ACTIVITIES OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

VATICAN CITY, SEP 3, 2001 - Following is a list of activities engaged in by Pope John Paul during the month of August. It includes the Angelus, general and private audiences, other pontifical acts (appointments, resignations, the erection of ecclesial circumscriptions), telegrams and other news. All are presented in chronological order under their respective headings.

ANGELUS AT CASTELGANDOLFO

- 5: Reflections on the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which is celebrated tomorrow. Remembrance of Pope Paul VI, who died on August 6, 23 years ago.
- 12: The Pope prays for the intercession of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), co-patroness of Europe, in order that the violence in the Holy Land might cease.
- 15: John Paul II speaks of the Solemnity of the Assumption and points to St. Maximilian Kolbe, on the 60th anniversary of his martyrdom, in order that "valid witness of faithfulness' to the Virgin Mary, even to the sacrifice of one's life, would always be inspired."
- 19: The Holy Father recalls that exactly one year ago the 15th World Youth Day was concluded in Rome, and that in July of 2002 "we will meet in Toronto." After the recitation of the Angelus the Pope calls for peace in Lebanon.
- 26: Before the recitation of the Angelus the Pope recalls that from August 31 to September 7 the World Conference of the United Nations against racial discrimination will be celebrated in Durban, South Africa. After condemning racism, John Paul II affirms that a culture of reciprocal acceptance is necessary.

WEDNESDAY GENERAL AUDIENCES

- 1: John Paul II holds general audience in St. Peter's Square. It is the 1000th in his almost 23 years of pontificate. Among others, 20,000 acolytes from various European countries participate.
- 8: At 10 a.m., in the Paul VI Hall, catechesis on: "Psalm 32 - Hymn to the Providence of God."
- 22: "Psalm 35 - Wickedness of the sinner, goodness of the Lord," is the theme of today's catechesis, celebrated at 10 a.m. in the Paul VI Hall.
- 29: Theme of today's catechesis during the audience celebrated in the Paul VI Hall, was: "The Lord, Creator of the world, protects His people."

LETTERS, MESSAGES, TELEGRAMS

- 1: Telegram of condolence for the victims of the "Toraji" typhoon in Taiwan.
- 8: Apostolic Letter to the Catholics of Hungary on the occasion of the "Hungarian Millennium" and the celebrations which will take place in the Basilica of Esztergom-Budapest on August 15, to commemorate the thousand years of the Baptism of Hungary through the efforts of St. Stephen.
- 13: Message for the World Day of the Sick, which is celebrated every year on February 11, liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 2002, the 10th World Day will be celebrated at the Shrine of the "Virgin of Health" in Vailankanny, Southern India, also known as the "Lourdes of the East."
- 13: Message to the Rector General of the Regular Clerics of the Mother of God on the occasion of the celebrations for the 4th centenary of the giving to the founder of the order, St. John Leonardi, of the Roman Church of Santa Maria in Portico, and the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary "Romanae Portus Securitas."
- 13: In a communique, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints announces that the diocesan phase of the beatification process of Servant of God Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Foundress of the Missionaries of Charity, who died on September 5, 1997, has been concluded.
- 15: Message to the youth gathered at the Polish marian shrine of Czestochowa to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 6th World Youth Day, which was celebrated on August 14 and 15, 1991.
- 19: Message for the 22nd Meeting for Friendship among People, taking place in Rimini from August 19 to 25.
- 20: Message to the Superior General of the Congregation of the Sons of Divine Love, Fr. Maximiliano Lucas, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the religious family by Servant of God Mother Speranza Alhama Valera.
- 21: Message to the Prepositor General of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, Fr. Ottaviano D'Egidio, on the occasion of the 21st Camp organized by the Passionist Fathers at the Shrine of St. Gabriele dell'Addolorata, from August 20 to 25.
- 22: Message to the Superior General of the Congregation of the Franciscan Religious of St. Anthony, Mother Maria Goretti Manzo, on the occasion of the General Chapter 100 years after the foundation of the Institute.
- 31: Telegram of condolence for the murder of Fr. Rufus Halley, Missionary of the Colomban Fathers, which occurred on August 28 on the Island of Mindanao, in the southern Philippines.

OTHER NEWS

- 6: John Paul II celebrates Mass in his private chapel at Castelgandolfo, in memory of his predecessor Servant of God Paul VI, on the 23rd anniversary of his death.
- 15: Mass and homily by the Holy Father on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.
- 18: Discourse to the participants of the second international meeting "Youth toward Assisi," who are studying the witness of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.
- 23: Discourse to the Members of the Administrative Council of the "Perdonanza Celestiana" Institute of Aquila, Italy, who presented the Holy Father with the "International 'Perdonanza' Prize 2001." The recognition is given to persons distinguished for works and actions in favor of peace. The "Perdonanza Celestiana" is the plenary indulgence accorded, seven centuries ago, by Pope Celestine V to all the faithful who visit the Abbey of Collemaggio, August 28 and 29.
- 25: Words of the Holy Father, before the Eucharistic celebration, to a numerous Polish group of the Secular Institute of the Auxiliaries of Maria Chiaromontana Mother of the Church.
- 30: Discourse to a group of rectors and teachers of the University of Poland. - 30: Words at the end of the showing of a new film, a Polish production of "Quo Vadis," in the Paul VI Hall.

AUDIENCES

- 2: Yasser Arafat, president of the Palestinian Authority, accompanied by his entourage.
- 21: Tantely Andrianarivo, prime minister of Madagascar accompanied by his wife; Archbishop Felix del Blanco Prieto, apostolic nuncio in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea; Archbishop Luigi Ventura, apostolic nuncio in Canada.
- 23: Cardinal Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace; Bishop Jayme Enrique Chemello of Pelotas, Brazil, president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil; with Cardinal Geraldo Majela Agnelo, archbishop of Sao Salvador da Bahia, primate of Brazil; and with the Secretary General of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil Bishop Raymundo Damasceno Assis, auxiliary of Brasilia; Bo Henrikson, ambassador of Sweden, accompanied by his wife, on a farewell visit. Members of the Council of Administration of the "Perdonanza Celestiana" Institution of Aquila.
- 29: Bishop Vincenzo Paglia of Terni-Narni-Amelia, Italy, with Prof. Andrea Riccardi.
- 30: Walter Veltroni, mayor of Rome, accompanied by his wife; Rectors and teachers of the University of Poland; Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples; Fr. Azpiros Costa Carlos, master of the Order of Friars Preachers (Dominicans).
- 31: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

- 8: Resignation of Bishop Crescenzio Rinaldi of Aracuai, Brazil, upon having reached the age limit: he is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Dario Campos, O.F.M. Resignation of Bishop Gerardo de Andrade Ponte of Patos, Brazil, upon having reached the age limit: Fr. Manoel dos Reis de Farias, pastor of "Divine Espirito Santo" parish in the diocese of Nazare, is named as his successor. Appointment of Archbishop Luigi Conti, apostolic nuncio in Turkey and Turkmenistan, as apostolic nuncio in Malta and Libya.
- 17: Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Jakob Mayr of Salzburg, Austria, upon having reached the age limit.
- 24: Resignation of Bishop Javier Oses Flamarique of Huesca, Spain, upon having reached the age limit. The Holy Father names as members of the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: Cardinal Bernardin GANTIN, Dean of the College of Cardinals, Vatican; Cardinal Edmund C. SZOKA, president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Vatican; Cardinal Joachim MEISNER, Archbishop of Cologne, Germany; Cardinal Juan SANDOVAL INIGUEZ, Archbishop of Guadalajara, Mexico; Cardinal Ivan DIAS, Archbishop of Bombay, India, president delegate of the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops; Cardinal Bernard AGRE, Archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, president delegate of the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops; Cardinal Juan Luis CIPRIANI THORNE, Archbishop of Lima, Peru; Cardinal Edward Michael EGAN, Archbishop of New York, U.S.A., relator general of the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops; Cardinal Jean HONORE, Archbishop emeritus of Tours, France; Archbishop Justo MULLOR GARCIA, apostolic nuncio, president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Vatican; Archbishop Justin Francis RIGALI of Saint Louis, U.S.A.; Archbishop Laurent MONSENGWO PASINYA of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo, president of the "Symposium des Conferences Episcopales d'Afrique et de Madagascar" (S.C.E.A.M.); Archbishop Cosmo Francesco RUPPI of Lecce, Italy; Archbishop Eusebio Oscar SCHEID, S.C.I., of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Archbishop Francesco MARCHISANO, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church, Vatican; Archbishop George PELL of Sydney, Australia; Archbishop Jozef Miroslaw ZYCINSKI of Lublin, Poland; Archbishop Stefan SOROKA of Philadelphia of the Ukrainians, U.S.A.; Bishop Oswald Thomas Colman GOMIS of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (F.A.B.C.); Bishop Maurice GAIDON of Cahors, France; Bishop Amedee GRAB, O.S.B., of Chur, Switzerland, president of the Consilium Conferentiarum Episcopalium Europae (C.C.E.E.); Bishop Jan Pawel LENGA, M.I.C., of Karaganda, Kazakhstan; Bishop Jorge Enrique JIMENEZ CARVAJAL, C.I.M., of Zipaquira, Colombia, president of the Latin American Episcopal Council (C.E.L.A.M.); Bishop Joseph KHOURY of Saint-Maron de Montreal of the Maronites, Canada; Bishop Jesus Esteban CATALA IBANEZ of Alcala de Henares, Spain; Bishop Soane Lilo FOLIAKI, S.M., of Tonga, Tonga, president of the Federation of Catholic Bishops' Conferences of Oceania (F.C.B.C.O.); Bishop Marcello SEMERARO of Oria, Italy, special secretary of the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops; Bishop Robert Patrick MAGINNIS, auxiliary of Philadelphia, U.S.A.; Bishop Mathieu MADEGA, auxiliary of Libreville, Gabon; Bishop Cherubim DAMBUI, auxiliary of Port Moresby, Papua Nuova Guinea; Bishop Ramon C. ARGUELLES, military ordinary, the Philippines; Bishop Javier ECHEVARRIA RODRIGUEZ, prelate of the personal prelature of Opus Dei, Italy.
- 29: Resignation of Bishop Luis Gonzaga Fernandes of Campina Grande, Brazil, upon having reached the age limit: he is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Matias Patricio de Macedo. Appointment of Fr. Sebastiao de Assis Figueiredo, O.F.M., pastor of "Sagrado Coracao de Jesus" parish in the diocese of Rondonopolis, as bishop of Guiratinga, Brazil.
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POPE JOHN PAUL'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER

VATICAN CITY, SEP 1, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul II's general intention for the month of September is: "That the adolescents and young people of the third millennium may discover a profound ideal to devote themselves to."

His missionary intention is: "That the population of Indonesia, compounded of many ethnic groups, languages, cultures and religions, may increasingly try to build a more democratic and just future in mutual respect and harmony."

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NOTICE

VATICAN CITY, SEP 1, 2001 (VIS) - As previously advised on July 31, the Vatican Information Service today resumes transmission after the customary August break.

HOLY SEE-RELATED ACTIVITIES

VATICAN CITY, SEP 1, 2001 (VIS) - Following is a chronological presentation of Holy-See related activities during the month of August, according to information provided by the various dicasteries:
- 1: Communique of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" announcing the approval of 215 projects for 2001 of the Autonomous Foundation "Populorum progressio" regarding instruction, communal infrastructures, production of goods, health and home, in 19 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, for a total of $1,773,700.
- 2: Declaration by Fr. Ciro Benedettini, C.P., vice-director of the Holy See Press Office, regarding the audience given by the Holy Father to the president of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat. The Pope confirms with firmness "the absolute necessity to put an end to every type of violence."
- 3: Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, during a round table, gives a preparatory discourse to the World Conference against racial discrimination being held in Durban, South Africa, from August 31 to September 7.
- 7: Communique of Fr. Peter Gumpel, S.J., postulator of the canonization cause of Pope Pius XII, regarding the polemics raised by certain members of the group of Jewish-Christian studies on the events regarding the Holy See and the Nazi persecution of the Jews in the years during the Second World War.
- 7: Fr. Ciro Benedettini, C.P., vice-director of the Holy See Press Office, released a declaration this afternoon confirming that the Holy Father had received, in his summer residence at Castelgandolfo, Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, emeritus of Lusaka, Zambia.
- 11: Declaration of Vice-Director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Ciro Benedettini, C.P.: The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith informs that Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo has decided, following a meeting with the Holy Father, to spend a period of reflection and prayer in view of his full reconciliation.
- 14: Publication of the letter to John Paul II, signed by Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, in which he communicates his decision to resume his life in the Catholic Church, renouncing to live with Maria Sung and his relations with the Reverend Moon and the Federation of Families for World Peace.
- 23: Declaration of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington, U.S.A., regarding the events involving Archbishop Milingo: "The ceremony officiated by the Reverend Moon - during which he united Milingo with the Korean Maria Sung - holds no relation with true matrimony and much less with Christian matrimony."
- 24: Communique of Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with Jews, in which he states that the Holy See will permit access to the Vatican Archives when the work of reordering and cataloguing sources has been completed.
- 25: Announcement of a Pastoral Visit of John Paul II to the Diocese of Frosinone-Veroli-Ferentino, Italy, on Sunday, September 16.
- 28: Letter of Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano to Bishop Luca Brandolini, of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo, Italy, on the occasion of the 52nd National Liturgical Week, which is being held in Riva del Garda, Italy, from August 27 to 31.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, SEP 3, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Two prelates of the Uruguayan Episcopal Conference, on the occasion of their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Orlando Romero Cabrera of Canelones.
- Bishop Luis del Castillo Estrada of Melo.
- Jose Ayala-Lasso, ambassador of Ecuador, accompanied by his wife, on a farewell visit.
- Members of the Pontifical Missionary Works of Aachen, Germany.
On Saturday, September 1, the Holy Father received in audience four prelates of the Uruguayan Episcopal Conference, on the occasion of their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Nicolas Cotugno Fanizzi of Montevideo.
- Bishop Raul Horacio Scarrone Carrero of Florida.
- Bishop Daniel Gil Zorrilla of Salto.
- Bishop Pablo Jaime Galimberti di Vietri of San Jose de Mayo.

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ANGELUS: THE KINGDOM OF GOD REWARDS HUMILITY AND MODESTY

VATICAN CITY, SEP 2, 2001 (VIS) - From the balcony of the inner courtyard of the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo, John Paul II recited the Angelus at 12 noon today with the faithful and pilgrims present.

The Pope recalled that in September work, social life and scholastic activity resume their normal rhythm. "In this context," he said, "a Biblical expression from the Book of Sirach which we hear in today's liturgy is particularly significant: 'My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts. The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so that you will find favor in the sight of the Lord'."

"A clearly counter-current expression is used" he continued. "The mentality of the world, in fact, urges distinction, getting ahead, perhaps with cunning and without scruples, affirming oneself and one's own interests. In the Kingdom of God modesty and humility are rewarded. On the contrary, ambition and arrogance are often favored in earthly affairs; the consequences are evident to all: rivalry, abuses of power, frustrations."

The Holy Father went on to emphasize that Christ, "the Son of God made man, consistently followed the path of humility, spending the majority of His earthly existence in the hiddenness of Nazareth, close to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, engaged in the work of a carpenter."

"In this way," the Holy Father affirmed, "He wanted to say to the men of every age that superficiality and ambition, even if they achieve some immediate success, do not however build up the true good of man and society. The Kingdom of God, in fact, is effectively prepared by the people who carry out their activity in a serious and honest way, not aspiring to things too high, but submitting themselves, with daily faithfulness, to humble things."

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LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP MILINGO TO THE HOLY FATHER

VATICAN CITY, SEP 1, 2001 (VIS) - Offered below is the text of the August 25 letter, signed by Archbishop Milingo, emeritus of Lusaka, Zambia, and sent to John Paul II:

"Holy Father,

"While I thank you, Holy Father, I realize that this short and simple "thank you" is too little.

"When I knelt on August 6, 2001, to kiss your feet, I placed myself in the shoes of the sinner woman from the Bible who continued to cover the feet of Jesus with perfumed oil until she received the consoling words of forgiveness from Him who was her creator and master. 'Your sins are forgiven. ... Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'

"When I arose, you indicated a seat to me with your left hand and invited me to sit. Raising your right hand, you pronounced words that still sound in my ears: 'In the name of Jesus, return to the Catholic Church.' More than this you could not say. Then there was silence; until I began to stammer words which did not prompt you to say more, nor to repeat what you had said to me.

"Like the prodigal son, you sent me to Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone to tell him what I had told you; it was as if you said: 'Milingo was dead and has returned to life.' It was the confirmation of my return to the Catholic Church.

"I understood your words, as if you had said to me: 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.' I want to act together with you, Holy Father, with my brother bishops, with the entire Catholic Church. I am sorry for the suffering and great pain which I caused you personally, and for the scandal given to the entire Catholic Church, including my three religious communities.

"Asking your blessing, love, and forgiveness,
"I am, Holy Father,
"Your humble and obedient servant."

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, SEP 3, 2001 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Cardinal Giuseppe Maria Sensi, former apostolic nuncio, on July 26, at the age of 94.
- Bishop Thomas Khamphan, former apostolic vicar of Pakse, Laos, on July 26, at the age of 75.
- Archbishop Francis Roberts Rush, emeritus of Brisbane, Australia, on July 21, at the age of 84.
- Archbishop Giuseppe Vairo, emeritus of Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marisco Nuovo, Italy, on July 25, at the age of 84.

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