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Featured Article
Sep
27
Ninety years have elapsed since Pope Leo XVIII issued the encyclical “Rerum Novarum”, which has since become the “Magna Carta of Christian Social Work”, as Pius XI called it. This encyclical provides a Christian answer to the social question of the Marxist interpretation of mankind and of society. The struggle of the oppressed against their oppresors is for Marxism the whole content of history and the way to liberation, to the paradise of a classless world.
As a Christian, the Pope bases his argument on a radically different concept: “Precisely the opposite is true”, he replied to the idea of saving the world by means of a class struggle. “On the contrary, the Creator ordered all things toward peace and mutual harmony…Capital is oriented to work and work to capital.” To the aesthetic concept of a struggle, the Pope opposed solidarity as the Christian standard. Solidarity - that includes justice as its central demand. We are solidaristic only when we give to others what is rightfully theirs by reason of their creatureliness, their humanity.
For us, therefore, the foundation of all economic and social relationships is not confrontation but charity and cooperation. Confrontation is destruction. Violence solves no problems. Pope Leo says in this regard: “Constant struggle breeds barbarism and confusion. Today we can see the truth of this statement demonstrated all over the world.” Constant conflict barbarizes humanity, barbarizes the world. It destroys men interiorly, and this interior destruction leads, with incontestable logic, to exterior destruction. It follows, then, that the great social achievements, the gradual construction of a system of social justice, do not owe their existence to the program of Karl Marx, whose disciples wanted, not reform, but a progressive deterioration that would pave the way for their paradiese.
What are we to conclude from all this? To the concept of a class struggle and its inhumane utopias we are to oppose the fundamental principle of solidarity and justice. The decision as to what is right or not right is not to be made lightly. Respect for what is right is the basis of every human community. Without it, there is, in the long run, no respect for humanity itself and no preservation of human dignity.
From: Zeitfragen und chrislicher Glaube, pp. 60-61
Sep
27
Luke 9: 7 - 9
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7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead,
8 by some that Eli’jah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen.
9 Herod said, “John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
Sep
27
By James Macintyre | Published: 22 September 2007 | Source
The Pope is expected to use his first address to the United Nations to deliver a powerful warning over climate change in a move to adopt protection of the environment as a “moral” cause for the Catholic Church and its billion-strong following.
The New York speech is likely to contain an appeal for sustainable development, and it will follow an unprecedented Encyclical (a message to the wider church) on the subject, senior diplomatic sources have told The Independent.
It will act as the centrepiece of a US visit scheduled for next April – the first by Benedict XVI, and the first Papal visit since 1999 – and round off an environmental blitz at the Vatican, in which the Pope has personally led moves to emphasise green issues based on the belief that climate change is affecting the poorest people on the planet, and the principle that believers have a duty to “protect creation”.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, head of the Catholic Church in the UK, said last night: “This is a crucial issue both today and for all future generations. We are the stewards of creation and we need to take that responsibility seriously and co-operate to care for the created world.”
A Papal tour of America will be particularly potent during election year in the US, where Catholics number around 73 million, and is being discussed in Rome after Pope Benedict accepted an invitation from the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon. For the Pope to take his climate-change message to the high-profile UN platform will be considered hugely influential to the fifth of the world’s population who are Catholics, and will act as a rallying call for action in Africa and Asia, which have seen a rise in Catholics in recent years.
News of the speech comes as Vatican City has become the first fully carbon-neutral state in the world, after announcing it is offsetting its carbon footprint by planting a forest in Hungary and installing solar panels on the roof of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
It also follows a series of interventions by the Pope on the environment. On 2 September he told a 300,000 youth audience: “Before it is too late, it is necessary to make courageous decisions that reflect knowing how to re-create a strong alliance between man and the earth.” On 7 September, he said there was a “pressing need for science and religion to work together to safeguard the gifts of nature and to promote responsible stewardship”.
UK diplomats have held a number of behind-the-scenes meetings with Vatican officials on the environment. A Whitehall source said last night: “Benedict is the spiritual head of 19 per cent of the world’s population and a highly respected figure. If the Pope’s words are taken on board by his community that is one big constituency for change and could well turn the tide on climate change and environmental degradation.”
(Thanks Michelle for the link to this article.)
Sep
26
An interesting exchange between Christopher Hitchens & Fr. Rutler. Thanks to The Curt Jester for bringing this out and to Richard Lawrence Poe who wrote the story. And here’s another article about that evening.
FATHER RUTLER: I have met saints. You cannot explain the existence of saints without God. I was nine years chaplain with Mother Teresa [inaudible]. You have called her a whore, a demagogue. She’s in heaven that you don’t believe in, but she’s praying for you. If you do not believe in heaven, that’s why you drink.
CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS: Excuse me?
FATHER RUTLER: That’s why you drink. God has offered us happiness, all of us. And you will either die a Catholic or a madman, and I’ll tell you the difference.
And secondly, I’m an officer with this club. And this conversation has been beneath the dignity of this club.
UNIDENTIFIED AUDIENCE MEMBER: No it hasn’t been.
CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS: Well, it is now.
DAVID HOROWITZ: Okay. I–
CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS: It is now.
FATHER RUTLER: And I’d just say that…
CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS: Fine host you turned out to be.
Sep
26
On Saint John Chrysostom
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BENEDICT XVI
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Saint Peter’s Square
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today we continue our reflections on Saint John Chrysostom. In 397, when he became Bishop of Constantinople, he set an example to the people of the city by his simplicity of life and his constant concern for the poor. He did not hesitate to speak out against corrupt or pagan practices, even in the Imperial Court, and for this he was sent into exile. In his teaching, he showed how our wonder at the beauty of creation should lead us to give glory to the Creator. Yet God is also a tender father, a healer of souls and an affectionate friend. The Creator of the Universe loved us so much that he did not spare his only Son. The Holy Spirit also features prominently in Saint John’s writings – the life-force that transforms the world and gives wings to those Christians who are docile to the Spirit’s promptings. This authoritative teaching earned Saint John Chrysostom the title of a second Saint Paul, Teacher of the Universe. The exiled bishop continued until his death to proclaim the infinite love of God, who wants all to be saved. With his last breath he spoke of the ultimate end of human life – the glory of God. Let us learn from Saint John’s example to love Christ in the poor and to bear faithful witness to the truth of the Gospel.
* * *
I extend a warm welcome to all the English-speaking visitors and pilgrims present at today’s Audience, including groups from Britain and Ireland, New Zealand, Thailand, and North America. I greet in particular the new students from the Venerable English College and the priests from Ireland who are taking part in a renewal course here in Rome. May the time that you spend in this city deepen your love for Christ and his Church, and may God’s blessings of peace and joy be with you always!
Sep
26
St. Peter Eymard
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There is a fragrance to filial obedience which nothing can replace, and of which no one ever grows tired; for this obedience is affectionate and free from self seeking. Our Lord demands it of us. He leaves a thin streamlet of it in our parents, but He wants the whole river for Himself. Let us give Him our whole heart. — St. Peter Eymard
Sep
26
Luke 9: 1 - 6
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1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,
2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.
3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.
4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.
5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Sep
26
Intrinsic to the basic structure of the act of faith is incorporation into the Church, the common situs of that which binds together and that which is bound. In Romans 6:17, for instance, this act of faith is defined as the process by which an individual submits himself to one particular creed and, in doing so, performs an act of obedience that comes from the heart, that is, from the center of his whole being.
This presumes that, in her catechesis, the Church proclaims and lives a particular creed which, on the one hand, is the essential foundation of her community and, on the other, is sustained by this community. To become a Christian is to enter into this one particular creed, into the communal form of faith. The inner bond between the community itself and this creed is expressed by the fact that acceptance into the community has the form of sacrament: Baptism and catechesis are inseparable. Entering into the community of faith means entering into a community of life and vice versa.
As part of the sacrament, this basic catechesis is not subject to the will of the Church. It is the mark of her identity, without which she is nothing, but which can, nevertheless, exist only in her communal life…The Apostle (John) opposed to the arrogance of an intellectual elite the the unsurpassability of simple and of the insight it bestows. The model of enlightened reason cannot assimilate the structure of faith. That is our problem today. But faith, for its part, is comprehensive enough to assimilate the intellectual offer of the Enlightenment and give it a task that is meaningful also for faith. That is our opportunity. We must make the effort to accept it.
See: Principles of Catholic Theology, pp.329-31
Sep
25
Apostolic Nuncio named Vatican Assistant Secretary of State (Source)
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop Fernando Filoni, the present Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, as the Assistant Secretary of State in the Vatican. His official title will be “Substitute to the Secretary of State.” This is the third highest ranking position in the Holy See.
The announcement was made in Rome at high noon on Saturday, June 9, 2007. This was 7:00 p.m. in the Philippines. Archbishop Filoni did not release the news locally, because it referred to his own person. Moreover, it was an honor, and he had no desire to advertise himself.
The news on the internet, so on Monday, June 11, at 5:00 p.m. he issued a statement, saying:
“This is an act of fatherly benevolence on the part of the
Supreme Pontiff, to which I respond to a certain
Trepidation, but with the same willingness as in the past,
and with profound gratitude.
“I should like to express my appreciation to the Church
and the people of the Philippines, who have welcomed
me everywhere with joy and warmth.
“I wish to convey my sincere thanks to the Authorities
of this country for the attention that they have always shown
me and for the kindness with which they have surrounded me.
“For the Church in the Philippines, so rich in spiritual vitality,
I have developed a great affection in a very short time. I ask
now for prayerful support, and I know that I can count on
this, because the numerous prayer centers found in every
diocese have already assured me of it.”
Archbishop Filoni will assume his new post in the Roman Curia on July 1, 2007. His Holiness Benedict XVI has not yet named a new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
Sep
25
MESSAGE TO MUSLIM FILIPINOS
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MESSAGE TO MUSLIM FILIPINOS ON THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
(From Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines) Source
Assalam Alaykum wa Rahmahtullhi wa Barakatuhu!
As you begin the Ramadan, the Catholic Church commends the Muslim community of the Philippines as you submit to Allah through salat (prayer), zakat (almsgiving) and shaum (fasting).
The Second Vatican Council of the Church in its documents, Nostra Aetate, has acknowledged her deep respect for Islam and the Muslims for they worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who also spoke to humanity through the prophets. In this regard we hold with great respect your prophet Muhammad who received the Qur’an on the ‘Night of Power.’
The Qur’an says: “The month of Ramandan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down, as a guide to humankind and a self-evident proof of that guidance and criterion to distinguish between right and wrong judgment. So whoever of you is present in the month should spend it in fasting.” (Q.2:185) It is the Qur’an through the centuries that has provided the Muslim ummah its religious depth and its moral principles on how to believe and act as Muslim.
May your reverent recitation of the Q’ran during the month of Ramadan grant you Allah’s guidance, mercy and compassion. And may the Qur’an continue to inspire and show you the straight path so that you may continue to be instruments of God’s peace, justice, and unity in our country and in the world.
ARCHBISHOP ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ, DD
Chairman, Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
September 22, 2006
