Needed: A New Evangelization
"In a world characterized by religious indifference and even by a growing aversion towards the Christian faith, what is needed is new and intense evangelizing activity, directed not only at peoples who have never known the Gospel, but also at those among whom Christianity is present and has become part of their history.” This is was the affirmation made by the Holy Father Benedict XVI during the celebration of Vespers, which he presided in the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls on the afternoon of January 25, Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, at the end of this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The event was attended by a number of cardinals and bishops, as well as by representatives of other Churches and ecclesial communities present in Rome. In his homily, the Holy Father recalled that the recent celebration of the Year of St. Paul has offered us the possibility of “deepening in our knowledge of his extraordinary work of herald of the Gospel, and...our call to become missionaries of the Gospel.” Thus, commenting on the Gospel passage of the disciples of Emmaus, which had just been read, he highlighted that our witness, “then as now, is born from the encounter with the Risen Christ, is nourished by the constant relationship with Him, is animated by a deep love for Him... This is why Jesus promises His disciples and each of us a powerful support from on high, a new presence, that of the Holy Spirit [who is] the gift of the risen Christ, who leads us into the entire truth ... The Eleven spent their whole lives proclaiming the good news of the death and resurrection of Christ and most of them sealed their testimony with the blood of martyrdom, fertile seeds that have produced an abundant harvest.”
Making reference to the theme chosen for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, "You are witnesses of these things," (Lk 24:48) the Pope showed that it is an invitation to “offer shared witness of the risen Christ in accordance with the mandate He entrusted to His disciples,” linked "to the hundredth anniversary of the missionary conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, which many consider as a decisive event for the birth of the modern ecumenical movement.”
Benedict XVI did not conceal the existing questions that still separate Christians from one another, “and that we hope may be overcome through prayer and dialogue,” however, there is "a core content of Christ's message that we can announce together: the paternity of God, Christ's victory over sin and death with His cross and resurrection, and trust in the transforming action of the Spirit.” Lastly, the Pope called for a common testimony in light of the challenges of our time: secularization and indifference, relativism and hedonism, delicate ethical questions concerning the beginning and end of life, the limits of science and technology, and dialogue with other religious traditions. He also mentioned that other fields in which we must already show our joint witness are: protecting creation, promoting peace and the common good, defending the centrality of the human person, and the commitment to defeat the poverties of our time such as hunger, indigence, illiteracy and the unequal distribution of wealth. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 26/01/2010)
Photo: Mission San Francis Xavier established by Fr. Kino, S.J.(Arizona).
The Christian Laity and Evangelization
The Christian Laity by Jordan Aumann, O.P.Fr. Jordan Aumann, O.P. former Director of the Institute of Spirituality at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, is an honorary professor of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, where he has been giving special courses in spirituality since 1977.
During and after the Second Vatican Council the lay members of the Church have been called repeatedly to assume their rightful place among the People of God and to perform the apostolate that is their responsibility. This in itself constitutes a remarkable change in the traditional under standing of the role of the laity in the life and ministry of the Church. And one of the after-effects of this change is a somewhat different concept of the Church, which is no longer seen as the exclusive domain of the clergy.
Ever faithful in implementing the decrees issued by Vatican Council II, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Exhortation, Christifideles Laici, on December 30, 1988. This followed on the heels of the 1987 Synod of Bishops, which had as its topic: "The Vocation and Mission of the Laity in the Church and the World Twenty Years after the Second Vatican Council." To appreciate the significance of these events, it is necessary to review briefly the historical development of the new theology of the lay Christian faithful, which prepared the way for new canonical legislation.
From: PHILIPPINIANA SACRA, Vol. XXVIII, No. 83 (1993), pp. 321-334
Jan 21-22 March for Life and Prayer Vigil
AMERICA/UNITED STATES - January 21-22: Prayer Vigil and March for Life
Washington (Agenzia Fides) – This year marks the 37th anniversary of the January 22, 1973 Roe v. Wade, the US Supreme Court decision that ruled abortion to be a right guaranteed by the Constitution.
As in past years, this January 21-22, thousands of pro-life supporters from all over the United States will gather in the capital city to protest this legalization of abortion in the country, with a Prayer Vigil on January 21 and the March for Life on January 22.
The National Prayer Vigil for Life, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, will begin with a 6:30 p.m. EST Mass Jan. 21 and conclude with a 7:30 a.m. EST liturgy Jan. 22. Both will be broadcast live on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston will celebrate the evening Mass. Immediately following the act, priests will be available to hear confessions until midnight and there will be the recitation of a National Rosary for Life. After the Rosary, there will be a moment of prayer in the Byzantine Rite, followed by turns of Eucharistic Adoration lasting until 6am of the following day. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services will be the principal celebrant for the morning Mass.
As usual, the main event will begin with a noon rally Jan. 22 on the National Mall (in Washington, DC), followed by a march along Constitution Avenue that will end at the U.S. Supreme Court. Other events taking place on these days in the capital city include: Masses, prayer meetings, rosaries, Eucharistic Adoration, conventions, rallies, and testimonies.
This year’s pro-life march may be the most important since it began, as it is taking place during an intense political struggle over the role of abortion and conscience protections in the final health care bill to be voted on by both houses of Congress. In this regard, the US Bishops' Conference has repeatedly reaffirmed that while health care reform may be necessary, it must never compromise on the protection of human life in all its stages.
A poll conducted in May 2009 as part of the annual “Gallup Values and Beliefs” survey found that a majority of Americans (51%) described themselves as "pro-life" with respect to the abortion issue, while only 42% said they were "pro-choice." This marked the first time since Gallup began asking the question in 1995 that more respondents said they were pro-life than pro-choice. (AR) (Agenzia Fides 20/01/2010)
Links:
National Prayer Vigil
http://www.usccb.org/prolife/prayervigil/index.shtml
March for Life website
http://www.marchforlife.org/
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: January 18-25, “constitutes, for believers in Christ, a propitious time to revive the ecumenical spirit, to meet each other, to get to know each other, to pray and reflect together.” Making reference to the Bible theme chosen this year: “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48), the Pope affirmed that “our proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus will be much more credible and effective the more that we are united in his love, as true brothers. Thus, I invite parishes, religious communities, ecclesial movements and associations to pray unceasingly, in a special way during Eucharistic Celebrations, for the complete unity of Christians.” Benedict XVIThe week of prayer is during the novena of St. Paul's Transformation (Conversion). The painting here is of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd. Jesus is feeding his sheep with Sts Peter and Paul.
Evangelization and Media Literacy
2010 World Summit on Media For Children & Youth will be held June 14-18 in Karlstad Sweden. The Summit provides a forum for producers, broadcasters and regulators of media for children and other professionals and community leaders committed to the improvement of quality media for children.[learn more]
NAMLE 2011 Conference · Experience media literacy education in Old Philadelphia-America's Most Historic Square Mile. The conference will be held July 22-25, 2011 at the Sheraton Society Hill. Be art of the organization, presentations, networking and professional development. Step outside to walk to Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. If you want to be involved in any aspect of the conference planning, contact Deb Parker, Conference Chair [namle@insight.rr.com]. Want to help plan the program? Contact Vanessa Domine, Program Chair [vdomine@namle.net]
Northeast Media Literacy Conference 2010 The 8th Annual NMLC will be held March 26 at the University of Connecticut. This year's conference theme is Media Literacy: A Critical 21st Century Skill. Keynote speakers include Dr. Susan Linn (author, and Director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood; and Frank Baker, author, and internationally known media literacy leader). [learn more]
NAMLE 2011 Conference · Experience media literacy education in Old Philadelphia-America's Most Historic Square Mile. The conference will be held July 22-25, 2011 at the Sheraton Society Hill. Be art of the organization, presentations, networking and professional development. Step outside to walk to Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. If you want to be involved in any aspect of the conference planning, contact Deb Parker, Conference Chair [namle@insight.rr.com]. Want to help plan the program? Contact Vanessa Domine, Program Chair [vdomine@namle.net]Northeast Media Literacy Conference 2010 The 8th Annual NMLC will be held March 26 at the University of Connecticut. This year's conference theme is Media Literacy: A Critical 21st Century Skill. Keynote speakers include Dr. Susan Linn (author, and Director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood; and Frank Baker, author, and internationally known media literacy leader). [learn more]
by Sr Margaret Kerry, fsp
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B-PIh0MeUzvnNzQ4MTI5OTAtZjU2NS00MjI2LTgwODAtYjZlMWMxYTk1YTky&hl=en
Laity in the Apostolate
Any takers for this in the United States? by Paulines?
OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Laity taking on roles in apostolate, inspired by Saint Ignatius
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – A special program of study and training to lay people dedicated to making them protagonists of the apostolate: this is the initiative launched in 2010 by the Jesuits in Australia, aimed at strengthening the role and activity of the laity in pastoral and evangelization. "The laity are fundamental to the Christian presence and proclamation of the Gospel in society and secular structures. They need to understand their role better and become effective evangelists," overcoming resistance and shyness, the Jesuits in Australia tell Fides.
The program will focus on the figure of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, as a model and reference point for spiritual formation lived in the world and being ready to be a missionary. "Ignatius made his journey in life: each of us is called to do the same, according to the mission God has entrusted to him," says Martin Scroop, Director of the Loyola Institute, in presenting the training program.
The program will be open to the different provinces in Australia, involving many religious, theologians, and members of local churches. There is also a part of "field training,” with specific public missionary initiatives in several cities. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/01/2009)
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – A special program of study and training to lay people dedicated to making them protagonists of the apostolate: this is the initiative launched in 2010 by the Jesuits in Australia, aimed at strengthening the role and activity of the laity in pastoral and evangelization. "The laity are fundamental to the Christian presence and proclamation of the Gospel in society and secular structures. They need to understand their role better and become effective evangelists," overcoming resistance and shyness, the Jesuits in Australia tell Fides.
The program will focus on the figure of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, as a model and reference point for spiritual formation lived in the world and being ready to be a missionary. "Ignatius made his journey in life: each of us is called to do the same, according to the mission God has entrusted to him," says Martin Scroop, Director of the Loyola Institute, in presenting the training program.
The program will be open to the different provinces in Australia, involving many religious, theologians, and members of local churches. There is also a part of "field training,” with specific public missionary initiatives in several cities. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/01/2009)
Monthly Prayers for 2010
JANUARY
Young people and Social Communications Media
General: That young people may learn to use modern means of social communication for their personal growth and to better prepare themselves to serve society.
Missionary: That every believer in Christ may be conscious that unity among all Christians is a condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel.
FEBRUARY
General: For all scholars and intellectuals, that by means of sincere search for the truth they may arrive at an understanding of the one true God.
The Church’s Missionary Identity
Missionary: That the Church, aware of its own missionary identity, may strive to follow Christ faithfully and to proclaim His Gospel to all peoples.
MARCH
World Economy
General: That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest.
The Churches in Africa
Missionary: That the Churches in Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice in every part of that continent.
APRIL
General: That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by constant respect, by tolerance and by dialogue among all believers.
Missionary: That Christians persecuted for the sake of the Gospel may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in faithfully witnessing to the love of God for the entire human race.
MAY
Human Trafficking
General: That the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may be ended.
Priests, Religious and Committed Lay People
Missionary: That ordained ministers, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the communities entrusted to their care.
JUNE
Respect for Human Life
General: That every national and transnational institution may strive to guarantee respect for human life from conception to natural death.
Missionary: That the Churches in Asia, which constitute a “little flock” among non-Christian populations, may know how to communicate the Gospel and give joyful witness to their adherence to Christ.
JULY
Justice in Electing those who Govern
General: That in every nation of the world the election of officials may be carried out with justice, transparency and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens.
An Urban Culture of Justice, Solidarity and Peace
Missionary: That Christians may strive to offer everywhere, but especially in great urban centers, an effective contribution to the promotion of education, justice, solidarity and peace.
AUGUST
The Unemployed and the Homeless
General: That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties.
Victims of Discrimination, Hunger and Forced Emigration
Missionary: That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries.
SEPTEMBER
The Word of God as Sign of Social Development
General: That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.
The End of War
Missionary: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.
OCTOBER
General: That Catholic Universities may more and more be places where, in the light of the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between faith and reason.
World Mission Day
Missionary: That the World Mission Day may afford an occasion for understanding that the task of proclaiming Christ is an absolutely necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity.
NOVEMBER
Drug Addicts and Victims of Every Form of Dependence
General: That victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the Christian community, find in the power of our Saving God strength for a radical life-change.
The Continent-wide Mission in Latin America
Missionary: That the Churches of Latin America may move ahead with the continent-wide mission proposed by their bishops, making it part of the universal missionary task of the People of God.
DECEMBER
The Experience of Personal Suffering as a Help to Others who Suffer
The Experience of Personal Suffering as a Help to Others who Suffer
General: That our personal experience of suffering may be an occasion for better understanding the situation of unease and pain which is the lot of many people who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us all to give them generous help.
Opening Our Doors to ChristMissionary: That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to His Gospel of peace, brotherhood and justice.
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