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VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
THIRTEENTH YEAR - N.141 ENGLISH WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2003
SUMMARY:
- GENERAL AUDIENCE: DISCOVERING EVIL AND ASKING FOR PARDON - OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
GENERAL AUDIENCE: DISCOVERING EVIL AND ASKING FOR PARDON
VATICAN CITY, JUL 30, 2003 - Psalm 50, the famous "Miserere" or "Have mercy on me, Lord," was the theme of the Holy Father's catechesis during this Wednesday's general audience, celebrated in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo.
The Pope said that this psalm is "proposed to us every Friday so that it may become an oasis of meditation where we can discover the evil that nests within our conscience and ask the Lord for purification and pardon. ... However, the message of hope of the 'Miserere' that the psalmist puts on the lips of David, a converted sinner, is this: God can 'erase, clean, purify' any failing confessed with a contrite heart."
Referring to the end of the psalm, "an end full of hope because the sinner is conscious of having been forgiven," he affirmed: "His mouth will proclaim to the world praise for the Lord, attesting to the joy that the soul, which is purified from evil and therefore freed from remorse, experiences."
John Paul II underlined that "the Psalm concludes in an unexpected way. ... From the last petition of a single sinner, it goes to a prayer for the reconstruction of the whole city of Jerusalem." In the final part, he continued, there is a "later addition" to "correct or at least to complete the outlook of the Psalm of David." On the one hand, the psalmist did not want it to be one individual prayer; it was necessary to also think about the plight of the whole city. On the other hand, the psalmist wanted to put the divine rejection of sacrificial rituals into perspective."
"Sinners are not capable of purifying themselves alone; good intentions are not sufficient," he concluded, adding: "Effective external meditation is necessary. The New Testament will reveal the full meaning of this intuition, showing that by offering His life, Christ made the perfect sacrifice." AG/PSALM 50/... VIS 030730 (300)
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
VATICAN CITY, JUL 30, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Les Gonaives, Haiti, presented by Bishop Emmanuel Constant upon having reached the age limit. Bishop Yves-Marie Pean, C.S.C., coadjutor of the same diocese, succeeds him.
- Appointed Professor Jaroslav Sturma, lecturer on Child Psychology and Psychology of religion at the Carl of Prague University, Czech Republic, as an ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. RE:NA/.../CONSTANT:PEAN:STURMA VIS 030730 (90)
The Essential Catholic Handbook A Summary of Beliefs, Practices, and Prayers
Redemptorist Pastoral Publication
by Redemptorist Pastoral, John O'Connor
An invaluable reference for those who want a topical summary of "what it means to be Catholic".
An excellent reference and introduction, May 25, 2000
Reviewer: A reader from California, USA
This book would be useful for all Catholics, as well as curious non-Catholics.
The first section, "Beliefs", is especially helpful for those who are lapsed or agnostic. It explains why we are Catholic: how we gain from our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Church. The dictionary section is very useful for looking up terms (what's the difference between a "papal bull" and an "encyclical"?), and it also doubles as a basic catechism. There's a collection of prayers, as well as many other useful features.
The book does include a few questionable statements here and there, particularly regarding our relationship with non-Catholics. (For instance, it's misleading to sum up the Vatican II document "Nostra Aetate" as saying that non-Christian religions are "valid paths to the divine".) But then, it's hard to find any book that's a totally reliable guide, apart from the Bible and the Catechism.
All in all, I thoroughly recommend it! My thanks and congratulations to the unnamed authors.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Why Do Catholics Do That?
By Kevin Orlin Johnson
"Johnson offers lucid explanations of a dizzying array of customs and beliefs." --Publishers Weekly
In Expressions of the Catholic Faith, renowned scholar and religion columnist Kevin Orlin Johnson answers the most frequently asked questions on Catholic faith, worship, culture, and customs, including:
Blending religious history, a deep appreciation for art and culture, and an enlightened reverence for the traditions of the Church, Expressions of the Catholic Faith is the definitive resource for any one who wants to learn more about the rituals, symbols, and traditions that can strengthen our faith every day.
Catholicism For Dummies
By John Trigilio, Kenneth Brighenti
"A gold mine of insight on the Catholic faith for people of all ages and beliefs."
Get the scoop on the Catholic Church’s stand on important social issues
Want to know more about Catholicism? Catholicism For Dummies presents the rich tapestry and history of the Catholic Church – from devotions to doctrines. You’ll find a description of the Catholic Mass, the seven sacraments, the liturgical calendar, the duties of the clergy, and much more.
"Catholicism For Dummies is an intelligent and faithful look at one of the more misunderstood topics in contemporary religion."
About the Author Rev. John Trigilio Jr., PhD?Create, ThD?Create, is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and is Executive Editor of Sapienta magazine. Rev. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD?Create, is the co-host with Father Trigilio of Council of Faith on EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network.
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