Feb

5

Pontifical Acts

February 5, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Holy Father:
 - Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the diocese of Bilbao, Spain, presented by Bishop Carmelo Echenagusia Uribe, upon having reached the age limit.
 - Appointed Msgr. Mario Iceta Gavicagogeascoa, vicar general of the diocese of Cordoba, Spain, as auxiliary of the diocese of Bilbao (area 2,193, population 1,136,181, Catholics 1,006,197, [...]

Feb

5

Pontiff Cites 2 Keys for Priestly Formation

February 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Invites Seminarians to Value Gift of Vocation
Benedict XVI says silence and community life are two key elements in the formation of seminarians.
The Pope said this when he visited Rome’s Major Pontifical Seminary on Friday, telling the seminarians that “the gift of being adopted sons of God has illuminated your life.”
The papal visit marked the vigil [...]

Feb

5

Aide Says Almsgiving a Source of Joy

February 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Father Lombardi Reflects on Pope’s Lenten Message
Almsgiving is a source of joy, and through it the world can see that peace and happiness is not a distant reality, affirmed a Vatican spokesman.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, said this while reflecting on Benedict XVI’s Lenten message during the Vatican television weekly [...]

Feb

5

Spiritual Exercises of Pope and Roman Curia

February 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment

  On 10 February, the first Sunday of Lent, the annual spiritual exercises of the Holy Father and the Roman Curia will begin in the “Redemptoris Mater” Chapel of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
  This year’s exercises are dedicated to the theme: “Let us welcome Christ, our High Priest. ‘Since, then, we have a great high [...]

Feb

5

Saint Agatha

February 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment

A beautiful Christian girl named Agatha lived in Sicily in the third century. The governor heard of Agatha’s beauty and brought her to his palace. He wanted to make her commit sins against purity, but she was brave and would not give in. “My Lord Jesus Christ,” she prayed, “you see my heart and you [...]