Pope Francis to Visit Poland During World Youth Day

(Rome) Pope  Francis will participate in World Youth Day XXXI in July. This is according to the press office of the Holy See on Saturday.  

It will be the second World Youth Day of the Pontificate of Pope Francis. The last WYD took place in 2013 the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. This was a few months after the conclave which had chosen Pope Francis. 

As the daily bulletin of the Vatican says,  the Pope will travel to Kraków "with the invitation of the most prominent Polish political representatives and Bishops" from the 27th to 31st of July.  

Polish Episcopate Distanced From Pope Francis' Course

The polish episcopate has distanced itself from the reigning head of the Church. There was steadfast opposition to it during both of the Family Synods in 2014 and 2016.  The eventuality  supported by Pope Francis, Tof admitting ecclesially but civilly married and divorced members to the Sacraments was rejected by the Polish episcopate. 

On the 19th of March Pope Francis will sign the post-synodal document on the Family.  At the time of World Youth Day, his standpoint about the indissolubility of marriage and on homosexuality will be known, just like the reaction of the Polish Church.

Poland is the homeland of Pope John Paul II   (1978-2005). World Youth Day is an initiative which he originated.  The first WYD took place in Rome in 1984, as the Polish Pope introduced the "International Year of Youth."  

Within the closest circle of the Pope's colleagues, and among the most significant papal electors of 2013, the pontificate of John Paul II is viewed as  "restorative turn", to which it maintains an inner distance. 

Kraków: old coronation city and capital of Poland 

Die Wawel-Cathedral of Saint Stanislas and Wenzel 

The visit to Popand is not without tensions. Pope Francis has used pastoral visits to countries which have been critical of his line in order to herd those bishops to his Church course. 

The locations of the  XXXIst World Youth Day will be Kraków, which is the most historical city of Poland. Kraków is in little Poland, and was till 1764, the coronation city of Polish kings and from 1596, capital of the homeland.

The Archbishop of Kraków has been  Stanislaw Kardinal Dziwisz since 2006, the longtime secretary of Pope John Paul II, whose successor,  Nachfolger, Benedikt XVI., named him shortly after his election as Archbishop of Kraków and raised him in 2006 to the cardinal's  rank. In the coming month  Cardinal Dziwisz will reach his 77th year. His emeritus status is soon to come. The Pope may, according to canon law, accept the resignation with all likelihood after World Youth Day.

The organization of WYD is in the hands of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The concrete execution will proceed through a local organization committee. Information on WYD 2016 can be found on the international Internet site  krakow2016.com.

Pope and Youth in Auschwitz?

 On the 4th of March, the Internet site published: Over 225 thousand pilgrims are planning to visit Auschwitz during WYD."  Entrance to the former Nationa Socialist concentration camp, "will only be available to participants in WYD who have booked in advance."  The site recalls the prison camp for Poles from 1940 and the "extermination location for Jews" from 1942. Above all, the martyrdom of two saints, Father Maximilian Maria Kolbe and  Sister Teresia Benedicta a Cruce (popularly Edith Stein), one of the Catholic faithful who converted from Judaism is recalled.

Two popes have visited the memorial of the former KZ of  KZ’s Auschwitz. The WYD site mentions  „at least  1,1Million  people, mostly Jews, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet Prisoners and people of other nationalities,"  who "the Germans destroyed in Auschwitz."

At the Auschwitz visit of John Paul II in 1979, he prayed at the memorial plaque from 1969, which describes "4 million" victims. When Pope Benedict visited in 2006, the plaque from the year 1995 counted the victims with the number 1.5 million. 

After the end of Communist rule, the first free Polish government had corrected the widely exaggerated numbers. In the meantime, the government has corrected the numbers again.  The German Pope avoided any unpleasant mention of the number of victims mistakenly quantified after after the visit of his predecessor. 

As Vatican Speaker Father Federico Lombardi said in January, it is "very likely", that Pope Francis will visit the memorial of Auschwitz in the context of World Youth Day.  In September 2014, the Pope gifted the  organization  Auschwitz-Birkenau 100,000 Euro. It is the custodian of the memorials and museums ( on the number of victims  and the Pope's Foundation  see Papst Franziskus stift Auschwitz-Gedenkstätte 100.000 Euro).

Text: Andreas Becker
Bild: krakow2016

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

AMDG

The Lord in a Plastic Cup -- Giving Communion at WYD in Rio

(Rio de Janeiro) scurrilous, thoughtless, horrifying forms of an unworthy giving of Communion and a similar reception are customary to Catholics. At World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro the poor understanding of the Eucharist has reached a new high point of slovenliness.

Pope Benedict XVI. went with his example and gave Holy Communion only to those faithful who knelt and received on the tongue. It was a contribution to the restoration of reverence and comprehension for the Holy. The priests employed were informed only to give Communion on the tongue. The papal example found imitation, yet wasn't driven through the inculcation of general guidelines.

The papal example hasn't changed much under Pope Francis, but for the most part he doesn't give Communion, and is therefore not as visible. The selected priests are no longer instructed as before to give only Communion on the tongue, because besides those, who give according to Benedikts XVI.'s form, have stepped in those who as in earlier times, give Communion on the hand and pass It out over people's heads.

In Freiburg at Breisgau, the President of the German Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Robert Zollitsch whose example on the closing Mass on the papal stage defied the Pope's example, put female Extraordinary Ministers out, who gave Communion in the hand.

World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro showed a lack of sacramental understanding of the Eucharist, visible in a new "modern" form of Holy Eucharist. The consecrated Hosts were held in plastic cups. These containers went from hand to hand, were passed out by priests, laity, women and men, and give to the faithful, being passed over their heads.

The lack of imagination of the organizers for a worthy reception or distribution of Communion is astonishing. It's much otherwise in the East, as Latin Christians of the West kneel on the ground in shame. On this point the one who accompanies a priest to giving out Communion, should have a small kneeler instead of an umbrella, which could easily facilitate kneeling Communion in every situation.

Text: Giuseppi Nardi
Trans: Tancred vekpon99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Choreographer of World Youth Day Flash Mob Posed for Gomorrist Publications

(Rio de Janeiro) Fly, who was engaged as a choreographer for the World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro,   has  posed naked for several gay (aberrosexual) magazines in the past. The flash mob back was organized by him in the dancing, instructions of the choreography of the bishops on the stage and the famous controversial pictures that went around the world with which ecclesiastical authority was held up to ridicule. Fly, since 1986, a professional dancer, is considered a renowned choreographer and has a reputation mainly in Brazil in his field. Nevertheless, the fact raises some questions.

"Every human being deserves respect, no question. But respect is one thing,  a very different of kettle of fish, " says Francisco de la Cigoña. The Church historian and Catholic blogger thinks so that cherishing and preference goes far beyond what is called respect. "I personally pay tribute to the former, of course, even homosexuals. Of the later, for those who come, for example, to Gay Prides, where some mock the Church attired in Bishop robes and Pope Robes, nothing," says de la Cigoña.

"Among hundreds of capable choreographers available, you had to choose this one?" asks the Spanish historian. "Must the Church now really bring all Riccas to power? Do they have a lobby or not?

Flash Mob dancing bishops, because it is so "cool". I find the message of concern. And the bishops are still there dumber than they only stood there," says la Cigoña, referring to the self-abasement of the flash mob as they followed the instructions of the two choreographers Fly and Glaucia dancing the Francisco Song, the World Youth Day song in honor of the new Pope.

In the ecstatic rapture of World Youth Day participants who reported for the Catholic broadcaster Radio Horeb at Copacabana, everything was "cool" and a "great feeling". It just sounded like this (found on the website of the radio station ):

So, where were we ... ahja, at the vigil yesterday. It was just mega! 2 million (or more) young people on Copacabana beach ... all waiting for the Pope ... to shorten the waiting time we have diligently practiced the flashmob for Papa Francesco. It was really a hit! The song was totally catchy, and the movements moved the time, the heart and blood. Most were already on their plots, where they are eating their pilgrimage packets, etc. - but when over the loudspeaker came the word "FLASHMOB" all jumped up and got ready for the joint "Daddy Dance"! Guys, this was sooooooooooo awesome! And was the most brilliant attainment of the evening as well - have invited bishops to join the mob - waiting on stage. That was a picture of gods, as the bishops were dancing up there (on our Facebook page, there's a video of it!).

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: Infovaticana
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMGD

Enormous Demand for “Extraordinary” World Youth Day of Tradition in Rio

photo: Rorate Caeli 

(Rio de Janeiro) There is strong participation and interest in Rio the Janeiro in the "extraordinary" World Youth Day 2013 . What is meant by the word game is the Mass in the extraordinary form of the Roman rite and the catechetical tradition. Care for traditional Catholics will be coordinated by the youth organization of Juventutem Niteroi of the Old Ritual Apostolic Administration of St. John Vianney of Campos led by Bishop Rifan. Focus of World Youth Day tradition is the magnificent former Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo da Sé antiga , which is overseen by the Apostolic Administration.

 Tuesday, 23rd

July 15:00: Sung Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite [Immemorial Mass of All Ages]

Wednesday, 24th July

9:30:Catechism by His Excellency Dom Fernando Areas Rifan
10:00: Sung Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite
18:00: Solemn Pontifical Mass in the Traditional Latin Mass (Celebrant: Dom Fernando Areas Rifan)

Thursday, 25th of July

9:30: Catechism by Dom Fernando Areas Rifan
10:00: Sung Mass in the Immemorial Mass of All Ages
15:00: Sung Mass in the Immemorial Mass of All Ages

Friday, 26th of July

9:30: Catechism by Dom Fernando Areas Rifan
10:00: Sung Mass in the Immemorial Mass of All Ages
15:00: Sung Mass in the Immemorial Mass of All Ages

 For traditional priests, who are traveling to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, there is the possibility, to celebrate Holy Mass in the Traditional Rite.

 Link to katholisches...

Post Card From the Sugar Loaf --- Catholics Are a Minority in Rio

(Rio de Janeiro) Pope Francis is on a flight to the area's largest and most populous country in Latin America. The Catholic Church's leader will undertake his pastoral visit to Brazil up to the 29th of July. The reason is World Youth Day, which takes place this year in the Brazilian Atlantic metropolis of Rio de Janeiro.

The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life of Washington has shown a graphical representation of the religious development of the Brazilians in the past 40 years.

Brazil is the country with the most Catholics worldwide. 123 million Brazilians profess the Catholic Church. It was not until half a century ago virtually the entire population Catholic, the proportion of Catholics since the Second Vatican Council has plummeted. From 92 percent in 1970 to 65 percent in 2010.

At the same time the Protestants experienced an equally unexpected and rapid rise. Their share in the same period grew from five to 22 percent. While the Catholics are holding during the years of he 20th century at just more than 120 million members, not decreasing, but not increasing either, while the number of Protestants has grown only since 2000 from 26 to 42 million.

By Protestant, is not meant the Lutheran or Reformed churches known in Northern Hemisphere. In Brazil this historical strand of Protestantism does not flower, but the Pentecostals and Evangelicals do. One in five Brazilians belongs to a group of younger Protestant sects which were imported from the United States to the Latin American country. Since then, several new communities that have arisen in Brazil, the Igreja Pentecostal Deus é Amor (IPDA).

On a smaller scale, other religions have grown in recent decades. Most through immigration. Within the country, the number of followers of syncretic Afro-Brazilian spiritualist cults such as Umbanda and Candomblé increased from six million in 2000 to ten million.

In 1970 there were less than a million without a religion, the number of agnostics and atheists has grown to 15 million.

The changes occur as a phenomenon in both women and men, among educated and less educated. It is more pronounced among the under-50s. One difference is particularly visible between the cities and the rural areas. While the country is still 78 percent Catholic, it is in the urban areas at only 62 percent where the Evangelicals and Pentecostals are particularly active, but also the number of atheists and agnostics is greater.

In Rio de Janeiro, the goal of Pope Francis, Catholics are at 46 percent only a minority. The aim of the Pope is to breathe new missionary life with his first trip to Latin America of the Brazilian church. A new vitality that is able to stop and reverse the trend and that radiates to other Latin American countries.

Pope Francis accepted the council of Pope Benedict XVI., with whom he meets in recent times more and more frequently, and prayed yesterday before the miraculous image the The Virgin of Rome in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.

In the coming days Pope Francis will show how he presents the trend reversal against the erosion process of the Catholic Church to Protestant Pentecostals, agnostic and non-religious syncretistic African animist cults.

Text: Settimo Cielo / Giuseppe Nardi

Image: PEW

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to katholisches...

Spain: 22 Priests Ordained in Madrid

(Madrid) The 27th of April was a day of rejoicing for Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid. He  consecrated 22 deacons to the priesthood in the Almudena Cathedral in Spain’s capital city. This is more than in previous years. They all have a solid university education and have an average age of 29 years.

18 new priests come from the seminary of the Archdiocese, two from the Redemptoris Mater Seminary of the Neocatechumenal Way, and two of the Congregation of  Servi Trinitatis.

"On average, there are 15-18 new priests to be ordained, this year 22.  We are very happy, “ said Fr Fausto Calvo from the archbishop's seminary. In Spain currently there are 1,278 seminarians preparing for the priesthood. Which is 2.3 percent more than last year.

This increase is seen in the Church of Spain to be in direct connection with the World Youth Day 2011 with Pope Benedict XVI.,   as  Jose Angel Saiz Meneses, Bishop of Terrassa, insists. "World Youth Day is among many young people a convenient and great breeding ground for vocations that need to be confirmed after the first sign of interest. The growth and clarification of genuine vocations takes time, but the World Youth Days are for many a first hearing, “ said the Bishop of Terrassa.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: La cigüeña de la torre

Edit: it is what it is.

Wordly Nobel Laureate Praises the Church and the Pope

Now there are Pope Books Which Don't Make one Yawn.

The Church must not effect an internal democracy, in order to qualify as an integral part of a so-called Democracy.

(kreuz.net) The socially liberal Peruvian Nobel Laureate, Mario Vargas Llosa (75) has humanly and morally gone to the dogs.

Mario Vargas Llosa

He lives in concubinage, is Godless, defends the violence of abortion and the murderous abortifacient pill.

He knows about as much about legislating as the whale knows about ice skating.

However, there has been a brief flash of light in the darkness of his soul.

This is according to the Church-hate journalist Paul Ingendaay (50) yesterday in the 'Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung'.


Tight lipped and grumpy

Vargas Llosa had "enjoyed" the Madrid Pope Visit.

He found that so many happy, charming people singing and dancing to celebrate the Pope was beautiful.

The writer commented on the Pope's visit in his regular editorial for the Spanish Church-hate Newspaper, 'El Pais'.

He is to have "this effect on "the tight-lipped, grumpy Spanish clergy" -- said the poisonous Ingendaay with an unqualified hatred which did an injustice to Vargas Llosa.

One should rework Ingendaay's formulation on the tongue:

"He surely didn't have much effect on the tight-lipped, grumpy Spanish Rabbis." How does that sound coming from the mouth of a German?

That's what the Church is there for -- at least for Vargaas Llosa

Vargas Llosa described how hate-demonstrators and woman haters in Madrid threw condoms at some girls praying in public.

The Church has a moral panoply, said Vargas Llosa, which is even for those, who do not follow Her teachings.

She offers an ethical measuring stick in times where lust, shameless egoism and corruption dominates the public sphere.

That is exactly why the Church is there.

Science and Culture have Failed

The Catholic Church must not effect an inner Democracy, in order to qualify as an integral part of the --- so-called --- democracy, wrote the writer.

A democratic Church is in any event only "a dream".

The Church as an authoritarian, not uncongenial institution, strengthens the commonwealth whose worldly epistemic effects like Science or Culture are proven to be worthless without it.

So long as the Church grasps at no political power and the political power does not constrain the Church while maintaining its neutrality, religion is not only allowable in a Democratic society, but it's indispensable.

The Pope has convinced him to have been, "possibly the most educated and intelligent Pope, which the Church has had in a very long time."

Vargas Llosa has read a few of the Pope's books, without yawning.

Link to the kreuz.net...


Photo credit: © Daniele Devoti, Wikipedia, CC