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Fifty-third year, number 32-33 (2.659) Vatican City Friday, 7-14 August 2020

75th anniversary of Pope expressed solidarity with Lebanon and requests help from the international community Hiroshima bomb Beirut brought to its knees Thursday marked exactly 75 years since 6 August 1945, the day hu- manity felt for the first time the Over 150 dead and thousands injured in a devastating blast devastating power of nuclear wea- pons, in the bombing of Hiro shi- ma. Ever seeking that such “de- On Tuesday, 4 August, “in the port s t ru c tion of human life and prop- area of Beirut, massive explosions erty” never be repeated, Pope caused dozens of deaths, thousands Francis again condemned both the of injuries and serious destruction. use and possession of nuclear Let us pray for the victims, for weapons as “immoral”, as he had their families; and let us pray for stated on 24 November 2019 be- Lebanon so that, through the ded- fore the Peace Memorial erected ication of all its social, political and in the Japanese city to preserve religious elements, it might face the memory of that horror. He this extremely tragic and painful shared these thoughts in a letter moment and, with the help of the written in English and addressed international community, overcome to Hidehiko Yuzaki, Governor of the grave crisis they are experien- Hiroshima Prefecture, on the oc- cing”. These were Pope Francis casion of the annual memorial cel- words at the General Audience on ebrations of the catastrophe. In Wednesday, 5 August, as he ex- his letter, addressing the organi- pressed his solidarity, closeness and zers and participants, and in par- encouragement to the population ticular the hibakusha — survivors — of Beirut in the aftermath of a ter- the Pope solemnly acknowledged rible explosion that occurred in the the suffering of the victims, as he port, devastating the historical had done at the Hypocenter Park centre of the Lebanese capital, leav- in Nagasaki, the second martyred ing at least 157 people dead, some city devastated on 9 August 1945, 5,000 injured and hundreds of to keep alive and ever present the thousands homeless. reflection on “those terrible days Several videos show a series of of war three quarters of a century minor explosions followed by a ago”. more violent and devastating blast “Just as I came to Japan as a which could be heard as far away as Cyprus. According to the Le- pilgrim of peace last year”, the banese government the explosions were likely caused by a fire in a CONTINUED ON PA G E 2 warehouse in the port where some 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate had been stored, confiscated from a ship some years ago. Following an Congregation Doctrine of the Faith emergency meeting of the country's that those responsible would be In a statement Cardinal supreme defense council, President subject to the “harshest punish- Jean-Claude Hollerich, “on behalf On the validity of Baptism Michel Aoun declared Beirut a dis- ments”. The country's Prime Minis- of all Bishops of the European aster zone and announced a ter, Hassan Diab, declared Wednes- Union”, shared in “the shock and PAGE 4 two-week state of emergency, indi- day a day of national mourning. the sadness of the people of cating that the military would have Beirut's governor, Marwan Ab- B e i ru t ”, expressing “deepest con- the authority to maintain security. boud, compared the blast to the dolences to the families of the vic- In a tweet, he stated that the stor- Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear tims and to all those that have lost age of the 2,750 tons in an unsafe attacks that killed an estimated loved ones — friends, neighbours, We d n e s d a y ’s manner was “unacceptable”, and 225,000 people. colleagues”, and praying “for the souls of the deceased and for the speedy recovery of the injured”. General Audience The statement noted in particular that “The Catholic Church in the EU stands with Lebanese people, Francis visits Saint Mary Major including the many refugees who escaped violence and were wel- The Holy Father paid a comed in fraternity by this small visit to Saint Mary Major but generous country with a key on Wednesday afternoon, role for peace in the entire Middle 5 August, feast of the Eastern region”. Dedication of the Papal Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï, Basilica. Patriarch of Antioch for Maronites, Pope Francis prayed said that “Beirut is a devastated there in silence before the city”. He stated that “the Church, image of Our Lady Salus which has set up a relief network Populi Romani, entrusting throughout Lebanese territory”, is to the Virgin the “many now “faced with a new great duty” situations of sorrow that which she cannot assume on her are close to his heart, in- own. The Church, his statement cluding that of Lebanon” continued, stands “in solidarity particularly in light of the with the afflicted, the families of deadly explosion that oc- the victims, the wounded, and the curred in Beirut on Tues- displaced” whom she “is ready to PAGE 3 day, 4 August. welcome” in her institutions. page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 7-14 August 2020, number 32-33

The Holy Father accepted the resig- nation of Bishop John Marvin Le- Voirl from his office as Bishop of New Ulm, USA (6 Aug.).

APOSTOLIC NUNCIO VAT I C A N The Holy Father accepted the resig- nation of Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, titular Archbishop of The Holy Father appointed Fr Karol Anglona, from his office as Apostol- BULLETIN ic Nuncio (31 July). Kulczycki, SDS, as Bishop of Port Pirie. Until now he has served as Custody of Saint Francis of Assisi in CHANGES IN EP I S C O PAT E Vice-Provincial of the Society of the SE C R E TA R I AT FOR THE Russia and Guardian of the Convent Divine Saviour — the Salvatorian in ECONOMY The Holy Father appointed as Bish- of St Anthony the Miracle Worker Poland (1 Aug.). op of Balsas, Brazil Fr Valentim Fa- in Saint Petersburg. The Holy Father appointed Mr gundes de Meneses, MSC. Until now Bishop-elect Kulczycki, 53, was Maximino Caballero Ledo as Secret- he has served as Provincial Superior The Holy Father accepted the resig- born in Góra, Poland. A member of ary General of the Secretariat for the nation of Bishop Gregory O’Ke l l y, the Society of the Divine Saviour, he of the Missionaries of the Sacred Economy (4 Aug.). Heart of the Province of Rio de sj, from his office as Bishop of Port was ordained a priest on 28 May Janeiro, based in Juiz de Fora-MG Pirie, Australia (1 Aug.). 1994. Mr Caballero Ledo, 60, was born (29 July). in Mérida, Spain. He holds a degree in economics and a Masters in busi- Bishop-elect de Meneses, 67, was ness administration. He has worked born in Agualva, on the Island of for various Spanish and American Açores, Portugal. He completed his Holy Father appoints multinational companies. In 2007 he studies in philosophy and in theo- moved with his family to the United logy. A member of the Congregation States, where he has since resided of the Missionaries of the Sacred new personal secretary and where he has held various posi- Heart of Jesus, he was ordained a The Holy Father appointed as his “turnover of roles” in the Roman tions at a multinational healthcare priest on 2 July 1982. company, including Vice President new personal secretary Fr Fabio Curia desired by the Pope. of Finance for Latin America, Vice Salerno, Official of the Section The Holy Father appointed Fr President of Finance International, Nikolai Gennadevich Dubinin, OFM for Relations with States of the Fr Fabio Salerno, 41, was born in Catanzaro, Italy. He was or- and Vice President of Finance of the Conv., as Auxiliary Bishop of the Secretariat of State. Fr Salerno Americas. Archdiocese of Mother of God in will succeed Msgr Yoannis Lahzi dained a priest on 19 March 2011. He holds a doctorate in U t ro q u e Moscow, Russian Federation, assign- Gaid, who has served as the Holy I u re from the Pontifical Lateran ing him the titular episcopal See of Fa t h e r ’s personal secretary since NECROLO GY Acqua in Byzacena (30 July). University in Rome. Following April 2014. Msgr Gaid will con- his studies at the Pontifical Eccle- Archbishop Bernard Mosiuoa Moh- Bishop-elect Dubinin, 47, was tinue working with the Higher siastical Academy, he served as lalisi, OMI, Archbishop emeritus of born in Novoshakhtinsk, Southern Committee of Human Fraternity. secretary of the Apostolic Nunci- Maseru, Lesotho, at age 87 (24 July) Russia. A member of the Order of In a statement on Saturday, 1 Au- ature in Indonesia and of the Per- Friars Minor Conventual, he was or- gust, the Holy See Press Office manent Mission of the Holy See Bishop Rafael Barraza Sánchez, dained a priest on 24 June 2000. Director Matteo Bruni said the to the Council of Europe in Bishop emeritus of Mazatlán, Mex- Until now he has served as General change was part of the routine Strasbourg, France. ico, at age 91 (27 July)

Foundation finances 168 projects in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribb ean Hiroshima bomb

The Pope’s charitable gesture in the face of Covid-19 CONTINUED FROM PA G E 1

Holy Father wrote, “so I continue to The complex crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic The meeting was chaired by Bishop Javier del Rio hold in my heart the longing of the did not prevent the annual meeting of the Board of Alba of Arequipa, Peru, President of the Board of Dir- peoples of our time, especially of Directors of the Populorum Progressio Foundation, ectors. Fr Luis Ferney López and the operative team of young people, who thirst for peace which was held telematically on 29 and 30 July 2020. the Secretariat provided technical support for the meet- and make sacrifices for peace”. During the conference, in addition to analyzing the i n g. Moreover, he added, “I carry too the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic in the Latin The President of the Foundation itself, Cardinal cry of the poor, who are always American and Caribbean region, the Board selected Peter K.A. Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Pro- among the first victims of violence 138 of the numerous social development projects moting Integral Human Development, to which the and conflict”. Noting that “it has presented, focusing mainly on those developed by the Foundation is ent ru s t ed, thanked and encouraged its never been clearer that, for peace to communities and regions most in need, with the aim of members to continue working with dedication and en- flourish, all people need to lay down helping to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in the thusiasm on behalf of those who need their support in the weapons of war”, especially “the most powerful and destructive of short and medium term. this difficult situation. Significantly, the meeting also included the participation of the Secretary of the weapons: nuclear arms, that can In addition to these, another 30 food aid projects, Dicastery, Msgr Bruno-Marie Duffè, who, quoting cripple and destroy whole cities, already in operation, were approved by the Board of Pope Francis, stressed in his message that “it is not a whole countries”, the Pope ex- Directors in June in response to Pope Francis’ re q u e s t , question of preparing for the future, but of preparing pressed his hope that “the prophetic by virtue of the collaboration between the Foundation the future”, and that “the charity of the Church must voices of the hibakusha” may “con- and the Vatican Covid-19 Commission established by be a testimony of faith and hope”, and that “solidarity tinue to serve as a warning to us and the Pontiff within the Dicastery for Promoting Integral must help us to transform fear into hope”. for coming generations!”. He con- Human Development, in collaboration with other Di- As customary, this annual meeting was actively at- cluded his message with the invita- casteries of the Roman Curia and other agencies, in or- tended by representatives of the Committee for Chari- tion to the survivors and “to all who der to express the Church’s concern and love for the table Interventions in Favour of the Third World of work for reconciliation” to repeat entire human family in the face of this pandemic. Con- the Italian Episcopal Conference, which finances most the words of the psalmist: “For love sequently, there are a total of 168 projects involving 23 of my brethren and my friends, I say countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. CONTINUED ON PA G E 10 ‘Peace upon you!’ (Ps 122:8)”.

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GENERAL AU D I E N C E

After a month-long summer hiatus in July, Pope Francis resumed his weekly General Audience on Wednesday morning, 5 August, beginning a new series of catecheses with the theme “heal the world”. Due to ongoing restrictions related to the pandemic, he spoke from the private library of the Vatican’s Apostolic Library. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s catechesis, which he offered in Italian.

Holy Father begins a new series of catecheses with the theme “Heal the World” We have to assume a creative spirit

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let’s think of the beautiful ac- are called to continue “His work move forward in preparing the Good morning! count of the healing of the para- of healing and salvation” (CCC, future that we need. I cite the lytic at Capernaum (cf. Mk 2:1- The pandemic continues to cause 1421) in a physical, social and main ones which are closely con- 12) that we heard at the begin- deep wounds, exposing our vul- spiritual sense. nected: the principle of the dig- ning of the audience. While Jesus nerability. On every continent Although the Church adminis- nity of the person, the principle is preaching at the entrance to there are many who have died, of the common good, the prin- the house, four men bring their ters Christ’s healing grace many are ill. Many people and ciple of the preferential option for paralyzed friend to Jesus. Not be- through the sacraments, and al- many families are living a time of the poor, the principle of the uni- ing able to enter because there though she provides healthcare uncertainty because of socio-eco- versal destination of goods, the was such a great crowd there, services in the most remote nomic problems that especially principle of solidarity, of subsidi- they make a hole in the roof and corners of the planet, she is not affect the poorest. arity, the principle of the care for let the stretcher down in front of an expert in the prevention or the Thus, we must keep our gaze our common home. These prin- firmly fixed on Jesus (cf. Heb ciples help leaders, those respons- 12:2) and with this faith embrace ible for society, to foster growth the hope of the Kingdom of God and also, as in this case of the that Jesus himself brings us (cf. In the next few weeks, I invite you to tackle pandemic, the healing of the per- Mk 1:5; Mt 4:17; CCC 2816). A sonal and social fabric. All these Kingdom of healing and of salva- together the pressing questions that principles express in different tion that is already present in our the pandemic has brought to the fore, social ills ways the virtues of faith, hope midst (cf. Lk 10:11). A Kingdom above all. And we will do it in the light of the and love. of justice and of peace that is Over the next few weeks, I in- manifested through works of Gospel, of the theological virtues and of the vite you to tackle together the c h a r i t y, which in their turn in- principles of the Church’s social doctrine. pressing questions that the pan- crease hope and strengthen faith demic has brought to the fore, so- (cf. 1 Cor 13:13). Within the (@Pontifex) cial ills above all. And we will do Christian tradition, faith, hope and it in the light of the Gospel, of charity are much more than feel- the theological virtues and of the ings or attitudes. They are virtues him as he is preaching. “When cure of the pandemic. Nor does principles of the Church’s social infused within us through the Jesus saw their faith, he says to she give specific socio-political doctrine. We will explore togeth- grace of the Holy Spirit (cf. CCC, the paralytic, ‘My son, your sins pointers (cf. St Paul VI, Apostolic er how our Catholic social tradi- 1812, 1813): gifts that heal us and are forgiven’” (v. 5). And then, as Letter Octogesima adveniens, 14 tion can help the human family that make us healers, gifts that a visible sign, he adds: “Rise, May 1971, n. 4). This is the job of heal this world that suffers from open us to new horizons, even pick up your pallet, and go political and social leaders. Nev- serious illnesses. It is my desire while we are navigating the diffi- home” (v. 11). ertheless over the centuries, and that everyone reflect and work to- cult waters of our time. What a wonderful example of by the light of the Gospel, the gether, as followers of Jesus who A new encounter with the Gos- Church has developed several so- healing! Christ’s action is a direct heals, to construct a better world, pel of faith, of hope and of love cial principles which are funda- response to the faith of those full of hope for future genera- invites us to assume a creative mental (cf. The Compendium of the people, to the hope they put in tions (cf. Apostolic Exhortation, and renewed spirit. In this way, Social Doctrine of the Church, 160- him, to the love they show that Evangelii Gaudium, 24, November we will be able to transform the 208), principles that can help us 2013, n. 183). Thank you. roots of our physical, spiritual they have for each other. And so and social infirmities. We will be Jesus heals, but he does not simply heal the paralysis. He able to profoundly heal unjust SPECIAL GREETINGS systems and destructive practices heals everything, he forgives sins, that separate us from each other, he renews the life of the para- I greet the English-speaking threatening the human family and lyzed man and of his friends. He faithful. Upon you and your fam- our planet. makes him born again, let’s put it ilies I invoke the joy and peace of this way. It is a physical and spir- Jesus’ ministry offers many ex- the Lord. And please remember itual healing, all together, the amples of healing. When he heals to pray for me. May God bless fruit of personal and social en- those affected by fever (cf. Mk you! 1:29-34), by leprosy (cf. Mk 1:40- counter. Let’s imagine how this Lastly, my thoughts turn to the 45), by paralysis (see Mk 2:1-12); friendship, and the faith of all e l d e rl y, young people, the sick and when he restores sight (cf. Mk those present in that house, newlyweds. Do not grow tired of 8:22-26; Jn 9:1-7), speech or hear- would have grown thanks to Je- entrusting yourselves to the Lord, sus’ gesture; the healing en- ing (cf. Mk 7:31-37), in reality, he certain that he will guide you counter with Jesus! heals not only the physical illness with his grace, in every step of but the entire person. In this way, And so we can ask ourselves: your life. he restores the person back to the today, in what way can we help community, healed. He liberates heal our world? As disciples of the person from isolation because the Lord Jesus, who is the physi- he has healed him or her. cian of our souls and bodies, we page 4 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 7-14 August 2020, number 32-33

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Doctrinal Note on the modification of the sacramental formula of Baptism

The Congregation for the Doctrine of The Sacraments, in fact, inasmuch as celebration of a Sacrament does not is the visible sign that the Sacrament the Faith has recently dealt with some they were instituted by Jesus Christ, constitute simply a liturgical abuse, is not subject to an arbitrary action cases in which the Sacrament of Bap- are entrusted to the Church to be like the transgression of a positive of individuals or of the community, tism was administered with arbitrary preserved by her. It is evident here norm, but a vulnus inflicted upon and that it pertains to the Universal modifications to the sacramental for- that although the Church is consti- the ecclesial communion and the C h u rc h . mula established by the Church in tuted by the Holy Spirit, who is the identifiability of Christ’s action, and In this light must be understood liturgical texts. For this reason, the interpreter of the Word of God, and in the most grave cases rendering in- the tridentine injunction concerning Dicastery has prepared a “Response to can, to a certain extent, determine valid the Sacrament itself, because the necessity of the minister to at these questions” with an accompanying the rites which express the sacra- the nature of the ministerial action least have the intention to do that Doctrinal Note that explains its con- mental grace offered by Christ, does requires the transmission with fidel- which the Church does10. The inten- tents and recalls the doctrine on the tion therefore cannot remain only at validity of Sacraments connected to the the interior level, with the risk of form established by the Church with the subjective distractions, but must be use of approved sacramental formulas, Responses to questions proposed on the expressed in the exterior action con- so as to avoid interpretations and prac- validity of Baptism conferred with the formula stituted by the use of the matter and tices that deviate and in order to offer form of the Sacrament. Such an ac- a clear direction. “We baptize you in the name of the Father tion cannot but manifest the com- munion between that which the Recently there have been celebra- and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” minister accomplishes in the celebra- tions of the Sacrament of Baptism tion of each individual sacrament administered with the words: “In the QUESTIONS with that which the Church enacts name of the father and of the moth- in communion with the action of First question: Whether the Baptism conferred with the for- er, of the godfather and of the god- Christ himself: It is therefore funda- mula “We baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of mother, of the grandparents, of the mental that the sacramental action the Holy Spirit” is valid? family members, of the friends, in may not be achieved in its own the name of the community we bap- Second question: Whether those persons for whom baptism name, but in the person of Christ tize you in the name of the Father was celebrated with this formula must be baptized in forma ab- who acts in his Church, and in the and of the Son and of the Holy soluta? name of the Church. Spirit”. Apparently, the deliberate RESPONSES Therefore, in the specific case of modification of the sacramental for- the Sacrament of Baptism, not only mula was introduced to emphasize To the first question: Negative. does the minister not have the au- the communitarian significance of To the second question: Affirmative. thority to modify the sacramental Baptism, in order to express the par- formula to his own liking, for the ticipation of the family and of those The Supreme Pontiff Francis, at the Audience granted to the under- reasons of a christological and eccle- present, and to avoid the idea of the signed Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, siological nature already articulated, concentration of a sacred power in on June 8, 2020, approved these Responses and ordered their publica- but neither can he even declare that the priest to the detriment of the tion. he is acting on behalf of the parents, parents and the community that the godparents, relatives or friends, nor Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of formula in the Rituale Romano might in the name of the assembly the Faith, June 24, 2020, seem to imply1. With debatable pas- gathered for the celebration, because on the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. toral motives2, here resurfaces the an- he acts insofar as he is the sign-pres- cient temptation to substitute for the LUIS F. C A R D. LADARIA, SJ ence of the same Christ that is en- formula handed down by Tradition P re f e c t acted in the ritual gesture of the other texts judged more suitable. In Church. When the minister says “I GIACOMO MORANDI this regard, St. Thomas Aquinas had Titular Archbishop of Cerveteri baptize you…” he does not speak as already asked himself the question S e c re t a r y a functionary who carries out a role “utrum plures possint simul baptiz- entrusted to him, but he enacts min- are unum et eundem” to which he isterially the sign-presence of Christ, had replied negatively, insofar as this who acts in his Body to give his practice is contrary to the nature of not establish the very foundations of ity of that which has been received grace and to make the concrete litur- the minister3. her existence: the Word of God and (cf. 1 Cor 15:3). gical assembly a manifestation of The Second Vatican Council the saving acts of Christ. In the celebration of the Sacra- “the real nature of the true states that: “when a man baptizes it It is therefore understandable that ments, in fact, the subject is the C h u rc h ”11, insofar as “liturgical ser- is really Christ Himself who bap- in the course of the centuries the Church, the Body of Christ together vices are not private functions, but tizes”4. The affirmation of the Con- Church has safeguarded the form of with its Head, that manifests itself in are celebrations of the Church, stitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sac- the celebration of the Sacraments, the concrete gathered assembly9. which is the ‘sacrament of unity,’ rosanctum Concilium, inspired by a above all in those elements to which Such an assembly therefore acts min- namely the holy people united and text of Saint Augustine5, wants to re- Scripture attests and that make it isterially — not collegially — b ecause ordered under their bishops”12. turn the sacramental celebration to possible to recognize with absolute no group can make itself Church, Moreover, to modify the sacra- the presence of Christ, not only in clarity the gesture of Christ in the but becomes Church in virtue of a mental formula implies a lack of an the sense that he infuses his virtus to ritual action of the Church. The call that cannot arise from within understanding of the very nature of give it efficacy, but above all to in- Second Vatican Council has likewise the assembly itself. The minister is the ecclesial ministry that is always dicate that the Lord has the princip- established that no one “even if he therefore the sign-presence of Him at the service of God and his people al role in the event being celebrated. be a priest, may add, remove, or who gathers, and is at the same time and not the exercise of a power that change anything in the liturgy on the locus of the communion of every When celebrating a Sacrament, 8 goes so far as to manipulate what the Church in fact functions as the his own authority” . Modifying on liturgical assembly with the whole has been entrusted to the Church in one’s own initiative the form of the Church. In other words the minister Body that acts inseparably from its an act that pertains to the Tradition. Head, since it is Christ the Head Therefore, in every minister of Bap- who acts in the ecclesial Body gen- tism, there must not only be a erated by him in the Paschal mys- deeply rooted knowledge of the ob- tery6. The doctrine of the divine in- ligation to act in ecclesial commu- stitution of the Sacraments, solemnly nion, but also the same conviction affirmed by the Council of Trent7, that Saint Augustine attributes to thus sees its natural development the Precursor, which “was to be a and authentic interpretation in the certain peculiarity in Christ, such above-mentioned affirmation of Sac- that, although many ministers, be rosanctum Concilium. The two Coun- they righteous or unrighteous, cils are therefore in harmony in de- should baptize, the virtue of Bap- claring that they do not have the au- tism would be attributed to Him thority to subject the seven sacra- ments to the action of the Church. CONTINUED ON PA G E 10 number 32-33, Friday, 7-14 August 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 5 Beyond our shallow culture Pontiff’s message to participants in the annual Medjugorje Youth Festival

A Message by Pope Francis to participants in the annual Medjugorje Youth Festival was read aloud on Saturday evening, 1 August. The original text in Croatian was consigned to Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto, Apostolic Nuncio in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s Message.

Dear young friends! The annual youth meeting in Medjugorje is a time rich in prayer, catechesis and fraternity. It offers all of you the opportunity to en- counter the living Jesus Christ, especially in the Eucharist where he is praised and adored, and in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And in this way he helps you to discover another way of living, different from the one offered by our ephemeral culture, according to which nothing can be definitive and the only thing that matters is enjoying the present moment. In this climate of relativism, in which it is dif- ficult to find true and certain answers, the guiding words of the Festival, “Come and Young people attend the festival in Medjugorje see” (Jn 1:39), addressed by Jesus to the dis- ciples, are a blessing. To you too, Jesus directs his gaze and invites you to go and be with ators” who allowed others to encounter him, with him in prayer; entrust yourselves to him him. to know him and to follow him. Andrew went who is the expert on the human heart. immediately to tell his brother Simon about This most beautiful invitation from the Do not be afraid! Christ is alive and desires him, and led him to Jesus. When he saw Si- that each of you live. He is the true beauty Lord: “Come and see”, made by Christ’s mon, the Teacher immediately gave him a young and beloved disciple, is also addressed and youth of this world. Everything he nickname: “Cephas”, which means “ro ck”[in to future disciples. Jesus invites you to en- touches becomes young, becomes new, full of Aramaic], and will become the name Peter counter him and this Festival becomes an op- life and meaning (cf. Apost. Exhort. Christus (cf. Jn 1:40-42). This shows that in encounter- Vivit, 1). We see it precisely in that Gospel ing Jesus we become a new person, and we portunity to be able “to come and to see”. scene when the Lord asks the two disciples receive the mission to transmit this experience The word “come”, in addition to indicating a who are following him “What do you seek?”. to others, while always keeping our eyes fixed physical movement, has a deeper, spiritual And they answer: “Rabbi, where are you stay- on him, the Lord. meaning. It points to an itinerary of faith whose aim is “to see”, that is, to experience ing?”. And Jesus says: “Come and see” (cf. Jn Beloved young people, have you en- the Lord and, thanks to him, to see the full 1:35-39). And they go, see, and stay. In those countered this gaze of Jesus who asks you: disciples’ memory the experience of the en- “What do you seek”? Have you heard his and definitive meaning of our existence. counter with Jesus was so ingrained that one voice which tells you: “Come and see”? Have The Church’s great model, of a youthful of them even recorded the time: “It was about you felt that impulse to set out on a journey? heart, ready to follow Christ with freshness the tenth hour” (v. 39). Take time to be with Jesus, to be filled with and docility, is always the Virgin Mary. The The Gospel tells us that after staying at the his Spirit and to be ready for the fascinating power of her ‘yes’ and of that “let it be to L o rd ’s house, the two disciples became “medi- adventure of life. Go to encounter him; stay me” that she said to the angel always strikes us. Her ‘yes’ means being involved and taking risks, with no other guarantee but the cer- tainty of being the bearer of a promise. Her “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk In the prayer intention for the month of August 1:38) is the most beautiful example that tells us what happens when a person, in her free- The Pope prays for maritime workers dom, abandons herself into God’s hands. May this example fascinate you and guide you! Mary is the Mother who “watches over A rugged life, comprised of us, her children, on our journey through life, toil and separation, often often weary and in need, anxious that the danger and exploitation. On light of hope not fail. For that is our desire: the 100th anniversary of the that the light of hope never fail. Mary our Apostleship of the Sea, Stella Mother looks to this pilgrim people: a youth- Maris, the August video for ful people whom she loves, and who seek her the Pope's Worldwide Prayer in the silence of their hearts amid all the Network is dedicated to the noise, the chatter and the distractions of the world of seafarers. A sequence journey” (Christus Vivit, 48). of images of labour on fishing Dear young people, “keep running, attrac- boats, in ports, on large ted by the face of Christ, whom we love so freighters, amid stormy seas much, whom we adore in the Holy Eucharist and the exhausting work of and acknowledge in the flesh of our suffering loading and unloading cargo, brothers and sisters. May the Holy Spirit urge is dramatically juxtaposed you on as you run this race. The Church with images of families wait- fishermen and their families”, complicated”. Yet theirs is a needs your momentum, your intuitions, your ing anxiously on the shore for recalling that their life is “very most precious labour. Indeed, faith” (ibid., 299). On your route through the the return of a ship that had difficult”, marked for many by “without the people of the Gospel, also enlivened by this Festival, I en- set out untold months before. the scourges of exploitation sea, many parts of the world trust all of you to the intercession of the The brief film, released on and abuse. would starve”. Blessed Virgin Mary, invoking light and Tuesday, 4 August, has a In fact, in the course of As usual, the video is trans- strength from the Spirit so that you may be worldwide scope, dealing with their work, sailors and fisher- lated into nine languages and true witnesses to Christ. I pray for this and I a complex of human activities men, the Pope emphasizes, is available at: www.thep- bless you, and I ask that you, too, pray for in which it is clearly demon- are at times “victims of forced opevideo.org. It was created me. strated how everything is 'in- labour or are left behind in and produced by the Pope's terconnected'. Pope Francis distant ports”, and “the com- Worldwide Prayer Network in Rome, Saint John Lateran, invites us to pray “for all petition of industrial fishing collaboration with La Machi 29 June 2020 those who work and live from and the problem of pollution agency and the Dicastery for the sea, among them sailors, make their work even more Communication. FRANCIS number 32-33, Friday, 7-14 August 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 6/7

WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Trafficking in persons still constitutes an open wound on the body of contemporary society. I offer heartfelt thanks to all those who work on behalf of the innocent victims of the commodification of the human person. Much remains to be done! #EndHumanTrafficking

Slavery in Africa is a disgrace for all (@Pontifex) No one is born in chains

GIULIO ALBANESE of Eastern Africa toward Maghreb, Egypt, the 17th century, for example, the state of Ashanti Middle East and the Indian Ocean. was imposed under the charismatic leadership In addition to triggering protests, including vi- Historical testimonials indicate that as early of Osei Tutu. This kingdom extended its con- olent ones in several American cities, the recent as the second millenium before Christ, the trol along all the coasts of modern-day Ghana brutal killing of African American George Egyptians were receiving groups of African pris- and the Ivory Coast. The state of Ashanti was Caritas Internationalis and C O AT N E T appeal to governments Floyd in the United States also gave rise to a oners reduced to slaves from Nubia (the north- certainly the most powerful of the countries that heated debate on the issue of racism and its ern region of modern-day Sudan). Not to men- developed between the end of the 15th and 19th roots. In a letter prepared on behalf of 54 Afric- tion Roman domination in Africa which resul- centuries along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, from Taking care of the people most vulnerable an countries, Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to the ted in considerable trade in slaves, who were the mouth of the Senegal River to the western United Nations’ Human Rights Council used as labour, especially in the countryside of borders of Cameroon. These indigenous African governments were heavily strengthened by the (UNHRC) in Geneva officially presented an ur- the immense estates of wealthy landowners who On the World Day against Traf- ulting from government measures material or psychological protec- and also to put in place urgent intensification of their trade with Europe; natur- gent request, which was later taken up by the exploited them in place of free and wage-earn- ficking in Persons, Caritas Inter- to prevent the spread of Covid-19. tion and many of them do not and targeted measures to support ally slaves were the most valuable commodity. leadership, to discuss racism and police violence ing farmers. In the centuries that followed, at nationalis and C O AT N E T * urge Lack of freedom of movement even have a legal status.” workers in informal sectors. We in the context of the global mobilization follow- the beginning of the colonial era, the phe- Hegemonic classes, sometimes dynasties, exer- governments to intensify efforts to caused by lockdown and travel re- Restrictive measures on move- also call institutions and civil soci- ing Floyd’s death. nomenon gradually resumed with its precise cised power, having a military apparatus at their strictions means that human traf- ment also mean that it is harder identify victims of trafficking and ety organizations to protect chil- To understand the phenomenology of racism, connotation. In fact, unlike what happened in disposal as well as a bureaucracy capable of col- ficking victims in many countries for associations and authorities to exploitation, the number of which dren from abuse and exploitation, with particular reference to the suffering of the Americas, the power of native-born Africans lecting and administering the taxes of their sub- is worryingly increasing due to the have less chance of escaping and identify cases of trafficking and also through Internet and new African populations, it may also be helpful to was such that it discouraged any conquest on a jects. It is true that the political organization of Covid-19 pandemic. finding help when they are held in exploitation. quickly reference its primary source: slavery. It continental scale until the time of the industrial the African kingdoms did not extend uniformly Caritas Internationalis’ s e c re t a r y situations against their will. Other risks cited include in- media, and we ask all people to is a matter of the subjugation of zero-cost man- revolution around the 19th century. throughout the entire continent, also seeing the general, Aloysius John, says that Among them, there are many vic- creased violence against children be vigilant and to denounce cases multitude of “stateless states”, that is, small tri- “at this moment of Covid-19, we tims of trafficking for sexual ex- and children falling into online of human trafficking and exploita- bal groups of farmers without statutory regula- denounce a preoccupying reality ploitation. Domestic workers face exploitation if home-schooled in tion” Aloysius John added. tions. But it is also true that a relationship for vulnerable people and increase increased risks economically, and families with little parental super- gradually strengthened between Africa and also physically and psychologic- vision. At one point during lock- in risk of trafficking. Focused at- *COATNET is the network of 46 Europe due to the increasing commercial trade. ally, as they are even more cut off down in India, for example, tention to the pandemic must not Christian organisations engaged in There is no doubt that slavery was a disgrace prevent us from taking care of the from society during the pandemic. 92,000 cases of child abuse were Gabriel Hatti, president of the reported to authorities over the combating human trafficking. It is a for everyone: for the European merchants, the people most vulnerable to traffick- Caritas Middle East and North course of just 11 days. Children global network and comprises slave traders who unscrupulously bought hu- ing and exploitation. And this is Africa regional office, also high- from economically vulnerable fam- Caritas, other Catholic Church or- man merchandise, and the African chiefs who what local Caritas and C O AT N E T lights the difficult situation experi- ilies may be also forced onto the ganisations such as Bishops Confer- bartered away millions of young people for member organisations are doing all rum, spirits, gunpowder and rifles. But these enced in Lebanon and other streets to beg, facing high risk of ences and religious congregations, as over the world, along with other Middle East countries by “many exploitation. elites themselves paid a very high price because civil society organisations, provid- well as organisations of other Chris- they were crushed one by one by colonial Filipinos and other foreign work- “Victims of human trafficking tian denominations. The network ing much-needed safety nets for ers, who are struggling to return need immediate attention. In this powers. The last Ashanti king surrendered in provides opportunities for its members victims of trafficking and exploita- home after losing their job be- time of Covid-19, Caritas Interna- 1896 to an expeditionary force that arrived by tion, even during the pandemic, cause of the Covid-19 pandemic tionalis and C O AT N E T urge govern- to exchange knowledge and experi- sea to make his kingdom a colony of the British and accompany them in their diffi- and the current economic crisis. ments to provide them with access ence, as well as develop joint actions C ro w n . culties, offering material, medical, They are now lining up in front of to justice and to basic services, in and advocacy on behalf of members. As far as the eastern side of Africa is con- legal and psychological help”. their embassies, without any social particular shelters and hotlines, w w w. c o a t n e t . o rg cerned, it is still shocking today to read the The Catholic confederation, testimony of Captain Moresby, a naval officer with 162-member organisations, of her British Majesty, and to understand the and the Christian anti-trafficking vicissitudes to which millions of innocent network say the global pandemic people were subjected. “The negroes are piled has focused governments’ atten- into the hold of the vessel like loose wares”, the tion towards health, but at the To teach respect for women officer wrote, detailing that “the first row of same time not sufficient attention people, one next to the other, is arranged on has been paid to the collateral Declaration of the Archbishop of Lagos the bottom of the hull. Above, a platform is damage of the ongoing pandemic placed, onto which a second row is arranged, especially to migrants and inform- “Rape deeply wounds the re- demned all sexual perversion in- and so on, up to the underside of the deck. al workers, who are now more ex- “Memory for the Slaves” by stone sculptor Clara Sörnäs spect, freedom, physical and cluding rape”, as he stressed the There is news of boats that left Kilwa with 200- posed to trafficking and exploita- moral integrity of the victim. It urgent need that steps be taken 400 slaves and arrived 10 days later in Zanzibar tion. Caritas Internationalis and causes grave damage to the vic- to put an end to violence against power, known in the thousand-year history of Contrary to what is commonly believed, Por- with only a dozen alive”. His diary is one of the C O AT N E T also call for urgent and most shocking examples of the brutality of slave targeted measures to support tim, sometimes for life. Rape is women and children. He noted the African continent, centred on ideological tuguese settlements along the African coasts an intrinsically evil act that is that everyone has responsibility: opposition: civility/barbarity, superiority/inferi- were only a first attempt to penetrate the con- trafficking in eastern Africa three centuries ago. workers in informal sectors such as Naturally, there is no lack of voices of protest even more grave and condem- “Parents, religious bodies and ority and identity/alterity. It usually evokes in tinent. True colonization would occur only in domestic work, agricultural and such as that of the Scottish explorer and mis- construction work, where most nable when inflicted on children non-governmental Organizations our imagination the ships of slave traders cross- the 1800s, thanks to the expeditions of count- sionary David Livingstone (1813-1873). “In sober vulnerable workers (i.e. undocu- either by parents (incest) or those must deliberately teach the boy- ing the Atlantic Ocean loaded with men in less explorers and European missionaries. seriousness”, he wrote, “the subject does not ad- mented migrants) can be found. who exercise any form of author- child respect for women; con- chains, reduced to merchandise. In fact, the Adding to this, African rulers, from whom slave mit of exaggeration. To overdraw its evils is a According to the International ity over them especially those re- cerned government agencies must forced transfer of millions of Africans from the traders acquired the human merchandise begin- simple impossibility. The sights I have seen ... Labour Organization (ILO), there sponsible for their education”. pay attention to suggestive con- coast of the Gulf of Guinea to the European ning in the late 15th century, governed empires make me start up at dead of night, horrified...”. are more than 40 million people Archbishop Alfred Adewale Mar- tents that sexualize girls in mu- colonies in the Americas — of whom George that were vaster than any modern European na- Saint Daniele Comboni, father of the Su- in our world today who are vic- tins of Lagos, in a recent declara- sical videos as well as enforce Floyd was a descendant — was preceded, sup- tion. The primary commodity exchanged was danese Catholic Church (1831-1881) echoed him, tims of human trafficking and ex- tion, thus condemned the recent more strict restrictions on porno- ported and to some extent even exceeded over the valuable “ebony wood”, as slaves were condemning that “the abolition of slavery, as ploitation, an already critical situ- wave of sexual violence in Niger- graphic materials that are so eas- time by a second lesser-known but just as brutal called in code, along with firearms which decided by European powers in Paris in 1856, is ation, which the current health ia. The prelate observed that “the ily available on the internet”. kind of trafficking. We are speaking of the played a primary role, just as today, in the con- crisis has aggravated, due to lack Holy Scriptures and the Church route across the Sahara Desert and the regions quest and control of power. At the end of the CONTINUED ON PA G E 9 of housing and job insecurity res- down through the ages have con- CONTINUED ON PA G E 9 page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 7-14 August 2020, number 32-33

INTERVIEW

with Marguerite Barankitse

Maggy recounts her commitment to the orphans of violence between Tutsis and Hutu Break the chain of hatred and revenge

A deeply Catholic woman born in 1957 in were macheted to death before her very arated children can grow. It is estimated Ruyigi, Marguerite Barankitse, known to eyes. She was spared only because of her that to date Maggy has saved more than everyone as Maggy, was just 16 when her Tutsi heritage. Then a few hours later fifty thousand children without distinction life changed dramatically. It was 1993 when Maggy found herself facing the victims’ of ethnicity. the hatred between the Tutsi and Hutu led children, whom she took under her wing Today, 27 years later, Maggy continues to the massacre of over 300,000 people, in- together with her already adopted chil- to denounce human rights violations. For cluding 60 members of her own family in dren. As more and more children started this reason she has received many interna- the civil war. In Burundi, many fleeing coming looking for shelter, Maggy decided tional awards, and also made many en- Hutus took refuge in the episcopate where to create a centre to shelter and educate emies. Despite all the difficulties, she con- she worked, and it was there that 72 them, thus Maison Shalom was born, tinues to spread her message of non-viol- people — her colleagues and friends — providing a home where orphans and sep- ence and love for others.

value. So, that’s how I raised my ANNA MORGHEN hate each other today. If we want dren grow up, they are sent away to change this fratricidal climate children. Then I went to Lourdes. from the orphanage. And where that has been created, it is neces- When I came back, I worked in do they go? Where are their My first question is rather delicate. sary to change the political sys- charitable works and then as a roots? How are they given an If you could go back to that terrible tem.... It is not an ethnic war, it secretary to the Catholic bishop identity? The first form of dignity war, to 1993 when the civil war is a war made by bad politicians of my diocese in the East of the for the children is to belong to a started in Burundi: what went to maintain power, manipulating country. In Burundi we Catholics family, whether biological or ad- through your mind as you saw with the illiterate mass. make up 80% of the population. optive. It is important to make your own eyes what the Tutsis did How is it possible, I wond e re d , sure that the children find their to the Hutu? When did you start taking care of that Christians do not rebel family roots. Taking care of chil- c h i l d re n ? dren is not just about giving It was a Sunday. When I saw against this fratricidal hatred? I them clothes and then taking pic- that my own ethnicity had also Mine is a story based first and wanted to show that it was pos- tures because the benefactor taken revenge, it was as if I had foremost on Christian values. I sible to love others and reject this wants to show their image in sus- been stabbed, because two days had an extraordinary mother: she kind of violence. And that is why penders. I want to take care of earlier I had lost 60 members even today, even in exile, despite was widowed at 24 with two chil- every child, not educate them an- from my own [extended] family, the fact that they have taken dren. Mom told me that Dad was onymously, because every child killed by the Hutu. I am not say- everything from us, I remember always there, that we are Christi- has special needs. Children are ing that the Hutu or Tutsis were what God promised us. He told ans and that death doesn’t have not just orphans. It is not enough responsible: it was the system, the us: “D on’t be afraid, I have over- the last word. She said that we to say, “I’ll take care of this insti- political system that was wrong come evil. I will be with you until are all sisters and brothers and tution”. You have to take care of and that stirred up one part of the the end of time”. It is because of that we are all God’s children: we every child! I would like each of population against the other. are one family made up of God’s my Christian values that I go When I saw that, I said, “No! I’m wherever I am called. The fact them to express their own will, to children. A new family. I was 16 say what is the job they want to a Christian, and that helps me! I years old and I had started at- that I am from Burundi does not am a woman: I want to stand up! mean that I want to become a do when they grow up. In short, tending high school when the I’d like to give them the time I don’t want to give up! I will first inter-ethnic massacres broke leader of the Country; if they form a new generation of Hutus called me to Iraq, I would go to they need to understand. Then I out: it was 1972. And then I ask them, “What do you want me and Tutsis, I will make two famil- turned to my mother: “Mom, you Iraq, if they called me to Brazil, I ies one, consisting of the children would go to São Paulo. I would to do for you?”. And not “What tricked me! Why are we killing does the orphanage want to do of God”. As a Christian, that was each other? Why is there no com- go, because God has blessed us the feeling that guided me. and given us this land. As Saint for you?”. I want to raise all the passion? Where are the Christi- money we get to create hope for ans?”. So I said to her: “I want to Paul said in the letter to the Ro- Why was there so much hatred mans: “Who can be against us?”. the children. That’s what I did: I leave this school. I want to be- tried to recreate a “brotherho o d”, between the Hutus and Tutsis? come a teacher”. In this way I be- I started all this and I will go on. My joy is to be able to distribute I went to where the little ones I don’t think that’s true. That’s came a teacher, committing my- were born, I looked for their par- self to live and transmit Christian this happiness of the children of what our rulers have always told Go d. ents’ land to build a house there, us: they believe the Hutus hate values: compassion, tolerance, so that they could study with dignity and humility. People the Tutsis and the Tutsis hate the What kind of work are you doing their village peers. thought I was crazy. I was young, Hutus, but they don’t! That’s with these children so that they have I did not want only discipline just 24 years old. They fired me political mismanagement. Hutus dignity in their lives? for them, that they all study in and Tutsis live in the same vil- and I went to teach in a second- the same school, putting together lages. It is the absence of good ary school in the East of the I do not like orphanages, I all the orphans: no! It is necessary politics. It is politicians who ex- country. It was then that I was have never liked them, even to try to find their family, even if ploit people’s ignorance, manipu- able to adopt seven children: four though I am deeply Catholic and in a broad sense. And that is dig- late them and say, “Here, these Hutus and three Tutsis. It was I know that many congregations are your enemies”. But the truth 1980. My mother was an ex- take care of orphanages; but, I CONTINUED ON PA G E 9 is that they are not. I grew up traordinary woman, deeply Chris- have always asked: “What dig- with Hutus and Tutsis living in tian, and she always told me that nity? What do you give these the same villages. We didn’t hate before she was a Tutsi, she was a children? Do you give them an each other at all, and we don’t Christian, because that is the true identity?”. Because when the chil- number 32-33, Friday, 7-14 August 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 9

Resolution approved opposing female genital mutilation United Nations in defense of women

An important step forward in the fight against The abolition of this practice represents one olescence, and may have severe physical and a serious form of violence against women. The of the priorities of international action for the psychological consequences. UN Human Rights Council, which held its promotion and protection of human rights as The practice of mutilation is very wide- 44th Session from 30 June to 17 July, unanim- well as an important step toward reaching the spread in Africa. Current estimates indicate ously approved a new resolution on the elimin- Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. some 90 per cent of women are subjected to ation of female genital mutilation in the world. Although the practice is officially against the this form of violence especially in Somalia, The text, promoted by a group of African law in many nations, it is estimated that some countries, expresses condemnation of the prac- 200 million women and children live with this Guinea, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Egypt and Su- tice which constitutes a “human rights viola- mutilation and that 4.1 million may be at risk dan. Concerning numbers are also noted in tion and a form of violence against women and to be subjected to it in 2020. The procedure, a Asia and the Middle East in countries such as girls”, and is a threat to the “exercise of their serious violation of the right to health, is Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab human rights and fundamental freedoms”. mainly carried out during childhood or pread- Emirates and Malaysia.

To teach respect for women

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 6 and NGO s and health care workers to the sacredness of the person’s body frightening. The rape culture is as work with other professional organ- and an affront on the Almighty God repulsive and reprehensible as it is The Archbishop of Lagos is con- izations to offer victims the assist- who created the victim and every dehumanizing”. He expressed hope vinced that “each person must also ance and counseling necessary to other person in His image and like- “that the perpetrators of such resist the common view that people help them overcome the resulting ness”. He further described the in- heinous crimes will face the full must satisfy whatever urge or desire physical and psychological trauma. crease in rape cases as “an attestation wrath of the law and hopefully, they they have as if we are lower animals A recent upsurge in cases has in- that the society was fast plunging in- will be reformed and delivered of that have no control over their de- spired protests in several areas of the to the abyss of immorality”. the bad spirit that leads them to sires and urges. Everyone”, he con- country, as well as the launch of Archbishop Martins’ condemna- commit such horrible sexual tinued, “must also advocate for #WeAreTired, seeking urgent action tion of sexual violence was preceded crimes”. In particular, Archbishop justice for victims of rape and and justice for victims. Archbishop by that of Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama recalled that “the crimes of severest possible punishment for Martins admonished that “rape is Ayau Kaigama of Abuja, who had sexual abuse offend Our Lord, rapists”. He also challenged police not only a serious crime against the declared that “the increasing cases to guarantee justice to rape victims victim, it is also a gross violation of of the heinous crime of rape are cause physical, psychological and spiritual damage to the victims and harm the community of the faith- ful”. He called on Nigerians, and Christians in particular, “to help re- store our sick world that has lost the Break the chain of hatred and revenge sense of sin”.

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 8 lost everything; you have no home- land, no biological children; they nity. Dignity is first and foremost have closed everything, all the work having an identity: “I belong to you have done for decades is No one is born that community”. And therefore, it gone...”. And I answer: “I have lost is necessary to help that community nothing: I have my treasure, my in chains to improve its living conditions. ability to love and be authentic, the This I have done. I built the hospit- fruits of God. And that’s wonder- al for the whole community; I built ful”. I don’t think anyone will force CONTINUED FROM PA G E 6 the school for the whole com- me to keep silent. My life, on the munity; I created agricultural pro- day of my baptism, was put into a dead letter for Central Africa”. duction cooperatives so that the Go d’shands. I cannot be silent. The Cotton Tree, a majestic and sec- whole community could enjoy good Woe to me if I don’t announce the ular tree around which that sorrow- health, good food; I created a mi- Good News. ful Negritude was gathered from in- cro-finance bank to give work to land, vilely to be sold to European everyone; I built a cinema to give What message can you give to young or overseas slave traders still stands young people a window on the people? today in the centre of Freetown, Si- world; I also built a swimming pool erra Leone’s capital. For this country and a library. Children must have a An extraordinary message, be- the Cotton Tree has become the good education to put an end to vi- cause the youth of today have the symbol of the freedom won back by olence in their Country: to be good necessary energy. I’d say it’s the a people forced to endure unspeak- priests, good politicians, good only hope for a better world. A able humiliations for centuries. It mothers and good fathers. And that message that tells us that we must was precisely coinciding with the ab- is what I continue to do in the take care of their education. We olition of the despicable trade that refugee camps in Rwanda and I am cannot waste this great wealth that Her British Majesty’s Crown de- convinced that we will always suc- God has given us. And to the par- cided to send the African popula- ceed. ents I want to say: “In your hands tions who had finally obtained their Maggy in Rome in 2019 you have a diamond”. The only freedom to this land. In 1787, with Many people think you are ‘c ra z y ’. wealth that the world has is this great enthusiasm, the English phil- youth, and it is necessary to make it anthropist Granville Sharp rebap- What is the secret of this madness? of man. You see, we sing it; the reflect the hope that will transform tized the region ‘The Province of It’s true. The secret to this mad- secret is in Saint Christian’s song, the world into heaven. If they Fre e d o m ’. Slowly, beginning in 1896, ness is staring at the cross. The which says: “Infinite love of the want, they can reject this destiny the interior territories were also ad- cross, where the Son of God as Father who sent his Son to free that will lead them to suicide. In ministratively annexed, forming the God has agreed to be nailed. What souls”. And this is madness. This is their eyes there is beauty, there is modern-day state of Sierra Leone. madness! A madness of love. With what drives me to follow this beau- youth. So, let us give them what we One thing is certain: as the great the knowledge that I, as a child, tiful madness of love. That’s where have so that the world may be a and unforgettable Nelson Mandela was loved by God on the day of the secret is. When there is no place where it is beautiful to live, wrote: “No one is born a slave or my baptism; that I had his baptism more to do, I try to follow in the where we can sing the psalms of master, nor to live in misery, but we to accept this madness of love, of footsteps of Jesus Christ. I will al- contemplation and praise. are all born to be brothers”. Jesus Christ, Son of God who had ways be misunderstood, because himself nailed to the cross for love people ask me: “Maggy, you have A.M. G.A. page 10 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 7-14 August 2020, number 32-33

Indian Bishops laud tribal youth appointed to the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

On Monday, 27 July, United Nations Diocesan and Regional levels and is The remaining six members ap- Secretary-General António Guterres also involved with indigenous youth pointed to the advisory body are: launched the UN Youth Advisory groups to preserve, document and Nisreen Elsaim from Sudan, a cli- Group on Climate Change and an- promote the traditional knowledge mate activist and junior negotiator nounced the names of its seven members and practices of their communities”, at intergovernmental climate change who will “provide perspectives, ideas the CCBI statement explained. platforms; Ernest Gibson from Fiji, and solutions that will help us scale up In addition to participating in the co-coordinator for 350 Fiji, a re- climate action”. “We have seen young 66th Session of the Committee on gional youth-led climate change people on the front lines of climate ac- Economic, Social and Cultural network; Vladislav Kaim from Mol- tion, showing us what bold leadership Rights on 14 October 2019 as an In- dova, a young economist commit- looks like.... We need to build on this digenous Youth Representative from momentum”, Mr. Guterrez explained in ted to ensuring green and decent India, Ms Soreng is also a member jobs for youth, who has expertise in a video message. Among the members of the Youth Constituency of the international trade and migration; chosen is tribal youth leader Archana United Nations Framework on Cli- Sophia Kianni from the United Soreng from Odisha, India. mate Change (UNFCCC) and took part in the first ‘Global Youth States, founder of Climate Cardi- In a press statement, the Conference Caucus on Desertification and Land’ nals, an international nonprofit of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) at the UN Convention to Combat working to translate climate infor- congratulated Ms Soreng on her ap- Desertification COP 14, 2019. mation into over 100 languages; pointment, expressing their joyful “Our ancestors have been protect- Nathan Metenier from France, pride at the good news. “We are enced in advocacy and research, Ms ing the forest and nature over the founder and coordinator of Genera- proud of Ms. Archana Soreng and Soreng currently works as a Re- ages through their traditional know- tion Climate Europe and spokes- of the great contribution she makes search Officer in Odisha. ledge and practices”, Ms Soreng person for Youth and Environment to this prime global concern and we A member of the Diocese of stated as she acknowledged her ap- Europe; Paloma Costa from Brazil, rejoice at the greater role bestowed Rourkela, Ms Soreng “has been an pointment. “Now it is on us to be a lawyer and human rights defender upon her of helping preserve our active member of the Indian Cathol- the frontrunners in combating the who has coordinated youth delega- common home by advising and ic Youth Movement (ICYM) at the climate crisis”. tions to several climate conferences. guiding the United Nations”, said Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão, CCBI President and Archbishop of Goa and Daman. Ms. Soreng is a member of the Khadia Tribe and is from the Sun- Doctrinal Note on the sacramental formula of Baptism dergarh District of Odisha. She holds a degree in political science from Patna Women’s College and a CONTINUED FROM PA G E 4 role, a true liturgical office (cf. 2 Often the recourse to pastoral Master of Arts in Regulatory Gov- R I T UA L E ROMANUM ex Decreto Sac- motivation masks, even uncon- ernance from the Tata Institute of alone on whom the dove descen- rosancti Oecumenici Concilii Vaticani sciously, a subjective deviation and a Social Sciences in Mumbai. Experi- ded, and of whom it was said: ‘It is II instauratum auctoritate Pauli PP. manipulative will. Already in the he who baptizes with the Holy VI promulgatum, Ordo Baptismi Par- last century Romano Guardini re- Spirit’ (Jn 1:33)”. Therefore, Au- vulorum, Praenotanda, nn. 4-7), called that if in personal prayer the gustine comments: “Peter may bap- which according to the conciliar believer can follow the impulse of tize, but this is He that baptizes; provisions, however, requires that the heart, in liturgical action “he Paul may baptize, yet this is He “each person, minister or layman, must open himself to a different The Pope’s who has an office to perform, that baptizes; Judas may baptize, kind of impulse which comes from a 13 should do all of, but only, those still this is He that baptizes” . more powerful source: namely, the charitable gesture parts which pertain to his office by 1 In reality, a careful analysis of the the nature of the rite and the prin- heart of the Church which beats Rite of Baptism of Children shows ciples of liturgy” (SECOND VAT I C A N through the ages. Here it does not CONTINUED FROM PA G E 2 that in the celebration the parents, ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Constitu- matter what personal tastes are, godparents and the entire com- tion on the Sacred Liturgy Sac- what wants he may have, or what of the projects approved. Also munity are called to play an active rosanctum Concilium, 28). particular cares occupy his mind...” present were delegates from Cross (R. GUA R D I N I , Vorschule des Catholic Outreach, an American Betens, Einsiedeln/Zürich, 19482, p. charity that has been funding a sig- 258; Eng. trans.: The Art of Praying, nificant number of projects since Manchester, NH, 1985, 176). 2018. A special welcome was given John Hume Nobel Peace Laureate dies 3 Summa Theologiae, III, q. 67, a. 6 to the project coordinator for Latin c. America of the Spanish organization 4 SECOND VAT I C A N ECUMENICAL Manos Unidas who was present at John Hume, 1998 Nobel Peace mote dialogue, reconciliation and COUNCIL, Constitution Sac- the meeting for the first time, in or- rosanctum Concilium, 7. der to lay the foundations for a joint Prize winner for his contribution peace among the people of 5 S. AUGUSTINUS, In Evangelium commitment between the Founda- to reconciliation in Northern Ire- Northern Ireland”. The message, Ioannis tractatus, VI, 7. tion and the development NGO of land, died on Monday, 3 August which was read aloud during 6 Cf. SECOND VAT I C A N ECUMENIC- the Catholic Church and volunteers at age 83. A Catholic and former Hume’s funeral on Wednesday, 5 AL COUNCIL, Constitution Sac- who, from Spain, promote thou- teacher and human rights activist, August, in the Cathedral of St rosanctum Concilium, 5. sands of initiatives around the he was a founding member of the Eugene of Derry, stated that Pope Social Democratic and Labour Francis was saddened by Hume’s 7 Cf. DH 1601. world. No less significant was the 8 presence of Fr Paulo César Barajas Party (SDLP) which he led from death, expressed his closeness and SECOND VAT I C A N ECUMENICAL from the Archdiocese of Guadala- 1979 to 2001. Hume was widely re- prayers to his family and imparted COUNCIL, Constitution Sac- jara, Mexico, who has worked in the spected for his commitment to his Apostolic Blessing to all those rosanctum Concilium, 22 § 3. 9 Dicastery for many years and will be non-violence, negotiation and who mourn him. Cf. Catechismus Catholicae Ecclesi- collaborating with the Foundation. communication and for his de- Archbishop Eamon Martin of ae, n. 1140: “Tota communitas, cor- In the face of this crisis of global termination to seek a peaceful Armagh, Primate of Ireland, and pus Christi suo Capiti unitum, cel- proportions that we are exp erienc- solution to the conflict in North- Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry ebrat” and 1141: “Celebrans con- ing, these projects are intended to ern Ireland, a solution which cul- presided over Hume’s funeral gregatio communitas est baptizator- be a tangible sign of the Pope’s minated in the 1998 signing of the Mass. In his introductory words, um”. charity, as well as an appeal to all Good Friday Peace Agreement. Bishop McKeown recalled that 10 Cf. DH 1611. Christians and people of good will On behalf of Pope Francis, Hume “did not just dream of 11 SECOND VAT I C A N ECUMENICAL to practice the virtue of charity and Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro p eace”,but that “his life’s voca- COUNCIL, Constitution Sac- solidarity with ever greater commit- Parolin sent a message of condol- tion was to be a peacemaker for rosanctum Concilium, 2. ment, ensuring that during this pan- ences, describing Hume as “a the good of others”, and “b ecause 12 Ibid., 26. demic “no one is left behind”, as the noble soul” whose Christian faith of his past we can face the fu- 13 S. AUGUSTINUS, In Evangelium Holy Father has asked. inspired “untiring efforts to pro- t u re ”. Ioannis tractatus, VI, 7. number 32-33, Friday, 7-14 August 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 11

Sister Mulackal, chairperson of Dalit Studies in New Delhi Offering kindness and compassion to the poor and the suffering

by SHALINI MU L A C KA L with learned about the charism and mis- hurdles at present). Dalits are the Commentary series is the first of its sion of the Congregation started by former untouchables of the Indian kind in India. The overall aim was FRANCESCA LOZITO Venerable Nano Nagle, I was sure Caste society and they number ap- to read the Bible from the persp ec- was born into a Catholic that I was in the right place. proximately 200 million. Their situ- tive of Dalit reality and to find ways family in Kerala. I belonged I am a member of the Indian ation even today is very pathetic. of empowering them. So I focused to the Syro-Malabar Rite, Theological Association (I TA ) and They are discriminated against at on Dalit women and their situation one of the three Ritual was its first woman President from every level. A few years ago Rohit while writing the commentary on the Churches in India. I am the 2014-17. Though there are many reli- Vemula, a Ph.D student from Hy- Ruth, Ester and Judit books. I gave Ithird child in a family of ten sib- gious women who have completed derabad committed suicide and in emphasis to the agency of Dalit wo- lings, five girls and five boys. One their theological studies even up to his suicide note he said that his men as the three Biblical women of my younger brothers is a priest in Doctoral levels, most of them are birth was his destiny. His only fault were shown as taking initiative to the Epharchy/Diocese of Ujjain. I not found in the public space. Once was that he was born a Dalit. There save their people. had a normal upbringing in a joint family with my paternal grandpar- The poorest people in India, the women’s perspecti- ents. My grandfather was a pious ve, the openness to a theology that above all looks and spiritually oriented man. Every to those who are forgotten daily. The vocation of evening he led the family prayers. Sister Shalini Mulackal, the first woman to chair He was a regular at mass and on the the national association of Indian theologians, was days he could not go, he used to re- founded on the border between reflection and action, cite all the prayers of the Eucharist between the academy and daily life. And it is all in at home. As a child, I remember the image with which she recounts the experience waking up early in the morning she has had with her theology students during her hearing my grandparents praying visits to the slums: from the top of a hill they look the Rosary. at the poverty embodied in the terrible struggle for My mother had a strong faith in food between animals and humans. This is the God and had special devotion to the frontier in which every day this woman works, who Blessed Virgin Mary. She ensured lives her being part of the Church with a specific that all her children grew up in that attention to the minorities of her country. faith. During Advent and Lent she encouraged us to go to mass daily. She observed fasting and abstinence Vidyjyoti College of Theology on Wednesdays and Saturdays be- where I have been teaching since sides the season of Advent and Lent. Sister Shalini Mulackal during a demonstration (photograph provided by Sister Shalini) 1999 gives importance to contextual She inculcated the values especially theology. So the first course for the of truth and honesty in her children. first year students is titled, I n t ro d u c - they are entrusted with certain re- was a time when a large number of It is from my home upbringing that tion to Theology and Socio-Cultural sponsibilities within their Order, Dalits converted to Christianity. An a l y s i s . I have been teaching this I picked up kindness and compas- very few are seen as undertaking ser- Since Christianity does not believe course from the very beginning. As sion to the poor and the suffering. I ious academic activities like present- in a caste system and gives respect part of this course, we give exposure remember that at the age of fifteen, ing papers, writing research articles, and dignity to all humans, it was programmes to our students within my aim in life was to become a giving lectures, etc. There are a few natural that some Dalits converted medical professional in order to religious women who are members to Christianity. But I must admit Delhi. So far we did not live in serve the needy and suffering slums but I take the students to the of I TA but only very few are regulars that Indian Christians too are not people. I had no desire at that time at our yearly meeting and seminar. fully freed of the caste mentality and slums of Delhi, especially to people for married life and a family. Yet I As a result contribution from women therefore Dalit Christians are made who earn a living at the dumping did not want to join a convent and or feminist perspectives is rather to feel that they are in a secondary site. We climb the mountain-like become a religious. poor in our country. We have very category in some places. structure which is nothing but a Even as a teenager I had a certain few lay women who are trained as My research was among Catholic heap of waste. When we reach the understanding of religious life and it theologians. women of Dalit origin in Thiruvallur top of that hill what hits you hard is was against that understanding that What does it mean for you being Dist., Tamil Nadu. I studied their the sight of animals and humans I found that many religious sisters a feminist? A feminist is one who is religio-cultural practices from the struggling and fighting in search of were not living up to that calling. I aware of the oppressive situation of perspective of empowerment. Be- things that they can lay their hands had close contact with religious sis- women and who takes some steps to sides religious practices being Cath- on as the fresh heap of waste is be- ters especially during pre-university change that situation. It was while olics, they also practice different cul- ing unloaded from trucks. It is a ter- studies and I was not at all im- doing my degree in Theology that I tural rituals such as celebrating the rible sight. The stench emanating pressed by their life and values. became aware of the secondary posi- first menstruation of the girls, the from the waste is unbearable. Yet However, it was God’s plan that I tion of women in our Indian society first pregnancy, widowhood, etc. I one can see men, women and even choose religious life so that I could and the many atrocities which are found that some of these rituals children staying the whole day in have better opportunities to serve being practiced against girls and wo- which are body affirming help the such a place to earn a living. We those in need. When I was doing my men. The majority of men and wo- girl/woman to have a positive sense also visit some of their houses which first year pre-university classes, my men in India have internalized patri- of body and thus contribute to their are situated at the base of this hill. cousin sister who is a Presentation archal values and have thus ‘normal- overall self confidence. Since they No words can describe the misery in Sister working in North India visited ized’ the oppression and subjugation are deprived of their human dignity which they live. This experience my home. As usual I began to criti- of women in society and also in the as Dalits, there is a strong yearning makes a deep impression on the stu- cize the way religious life was lived. church. Through my teaching and to get self respect. Even though dents about the plight of the poor She was rather fed up with my criti- writing I continue to raise this most of them are poor, they like to cism and at the end she said, awareness especially among those celebrate rituals, spending a lot of in our country. And that becomes “Presentations are not like that.” A who are studying for the priesthood borrowed money in order to gain our reference point for our theologi- year later, when God brought me to as well as among religious sisters. self respect. cal reflection. We also take them to a crisis-like situation in which I had Currently I am the chairperson of The Centre for Dalit Studies Jantar Mantar, a place in Delhi to choose my future course of action, the Centre for Dalit Studies (CDS) in (CDS) under the leadership of Dr. where people can come and protest my cousin sister’s words suddenly New Delhi. (This Centre was doing James Massey undertook this project against various grievances they may flashed across my mind and that was very well until the sudden death of of writing Biblical commentaries of have. The students interact with a‘E u re k h a ’ moment for me. So it its founder and first director Dr. all the books of the Bible and com- those people who may be staying was crystal clear to me that God James Massey a few years ago. We pleted the series with 20 volumes. I there for weeks and months de- wanted me to join the Presentation are trying to revive the activities of have contributed two volumes (Vol. manding their legitimate rights from Sisters in North India. When I this Centre but are faced with many 6 and Vol. 20). This Dalit Bible the Government. women church world women church world women church page 12 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 7-14 August 2020, number 32-33

ANGELUS

At the Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, 2 August, Pope Francis focused on the event of the multiplication of the loaves, a miracle through which Jesus taught God’s “logic of taking responsibility for others”, as opposed to the earthly logic of looking the other way, of letting the needy fend for themselves. The Pontiff encouraged the faithful to always practice compassion, “which is trust in the Father’s provident love and means courageous sharing”. The following is a translation of the Holy Fa t h e r ’s reflection, which he shared in Italian.

Pope Francis prays for the people of Nicaragua, recalls the “pardon of Assisi” and calls for new forms of solidarity Families and society cannot continue without work

Dear Brothers and Sisters, to me” (vv. 17-18). He takes the needs of others, this word that is until midnight today. It is a plen- Good morning! food in his hands, raises his eyes repeated in the Gospel when ary indulgence that may be re- heavenward, recites the blessing Jesus sees a problem, an illness or ceived by partaking of the Sacra- This Sunday’s Gospel presents to and begins to break it and give these people without food. “He ments of Reconciliation and the us the miracle of the multiplica- the pieces to the disciples to hand had compassion”. Compassion is Eucharist and visiting a parish or tion of the loaves (cf. Mt 14:13- out. And those loaves and fish do not a purely material feeling; true Franciscan church, reciting the 21). The scene takes place in a not run out; there is enough, and compassion is suffering with, tak- Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and deserted place, where Jesus had plenty left over for thousands of ing others’ sorrows upon praying for the Pope and his in- retired with his disciples. But the people. With this gesture, Jesus ourselves. Perhaps it would do us people found him so as to listen tentions. The indulgence can also demonstrates his power; not in a good today to ask ourselves: Do to him and to be healed: indeed, be obtained for a deceased per- spectacular way but as a sign of I feel compassion? When I read his words and his gestures restore son. How important it is to al- charity, of God the Father’s gen- news about war, about hunger, and bring hope. At sundown, the ways put back at the centre God’s erosity toward his weary and about the pandemic, do I have crowd is still present and the dis- forgiveness, which “creates heav- needy children. He is immersed compassion for the people who ciples, practical men, invite Jesus en” in us and around us, this for- in the life of his people; he un- are near me? Am I able to suffer to send them away so that they giveness that comes from the derstands their fatigue and their with them, or do I look away and can go and find something to eat. heart of God who is merciful! limitations, but he does not allow say, “let them fend for them- But he answers: “You give them I greet with affection all of you anyone to be lost, or to lose out: selves”? Do not forget this word, something to eat” (v. 16). We can present here, people of Rome — he nourishes them with his Word “compassion”, which is trust in imagine the disciples’ faces! Jesus so many! — and pilgrims: I see and provides abundant food for the Father’s provident love and is well aware of what he is about the Alpine troopers from Palosco sustenance. means courageous sharing. to do, but he wants to change there, I greet them! And there are In this Gospel passage we also May Mary Most Holy help us also many Brazilians there with their attitude: not to say, “send perceive the reference to the them away”, “let them fend for to walk the path that the Lord their flags. I greet everyone, also Eucharist, especially in the de- shows us in today’s Gospel. It is those devoted to Immaculate themselves”, “let them find scription of the blessing, the the journey of fraternity, which is Mary, who are always present. something to eat”, no. But rather, breaking of the bread, the con- “what does Providence offer us to essential in order to face the And, extending my thoughts to signment to the disciples, and poverty and suffering of this s h a re ? ”. These are two opposite all those who are connected with distribution to the people (v. 19). world, especially in this tragic ways of behaving. And Jesus us, I hope that during this period It is noteworthy how close the moment, and which projects us wants to lead them to the second many will be able to have a few link is between the Eucharistic beyond the world itself, because way of behaving because the first days of rest and contact with bread, nourishment for eternal it is a journey that begins with proposal is that of the practical nature, in which the spiritual di- life, and daily bread, necessary God and returns to God. person, but is not generous: for earthly life. Before offering mension may also be recharged. “send them away so they can go himself to the Father as the Bread At the same time I hope that, After the Angelus, the Holy Father and find, let them fend for them- of salvation, Jesus ensures there is with the converging commitment selves”. Jesus thinks another way. food for those who follow him continued: of all political and economic Jesus wants to use this situation and who, in order to be with him, Dear brothers and sisters, I am leaders, work might resume: fam- to teach his friends, both past have forgotten to make provi- thinking of the people of ilies and society cannot continue and present, about God’s logic. sions. At times the spiritual and Nicaragua who are suffering be- without work. Let us pray for And what is God’s logic that we the material are in opposition, cause of the attack in the Cathed- this. It is and will be a problem see here? The logic of taking re- but in reality spiritualism, like ral of Managua, where a deeply in the aftermath of the pandemic: sponsibility for others. The logic materialism, is alien to the Bible. venerated figure of Christ, which poverty and lack of work. A lot of not washing one’s hands, the It is not a language of the Bible. has accompanied and sustained of solidarity and a great deal of logic of not looking the other The compassion and tender- the life of the faithful people for creativity will be needed to re- way. No. The logic of taking re- ness that Jesus showed towards centuries, was greatly damaged — solve this problem. sponsibility for others. That “let the crowds is not sentimentality, almost destroyed. Dear brothers I wish you all a happy Sunday. them fend for themselves” should but rather the concrete manifesta- and sisters in Nicaragua, I am And please, do not forget to pray not enter into the Christian tion of the love that takes re- close to you and am praying for for me. Enjoy your lunch. Ar - vo cabulary. sponsibility for people’s needs. you. The “Pardon of Assisi”, the r i v e d e rc i ! As soon as one of the Twelve And we are called to approach spiritual gift that Saint Francis says, realistically, “We have only the Eucharistic table with these obtained from God through the five loaves here and two fish”, same attitudes of Jesus: [first and intercession of the Virgin Mary, Jesus responds: “Bring them here foremost] compassion for the began yesterday and continues