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Pope’s Morning Homily: Missionaries Are ‘Evangelization Heroes’ of Our Times by Deborah Castellano Lubov
Missionaries are the ‘evangelization heroes’ of our times.
According to Vatican Radio, the Holy Father stressed this during his daily morning Mass today at Casa Santa Marta, as he discussed the characteristics of men and women who choose to serve the Church as missionaries.
The Pontiff drew his inspiration from the day’s reading where Paul takes his leave from the community at Miletus and talks of being compelled by the Holy Spirit to go next to Jerusalem.
Francis highlighted that Paul had a burning desire to dedicate his life to announcing the Gospel, and that flame that burned in his and every Apostle’s heart is the same one alive in the hearts of so many young people who have left their family and homeland to announce Jesus in far off lands.
Consumed by Spirit
The Pope went on to praise this “irresistible drive” of missionaries who donate their lives to the service of Christ. He highlighted that Paul was certain that the Holy Spirit possessed absolute mastery over his life, and therefore announced the Gospel, despite problems and difficulties.
I believe, the Pope said, this excerpt evokes for us the life of missionaries throughout the ages.
“They went forward compelled by the Holy Spirit: a vocation! And when we went to the cemeteries in those places, we see their tombs: so many of them died at an early age before they reached 40. The reason is because they were not used to and couldn’t recover from the diseases present in those places.
“They gave up their young lives: they had consumed their lives. I’m thinking of them in their last moment on earth, far from their homeland, their families and their loved ones, who said: ‘What I did was worth it!’”
Without knowing what awaits him or her, missionaries set out, the Pope said.
“Our missionaries, these evangelization heroes of our times….. Europe who filled up other continents with missionaries…. And these people went without ever returning home…. I think it is only right that we give thanks to the Lord for their testimony. It’s right that we rejoice for having these missionaries who are true witnesses. I’m wondering what the final moment on earth was like for these people: how did they bid farewell? Like Xaxier: ‘I left everything but it was worth it!’
“They passed away, nameless. They were martyrs who offered up their lives for the Gospel. These missionaries are our glory! The glory of our Church!”
One key quality of a missionary, Pope Francis stressed, is that “docility” towards the Spirit and said he prayed that instead of the dissatisfaction afflicting today’s young people, that the voice of the Spirit compels them to give over their lives for a noble cause.
Pope Francis concluded his homily giving young people some practical advice.
“I would like to say to the young men and women of nowadays who don’t feel at ease – (who say) ‘But I’m not that happy with this consumerist and narcissistic culture ….’ ‘But look at the horizon! Look who’s there, look at our missionaries!’ Pray to the Holy Spirit who compels them to go far away, to consume or burn up their lives. It’s a rather hard word, but it’s worth it to really live our lives. But we need to live it in a good way, to ‘consume’ it in service, in evangelizing and journey forward. This is the joy of announcing the Gospel.”
A Risen Christ on the Cross by Fr. Edward McNamara
Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university.
Q: Are there Church documents that say the cross can have the risen Christ? Many sites speak of this possibility, but none seem to present documents. – H.Y., São Paulo, Brazil
A: There is little in the way of official documents on this specific point, although there are many customs and traditions.
The basic rules are found in the General Introduction of the Roman Missal. Regarding the altar cross the document says:
“117. The altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. In addition, on or next to the altar are to be placed candlesticks with lighted candles: at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. If the Diocesan Bishop celebrates, then seven candles should be used. Also on or close to the altar, there is to be a cross with a figure of Christ crucified. The candles and the cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified may also be carried in the Entrance Procession. On the altar itself may be placed the Book of the Gospels, distinct from the book of other readings, unless it is carried in the Entrance Procession.
“122. On reaching the altar, the priest and ministers make a profound bow. The cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified and perhaps carried in procession may be placed next to the altar to serve as the altar cross, in which case it ought to be the only cross used; otherwise it is put away in a dignified place. In addition, the candlesticks are placed on the altar or near it. It is a praiseworthy practice that the Book of the Gospels be placed upon the altar.
“188. In the procession to the altar, the acolyte may carry the cross, walking between two ministers with lighted candles. Upon reaching the altar, the acolyte places the cross upright near the altar so that it may serve as the altar cross; otherwise, he puts it in a worthy place. Then he takes his place in the sanctuary.
“308. There is also to be a cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, either on the altar or near it, where it is clearly visible to the assembled congregation. It is appropriate that such a cross, which calls to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord, remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations.
“350. Furthermore, great attention is to be paid whatever is directly associated with the altar and the eucharistic celebration, e.g., the altar cross and the cross carried in procession.”
The U.S. bishops have also published a document on Church building and furnishings, “Built of Living Stones.” This document presents guidelines that, while not being law in itself, are based on law and on pastoral experience. Regarding the altar cross this document says:
“91. The cross with the image of Christ crucified is a reminder of Christ’s paschal mystery. It draws us into the mystery of suffering and makes tangible our belief that our suffering when united with the passion and death of Christ leads to redemption. There should be a crucifix ‘positioned either on the altar or near it, and … clearly visible to the people gathered there.’ Since a crucifix placed on the altar and large enough to be seen by the congregation might well obstruct the view of the action taking place on the altar, other alternatives may be more appropriate. The crucifix may be suspended over the altar or affixed to the sanctuary wall. A processional cross of sufficient size, placed in a stand visible to the people following the entrance procession is another option. If the processional cross is to be used for this purpose, the size and weight of the cross should not preclude its being carried in procession. If there is already a cross in the sanctuary, the processional cross is placed out of view of the congregation following the procession.”
Regarding earlier rules from before the Second Vatican Council, we can quote the book “Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described” by Fortescue-O’Connell-Reid:
“On the altar stand a Cross — with the figure of the crucified — sufficiently large to be seen by the celebrant and people. It should stand in the middle of the large candlesticks, its base as high as these, and the entire cross itself higher than the candlesticks. It there is a tabernacle the cross may not stand before it. The cross should not stand on the tabernacle, nor may it stand in the throne used for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, though these uses are tolerated.”
A note adds that if immediately behind the altar there is a large representation of the crucifixion, this may count as the altar cross.
To these norms Trimeloni’s more-detailed Italian liturgical manual adds that a small cross over the tabernacle or at the foot of a statue is not sufficient.
All of these documents speak of the use of the crucifix with the figure of the crucified and not a glorified or majestic Christ. It is true that most early examples of the crucifix have a robed Christ, bodily erect, with eyes opened and without visible signs of suffering. Historians attest that this form of representing a majestic Christ “reigning from the cross” was due to an initial reluctance in portraying a disrobed and suffering Christ. It was not, however, an image of the risen Christ, although it took into account the resurrection. The use of representing Christ suffering upon the cross and stripped of his garments became common after the 10th century.
While there are some indications of an early use of the cross in the liturgy, the evidence points to a habitual use of the crucifix, usually a processional cross, from after the 11th century and its use as a stable fixture upon the altar from the 13th — long after the representation of the suffering Christ became standard.
Nevertheless, the above documents would preclude the substitution of the crucifix for a representation of the risen Christ as they clearly call for the presence of an image of Christ crucified in every Mass.
There would be no difficulty in placing an image of the risen Christ in the sanctuary during Eastertide as a visible reminder of the season. At the same time, we must remember that the primary liturgical symbol of the Resurrection is the paschal candle.
As “Built of Living Stones” reminds us:
“94. The paschal candle is the symbol of ‘the light of Christ, rising in glory,’ scattering ‘the darkness of our hearts and minds.’ Above all, the paschal candle should be a genuine candle, the pre-eminent symbol of the light of Christ. Choices of size, design and color should be made in relationship to the sanctuary in which it will be placed. During the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season, the paschal candle belongs near the ambo or in the middle of the sanctuary. After the Easter season it is moved to a place of honor in the baptistry for use in the celebration of baptisms. During funerals the paschal candle is placed near the coffin as a sign of the Christian’s passover from death to life.”
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Readers may send questions to zenit.liturgy@gmail.com. Please put the word “Liturgy” in the subject field. The text should include your initials, your city and your state, province or country. Father McNamara can only answer a small selection of the great number of questions that arrive.
Pope to Coptic Patriarch: May God Inspire International Community to Respond to Unprecedented Violence by Deborah Castellano Lubov
“May God our Father grant peace and consolation to all those who suffer, and inspire the international community to respond wisely and justly to such unprecedented violence.” Pope Francis made this statement in a message he sent to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria today, to commemorate the day of friendship between Copts and Catholics.
Fourty-three years ago on May 10th, the first encounter between Pope Paul VI and head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, His Holiness Shenouda III, took place.
“After centuries of silence, misunderstanding and even hostility,” the Pope writes, “Catholics and Copts increasingly are encountering one another, entering into dialogue, and cooperating together in proclaiming the Gospel and serving humanity.”
In the face of many contemporary challenges, the Pope encouraged Copts and Catholics to offer “a common response founded upon the Gospel.”
In the message, Francis also underscores the present suffering of Christians in many parts of the world, especially Iraq and Syria, and prays for the international community to react to the violence.
The Holy Father also assured the Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark of his prayers for the Christian community in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Message: https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-message-to-his-holiness-tawadros-ii-2/
$150,000 Raised at Milan Expo Will Go to Displaced Iraqis in Jordan by ZENIT Staff
Pope Francis is supporting displaced Iraqis in Jordan with $150,000 to be used to help promote job opportunities.
The funds raised in the Holy See pavilion during Expo Milan 2015 will be used, as requested by Pope Francis, for the project “Promoting job opportunities for displaced Iraqis in Jordania,” to be carried out by Caritas Jordan in the Our Lady of Peace Centre in Amman. A sum of 150,000 dollars was raised through donations from the Holy See pavilion’s many visitors during the exposition in Milan.
The project, presented at the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”, which evaluated it in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for Culture, is intended to fulfil Pope Francis’ wish to use the money raised in the pavilion for the most vulnerable groups who are suffering as a result of the hostilities in Syria and Iraq: refugees, their families and their children, many of whom are now in Jordan.
Jordan is in fact one of the main countries receiving refugees: there are currently 130,000 Iraqis (around 1.3 per cent of the population) and more than 1,300,000 Syrians. The figures are greater when taking into consideration those who are not yet recorded via the United Nations. The director of Caritas Jordan, Wael Suleiman, has affirmed that despite the efforts of the local Church and governmental authorities, it continues to be extremely difficult for refugees to find employment. “Many of them seek to live in a more dignified way, often without contracts. But the market does not offer many opportunities.”
In this sense, the project will provide regularly paid work for 15 Iraqi refugees, who will work in the production of conserves and in the cultivation and sale of oil and vegetables. Aside from the 15 workers, their families will also benefit, as they will become self-sufficient. The project will also provide professional training in carpentry, agriculture and the food industry for around 200 Iraqis, and as a result of occasional work, help will be given to around 500 Iraqis per year. The sum provided will cover expenses for the first six months, and the phase of self-sufficiency should begin straight after via the proceeds from the sale of products.
The project will be inaugurated on 12 May in the presence of the under-secretary of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”, Msgr. Segundo Tejado Muñoz, who will also visit Amman from the 11 to the 13 of the same month.
Pope Marked Sunday’s World Communications Day With Handwritten Greeting by ZENIT Staff
Pope Francis marked World Communications Day with a Message and with words of encouragement to Catholic communicators during his Regina coeli remarks.
He also used his Twitter and Instagram accounts to spread the word, which he composed by hand and had photographed digitally for worldwide sharing.
Related: Church Communication Must United Truth and Mercy, Says Pope
The text of the Holy Father’s handwritten note says, “To you, who from the great digital community, ask for my prayers and blessing, I wish to say that you will be the precious gift in my prayer to the Father. And you, don’t forget to pray for me so that I may be a servant of the Gospel of Mercy.”
(from Vatican Radio)
Text of Pope’s Address to Doctors With Africa by ZENIT Staff
Here is a ZENIT translation of the full text of the Pope’s addressSaturday when he received in audience supporters, friends and co-operators of “Doctors with Africa – CUAMM (University College of Medical Missionary Aspirants) of Padua.
Related: Pope Emphasizes Universal Right to Health Care
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Dear brothers and sisters, I am happy to welcome each one of you, “Doctors with Africa CUAMM,” who work for the protection of the health of the African populations, and even happier after having heard the words that brought me so close to those distant posts. The testimony of these doctors has carried my heart down there, where you go simply to find Jesus. And this has done me so much good. Thank you. Your organization, expression of the missionary nature of the diocese of Padua, has involved, in the course of the years, so many persons that, as volunteers, did their utmost to carry out long-term projects from the point of view of development. I thank you for what you are doing in favor of the fundamental human right of health for all. Health, in fact, is not a good of consumption, but a universal right for which access to health services cannot be a privilege.
Health, especially basic health, is in fact denied – denied! – in several parts of the world and in many regions of Africa. It is not a right for all, but, rather, it is still a privilege for a few, those who can permit themselves health. Accessibility to health services, to care and medicines still remains a mirage. The poorest are unable to pay and are excluded from hospital services, including the most essential and primary; hence the importance of your generous activity in support of a capillary network of services, in order to give answers to the needs of the populations.
You have chosen the poorest countries of Africa, the Sub-Saharan, and the most forgotten areas, the “last milepost” of health systems. They are the geographic fringes in which the Lord sends you to be Good Samaritans, to go out to the poor Lazarus, crossing the “door” that leads from the First to the Third World. This is your “holy door!” You work among the most vulnerable bands of the population: the mothers, to ensure them safe and fitting childbirth, and the children, especially newborns. Too many mothers die in Africa during childbirth and too many children do not reach the first month of life because of malnutrition and great epidemics. I encourage you to remain in the midst of this wounded and suffering humanity: it is Jesus. Your work of mercy is the care of the sick, according to the evangelical motto: “Heal the sick” (Matthew 10:8). You can be the expression of Mother Church that bends over the weakest and takes care of them.
To foster genuine and lasting development processes long times are necessary in the logic of sowing with trust and waiting with patience for the fruits. All this is also demonstrated by the history of your Organization, which for more than 65 years has been committed at the side of the poorest of Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Angola, South Sudan and Sierra Leone. Africa is in need of patient and continuous, tenacious and competent support. The interventions need serious work approaches, calling for research and innovation and they impose the duty of transparence to the donors and to public opinion.
You are doctors “with” Africa and not “for” Africa, and this is so important. You are called to involve the African people in the process of growth, walking together, sharing tragedies and joys, sorrows and enthusiasms. The peoples are the first architects of their development, the first to be responsible! I know that you address the daily challenges with gratuitousness and selfless help, without proselytism and the occupation of spaces, rather collaborating with the local Churches and Governments in the logic of participation and the sharing of mutual commitments and responsibilities. I exhort you to maintain your peculiar approach to the local realities, helping them to grow and leaving them when they are able to continue on their own, in a perspective of development and sustainability. It is the logic of the seed, which disappears and dies to bear lasting fruit.
In your precious service to the poor of Africa you have as models your Founder, Dr Francesco Canova, and the historic Director, Don Luigi Mazzucato. Dr Canova matured in FUCI the idea to go across the world to help the last, planning a “college for future missionary doctors” and delineating the figure of the lay missionary doctor. For his part, Don Mazzucato was the Director of CUAMM for 53 years, and he died last November 26 at the age of 88. He was the real inspirer of the in-depth choices, poverty being first among all. Thus he wrote in his spiritual testament: “Born poor, I have always sought to live with the indispensable minimum. I have nothing of my own and I have nothing to leave. The poor garments I have should be given to the poor.”
In the wake of these great witnesses of a missionary nature of proximity and evangelical fecundity, you carry forward your work with courage, expressing a Church that is not a “super clinic for VIPs,” but rather a “field hospital.” A Church with a great heart, close to the many wounded and humiliated of history, at the service of the poorest. I assure you of my closeness and my prayer. I bless you all, your families and your commitment for the today and tomorrow of the African Continent. And I ask you, please, to pray also for me, so that the Lord will make me poorer every day. Thank you!
[Original text: Italian]
[Translation by ZENIT]
5 Ways to Share Your Faith in the Year of Mercy by ZENIT Staff
By Nancy Ward, of the Catholic Writers Guild. This reflection is reprinted from the guild’s blog.
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In this Year of Mercy, Pope Francis encourages us to show God’s mercy through our witness. The Holy Father called this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to direct our attention and actions “on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s actions in our lives . . . a time when the witness of believers might grow stronger and more effective.”
Our faith story is our account of God’s mercy in our lives. We all have a unique faith story to tell. Sharing God’s actions in our lives is the best way to become an effective witness.
Our baptism began our faith story. We were commissioned to evangelize. We can fulfill our call to mercy and evangelization in part by sharing our faith story at every opportunity given us by God.
Throughout our faith story we tell of God’s mercy, his salvation, redemption and transformation of our lives. God expresses his love through our story. He created each of us as an unrepeatable expression of his presence. He builds our faith each time we encounter him. Each time we tell our story, we reveal a unique expression of God’s presence. We share his love and mercy.
Here are five tips for making our witness better in 2016, based on my favorite evangelization verse, 1 Peter 3:15:
Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence.
Always be ready – and willing — to share what God is doing in your life. Know your faith story. Be attentive to the nudge of the Holy Spirit to share with an old friend or someone new in your life.
Always be curious about the faith story of those around you and gently encourage them to share their story with you. Approach with admiration that friend you have known for years but whose story you have never heard.
Always be authentic. Keep in mind that your witness is not just what you say, but how you live out your faith and demonstrate the reason for your hope. Be approachable.
Always be open to receive the grace of the moment, the gift of God’s presence. Then be open to giving away that gift of God’s presence in you to others. Let a little of your faith story leak out to those around you and see what happens next.
Always be humble and seek continuous conversion. Look for ways to renew your faith. Be the one who invites those on the fringes of the church to go with you to a retreat, day of renewal, Bible Study or evangelization seminar.
How do I start evangelizing by sharing my faith story? How do I know what to say?
Begin journaling. Keep a spiritual journal with all the blessings the Lord has given you. Ponder the high and low points of your life, praying and listening to the Holy Spirit.
Knowing and pondering our faith story helps clarify our thoughts. We see how God intervened and steered us to the path he planned for our greatest happiness. We see his mercy.
You can get a good idea of the variety of ways to tell a story of conversion, return to the church, a healing or an answered prayers from more than 30 stories on JOYAlive.net. Check out the Joy Stories tab.
Start now with your spiritual journal. Let the Holy Spirit remind you of the marvelous blessings God has brought in your life.
Let me know how I can help you to:
Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence.
Where can you go to pray, write and ponder your faith story?
French Martyr Moves Closer to Sainthood by ZENIT Staff
Yesterday afternoon, Pope Francis received Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. During the audience, he authorized the promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes, including that of French martyr, Father Solomon Leclercq. In the late 19th century, when religious orders were outlawed during the French Revolution, the priest went into hiding. During the September Massacres of 1792, he was martyred, along with nearly 200 hundred others.
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MIRACLES
– Blessed Ludovico Pavoni, Italian priest, founder of the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Immaculate, known as the ‘Pavoniani,’ which is committed to the human and Christian education of children, especially needy boys, with the goal of teaching them useful professions (1784-1849)
-Blessed Solomon Leclercq (born William-Nicholas-Louis), of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Martyr (1745 – 1792)
HEROIC VIRTUES
– Servant of God Raffaele Emanuele Almansa Riaño, diocesan priest, formerly professed of the Order of Friars Minor (1840-1927). In the late 19th and early 20th century, the late priest ministered in Colombia.
Pope Francis’ Message to His Holiness Tawadros II on Day of Friendship With Copts by ZENIT Staff
Below is the Vatican-provided text of the message Pope Francis sent to His Holiness Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark:
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To His Holiness Tawadros II
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark
Recalling with pleasure the third anniversary of our fraternal meeting in Rome on 10 May 2013, I offer heartfelt best wishes to Your Holiness for peace and health, and I express my joy at the ever deeper spiritual bonds uniting the See of Peter and the See of Mark.
It is with gratitude to the Lord our God that I recall the steps we have taken together along the path of reconciliation and friendship. After centuries of silence, misunderstanding and even hostility, Catholics and Copts increasingly are encountering one another, entering into dialogue, and cooperating together in proclaiming the Gospel and serving humanity. In this renewed spirit of friendship, the Lord helps us to see that the bond uniting us is born of the same call and mission we received from the Father on the day of our baptism. Indeed, it is through baptism that we become members of the one Body of Christ that is the Church (cf. 1 Cor 12:13), God’s own people, who proclaim his praises (cf.1 Pet 2:9). May the Holy Spirit, the mainspring and bearer of all gifts, unite us evermore in the bond of Christian love and guide us in our shared pilgrimage, in truth and charity, towards full communion.
I would like also to express to Your Holiness my deep appreciation for the generous hospitality offered during the thirteenth meeting of the Joint International Commission for the Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, held in Cairo at the invitation of the Patriarchate of the See of Saint Mark. I am grateful to you for receiving the members of the Joint Commission at the Saint Bishoy Monastery in Wadi Natrum, and I am certain that we share the ardent hope that this important dialogue may continue to progress and bear abundant fruits.
Though we are still journeying towards the day when we will gather as one at the same eucharistic table, we are able even now to make visible the communion uniting us. Copts and Catholics can witness together to important values such as the holiness and dignity of every human life, the sanctity of marriage and family life, and respect for the creation entrusted to us by God. In the face of many contemporary challenges, Copts and Catholics are called to offer a common response founded upon the Gospel. As we continue our earthly pilgrimage, if we learn to bear each other’s burdens and to exchange the rich patrimony of our respective traditions, then we will see more clearly that what unites us is greater than what divides us.
Your Holiness, every day my thoughts and prayers are with the Christian communities in Egypt and the Middle East, so many of whom are experiencing great hardship and tragic situations. I am well aware of your grave concern for the situation in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria, where our Christian brothers and sisters and other religious communities are facing daily trials. May God our Father grant peace and consolation to all those who suffer, and inspire the international community to respond wisely and justly to such unprecedented violence.
On this occasion that has rightly become known as the day of friendship between Copts and Catholics, I willingly exchange with Your Holiness a fraternal embrace of peace in Christ the Risen Lord.
From the Vatican, 10 May 2015
FRANCIS[Original text: English]
[Vatican-provided text]
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