This is an index of all files in the EWTN "Church History" Document Library as of 7/2/2009 sorted by library and titleLIBRARY - FILENAME - TITLE AUTHOR DESCIPTION 1. Church History - ANNU2001.HTM - Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2001 LOR The Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2001, compiled by the Central Office for Statistics of the Church and published by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana, gives a more or less complete picture of the comparative data necessary for a correct understanding of the Catholic Church's numerical strength throughout the world. BAPTIZED FAITHFUL BISHOPS PRIESTS DEACONS RELIGIOUS SEMINARIANS CANDIDATES 2. Church History - annu2004.htm - Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2004 LOR The Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2004, compiled by the Central Office for Statistics of the Church and published by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana, supplies the data for an overview of the worldwide numerical strength of the Catholic Church as of 2004, with comparative figures from 1978 and 1988. BAPTIZED FAITHFUL BISHOPS PRIESTS PERMANENT DEACONS PROFESSED RELIGIOUS CANDIDATES 3. Church History - annu2005.htm - Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2005 L'Osservatore Romano The Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2005, compiled by the Central Office for Statistics of the Church and published by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana, supplies the data for an overview of the worldwide numerical strength of the Catholic Church as of 2005, with comparative figures from 2000 and 2004. BAPTIZED FAITHFUL BISHOPS PRIESTS PERMANENT DEACONS PROFESSED RELIGIOUS CANDIDATES 4. Church History - ANNU2000.HTM - Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae: Published for 2000 LOR The Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae, compiled by the Central Office for Statistics of the Church, gives the most important data for assessing the changing characteristics of pastoral activity from 1978 to 2000. FAITHFUL BISHOPS PRIESTS PERMANENT DEACONS PROFESSED RELIGIOUS PASTORAL WORKERS CANDIDATES SEMINARIANS MISSIONARIES CATECHISTS 5. Church History - MIGRNT16.HTM - 16th Plenary Meeting: Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants LOR Gathered in the Palazzo San Calisto in Vatican City for the 16th Plenary Meeting of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, held from 16-19 May 2004, the members and consultors of the Dicastery reflected on ecumenical, interreligious and intercultural dialogue in the world of human mobility. REFUGEES NOMADS TOURISM PILGRIMAGES APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA ROAD CIVIL AVIATION EVANGELIZATION MISSIONARY ECCLESIAL COMMUNITIES ECUMENISM ECUMENICAL 6. Church History - JP20YRS.HTM - 20 years as Successor of Peter L'Osservatore Romano The Vatican newspaper provides a summary of the 20 years of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. WOJTYLA 7. Church History - siststjoscluny.htm - 200th Anniversary: Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny LOR Here is an account of the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, in post-revolutionary France (1807), where all religious orders had been suppressed. To the three vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, they added a fourth, to devote themselves to the instruction of youth. ANN MARIE JAVOUHEY RELIGIOUS 8. Church History - protomartrome.htm - 30 June: Commemorating the Protomartyrs of Rome Fabrizio Bisconti The sacrifice of the Protomartyrs of Rome is recalled with quotes from ancient pagan authorities. Blamed by Nero for the burning of Rome, Christians were subjected to many forms of torture, including being set on fire as torches to light Nero's garden. PETER PAUL TACITUS SUETONIUS 9. Church History - 33DAYJP1.HTM - 33 Days on the Chair of Peter LOR From October 1978, a summary of the short pontificate of Pope John Paul I, formerly Cardinal Albino Luciani, Patriarch of Venice. PAPACY 10. Church History - 40ECSUP6.HTM - 40th Anniversary of Ecclesiam Suam by Pope Paul VI Prof. Andrea Riccardi According to Professor Riccardi, Pope Paul VI's first encyclical, published while Vatican II was in session, defined his pontificate. It called for the Church to enter into dialogue with other religions, not to dilute the Gospel, but to "inject the Christian message into the stream of modern thought." His aspiration, drawn from Pius XI, has been carried forward by John Paul II. ECUMENISM ECUMENICAL INTERRELIGIOUS 11. Church History - zcardcorr.htm - A Cardinal's Correspondence ZENIT Brother Frank McGrath is the editor of the Oxford University Press series "The Letters and Diaries of John Henry Newman" (1801-1890), which has published its 32nd volume. In this interview, Brother McGrath talks about how it took the persistence of an American Jesuit to initiate the project, and how it's taken over 50 years for the project to come to fruition. ANGLICANISM BIRMINGHAM ORATORY 12. Church History - HUGHHIST.TXT - A History of the Church: To the Eve of the Reformation Philip Hughes Volumes 1-3 13. Church History - HUGHHIST.ZIP - A History of the Church: To the Eve of the Reformation Philip Hughes Volumes 1-3 14. Church History - retroWYD05.htm - A Look Back at World Youth Day 2005 Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala, M.C. A retrospective on World Youth Day 2005, in Cologne, Germany, is given by Fr. Vazhakala, Co-founder and Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity Contemplative Brothers and Priests, and Founder and Spiritual Director of the Lay Missionaries of Charity. CONFESSION EUCHARIST MOTHER TERESA BROTHER ROGER TAIZÉ 15. Church History - WYDTORON.HTM - A Look Back at World Youth Day, 2002 Fr Thomas Rosica, C.S.B. Father Rosica, former National Director and CEO of World Youth Day 2002, recalls the dramatic encounter of youth with the Holy Father in Toronto, not with nostalgia but with praise and thanksgiving for the new wind that began to blow through the Church in Canada on that occasion. MEDIA MAGNIFICAT KAIROS 16. Church History - UKRAINE.HTM - A Monument to Heroism in Ukraine Markijam Trofimiak, Bishop of Lutsk The Bishop of Lutsk recalls the sufferings of the Catholic Church in Ukraine, under Soviet Communism, and how, with the lack of priests, Catholics fed their spiritual hunger with the Rosary and kept their faith alive. PRAYER PERSECUTION MARTYRS LITURGY 17. Church History - paulintegr.htm - A Pauline Integration of Christianity into Cultural and Juridical Structures Juan Manuel De Prada The universalism of St. Paul, who began Christianity's incorporation of pagan wisdom into its cultural patrimony, is presented as an example to modern Christians. Rather than shutting ourselves off from a neo-pagan world, we should enter into it and cleanse it from within. DIOGNETUS PHILOSOPHERS AREOPAGUS 18. Church History - zorthpapa.htm - A Russian Orthodox View of Papacy, and More ZENIT Dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox can be fruitful, though many hurdles still exist on the road to Eucharistic communion, says a leading prelate. Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev of Vienna and Austria, representative of the Russian Orthodox Church to the European Institutions, commented in this interview on papal primacy, ecumenism, totalitarian liberalism and other topics. ISLAM TERRORISM LIBERAL HUMANISM PROTESTANT RELATIVISM 19. Church History - bertoneurope.htm - Address to a Special Conference in Poland on The Religious Factor and the Future of Europe Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone On 15 September 2007, on the occasion of the Seventh International Conference taking place in Krakow, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, inaugurated the third study session of the Conference on "The Religious Factor and the Future of Europe". Cardinal Bertone spoke on the role of Christianity can play in establishing an ethos in Europe protective of the criteria of justice from despotic powers. SECULARISM HUMAN DIGNITY ETHICAL RELATIVISM MATERIALISM ATHEISM POLITICS CULTURE DEMOCRACY MULTICULTURALISM 20. Church History - GRAFFITI.HTM - Ancient Graffiti in Roman Catacombs Danilo Mazzoleni The writer surveys ancient inscriptions left by pilgrims, to express their devotion or an invocation, while noting the difficulties in dating and deciphering these ancient records. ARCHAEOLOGY SAINTS 21. Church History - zanglicrossrds.htm - Anglicanism at the Crossroads ZENIT In this ZENIT article, the increasing disunity in the Anglican Communion raises doubts of its survival. Recent disputes concern the eligibility of women for the episcopate, and the ordination of an openly gay bishop in the U.S. Also at risk are ecumenical relations with the Catholic Church. HOMOSEXUALITY EPISCOPAL ENGLAND ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY 22. Church History - ANNUPONT.HTM - Annuario Pontificio 2002 LOR Statistics drawn by L'Osservatore Romano from the 2002 Annuario show a significant turnaround after two decades of decline in vocations to the priesthood. BISHOPS PRIESTS PERMANENT DEACONS RELIGIOUS MISSIONARIES CATECHISTS 23. Church History - annupont07.htm - Annuario Pontificio 2007 LOR Statistics drawn by L'Osservatore Romano from the 2007 Annuario show an increase in the Catholic world population, but no real increase proportional to the growth of world population in general. PRIESTS SEMINARIANS AMERICA AFRICA ASIA EUROPE OCEANIA 24. Church History - ANNU2002.HTM - Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2002 LOR The Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2002, compiled by the Central Office for Statistics of the Church and published by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana, supplies the data for an overview of the worldwide numerical strength of the Catholic Church as of 2002, with comparative figures from 1978 and 1990. BAPTIZED FAITHFUL BISHOPS PRIESTS DEACONS RELIGIOUS SEMINARIANS CANDIDATES 25. Church History - annu2003 - Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2003 LOR The Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae, compiled by the Central Office for Statistics of the Church and published by the Vatican Publishing House, gives the most important data for assessing the the structural trends of the Church over the past 25 years. BAPTIZED FAITHFUL BISHOPS PRIESTS DEACONS RELIGIOUS SEMINARIANS VOCATIONS 26. Church History - augustexts.htm - Augustinian Texts Discovered in Germany Dorothea Weber and Clemens Weidmann In recent years, many unpublished sermons and letters of St. Augustine have been discovered, most recently, in Erfurt, a series of sermons following the liturgical year. This collection seems to have been transferred from Northern Africa to Southern Italy, then to England, where the sermons were transcribed, and finally to Germany. MARTYRS RESURRECTION FATHERS 27. Church History - zlambspall.htm - Benedict XVI Blesses Lambs for Palliums ZENIT Pope Benedict XVI's blessing of two lambs, 21 January 2007, from whose wool the palliums worn by metropolitan archbishops will be woven, provides the occasion for a succinct explanation from ZENIT, of the meaning of the pallium. ST AGNES PAPACY 28. Church History - zgestlove.htm - Benedict XVI's Gesture of Love ZENIT The exchange of visits between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches is a "gesture of love," according to Father Giovanni Cereti, in an interview with ZENIT on the importance of Benedict XVI's four-day apostolic trip to Turkey, 28 November to 1 December 2006, which included a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Father Cereti is a Catholic theologian and lecturer of ecumenical theology at Venice's Institute of Ecumenical Studies, at Rome's Pontifical Theological Faculty Marianum and the Mater Ecclesiae Higher Institute of Religious Studies, connected to the Pontifical Angelicum University in Rome. ECUMENISM FILOQUE CONSTANTINOPLE ECCLESIOLOGY KOINONIA SCHISM FLORENCE 29. Church History - zben16vat2 - Benedict XVI, Vatican II and Modernity ZENIT According to theologian Tracey Rowland, 40 years of post-conciliar history and reflection on the 1965 pastoral constitution, Gaudium et Spes, have led many to conclude that the document had an inadequate understanding of culture, particularly that of liberal modernity. In a 2-part interview, she shared with ZENIT why a reinterpretation of the document is necessary to reorient the Church's encounter with liberal modern culture, and she discussed two schools of Thomism on the subject. SECULAR HUMANISM DE LUBAC JOHN PAUL II RELATIVISM 30. Church History - zdziwjp2.htm - Cardinal Dziwisz on John Paul II's 1st Poland Trip ZENIT The dismantling of the Berlin Wall didn't begin in Berlin. Rather it happened in 1979 in Poland, according to Pope John Paul II's longtime personal secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, in an interview with Marcin Przeciszewski and Tomasz Królak of the Polish Catholic agency Kai. ZENIT here presents that interview. MEXICO LIBERATION THEOLOGY COMMUNISM MARXISM OSTPOLITIK SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT EXORCISM DEVIL 31. Church History - zpopeaustr.htm - Cardinal Schönborn on the Pope in Austria ZENIT Cardinal Christoph Schönborn says Benedict XVI is the last of the great Second Vatican Council theologians, and that the Pope's words are always both important and fascinating. In view of Benedict XVI's visit to Austria 7-9 September 2007, the archbishop of Vienna and president of the Austrian bishops' conference spoke to ZENIT about the Pope, the man and the successor of Peter. PAPACY VATICAN II SECULAR SOCIETY FAMILY CHILDREN MARIAZELL 32. Church History - SUDANPE.HTM - Cardinal Wako of Khartoum, Sudan: Appeal for Peace Francesco M. Valiante An article describing the difficulties faced by the Church in Sudan, and the encouragement provided by Pope John Paul II, with his canonization of Josephine Bakhita and Daniel Comboni, and the gift of the country's first indigenous Cardinal, Archbishop Gabriel Zubeir Wako of Khartoum. EVANGELIZATION MISSIONARY VOCATIONS REFUGEES WAR 33. Church History - fantP10canlw.htm - Carlo Fantappiè's Study on Pius X and the Code of Canon Law Gianpaolo Romanato A monumental work on the 1917 Code of Canon Law, by Carlo Fantappiè, professor of canon law at the University of Urbino, is reviewed. According to Fantappiè, Pope Pius X, recognizing the major changes in relationship between Church and State following the French Revolution and the Napoleonic empire, called for a complete reformulation of Church law. LIBERAL GOVERNMENT NATION-STATES SARTO GASPARRI 34. Church History - cathpent.htm - Catholic and Pentecostal Relations Fr. Juan Usma Gómez Fr. Gómez, of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, summarizes the beginnings of Pentecostalism and its spread to other denominations. He sketches relations between Protestant Pentacostalism and the Charismatic movement in the Catholic Church, with particular focus on the divergent views of the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit." PROSELYTISM MISSIOLOGY CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL 35. Church History - ECUMCONF.HTM - Catholic Conference for Ecumenical Questions Prof. Jan Jacobs Professor Jacobs recounts the introduction of the Catholic Church into the ecumenical movement in the 1950s, with the formation of the Catholic Conference for Ecumenical Questions. The leadership of Yves Congar and Johannes Willebrands is highlighted. UNITY PROTESTANTS WCC WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES VATICAN II UNITATIS REDINTEGRATIO 36. Church History - CATHRUSS.HTM - Catholic Dioceses in Russia LOR In the face of charges that the establishment of Catholic dioceses in Russia is without precedent, L'Osservatore Romano sketches a brief history of the Catholic presence there under both the Czars and the Soviets. ORTHODOX CATHERINE NICHOLAS PROSELYTISM EVANGELISM 37. Church History - zcathorigeu.htm - Catholic Origins of the European Union ZENIT The original idea of the European Union has deep roots in Catholic social teaching, according to the author of a book on Robert Schumann, one of the founders of the institution. In this interview with ZENIT, Catholic historian Alan Fimister discusses the Catholic vision of the European Union's founders and what it means for a Catholic understanding of the European Union today. LEO XIII ROYALISM REPUBLICANISM THOMAS AQUINAS THOMISM MARITAIN DEMOCRACY 38. Church History - EGPTCATH.HTM - Catholics in Egypt Reflect Church's Rich and Varied Traditions LOR This article breaks down the Catholic presence in Egypt to seven groups with various heritages and traditions. RITE COPTIC MELKITE MARONITE SYRIA ARMENIA CHALDE 39. Church History - HCHALCED.TXT - Chalcedon, 451 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the General Conucil of Chalcedon, which defined against the Monophysites the traditional belief of the Church on the two natures of Christ. Chapter 4 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' HUGHES CHALCEDON ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA JOHN OF ANTIOCH LEO I EUTYCHES DIOSCOROS FLAVIAN MONOPHYSITES MONOPHYSITISM EPHESUS LATROCINIUM LEO THE GREAT TOME OF LEO EUSEBIUS OF DORYLAEUM 40. Church History - HCHALCED.ZIP - Chalcedon, 451 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the General Conucil of Chalcedon, which defined against the Monophysites the traditional belief of the Church on the two natures of Christ. Chapter 4 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' HUGHES CHALCEDON ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA JOHN OF ANTIOCH LEO I EUTYCHES DIOSCOROS FLAVIAN MONOPHYSITES MONOPHYSITISM EPHESUS LATROCINIUM LEO THE GREAT TOME OF LEO EUSEBIUS OF DORYLAEUM 41. Church History - ZLEGREG.HTM - Challenges for Legionaries and Regnum Christi ZENIT In a two-part interview with ZENIT, Father Álvaro Corcuera, who succeeded as general director of the Legionaries of Christ, to Father Marcial Maciel, founder of the congregation, says that their mission will remain the same: to bring people to a personal encounter with Christ. MISSIONARY EVANGELIZATION MEXICO 42. Church History - zchrstrelig.htm - Christ and Religions, According to Cardinal Poupard ZENIT Cardinal Paul Poupard, who has been president of the Pontifical Council for Culture since 1982, has been named president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue by Pope Benedict XVI. This additional appointment, according to the note of the Vatican press office, is in response to the desire "to foster more intense dialogue between the men of culture and distinguished members of different religions." Cardinal Poupard shared with perspective on the change with ZENIT. CURIA 43. Church History - zchurchgrow.htm - Church Growing Everywhere Except Europe ZENIT According to data taken from the latest edition [in 2005] of the Church's statistical yearbook, as of year-end 2003, baptized Catholics increased by 0.3%, and now comprise 17.23% of the world's population. The data were reported by Fides, an agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on the occasion of World Mission Sunday 2005. BISHOPS PRIESTS DEACONS SEMINARIANS WOMEN RELIGIOUS CATECHISTS 44. Church History - CHIRELND.HTM - Church in Ireland: Divining the Future ZENIT Despite the decline of Ireland's ancient Catholic culture over the past few decades, Father Vincent Twomey, a lecturer in moral theology at Maynooth College and editor-in-chief of the Irish Theological Quarterly, shared with ZENIT his conviction that the faith and loyalty of many laity and clerics have kept the Church strong, with the potential of still bearing much fruit. MISSIONARIES CHARITABLE SOCIAL WORK VATICAN II CLERGY LITURGY DEVOTIONS EPISCOPAL CONFERENCES BISHOPS 45. Church History - chrchjewshintel.htm - Church's Advance of Jewish Intellectuals During the Rise of Racism Paolo Vian Dr. Vian describes the efforts made by Cardinal Giovanni Mercati, Librarian of the Holy Roman Church from 1936 to 1957, to find sanctuary, primarily in North America, for Jewish intellectuals, who had lost their positions in the mid to late '30s with the rise of racist political theory in Europe. RACISM ANTI-SEMITISM PIUS XI FASCISM HITLERISM NAZISM 46. Church History - pontp12.htm - Clarifying the Nature and Significance of Eugenio Pacelli's Pontificate Giovanni Maria Vian The Editor-in-Chief of L'Osservatore Romano recapitulates the emergence of the "Black Legend" about Pius XII in the years following World War II, with an outline of the new historiographical consensus on the importance of his pontificate. JEWS SHOAH NAZISM COMMUNISM JOHN XXIII PAUL VI HOCHHUTH 47. Church History - compapchina.htm - Commentary on the Papal Letter to the Church in the People's Republic of China Cardinal Paul Kuo-hsi, S.J. In his commentary on the Letter of Pope Benedict XVI to the Church in China (30 June 2007), Cardinal Kuo-hsi, Bishop emeritus of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, observes the pastoral concern of the Holy Father for the unity of the Church, and his encouragement of the faithful to forgive those who have lapsed under persecution. UNIVERSAL BISHOP PAPACY COMMUNION STATE CHINESE PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION 48. Church History - CATHORTH.HTM - Communique of Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Church Joint International Commission The eighth plenary session, meeting in Emmitsburg, Maryland, 9-19 July 2000, discussed the theme, the "Ecclesiological and Canonical Implications of Uniatism," i.e., of the reunion of certain eastern Churches, or parts of Churches, with Rome, independently of the larger Orthodoxy bodies with which they were once in communion. The session concluded without agreement on the issue. ECUMEN PATRIARCH 49. Church History - HCONSTA1.TXT - Constantinople I, 381 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the First General Council of Constantinople, which condemned Arianism, Apollinarism, and other forms of christological heresy. Chapter 2 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' This file is also contained in HCONSTA2.ZIP HUGHES CONSTANTINOPLE I ARIANISM APPOLINARISM 50. Church History - HCONSTA2.TXT - Constantinople II, 553 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the Second General Council of Constantinople, which condemned the notorious 'Three Chapters' in a continuation of the Monophysite controversy. The condemnations were approved under pressure by a captive Pope Vigilius. Chapter 5 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' The ZIP also contains a summary of the First Council of Constantinople. HUGHES CONSTANTINOPLE ACACIUS HENOTICON FELIX III THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA THEODORET OF CYRRHUS IBAS OF EDESSA JUSTINIAN THEODORA THR 51. Church History - HCONSTA2.ZIP - Constantinople II, 553 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the Second General Council of Constantinople, which condemned the notorious 'Three Chapters' in a continuation of the Monophysite controversy. The condemnations were approved under pressure by a captive Pope Vigilius. Chapter 5 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' The ZIP also contains a summary of the First Council of Constantinople. HUGHES CONSTANTINOPLE ACACIUS HENOTICON FELIX III THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA THEODORET OF CYRRHUS IBAS OF EDESSA JUSTINIAN THEODORA THR 52. Church History - CE_CREF.HTM - Counter-Reformation Catholic Encyclopedia An article on the Counter-Reformation from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1913). REFORMATION TRENT PIUS LOYOLA JESUITS LUTHER PROTESTANTS PROTESTANTISM 53. Church History - CE_CRUSA.HTM - Crusades Catholic Encyclopedia Ab article on the Crusades from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1913). CRUSADE CRUSADERS LOUIS KNIGHTS MALTA ISLAM MOSLEMS MOHAMMEDANS OTTOMAN JERUSALEM ACRE CONSTANTINOPLE 54. Church History - ZCRUSADE.HTM - Crusades: Truth and Black Legend ZENIT According to Italian Catholic writer Vittorio Messori, the Enlightenment cast a "black legend" shadow on the Crusades, and used it as a weapon in its psychological war against the Roman Catholic Church. In an article in "Corriere della Sera," Italy's most important newspaper, Messori wrote, "In order to complete the work of the Reformation, it was 18th century Europe that began the chain of 'Roman infamies' that have become dogma." ISLAM MOSLEM JERUSALEM SPAIN MOORS AFRICA 55. Church History - ZPONTJP2.HTM - Cuba's Cardinal Analyzes Impact of John Paul II's Pontificate ZENIT Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino, archbishop of Havana, assessed the 25 years of John Paul II's pontificate by describing it as "a colossal effort to take history out of its present inertia." In this interview with Spanish Radio-Television, the Cuban cardinal also analyzed the repercussions of John Paul II's visit to Cuba. PAPACY SOCIAL TEACHING POLITICS 56. Church History - ANCESTCH.HTM - Dialogue With Ancient Churches of the East Fr Johan Bonny Fr Bonny, of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, summarizes historical causes of division of Eastern Churches from the Catholic Church, and gives an update on current efforts to restore unity. ECUMEN ARMENIA MALANKARA SYRO-MALABAR ASSYRIA 57. Church History - FELIVAT2.HTM - Dissent and Collaboration After Vatican Council II LOR An article from L'Osservatore Romano (27 March 1969), summarizing a series of talks, given by Cardinal Pericles Felici on Vatican Radio, in which he outlined the Church's situation following Vatican II. TRADITION TRENT DISSENT LAITY BISHOPS 58. Church History - ZIMMACON.HTM - Dogma of Immaculate Conception Opened a New Era ZENIT Proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was a providential event that reinvigorated "an exhausted Church." It reminded the faithful of "the existence of original sin and Christ's redemption," according to Italian journalist Vincenzo Sansonetti, in this interview with ZENIT. INEFFABILIS DEUS GUADALUPE 59. Church History - EVEISLAM.HTM - Eastern Christianity on the Eve of Islam Dr. George Khoury A survey of eastern Christian churches (separated from Rome) in the middle east at the birth of Islam. Taken from the magazine "Al-Bushra" created by Rev. Labib Kobti from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. ARIUS APOLLINARIS NESTORIAN CHALCEDON MONOPHYSIT JACOBITE ARMENIA COPTIC ETHIOPIC MARONITE MELKITE 60. Church History - ISTNRELC.HTM - Ecumenical Celebration: Istanbul, Turkey Cardinal Walter Kasper On the occasion of the Feast of St Andrew, 30 November 2004, the Holy Father sent a Delegation to Istanbul, Turkey, led by Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. During an Ecumenical Celebration held in the Cathedral of Saint George, the Cardinal delivered the following discourse, with particular reference to the relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory Nazianzen, which the Holy Father had just returned to Constantinople. ECUMENISM DIALOGUE ORTHODOXY COMMUNION KOINONIA 61. Church History - eculegjp2 - Ecumenical Legacy of Pope John Paul II Bishop Brian Farrell, L.C. In his pontificate, John Paul II made Christian unity a "demanding priority." Bishop Farrell, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, relates what the Holy Father did to promote a "calm, clear, truthful vision" of what divides Christians, in the conviction that this would help to reunite them. ECUMENICAL DIALOGUE MOTHER OF GOD OF KAZAN FUNERAL 62. Church History - EGPTMNK.HTM - Egypt: Cradle of Christian Monasticism Vittorino Grossi A summary of the rise and role of monasticism in the early Egyptian Church. COPT MANICHAEAN PACHOM ANTHONY SHENOUTE MONOPHYSITE 63. Church History - HEPHESUS.TXT - Ephesus, 431 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the General Council of Ephesus, which condemned the heresy of Nestorius, who separated Christ's humanity and his divinity by claiming that Mary should not be called Mother of God but only Mother of Christ. Chapter 3 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' HUGHES EPHESUS NESTORIUS NESTORIANISM ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA CELESTINE I JOHN OF ANTIOCH THEOTOKOS 64. Church History - HEPHESUS.ZIP - Ephesus, 431 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the General Council of Ephesus, which condemned the heresy of Nestorius, who separated Christ's humanity and his divinity by claiming that Mary should not be called Mother of God but only Mother of Christ. Chapter 3 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' HUGHES EPHESUS NESTORIUS NESTORIANISM ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA CELESTINE I JOHN OF ANTIOCH THEOTOKOS 65. Church History - nostraetat40.htm - For the 40th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, M.Afr. Archbishop Fitzgerald, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, examines the continuing relevance of The Declaration on the Relations of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, forty years after it was approved by the Vatican II Fathers, 28 October 1965. UNITY DIALOGUE 66. Church History - Epiphmagi.htm - For the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Hans-Joachim Kracht The "Adoration of the Wisemen," celebrated on the Solemnity of Epiphany, is examined for its meaning in theology, art, and popular devotion. The history of the Magi's relics is traced from Jerusalem to Cologne. GENTILES THREE KINGS STAR OF BETHLEHEM GASPAR MELCHIOR BALTHAZAR 67. Church History - zforgivehate.htm - Forgiving Hate ZENIT Father Jean Bernard (1907-1994), a native of Luxembourg, was the general secretary of the international Catholic Cinema Office in Brussels when the Nazis invaded Luxembourg, Belgium and Holland in 1940. Father Bernard was arrested and taken to Dachau, where he remained until he was freed, in August 1942. His experience at the camp is the subject of his memoir "Priestblock 25487." In this interview with ZENIT, William Doino explains why this memoir offers important insight into the relationship of the Church with Nazi Germany. HITLER HOLOCAUST CLERGYMEN PIUS XII 68. Church History - LATPACTS.HTM - Forty Years After the Lateran Pacts LOR In 1969, on the 40th anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, L'Osservatore Romano recalled how the signing of the Pacts ended decades of difficulties for the Papacy and the Church in Italy, and began a new era in the history of the Church and of the Italian People. VATICAN PIUS XI PIUS XII 69. Church History - PLNDJP2.HTM - From Poland to Rome LOR An article from October 1978, in L'Osservatore Romano, giving the biography of Cardinal Karol Wotyla, after his election as Supreme Pontiff in succession to Pope John I. PAPACY 70. Church History - FUNERJP1.HTM - Funeral Mass for Pope John Paul I Carlo Cardinal Confalonieri The funeral Mass for Pope John Paul I was celebrated 4 October 1978. In his homily, Cardinal Confalonieri described the departed Pontiff as "a meteor which unexpectedly lights up the heavens and then disappears, leaving us amazed and astonished." PAPACY 71. Church History - zChristiansChina.htm - Future of Christians in China ZENIT The Church in China exists among lights and shadows, said an Italian reporter who recently spent three weeks in the country meeting with priests, nuns and lay people. Following his trip, Gerolamo Fazzini, co-editor of Mondo e Missione, of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, wrote six reports, on as many Chinese cities, for the Italian Catholic episcopate's newspaper Avvenire. RELIGIOUS RIGHTS FREEDOM CHINESE CATHOLICS' PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION UNDERGROUND CHURCH BILLINGS METHOD NFP NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING 72. Church History - ZJP2WEIG.HTM - George Weigel on John Paul II’s Impact ZENIT In this ZENIT interview, George Weigel, a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., and papal biographer, explains became "a kind of one-man moral reference point for the entire world." He believed that Christ is the answer to all the world's problems. EUROPE COMMUNISM THEOLOGY OF THE BODY MARRIAGE SEXUALITY DIVINE MERCY MARY ECCLESIOLOGY ORTHODOXY 73. Church History - zproofp12.htm - Group Gives New Proof of Pius XII's Help for Jews ZENIT Recently uncovered documents show gestures of friendship and protection that Pius XII showed to Jews before, during and after World War II. The discoveries were made by the German historian and advisor, Michael Hesemann, who found a number of documents in the Vatican Secret Archives that certified Pope Pacelli's numerous interventions in favor of Jews. NAZIS HITLER PALESTINE 74. Church History - habpapexhib.htm - Habemus Papam Exhibition Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone On 7 December 2006, the Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, presided at the inauguration of the Exhibition: "'Habemus Papam': Pontifical elections from St. Peter to Benedict XVI", which consists of a large collection of artworks that illustrate this theme and focus on the Papal Conclave. The Cardinal underlined God's guidance of the Conclave, to assure continuance of the papal succession. POPES 75. Church History - VILLAS.HTM - Historic Villas Overlook Lake Albano Dr Hans-Joachim Kracht Dr. Kracht, editor of the German edition of L'Osservatore Romano, provides history and description of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence, which includes several villas, a dairy farm, and an observatory. VATICAN 76. Church History - pryrunity.htm - Historical Profile: Founder of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity James F. Puglisi, S.A. Father Puglisi, Minister General, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, tells the story of the founder of the Society, Episcopal clergyman, Father Paul Wattson. Father Wattson, together with fellow Episcopalian Lurana White, founded the Society, brought it home to Rome, and successfully promoted the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. ANGLICAN COMMUNION ORDERS ST FRANCIS PAPACY CHAIR OF PETER APOSTOLICAE CURAE 77. Church History - KAZAKHST.HTM - History of Catholic Church in Kazakhstan LOR L'Osservatore Romano sketches the long history of the Catholic Church in Kazakhstan, from the 4th century, when a bishop's see already existed there, to the present. NESTORIAN FRANCISCAN CHINA ISLAM 78. Church History - histunsustp12.htm - Hitler's Pope? A Judgment Historically Unsustainable Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, on 6 November 2008, opened in Rome, at the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Congress "the Inheritance of the Magisterium of Pius XII", organized on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the death of Eugenio Pacelli. In his speech, the Cardinal recalled the heroism of Pius XII in the face of great difficulties. PACELLI NAZIS SHOAH SECOND WORLD WAR GERMANY RACISM JEWS 79. Church History - zholyseejews.htm - Holy See and the Jewish Question ZENIT The publication of a new book has renewed the debate about Pope Pius XII's process of beatification. La Santa Sede e la questione ebraica (1933-1945) (The Holy See and the Jewish Question (1933-1945)) is written by Alessandro Duce, professor of history of international relations at the University of Parma, and published by Studium. To have a broader idea of the question, ZENIT interviewed Duce. NAZIS ANTISEMITISM HOLOCAUST 80. Church History - HLYSEWW2.HTM - Holy See's Impartiality and Dedication in the World War Burkhart Schneider S.J. In 1969, the Vatican published the fifth of a series of volumes containing documents (July 1941-October 1942) showing the care with which the Holy See tried not to encourage, but to contain and shorten World War II. NAZISM BOLSHEVISM COMMUNISM 81. Church History - frjosewtn25.htm - Homily for EWTN's 25th Anniversary Mass Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA On the occasion of EWTN's 25th anniversary, 15 August 2006, Fr. Joseph preached the homily at the televised morning Mass. He observed how appropriate for Mother Angelica, foundress of the network, to repeat the words of the Magnificat from the Gospel reading of the day. It was Mother's fiat, in imitation of the Blessed Mother's, that enabled God to intervene in the founding of EWTN. TELEVISION MEDIA EVANGELIZATION EUROPE 82. Church History - 33pontjp1.htm - Honoring the 33-Day Pontificate of John Paul I Francesco Taffarel In quotations from Pope John Paul I, the article gives his perspective on the Second Vatican Council, the desire for holiness, the Church, the family, the laity, women, the Mass, and the aftermath of the Council. ALBINO LUCIANI VATICAN II BISHOPS YOUTH ST TERESA THÉRÈSE FATHER JOHN NEPOMUCENE NEUMANN OBEDIENCE 83. Church History - knessetjp2 - Honouring John Paul II at the Knesset Archbishop Pietro Sambi On 12 July 2005, in the prestigious Shagall Hall of the Knesset, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio in Israel, gave this discourse on the occasion of the commemoration of Pope John Paul II's Visit to the Knesset, and the release of a stamp by the Ministry of Communications, marked with an image of John Paul II. SHOAH JEWS ANTI-SEMITISM FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE FUNDAMENTALISM TERRORISM 84. Church History - humvit40.htm - Humanae Vitae Marks 40 Giovanni Maria Vian This article reviews the wide-spread opposition to Paul VI's Encyclical, Humanae Vitae, published in 1968. Despite the majority decision of the Papal Commission in favor of contraception, and the strong cultural trend supporting it, the Pope opposed it, consistent with the teachings of preceding popes who had addressed the issue. MARRIAGE SEXUALITY 85. Church History - ORPACELI.HTM - In the Light of Fatima Towards the Third Millennium: Pius XII, Father, Teacher and Friend of our Time Emilia Paola Pacelli Emilia Pacelli explores the providential connections between Pope Pius XII (Eugenio Pacelli) and the apparitions at Fatima. 86. Church History - abpsyrmal - Installation: First Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Church LOR The elevation of Mar Baselios to Major Archiepiscopal dignity, 14 May 2005, for the Syro-Malankara Church in India, is described with a short history of this Church since reunion with Rome was initiated by members of the Order of the Imitation of Christ in 1930. EPARCHIES ORIENTAL CHURCHES 87. Church History - intcardbert.htm - Interview with Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone LOR Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, visited Armenia and Azerbaijan from 4 to 9 March 2008. The following is a translation from Italian of the exclusive interview which the Cardinal on his return granted to L'Osservatore Romano, Vatican Radio and the Vatican Television Centre. ECUMENISM INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE ISLAM MUSLIMS MARTYRDOM 88. Church History - ELECPOPE.HTM - Jean Cardinal Villot Homily at the Mass for the Election of the Pope On 14 October 1978, in his homily at the Mass for election of a Pope, before the election of Cardinal Karol Wotyla, Cardinal Villot took for his text some words of Christ from His discourse at the Last Supper. PAPACY 89. Church History - ZJP2DIPL.HTM - John Paul II's Legacy in Diplomacy ZENIT John Paul's diplomatic legacy will remind the world that every person bears the image of our Creator and loving God. So says Jesuit Father Robert John Araujo, former legal adviser to the permanent mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, professor at Gonzaga University School of Law. He shared with ZENIT how John Paul II helped to establish and strengthen diplomatic relations, mediate disputes and uphold the dignity of the human person wherever possible. CULTURE OF DEATH RIGHTS DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 90. Church History - 25ANNJP2.HTM - John Paul II: Letter of God Professor Mario Agnes The Editor-in-Chief L'Osservatore Romano celebrates the 25 years of John Paul II's pontificate. It has been "a journey through the geography of the faith, the geography of situations, the geography of daily life, the geography of suffering, of disappointment, ... and of the hopes of every person, of every people, of every nation." The Pope himself has been a letter from God: "he delivers himself to the expectations and hopes of individuals and peoples. He delivers himself in Christ's name; and in Christ's name he claims and proclaims respect for the dignity and freedom of every person and every people." PAPACY 91. Church History - zjp2times.htm - John Paul II: Of Our Times, For Our Times ZENIT Pope John Paul II was a man of our times and for our times, affirmed an internationally renowned scholar of his thought. ZENIT spoke with Rodrigo Guerra on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Polish Pontiff's death. Guerra, a professor, author and member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, tells why John Paul II is a point of reference for the third millennium. REASON PERSONALISM CULTURE 92. Church History - BUSHJP2.HTM - John Paul II: Servant of God, Hero of History President George W. Bush The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington DC, USA, was officially opened on 22 March 2001, in the presence of seven Cardinals and U.S. President George W. Bush. This address was given by President Bush during the ceremony. COMMUNINISM NAZISM LIFE 93. Church History - HLATERA4.TXT - Lateran IV, 1215 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the Fourth General Council of the Lateran, which reformed Church life and, in its doctrinal pronouncement, first sanctioned the term 'transubstantiation.' Chapter 12 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' HUGHES LATERAN INNOCENT III STEPHEN LANGTON ALIBIGENSIANISM CATHARISM FREDERICK OF SICILY MAGNA CARTA SIMON DE MONTFORT TRANSUBSTANTIATION HERESY DIOCESAN SYNOD 94. Church History - zstationchrchs.htm - Lenten Tradition of Station Churches Lives On ZENIT Benedict XVI celebrates Mass this Ash Wednesday at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, marking the start of Lent and the ancient tradition of the station churches in Rome. Following the station church tradition, the faithful make their way to a different church each of the 40 days of Lent for Mass and the singing of the litany of the saints. MARTYRS INDULGENCE 95. Church History - LEO13.HTM - Leo XIII - Pontiff of a New Era LOR In an article from 1978, L'Osservatore Romano praises the success of Pope Leo XIII in countering the false ideas circulating as a result of historical upheavals (including the French revolution) with true ideas, drawn from the philosophy of St Thomas Aquinas. NEW ORDER ENLIGHTENMENT WORK INNOCENT III 96. Church History - LETTRJ23.HTM - Letters of Pope John XXIII to His Family Archbishop Loris Francesco Capovilla From the introduction to a collection of Pope John's letters to his family (1902-1962), which Archbishop Capovilla graciously allowed L'Osservatore Romano (January 1969) to publish in advance. In his introduction, the Archbishop explains the origin and the nature of the work and the light it sheds on Pope John's background and character. HOLINESS POOR FAMILY CHARITY 97. Church History - PIUS12.HTM - Library Documents on Pius XII and the Holocaust EWTN Index page to a series of articles responding to accusations of antisemitism and compliance with Hitler and the Nazis before and during World War II. On the contrary, the evidence shows that Pius XII and the Vatican did more to help the Jews than all other institutions combined. ARTICLES: Cornwell’s Pope: A Nasty Caricature of a Noble and Saintly Man - ZENIT Did Pius XII Remain Silent? – Fr William Saunders Difficult Relations Between Church and Nazism - ZENIT Eichmann’s Diary Reveals Church’s Assistance to Jews - ZENIT Historical Truth of Pius XII’s Work – ZENIT. Re: Sister Margaret Marchione’s book, Pius XII: Architect of Peace, looks at the Holocaust. Jewish Recognition of Pope Pius XII’s Support - ZENIT Jewish-Catholic Commission to Study World War II - ZENIT New Studies Document Pius XII’s Opposition to Nazism – ZENIT Pius XII and the Holocaust - The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights Pius XII and the Jews - National Association of Catholic Families Pius XII Rehabilitated by Jewish Historian – ZENIT Pius XII: the Martyrdom of Silence - Dr Emilia Paola Pacelli Pius XII’s 1941 Letter Protested Treatment of Jews - ZENIT Pius XII’s Cause of Beatification Progresses – ZENIT Saviour of the Jews – Michael O’Carroll C.S.Sp. The Myth in the Light of the Archives – Peirre Blet, S.J. World Press Unmasks Fallacies in Book Defaming Pius XII – ZENIT Most of Rome's Jews Were Saved From Hitler's Final Solution - LOR The Good Samaritan: Jewish Praise For Pope Pius XII - Dimitri Cavalli Rabbi defends Pius XII against criticisms - Rabbi David G. Dalin Review of Pierre Blet's Book - Konrad Repgen Pius XII Saved More Jews Than Schindler - LOR For Berlin, Pius XII Was a Subversive - ZENIT The Commission That Couldn't Shoot Straight - Dimitri Cavalli A "Righteous Gentile" Defends Pius XII - ZENIT Pius XII's Directive Helped Save 800 Jews - ZENIT Vatican Told Nuncio to Forgo Praise of Hitler - ZENIT On Hitler, the Holy See and the Jews - ZENIT Pius XII's Aid to Jews Stirred Protests - ZENIT Pius XII as a Righteous Gentile - ZENIT Pius XII's Massive Crusade - ZENIT Holy See and the Jewish Question - ZENIT The Encyclical that Infuriated Hitler - ZENIT More Testimonies Defend Pius XII - ZENIT Cardinal Bertone on Pius XII - Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone Group Gives New Proof of Pius XII's Help for Jews - ZENIT Clarifying the Nature and Significance of Eugenio Pacelli's Pontificate - Giovanni Maria Vian New Evidence Says Pius XII Helped Jews - ZENIT NUREMBURG GERMANY ISRAEL PAPACY ANTI-CATHOLIC ANTISEMITISM FASCISM REICH CORNWALL WWII WW2 BLACK LEGEND 98. Church History - INQUINDX.HTM - Library Documents on the Inquisition Various An index page to a series of documents on the Inquisition, clarifying the facts and debunking myths. While not a shining example of Church policy, it was not nearly as bad as supposed by the misinformed. HERESY SCHISM CATHARI WALDENSIANS ALBIGENSIANS TURKS JEWS MUSLIMS JUDAISM ISLAM PROTESTANTS CONVERSOS GREGORY IX HOLY OFFICE SPANISH AUTO-DA-FE DIALOGUE RECONCILIATION PENANCE BLACK LEGEND TORTURE MOORS ANTI-SEMITISM MARRANOS RACISM MORISCOS DOMINICANS FRANCISCANS 99. Church History - LUTHER.TXT - Luther on the Eve of His Revolt M. J. LaGrange Published in 1918 by the Cathedral Library Assn. This book first, considers Luther's 'Commentary' as an exegetical work, second, it studies the intellectual and moral dispositions of Luther, in so far as they may be gathered from his work on this Epistle to the Romans. SCHOLIA GLOSSES ST. THOMAS SCRIPTURE ST. AUGUSTINE FATHERS HUMANIST 100. Church History - LUTHER.ZIP - Luther on the Eve of His Revolt M. J. LaGrange Published in 1918 by the Cathedral Library Assn. This book first, considers Luther's 'Commentary' as an exegetical work, second, it studies the intellectual and moral dispositions of Luther, in so far as they may be gathered from his work on this Epistle to the Romans. SCHOLIA GLOSSES ST. THOMAS SCRIPTURE ST. AUGUSTINE FATHERS HUMANIST 101. Church History - MLUTH.TXT - Luther Writes Obituary of His Own Church Fr. William Most Notes on Martin Luther's moral problems, with quotations from Luther himself. LUTHER FAITH JUSTIFICATION SIN OBEDIENCE SCRIPTURE SALVATION 102. Church History - LUTHER95.TXT - Luther's 95 Theses Martin Luther Provided by Larry Price. LUTHER THESES REFORMATION 103. Church History - ORPAUL6.HTM - Memories of Paul VI Most Rev. Jacques Martin The Prefect of the Pontifical Household, a close associate of the Holy Father, reminisces about Pope Paul VI shortly after the Popes death on August 6th, 1978. PAPACY 104. Church History - TSUNINDI.HTM - Miracles and Horrors National Catholic Register In this report from Vailankanni, India, we learn of a miraculous deliverance of the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health from the devastating effects of the tsunamis, caused by the earthquake in the Indian Ocean, 26 December 2005. A short article is appended in which the Basilica is described as the Lourdes of the East, for the many healings reported there. SHRINE NATURAL DISASTERS 105. Church History - zaftcrus.htm - Modern Aftermath of the Crusades ZENIT The Crusades may be causing more devastation today than they ever did in the three centuries when most of them were fought, according to one expert. Robert Spencer, author of "Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades)," claims that the damage is not in terms of lives lost and property destroyed but is a more subtle destruction. Spencer shared with ZENIT how false ideas about the Crusades are being used by extremists to foment hostility to the West today. MUSLIMS TERRORISM JIHAD 106. Church History - ZPRIESTS.HTM - More Diocesan, but Fewer Religious, Priests in Church ZENIT The latest "Annuario Pontificio" reports there are more diocesan priests, fewer religious priests, and about the same number of Catholics worldwide, compared with a year earlier. CENSUS VOCATIONS SEMINARIANS AFRICA AMERICAS ASIA EUROPE 107. Church History - ROMEJEWS.HTM - Most of Rome's Jews Were Saved From Hitler's Final Solution LOR In an interview, given to the German Catholic News Agency (KNA) on 7 November 2000, by Mr Nikolaus Kunkel, a German army officer testifies to Pius XII’s actions to save Roman Jews during the Second World War. HOLOCAUST RACISM NAZISM HIMMLER DEPUTY 108. Church History - znecrop.htm - Necropolis Seen as Proof 1st Christians Were Right Marta Lago Touring a necropolis beneath the Vatican is a chance to go back in time, to see the faith of the first Christians, says the archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica. As reported in ZENIT, Cardinal Angelo Comastri reflected on lessons to be gleaned from these tours, after presentation of the restoration of the Valerii Mausoleum, dating from the second century. TOMB POPE 109. Church History - znewevp12.htm - New Evidence Says Pius XII Helped Jews ZENIT A foundation that promotes interreligious dialogue announced that it has more than 2,300 pages of original documents illustrating Pope Pius XII's efforts to help Jews in the face of Nazism. Gary Krupp, president of the New York-based Pave the Way Foundation, affirmed this in a statement to ZENIT, stating also that the documents from the years 1940-1945 will be made available to the public for research. PACELLI HISTORIANS 110. Church History - VATCNLAW.HTM - New Fundamental Law Promulgated for Vatican City State LOR In the Supplement to Acta Apostolicae Sedis, where the laws of Vatican City State are regularly published, the text of a new Fundamental Law of Vatican City State appeared on 1 February, replacing the preceding one (the first) promulgated in 1929 by Pope Pius XI of venerable memory. GOVERNMENT PAPACY 111. Church History - movecoms.htm - New Movements and Communities EWTN The Vatican has published a directory of new Church movements and ecclesial communities. The volume, published by the Pontifical Council for the Laity through the Vatican Publishing House, presents the descriptions, histories and other data of "Associations of the Faithful." This index page lists descriptions of the New Movements and Communities, taken from the directory, as provided by ZENIT. AMIGONIAN COOPERATORS ATD FOURTH WORLD BREAD OF LIFE COMMUNITY CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL SERVICES CATHOLIC INTEGRATED COMMUNITY CATHOLIC MOVEMENT FOR INTELLECTUAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS CHEMIN NEUF COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN LIFE MOVEMENT COMMUNION AND LIBERATION COMMUNITY OF THE BEATITUDES COOPERATORS OF OPUS DEI COUPLES FOR CHRIST EMMANUEL COMMUNITY FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC PAROCHIAL YOUTH MOVEMENTS FONDACIO, CHRISTIANS FOR THE WORLD FORUM OF CATHOLIC ACTION FOYERS DE CHARITÉ FRATERNITY OF CHARISMATIC COVENANT COMMUNITIES FRATERNITY OF CHARLES DE FOUCAULD HERALDS OF THE GOSPEL HEART'S HOME IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENT CHRISTIAN YOUTH INSTITUTE FOR WORLD EVANGELIZATION INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF CATHOLIC KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATERINATI INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHARITIES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAITH AND LIGHT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MISSIONARIES OF POLITICAL CHARITY INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF GUIDING INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF SCOUTING INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC MEN LAY CLARETIAN MOVEMENT L'ARCHE COMMUNITIES LEGION OF MARY SCHOENSTATT MOVEMENT UNION OF EUROPEAN GUIDES AND SCOUTS 112. Church History - HNICAEA1.TXT - Nicaea I, 325 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the First General Council of Nicaea, which condemned the Arian heresy (denial of Christ's divinity) and wrote the Nicene Creed. Chapter 1 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' HUGHES NICAEA I ARIUS ARIANISM CONSTANTINE HOMOOUSIOS SILVESTER I 113. Church History - HNICAEA1.ZIP - Nicaea I, 325 Msgr. Philip Hughes Background and history of the First General Council of Nicaea, which condemned the Arian heresy (denial of Christ's divinity) and wrote the Nicene Creed. Chapter 1 of 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' HUGHES NICAEA I ARIUS ARIANISM CONSTANTINE HOMOOUSIOS SILVESTER I 114. Church History - chrstnsmslms.htm - Nostra Aetate: 40 Years Later Khaled Akasheh This article summarizes the history of dialogue between Christians and Muslims, from the beginning of Islam to the formation of commissions in the present day to promote good relations. Of historical importance was the publication of Nostra Aetate, Vatican II's Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions. Also noted are elements for concern, primarily religious fundamentalism. TERRORISM ISLAMICIZATION RELIGIOUS LIBERTY MISSION EVANGELIZATION INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE 115. Church History - manmissionp6.htm - Not a Monk but a Man of Mission Michele Giulio Masciarelli Occasioned by the annual commemoration of Paul VI (2005), the writer pays tribute to "a father of the contemporary Church and a master of wisdom and holiness in our time." He was at once strongly meditative and actively apostolic, with a pastoral concern for all mankind. JOY EUCHARIST VATICAN II 116. Church History - zcathpente.htm - On Catholics and Pentecostals Father Juan Usma Gómez ZENIT presents a report "Catholics and Pentecostals: A Historical Overview," by Father Juan Usma Gómez, of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Through dialogue, Catholics and Pentecostals are coming to understand better what they have in common and where they differ. BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT PROSELYTISM MISSIOLOGY CHARISMATIC 117. Church History - HCOUNINT.TXT - On Councils and General Councils Msgr. Philip Hughes Defines the General Council and analyzes its chief functions and its place in the life of the Church. Introduction to 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' Also includes Appendix I: Some Notes about Further Reading and Appendix II: Works Cited in the Footnotes. HUGHES COUNCILS CHURCH HISTORY 118. Church History - HCOUNINT.ZIP - On Councils and General Councils Msgr. Philip Hughes Defines the General Council and analyzes its chief functions and its place in the life of the Church. Introduction to 'The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870.' Also includes Appendix I: Some Notes about Further Reading and Appendix II: Works Cited in the Footnotes. HUGHES COUNCILS CHURCH HISTORY 119. Church History - ZHITHSJW.HTM - On Hitler, the Holy See and the Jews ZENIT An interview with historian Father Giovanni Sale about the findings published in his book, Hitler, la Santa Sede e gli Ebrei, in which he analyzed the relations between The Vatican and the Third Reich during 1933-1945. WORLD WAR II PIUS XI XII NAZIS HOLOCAUST JEWS 120. Church History - NEWMNCAR.HTM - On the 125th Anniversary of John Henry Newman's Becoming a Cardinal Hermann Geissler One hundred twenty-five years ago, Ven. John Henry Newman was made a Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII. In honor of this anniversary, the author illustrates the Servant of God's dedication to the Truth by describing important stages in Newman's life, including his "first conversion," his part in the Oxford Movement, and his conversion to the Catholic Church. LIBERALISM CREED VIA MEDIA DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT APOLOGETICS 121. Church History - zcusthlylnd.htm - On the Custody of the Holy Land Father José Rodríguez Carballo This is an address Father José Rodríguez Carballo, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, delivered 19 Nov. 2006 at the opening of the International Congress of the Commissaries of the Holy Land, which took place in Jerusalem. The Minister General summarizes the history of the Franciscans in the Holy Land, and outlines the present challenges. FRIARS MINOR FRANCIS OF ASSISI EVANGELIZATION INCULTURATION CONVERSION PILGRIMAGE 122. Church History - spirdirctb16 - On the Papacy of the Spiritual Director, Benedict XVI Francesco M. Valiante If John Paul II was seen as a tireless parish priest for the world, Benedict XVI may be seen as a "caring spiritual director" for the People of God. This article illustrates, from the homilies and addresses of Benedict's first months, how he has invited the needy to rise from their fallen state and take flight on the wings of faith and reason. INTELLECTUALISM SECULARISM WORD OF GOD 123. Church History - priestiraq.htm - One Day in the Life of a Priest in Iraq Father John J. Gayton Father Gayton, a military chaplain writing from Fallujah, Iraq, describes the daily danger, injury, and death faced by U.S. Marines. As he ministers to them, their faith ministers to him. MASS CONFESSION WAR ST. MICHAEL 124. Church History - ZCALJEWS.HTM - Origins of a Sinister Calumny Against the Jews ZENIT In a ZENIT interview, Massimo Introvigne, founder and director of the Center of Studies on New Religions, reveals the origin of a medieval calumny against the Jews, that they used the blood of Christians in certain of their rituals. SIMON OF TRENTO MAGISTERIUM ANTISEMITISM 125. Church History - ZORTHDX.HTM - Orthodox Christians Number 200 Million Worldwide ZENIT The article recalls the early centuries of the Church in the Eastern Empire, and provides a brief description of the various branches of Orthodoxy today. CONSTANTINOPLE GREEK RUSSIA 126. Church History - UKRACATH.HTM - Overview of Christian History in Ukraine LOR A summary of significant events in the history of the Church in Ukraine, with attention to relations between Catholics and Orthodox, an emphasis on the trials of the 20th century, and present expectations of a brighter future. CONSTANTIN KIEV MOSCOW GREEK UNION FLORENCE NAZI COMMUN 127. Church History - SYRIAHIS.HTM - Overview of Religious History of Syria LOR L'Osservatore Romano gives a list of significant events in the history of the Church in Syria, from the conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus, to the present. JACOBITE MELKITE ORTHODOX ARMENIAN CHALDEAN MARONITE MUSLIM ISLAM SUNNI SHIITE DRUZE 128. Church History - zpapcoatarms.htm - Papal Coat of Arms Still Relevant ZENIT Ecclesiastical heraldry is as relevant today as it ever was, and should be valued as part of the Church's rich cultural and artistic patrimony, according to Michael McCarthy, founder and proprietor of Australia's Thylacine Press. In this interview with ZENIT, he spoke about the place of ecclesiastical heraldry in the modern Church. POPES BISHOPS 129. Church History - ZLANCIAN.HTM - Physician Tells of Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano ZENIT In November 1970, Dr. Edoardo Linoli, professor of anatomy and pathological histology, and of chemistry and clinical microscopy, was entrusted with a scientific analysis of the relics of the miracle at Lanciano, Italy. In May 2005, Dr. Linoli participated in a congress on Eucharistic miracles, organized by the Science and Faith master's program of Rome's Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University. In this interview with ZENIT, he described the results of his analysis, as presented to the scientific community in March 1971. CONSECRATION HOST BLOOD SHROUD OF TURIN 130. Church History - PIUSIX.HTM - Pius IX: A Long and Difficult Pontificate Cardinal Pietro Palazzini Pius IX's Pontificate took place in the great transition from a Church consolidated in traditionally Catholic countries to the modern Church, more and more sharply separated from the State. This article, written in 1978 for the great pontiff's centenary, recalls how he helped keep the Church on course in this difficult period. UTOPIA LIBERALISM SOCIALISM IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SYLLABUS OF ERRORS COMMUNISM 131. Church History - zpiusxi.htm - Pius XI Revealed ZENIT The Vatican Secret Archives, opened 18 September 2006, include millions of letters relating to the pontificate of Pope Pius XI, covering events such as the Catholic Church's persecution in Mexico and Spain, the advent of Fascism and Nazism, and the spread of Communism in Europe. In this interview with ZENIT, Matteo Luigi Napolitano, associate professor at the University of Molise, comments on the first steps of analyzing the documents found in the archives. HITLER MUSSOLINI FRANCO GERMANY ITALY PIUS XII 132. Church History - zp12rightgen.htm - Pius XII as a Righteous Gentile ZENIT Despite what some modern critics say, Pope Pius XII launched a multifaceted response to the Nazi campaign against the Jews. So says Ronald Rychlak, an adviser to the Holy See's delegation to the United Nations, and University of Mississippi law professor. Rychlak shared with ZENIT some of the information he has amassed in defense of Pius XII and the Church, and how Catholics can respond to detractors. HOLOCAUST HITLER ANTISEMITISM 133. Church History - P12RABBI.HTM - Pius XII Saved More Jews Than Schindler LOR In an interview conducted by L'Osservatore Romano (5 September 2001), historian Rabbi David Dalin defends Pope Pius XII against revisionist historians, who charge him with not doing enough to defend the Jews against Nazi persecution. HOLOCAUST ANTISEMITISM RACISM 134. Church History - zp12crus.htm - Pius XII's Massive Crusade ZENIT As the 50th anniversary of the death of Pope Pius XII approaches, errors regarding his life and involvement with the Holocaust continue to persist, says historian Sister Margherita Marchione. Sister Marchione described for ZENIT the Pope's tireless efforts to save Jews and reunite prisoners of war with their families. WORLD WAR II NAZIS HOLOCAUST JEWS VATICAN SECRET ARCHIVES 135. Church History - PONECCAC.HTM - Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy Celebrates 300 Years Archbishop Nikola Eterovic Archbishop Eteroviæ, Titular Archbishop of Siscia, reviews a book published in 2003 by the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, on 300 years of Vatican diplomacy. In the course of his review, the Archbishop indicates the important role the Academy has played in this time period, under 22 Pontiffs. POLITICS HOLY SEE MAGISTERIUM APOSTOLIC NUNCIOS NATURAL LAW EDUCATION 136. Church History - intrejp2.htm - Pope John Paul II and Interreligious Dialogue Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, M.Afr. Archbishop Fitzgerald, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, recapitulates the pontificate of John Paul II, with respect to the Pope's outreach to non-Christians, particularly Jews and Muslims. MISSIONARY PROCLAMATION SEEDS OF THE WORD JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE HOLY LAND 137. Church History - JP2ARMEN.HTM - Pope John Paul II in Armenia EWTN Homilies and addresses by the Holy Father during his pastoral visit to Armenia, 25-27 September 2001, with a summary of the religious history of the country. GREGORY ILLUMINATOR CHALCEDON TURKS GENOCIDE MARTYR SOVIET UNION MECHITAR CATHOLICOS ECUMEN UNITY EVANGEL DIGNITY SOLIDARITY 138. Church History - JP2KZKST.HTM - Pope John Paul II in Kazakhstan EWTN A list of homilies and addresses by the Holy Father during his pastoral visit to Kazakhstan, 22-25 September 2001. Includes a sketch of the long history of the Church there. MARY MUSLIM ISLAM ORTHODOX EVANGEL INTERRELIGIOUS MARTYR COMMUNIS MISSION ECUMEN CONVERSION DIALOGUE 139. Church History - PONTFP12.HTM - Pope Pius XII LOR From 1978, twenty years after the death of Pius XII, three articles: "On the Twentieth Anniversary of His Death," by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri; "Dawn of a Pontificate," by Angelo Martini; and "Apostolic Activity of Pius XII," by Paolo Molinari, reflect on the character, personality, and legacy of the venerated Pontiff. PACELLI PAPACY WORLD WAR II VATICAN II 140. Church History - zvalgrail.htm - Pope Venerates Holy Grail ZENIT On his visit to Spain, to address the Fifth World Meeting of Families, July 2006, Pope Benedict XVI venerated the Chalice believed by many to be the Holy Grail. According to author and professor Salvador Antuñano Alea, the Last Supper's holy chalice, kept in the cathedral of Valencia, bases its probability on tradition and "very reasonable archaeological and historical evidence" but for Christians what is most important is "its condition as a sacred icon." RELIC ARCHAEOLOGY ROMAN CANON 141. Church History - zfathnoncaths.htm - Pope's Study of Church Fathers Not Just for Catholics ZENIT Benedict XVI's Wednesday-audience series on the Apostolic Fathers can give us hope for unity among Christians, says a Catholic theologian who was once an evangelical Protestant minister. In this interview with ZENIT, David Warner, senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology in Steubenville, Ohio, discusses how reading Church Fathers led to his return to the Catholic Church and offers some reflections on the Pope's teachings. PATRISTICS GNOSTICS ECUMENISM ORTHODOXY 142. Church History - PROPSAIN.HTM - Prophets or Saints Cardinal G. M. Garrone In this LOR article from 10 April 1969, Cardinal Garrone urged a return to essentials of the faith, including deep prayer, in order to weather the storm of uncertainties that followed Vatican II. HOLINESS MAGISERIUM 143. Church History - zreasonrelig.htm - Reasonable Religion ZENIT The conventional wisdom that Western success depended on overcoming religious barriers to progress is "utter nonsense," says Rodney Stark, a professor of social sciences at Baylor University. Professor Stark maintains that, in contrast to other beliefs that emphasize mystery and intuition, Christian theology privileges reason. This factor — not geography, a more productive agricultural system, or the Protestant Reformation — is behind the rise of the West, he argues. PROGRESS SCIENCE CAPITALISM PROTESTANTISM FREEDOM EQUALITY DEMOCRACY 144. Church History - kasp100yrs.htm - Reflection on 100 Years of Prayer for Christian Unity Cardinal Walter Kasper In observation of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 18 to 25 January 2008, Cardinal Kasper reflected on the history of the ecumenical movement, highlighting some of its key figures. He also spoke of the heart of the movement, which is prayer, since Christian unity can be attained only by God's gift. WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES COUTURIER WATTSON COMMUNION 145. Church History - zkaspcons.htm - Reflection on Eve of the Consistory Cardinal Walter Kasper On 23 November 2007, eve of the consistory for the elevation of cardinals, Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, delivered an address to the cardinals-designate on the current state of ecumenism, considered under three headings: "Churches of the first millennium," "ecclesial communities born from the Reformation," and "charismatics and Pentecostals." ORTHODOX PRE-CHALCEDONIAN UNIATISM PROTESTANT 146. Church History - zregensrev.htm - Regensburg Revisited ZENIT When one interprets Benedict XVI's Regensburg lecture, 12 September 2006, as simply an address on Islam, one misses the point, says Father James Schall, professor of political philosophy at Georgetown University. In this 3-part interview with ZENIT, Father Schall comments on the Pope's remarks regarding Islam question, but then more importantly, the deeper point of the lecture. MUSLIMS SCIENCE GREEK PHILOSOPHY VOLUNTARISM DE-HELLENIZATION NATURAL LAW ATHEISM 147. Church History - ARMENIA.HTM - Religious History of Armenia LOR L'Osservatore Romano provides a summary of the history of the Church in Armenia, from prechristian times to the present. GREGORY ILLUMINATOR CHALCEDON TURKS GENOCIDE SOVIET UNION MECHITAR CATHOLICOS 148. Church History - rememJPI.htm - Remembering Pope John Paul I: 26 August - 28 September 1978 Francesco Taffarel Father Taffarel, personal secretary to Albino Luciani, who became Pope John Paul I, recalls the future Holy Father's thoughts about how people need to keep and live the Lord's Day. PASCH PASSOVER EASTER FAMILY SUNDAY 149. Church History - ROMORTH.HTM - Romanian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches Mons. Eleuterio F. Fortino Mons. Fortino, Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, recounts the history of relations between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church (both Latin- and Byzantine-rite), since the Romanian Church was raised to the rank of a Patriarchate in 1925. ECUMENISM COMMUNISM DIALOGUE TEOCTIST JOHN PAUL II 150. Church History - zromvat.htm - Rome and Vatican City: 80 Years of Joint Work ZENIT Vatican City State has had an important role for Rome, particularly during World War II, says French philosopher and economist, Jean Dominique Durand, recently appointed consultor of the Pontifical Council for Culture. ZENIT spoke with him about the history of Vatican State, its dependence on the Italian state and its relationship with Rome during its 80 years of independence. CURIA GERMANS 151. Church History - RTREF.TXT - Roots of the Reformation Karl Adam Published in 1951 by Sheed & Ward. This consists of the author's chapters on the origin and results of the Reformation from 'One and Holy.' ROME GERMANY MIDDLE AGES ABUSE POPE PAPACY CLERGY LUTHER OCKHAM 152. Church History - RTREF.ZIP - Roots of the Reformation Karl Adam Published in 1951 by Sheed & Ward. This consists of the author's chapters on the origin and results of the Reformation from 'One and Holy.' ROME GERMANY MIDDLE AGES ABUSE POPE PAPACY CLERGY LUTHER OCKHAM 153. Church History - 2annergmigr.htm - Second Anniversary of Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi Archbishop Agostino Marchetto Written by the Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, this article records the increasing shift in populations, a majority moving to Europe and North America. There is a consequent increase of nonchristian religions, in traditionally Christian lands, and a need for the Church to reach out to them. To Oriental Catholics also, pastoral attention must be given. ECUMENISM IMMIGRATION EASTERN RITE REFUGEES 154. Church History - zsecstate.htm - Secretary of State: a Top Collaborator ZENIT ZENIT summarizes the origins of the Secretariat of State in the Roman Curia, an office often described as second only to the Papacy itself. FIRST SECTION FOR GENERAL AFFAIRS SECOND SECTION FOR RELATIONS WITH STATES 155. Church History - frjosewtn25vsp.htm - Solemn Vespers for EWTN's 25th Anniversary Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA At Solemn Vespers for the Feast of the Assumption 2006, bringing to an end the year-long celebration of EWTN's 25th anniversary, Fr. Joseph observed that the network's mission was begun and sustained through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He also reminded EWTN's employees that Mother Angelica's fiat to God, which began the network, must be echoed by the network's employees, in order for the work to continue and come to fruition. MEDIA TELEVISION EVANGELIZATION 156. Church History - reflb16letchin.htm - Some Reflections on Benedict XVI's Letter to the Church in China Savio Hon Tai-Fai, S.D.B. A member of the International Theological Commission, Hong Kong, reflects on the impact of Pope Benedict's Letter to the Church in China, including the reaction of the Chinese government and what obstacles remain, to cooperation between the government and the Holy See. PETER PAPACY SHESHAN PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION CCCP 157. Church History - STCATHSN.HTM - St Catherine's: Age-Old Place of Prayer LOR Here is a short summary of the significance of St. Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai, visited by the Holy Father in his Jubilee Pilgrimage. JUSTINIAN ORTHODOX CODEX 158. Church History - STHOFRNX.HTM - St Thomas, Apostle & St Francis Xavier Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe On 17 November 2002, in the Cathedral of Ernakulam, Kerala, India, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, preached a homily at the Eucharistic Celebration for the 1950th anniversary of the arrival in India of St Thomas the Apostle and the 450th anniversary of the death of St Francis Xavier, in which he recounted the history of the two great missionary saints. INCULTURATION ECUMENICAL JESUITS ST THOMAS CHRISTIANS MOTHER TERESA ORIENTAL CHURCH EVANGELIZATION 159. Church History - francsmuslm.htm - St. Francis and Christian-Muslim Relations ZENIT In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi ventured into Muslim territory to visit the caliph of Egypt and preach the Gospel. His example may provide a good role model for modern interreligious dialogue today, according to Lawrence Cunningham, professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame. He shared with ZENIT how St. Francis considered himself to be a spiritual crusader, and how his peaceful and truthful approach helped in his outreach to Muslims. CRUSADES MARTYRDOM MARTYRS ISLAM ECUMENISM INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE 160. Church History - usrelpan.htm - Survey on the U.S. Religious Panorama LOR More than one-quarter of American adults have left the faith in which they were brought up. This is one of the most important findings of a survey published 25 February 2008 by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. The "U.S. Religious Landscape Survey" was based on interviews with more than 35,000 Americans aged 18 and up, giving it greater credibility than most opinion polls. CATHOLIC PROTESTANT ORTHODOX NON-AFFILIATED ATHEIST AGNOSTIC MUSLIM HINDU HISPANIC 161. Church History - zsynbishops.htm - Synod of Bishops: Origin and Procedure ZENIT Two articles from ZENIT on the Synod of Bishops, which is an assembly of Bishops from around the world, with the task of helping the Pope to govern the Church by rendering their counsel on topics of universal importance. The first article explains the formation of the Synod after Vatican II, the second describes the process from choice of topic to submission of the final report to the Holy Father. LINEAMENTA INSTRUMENTUM LABORIS 162. Church History - 29annp6.hmt - The 29th Anniversary of the Death of Pope Paul VI: 6 August 1978 Michele Giulio Masciarelli The legacy of Pope Paul VI is recalled, with particular emphasis on his teachings on dialogue, death, Vatican II. Dialogue with God should precede dialogue with each other, leading to a culture of dialogue as a precondition for communion. Death must not be banished from public consciousness, but looked in the eye. And it was Pope Montini who directed the Council to reflect on Christ and the Church. CULTURAL RELATIVISM 163. Church History - CAMPNEBO.HTM - The Archaeological Campaign on Mount Nebo Michele Piccirillo, O.F.M. Brother Michele describes the ongoing efforts to restore parts of early Christian churches and chapels (6th-8th centuries) on and around Mount Nebo, from where Moses viewed the Promised Land, shortly before his death. ARCHAEOLOGY ART 164. Church History - racialaws.htm - The Catholic Church and Racial Laws Sergio Pagano Drawing on the Vatican Secret Archives, Bishop Pagano documents the opposition by Pius XI to the racial laws established in Italy by Mussolini, following Hitler's lead in Germany. RACISM ANTISEMITISM FASCISM NAZISM JEWS 165. Church History - HRREVOLU.TXT - The Catholic Human Rights Revolution George Weigel An analysis of the importance of Vatican II's "Declaration on Religious Freedom" and Pope John Paul II's subsequent emphasis on it, to the Catholic understanding of the state. Taken from the July/August 1996 issue of "Crisis" magazine." 166. Church History - XMASTREE.HTM - The Christmas Tree: Legends, Traditions, History Lino Lozza The writer, after giving legendary accounts of the origin of the Christmas tree, describes its prechristian background, how it came to be associated with the Birth of Christ, and how the custom of decorating a tree at Christmas spread across Europe and beyond. MIDDLE AGES MYSTERY PLAYS TREE OF LIFE BONIFACE LITERATURE 167. Church History - HCOUNCIL.TXT - The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870 Msgr. Philip Hughes A comprehensive survey of the origins, accomplishments and significance of the twenty General Council of the Church. Explains the nature and function of General Councils, and tells how each was called and what it accomplished, in the context of the climate of the times, the men who took part, and the intellectual currents which lay behind the final pronouncements. HUGHES COUNCILS NICAEA NICEA CONSTANTINOPLE EPH 168. Church History - HCOUNCIL.ZIP - The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils, 325-1870 Msgr. Philip Hughes A comprehensive survey of the origins, accomplishments and significance of the twenty General Council of the Church. Explains the nature and function of General Councils, and tells how each was called and what it accomplished, in the context of the climate of the times, the men who took part, and the intellectual currents which lay behind the final pronouncements. HUGHES COUNCILS NICAEA NICEA CONSTANTINOPLE EPH 169. Church History - NMBRGROW.HTM - The Church's Numerical Strength Continues to Grow LOR The Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae, recently published, gives Church statistics for 1998, providing a quantitative overview of the Catholic Church according to different continents and countries. This article shows the most significant trends. BISHOP PRIEST SEMINAR DEACON RELIGIOUS MISSION CATECHIS 170. Church History - armsb16.htm - The Coat of Arms of His Holiness, Benedict XVI Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo With a summarized overview of ecclesiastical heraldry, the coat of arms of His Holiness, Benedict XVI, is described and explained. SHIELD RANK TITLE KEYS TIARA MITRE PALLIUM MOTTO 171. Church History - CARDINAL.HTM - The College of Cardinals Vatican Information Service This informative article gives the origin, makeup, and work of the College of Cardinals. CONSISTORY DICASTERY CONCLAVE 172. Church History - DEATHJP1.HTM - The Death of Pope John Paul I LOR The death notice of Pope John Paul I, giving particulars of when, where, and how he died. PAPACY 173. Church History - christindia.htm - The First Encounter of Christianity with India George Nedungatt, S.J. These are excerpts from the text of one of the interventions given at the Congress "Ad ulteriores gentes: The Christians in the East (1st-7th c.)", held in Rome on 13 and 14 March 2009 at the Italian Institute for Africa and the Orient (ISIAO). Father Nedungatt examines the evidence for the Gospel first being brought to India by the Apostle Thomas. UDAYAPUR PORTUGUESE HINDU 174. Church History - GENCOUNC.TXT - The General Councils of the Church John L. Murphy What constitutes a General Council? When are they held? Why? What have been their results and their effects on later times? These are the basic questions which this book answers. It is a brief and compact yet surprisingly thorough and popular presentation of the personalities, issues, and results of the twenty General Councils held during the past two thousand years. 175. Church History - GENCOUNC.ZIP - The General Councils of the Church John L. Murphy What constitutes a General Council? When are they held? Why? What have been their results and their effects on later times? These are the basic questions which this book answers. It is a brief and compact yet surprisingly thorough and popular presentation of the personalities, issues, and results of the twenty General Councils held during the past two thousand years. 176. Church History - gospelcongo.htm - The Gospel in Sub-Saharan Africa Egidio Picucci Father Piccuci traces the history of Christianity in the Congo, from the 16th century to modern times. The efforts of the Capuchins and other religious orders to evangelize were complicated by the competing ambitions of Portugal and Spain. SLAVERY ANGOLA MISSIONARY 177. Church History - ZGRAIL.HTM - The Holy Grail: Fact or Fiction? ZENIT The story of the Holy Grail has spawned numerous works of fiction and fantasy. One scholar, Janice Bennett, author of St. Laurence and the Holy Grail, believes the cup's history can be traced from St. Peter's journey to Rome, to St. Laurence in the third century, and then to its final resting place in Spain. She shared with ZENIT why she believes that the Holy Chalice of Valencia is the same cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. EUCHARIST RELICS MASS 178. Church History - hspatmosc - The Holy See and Patriarchate of Moscow Józef M. Maj, S.J. Fr. Maj gives a review of the 2004 agenda of "events that marked the bilateral contact between the Holy See and Moscow." In light of these events, it can be said that "our mutual relations have broadened considerably," though much work remains to be done. RUSSIAN ORTHODOXY PROSELYTISM UNIATISM MOTHER OF GOD OF KAZAN 179. Church History - ORIGARAB.TXT - The Origins of Middle Eastern Arab Christianity Dr. George Khoury Taken from the magazine "Al-Bushra" created by Rev. Labib Kobti from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. 180. Church History - PENALAWS.HTM - The Penal Laws Patrick Barry An illuminating article on the historical background of the penal laws enacted in England and Wales, in the 16th and 17th centuries, under which Catholics were persecuted and martyred, with particular reference to the 85 martyrs beatified by Pope John Paul II on 22 November 1987. HENRY VIII ELIZABETH I PIUS V JAMES I CHARLES I II OATES RECUSANTS PROTESTANT ANGLICAN PURITANS CIVIL WAR COMMONWEALTH GUNPOWDER PLOT GUY FAWKES TITUS OATES 181. Church History - PRIESTDY.HTM - The Priest Today Mons. Maurice Maziers The Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1968 responded to questions on the difficulties faced by priests in an era of turbulent change. He spoke of the joy of being a priest, which can displace any anxiety. MEDIA SACRED HEART MISSION 182. Church History - ZROSARY.HTM - The Rosary Predated St. Dominic ZENIT The Rosary, called "Mary's Psalter," continued to develop after its popularization by St. Dominic. This article notes high points in the Rosary's history, particularly between the 12th and 15th centuries. ALAIN DE LA ROCHE ALBERTO DA CASTELLO PIUS V 183. Church History - SUMMER44.HTM - The Silent Summer of '44 Giuseppina Sciascia An account of the heroism of a community of Carthusians in 1944 Italy, who, contrary to their rule of enclosure, opened their doors to persecuted Jews and Italians and hid them from Nazi SS. After discovery, the Carthusians were subjected to torture, and finally martyred. FASCISM MARTYRDOM 184. Church History - TEACHJP2.HTM - The Teaching of John Paul II Andrea Riccardi Professor Riccardi gives an overview of the Holy Father's approach to his pontificate. He emphasized the Church's need to focus on the Gospel and to communicate it to the world. He confronted the world's problems not as a politician, but as a pastor, with a personal touch. Above all, he was a man of faith, who coveyed his faith by the life he lived. COMMUNISM DIALOGUE 185. Church History - PALLIUM.HTM - The Value and Meaning of the New Rules Concerning the Pallium Marcello Costalunga An explanation and some background of Pope Paul VI's Motu Proprio, which limited use of the Pallium to Metropolitans and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. No longer will it be conferred merely for honorary purposes, but as a sign of metropolitical jurisdiction and special communion with the Successor of Peter. ARCHBISHOPS SUPREME PONTIFFS 186. Church History - brogtaize.htm - Tribute To Brother Roger, Founder of Taizé Giampaolo Mattei This tribute to Brother Roger, the 90-year old religious who was stabbed to death 16 Aug 2005 by an apparently unstable 36-year-old Romanian woman, recounts the history of the Taizé Community, which he founded. ECUMENICAN ECUMENISM FRANCISCAN RULE 187. Church History - b16twofriends.htm - Two Old Friends: Benedict XVI and Jacob Neusner Andrea Monda During his historic Visit to the United States, Pope Benedict met with Jacob Neusner, a learned Rabbi with whom the Holy Father had corresponded for 15 years. Their first, face-to-face meeting took place on 17 April 2008, when the Pope met with the Jewish Community in Washington, D.C. JUDAISM DIALOGUE 188. Church History - REAGJP2A.HTM - U.S. President's Address to the Pope, 1982 President Ronald Reagan On 7 June 1982, Pope John Paul II received a visit from the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, who was accompanied by his wife Nancy and an official party including the Secretary of State and the President's Chief of Staff. In the President's address, he praised the Holy Father for his moral leadership in the world, and echoed their joint concern for the destiny of Poland, foreshadowing a historic collaboration in undermining Communist control in Eastern Europe. See Pope's address. LIBERTY SOLIDARITY AMERICA 189. Church History - REAGJP2B.HTM - U.S. President's Address to the Pope, 1987 President Ronald Reagan On 6 June 1987, the Holy Father received in audience Mr. Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America. The President, addressing the Holy Father, expressed the hope that oppressed peoples everywhere would soon obtain their freedom, and freedom of religion in particular. See Pope's address. PROSPERITY POLAND COMMUNISM 190. Church History - vatfinan04 - Vatican Financial Report for 2004 LOR L'Osservatore Romano reports the details of the Vatican financial report for 2004, presented on 8 July 2005 at the 39th Meeting of the Council of Cardinals for the Study of Organizational and Financial problems of the Holy See. The meeting was chaired by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State. PETER'S PENCE MEDIA DICASTERIES MISSION EVANGELIZATION 191. Church History - ZCRSADES.HTM - What the Crusades Were Really Like ZENIT The Crusaders were not unprovoked aggressors, greedy marauders or medieval colonialists, as portrayed in some history books. Thomas Madden, chair of St. Louis University's history department, argues that the Crusaders did not profit from their ventures by earthly riches or land, but rather fought defensive wars against an aggressive enemy. He also differentiates between the Crusades and the current war on terrorism. MUSLIMS EUROPE HOLY LAND JERUSALEM JEWS 192. Church History - zeffJoN.htm - Zeffirelli Recalls Paul VI's Help With Jesus of Nazareth ZENIT When the television miniseries Jesus of Nazareth was released 30 years ago, Pope Paul VI personally thanked Franco Zeffirelli for his work. But the series was a success only because of the Pontiff's help, the director said, recalling what went on behind the scenes during the filming. MEDIA CINEMA 193. Church History - ZP12J800.HTM - ZENIT Pius XII's Directive Helped Save 800 Jews Newly found evidence shows that Pius XII helped spare the lives of 800 Jews in the Italian cities of Livorno, Lucca and Pisa, when he asked various Church groups to help preserve them from Nazi persecution in 1943 and 1944. ANTISEMITISM HOLOCAUST |