimula, Guatemala.
He was found dead with several stab wounds on Tuesday.
Also this week, another priest, Father Hidalberto Henrique Guimarães, 48, was found stabbed and beaten to death in Brazil.
He is the fourth priest killed in that country in five months.
The priest's body was found in his residence on Saturday night, with 18 knife wounds and several blows to the head, reported the Brazilian bishops' conference.
Father Guimarães was a parish priest of Our Lady of Grace Church, in the municipality of Murici, on the outskirts of Maceio, Vatican Radio reported.
He had been missing since Nov. 5, when he took part in a clergy meeting. In connection with this crime, on Sunday the police arrested two adolescents, aged 16 and 19.
Archbishop Antônio Muniz Fernandes of the Maceio Archdiocese said that not only the clergy, but the whole community is shocked by the incident.
In the past few months, three other Catholic priests have also been homicide victims in Brazil. The first, Father Gisley Azevedo Gomes, 31, worked in the national youth ministry office of the bishops' conference, and was murdered June 15 by a group of young men near Brasilia.
On Sept. 19, an Italian fidei donum missionary, Father Ruggero Ruvoletto, 52, was killed in Manaus by a blow to the head.
A week later, on Sept. 26, Father Evaldo Martiolo, 33, who belonged to the Diocese of Cacador, was murdered in a robbery by a 21-year-old youth and a 15-year-old adolescent.
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Listecki to lead Milwaukee Archdiocese
posted by Webmaster
We offer prayers and congratulations as our bishop leaves to lead the flock in Milwaukee. Pray with us that the Holy Father will send a new bishop soon!
The Areopagus 11-9-09
posted by Phil Lawson
11-9-09
You may have heard that the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Italy must remove all Crucifixes from public school classrooms. One can argue this from different angles, i.e. separation of church and state, the Cross as a national symbol connected with Italian heritage, etc.
What strikes me above all is that you have a transnational organization (the European Union) imposing it’s decisions on a supposedly sovereign nation (Italy). Why should a type of European super-supreme court be able to tell a nation (some approx. 97% Catholic) that it can’t have Crucifixes on the walls of its schools??
From a strictly Catholic perspective, what ever happened to subsidiarity? (making decisions on the lowest possible level, as close to the affected parties as possible)?
Here’s Cardinal Bertone’s pointed response to the ruling:
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 5, 2009 (Zenit.org).- In European schools, crucifixes are prohibited but Halloween pumpkins are promoted, observed Benedict XVI's Secretary of State.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone stated this in response to the Tuesday decision of the European Court of Human Rights, which called for the removal of Christian symbols from public school classrooms.
"This Europe of the third millennium only leaves us the pumpkins of the feasts repeatedly celebrated and takes away from us our most cherished symbols," said the cardinal in an article published in L'Osservatore Romano.
Phil’s Tidbits:
On a lighter and more inspiring level, this is really impressive, even more so given the little that priests actually are paid.
French Priests Give a Month's Salary to Needy
Charity Initiative Spreads Internationally
LYON, France, NOV. 5, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The priests of the Lyon Diocese are donating a month of their salary to aid the poor, joining in an initiative of their brothers in Spain.
The diocesan Council of the Presbyterium invited all the priests to donate one month's salary, which amounts to some $1,340, to a charitable organization that supports victims of the economic crisis.
Even though "individually and discreetly, numerous priests contribute to the financing of charitable organizations," a statement on the diocesan Web site acknowledged, "we wish to express our closeness by a particular financial commitment."
It expressed the desire that this initiative would be seen "not only as true pastoral concern for the most destitute," but also as "our will to donate a part of our goods to those who do not have what is necessary to live."
The priests of Lyon "who wish to and can" are therefore invited to make this donation, the Web site stated.
It added, "The sum suggested is 900 euros [$1,340] but each one should give what he wishes and what he can."
The priestly council, representing all of the ordained ministers of the diocese, stated that they are "aware that this gesture is not sufficient." However, they expressed the desire "to address a sign to our contemporaries for whom the image of the Church is often that of preaching, and more rarely that of a concrete solidarity."
The proposal was voted on by the council members while they gathered with the bishops in June. This idea, introduced by a young priest of the diocese, actually started in Spain, where other presbyters began a similar project of economic solidarity last April.
During Holy Week, bishops of several Spanish dioceses asked their priests to give 10% of their salaries to help the needy.
There is a new film out “Blood Money” that spotlights the abortion for profit industry, especially Planned Parenthood. The trailer is only 2+ min. and worth watching:
http://www.bloodmoneyfilm.com/
There are a few universities that seem to have “solved” the vocation crisis. The University of Illinois is one. And the University of Texas A & M is another. Here is a recent summary priestly and religious vocations from Texas A & M –school logo - the “Aggies”:
As of today, August 18, 2009, here are the numbers:
*Current Aggie priests/permanent religious = 128
*Current Aggies in seminary / religious formation = 42
*# of Aggies who entered seminary or religious formation:
• 2009 = 8
• 2008 = 7
• 2007 = 8
• 2006 = 14 (record number)
*For the last 12 years - average number of Aggies per year entering seminary/formation = 8.17
*2009 ordinations = 3 priests + 1 transitional deacon
*2009 religious = 2 final vows + 1 first vows + 1 entering novitiate
These numbers have translated into helping many orders and dioceses around the country. For instance:
• The Austin diocese, one of the biggest pipelines from Aggieland, has a record number of seminarians for this fall = 46 (a record number for the third year in a row)!
• The New Orleans province of Jesuits who has about a dozen Aggies.
• 5 Aggie in the Nashville Dominican sisters.
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
You may have heard that the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Italy must remove all Crucifixes from public school classrooms. One can argue this from different angles, i.e. separation of church and state, the Cross as a national symbol connected with Italian heritage, etc.
What strikes me above all is that you have a transnational organization (the European Union) imposing it’s decisions on a supposedly sovereign nation (Italy). Why should a type of European super-supreme court be able to tell a nation (some approx. 97% Catholic) that it can’t have Crucifixes on the walls of its schools??
From a strictly Catholic perspective, what ever happened to subsidiarity? (making decisions on the lowest possible level, as close to the affected parties as possible)?
Here’s Cardinal Bertone’s pointed response to the ruling:
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 5, 2009 (Zenit.org).- In European schools, crucifixes are prohibited but Halloween pumpkins are promoted, observed Benedict XVI's Secretary of State.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone stated this in response to the Tuesday decision of the European Court of Human Rights, which called for the removal of Christian symbols from public school classrooms.
"This Europe of the third millennium only leaves us the pumpkins of the feasts repeatedly celebrated and takes away from us our most cherished symbols," said the cardinal in an article published in L'Osservatore Romano.
Phil’s Tidbits:
On a lighter and more inspiring level, this is really impressive, even more so given the little that priests actually are paid.
French Priests Give a Month's Salary to Needy
Charity Initiative Spreads Internationally
LYON, France, NOV. 5, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The priests of the Lyon Diocese are donating a month of their salary to aid the poor, joining in an initiative of their brothers in Spain.
The diocesan Council of the Presbyterium invited all the priests to donate one month's salary, which amounts to some $1,340, to a charitable organization that supports victims of the economic crisis.
Even though "individually and discreetly, numerous priests contribute to the financing of charitable organizations," a statement on the diocesan Web site acknowledged, "we wish to express our closeness by a particular financial commitment."
It expressed the desire that this initiative would be seen "not only as true pastoral concern for the most destitute," but also as "our will to donate a part of our goods to those who do not have what is necessary to live."
The priests of Lyon "who wish to and can" are therefore invited to make this donation, the Web site stated.
It added, "The sum suggested is 900 euros [$1,340] but each one should give what he wishes and what he can."
The priestly council, representing all of the ordained ministers of the diocese, stated that they are "aware that this gesture is not sufficient." However, they expressed the desire "to address a sign to our contemporaries for whom the image of the Church is often that of preaching, and more rarely that of a concrete solidarity."
The proposal was voted on by the council members while they gathered with the bishops in June. This idea, introduced by a young priest of the diocese, actually started in Spain, where other presbyters began a similar project of economic solidarity last April.
During Holy Week, bishops of several Spanish dioceses asked their priests to give 10% of their salaries to help the needy.
There is a new film out “Blood Money” that spotlights the abortion for profit industry, especially Planned Parenthood. The trailer is only 2+ min. and worth watching:
http://www.bloodmoneyfilm.com/
There are a few universities that seem to have “solved” the vocation crisis. The University of Illinois is one. And the University of Texas A & M is another. Here is a recent summary priestly and religious vocations from Texas A & M –school logo - the “Aggies”:
As of today, August 18, 2009, here are the numbers:
*Current Aggie priests/permanent religious = 128
*Current Aggies in seminary / religious formation = 42
*# of Aggies who entered seminary or religious formation:
• 2009 = 8
• 2008 = 7
• 2007 = 8
• 2006 = 14 (record number)
*For the last 12 years - average number of Aggies per year entering seminary/formation = 8.17
*2009 ordinations = 3 priests + 1 transitional deacon
*2009 religious = 2 final vows + 1 first vows + 1 entering novitiate
These numbers have translated into helping many orders and dioceses around the country. For instance:
• The Austin diocese, one of the biggest pipelines from Aggieland, has a record number of seminarians for this fall = 46 (a record number for the third year in a row)!
• The New Orleans province of Jesuits who has about a dozen Aggies.
• 5 Aggie in the Nashville Dominican sisters.
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Mass from Sunday Nov. 8 - good to be back in the church
posted by Webmaster
It's good to be back in the church. Here are a couple of pictures from 10 AM Mass today.
The adult schola cantorum:
Becky and Nick Scherer's twins were baptized today:
The Schola Cantorum sang Michael Lawrence's O Sacrum Convivium at Communion:
Father Louis's homily focused on the Year for Priests on the day after the ordination of Father Letona:
The adult schola cantorum:
Becky and Nick Scherer's twins were baptized today:
The Schola Cantorum sang Michael Lawrence's O Sacrum Convivium at Communion:
Father Louis's homily focused on the Year for Priests on the day after the ordination of Father Letona:
Labels: church-floor-project, Homilies, Schola Cantorum
The Areopagus 11-5-09
posted by Phil Lawson
11-5-09
Pope Benedict XVI has continued JPII’s spirited efforts at Christian unity. (Remember Jesus never intended there to be thousands of different denominations—read John 17:20-23). Recently, this has been in the news with his Apostolic Constitution making it easier for Anglicans to come back into the fold.
Outside of Jesus’ exhortation toward unity, Inside the Vatican’s Robert Moynihan offers an interesting theory on the present ramped up speed at which these things seem to be happening:
“He is clearly reaching out to reunite with many Christian groups: the Lefebvrists, as these meetings show, but also Anglicans, the Orthodox, and others as well. He seems to be trying to make Catholic Rome a center of communion for all Christians. This activity, occurring at an accelerating speed over recent months, looks almost like a "rallying of the troops" before some final, decisive battle…..
In short, many eyes are now on Benedict, wondering what he really intends here.
The answer seems simple enough: Benedict is trying energetically to "get his house in order."
But which house?
On one level, it is the Christian Church -- a Christian Church under considerable pressure in the highly secualrized modern world.
In this "house," this "ecclesia Dei" ("church of God" or "community of God"), dogmas and doctrines, formulated into very precise verbal statements, are held as true. These verbal formulas are professed in creeds. Benedict is seeking to overcome divisions over the content of these creeds, these doctrinal formulas, in order to bring about formal, public unity among separated Christians.
He is trying to find unity not only with the Lefebvrists (and all Traditionalists within the Church) but also, as we have seen in recent days, with the Anglicans and the Orthodox Churches.
But … considering world events and the evolution of the world's economy and culture, something else is also at stake.
Benedict is rallying his troops. He is trying to reunite all those factions and denominations and groups in the West that share common beliefs in the eternal destiny of human beings, in the sacredness of human life (since human beings are "in the image and likeness of God"), in the existence of a moral standard which is true at all times and in all places (against the relativism of the modern secular culture), in the need for justice in human affairs, for the rule of right, not might.
And so he is doing his best, in what seems perhaps to be the "twilight of the West," to build an ark, centered in Rome, to which all those who share these beliefs about human dignity may repair.
And this means that what Benedict is doing in this dialogue which got underway today is also of importance to Jews, to Muslims, and to all men and women of goodwill. Mankind seems to be entering a new period, a period in which companies and governments may produce, even for profit, "designer humans," a period of resource wars, a period of the complete rejection of the traditional family unit.
Benedict, from his high room in the Apostolic Palace, seems to be trying to rally the West in the twilight of an age, so that what was best in the West may be preserved, and shine forth again after the struggles of our time are past.”
Given the pace of secularism and the enhanced criticism/dismissal of Christianity on the world stage—Moynihan’s thesis certainly seems plausible. Brings to mind the old adage, “divided with fall, united we stand.”
Phil’s Tidbits:
This is very interesting: The director of a Planned Parenthood facility in Texas quit after watching an ultrasound of an abortion. She indicated a “change of heart” after seeing the reality of the unborn baby. Planned Parenthood responded by requesting a restraining order against their former office director.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571215,00.html?test=latestnews
Eucharistic Miracle: 2009?
Posted by Tim Drake
Thursday, October 15, 2009 9:28 PM
The Eucharistic Miracle from Lanciano, Italy (A.D. 750)
If reports from Poland are true, an alleged Eucharistic miracle that took place a year ago may have merit.
According to a Polish blog, the Metropolitan Curia of Bialystok has announced the results of the investigation of an Ecclesial Commission appointed by Archbishop Edward Ozorowski on March 30, 2009. The original post (in Polish) can be found here.
Father Andrzej Kakareko, Chancellor, writes that on Oct. 12, 2008, a consecrated host fell out of the hands of the priest distributing holy Communion. The priest picked it up and placed it in the vasculum in the tabernacle. After Mass, the vasculum and its contents were transferred to the safe in the sacristy.
Seven days later, after opening the safe, a red stain was seen on the host. Ten days afer that, the vessel with the host was transferred to the tabernacle in the chapel of the rectory. The next day, the host was removed from the water and placed on the corporal in the tabernacle.
On Jan. 7, 2009, a sample from the host was sent to the University in Bialystok for analysis. According to two medical professionals, professor Maria Sobaniec-Lotowska and professor Stanislaw Sulkowski, the sample, in their opinion, most resembled the myocardial (heart) tissue of a living organism.
As part of its investigation, the commission interviewed witnesses and pathomorphology experts. The commission determined that there was no third-party intervention. The case has been forwarded to the Apostolic Nunciature in Warsaw.
While unusual in this day and age, the Church has a long history of Eucharistic miracles. The Vatican International Exhibition’s “Eucharistic Miracles of the World” documents more than 130 worldwide miracles of the Eucharist, demonstrating that Jesus Christ in the Eucharist — body, blood, soul and divinity — continues to make his presence manifest at unique times and places in history.
Perhaps the most famous and well-known, is the Miracle of Lanciano, which occurred about A.D. 750. It bears repeating, as it closely resembles the alleged Polish miracle. During Mass, the celebrant doubted the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. During the consecration, the host transformed into flesh and blood. Subsequent investigations confirmed the authenticity of the human tissue. An investigation, as late as 1970, found the flesh to be cardiac tissue and the blood to be type AB.
I recently received the newsletter for the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, based in Ann Arbor, MI. They are celebrating their 12th year as a religious community. Talk about “new life”—this community (of which my sister-in-law is a part) now has 83 members with an average age of 26. Unlike what you often hear, there are religious orders that are growing! www.sistersofmary.org
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Pope Benedict XVI has continued JPII’s spirited efforts at Christian unity. (Remember Jesus never intended there to be thousands of different denominations—read John 17:20-23). Recently, this has been in the news with his Apostolic Constitution making it easier for Anglicans to come back into the fold.
Outside of Jesus’ exhortation toward unity, Inside the Vatican’s Robert Moynihan offers an interesting theory on the present ramped up speed at which these things seem to be happening:
“He is clearly reaching out to reunite with many Christian groups: the Lefebvrists, as these meetings show, but also Anglicans, the Orthodox, and others as well. He seems to be trying to make Catholic Rome a center of communion for all Christians. This activity, occurring at an accelerating speed over recent months, looks almost like a "rallying of the troops" before some final, decisive battle…..
In short, many eyes are now on Benedict, wondering what he really intends here.
The answer seems simple enough: Benedict is trying energetically to "get his house in order."
But which house?
On one level, it is the Christian Church -- a Christian Church under considerable pressure in the highly secualrized modern world.
In this "house," this "ecclesia Dei" ("church of God" or "community of God"), dogmas and doctrines, formulated into very precise verbal statements, are held as true. These verbal formulas are professed in creeds. Benedict is seeking to overcome divisions over the content of these creeds, these doctrinal formulas, in order to bring about formal, public unity among separated Christians.
He is trying to find unity not only with the Lefebvrists (and all Traditionalists within the Church) but also, as we have seen in recent days, with the Anglicans and the Orthodox Churches.
But … considering world events and the evolution of the world's economy and culture, something else is also at stake.
Benedict is rallying his troops. He is trying to reunite all those factions and denominations and groups in the West that share common beliefs in the eternal destiny of human beings, in the sacredness of human life (since human beings are "in the image and likeness of God"), in the existence of a moral standard which is true at all times and in all places (against the relativism of the modern secular culture), in the need for justice in human affairs, for the rule of right, not might.
And so he is doing his best, in what seems perhaps to be the "twilight of the West," to build an ark, centered in Rome, to which all those who share these beliefs about human dignity may repair.
And this means that what Benedict is doing in this dialogue which got underway today is also of importance to Jews, to Muslims, and to all men and women of goodwill. Mankind seems to be entering a new period, a period in which companies and governments may produce, even for profit, "designer humans," a period of resource wars, a period of the complete rejection of the traditional family unit.
Benedict, from his high room in the Apostolic Palace, seems to be trying to rally the West in the twilight of an age, so that what was best in the West may be preserved, and shine forth again after the struggles of our time are past.”
Given the pace of secularism and the enhanced criticism/dismissal of Christianity on the world stage—Moynihan’s thesis certainly seems plausible. Brings to mind the old adage, “divided with fall, united we stand.”
Phil’s Tidbits:
This is very interesting: The director of a Planned Parenthood facility in Texas quit after watching an ultrasound of an abortion. She indicated a “change of heart” after seeing the reality of the unborn baby. Planned Parenthood responded by requesting a restraining order against their former office director.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571215,00.html?test=latestnews
Eucharistic Miracle: 2009?
Posted by Tim Drake
Thursday, October 15, 2009 9:28 PM
The Eucharistic Miracle from Lanciano, Italy (A.D. 750)
If reports from Poland are true, an alleged Eucharistic miracle that took place a year ago may have merit.
According to a Polish blog, the Metropolitan Curia of Bialystok has announced the results of the investigation of an Ecclesial Commission appointed by Archbishop Edward Ozorowski on March 30, 2009. The original post (in Polish) can be found here.
Father Andrzej Kakareko, Chancellor, writes that on Oct. 12, 2008, a consecrated host fell out of the hands of the priest distributing holy Communion. The priest picked it up and placed it in the vasculum in the tabernacle. After Mass, the vasculum and its contents were transferred to the safe in the sacristy.
Seven days later, after opening the safe, a red stain was seen on the host. Ten days afer that, the vessel with the host was transferred to the tabernacle in the chapel of the rectory. The next day, the host was removed from the water and placed on the corporal in the tabernacle.
On Jan. 7, 2009, a sample from the host was sent to the University in Bialystok for analysis. According to two medical professionals, professor Maria Sobaniec-Lotowska and professor Stanislaw Sulkowski, the sample, in their opinion, most resembled the myocardial (heart) tissue of a living organism.
As part of its investigation, the commission interviewed witnesses and pathomorphology experts. The commission determined that there was no third-party intervention. The case has been forwarded to the Apostolic Nunciature in Warsaw.
While unusual in this day and age, the Church has a long history of Eucharistic miracles. The Vatican International Exhibition’s “Eucharistic Miracles of the World” documents more than 130 worldwide miracles of the Eucharist, demonstrating that Jesus Christ in the Eucharist — body, blood, soul and divinity — continues to make his presence manifest at unique times and places in history.
Perhaps the most famous and well-known, is the Miracle of Lanciano, which occurred about A.D. 750. It bears repeating, as it closely resembles the alleged Polish miracle. During Mass, the celebrant doubted the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. During the consecration, the host transformed into flesh and blood. Subsequent investigations confirmed the authenticity of the human tissue. An investigation, as late as 1970, found the flesh to be cardiac tissue and the blood to be type AB.
I recently received the newsletter for the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, based in Ann Arbor, MI. They are celebrating their 12th year as a religious community. Talk about “new life”—this community (of which my sister-in-law is a part) now has 83 members with an average age of 26. Unlike what you often hear, there are religious orders that are growing! www.sistersofmary.org
God Bless you! Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
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