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no. 3 july - september 2005
On May 19, the 82th anniversary of the foundation of the Catholic University in the Netherlands, Kees Waaijman, director of the Titus Brandsma Institute, received a bronze commemorative Medal. This medal is awarded annually to one of the academic staff of the university. The dean of the Faculty of Theology had presented the nomination of Kees Waaijman. The deans of the university, professors and assistants, the bishop of the diocese, a former prime minister and many special guests were present for the solemn presentation. In a speech on behalf of the Board of the University, the Chairperson expressed appreciation for the outstanding research, publications and education programs of Father Kees and the staff of the Institute in the field of spirituality. The international reputation of the Institute was also highlighted. (Photo courtesy of the Dutch Province)Benedict XVI Encourages Zimbabwe’s Bishops in Their Work for Justice According to published reports from the ZENIT News Agency in Rome, the Pope addressed the situation of the Church in Zimbabwe when he received the bishops of that African nation in early July at the end of their ad limina visit. "The recent elections in Zimbabwe have laid the basis for what I trust will be a new beginning in the process of national reconciliation and the moral rebuilding of society," said the Pope. The bishops called on the government to uphold freedom of the press while the media were asked to be watchdogs of the human rights that are enshrined in the national constitution, and to be fair and truthful in their reporting. The Pope also supported the recent pastoral letter "The Cry of the Poor," published by the bishops of Zimbabwe. In the document, the bishops’ conference decried a government program that has led to the demolition of shantytowns, and left innumerable families homeless. Although the Holy Father referred to "the difficulties of the present moment," he also said that "the Church in Zimbabwe can rejoice in the presence of so many communities vibrant of faith, a significant number of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and the presence of a committed laity devoted to various works of the apostolate." In Zimbabwe, a country of 12.7 million inhabitants, Catholics comprise 8.5% of the population.
Carmel Hall at St. Jude Shrine, Faversham, Dedicated The newly refurbished Carmel Hall, Faversham (Brit) was formally blessed by the local assistant Bishop, John Hine. It was dedicated as Carmel Hall by Tony Lester, Provincial and formally opened by the Mayor of Faversham, Cllr Cindy Davies who is also a member of the parish. It was her last full day as Mayor and she was delighted that her last formal engagement in that role was in her local parish. The hall has new toilets with one for the handicapped as well as two new kitchens. The hall is being well used by the parish and regular groups: Natural childbirth Association, the Brownies, the Alcoholic Anonymous and the Whisk Club. The following Sunday the parish hosted the Christian Aid Service in the church followed by the AGM of Faversham Churches Together in Carmel Hall. The hall is appreciated by the many pilgrims who still come to the Shrine of St. Jude. As reported in CITOC, the Shrine is in the process of being restored after an extensive fire. It is hoped that all the work will be completed before the Golden Jubilee celebrations on October 28th. The Mayor of Faversham, a parishioner of the Carmelite Church, formerly opens Carmel Hall while Bishop John Hine and his Master of Ceremony, Lawrence Frost, O. Carm., look on. (Photo courtesy of St. Jude’s Shrine, Faversham) International Course for Justice and Peace Workers Planned The International Commission for Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation is preparing an international course for those who work in the field of Justice and Peace in the Carmelite Family. The course will take place in Fatima, Portugal from July 31 through August 15, 2006. Sixty places are available for those who wish to participate. The course is open to the Carmelite Family, religious and lay. The theme of the course will be "Justice and Peace and the Carmelite Family in the Globalized World." Questions to the Commission such as "What does Carmelite spirituality offer to formation in Justice and Peace?" and "How can we defend the truth in this world of falsehoods?" will be discussed. In cooperation with the joint Justice and Peace Commission of the Iberian Region, the preparations are already underway. In the last half of 2005, those wishing to enroll in the course will be able to do so and the preparatory documents will be published. |
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