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Hello All.

09.25.2006  -Sixteenth Year - Num.  159

SUMMARY:  SEPTEMBER 23 - 25
 
 - To Bishops from Chad: Strengthen  Fraternity
 - Dialogue to Build a More Fraternal  Humanity
 - Sadness at the Execution of Three Catholics in  Indonesia
 - Other Pontifical Acts
 - The Logic of Christianity Is Love That Becomes  Service
 - Pray for Men and Women of the Sea and Their  Families
 - Need for Dialogue between Christians and  Muslims
 - Calendar of Liturgical Celebrations for  October
 - Audiences
___________________________________________________________

TO  BISHOPS FROM CHAD: STRENGTHEN FRATERNITY

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 23, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, Benedict XVI received
prelates  from the Episcopal Conference of Chad, who have just completed
their  five-yearly "ad limina" visit. In his French-language talk to
them, the  Pope reminded the bishops how, "in the image of Christ the
Good Shepherd,"  they have been sent "to be missionaries of the Good
News," and he  encouraged them to continue this task "with faithfulness
and  courage."

"Through the proclamation of the  Gospel," he said, "guide your
communities to the meeting with the Lord,  helping them to bear witness
to their hope and contributing to the  foundation of a more just society
based on universal reconciliation and  unity. The regular participation
of the faithful in the Sacraments,  especially the Eucharist, will give
them the strength to follow Christ,  and thus they will feel the need to
share with their brothers and sisters  their joy at meeting the Lord."

The Pope then went on to refer to  priests and to their "difficult but
gratifying mission of announcing the  Gospel and serving the people of
God." He highlighted how "friendship with  Christ requires a constant
and joyful search for communion of thought,  will and action with Him,
in humble and faithful obedience," and he  prompted the bishops to
concern themselves "with the spiritual life of  priests, encouraging
them to remain faithful to the rule of priestly life,  which will help
them to conform their lives to the call they received from  the Lord."

"Among the pastoral challenges you  are facing," he continued, "is that
of proclaiming the integral truth of  marriage and the family. It is, in
fact, of primordial importance to show  how the institution of marriage
contributes to the real development of  people and of society, and
ensures the true dignity, equality and freedom  of men and women, as
well as the human and spiritual development of  children."

In this context, "the solid  formation of young people will favor the
renewal of the pastoral care of  families and will contribute to
overcoming the social, cultural and  economic difficulties which are,
for many faithful, an obstacle to  Christian marriage. May the young
people of your country, while preserving  the essential values of the
African family, welcome into their lives the  beauty and grandeur of
Christian marriage which, in its uniqueness,  comprehends the faithful
and indissoluble love of the  spouses."

"Charity work, the display of love  to others rooted in the love of God,
has an important place in the  pastoral activities of your dioceses,"
the Holy Father observed. And he  expressed his gratitude to the male
and female religious involved in this  field, affirming that, "while
they promote true solidarity with the needy  without distinction, they
must not forget the specifically ecclesial  nature of their activities,
and must reinforce their awareness of being  credible witnesses of
Christ."

 " Strengthening fraternity between  the different communities of which
 " the nation is composed is an objective  requiring everyone's
 " commitment," he said, "so as to protect the country  from
 " confrontations that lead to new outbreaks of violence. Recognizing
 " the dignity of each individual, the identity of each human and
 " religious  group, and their freedom to practice their religion, is
 " part of the shared  values of peace and justice which everyone must
 " promote, and is a field in  which the leaders of society must play a
 " 
leading  role."

The Holy Father concluded his talk  by expressing his joy for the fact
that in Chad "relations between  Christians and Muslims are generally
good, above all thanks to the search  for greater reciprocal
understanding. I encourage you, then, to continue  this collaboration in
a spirit of sincere dialogue and mutual  respect."

AL/.../CHAD  VIS 060925 (620)

DIALOGUE  TO BUILD A MORE FRATERNAL HUMANITY

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 23, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in Castelgandolfo, the
Holy Father  received 98 bishops from 44 countries on four continents.
The prelates  have been participating a course of "aggiornamento"
organized annually by  the Congregation for the Evangelization of
Peoples, the prefect of which  is Cardinal Ivan Dias.

In his address, the Pope dwelt upon  the efforts that have to be made to
ensure that the announcement of the  Gospel reaches everyone, and upon
the need to evangelize cultures and  "encourage sincere and open
dialogue with one and all, so that together we  can build a more
fraternal and united humanity.

"Only when driven by the love of  Christ," he added, "is it possible to
bring to completion this apostolic  labor, which demands the intrepid
courage of those who, for the Lord's  sake, do not fear even persecution
and death." On this subject, he  recalled the "heroic witnesses to the
Gospel" of previous centuries, as  well as the recent sacrifice of "Sr.
Leonella Sgorbati, missionary sister  of the Consolata, barbarously
murdered in Mogadishu, Somalia," on  September 17.

Benedict XVI told his audience  that in order to be good pastors, they
had to set an example in all fields  of life. It is likewise vital, he
said, "that you give primary importance  in your episcopal ministry to
prayer and to the incessant striving for  sanctity. It is also important
that you concern yourselves with the  serious formation of seminarians
and with the permanent 'aggiornamento' of  priests and catechists."

He went on: "Maintaining the unity  of the faith in the diversity of its
cultural expressions is another  precious service required of you. ...
This means that you must remain  united to your flock, following the
example of Christ the Good Shepherd,  and that the flock must always
remain united to you. As sentinels of the  People of God, avoid
divisions with firmness and courage, especially when  they are due to
ethnic or socio-cultural reasons. They damage the unity of  the faith
and undermine the announcement and witness of the Gospel of  Christ."

After expressing his joy at "the  continual flowering of vocations to
the priesthood and the religious  life," in many of their churches, the
Pope called on the prelates to  ensure that seminaries have "a
sufficient number of formators, chosen and  trained with care, who must
first and foremost be examples and models for  the seminarians. ... It
is upon the training of future priests and of all  other pastoral care
workers, especially catechists, that the future of  your communities and
of the Universal Church  depends."

AC/BISHOPS:EVANGELIZATION/DIAS  VIS 060925 (440)

SADNESS  AT THE EXECUTION OF THREE CATHOLICS IN INDONESIA

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 23, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, the Holy See Press
Office  released the following communique:

"With great sadness the Holy See  has learned the news that the
execution of Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus da  Silva and Marinus Riwu has
been carried out. The men were held responsible  for violence in Poso,
Indonesia, in 2000.

 " On this matter, the Secretariat  of State has repeatedly intervened
 " with the Indonesian authorities to ask,  in the Holy Father's name,
 " for a gesture of clemency in favor of the three  condemned men. Apart
 " from the telegram published on August 12, Cardinal  Angelo Sodano,
 " then secretary of State, sent the Indonesian head of State  Susilo
 " Bambang Yudhoyono, two letters, one on December 5, 2005 and another
 " on March 7, 2006. Further steps were taken through the Indonesian
 " embassy  to the Holy See on December 13, 2005, and on February 14 and
 " September 20,  2006.

 " At a
 purely humanitarian level -  inspired by the Catholic Church's
 " well-known stance on the death penalty,  and bearing in mind the
 " circumstances of this painful case - the Holy See,  through its
 " interventions, aimed to contribute to the efforts being made  in
 " favor of the process of reconciliation in Indonesia, and to the
 " traditional peaceful coexistence of members of different religions,
 " which  it is hoped will continue to distinguish that great  country."

OP/EXECUTION  CATHOLICS/INDONESIA  VIS 060925 (240)

OTHER  PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 23, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Archbishop
James  Patrick Green, apostolic nuncio to South Africa, Namibia and
Lesotho, and  apostolic delegate to Botswana, as apostolic nuncio to
Swaziland.

NN/.../GREEN  VIS 060925 (40)

THE  LOGIC OF CHRISTIANITY IS LOVE THAT BECOMES  SERVICE

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 24, 2006 (VIS) - The "logic of Christianity" was the
central  theme of Benedict XVI's reflections before praying the Angelus
today with  pilgrims gathered in the internal courtyard of the Apostolic
Palace of  Castelgandolfo.

The Holy Father quoted today's  Gospel reading in which Jesus announces
to His disciples, for the second  time, His passion, death and
resurrection. The evangelist Mark, said the  Pope, "highlights the
strong contrast between Jesus' mentality and that of  the twelve
Apostles, who not only do not understand the Master's words and  refuse
the idea that He may die, but discuss among themselves which of  them is
'the greatest.'

"Jesus patiently explains His  logic to them," the Holy Father added,
"the logic of love that is service  even unto the giving of self. ...
This is the logic of Christianity, which  responds to the truth of man
created in God' image, and at the same time  contrasts man's egoism, a
consequence of original sin. All human beings  are attracted by love -
which in the final analysis is God Himself - but  often mistake the
concrete ways to express that love. And thus from a  tendency that in
its origins is positive, though polluted by sin, evil  intentions and
actions can arise."

Pope Benedict went on to recall  the words of the Letter of James: "For
where jealousy and selfish ambition  exist, there will be disorder and
every vile practice. But the wisdom from  above is first pure, then
peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of  mercy. ... And the harvest
of righteousness is sown in peace by those who  make peace."

He concluded: "these words make us  think of the witness of so many
Christians who ... dedicate their lives to  the service of others for
the sake of the Lord Jesus, working as servants  of love and ...
'artisans' of peace. Sometimes, some of them are asked for  the supreme
witness of blood, as happened a few days ago to the Italian  religious,
Sr. Leonella Sgorbati, who fell a victim to violence. This  sister, who
for many years had worked serving the poor and defenseless of  Somalia,
died pronouncing the word 'forgiveness.' This is the most  authentic
Christian witness, a peaceful sign marking the victory of love  over
hatred and evil."

ANG/LOGIC  CHRISTIANITY/SGORBATI  VIS 060925 (390)

PRAY  FOR MEN AND WOMEN OF THE SEA AND THEIR FAMILIES

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 24, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, after praying the
Angelus at  Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father recalled that next Thursday
is World  Maritime Day, and he invited everyone to pray for men and
women of the  sea, and their families.

"I thank the Lord," he said, "for  the work of the Apostleship of the
Sea, which for many years has offered  human and spiritual support to
those who live this difficult and  challenging way of life. I
particularly welcome the recent initiatives  taken by the International
Maritime Organization to contribute to the  fight against poverty and
hunger."

Going on then to address bishops  from various countries, who are
participating in an ecumenical congress  being organized by the Focolari
Movement, Pope Benedict said: "I am  delighted at the special efforts
you put into the service of full unity  among Christians, an
d I wish
every success to the diocesan communities  entrusted to your care."

ANG/WORLD  MARITIME DAY/...  VIS 060925 (170)

NEED  FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 25, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Apostolic Palace
at  Castelgandolfo, Benedict XVI received Cardinal Paul Poupard,
president of  the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, and
representatives  from Muslim-majority countries that maintain diplomatic
links with the  Holy See.

Participating in the meeting were  heads of mission from Kuwait,
Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Ivory  Coast, Indonesia, Turkey,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon, Yemen, Egypt, Iraq,  Senegal, Algeria,
Morocco, Albania, the Arab League, Syria, Tunisia,  Libya, Iran and
Azerbaijan. Also present were 14 members of the Islamic  Council of
Italy and representatives from the Italian Islamic Cultural  Center and
the Office of the World Muslim  League.

Following a brief greeting by  Cardinal Poupard, Benedict XVI explained
how he had called the meeting "in order to strengthen the bonds  of
friendship and solidarity between the Holy See and Muslim communities
throughout the world."

"I should like to reiterate today  all the esteem and the profound
respect that I have for Muslim believers,"  he continued in his
French-language address.

 " I have had occasion, since the  very beginning of my pontificate, to
 " express my wish to continue  establishing bridges of friendship with
 " the adherents of all religions,  showing particular appreciation for
 " the growth of dialogue between Muslims  and Christians."

 " In a world marked by relativism  and too often excluding the
 " transcendence and universality of reason, we  are in great need of an
 " authentic dialogue between religions and between  cultures, capable
 " of assisting us, in a spirit of fruitful cooperation, to  overcome
 " all the tensions together.

 " Continuing, then, the work  undertaken by my predecessor Pope John
 " Paul II," he added, "I sincerely  pray that the relations of trust
 " which have developed between Christians  and Muslims over several
 " years, will not only continue, but will develop  further in a spirit
 " of sincere and respectful dialogue, based on ever more  authentic
 " reciprocal knowledge which, with joy, recognizes the religious
 " values that we have in common and, with loyalty, respects the
 " differences.

 " Inter-religious and  inter-cultural dialogue," the Pope continued,
 " "is a necessity for building  together this world of peace and
 " fraternity ardently desired by all people  of good will. In this
 " area, our contemporaries expect from us an eloquent  witness to show
 " all people the value of the religious dimension of  life.

 " Likewise, faithful to the  teachings of their own religious
 " traditions, Christians and Muslims must  learn to work together, as
 " indeed they already do in many common  undertakings, in order to
 " guard against all forms of intolerance and to  oppose all
 " manifestations of violence. As for us, religious authorities  and
 " political leaders, we must guide and encourage them in this
 " direction."

Benedict XVI then highlighted how  "the  lessons of the past" must "help
us to seek paths of reconciliation, in  order to live with respect for
the identity and freedom of each  individual, with a view to fruitful
co-operation in the service of all  humanity. As Pope John Paul II said
in his memorable speech to young  people at Casablanca in Morocco:
'Respect and dialogue require reciprocity  in all spheres, especially in
that which concerns basic freedoms, more  particularly religious
freedom. They favor peace and agreement between  peoples'."

The Holy Father concluded his  address by expressing his profound
conviction "that in the current world  situation it is imperative that
Christians and Muslims engage with one  another in order to address the
numerous challenges that present  themselves to humanity, especially
those concerning the defense and  promotion of the dignity of the human
person and of the rights ensuing  from that d
ignity. When threats mount
up against people and against peace,  by recognizing the central
character of the human person and by working  with perseverance to see
that human life is always respected, Christians  and Muslims manifest
their obedience to the Creator, Who wishes all people  to live in the
dignity that He has bestowed upon  them."

AC/DIALOGUE:RESPECT  MUSLIMS/POUPARD  VIS 060925 (650)

CALENDAR  OF LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS FOR OCTOBER

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 25, 2006 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical
Celebrations of the  Supreme Pontiff made public today the calendar of
celebrations to be  presided over by the Holy Father in the month of
October  2006:

-  Sunday, 15: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. At 10 a.m. in St. Peter's
Square, canonization of Blesseds Rafael Guizar Valencia, Filippo
Smaldone,  Rosa Venerini, Theodore Guerin..

 - Thursday, 19: At 4 p.m. in the Bentegodi Stadium of Verona, Italy,
 - Eucharistic celebration for the 4th National Ecclesial Meeting of the
 - Italian Church.

RITES  OF BEATIFICATION APPROVED BY THE HOLY FATHER

-  Sunday, 8: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. At 4 p.m. in the Roman
amphitheater of Fiesole, Italy, beatification of Servant of God Maria
Teresa di Gesu, nee Maria Scrilli.

 Sunday, 22: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. At 5 p.m. in the cathedral of
 Sunday, Bilbao, Spain, beatification of Servant of God Margarita Maria
 Sunday, Lopez de  Maturana.

 Sunday, 2 9: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. At 2.30 p.m. in the
 Sunday, 2 cathedral of  Speyer, Germany, beatification of Servant of
 Sunday, 2 God Paul Josef  Nardini.

OCL/CALENDAR  OCTOBER/...  VIS 060925 (190)

AUDIENCES

VATICAN  CITY, SEP 25, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in
separate  audiences three prelates from the Episcopal Conference of
Malawi, on their  "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop Tarcisius  Gervazio Ziyaye of Blantyre.

 - Bishop Peter Martin  Musikuwa of Chikwawa.

 - Bishop Remi Joseph  Gustave Sainte-Marie M. Afr., of Dedza.

On Saturday, September 23, he  received in audience Cardinal Edmund
Casimir Szoka, president emeritus of  the Pontifical Commission for
Vatican City State and of the Governorate of  Vatican City State.

AL:AP/.../...  VIS 060925 (90)

Best regards,
Marc

--- timEd/2 1.10.y2k+
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