SINCE Feb 11,1869 The Catholic weekly o f Sri Lanka

The Roman Journey to Sede Pontiffs 8-10 Golgotha Vacante 4Pg Pg 13Pg March 02 8.30 A.M. "Registered in the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka under No. QD / 50 / News / 2013" Archdiocese of Colombo Sunday March 3, 2013 Vol 144 No 9 16 Pages Rs: 25.00 Registered as a newspaper Childrens’ Day Benedict XVI issues ‘Motu Proprio’ to allow earlier Conclave Sede Vacante EWTN/CNA - Pope the beginning of the will no longer have to date when the voting will Conclave until after they Benedict XVI has , providing that wait 15 days to elect the begin remains unknown meet a second time. changed Church law all voting cardinals are new Head of the Church. until the cardinals hold Pope Benedict’s allowing cardinals to present,” said Archbishop “The modification their initial general declaration‘Universi Dominici modified vote earlier for the new Pier Luigi Celata last also provides that the meetings, according BlessedGregis,’ a John 1996 Paul II’s Pope, provided that they Monday at the ’s Conclave must beginSede no to the Holy See’s Press are all in Rome. press office. ‘Motu moreVacante than 20 days after Office Director, Father “Pope Benedict Proprio,’ The Pope’s the beginning of the . Apostolic Constitution XVI allows for the College February 25, , even if all the Fr. Lombardi amendment, which also of Cardinals to begin the a decree written electors are not present,” alsoannounce said that the thedate of the was a modification Conclave before fifteen on his own initiative, Archbishop Celata added. cardinals may not of the rules on the days have passed from means that the cardinals But the exact Conclave. Vote of Appreciation for the holy father Professional Counselling - an essential requirement for school students Vote of Appreciation in honour of His Holiness, Benedict XVI who stepped Many are the multi-faceted down as the Chief Shepherd issues of our times and they have ofA the , was posed a challenge to students and taken up in Parliament last Wednesday (20). even ‘accompanyWe give below the students exerpts ofto Many parliamentarians from both sides of the school,’the address: Fr. Travis observed. House spoke in exaltation of the Holy Father as a person who stood forApplications unity at an international level.for ‘Today we live in a multi- Catholic Private Schools faceted society. Many social, cultural, economical and religious issues have become entwined with T our day to day lives. In the present he Catholic Education Office of the Archdiocese, day context, various challenges hereby wishes to inform the public, that the Chief Guest Mr. Geoffrey Alagaratnam and his wife Dilani, being welcomed by the of life accompany the students to dates specified for the issue of application‘Messenger’ forms for Rector of St. Peter’s College, Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel, Vice Rectors and staff members. school. The lives of these students admission related to all Catholic Private Schools, in are to a great extent affected by 2014, will be notified in the next issue of the these challenges, without them dated March 10, 2013. Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition being fully aware of it. Their minds Presenting the Annual Report of said that the emotional health of a and emotions are not at rest and St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya student is an essential foundation therefore (Contd on Pg. 3) n Eucharistic Miracles Sinhala and Tamil on at the prize-giving held recently, for the development of a healthy Exhibition will be the exhibits and their the Rector,Sri Lankan-IndianRev. Fr. Travis Gabriel individual. devotees flock to ‘Pope Emeritus’ declared open by His significance, while Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. important images St. Anthony’s Church, Katchativu EmmanuelA Fernando, depicting the miracles , (VIS) – Auxiliary Bishop of together with their Benedict XVI will be Colombo on Friday, March locations will be vividly ‘Pontiff Emeritus’ or ‘Pope 1, at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, displayed. ri Lankan devotees from the North and Emeritus’, Fr. Federico Kotahena. The Exhibition The Exhibition Lombardi, S.J., Director will be held from March 1 will be initially launched several from India gathered in numbers to of the Holy See Press to 4. in the Archdiocese of Office, reported in a press The event will Colombo and subsequently celebrate the annual feast (See Pg. 2) ofS St. Anthony’s Church in conference on Tuesday, provide comprehensive be held in other dioceses February 26. He will keep information in English, Katchativu. The Festive Mass the name of ‘His Holiness, New Provincial for CMSF was presided over Administrator, Rev. Fr. A. the mediation of the Benedict XVI’ and will dress by His Lordship, Amal Rajan. Defence Ministry. in a simple cassock Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas This celebration The Navy without the mozzetta. ev. Bro. Jayaraj Savundaranayagam, which is observed annually Commander Vice Admiral, (elbow-lengthEaster Articles cape). Arulanandan cmsf Bishop of Jaffna. All to bring about close ties Jayanath Colombage, was elected as the festive preparations between Sri Lanka and monitored and facilitated new Provincial of the were organized by the India, was enabled through the proceedings. Congregation of the Admissions to St. Aloysius’ Seminary for 2014 MissionaryR Brothers of St. Francis of Assisi recently, with Bro. J.Selvanayagam Rev. Bro. J. Arulanandan as Vice Provincial, t. Aloysius’ Seminary trains young priest. The parish priest can obtain the and Bro. Rajendiran students to serve as priests in the application forms from the Seminary Archdiocese of Colombo. Application following the guidelines of the Diocese. Sahayanathan as Bro. Jayaraj Provincial Bursar. Bros. forms for entrance in the year 2014 The filled application forms Please send in your Arulanandan, was born are being issued from the first week of should be handed over to the Seminary contributions for the Easter Theoples Therese, Melson on August 8, 1973 in S Rev. Fr. Rector Devarasa and Rajendiran March 2013. before April 30, 2013. Issue of the ‘Messenger’ Dehiowita,(Contd Diocese on Pg.of 2) Students who are in Grade 9 and St. Aloysius’ Seminary, Borella. before March 17, 2013. Sahayanathan were Ratnapura, to late elected as councilors. above, can speak to their respective parish priests of their intention of becoming a 2 The Messenger 3 March 2013 New Principal for Celebrating the Feast of First priest-son of St. Anne’s, Kurunegala Our Lady of Lourdes, Kalutara Tangalle

Rev.Bro.A.E.Tarcisius FSC has as- Rev. Fr. Naveen Jude de sumed duties last week as the Princi- Silva who was ordained pal of St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala, to the priesthood on Jan- replacing the late Bro. Denzil Mendis. uary 29, 2012 becomes Bro. Tarcisius moves to Ku- the first priest-son of the runegala from De La Salle College, Tangalle parish which Mutwal where he was Principal for has a history of over a 17 years from 1996. Beginning his hundred years. He was teaching career at St. Xavier’s College, ordained by the Bishop Mannar, he also served a stint at St. Anthony’s College, of Galle, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ray- mond Wickramasinghe Wattala. In addition, he has served the De La Salle ConA.J. - The 104th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ainslie Joseph gregation as the Bursar of the Province for the period Kalutara was held recently. The Archbishop of Colombo, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1998/99. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith presided at Ihala KatuneriyaGalle. – new Parish Annual Lenten Renewal Vespers assisted by Rev. Fr. Suran Attidiya, (right) and of Kotahena Shepherdians Rev. Dr. Anthony Fernandopulle, Episcopal Vicar, Co- in Chilaw Diocese lombo South Region. Picture shows His Eminence being accom- Rev. Fr. Pius Kennedy Fernando has assumed The annual Lenten Renewal of the past pupils panied to the Grotto by Rev. Fr. SuranD. Anselm Attidiya, Fernando Parish of Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena will be held on Priest, Kalutara and Rev. Fr. Maurice Namal, Dean (Kalu- duties last week as Parish Priest of the newly created Sunday March 10, 2012 from 9.00 a.m. to 12 noon fol- taraSt. Deanery). Anthony's College, Wattala Parish of Ihala Katuneriya in Chilaw Diocese. The for- lowed by Holy Mass and lunch at the Kotahena Shep- mer Katuneriya Parish has now been divided into Ihala herdian Home for Elders, No. 25/28, Kattiyawatta Road, clinch 'Best Batsman Award' at and Pahala Katuneriya. Mabole, Wattala Fr. Kennedy Fernando was previously the Par- For details call: Antoinette Fernando, Tel. No. U. 13 Inter-School Tournament ish Priest of St.Sebastian’s Church, Madampe for six 071-6283875 on or before March 7, 2013. All past pu- years, prior to which he taught for ten years in the Na- tional Seminary, Ampitiya as Dean of the Philosophate. pils areSt. welcome. Anthony's Church Choir, Master Saman Prabash of St. Anthony's College, He is also currently the Secretary of the CatholicA.J. Na- Mahawatte, celebrates fifty years Wattala clinched the Best Batsman Award at the finals tional Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious of the Inter-School Under 13, Division I Cricket Tourna- Dialogue.Vincent de Paul Society ment, held recently at the Thurstan College Grounds. For the first time St. Anthony's College, Wattala distribution of hearing aids entered the finals but lost to RichmondClarence College, Leonard Galle and became runners-up of the Tournament. New Provincial... Contd. from Pg. 1

In 1989 after his school education he joined the Con- gregation of the Franciscan Missionary Brothers Matale. His novitiate was at Chilaw from 1991 to 1993, and was later sent to India to do Vocational Training and study Franciscan Spirituality from 1995 to 1997. He did bibli-

cal studies at ISFA Mutuwal from 1998 to 1999 and suc- cessfully partook in a course on Animating Communi- Hearing Aids were distributed free of charge The Choir of St. Anthony's Church, Mahawatte, ties at Sadana Institute, lndia in 2011. for the needy people. This was distributed at the Dal- celebrated its 50th anniversary on February 9, 2013. He served as Assistant Superior at Mariya Jo- upotha Mission House organised by the Dalupotha Fifty years in general is indeed a memorable span seph Brothers House, and was Director at St. Francis Vincent De Paul Society. The Negombo City, Lions' Club and it was really a joyous occasion for all the Maha- sponsored this project which was a great relief to the watte choristers past and present. It was heartening to Boys’ Home, Matale, prior to being the Director of the needy people.Jeewitharakshana Patamalawa cSú;drÈK see the founder members of the choir and the present Don Bosco Boys’ Home for ten years. mdGud,djOn the same day Professor Anton Meemana's choristers gathering together to celebrate this great We pray for him and for his team to carry out book titled ( event. The celebrations began with the Fes- the mission and the service of our Lord in the ) was distributed among a group of mission tive Masand the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. The footsteps of our Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi and leaders. Rev. Fr. Julius Christopher, Parish Priest, St. An- present choristers provided the singing. A few speeches our Beloved Founder, Paulus Moritz. We wish them all Bro. Joseph Justus, C.M.S.F thony's Shrine, Dean of Negombo Region and Spiritual were made before the conclusion of the Mass. All choir success. Provincial Secretary Director of St. Vincent De PaulRev. Society Fr. A. distributed Roland Leslie the members past and present who had given generously hearing aids and the books among the people. their time and service, were thanked and their contri- bution appreciated. The late Rev. Fr. Bernard Balois OMI The Eucharitic Miracles Exhibition in Sri Lanka who was instrumental in forming this choir was special- "Material ly remembered with honour and gratitude. The celebra- food first changes into the one who eats it, and then as a tions came to an end with a fellowship dinner. consequence,In the restores words toof himSt Thomas lost strength Aquinas, and increases formation from them and also the support of the Pontifi- Choristers come and choristers go. The prayer his vitality. Spiritual food on the other hand, changes the cal Academy to hold the Exhibition in Sri Lanka, this year is thatAd they Multos will beAnnos able to render serviceRamani generously Perera to person who eats it into itself. Thus the effect proper to which has been declared by His Holiness Pope Benedict the end 'May St. Anthony keep the Mahawatte Choir go- this Sacrament is the conversion of a man into Christ, so XVI, as the 'Year of Faith'. His Eminence Malcolm Car- ing'Exhibition - ' of the'. Eucharistic Miracles that he may no longer live, but Christ lives in him; con- dinal Ranjith appointed Rt.Rev.Dr.Emmanuel Femando, sequently, it has the double effect of restoring the spiri- Auxilliary Bishop of Colombo, to head the Committee to in the Archdiocese of Colombo tual strength he had lost by his sins and defects, and of organize this Exhibition in Sri Lanka. We wish to thank Month Date Deanery Parish increasing the strength of his virtues." His Lordship for his able guidance and support, the Committee has decided to publish this book which will serve as a Catalogue for the Exhibition and benefit those March 1 - 4 Colombo North Kotahena The importance of the Eucharist in the life of who did not have the opportunity to attend. Our thanks March 8 - 11 Combo Central Borella a Catholic is very well described in the above quota- go out to Rev. Father Sanath Fernando for attending to March 15 - 18 Colombo South Kollupitiya tion.The Pontifical Acadamy in Rome made a detailed the translations March 22 - 25 Moratuwa Moratuwa study of all the Eucharistic Miracles that had taken place We wish to record our gratitude to our Sponsor April 5 - 8 Kalutara Paiyagala around the World and selected 126 after a process of of the book Mr. Manik Pereira and also those who pro- April 26 - 29 Gurubawila Pahathgama thorough investigation.They had a Exhibition of these vided financial support for Onthe behalfExhibition, of the Manik committee, Perera, May 3 - 6 Gampaha Moragoda miracles in Rome in the year 2004 which was declared Navindra Abeyesekera and Naresh Abeyesekera.Anton Abeyesekera May 10 - 13 Katana Halpe by His Holiness Pope John Paul 11 as the year of the Eu- May 17 - 20 Negombo (1) Grand Street charist.This Exhibition which proved to be a great suc- May 23 - 26 Negombo (2) Kadolkale cess was held in several Parishes in Italy. A Special Lecture May- June 31-3 Thudella Ja-ela Following this success the 'Real Presence' Eu- "Faith is God's gift but we must confess with June 7 - 10 Kandana Weligampitiya charistic Adoration and Education Association in the our lips and entrust ourselves fully to God." June 14 - 17 Ragama Ragama United States with the support of the Pontifical Acade- A lecture on June 21 - 24 Wattala Wattala my held the Exhibition in the US in several Parishes and (Rom 10: 10), June-July 28 - 01 Kotte Rajagiriya called it the Vatican International Eucharistic Miracles (Acts 16:14) will be delivered by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel July 12 - 15 Dehiwala of the World Exhibition. Fernando, OMI on March 5, 2013, from 4.00 to 6.15p.m July 26 - 29 Indigolla This Association published a book with detailed at the Institute of Spiritual FormationDirector - 0777-682-989 of Asia (ISFA) August 1 - 5 Dalupotha descriptions and illustration of all the Miracles and also 130, De La Salle Street, Colombo 15 August 16 - 19 Tewatte produced VCD's and DVD's. We have received all the in- 3 The Messenger 3 March 2013 50th Jubilee of Don Bosco Technical College, Ethukala, Negombo

Don Bosco Tech- pated in the 50th Golden Cooray, the Archbishop In 1991 Fr. Pinto start- nical College, Ethukala, in Jubilee Mass. of Colombo allocated a ed motor mechanism, Negombo celebrated its After the Eucha- 12 acre piece of land in electronics, and out- 50th Jubilee recently coin- ristic celebration, a cul- Ettukala, Negombo for a board motor repair. ciding with the 25th Silver tural show and the pre- techincal school in Janu- Air conditioning was Jubilee of the Priestly Or- sentation of awards were ary 1962 and Fr. Henry introduced in 1993. dination of Rev. Fr. Antho- held in the presence of Remery a French National The Printing ny H. Pinto SDB. While His Minister Dulles Alahappe- built a seven foot wall to section was introduced Lordship Bishop Vianney ruma – Minister for Youth enclose the premises. He in 1998. The Institute Fernando, Bishop of Kan- Affairs and Skills Develop- started a small oratory progressed under the dy, presided at the Jubilee ment, Minister Sarath Ku- and a workshop. The first administration of sev- Vespers, Rev. Fr. Anthony mara Gunaratne – Deputy Salesian at Negombo was eral Salesian Priests presided at the Jubilee Minister of Fisheries and Br. M. A. Christy Fernando and blossomed into Eucharistic celebration Aquatic Resources Devel- who worked with Fr. Re- a new chapter from 1988 to 2004 under together with Very Rev. opment and several other mery along with Br. Janze His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Oswald Gomis is seen the leadership of the Fr. Nihal Liyanage SDB, government representa- with a lot of enthusiasm. lighting the oil lamp with His Ex Most Rev. then Rector, Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Spiteri, Apostolic Nuncio on his right. Council Members and the tives. Fr. Difiore - The Anthony H. Pinto, Rev. other priests gathered. Sri Lanka was Provincial of Madras vis- Fr. Felix Mallawarach- His Excellency one of the earliest foreign ited Don Bosco, Negombo chy , assisted by the Archbishop Joseph Spi- missions, which Don Bos- for the first time in 1972. Program Coordinator: Fr. Joe Xavier and Rev.Fr. tor on this Institution, re- teri, the Apostolic Nuncio co planned to reach and In 1967 a new W. S. A. Perera. Rev. Fr. Sunil De Silva Benard Fernard assumed spectively. in Sri Lanka and His Grace had Don G. Cagliero as the and large workshop was On the 15th of duties as the Rector ,Prin- Archbishop Emeritus Os- pioneer. added with carpentry, arc August 2004, Rev. Fr. Ajith cipal and the administra- wald Gomis also partici- Thomas Cardinal welding, and mechanics. Shiran Karawgoda ,Rev. New Daham Pasal Prefects of Professional Counselling.... Holy Cross College OBU Contd. from Pg. 1 Meets His Eminence St. Kolbe's Church, Kanuwana emotions are not at rest and therefore they find it dif- ficult to cope with the challenges they have to face while at school. The inevitable result is that the students find it difficult to manage their daily life pattern, their stud- ies get hampered a great deal and they become the ‘problem children’ we encounter in our classrooms. A student’s academic skills can lie dormant or function at minimum level due to various problems con- fronting him at a personal level. These underlying prob- lems have to be detected with professional delicacy and dealt with accordingly. The last couple of years have seen a surge in The Executive Committee members of the OBU at Holy the variety of concerns and problems faced by students. Cross College, Kalutara met His Eminence Malcolm Car- The election of New Prefects of St. Kolbe's Da- Family related problems, stress and anxiety are the most dinal Ranjith recently together with President of the ham School at Visakawatta, Kanuwana for 2013 took pressing emotional and behavioural health issues found OBU and Rector of Holy Cross College, Rev. Fr. Camillus place recently.Bakthi Here Prabodanaya the new prefects are seen with the among teenagers. Study and research have revealed that Fernando chief guest on the occasion Rev. Fr. Dilan Perera OMI, one of the most common causes is an unstable home life Editor of , and Rev. Fr. Lester Nonis arising from divorce, poor parenting, loss of parents and We, the school authorities, need to provide Pro- the Parish Priest, Rev. Sisters and StaffSarojinie members Perera of the single parents. Academic problems, peer group pres- fessional Counselling to our students in order to pro- Daham school. sure, financial instability, exposure to unsuitable media moteThe Roleemotional of the and Professional behavioural Counsellor health. and social status comparisons could also cause much depression and tension. A lack of religious and moral school environment, so that students may realize their values also have an undesirable effect on students. self - worth, self - esteem, self - awareness and self - fu- There is also another very common problem In a Catholic School like ours, we believe that flilment. that we educationists have to be aware of and that is the God has created all human beings according to the im- Professional Counselling is the answer to calm academic pressure experienced by students in wanting age and likeness of Himself for a predestined mission. today’s ruffled young minds and help them become re- to perform well and obtain good results at public exami- The role of the Counsellor could be seen as an unravel- sponsible citizens ofthe future. nations. They face stiff competition from their peers and ling of this image and likeness in each student and each The prize-giving was held at the Nicholas Pere- in trying to achieve the best, fill up their free hours with person, as it has been vitiated and clouded by the fac- ra Hall with Chief Guest being Mr. Geoffery Alagaratnam, a string of tuition classes, leaving no time for relaxation tors that were discussed above. The environment, expe- distinguished Old Boy and President’s Council. and leisure. This kind of pressure can be very dangerous riences and education in which students are immersed From the and produce adverse results especially health wise. We, today have confused and complicated their lives. So the Vatican educationists and parents, have a serious responsibility contribution and accompaniment of an enlightened to guide these youngsters and direct them towards their Counsellor, a Mentor or a “Guru” is a must in today’s goals. The Lord called me to climb the mountain: Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI gave his pontificate's final Sunday blessing from his studio window to the cheers of tens of thousands of people packing St. Peter's Square, but sought to reassure the faithful that he wasn't abandoning the church by retiring to spend his final years in prayer. “Dear brothers and sisters,” the Pope said as he dwelt on the Sunday Gospel on the Transfigu- ration, “the Word of God feels particularly directed at me, at this point in my life. The Lord called me to ‘climb the mountain,’ to devote myself even more to prayer and meditation.” "But this doesn't mean abandoning the church," he said, as many in the crowd looked sad at his departure from regular view. "On the con- trary, if God asks me, this is because I can continue to serve it (the church) with the same dedication and the same love which I have tried to do so until now, but in a way more suitable to my age and to my strength." Around 120,000 pilgrims heard Holy Fa- ther Benedict XVI deliver his last Angelus address. 4 The Messenger 3 March 2013

Editorial 'Sede Vacante' March 3, 2013

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my When the Holy See love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love" (John 15:10). "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father is Vacant… glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15:7-8). Rev. Fr. Freely Muthukudaarachchi Can we compromise the until a he Holy See has fallen vacant teachings of Our Lord new Pope is elected by the Conclave Tof Cardinals after the renouncement and still remain His true of Pope Benedict XVI which took ef- disciples? fect on February 28. It is like a diocese getting vacant when the bishop has died, transferred or resigned from office. The issede vacant, vacante so also nihil the innovetur Holy See. It is said that His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has drawn during the time of the vacancy, no innovations the attention of our Catholic politicians and VIP's ( ) are to be made to their obligation to uphold the Catholic teach- in the diocese or in the Apostolic See, such ings and practices in their public life. While these as new appointments, erection of parishes persons are compromising their Catholic practice and Dioceses or issuing new decrees or carry out acts involving the power of governance there are other Christians in the West who stead- reserved to the Pope (Canon 335). The norms Rome Agostino Cardinal Vallini will continue in office fastly stand up for Christ in the face of opposition to be followed during the vacancy and the election of and will be in charge of the administration of the from the law and the courts and discrimination in Universi Dominici Gregis the Roman Pontiff are given in the Apostolic Consti- Diocese of Rome during the vacancy. But all the other their workplaces. Nadia Eweida, a BA worker, from tution, issued in 1996 by Episcopal Vicars cease to function like during the south-west London, made the headlines when she GovernmentPope John Paul of II.the Church vacancy of any other diocese. was sent home in 2006 after refusing to remove a Cardinal Archpriest of the Vatican St. Peter’s necklace with a cross or hide it from view. Shirley Basilica, Angelo Cardinal Comastri and Vicar Gen- Chaplin, from Exeter, was moved away from nursing During the period of transition of the Apos- eral for the Governorate of the Vatican City State, to a clerical role by the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS tolic See, the government of the Church is entrusted Giuseppe Cardinal Bertello will continue in office in Trust in Devon after refusing to remove a necklace order to oversee the logistics during the vacancy and to the , for the preparation of ev- bearing a crucifix. She lost her job after 30 years of OfficialsConclave andof the at theConclave installation of the New Pope (No. 14). erything necessary for the election of the new Pope. nursing. All the heads of the of the — the Cardinal Secretary of State and the Cardinal These are Christians who bore witness to their faith The Dean of the College of Cardinals carry in their day to day professional lives. They stood Prefects, the Archbishop Presidents, together with out various internal functions within the College and against the viewpoint that they can have faith but the members of those Dicasteries — cease to exer- presides over them, however, he has no authority not demonstrate it in public in their professional cise their office. The two Cardinals who do not loose over other Cardinals. The Dean of the College con- lives. office during the vacancy and continue to function in vokes the Cardinals during the vacancy and presides Camerlengotheir office are – CardinalCamerlengo and Major Penitentiary. over their congregations and meetings. He also sends Christ's commands relate to the formation of our in-Charge of Administration of Temporal Affairs the notice to all the Cardinal electors in order to con- vene the Conclave. He is the one who asks the elected Christian character. His commands throughout to accept election as Pope. Scripture, are related to character qualities such The Dean of the College of Cardinals is An- as honesty, integrity and fairness which are inter- The person in-charge of () gelo Cardinal Sodano who was elected to this post by twined. The development of our character is the ob- all administrative activities of the Holy See during Cardinals in 2007. Cardinal Sodano is 85-years-old jective of all the things that God allows to happen the time of the vacancyCardinal is the Camerlengo,Apostolic Chamberlain after the and not a Cardinal elector at the upcoming Conclave. to us and should be our goal. "And we know that renouncementwho is also called of office the Camerlengo. by the Pope, Hisshall duties take possesand - The Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals is Roger all things work together for good to them that love sionresponsibilities of the Apostolic are: Palace in the Vatican and, either Cardinal Etchegaray who is 90-years-old and also not God.... To be conformed to the image of His Son" (Ro- in person or through a delegate, of the Palaces of the Lateran and of Castel Gandolfo, and exercise custody a Cardinal elector. mans 8:28-29). So if we compromise our conduct as However, because at present both the Dean Christians can we develop our moral character? Do and administration of the same. During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman and the Vice Dean are over eighty years of age, the we not tend to compromise other values too like in- Cardinal elector who is first in rank and age will pre- tegrity in our public life? Church has the duty of safeguarding and administer- ing the goods and temporal rights of the Holy See, with side over the Conclave. At present (Cardinal-bishop) the help of the three Cardinal Assistants, having sought Giovanni Battista Cardinal Re (79) is the senior elec- Those who bow before alien religious gods or fol- tor in rank and age (No. 9). low practices which are not in conformity with our the views of the College of Cardinals, once only for less important matters, and on each occasion when more The senior Cardinal-Deacon who will carry Christian beliefs and practices are seeking to de- serious matters arise (No. 17). out duties in the Conclave is Jean-Louis Pierre Car- ceive the non-Catholic majority community in our dinal Tauran. He is the Cardinal who introduces the country. They show that they do not have a Chris- OtherNew Pope Officials from duringthe balcony the of the Vatican Basilica. tian conscience and are willing to go along with Since 2007 Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone has Vacancy what is pragmatic and will bring them worldly rec- held concurrently the positions of Secretary of State ognition and esteem. "You must face the facts. Christ and Camerlengo being appointed by Pope Benedict preached that there was only ONE WAY to the Father XVI. However, his office as Secretary of State has During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the and that was THROUGH HIM. The Old Testament ceased. He continues in office as Camerlengo. The Substitute of the Secretariat of State, the Secretary refers to how the people of Israel turned from the Vice Camerlengo is Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata who for Relations with States and the Secretaries of the worship of the One True God to the worship of idols. will assist Cardinal Bertone in the administration of Dicasteries of the Roman Curia remain in charge of They prayed to a god who was completely incapable Paenitentariothe Apostolic See Maiore during – the vacancy. their respective offices, and are responsible to the to doing anything for them. Worldly gods may give Cardinal/Minister-in-Charge of Spiritual Affairs College of Cardinals (No. 20). In the same way, the positions and temporary power, honour and even office and attendant powers of Papal Representa- happiness but it is not a sign of having the real truth. tives (Apostolic Nuncios) do not lapse (nNo. 21). The It simply is the fact that you are choosing worldly The other Cardin Almoner of His Holiness will also continue to carry power and honour instead of the Truth. Power and al who retains in office during the vacancy is the Ma- out works of charity in accordance with the criteria honour are only a temporary state of being. jor Penitentiary, Manuel Cardinal Monteiro De Castro. employed during the Pope’s lifetime (No. 22). The The Major Penitentiary is in charge of the Apostolic Supreme (court) Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura Jesus also referred to His disciples as the light of the Penitentiary, the of the Holy See respon- and the Tribunal of the , during the va- world. "A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. sible for indulgences, the provision of confessors for cancy of the Holy See, continue to deal with cases in Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, the major basilicas in Rome, and judging questions of accordance with their proper laws (No. 26). but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are conscience, called internal forum, submitted for ad- During the vacancy, laws issued by the Ro- in the house. Let your light so shine before men, judication to the Holy See, such as dispensations and man Pontiffs can in no way be corrected or modified, that they may see your good works and glorify your absolution from sanctions. This ordinary spiritual nor can anything be added or subtracted, nor a dis- Father in heaven." Should not our politicians and work continues during the vacancy of the Roman See, pensation be given even from a part of them, espe- cially with regard to the procedures governing the public dignitaries note and follow this teaching of Administrationso that souls may of continue the Diocese to benefit of Rome(No. 14). election of the Supreme Pontiff. However, faculty has Our Lord? Contd. on Pg. 7 been granted to the College of Cardinals to interpret General of the Diocese of 5 The Messenger 3 March 2013 HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI The Piano Playing Professor

His Holiness Pope Bene- Towards the end of the War he dict XVI took the world was drafted into the German by surprise on Febru- Air Force as an Air Force Child ary 11, 2013 by announcing Soldier while still in the Semi- his retirement from his Min- nary but managed to escape istry as Head of the Catholic returning to the Seminary. He Church to take effect from firmly believed that he and the February 28. The Pope was the family were saved from Nazi Head of the Vatican City State, punishment by a 'Special Angel' a State that is the smallest in guarding them. the world, but with a flock as He became a Priest massive as 1.2 billion Catholics together with his brother in around the world to whom 1951 and was blessed to be he was their Spiritual Leader. elevated as Cardinal in 1977. The Holy Father's announce- Prior to becoming the Pope he ment came as a bolt out of the was an academic par excellence blue, with even heavens above and a highly regarded Univer- reacting with a bolt of lightning sity Theologian having served above the Vatican Dome in a in many universities. He was clear blue sky, coinciding with fondly called the 'Piano Playing the announcement. Professor'. It is said if he did As a matter of fact the not choose a religious career he Papacy is the oldest dynasty in would have been an University the world and the Holy Father Professor. He was known as a speaks out not only for Catho- gentle intellectually gifted man secularization of many Western debated upon. his entire life teaching and lics but for all humanity for the who loved music and nature. countries which was harming He preached that the preaching as a Priest, Bishop, word Catholic means Universal. He was called a "green man" moral values. strength of the Church is the Cardinal and Pope. He was Pope Benedict XVI for his environment friendly Pope Benedict became Absolute Truth that should not a wonderful theologian and was born in Germany on April attitudes. As a Cardinal he was Head of the Catholic Church at bend to the blowing winds and Pastor to his flock. He was 16, 1927 as Joseph Aloysius highly respected as the driv- a most challenging time, both currents however strong they courageously honest to admit Ratzinger to a very devout re- ing force as the Prefect of the external and internal. The big- may be. He never gave into that he was too frail in mind ligious family. His father was a Congregation for the Doctrine gest challenge was to compro- morally unacceptable modern and body to fulfill his Ministry righteous policeman and apart of Faith and as the Dean of the mise two different values in the pressures such as gay mar- of the Church. He has taught from his brother who is also a College of Cardinals. background of fast spreading riages, abortion and other un- the world and the Church that priest and living, he had a sister Cardinal Joseph Aloy- globalization. - The challenge of natural tendencies. Papacy is not about power but who never married and who sius Ratzinger was elevated bringing together without con- Pope Benedict XVI worked true service and that the path looked after the two brothers. Pope on April 19, 2005 choos- flict, the values of the liberal so- hard for Christian Unity of of power is not the path to God. His childhood ambition was to ing the regnal name of Benedict ciety of the western world and Eastern and Western Churches. He perhaps saw his happiest become a priest but never did XVI. Maybe he came as a reluc- the traditional values of the He reached his hand across to times had very little to do with he dream that he would end up tant Pope for it was rumoured developing world. He sought to other religions for unity and power and that he was happier as the Head of the Holy See. that he never wished to be so. heal the internal wounds of the world peace. He espoused otherwise devoting his full time As a youth he was As Pope Benedict XVI he fol- Church with the Divine Spirit of Christian compassion speaking to prayer which he hopes to do conscripted to join Hitler's lowed the saintly footsteps of forgiveness and understanding out for human rights, protec- after retirement. He was a great youth movement in the face Pope John Paul II. He gave con- for to err is human and to for- tion of the environment and example of humility, strong of severe financial and other tinuation and stability to the give is divine. Although he was to fight against poverty and courage and inner honesty. The penalties that were enforced Church defending fundamental a conservative hardliner in pre- injustice. He was vehemently Church under him did have on dodgers who did not wish Christian values. He committed serving the Catholic Doctrine, against war which he believed problems and challenges but all to obey. He ran into trouble on himself to the service of recon- he was flexible to the extent of has no justification and openly in all His Holiness gave his flock numerous occasions as he and ciliation and harmony between being receptive to acceptable criticized the Western pow- eight wonderful years of faith his family were convinced that all people whom he called the interpretations to the literal ers for war against Iraq saying and spiritual guidance. As a Nazism was in conflict with children of God. He advocated meaning of the Scriptures. that no bad means can justify a Catholic JohnI say "ThankAmaratunga You Your their faith trying to subordinate strong fundamental Christian He called the Scripture a spiri- good end. Holiness" religion to political ideology. values to counter increased tual experience that cannot be Pope Benedict spent The Office of Peter

The power con- did so when, in the face of weighs the responsibility Loving means giving the ferred by Christ on Peter all attempts, apparently to ensure that this Word sheep what is truly good, and His successors is, in benevolent, in the face of continues to be present in the nourishment of God's an absolute sense, a man- erroneous interpretations its grandeur and resonat- truth, of God's Word, the nourishment of His pres- date to serve. The teaching of freedom, he empha- ing in its purity, so that it ence, which He gives us authority, in the Church, sized in an unequivocal will not be shattered with My dear friends - at this momentin the Blessed I can Sacrament: only say: entails a commitment to way the inviolability of the the constant changes of Taking posses- pray for me, that I may service of the obedience human being, the inviola- fashion. sion of the Cathedral of the learn to love the Lord more of the faith. The Pope is bility of human life from Bishop of Rome, the Basil- and more. Pray for me, not an absolute monarch, its conception to natural ica of St. John Lateran, 10 that I may learn to love His whose thought and will death. The freedom to kill May 2005 flock more and more - in are law. On the contrary, is not true freedom, but a other words, you, the Holy the Pope's ministry is a tyranny that reduces the Church, each one of you guarantee of obedience to human being to slavery. In One of the basic and all of you together. Christ and His Word. The his important decisions, characteristics of a shep- Pray for me, that I may not Pope must not proclaim the Pope is conscious of herd must be to love the flee for fear of the wolves. his own ideas, but bind being linked to the great people entrusted to him, Let us pray for one anoth- himself constantly and community of faith of even as he loves Christ er, that the Lord will carry bind the Church to obedi- all times, to binding in- whom he serves. "Feed us and that we will learn to ence to the Word of God, terpretations developed my sheep" says Christ to carry one another. in the face of attempts to through the Church's jour- Peter, and now, at this mo- adapt and water down, ney of pilgrimage. Thus, ment, He says it to me as (Courtesy: The Pope and in the face, as well, of his power is not above all well. Feeding means lov- Benedict Code) all opportunism. but at the service of the ing, and loving also means Pope John Paul II Word of God, and on him being ready to suffer. 6 The Messenger 3 March 2013

Temptations of Christ like jumping into a blazing and comfort. Some of us oven thinking that God will do not feel any end to the save us from getting burnt greed to acquire material by hot coal. This is to be wealth and opulence. If we C h r i s t Bits & totally dependent on God were tempted like Christ humiliated Him- without doing anything was, we would have easily self so much to Pieces yourself. We have heard fallen into Satan’s trap. be born in human Madi the wise saying that “God After these three Theform. He account was even of will help those who help temptations Mathew writes tempted by Satan. themselves.” in his Gospel “The devil left that one day tation was Satan is persever- him, and angels came and the temptations of Jesus would feed more to jump ing. He does not give up. attended on him” (Mathew Christ in the Gospel than 5,000 people with from the He took Jesus to a high 4: 11). Jesus after his forty of Mathew says, that Jesus five loaves of bread and h i g h e s t mountain and showed day fast and His victory was fasting in the desert two fish (Luke 9:13-17). point of the Him all the kingdoms of over the tempter deserves for forty days and forty He also may have known temple in the world and their splen- to be served by the angels. nights (Mathew 4:1-13). that He will give his own Jerusa- dor and says that all these But Luke ends the tempta- Obviously He was hungry flesh and blood as the lem. Satan belong to Him. The devil tion episodes in a different after this long fast. Satan eternal nourishment in the shows that then requests Jesus to bow way. Luke hints at the per- down before him and that severance of Satan to tempt came to Jesus with some Sacrament of the Eucharist inhe is the well stones and asked Him to (Luke 22:17-19). In the v e r s e d he will give all these pos- us. Luke writes, “When the sessions to Him. This was devil had finished all this turn them into bread so GospelI am of theJohn, bread Jesus of even life.’ ation Jesus too quotes a the last straw as far as Je- tempting, he left Him, until that He will be able to re- calls Himself the bread of Scripture. He quotes from verse from Scripture: “Do sus was concerned. Jesus an opportune time” (Luke lieve his pangs of hunger. life: ‘ Psalm 91 of the Old Testa- not put the Lord your God admonished Satan saying, 4:13). Jesus replied “Man does He who comes to Me will ment: “He will command to the test” (Deuteronomy “Away from me Satan! It is As human beings not live by bread alone.” never go hungry, and he his angels concerning you, 6: 16). written: Worship the Lord we all have to face an innu- Satan knew that who believes in Me will and they will lift you up in He shows Satan your God, and serve Him merable amount of temp- Jesus had the power to never go thirsty” (John their hands, so that you that tempting God is one only” (Mathew 4: 10). tations during our mortal turn stones into bread. 6:35). will not strike your foot of the worst sins that a This is one of the life. Jesus teaches us that Most probably he knew The second temp- against a stone.” In retali- person can commit. It is most common sins of to- temptations could be over- Some people look Buried treasure day, tantamount to “selling come with the grace of for others’ faults as if they your soul to the devil.” To- God. The evangelist Luke were of high archeologi- day we can see around us teaches us to be ‘on our cal value. Jesus has given very prominent people you develop a positive, joy- She doesn’t know how to so many of our colleagues guard’ because the tempt- us the best answer to fault only.” ous outlook. The construc- wash correctly. Perhaps who are worshiping mon- er is a persevering fallen finders. When confronted Two months later, tive attitude and the joy she needs better laun- ey, wealth, property and angel who has supra-nat- by the Pharisees, we are the businessman returned you share will be returned dry soap,” the young lady other material objects just ural powers and who will well aware of the response to the barber shop after to you like a bountiful har- commented. Her husband to embrace a life of luxury never give up. Jesus gave when they the trip to Rome. “How vest. If your focus is others’ looked on, but was silent. brought a woman to him was your trip,” the barber faults, you will bury your Every time her neighbour being caught in adultery. queried. “Wonderful! The own faults within yourself would hang her wash to

A businessman flight was excellent, the making your whole per- dry, the young woman was 106 came in one day to a bar- hotel was marvelous and sonality turn into a fester- irritated. 1 ber shop for a hair cut. I met the Pope,” the busi- ing wound. About a month Thoughts By Sirohmi Gunesekera This barber was the fault- nessman answered. later, the woman was sur- finding type who often “You saw the Pope? that haunt me prised to see a nice, clean looked at the negative side What happened?” wash on the neighbour’s Giving Up of things. He rarely had a the barber was excit- clothes line and said to pleasant word for anybody. ed. “I bent down and her husband , “Look, she The businessman said he kissed his ring,” was has learned how to wash “It’s the Season of Lent. Have you given up wanted to go to Rome on the reply. “No you’re kid- A young couple correctly. I wonder who anything you like as a sacrifice?”asked Carlo. a business trip. “What air- ding, what did he say?” The moves into a new neigh- taught her.” The husband “Well, I had big plans on Ash Wednesday line are you taking?” the businessman cleared his bourhood. The next morn- replied, “I got up early this but I find it difficult to continue sacrificing. You barber asked. When the throat and looked round ing, while they are eating morning and cleaned our see, I wanted to give up eating sweets but it’s very airline was mentioned, the shop. Many clients breakfast, the young wom- windows.”Ananda Perera hard”confessed Marlene. the barber commented who had come to the shop an sees her neighbour hang “Well, you shouldn’t think of a blanket thing that their service was very were also eagerly listen- the wash outside. “That like all sweets. Why don’t you just decide to cut down poor and the air-fare very ing by now. He broke the laundryHere’s a is worthy not very recipe clean. for us all on chocolates?”suggested Carlo. high. “Which hotel do you silence. “I knelt down to at this early stage of the New Year ! “Even then, I find it hard to think of no choco- hope to stay in?” was bar- get his blessing. The Pope lates for forty days. That’s more than one month!”said ber’s next question. The touched my head. Then he A Cake for 2013 Marlene. hotel was mentioned. “Oh, looked hard at my head “No, no, that’s not the way to think. Just make Ingredients the food there is horrible, and said, “What a shame, up your mind that you won’t have a chocolate milk you’ll ruin your day with my son, whoever gave you shake today! Or just politely decline eating a piece of a bad tummy,” advised the this ugly haircut?” chocolate cake. Try it in the morning. Then if you are 2012 Doubts and Tears barber. The businessman There’s a saying, strong, do something else in the afternoon and con- 12 months of Hurts disclosed that he had plans ‘What goes around comes gratulate yourself on your will-power if you can make 7 days of Tears it till evening without biting into a chocolate. Today’s to see the Pope too. The around.’ If you are a critical, 6 cups of Patience victory is all that counts.”suggested Carlo. wide eyed barber laughed, negative person, life will 5 cups of Peace “That’s only a dream. The treat you badly. You’ll be 4 cups of Love “Yes, I should perhaps buy some fruits so I Pope gives audiences to happy on the other hand, if 3 cups of Joy can munch those when I get hungry! I know there is 2 Helping Hands sugar in apples and grapes, but I can’t give up every- Take time for a minute of Method1 Large Heart thing, can I?”said Marlene. “Your system needs some sugar so eating humour - smile! fruits is okay. The main thing is to keep yourself occu- The famous preacher Billy Put the doubts, fears and hurts into a large sauce- pied so you won’t think of food. Besides, the moment Graham used to meet a pan. Pour in the tears and simmer till evaporated. you decide to sacrifice eating sweets, all sugary things acquire an added value for it becomes forbidden fruit Negro who was always Add 6 cups of patience, 5 of peace, 4 of love, 3 of joy and the large heart. and are therefore tastier.”said Carlo. cheerful. “Uncle Joe” once Knead with 2 helping hands. Put onto a baking sheet “Anyway, it’s not forever. Besides, I find I can he inquired “How do you and sprinkle with peace. lose some weight if I cut down on sweets. Isn’t that an manage to remain so cheerful?” “Well, I’ll tell Cook with tender care, allow to cool, then cut into added incentive?”asked Marlene. 365 small pieces. you,” replied Uncle Joe, “I’ve just learned to co- “Yes of course. But you should model your- Wrap in gold foil and freeze. self on Jesus who fasted in the desert for forty days. From “The Friendship Book” operate with the inevitable, especially my wife.” Serve each day to the needy. We too should pray to God so we can resist tempta- Rev. Fr. Fraccid Anthony Fernando OMI tion. One feels good when one has sacrificed some- Sent by Mavis De Silva thing one likes. Offer it up to God in prayer.”concluded St. Nicholas’ Home - Dehiwela Carlo. 7 The Messenger 3 March 2013 Sede Vacante Civil Power of the Pope All the civil power of the Supreme Pontiff When the Holy See is Vacant… concerning the government of Vatican City State, an (Contd from Pg. 4) enclave of Rome, belongs to the College of Cardinals, solely for the dispatch of ordinary business and of matters which cannot be postponed while the Holy See is vacant (No. 23). Code of Civil Procedure of Vati- in the Church, which he is always able to exercise doubtful or controverted points in this legislation and can City State is given by the of 1929. Election Preparation freely” (Canon 331). After the renouncement of office to issue a judgment (Nos. 5 & 6). President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, Committees by the Pope, his power of jurisdiction in the Church Giuseppe Cardinal Bertello will continue in office in ceases. However, he continues to enjoy the power of orderCoat of to arms oversee the civil administration. Orders he received by virtue of his ordination which is While the See is vacant, there are two kinds of perpetualInfallibility and – Exepiscopal Cathedra in character. Congregations of the Cardinals: The official Coat of Arms or the symbol on the General Congregations; which include the flag of Vatican City State and the Holy See, which is the The prerogative of infallibility of the Roman whole College and are held before the beginning of the (crown) over the keys is changed during Pontiff is derived by virtue of his office as Vicar of election. All the Cardinals who are not legitimately the vacancy. The crown is replaced with an umbrella Christ and Successor of St. Peter. It has deep roots in the impeded must attend the General Congregations, once to signify the absence of the Pope and that the Holy See history of the Church. It was officially articulated and they have been informed of the vacancy of the Apos- “By virtue of his office, the Supreme Pontiff isPeriod under of the Vacancy administration of the Camerlengo. tolic See. The General Congregations preceding the possessessolemnly infallibilitydefined by thein teaching First Vatican when Councilas supreme in 1870. pas- beginning of the election, which are therefore called torEx Cathedraand teacher…. - he proclaims by definitive act that a "preparatory," are to be held daily so that Cardinal Ca- doctrine of faith or morals is to be held” (Canon 749). This According to the norms of the present law, the merlengo can hear the opinion of the College and com- gift of infallibility has been very rarely used by a Pope, Conclave to elect the new Pope is to be begun between municate whatever is considered necessary or appro- only twice after it was defined as a dogma. the 15th and the 20th day after February 28th. Taking priate, while the individual Cardinals can express their into consideration the present circumstances if the views on possible problems, ask for explanations in conclave date is not advanced, the period of vacancy case of doubt and make suggestions. At the same time It is clear that when the Pope has renounced may be between 16 and 27 days. A new Pope is to be the Cardinals present are to swear“To an maintain oath to observe rigorous his office he does not possess power of jurisdiction as elected before March 27. Unless, present guidelines are secrecythe prescriptions with regard contained to all matters herein in and any toway maintain related to the supreme pastor. Therefore, his prerogative of teach- changed in order to make an advancement of the date Pope’s name during Mass Guidance of the Holy Spirit thesecrecy election in the of thefollowing Roman manner: Pontiff or those which, by their ing infallibly ceases with his renouncement of office. of the Cconclave. very nature, during the vacancy of the Apostolic See, call for the same secrecy.” In the prayer for the Universal flock of the Eu- Two retreat preachers known for their sound charistic prayer during Mass, the mention of the name of doctrine, wisdom and moral authority are entrusted the Pope and bishop of the Diocese takes place. During with the task of presenting spiritual guidance to the Particular Congregation: Is made up of the Cardi- vacancy of the Papacy, it may be usedtogether as: Remember, with (N) Cardinals by two well-prepared meditations on the nal Camerlengo and three Cardinals, one from each Order, E.g.Lord, Anthony your Church,, our bishopspread throughoutand all the theclergy, world, and problems facing the Church at the time and on the need chosen by lot from among the Cardinal electors already bring her to the fullness of charity for careful discernment in choosing the new Pope. One present in Rome. The Particular Congregations are to deal omittingChurch, Meditation will take place in the congregations during only with questions of lesser importance which arise on a spreadthe reference throughout to the Pope. the world, But in andthe diocese bring her of Rome to the the vacancy. The second meditation will take place in dailyPapal basis Powers or from during time the to time. Period (Nos. of 7Vacancy – 12). fullnessor any other of charity vacant togetherdiocese, it with may allbe usedthe clergy. as: the immediately before the beginning of the Conclave. Some powers vested on the Roman Pontiff We entrust the Church to the guidance of the are derived solely by virtue of his office. The extensive During vacancy ofTogether a diocese, with when (N) the E.g. Holy Holy Spirit, so that, at this time of discernment the Spirit fullness of power of the Petrine Office is derived from BenedictSee is not ,vacant, our Pope the andname al lof the the clergy. bishop is omitted of the Lord may descend upon the Church of Rome. the will and mission of Jesus. The Pope “possesses su- and the prayer is used as: preme,The full, immediate, importanceand universal ordinary power of the Family Rosary

It seems to me This must be one - and they are sure there aethistic forces of Marxism that a principal cause of reason why, as they say, is some “real” explanation had ever peacefully left a the loss of faith is the drop “the family that prays to- - but at the same time over country in which they held in the practice of reciting Thegether Power stays of together.” the Rosary 55 years later the scientis- power. Military strategists the Family Rosary. tis are still absolutely bam- and historians still remain In Austria, after boozled when it comes to baffled as to why the Rus- World War II, there was a The Most Holy finding a plausible scenar- sians pulled out. But we complete collapse of voca- Virgin Mary in these last io to explain the mission- are not -The it was ‘Country the power That tions. One year, apparently, times in which we live has aries’ unique escape from Savedof the Rosary. Itself’ - Brazil 1962 no one at all entered the given a new efficacy to the the hellish* Russians power of Pull that- bomb. . seminaries. So the bishops recitation of the Rosary to out of Austria, 1948 In 1962 there was a loom- held a synod, to find out such an extent that there Pius V had at Rome a clear faithfully everyday. These . After ing threat of a commu- how it could be that this is no problem, no matter knowledge of this success. men were missionaries to World War II, the Allies nist t2akeover in Brazil. A The same afternoon, the the Japanese people, they had happened. The conclu- how difficult it is wheth- turned over Catholic Aus- woman there named Dona sion they reached was that er temporal or above all, Confraternities of the Ro- were non-military, but be- tria to Communist Rus- Amelia Bastos was known the War had so disrupted spiritual, in the personal sary, particularly in Rome, cause Germany and Japan sia. For three years the to have formed a Rosary family life that the centu- life of each one of us, of had marched through were allies during WWII Austrian people endured Rally among the Brazilian ries-old practice of saying our families, of the fami- the; streets in procession they were permitted to this tyranny. Then, a Fran- women to do their part the Rosary in the home lies of the world, or of the reciting the Rosary. This live and minister within ciscan priest, Father Pet- in opposing the loom- had stopped, and had just religious communities, or victory put an end to the Japan during the war. Not ros, remembered how the ing threat. Their goal was not started again. This is even of the life of peoples naval power of the Turks only did they all survive Christians although greatly simply to pray the Rosary my experience, too; when and nations, that cannot and saved Christian Eu- with (at most) relatively outnumbered had defeat- in large groups asking the the Rosary goes, the faith be solved by the Rosary. rope. To this day this vic- minor injuries, but they ed the Turks at the Battle Virgin Mary for help in soon collapses. There is no problem, I tell tory has been attributed to all lived well past that aw- of Lepanto through the opposing the Communist So I think that the you, no matter how dif- the praying of the Rosary. ful day with no radiation Rosary, and he launched a takeover which the Presi- abandonment of the family ficult it is, that we cannot The feast of “The Most sickness, no loss of hear- Rosary crusade. Through dent of Brazil was lean- Rosary is the main reason resolve by the Prayer of Holy Rosary” is celebrated ing, or any other visible it 70,000 people, one tenth ing towards at the time. why so many Catholics the Holy Rosary. With the on October 7 annually and long term defects or mala- of the Austrian population, In Belo Horizonte 20,000 have lost the faith. Holy Rosary, we will save the month of October· is dies. Naturally, they were pledged to say the Rosary women reciting the Rosa- One reason, I ourselves; we will sanctify dedicated* Atomto the Bomb Most Holyover interviewed numerous daily for the Soviets to ry aloud broke up a Com- think, why the daily Rosary ourselves; we will console Hiroshima,Rosary. 1945 times (Fr. Schiffer, a survi- leave their country. Austria munist rally. In Sao Paulo, makes for a happy home, is our Lord, and obtain the vor, said over 200 times) was valuable to the Rus- 600,000 women praying sians because of its strate- the rosary in one of the this. From what some pos- Miraclessalvation of manythe Rosary: souls. . There by scientists and health gic location, rich mineral most moving demonstra- sessed people have said, was a home eight blocks care people about their re- * Battle of Lepan- deposits and oil reserves. tions in Brazilian history, and from what some of the (about 1 kilometer) from markable experience and to, 1571 Yet on May 13, 1955, the caused the President of saints have said, it seems where the A-Bomb went they say “We believe that anniversary of the first Brazil to flee the country off in Hiroshima Japan. we survived because we certain that demons fear . On Sunday Oc- apparition of Our Lady and not a single death was the Rosary. It makes their tober 7, the Christian This home had a church were living the message at Fatima, the Russians encountered, sparing the hair stand on end, so to and Turkish fleets met in attached to it which was of Fatima. We lived and signed the agreement to country from Communist speak. Holy water certainly Lepanto Gulf, off the coast completely destroyed, but prayed the Rosary, daily leave Austria, and they did takeover.(Courtesy: “Our Glorious drives them out, but they of Greece. The bitter battle the home survived, and so in that home.” Of course so without one person be- Faitha nd How to lose it” come back again. The daily finished with a brilliant did the eight German Jesuit the secular scientists are ing killed and without one by Hugh Thwaites sj) Rosary drive them out and victory for the Christians. missionaries who prayed speechless and incredu- shot being fired. It was the keeps them out. That very evening Pope St. the Rosary in that house lous at this explanation only time that the militant 8 The Messenger 3 March 2013 The Roman Pontiffs

1. St. Peter 6. St. Alexander I Born in Bethsaida, Galilee. 2. St. Linus 3. St. Cletus 4. St. Clement 5. St. Evaristus Roman. A disciple of Born in Volterra. Elected in Roman. Elected in 76, he Roman. Elected in 88, Greek. Elected in 97, he Plutarch, he was elected Received from Jesus Christ he died in 97, a martyr. the supreme pontifical 67, he died on 23 Septem- died in 88, a martyr. He died in 105. Given the in 105 and died in 115. Banished to Pontus by the increase in the number power to be transmitted to ber 76. He is buried near drew up the rules for the Emperor Trajan, he was To him are attributed the consecration of bishops. of Christians, he divided His successors. Instituted St. Peter. He created the thrown into the sea with institution of the use of first fifteen bishops. He In the area of the Vatican, an anchor round his neck. the city into parishes. He the first ecclesiastical code founded the first seven Holy Water in Churches forbade women to enter near the tomb of St. Peter, He restored the Sacrament and the recitation of the he had an oratory built for of Confirmation according diaconates entrusted to and houses and the pre- a church with uncovered "Our Father." Having been the burial of martyrs. He to the rite of St.Peter. To senior priests, and this is scription that hosts to be arrested, he insisted on be- heads. During his pontifi- was also responsible for his time is attributed the considered to be the origin consecrated, be made from ing crucified head down- cate evanagelists Luke and rules governing ecclesiasti- use of "Amen" in religious of the present College of unleavened bread. wards. Died 29 June 67. Mark were martyred. cal dress. ceremonies." Cardinals.

12. st. soter 7. St. sixtus I 8. St. Telesphorus 9. St. Hyginus 10. St. Pius I 11. st. anicetus Roman. Elected in 115, he Greek. Elected in 125, he Athenian. Elected in 136, Born in Aquileia. He was Born in Fondi. He was died in 125. He is buried died in 136, a martyr. He he died in 140 a martyr. He elected in 140 and died Born in Syria. He was elected in 166 and died in in the Acropolis of Alatri composed the "Gloria in determined the different in 155, a martyr. He is elected in 155 and died in 175, a martyr. He can be prerogatives of the clergy supposed to have estab- (Frosinone). He ordered Excelsis Deo" and insti- 166, a martyr. He decreed described as the Pope of that the corporal be of tuted the seven week fast and defined the grades of lished the date of Easter Charity. He forbade women the ecclesiastical hierachy. on the first Sunday after that the clergy should not linen and that sacred before Easter. He decreed to burn incense during the He instituted the use of the March full moon. His vessels be handled only that each priest should have long hair. He con- congregation of the faith- celebrate three Masses Godparents at baptism to rules for the conversion by consecrated minis- firmed the celebration of ful. He ratified matrimony ters. He decreed that the on Christmas night. He assist the newly born dur- of Jews are considered to Easter according to the as a sacrament, valid only if Trysaghion be sung before inserted new prayers into ing their Christian life, and be important. He opposed Holy Mass. the Holy Mass. decreed that all churches Marcus the agnostic. tradition of St. Peter. blessed by a priest. be consecrated.

18. st. pontian 14. st. victor 16. St. Calixtus 17. st. urban I 13. st. eleutherius 15. st. zephyrinus Born in Rome. He was Born in Africa. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Roman. He was elected on 28 August 230 Born in Nicopolis (Epire). elected in 189 and died in elected in 217 and died, elected in 222 and died, a elected in 199 and died in and died on 28 Septem- He was elected in 175 and 199, a martyr. He decreed a martyr, in 222. He martyr in 230. He convert- that, in Baptism, any kind 217, a martyr. He decreed ber 235. He ordered the died in 189, a martyr. He was responsible for the ed St. Cecilia to Christian- of water could be used in that young people of 14 chanting of the Psalms, the excavation of the famous ity. In 230, on the site of sent Fugatius and Damian an emergency. Memorable years and over should recital of the "Confiteor" catacombs on the Via Appia her martyrdom in Traste- to convert the Britons. He receive Holy Communion at before death and the use was his struggle against the where 46 and about Easter. His pontificate was vere, he had a church built of the salutation "Dominus abolished some Jewish bishops of Asia and Africa 200,000 martyrs are bur- characterised by bitter where her remains now vobiscum." He was deport- customs concerning the so that Easter should be ied. He was beaten to death theological struggles. He lie. He consented to the ed and condemned to work celebrated according to with clubs and his remains purity and impurity of food excommunicated Tertul- acquisition of property by in the mines in Sardinia. He the Roman Rite and not ac- thrown into a well where which were still observed lian. He introduced the use the Church. died suffering on the little cording to the Jewish one. "Santa Maria in Trastevere" by some Christians. of the paten and of chalices island of Tavolara now stands. of cut glass.

19. st. anterus 21. st. cornelius 23. st. stephen I 22. st. lucius I 24. st. sixtus ii Born in Magna Grecia, he 20. st. fabian Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was Greek. He was elected on Born in Rome. He was was elected on 21 Novem- Born in Rome. He was elect- elected in March 251 and elected on 12 May 254 and 30 August 257 and died a ber 235 and died on 3 ed on 10 January 236 and died a martyr in June 253. elected on 25 June 253 died a martyr on 2 August martyr on 6 August 258. died a martyr on 20 January January 236. Like others During his pontificate the and died a martyr on 5 257. During his pontificate Of a meek disposition, he he suffered martyrdom at 250. At the moment of his settled the disputes that first schism took place with March 254. Of an ascetical the struggle against the the hands of the Emperor election a dove, symbol of the the election of the antipope nature, he forbade men had arisen under Corne- schismatic followers of the lius, Lucien and Stephen. Maximus, a barbarian Holy Spirit, alighted on his Novatian, later excommu- and women not related by antipope, Novatian, flared He effected the translation from Thrace. He ordered head. During his pontificate nicated during a council blood to live together he that the acts and relics the exodus from Rome to flee up again. He was beheaded, of the mortal remains of St. held in Rome. Exiled to decreed that clergy should Peter and St. Paul. During of the martyrs be gath- the persecution of Decius Civitavecchia he died there during a religious function, not live with diaconesses his time the martyrdom of ered together and kept in was such that it gave rise having refused to offer sac- on his pontifical chair in even if given lodging for Cyprian, who pronounced churches in a place called to the hermetical life of the rifices to the pagan gods. the catacombs of the exclamation "Deo Gra- reasons of charity. the "Scrinium." anchories. St. Calixtus. tias," took place. 9 The Messenger 3 March 2013

25. St. Denis 26. St. Felix I 27. St. Eutychian 28. St. Caisu 29. St. Marcellinus 30. St. Marcellus I Born in Turio. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Luni. He was elect- He was born in Salona Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was ed on 4 January 275 and (Dalmatia). Elected on 17 elected on 27 May 308 and elected on 22 July 259 and elected on 5 January 269 elected on 30 June 296 and died on 26 December 268. and died on 30 December died a martyr on 7 Decem- December 283 he died a died a martyr on 16 Janu- At that time the Barbarians 274. He asserted the divin- ber 283. He ordered that martyr on 22 April 296. died a martyr on 25 Octo- ary 309. Since his pontifi- were storming the gates ity and humanity of Jesus martyrs’ remains should His martyrdom was not ber 304. In this period the cate came after the throne of the Roman Empire. He Christ and the doctrine of be covered with the “Dal- at the hands of his uncle, persecution of Diocletian had been vacant for four was elected a year after his two natures in one person. matic” which was similar Diocletian. He decreed reached its peak destroy- years he had to deal with to the cloak worn by the that no one should be the difficult problem of successor because of per- He suffered the persecu- ing also churches and secutions. He reorganised tion of Aurelian. He began Roman Emperors. Today, ordained bishop until pardoning those who had the parishes of Rome, and the custom of burying it is a sacred vestment he had passed through sacred texts. Among the abjured during the perse- obtained liberty for the martyrs under church worn by deacons at sol- the orders of hostarius, victims we find St. Agnes, cutions. He decreed that a Christians from Gallienus. altars and of celebrating emn religious functions. reader, acolyte, exorcist, St. Lucy, St. Bibiana, St. council could not be held Holy Mass on their tombs. He instituted the blessing subdeacon, deacon and Sebastian, St. Lucien. without the authorization of the crops. priesthood. of the pope.

32. St. Miltiades 33. St. Sylvester I 31. St. Eusebius 34. St. Mark 35. St. Julius I 36. st. Liberius Born in Africa. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Cassano (of Greek Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was elected on 2, July 311 and elected on 31 January 314 elected don 18 January origin). He was elected elected on the 6, February elected on 17 May 352 and died on 2, January 314. and died on 31 December 336 and died on 7 October on 18 April 309 and died 336. He decreed that the 337 and died on 12, April died on 24 September During his pontificate, 335. He was the first Pope a martyr on 17 August Pope should be consecrat- 352. He ordered that the 366. The polemics with the the Emperor Constantine to wear the Tiara. He cele- 309. During his pontificate ed by the Bishop of Ostia. Oriental Church should Arians were still going on - after his vision “in hoc brated the first Ecumenical He instituted the “Pallium” the polemics about the celebrate Christmas on De- and these led to the elec- signo vinces” - issued his Council at Nicea where the which is still in use. It is apostates continued, bring- cember 25 instead of unit- tion of the antipope Felix II. decree of tolerance for the “Creed” was formulated. made from the wool of a ing the Church almost to previously blessed lamb ing it with the Epiphany on Liberius laid the founda- Christian Faith. Blessed He instituted Sunday as a the point of schism. He bread, dates from this time. and is decorated with black January 6. He is considered tions for the Basilica of St. holy day in memory of the crosses. During his pon- succeeded in maintaining St. Miltiades constructed to be the founder for the Mary Major, tracing out the a position of firmness and Resurrection. He created tificate the first calendar Archives of the Holy See the Basilica of St. John the of religious feast days was perimeter after a snowfall pardon. He suffered mar- the “Iron Crown” with a since he ordered that all of- Lateran. initiated. on the 15 August. tyrdom in Sicily. nail from the Holy Cross. ficial acts be preserved.

37. St. Damasus I’ 38. St. Siricus 39. St. Anastasius I Born in Spain. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was 40. St. Innocent I 41. St. Zosimas 42. St. Boniface I Born in Rome. He was elected on the 1 Octo- elected on 15 Decem- elected on 27 November Born in Albano (Rome). Greek (Masuraca). He was elected 28 December 418 ber 366 and died on 11 ber 384 and died on 26 399 and died on 19 Decem- He was elected on 22 elected on 18 March 417 and died on the 28 Sep- December 384. He was a November 399. He was ber 401. He resolved the December 401 and died and died on 26 Decem- the first, after St. Peter, to tember 422. The interfer- learned Pope. He autho- schism between Rome and on 12 March 417. During ber 418. He had a strong assume the title of Pope ence of Charles of Ravenna rized the singing of the the Church of Antiochia. his pontificate Rome was personality and insisted (Papa) from the Greek He strenuously fought on the rights of the church marks the beginning of psalms by alternate choirs attacked by the Goths of “Father.” It is maintained the followers of immoral against foreign interfer- secular power interference (Ambrosian Rite) insti- alaric. He established the in the election of popes. also that it is an anagram practices, maintaining that observance of the Roman ence. Of very strict morals, tuted by St. Ambrose. He formed from the initials of His consecration was the Divinity was also hid- Rite. He persuaded Honou- he ordained that illegiti- introduced the use of the the words “Petri Apostoli delayed for several months den in material things. He rius to prohibit gladiatorial mate children could not be Hebrew term “Alleluia”. He Potestatem Accipiens.” He decreed that priests should raised to the priesthood. because of the opposition contests in the arenas. had the Sacred Scriptures upheld the necessity of remain standing during the He sent vicars-apostolic to presented by the antipope translated from Hebrew. celibacy for priests. Gospel. the Franks. Eulalius.

47. St. Simplicius 43. St. Celestine I 44. St. Sixtus III 45. St. Leo I 46. St. Hilary 48. St. Felix III Born in Tivoli. He was Born in Rome, he was Born in Rome. He was An Italian from Tuscia. He Born in Cagliari. He was Born in Rome. He was was elected on 29 Sep- elected on 19 November elected on 3 March 468 elected on 10 September elected on 31 July 432 and elected on 13 March 483 tember 440 and died on 461 and died on 29 Febru- and died on 10 March 483. 422 and died on 27 July died on 19 August 440. He and died on 1 March 492. 10 September 461. He is ary 468. In his political During his pontificate oc- 432. He called the Third enlarged and embellished He tried to restore peace called “the Great” because thought he followed his curred the Fall of the West- Ecumenical Council which the Basilicas of St. Mary in the disturbed Eastern of his energetic work in great predecessor. He ern Empire and the schism condemned the followers Major and St. Lawrence. He maintaining the unity of decided that a certain level Church. He had sons, one of which led to the founding of Nestorius, the Patriarch was the author of several the Church. He called the of culture was needed in which was the father of the of the Churches of Armeia, of Constantinople. He 4lh and 5th Ecumenical order to become a priest, famous Gregory the Great. epistles and upheld the Syia and Egypt (Copts). He sent St. Patrick to Ireland. Councils and defined the and that popes and bishops He has been erroneously jurisdiction of Rome over regulated the distribution Mention is first made in mystery of the Incarna- should not nominate their taken for Felix II, a holy Illyria against the Eastern of offerings to pilgrims and this period of the “pastoral tion. Alone prevented the successors. He instituted martyr. Emperor who wanted it de- for new churches. staff." “Scourge of God” (Attila). an apostolic vicariate in pendent on Constantinople. Spain. (Contd. on Pg. 10) 10 The Messenger 3 March 2013 The Roman Pontiffs (Contd from Pg. 9)

49. St. Gelasius I 50. Anastasius II 51. St. Symmachus 52. St. Hormaidas 53. St. John I 54. St. Felix IV Born in Rome of African Born in Rome. He was Born in Sardinia. He was Born in Frosinone (Rome). Born in Populonia. He was Born in Benevento. He was origin. He was elected on 1 elected on 24 November elected on 22 November He was elected on 20 July elected on 13 August 523 elected on 12 July 526 and March 492 and died on 21 496 and died on 19 Novem- 498 and died on 19 July 514 and died on the 6 and died on 18 May 526. died on 22 September 530. September 496. He insti- 514. He consolidated August 523. During his He crowned the Emperor Arbitiarily nominated pope ber 498. He brought about tuted the Code for the uni- Church property refer- pointificte St. Benedict Justinian. He died in prison by Theodoric for his own the conversion of Clovis, forming of ceremonies and ring to it as permanent founded the Benedictine in Ravenna ends, he showed such loy- rites. Because of his charity king of the Franks and of beneficies for the use of Order and the celebrated having been imprisoned by alty towards the interests he was called the “Father his people. He was weak the clergy. He ransomed Abbey of Monte Cassino, the barbaric King of the Church that the King of the Poor.” He maintained with schismatics and was all the slaves giving them was destroyed by bombs in Theodoric, invader of Italy. of the Goth repudiated him the supremacy of the even accused of heresy. their desired freedom. To 1944. He decreed that the He was the first pope to go and had him exiled. Liberty Church over that of kings. Dante Alighieri put him him is attributed the first Bishopric should not be to Constantinople. of cult was restored to the He inserted the “Kyrie through Hell. construction of the Vatican bestowed in privilege. Christians on his death. Eleison” into the Holy Mass. Palace.

55. Boniface II 56. John II 57. St. Agapitus 58. St. Silverius 59. Vigilius 60. Pelagius I Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Frosinone. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was elected on 22 Septem- elected on 2 January 533 elected on 13 May 535 and elected on the 1 June 536 elected on 29 March, 537 elected on 16 April 536 ber 530 and died on 17 and died on 8 May 535. died on 22 April 536. He and died a martyr on the and died on 7 June 555 and died on 4 March 561. is October 532. Of Gothic He was the first Pope to was induced by the King of 11 November 537. The Byz- despite Theodora’s ef- elevation to the papacy was forts, he refused to annul origin, he was considered change his name since the Goths to go to Constan- antine armies of Justini- influenced by Emperor Jus- the condemnation of the a “barbarous foreigner.” tinople to check the Em- nan, under the command of tinian since Rome was now Mercurius was the name of eutichian theories. He was As a result a rival faction a pagan god. Through an peror Justinian’s ambitions Belisarius, captured Rome. arrested while celebrating a province of the Byzan- elected Pope Dioscoros. edict of Atalaric the pope in Italy. He was poisoned The Pope was exiled to the Holy Mass but succeeded tine Empire. He remained The ensuing struggle was recognised as the head there by the Emperor’s island of Ponza where he in escaping. He called the faithful to the principles ceased only on the death of the bishops of the whole wife Theodora who was of was assassinated, having Fiftieth Ecumenical Coun- of Catholic orthodoxy. He of Dioscoros. He had the world. the eutichian faith. been forced to renounce cil. During his pontificate, had the Church of twelve monastery of Montecassino the Papacy. Justinian imposed the Apostles built. built on a temple of Apollo. “Pragmatic Sanction”.

61. John III 62. Benedict I 63. Pelagius II 64. St. Gregory I 65. Sabinian 66. Boniface III Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Rome of Gothic Born in Rome. He was Born in Blaera. He was Born in Rome, he was elected on 17 July 561 and elected on 2 June 575, after origin. He was elected on elected on 3 September elected on 13 Septem- elected on 19 February 607 died on the 13 July 574. a vacancy of almost a year, 26 November 579 and died 590 and died on 12 March ber 604 and died on 22 and died on 12 November He saved Italy from the and died on 30 July 579. on 7 February 590. While 604. He reaffirmed the civil February 606. His election 607. He forbade arrange- Barbarians because, during He tried in vain to restore Rome was besieged by the authority of the pope, thus came after a vacancy of six ments for the elction of the disastrous Lombard in- order in Italy and in France Lombards he sought help beginning the “temporal months. He regulated the the new pope until three vasions desired by Narsete, thrown into confusion by from Constantinople. He power.” On the decline ringing of the bells to in- days had passed (today he rallied all the Italians in the barbaric invasions decreed that priests must of the plague in Rome an dicate the canonical hours 9 - “novendiali”) since the the defence of their land and internal disorders. He reicte the Divine Office ev- angel appeared to him on for meditations and prayer death of his predecessor. against the cruelties of the confirmed the 5th Council ery day. He was the victim a castle that was from then to the faithful. He decreed He descreed that the only invaders. at Constantinople. of a plague, the victims of called Castel Sant’ Angelo. that sanctuary lamps be universal bishop was that which died yawning and He instituted Gregorian always kept burning in the of Rome, that is, the Pope. sneezing. Chant. churches.

67. st. Boniface IV 68. st. deusdedit i 69. Boniface V 70. Honorius I 71. Severinus 72. John IV Born in Abruzzo. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Naples. He was Born in Capua. He was Born in Rome. He was Born in Dalmatia. He was elected on 25 August 609 elected on 10 October 615 elected on 23 December elected on 25 October 625 elected on 28 May 640 and elected on 24 December 640 and died on 12 Octo- and died on 8 May 615. He and died on 8 November 619 and died on 25 Octo- and died on 12 October died on 2 August 640. There consecrated the pagan tem- ber 625. The beginning of 638. He sent missionaries were grave disagreements ber 642. He tried to bring 618. He tended lepers and ple of Agrippa, called the his pontificate was delayed to almost all parts of the between the Byzantine the dissentients of Egypt the plague stricken with to the way of Truth. He had Pantheon, to the memory for 11 months and was known world and institut- Emperor Heraclius and the translated to the Lateran of the Virgin and of all the heroic abnegation. He was embittered by wars for the ed the feast of the Exalta- Pope because of the latter’s the first to use seals of lead the remains of the mar- saints, thus instituting All Crown of Italy. He institut- tion of the Holy Cross on 14 condemnation of the mono- tyrs Venantius, Anastasius Saints Day on November 1. for Bulls and pontiffcal ed the privilge of sanctuary September. He resolved the teletic heresy. To punish and Maurus. He himself He sanctioned moral and decrees. His is the oldest for those persecuted who problmes of the Eastern him the Emperor ordered ordained 28 priests and material improvements for pontifical seat preserved in sought refuge in churches. Church, and the Schism of the sacking of the Basilica 18 bishops in order to be the lower clergy. the Vatican. Mohammed began preach- Aquileia on the question of of St. John Lateran’s and the certain of their faith. ing during his pontificate. the “Three Chapters.” . (To be contd. ) 1311 The Messenger 3 March 2013 A journey to Golgotha J esus had already made ing and in doing so prevent and fell to the ground. a name for Himself a possible uprising by the Seeing Judas leading a preaching His Gospel in people against it. large group of men armed the regions of Judea and In the company with swords and clubs, Galilee. His preaching was of His Apostles, Jesus said He said to His Apostles, a source of light to the "You know that in two days "The one who will betray people who until then had time it will be the Passover Me is near." Approaching lived in the shadow of dark- and the Son of Man will be Him, Judas kissed Him as a ness. He was much liked handed over to be cruci- sign of identification. The and sought after by the fied." This put Jesus in a men with him soon seized people because they were vulnerable position. Sei- Jesus, bound Him and led captivated by His teaching. zling the opportunity, Ju- Him away. Suzanna, who was in her das Iscariot, one of Jesus' At the night time late teens, had a yearning Apostles, who had a greed trial before the Sanhen- to listen to His discourses for money, came to terms drin, Jesus was wrongfully as they were inspiring and with the Chief Priests to convicted of blasphemy enlightening. betray Jesus to them for a for calling Himself the Jesus was due to payment of thirty pieces of Son of God, punishable come to Jerusalem. When silver. with death. Before Gov- the people herd of this, Jesus and His ernor Pilate the following tify us as Jesus' followers." like Him." Suzanna's fa- many of them, carrying Apostles celebrated the morning for official sanc- But her father said "Let her Soon after, the ther and mother were in leafy branches and palms Passover in a house in the tion of the death sentence, go if she wants to. "She left earth trembled and rocks fear because she had not went out to greet Him as City. During the meal He Pilate found Jesus to be home without delay and in the vicinity cracked. returned home by then. He entered the city riding said "Truly I say to you: innocent of all charges by the time she reached Tombs opened and bod- A short while later they a donkey. They began to one of you will betray me." brought against Him and Golgotha which was a fair ies of several holy people heard a knock on the door. distance from her home, cry out "Hosannah to the All of them were troubled wanted to release Him. rose to life. These unusual Her mother opened the But the angry crowd cried Jesus had already been occurrences were under- Son of David! Blessed is He and each one asked Him door and was relieved to who comes in the name of in town "You do not mean out "Crucify Him. Crucify crucified. stood by some to be Divine see her. As she entered her the Lord! Hosannah, glory me, do you Lord?" Reply- Him." Pilate asked Jesus Jesus was in a responses to the death of mother said "I was wor- in the highest!" Some of ing to Judas he said "You "Are you the king of the ghastly state, bleeding pro- a God-man. The solider in them spread out their have said it." Judas walked Jews?" and He replied "You fusely from His wounds. charge of the crucifixion ried about you. You are cloaks on the road for Him away soon after. say so." Pilate understood Someone in the crowd said in wonder "Truly he wet. Change your cloth- to pass. Suzanna who was After the Passover Him wrongly in the politi- pointing his finger at Su- was the Son of God." ing and wipe yourself." among them made her way meal, Jesus offered bread cal sense. Thereafter Jesus zanna and said "She is one Just then, faint Suzanna said in sadness with difficulty through the and wine to His Apostles, was scourged according to of Jesus' faithful followers" sounds of thunder were "Jesus was crucified and large crowd and accosting consecrated as His Body Roman customs, crowned and the others with Him heard in the distant. Winds He died." Her mother him, she cried out "Jesus, and Blood and asked them with thorns in ridicule, laughed at her. She stood blew across with force. thoughtfully said "Many Jesus" in reverential es- to do likewise in commem- humiliated and led away to still in silence and fear, but As drops of rain began to people did not believe that she could not bear to see teem. Turning towards her, oration. Having sung a Golgotha to be crucified. fall, everybody started to Jesus was a divine emis- Jesus' journey to Gol- Jesus on the cross. Anoth- Jesus gently touched her hymn, He led His Apostles leave. Moments late the sary. He preached a gospel head. She was immensely to the Garden of Gethse- gotha carrying His cross er said to Jesus "If you are rain came down in a tor- of deliverance and He had impressed by His kind re- mane. In the Garden He in His weak state was an the Son of God come down rents. Bright flashes of to die to make deliverance sponse. had a disturbing fear of appalling sight to many. from the cross and save lightning illuminated the The next day, Jesus what would befall him at He was bleeding from His yourself" which caused sky, followed by loud claps a reality for humans. What visited the temple and see- the hands of His enemies. bruises caused mainly further laughter. of thunder. Water flowed is exclusive about Jesus is ing that some people were He said to Peter, James and by stinging whip lashes. Jesus' mother, Mary, Apos- freely, inundating roads that He will rise again after E.M. Aldons misusing the temple as a John who accompanied Men women and children tle John and Magdalene partially. Suzanna was on three days as He said." market place, He drove Him further into the Gar- watched Him with pity as stood at the foot of the cross her way home in haste. them away, overturning den, "My soul is filled with He staggered on helplessly. in sorrow and despair, in Prayer to the Holy Spirit their tables and stools. The sorrow even to death. Re- Some voiced their displea- the tensity that prevailed. Chief Priests and scribes main here and stay awake sure to the cruelties im- An unusual darkness came who later heard of what Je- with Me." posed on an innocent man over the land by noon. To- sus had done were enraged Moving a little by the Roman administra- wards mid-afternoon, Je- O Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and by it. They wondered who away from them, He fell on tion. sus cried out "Father into show me the way to reach my ideal. Thou who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong He was to act with such His face and prayed to His When Suzanna your hands I commend My that is done to me and who are in all instances of my authority and tried to find Father saying "My Father, heard that Roman soldiers spirit" and died. His tragic t life with me. I in this short dialogue want to thank were taking Jesus to Gol- end brought sorrow to a way to kill Him. They if it is possible, let this cup hee for everything and confirm once more that I gotha to be crucified, she many who were there. At were hesitant to do any pass from Me, yet, not as never want to be separated from Thee no matter that moment, an on-looker harm to Him because he I will but as You will." But told her parents "I must how great the material desires may be. I want to had a large following. They He did not compromise on go to see Jesus for the last said to another "The Jew- be with thee and my loved ones in your perpetual decided that they would His obligation towards His time." Her mother who was ish race is responsible glory. Amen. In Thanksgiving M. P. make an attempt to seize father to save mankind. In hesitant to let her go said for Jesus' death," and the (N6222) Him after the Passover fes- that state of fear, drops of "It is to dangerous for you other replied "Jesus was tival which was approach- blood formed like sweat to go because people iden- killed by Jews who did not N 6302 1412 The Messenger 3 March 2013

Spoiling the Name...... Mother Mary's Memoire My Beloved Son, The unrepeatable uniqueness God has given to me... In calling me by name. How oft have I, your mother Mary, The God who is the root and ground of my being. gleefully watched you in your boyhood days playing with nails both big and small in your The 'ego' is the 'center of consciousness' earthly father, Joseph's carpentry outfit help- St. Paul says, "it is no longer... ing him with a cheerful heart to assemble the I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" wooden chairs, tables, cupboards and whatnot That I am in touch with one another. he daily made, and at times dropping the nails and injuring your small fingers while picking 'Abusing' and 'back biting' them up, little knowing that in later years your Which brings me the darkness within grown-up hands and feet will be inhumanly It is 'hard painful and unbearable' pierced with much larger nails causing you ex- That it is the 'virus' that 'spread everywhere'. cruciating pain and be condemned to be cru- cified on a cross like a common criminal thus fulfilling the will of your Heavenly Father, the Those who are 'committed' to God Supreme Creator of all that is seen and unseen And 'serving' for the 'love of God'. in this unfathomable Universe, with the sole Tend to 'spoil' the 'name of the person' purpose of redeeming the whole of mankind of And 'loose' the 'sense' of 'loving others.' their sinful, hypocritical and wicked ways ! me when my tearful eyes witnessed the blood Yes, my Beloved Son, my eyes, ears and and water which gushed forth from your side 'Spoiling' the 'Name of a Person' heart bore all this inhuman scourging, cursing, when one of your brutal killers pierced you with piercing your head with a crown of thorns, flog- a lance while hanging on the cross. Is a 'sin' and it will make us go away from God With all this untold suffering you un- ging and spitting upon you with irritating fre- What is the life 'witness' and 'value' derwent for the sake of humanity, my Son, has quency while you were carrying the burden of That 'committed one's giving ' to the world? mankind reformed themselves and abandoned the heavy cross on your weary journey to Cal- their wicked ways and sinfulRienzie habits Ivan up Pererato this vary, with stoic calm and deafening silence not- Sr. A. Christina Lourdes (H.F.) day? withstanding the anguish and grief I felt within "Growing Old" St. Joseph's College - Wattala

Athletic Meet 2013 Growing old is not retiring for the battle still is on, Going on without relenting St. Joseph's College, Wat- Till the final victory is won. tala was a hive on activity on Satur- day February 2, 2013. The College The longer we live, the more that we know grounds bore all sings of festivity Old age is the time for wisdom to show, with the colourful decorations of Who knows how much good some word we the four houses, each having huts of their own. It was clear the excite- might say ment was well witnessed as the stu- Could do for that one who has wandered away. dents of Bonjean, Coudert, Marque and Melizan took their places in Dear Jesus, help us to stay close to you their respective houses. And trust you more each day, The ceremony began with So when the storm of life appears the arrival of the chief guest Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle, Mem- We will not driftAnton away. Selemberam ber of Parliament. She was received at the gate by Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andra- di, Rector St. Joseph's College, Wat- tala, Rev. Fr. Kamal Kumara, Princi- A building on fire pal of the College together with the Band to the ground. abiding citizens, be a light to others teachers in charge of sports and the Addressing the gathering and be a good Josephian. four athletic houses, and were ac- Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi explained In his speech Rev. Fr. Andra- companied by the school Western On a recent evening, suddenly thaththi came the values of students taking part di, appreciated Rev. Fr. Kamal Ku- Band to the grounds. The hoisting of running to tell ammi that a building was on fire. Malla, in sports. Characteristic of school mara, Principal of the school, Mas- National, Papal and School flags fol- ammi achcha and I ran to the balcony. It was the first education is formation of students ters in charge of sports, Mr. Eardly lowed each symbolizing, freedom, time I saw a fire, flames and smoke covering the sky. I physically, intellectually, cultur- Prasanna and Prasanna Silva and peace, a community of love, respec- was sad, thinking of the people in the homes. The next ally and spiritually. Taking part Masters in Charge of athletic hous- tively. The guest of honour was Mr. day ammi and thaththi went for a walk they were told in sports, children are indirectly es, for their effort and hard work in Sahan Pradeep Vitahna, Chairman Text: Padminie Nanayakkara it was the kachcheri that had burnt. Little later in the taught how to face victory and de- making this event a success. of Mahara Pradesiya Saba who was Pic. Sanjeen Lloyd morning ammi took us to see the kachcheri.Dasha Seneviratne. We saw the feat in life. They should however be honoured by the College Scouts and smoke and the fire brigade spraying water. Grade 2H taught not to be discouraged by de- accompanied by the College Eastern Patience andfeat. YouKindness should be disciplined, Wins law Leadership Training Workshop

My first appoint- The sums were so easy that and said, "You are a clever ment as a young teacher was even Grade 2 children could boy, see you have got all your to a government school in have done them. But I said, sums correct. Why is that you the suburbs of Colombo. I "Pencils down please. I want don't pay attention in class? was the teacher of English in all of you to get all the sums Why is that you are caned the primary classes. When- correct, so listen to me care- practically ever day. Will you ever I went to Grade 5, I no- fully. If you don't understand promise me that you will do ticed a boy in Grade 4 being you can ask me again and better?" He promised. God pulled up or often caned for again. I went round the class, answered my prayer. not getting his sums right. naturally all were doing well. He did study. He did The boy was too big for the Next I put up some subtrac- class (he was big in size and tions. When I collected the do well. Even the other teach- age) I used to feel sorry for books for correction I was ers noticed the change in A leadership training It was a comprehensive him. I prayed for him. more interested in the weak- the boy and were surprised. workshop was carried out for the session, which successfully en- One day in the ab- er ones specially the big boy. Strong Faith sees the invis- Daham Pasal Prefects of Holy Cross abled the children to groom them- sence of their teacher I was True enough all had done ible, believes the incredible, Church, Munnakkaraya and St. selves to be better leaders. asked to take that class. I well. I spoke to the Lord and receivesEmilda the impossible. S. Douglas Nicholas Church, belonging to the This was organised by went happily, and put up then I quietly called the big parish of Grand Street, by Kumara Rev. Fr. A. Udayadas, assisted by some additions on the board. boy and spoke gently to him Nayanajith of the Lama Pradeepaya. the Daham Pasal teachers. 1513 The Messenger 3 March 2013

What it says ..... in the Readings Third Sunday of Lent

Repent, says the Lord, for the kingdom First Reading: Ex. 3: 1-8, 13-15. of heaven is close at hnad. too. This is proved by the would bring the Israel- Sidoam fell. The Parable of (Mt. 4:17) ParableReflection. of the Fig Tree. ites out of Egypt. This is the Fig Tree show us that Moses is called to the beginning of salva- even though it is fit only to bring the Israelites out of tion for the Israelites. All be cut and burnt. God out these were accomplished of mercy will give it more Liturgical Calendar Year C Egypt. The Israelites had Today’s readings repented and prayed to remind us of the need because the Israelites time and chances to bear March 3 - 10th March 2013 the Lord and the Lord of to repent and turn away repented and prayed to fruit. Mercy chooses Moses to from our sins. Merely God Almighty. This is the The Second Sun: Third Sunday of Lent rescueSecond them. Reading: turning away from sin is reason why we too should Reading takes us beyond always repent for all our conversion and reminds Ex. 3: 1-8a,13-15; 1 Cor.10:1-6,10-12; 1Cor. 10: 1-6, 10-12. not sufficient, we should also avoid all occasions of sins and thereby pave the us that once having been Lk. 13:1-9 sin or else the same fate way for conversion. converted if we are to Mon: 2 Kgs. 5:1-15a; Lk. 4:24-30 Referring to the that befell those who did From the Gospel continue in our sinful Israelites, who continued not repent will be ours. it is clear that if we do ways and fall back, the Tue: Dan. 3:25,34-43; Mt. 18:21-35 to sin even after they The urgency of conversion not repent and be con- same fate would befall us Wed: Deut. 4:1, 5-9; Mt. 5:17-19 were rescued from Egypt. is also stressed but God in verted we would be like as of those who did not St. Paul warns that the His mercy always tolerate any other sinner and be change their lives. Once Thu: Jer. 7:23-28; Lk. 11:14-23 same fate would befall the us and awaits change in punished in the same converted, we should live Fri: Hos. 14:2-10; Mk. 12:28b-34 Corinthians if they did not our lives. way in which they too a holy life. In the First Read- were punished. Of this the Today’s liturgy Sat: Memorial of St. Frances of Rome heed the call for conver- sion.Gospel: Lk. 13: 1-9. ing, God answers the Gospel says “Do you think invites us to repent and Hos. 6:1-6; Lk. 18:9-14 call of the Israelites. The that these Galatians were to allow the conversion worse sinners than all the process to take place in Sun: Fourth Sunday of Lent Israelites living in slavery Referring to the in Egypt repented of their other Galatians, because our lives. Though there 1 Sam. 16:1b,6-7,10-13a; Eph.5:8-14; ones who died a tragic sins and prayed for their they suffered thus? I tell is an urgency of conver- you, no; but unless you re- sion, God out of mercy will Jn. 9:1-41 (or 1,6-9,13-17,34-38) death Jesus warns the Is- freedom. God in His mercy raelites that the same fate answered their prayer. As pent you will all likewise await the conversion of would be theirs if they a sign of His forgiveness perish.” the sinner. But once con- did not repent. God out He chooses Moses to bring It is the same in verted we ought to live in of mercy will always give them out of Egypt and He the case of those eighteen, holinessRev. Fr. lest Ciswan we fall De back Croos PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL them and give them time promises Moses that He upon whom the tower in to our old selves. Response: Lord, hear us in your love. Let us pray for a Pope after God's own heart... It is by producing good fruit that a tree shows Tanya Ferdinandusz that it is healthy: That all Christians may be prepared

to give rather than to receive. Let us pray to the Lord. voice and God’s values. Jesus did not pick a perfect The Pope holds many lofty human being to lead the Church. In- Response: Lord, hear us in your love. Within hours, even min- titles… To me, the one that reso- stead, He chose Simon Peter, a self- utes, of the news of the Pope’s com- nates“Servant most of closelythe servants with the of God.” words confessed sinner, who had denied Christ was the gardener who asked that the ing resignation, speculation was and will of our Lord is this one: His Master not once, but thrice. At tree be given another chance: That all those in author- running rife. Possible ‘contend- the restoration of Peter (John 21), ers’ to be the next Pope were be- ity may be kind and merciful towards those they serve, Jesus warned the apostles, Jesus asks Peter, not once, but three ing mooted, discussed, debated; in those"You know soon-to-be that among leaders the in the Gentiles Ear- times, “Do you love me?” Before Let us pray to the Lord. some circles, odds were being pro- lythose Church: whom they recognize as their Peter could go out to preach and Response: Lord, hear us in your love. posed… rulers lord it over them, and their proclaim, he had to be reconciled Turning away from specu- great ones are tyrants over them. But in his relationship with the Lord. For all those whose lives are barren and emp- lation to the Scriptures, I was re- it is not so among you; but whoever Firmly grounded and deeply rooted minded of a story from the Old Tes- wishes to become great among you in God’s love, the former fisherman ty of the deeds of love: That they may get the grace to tament, at a time when the people must be your servant, and whoever is sent out as a fisher of men, as a do something about it. Let us pray to the Lord. of God were facing a crisis of leader- wishes to be first among you must Response: Lord, hear us in your love. ship.“…the The LORD Prophet has sought Samuel out informsa man be slave of all. For the Son of Man shepherd of God’s sheep, to tend Kingafter Saul: his own heart; and the LORD came not to be served but to serve…" Letthem us and pray feed for them. a pope after God’s own heart… That, in our lives, we may not be content has appointed him to be ruler over his people…” merely to produce the fruits of outward observance, – Mark 10:42-45 but that we may strive to produce the fruits of humility, Let us pray for- 1 Samuela pope 13:14after God’s Over and over again, the For a man who loves God patience, forgiveness, generosity and peace. own heart… Scriptures reveal that it is those with all his heart. Let us pray to the Lord. who are committed to serve whom For a man who loves God’s Response: Lord, hear us in your love. the Lord exalts to positions of lead- people with all his heart. Samuel is sent by God to ership.Let us pray for a pope after God’s It is said that General Eisenhower anoint the next king of Israel. As own heart… would often demonstrate the art the sons of Jesse line up, the proph- “ofPull leadership it with a piece of string. et speculates about who might be He would putPush it iton a table and say: Sunday Rhythm "Do not look on his appearance or on God’s chosen successor. The Lord For a man with a servant’s and it will follow wherever the height of his stature, because I Third Sunday of Lent cautions Samuel: heart—to lead and guide the ser- you wish. and it will go no- have rejected him; for the LORD does vants of God. where at all. It’s just that way when not see as mortals see; they look on Psalm“He chose 78 closes His servant with these David, moving and Master it comes to leading people. They the outward appearance, but the words:took him from the sheepfolds; from need to follow a person who is lead- : Look here, for three years now I LORD looks on the heart." - 1 Sam- tending the nursing ewes He brought uel 16:7 him to be the shepherd of His people ing by example.” have been coming to look for fruits Peter, the first pope, had Gardener on this fig tree and finding none. Jacob, of Israel, His inheritance. With upright heart he tended them, this to say to his fellow-elders: “…tend the flock ofcompulsio God thatn is in : Leave it one more year and give me The world assesses and and guided them with skillful hand.” yourwillingly charge, exercising the over- time to dig around it and manure it: evaluates based on such things as sordid gain ea- It may bear fruit next year; if not, stature and status; the world makes sight, not under but its decisions based on such things as gerly Richest Blessing then you can cut it down. - Psalm 78:70-72 , as God would have you profits, position, power and political These verses suggest sev- do it —lord not it for ove but expediency. But the Lord looks on be examples : Digging round the fig tree and ma- eral important qualities in the lad . the heart, and seeks a heart that is Richest Result nuring it. who was taken from the sheepfolds Do not r those in your charge, true to Him, a heart that resonates to the palace. Foremost among but to the flock…” with God’s own heartbeat—griev- them is the statement that David Let us pray for a pope after God’s To Think : "…it may bear fruit…" – 1 Peter 5:2-3 ing over the things that grieve God, ministered to God’s people with an own heart… rejoicing“For the over eyes the of things the LORD that please range ‘upright heart’ – in other words, he : I need to check myself whether I am God.throughout As the Scriptures the entire say: earth, to was a man of integrity, withan single- undi- fruitful or not. I need to be strength- strengthen those whose heart is true videdminded heart devotion to God. As the A man with a shepherd’s heart. ened and manured with prayer and to Him” Psalmist prayed, “give me To Pray God’s love. A man who exercises wise and lov- to revere your name” ing stewardship over the flock of Let us pray(2 Chronicles for a pope 16:9). after God’s (PsalmLet us pray86:11). for a pope after God’s God. : Dear Lord, guide me to update my- own heart… own heart… self and respond to the signs of the A man who leads by the shining ex- Let us pray for a pope after God’s To Act time willingly and fruitfully. AMEN. ample of his own life. own heart. For a man whose heart is For a man with an undi- : Let us make a move to help each true to the Lord. vided heart, single-minded in his other to be more active in our daily And let us pray also for all devotion to God, uncompromising life while setting a tone to preach And let’s not forget to pray for our- those modern-day Samuels who are in upholding Kingdom values. selves— that one each one of us the Good News to the world. Rev. Fr. S. Randil Fernando OMI charged with discerning God’s will For a man who will dili- would be a man or woman after in this matter—that their hearts gently seek God’s will—and deter- God’s own heart. will beat to the drumbeat of God’s minedly walk in God’s ways