ZENIT from Roswell, Georgia, United States "INTERVIEW: Why This World Youth Day Will Be Like No Other... for Tuesday, 26 July 2016Like
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ForwardINTERVIEW: Why This World Youth Day Will Be Like No Otherby Deborah Castellano Lubov
This week, Pope Francis will make his 15th apostolic visit outside Italy, and his first to the Eastern European nation of Poland. He arrivesWednesday and departs Sunday, here for the World Youth Day already underway.
In an exclusive interview with ZENIT this week in Krakow, Father Pawel Rytel-Andrianik, the spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, shared not only what’s on the agenda, but some scoops.
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ZENIT: What should we expect this World Youth Day (e.g. How many people, from which countries, countries sending the most, etc)?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: We expect at least 1.5 million people to come to Krakow, mostly from Poland, but many from Italy, France, the United States (which is number five in terms of countries sending the most), the UK and Portugal. In fact, the “least young” person to be registered in the World Youth Day is 71, from one of the countries in Latin America, which just goes to show that youth is not counted by age but by heart. [smiling]
For the first time in Poland’s history, for one meeting, people are coming from at least 187 countries and regions. The people accredited to the World Youth Day are more than those [nations with a diplomat] accredited to the Holy See, which just goes to show that this event, the World Youth Day, is going beyond diplomacy. This will be one of the most well-attended World Youth Days.
Something really worthy of noting is that this WYD will be different than all those before this one in that it will be very “social.” Now the main source of everyone’s information will be in their pocket, if you will, their cell phones, through social media, all its forms, but especially Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, among others. You cannot ignore World Youth Day. This is significant because on these social networks, which now reach an unprecedented number of people, the people who see the posts are not just Catholics, but anyone connected. Hence, this makes it possible to transmit these messages of this WYD and the Pope beyond religion, but to touch the peripheries and those who are different, as Pope Francis wants. So this is very unique, and marks a new start and a new era of the World Youth Days.
ZENIT: Are there any specific ‘social network’ initiatives taking place that come to mind?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: There should be about 60 young people who through the Bishops Conference of England and Wales are coming to Krakow and through social media will make it possible for all those who wish to follow the events, but can’t be present, to keep up through their social media postings. They’ve prepared and been trained specifically to do this. To further lead and spiritually strengthen the young people, there will be bishop catechists leading discussions. Looking at prelates present, there should be 801 bishops participating as catechists and nearly 50 cardinals present from around the world.
ZENIT: What is the significance of it taking place in John Paul II’s homeland, especially now that he is a saint?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: This is following in the footsteps of John Paul II. As Pope Francis said in his video-message before his visit to Poland, “John Paul II is the architect of the World Youth Day.” Pope Francis really underlines that this initiative is of JPII as the mind behind this occasion bringing the world’s young people together.
ZENIT: How is the Jubilee of Mercy impacting this year’s World Youth Day?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: This Jubilee for Young People is celebrated in the Capital of Mercy and it shows the human face of John Paul II, because the Mass will be in the Shrine dedicated to John Paul II, where there had been the salt mine, where Wojtyla worked. Also, the fact that he will hear confessions in the Shrine of Divine Mercy, dedicated to St. Faustina, who Pope John Paul II canonized is also very significant this Jubilee Year.
ZENIT: How are Christian youth from the persecuted countries (Middle East, Northern Africa, Holy Land, Ukraine, etc) participating or being considered, remembered?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: They’ll find the Church in Poland to be very supportive because the Church in Poland, in the Second World War, saw every fourth or fifth priest be killed. And, in Poland, 6 million Poles were killed or died. Of this number, 3 million were Jews and the other half, the other 3 million, were mostly Catholics. During the Holocaust, in addition to the 3 million Polish Jews killed, there were another 3 million Jewish people from other countries of Europe killed, so about 6 million Jews killed in total. We understand. We welcome those who experience persecution and suffering now and we will see youth from such countries present and participating, for example from Syria, the Middle East, and Africa, particularly South Africa. For example, a young man who will speak and ask Pope Francis a question is from Syria. So this will make his voice heard in the world. There also will be many Ukrainians.
ZENIT: How is the Holy Father participating? Why is his presence significant?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: This is Pope Francis’ first visit to the country and, taking a look at all his travels in Europe, outside of Italy, it marks the first time he has passed more than 24 hours in a given country in the continent. He will pass some days here. His presence and participation shows his love for the young people and for Poland, for the beloved land of his saint-predecessor … I think Pope Francis looks at Poland through the lenses of John Paul II.
ZENIT: For the events of the WYD, who are some of the famous people, artists, who will perform? Be present?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: There will be various personalities, but I wish to point out one in particular that will be incredibly memorable. Achinoam Nini Noa, the Israeli artist who sang Ave Maria in the presence of Pope Francis. Before Sunday’s Mass, for the first time in history, she will sing Ave Maria in Hebrew and in English. She has prepared this specifically for the World Youth Day. This was organized by the institutions of the Catholic Church in Poland and the Israeli embassy. This is very good and important.
ZENIT: What do you think will be some of the highlights this year? What have been some of the challenges?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: What I’d consider the highlights would be the events in Krakow, especially the main Mass in the Campus Misericordiaon Sunday, and Czestochowa, for the 1050 years since the Baptism of Poland. Pope Paul VI wanted to be in Poland for the 1000th anniversary but the Communist Party government forbid it. But, it was worth waiting, because now Pope Francis is coming and will celebrate Mass during his visit. Obviously, there is Auschwitz, and notably his silence there, is significant. Pope Francis’ silence at Auschwitz will be like a cry for peace. Actually, that day, there is a moment many may not be aware of. There is a woman who, on the 28th, will have her 101st birthday, and, the next day, will meet Pope Francis at Auschwitz, because she is a survivor of it. Before this encounter, in the days leading up to her moment with the Pope, she’ll, interestingly enough, be hosting a World Youth Day pilgrim herself. This Catholic woman, Helena Niwinska, who lives in Krakow, was a singer and also wrote the book ‘The Ways of My Life.”
But let’s also not forget the joyful moments, like Francis riding the tram –at least in Poland – for the first time.
As far as the challenges, I would say logistics. This is especially because Krakow has never had more than 1 million people for such an extended period of time, as its number of inhabitants is roughly 750,000. But we are used to seeing lots of pilgrims, so we are pretty used to handling lots of visitors and pilgrims, so we feel confident we have it covered.
ZENIT: Are there security concerns? What is being done?
Father Rytel-Andrianak: The Minister of Internal Affairs Mariusz Blaszczak confirms that there is no signal of any danger in Poland. The Polish government ensures that there are not threats or concerns and that all is expected to take place in a safe and professional manner. The places of celebrations will be some of the safest places in the world at that time.
As Fr. Hamel Implored God’s Peace on Earth, His Throat Was Cut by ZENIT Staff
Pope Francis, through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, has sent a message of condolences to Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen, France, following the dramatic events this morning in the church of nearby Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, where two men armed with knives entered and took hostage the priest, two nuns and two faithful.
They subsequently killed the priest, Fr. Jacques Hamel, aged 86, by cutting his throat, and seriously wounded another hostage.
“Informed of the hostage-taking in the church of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, which has caused the death of a priest and in which one of the hostages has been gravely injured, His Holiness Pope Francis assures you of his spiritual closeness and joins in prayer with the suffering of the families and with the pain of the parish and the diocese of Rouen. He implores God, Father of mercy, to welcome Fr. Jacques Hamel in the peace of His light, and comfort the injured person. The Holy Father is particularly troubled to learn that this act of violence took place in a church, during Mass, a liturgical act that implores of God His peace on earth. He asks the Lord to inspire in all thoughts of reconciliation and fraternity in this new trial, and to extend to everyone the abundance of His blessings.”
Islamic State said the attack was carried out by two of its “soldiers.”
Cardinal Tagle Presents “DOCAT,” Notes Grief at Rouen Tragedy by Salvatore Cernuzio
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila presented today in Krakow the newly released “DOCAT,” a youthful presentation of the Church’s social doctrine, which echoes “YOUCAT,” a youth-oriented explanation of the Catechism presented at the WYD in Madrid in 2011.
Before the cardinal began with the presentation of the book, he noted his grief over the slaying of an elderly priest by ISIS attackers this morning in France.
”I want to express my grief because this morning a priest was brutally killed at Rouen while celebrating Mass,” said the archbishop of Manila, “shocking news that saddens us. Let us pray for the French nation.”
This “unhappy incident will help us understand in what way we can carry out the Social Doctrine of the Church,” he added.
Called to substitute Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, who was unable to come, although, he said, “he is irreplaceable,” Cardinal Tagle, with the pilgrim’s small yellow backpack on his back, explained that with the DoCat, “Pope Francis wants to give us a gift, so that we do not halt at knowledge and prayer but pass to action.”
DOCAT is published in the United States by Ignatius Press: http://www.ignatius.com/Products/DOCAT-P/docat.aspx
“This is what the Pope wishes to communicate to young people and not only this. And young people must reciprocate this gift to the Pope.”
As Church, stressed the Archbishop, “we want in fact to give a million and even more young people committed with the spirit of DoCat.”
In a video transmitted during the presentation, Bergoglio himself affirmed that DoCat “is a manual of knowledge, a street manual. It is about the word of Christ as well as of the Church and of many people. It is an important instrument of young people’s daily life.”
Those young people who “have the capacity to lead the world forward,” to whom, in the same film, the Bishop of Rome asked that they have “visions” and, at the same time, “be capable to take up the dreams of the elderly.”
“Be part of the Pope’s dream,” could be read in fact on the blue T-shirts of several boys and girls, who during the presentation paraded with the flags of the whole world and with placards that depicted an iPhone to show the various functions of the App.
“The Social Doctrine of the Church is the Gospel; it is the Good News regarding redemption and salvation. This Good News enters our hearts thanks to the Holy Spirit and, with the love of God, through his gestures, we can also act,” said the Cardinal, who is also President of Caritas Internationalis. This Doctrine is “closely connected to our reality” as “social beings. Our actions have social consequences,” he added.
For his part, Francis “has had a strong impact on the Social Doctrine of the Church. Let us think, for instance, of Evangelii Gaudium, in which he speaks of the ‘economy that kills,’ while the Gospel speaks of life. The Holy Father is calling us to reflect: in what way can an economy that kills coexist with the Gospel of life?”
Again the Pope – said Cardinal Tagle, who is among the Cardinals closest to the Pontiff — “speaks in his addresses of the subjects of peace and of the problems that lead to the migratory flow” to “make us understand what the roots are of this violence. He speaks of mafia, he is not afraid of these words, as when at a meeting in Mexico City he exhorted the ‘Lord’s ambassadors’ to ‘fight for life.’”
Instead, he asked thousands of young people, embracing ideally in the WYD of Rio de Janeiro of 2013, to “make noise,” but “not noise as noise, but noise in the sense of moving the world and awakening it from indifference,” specified the Cardinal.
This very living magisterium “isn’t the result of the work of a single person, of one Pope,” continued the Archbishop of Manila; “it is the Social Doctrine of the Church, which is none other than a living person: Christ, who became one of us, member of a family, of a society, a creature that dwelt in Creation.” From Him “we must draw the strength and the life to commit ourselves in society and constitute it a more true, more fraternal <society> full of love.”
In this connection, DoCat can be an optimum instrument. “It’s not a book destined to remain on the shelf, but a guide” with which to “form the history and language of young people.” Therefore, it is not a simple App or a small book but “a project relating to life” which is “part of a campaign to set the world on fire.”
Assassin in Tokyo: It Is Better That Disabled People Disappear by ZENIT Staff
According to the Guardian, a 26-year-old former employee of the facility turned himself in after the attack in the early hours of this morning (local time), reportedly saying, “It is better that disabled people disappear.”
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin sent a telegram on behalf of the Holy Father to Archbishop Peter Takeo Okada of Tokyo.
The centre, around 50 kilometres from Tokyo, was home to 149 residents, of whom 25 were injured, for the most part seriously.
“Saddened by the loss of life following the attack at the Tsukui Yamayurien facility for the disabled, His Holiness Pope Francis assures all affected by this tragedy of his closeness, and he sends his condolences to the relatives of the deceased and injured. Praying for healing during this difficult time, Pope Francis invokes upon the Japanese nation the divine blessings of reconciliation and peace.”
The attacker was apparently hospitalized earlier this year after promoting a plan for killing the disabled. He requested government to promote euthanasia for the disabled.
Text of Cardinal Dziwisz’s Intro and Homily at Opening Mass of #WYD2016 by ZENIT Staff
Below is Cardinal Stanislas Dziwisz, (Archbishop of Krakow) Introduction and homily at today’s opening mass for World Youth Day 2016 in Blonia Park in Krakow.
Introduction
My Dear Friends!
The moment we have been waiting 3 years for has arrived. We have been waiting since the day Pope Francis announced in Rio de Janeiro that the next World Youth Day would take place in Poland – in Krakow.
The clock fitted on the facade of St. Mary’s Basilica in the heart of historic Krakow counted the days, hours, minutes and seconds to the moment which we are now experiencing. But a more important clock, registering the thoughts and feelings in our hearts, spiritually prepared us for the meeting of young disciples of the Master of Nazareth that we are beginning today.
You have come from all continents and nations, from the East and West, the North and South of our globe. You bring with you many experiences. You bring many desires. You speak numerous languages. But starting today we are going to communicate with each other in the language of the Gospel. This is a language of love, brotherhood, solidarity and peace.
I welcome you all most cordially in the city of Karol Wojtyła – Saint John Paul II. It is here that he grew up to serve the Church, and it is from here that he set off to the ways of the world to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I welcome you in the city where we especially experience the mystery and gift of Divine Mercy.
Cari amici – benvenuti a Cracovia!
Dear friends – welcome to Cracow!
Chers amis – bienvenus à Cracovie!
Liebe Freunde – herzlich willkommen in Krakau!
Queridos amigos – bienvenidos a Cracovia!
Queridos amigos – Bem-vindos à Cracóvia!
Дорогие Друзья! Добро пожаловать в Краков!
Дорогі друзі, вітаємо у Кракові!
Drodzy Przyjaciele – witajcie w Krakowie!
Brothers and sisters, let us open our hearts to receive the word of God and the gift of the Eucharist. May the crucified and risen Lord, the saviour of the world, stand among us. Let us commend to Him all our thoughts and feelings, hopes and expectations regarding the festival of faith of the young church that is beginning. But because we are aware of our sins and our disloyalty to the ideals of the Gospel, let us apologize to God so that we could jointly celebrate the Most Holy Sacrifice of this Mass with pure hearts.
Homily
Dear Friends!
Listening to the dialogue of the risen Jesus with Simon Peter on the bank of the Sea of Galilee, hearing the triple question about love and the answer to it, we have in mind the hardships of the life of this fisherman of Galilee that preceded this crucial conversation. We know that he one day left everything – his family, boat and nets – and followed an unusual Teacher from Nazareth. He became His disciple. He learned His way of looking at the matters of God and people. He lived through His passion and death, as well as through a moment of personal weakness and betrayal. Afterwards, he experienced a moment of astonishment and joy connected with Jesus’ resurrection, who appeared to His closest disciples before ascending into heaven.
We also know the continuation of the conversation, or rather the trial of love that today’s Gospel speaks about. Simon Peter, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, became a brave witness to Jesus Christ. He became a rock of the emerging Church. For all this he paid the highest price in the capital city of the Roman empire – he was crucified like his Master. Peter’s bloodshed in the name of Jesus became the seed of faith and initiated the growth of the Church, which engulfed the whole world.
Today, Christ speaks to us in Krakow, at the banks of the Wisła river, which flows through all of Poland – from the mountains to the sea. Peter’s experience may become ours and inspire us to reflect. Let us pose three questions and look for the answers. First, where do we come from? Second, where are we today, in this moment of our lives? And third, where are we going to go and what are we going to take with us?
Where do we come from? We come from “every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5), like those who came in great numbers to Jerusalem on Pentecost Day, but there are incomparably more of us now than two thousand years ago, because we are accompanied by centuries of preaching the Gospel, which since then has reached the furthest ends of the world. We bring our experience of various cultures, traditions and languages. What we also bring are testimonies of faith and holiness of our brothers and sisters, followers of the risen Lord, of past generations as well as the current generation.
We come from such parts of the world where people live in peace, where families are communities of love and life and where young people can pursue their dreams. But among us are also young people from countries whose people are suffering due to wars and other kinds of conflicts, where children are starving to death and where Christians are brutally persecuted. Among us are young pilgrims from parts of the world that are ruled by violence and blind terrorism, and where authorities usurp power over man and nations, following insane ideologies.
We bring to this meeting with Jesus during these days our personal experiences of living the Gospel in our difficult world. We bring our fears and disappointments, but also our hopes and yearning, our desire to live in a more human, more fraternal and solidary world. We acknowledge our weaknesses, but at the same time believe that “we can do all things through Him who strengthens us” (Phil. 4:13). We can face the challenges of the modern world, in which man chooses between faith and disbelief, good and evil, love and its rejection.
Where are we now, at this moment of our lives? We have come from near and far. Many of you have travelled thousands of kilometres and invested much in your journey to be here. We are in Krakow, the former capital of Poland, to which the light of faith reached one thousand fifty years ago. Polish history was difficult, but we have always tried to remain faithful to God and the Gospel.
We are all here because Christ has gathered us. He is the light of the world. Whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness (Jn. 8:12). He is the way, and the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6). He has the words of eternal life. To whom shall we go? (Jn. 6:68). Only He – Jesus Christ – is able to satisfy the deepest desires of the human heart. It is He who has led us here. He is present among us. He is accompanying us like He accompanied His disciples headed for Emmaus. Let us entrust Him in these days our matters, fears and hopes. During these days, He will be asking us about love, like He asked Simon Peter. Let us not avoid responding to these questions.
Meeting with Jesus, we simultaneously realize that we all make up a great community – the Church – which surpasses the boundaries established by people and which divide people. We are all God’s children, redeemed by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Experiencing the universal Church is a great experience associated with World Youth Day. The image of the Church depends on us – on our faith and sanctity. It is up to us to ensure that the Gospel reaches those who have not yet heard about Christ or have not learnt enough about Him.
Tomorrow, the Peter of our times – Pope Francis – will arrive among us. The day after tomorrow, we will greet him in this same place. In the following days, we will listen to his words and pray together with him. The presence of the Pope at World Youth Day is yet another beautiful and characteristic feature of this celebration of faith.
And finally the third, last question: where are we going and what will we take with us from here? Our meeting will last only a few days. It is going to be an intense, spiritual and, to a certain extent, physically demanding experience. Afterwards, we will return to our homes, families, schools, universities and to our places of employment. Maybe we will make some important decisions during these days? Maybe we will set some new goals in our lives? Maybe we will hear the clear voice of Jesus, telling us to leave everything and follow Him?
With what will we return? It is better to not anticipate the answer to this question. But let us take up a challenge. During these days, let us share with each other what is most valuable. Let us share our faith, our experiences, our hopes. My dear young friends, may these days be an opportunity to form your hearts and minds. Listen to the catecheses delivered by bishops. Listen to the voice of Pope Francis. Participate wholeheartedly in the divine liturgy. Experience the merciful love of the Lord in the sacrament of reconciliation. Discover also the churches of Krakow, the wealth of the culture of this city, as well as the hospitality of its inhabitants and of those of neighbouring towns, where we will find rest after a day’s rigors.
Krakow is alive with the mystery of Divine Mercy, also owing to humble Sister Faustina and John Paul II, who made the Church and the world sensitive to this specific trait of God. Returning to your countries, homes and communities, carry the spark of mercy, reminding everyone that “blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7). Carry the flame of your faith and ignite with it other flames, so that human hearts will beat to the rhythm of the Heart of Christ, which is “a flaming fire of love.” May the flame of love engulf our world and rid it of egoism, violence and injustice, so that a civilization of good, reconciliation, love and peace will be strengthened on our earth.
The prophet Isaiah tells us today “how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news” (Is. 52:7). John Paul II was such a messenger – He was the initiator of World Youth Day, a friend of youth and families. And you be such messengers. Carry the good news about Jesus Christ to the world. Give testimony that it is both worth it and necessary to entrust Him with our fate. Open wide the doors of your hearts to Christ. Proclaim with conviction like Paul the Apostle, “that neither death, nor life, […] nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38-39) Amen!
Funeral Palls 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: The Order of Christian Funerals approved for use in the United States reads in No. 39: “The liturgical color chosen for funerals should express Christian hope but should not be offensive to human grief or sorrow. [emphasis mine] In the United States, white, violet, or black vestments may be worn at the funeral rites and at other offices and Masses for the dead.” A priest I know who wears black vestments at funerals recently also began using a black funeral pall over the casket, arguing that Benedict XVI’s principle of the “mutual enrichment” of the two expressions of the Roman rite would justify such an action, and also noting that a white funeral pall is not strictly prescribed by the rubrics nor a black pall forbidden. There’s also the basic issue of matching. It looks odd to have black chasuble and a white pall. Do you believe that a black funeral pall in the Novus Ordo funeral rites is legitimate? How about the pall used over the catafalque during the Novus Ordo All Souls’ Day Mass? — W.G., Petaluma, California
A: The pall, or mort-cloth, is a cloth that covers a casket or coffin from the reception of the coffin into the church and is used during the funeral. The word comes from the Latin pallium, or cloak.
Historically the original function was primordially practical in that it covered the bodies of the poor who could not afford coffins. Later they covered the casket and were also used by the wealthy. Such palls were often very rich patterned cloths in several colors and only later became predominately black.
Effectively, the use of a white pall has become quite common for funerals in recent years, above all in the United States and Canada. Its introduction was recommended in a document of the bishops’ conference of England and Wales in 1990, but I am unaware if it has been widely adopted. Its use is quite rare in Ireland and Italy as well as in most Spanish-speaking countries.
The following is said regarding the use of the pall in the Order of Christian Funerals:
“38. If it is the custom in the local community, a pall may be placed over the coffin when it is received at the church. A reminder of the baptismal garment of the deceased, the pall is a sign of the Christian dignity of the person. The use of the pall also signifies that all are equal in the eyes of God (see James 2:1-9). … Only Christian symbols may rest on or be placed near the coffin during the funeral liturgy. Any other symbols, for example, national flags, or flags or insignia of associations, have no place in the funeral liturgy.
“132. Any national flags or the flags or insignia of associations to which the deceased belonged are to be removed from the coffin at the entrance to the church. They may be replaced after the coffin has been taken from the church.”
Rules regarding the color of the pall are not mentioned, and, in this sense, the use of a black or violet pall is not contrary to the norms. However, as the rite mentions that the pall is a symbol of baptism, it would seem incongruous to use black to represent this sacrament.
Admittedly this is a relatively new meaning given to the pall whose original function, as seen above, was primordially practical. Only later were symbolic meanings developed.
Representing baptism and the resurrection are certainly valid meanings, and so white can always be used and is indeed generally recommended.
The second meaning for using the pall, that of equality before God, is also a pastoral recommendation that avoids ostentation at the moment of a funeral through the use of elaborate and expensive caskets.
The liturgy office of the Canadian bishops’ conference has this interesting comment to make about the use of the pall:
“If we listen carefully to the texts used at a funeral liturgy, we discover that there are several references made to the baptism of the person who is now deceased. One reference occurs at the very beginning of the liturgy, during the rite of the reception of the body. To emphasize the importance of the person’s baptism, the Church in Canada encourages the use of a pall at the funeral liturgy. This pall is to be placed on the coffin during the rite of reception of the body by family members, friends, or by parish ministers. This pall is a reminder of the white baptismal garment, a sign of the Christian dignity of the person. Just as the new Christian was clothed in the white garment when he or she became a member of the Church, the coffin is covered with a white cloth as the person enters into a new life in the resurrection of Jesus. Covering the coffin is a way to make a statement about the identity of the deceased; it proclaims that the greatest thing that can be said about the deceased person is that he or she is a sister or brother of Christ, a member of the Church. The pall is also a sign of hope, of the resurrection, of new life beyond this life, a banner that points to a continued relationship to the deceased person in the time to come. Its use also signifies that in the eyes of God all are equal (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 38). It might also be said that it is the white cloth itself that is the symbol; it does not need to have any symbols added to it to explain or add to what it means. This identity of the deceased person as a Christian is considered by the Church to be fundamental and primary, and it is the focus in a special way. For this reason the General Introduction to the Order of Christian Funerals says that only Christian symbols may be on or near the coffin during the funeral liturgy. Flags and insignia of associations, even Christian associations, should be placed elsewhere, or at least taken off the coffin for the liturgy.”
This is fairly typical of diocesan guidelines in many areas of the United States and Canada. For example, one U.S. diocese adds some other details:
“A funeral pall may be used, covering the casket completely. The pall is white if it is seen as representing the baptismal robe. It may be adorned with Christian symbols, and may incorporate other colors appropriate for funerals. The placing of the pall may be carried out by family members or friends at the beginning of the funeral Mass, accompanied by the lighting of the Paschal Candle and placing appropriate objects on the casket, for example: a Bible, a rosary, crucifix, flowers.
“For Funeral Masses with military honors for United States military personnel, active duty or retired, it is customary that the casket enter and exit the church draped in the flag of the United States. The flag is removed upon entry so that the casket may be sprinkled with holy water and the pall placed for the Funeral Liturgy as a reminder of the baptism of the deceased. At the end of the liturgy recessional, the pall is removed and the flag is once again draped over the casket.”
The above-mentioned document from the bishops of England and Wales even has some advice for funeral directors regarding coffin design influenced by the use of the pall:
“Despite long-standing tradition that a raised crucifix has been an integral fixture on most coffins used at R.C. funerals, it is envisaged, in future, that the coffin may be covered by an unadorned white pall and that, as part of the service, a crucifix/ cross and/or bible may be placed on top. This would seem to indicate a flat surface. If a white pall (a large white cloth used to cover the coffin) is used, funeral directors may be asked to help fold it after its removal at the end of the funeral service Because a white pall and/or a cross or bible may be put on the coffin at the beginning of the service, we would ask that any other covering (e.g. flags or flowers/ wreaths) be removed at the church door. These may be replaced after leaving the church.”
The catafalque mentioned by our reader is a pall-covered, coffin-shaped structure that was used for Masses for the Dead celebrated after burial to simulate the presence of the deceased. It was also used on All Souls’ Day, November 2. This use of the catafalque was abolished in the late 1960s and is no longer permitted in the ordinary form of the Roman rite. This was noted by the U.S. bishops’ conference in its appendix to the 1975 version of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:
“Although the rite of final commendation at the catafalque or pall is excluded, it is permitted to celebrate the funeral service, including the commendations, in those cases where it is physically or morally impossible for the body of the deceased person to be present (November 1970).”
The absolution and commendation at the catafalque still forms part of the extraordinary form, and its use is proper in that context.
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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.
Archbishop of Rouen Responds to Slaying of Priest by ZENIT Staff
The archbishop of Rouen responded from Krakow to the news of the attack today at the Church of Saint-Etienne du Rouvray, where an 84-year-old priest was taken hostage as he was celebrating Mass and subsequently killed. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Archbishop Dominique Lebrun was in Krakow for World Youth Day; the Pope arrives in Poland tomorrow. The archbishop is headed back to France.
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Here is a provisional English translation of the archbishop’s statement.
From Krakow, I have learnt with sadness of the killing this morning at the Church of Saint-Etienne du Rouvray. The three victims: the priest, Father Jacques Hamel, 84, and the authors of the assassination. Three other people were injured, one very seriously. I cry out to God with all men of good will. I would invite non-believers to join in the cry! With the young people at WYD, we pray as we prayed at the tomb of Father Popiulusko in Warsaw, assassinated during the communist regime.
The Vicar General, Father Philippe Maheut, is on location since the beginning. I will be tonight in my diocese with the families and the parish community which is very much in shock. The Catholic Church cannot take weapons other than those of prayer and brotherhood among men. I leave here hundreds of young people who are the future of humanity, the true ones. I ask them not to give in to the violence and become apostles of the civilization of love.
Dominique Lebrun
Archbishop of Rouen
July 26, 2016
Emmanuel Community to Take Over Care of Rome’s Trinità dei Monti Church, Convent by ZENIT Staff
On Monday in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy See and the French Republic signed an “avenant” to the Diplomatic Conventions of 14 May and 8 September 1828, and the “avenants” of 4 May 1974, 21 September 1999 and 12 July 2005, regarding the Church and the convent of Trinità dei Monti, Rome.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States, signed on behalf of the Holy See, and Philippe Zeller, ambassador of France to the Holy See, signed for the French Republic.
“Recalling the French character of the Trinità dei Monti complex, the present international agreement expresses gratitude for the work performed by the Order of Minims from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century, by the Société du Sacré-Coeur de Jésus from the nineteenth century to 2006, and by the Fraternité monastique des Frères de Jérusalem and the Fraternité monastique des Soeurs de Jérusalem from 2006 to the present”.
“Considering the impossibility for the aforementioned monastic fraternities to continue in this mission, the Church and the Convent of Trinità dei Monti shall be entrusted, from 1 September 2016, to the Communauté de l’Emmanuel, an international association of the faithful of pontifical right, founded in France in 1972”.
In his address during the signing of the agreement, Archbishop Gallagher remarked that for more than five centuries, the area of Trinità dei Monti has always been a prominent seat of French culture, a prestigious centre of education for the young, and a place of spiritual influence in the heart of Rome.
In this context, he mentioned the various communities that have lived and worked there over the centuries: the religious of the Order of Minims, who were brought there at the behest of King Charles VIII in recognition of the spiritual assistance lent to his father, Louis XI, by the founder St. Francis of Paola; the women religious of the Société du Sacré-Coeur de Jésus, the congregation founded by St. Madeleine Sofia Barat, and more recently, the Fraternité monastique des Frères de Jérusalem and the Fraternité monastique des Soeurs de Jérusalem.
“Today we open together a new page in the history of Trinità dei Monti”, said the secretary for Relations with States. “On behalf of the Holy Father, who has entrusted me with the signing of this international agreement, I would like to thank the Fraternités monastiques de Jérusalem for their work in the development of the religious, educational and cultural activities of Trinità dei Monti during the years in which they have been present. At the same time, I wish to extend my best wishes to the Communauté de l’Emmanuel, to whom the Church and the Convent of Trinità dei Monti shall be entrusted.
“The Community is preparing to take on a responsibility of great importance in the service of the French and Roman cultural heritage, and at the same time, to respond to the call to contribute in a new way to the evangelising mission of the Church. The Holy See expresses all its trust in the Community, sure that it will be able to fulfil this demanding and exciting mission”.
Ambassador Zeller expressed on the one hand his sadness at bidding farewell to Fraternités Monastiques, and on the other his hope in the arrival of the Communauté de l’Emmanuel, which has agreed to take on the role, responding to the invitation by the Pious Establishments.
The Pious Establishments (Pieux Etablissements) of France in Rome and Loreto are a French foundation in Italy, built up over time by donations and legacies from French people, both illustrious and unknown, directed by its own managing bodies under the supervision of the French Embassy to the Holy See. The management of some of its assets, such as the convent of Trinità dei Monti, is the subject of bilateral international agreements between France and the Holy See.
“From September, it will ensure, in particular, the management of the Sacred Heart school and the lodgings for pilgrims”, he explained. “The Communauté de l’Emmanuel, an international public association of pontifical right, founded in France in 1972, has around 10,000 members in sixty countries in all five continents, bringing together laypeople, consecrated men and women and priests. The Community has its own charism, which will form part of the history of Trinità dei Monti, faithful to its legacy.
“The zone is indeed complex and unique, and its variety must be respected and its unique nature preserved. It is not common to find in a single and coherent place, a Church, a convent, two schools, a boarding house for pilgrims and and association organising tours of Rome from a religious perspective. These entities are a good example of the different vocations of the Pious Establishments: pastoral, cultural and social, as well as its historic and founding mission of welcome to French pilgrims, following the footsteps of the Apostles”.
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