John Paul I Seen As Teacher of Humility

Gregory Mussmacher, God Bless!!

John Paul I Seen As Teacher of Humility Benedict XVI Remembers Pope's Spiritual Legacy CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

Although Pope John Paul II was Pontiff for only 33 days, he left a great spiritual legacy, says Benedict XVI. The Pope said this as he reflected on the readings from today's liturgy before praying the Angelus with the crowds gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. He noted that the Gospel parable proposed by the liturgy "teaches us that humility is essential for welcoming the gift of salvation." The parable -- from Matthew -- speaks of two sons who were asked by their father to do some work in his vineyard. One of the two sons said yes, but did not go; the other refused, but then changed his mind and went. "With this parable Jesus emphasizes his predilection for sinners who convert," said the Holy Father. The Pontiff added that the reading from the Letter to the Philippians also calls for humility. "Do nothing out of selfishness or vainglory," St. Paul wrote, "but humbly regard others as superior to you." "Reflecting on these biblical texts," he said, "I immediately thought of Pope John Paul I, the 30th anniversary of whose death is today." Benedict XVI noted that John Paul I -- known as the "smiling Pope" -- had as his motto "Humilitas": "a single word that synthesizes what is essential in Christian life and indicates the indispensable virtue of those who are called to the service of authority in the Church." The essential virtue The Holy Father noted that his successor, who died 33 days after being elected Pope in 1978, had said in one of his four general audiences: "I will just recommend one virtue so dear to the Lord. He said, 'Learn from me who am meek and humble of heart.' Even if you have done great things, say: 'We are useless servants.' Alternatively, the tendency in all of us is rather the contrary: to show off." "Humility can be considered his spiritual legacy," said the German Pontiff. "His simplicity," continued the Pope, "was a vehicle of a solid and rich teaching that, thanks to the gift of an exceptional memory and great culture, he adorned with numerous references to ecclesiastical and secular writers." Benedict XVI called John Paul I "an incomparable catechist." "We must feel small before God," John Paul I had said. "I am not ashamed to feel like a child before his mother; one believes in one's mother; I believe in the Lord, in what he has revealed to me." Benedict XVI commented: "These words display the whole breadth of his faith. "As we thank God for having given him to the Church and to the world, let us treasure his example, exerting ourselves to cultivate his humility, which made him capable of talking to everyone, especially the little and so-called distant." email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23742?l=english

Sister Faustina's Confessor Remembered Pontiff Comments on Father Sopocko CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

Benedict XVI remembered the priest who was instrumental in helping St. Faustina Kowalska write her diary and communicate to the world her spiritual experiences. In greeting Polish pilgrims today after praying the Angelus with the crowds gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope turned his thoughts to the faithful gathered in Bialystok, Poland, for the beatification of Father Michal Sopocko, confessor and spiritual director of St. Faustina Kowalska.Father Sopocko (1888-1975) was also the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Merciful Jesus and the lay institute of Divine Mercy. He was born in Juszewszczyna, near the region of Vilnius (which at that time was in Poland, but is now in Lithuania). "At his suggestion," Benedict XVI said, "[Sister Faustina] described her mystical experiences and apparitions of merciful Jesus in her well known 'Diary.'" And also "thanks to his efforts," the Pope added, "the image with the words 'Jesus, I trust in you,' was painted and transmitted to the world." The image of the merciful Jesus is the work of Eugeniusz Kazimirowski, a Polish artist to whom Father Sopocko entrusted the task of reproducing what Sr. Faustina described in her diary. "This Servant of God became known as a zealous priest, teacher and promoter of the Divine Mercy devotion," the Pontiff said. The Holy Father noted that his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, had "entrusted the world to Divine Mercy." Benedict XVI repeated John Paul II's words to the pilgrims gathered at the papal summer residence: "May God, who is rich in mercy, bless you!" Family life Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, was sent by Benedict XVI to be his representative at today's beatification Mass in the square of the Church of Divine Mercy in Bialystok. Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, the archbishop of Krakow, delivered the homily during the Eucharistic celebration. According to Vatican Radio, Archbishop Amato invited all to follow the teaching of the Polish priest, especially in family relationships. "In families," the archbishop said, "there is need for mercy every day; every day the wife must be compassionate with her husband and vice-versa, continually reconfirming their reciprocal fidelity." "Every day parents must be magnanimous in forgiving their children," he said, "in experiencing their disobedience and their mistakes. But children too must be patient with their parents." Everyone, the prelate explained, in the family, at work, in society, everywhere and always, "can exercise mercy, forgiveness, understanding: our society needs honest, good, generous, compassionate citizens." email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23746?l=english

Benedict XVI to Return to Vatican CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

Benedict XVI will return to the Vatican this week, concluding his stay at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. The Pope made this announcement after praying the Angelus with the crowds gathered in the courtyard of the apostolic palace in the Italian town, located just 19 miles to the south of Rome. "Summer has come to an end and I will return to the Vatican the day after tomorrow," the Pontiff said. He has been residing in the Castel Gandolfo since July 2. "I thank the Lord for all the gifts he has bestowed upon me during this time," the Pontiff said. "I think especially of World Youth Day in Sydney, the period of rest in Bressanone, the visit to Sardinia and the apostolic trip to Paris and Lourdes; and I think of the possibility of sojourning here in this house, where I am better able to rest and work during the hottest months." Before leaving he directed an affectionate greeting to the community of Castel Gandolfo, with a heartfelt thank you to the bishop, the mayor and the various police departments." email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23743?l=english

Pope: Religious Liberty Is a Win-Win Situation Receives in Audience New Envoy From Czech Republic CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

When the Church is allowed the freedom to exercise its ministry, which includes the right to own the material goods it needs, everybody wins, says Benedict XVI. The Pope said this Saturday upon receiving the credentials of the new Czech envoy to the Holy See, Pavel Vosalik. The audience took place at the Papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. "Hope is indeed the timeless message which the Church offers to every generation, and it prompts her to participate in the global task of forging bonds of peace and goodwill among all peoples," the Holy Father said in his introduction. "She does this in a special way by her diplomatic activity, through which she extols the dignity of persons as destined for a life of communion with God and with one another," he added Noting that the Czech Republic will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2009, the Pontiff said "new avenues of influence will soon open" for the Czech Republic. "Your nation," he said, "bolstered by the sense of solidarity that enabled her to emerge courageously from the collapse of totalitarianism, also desires to contribute to the welfare of the human family by enhancing international cooperation in the struggle against violence, hunger, poverty and other social ills." Benedict XVI affirmed that "human happiness and well-being cannot be achieved through structures alone or by any single stratum of social or political life." Working together He explained: "The realization of a genuine culture worthy of man's noble vocation requires the harmonious cooperation of families, ecclesial communities, schools, businesses, community organizations and governmental institutions. "Far from being ends in themselves, these entities are organized structures intended for the service of all, and are integrally connected to one another in the pursuit of the common good. "For this reason, all of society benefits when the Church is afforded the right to exercise stewardship over the material and spiritual goods required for her ministry." The Pope acknowledged "signs of progress" in the Czech Republic, but said more is still to be done. He cited the positive resolution of issues regarding ecclesiastical property, and said he hoped the process will "move forward with honesty, fairness, and a genuine recognition of the Church's ability to contribute to the welfare of the republic." The Holy Father also mentioned his concern for the future of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, "which stands as a living witness to the rich cultural and religious heritage of your land, and testifies to the harmonious coexistence of Church and state." The Church in the Czech Republic has been embroiled in dispute for the last 16 years over ownership of the Gothic cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century, and adjacent buildings. The government currently holds control of the building. Genuine solidarity "By its very nature, the Gospel urges people of faith to offer themselves in loving service to their brothers and sisters without distinction and without counting the cost," continued Benedict XVI. "Love is the outward manifestation of the faith that sustains the community of believers and empowers them to be signs of hope for the world." He gave as an example the work of Caritas in the country: "The coordination between Caritas Czech Republic and the governmental Ministries of Health, Labor and Social Affairs demonstrates the potential fruits that can result from close collaboration between State and Church agencies. "I would emphasize here the enormous formative potential for young people, whose participation in such initiatives teaches them that genuine solidarity does not merely consist in supplying material goods but in making a gift of oneself." More than 10.2 million people reside in the Czech Republic, 26% of whom said they considered themselves Catholic in a 2001 census. Some 59% said they were unaffiliated with any religion, 2.1% said they were Protestant, and the remainder were either unspecific or claimed "other." email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23741?l=english

Can't the World Do More for the Poor? Father Lombardi Analyzes Economic Crises VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

If huge steps can be taken to save the most developed economies from crisis, why can't more be done for poorer countries, asks a Vatican spokesman. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, posed this question as he analyzed the urgent needs of the global economy on the last episode of the weekly Vatican Television program "Octava Dies." "The economic commitments that were suddenly taken on to salvage the American financial system, and by connection the international financial system, are of impressive dimensions," he said. On Sunday, U.S. Congressional leaders and the White House agreed to a $700 billion bailout of the financial industry -- the largest in the country's history. Father Lombardi noted that the effort to save the most developed economies from crisis is much greater than all international economic aid effort combined. "Without denying the urgency of this crisis, there is a question that naturally poses itself," Father Lombardi said. "Can't we and mustn't we do more to save the economies and promote the development of the poorest countries?" The Vatican spokesman noted that we ought not forget "that the necessary resources to help the poorest are much less in comparison to the worldwide military expenditures and the expenditures of the rich to satisfy non-primary needs." "These reflections may seem obvious and even ingenuous, but in reality they are essential in a long-term vision of the general interests of humanity, that looks to peaceful and fair development for the benefit of all," he said. Father Lombardi concluded his remarks with a quote from Benedict XVI's Sept. 21 Angelus address: "Such a commitment, while demanding sacrifices in these moments of worldwide economic difficulties, will not be without important benefits for the development of nations who are in need of help and for the peace and well-being of the entire planet." email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23744?l=english

Repressing Religion US Releases Annual Survey on Religious Freedom By Father John Flynn, LC ROME, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

Many people still suffer religious persecution, according to the annual report from the U.S. Department of State. On Sept. 19 the "2008 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom," was presented to the public by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The report, which covers the 12-month period up to June 30, 2008, started by noting in its introduction that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For the United States it is also the 10th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act, a bill that has brought with it greater attention to religious freedom from the U.S. government. The report's publication comes as the lack of religious freedom in some countries has received widespread attention. China is one country in the news and according to the Department of State the government's repression of religious freedom intensified in some regions, including in Tibetan areas and in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The report also noted that unregistered Protestant religious groups in Beijing experienced intensified harassment from government authorities in the lead up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. "Underground" Catholic clergy also faced repression, the report observed, in large part due to their avowed loyalty to the Vatican. As well, authorities in Shanghai implemented measures to prevent Catholic pilgrims from visiting the Marian Shrine of Sheshan during May. The Catholic Patriotic Association reports that 5.3 million persons worship in its churches. But according to the report, it is estimated that there are an additional 12 million or more persons who worship in unregistered Catholic churches that do not affiliate with the government association. Praying for the Pope Although there continue to be conflicts between the Chinese government and the Vatican, particularly over the nomination of bishops, the report commented that the distinction between the Catholic Patriotic Association and the unregistered Catholic Church has become less clear over time. In some official Catholic churches, clerics led prayers for the Pope, and pictures of the Pope were displayed, the report noted. Chinese authorities also restrict religion through restrictions on funding and clergy, the report explained. Even though the government has authorized funding to build new places of worship for registered venues, the number of temples, churches and mosques has not kept pace with growth in the number of worshippers. In addition, in general there is a severe shortage of trained clergy for both registered and unregistered religious groups. India is another country where religious persecution has been in the headlines in recent weeks and the Department of State's report contains ample information on the situation. Some Indian state governments enacted and amended "anti-conversion" laws. In addition, police and enforcement agencies often did not act swiftly to effectively counter communal attacks, including attacks against religious minorities. Extremists The report did affirm that the vast majority of persons from the religious groups in India live in peaceful coexistence. At the same time it acknowledged the existence of episodes of serious conflict. While the law system generally provides remedy for violations of religious freedom, it was not enforced rigorously or effectively in many cases pertaining to religiously oriented violence, the report noted. As a result, despite government efforts to foster communal harmony, some extremists continued to view ineffective investigation and prosecution of attacks on religious minorities, particularly at the state and local level, as a signal that they could commit such violence with impunity, the report commented. Hindu extremists attacked Christian villagers and churches in the Kandhamal district over the last Christmas holidays. Approximately 100 churches and Christian institutions were damaged, 700 Christian homes were destroyed causing villagers to flee to nearby forests, and 22 Christian-owned businesses were affected. The report also observed that according to some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) communal violence against religious minorities is part of a larger Hindu nationalist agenda and corresponds with ongoing state electoral politics. According to the 2001 government census, Hindus constitute 80.5% of the population, Muslims 13.4%, Christians 2.3%, Sikhs 1.8%, and others, including Buddhists, Jains, Parsis (Zoroastrians), Jews, and Baha'is, 1.1%. The report commented that local authorities arrested numerous Christians under state-level "anti-conversion" laws for allegedly engaging in conversions by force, allurement or fraud Hindu nationalist organizations frequently alleged that Christian missionaries lured low-caste Hindus with offers of free education and health care; they equated such actions with forced conversions. Christians responded, according to the report, by saying that low-caste Hindus converted of their own free will and that efforts by Hindu groups to "reconvert" these new Christians to Hinduism were themselves accompanied by offers of remuneration, and thus fraudulent. Some improvements Vietnam is another country where recent press reports have highlighted problems with a lack of religious freedom. However, according to the report by the State Department, respect for religious freedom and practice continued to improve during the past year. The Catholic Church, various Protestant congregations, and other smaller religious groups reported that their ability to gather and worship improved, according to the State Department. The Catholic Church also reported that the government approved the establishment of one additional Catholic seminary. The report cited estimates suggesting that more than half of the population is at least nominally Buddhist. The Catholic Church accounts for 8%-10% of the population. There are an estimated 8 million Catholics in the country, according to the Department of State, although government statistics place the number at 5.9 million. The Catholic Church operates 7 seminaries, with more than 1,000 students enrolled, as well as a new special training program for "older" students. The report commented, however, that local authorities must approve students for enrollment in a seminary, and again prior to their ordination as priests. Moreover, the report added, the Church considers that the number of students being ordained remains insufficient to support the growing Catholic population and indicated it would like to open additional seminaries and enroll new students more frequently. Restrictions remain In past days numerous reports of conflicts between the Catholic Church and the Vietnamese government over properties confiscated by authorities prompted an intervention by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. A Sept. 24 press release said that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom "respectfully differs with the U.S. State Department's decision to remove Vietnam from its list of 'Countries of Particular Concern' in 2006." "Vietnam continues to demonstrate a disturbing disregard for fundamental human rights, with police violence against protesters at peaceful vigils at properties formerly owned by the Catholic Church of Vietnam, the drawn-out imprisonment and house arrest of numerous religious freedom advocates," the press release noted. It went on to describe how peaceful vigils organized by Catholics to protest the confiscation of Church properties have resulted in the arrest of a number of protesters and even the use of physical force by police. "The Commission calls for Vietnam to be re-designated as one of the world's worst violators of religious freedom for its continuing systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom and other human rights," the statement conclude. As Cardinal Oswald Gracias of India just repeated this week, "Religious liberty is the first of liberties." These recent episodes of religious persecution provide a graphic reminder of the need to keep pressure on governments to guarantee the freedom of religion. email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23738?l=english

Bishop Calls on Catholics to Stop Dozing Urges Laity to Get Involved in Politics By Antonio Gaspari ASSISI, Italy, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

Catholics need to wake up when it comes to politics, and stop leaving "God in the pew," says a Vatican aide. Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said this today when he addressed a conference organized by Retinopera, a network of Italian organizations that promote the Church's social teachings. The meeting, under way in Assisi, is reflecting on the idea of the common good and, according to its organizers, seeks "to consider development understood as a moral question." Bishop Crepaldi said Benedict XVI's call in Cagliari, Sardinia, earlier this month for "the birth of a new generation of Christians involved in society and politics" was addressed to the Christian communities "who, as far as the formation new generations involved in society and politics is concerned, seem to be falling asleep." The bishop explained the need for Catholic laity involved in politics in the context of the "the idea, perhaps unexpressed, that secularization is an unstoppable process, a kind of 'destiny' of the West if not the entire planet." "Secularization, as God's ejection from the world to the point that he ceases to speak to it, is not the destiny of modernity," the bishop remarked. The prelate noted this is precisely "the principal challenge" that Pope John Paul II faced, and that Benedict XVI is currently confronting. "We must confidently join them as real protagonists, and not see ourselves as tired bit players in a script recited by others." Instrument The 61-year-old bishop emphasized that "the social teaching of the Church is an instrument of evangelization and education in the faith." He warned of the effects of pluralism "on our communities, even on the unity of faith, unity in regard to the foundations of culture, on the sense of ecclesial belonging, on fidelity to [the Church's] pastors." Bishop Crepaldi pointed out that "when it is claimed that Christ is only useful, but not indispensable, for man's understanding of himself and finding truly human solutions to development," and when we "support certain forms of pluralism without truth," then "we have gone beyond the bounds of legitimacy." He reaffirmed that "God cannot be left in the pew" and that religion and faith "must not be excluded from public life or used only for limited pragmatic goals." "Secularist ideology is not neutral," he warned, "but rather imposes an absolute vision." "Presenting a world without God is not synonymous with scientificity, objectivity, evaluative equanimity," the bishop said, adding that "those who decide to remove the crucifixes" are not "neutral," but "want a public space without crucifixes." "If God disappears from the public square," Bishop Crepaldi said, "our capacity to recognize the natural order, purpose and the 'good' begins to disappear." To avoid these dangers and renew the Christian community, the secretary for the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace indicated the urgency of a basic formation, beginning with the social teachings of the Church. He urged learning and teaching the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: "This Compendium is often cited but little read, it is celebrated on many occasions, that is, 'occasionally,' but never seriously adopted." Silence In regard to the political and social involvement of Catholics, Bishop Crepaldi noted: "Sometimes they censor themselves preventatively when they must enter and work in the public arena [] believing that this arena cannot permit references to faith and religion. "But it is precisely in this way that God disappears from the public square. Silently. By omission." Touching on the immediate challenge, the archbishop called for an end to "identity repression" and for the support of "conscientious objection." In this context he cited several examples: "Catholic agencies in the United Kingdom who are fighting for their right not to participate in adoptions by homosexual couples, which have been permitted by law"; "doctors and health workers who ask to be able to object not only to traditional abortion but new abortifacient drugs"; "civil authorities who refuse to register homosexual couples in the registries provided by the laws that recognize them in various ways." To defeat future challenges, individual resistance will not be enough, the prelate observed. In this respect he voice his agreement with Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop of Genoa, who has said that the Church is "of the people." "Being 'of the people,'" Bishop Crepaldi explained, "is not just a sociological datum; it is a theological datum that has to do with the Church's relationship to the world. [] And it is precisely from the development of this dimension that the new generation that Benedict XVI called for in Cagliari can be born." A rebirth, he said, that he doubted could succeed "without more conscious and integrated use of the Church's social teaching." email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23745?l=english

On John Paul I "Humility Can Be Considered His Spiritual Legacy" CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave before praying the Angelus with the crowds gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters! Today the liturgy proposes to us the Gospel parable of the two sons whom the father sent out to work in his vineyard. One of them immediately says yes, but then does not go; the other at first refuses, but then, repenting, follows his father's wishes. With this parable Jesus emphasizes his predilection for sinners who convert, and he teaches us that humility is essential for welcoming the gift of salvation. St. Paul, too, in the passage from the Letter to the Philippians that we meditate on today, calls for humility. "Do nothing out of selfishness or vainglory," he writes, "but humbly regard others as superior to you" (Philippians 2:3). These are Christ's own sentiments, he who laid aside divine glory for love of us, became man and lowered himself even to dying on the cross (cf. Philippians 2:5-8). The Greek verb that is used here, "ekenôsen," literally means that he "emptied himself" and places the profound humility and infinite love of Jesus, the humble Servant par excellence, in a clear light. Reflecting on these biblical texts, I immediately thought of Pope John Paul I, the 30th anniversary of whose death is today. He chose Charles Borromeo's motto as his own episcopal motto: "Humilitas": a single word that synthesizes what is essential in Christian life and indicates the indispensable virtue of those who are called to the service of authority in the Church. In one of the four general audiences of his very brief pontificate he said, among other things, in that tone that distinguished him: "I will just recommend one virtue so dear to the Lord. He said, 'Learn from me who am meek and humble of heart.' Even if you have done great things, say: 'We are useless servants.' Alternatively, the tendency in all of us is rather the contrary: to show off" (General Audience of Sept. 6, 1978). Humility can be considered his spiritual legacy. Because of this virtue of his, 33 days were enough for Pope Luciani to enter into the hearts of the people. In his speeches he used examples taken from concrete life, from his memories of family life and from popular wisdom. His simplicity was a vehicle of a solid and rich teaching that, thanks to the gift of an exceptional memory and great culture, he adorned with numerous references to ecclesiastical and secular writers. He was thus an incomparable catechist, in the line of Pius X, his fellow countryman and predecessor in the See of St. Mark and then in the see of St. Peter. "We must feel small before God," he said in the same audience. And added: "I am not ashamed to feel like a child before his mother; one believes in one's mother; I believe in the Lord, in what he has revealed to me." These words display the whole breadth of his faith. As we thank God for having given him to the Church and to the world, let us treasure his example, exerting ourselves to cultivate his humility, which made him capable of talking to everyone, especially the little and so-called distant. For these intentions let us call upon Mary Most Holy, humble handmaiden of the Lord. [After the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted the pilgrims in several languages. In Italian, he said:] Summer has come to an end and I will return to the Vatican the day after tomorrow. I thank the Lord for all the gifts he has bestowed upon me during this time. I think especially of World Youth Day in Sydney, the period of rest in Bressanone, the visit to Sardinia and the apostolic trip to Paris and Lourdes; and I think of the possibility of sojourning here in this house, where I am better able to rest and work during the hottest months. An affectionate greeting to the community of Castel Gandolfo, with a heartfelt thank you to the bishop, the mayor and the various police departments. Thanks to everyone and goodbye! [In English, he said:] I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking visitors gathered for this Angelus prayer. My special greeting goes to the students from Aquinas College in Australia and to the members of the Fatima pilgrimage from the Philippines. In today's Gospel, the Lord asks us to reflect whether we are obedient to the Father in word alone, or truly committed to following his will in our daily lives. May his words inspire in us a spirit of genuine conversion and an ever more generous commitment to the spread of the Gospel. Upon you and your families I cordially invoke God's blessings of wisdom, joy and peace! [Speaking again in Italian, he said:] As I offer best wishes to the students who have just begun the academic year, I express appreciation for the "Making Me Study is Good for Everyone" campaign of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In the spirit of St. Vincent, whom we celebrated in yesterday's liturgy, this initiative is proposed to prevent the poverty of illiteracy. I wish everyone a good month of October, month of the Holy Rosary, during which, if it pleases God, I will go on pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady at Pompei on Sunday, Oct. 19. Have a good Sunday! [Translation by Joseph G. Trabbic] email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23740?l=english

Pope's Address to New Czech Ambassador "Gospel Urges People of Faith to Offer Themselves in Loving Service" CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 28, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

Here is the address Benedict XVI gave Saturday upon receiving the credentials of the new Czech envoy to the Holy See, Pavel Vosalik. The audience took place at Castel Gandolfo. * * * Mr Ambassador, I am pleased to receive you today as you present the Letters of Credence accrediting you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic. I am grateful for your kind words as you begin the mission entrusted to you by your Government. Please express my respectful greetings to His Excellency, Mr Václav Klaus, President of the Republic, assuring him of my prayers for the well-being of all the people of your Country. Mr Ambassador, I appreciate the emphasis you have placed on the influence of Christianity on the rich cultural heritage of your nation, and particularly the role that the Gospel played in bringing hope to the Czech people in times of oppression. Hope is indeed the timeless message which the Church offers to every generation, and it prompts her to participate in the global task of forging bonds of peace and goodwill among all peoples. She does this in a special way by her diplomatic activity, through which she extols the dignity of persons as destined for a life of communion with God and with one another. Your nation, bolstered by the sense of solidarity that enabled her to emerge courageously from the collapse of totalitarianism, also desires to contribute to the welfare of the human family by enhancing international cooperation in the struggle against violence, hunger, poverty and other social ills. New avenues of influence will soon open for your country as it prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year. I am confident that by setting clear goals and facilitating the involvement of all member States, the distinct honour of presiding over the Council for a six-month term will permit the Czech Republic to exercise strong leadership in the shared endeavour of combining unity and diversity, national sovereignty and joint activity, and economic progress and social justice across the continent. The Church is well aware of the many challenges facing Europe precisely at a time when its nations aspire to build a more stable international community for future generations. To move forward, its leaders are called to recognize that human happiness and well-being cannot be achieved through structures alone or by any single stratum of social or political life (cf. "Spe Salvi," 24). The realization of a genuine culture worthy of man's noble vocation requires the harmonious cooperation of families, ecclesial communities, schools, businesses, community organizations and governmental institutions. Far from being ends in themselves, these entities are organized structures intended for the service of all, and are integrally connected to one another in the pursuit of the common good (cf. "Centesimus Annus," 13). For this reason, all of society benefits when the Church is afforded the right to exercise stewardship over the material and spiritual goods required for her ministry (cf. "Gaudium et Spes," 88). In your nation, there are signs of progress in this area, but there is more to be done. I am confident that the special Commissions set up by your Government and Parliament for resolving outstanding issues regarding ecclesiastical property will move forward with honesty, fairness, and a genuine recognition of the Church's ability to contribute to the welfare of the Republic. In particular, I hope that such considerations will be kept in clear view while a solution is sought concerning the future of the Cathedral in Prague, which stands as a living witness to the rich cultural and religious heritage of your land, and testifies to the harmonious coexistence of Church and State. By its very nature, the Gospel urges people of faith to offer themselves in loving service to their brothers and sisters without distinction and without counting the cost (cf. Lk 10:25-37). Love is the outward manifestation of the faith that sustains the community of believers and empowers them to be signs of hope for the world (cf. Jn 13:35). An example of this visible charity shines through the work of Caritas, whose members engage daily in a wide range of social services in your country. This is especially evident in the service it offers on behalf of expectant mothers, the homeless, the disabled, and the imprisoned. The coordination between Caritas Czech Republic and the governmental Ministries of Health, Labour and Social Affairs demonstrates the potential fruits that can result from close collaboration between State and Church agencies (cf. Deus Caritas Est, 30). I would emphasize here the enormous formative potential for young people, whose participation in such initiatives teaches them that genuine solidarity does not merely consist in supplying material goods but in making a gift of oneself (cf. Lk 17:33). Moreover, as the Czech Republic searches to expand ways of participating in the task of shaping a more cohesive and cooperative international community, we should not forget the many Czech citizens already serving abroad in long-term development and aid projects under the auspices of Caritas and other humanitarian organizations. I heartily encourage their efforts and commend the generosity of all your fellow citizens who creatively seek ways to serve the common good both within your nation and across the globe. Before closing, Your Excellency, allow me to express my sincere condolences to you and your fellow citizens upon the tragic death of Mr Ivo Žd'árek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Pakistan, who was among the victims killed in the recent attack in Islamabad. I pray daily for an end to such acts of aggression, and I encourage all those engaged in diplomatic service to dedicate themselves ever more keenly to facilitating peace and ensuring security throughout the world. As you begin your service, Mr Ambassador, I extend cordial wishes that the important mission entrusted to you will be fruitful. Please know that the offices of the Roman Curia are eager to assist you in the fulfilment of your duties. Asking you kindly to assure the people of the Czech Republic of my prayers and esteem, I invoke upon them an abundance of divine blessings and entrust them to the loving providence of Almighty God. © Copyright 2008 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana email this article: http://www.zenit.org/article-23739?l=english

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