Caribbean Church
by Robert Harvey
. CUBA - HAVANA
NEW US MEASURES WILL HIT POOR HARD,
SAYS CUBAN BISHOPS.
New restrictive measures announced by the US and Cuban government will only make life for harder “ the poorest families of our nation” said the Cuban bishops. These measures have created anguish and uncertainty for the Cuban people, they said.
The bishop criticized US measures to further restrict travel to Cuba especially by people with relatives there and further limit the money Cubans living in the United States can send to Cuba.
The bishops also criticized the price increases by the Cuban government, which described them as counter-measures to offset the expected economic loss to the Caribbean islands nation by the new US restrictions.
The US measures announced by President George W. Bush in mid May limit Cubans and Cuban-Americans living in the United States to one visit every three years and limit which relatives they can visit. Before, visits were allowed once a year. The measures also require that money be sent only to relatives in Cuba. Before, the money could be sent to anyone in Cuba.
The Cuban government’s counter-measures included raising gasoline prices by 15 percent and raising prices by as much as 25 percent on items such as food and clothing that can be bought only in dollars.
All these at a time when what is needed is peace, dialogue, reconciliation, unity and hope to revitalise the family as an institution and to put family well-being above political and ideological prejudices”, said the bishops. The statement reiterated the Cuban bishop’s opposition to the US economic embargo and noted that hierarchy first took this position in 1969.
GRENADA - ST.GEORGE’S
TWO GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION
Clergy, religious and Laity throughout the diocese of St. George’s - in -Grenada came out in their numbers on March 7th to celebrate fifty years of priestly ordination with retired bishop Sydney Charles and Father Jim Reagan at the Cathedral in St. George’s.
The two priest were ordained in 1954. Trinidad-born Bishop Charles who studied at the seminary of St. John Vianney and the Ugandan Martyrs was ordained to the sacred priesthood on March 7th 1954.
Ireland-born Fr. Reagan who studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Kiltegan was ordained in April of that year.
At a special Mass in their honour, chief celebrant Bishop Vincent Darius O.P. took the opportunity to call Grenada’s Catholics to a deeper commitment to the faith.
Celebration for the Jubilarians were also held in Roxborough and Grenville.
JAMAICA - KINGSTON
ARCHBISHOP BURKE RETURNS TO JAMAICA.
On Sunday May 2, the outgoing Jamaican-born Archbishop of Nassau, His grace , The Most Rev, Lawrence Aloysius Burke S.J. was installed as the fourth bishop of Kingston at the Holy Trinity Cathedral by the Apostolic Pro - Nuncio Most Rev Emil P. Tscherrig.
Born on October 27, 1932 the 72 year old bishop has had a most distinguished priesthood. After graduating from St. George’s College, Kingston, Lawrence Burke entered the Society of Jesus on August 14 at Lennox, Massachussets, USA. During this time he acquired several academic achievements including two Master degrees in Philosophy and theology. He was ordained a priest by the then Bishop John McEleney S.J. on June 16, 1964.
Archbishop Burke taught at his Alma Mater, St. George’s College and was its principal in 1981 when he was appointed bishop of Nassau for 23 years during which time he fostered the cause of the Haitian refugees during 1980s and 1990s. The Church in Nassau experienced significant growth during that period such that the Holy see raised it to the level of an Archdiocese and appointed Most Rev. Patrick Christopher Pinder S.T.D., a native Bahamian, as its current Archbishop.
JAMICAN PRIEST WINS FIRST US$1 MILLION
OPUS PRIZE.
A Bronx, N.Y. native who has worked for nearly 30 years among
the poor in Jamaica is the first winner of the US $ 1 million Opus prize. The prize was presented to 57 year Msgr. Richard Albert during commencement ceremonies May 21 at the University of San Francisco, where he also received an honorary doctorate.
The Opus Prize, billed as the largest humanitarian award for social entrepreneurship, is a faith based humanitarian grant to be awarded annually to an individual anywhere in the world.
Recipients must demonstrate a pioneering spirit to solving the root cause of social problems in their community.
Since arriving in Kingston, Jamaica in 1976, Msgr. Albert has founded six community centres that provide a broad range of services to abandoned elderly people, neglected children and teens, and people with AIDS and Hansen’s disease, which is what leprosy is now called.
He has also established Basic Schools and Skills training centre,s, Libraries a legal aid programme, soup kitchens and counselling services for teenage pregnancy, and human sexuality.
The $1 million will go to Helping Hands For The Poor INC. A US-based non profit organisation that will distribute the proceeds from the award over a period of time to support these specific Jamaican missionary efforts sponsored by Msgr.Albert.
“The good Jamaican people our charities serve will benefit tremendously from this prize” Msgr. Albert said in a statement. “ I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the Opus prize Foundation”.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ,
PORT-OF- SPAIN
ARCHBISHOP GILBERT - 40th ANNIVERSARY OF PRIESTLY ORDINATION.
On Monday June 21, 2004 His Grace Archbishop of Port of Spain celebrated the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination at a High Mass in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Port of Spain. Bishop John Mendes, the Clergy, Religious, Seminarians, members of communities, organizations and movements dedicated to the life and service of the Church, as well as the lay faithful, congratulated this significant milestone in his priestly and Episcopal career. They also wished him God’s continued blessing in his ongoing ministry as priest and bishop.
PROMOTING SEXUAL ABSTINENCE AMONG THE YOUNG.
From May 25 to 27, under the patronage of the Ministries of Health and Education of Trinidad & Tobago, four persons who are actively involved in promoting the Governor’s Programme on Abstinence (GPA) in Louisiana, USA, came to Trinidad & Tobago to do the same.
The three day training programme was held at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. Abstinence from sex until marriage as the only way to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) was promoted.
Teachers’ guidance officers, school principals, Church groups, representatives from the NGOs and faith—based organisations, priests and religious leaders of various faith representatives from the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission as well as Catholic News were in attendance for the training .
In a nutshell the Abstinence Programme is an attempt to provide a holistic approach to sexual abstinence among teenagers, the age group for which the programme is specifically geared.
The facts about STDs were presented in a detailed and frightening way and the opinion, supported by many health - care professionals, that condoms do not protect against the spread of HIV/ AIDS was reinforced.
An interesting aspect of the programme is the “second chance.” It puts forward the concept of renewed virginity for those teenagers who may already been sexually active but wish to convert or change their life - style. The person who chooses to renew his or her virginity promises to remain abstinent until the day of marriage.
World Church JOHN PAUL II HAILS GROWTH OF VOCATIONS IN COLOMBIA
John Paul II encouraged the flowering of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life that the church is experiencing in Colombia.
“A sign of hope” for the church in that country, is how the Pope described the phenomenon when he received a group of Colombian bishops in audience on June 17th.
The growth of vocations to ecclesiastical communities is an expression of their vitality, the Holy Father said.
In some Colombian regions, “rich in priestly and religious vocations”, the seminaries are a special blessing for the church, as the priests who come out of them not only serve in their local Churches but, in addition, some do not hesitate to go and collaborate in more needy areas, the Pope said-
He encouraged the Colombian prelates to continue on that path, without neglecting an assiduous pastoral vocational program for the future, conscious of the irreplaceable role of every ecclesial community in this task.
John Paul II said vocations depend on two fundamental elements. First, “incessant prayer to the owner of the harvest that he send workers to the harvest” is needed.
Second, the Holy Father said, children and young people must be educated “to face the challenges of Christian life”, also presenting to them “the conditions to hear the divine call to follow Christ on the path of the priestly or consecrated life through the evangelical counsels.”
“Take my greetings to young people, called to be ‘morning watchmen’ of this new millennium, hope of the church and the nation; in particular I am thinking of Colombian youths who are preparing for the priesthood or religious life in seminaries and houses of formation, “ the Pontiff said, before bidding the bishops farewell.
In 2001, there were 4,900 students of philosophy and theology preparing to be diocesan or religious priests in Colombia- an 85% increase since 1985, according to data in the Church’s Statistical Yearbook
ROME
4 KEYS FOR MEDIA ARE SPELLED OUT
To be truthful, to contribute to justice, to serve freedom and to transmit a“superabundance” of love are the keys for the media to foster peace, a Vatican official says.
Archbishop John Foley, the president of the Pontifical Council for Social
Communications, expressed these convictions when addressing a meeting of representatives of religious communities involved in the Peace Communications Network. The meeting was held at the Generalate of the Christian Brothers in Rome last year, on the 40th. anniversary of John XXIII’s encyclical “Pacem in Terris”, John Paul II chose as the theme of the World Communications Day “The Communications Media at the Service of Authentic Peace in the light of Pacem in Terris”, Archbishop Foley mentioned.
In this context, the Pope recalled that his predecessor John XXIII “had identified as the four pillars of authentic peace: truth, justice, freedom and love.”
“First, we have to guarantee that our own communications and those of the media are truthful,” Archbishop Foley exhorted. “In that way, they can render a wonderful service; otherwise, they can sometimes be used in the service of narrow interests, national, ethnic, racial or religious prejudices.”
“Second, we have to guarantee that our own communications and those of the media contribute to justice,” he said.
In this line, he quoted John Paul II’s words: “By accurately reporting events, correctly explaining issues and fairly representing diverse points of view, the media have a strict duty to foster justice and solidarity in human relationships at all levels of society.”
“This does not mean glossing over grievances and divisions, but getting at their roots so that they can be understood and healed,” the Pope wrote. .”Third, regarding freedom, Pope John Paul II said: “If the media are to serve freedom, they themselves must be free and correctly use that freedom. Their privileged status obliges the media to rise above purely commercial concerns and serve society’s true needs and interests,” Archbishop Foley added.
He quoted the Pope: “As a practical matter, ways must be found to give the weaker sectors of society access to the information which they need for their individual and social development, but also to ensure that they are not excluded from having an effective and responsible role in deciding media content and determining structures and policies os social communications. “
“Obviously, overcoming the so-called digital divide is part of that freedom for which we work,” the archbishop emphasized.
“Finally, regarding love, Pope John Paul II noted just two years ago at the Shrine of Divine Mercy outside Krakow that where hatred and thirst for revenge dominate, where war brings suffering and death to the innocent, there the grace of mercy is needed in order to settle human minds and hearts and to bring about peace,” said the Archbishop.
WASHINGTON
US. BISHOPS’ PANEL URGES NEW KIND OF POLITICS
In testimony submitted to the Democratic and Republican party platform committees, U.S. bishops have called for “a new kind of politics -focused on moral principles, not on the latest polls.”
Such a politics should focus “on the needs of the poor and vulnerable, not the contributions of the rich and powerful, and on the pursuit of the common good, not the demands of special interests,” the prelates said in a statement published in mid-June.
“The central question should be’ Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” the bishops declared. It should be ‘How can we- all of us -especially the weak and the vulnerable -be better off in the years ahead?”
Declaring that “our mission has been wounded,” the bishops suggest the reality of war and economic stress has “taught us that no amount of military strength, economic power, or technological advances can truly guarantee security, prosperity, or progress.”
“The most important challenges we face are not simply political, economic or technological, but ethical, moral and spiritual,” the statement said. “We face fundamental questions of life and death, war and peace, who moves ahead and who is left behind. “
The testimony submitted to the party platform committees is the text of “Faithful Citizenship. A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility,” the bishops’ quadrennial political responsibility statement, which reminds Catholics of their obligations as citizens to participate in the public life of the nation.
The bishops’ testimony is being submitted to both parties as they begin this month the process of drawing up new party platforms in preparation for this summer’s conventions.
BEJING -CHINA
1.300 CATECHUMENS IN CHINA ENTER THE CHURCH More than 1,300 new Catholics were welcomed into the Church ‘in various parts of China during Easter Vigil Mass this year, according to the Faith bulletin published in Hebei province.
The actual number is certainly higher because this figure refers only to parishes and towns in 10 provinces.
The highest number of baptisms, 285, was registered in Hengshui Diocese, confirming
Hebei as the most Catholic of the mainland China’s provinces.
The catechumens completed a two-year course in Christian initiation, consisting of catechesis, study of sacred Scripture, and community and individual prayer .
GENEVA
RELIEF AGENCIES TEAM UP IN SUDAN
Caritas Internationalis and Action by Church Together International have joined forces to respond to the humanitarian emergency in Sudan’s Darfur province.
Both organizations are faith-based networks representing Catholic and Orthodox churches and Protestant denominations and their related agencies across the world.
The joint ecumenical response will be known as the ACT /Caritas Darfur Emergency Response, according to a statement issued by Caritas Internationalis.
Caritas and ACT will issue a joint 18-month appeal shortly. A year and a half is considered to be the shortest possible time needed for internally displaced people and refugees to return to their homes and resume their lives.
The estimated number of beneficiaries will be in excess of 125,000 people, mainly in Mershing and Ta’asha in South Darfur and Zalingi in West Darfur.
The situation in Sudan’s Darfur region is “extremely grave”, said Nils Carstensen, the leader of the ACT international coordination assessment, who recently returned from the area of conflict.
The violence has displaced more that 1 million people and caused more than 130,000 people to flee into neighbouring Chad, where Caritas is providing assistance to more than 30,000 refugees.
ACT member Norwegian Church Aid is assisting 45,000 refugees in three camps in Chad. In the Darfur area where ACT members are working. More than 67,000 displaced people are camped in public buildings and open areas.
Duncan MacLaren, secretary-general of Caritas Internationalis, added, “The latest reports predict the possibility of I million deaths from starvation if we do not act now. All of the U.N. organizations report a lack of funding. We urge all governments to realize the seriousness of the situation and commit funds to ensure as many lives as possible are saved.”
BOSTON
CHURCH URGES VOTER REAC11ON ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
The Massachusetts Catholic Conference is sending letters to the state’s 710 parishes urging the faithful to “share their profound disappointment” with lawmakers who did not vote to ban homosexual marriages.
The mailings, issued by the lobbyist for the Catholic bishops, also prodded Catholics to offer their “highest praise” for lawmakers who opposed homosexual marriage during the spring’s Constitutional Convention, the Boston Globe reported.
The letter made no reference to Election Day, November 2, when al1200 seats in the state House and Senate are up for grabs. The mailings did not endorse particular lawmakers.
WASHINGTON
US. COURT KEEPS ‘GOD’ IN PLEDGE. FOR NOW
The U.S. Supreme Court turned aside an atheist’s attempt to remove the words “under God” from the pledge of Allegiance.
The ruling, which avoided the issue of constitutionality, was based on the technicality that Californian Michael Newdow could not bring the case because he did not have legal control over his 9-year-old daughter. It left open the possibility of future challenges.
The 8-0 decision overturned a- ruling by a- U.S. appeals court in California that reciting the phrase amounted to a violation of church-state separation.
Commenting on the decision Richard Thompson, chief counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, based in Michigan, said, “Because the Court avoided deciding the Pledge case on its merits, the ACLU and other anti-religious organizations will undoubtedly find anew plaintiff to again challenge the Pledge” .
Always Do What
Is Right Dear Boys and Girls,
God called the first man that He created Adam. He gave Adam a very beautiful place to live in. It was called Eden. All around Eden were beautiful plants, trees and flowers. Then God saw another way to make Adam happier He said: “If Adam has someone to love and share his thoughts with, he would be more like God who loved Adam and shared ‘his thoughts and love with him’. So God created Eve as a companion for Adam. They were very happy. They would walk with God in the garden and talk with Him. God gave them everything. He gave them all the fruits except the fruit of one tree which He asked them not to eat.
One day Eve met a snake. This was a special snake. Before God made Adam and Eve be made angels.. One of the angels called Lucifer, refused God’s love. He would not obey and he was thrown out of Heaven together with some angels who refused God’s love too. These fallen angels are now called demons and they hate men and want to prevent them from going to Heaven. So Lucifer as a serpent went to Eve and said to her:. “Eat the fruit from the tree, if you do you will become just like God.” Eve took the fruit and ate it and she gave some to Adam who ate it also.
After they ate the fruit they realized what they had done and they were afraid. So they hid from God, but God knew that they had eaten the fruit which He told them not to eat and He put them out of the garden They could no longer walk and talk with God. They had refused God’s love just as the bad angels They were disobedient They lost their beautiful garden where they had everything they wanted. Now Adam and Eve could not walk in the garden with God anymore and Adam had to work hard to get food for Eve and himself to eat and clothes to wear .
Because of Adam and Eve all babies are born with the stain of original sin and all men and women have to work hard to obtain food and clothes and education, and shelter… And all children have to work hard to pass examinations. However, God promised Adam and Eve that He would find a way to make things right again between them and Him. His way was to send Jesus.
Now boys and girls just as the serpent tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God there may be many times when some boy or girl or even an adult will encourage you to do what is wrong. You must not listen to them. You must do what you know is right. If you have doubts discuss the matter with someone, your Mummy, Daddy or teacher. Remember what happened to Adam and Eve and to all mankind as a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Always have the courage to say ‘No’. .You are about to commence your summer vacation make a habit of reading a bible story every day and read to your young brothers and sisters.
from Storyteller’s bible
What if someone thought of you every day all day long and gave you gifts continuously? Did you know that there is someone who does that? God thinks of you all the time. And God’s gifts are all around you, even when you don’t realize it.
Below, help Jim find his way to school. Then read the poem that he wrote for religion class. Thank You Lord
I ride my bike to school each day. I look at things along the way.
I think that I am glad to see all the wonders God gives to me!
God made for me the sun and sky, and lets me watch the birds that fly.
I like to study the ants and bees, and pick a leaf as I pass the trees.
The flowers give off a scent so sweet, and I love the green grass beneath my feet
I know it’s important to stop and pray… and thank God for his gifts each day!
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