Subject: VISnews 111213
Organization: VIS
From: Vatican Information Service - Eng - txt
VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
TWENTY FIRST YEAR - N. 218
ENGLISH
TUESDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2011
SUMMARY:
- Latin America: Safeguarding Faith and Cultural Dynamism
- Excellent Bilateral Relations between Chile and Holy See
___________________________________________________________
LATIN AMERICA: SAFEGUARDING FAITH AND CULTURAL DYNAMISM
VATICAN CITY, 13 DEC 2011 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon Benedict XVI presided
at Mass in the Vatican Basilica for the Solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe,
patron of Latin America. The ceremony, which was intended to mark the two
hundredth anniversary of the independence of the countries of Latin America
and the Caribbean, was concelebrated by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio
Bertone S.D.B.; Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation
for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America;
Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrasco, archbishop of Mexico, Mexico, and
Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis, archbishop of Aparecida, Brazil.
Before the Eucharistic celebration Guzman Carriquiry, secretary of the
Pontifical Commission for Latin America, read out a number of texts on the
anniversary and the Virgin of Guadalupe, while Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus
Lopez Rodriguez, archbishop of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, recited a
prayer for Our Lady of Guadalupe.
In his homily the Pope said that everyone celebrating the bicentenary,
apart from recalling "the historical, social and political aspects of those
events, should renew their gratitude to the Almighty for the great gift of
faith they have received, a faith which announces the redeeming mystery of
the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that all peoples of the earth
might have life in Him. Peter's Successor could not let this anniversary
pass without expressing the Church's joy at the copious gifts which God, in
His infinite goodness, has poured upon those beloved nations over the
years".
"The venerated image of 'la Morenita del Tepeyac' ... with simplicity and
a mother's heart, continues to show us the one Light, the one Truth: her Son
Jesus Christ. He is the definitive response to the question about the
meaning of life and to the fundamental doubts which, today too afflict, so
many men and women of the American continent".
"Integration on that beloved continent is currently proceeding hand in
hand with its emerging importance on the world stage. ... It is important
for its various peoples to safeguard their rich store of faith and their
historical and cultural dynamism, always defending human life from
conception to natural end, and promoting peace. Likewise, they must protect
the family in its genuine form and mission, and intensify their educational
efforts. ... They are also called to foment initiatives ... aimed at
bringing reconciliation and fraternity, increasing solidarity and protecting
the environment, while making greater efforts to overcome poverty,
illiteracy and corruption, and eradicating all injustice, violence,
criminality, urban insecurity, drug trafficking and extortion".
"When the Church was preparing to celebrate the 'plantatio' of the Cross
of Christ in the good earth of the American continent, Blessed John Paul II
went to that land where, for the first time, he formulated plans for a new
evangelisation, new 'in its ardour, its methods and its expression'", Pope
Benedict recalled. "It is my responsibility to confirm people in the faith,
and I too wish to encourage the apostolic efforts currently driving ... the
'continental mission' promoted at Aparecida, that Christianity may sink its
roots deeper into the hearts of individuals and peoples in Latin America".
"May the light of Christ shine ever more brightly in the face of each of
the sons and daughters of that beloved land, and may His redeeming grace
guide their decisions, that they may unwaveringly continue to build a
society founded on the triumph of goodness, the proliferation of love and
the spread of justice. With these desires, and supported by divine
Providence, before Easter I intend to make an apostolic trip to Mexico and
Cuba, in order to proclaim the Word of Christ there, and convince people
that this is the time to evangelise with strong faith, living hope and
burning charity".
"All these intentions", Benedict XVI concluded, "along with the destiny of
the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and their journey towards a
better future, I entrust to the loving mediation of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I
also invoke the intercession of the many saints and blesseds, aroused by the
Spirit over the centuries to offer heroic models of Christian virtues in
their various life states and social environments, that their example may
favour a new evangelisation under the gaze of Christ, the Saviour of man".
HML/ VIS
20111213 (720)
EXCELLENT BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN CHILE AND HOLY SEE
VATICAN CITY, 13 DEC 2011 (VIS) - Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary
for Relations with States, is currently visiting Chile in response to an
official invitation from the government. Yesterday he met with Alfredo
Moreno Charme, foreign minister, and with ministerial officials, before
going on to meet with Sebastian Pinera at the Palacio de la Moneda in the
nation's capital, Santiago de Chile.
A communique made public this morning explains that during the meetings
"satisfaction was expressed at the excellent state of bilateral relations
between Chile and the Holy See, and at the positive contribution Catholic
institutions make to Chilean society, especially in the fields of education,
social work and the integration of indigenous peoples.
"Further attention was given to themes discussed during the official visit
of the Chilean president to the Vatican in March this year, when he met with
His Holiness Benedict XVI. Questions of mutual interest include the defence
of life from conception to natural demise, and of the family; respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion and
education; adherence to the principles of international law; the protection
of the environment, and support for integral development and social peace.
In all of these matters, the views of the Holy See and the government of
Chile converged on the fundamental values of human coexistence. Opinions
were also exchanged on various international issues, including the situation
on Latin America".
The secretary for Relations with States will today travel to Valparaiso,
site of the National Congress, where he will meet with the presidents of the
Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. He will also visit the shrines of St.
Alberto Hurtado and St. Terestia de los Andes.
OP/ VIS
20111213 (290)
_____________________________________________
For further information and research of documents visit:
www.visnews.org and www.vatican.va
VIS english (text format) sends its news service only to those who have
requested it. If you no longer wish to receive the service, visit the
following link and click on calcel. Don't forget to select language and text
format:
http://press.catholica.va/news_services/press/vis/englinde.php
COPYRIGHT: The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service
may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service
--- NetMgr/2 1.0y+
* Origin: NetMgr+ @ Sursum Corda! BBS Meridian MS USA (1:396/45)
|
