September 26 to October 2, 2012
In search of the historical Jesus
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Fr Rolheiser: We can be wrong when we’re right
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Why we have so much to celebrate
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Pope: Show esteem for Islam BY FRANCIS X ROCCA & DOREEN ABI RAAD
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OPE Benedict has signed a major document calling on Catholics in the Middle East to engage in dialogue with Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim neighbours, but also to affirm and defend their right to live freely in the region where Christianity was born. In a ceremony at the Melkite Catholic basilica of St Paul in Harissa, Pope Benedict signed the 90-page document of his reflections on the 2010 special Synod of Bishops, which was dedicated to Christians in the Middle East. He formally presented the document at an outdoor Mass in Beirut. A section dedicated to interreligious dialogue encouraged Christians to “esteem” the region’s dominant religion, Islam, lamenting that “both sides have used doctrinal differences as a pretext for justifying, in the name of religion, acts of intolerance, discrimination, marginalisation and even of persecution”. Yet in a reflection on the precarious position of Christians in most of the region today, where they frequently experience negative legal and social discrimination, the pope called for Arab societies to “move beyond tolerance to religious freedom”. The “pinnacle of all other freedoms”— religious freedom—is a “sacred and inalienable right”, which includes the “freedom to choose the religion which one judges to be true and to manifest one’s beliefs in public”, the pope wrote. It is a civil crime in some Muslim countries for Muslims to convert to another faith and, in Saudi Arabia, Catholic priests have been arrested for celebrating Mass, even in private. The papal document, called an apostolic exhortation, denounced “religious fundamentalism” as the opposite extreme of the secularisation that Pope Benedict has often criticised in the context of contemporary Western society. Fundamentalism, which “afflicts all religious communities”, thrives on “economic and political instability, a readiness on the part of some to manipulate others, and a defective understanding of religion”, the pope wrote. “It wants to gain power, at times violently, over individual consciences, and
Young people hold up a sign that reads “We love Jesus” as they gather for an outdoor Mass with Pope Benedict on the waterfront in Beirut. For an analysis and more photos of the pope’s visit, see page 9. (Photo: Mohamed Azakir, Reuters/CNS) over religion itself, for political reasons.” Many Christians in the Middle East have expressed growing alarm at the rise of Islamist extremism, especially since the socalled Arab Spring democracy movement has toppled or threatened secular regimes that guaranteed religious minorities the freedom to practise their faith. Earlier, the pope told reporters accompanying him on the plane from Rome that the Continued on page 5
Anglican, Orthodox leaders for Vatican II jubilee BY CINDY WOODEN
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HE Orthodox ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople and the Anglican archbishop of Canterbury will join Pope Benedict’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury will attend the Mass that Pope Benedict will celebrate at the Vatican to mark the anniversary of the October 11, 1962 opening of the council, Vatican officials said. Representatives from the Orthodox Church and Anglican Communion were observers at the 1962-65 council, which officially embraced and promoted Catholic involvement in the ecumenical movement. During the January celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Benedict said the Second Vatican Council placed the search for Christian unity “at the centre of the life and work of the Church”, because it was Christ’s desire that his followers be united. In addition, the pope said, “the lack of unity among Christians impedes a more
Archbishop Rowan Williams and Patriarch Bartholomew will join Pope Benedict’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) effective proclamation of Christ because it puts our credibility in danger...How can we give a convincing witness if we are divided?” Ecumenical cooperation in proclaiming the Christian message is expected to be a key topic at the world Synod of Bishops on New Evangelisation from October 7-28.— CNS
Eucharistic Youth Movement’s stop in Jo’burg turned into an encounter STAFF REPORTER
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OME 25 Jesuits, religious and lay people from 12 countries across Africa and the Indian Ocean were in transit in Johannesburg when they had an unscheduled but fruitful encounter with the Jesuit Institute. The group was on its way to Buenos Aires to the first-ever Congress of the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM). EYM—or MEJ as is it is known in Frenchspeaking countries where it is better established—dates back almost a century. It encourages young people to conversion of life and dedication to Christ through Eucharistic adoration and is linked to the Jesuit-run Apostleship of Prayer. “In countries like Burundi and Burkina Faso, which were represented during the encounter, EYM counts tens of thousands of members,” said Raymond Perrier, director of the Jesuit Institute. Fr Rigobert Kyungu, a Congolese Jesuit and the pan-African co-ordinator, led the group. “Initially, coming to Johannesburg was purely a practicality,” he explained. “We had to get our Argentinian visas and our flight to Buenos Aires. But in the end it was an extra blessing. It gave us a chance to see the work that is being done in Ignatian spirituality here and to get to know South Africa.” Fr Chris Chatteris SJ, the South African promoter of the Apostleship of Prayer (see also pages 4 and 7) said: “It was a bit difficult because over half the group spoke French and not English: I had to say Mass and give
my homily in both languages. But we managed and we were able to really deepen their experience by introducing them to some of the lay people with whom we work here.” Sr Vivianne Rasoanirina, who is from Madagascar but now works in Ethiopia, was bowled over by the warmth and hospitality of the South Africans. “The visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum and meeting his sister was a highlight. I pray that young people across Africa will be inspired by the courage and the faith of the martyrs of Soweto,” she said. n For more information about EYM see www.apostleshipofprayer.net/eym/what-is-EYMen.aspx
Delegates light candles for each of the 12 countries of Africa represented during a visit of the Eucharistic Youth Movement to Johannesburg. (Photo: Jesuit Institute)