Medjugorje Web Journal: June 2011

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Message of June 25, 2011

UPDATE!!! Message of June 25, 2011
"Dear children! Give thanks with me to the Most High for my presence with you. My heart is joyful watching the love and joy in the living of my messages. Many of you have responded, but I wait for, and seek, all the hearts that have fallen asleep to awaken from the sleep of unbelief. Little children, draw even closer to my Immaculate Heart so that I can lead all of you toward eternity. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Sabato 25 giugno festa della REGINA DELLA PACE

25 Giugno 2011 - Festa della Regina della Pace

30° anniversario delle apparizioni

la Comunità Mariana Oasi della Pace vi invita a Ussana - via Marconi 59

per pregare e fare festa insieme.

Con tutti in unione di preghiera.

W la Regina della Pace

Programma:

ore 17.00 - Santo Rosario meditato

ore 18.00 - Santa Messa

i sette Pater Ave e Gloria per le intenzioni della Madonna e

Preghiera di guarigione

ore19.30 - Adorazione Eucaristica

20.30 - agape fraterna

W la Regina della Pace

Friday, June 24, 2011

Medjugorje oggi

http://www.oggi.it/focus/attualita/2011/06/22/medjugorje-trentanni-di-apparizioni-intervista-esclusiva-al-veggente-ivan/

http://www.aostaoggi.it/2011/giugno/22giugno/news22891.htm

http://www.corriere.it/cronache/11_giugno_22/dialoghi-madomma-dilemma-medjugorje_fe39ac3c-9c8d-11e0-ad47-baea6e4ae360.shtml

Medjugorje intervista

http://sn136w.snt136.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0#!/mail/ViewOfficePreview.aspx?messageid=6843cab5-9e43-11e0-a0fb-002264c24a08&folderid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000002&attindex=0&cp=-1&attdepth=0&n=1966793273

Anita Pehar -private tour guide / la guida privata
English, Français, Italiano, Hrvatski
Per tutte le informazioni si prega da contattare sul mio e-mail anitamilos@hotmail.com
Il mio sito internet www.medjugorjeguide.com
Notizie di Medjugorje sul sito web www.medjugorjehandamde.com
Per trovarmi in Medjugorje e vedere che cosa faccio quando non guido i gruppi EMANUEL doo- Medjugorje Souvenirs and Gifts

Inoltre informazioni sul Skype, IM, ICQ, Facebook, Twitter

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Just one day before Anniversary!!!

Hvaljen Isus i Marija!
Oni koji žele doći ili dolaze u Međugorje sutra tjekom dana informacija koju smo upravo saznali od Ivana. Svi smo pozvani pridružiti se molitvenoj grupi sutra navečer u 23 sata na Brdu Ukazanja na molitveni susret.
Dođite i molite zajdno s nama.
Bog vas blagoslovio!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Oggi 15/06/2011 inizia la novena per Anniversario!

1. GIORNO - PREGHIAMO PER I VEGGENTI

1. Preghiera alla Regina della pace

2. Veni Creator Spiritus

3. Rosario

Text for meditation

Gesù disse ai suoi discepoli: "Sono queste le parole che vi dicevo quando ero ancora con voi: bisogna che si compiano tutte le cose scritte su di me nella Legge di Mosè, nei Profeti e nei Salmi». Allora aprì loro la mente all`intelligenza delle Scritture e disse: «Così sta scritto: il Cristo dovrà patire e risuscitare dai morti il terzo giorno e nel suo nome saranno predicati a tutte le genti la conversione e il perdono dei peccati, cominciando da Gerusalemme. Di questo voi siete testimoni. E io manderò su di voi quello che il Padre mio ha promesso; ma voi restate in città, finché non siate rivestiti di potenza dall`alto". (Lc 24, 44-49)

Medjugorje, cardinal Ruini: "Apparizioni? valutazione ancora lontana"

Martedì 14 Giugno 2011 12:31

«Siamo ancora lontani. Ma su questo tema sono tenuto al segreto».È quanto si è limitato a dire il cardinale Camillo Ruini in merito alle apparizioni mariane che sarebbero avvenute a Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Erzegovina, sulle quali sta svolgendo approfondimenti una commissione d'indagine vaticana, presieduta dallo stesso Ruini. Oggi, a margine di una conferenza stampa, al porporato è stato chiesto se in vista dell'anniversario delle presunte apparizioni, iniziate il 24 giugno del 1981, è possibile che la commissione vaticana formalizzi una sua valutazione in merito. La commissione è stata istituita da Benedetto XVI.

http://www.lunico.eu/2011061448268/esteri/medjugorje-cardinal-ruini-qapparizioni-valutazione-ancora-lontanaq.html

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Za informacije o raspoloživosti i cijenama molim e-mail na anitamilos@hotmail.com

Ako želite saznati više o meni i mojim uslugama molim idite na www.medjugorjeguide.com
Moj blog sa vijestima iz Međugorja i katoličkog tiska potražite na www.medjugorjehandamde.com
Da vidite što radim kada ne vodim grupe potražite me kod EMANUEL doo- Medjugorje Souvenirs and Gifts

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Ora et laboratorio 2011

comunicato stampa

dopo il successo dello scorso anno, torna a sorres "Ora et laboratorio"

laboratorio di comunicazione a ritmo di silenzio e preghiera, nel monastero benedettino
di San Pietro di Sorres

Dal 14 al 16 ottobre, nel Monastero Benedettino di San Pietro di Sorres (Borutta - Sassari), si terrà "Ora et laboratorio": laboratorio di comunicazione a ritmo di silenzio e preghiera. La tecnologia offre oggi tante possibilità per restare in contatto con amici, conoscenti, colleghi… ma siamo davvero capaci di comunicare? Sappiamo ancora ascoltare? E quanto è importante riscoprire il silenzio in un mondo frenetico e sempre di corsa?

Ora et laboratorio è un'esperienza di comunicazione perfettamente integrata nella vita del monastero. Il Labora (lavoro) che scandisce le giornate dei monaci benedettini diventa, nella nostra proposta, laboratorio di comunicazione: lezioni teorico-pratiche durante le quali i partecipanti si confronteranno con la loro capacità di ascolto e comunicazione.

La tre giorni, introdotta dal Rev.mo padre Antonio Musi, Abate di San Pietro di Sorres, sarà guidata da Sean Patrick Lovett, docente di comunicazione alla Pontificia Università Gregoriana, direttore del canale italiano e della sezione inglese della Radio Vaticana.

L'iniziativa è aperta a tutti coloro che vogliano fare esperienza di un silenzio che parla, fino ad un massimo di 30 partecipanti. La comunicazione non è un qualcosa per addetti ai lavori, ma è caratteristica fondante dell'essere persona. Siamo creati ad immagine e somiglianza di un Dio che è comunicazione.

Ora et laboratorio è organizzato da MEDIANTE – associazione di promozione sociale, in collaborazione con Centro Culturale San Paolo, Libreria Paoline di Cagliari e Renata Travel.

Scarica la locandina

Scarica il programma

Per informazioni e prenotazioni

Marco Biggio: +39 339.15.83.065 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +39 339.15.83.065 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

info@mediante.tv

www.mediante.tv

Inoltre informazioni sul Skype, IM, ICQ, Facebook, Twitter

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In occasione del 30° anno delle apparizioni della Madonna a Medjugorje CELEBRAZIONI a COMO il 9 e 10 LUGLIO

In occasione del 30° anno delle apparizioni della Madonna a Medjugorje

CELEBRAZIONI a COMO il 9 e 10 LUGLIO

programma:

9 luglio:

al Santuario del Beato Don Guanella via Tommaso Grossi, 18 - COMO
ore 20,00 Santo Rosario
21,00 Santa Messa
22,00 Adorazione Eucaristica

le funzioni del sabato e della domenica saranno animate da musicisti e
cantanti di Medjugorje
e dai "Figli del Divino Amore"

10 luglio:

al Duomo di Como

ore 15,00 Coroncina della Divina Misericordia
Santa Messa
al termine della Santa Messa in piazza Cavour a COMO seguiranno canti
e testimonianze
(fino alle ore 23,00) dei "Figli del Divino Amore"
di Roberto BIGNOLI
di Marina Murari
del complesso musicale " I CARISMA"

tutti i partecipanti saranno invitati ad indossare una T-SHIRT per
testimoniare pubblicamente l'adesione la propria fede in modo da far
capire ai non credenti che coloro che credono sono tanti, coraggiosi
ed ORGOGLIOSI DI MANIFESTARSI PUBBLICAMENTE CRISTIANI

Invitiamo tutti a dare larga diffusione alla conoscenza dell'evento e
a incoraggiare ad indossare le magliette, ordinandole tempestivamente
per avere il tempo di stamparle , per ordinarle spedire email a:
sabinosimone46@gmail.com

Costo della maglietta 10 Euro grandi e 5 Euro piccole.

Inoltre informazioni sul Skype, IM, ICQ, Facebook, Twitter

Za informacije o raspoloživosti i cijenama molim e-mail na anitamilos@hotmail.com

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FW: Il numero di giugno di Medjugorje La Presenza di Maria, in edicola dal 16 giugno

BUON COMPLEANNO MAMMA

15 Giugno 2011

Il numero di giugno di Medjugorje La Presenza di Maria, in edicola dal 16 giugno, festeggia i trent'anni delle apparizioni in quel piccolo lembo di terra di Bosnia-Erzegovina. Con una toccante intervista a Marija e il ricordo di due frati d'eccezione che hanno dato tutto per la Gospa: padre Slavko e padre Jozo

Numero specialissimo di Medjugorje. La presenza di Maria. Dal 16 giugno, in tutte le edicole, i lettori trovano una rivista quasi interamente dedicata al trentesimo anniversario delle Apparizioni nella ex Jugoslavia. Un numero da collezione, impreziosito da un regalo che abbiamo voluto offrire sia ai fedeli lettori sia a tutti coloro che per la prima volta si avvicinano alla nostra pubblicazione: un'illustrazione della Vergine pensata per essere incorniciata e collocata in un angolo prezioso della casa. Tra gli articoli segnaliamo un'interessante intervista alla veggente Marija, che racconta anche episodi inediti della propria vita radicalmente cambiata trent'anni fa; parla anche Jelena Vasilj, amica dei veggenti e a sua volta toccata dall'incontro con la Vergine, che ha comunicato con lei attraverso il dono delle locuzioni interiori; la confessione di monsignor Girolamo Grillo, vescovo emerito di Civitavecchia, che visse lo stupore e il dramma di veder piangere fra le proprie braccia la Madonnina di Civitavecchia; la storia commovente di una ragazza, Raffaella, che ha ritrovato la vista ma soprattutto la fede dei semplici grazie al generoso intervento della Gospa; l'annuncio di "Famiglia gioiosa", la nuova casa di accoglienza nata a Medjugorje e offerta dai "Piccoli Apostoli della Divina Misericordia, Amore Eucaristico con Maria"; la cronaca di un bel gesto di preghiera e vocazione in quel di Firenze: un popolo che ha voluto affidarsi al cuore immacolato di Maria. E ancora: la nascita, quasi incredibile, di "Medjugorje Italia tv": la prima televisione che porta in tutte le case la realtà della Regina della Pace. E poi, la rubrica dei libri, quella di catechesi firmata da Marco Invernizzi, giornalista di punta del mensile di apologetica Il Timone. E l'imperdibile appuntamento con il diario di padre Massimo Rastrelli, che cattura l'attenzione del lettore portandolo a rivivere con lui l'attualità di Medjugorje, terra di speranza e letizia.

Medjugorje. La presenza di Maria è una rivista mensile che intende portare in tutte le case la novità dell'annuncio cristiano attraverso la straordinaria e fedele maternità della Vergine. "Un giornale a fin di bene", come dice il direttore responsabile, Enzo Manes, già giornalista del settimanale Tempi, "ovvero il luogo dove portare alla luce piccole e grandi storie che nascono dal miracolo della conversione continuamente invocata dalla Madonna e che metta in risalto il bene e il bello che vi è nel mondo, un bene più diffuso di quello che si possa pensare, ma che ma spesso viene ignorato dai mass media, più preoccupati di scandalizzare, concentrandosi quasi esclusivamente su ciò che vi è di male."

Per comunicare con la redazione: medjugorje@gfbedit.it
Per sottoscrivere un abbonamento: www.sofiasrl.com
Per regalare un abbonamento: www.sofiasrl.com
Per informazioni sugli arretrati: tel. 02.84402522; oppure info@sofiasrl.com

Anita Pehar -private tour guide / la guida privata
English, Français, Italiano, Hrvatski
Per tutte le informazioni si prega da contattare sul mio e-mail anitamilos@hotmail.com
Il mio sito internet www.medjugorjeguide.com
Notizie di Medjugorje sul sito web www.medjugorjehandamde.com
Per trovarmi in Medjugorje e vedere che cosa faccio quando non guido i gruppi EMANUEL doo- Medjugorje Souvenirs and Gifts

Inoltre informazioni sul Skype, IM, ICQ, Facebook, Twitter

Za informacije o raspoloživosti i cijenama molim e-mail na anitamilos@hotmail.com

Za ad-hoc razmjenu informacija možete koristiti i Skype, IM, ICQ, Facebook, Twitter

Monday, June 06, 2011

Video 2 giugno

>
> Video apparizione 2 giugno qui: http://www.temponuovo.net/
> Successivamente su gloria.tv ad alta risoluzione

incontro medjugorje 8 giugno

MERCOLEDI' 8 GIUGNO ORE 16 PRESSO LO STADIO LIBERO LIBERATI DI TERNI INGRESSO LIBERO

GRANDE INCONTRO DI PREGHIERA CON LA TESTIMONIANZA DI MIRJANA DI MEDJUGORJE

ORGANIZZATO DAL GRUPPO DI PREGHIERA "REGINA DELLA PACE -APOSTOLOI DIVINA MISERICORDIA" ASSOCIAZIONE KRALICA MIRA DI VITTORIO GABASSI-CENTRO AIUTO ALLA VITA DI TERNI

-SANTO ROSARIO MEDITATO

-TESTIMONIANZA DELLA VEGGENTE

-SANTA MESSA CONCELEBRATA

-ADORAZIONE EUCARISTICA

-MIRJANA RISPONDE ALLE NOSTRE DOMANDE

SANTA MESSA IN OCCASIONE DELLA GIORNATA NAZIONALE DELLE FAMIGLIE CATTOLICHE CROATE OMELIA DEL SANTO PADRE BENEDETTO XVI

Ippodromo di Zagreb
Domenica, 5 giugno 2011

Cari fratelli e sorelle!

In questa Santa Messa che ho la gioia di presiedere, concelebrando con numerosi Fratelli nell'episcopato e con un gran numero di sacerdoti, ringrazio il Signore per tutte le amate famiglie qui riunite, e per tante altre che sono collegate con noi attraverso la radio e la televisione. Un particolare ringraziamento al Cardinale Josip Bozanić, Arcivescovo di Zagabria, per le sentite parole all'inizio della Santa Messa. A tutti rivolgo il mio saluto ed esprimo il mio grande affetto con un abbraccio di pace!

Abbiamo da poco celebrato l'Ascensione del Signore e ci prepariamo a ricevere il grande dono dello Spirito Santo. Nella prima lettura, abbiamo visto come la comunità apostolica era riunita in preghiera nel Cenacolo con Maria, la madre di Gesù (cfr At 1,12-14). E' questo un ritratto della Chiesa che affonda le sue radici nell'evento pasquale: il Cenacolo, infatti, è il luogo in cui Gesù istituì l'Eucaristia e il Sacerdozio, nell'Ultima Cena, e dove, risorto dai morti, effuse lo Spirito Santo sugli Apostoli la sera di Pasqua (cfr Gv 20,19-23). Ai suoi discepoli, il Signore aveva ordinato di "non allontanarsi da Gerusalemme, ma di attendere l'adempimento della promessa del Padre" (At 1,4); aveva chiesto cioè che restassero insieme per prepararsi a ricevere il dono dello Spirito Santo. Ed essi si riunirono in preghiera con Maria nel Cenacolo in attesa dell'evento promesso (cfr At 1,14). Restare insieme fu la condizione posta da Gesù per accogliere la venuta del Paraclito, e la prolungata preghiera fu il presupposto della loro concordia. Troviamo qui una formidabile lezione per ogni comunità cristiana. Talora si pensa che l'efficacia missionaria dipenda principalmente da un'attenta programmazione e dalla sua intelligente messa in opera mediante un impegno concreto. Certo, il Signore chiede la nostra collaborazione, ma prima di qualsiasi nostra risposta è necessaria la sua iniziativa: è il suo Spirito il vero protagonista della Chiesa, da invocare e accogliere.

Nel Vangelo, abbiamo ascoltato la prima parte della cosiddetta "preghiera sacerdotale" di Gesù (cfr Gv 17,1-11a) - a conclusione dei discorsi di addio - piena di confidenza, di dolcezza e di amore. Viene chiamata "preghiera sacerdotale", perché in essa Gesù si presenta in atteggiamento di sacerdote che intercede per i suoi, nel momento in cui sta per lasciare questo mondo. Il brano è dominato dal duplice tema dell'ora e della gloria. Si tratta dell'ora della morte (cfr Gv 2,4; 7,30; 8,20), l'ora nella quale il Cristo deve passare da questo mondo al Padre (13,1). Ma essa è, allo stesso tempo, anche l'ora della sua glorificazione che si compie attraverso la croce, chiamata dall'evangelista Giovanni "esaltazione", cioè innalzamento, elevazione alla gloria: l'ora della morte di Gesù, l'ora dell'amore supremo, è l'ora della sua gloria più alta. Anche per la Chiesa, per ogni cristiano, la gloria più alta è quella Croce, è vivere la carità, dono totale a Dio e agli altri.

Cari fratelli e sorelle! Ho accolto molto volentieri l'invito rivoltomi dai Vescovi della Croazia a visitare questo Paese in occasione del primo Incontro Nazionale delle Famiglie Cattoliche Croate. Desidero esprimere il mio vivo apprezzamento per l'attenzione e l'impegno verso la famiglia, non solo perché questa fondamentale realtà umana oggi, nel vostro Paese come altrove, deve affrontare difficoltà e minacce, e quindi ha particolare bisogno di essere evangelizzata e sostenuta, ma anche perché le famiglie cristiane sono una risorsa decisiva per l'educazione alla fede, per l'edificazione della Chiesa come comunione e per la sua presenza missionaria nelle più diverse situazioni di vita. Conosco la generosità e la dedizione con cui voi, cari Pastori, servite il Signore e la Chiesa. Il vostro lavoro quotidiano per la formazione alla fede delle nuove generazioni, come anche per la preparazione al matrimonio e per l'accompagnamento delle famiglie, è la strada fondamentale per rigenerare sempre di nuovo la Chiesa e anche per vivificare il tessuto sociale del Paese. Continuate con disponibilità questo vostro prezioso impegno pastorale!

È ben noto a ciascuno come la famiglia cristiana sia segno speciale della presenza e dell'amore di Cristo e come essa sia chiamata a dare un contributo specifico ed insostituibile all'evangelizzazione. Il beato Giovanni Paolo II, che per ben tre volte visitò questo nobile Paese, affermava che "la famiglia cristiana è chiamata a prendere parte viva e responsabile alla missione della Chiesa in modo proprio e originale, ponendo cioè al servizio della Chiesa e della società se stessa nel suo essere ed agire, in quanto intima comunità di vita e d'amore" (Familiaris consortio, 50). La famiglia cristiana è sempre stata la prima via di trasmissione della fede e anche oggi conserva grandi possibilità per l'evangelizzazione in molteplici ambiti.

Cari genitori, impegnatevi sempre ad insegnare ai vostri figli a pregare, e pregate con essi; avvicinateli ai Sacramenti, specie all'Eucaristia – quest'anno celebrate i 600 anni del "miracolo eucaristico di Ludbreg"; introduceteli nella vita della Chiesa; nell'intimità domestica non abbiate paura di leggere la Sacra Scrittura, illuminando la vita familiare con la luce della fede e lodando Dio come Padre. Siate quasi un piccolo cenacolo, come quello di Maria e dei discepoli, in cui si vive l'unità, la comunione, la preghiera!

Oggi, grazie a Dio, molte famiglie cristiane acquistano sempre più la consapevolezza della loro vocazione missionaria, e si impegnano seriamente nella testimonianza a Cristo Signore. Il beato Giovanni Paolo II ebbe a dire: "Un'autentica famiglia, fondata sul matrimonio, è in se stessa una buona notizia per il mondo". E aggiunse: "Nel nostro tempo sono sempre più numerose le famiglie che collaborano attivamente all'evangelizzazione… È maturata nella Chiesa l'ora della famiglia, che è anche l'ora della famiglia missionaria" (Angelus, 21 ottobre 2001).

Nella società odierna è più che mai necessaria e urgente la presenza di famiglie cristiane esemplari. Purtroppo dobbiamo constatare, specialmente in Europa, il diffondersi di una secolarizzazione che porta all'emarginazione di Dio dalla vita e ad una crescente disgregazione della famiglia. Si assolutizza una libertà senza impegno per la verità, e si coltiva come ideale il benessere individuale attraverso il consumo di beni materiali ed esperienze effimere, trascurando la qualità delle relazioni con le persone e i valori umani più profondi; si riduce l'amore a emozione sentimentale e a soddisfazione di pulsioni istintive, senza impegnarsi a costruire legami duraturi di appartenenza reciproca e senza apertura alla vita. Siamo chiamati a contrastare tale mentalità! Accanto alla parola della Chiesa, è molto importante la testimonianza e l'impegno delle famiglie cristiane, la vostra testimonianza concreta, specie per affermare l'intangibilità della vita umana dal concepimento fino al suo termine naturale, il valore unico e insostituibile della famiglia fondata sul matrimonio e la necessità di provvedimenti legislativi che sostengano le famiglie nel compito di generare ed educare i figli.

Care famiglie, siate coraggiose! Non cedete a quella mentalità secolarizzata che propone la convivenza come preparatoria, o addirittura sostitutiva del matrimonio! Mostrate con la vostra testimonianza di vita che è possibile amare, come Cristo, senza riserve, che non bisogna aver timore di impegnarsi per un'altra persona! Care famiglie, gioite per la paternità e la maternità! L'apertura alla vita è segno di apertura al futuro, di fiducia nel futuro, così come il rispetto della morale naturale libera la persona, anziché mortificarla! Il bene della famiglia è anche il bene della Chiesa. Vorrei ribadire quanto ho affermato in passato: "L'edificazione di ogni singola famiglia cristiana si colloca nel contesto della più grande famiglia della Chiesa, che la sostiene e la porta con sé … E reciprocamente, la Chiesa viene edificata dalle famiglie, piccole chiese domestiche" (Discorso di apertura del Convegno ecclesiale diocesano di Roma, 6 giugno 2005: Insegnamenti di Benedetto XVI, I, 2005, p. 205). Preghiamo il Signore affinché le famiglie siano sempre più piccole Chiese e le comunità ecclesiali siano sempre più famiglia!

Care famiglie croate, vivendo la comunione di fede e di carità, siate testimoni in modo sempre più trasparente della promessa che il Signore asceso al cielo fa a ciascuno di noi: "…io sono con voi tutti i giorni, fino alla fine del mondo" (Mt 28,20). Cari cristiani croati, sentitevi chiamati ad evangelizzare con tutta la vostra vita; sentite con forza la parola del Signore: "Andate e fate discepoli tutti i popoli" (Mt 28,19). La Vergine Maria, Regina dei croati, accompagni sempre questo vostro cammino. Amen! Siano lodati Gesù e Maria!

Anita Pehar -private tour guide / la guida privata
English, Français, Italiano, Hrvatski
Per tutte le informazioni si prega da contattare sul mio e-mail anitamilos@hotmail.com
Il mio sito internet www.medjugorjeguide.com
Notizie di Medjugorje sul sito web www.medjugorjehandamde.com
Per trovarmi in Medjugorje e vedere che cosa faccio quando non guido i gruppi EMANUEL doo- Medjugorje Souvenirs and Gifts

Inoltre informazioni sul Skype, IM, ICQ, Facebook, Twitter

Za informacije o raspoloživosti i cijenama molim e-mail na anitamilos@hotmail.com

Za ad-hoc razmjenu informacija možete koristiti i Skype, IM, ICQ, Facebook, Twitter

VISnews 110606

VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE - VIS

06.06.2011 - Twenty-First Year - Num. 105
SUMMARY OF APOSTOLIC VISIT TO CROATIA 4-5 JUNE:

- Interview with Pope Aboard Flight to Croatia

- Croatia, Help European Union Appreciate Cultural and Spiritual Treasures

- Meeting with Cultural Representatives

- Pope Invites Youth to Trust in the Lord

- Christian Family Called to Evangelization

- Pope Entrusts Croatian Families to Mary

- Blessed Stepinac, Valiant Pastor, Example of Christian Fortitude

- Benedict XVI Bids Farewell to Croatia

OTHER NEWS 4-6 JUNE:
- Conclusion of First Phase of Apostolic Visit in Ireland

- Other Pontifical Acts

___________________________________________________________

INTERVIEW WITH POPE ABOARD FLIGHT TO CROATIA

VATICAN CITY, 4 JUN 2011 (VIS) - As is traditional on international
apostolic journeys, Benedict XVI granted a brief interview to the
journalists who accompanied him on the flight to Croatia.

The first question was: Your Holiness, you have already been to Croatia on
other occasions and your predecessor travelled there three times. Could you
speak of a particular relationship between the Holy See and Croatia? What
are the most meaningful reasons for and aspects of this relationship and
this visit?

The Pope responded that he had travelled to Croatia on two other times,
"the first for the funeral of Cardinal Franjo Seper, my predecessor at the
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who was a great friend. ...
Later I visited again at the invitation of his personal secretary, Capek,
who was also a man of great joy and great goodness, to take part in a
celebration at a Marian sanctuary. There I witnessed the people's piety,
which, I have to say, is similar to that of my own land. ... Thus I saw and

experienced how Croatia, with its millennia-old Catholic history, is always
very close to the Holy See and naturally with its prior history of the
ancient Church".

Holy Father, Croatia may soon be united to the other 27 nations that make
up the European Union. Recently, however, a certain skepticism toward the
European Union has been growing among the Croatian people. In this
situation, will you carry a message of encouragement to the Croatians, so
that they might see Europe not solely from an economic prospect but also a
cultural one and from Christian values?

Benedict XVI pointed out that Croatia "is a people who are at the center
of Europe, of its history and of its culture. I think in this sense that it
is logical, right, and necessary that they join the European Union. ... It
is understandable that there might be a fear of an overly powerful
centralized 'bureaucracy' or of a rationalistic culture that does not take
its history sufficiently into account or the richness of that history and
the richness of historical diversity. It seems to me that this could be
precisely a mission for this people who are now entering: to renew, in
unity, this diversity. European identity is precisely an identity of the
richness of its different cultures, which converge in the Christian faith
and in the great Christian values. It seems to me that it is also precisely
a mission of the Croatians, who are now joining, to make this visible and
efficient again: to reinforce the historicity of our cultures and the
diversity that is our richness, against a certain abstract rationalism. In
this sense I encourage the Croatians: the process of entering into Europe is
a reciprocal process of giving and receiving. With its history, with its
human and economic capacity, Croatia gives, and naturally it receives, thus
broadening its horizon and living in this great commerce that is not only
economic but above all cultural and spiritual as well".

The last question was: Many Croatians were hoping that, on the occasion of
your visit, Blessed Cardinal Stepinac would also be canonized. What
importance today, from your point of view, does his figure hold?

The Pope responded that "the cardinal was a great pastor and a great
Christian as well as a man of exemplary humanism. I would say that Cardinal
Stepinac had to live during two opposing dictatorships, which were however
both anti-humanist. First, the Ustashe regime, which seemed to embody the
dream of autonomy and independence, but which in reality was an autonomy
based on a lie because it was used by Hitler for his own ends. Cardinal
Stepinac understood this very well and defended true humanism against this
regime, defending Serbs, Jews, and gypsies. ... Then there was the opposite
dictatorship of communism, under which he again fought for the faith, for
the presence of God in the world, and for the true humanism that is
dependent on God's presence. Only if the human is an image of God does
humanism flourish. This was his destiny: to fight in two different and
opposing battles. It is precisely his decision for the truth against the
spirit of the times, for this true humanism that comes from the Christian
faith, which is a great example, not just for Croatians, but for us all".

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CROATIA, HELP EUROPEAN UNION APPRECIATE CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL TREASURES

VATICAN CITY, 4 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At 9:30 this morning the Holy Father left
Rome's Fiumicino Airport and, after a flight of an hour and a half, landed
in Zagreb's Pleso International Airport, thus beginning his nineteenth
international apostolic visit, the first he has made to Croatia.

The Pope was welcomed by Mr. Ivo Josipovic, president of the Republic of
Croatia, Cardinal Josip Bozanic, archbishop of Zagreb, and Archbishop Marin
Srakic, president of the Croatian Bishops' Conference.

During his greeting to President Josipovic, Benedict XVI recalled the
three pastoral visits to Croatia made by Blessed John Paul II and thanked
the Lord for "for the long history of faithfulness that links your country
to the Holy See. For over thirteen centuries", he said, "those strong and
special bonds have been put to the test and strengthened in circumstances
that were sometimes difficult and painful. This history is an eloquent
testimony to your people's love for the Gospel and the Church".

"From its earliest days", he continued, "your Nation has formed part of
Europe, and has contributed, in its unique way, to the spiritual and moral
values that for centuries have shaped the daily lives and the personal and
national identity of Europe's sons and daughters. In the face of the
challenges posed by today's culture - marked as it is by social
differentiation and instability, and by an individualism that gives rise to
a vision of life without obligations and a constant search for 'private
space' - there is a need for convinced witness and active dynamism aimed at
promoting the fundamental moral values that underpin social living and the
identity of the Old Continent".

The Pope emphasized that, "twenty years after the declaration of
independence and on the eve of Croatia's full integration into the European
Union, this country's remote and recent history can stimulate reflection on
the part of all the other peoples of the Continent, helping them,
individually and collectively, to preserve and to inject new life into that
priceless common heritage of human and Christian values. So may this beloved
Nation, in the strength of its rich tradition, help to steer the European
Union towards a fuller appreciation of those spiritual and cultural
treasures".

Noting that he had come to celebrate the first National Day of Croatian
Catholic Families, with the theme: "Together in Christ", the Holy Father
hoped that "this important event will serve as an opportunity for proposing
afresh the values of family life and the common good, for strengthening
unity, renewing hope and leading people to communion with God, the
foundation of fraternal sharing and social solidarity".

After the welcome ceremony, Benedict XVI travelled to the presidential
palace for a courtesy visit to President Josipovic.

At 1:00pm, the Pope went to the apostolic nunciature in Zagreb where he
received in audience Croatia's prime minister, Jadranka Kosor. At the end of
the meeting the Holy Father had lunch with the members of his entourage.

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MEETING WITH CULTURAL REPRESENTATIVES

VATICAN CITY, 4 JUN 2011 (VIS) - After greeting the national organization
committee of the apostolic visit at the nunciature of Zagreb the Holy Father
travelled to the National Theater at 5:45pm to meet with representatives of
civil society and the political, academic, cultural, and business realms as
well as with the diplomatic corps and religious leaders.

Benedict XVI was welcomed by a small musical ensemble and was greeted by
Archbishop Zelimir Puljic, of Zadar, president of the Croatian Bishops'
Conference Cultural Commission and Prof. Niko Zurak, chair of Ethics in
Zagreb's Faculty of Medicine and member of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

The Pope began his address speaking of "the dimension of universality,
characteristic of art and culture, [which] is particularly appropriate for
Christianity and the Catholic Church. Christ is fully human, and whatever is
human finds in him and in his Word the fullness of life and meaning".

"This splendid theatre", he continued, "is a symbolic place, expressive of
your national and cultural identity. For me to come together with you in
this place is a further cause of joy in spirit, because the Church is a
mystery of communion and always rejoices in communion, in the richness of
diversity. The participation of representatives from other Churches and
Christian communities, as well as the Jewish and Muslim religions, helps
remind us that religion is not a separate area marked off from society.
Rather, it is a natural element within society, constantly recalling the
vertical dimension: attentive listening to God as the condition for seeking
the common good, for seeking justice and reconciliation in the truth.
Religion places man in relation with God, the Creator and Father of all, and
must therefore be a force for peace. Religions need always to be purified
according to their true essence in order to correspond to their true
mission".

The Holy Father then introduced the main topic of his reflection, the
theme of conscience, which "is fundamental for a free and just society, both
at national and supranational levels. Naturally", he said, "I think of
Europe, to which Croatia has always belonged on the historical and cultural
plane, and which it is now about to enter on the political and institutional
level. Truly, the great achievements of the modern age - the recognition and
guarantee of freedom of conscience, of human rights, of the freedom of
science and hence of a free society - should be confirmed and developed
while keeping reason and freedom open to their transcendent foundation, so
as to ensure that these achievements are not undone, as unfortunately
happens in not a few cases. The quality of social and civil life and the
quality of democracy depend in large measure on this 'critical' point -
conscience, on the way it is understood and the way it is informed. If, in
keeping with the prevailing modern idea, conscience is reduced to the
subjective field to which religion and morality have been banished, then the
crisis of the West has no remedy and Europe is destined to collapse in on
itself. If, on the other hand, conscience is rediscovered as the place in
which to listen to truth and good, the place of responsibility before God
and before fellow human beings - in other words, the bulwark against all
forms of tyranny - then there is hope for the future".

Benedict XVI then emphasized that it is necessary to remember the
Christian roots of many Croatian institutions "for the sake of historical
truth, and it is important that we understand these roots properly, so that
they can feed the present day too. It is crucial to grasp the inner dynamic
of an event such as the birth of a university, of an artistic movement, or
of a hospital. It is necessary to understand the why and the how of what
took place, in order to recognize the value of this dynamic in the present
day, as a spiritual reality that takes on a cultural and therefore a social
dimension".

To this end, the Pope cited Fr. Ruder Josip Boskovic, S.J., who was born
in Dubrovnik 300 years ago and who "is a good illustration of the happy
symbiosis of faith and scholarship, each stimulating the other through
research that is at the same time open, diversified and capable of
synthesis. ... In Boskovic, there is analysis, there is study of multiple
branches of knowledge, but there is also a passion for unity. This is
typical of Catholic culture. Hence, the foundation of a Catholic University
in Croatia is a sign of hope. I trust that it will help to foster unity
among the various fields of contemporary culture, the values and the
identity of your people, lending continuity to the fruitful contribution of
the Church to the history of the noble Croatian Nation".

Benedict XVI returned to the theme of conscience as "the keystone on which
to base a culture and build up the common good. It is by forming consciences
that the Church makes her most specific and valuable contribution to
society. It is a contribution that begins in the family and is strongly
reinforced in the parish, where infants, children and young people learn to
deepen their knowledge of the sacred Scriptures, the 'great codex' of
European culture; at the same time they learn what it means for a community
to be built upon gift, not upon economic interests or ideology, but upon
love, 'the principal driving force behind the authentic development of every
person and of all humanity'".

"This logic of gratuitousness, learnt in infancy and adolescence, is then
lived out in every area of life, ... and once it has been assimilated it can
be applied to the most complex areas of political and economic life so as to
build up a polis that is welcoming and hospitable, but at the same time not
empty, not falsely neutral, but rich in humanity, with a strongly ethical
dimension. It is here that the lay faithful are called to give generously of
the formation they have received, guided by the principles of the Church's
Social Doctrine, for the sake of authentic secularism, social justice, the
defense of life and of the family, freedom of religion and education", the
Holy Father concluded.

At the end of this meeting with representatives of civil society, Benedict
XVI travelled in the Popemobile to Josip Jelacic Square where he is
scheduled to meet with the youth at 7:30pm.

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POPE INVITES YOUTH TO TRUST IN THE LORD

VATICAN CITY, 4 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At 7:15pm Benedict XVI travelled by
Popemobile to Josip Jelacic Square, Zagreb's main square, capable of
accommodating 50,000 persons, where he held a prayer vigil with the youth.

Before the Pope's arrival some young persons carried in procession the
image of the Virgin of the Stone Gate, protectress of Zagreb, and placed it
at the podium.

After reading some verses of the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians,
two young persons offered their witness.

Afterward, the Holy Father gave his address. Referring to the reading in
which St. Paul invites the community to "rejoice in the Lord always", the
pope said that the Apostle's experience, which he writes while imprisoned,
"reveals how it is possible, along the journey of our lives, to preserve joy
even in moments of darkness".

"We all know", he stated, "that lodged in the heart of every person is a
strong desire for happiness. Every action, every decision, every intention
holds hidden within itself this deep, natural desire. But all too often we
realize that we put our trust in things that cannot fulfill that desire,
things that turn out to be shifting sands. At such moments we recognize our
need for something 'greater', capable of giving meaning to our daily lives".

"This time of youth...", he continued "is a time of vast horizons, of
powerful emotions, but also a time of concern about demanding, long-term
choices, a time of challenges in your studies and in the workplace, a time
of wondering about the mystery of pain and suffering. What is more, this
wonderful time of life is marked by a deep longing which, far from canceling
everything else, actually lifts it up and fulfils it".

"Jesus speaks to you today, through the Gospel and his Holy Spirit. He is
your contemporary! He seeks you even before you seek him! While fully
respecting your freedom, he approaches each one of you and offers himself as
the authentic and decisive response to the longing deep within your hearts,
to your desire for a life worth living. Let him take you by the hand! Let
him become more and more your friend and companion along life's journey. Put
your trust in him and he will never disappoint you!".

"Jesus enables you to know at first hand the love of God the Father; he
helps you realize that your happiness comes from his friendship, from
fellowship with him. Why? Because we have been created and saved by love,
and it is only in love, the love which desires and seeks the good of others,
that we truly experience the meaning of life and find happiness in living
it, even amid difficulties, trials and disappointments, even when it means
swimming against the tide".

Benedict XVI emphasized that "Jesus is not a Teacher who deceives his
disciples: he tells us clearly that walking by his side calls for commitment
and personal sacrifice, but it is worth the effort". In this sense he
encouraged the youth to not let themselves "be led astray by enticing
promises of easy success, by lifestyles which regard appearances as more
important than inner depth. Do not yield to the temptation of putting all
your trust in possessions, in material things, while abandoning the search
for the truth which is always "greater", which guides us like a star high in
the heavens to where Christ would lead us. Let it guide you to the very
heights of God!".

While stressing that the saints would give them support during their
youth, the Pope pointed out that "here in Croatia, ... Blessed Ivan Merz ...
discovered the beauty of the Catholic faith and came to understand that his
own calling in life was to experience, and to help others experience, the
friendship of Christ. ... He died on 10 May 1928, at only 32 years of age,
after a few months of sickness, offering his life for the Church and for
young people".

"This young life, completely given over to love, bears the fragrance of
Christ; it invites all of us not to be afraid and to entrust ourselves to
the Lord as did the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, who is venerated and
loved here under the title of Our Lady of the Stone Gate," he concluded.

After the address there followed a moment of adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament, which remained exposed throughout the night for the faithful who
wanted to remain in prayer, preparing themselves for Sunday's Mass.

The Holy Father said goodbye to the youth and travelled to the nunciature
for dinner and to spend the night.

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CHRISTIAN FAMILY CALLED TO EVANGELIZATION

VATICAN CITY, 5 JUN 2011 (VIS) - At 9:00am the Holy Father travelled from
the apostolic nunciature to the Zagreb Hippodrome, which is eight kilometers
distant and located on the banks of the Sava River. The hippodrome has a
capacity of 300,000 persons.

Upon arriving, the Pope encircled the grounds in the hippodrome by
Popemobile, traveling through the crowd to reach the altar to celebrate Holy
Mass for the National Day of Croatian Catholic Families. The stage had the
form of two hands: one protecting the source of eternal life, that is, the
altar, the point of human-divine encounter in Christ, while the other hand,
which forms the canopy, symbolizes the pneumatological action and the
presence of the Spirit of God in the Church.

"We have recently celebrated the Ascension of the Lord and we prepare
ourselves to receive the great gift of the Holy Spirit", the Pope said in
his homily. "In the first reading, we saw how the apostolic community was
united in prayer in the Upper Room with Mary, the mother of Jesus. This is a
picture of the Church with deep roots in the paschal event. ... Remaining
together was the condition given by Jesus for them to experience the coming
of the Paraclete, and prolonged prayer served to maintain them in harmony
with one another. We find here a formidable lesson for every Christian
community. Sometimes it is thought that missionary efficacy depends
primarily upon careful planning and its intelligent implementation by means
of specific action. Certainly, the Lord asks for our cooperation, but his
initiative has to come first, before any response from us: his Spirit is the
true protagonist of the Church, to be invoked and welcomed".

Benedict XVI then thanked the Croatian Bishops for their invitation to
visit the country on the occasion of the first National Day of Croatian
Catholic Families. He spoke of his great appreciation "for this attention
and commitment to the family, not only because today this basic human
reality, in your nation as elsewhere, has to face difficulties and threats,
and thus has special need of evangelization and support, but also because
Christian families are a decisive resource for education in the faith, for
the up-building of the Church as a communion and for her missionary presence
in the most diverse situations in life".

"Everyone knows that the Christian family is a special sign of the
presence and love of Christ and that it is called to give a specific and
irreplaceable contribution to evangelization. ... The Christian family has
always been the first way of transmitting the faith and still today retains
great possibilities for evangelization in many areas. Dear parents, commit
yourselves always to teach your children to pray, and pray with them; draw
them close to the Sacraments, especially to the Eucharist, ... introduce
them to the life of the Church; in the intimacy of the home do not be afraid
to read the sacred Scriptures, illuminating family life with the light of
faith and praising God as Father. Be like a little Upper Room, like that of
Mary and the disciples, in which to live unity, communion and prayer!".

"By the grace of God, many Christian families today are acquiring an ever
deeper awareness of their missionary vocation, and are devoting themselves
seriously to bearing witness to Christ the Lord. ... In today's society the
presence of exemplary Christian families is more necessary and urgent than
ever. Unfortunately, we are forced to acknowledge the spread of a
secularization which leads to the exclusion of God from life and the
increasing disintegration of the family, especially in Europe. Freedom
without commitment to the truth is made into an absolute, and individual
well-being through the consumption of material goods and transient
experiences is cultivated as an ideal, obscuring the quality of
interpersonal relations and deeper human values; love is reduced to
sentimental emotion and to the gratification of instinctive impulses,
without a commitment to build lasting bonds of reciprocal belonging and
without openness to life. We are called to oppose such a mentality!
Alongside what the Church says, the testimony and commitment of the
Christian family - your concrete testimony - is very important, especially
when you affirm the inviolability of human life from conception until
natural death, the singular and irreplaceable value of the family founded
upon matrimony and the need for legislation which supports families in the
task of giving birth to children and educating them".

"Dear families, be courageous!", the pontiff exclaimed. "Do not give in to
that secularized mentality which proposes living together as a preparation,
or even a substitute for marriage! Show by the witness of your lives that it
is possible, like Christ, to love without reserve, and do not be afraid to
make a commitment to another person! Dear families, rejoice in fatherhood
and motherhood! Openness to life is a sign of openness to the future,
confidence in the future, just as respect for the natural moral law frees
people, rather than demeaning them! The good of the family is also the good
of the Church. I would like to repeat something I have said in the past:
'the edification of each individual Christian family fits into the context
of the larger family of the Church which supports it and carries it with her
... And the Church is reciprocally built up by the family, a "small
domestic church"'. Let us pray to the Lord, that families may come more and
more to be small churches and that ecclesial communities may take on more
and more the quality of a family!".

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POPE ENTRUSTS CROATIAN FAMILIES TO MARY

VATICAN CITY, 5 JUN 2011 (VIS) - After Holy Mass had ended, Benedict XVI
prayed the Regina Coeli with the faithful gathered in Zagreb's Hippodrome.

"I have come here today to confirm you in your faith", the Pope said.
"This is the gift I bring you: the faith of Peter, the faith of the Church!
But at the same time you give me this same faith, enriched with your
experience, your joys and sufferings. In a special way you give me your
faith lived in the family, so that I may keep it in the patrimony of the
whole Church. I know that you find great strength in Mary, the Mother of
Christ and our Mother. So we now turn to her, spiritually oriented towards
her Shrine at Marija Bistrica, and we entrust to her all Croatian families:
parents, children, grandparents; the journey of husband and wife, the task
of education, professional activities and home-making. We invoke her
intercession that public institutions may always sustain the family, the
basic cell of the social fabric".

The Holy Father also entrusted the celebration of the VII World Day of
Families, which will be celebrated in Milan, Italy next year to the Virgin.
He then noted that the Cathedral of Burgo de Osma, Spain was today
celebrating the beatification of Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, "an outstanding
bishop of seventeenth-century Mexico and Spain. He was a man of vast
culture and profound spirituality and a great reformer, a tireless pastor
and defender of the Indians. May the Lord grant to his Church many holy
pastors like Blessed Juan".

At the end of the Regina Coeli, the Pope returned by Popemobile to the
apostolic nunciature, where he had lunch.

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BLESSED STEPINAC, VALIANT PASTOR, EXAMPLE OF CHRISTIAN FORTITUDE

VATICAN CITY, 5 JUN 2011 (VIS) - After taking his leave of the apostolic
nunciature, the Pope travelled to Zagreb's Cathedral, dedicated to the
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to St. Stephen I of Hungary, where
he celebrated vespers with the bishops, priests, religious, and seminarians.

"This evening", the Holy Father said in his address, "we gather for a
devoted and prayerful remembrance of Blessed Aloysius Viktor Stepinac, a
fearless pastor and an example of apostolic zeal and Christian fortitude,
whose heroic life continues today to illuminate the faithful of the Dioceses
of Croatia, sustaining the faith and life of the Church in this land. The
merits of this unforgettable bishop are derived essentially from his faith:
in his life, he always had his gaze fixed on Jesus, to whom he was always
conformed, to the point of becoming a living image of Christ, and of Christ
suffering. Precisely because of his strong Christian conscience, he knew how
to resist every form of totalitarianism, becoming, in a time of Nazi and
Fascist dictatorship, a defender of the Jews, the Orthodox, and of all the
persecuted, and then, in the age of communism, an advocate for his own
faithful, especially for the many persecuted and murdered priests. Yes, he
became an advocate for God on this earth, since he tenaciously defended the
truth and man's right to live with God".

"Blessed Aloysius Viktor Stepinac responded with his priesthood, with the
episcopate, with the sacrifice of his life: a unique 'yes' united to that of
Christ. His martyrdom signals the culmination of the violence perpetrated
against the Church during the terrible period of communist persecution.
Croatian Catholics, and in particular the clergy, were objects of oppression
and systematic abuse, aimed at destroying the Catholic Church, beginning
with its highest Authority in this place. That particularly difficult period
was characterized by a generation of bishops, priests, and religious who
were ready to die rather than to betray Christ, the Church and the Pope. The
people saw that the priests never lost faith, hope, and charity, and thus
they remained always united. This unity explains what is humanly
inexplicable: that such a hardened regime could not make the Church bow
down".

Benedict XVI asserted that "today too, the Church in Croatia is called to
be united, to meet the challenges of a changed social context, identifying
with missionary fervor new ways of evangelization, especially in the service
of younger generations". In this sense he referred to the importance "above
all for bishops priests to strive for reconciliation among separated
Christians and between Christians and Muslims, following the footsteps of
Christ who is our peace. Regarding your priests, do not neglect to offer
them clear spiritual, doctrinal and pastoral directions. While the Christian
community admits legitimate diversity within itself, it cannot render
faithful witness to the Lord except in the communion of its members. This
requires of you the service of vigilance, offered in dialogue and with great
love, but also with clarity and firmness".

While recalling that Blessed Stepinac had said that "one of the greatest
evils of our time is mediocrity in the questions of faith", the Pope noted
that "the Church's moral teaching, often misunderstood today, cannot be
detached from the Gospel. It falls particularly to the bishops to propose it
authoritatively to the faithful, in order to assist them in evaluating their
personal responsibilities and in harmonizing their moral choices with the
demands of the faith".

The Holy Father urged the priests not to lose heart in spite of the
scarcity of vocations and to "remain vigilant in prayer and in your
spiritual lives, in order to perform your ministry fruitfully: to teach, to
sanctify and to guide all those who are entrusted to your care. Welcome with
magnanimity those who knock at the door of your heart ... Persevere in
communion with your bishops and in mutual cooperation. Nourish your
commitment at the life-giving waters of Scripture, the Sacraments, the
constant praise of God, always open and docile to the actions of the Holy
Spirit. You will thus be effective workers in the new evangelization, which
you are called to realize together with the laity, in a coordinated way and
without confusing what pertains to ordained ministry with what belongs to
the universal priesthood of all the baptized. Keep close to your hearts the
promotion of vocations to the priesthood".

He assured the consecrated men and women in attendance that "the Church
expects much" of them. "May God himself", he said, "be your only treasure.
Let yourselves be formed by him, thus making visible to the men and women of
today a thirst for true values: the holiness, truth, and love of our
heavenly Father".

Finally, he asked young people preparing for the priesthood or the
consecrated life, that their "hearts always be ready. May the heroic
testimony of Blessed Aloysius Viktor Stepinac inspire a renewal of vocations
among the young people of Croatia".

At the end of the celebration, Benedict XVI prayed at the tomb of Blessed
Stepinac.

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BENEDICT XVI BIDS FAREWELL TO CROATIA

VATICAN CITY, 5 JUN 2011 (VIS) - After visiting the residence of Cardinal
Josip Bozanic, archbishop of Zagreb, where he signed the archbishopric's
Golden Book and met with the archdiocese's auxiliary bishops, the Holy
Father travelled to Pleso International Airport to take his leave of the
Croatian authorities, concluding his apostolic visit to Croatia.

On arriving at the airport, he was received by Mr. Ivo Josipovic,
president of the Republic of Croatia, but due to a strong storm neither the
Holy Father nor the president could give the addresses they had planned. The
pontiff's plane left 45 minutes late. Following is the text of the address
that Benedict XVI would have given:

"My visit to your country is drawing to a close. Though brief, it has been
graced with encounters that have made me feel part of you, and part of your
history, and they have given me the opportunity to confirm the faith of the
pilgrim Church in Croatia in Jesus Christ, our only Savior. That faith,
which came to you through the brave witness of many of your brothers and
sisters, some of whom did not hesitate to die for Christ and his Gospel, I
have found to be alive and sincere. Let us give thanks to God for the
abundant gifts of grace which he dispenses generously on the daily path of
his sons and daughters! I wish to thank everyone who helped in the planning
and the smooth progress of my visit.

"These days have left a deep impression on my mind and my heart. The
people's participation in this morning's celebration of Mass on the occasion
of the National Day of Croatian Catholic Families was unanimous and
heartfelt. In yesterday's gathering at the National Theatre I was able to
share some thoughts with representatives of civil society and religious
communities. The young people present at the prayer vigil showed me the
radiant face of Croatia turned towards the future, illumined by a sincere
faith, like the flame of a precious lamp handed down by our forebears for us
to guard and replenish along the way. The prayer at the tomb of Blessed
Cardinal Stepinac reminded us in a special way of all who have suffered -
and still suffer today - on account of their faith in the Gospel. Let us
continue to invoke the intercession of this fearless witness of the Risen
Lord, so that every sacrifice, every trial offered to God out of love for
him and for our neighbor, may be like the grain of wheat fallen to the
ground that dies so as to bear fruit.

"It was a joy for me to experience today the vitality of your people's
long-standing Christian tradition. I could sense it in the warm welcome
given to me by the people, just as they welcomed Blessed John Paul II on his
three visits, recognizing them as visits from the Successor of Peter who
comes to confirm his brothers and sisters in the faith. This ecclesial
vitality, which must be maintained and strengthened, will surely have
positive results for society as a whole, thanks to the cooperation between
the Church and public institutions, which it is hoped will always be serene
and fruitful. At a time when stable and trustworthy reference points seem to
be lacking, Christians united 'together in Christ', the cornerstone, can
continue to act as the 'soul' of the Nation, helping it to develop and to
make progress.

"As I leave for Rome, I place all of you in the hands of God. May he who
is infinite providence, the giver of all good things, always bless the land
and the people of Croatia; may he grant peace and prosperity to every
family. May the Virgin Mary watch over the historic journey of your homeland
and of the whole of Europe. And let my Apostolic Blessing, which I offer you
with great affection, accompany you on your way".

PV-CROATIA/
VIS 20110606 (650)

CONCLUSION OF FIRST PHASE OF APOSTOLIC VISIT IN IRELAND

VATICAN CITY, 6 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Following is the communique issued today at
the conclusion of the first phase of the apostolic visitation in Ireland.

"In accordance with the time-scale indicated in the communique of 12
November 2010, the first phase of the Apostolic Visitation announced by the
Holy Father in his Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland, in order to
'assist the local Church on her path of renewal' (19 March 2010, par. 14),
has now been concluded.

As indicated in the above-mentioned communique, the visitators set out to
examine:

a) 'whether the mutual relationship of the various components of the local
Church, seminaries and religious communities is now in place, in order to
sustain them on the path of profound spiritual renewal already being pursued
by the Church in Ireland';

b) 'the effectiveness of the present processes used in responding to cases
of abuse';

c) 'the current forms of assistance provided to the victims'.

The visitation to the four metropolitan archdioceses, the seminaries and
the religious institutes has been very useful, thanks to the cooperation of
everyone who took part in this initiative. The Holy Father's sincere thanks
goes to them, especially to the four Metropolitan Archbishops.

The visitators' reports have been handed in to the competent dicasteries
of the Holy See. Individually, and in the context of interdicasterial
meetings specially convened for the purpose and conducted in a constructive
atmosphere, the dicasteries in question have carried out an initial
evaluation, from which it emerges that:

1) As far as the Irish dioceses and seminaries are concerned, the
Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for Catholic Education do not
envisage further Apostolic Visitations. Having encountered various
organizations and individuals, including the suffragan bishops, the
visitators have been able to arrive at a sufficiently complete picture of
the situation of the Irish Church with respect to the areas under
investigation.

2) The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of
Apostolic Life has analyzed the responses to the questionnaires that were
sent to all institutes with religious houses in Ireland. In accordance with
the method previously adopted, visits 'in loco' to some religious
communities will follow.

3) In the coming months, the competent dicasteries will give indications
to the bishops for the spiritual renewal of the dioceses and seminaries, and
the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of
Apostolic Life will do likewise for the religious institutes.

4) By early 2012, the Holy See will publish an overall synthesis
indicating the results and the future prospects highlighted by the
Visitation, not least with a view to the nationwide mission announced in the
above-mentioned letter of the Holy Father".

OP/
VIS 20110606 (440)

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, 6 JUN 2011 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father appointed Archbishop
Alberto Bottari de Castello, apostolic nuncio to Japan, as apostolic nuncio
to Hungary.

On Saturday, 4 June, the Holy Father appointed:

- Fr. Hugh Gilbert, O.S.B., abbot of Pluscarden Abbey, as bishop of
Aberdeen (area 29,068, population 718,000, Catholics 18,600, priests 49,
permanent deacons 11, religious 45), Scotland. The bishop-elect was born in
1952 in Emsworth Hants, England and was ordained a priest in 1982. He
succeeds Bishop Peter Anthony Moran, whose resignation from the pastoral
care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the
age limit.

- Fr. Crispin Ojeda Marquez, pastor of Corazon Inmaculada de Maria Parish
in the Diocese of Colima, as auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Mexico
(area 1,429, population 8,852,000, Catholics 7,909,000, priests 1,797,
permanent deacons, 128, religious 7,345), Mexico. The bishop-elect was born
in 1952 in Tecoman, Mexico and was ordained as a priest in 1979.

- Fr. Efrain Mendoza Cruz, rector of the Major Seminary of Tlalnepantla,
Mexico, as auxiliary bishop of that same archdiocese (area 682, population
3,980,000, Catholics 3,184,000, priests 342, permanent deacons 11, religious
432), Mexico. The bishop-elect was born in 1959 in Tlalnepantla and was
ordained as a priest in 1988.

- Cardinal Carlos Amigo Vallejo, archbishop emeritus of Seville, Spain, as
his special envoy to the closing celebrations of the Jubilee Year of the
500th anniversary of the canonical erection of the first ecclesiastical
circumscriptions of the Americas: Santo Domingo y La Vega, Dominican
Republic and San Juan de Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, scheduled for 7-8 August
2011.

NN:NER:NEA:NA/
VIS 20110606 (260)

_____

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Friday, June 24, 2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

1. GIORNO - PREGHIAMO PER I VEGGENTI

Text for meditation

Monday, June 06, 2011

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