Catholicism Time January 2015 Issue 1

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January 2016 | Issue 1 | 1

Cover Feature

Holy Door Opens

Jubilee Begins n December 8th, 2015, after the Solemnity Mass of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis walked towards the Holy Door and pushed it open. But why did Pope Francis open the Holy Door?

Generally, Jubilee years (also called a Holy Year) are celebrated every 25 years, the last one celebrated in the year 2000.

Therefore, the Holy Year would be in the year 2025. However, a Pope may call a Holy Year in between Ordinary Jubilees.

These are called Extraordinary Jubilees. The Pope may call one if he wants to emphasize an important message to the Catholic Church or to commemorate an important event. The opening of the Holy Door marks the inauguration of the Jubilee Year and the door’s closing marks its conclusion.

Back on March 13th, 2015 the occasion of Pope Francis’ start of his third pontificate year, he stunned the whole world by announcing a Jubilee of Mercy.

At the start of his pontificate, he started to reform the papa-

cy. He put aside the fancy vestments and rather used plain simple ones. He even refused to live in the elegant Apostolic Palace but rather chose to live in a humble guest room at Domus Sanctae Marthae, a dorm for Catholic clergy. Pope Francis never forgot about the poor and the suffering. He continued to support them through surprise appearances in homeless shelters and in places where you would not expect to see the Pope. He did the very similar thing when he was the Archbishop of Argentina, Cardinal Jorje Bergoglio. He would often use his free time to visit those in the slums and preached the Gospel of God’s mercy through the simplest actions. This became much more evident when Bergoglio became Pope.

The Jubilee of Mercy is a chance for us Catholics to go towards and receive God’s mercy, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the passing through the Holy Door. The Holy Door during this Jubilee of Mercy becomes a “Porta della Misericordiae” or “Door of Mercy”. Pope

by: Vincent Pham

Francis said in his homily on December 8th: “To pass through the Holy Door means to rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them.1” When we pass through the Holy Door, we are saying Pope Francis pushes open the Ho “YES!” to Central Africa Republic. Pope Fr God’s mer- Door in the one of the most poores size that we need to merciful cy and saying “YES! I am going to try to become a more merciful and compassionate person.” Usually, there are only Holy Doors in the four Papal Basilicas of Rome and a few special churches in the world. However, Pope Francis understands that many people will not have the chance to go to Rome, especially the elderly and the poor to pass through the Holy Door. Pope Francis said that “This Jubilee excludes no one2 ”. Therefore, he

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has decreed that there be a Holy Door (at least one) in every diocese in the world. There are nine Holy Doors in the Archdiocese of Toronto (visit www.archtoronto.org/mercy for a list of Holy Doors). In fact, Pope Francis himself opened his first Holy Door in Bangui, a small poor town in Africa. He also opened a Holy Door in a homeless shelter in Rome.

With the passing through oly Door in the Bangui Cathedral, the Holy rancis chose to open his first Holy Door, we st countries in the world to emphaare repeople, caring for the needy. quested to pray for the Pope’s intentions, receive the Eucharist and most importantly, receive God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many teens I know are scared of confession.

Perhaps they are ashamed to confess their sins to the priest.

However, Pope Francis said,

“There are peo ple w ho are afraid to go to confession, forgetting that they will not encounter a severe judge there, but the immensely merciful Father.3” Through confession, we are proving our “Yes” to God that we just did through the passing through the Holy Door. Pope Francis has gone to confession twice in public. This is to show that we are all sinners and that we need God’s infinite mercy.

During this Jubilee, we should be aware that this is not called the Jubilee of God’s Mercy.

However, it is called the Jubilee of Mercy. Therefore, we are called not only to receive God’s mercy but to also be merciful people. Youth today have become so attracted to brandname goods like Apple or TNA that we forget about caring for those less fortunate than us. Or, we may be so attached to our friends that we forget about to have compassion to those who are suffering, may be not physically but mentally and/or spiritually. We need to be people of compassion, merciful people, being “m erciful lik e the Fa-

ther4”. Consider spending some time with those who seem to be “unpopular” in our schools.

These people are in need of friendship and just one act of kindness will have a big impact on them. Another act of mercy you may consider would be to volunteer at a retirement home or a food bank. The elderly and the poor are often forgotten in our world today. Therefore, to be present with the elderly or setting up a bed for a man or woman that will sleep in that room later on at night helps to assure these people that there are kind people out there caring for them. Keep in mind always when doing acts of mercy, that Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me5 ” (Mt 25:40). Need more ideas on acts of mercy? The best source to refer to would be the seven corporal works of mercy and the seven spiritual acts of mercy.

These fourteen acts of mercy will be emphasized by Pope Francis during this Jubilee for Mercy.

Since the beginning of Pope Francis’ pontificate emphasized

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January 2016 | Issue 1 | 3

through both his words and actions that mercy and compassion are virtues that everyone should be living, especially us Catholics. Pope Francis said, “Let the Church alw ays be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven.6 ” If we Catholics can live out this virtue of mercy, especially us, the youth, we may be able to bring the message of God’s infinite mercy to those who do not know of this beautiful gift.

Work Cited 1 Homily of His Holiness, Pope Francis: Holy Mass and Opening of The Holy Door https://w2.vatican.va/ content/francesco/en/homilies/2015/ documents/papafrancesco_20151208_giubileo-omelia -apertura.html Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis According To Which An Indulgence is Granted to the Faithful on the Occasion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy https://w2.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/letters/2015/documents/ papa-francesco_20150901_letteraindulgenza-giubileo-misericordia.html 2

Quote on confession http:// www.catholicnews.com/services/ englishnews/2015/dont-be-afraid-orashamed-to-go-to-confession-popesays.cfm 3

From the theme of the Jubilee of Mercy, based on Lk 6:36 4

Need to find the correct readings for Mass?

Need to find an appropriate Catholic website? Then Catholicism Time website directory is for you!

Mt 25:40 from NABRE Bible translation 5

Pope Francis’ tweet June 16, 2013 @Pontifex https://twitter.com/pontifex/ status/346209446004920320 6

References What is a Holy Year? http:// www.vatican.va/jubilee_2000/docs/ documents/ju_documents_17-feb1997_history_en.html

The official logo for the Jubilee of Mercy Logo designed by Fr. Marko I. Rupnik S.J. To see explanation of logo, visit http://www.im.va/content/gdm/en/ giubileo/logo.html

Francis announces new global jubilee, the Holy Year of Mercy http:// ncronline.org/news/vatican/francisannounces-new-global-jubilee-holyyear-mercy

 Visit www.catholicismtime. website.tk

an e-directory of Catholic Websites!

Official website of the Jubilee of Mercy http://www.im.va/content/gdm.html

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January 2016 | Issue 1 | 5

Ask

THE CATHOLIC MAN The Catholic Man (Vincent Pham) offers advice on Catholicism Time magazine to those who write to him seeking counselling. He uses the LISTENS process to give his advice. LISTENS is an acronym that stands for: LOOK for the facts, IMAGINE the possibilities, SEEK beyond your own insight, EXPECT God’s help, NAME your decision and SEARCH for the best outcome. He also gives advice based on the Bible, the 10 Commandments, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law

“I’M BEING BULLIED”

There are a few things you can do

time to go to the last resort.

in this situation. First of all, talk to those who are teasing you. Explain to them that what they are doing is wrong and that you are very upset. What they are doing is

going against the fifth commandment “You shall not kill”. They may not be killing you physically but they are killing you emotionally. If the bullies continue, then present this problem

Dear The Catholic Man,

to your teacher. He/she can

My name is Justin and I am kid with

help you find a solution

red hair and freckles. I am being

and deal with the bullies. If

teased at school. After some time, I

that does not work, you may need

got really annoyed and decided to

to present your issue to the vice-

dyed my hair. I though that would

principal or principal of your

work but instead, I was teased even

school. There will be consequenc-

more. Desperate , I’ve told my parents

es to the bullies’ actions. There-

and asked them if I can transfer

fore, once the issue have been pre-

schools. However, at the same time, I

sented to your principal, the bul-

don’t since I’m enrolled in a special

lying should end. If not, then you

computer program that is only offered

should turn to the last resort

at my school. I am also top 10% of my

which would be to move school.

class in this program. I’m being bul-

However, I think that everything

lied. What should I do?

should stop after being told so by -Justin

Advice Column

the principal. If the principal does

What would Jesus do (WWJD)?

He would likely ignore the situation and just continue going on his mission. For example, when Jesus was on the cross, he was made fun for being the “King of the Jews” and “Son of God”. Jesus just ignored these people and instead said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing .“ (Lk 23:34). Have you ever tried to ignore them? Ignoring might make the bullies feel less

engage to hurt you and others.

Also, with that, you need to forgive the bullies. Holding in grief and being upset at others will cause you no good. You may be depressed and may not be taking care of yourself which is against the fifth commandment “you shall not kill”. When you forgive others, you are not only relieving

yourself but you are also making the bullies realize the wrong they have done.

Hi Justin,

not do anything then it would be a

I know you are going through a

good idea to change schools since

I strongly suggest you spend

very tough time and I feel you. I

if a principal, the head of the

sometime praying each day to

think that transferring school

school cannot stop the situation ,

God and ask for strength and

should be your last possibility in

that means that the situation has

hope. Be assured always that God

this situation.

reached the boiling point and its

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6 | Catholicism ime

is always there for you and you

that it is good to do sports, how-

you go to the track-and-field meet.

should note loose hope or faith in

ever do not allow the sports to

That is fine. He has to right to be

Him.

take over God nor push too hard

proud to have a daughter who is a

that it will cause harm to your-

champion high jumper. However,

self.

I think that your father may have

Therefore, the Catholic Church

forgotten that he (the parent) have

does not object the playing

the first responsibility for the edu-

sports.

cation of their children as stated in

In your situation, based on what

CCC 2223. You might think that to

I know, I would suggest the fol-

choose to do the exam over going

Hi Catholic Man,

lowing: Ask your teacher if there

to the meet would be going

I am a champion high jumper. I am an

is a make-up exam day. Or you

against the fourth commandment

average student and I am hoping to

may suggest some arrangements

“Honour your father and mother”.

get high marks to get into the univer-

with your teacher.

This is true. How-

sity I wish to go. I am have a provin-

Explain to him/her

ever, in this situa-

cial track-and-field meet in three

that you have a

tion I would spend

weeks and it falls on the same day as a

provincial track-

time and talk with

very important exam at my school.

and-field meet on

your dad about the

My dad says that I should go to the

the same day as the

situation and see if

track-and-field meet. I am unsure.

exam and that you wish to do

reconsiders what he has insisted.

What should I do?

both. Your teacher may arrange a

WWJD? Jesus always spent a lot of

different date for you to write the

time in quiet prayer. Jesus was

Greetings Ella,

exam or may give you sugges-

true human and therefore under-

First of all, congratulations on

tions to help make a wise deci-

stood how it felt to make deci-

getting into the provincial track-

sion. If the teacher does not help

sions. Do you remember what fa-

and-field meet!

you then you should talk with

mous Jesus said when he was

School or sports? Sometimes in

the school principal or vice-

praying in sorrow in the garden of

our life, there are important deci-

principal.

Gethsemane? He prayed, “Father,

sions we have to make and you do

Many schools have a saying

if you are willing, take this cup away

not know where to go!

“student first, athlete second”.

from me; still, not my will but yours

Let us take a look at the Catechism

Therefore, the truth would be

be done.” (Lk 22:42) Jesus since he

of the Catholic Church and see

that you need to put your educa-

was human felt that fear of death,

what it suggests:

tion on a higher priority than

the beatings, the pain that will

CCC 2223 says: “Parents have the

your sports, especially now that

come. However, he accepted the

first responsibility for the education of

you want higher grades to get

death.

their children. “

into the university your wish to

Consider spending sometime to

CCC 2288-2291 talks about the re-

attend.

the Holy Spirit for guidance so to

Remember to NAME your decision and SEARCH for the best outcome. I hope my suggestions help you in finding a solution.

SCHOOL OR SPORTS?

-Ella

spect for health. Sports is men-

Now, your father insisted that help you decide on a wise decitioned in section 2289 and says ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

January 2016 | Issue 1 | 7

sion.

neighbor.” (Ex 20:16) since he is

the assignment, you should do

I hope my suggestions will help

lying to his teacher that assign-

your part by urging him to tell the

you make a good decision under

ment he has handed in is his own.

truth. He should tell Geri Ann

God’s guidance. May God bless

This may also be considered pla-

about what he has done. After, he

you.

giarism. This action will have a

should report to the teacher. Even

consequence towards himself. The

though this may lead to some un-

USE SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK?

teacher should have a good un-

easy scenes, at least he is doing

Catholic Man,

derstanding of each student’s abil-

the right thing. I am sure that as

I have something that I’ve been think-

ities. Therefore, Lorenzo’s teacher

long as Lorenzo tells the truth, he

ing about the past few days. Geri

would likely know how well a po-

will feel more comfort and that his

NOT A GOOD WRITER,

Ann, my friend, is a tal-

em from Lorenzo

teacher will be more than willing

ented writer. She has

should be. Howev-

to have him redo the assignment

dropped a composition

er, if Lorenzo gets

as long as he is willing to receive

piece she made but thank-

away with it, then

help and feel sorry for what he has

fully it has been graded

he may have had

done.

with an “A”. However, I have been

won physically but I am sure that

WWJD? Sometimes in life we are

told that a guy in my class named

the on the inside he will feel guilt

tempted to do things because of

Lorenzo has picked up the composi-

sooner or later. If he does get

our human weaknesses. We need

tion. Writing does not come easily to

caught, he will loose trust from his

to overcome those temptations

him. Therefore he just took the compo-

teacher and at the same time likely

and do what is right. Matthew 4:1-

sition and copied in, changed a few

have a zero on that assignment

11 records Jesus being tempted by

words around and handed in to an-

which may reflect greatly on re-

the devil during his time fasting in

other teacher as another assignment

port card. Therefore, negative ac-

the desert for 40 days and 40

the next day as if it were his own

tions will have a negative conse-

nights. Jesus should have been

work. What should Lorenzo do?

quence.

very hungry during these days

What can Lorenzo do? In the first

and being tempted to turn the

Hello,

place, Lorenzo should of have

stones into bread… how tempting!

Thank you for your question. First

asked for help from his teacher

However, Jesus knew that even

of all, we need to understand that

and explain to him/her that writ-

though he could do so, he would

what Lorenzo is doing is against

ing does not come easy to him. For

not live on bread, material things

the seventh commandment, “You

sure the teacher will help him

but rather do the will of the Father

shall not steal” (Ex 20:15) since he

with the assignment. This is a win

and obey the Father rather than

is taking and copying someone

-win solution: Lorenzo would re-

the words of the devil (cf Mt 4:4).

else’s work without giving any

ceive help and does not have to

Jesus did what was right even

credit to the actual author. His ac-

think of copying, plagiarism and

though tempted to do wrong.

tion is also going against the

all that stuff. However, in this case

I hope you recommend these tips

eighth commandment, “You shall

now that Lorenzo has handed in

and pray for Lorenzo for God’s

-Anonymous

not bear false witness against your

guidance to do the right thing.

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