Catholic Commission for Social Justice
I would like to draw your attention to the Calendar of Events for Respect for Life Week (RFLW) (Sept 24– Oct 3) published in today’s issue of Catholic News. CCSJ would like to thank all those who have come together from various archdiocesan departments and from other faith communities to assist us in planning these events. We call on all people of goodwill to join us in this initiative.
“At around midnight on the night of August 30, 1962, my wife and I stood in front of the Red House, with other Members of Parliament and their wives. We stood with many other dignitaries, including Princess Alice, the Princess Royal, who represented the Queen.
Today’s Gospel, Luke 13:22-30, reminds us that our Church is universal; it is inclusive – open to everyone. Everyone in this world can be saved. However, Baptism is not all that is required to enter into heaven.
It is true, as Pope Benedict XVI said to those gathered at St Peter’s Square on Jan 12, 2010, that with the sacrament of baptism, “the faithful become children of God, and brothers and sisters with each other.”
Today we celebrate the Assumption of Mary. As Catholics we believe that Mary was assumed into heaven – body and soul. On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of our faith. He stated in his Apostolic Constitution: Munificentissimus Deus (The Most Bountiful God): “By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
Last week’s edition of Catholic News reported on the Institute (five days of training) for Catholic Youth Coordinators/Leaders in the Caribbean (read report). I was one of the presenters. The Institute, which was held in St Lucia, was organised by the AEC Youth Commission and focused on the theme: Empowering Youth Leaders to build a Culture of Solidarity and Justice.