Jan

31

Pope Urges Doctrinal Congregation to Focus on Bioethics

January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Notes 2 Principles for Moral Choices
Benedict XVI is encouraging the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to give attention to bioethics.
The Pope received in audience today participants in the plenary session of that dicastery, which is being held this week in the Vatican.
The Holy Father recalled how last year the congregation published “two important […]

Jan

31

Mercy Seen as Core of Christian Message

January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Congress to Open on 3rd Anniversary of Polish Pope’s Death
On the third anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death, the 1st World Congress on Mercy will open in Rome.
In the Vatican press office today, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, archbishop of Vienna, Austria, presented the congress, scheduled for April 2-6.
It is a good sign, said Cardinal Schonborn, […]

Jan

31

Legionary of Christ Founder Dies at 87

January 31, 2008 | 1 Comment

Father Marcial Maciel Began Lay Regnum Christi Movement
Father Marcial Maciel, founder of the Legionaries of Christ and the Catholic lay Regnum Christi movement, died Wednesday at age 87.
A communiqué from the Legionaries of Christ reported that Father Maciel died in the United States and that he had “communicated to Father Álvaro Corcuera, general director of […]

Jan

31

Catholic Media Also Need “Info-Ethics”

January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Archbishop Celli: Press Should Show Respect for All Men
By Marta Lago
Catholic mass media should not fall into the temptation of being a voice of religious fundamentalism, says the president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communication.
In presenting Benedict XVI’s message for the 42nd World Communications Day, Archbishop Claudio Celli considered the Pope’s proposal of “info-ethics.”
Noting […]

Jan

31

Denver’s Biggest Charity Group Threatened

January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Catholic Identity Jeopardized by “Anti-Discrimination” Bill
The largest provider of charitable and social services in the Denver area is threatened by the draft of a new bill that could force the organization to ignore religious beliefs in hiring personnel.
In an editorial published today, the president of Catholic Charities defended the rights of his organization. Christopher Rose […]

Jan

31

Vatican Congress to Mark “Mulieris Dignitatem” at 20

January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Laity-Council to Host Reflection on Women
By Miriam Díez i Bosch
A Vatican congress commemorating the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter on the dignity of women aims to promote an authentic promotion of femininity.
Rocío Figueroa, director of the section on women for the Pontifical Council of the Laity, affirmed this to ZENIT. The […]

Jan

31

4 Steps to Making Missionary Parishes

January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Vatican Aide: Evangelization Not a Choice, But a Mandate
By Gisèle Plantec
If a parish does not evangelize, it is nothing more than a building, said a Vatican official, who offered four practical steps for transforming a parish into a missionary center.
Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, affirmed this today […]

Jan

31

War-Survivors Appeal for Kenyan Peace

January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Offer Firsthand Experience to Promote Dialogue
Caritas staff members who have firsthand experience of war and conflict are appealing to Kenya’s government and civilians to make peace.
The eight signatories issued the appeal through Caritas International. Kenya erupted in violence after disputed Dec. 27 presidential elections.
“Our countries have been ripped apart by political, ethnic and religious violence,” […]

Jan

31

Scientific Progress Must Respect Human Dignity

January 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

  This morning, Benedict XVI received participants in the plenary session of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is being held this week in the Vatican.
  The Pope recalled how last year the congregation published “two important documents presenting … certain clarifications necessary for the correct functioning of ecumenical dialogue, and of […]

Jan

31

Presentation of First World Apostolic Congress on Mercy

January 31, 2008 | 1 Comment

  In the Holy See Press Office this morning, the First World Apostolic Congress on Mercy was presented. The congress is due to be held in Rome from 2 to 6 April.
  Participating in the press conference were Cardinal Christoph Schonborn O.P., archbishop of Vienna, Austria and president of the congress, Fr. Patrice Chocholski, co-ordinater […]

Jan

31

Saint John Bosco

January 31, 2008 | 2 Comments

John Bosco was born in Turin, Italy, on August 16, 1815. His parents were poor farmers. When John was two, his father died. John’s mother struggled to keep the family together. As soon as he was old enough, John, too, worked as hard as he could to help his mother. He was intelligent and full […]