Former Communist Block Bishops: called to co-operate to spread Gospel

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Zenit News: Spanish Edition (Independent; American; Catholic) 11 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Zenit News, Spanish Edition: is reporting that Benedict XVI, has asked bishops in the former communist block, in Eastern Europe: to work together, in order to overcome situations caused by past injustice: and to bring the message; that is the Gospel: more fully into their societies.

The theme of the conference was:

"Mission of the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, twenty years after the collapse of communism (1989-2009).""

(Zenit News: Spanish Edition (Independent; American; Catholic) 11 / 02 / 2009))

The statements asking for co-operation: were made two days ago on Tuesday: by Cardinal: Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State. They were given to the bishops: at a meeting in Croatia: in: Zagreb. It was seemingly sent: in letter form, in a letter written by the Vatican Secretary of state. The meeting seems to have been by the Bishops in Central Europe, bearing the theme given above.

Benedict XVI: emphasized, that whatever the circumstances encountered after the fall of atheistic communism: the mission of the church remains evangelization. Communism stifled the church: and made missionary activity dangerous: as communist nations still do today.

Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference Answers Catholics on New Liturgy Translations!

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Introduction, disclaimer: by: Marc Aupiais

As a media contact, we were emailed this by the SACBC's (SOUTHERN AFRICAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE) Information Officer:

Please consider this, purely as a quotation, it is not an endorsement by us, nor do we guarantee the standards or anything else about these contents: as these are their words, or words they quote, and not our words. We are simply quoting them, and we have supplied a disclaimer below, which we advise you read:

Message we received:

Email We Have Received from the Information Officer of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference:
Details:

"

from

Fr Chris Townsend

to(many addresses excluded in publishing for security reasons)

date2 February 2009 12:03

subjectA pastoral response to the faithful with regard to the new English Language mass translations

mailed-bysacbc.org.za"

Attachment to Email dispatch we received as a member of a list of media who they send dispatches to:

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"

Introduction of the New English Translation of the Mass The Bishops of the Southern African Bishops Conference have been evaluating the response to the implementation of the new English texts of the Mass. We wish to thank all who have cooperated in the implementation of this first phase which involves by and large the responses of the faithful. We have attempted to identify the problem areas with a view to facilitating the second phase which will provide texts for the ordinary parts of the Mass which are used by the priest. We have studied the letters and emails addressed to us directly as well as those from the readership of the Southern Cross. We have decided to appeal to the Holy See on the use of „man‟ and „men‟ in the creed and the fourth Eucharistic Prayer. Only the Holy See has the authority to alter the text – no one of us nor any priest has that authority. In the mean time we ask our Catholics to be patient since the process of appeal takes time. For those who find it difficult to use the term „man‟ or „men‟ because they feel it to be not inclusive enough, in the spirit of our Catholic tradition we ask them to bear in mind that one text which is meant for universal use will always make some demands on us, and there will always be some give and some take. This is made all the more challenging in that English is the new Latin in the Church. ‘For us men and for our salvation … and became man’ In the creed the main intention is to proclaim that Christ, in becoming incarnate, became MAN. He is the new MAN, and, by our baptism, we are all men and women in the new MAN. “For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27,28) ‘You formed man in your own image …’ Similarly in Eucharistic Prayer Four, addressing God, the priest proclaims, „…you formed MAN in your own image‟. This carries the meaning of the old MAN redeemed by the new MAN in which there is nolonger distinction of male and female, as St. Paul taught. Sufficient catechesis and preparation Before we implement the second phase - texts for the ordinary parts of the Mass used by the priest - we would like to give our priests a further opportunity to study the reasons behind certain choices made in the new translation so that they may pass these on to the faithful. Towards this goal, we will issue a series of three further letters and ask them to see that the formation and information is passed on to all our members. We will make the new texts of the four Eucharistic Prayers available to them, not for use, but for study. The text differs in places to what is contained in the ICEL book issued in 2007. (ICEL: International Commission for English in the Liturgy). We ask that the period of embargo be respected so as to give everyone the chance to prepare adequately. The date of implementation will be TRINITY SUNDAY. ‘And with your spirit’ We once again hear the response to the greetings of the priest, „And with your spirit‟. In some of the languages used in Southern Africa this is not strange – „ibe nomoya wakho futhi‟ is the answer in isiZulu. The reason for the reverting to the old form of the response in English is because it is closer to the scriptural origins of the formulation, as one can read in Galatians 6:18 or 2 Timothy 4:22. It is not the isolation of the soul from the whole person of the celebrant but rather the recognition of that special character or spirit which the celebrant has by virtue of his priestly ordination. It would be a misunderstanding to claim that this formulation creates clericalism. Clericalism is a sign of something dysfunctional. What should really be acknowledged is that from within the community one has been called to serve the community with the spirit of Christ. The dictum of St. Augustine is appropriate here: „For you I am a bishop, (a priest), with you I am a Christian. The first is the title of the office I received, the second is by grace …‟ (Augustine, Sermon 340, 1). The threefold ‘through my fault’ Here again we revert to the formulation in existence in the Council days. The International Committee for English in the Liturgy, in the years immediately following the Second Vatican Council and the introduction of the rite of the Mass in English, interpreted their mandate to remove certain repetitions in formulations found in 2 the Mass. However, when the new rules of translation were drawn up in 2001, it was noted that some of the repetitions were characteristic of the Latin Rite and should therefore be restored. This applies to the „through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.‟ You take away the sins of the world … you are seated at the right hand … The pattern of threefold repetition also applies to the threefold invocation of Jesus in the Gloria : „you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.‟ ‘People of good will’ In proclaiming the words of the angels, the new formulation, „people of good will‟ replaces „peace to his people on earth‟. The origin of these words is found in Luke 2:14 which in the Latin Vulgate read: „Gloria in altissimis Deo, et super terram pax in hominibus bonae voluntatis‟ Dialogue introducing the Preface The response „It is right and just‟ in answer to the priest‟s invitation „Let us give thanks to the Lord our God‟ may sound incomplete. It will only begin to make sense when the full missal is introduced and the celebrating priest takes up the words of the congregation, expanding on them thus: „Truly it is right and just …‟. Renewed theological insights An example of renewed theological insight is the greeting: „The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all‟. The choice of „communion‟ in place of what has been commonly used up to now, „fellowship‟ is because from the outset the liturgy looks forward to the Holy Communion by which we find fellowship with each other and communion with God. Another example of renewed theological insight is the formulation concluding the penitential rite: „May almighty God have mercy on us and lead us, with our sins forgiven, to eternal life’. A renewed faithfulness to scriptural formulations It is important to note that it was one of the principles established in the new rules for translation was that the Mass formulations reflect more faithfully the scriptural texts which are used in prayer and proclamation. For this reason one will find „Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts‟ which comes from Isaiah 6:3. Also the formulation as was in former times in English: „Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed‟ – Luke 7:6-7. This latter is an example of the genius of the Roman Rite which begins with the words of the sacred scriptures andbrings them to focus on the person him/herself. ‘Consubstantial with the Father’ As for “consubstantialem”, the problem arose when there was no agreement from the Bishops‟ Conferences the use of “one in Being” and “of one Being”. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments maintained that, in the matter of the Christological definitions expressed in the creeds, absolute uniformity throughout the Universal Church was necessary. Edward Risi omi Dept. Christian Formation, Liturgy and Culture SACBC

"

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Ireland: Sex abuse investigation continues, bishop defiant, despite comments by prelates

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Catholic Culture (Catholic; American; Independent) 07 / Jan / 2009; South African Catholic (affiliated)06/01/2009 )

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Irish government is expected to expand a probe into sexual abuse by clergy, and the alleged mishanding of this: by certain clergy in Ireland: icluding one bishop: Bishop John Magee of the Diocese of Cloyne, who has been slated in the press: as not obeying church, or state suggestions: and whose actions have been questioned by two prelates:

Cardinal Sean Brady of the Archdiocese of Armagh, and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of the Archdiocese of Dublin.

The Latter prelate: has said that it is up to Bishop: John Magee; whether or not to resign, but a news survey found many thought he had lost the moral high ground needed for the job.

Government plans to further the investigation, have met a mixed reaction. Those supporting the embattled Bishop of Cloyne: have accused an investigating body: commissioned by the church to look into the issue: of falsely slandering the bishop.

The Catholic church in Ireland, apparently: is making great leaps towards accountability, having recently: published documents on sexual abuse cases.

Cases in the Catholic church, are some of the lowest in the world, the reason why these have warranted so much public attention, is that these were often mishandled on a local level. Those objecting, were quieted.

Since Pope Benedict XVI has entered office: his public apology: has been mirrored throughout the world: including by a recent penance walk: by an Irish Priest, who wanted to walk for the reparation of his fellows: for their sin against God and church. Real progress: is now being made: towards quenching this, and other scandals: which have rocked the western world.

Benedict XVI: has always been famed for a diplomatic ability: recently epitomized in Liturgical changes: including the exclusion of the word ____ (The name of God: given to Abraham: and kept via verbal tradition) from public worship, for the Jews, and a return to a more direct translation of the Mass: to acomodate the SSPX: a group whose leaders, and founder are excommunicated.

Benedict XVI: is praised both for diplomacy, as well as for his symbolic, and practical combating of the sexual abuse scandal. The Irish Bishops, do not appear to be standing by the Bishop: John Magee, who has raised public anger.

They also: have not attempted a forced resignation: rather: they are leaving the situation in the hands of the Police, and of the Bishop, and Vatican.

The government recently asked: that all priests sign that they will obey child protection regulations. The Church itself agrees with this: and investigations, and findings: are by those commissioned by them.

A seeming move to transparency and openness: in Ireland: is a great improvement on this issue. In many parts of the world: priests, and bishops have joined a renewal: of teaching sound Catholic doctrine and ethics.

Cape Town, South Africa: SADC Region, Africa: SACBC Head: Cardinal Napier adds Southern African Bishops call: Mugabe must go!

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. CNS (non-affiliated) 18/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Zimbabwean "dictator": Robert Mugabe, must be made to go, via political means: this is according the Cardinal Napier, and the Southern African Catholic Biships Conference. They have lambasted South Africa's ruling ANC's 8 years of discussion without any fruit, saying they are saddened by the lack of results, and that Mugabe must be removed: and believe it is time to consider that fuel and electricity supplies from South Africa: to Zimbabwe be cut away, that Mugabe, and Zanu PF accounts, and assets in South Africa be cut off, and that South Africa's state power company stop supplying electricity to Zimbabwe.

Unlike a retired Anglican Bishop, the Catholic Bishops in the Southern African Conference: believe that no violent means are needed. Non-violent means will be enough.

South African Citizens have periodically had their power cut, due to shortages of supply, yet : still: electricity is supplied to a government, which is widely considered illigitimate. Legally, due to delays: the MDC leader, is the true president of Zimbabwe, this has not stopped South African support for further talks, which could lead up to an "election". Legally, the election already had happened, and the president was decided. This according to South African Legal experts, who spoke of the first election, before mass terror on a new scale was again unleashed on MDC's support bases, seemingly supported by the Zanu PF, or at least their followers. Subordination of politcal opposition, is oft institutional.

The ANC's militants, so visible of late, in their support for a Mr Jacob Zuma, who has caused an exodus from the ruling party, and whose supporters have threatened Genocide in the case of an electral loss: were often trained in Zimbabwe. As it is, South Africa's ANC, fulfill the requirements, of a party, which in voting for, one very likely will be excommunicated by Canon law: due to their support of racially selective policies, genocide (Article 2; secion d), via abortion and specific contraceptive campaigns, threats of genocide, and also due to their legalizing "gay marriage", and attempting to make conscientious objecting on moral grounds, against abortion: illegal.

The actual quote asked for "consideration" to be given to cutting of electricity and fuel supplies to Zimbabwe, from South African companies, and the South African Government. South Africa, and others in talks: were also accused of Colluding with Mugabe.

These follow the calls from a retired Anglican (non-catholic sect) bishop: for an invasion of Zimbabwe... which have quickly been contradicted, by an opposition party, and by this massive Organization's statements, asking for peaceful means, which are estimated to work; violence, could cause simply more harm.

Journey in a Broken World- African Nations Welcome Benedict XVI Visit announcement

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Agenzia Fides 27/10/08; Agenzia Fides 28/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Nuncios of both Angola and Cameroon, have joyously welcomed the announcement of plans by Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to visit their countries.

With the first local from Angola being Baptized in 1491- before America was even discovered, and a population which is more Catholic than anything else- with a percentage of higher than 50% Catholic- not only the church, but media in the country are very enthusiastic about the visit, where the pope will bless a peace process, and economic progress in a country which still has real poverty needs.

Cameroon's Nuncio is also glad to have been chosen by the Papacy, to be the place where preparations for an African Synod in Rome will be made- noting that John Paul the Second also chose to visit the nation, which is apparently, if the Nuncio assigned to it is to be taken as a good source- ideal as it has both English and French as well used languages. Both languages are each separately, and often somewhat exclusive of one another- commonalities in many African countries.

Cameroon is about 25% Catholic.

Vatican- bible summits findings include desire for female lecters, and media age technology- proclaimation of gospel, purpose of the church

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Reuters (Secular) 28/10/08; Catholic Culture 27/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Conclusions for the latest Synod of the Bible, include some awaited, even surprising results- from female lectors, to I-pod bibles.

More serious results include a push towards using technology to promote the Gospel... As well as the ideas of i-pod bibles, came those of radio, television, cinema, CDs DVDs, and internet sites among other ideas, as ways of promoting our world view, and our Gospel.

If Protestant Christians expected the church to change her two thousand year old doctrine on the bible, they were not bowed down to. The synod reiterated that while the bible is of such utmost importance, we are not a "book" religion, nor ever have nor will be- but a faith based on a Man, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Those who, against Catholic doctrine, believe not so much as bestowing the gospel on society, as in keeping their moral standards to themselves, will be disappointed, as the synod asked for a rediscovery of natural law in the forming of conscience, and of the effect on morals the inbuilt structures could have on getting Catholics to obey this universal group of laws. Natural Law itself, is more or less often referred to in civil society as conscience.

And perhaps the most important result of the synod, will be revolutionary, if it is allowed to permeate our beliefs. While Vatican II allowed for critical scholarship of the bible, where it was for the benefit of Faith, Benedict XVI, and the invited bishops and laypeople, want to make it clear that there is a great horizon of theology, when reading the bible that is solely understood in faith, and we must not close our eyes to faith, and to the faith when we read the bible. In fact, it was thought by those attending- that without the intervention of faith and the faith's theological insight, the sacred text of the divine scriptures becomes hard, if not impossible to understand properly.

Pope to visit Africa in 2009

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. The South African Star (secular) 27/10/08; News 24 (secular) 26/10/08; Immaculate Heart of Mary Hermitage Report 26/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Pope Benedict XVI, current Holy Father, and Head of the illustrious Roman Catholic Church, has announced plans to visit Cameroon, in March 2009, and then go on to Angola, for the 500th anniversary of Angola's first evangelization.

He also announced plans for a summit in October, II Special Assembly for Africa, of the Synod of Bishops, to which African Bishops have been invited, to focus on justice, reconciliation, and on peace within the world's most poverty stricken continent. The synod will be hosted at Rome.