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VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
YEAR XXII - N° 88
DATE 07-05-2012
Summary:
- POPE TO SWISS GUARDS: THE SECRET OF YOUR WORK IN THE VATICAN IS CONSTANT
REFERENCE TO CHRIST
- GOODNESS COMES FROM GOD BUT IS REALISED THANKS TO THE FAITHFUL
- THE CATHOLIC IDENTITY OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
- POPE RECEIVES THE PRESIDENT OF ALBANIA
- CARDINAL SCHONBORN, SPECIAL PAPAL ENVOY TO PRAGUE CELEBRATIONS
- AUDIENCES
- OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
___________________________________________________________
POPE TO SWISS GUARDS: THE SECRET OF YOUR WORK IN THE VATICAN IS CONSTANT
REFERENCE TO CHRIST
Vatican City, 7 May 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience
new Swiss Guard recruits who yesterday took the oath at their swearing-in
ceremony.
After greeting the recruits and their families, as well as representatives of
the Swiss authorities accompanying the group, Benedict XVI dwelt on the fact
that the Swiss Guards undertake "a direct service to the Supreme Pontiff and
the Apostolic See. It
is heartening to see that young men choose to consecrate a number of years of
their lives to helping Peter's Successor and his collaborators", he said.
"Your work", he told the recruits, "is part of a tradition of unquestioned
fidelity to the Pope, which became heroic sacrifice during the 'Sack of Rome'
in 1527 when, on 6 May, your predecessors lost their lives. The special
service of the Swiss Guards
could not then, and cannot now be carried out without the characteristics
which distinguish each member of the corps: firm Catholic faith; faithfulness
and love for the Church of Jesus Christ; diligence and perseverance in
everyday tasks, the great and
the small; courage and humility; altruism and willingness. Your hearts must be
replete with these virtues when you discharge your service of honour and
security in the Vatican.
"Help and support one other in your daily work", the Pope added. "Maintain an
approach of evangelical charity towards the people you meet every day. In
Sacred Scripture the call to love others is linked to the commandment to love
God with all our heart,
all our soul and all our strength. In order to give love to others we must
draw it from the furnace of divine charity, through long periods of prayer,
constant listening to the word of God and a life focused on the mystery of the
Eucharist".
The Holy Father went on: "The secret of being effective, in your work here in
the Vatican and in any other projects you have, is constant reference to
Christ. This was the experience of many of your predecessors, who were
outstanding not only in their
work but also in their commitment to Christian life. Some of them were called
follow the Lord in the priesthood or consecrated life, and responded readily
and enthusiastically; others fulfilled their vocation to marriage through the
Sacrament of
Matrimony. I thank God, the source of all goodness, for the various gifts and
missions He gives you, and I pray that you too, as you begin your service, may
respond to the call of Christ, following Him with faithful generosity.
"Dear friends", the Pope added in conclusion, "take advantage of the time you
spend in Rome to develop your friendship with Christ, to increase your love
for His Church and to advance towards the goal of each true Christian life:
sanctity".
___________________________________________________________
GOODNESS COMES FROM GOD BUT IS REALISED THANKS TO THE FAITHFUL
Vatican City, 6 May 2012 (VIS) - Today, the fifth Sunday of Easter, Benedict
XVI appeared at the window of his private study overlooking St. Peter's
Square, to pray the Regina Coeli with faithful gathered below.
Commenting on today's Gospel in which Jesus tells His disciples "I am the true
vine, and my Father is the vinegrower", the Holy Father explained that "the
true vineyard is God and the true vine is Jesus, Who with His sacrifice of
love gave us salvation
and opened the way for us to become part of that vineyard. And just as Christ
abides in the love of God the Father, so the disciples, pruned by the Master's
word, united themselves profoundly to Him, becoming fruitful branches which
produced abundant
fruit".
"The day of our Baptism, the Church grafts us as branches onto Jesus' Paschal
Mystery, onto His very Person. From that root we receive the precious lymph
that enables us to participate in divine life. As disciples we too, with the
help of the pastors of
the Church, grow in the Lord's vineyard bound together by His love. ... It is
important to remain united to Jesus, to depend upon Him, because without Him
we can do nothing".
The Holy Father went on to explain this latter concept by quoting a question
put to the fifth-century monk John the Prophet who lived in the desert of
Gaza: "How is it possible to reconcile man's freedom with the fact that we can
do nothing without
God?" The hermit’s response was: "If man inclines his heart to goodness
and asks help of God, he receives the strength necessary to achieve his task.
Therefore, man's freedom and God's power go hand in hand. This is possible
because goodness comes
from God but it is realised thanks to His faithful".
"Each of us", Pope Benedict continued, "is like a branch which lives only if
it grows every day through prayer and participation in the Sacraments, through
charity and union with the Lord. Those who love Christ, the true vine, produce
fruits of faith
for an abundant spiritual harvest".
Following the Regina Coeli, the Pope reminded those present of his forthcoming
trip to Milan, Italy, in early June for the Seventh World Meeting of Families.
Addressing Spanish-speaking pilgrims he also recalled the fact that today
marks the fiftieth
anniversary of the canonisation of St. Martin de Porres "whom we ask to
intervene in favour of the new evangelisation, that sanctity may blossom in
the Church".
Finally, the Holy Father addressed twenty-six new recruits of the Swiss Guard
who took their oath today. "I greet the new Swiss Guards and their families,
on the feast day of that historic corps", he said.
The oath of new recruits to the Swiss Guards takes place every year on 6 May,
usually in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace but this year, due
to rain, in the Vatican's Sala Nervi. The ceremony commemorates the 147
members of the corps who
lost their lives protecting Pope Clement VII from the onslaught of the troops
of Emperor Charles V during the Sack of Rome on 6 May 1527.
___________________________________________________________
THE CATHOLIC IDENTITY OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Vatican City, 5 May 2012 (VIS) - The question of religious education and the
formation in the faith of the next generation of Catholics in the United
States was the theme of the Holy Father's remarks to prelates from the United
States Conference of
Catholic Bishops (Regions X-XIII), who have just completed their five-yearly
"ad limina" visit:
Speaking to the group in English, the Pope began by acknowledging "the great
progress that has been made in recent years in improving catechesis, reviewing
texts and bringing them into conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic
Church". He also
praised efforts underway "to preserve the great patrimony of America’s
Catholic elementary and high schools, which have been deeply affected by
changing demographics and increased costs, while at the same time ensuring
that the education they
provide remains within the reach of all families, whatever their financial
status".
"On the level of higher education, many of you have pointed to a growing
recognition on the part of Catholic colleges and universities of the need to
reaffirm their distinctive identity in fidelity to their founding ideals and
the Church’s mission
in service of the Gospel. Yet much remains to be done, especially in such
basic areas as compliance with the mandate laid down in Canon 812 for those
who teach theological disciplines. The importance of this canonical norm as a
tangible expression of
ecclesial communion and solidarity in the Church’s educational
apostolate becomes all the more evident when we consider the confusion created
by instances of apparent dissidence between some representatives of Catholic
institutions and the
Church’s pastoral leadership: such discord harms the Church’s
witness and, as experience has shown, can easily be exploited to compromise
her authority and her freedom.
"It is no exaggeration", the Pope added, "to say that providing young people
with a sound education in the faith represents the most urgent internal
challenge facing the Catholic community in your country".
"First, as we know, the essential task of authentic education ... is not
simply that of passing on knowledge, essential as this is, but also of shaping
hearts. There is a constant need to balance intellectual rigour in
communicating ... the richness of
the Church’s faith with forming the young in the love of God, the praxis
of the Christian moral and sacramental life and, not least, the cultivation of
personal and liturgical prayer".
The Holy Father went on to explain that "the question of Catholic identity,
not least at the university level, entails much more than the teaching of
religion or the mere presence of a chaplaincy on campus. All too often, it
seems, Catholic schools and
colleges have failed to challenge students to reappropriate their faith as
part of the exciting intellectual discoveries which mark the experience of
higher education. The fact that so many new students find themselves
dissociated from the family,
school and community support systems that previously facilitated the
transmission of the faith should continually spur Catholic institutions of
learning to create new and effective networks of support.
"In every aspect of their education, students need to be encouraged to
articulate a vision of the harmony of faith and reason capable of guiding a
life-long pursuit of knowledge and virtue. ... In effect, faith by its very
nature demands a constant and
all-embracing conversion to the fullness of truth revealed in Christ. ... The
Christian commitment to learning, which gave birth to the medieval
universities, was based upon this conviction that the one God, as the source
of all truth and goodness, is
likewise the source of the intellect’s passionate desire to know and the
will’s yearning for fulfilment in love.
"Only in this light can we appreciate the distinctive contribution of Catholic
education, which engages in a “diakonia of truth” inspired by an
intellectual charity which knows that leading others to the truth is
ultimately an act of love.
Faith’s recognition of the essential unity of all knowledge provides a
bulwark against the alienation and fragmentation which occurs when the use of
reason is detached from the pursuit of truth and virtue; in this sense,
Catholic institutions have
a specific role to play in helping to overcome the crisis of universities
today".
___________________________________________________________
POPE RECEIVES THE PRESIDENT OF ALBANIA
Vatican City, 5 May 2012 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received in
audience Bamir Topi, president of the Republic of Albania. The president
subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone
S.D.B. who was accompanied
by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
A communique released by the Holy See Press Office states that, "during their
cordial discussions the parties highlighted the good relations that exist
between the Holy See and the Republic of Albania, and turned their attention
to questions of mutual
interest regarding relations between the ecclesial and civil communities,
including inter-religious dialogue and the Church's contribution in the fields
of education and social care. Consideration was also given to Albania's
journey towards full
integration into the European Union. Finally, the parties exchanged opinions
on the current international and regional situation, with particular focus on
the economic crisis".
___________________________________________________________
CARDINAL SCHONBORN, SPECIAL PAPAL ENVOY TO PRAGUE CELEBRATIONS
Vatican City, 5 May 2012 (VIS) - Made public today was the letter by which the
Holy Father appoints Cardinal Christoph Schonborn O.P., archbishop of Vienna,
Austria, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the 450th anniversary of
the formal
renewal of the archbishopric of Prague, due to take place on 12 May.
In the text, written in Latin and dated 30 March, the Pope mentions the long
centuries of Church activity in that region of Europe, evangelised by the
brothers Cyril and Methodius and homeland to Blessed Ludmilla and St.
Wenceslaus.
The cardinal will be accompanied on his mission by Fr. Benedikt Mohelnik O.P.,
provincial of the Dominican Province of Bohemia, and by Fr. Vojtech Novak,
pastor and dean of Rakovnik, and director of the Pontifical Missionary Works
for the archdiocese of
Prague.
___________________________________________________________
AUDIENCES
Vatican City, 7 May 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience:
- Eight prelates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their
"ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory of Atlanta, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop
Luis Rafael Zarama.
- Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston, accompanied by Bishop emeritus
David Bernard Thompson.
- Bishop Peter Joseph Jugis of Charlotte.
- Bishop Michael Francis Burbidge of Raleigh.
- Bishop Gregory John Hartmayer O.F.M. Conv. of Savannah, accompanied by
Bishop emeritus John Kevin Boland.
- Ali Akbar Naseri, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on his
farewell visit.
On Saturday 5 May he received in audience:
- Archbishop Santo Gangemi, apostolic nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the
Solomon Islands, accompanied by members of his family.
- Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
___________________________________________________________
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
Vatican City, 7 May 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from
the pastoral care of the diocese of Ecatepec, Mexico, presented by Bishop
Onesimo Cepeda Silva, upon having reached the age limit.
On Saturday 5 May it was made public that the Holy Father appointed Cardinal
Joseph Zen Ze-kiun S.D.B., bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, China, as his special
envoy to celebrations marking the centenary of the birth of Blessed Peter To
Rot, catechist and
martyr of Papua New Guinea, due to take place in Rabaul on 7 July.
___________________________________________________________
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VISnews120507
VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE YEAR XXII - N° 88DATE 07-05-2012
Summary: - POPE TO SWISS GUARDS: THE SECRET
OF YOUR WORK IN THE VATICAN
IS CONSTANT REFERENCE TO CHRIST - GOODNESS COMES FROM GOD BUT IS
REALISED THANKS TO THE FAITHFUL - THE CATHOLIC IDENTITY OF EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS - POPE RECEIVES THE PRESIDENT OF ALBANIA - CARDINAL
SCHONBORN, SPECIAL PAPAL
ENVOY TO PRAGUE CELEBRATIONS - AUDIENCES - OTHER PONTIFICAL
ACTS
POPE TO SWISS GUARDS: THE SECRET OF YOUR WORK IN THE VATICAN IS CONSTANT
REFERENCE TO CHRIST
Vatican City, 7 May 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience
new Swiss Guard recruits who yesterday took the oath at their swearing-in
ceremony.
After greeting the recruits and their families, as well as representatives
of the Swiss authorities accompanying the group, Benedict XVI dwelt on the
fact that the Swiss Guards undertake "a direct service to the Supreme Pontiff
and the Apostolic See.
It is heartening to see that young men choose to consecrate a number of years
of their lives to helping Peter's Successor and his collaborators", he
said.
"Your work", he told the recruits, "is part of a tradition of unquestioned
fidelity to the Pope, which became heroic sacrifice during the 'Sack of Rome'
in 1527 when, on 6 May, your predecessors lost their lives. The special
service of the Swiss
Guards could not then, and cannot now be carried out without the
characteristics which distinguish each member of the corps: firm Catholic
faith; faithfulness and love for the Church of Jesus Christ; diligence and
perseverance in everyday tasks, the
great and the small; courage and humility; altruism and willingness. Your
hearts must be replete with these virtues when you discharge your service of
honour and security in the Vatican.
"Help and support one other in your daily work", the Pope added. "Maintain
an approach of evangelical charity towards the people you meet every day. In
Sacred Scripture the call to love others is linked to the commandment to love
God with all our
heart, all our soul and all our strength. In order to give love to others we
must draw it from the furnace of divine charity, through long periods of
prayer, constant listening to the word of God and a life focused on the
mystery of the Eucharist".
The Holy Father went on: "The secret of being effective, in your work here
in the Vatican and in any other projects you have, is constant reference to
Christ. This was the experience of many of your predecessors, who were
outstanding not only in
their work but also in their commitment to Christian life. Some of them were
called follow the Lord in the priesthood or consecrated life, and responded
readily and enthusiastically; others fulfilled their vocation to marriage
through the Sacrament of
Matrimony. I thank God, the source of all goodness, for the various gifts and
missions He gives you, and I pray that you too, as you begin your service, may
respond to the call of Christ, following Him with faithful generosity.
"Dear friends", the Pope added in conclusion, "take advantage of the time
you spend in Rome to develop your friendship with Christ, to increase your
love for His Church and to advance towards the goal of each true Christian
life: sanctity".
GOODNESS COMES FROM GOD BUT IS REALISED THANKS TO THE FAITHFUL
Vatican City, 6 May 2012 (VIS) - Today, the fifth Sunday of Easter,
Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his private study overlooking St.
Peter's Square, to pray the Regina Coeli with faithful gathered below.
Commenting on today's Gospel in which Jesus tells His disciples "I am the
true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower", the Holy Father explained that
"the true vineyard is God and the true vine is Jesus, Who with His sacrifice
of love gave us
salvation and opened the way for us to become part of that vineyard. And just
as Christ abides in the love of God the Father, so the disciples, pruned by
the Master's word, united themselves profoundly to Him, becoming fruitful
branches which produced
abundant fruit".
"The day of our Baptism, the Church grafts us as branches onto Jesus'
Paschal Mystery, onto His very Person. From that root we receive the precious
lymph that enables us to participate in divine life. As disciples we too, with
the help of the pastors
of the Church, grow in the Lord's vineyard bound together by His love. ... It
is important to remain united to Jesus, to depend upon Him, because without
Him we can do nothing".
The Holy Father went on to explain this latter concept by quoting a
question put to the fifth-century monk John the Prophet who lived in the
desert of Gaza: "How is it possible to reconcile man's freedom with the fact
that we can do nothing without
God?" The hermit’s response was: "If man inclines his heart to goodness
and asks help of God, he receives the strength necessary to achieve his task.
Therefore, man's freedom and God's power go hand in hand. This is possible
because goodness comes
from God but it is realised thanks to His faithful".
"Each of us", Pope Benedict continued, "is like a branch which lives only
if it grows every day through prayer and participation in the Sacraments,
through charity and union with the Lord. Those who love Christ, the true vine,
produce fruits of faith
for an abundant spiritual harvest".
Following the Regina Coeli, the Pope reminded those present of his
forthcoming trip to Milan, Italy, in early June for the Seventh World Meeting
of Families. Addressing Spanish-speaking pilgrims he also recalled the fact
that today marks the fiftieth
anniversary of the canonisation of St. Martin de Porres "whom we ask to
intervene in favour of the new evangelisation, that sanctity may blossom in
the Church".
Finally, the Holy Father addressed twenty-six new recruits of the Swiss
Guard who took their oath today. "I greet the new Swiss Guards and their
families, on the feast day of that historic corps", he said.
The oath of new recruits to the Swiss Guards takes place every year on 6
May, usually in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace but this
year, due to rain, in the Vatican's Sala Nervi. The ceremony commemorates the
147 members of the corps
who lost their lives protecting Pope Clement VII from the onslaught of the
troops of Emperor Charles V during the Sack of Rome on 6 May 1527.
Vatican City, 5 May 2012 (VIS) - The question of religious education and
the formation in the faith of the next generation of Catholics in the United
States was the theme of the Holy Father's remarks to prelates from the United
States Conference of
Catholic Bishops (Regions X-XIII), who have just completed their five-yearly
"ad limina" visit:
Speaking to the group in English, the Pope began by acknowledging "the
great progress that has been made in recent years in improving catechesis,
reviewing texts and bringing them into conformity with the Catechism of the
Catholic Church". He also
praised efforts underway "to preserve the great patrimony of America’s
Catholic elementary and high schools, which have been deeply affected by
changing demographics and increased costs, while at the same time ensuring
that the education they
provide remains within the reach of all families, whatever their financial
status".
"On the level of higher education, many of you have pointed to a growing
recognition on the part of Catholic colleges and universities of the need to
reaffirm their distinctive identity in fidelity to their founding ideals and
the Church’s
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