World Over - 12-01-2011 - Dion DiMucci, Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez with Raymond Arroyo

Like a Shepherd

Soon and Very Soon...A Second Saint for Hawaii

Statue of Bl. Mother Marianne Cope in Kakaako

By now you must have read the news: Vatican brings Hawaii closer to gaining 2nd saint

A nun who dedicated her life to caring for exiled leprosy patients is a step closer to sainthood after the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints recommended her canonization on Tuesday.

I think Hawaii will be the only state in the union with two saints!

Bl. Mother Marianne Cope's Relic - Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu

This is wonderful news and I am sure everyone in Hawaii is excited about Bl. Mother Marianne Cope finally that much closer to being canonized.  I must admit it is only recently that I have grown to appreciate the work she did for the Hansen's Disease patients in Kalaupapa.  Before that, it bothered me that Saint Damien, then Father Damien, had so much opposition to his tireless work with those patients.  It also bothered me that it took so long before Mother Marianne Cope and her sisters finally went to help Father Damien.  I realize now how unselfishly she gave of herself.  And, of course, I have a devotion to her too.

"We thank God that the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of the Saints has approved a petition to ask Pope Benedict XVI to officially declare Blessed Marianne Cope, OSF, a saint of the Church. We are particularly joyful in Hawaii, because of Blessed Marianne's worked here, but her example of selfless love can soon be an inspiration to all the world. She was a woman who brought hope and joy to people who had good reason to lose hope and to lament their condition in life. At this time when so many people are losing hope because of our economy and the increased unrest throughout the world, Blessed Marianne inspires us to work simply for the good of others and to allow God to work miracles through the simple things we do. We look forward to honoring this holy woman in our celebrations, and most of all by our faith in the God who begins and sustains every good work among us."

- Statement by Bishop Larry Silva, Diocese of Honolulu.

Background of Barbara Cope (Bl. Mother Marianne Cope)

January 23, 1838 - Born to Peter and Barbara Koob (Cope) in the German Grand Ducy of Hesse-Darmstadt

In 1840, Koob family settled in Utica, New York

In August, 1862, entered the Sisters of the Third Oder of St. Francis, in Syracuse, N ew York
In 1877, elected Second Provencal Mother of the Syracuse Franciscans

Source: Mother Marianne of Molokai

Source

"Reverend Sister Maryanne, Matron of the Bishop Home":


To see the infinite pity of this place,
The mangled limb, the devastated face,
The innocent sufferers smiling at the rod,
A fool were tempted to deny his God.


He sees, and shrinks; but if he look again,
Lo, beauty springing from the breast of pain! -
He marks the sisters on the painful shores,
And even a fool is silent and adores.

- Robert Louis Stevenson, Kalawao, May 22, 1889

Recommended reading and source of the above is A Song of Pilgrimage and Exile: The Life and Spirit of Mother Marianne of Molokai by Sister Mary Laurence Hanley, O.S.F. and O.A. Bushnell.

"Where's the Line to See Jesus?"

Thanks Bob!

EWTN’s Christmas Specials: From ‘Star of Bethlehem’ To ‘Martin The Cobbler’

Irondale, AL – It’s Christmas and EWTN Global Catholic Network is brimming with Christmas movies, specials, children’s programs, musical extravaganzas and more. Below is just a sampling of the many programs that will be aired on EWTN over Advent and Christmas 2011 on EWTN.

For a full listing of U.S. specials, please check our television schedule at http://www.ewtn.com/tv/NA_2011_Dec_Advance.asp. For international listings, please click here: http://www.ewtn.com/tv/schedule_index.asp. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Children’s Programs


Martin The Cobbler: Based on the classic children’s tale by the great Russian author Leo Tolstoy, this story follows a lonely shoemaker who rediscovers his faith in God; narrated by Tolstoy’s daughter Alexandra Tolstoy. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 20 and 9:30 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.



We Are Catholic: Christmas Special: When the owner of the factory surprises everyone by shipping the largest Christmas tree in a helicopter, the Mayor is informed that Manuel and Phillip are lost in the forest. In a generous way, the helicopter is used to rescue the children. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec.20, 10 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29.



Michael The Visitor:Narrated by Stockard Channing, this charming fable is an adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret. Airs 5 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21 and 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27.



Hermie and Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas: Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar’s long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.



The First Christmas:The timeless Nativity story, narrated by Christopher Plummer(“Sound of Music”), was produced for the enjoyment of the whole family. With a musical background of familiar carols, this engaging special will be a favorite in your home. Airs 4:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:35 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.



We Celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Jesus:Lammy, the loveable puppet, guides children through the nativity story, and helps them to understand the true meaning of Christmas, with lots of singing, dancing, and good old fashioned fun. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Specials

Gift of Peace: The First Six Chapters of the Gospel of Luke: Leonardo Defilippis captures Jesus Christ's infancy and early ministry, and transforms himself into the aged and suspicious Zechariah, the trusting and humble young Mary, the cynical Pharisees, the delightful Peter, and Jesus the Beloved Savior. Airs 2 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 18; 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.



Path of the Messiah, Part 1: An EWTN original documentary follows Raymond Arroyo and Jeff Cavins as they travel to the Holy Land to retrace the footsteps of Our Lord. Part One begins this dramatic and beautiful journey into Christ's homeland, fittingly accompanied by Jeff and Raymond's reflections on the Messiah's mission and ministry. Airs 5:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 19; 2 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21; and 4:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 16.



Footprints of God: Jesus: The Word Became Flesh: Steve Ray continues his journey through Salvation History taking viewers to key sites from the life of Jesus, in this exciting travelogue, Bible study, and history lesson rolled into one. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 20.



The Star of Bethlehem: A look at the Biblical and historical evidence revealing the incredible significance of the Star of Bethlehem. Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; 5 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26, and 2 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29.


Timeless Dramas

A Time To Remember: This Christmas favorite tells the story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, with the help of a beloved priest. It’s a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and a Christmas miracle. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21; 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 1 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.



A Link in the Chain: James Cagney stars in the role of a retiring college professor who, wondering whether or not he’s made a difference in the lives of his students, begins to reflect on his relationship with them. Airs 11 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; and 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28.



The Chimes: Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23, and 4 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 30.


Music


San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad: Airs at 4 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21, and 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.



Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert (2011): Airs 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27, and 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31.



Dana: Our Family Christmas: Airs 6 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 11 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.



Tajci: A Christmas Broadcast Special: Airs 11 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25, and 9 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.


EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Aid to the Church in Need becomes a Pontifical Foundation

The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has been elevated by Pope Benedict XVI to the status of a Pontifical Foundation. The official seat of the foundation is the Vatican. This canonical act was enacted by a Chirograph, an official document in Latin personally signed by the Pope.

The Pope assigned the Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza as the President of the Foundation. He in turn has nominated Baron Johannes Heereman von Zuydtwyck as Executive President, with immediate effect as of December 1^st, 2011. The international headquarters of ACN will remain in Königstein, near Frankfurt am Main, Germany. For the 30 years preceding his present appointment, Baron Heereman was Secretary-General, and later Executive President of the Knights of Malta in Germany. Concurrent to this nomination, Father Martin Barta was appointed the Ecclesiastical Assistant of ACN. Father Barta is a member of the Clerical Association “Work of Jesus High Priest.”

The initial impulse for the founding of ACN came from Pope Pius XII. Inspired by the Pope's plea just after the Second World War to reach out to the 14 million post-war refugees in Germany, the Norbertine priest Werenfried van Straaten launched an appeal for reconciliation through charitable deeds. As among other things he collected bacon, he soon became known as the "Bacon Priest."

Today ACN is a worldwide community of over 600,000 friends and benefactors which support approximately 5,000 aid projects every year in over 140 different countries. In 2010 the total amount of donations came to over $115 million. The ACN benefactors are taken care of through 17 national offices in Europe, North and South America and Australia.

In the Chirograph signed by the Holy Father, he emphasizes the decades-long services of ACN to the Church. Now a Pontifical Foundation, ACN will continue as before, in a spirit of active charity to help wherever the Church faces hardship or persecution. As a pastoral charity, acting in the name of the Church, it is committed to strengthening and deepening Catholic faith and moral life.

Editor’s Notes:

Directly under the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need.  ACN is a Catholic charity - helping to bring Christ to the world through prayer, information and action.

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

The charity undertakes thousands of projects every year including providing transport for clergy and lay Church workers, construction of church buildings, funding for priests and nuns and help to train seminarians. Since the initiative’s launch in 1979, 43 million Aid to the Church in Need Child’s Bibles have been distributed worldwide.

For more information contact Michael Varenne at michael@churchinneed.org or call 718-609-0939 or fax718-609-0938. Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard Street, PO Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384. www.churchinneed.org

St. Nicholas - Bishop of Myra

Picture source

Prayer to St. Nicholas

Wonder-working follower of Christ,
from your early years you practiced fasting
and were outstanding in generosity.
You quickly distributed to the poor
what you had inherited from your parents.
Traveling to Palestine, you became a bishop
and dared to preach the Gospel
for which you were thrown into prison.
As "Santa Claus" you are still loved today.
Teach us to be generous like you!

- New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

EWTN to Air Personal Story Of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

One of the 20th Century’s Most Influential Voices

Irondale, AL – After Archbishop Fulton Sheen won an Emmy in 1952 for “Most Outstanding Television Personality,” he famously quipped, “I feel it is time I pay tribute to my four writers – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.”

 

Now, EWTN is proud to introduce a new generation to this superstar priest, who inspired millions – both on television and in print media – by the way he lived and by the witness he gave to his personal relationship with God. The new movie, “Servant of All,” produced by the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, will premiere on EWTN at 8 p.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 11; with encores at 3 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 12; and 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 17.

 

The Dec. 11 premiere will be preceded at 7 p.m. ET by an episode of EWTN's “Sunday Night Prime” television program, which will be dedicated Archbishop Sheen’s Cause for Canonization. Don't miss Host Fr. Benedict Groeschel's interviews with Msgr. Stanley Deptula, Executive Director of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, and Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR, Vice-Postulator of Sheen’s Cause for Canonization.

 

To purchase “Servant of All” from EWTN Religious Catalogue, please click here, http://bit.ly/t98TVp. To purchase other EWTN programs about Archbishop Sheen; episodes of Sheen’s famous TV show, “Life is Worth Living;” and books by Archbishop Sheen, please click here, http://bit.ly/sJneyy. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

 

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30^th year, is available in over 160 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

 

ACN News - Egypt – Extremists’ success sparks fear

 

Catholic leaders in Egypt have expressed alarm after Islamist groups achieved shocking success in the first round of parliamentary elections, gaining more than 65 percent of the vote.

The hardline Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice party received 45 percent, but the big surprise was the Nour Party, backed by the even more extremist Salafist Islamists, which received 21 percent.

In the elections, held last week in nine of Egypt’s 27 provinces including Cairo and Alexandria, a coalition of secular parties received only 25 percent.

Citing these statistics in an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Father Antoine Rafic Greiche, official spokesman for the Catholic Church in Egypt, said, “We were expecting the Muslim Brothers to do well, but we did not expect at all the success of the Salafists.”

“Their success is a big surprise and a cause for alarm not just for Christians but for moderate Muslims who will be very annoyed by what has happened.”

Explaining the threat posed by Salafists and the Nour Party, Father Greiche said, “The Salafists speak about forbidding tourism, preventing women from wearing swimming costumes and forcing them to be totally covered up.”

“They look at Christians and even moderate Muslims as Kuffars [derogatory term for non-Muslims] and say they want to implement the Shari’a Islamic law rigorously.”

Pointing out that Salafists had taken responsibility for a number of attacks on churches this year, Father Greiche said, “The Salafists’ attitude to Christians is to say that they can get their passport to go to the USA, France, UK or somewhere else in the West.”

“They always talk about Egypt as a Muslim country, even though there are up to 13 million Christians living here.”

He said that the Muslim Brotherhood were also hardline but would be angered by the Salafists, who by comparison have very limited political experience.

Coptic Catholic Bishop Kyrillos William of Assiut, Upper Egypt, said, “We are not afraid of the Salafists and the Muslim Brotherhood.”

“The success of the Salafists has surprised us, but we must wait and see what happens in the next two rounds of the elections.”

Meanwhile Coptic Catholic Bishop Antonios Aziz Mina of Giza said, “The Muslim Brothers know what they are doing. I am afraid what they, and the Salafists, might do if they got power.”

But both bishops and Father Greiche warned of pre-judging the situation, stressing that the elections were still in an early phase.

Father Greiche said that in Cairo and Alexandria, accusations of electoral malpractice had resulted in part of the vote being thrown out and reset for next month.

Bishop William said, “We have to wait and see what happens next. The secular and liberal parties are very young and they may develop as time goes on, collecting more support.”

Bishop Aziz said, “What we have seen over these past few days is only the first phase. It is too early to say what these results are going to mean.”

The next stages of the three-round elections will take place Wednesday, December 14^th, and January 3^rd, 2012, and will include provinces and towns and more conservative and rural districts.

With images: Bishop Kyrillos William of Assiut, Bishop Antoine Aziz Mina of Giza and Father Antoine Rafic Greiche (Photo: ACN).

Editor’s Notes:

Directly under the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need.  ACN is a Catholic charity - helping to bring Christ to the world through prayer, information and action.

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

The charity undertakes thousands of projects every year including providing transport for clergy and lay Church workers, construction of church buildings, funding for priests and nuns and help to train seminarians. Since the initiative’s launch in 1979, 43 million Aid to the Church in Need Child’s Bibles have been distributed worldwide.

For more information contact Michael Varenne at michael@churchinneed.org or call 718-609-0939 or fax718-609-0938. Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard Street, PO Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384. www.churchinneed.org

ACN News - India – Cardinal pays tribute to murdered nun

A religious Sister from India murdered after years spent championing the rights of the poor has received a moving tribute from one of the country’s most senior Church leaders, who also renewed calls for her killers to be brought to justice.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, described Sister Valsa John as “fearless” and “a person of courage and faith who gave her life in service of the Gospel.”

The 52-year-old Sister of Charity of Jesus and Mary (SCJM) was killed when up to 50 people broke into her home in Pachuwara village, Jharkhand state, reportedly pulling her from her bed and attacking her with a scythe and other sharp weapons.

Sr. Valsa had defended the rights of tribal people living in the Pakur district, campaigning against land acquisition by coal firms operating in the area.

In an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) on Tuesday, Nov. 29, Cardinal Gracias, said, “We are very proud of Sister Valsa.”

Speaking after a visit last week to Kerala state, south-west India, where he met friends and family of Sr. Valsa, Cardinal Gracias said, “She seemed totally fearless.”

“She had told her family that there were threats against her but that did not deter her.”

Speaking of her strong commitment to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, which is in communion with the Holy See, the cardinal added, “She had faith in Our Lord and faith in the people.”

Within days of the killing, on November 15^th, police arrested seven people reportedly linked to Maoist extremists operating in the area.

But Catholic sources in Jharkhand suspect that coal business leaders are implicated in the killing despite the presence of Maoist leaflets left at the crime spot.

Senior figures in the local coal industry had clashed with Sr. Valsa, who vigorously defended the rights of local people.

Stressing the need to bring the killers to justice, Cardinal Gracias told ACN, “It seems that Moaists have been blamed, but there are other reports suggesting the local coal industry was somehow involved.”

“But we should not comment prematurely. We have to allow the police space and time to carry out their inquiries. We hope the situation will be clearer within a few days.”

The cardinal, who is Archbishop of Bombay (Mumbai), said there were “question marks” hanging over the local police’s handling of the murder case.

But he added, “We do not want in any way to condemn what the police are doing. It is important that they are able to carry on their work quickly and effectively and bring about justice.”

Sr. Valsa, who had lived in Pachuwara for nearly 15 years, had taken up the cause of Santhali tribals who were being displaced by coal firms operating in the region.

In 2007 she was arrested amid allegations that she had blocked roads in protest coal mine accused of illegally acquiring tribal lands.

Senior clergy in the region have described how she succeeded in obtaining compensation for families displaced from the area, as well as employment, education and medical help.

With picture of Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay and the late Sr. Valsa John (Photo: ACN).

Editor’s Notes:

Directly under the Holy Father, Aid to the Church in Need supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need.  ACN is a Catholic charity - helping to bring Christ to the world through prayer, information and action.

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried van Straaten, whom Pope John Paul II named “An Outstanding Apostle of Charity,” the organization is now at work in over 145 countries throughout the world.

The charity undertakes thousands of projects every year including providing transport for clergy and lay Church workers, construction of church buildings, funding for priests and nuns and help to train seminarians. Since the initiative’s launch in 1979, 43 million Aid to the Church in Need Child’s Bibles have been distributed worldwide.

For more information contact Michael Varenne at michael@churchinneed.org or call 718-609-0939 or fax718-609-0938. Aid to the Church in Need, 725 Leonard Street, PO Box 220384, Brooklyn, NY 11222-0384. www.churchinneed.org

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