SILVER JUBILEE WELCOME SPEECH

God is great. This gathering has a story; a story of a journey of a migrant crowd; a crowd, accorded to the apostolic faith, getting its identity rooted in the soil of Maharashtra. After the journey of 25 years, we see a well-formed worshiping community, a multitude of blooming buds, confident of their identity as the sons and daughters of St. Thomas. And today, with clarity of vision, committed to its mission, the KALYAN FAMILY is ready with its silver wings to fly to its golden goal. God is great, Glory to God in the highest.

1)    On this joyous occasion, we are truly privileged to have Honorable Chief Minister - Mr. Prithviraj Chavan as our Chief Guest. It is with great pleasure that I introduce him this evening. Our Honorable Chief Minister is basically a mechanical engineer-an academician with a Master’s degree from the University of California.  He is a national leader and a great visionary, now at the helm of affairs of Maharashtra, a state with a proud legacy, one of the largest states of India. He is a man of integrity, committed to serve the people in the social, educational and health care fields. Renowned for his spotless career, his views on minority rights, religious freedom and national integration are well appreciated by all. Dear Sir, while offering all the moral support for your leadership for a value based, clean, disciplined Maharashtra, we congratulate you on the eve of your completion of three years as an able and efficient Chief Minister of Maharashtra (On 11^th Nov 2013, he completes 3 years), we heartily welcome you to the silver jubilee celebrations of the Diocese of Kalyan. Rev. Msgr. Jacob Porathur, Proto Syncellus of the Diocese is requested to welcome our Honorable Chief Minister garlanding him.

2)    The eparchy feels extremely joyful that His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro- Malabar Church is here with us today to join us in our celebrations. Confirming everyone in faith is presented in the New Testament, as the duty of a bishop. The Major Archbishop by his graceful presence and powerful message reconfirms us in deeper faith. Once again, your Beatitude, we welcome you. Rev. Fr. Paul Olickal, Eparchial Finance Officer garlands our Father and Head of our Church and the president of Today’s Public Meeting.

Archbishop Salvarore Pennachio, Apostolic Nuncio to India of the Pope Francis has informed his inability to attend this function, but has sent a message for us: I quote, “I am happy to participate through this Message in the historical occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Diocese of Kalyan. I extend my special greetings and best wishes and blessings to the Bishop and to all the faithful of the Diocese.”

3)    Another eminent personality we have amidst us is Justice Kurian Joseph, a Supreme Court Justice. Honorable Justice Kurian Joseph was elevated to the  status of Supreme Court Justice  on 8^th March 2013, after having served  twice  as the Acting Chief Justice of Kerala and Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh. He is an extremely humble person, with an extraordinary integrity and is the pride of the Indian judiciary.  Moreover, he is an outstanding son of the Syro-Malabar Church and a great friend of our Diocese. Sir we are extremely happy to have you amidst us and a Hearty Welcome to you to the silver jubilee celebrations of this eparchy. Mr. K. P. Francis (Eparchial Finance Council member) garlands Justice Kurian Joseph.

4)    We have with us today Mrs. Janet Lawrence D’ Souza the Vice Chairperson of Maharashtra State Minority Commission. D’Souza is also the Director of Maulana Azad Minorities Development Financial Corporation (Govt. of Maharashtra). She believes that she is given this responsibility predominantly to serve the minority community and is committed to solve the problems faced by them and is keen on giving utmost attention to their welfare. Mrs. D’souza, hearty welcome to you. Rev. Sr. Marykutty Michael (Family Council) does the honors of garlanding Mrs. D’souza.

5)    Another proud son of Syro Malabar church is Mr. Johny Joseph, a person of great integrity. After over three-and-a-half decades of meritorious service in the bureaucracy, including as the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Government, he continues his service as Upa-Lokayukta. He has many feathers in his cap such as Earthquake Rehabilitation project for Latur earthquake victims through the reconstruction of 40,000 houses under his leadership, introducing the digitized Disaster Management Information System, etc. We whole heartedly welcome you to this august gathering. Mr. Antony Bernard (Former Pastoral Council Sec.) does the honour of greeting him.

6)    We have with us Shri. Jagannath Achanna Shetty, a very hard working MLA of Sion Koliwada and a dedicated social worker. He has been re-elected to the post for a second term.  Sir I welcome you in the name of our eparchy.   Mr. Andrew K. J. (Eparchial Contact Person for the Civil authorities) garlands the MLA.

7)    Our diocese is happy to welcome again Shri. Chandrakant Handore -MLA of Chembur region. He did the honours of inaugurating our old age home at Kalyan in June 2008. At that time, he was social welfare minister of Maharashtra.  Shri Handore, hearty welcome to this function. Mr. Bose Paul (Former Pastoral Council Sec.) greets him.

8)    Mrs. Thanksy F. Thekkekara IAS now serves this State as the Additional Chief Secretary, of the Department of Minorities Development. She has served the state in several positions and being a member of our community, she has assisted the Church on several occasions. We are indebted to you madam and a hearty welcome to our midst. I request Rev. Sr. Rosamma (CRI Secretary) to garland Mrs. Thekkekkara.

I have already introduced the Archbishops and Bishops before the Holy Qurbana. But I would like to officially welcome them to this public meeting, garlanding them.  

9)     Rt. Rev. Dr. Stanislaus Fernandes, S.J. (WRBC Chairman & Archbishop of Gandhinagar). Mr. P. J. Aprain (Karunya Trust Trustee) garlands him.

10)  Mar Andrews Thazhath (KCBC President and Archbishop of Trichur) is garlanded by Dr. Alan Alappatt (Social Security Scheme-Idea).

11)  Rt. Rev. Dr. John Rodrigues, (Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Bombay) is here with us. His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias has been here on Thursday 7^th November to inaugurate the Jubilee Convention. Bishop Rodrigues represents the Archdiocese of Mumbai. He was ordained a Bishop on 29^th of June this year. Wishing him all the best for his ministry, we welcome him to our midst. He will be garlanded by Mr. M. V. Chacko (One of the Sponsors of Jubilee). 

12)  Mar Jacob Barnabas Chacko Aerath, O.I.C. (Apostolic Visitor, Syro-Malankara Church) will be garlanded by Mr.  K. J. Joseph (One of the Sponsors of Jubilee)

13)  His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilose, Mumbai Metropolitan of Orthodox Syrian Church, is well known to the Kerala community in Mumbai and is a close friend of the Diocese of Kalyan. Welcome to you Archbishop to share the warmth of Communion. Mr. Bose Joseph (One of the Sponsors of Jubilee) garlands him.

14)  Our own bishops, the Moses of Kalyan Mar Paul Chittilapilly and the Aaron of Kalyan Mar Thomas Elavanal. I would say, Mar Paul Chittilapilly as the founder of Kalyan and Mar Thomas Elavanal as the Architect of Kalyan. It is the farsightedness, vision and planning of Mar Thomas Elavanal that has led us to reach this day.  Rev. Fr. Anoop Poyyaniyil (Priests Representative) garlands our bishop. Rev. Fr. John Koovakunnel (Priests Representative garlands Mar Paul Chittilapilly.

15)  Mr. P. J. Xavier (Pastoral Council Member) garlands. Abp Abraham Viruthukulangara (Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nagpur).

16)  Mrs Ommana Aprem (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President) garlands Abp Raphael Cheenath, S.V.D. (Archbishop Emeritus of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar).

17)  Mrs. Rosamma Joseph (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President) garlands Bp. Lourdes Daniel (Bishop of the Diocese of Nasik).

18)  Mrs. Lissy Jose (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President) garlands Mar Joseph Pallickaparambil (Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Palai.

19)  Mrs. Vimala Xavier (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President) garlands Mar Jacob Manathodath (Bishop of the Eparchy of Palghat).

20)  Mr. Joy Paul (KEY Ex-ICYM Rep) garlands Mar Joseph Arumachadath, MCBS (Bishop of Bhadravathi).

21)  Ms. Christina (a Dexco member) garlands Mar Remigius Inchananiyil (Bishop of the Diocese of Thamarassery).

22)  Mr. Albert Manjaly (National-Best Youth Award winner) garlands Mar Vijay Anand Nedumpuram CMI (Bishop of the Diocese of Chanda).

23)  Bro. Mathews Mundadan garlands Mar Sebastian Vadakkel (Bishop of Ujjain).

24)  Ms. Honey Thomas (who took delivery from railway station, a Vartak Nagar parishioner) garlands Mar Antony Chirayath (Bishop of the Diocese of Sagar).

25)  Mr. Joseph Puthussery (National-Best Youth Award win) garlands Mar Simon Stock Palathara (Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Jagdalpur).

26)  Ms. Rony Baby (who took delivery at Vasai railway station) garlands Mar Joseph Kollamparampil CMI (Bishop of Jagdalpur).

27)  Ms. Siji Vincent (Alert citizen who caught the thief from ATM centre) garlands Mar Jose Chittooparambil CMI (Bishop of the Diocese of Rajkot).

28)  Mr. Sam Scaria (Catechism Department Secretary) garlands Msgr. Jacob Porathur (Proto syncellus of the Diocese of Kalyan).

29)  Bro. Jerine Chittilapilly (Regency Brother) garlands Rev. Fr. Antony Kollannur (Chancellor, Major Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church).

30)  Mr. Babu Mathew (Lantern Editorial Team member) garlands Mr. Babu Thomas (MPCC Vice-President).

31)  Bro. Nikhil Xavier (Prefect, Minor Seminary) garlands Fr. George Vadakkethala (a priest who had been giving pastoral care even before the formation of the diocese).

32)  Mr. Roy J. Kottaram (Pastoral Council executive) garlands Fr. Joseph Cheriampanatt MST (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Sangli Mission run by MST fathers).

33)  Dr. C. P. Johnson (KLM Secretary) garlands Fr. Thomas Kannanaikkal CMI (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Chavara Mission run by CMI fathers).

34)  Mr. Thomas – Dapodi (Catechism Head Teacher) garlands Fr. Sajoy Ethackatt VC (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Ahmednagar Mission run by VC fathers)

35)  Mr. George Anchil(Charismatic Movement Ex-Chairman) garlands Fr. Jose Polackal MCBS (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Satara-Solapur Mission run by MST fathers).

36)  Mr. George Paul (Social Action team member) garlands Rev. Fr. Joju Arackal (Presbyterium Secretary).

37)  Mr. Chacko Antony (Vice President, Pithruvedi) garlands Rev. Sr. Alice Kripa CMC (Secretary of CRI).

38)  Bro. Danny Chittilapilly (Regency Brother) garlands Rev. Sr. Blossom CHF (Provincial of Mary Matha Vice Province, Jalgaon).

39)  Mr. Savio George (Secretary, Pithruvedi) garlands Adv. Malayil Joseph Kurian (General Convenor, Diocesan Inauguration Steering Committee).

40)  Ms. Jisha (Secretary of Jesus Nurses Fraternity) garlands Mr. P.J. Mathew (KCA President).

41)  Ms. Alphy (Jesus Youth, Service Team) garlands Prof. Mrs. Rosily Thomas (Secretary of Pastoral Council), the first woman pastoral council secretary the whole of India.

42)  Mr. P.A. Joseph (Charismatic Renewal, Chairman) garlands Mr. Jose Joseph (President of Kalyan Laity Movement)

43)  Ms. Diana Thomas (Dexco member of KEY) garlands Mr. PKX Thomas ( President of Pithruvedi).

44)  Master Vineet Paul (Altar Boys Rep) garlands Mrs. Aleyamma Sebastian (President of Mathrusangam).

45)  Ms. Mary Varghese (Dexco) garlands Ms. Sruthi Sunny (DEXCO Member of KEY)

46)  Ms. Steffy Rose (Dexco) garlands Ms. Adna Peyus (Catechism Student).

I am extremely happy to welcome all the specially invited guests off the dais, Superior Generals and Provincials of various religious congregations, the auditors of the Eparchy, representatives of different banks, sponsors and benefactors, Doctors, media personnel, volunteers of Karunya Trust, representatives of the different churches and seminaries.

Warm welcome to all my dear priests and religious who have shed their sweat and blood, working hard in the infancy stage of this eparchy and all the priests, religious and seminarians who are now part of the spiritual and material development of the Eparchy.

A special welcome to the Pastoral, zonal, parish council members, Pithruvedi, Mathrusangam, youth, catechism, and all other associations, departments, movements.

A Cordial welcome to all the faithful who are the real strength and power of the Eparchy of Kalyan. Silver Jubilee is a mile stone: my dear youth and children, you are to take forward this Eparchy into God’s design. A Hearty welcome to one and all.

Jai Yesu, Hai Hind, Jai Maharashtra

 

Fr. Francis Eluvathingal

Programme Committee Chairman and Chancellor of Eparchy of Kalyan

Pope Francis and Heads of the Catholic Oriental Churches

TO THE HEADS OF THE ORIENTAL CHURCHES: SET AN EXAMPLE OF SOBRIETY

Vatican City, 21 November 2013 (VIS) – At 10 a.m. today, in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father received in audience the Patriarchs of the Oriental Catholic Churches, along with the Major Archbishops. It is the first time since the beginning of his pontificate that the Bishop of Rome has held such a long meeting with the Heads of the Oriental Churches and he therefore took the opportunity to “renew the great esteem for the spiritual heritage of the Christian East, and to recall Benedict XVI's description of a Church leader in his post-Synodal exhortation “Ecclesia in Medio Oriente”. “You are, he said 'watchful guardians of communion and servants of ecclesial unity'”.

“In order for our testimony to be credible”, he continued, “we must always seek justice, piety, faith, love, patience and clemency, adopting a sober manner of life in imitation of Christ, who embraced poverty so that we might be enriched; with tireless zeal and with the charity, both fraternal and paternal, that the bishops, priests and faithful, especially those who are alone or marginalised, expect of us”.

Francis spoke of the good example that the heads of the Churches should give, especially to priests who expect “transparency in the management of goods, and concern for every weakness or need”. He concluded by emphasising that this must all be achieved through “the committed application of that authentic synodal practice distinctive of the Oriental Churches”.

___________________________________________________________ 

WE MUST NOT RESIGN OURSELVES TO IMAGINING A MIDDLE EAST WITHOUT CHRISTIANS

Vatican City, 21 November 2013 (VIS) - “The memorable Vatican Council II also had the merit of explicitly mentioning that in the ancient liturgies of the Oriental Churches, in their theology, spirituality and canonical discipline 'there remains conspicuous the tradition that has been handed down from the Apostles through the Fathers and that forms part of the divinely revealed and undivided heritage of the universal Church'”, said Pope Francis this morning, as he received in audience the patriarchs and major archbishops of the Oriental Churches, along with the cardinals, metropolitan archbishops and bishops of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. The Congregation, whose prefect is Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, is holding its plenary assembly in these days, on the theme of the magisterium of Vatican Council II with regard to the Christian East.

“From an evaluation of the path taken so far, guidelines will emerge intended to support the mission entrusted by the Council to our brothers and sisters in the East: that of 'promoting the unity of all Christians, especially Eastern Christians'. The Holy Spirit has guided them in this task on paths through history that have not always been easy, nurturing their faith in Christ, in the universal Church and in Peter's Successor, even at great cost, not infrequently unto martyrdom. The entire Church is truly grateful to you for this!” exclaimed the Pope. Then, following the example of his predecessors, he reaffirmed that “within the ecclesiastical community, there exist legitimate particular Churches, with their own traditions, which however fully retain the primacy of the Chair of Peter, which presides over the universal communion of charity, protects the legitimate differences between them and ensures that the particularity of these Churches not only does not damage the unity of the whole, but instead serves it; the Council tells us that this variety is necessary for unity”.

Pope Francis commented that the patriarchs and major archbishops had spoken to him this morning about the situation faced by the various Oriental Churches, in particular “the renewed vitality of those long oppressed under communist regimes, the missionary dynamism of those who refer to the preachings of the apostle Thomas, and the perseverance of those who live in the Middle East, not infrequently as a 'little flock' in environments riven by hostility and conflict, as well as hidden persecutions”. A further problem is that of the diaspora, one of the key points of the plenary assembly, and which is growing in every continent. The Holy Father reiterated the importance of doing everything possible to facilitate “pastoral care both in the original territories and where the oriental communities are long established, favouring at the same time communion and brotherhood with communities of the Latin rite. To this effect, it would be useful to promote renewed vitality in existing entities of consultation between the single Churches and the Holy See”.

“My thoughts turn especially to the blessed land where Christ lived, died and rose again … and where the light of faith has not been extinguished, but instead burns brightly. It is the 'light of the East' that 'has illumined that universal Church, from the moment when a rising sun appeared above us: Jesus Christ, our Lord'. As a consequence, each Catholic has a debt of gratitude towards the Churches that live in the region. From these we may learn, among other things, the patience and perseverance of the daily exercise, at times wearisome, of the ecumenical spirit and interreligious dialogue. The geographical, historical and cultural context in which they have lived for centuries has indeed made them natural interlocutors with numerous other Christian confessions and with other religions”.

“Considerable worry is caused by the conditions of life faced by Christians who in many parts of the Middle East suffer gravely as a consequence of current tensions and conflicts. Tears often still flow in Syria, Iraq, Egypt and other areas in the Holy Land. The Bishop of Rome will not rest while there are still men and women, of any religion, whose dignity is undermined, who are deprived of the basic requirements for survival, robbed of their future, or forced to live as fugitives or refugees”.

“Today, along with the pastors of the Oriental Churches, we make an appeal for the respect of the right to a dignified life and to freely profess one's own faith. We must not resign ourselves to thinking of a Middle East without Christians, who for two thousand years have proclaimed Christ's name, integrated as citizens to all effects in the social, cultural and religious life of the nations to which they belong. The suffering of the youngest and the weakest, with the silence of victims, poses the insistent question, 'What is left of the night?' … I therefore turn to the entire Church to exhort her support in prayer, that may obtain reconciliation and peace from the merciful heart of God. Prayer disarms ignorance and generates dialogue where there is open conflict. If it is sincere and persistent, it will make our voice humble and firm, capable of being heard by the leaders of nations”.

The Pope concluded by speaking about Jerusalem, “our spiritual birthplace. I hope for every consolation, so that it may truly be a prophesy of that definitive convocation, from east to west, promised by God”.

Gratitude of Pietro Parolin

At this moment, in which my appointment as Secretary of State is made public, I desire to express deep and affectionate gratitude to the Holy Father, Francis, for the unmerited trust he is showing me, and to make known to him once again my willingness and complete availability to work with him and under his guidance for the greater glory of God, the good of the Holy Church, and the progress and peace of humanity, that humanity might find reasons to live and to hope.

I feel very strongly the grace of this call, which is yet another and the latest of God’s surprises in my life. Above all, I feel the full weight of the responsibility placed upon me: this call entrusts to me a difficult and challenging mission, before which my powers are weak and my abilities poor. For this reason, I entrust myself to the merciful love of the Lord, from whom nothing and no one can ever separate me, and to the prayers of all. I thank all those who have shown and who, starting now, will show me understanding, as well as for any and all manner of help that anyone might desire to offer me in my new undertaking. 

My thoughts go to my family and to all the persons who have been part of my life: in the parishes into which I was born and in which I served; in the dear Diocese of Vicenza; at Rome; in the countries in which I have worked – from Nigeria, to Mexico, and most recently in Venezuela, which I am sorry to leave. I think also of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, who ordained me bishop, I think of the Secretariat of State, which was my home for many years, of His Eminence, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, of the other Superiors, colleagues and collaborators and of the whole Roman Curia, as well as of all those who represent the Holy Father and the Holy See diplomatically around the world. I owe a great debt to all.

It is with trepidation that I place myself in this new service to the Gospel, to the Church and to Pope Francis, but also with trust and serenity – disposed – as the Holy Father asked us at the beginning [of his pontificate] – to walk, to build and to profess.

May our Lady, whom I like to invoke under her titles as Our Lady of Monte Berico, Guadalupe and Coromoto, give us, “The courage, to walk in the presence of the Lord, with the Lord’s Cross; to build the Church on the Lord’s blood which was poured out on the Cross; and to profess the one glory: Christ crucified. And in this way, the Church will go forward.”

And, as they say in Venezuela, “¡Que Dios les bendiga!” [God bless you!].

Caracas, 31 August 2013

The Last Words of Bergoglio Before the Conclave

The handwritten notes of his remarks to the cardinals at the congregation of March 9. The intention of electing him pope was strengthened. The outcries against the "spiritual worldliness" that afflicts the Church

by Sandro Magister




ROME, March 27, 2013 – It is a widespread opinion, confirmed by numerous testimonies, that the intention of electing pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio grew substantially among the cardinals on the morning of Saturday, March 9, when the then-archbishop of Buenos Aires spoke at the second to last of the congregations - covered by secrecy - that preceded the conclave.

His words made an impression on many. Bergoglio spoke off the cuff. But we now have the account of those words of his, written by the hand of the author himself.

Bergoglio's remarks in the preconclave were made public by the cardinal of Havana, Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino, in the homily of the chrism Mass that he celebrated on Saturday, March 23 in the cathedral of the capital of Cuba, in the presence of the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Bruno Musarò, of the auxiliary bishops Alfredo Petit and Juan de Dios Hernandez, and of the clergy of the diocese.

Cardinal Ortega recounted that after the remarks of Bergoglio in the preconclave, he had approached him to ask if he had a written text that he could keep.

Bergoglio responded that at the moment he did not have one. But the following day - Ortega recounted - "with extreme delicacy” he gave him “the remarks written in his own hand as he recalled them."

Ortega asked him if he could release the text, and Bergoglio said yes.

The cardinal of Havana renewed the request on March 13 after the end of the conclave, when the archbishop of Buenos Aires had been elected to the chair of Peter. And Pope Francis renewed his authorization.

So on March 26, the photocopy of Bergoglio's manuscript and its transcription in Spanish appeared on the website of “Palabra Nueva," the magazine of the archdiocese of Havana.

Bergoglio's notes are presented in their entirety further below.

In them can be recognized some recurrent traits in his initial preaching as pope. “Spiritual worldliness” as “the worst evil of the Church.” The Church's duty to “come out from itself” in order to evangelize the “peripheries, not only geographical, but existential.”

As on other occasions, here as well Bergoglio borrows the expression “spiritual worldliness” from the Jesuit Henri De Lubac, one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth century, made a cardinal in his later years by John Paul II.

In his book “Meditations on the Church,” De Lubac defines spiritual worldliness as “the greatest danger, the most perfidious temptation, that which always reemerges insidiously when all the others have been overcome, even being fostered by these same victories.”

And he continues:

"If this spiritual worldliness were to invade the Church and work to corrupt it by attacking it at its very origin, this would be infinitely more disastrous than any other sort of simply moral worldliness. Even worse than the infamous leprosy that, in certain moments of history, has so cruelly disfigured the beloved Bride [the Church - editor's note] when gratification seemed to bring the scandal into her very sanctuary and, represented by a libertine pope, has obscured the face of Christ under precious stones, makeup and beauty marks. . . A subtle humanism inimical to the living God - and, in secret, no less inimical to man - can establish itself in us through a thousand subterfuges."

This citation from De Lubac is in evidence in an article that Bergoglio wrote in 1991 when he was an ordinary Jesuit priest, republished and given in 2005 to the faithful and to the citizens of Buenos Aires, of which he had become archbishop, and now reappears in the first of the books printed in Italy with the texts of the new pope from before his election, entitled: “Guarire dalla corruzione."

Another significant citation in the notes by Bergoglio is where he points out the dangers to the Church when it ceases to be “mysterium lunae."

The "mystery of the moon” is a formula that the Fathers of the Church repeatedly used beginning in the second century to suggest what might be the true nature of the Church and the action that is appropriate to it: like the moon, “the Church shines not with its own light, but with that of Christ” ("fulget Ecclesia non suo sed Christi lumine"), St. Ambrose says. While for Cyril of Alexandria, “the Church is enveloped in the divine light of Christ, which is the only light in the kingdom of souls. There is therefore a single light: in this one light nonetheless shines also the Church, which is not however Christ himself.”

On this theme and with the title of “Mysterium lunae" a fundamental book was written in 1939 by another Jesuit, Hugo Rahner, a distinguished patrologist.

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EVANGELIZING THE PERIPHERIES

by Jorge Mario Bergoglio


Reference has been made to evangelization. This is the Church's reason for being. “The sweet and comforting joy of evangelizing” (Paul VI). It is Jesus Christ himself who, from within, impels us.

1) Evangelizing implies apostolic zeal. Evangelizing presupposes in the Church the “parresia" of coming out from itself. The Church is called to come out from itself and to go to the peripheries, not only geographical, but also existential: those of the mystery of sin, of suffering, of injustice, those of ignorance and of the absence of faith, those of thought, those of every form of misery.

2) When the Church does not come out from itself to evangelize it becomes self-referential and gets sick (one thinks of the woman hunched over upon herself in the Gospel). The evils that, in the passing of time, afflict the ecclesiastical institutions have a root in self-referentiality, in a sort of theological narcissism. In Revelation, Jesus says that he is standing at the threshold and calling. Evidently the text refers to the fact that he stands outside the door and knocks to enter. . . But at times I think that Jesus may be knocking from the inside, that we may let him out. The self-referential Church presumes to keep Jesus Christ within itself and not let him out.

3) The Church, when it is self-referential, without realizing it thinks that it has its own light; it stops being the “mysterium lunae" and gives rise to that evil which is so grave, that of spiritual worldliness (according to De Lubac, the worst evil into which the Church can fall): that of living to give glory to one another. To simplify, there are two images of the Church: the evangelizing Church that goes out from itself; that of the “Dei Verbum religiose audiens et fidenter proclamans" [the Church that devoutly listens to and faithfully proclaims the Word of God - editor's note], or the worldly Church that lives in itself, of itself, for itself. This should illuminate the possible changes and reforms to be realized for the salvation of souls.

4) Thinking of the next Pope: a man who, through the contemplation of Jesus Christ and the adoration of Jesus Christ, may help the Church to go out from itself toward the existential peripheries, that may help it to be the fecund mother who lives “by the sweet and comforting joy of evangelizing.”

Rome, March 9, 2013

Can the New Pope face all these Challenges?

 Catholics, numbered over 1,165,714,000 (about 1.2 billion) which is, approximately, one out of every six of the global population. They remain half of the total Christians. In the first Holy Mass Pope Francis invited everyone to be true disciple of Jesus Christ. The Church, of which the real head is Christ, needs a serious guidance of the Vicar of Christ the visible head, according to the principles on which Jesus founded it.

 Before the beginning of the Conclave in March 2013, during the discussion of the General Assembly of the Cardinals, they discussed about the major challenges of the Church of today. ‘Governance’ seems to have been the main theme of this time, whereas at the time of election of Pope Ratzinger, it was ‘continuity’.

 The most important duty of the Vicar of Christ is to confirm everyone in faith. When we look around the globe, it is certain that the Catholic Church faces complex realities. A century ago, 70% Catholics lived in Europe and North America. Today it is just 32%, less than one third of the total. The West always had a significant role in the history of Christianity. But unfortunately, not many baptized Catholics practice their faith though they claim to be believers. Even though in the last years, the theme ‘New Evangelization’ has taken a momentum, tangible results are yet to come out. More than 42% of the Catholics belong to the Latin America. But it is disheartening to see the decrease in the number of the Catholics there because of their migration to the new Pentecostal movements. The sex-scandals have really affected the growth of the Church in North America, Scotland and other parts of the world. Healing the wounds of the affected, bringing the new hope to the depressed, lighting a candle in the darkness caused by the hatred, enkindling the original zeal and enthusiasm would be herculean tasks of the Servant of Servants, who represents the HEALER on earth.

 The major religions with which dialogue is needed, the cultures with which we must engage, the poor and oppressed that require liberation, are the major problems in Asia and Africa. Despite the fact that Asia and Africa represent the fastest-growing Catholic communities in the world, both these continents are yet to come to the main stream of the universal ecclesiastical concerns. For giving them the deserved attention, the New Pontiff will have to toil hard. Among the Asian countries, China needs special attention especially in diplomatic relation to build up friendly atmosphere with the communist government. Though the task in India is much easier compared to other places, All India Jurisdiction and freedom for evangelization of all the three sui iuris Churches would not be less important issues to be solved by the New Pope. Though Christianity got birth in the Middle East of Asia, this minority community struggles for its existence, between the civil wars and oppression from the other religions.  

Just as the Pope is the Successor of Peter, so also the Bishops are the continuation of the twelve Apostles. Together with them in collegiality, he must govern the Church. The Roman Pontiff is the point of reference of unity that will knit the college of Bishops in an ideal manner. Above all, Pope Francis will need a delicate art to govern the Church when there is also the physical presence of the Pope Emeritus.

Governance, shadowed down by Vatileaks and related issues, Pope Francis may have to take extra effort for a transparent and clean administration. Before the conclave, the cardinals reported to have discussed about the activities of the Holy See and its relations with Bishops throughout the world; Collegiality; a better management of the Vatican Curia and of Vatican finances especially the management of the Institute for Works of Religion (IOR). The Assembly also gave amble importance for the themes like the renewal of the Church in light of Vatican Council II; the Church's position and the need for the New Evangelization in today's world with its diverse cultural environments; justice in the world; the importance of the Church proclaiming a positive message of love and mercy, etc. The Church needs to continue with its power and vigour, on the issues on ecumenism, relations with other Christian communities, interreligious dialogue, the Church's charitable efforts, contemporary culture, bioethics, the role of women in the Church, etc with due importance. 

 Among those who do not know the Gospel and the Church, the power and positions lead to misconception that the Church is merely earthly power entrapped with political and financial issues. Taking the lead together with the world religious leaders, to continue to be the moral voice of the humanity, the Pope will need to be clearly communicating the moral principles understanding the needs of the time. Though the title Patriarch of the West is not used from 2005, the Pope, the Symbol of unity will have to bring together all the Catholic and Non-Catholic Eastern Churches as solemnly proclaimed by the Second Vatican Council. World social issues such as poverty, oppression, discrimination, injustice, inequality, destroyed families, live-in relationship, de facto unions, gay marriages, abortion, relativism, secularism, consumerism, materialism and individualism, etc are not trivial issues to be tackled. Celibacy of priests, women priesthood could be also issues from within the Church that the Pope may have to face.

In the world of gains, careers, finances, scandals, showing THE WAY to the younger generation would not be as easy as it appears to be. Leading the men and women to God of Bible is the supreme and fundamental duty of the Servant of Servants. Hence his true mission is to revive the Christian faith where it is almost extinguished and to propagate it where it has not yet arrived.

 Can the New Pope face all these challenges by himself? Everyone looks at him for a node, guidance, encouragement, a good word, correction, direction and decision. He is looked at to be living model of the real Christian faith. It is our ardent prayer and heartfelt wish that the new Pope, a true man of God, be the protagonist of the true colour and image of the church. Sure, the Vicar of Christ is challenged to be like Jesus.  St. Francis Assisi is known to be the second Christ. The follower of Francis Assisi Pope Francis, if rightly accomplish this mission of Christ will emerge to be a ‘third Christ’ or a ‘second Francis Assisi’ in the modern world.

 

Fr. Francis Eluvathingal

Chancellor, Kalyan Diocese

Motto of Pope Francis Explained

The motto of Pope, “Miserando Atque Eligendo” has aroused some people to send me questions. What’s with the Latin? What are those -nd- forms? Are they gerundives? People are getting some things wrong.
“Lowly and chosen”, some have suggested. Noooooo.….
First, as others have noted, this is from Venerable Bede’s sermon on Matthew 9. It is listed in one list as s. 22, and in others as s. 30 In nat. S. Matthaei . For the Latin go here. The lines immediately before provide some context.

Quia Christus Jesus venit in hunc mundum peccatores salvos facere, quorum primus ego sum. Sed ideo misericordiam consecutus sum, ut in me primo ostenderet Christus Jesus omnem patientiam, ad exemplum eorum qui credituri sunt illi in vitam aeternam (I Tim. I).

The Lord came to show mercy.
For the line in question.

“Vidit ergo Iesus publicanum, et quia miserando atque eligendo vidit, ait illi, ‘Sequere me’.
Jesus, therefore, saw the publican, and because he saw by having mercy and by choosing, He said to him, ‘Follow me’”.

What we have here is a fairly straight forward use of ablative gerunds. The ablative conveys the manner or even instrumental dimension of what is being done. We ask, when reading about what Christ did, “How did Jesus come to pick Matthew?” He called Matthew by a) having compassion and b) by making a decision.
So the new Bishop Bergoglio, back in the day, chose a motto to describe how he would go about being a bishop: he would be a bishop by showing compassion and by making decisions… miserando atque eligendo. He was probably thinking about how he felt himself to have been selected by God to follow Him: because God was merciful to Him and because God selected Him. Thus, as a bishop, He would do the same: show mercy and make choices.
A good motto for a reformer.
Let’s find the quote and then the context and sequela, if you will pardon the pun.

Vidit ergo Iesus publicanum, et quia miserando atque eligendo vidit, ait illi, Sequere me. Sequere autem dixit imitare. Sequere dixit non tam incessu pedum, quam executione morum. Qui enim dicit se in Christo manere, debet sicut ille ambulavit, et ipse ambulare: quod est non ambire terrena, non caduca lucra sectari, fugere honores, contemptum mundi omnen pro coelesti gloria libenter amplectio, cunctis prodesse, amare, iniurias nulli inferre, at sibi illatas patienter suffere, sed et inferentibis a Domino veniam postulare, nunnumquam suam, sed conditoris semper gloriam quaerere, quotquot valet secum ad amorem supernorum erigere. Haec est huiusmodi gerere, Christi est vestigia sequi.
Jesus, therefore, saw the publican, and because he saw by having mercy and by choosing, He said to him, ‘Follow me’”. ’Follow’ means to imitate. ‘Follow’, He said, not so much in the pacing of feet, as in the carrying out of morals. For whoever says that he remains in Christ, ought himself to walk as He walked: which means not striving for earthly things, not eagerly pursuing fallen riches, fleeing honors, willingly embracing all the contempt of the world for the sake of heavenly glory, being advantageous to all, loving, occasioning injuries for no one but patiently suffering those caused to oneself, but seeking always the glory of the Creator, as often as one can raise himself up toward the love of those things which are above. This is what acting in that way is, This is following in the footsteps of Christ.

Stunning stuff.
Bottom line.
“By showing compassion and by choosing”.
We can dress this up a little but that’s what the motto really says.

Numbers of Catholics

A century ago, 70 percent of Catholics lived in Europe and North America. Today just 32 percent, less than one third of the total.

More than two thirds of Catholics today therefore live in Latin America, in Africa, in Asia and Oceania.

In Latin America, they have grown in one century from 70 million to 425 million.

In Asia and Oceania from 14 million to 131 million.

The most astonishing increase has been in sub-Saharan Africa. Catholics were just 1 million in 1910. A hundred years later 171 million. In one century they have gone from less than one percent to 16 percent of the population.

The ranking of the countries with the largest number of Catholics has also been revolutionized.

In 1910 the leaders of the pack were France and Italy, with 40 and 35 million Catholics respectively. Brazil followed with 21 million. There were more Catholics in Germany than in Mexico: 16 million versus 14 million.

In 2010 Brazil jumped into the lead with 126 million Catholics, followed by Mexico with 96 million and the Philippines with 75 million. And for the first time one of the top ten was an African country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 31 million Catholics.

Among the countries of Europe and North America, only the United States has seen over the past century a clear percentage increase of Catholics in the overall population. They were 14% in 1910, now they are 24%. In absolute numbers, with 75 million Catholics, the United States today is tied with the Philippines for third place in the general ranking.

In various countries of ancient Christian tradition, including those high in the rankings, Catholics no longer make up almost the whole of the population, as was the case a century ago. For example, in Brazil in 1910 Catholics were 95 percent of the population. Today 65 percent. This reduction has taken place above all in recent decades.

POPE FRANCIS' FIRST ACTIVITIES
Vatican City, 14 March 2013 (VIS) – During the course of this afternoon's press conference, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., director of the Holy See Press Office, repeated the information for the upcoming papal events after this afternoon's Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the Cardinal electors.
On Friday, 15 March, at 11:00am in the Clementine Hall he will meet with the full College of Cardinals, electors and non-electors, in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. As the Holy See Press Office spokesman noted, this will be a familial gathering, with the Pope personally greeting each of the cardinals.
On Saturday at 11:00am in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope will hold an audience with accredited journalists (permanent and temporary) and those who work in the media.
On Sunday, 17 March at 12:00pm, he will recite the first Angelus of his papacy from the papal apartments overlooking St. Peter's Square, as is customary.
On Tuesday, 19 March—the Feast of St. Joseph, patron of the Church—the Mass to inaugurate the new papacy will be held at 9:30am in St. Peter's Square. No tickets will be issued for that Mass. All who wish may attend.
On Wednesday, 20 March, he will hold an audience with fraternal delegates representing the heads of the various Eastern rite Churches so there will not be a General Audience.

Pope to mark first full day

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis put his humility on display during his first day as pontiff Thursday, stopping by his hotel to pick up his luggage and pay the bill himself in a decidedly different style for the papacy usually ensconced inside the frescoed halls of the Vatican.
The break from the tradition-minded previous pontificate was evident even in Francis' wardrobe choices: He kept the simple pectoral cross of his days as bishop and eschewed the red cape that Benedict XVI wore when he was presented to the world for the first time in 2005 - choosing instead the simple white cassock of the papacy.

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Argentina's Bergoglio elected Pope Francis

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The former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, began his first day as pope making an early morning visit in a simple Vatican car to a Roman basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary and prayed before an icon of the Madonna.

He had told a crowd of some 100,000 people packed in rain-soaked St. Peter's Square just after his election that he intended to pray to the Madonna "that she may watch over all of Rome."
He also told cardinals he would call on retired Pope Benedict XVI, but the Vatican said the visit wouldn't take place for a few days.
The main item on Francis' agenda Thursday was an inaugural afternoon Mass in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals on Wednesday elected him leader of the 1.2 billion-strong church in an unusually quick conclave.
Francis might be expected to outline some of his priorities as pope in the homily. It was expected to be delivered in Italian, again another break from the traditional-minded Benedict whose first homily as pope was in Latin.
Francis, the first Jesuit pope and first non-European since the Middle Ages, decided to call himself Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, the humble friar who dedicated his life to helping the poor.
The new pope, known for his work with the poor in Buenos Aires' slums, immediately charmed the crowd in St. Peter's, which roared when his name was announced and roared again when he emerged on the loggia of the basilica with a simple and familiar: "Brothers and sisters, good evening."
Waving shyly, he said the cardinals' job was to find a bishop of Rome. "It seems as if my brother cardinals went to find him from the end of the earth, but here we are. Thank you for the welcome."
The 76-year-old Bergoglio, said to have finished second when Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005, was chosen on just the fifth ballot to replace the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.
Francis urged the crowd to pray for Benedict and immediately after his election spoke by phone with the retired pope, who has been living at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo south of Rome. A visit to Benedict would be significant because Benedict's resignation has raised concerns about potential power conflicts emerging from the peculiar situation of having a reigning pope and a retired one.
Benedict's longtime aide, Monsignor Georg Gaenswein, accompanied Francis to the visit Thursday morning at St. Mary Major, the ANSA news agency reported. In addition to being Benedict's secretary, Gaenswein is also the prefect of the papal household and will be arranging the new pope's schedule.
After the visit, Francis also stopped by a Vatican-owned residence in downtown Rome to pick up the luggage that he left behind before moving into the Vatican hotel for the conclave.
He paid the bill "to give a good example," according to the Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi.
It was a remarkable show of simplicity and humility for a man who could easily have dispatched someone to do the job for him.
He displayed that same sense immediately after his election, shunning the special sedan that was to transport him to the hotel so he could ride on the bus with other cardinals, and refusing even an elevated platform from which he would greet them, according to U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
"He met with us on our own level," Dolan said.
Later, during dinner, the new pope addressed a few words to the cardinals:
"'May God forgive you for what you have done,'" Francis told them, Lombardi said.
Like many Latin American Catholics, Francis has a particular devotion to the Virgin Mary, and his visit to the basilica was a reflection of that. He prayed before a Byzantine icon of Mary and the infant Jesus, the Protectress of the Roman People.
"He had a great devotion to this icon of Mary and every time he comes from Argentina he visits this basilica," said one of the priests at the basilica, the Rev. Elio Montenero. "We were surprised today because did not announce his visit."
He then also went into the main altar area of the basilica and prayed before relics of the manger in Bethlehem where Jesus is said to have been born - an important pilgrimage spot for Jesuits.
Francis' election elated Latin America, home to 40 percent of the world's Catholics which has nevertheless long been underrepresented in the church leadership. On Wednesday, drivers honked their horns in the streets of Buenos Aires and television announcers screamed with elation at the news.
Cardinal Thomas Collins, the archbishop of Toronto, said the cardinals clearly chose Francis because he was simply "the best person to lead the church."
"I can't speak for all the cardinals but I think you see what a wonderful pope he is," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "He's just a very loving, wonderful guy. We just came to appreciate the tremendous gifts he has. He's much beloved in his diocese in Argentina. He has a great pastoral history of serving people."
The new pontiff brings a common touch. The son of middle-class Italian immigrants, he denied himself the luxuries that previous cardinals in Buenos Aires enjoyed. He lived in a simple apartment, often rode the bus to work, cooked his own meals and regularly visited slums that ring Argentina's capital. "If he brings that same desire for a simple lifestyle to the papal court, I think they are all going to be in shock," said the Rev. Thomas Reese, author of "Inside the Vatican," a must-read book on the Vatican bureaucracy. "This may not be a man who wants to wear silk and furs."
Francis considers social outreach, rather than doctrinal battles, to be the essential business of the church.
"As a champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us, he carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than 2,000 years - that in each other, we see the face of God," U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement.
As the 266th pope, Francis inherits a Catholic church in turmoil, beset by the clerical sex abuse scandal, internal divisions and dwindling numbers in parts of the world where Christianity had been strong for centuries.
While Latin America is still very Catholic, it has faced competition from aggressive evangelical churches that have chipped away at strongholds like Brazil, where the number of Catholics has dropped from 74 percent of the population in 2000 to 65 percent today. Like Europe, secularism has also taken hold: more and more people simply no longer identify themselves with any organized religion.
Francis is sure to bring the church closer to the poverty-wracked region, while also introducing the world to a very different type of pope. Reversing the typical order of blessings, he asked the crowd to bow their heads.
"I want you to bless me," Francis said.