t eanc 0 VOL. 37, NO. 13
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Friday, April 2, 1993
FALL RIVER, MASS.
FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSEnS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly
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Celibacy, catechism focus of Holy Thursday letter VATICAN CITY (CNS) Along with a letter to priests focusing on the new "Catechism of the Catholic Church," Pope John Paul II has reissued a reflection on the continuing value of celibacy for Latin-rite priests. The papal statement on celibacy was originally published during the pope's December 1992 meeting with presidents of European bishops' conferences. "As the Gospel presents it, celibacy is a gift for the individual and, in him and through him, a gift for the church," the pope said. The pope's annual Holy Thursday letter to priests marks Christ's institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood at the Last Supper. This year, the pope said, it is fitting for priests to give thanks for the new Catechism of the Catholic Church and the help it will provide in teaching the faith. "This text is a response to the mission which the Lord has entrusted to his church: to guard the deposit of the faith and to hand it down intact, with authority and loving concern, to coming generations," the letter said. At a press conference, Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, secretary of the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, said the pope wants a deeper study and understanding of problems facing today's priests, particularly those connected with their identity, spirituality and formation. The two themes presented by the pope to priests for reflection this year - the catechism and
celibacy - should be seen in that context, Archbishop Sepe said at the press conference. The papal reflection, he said, highlights celibacy as a gift for the individual and for the church. . "It is, therefore, an expression of the total gift of self in and with Christ to the church," he said. The papal reflection on celibacy notes that its requirement 'for L;itin-rite priests was reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council ,and the 1990 Synod of Bishops. Christ, through the Holy Spirit, wrote the pope, "makes it possible to overcome the spirit ofthis world and to see celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God as a choice of life, against all human weakness and human stratejl;ies." The papal statement expressed esteem for the Eastern-rite tradition of married clergy, but said that the Latin-rite church·"wishes to remain faithful to the charism which she has received and embracecl as a gift from her Lord and Master." A papal prayer following the reflection offers specific intentions Turn to Page 13
F ALL RIVER DIOCESE is second in nation, ahead of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and 179 other dioceses and archdi'oceses! What did we do? See page 3.
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THE ENVIRONMENT is the Lenten theme at 51. Peter the Apostle Church, Provincetown. Use and abuse of Earth are illustrated in a meditation scene that changes weekly, such as the one above, representing ocean pollution. The scenes demonstrating human irresponsibility toward God's gifts will 'give way on Easter Sunday to a tableau depicting potential to respect Earth. .. ..
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BISHOP SEAN O'MALLEY celebrates Mass for the feast of the Annunciation for large congregation of pro-life workers at St. Mary's Cathedral. To bishop's left is Rev. Stephen A. Fernandes, diocesan director of the Pro-Life Apostolate. The painting at right depicts Our Lady of Guadalup.e, patroness of the unborn. (Hickey photo)
Annunciation Mass recalls God's gift of life By Marcie Hickey "I am certain that abortion will one day be outlawed as a barbaric practice," Bishop Sean O'Malley told a packed St. Mary's Cat hedral during a pro-life Mass celebrated March 25. the Feast of the Annunciation. 1n recalling the day the Savior "b'ecame one of us," it is appropriate to focus on the "real issue" in the abortion debate, "the dignity, of human life. which is precious and unrepeatableand unique," said the biShop. "Unborn children are the least of our brothers and sisters" referred to in Matthew's Gospel (25:31-46). That passage might easily be amended. "I was a child being aborted and you did nothing." Bishop O'Malley declared. He called for Catholics to nonviolently oppose abortion and advance the cause of human life as a civic as well as religious value. "Preservation of innocent human life is a prerequisite in any just society and we must be loud and clear in that message." he said. Bishop O'Malley referred to the recent shooting of Florida abortionist Dr. David Gunn as a "tragic setback" which violates the principles of the pro-life cause. "The Catholic Church opposes violence-and that is why we oppose abortion," which is a form of violence against human life. he said. Inwhatever form abortion pro-
test takes, "What the Church asks of us is that we always proceed in a spirit of love and truth and nonviolence." "Only when we change people's hearts" will the practice of abortion be defeated. he added. The Mass. with 29 concelebrants, was organized by Pro-Life Aposto late director Father Steven A. Fernandes and parish pro-life representatives. It drew individuals, families and groups from all over the diocese. including representatives from the Knights of Columbus. Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. the Office for Catholic Youth Ministry. religious communities. parish youth groups and Catholic schoolchildren.
INVITATION All are invited to attend the Mass of Chrism at 4 p.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Cathedral. At this Mass, at which Bishop Sean P. O'Malley will be celebrant, chrism, a mixture of olive oil and balsam used at baptism, confirmation, ordination and dedication of churches and altars, is blessed for use in the diocese throughout the year.
A painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. patroness of the unborn. was a focal point at the front of the church during the liturgy. which was punctuated with an occasional baby's cry. Readings and prayers of the faithful were offered in both English and Portuguese. Jennifer Rocha. a confirmation student at SS. Peter and Paul parish. Fall River, spoke about her class's "spiritual adoption" of an anonymous unborn chlld in danger of abortion. (See article page 13.) "I believe God answers prayers." she said. "For the nine months this child is preparing for birth. I am praying that life will not be denied. and I hope many other people will pray for all the other unborn children." Bishop O'Malley. wearing a chasuble with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. told congre- . gants that the Feast of the Annunciation is a "little Christmas"-a day to celebrate the fact that "Mary's special vocation began today" as "God came into her life and into our lives." He recalled that Scripture conveys numerous stories of"miraculous births"-those of Sarah and Hannah in the Old Testament and Elizabeth. mother of John the Baptist. among them-showing how "God used his power to intervene in history." Turn to Page 13
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