"‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Mt 5: 17-20
Saint of the Day
Saint John of Matha Founder (1160-1213)
The life of Saint John of Matha, born in southern France of an illustrious family, was consecrated to God by a vow at his birth. His life from his youth was exemplary, by his self-sacrifice for the glory of God and the good of his neighbor. As a child, his chief pleasure was serving the poor; and he would say to them that he had come into the world for no other end but to care for them. He served every Friday in a hospital, and obtained for the sick whatever they needed. Later he studied in Paris with such distinction that his professors advised him to become a priest, in order that his talents might render greater service to others. For this purpose John gladly sacrificed his high rank and other worldly advantages.
At his first Mass an Angel appeared, clad in white, with a red and blue cross on his breast, and his hands reposed on the heads of a Christian and a Moorish captive. To comprehend what this vision might signify, John went to Saint Felix of Valois, a holy hermit living near Meaux, under whose direction he led a life of extreme penance. Another sign was given the two hermits, by a stag they saw with a red and blue cross amid its antlers. The two Christians then set out together for Rome, to learn the Will of God from the lips of the Sovereign Pontiff. Pope Innocent III consulted the Sacred College and had a Mass offered in the Lateran basilica to understand what God was asking. At the moment of the Elevation, the Pope saw the same Angel in the same vision as had been given Saint John. He told the two servants of God to devote themselves to the redemption of captives, and for this purpose they founded the Order of the Holy Trinity, whose habit was first worn by the Angel.
Cardinal Caffarra Encourages Consecrated Persons. Stay Close to Christ and Nothing Will Trouble You By Antonio Gaspari
ROME, FEB. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- To mark the feast of the Presentation last week, which is also the World Day of Consecrated Life, the archbishop of Bologna, Cardinal Carlo Caffarra, explained what this consecration means.
Pope's Secretary of State Reflects on St. Agatha. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Bishopr Giuseppe Sciacca in Catania for the Feast
CATANIA, Italy, FEB. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- On the occasion of last Sunday's feast of St. Agatha, the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, celebrated a solemn Pontifical Mass in the cathedral of Catania, Sicily.
Papal Trip to Lebanon Still Under Consideration
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The director of the Vatican press office says that a possible papal trip to Lebanon is still under consideration, but that nothing is confirmed yet.
A G.K. Chestertonian Reading of This Pontificate. Scholar Reflects on Pontiff's, Author's Good Sense and Good Humor By Paul De Maeyer
ROME, FEB. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- G.K. Chesterton and Benedict XVI have plenty in common, according to a professor of literature and Catholicism from the Pontifical Lateran University.
Pope's Lenten Message Focuses on Fraternal Correction. Cautions Against Masking Indifference as Respect for 'Privacy' By Kathleen Naab
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- If Scripture says that even the upright fall seven times -- that is, everyone is weak and imperfect -- then helping others and allowing them to help us see the whole truth about ourselves is a great service, according to Benedict XVI. In other words, "we must not remain silent before evil."
Church Must Call Things by Name, Says Vatican Official. Cor Unum President Presents Pope's Lent Message
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Church's opposition to "certain fashionable ideas" springs from her concern for mankind and the world, and her duty to call things by name, says the president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.
Impediments to Ordination
ROME, FEB. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.
A Victim in Search of Healing. Speaker at Conference on Clergy Sex Abuse Shares Her Hopes for the Church By Ann Schneible
ROME, FEB. 7, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Amid the movements of change to prevent the abuse of minors at the hands of clergy, it is imperative to turn to the victims, for it is their witness that reveals what is truly at stake.
Illness Has a Silver Lining, Says Pontiff. Proposes Spiritually Bringing the Sick to Jesus By Kathleen Naab
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Sickness can paradoxically bring beneficial consequences, since illness brings us to give attention to others, but it is also a trial that requires faith in God's love, says Benedict XVI.
Vatican City State Rejects Corruption Charges. Responds to Letters Attributed to Current US Nuncio By Kathleen Naab
ROME, FEB. 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The presidency of the governing body for Vatican City State is rejecting charges of corruption found in letters credited to Archbishop Carlo Viganò and leaked to the press.
Curia Officials Mark 10th Anniversary of Africa Family Federation. Colloquium in Benin Warns of Destroying Society By Anita Bourdin
ROME, FEB. 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- "To destroy the family is to destroy society," said the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, on the occasion of a colloquium organized in Cotonou, Benin, in cooperation with the John Paul II Pontifical Institute for Marriage and the Family.
England's Ordinariate Facing Challenges, Yet Moving Ahead. Australian Prelate Gives Report of Impressions
MELBOURNE, Australia, FEB. 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Auxiliary Bishop Peter Elliott of Melbourne recently visited London and wrote about his impressions of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walshingham, established just over a year ago for Anglicans who wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Pope Sends Prayers, Advice to Sex Abuse Conference. Notes Hope That Bishops, Superiors Will Respond to Tragedy in Christlike Manner
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is reminding the participants at a symposium on clergy sexual abuse that healing for victims is of paramount importance, and it must go hand in hand with the Church's own renewal.
Cardinal Levada: Bishops, Priests Must Hear Victims, Acknowledge Suffering. Doctrinal Congregation Prefect Addresses Symposium on Clergy Sex Abuse By Ann Schneible
ROME, FEB. 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- "There is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young." These words, delivered by Blessed John Paul II in his 2002 address to American cardinals, remind priests and religious that it is a travesty to violate the trust of those in their care, especially when such a violation destroys the life of a child.
Inexplicable Cure Opens Way for Sister Sweetness' Beatification. Postulator of the Cause of Argentine Nun Tells Her Story By H. Sergio Mora
ROME, FEB. 3, 2012 (Zenit.org).- She is known by the nuns of her congregation as Sister Sweetness, and an inexplicable cure attributed to her intercession has opened the way for her beatification.
Making the Church's Message Brilliant and Attractive. Dean of Communications Faculty Speaks of Upcoming Seminar By Paul De Maeyer
ROME, FEB. 3, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Is it possible to talk about the life of the Church in a brilliant and fascinating way?
Can the magisterium of the Pope, his encyclicals and homilies be explained without boring readers?
Can the Good News still attract interest and conquer people's hearts?
Does it make sense to speak of journalism and Catholic communication workers?
In what way is it possible to overcome the prejudices linked to the Catholic Church?
Where the Church's Growth Is Fastest. Bishop From Northeast India Speaks on Christ's Appeal
ROME, FEB. 3, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The northeast corner of India is the place where the Catholic Church has grown most over the past 30 years, with an average of about 10,000 adult baptisms every year -- and this despite the fact that for many generations missionaries were banned.
Pioneer in Church Communication Dies at 79. Professor Alfonso Nieto Believed 'Church Has the Best Message'
ROME, FEB. 3, 2012 (Zenit.org).- A man who believed in the Church's message and the duty of journalists to present that message died Thursday at 79.
Can the Church Become a Leader in Protecting Children? Victim Expresses High Hopes for Symposium on Clergy Sex Abuse By Ann Schneible
ROME, FEB. 3, 2012 (Zenit.org).- This Monday through Thursday, the Gregorian University will host the international symposium "Towards Healing and Renewal," on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. One of the greatest hopes is that the symposium will act as a catalyst for developing a culture of listening and healing within the Church.
Pope Invites Cardinals to Day of Prayer. US Bishops' President to Introduce Theme
ROME, FEB. 3, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The College of Cardinals and those who will join its number Feb. 18 will gather for a day of prayer and reflection prior to the consistory, by invitation of Benedict XVI.
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The life of Saint John of Matha, born in southern France of an illustrious family, was consecrated to God by a vow at his birth. His life from his youth was exemplary, by his self-sacrifice for the glory of God and the good of his neighbor. As a child, his chief pleasure was serving the poor; and he would say to them that he had come into the world for no other end but to care for them. He served every Friday in a hospital, and obtained for the sick whatever they needed. Later he studied in Paris with such distinction that his professors advised him to become a priest, in order that his talents might render greater service to others. For this purpose John gladly sacrificed his high rank and other worldly advantages.
