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VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
YEAR XXII - N° 195
DATE 29-10-2012
Summary:
- PRODUCTIVE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN HOLY SEE AND CROATIA
- CHURCH PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE INTEGRATION OF MIGRANTS
- PAPAL MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
- NEW EVANGELISATION APPLIES TO THE WHOLE OF CHURCH LIFE
- THE SYNOD IS A REDISCOVERY OF THE BEAUTY OF BEING CHURCH
- THE CHURCH IS NOT JUST OF ONE CONTINENT BUT UNIVERSAL
- DECLARATION OF THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION "ECCLESIA DEI"
- AUDIENCES
- OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
___________________________________________________________
PRODUCTIVE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN HOLY SEE AND CROATIA
Vatican City, 29 October 2012 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father Benedict
XVI received in audience Zoran Milanovic, prime minister of the Republic of
Croatia. The prime minister 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.
The cordial discussions enabled a productive exchange of opinions on the
challenges the country finds itself having to face during the current economic
crisis, as well as on issues of mutual interest within the framework of
bilateral relations. On this
subject, mention was made of a conference to be held this afternoon marking
the twentieth anniversary of diplomatic relations. As regards the well-known
case of Dajla, the two parties agreed to resolve the question as soon as
possible, in the spirit of
traditional friendship between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia.
Finally, the Holy See reiterated its support for Croatia's legitimate
aspirations to full European integration, and consideration was given to the
regional situation, with particular reference to the situation of Croatians in
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
___________________________________________________________
CHURCH PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE INTEGRATION OF MIGRANTS
Vatican City, 29 October 2012 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press
Office Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio and Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil,
respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for the
Pastoral Care of Migrants and
Itinerant Peoples, presented the Pope's Message for the ninety-ninth World Day
of Migrants and Refugees, which falls on 13 January 2013 and will have as its
theme: "Migrations: Pilgrimage of Faith and Hope".
"Today the phenomenon of migration is striking for the vast number of people
involved", said Cardinal Veglio. "Suffice it, for example, to read the
International Organisation for Migration's World Migration Report 2011, which
estimates a total of 214
million international migrants". To these must be added internally displaced
persons, who numbered around 740 million in 2010. "Adding the two figures
together, we see that nearly one billion human beings, a seventh of the global
population, is today
experiencing some form of migration", the cardinal said.
"On their existential pilgrimage towards a better future, migrants carry with
them feelings of faith and hope, even if they are not yet aware exactly what
they are searching for. To say that they are trying only to improve their
economic or social
situation would be to over simplify the issue. ... It is true that not all
migrants - even if they have a profound faith that, in migrating, God will be
at their side - consider their journey as a movement towards God; i.e., a
journey animated by faith.
Nonetheless, it is precisely the people who do not yet know that they can
discover God Who stretches out his hand to them, who may experience (and
especially in countries of ancient Christian tradition) the genuine goodness
of many ecclesial
institutions who welcome and help them.
"It is, in fact, here in the immense context of migration", the president of
the pontifical council added, "that the Church is called to show her maternal
solicitude without distinction. In his message, the Holy Father identifies two
channels for
activity, which are not parallel but complementary. On the one hand is the
more tangible element which, we could say, is more easily identifiable by the
mass media and takes form in 'the creation of programmes aimed at meeting
emergencies'. ... This is
the most immediate form of attention. ... The second element, more laborious
and less 'media friendly' because it often requires a change of mentality, is:
... supporting and accompanying the integration of migrants into their new
socio-cultural
surroundings".
Cardinal Veglio then went on to point out that the message for this World Day
is being presented soon after the Pope's journey to Lebanon. "Thus", he said,
"our gaze can turn specifically to the countries of the Middle East where the
presence of
Christian migrants, among believers of other religions, has a significant role
in creating the very special identity of that region. ... And this is true not
only of the Middle East, but of the entire world. The phenomenon of migration
obliges us to
encounter different lifestyles and different cultures, stimulating the
creation of new relationships".
"The Church plays an important role in the process of integration", the
cardinal concluded. "She does this by accentuating the centrality and dignity
of the person, emphasising the protection of minorities and appreciation for
their cultures; the
contribution of migration to universal peace; the ecclesial and missionary
dimension of migration, and the importance of dialogue and encounter within
civil society, the ecclesial community and different confessions and
religions. Moreover, in her
efforts to resolve the human, social and religious problems of emigration, the
Church does not fail to give this increasingly significant phenomenon a
distinctly humanist and Christian imprint".
Archbishop Kalathiparambil focused his remarks on the issue of refugees,
highlighting the growing difficulties they face in seeking asylum. He made
particular mention of the restrictive measures imposed by certain States "to
hinder access to their
territories", such as "the requirement of visas, sanctions applied to
transporters, and lists of safe countries of origin. These measures", he said,
"have encouraged the activities of smugglers and traffickers, and led to
dangerous sea crossings during
which far too many human lives have already been lost".
The archbishop went on: "All this comes about despite the international
community's obligation to protect refugees and asylum seekers, out of respect
for the Declaration and the spirit of human rights, refugees' rights and
international humanitarian
law. Access to requesting asylum comes first and foremost; this also includes
such primary needs as food, shelter, clothing and medical assistance, but also
the right to work and free movement. It cannot be over emphasised that asylum
seekers find
themselves having to travel beyond the frontiers of their own countries, and
it is their right not to possess valid travel or identity documents".
___________________________________________________________
PAPAL MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
Vatican City, 29 October 2012 (VIS) - "Migrations: Pilgrimage of Faith and
Hope" is the theme chosen by the Holy Father for the World Day of Migrants and
Refugees, which is celebrated every year on 13 January. The text of the
English-language version of
the Message, given below, is dated from the Vatican, 12 October 2012.
"The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, in the Pastoral Constitution 'Gaudium
et Spes', recalled that 'the Church goes forward together with humanity';
therefore 'the joys and the hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our
time, especially of
those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, grief and anguish of
the followers of Christ as well. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to
raise an echo in their hearts'. The Servant of God Paul VI echoed these words
when he called the
Church an 'expert in humanity' , as did Blessed John Paul II when he stated
that the human person is 'the primary route that the Church must travel in
fulfilling her mission... the way traced out by Christ himself'. In the
footsteps of my predecessors,
I sought to emphasise in my Encyclical 'Caritas in Veritate' that 'the whole
Church, in all her being and acting - when she proclaims, when she celebrates,
when she performs works of charity - is engaged in promoting integral human
development'. I was thinking also of the millions of men and women who, for
various reasons, have known the experience of migration. Migration is in fact
'a striking phenomenon because of the sheer numbers of people involved, the
social, economic,
political, cultural and religious problems it raises, and the dramatic
challenges it poses to nations and the international community', for 'every
migrant is a human person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable
rights that must be respected
by everyone and in every circumstance'.
"For this reason, I have chosen to dedicate the 2013 World Day of Migrants and
Refugees to the theme 'Migrations: pilgrimage of faith and hope', in
conjunction with the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the
opening of the Second Vatican
Ecumenical Council and the sixtieth anniversary of the promulgation of the
Apostolic Constitution 'Exsul Familia', and at a time when the whole Church is
celebrating the Year of Faith, taking up with enthusiasm the challenge of the
new evangelisation.
"Faith and hope are inseparable in the hearts of many migrants, who deeply
desire a better life and not infrequently try to leave behind the
'hopelessness' of an unpromising future. During their journey many of them are
sustained by the deep trust that
God never abandons his children; this certainty makes the pain of their
uprooting and separation more tolerable and even gives them the hope of
eventually returning to their country of origin. Faith and hope are often
among the possessions which
emigrants carry with them, knowing that with them, 'we can face our present:
the present, even if it is arduous, can be lived and accepted if it leads
towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great
enough to justify the effort
of the journey'.
"In the vast sector of migration, the Church shows her maternal concern in a
variety of ways. On the one hand, she witnesses the immense poverty and
suffering entailed in migration, leading often to painful and tragic
situations. This inspires the
creation of programmes aimed at meeting emergencies through the generous help
of individuals and groups, volunteer associations and movements, parochial and
diocesan organisations in cooperation with all people of good will. The Church
also works to
highlight the positive aspects, the potential and the resources which
migrations offer. Along these lines, programmes and centres of welcome have
been established to help and sustain the full integration of migrants, asylum
seekers and refugees into a
new social and cultural context, without neglecting the religious dimension,
fundamental for every person’s life. Indeed, it is to this dimension
that the Church, by virtue of the mission entrusted to her by Christ, must
devote specia
l
attention and care: this is her most important and specific task. For
Christians coming from various parts of the world, attention to the religious
dimension also entails ecumenical dialogue and the care of new communities,
while for the Catholic
faithful it involves, among other things, establishing new pastoral structures
and showing esteem for the various rites, so as to foster full participation
in the life of the local ecclesial community. Human promotion goes side by
side with spiritual
communion, which opens the way 'to an authentic and renewed conversion to the
Lord, the only Saviour of the world'. The Church always offers a precious gift
when she guides people to an encounter with Christ, which opens the way to a
stable and
trustworthy hope.
"Where migrants and refugees are concerned, the Church and her various
agencies ought to avoid offering charitable services alone; they are also
called to promote real integration in a society where all are active members
and responsible for one
another’s welfare, generously offering a creative contribution and
rightfully sharing in the same rights and duties. Emigrants bring with them a
sense of trust and hope which has inspired and sustained their search for
better opportunities in
life. Yet they do not seek simply to improve their financial, social and
political condition. It is true that the experience of migration often begins
in fear, especially when persecutions and violence are its cause, and in the
trauma of having to leave
behind family and possessions which had in some way ensured survival. But
suffering, great losses and at times a sense of disorientation before an
uncertain future do not destroy the dream of being able to build, with hope
and courage, a new
life
in a new country. Indeed, migrants trust that they will encounter acceptance,
solidarity and help, that they will meet people who sympathise with the
distress and tragedy experienced by others, recognise the values and resources
the latter have to
offer, and are open to sharing humanly and materially with the needy and
disadvantaged. It is important to realise that 'the reality of human
solidarity, which is a benefit for us, also imposes a duty'. Migrants and
refugees can experience, along with
difficulties, new, welcoming relationships which enable them to enrich their
new countries with their professional skills, their social and cultural
heritage and, not infrequently, their witness of faith, which can bring new
energy and life to
communities of ancient Christian tradition, and invite others to encounter
Christ and to come to know the Church.
"Certainly every state has the right to regulate migration and to enact
policies dictated by the general requirements of the common good, albeit
always in safeguarding respect for the dignity of each human person. The right
of persons to migrate - as
the Council’s Constitution 'Gaudium et Spes', No. 65, recalled - is
numbered among the fundamental human rights, allowing persons to settle
wherever they consider best for the realisation of their abilities,
aspirations and plans. In the current
social and political context, however, even before the right to migrate, there
is need to reaffirm the right not to emigrate, that is, to remain in
one’s homeland; as Blessed John Paul II stated: 'It is a basic human
right to live in one’s
own country. However this rights become effective only if the factors that
urge people to emigrate are constantly kept under control'. Today in fact we
can see that many migrations are the result of economic instability, the lack
of
essential goods, natural disasters, wars and social unrest. Instead of a
pilgrimage filled with trust, faith and hope, migration then becomes an ordeal
undertaken for the sake of survival, where men and women appear more as
victims than as agents
responsible for the decision to migrate. As a result, while some migrants
attain a satisfactory social status and a dignified level of life through
proper integration into their new social setting, many others are living at
the margins, frequently
exploited and deprived of their fundamental rights, or engaged in forms of
behaviour harmful to their host society. The process of integration entails
rights and duties, attention and concern for the dignified existence of
migrants; it also calls for
attention on the part of migrants to the values offered by the society to
which they now belong.
"In this regard, we must not overlook the question of irregular migration, an
issue all the more pressing when it takes the form of human trafficking and
exploitation, particularly of women and children. These crimes must be clearly
condemned and
prosecuted, while an orderly migration policy which does not end up in a
hermetic sealing of borders, more severe sanctions against irregular migrants
and the adoption of measures meant to discourage new entries, could at least
limit for many migrants
the danger of falling prey to such forms of human trafficking. There is an
urgent need for structured multilateral interventions for the development of
the countries of departure, effective countermeasures aimed at eliminating
human trafficking,
comprehensive programmes regulating legal entry, and a greater openness to
considering individual cases calling for humanitarian protection more than
political asylum. In addition to suitable legislation, there is a need for a
patient and persev
ering
effort to form minds and consciences. In all this, it is important to
strengthen and develop understanding and cooperation between ecclesial and
other institutions devoted to promoting the integral development of the human
person. In the Christian
vision, social and humanitarian commitment draws its strength from fidelity to
the Gospel, in the knowledge that 'to follow Christ, the perfect man, is to
become more human oneself'.
"Dear brothers and sisters who yourselves are migrants, may this World Day
help you renew your trust and hope in the Lord who is always at our side! Take
every opportunity to encounter him and to see his face in the acts of kindness
you receive during
your pilgrimage of migration. Rejoice, for the Lord is near, and with him you
will be able to overcome obstacles and difficulties, treasuring the
experiences of openness and acceptance that many people offer you. For 'life
is like a voyage on the sea of
history, often dark and stormy, a voyage in which we watch for the stars that
indicate the route. The true stars of our life are the people who have lived
good lives. They are lights of hope. Certainly, Jesus Christ is the true
light, the sun that has
risen above all the shadows of history. But to reach him we also need lights
close by – people who shine with his light and so guide us along our
way'.
"I entrust each of you to the Blessed Virgin Mary, sign of sure hope and
consolation, our 'guiding star', who with her maternal presence is close to us
at every moment of our life. To all I affectionately impart my Apostolic
Blessing".
___________________________________________________________
NEW EVANGELISATION APPLIES TO THE WHOLE OF CHURCH LIFE
Vatican City, 28 October 2012 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Basilica,
Benedict XVI presided at a celebration of the Eucharist with Synod Fathers for
the closure of the thirteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of
Bishops, which began on 7
October and has been examining the theme: "The New Evangelisation for the
Transmission of the Christian Faith". Extracts from the Holy Father's homily
are given below.
"The whole of Mark’s Gospel is a journey of faith, which develops
gradually under Jesus’ tutelage. The disciples are the first actors on
this journey of discovery, but there are also other characters who play an
important role, and
Bartimaeus is one of them. His is the last miraculous healing that Jesus
performs before His passion, and it is no accident that it should be that of a
blind person, someone whose eyes have lost the light. We know from other texts
too that the state of
blindness has great significance in the Gospels. It represents man who needs
God’s light, the light of faith, if he is to know reality truly and to
walk the path of life. It is essential to acknowledge one’s blindness,
one’s need for
this light, otherwise one could remain blind for ever.
"Bartimaeus, then, at that strategic point of Mark’s account, is
presented as a model. He was not blind from birth, but lost his sight. He
represents man who has lost the light and knows it, but has not lost hope: he
knows how to seize the
opportunity to encounter Jesus and he entrusts himself to Him for healing. ...
And when Jesus calls him and asks what he wants from Him, he replies: 'Master,
let me receive my sight!' ... In the encounter with Christ, lived with faith,
Bartimaeus
regains the light he had lost, and with it the fullness of his dignity: he
gets back onto his feet and resumes the journey, which from that moment has a
guide, Jesus, and a path, the same that Jesus is travelling".
"St. Augustine, in one of his writings, makes a striking comment. ...
'Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, had fallen from some position of great
prosperity, and was now regarded as an object of the most notorious and the
most remarkable wretchedness,
because, in addition to being blind, he had also to sit begging'. ... This
interpretation ... invites us to reflect on the fact that our lives contain
precious riches that we can lose, and I am not speaking of material riches.
From this perspective,
Bartimaeus could represent those who live in regions that were evangelised
long ago, where the light of faith has grown dim and people have drifted away
from God, no longer considering Him relevant for their lives. These people
have therefore lost a
precious treasure, they have “fallen” from a lofty dignity - not
financially or in terms of earthly power, but in a Christian sense - their
lives have lost a secure and sound direction and they have become, often
unconsciously, be
ggars
for the meaning of existence. They are the many in need of a new
evangelisation, that is, a new encounter with Jesus, the Christ, the Son of
God, Who can open their eyes afresh and teach them the path".
"The new evangelisation applies to the whole of Church life. ... I would like
here to highlight three pastoral themes that have emerged from the Synod. The
first concerns the Sacraments of Christian initiation. It has been reaffirmed
that appropriate
catechesis must accompany preparation for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The importance of Confession, the Sacrament of God’s mercy, has also
been emphasised. ... In fact it has often been said that the real protagonists
of the new
evangelisation are the saints: they speak a language intelligible to all
through the example of their lives and their works of charity.
"Secondly, the new evangelisation is essentially linked to the 'Missio ad
Gentes'. The Church’s task is to evangelise, to proclaim the message of
salvation to those who do not yet know Jesus Christ. During the Synod, it was
emphasised that there
are still many regions in Africa, Asia and Oceania whose inhabitants await
with lively expectation, sometimes without being fully aware of it, the first
proclamation of the Gospel. So we must ask the Holy Spirit to arouse in the
Church a new missionary
dynamism, whose protagonists are, in particular, pastoral workers and the lay
faithful".
"A third aspect concerns the baptised whose lives do not reflect the demands
of Baptism. ... Such people are found in all continents, especially in the
most secularised countries. The Church is particularly concerned that they
should encounter Jesus
Christ anew, rediscover the joy of faith and return to religious practice in
the community of the faithful. Besides traditional and perennially valid
pastoral methods, the Church seeks to adopt new ones, developing new language
attuned to the different
world cultures, proposing the truth of Christ with an attitude of dialogue and
friendship rooted in God Who is Love".
"Bartimaeus, on regaining his sight from Jesus, joined the crowd of disciples,
which must certainly have included others like him, who had been healed by the
Master. New evangelisers are like that: people who have had the experience of
being healed by
God, through Jesus Christ. ... Let us put away, then, all blindness to the
truth, all ignorance and, removing the darkness that obscures our vision like
fog before the eyes, let us contemplate the true God".
___________________________________________________________
THE SYNOD IS A REDISCOVERY OF THE BEAUTY OF BEING CHURCH
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