MEETING OF COUNCIL OF THE SECRETARIAT OF SYNOD OF BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2003 (VIS) - The Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops for the Special Assembly for America celebrated its eighth meeting on October 14 in the Vatican, according to a communique made public today.
Under the leadership of Cardinal Jan P. Schotte, C.I.C.M., secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, five cardinals, seven archbishops and two bishops participated in the meeting. In addition to discussing the application of the post-synodal apostolic exhortation 'Ecclesia in America' after the publication of a report on the same document in February, they spoke about the social and ecclesiastical situation in America. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on November 4-5, 2004.

The tenth Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops met for the seventh time on October 23-24 in the main office of the general secretariat. During the gathering, which was attended by five cardinals and five archbishops in addition to Cardinal Schotte, there was an exchange of options and suggestions on the preparation of the eleventh ordinary general assembly. The next meeting will take place on November 16-17, 2004.

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RECOGNIZE CONTRIBUTION OF CHRISTIANITY IN EUROPE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2003 (VIS) - Archbishop Jean Claude Perisset, apostolic nuncio in Moldavia, participated as a representative from the Holy See in the 113(th) session of the Committee of the Ministers of the Council of Europe which took place from November 5 to 6 in Chisinau, Moldavia.

Archbishop Perisset said that the future constitutional treaty for the European Union 'promises further opportunities for institutional cooperation between the Churches, Ecclesial Communities and other religious organizations and the European Institutions. ' Such recognition of the public role to be played by religious institutions is welcomed, as is that of the importance which must surely be given to the religious dimension in guaranteeing the secure and peaceful development of society.'

'It is also our conviction that the religious dimension and heritage, in all their splendid diversity, are most enriching, as they clearly form an integral part of a multitude of identities, which can only be successfully integrated within Europe by being valued and celebrated. At the same time, it will be to the enduring advantage of all Europeans if due recognition is given to the unique and indisputable contribution of Christianity to European civilization.'

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CROATIA CAPABLE OF CONFRONTING CURRENT CHALLENGES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2003 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father received 6,500 pilgrims from Croatia who have come to Rome to thank the Pope for visiting their country in June. Among those present is Cardinal Josip Bozanic, president of the episcopal conference, as well as representatives from military and civil authorities in the country.

After recalling that his apostolic trip to Croatia was his 100(th) trip outside of Italy since the beginning of his pontificate, the Pope said: 'As a pilgrim of the Gospel on the ways of the world, called to serve the Church in the chair of Peter, I was able to confirm you in the faith which you have born witness to amidst much adversity and suffering. I wanted to sustain your hope, often put to the test, and to enliven your charity by urging you to persevere in your adhesion to the Church in the new climate of freedom and democracy, reestablished three years ago.'

'Your beloved land,' he continued, 'has the necessary strength and capacity to adequately confront the challenges of the present moment. I hope that it may always know how to use these resources in order to build up a solid society which is ready to diligently support its weakest members; a society founded on religious and human values, that through the centuries have inspired the generations that have proceeded you; a society that respects the sanctity of life and the great project of God for the family; a society that keeps its healthy elements united, promoting the spirit of communion and joint responsibility.'

John Paul II concluded by asking God to grant 'the noble nation of Croatia peace, harmony and perseverance in the commitment of the common good.'

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PROMOTE LEGITIMATE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 10, 2003 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received a delegation of Christian Palestinians from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to whom he expressed his desire that their visit facilitate 'a better understanding of the situation of Christians in the Palestinian territories and of the significant role that they can play in promoting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.'

'Despite recent setbacks on the road to peace and fresh outbreaks of violence and injustice, we must continue to affirm that peace is possible and that the resolution of differences can only come about through the patient dialogue and persevering commitment of people of good will on both sides. Terrorism must be condemned in all its forms, for it is not only a betrayal of our common humanity, but is absolutely incapable of laying the necessary political, moral and spiritual foundations for a people's freedom and authentic self-determination.'

Once again the Pope made an appeal to all parties 'to respect fully the resolutions of the United Nations and the commitments made in the acceptance of the peace process, with engagement in a common quest for reconciliation, justice and the building of a secure and harmonious coexistence in the Holy Land.'

'I hope,' he concluded, 'that the national Constitution presently being drafted will give expression to the highest aspirations and the most cherished values of all the Palestinian people, with due recognition of all religious communities and adequate legal protection of their freedom of worship and expression.'

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POPE BEATIFIES FIVE SERVANTS OF GOD

VATICAN CITY, NOV 9, 2003 (VIS) - Today, Feast of the Dedication of the Patriarchal Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Holy Father presided at a Eucharistic celebration at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square and proclaimed the following Servants of God blessed: Juan Nepomuceno Zegri y Moreno (1831-1905), Valentin Paquay (1828-1905), Luigi Maria Monti (1825-1900), Bonifacia Rodriguez Castro (1837-1905), and Rosalie Rendu (1756-1856).

In his homily while speaking about the new blesseds, the Pope said, 'Juan Nepomuceno Zegri y Moreno, priest of deep Eucharistic piety, understood well how the proclamation of the Gospel must be converted into a dynamic reality, capable of transforming the apostle's life. ' With this goal, he developed his redeeming spirituality, born in intimacy with Christ and oriented toward charity with those most in need. Invoking the Virgin of Mercedes, Mother of the Redeemer, he was inspired to found the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, with the goal of always making the love of God present.'

Fr. Valentin Paquay, of the Order of the Friars Minor, was 'a disciple of Christ and a priest according to the heart of God. Apostle of mercy, he spent many hours in the confessional with a particular gift for setting sinners on the right track, reminding human beings of the grandeur of divine forgiveness. Putting the celebration of the Eucharistic mystery at the center of his priestly life, he invites the faithful to join frequently in the communion of the Bread of Life.'

John Paul II indicated that Blessed Luigi Maria Monti, founder of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception, 'dedicated his life entirely to clean the wounds of the body and soul of the sick and orphaned. He liked to call them 'Christ's poor ones' and he served them, inspired by a lively faith and sustained by intense and constant prayer. ' How modern is the message of this new Blessed! He is an example of fidelity to God's call and the proclamation of the Gospel of charity for his spiritual sons and for all believers; he is a model of solidarity with the needy and tender abandonment to the Immaculate Virgin.'

'Jesus' words in the Gospel proclaimed today, 'Do no make my Father's house a house of trade,' speak to modern society which is often tempted to turn everything into a commodity, leaving aside values and dignity which are priceless. Since the person is the image and likeness of God, purification is necessary in order to defend him or her, regardless of social condition or occupation. This is what Blessed Bonifacia Rodriguez de Castro consecrated herself completely to, as she was a hard worker and understood the risks of this social condition of her time. She found a model of the spirituality of work ' in the simple and hidden life of the Holy Family of Nazareth.'

The Pope concluded by speaking about Blessed Rosalie Rendu, of the Society of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul: 'In a time troubled by social conflicts, she became a happy servant to the poor, in order to give back to each person his or her dignity, through material help, education and the teaching of Christian mystery.' The secret to doing so many things, he concluded, 'is in an intense life of prayer and incessant recitation of the Rosary which she never left out.'

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