Pope: God walks in history with us and adjusts it's course 2014-12-18 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday invited the faithful to rely on God even in the darkest hours, even if sometimes we do not understand how He is working, because he always walks with us in the history of Salvation. The Pope’s words came during his homily at morning Mass in the Casa Santa Marta. "God’s will has been to save us in history" - the Pope said - our Salvation "is not sterile, as in a laboratory. No! It’s history. He has walked through history with his people. "Therefore – he said - "there is no salvation without history. And to get to the point: history goes back a long time": "And so, step by step, history is made. God makes history, we make history; and when we fail, God makes adjustments and sets history back on course, walking with us all the time. If this is not clear to us, we will never understand Christmas! We will never understand the Incarnation of the Word! Never! It’s a story that goes forward in time. 'Father, is history over with the story of Christmas?'; 'No! The Lord continues to save us in history. And he walks with his people. '" In this story - Pope Francis continued – there are those chosen by God, those people that He chooses "to help his people to move forward," like Abraham, Moses, Elijah. For them "there are some bad times", "dark moments, awkward moments, bothersome moments". Perhaps they are people who just want to live peacefully, but "the Lord inconveniences them. The Lord inconveniences us to make history! So often he puts us on roads that we don’t want to walk". So much so that Moses and Elijah, at a certain point, would rather die, but then they trust in the Lord. The Gospel of the day speaks of "another bad moment in the history of salvation", that of Joseph who discovers that his betrothed, Mary, is pregnant: "He suffers, he sees the village women chatting in the market; and he suffers. ‘This is a good one, I know her! She is a woman of God. What has she done to me? It’s not possible!” If he accuses her, she will be stoned. But that is not what he wants to do, even although he does not understand. He knows that Mary "is incapable of being unfaithful." "In difficult moments such as these" - the Pope said - "those chosen by God to make history, must take the problem on their shoulders, without understanding." Like that – he said - "the Lord makes history." "That’s what Joseph does. The man who in the worst moment of his life, the most obscure, takes the problem upon himself. And he takes the blame in the eyes of others in order to protect his bride. A psychoanalyst could perhaps say that this dream of Joseph’s is the condensation of anxiety, which seeks to be expressed... let them say what they will. But what did Joseph do? After awaking from the dream he took Mary as his bride. 'I do not understand, but the Lord spoke to me and said she will give birth to a son who will appear to be my son!'". "To make history with His people - the Pope said – for God means to walk and to put his chosen ones to test." In the end He saves them: "Let us always remember, with confidence, even in the worst moments, even in times of illness, when we realize we have to ask for the Last Rites because there is no way out, to say: 'Lord, history did not start with me and will not end with me! You go ahead, I am willing to come with you'. And to put ourselves in the hands of the Lord. "What then do those who are chosen by God teach us? "That God walks with us, that God makes history, that God puts us to the test and that God saves us in the worst moments, because He is our Father. And according to Paul He is our daddy. May the Lord help us to understand this mystery of Him walking with His people in history, of testing His elected ones, as well as the greatness of their hearts as they take upon themselves the pains, the problems, even the blame for our sins – Let us walk forward with Jesus across history. " (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-god-walks-in-history-with-us-and-adjusts-its
Pope Francis: I'm very pleased with the new agreement between the U.S and Cuba 2014-12-18 Pope Francis expressed his satisfaction with the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the U.S and Cuba. He made an off-the-cut comment as he addressed a group of new ambassadors to the Holy See. POPE FRANCIS "Today we are all happy because two nations, who were distant for so many years, yesterday took a step to come together. This was achieved by Ambassadors and diplomacy. Yours is a very noble work. I hope it will be fruitful and may God bless you. Thank you.” Both Barack Obama and Raul Castro highlighted the key role Pope Francis played as mediator in the process. He explained that it was a diplomatic success, because it promoted peace in the world. POPE FRANCIS "The work of an Ambassador is about taking small steps and doing small things that look for peace, that bring the hearts of people closer and promote fraternity in the world. This is your work, but it must be done through small, very small things.” The new Ambassador to the Holy See presented to Pope Francis their credential letters. Among them, the Qatar, Finland, Rwanda and New Zealand. http://www.romereports.com/pg159578...the-new-agreement-between-the-u-s-and-cuba-en
Pope Francis: The Church is not an entrepreneur but a mother 2014-12-19 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said on Friday that there is much sterility within the Church and the people of God, a sterility that comes from power and egoism. The Church, he stressed, is a mother and not an entrepreneur. His remarks came during his homily at morning Mass celebrated at the Santa Marta residence. The Pope’s reflections on the themes of sterility and motherhood were taken from the biblical account of two miraculous births, those of Samson and John the Baptist, both born to women who were formerly sterile. He said this symbol of sterility as recounted in the Bible is seen as the sign of a human person incapable of moving forward. Therefore the Church, he said, wants to make us reflect on the issue of human sterility. Sterility and new Creation “From sterility, the Lord is able to restart a new lineage, a new life. And that is the message of today. When humanity is exhausted and can no longer go forward, grace comes, the Son comes and Salvation comes. And that exhausted Creation gives way to a new creation.” Today’s message, the Pope continued, is this second Creation that comes when the earth is exhausted. We are awaiting the newness of God and that’s what Christmas is about. He pointed out that the mothers of Samson and John the Baptist were able to give birth thanks to the action of the Spirit of the Lord and asked what is the message of these biblical accounts? The reply, he said, is that we must open ourselves to the Spirit of God because we cannot do it by ourselves. Openess to the newness of God “This too makes me think of our mother Church and of so much sterility within our Mother Church: when because of the weight of the hope in the Commandments, that pelagianism that all of us carry within our bones, she becomes sterile. She believes she is capable of giving birth… no, she can’t! The Church is a mother and only becomes a mother when she opens to the newness of God, to the strength of the Spirit. When she says to herself: “I do everything, but I’ve finished, I can’t go forward!”, the Spirit comes.” A mother and not an entrepreneur Pope Francis then went on to reflect on the sterility within the Church and her openness to becoming a mother through her faith. “And today is also a day to pray for our Mother Church, because of so much sterility within the people of God. A sterility arising from egoism, from power … when the Church believes she can do everything, that she can take charge of the consciences of the people, walk along the road of the Pharisees, of the Sadducees, along the road of hypocrisy, yes, the Church is sterile. Let’s pray. That this Christmas our Church may be open to the gift of God, that she may allow herself to be surprised by the Holy Spirit and be a Church that gives birth, a mother Church. Many times I think that in some places the Church is more like an entrepreneur than a mother.” The Pope concluded his homily by imploring the Lord for the grace of fertility and motherhood within our Church so that above all the Church is a mother, just like Mary. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-the-church-is-not-an-entrepreneur-but
http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/news/detail/articolo/francesco-francisco-francis-38152/ Pope gives sleeping bags to Rome’s homeless "This is a gift for you from the Pope on the occasion of his birthday,"
VATICAN-ABUSE Dec-17-2014 (700 words) xxxi Pope names second abuse survivor, global experts to protection panel By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis expanded his papal commission on child protection to include a second survivor of abuse and more experts from around the world. Pope Francis waves as he leaves his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 17. (CNS/Paul Haring) The Commission for the Protection of Minors, which Pope Francis established one year ago, adds four more women and four men from five continents to the now-17-member body. The Vatican announced the new members Dec. 17. One of the new members is Peter Saunders, the chief executive officer of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), which he founded nearly two decades ago in the United Kingdom to help other survivors find support. He was one of six abuse survivors who spoke with Pope Francis in a private meeting at the Vatican July 7. Also joining the commission are: -- Krysten Winter-Green, an expert in theology, human development, social work and pastoral psychology, who has served in a number of dioceses in the United States. Born in New Zealand, Winter-Green served as Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley's chancellor when he was bishop of St. Thomas in the American Virgin Islands, and she also worked for him in Fall River and Boston. According to biographical information provided by the Vatican, her work in the field of child abuse includes "forensics, assessment and treatment of priest and clergy offenders." -- Bill Kilgallon, national director of the Office for Professional Standards of the Catholic Church in New Zealand, which oversees the church's response to accusations of abuse against clergy or religious. Before that, Kilgallon was a member of a review team into the protection of children and vulnerable adults in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and in 2008, he was appointed as the first chair of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission of England and Wales, which was responsible for setting policies and procedures for the Catholic Church and monitoring compliance by dioceses and religious congregations. -- Precious Blood Sister Hermenegild Makoro, the secretary-general of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference. She has served as provincial superior of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood and had been associate secretary-general secretary of the Pretoria-based bishops' conference. -- Kathleen McCormack, founder and now retired-director of CatholicCare, which works with Australia's dioceses, provides essential social services and counseling to those in need. Starting in the 1990s, McCormack also became a vocal advocate for victims of sexual abuse. She helped report priests and perpetrators to the police and urged the church and Catholic organizations implement child protection programs. -- Sister Kayula Lesa, a member of the Religious Sisters of Charity, works at the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection in Zambia. She has been active in the fight against human trafficking and supporting human rights. She has written on child protection and refugee rights and has served as a member of the African Forum for Church Social Teaching. -- Gabriel Dy-Liacco is licensed counselor and an assistant professor at Regent University's School of Psychology and Counseling in Virginia. Born in the Philippines, Dy-Liacco is "an adult and adolescent psychotherapist and pastoral counselor for various mental health concerns" including victims and perpetrators of abuse, according to the Vatican. -- Father Luis Manuel Ali Herrera is the head of the department of psychology and a professor of pastoral psychology at the major seminary of the Archdiocese of Bogota, Colombia. Pope Francis, who has called for zero tolerance and complete accountability for the "despicable" crime of abuse, has said he wants the commission to help the church develop better policies and procedures for protecting minors. The commission is also meant to lay out a pastoral approach to helping victims and prevent future abuse as well as focus on priestly formation, accountability and reaching out to survivors. The commission is headed by Cardinal O'Malley; the commission secretary is U.S. Father Robert W. Oliver, a Boston priest and canon lawyer who worked on the abuse crisis in the church there. The new papal commission members join Marie Collins, an Irish survivor of clerical abuse, and six -- mostly European -- experts in mental health, civil and church law, and moral theology. The next plenary session of the commission will take place in the Vatican Feb. 6-8, 2015. END http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1405248.htm
Pope: at Christmas Jesus knocks at the doors of your heart 2014-12-21 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Sunday invited the faithful to listen carefully when God knocks at their door. “Too often – he said – Jesus passes by in our lives, he sends an angel and we are so caught up in our thoughts and concerns we do not even notice”. Speaking to the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus Prayer, the Pope reflected on the liturgy of the last Sunday of Advent that tells of the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to Mary and on how she simply, and humbly – with an attitude of total faith in the Lord – said “yes”. She said “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1, 38). Mary – Pope Francis said - did not know what had been laid out for her in the future, she did not know what pains and what risks she would be called to face. But she was aware that the Lord had asked something of her and she trusted in him completely. This – he said – is the faith of Mary! Another aspect to take note of – Francis continued – is this capacity of Mary to “recognize the time of God”. Thanks to her the Incarnation of the Son of God was possible. Mary teaches us – the Pope said – to be aware of the favorable moment in which Jesus passes in our lives asking for a ready and generous answer. And Jesus – he said – does pass in our lives. At Christmas he knocks at the heart of every Christian and each of us is called to respond, like Mary, with a sincere and personal “yes”, putting ourselves at the disposal of God and of his mercy. How often – the Pope pointed out – we so caught up in our own thoughts and concerns, perhaps in these very days in our preparations for Christmas, that we do not even notice that he is knocking at the doors of our hearts, asking for a welcome, asking for a “yes”. And recalling the words of a Saint who used to say “I am afraid that the Lord will pass me by” the Pope explained that he was really afraid that he would not notice the Lord’s presence and would not be ready to respond. This attitude – Francis said – and this fear that we feel in our hearts “is really the Lord knocking” and it makes us want to be better, to be close to others and to God. “If this is what you feel, stop” - the Pope said – “the Lord is there! Pray, go to confession, do some cleaning up… this is good. But remember: if you feel this wish to be better, it is He who is knocking. Don’t let him pass you by!” And Pope Francis concluded his reflection recalling the silent, prayerful figure of Joseph, as he is portrayed in every nativity scene. The example of Mary and Joseph – he said – is an invitation to all of us to welcome Jesus openly; he comes to bring the gift of peace: “peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests” ((Luke 2, 14). Just as the angels said to the shepherds – Pope Francis said – the precious gift of Christmas is peace, and Christ is our true peace: “Christ is knocking at the doors of our hearts go give us His peace. Let us open those doors to Christ!” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-christmas-jesus-knocks-at-the-doors-of-you
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pope...umption-that-we-can-do-without-God-33016.html Pope: the most dangerous misery is "the presumption that we can do without God" According to such blind misery, material wealth, the quest for power and pleasure, and the enslavement of others to achieve these goals, are the purpose of existence. Vatican City (AsiaNews) - As he greeted the Pope John XXIII Community, an Italian association operating in 34 countries to free enslaved women from prostitution, Pope Francis said that "the most dangerous misery, which causes all the others," is "the distance from God, the presumption that we can do without him. The purpose of existence, according to such blind misery, is material wealth, the quest for power and pleasure, and the enslavement of others to achieve these goals." In addition to greetings from the community's leader Giovanni Paolo Ramonda, the meeting also saw other participants talk about their own experiences. "Your stories," the pope told them, "speak of slavery and liberation; they speak of the selfishness of those who think they can build an existence exploiting others as well as of the generosity of those who help others recover from material and moral degradation. They are experiences that shed light on the many forms of poverty that are like wounds to the world. They reveal the most dangerous misery, which causes all the others, namely the distance from God, the presumption that we can do without him. The purpose of existence, according to such blind misery, is material wealth, the quest for power and pleasure, and the enslavement of others to achieve these goals." "Yes, my friends, it is the presence of the Lord that marks the difference between the freedom of goodness and the slavery of evil, enabling us to do good works and draw an intimate joy that can radiate on those around us close. The presence of the Lord broadens horizons, heals thoughts and emotions, and gives us the strength to overcome difficulties and trials." "Wherever the Lord Jesus is, there is resurrection; there is life, because He is resurrection and life. Faith can really move the mountains of indifference and apathy, disinterest and sterile inwardness. Faith can open the door of charity, making us want to imitate Jesus; it can encourage us to do good, and provide us with the courage to act, following the example of the Good Samaritan." "Fr Oreste Benzi, founder of your Association, was well aware of this. His love for the young and the poor, the marginalised and the abandoned, was rooted in his love for Jesus Crucified, who became poor and last for us. His courageous determination to give life to many initiatives in various countries came from his confident abandonment to God's Providence. It came from faith in the Risen, living and active Christ, who was able to multiply limited strength and available resources, as he once multiplied loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes."
Pope sacks Bertone, Cardinal Tauran new Camerlengo (AGI) Vatican City, Dec. 20 - Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone is no longer Camerlengo of the Holy Church of Rome. Pope Francis has replaced him with Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, the memorable Foreign Minister of Pope John Paul II and currently president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Bertoni turned 80 last Dec. 2 and therefore could not eventually participate in a Conclave. As Protodeacon, Cardinal Tauran announced the election of Pope Francis on March 13, 2013. During the last few month, he closely collaborated with the Pontiff, especially in cleaning up the Vatican's financial sector and the IOR Vatican bank in particular. Born in Bordeaux, Cardinal Tauran is now 71 years old. He was conscientious objector, refusing to serve in the army and, before entering the seminary, he did civil service as voluntary aid worker and taught in a Catholic school in Lebanon. Ordained in 1969, Tauran worked as a curate in the Archdiocese of Bordeaux while he studied Canon Law at the Catholic University of Toulouse. After he moved to Rome in 1973, he studied at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, where the Holy See's diplomats are trained, and at the Pontifical Gregorian University, where he graduated in Canon Law. He took office in the Vatican's diplomatic service in 1975. He was secretary of the nunciature to the Dominican Republic from 1975 to 1979, and was later transferred to the Apostolic Nunciature of Lebanon, where he remained till 1983, when he was called to join the Council for the Public Affairs of the Church. From 1990 to 2003 he was Secretary for Relations with States. During these 13 years, Cardinal Tauran went on several missions abroad and led the Vatican delegation in numerous international conferences. He was created Cardinal-Deacon by Pope John Paul in the consistory of 21 October 2003 and was concomitantly named Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church. Pope Benedict XVI later appointed him president of the of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in June 2007. Affected with Parkinson's disease, he is widely admired for the heroic attitude with which he continues his apostolic activities despite his obvious difficulties, just like John Paul II. THE CAMERLENGO IS THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CHURCH'S PROPERTY AND GOVERNS THE CHURCH DURING THE 'SEDE VACANTE' The Camerlengo is the administrator of the property and revenues of the Holy See during the Sede Vacante or during the absence of the Pope, but he must do so in a way as to preserve the property, without taking extraordinary initiatives. If the Pope dies, he has the task of certifying the death and informing the Cardinal Vicar of Rome, who is entrusted with the task of revealing the news to the people. The Camerlengo takes possession of the Ring of the Fisherman and cuts it and all other papal seals with shears. He then seals off the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, in the Lateran Palace and in Castelgandolfo. This marks the beginning of the Sede Vacante, when the Camerlengo starts preparing the funeral and the subsequent nine days of mourning, or 'novendialis'. He then starts preparing the Conclave to elect a new Pope through the General Congregations, which are chaired by the Cardinal-Deacon: 87-year-old Angelo Sodano who was appointed to this office in 2005. During the Sede Vacante, the coat of arms of the Camerlengo, although it is stil made up of 30 red ribbons like all cardinals, it is topped with the banner of the Pope with two crossed keys surmounted by the papal tiara. During this period, the Camerlengo can also mint new coins that, even if they have legal tender, will never be put in circulation as they are exclusively intended for collectors. The coins portray his coat of arms, with the saying 'Sede Vacante' and the year of issue or the fineness of the precious metal, expressed as one thousand part. (AGI) . .
I think the Holy Father's 15 diseases of the Curia "diagnoses" are spot on and not just aimed at the Curia, but a good idea for all of to "check-up" on. http://www.lastampa.it/2014/12/22/e...-the-curia-iOrOhe0vND5kjeEGMybEoK/pagina.html I love that he also prays to St. Thomas More everyday for good humor. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deacon...rancis-reveals-a-saint-he-prays-to-every-day/
Pope Francis: Christmas greetings to Curia 2014-12-22 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the heads and other senior officials of the departments of the Roman Curia on Monday, in their traditional exchange of Christmas greetings. In remarks prepared for the occasion and delivered Monday morning, the Holy Father focused on the need for those who serve in the curia – especially those in positions of power and authority – to remember and cultivate an attitude and a spirit of service. “Sometimes,” said Pope Francis, “[Officials of the Curia] feel themselves ‘lords of the manor’ [It. padroni] – superior to everyone and everything,” forgetting that the spirit, which should animate them in their lives of service to the universal Church, is one of humility and generosity, especially in view of the fact that none of us will live forever on this earth. This “disease” of feeling “immortal” or “essential” – irreplaceable – was one of fifteen maladies, which Pope Francis identified during the course of his address: from a tendency to prefer Martha’s portion over Mary’s, to over-planning (and micromanaging), to wearing being a perpetual downer and wearing a “funeral face” all the day long. “These and other maladies and temptations,” said Pope Francis, “are a danger for every Christian and for any administrative organization, community, congregation, parish, ecclesial movement, etc., and can strike at both the individual and the corporate level.” “It is the Holy Spirit,” continued the Holy Father, “who sustains every sincere effort at purification and every authentic desire for conversion. He is the one, who makes us understand that every member participates in the sanctification of the [mystical] body [of Christ, which is the Church], and to its corruption.” “Therefore,” said Pope Francis, “we are called in this Christmas season and for the whole period of our service – for so long as we exist – to live, ‘[according to] truth in charity, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and up-builds itself in love.’(Eph. 4:15-16)” http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-christmas-greetings-to-curia
This article sez the Pope was "tough-on" the Vatican Brass: "Pope Francis: Vatican Brass Diseased With Power and Greed" http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Francis-vatican-diseased-greed/2014/12/22/id/614390/
To employees of the Holy See: “Transform this Holy Nativity into an opportunity to heal” Vatican City, 22 December 2014 (VIS) – This morning Pope Francis met with employees of the Holy See, whom he thanked fervently for their work during the last year. He dedicated some special words to the Italians present, as “during all the history of the Church and the Roman Curia they have worked regularly with a generous and faithful spirit, placing at the service of the Holy See and Peter's Successor their unique laboriousness and filial devotion, offering the Church great Saints, Popes, martyrs, missionaries and artists that no passing cloud in history will be able to obscure”. He also thanked workers from other countries, “who generously work in the Curia, far from their homelands and their families, representing for the Curia the face of the Church's 'Catholicity'”. The Pope encouraged those present to consider a text that he had mentioned in his discourse to the Roman Curia shortly beforehand, treating it as a “starting point for a fruitful examination of conscience in preparation for the Holy Nativity and the New Year. He exhorted them to receive the Sacrament of Confession “with a docile heart, to receive the mercy of the Lord, who knocks on the door of our heart, in the joy of the family”. Francis emphasised the word “care” and explained that “caring means manifesting diligent and thoughtful interest, that directs our heart and our activities towards someone or something; it means looking with attention to those who are in need of care without thinking of anything else; it means accepting to give or receive care”. To “transform this Holy Nativity into a true opportunity to heal every wound and every lack”, he urged those present to take care of their spiritual life, their relationship with God, and to look after their family life and relationships with others. This means caring about one's way of speaking, purifying language of offensive words; healing the wounds of the heart with the oil of forgiveness; caring for one's work, performing it with enthusiasm, humility and passion; curing oneself of envy, lust, hatred and the negative feelings that devour our inner peace and transform us into destroyed and destructive people; curing oneself of the rancour that leads us to revenge and the idleness that leads to existential euthanasia. Caring for the poorest, the elderly, the sick, the hungry, the homeless and foreigners, and making sure that the Holy Nativity never becomes a celebration of commercial consumerism, appearances and pointless gifts, or superfluous waste, but rather of the joy of welcoming the Lord into the creche of the heart”. “Imagine how our world would change if each one of us began straight away”, he remarked. “This is the true Nativity: the feast of the poverty of the God Who annihilated Himself, assuming the nature of a slave; of God Who served at the table; of God Who hid Himself from the intelligent and the wise and instead revealed Himself to the smallest, the simple and the poor. It is above all the feast of Peace brought to earth by the baby Jesus, … the peace the Angels sang”. He continued, “Peace needs our enthusiasm, our care, to warm our frozen hearts, to encourage distrusting souls and to brighten jaded eyes with the light of Jesus' face”. The Pope concluded by asking forgiveness for his shortcomings, and those of his colleagues, and also for the various scandals “that do a great deal of damage”, he commented. “Forgive me and, please, pray for me”. http://www.news.va/en/news/to-employees-of-the-holy-see-transform-this-holy-n
Pope Francis: a Curia that is outdated, sclerotic or indifferent to others is an ailing body Vatican City, 22 December 2014 (VIS) – This morning in the Clementine Hall the Holy Father held his annual meeting with the Roman Curia to exchange Christmas greetings with the members of its component dicasteries, councils, offices, tribunals and commissions. “It is good to think of the Roman Curia as a small model of the Church, that is, a body that seeks, seriously and on a daily basis, to be more alive, healthier, more harmonious and more united in itself and with Christ”. “The Curia is always required to better itself and to grow in communion, sanctity and wisdom to fully accomplish its mission. However, like any body, it is exposed to sickness, malfunction and infirmity. … I would like to mention some of these illnesses that we encounter most frequently in our life in the Curia. They are illnesses and temptations that weaken our service to the Lord”, continued the Pontiff, who after inviting all those present to an examination of conscience to prepare themselves for Christmas, listed the most common Curial ailments: The first is “the sickness of considering oneself 'immortal', 'immune' or 'indispensable', neglecting the necessary and habitual controls. A Curia that is not self-critical, that does not stay up-to-date, that does not seek to better itself, is an ailing body. … It is the sickness of the rich fool who thinks he will live for all eternity, and of those who transform themselves into masters and believe themselves superior to others, rather than at their service”. The second is “'Martha-ism', or excessive industriousness; the sickness of those who immerse themselves in work, inevitably neglecting 'the better part' of sitting at Jesus' feet. Therefore, Jesus required his disciples to rest a little, as neglecting the necessary rest leads to stress and agitation. Rest, once one who has brought his or her mission to a close, is a necessary duty and must be taken seriously: in spending a little time with relatives and respecting the holidays as a time for spiritual and physical replenishment, it is necessary to learn the teaching of Ecclesiastes, that 'there is a time for everything'”. Then there is “the sickness of mental and spiritual hardening: that of those who, along the way, lose their inner serenity, vivacity and boldness and conceal themselves behind paper, becoming working machines rather than men of God. … It is dangerous to lose the human sensibility necessary to be able to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice! It is the sickness of those who lose those sentiments that were present in Jesus Christ”. “The ailment of excessive planning and functionalism: this is when the apostle plans everything in detail and believes that, by perfect planning things effectively progress, thus becoming a sort of accountant. … One falls prey to this sickness because it is easier and more convenient to settle into static and unchanging positions. Indeed, the Church shows herself to be faithful to the Holy Spirit to the extent that she does not seek to regulate or domesticate it. The Spirit is freshness, imagination and innovation”. The “sickness of poor coordination develops when the communion between members is lost, and the body loses its harmonious functionality and its temperance, becoming an orchestra of cacophony because the members do not collaborate and do not work with a spirit of communion or as a team”. “Spiritual Alzheimer's disease, or rather forgetfulness of the history of Salvation, of the personal history with the Lord, of the 'first love': this is a progressive decline of spiritual faculties, that over a period of time causes serious handicaps, making one incapable of carrying out certain activities autonomously, living in a state of absolute dependence on one's own often imaginary views. We see this is those who have lost their recollection of their encounter with the Lord … in those who build walls around themselves and who increasingly transform into slaves to the idols they have sculpted with their own hands”. “The ailment of rivalry and vainglory: when appearances, the colour of one's robes, insignia and honours become the most important aim in life. … It is the disorder that leads us to become false men and women, living a false 'mysticism' and a false 'quietism'”. Then there is “existential schizophrenia: the sickness of those who live a double life, fruit of the hypocrisy typical of the mediocre and the progressive spiritual emptiness that cannot be filled by degrees or academic honours. This ailment particularly afflicts those who, abandoning pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic matters, thus losing contact with reality and with real people. They create a parallel world of their own, where they set aside everything they teach with severity to others and live a hidden, often dissolute life”. The sickness of “chatter, grumbling and gossip: this is a serious illness that begins simply, often just in the form of having a chat, and takes people over, turning them into sowers of discord, like Satan, and in many cases cold-blooded murderers of the reputations of their colleagues and brethren. It is the sickness of the cowardly who, not having the courage to speak directly to the people involved, instead speak behind their backs”. “The sickness of deifying leaders is typical of those who court their superiors, with the hope of receiving their benevolence. They are victims of careerism and opportunism, honouring people rather than God. They are people who experience service thinking only of what they might obtain and not of what they should give. They are mean, unhappy and inspired only by their fatal selfishness”. “The disease of indifference towards others arises when each person thinks only of himself, and loses the sincerity and warmth of personal relationships. When the most expert does not put his knowledge to the service of less expert colleagues; when out of jealousy … one experiences joy in seeing another person instead of lifting him up or encouraging him”. “The illness of the funereal face: or rather, that of the gruff and the grim, those who believe that in order to be serious it is necessary to paint their faces with melancholy and severity, and to treat others – especially those they consider inferior – with rigidity, hardness and arrogance. In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity”. “The disease of accumulation: when the apostle seeks to fill an existential emptiness of the heart by accumulating material goods, not out of necessity but simply to feel secure. … Accumulation only burdens and inexorably slows down our progress”. “The ailment of closed circles: when belonging to a group becomes stronger than belonging to the Body and, in some situations, to Christ Himself. This sickness too may start from good intentions but, as time passes, enslaves members and becomes a 'cancer' that threatens the harmony of the Body and causes a great deal of harm – scandals – especially to our littlest brothers”. Then, there is the “disease of worldly profit and exhibitionism: when the apostle transforms his service into power, and his power into goods to obtain worldly profits or more power. This is the disease of those who seek insatiably to multiply their power and are therefore capable of slandering, defaming and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines, naturally in order to brag and to show they are more capable than others”. After listing these ailments, Pope Francis continued, “We are therefore required, at this Christmas time and in all the time of our service and our existence – to live 'speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love'”. “I once read that priests are like aeroplanes: they only make the news when they crash, but there are many that fly. Many criticise them and few pray for them”, he concluded. “It is a very nice phrase, but also very true, as it expresses the importance and the delicacy of our priestly service, and how much harm just one priest who falls may cause to the whole body of the Church”. http://www.news.va/en/news/francis-a-curia-that-is-outdated-sclerotic-or-indi
Pope to Vatican workers: Be wise and know when to hold your tongue 2014-12-23 Pope Francis met with the employees of the Vatican at the Paul VI Hall. They greeted him with great enthusiasm, as he blessed them. This boy even got a very special autograph. The Pope explained that he couldn't celebrate his second Christmas as Pope without thanking them for their good job. POPE FRANCIS "I wanted to meet all the people who work here without being seen and who ironically call themselves ‘the unknown,’ the ‘invisible:’ the gardeners, the cleaners, the ushers, the office heads, the lift operators, the pontifical secretaries and many, many, others...” He explained that they also belong to the Church and encouraged them to take care of their spiritual life, their families and work. He called on them to create a friendly working atmosphere. POPE FRANCIS "I know that sometimes we talk bad of others to keep our job and protect ourselves...I understand these situations but it isn't a good path to follow. Because eventually it can destroy us all, right? It's not good. Ask the Lord for the wisdom to hold your tongue in time, huh? To say no insults that leave a bitter aftertaste in the mouth.” He told them that Christmas is a celebration of poverty, not of consumerism. His last comment made all the Vatican workers break into applause. POPE FRANCIS "I cannot finish these words of greeting without asking you to forgive any mistake, mine and those of my collaborators, and some scandals that were really harmful. Forgive me.” Pope Francis said goodbye as he wished them a Merry Christmas and, as usual, asked them to pray for him. http://www.romereports.com/pg159625...-be-wise-and-know-when-to-hold-your-tongue-en
Pope writes Christmas letter to Middle East’s persecuted Christians 2014-12-23 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has written a Christmas letter to the Christians of the Middle East to express his closeness to them at a time of “afflictions and tribulations” due to “the continuing hostilities in the region, but especially because of the work of a newer and disturbing terrorist organization.” Though the Pope does not refer to the organization by name, Islamic State militants in recent months have forced hundreds of thousands of Christians, Yazidis and other minorities from their homes and villages in Iraq. Listen to our report: The Pope, who says he follows daily reports of the “enormous suffering endured by many people in the Middle East,” describes the organization “of previously unimaginable dimensions,” responsible for “all kinds of abuses and inhuman acts.” Christians were “brutally driven out of their native lands,” he observes, where they “have been present since apostolic times.” The Holy Father says he was moved to write to them ahead of Christmas, knowing that their Christmas hymns would be accompanied “by tears and sighs.” He writes that he cannot remain silent in the face of persecution and conflict affecting other religious and ethnic groups. He is particularly concerned about the children, mothers, elderly, homeless and refugees as they face the prospect of a harsh winter. The Holy Father expresses hope that the current trials to which Christians are subjected will strengthen them in their faith and in communion with Christians of other denominations. He praises those pastors who have braved times of trouble to remain by their flock and recalls those kidnapped, including several Orthodox bishops and priests. He also expresses gratitude for the good relations and cooperation between Orthodox Church leaders and those of eastern rite Catholic churches. The sufferings which Christians endure,” he adds, “contribute immensely to the cause of [Christian] unity.” Interreligious dialogue marked by openness, truth and love, he says, is the best antidote to religious fundamentalism, “a threat to followers of every religion.” Living in predominantly Muslim nations, the region’s Christians can help their fellow Muslims present a “more authentic image of Islam,” the Pope writes, “as so many of them desire.” Christians, he emphasizes, can reiterate that Islam is a religion of peace, compatible with respect for human rights and peaceful coexistence. The tragic situation of the Christians, Yazidis and other minorities in Iraq, the Pope stresses, “demands that all religious leaders clearly…condemn these crimes unanimously and unambiguously” and “denounce the practice of invoking religion in order to justify them.” At the same time, as natives to the region, Christians “have the duty and the right to take full part in the life and progress of their nations,” writes Pope Francis. They are called to be artisans of peace, reconciliation and development, to promote dialogue,” he says, to build bridges and cooperate with “all national and international authorities.” He invites young people to “not be afraid or ashamed to be a Christian,” and tells the elderly they are the “memory” of their peoples. Memory, like a seed, can grow and benefit future generations. He expresses admiration for Caritas and other Catholic charitable and educational organizations, saying they contribute to peace in a region hungry for it. Pope Francis says he continues to urge the international community to help meet the needs of Christians and others affected by conflict and to seek peace through negotiation and diplomacy. Calling for prayers that they will one day be able to return to their homes and “to live in dignity and security,” Pope Francis says Christians in the Middle East have “an enormous responsibility.” But, he assures them they are not alone – that he is here to encourage them and let them know how precious is their presence and witness. And, he hopes to one day come visit them in person, to comfort them. ******************************************************************************************************************
above article continued : Below, please find the full text of Pope Francis' letter to the Christians of the Middle East: Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction, with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God” (2 Cor 1:3-4). When I thought of writing to you, our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East, these words of Saint Paul immediately came to mind. I write to you just before Christmas, knowing that for many of you the music of your Christmas hymns will also be accompanied by tears and sighs. Nonetheless, the birth of the Son of God in our human flesh is an indescribable mystery of consolation: “For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all people” (Tit 2:11). Sadly, afflictions and tribulations have not been lacking, even more recently, in the Middle East. They have been aggravated in the past months because of the continuing hostilities in the region, but especially because of the work of a newer and disturbing terrorist organization, of previously unimaginable dimensions, which has perpetrated all kinds of abuses and inhuman acts. It has particularly affected a number of you, who have been brutally driven out of your native lands, where Christians have been present since apostolic times. Nor, in writing to you, can I remain silent about the members of other religious and ethnic groups who are also experiencing persecution and the effects of these conflicts. Every day I follow the new reports of the enormous suffering endured by many people in the Middle East. I think in particular of the children, the young mothers, the elderly, the homeless and all refugees, the starving and those facing the prospect of a hard winter without an adequate shelter. This suffering cries out to God and it calls for our commitment to prayer and concrete efforts to help in any way possible. I want to express to all of you my personal closeness and solidarity, as well as that of the whole Church, and to offer you a word of consolation and hope. Dear brothers and sisters who courageously bear witness to Jesus in the land blessed by the Lord, our consolation and our hope is Christ himself. I encourage you, then, to remain close to him, like branches on the vine, in the certainty that no tribulation, distress or persecution can separate us from him (cf. Rom 8:35). May the trials which you are presently enduring strengthen the faith and the fidelity of each and all of you! I pray that you will be able to experience a fraternal communion modelled on that of the first community of Jerusalem. The unity willed by our Lord is more necessary than ever at these difficult times; it is a gift from God, who appeals to our freedom and awaits our response. May the word of God, the sacraments, prayer and fellowship nourish and continually renew your communities. The situation in which are you living is a powerful summons to holiness of life, as saints and martyrs of every Christian community have attested. I think with affection and veneration of the pastors and faithful who have lately been killed, often merely for the fact that they were Christians. I think also of those who have been kidnapped, including several Orthodox bishops and priests of various rites. May they soon return, safe and sound, to their homes and communities! I ask God to grant that all this suffering united to the Lord’s cross will bring about much good for the Church and for all the peoples in the Middle East. In the midst of hostility and conflicts, the communion which you experience in fraternity and simplicity is a sign of God’s Kingdom. I am gratified by the good relations and cooperation which exist between the patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches and those of the Orthodox Churches, and also between the faithful of the different Churches. The sufferings which Christians endure contribute immensely to the cause of unity. It is the ecumenism of blood, which demands a trusting abandonment to the working of the Holy Spirit. May you always bear witness to Jesus amid your difficulties! Your very presence is precious for the Middle East. You are a small flock, but one with a great responsibility in the land where Christianity was born and first spread. You are like leaven in the dough. Even more than the many contributions which the Church makes in the areas of education, healthcare and social services, which are esteemed by all, the greatest source of enrichment in the region is the presence of Christians themselves, your presence. Thank you for your perseverance! Your efforts to cooperate with people of other religions, with Jews and Muslims, is another sign of the Kingdom of God. The more difficult the situation, the more interreligious dialogue becomes necessary. There is no other way. Dialogue, grounded in an attitude of openness, in truth and love, is also the best antidote to the temptation to religious fundamentalism, which is a threat for followers of every religion. At the same time, dialogue is a service to justice and a necessary condition for the peace which all so ardently desire.
cont: The majority of you live in environments which are predominantly Muslim. You can help your Muslim fellow citizens to present with discernment a more authentic image of Islam, as so many of them desire, reiterating that Islam is a religion of peace, one which is compatible with respect for human rights and favours peaceful coexistence on the part of all. This will prove beneficial for them and for all society. The tragic situation faced by our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq, as well as by the Yazidi and members of other religious and ethnic communities, demands that all religious leaders clearly speak out to condemn these crimes unanimously and unambiguously, and to denounce the practice of invoking religion in order to justify them.\ Dear brothers and sisters, almost all of you are native citizens of your respective countries, and as such you have the duty and the right to take full part in the life and progress of your nations. Within the region you are called to be artisans of peace, reconciliation and development, to promote dialogue, to build bridges in the spirit of the Beatitudes (cf. Mt 5:3:12), and to proclaim the Gospel of peace, in a spirit of ready cooperation with all national and international authorities. In a special way I would like to express my esteem and gratitude to you, dear brother patriarchs, bishops, priests, and men and women religious, who accompany the journey of your communities with loving concern. How valuable is the presence and work of those completely consecrated to the Lord, serving him in their brothers and sisters, especially those in greatest need, and thus witnessing to his grandeur and his infinite love! How important is the presence of pastors in the midst of their flocks, especially in times of trouble! To the young I send a paternal embrace. I pray for your faithfulness, your human and Christian development, and the attainment of your hopes and dreams. I repeat to you: “Do not be afraid or ashamed to be Christian. Your relationship with Jesus will help you to cooperate generously with your fellow citizens, whatever their religious affiliation” (Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente, 63). To the elderly I express my respect and esteem. You are the memory of your peoples. I pray that this memory will become a seed which can grow and benefit generations yet to come. I wish to encourage all of you who work in the very important fields of charity and education. I admire the work you do, especially through Caritas and other Catholic charitable organizations in the different countries, in providing help to anyone who asks, without discrimination. Through this witness of charity you help support the life of society and you contribute to the peace for which the region hungers as if for bread. Education too is critical for the future of society. How important it is for promoting the culture of encounter, respect for the dignity of each person and the absolute value of every human being! Dear brothers and sisters, even though you may not be numerous, you play a significant role in the Church and in the countries where you live. The entire Church is close to you and supports you, with immense respect and affection for your communities and your mission. We will continue to assist you with our prayers and with every other means at our disposal. At the same time I continue to urge the international community to address your needs and those of other suffering minorities, above all by promoting peace through negotiation and diplomacy, for the sake of stemming and stopping as soon as possible the violence which has already caused so much harm. I once more condemn in the strongest possible terms the traffic of arms. Instead, what are needed are plans and initiatives for peace, so as to further a global solution to the region’s problems. How much longer must the Middle East suffer from the lack of peace? We must not resign ourselves to conflicts as if change were not possible! In the spirit of my pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the subsequent prayer meeting in the Vatican with the Israeli and Palestinian presidents, I encourage you to continue to pray for peace in the Middle East. May those forced to leave their lands be able to return and to live in dignity and security. May humanitarian aid increase and always have as its central concern the good of each individual and each country, respecting their identity and without any other agendas. May the entire Church and the international community become ever more conscious of the importance of your presence in the region. Dear Christian brothers and sisters of the Middle East, you have an enormous responsibility and in meeting it you are not alone. That is why I wanted to write to you, to encourage you and to let you know how precious your presence and your mission are in the land which the Lord has blessed. Your witness means much to me! Thank you! I pray for you and your intentions every day. I thank you because I know that, amid your sufferings, you also pray for me and for my service to the Church. I do hope to have the chance to come to you in person and to visit and to comfort you. May the Virgin Mary, the All-Holy Mother of God and our Mother, accompany you and protect you always with her tender love. To all of you and your families I impart my Apostolic Blessing, and I pray that your celebration of Christmas will be filled with the love and peace of Christ our Saviour. From the Vatican, * * * http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-writes-christmas-letter-to-middle-easts-perse
What is the Pope's Christmas card like? 2014-12-25 This is the Pope's Christmas card. The image was designed by Belgian artist Victor Delhez, famous for his engravings. This 20th-century artist lived in Argentina most part of his life. It is an unusual Nativity Scene. The ox and the mule appear in front of the Holy Family and not behind. St. Joseph welcomes the shepherds who come to the Manger, while Our Lady pays all her attention to Baby Jesus. Pope Francis calls Christmas "the feast of poverty,” and anyone that looks at this image can see why. The shepherds, as well St. Joseph and Our Lady, are depicted without any richness. On the back of the card appears the Pope's papal shield, along with his signature and a quote from the Gospel of Luke: "My eyes have seen your salvation.” http://www.romereports.com/pg159676-what-is-the-pope-s-christmas-card-like-en
Midnight Mass - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord - Homily of Pope Francis “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” ( Is 9:1). “An angel of the Lord appeared to [the shepherds] and the glory of the Lord shone around them” (Lk 2:9). This is how the liturgy of this holy Christmas night presents to us the birth of the Saviour: as the light which pierces and dispels the deepest darkness. The presence of the Lord in the midst of his people cancels the sorrow of defeat and the misery of slavery, and ushers in joy and happiness. We too, in this blessed night, have come to the house of God. We have passed through the darkness which envelops the earth, guided by the flame of faith which illuminates our steps, and enlivened by the hope of finding the “great light”. By opening our hearts, we also can contemplate the miracle of that child-sun who, arising from on high, illuminates the horizon. The origin of the darkness which envelops the world is lost in the night of the ages. Let us think back to that dark moment when the first crime of humanity was committed, when the hand of Cain, blinded by envy, killed his brother Abel (cf. Gen 4:8). As a result, the unfolding of the centuries has been marked by violence, wars, hatred and oppression. But God, who placed a sense of expectation within man made in his image and likeness, was waiting. God was waiting. He waited for so long that perhaps at a certain point it seemed he should have given up. But he could not give up because he could not deny himself (cf. 2 Tim 2:13). Therefore he continued to wait patiently in the face of the corruption of man and peoples. The patience of God. How difficult it is to comprehend this: God’s patience towards us. Through the course of history, the light that shatters the darkness reveals to us that God is Father and that his patient fidelity is stronger than darkness and corruption. This is the message of Christmas night. God does not know outbursts of anger or impatience; he is always there, like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, waiting to catch from afar a glimpse of the lost son as he returns; and every day, with patience. The patience of God. Isaiah’s prophecy announces the rising of a great light which breaks through the night. This light is born in Bethlehem and is welcomed by the loving arms of Mary, by the love of Joseph, by the wonder of the shepherds. When the angels announced the birth of the Redeemer to the shepherds, they did so with these words: “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” ( Lk 2:12). The “sign” is in fact the humility of God, the humility of God taken to the extreme; it is the love with which, that night, he assumed our frailty, our suffering, our anxieties, our desires and our limitations. The message that everyone was expecting, that everyone was searching for in the depths of their souls, was none other than the tenderness of God: God who looks upon us with eyes full of love, who accepts our poverty, God who is in love with our smallness. On this holy night, while we contemplate the Infant Jesus just born and placed in the manger, we are invited to reflect. How do we welcome the tenderness of God? Do I allow myself to be taken up by God, to be embraced by him, or do I prevent him from drawing close? “But I am searching for the Lord” – we could respond. Nevertheless, what is most important is not seeking him, but rather allowing him to seek me, find me and caress me with tenderness. The question put to us simply by the Infant’s presence is: do I allow God to love me? More so, do we have the courage to welcome with tenderness the difficulties and problems of those who are near to us, or do we prefer impersonal solutions, perhaps effective but devoid of the warmth of the Gospel? How much the world needs tenderness today! The patience of God, the closeness of God, the tenderness of God. The Christian response cannot be different from God’s response to our smallness. Life must be met with goodness, with meekness. When we realize that God is in love with our smallness, that he made himself small in order to better encounter us, we cannot help but open our hearts to him, and beseech him: “Lord, help me to be like you, give me the grace of tenderness in the most difficult circumstances of life, give me the grace of closeness in the face of every need, of meekness in every conflict”. Dear brothers and sisters, on this holy night we contemplate the Nativity scene: there “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” ( Is 9:1). People who were unassuming, people open to receiving the gift of God, were the ones who saw this light. This light was not seen, however, by the arrogant, the proud, by those who made laws according to their own personal measures, who were closed off to others. Let us look to the crib and pray, asking the Blessed Mother: “O Mary, show us Jesus!”. http://www.news.va/en/news/midnight-mass-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-the-lor
