This magnificent colouring-in picture comes frm the Kirchenzietung (the Weekly Newspaper of the German Diocese of Köln.
Slideshow of us at St Anne's
Monday, May 31, 2010
"I Have Heard the Devil's Confession" Winning Story of the Competition "Priestly Anecdotes"
ROME, MAY 28, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Here is the winning story of the competition "Priestly Anecdotes," convoked by the Spanish Web site of Catholic.net, in which 820 priests from 78 countries shared their stories.
The following entry was submitted by Father Manuel Julian Quiceno Zapata, of the Diocese of Cartago, Colombia. His prize is a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The story is sent to us by our Sr Fabiola Krausert OP currently on holiday with her family in Golgbach, Germany.
* * *
Of what I experienced before hearing his confession, I remember the following.
As parish priest of a small village, I would often go out through the streets on Sunday, to greet people and give them a written catechesis, especially those who for different reasons did not go to church.
In the parish dedicated to St. Joseph, many had a habit that they fulfilled every Sunday without fail, as if it was a duty. This was to drink "some cold ones" -- as they called beer. Hence, it was easy to know where to find this type of "faithful," and he was also among them.
One day, when I finished my run, a lady approached me to ask me if I had recognized the "diablo" [Spanish for devil]. According to her, I had greeted him and he had received one of the pamphlets that I gave out. I had not seen the "diablo," or at least I don't remember having seen any woman or man who looked like him.
On another occasion I had to go to the neighboring village to help a brother priest, but the parish car broke down and so I needed some one to take me.
What was my surprise when on asking some people who might help me with this service, a boy immediately said to me: "Father, if you like I'll call 'el diablo' to take you." You can't imagine what I thought at that moment. It seemed a joke, but then I accepted the proposal and that day I saw him for the first time.
I kept silent for a long time, as it was the first time I was making such a trip. Moreover, I thought, what can I talk about with "el diablo"? Then I spoke to him, but it seemed more like an interview than a conversation. That day, before ending the trip and without saying anything, I left a scapular of Our Lady of Carmel in his car.
Henceforth I saw him everywhere; now I recognized him and, although I always invited him to Mass, he always said: "not now, I'll do so one day, I have my reasons."
Time passed, and one day a boy who was waiting at the door of the church told me that someone needed me urgently, and that he didn't want to go before speaking with me. The boy explained that it was a gravely ill man. Then, I quickly looked for everything that was necessary for the visit.
How surprised I was when, arriving in the place, I discovered that the gravely ill man, who had been waiting for a priest for several days, was Ramon, the one whom they called "el diablo"; a man of the "campo" who had lived a very difficult life. He could not remember when or why they began to call him [el diablo], but he had grown used to it. Now, lying in his bed, he was suffering from a terrible cancer and his end was approaching.
I remember very well what he said to me that day: "Father, do you remember me? I am the one they call "el diablo," but I do not leave my soul to him, it belongs to God! Please, can you hear my confession?"
It was a very special moment, but even more so when I saw what he had in his hands while I heard his confession: a scapular, precisely the one I had left in his car. Now he was taking it on his journey to eternity. Later, in that house I also saw a pamphlet on confession, one of those that I myself had left with him one Sunday at midday.
How great and mysterious God is. He works in silence and with simplicity, but in addition, he lets us share with everyone the gift he has given us. And that day the whole village was talking about it (and I was also thinking about it): I have heard the devil's confession!
The following entry was submitted by Father Manuel Julian Quiceno Zapata, of the Diocese of Cartago, Colombia. His prize is a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The story is sent to us by our Sr Fabiola Krausert OP currently on holiday with her family in Golgbach, Germany.
* * *
Of what I experienced before hearing his confession, I remember the following.
As parish priest of a small village, I would often go out through the streets on Sunday, to greet people and give them a written catechesis, especially those who for different reasons did not go to church.
In the parish dedicated to St. Joseph, many had a habit that they fulfilled every Sunday without fail, as if it was a duty. This was to drink "some cold ones" -- as they called beer. Hence, it was easy to know where to find this type of "faithful," and he was also among them.
One day, when I finished my run, a lady approached me to ask me if I had recognized the "diablo" [Spanish for devil]. According to her, I had greeted him and he had received one of the pamphlets that I gave out. I had not seen the "diablo," or at least I don't remember having seen any woman or man who looked like him.
On another occasion I had to go to the neighboring village to help a brother priest, but the parish car broke down and so I needed some one to take me.
What was my surprise when on asking some people who might help me with this service, a boy immediately said to me: "Father, if you like I'll call 'el diablo' to take you." You can't imagine what I thought at that moment. It seemed a joke, but then I accepted the proposal and that day I saw him for the first time.
I kept silent for a long time, as it was the first time I was making such a trip. Moreover, I thought, what can I talk about with "el diablo"? Then I spoke to him, but it seemed more like an interview than a conversation. That day, before ending the trip and without saying anything, I left a scapular of Our Lady of Carmel in his car.
Henceforth I saw him everywhere; now I recognized him and, although I always invited him to Mass, he always said: "not now, I'll do so one day, I have my reasons."
Time passed, and one day a boy who was waiting at the door of the church told me that someone needed me urgently, and that he didn't want to go before speaking with me. The boy explained that it was a gravely ill man. Then, I quickly looked for everything that was necessary for the visit.
How surprised I was when, arriving in the place, I discovered that the gravely ill man, who had been waiting for a priest for several days, was Ramon, the one whom they called "el diablo"; a man of the "campo" who had lived a very difficult life. He could not remember when or why they began to call him [el diablo], but he had grown used to it. Now, lying in his bed, he was suffering from a terrible cancer and his end was approaching.
I remember very well what he said to me that day: "Father, do you remember me? I am the one they call "el diablo," but I do not leave my soul to him, it belongs to God! Please, can you hear my confession?"
It was a very special moment, but even more so when I saw what he had in his hands while I heard his confession: a scapular, precisely the one I had left in his car. Now he was taking it on his journey to eternity. Later, in that house I also saw a pamphlet on confession, one of those that I myself had left with him one Sunday at midday.
How great and mysterious God is. He works in silence and with simplicity, but in addition, he lets us share with everyone the gift he has given us. And that day the whole village was talking about it (and I was also thinking about it): I have heard the devil's confession!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Early life
Gianna Francesca Beretta was born in Magenta in Italy. She was the tenth of thirteen children in her family, only nine of whom survived to adulthood. When she was three, her family moved to Bergamo, and she grew up in the Lombardy region of Italy.
In 1942, Gianna began her study of medicine in Milan. Outside of her schooling, she was active in Azione Cattolica. She received a medical diploma in 1949, and opened an office in Mesero, near her hometown of Magenta, where she specialized in pediatrics.
Gianna hoped to join her brother, a missionary priest in Brazil, where she intended to offer her medical expertise in gynecology to poor women. However, her chronic ill health made this impractical, and she continued her practice in Italy.
Engagement and marriage
In December 1954, Gianna met Pietro Molla, an engineer who worked in her office, ten years older than she. They were officially engaged the following April, and they married in September 1955.
The couple had Pierluigi, born in 1956, Maria Zita, in 1957 and Laura, was born in 1959. Gianna suffered two miscarriages after this.
Final pregnancy
In 1961, Gianna was once again expecting. During the second month, Gianna developed a fibroma on her uterus. After examination, the doctors gave her three choices: an abortion, a complete hysterectomy, or removal of only the fibroma. Catholic teaching would have allowed her to obtain a hysterectomy, but the Catholic Church forbids all abortion, even when the woman's life is at risk. Gianna opted for the removal of the fibroma, wanting to preserve her child's life.
After the operation, complications continued throughout her pregnancy. Gianna was quite clear about her wishes, expressing to her family, "This time it will be a difficult delivery, and they may have to save one or the other -- I want them to save my baby."
On April 21, 1962, Good Friday of that year, Gianna went to the hospital, where her fourth child, Gianna Emanuela, was successfully delivered via Caesarean section.[1] However, Gianna continued to have severe pain, and died of septic peritonitis 7 days after the birth.
Canonisation
Gianna was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994, and officially canonized a saint on May 16, 2004. Gianna's husband Pietro and their last child, Gianna, were present at the canonization ceremony.
The miracle recognized by the Catholic Church to canonize Gianna Molla involved a mother, Elizabeth Comparini, who was 16 weeks pregnant in 2003 and sustained a tear in her placenta that drained her womb of all amniotic fluid. Because a normal term of pregnancy is 40 weeks, Comparini was told by her doctors the baby's chance of survival was "nil."
Through praying to Gianna Molla and asking for her intercession, Comparini delivered by Caesarean a healthy baby despite the lack of amniotic fluid for the remainder of her pregnancy.
In his homily at her canonization Mass, Pope John Paul II called Gianna "a simple, but more than ever, significant messenger of divine love."
Pietro Molla, died at 97 in 2010 nearly 50 years after Saint Gianna died.
Inspiration
St. Gianna is the inspiration behind the Gianna Center in New York City. It is the first pro-life, Catholic healthcare center for women. The Gianna Center provides comprehensive primary care with specialized gynecologic care and serves women with a deep commitment to honoring their dignity and the sanctity of human life.
Patronage
St. Gianna is a patron saint for mothers, physicians, and unborn children.
Quotes
"If you must choose between me and the baby, no hesitation; choose – and I demand it – the baby. Save her!"
"Also in suffering, let us say: Thanks be to God."
"If one were to consider how much Jesus has suffered, one would not commit the smallest sin."
"Everyone works in the service of man. We doctors work directly on man himself... The great mystery of man is Jesus: 'He who visits a sick person, helps me,' Jesus said... Just as the priest can touch Jesus, so do we touch Jesus in the bodies of our patients... We have opportunities to do good that the priest doesn't have. Our mission is not finished when medicines are no longer of use. We must bring the soul to God; our word has some authority... Catholic doctors are so necessary!"
"The doctor should not meddle. The right of the child is equal to the right of the mother’s life. The doctor can’t decide; it is a sin to kill in the womb."
"When one does one's own duty, one must not be concerned, because God's help will not be lacking."
"Our body is a cenacle, a monstrance: through its crystal the world should see God."
"The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day."
"God's Providence is in all things, it's always present."
In 1942, Gianna began her study of medicine in Milan. Outside of her schooling, she was active in Azione Cattolica. She received a medical diploma in 1949, and opened an office in Mesero, near her hometown of Magenta, where she specialized in pediatrics.
Gianna hoped to join her brother, a missionary priest in Brazil, where she intended to offer her medical expertise in gynecology to poor women. However, her chronic ill health made this impractical, and she continued her practice in Italy.
Engagement and marriage
In December 1954, Gianna met Pietro Molla, an engineer who worked in her office, ten years older than she. They were officially engaged the following April, and they married in September 1955.
The couple had Pierluigi, born in 1956, Maria Zita, in 1957 and Laura, was born in 1959. Gianna suffered two miscarriages after this.
Final pregnancy
In 1961, Gianna was once again expecting. During the second month, Gianna developed a fibroma on her uterus. After examination, the doctors gave her three choices: an abortion, a complete hysterectomy, or removal of only the fibroma. Catholic teaching would have allowed her to obtain a hysterectomy, but the Catholic Church forbids all abortion, even when the woman's life is at risk. Gianna opted for the removal of the fibroma, wanting to preserve her child's life.
After the operation, complications continued throughout her pregnancy. Gianna was quite clear about her wishes, expressing to her family, "This time it will be a difficult delivery, and they may have to save one or the other -- I want them to save my baby."
On April 21, 1962, Good Friday of that year, Gianna went to the hospital, where her fourth child, Gianna Emanuela, was successfully delivered via Caesarean section.[1] However, Gianna continued to have severe pain, and died of septic peritonitis 7 days after the birth.
Canonisation
Gianna was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994, and officially canonized a saint on May 16, 2004. Gianna's husband Pietro and their last child, Gianna, were present at the canonization ceremony.
Through praying to Gianna Molla and asking for her intercession, Comparini delivered by Caesarean a healthy baby despite the lack of amniotic fluid for the remainder of her pregnancy.
In his homily at her canonization Mass, Pope John Paul II called Gianna "a simple, but more than ever, significant messenger of divine love."
Pietro Molla, died at 97 in 2010 nearly 50 years after Saint Gianna died.
Inspiration
St. Gianna is the inspiration behind the Gianna Center in New York City. It is the first pro-life, Catholic healthcare center for women. The Gianna Center provides comprehensive primary care with specialized gynecologic care and serves women with a deep commitment to honoring their dignity and the sanctity of human life.
Patronage
St. Gianna is a patron saint for mothers, physicians, and unborn children.
Quotes
"If you must choose between me and the baby, no hesitation; choose – and I demand it – the baby. Save her!"
"Also in suffering, let us say: Thanks be to God."
"If one were to consider how much Jesus has suffered, one would not commit the smallest sin."
"Everyone works in the service of man. We doctors work directly on man himself... The great mystery of man is Jesus: 'He who visits a sick person, helps me,' Jesus said... Just as the priest can touch Jesus, so do we touch Jesus in the bodies of our patients... We have opportunities to do good that the priest doesn't have. Our mission is not finished when medicines are no longer of use. We must bring the soul to God; our word has some authority... Catholic doctors are so necessary!"
"The doctor should not meddle. The right of the child is equal to the right of the mother’s life. The doctor can’t decide; it is a sin to kill in the womb."
"When one does one's own duty, one must not be concerned, because God's help will not be lacking."
"Our body is a cenacle, a monstrance: through its crystal the world should see God."
"The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day."
"God's Providence is in all things, it's always present."
SMS the Pope!
Support Pope Benedict XVI with an SMS
ROME, MAY 10, 2010 (Zenit.org).- If you want to let Benedict XVI know
you're supporting him, but you can't make it to Rome, send him a text.
The Italian public television channel Rai Uno reported over the weekend
that they are launching a mobile phone number that the faithful can send
text messages to, and that all of the texts will be passed onto the Pope.
The initiative will serve as a lead-up to a gathering in St. Peter's
Square on May 16 organized by Italian Church groups to show their support
for the Pontiff, who has been the subject of criticism in the media for his
handling of the sexual abuse crisis in the Church.
The messages will also be featured on the Sunday morning television show
"in His Image."
Rosario Carello, programming director for Rai Uno, told Agence France
Presse, "It's a truly unique event, because with this number everyone can
show their solidarity without being physically present in St. Peter's
Square."
To send a message (international texting rates apply): +39 335 18 63 091 (about R5 from South Africa)
ROME, MAY 10, 2010 (Zenit.org).- If you want to let Benedict XVI know
you're supporting him, but you can't make it to Rome, send him a text.
The Italian public television channel Rai Uno reported over the weekend
that they are launching a mobile phone number that the faithful can send
text messages to, and that all of the texts will be passed onto the Pope.
The initiative will serve as a lead-up to a gathering in St. Peter's
Square on May 16 organized by Italian Church groups to show their support
for the Pontiff, who has been the subject of criticism in the media for his
handling of the sexual abuse crisis in the Church.
The messages will also be featured on the Sunday morning television show
"in His Image."
Rosario Carello, programming director for Rai Uno, told Agence France
Presse, "It's a truly unique event, because with this number everyone can
show their solidarity without being physically present in St. Peter's
Square."
To send a message (international texting rates apply): +39 335 18 63 091 (about R5 from South Africa)
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