We pray for our Holy Universal Pontiff, Benedict XVI, Pope of Rome

In 2006, the Pope dropped the use of the Title of the "Patriarch of Rome and All West" to emphasized the very fact that he is not only the Head of the Latin Rite or the Western Church but the Catholic Church as a whole.

Pope: Eastern Churches embody "Spiritual richness"

Let me quote some words from His Holiness Pope Benedict, which like the other Popes, has served as the Protector of the Traditions been preserved by the Eastern Rite, here are some of his words as follows:

"In our day too, the Church in America is called to embrace, incorporate and cultivate the rich patrimony of faith and culture present in America’s many immigrant groups, including not only those of your own rites, but also the swelling numbers of Hispanic, Asian and African Catholics. The demanding pastoral task of fostering a communion of cultures within your local Churches must be considered of particular importance in the exercise of your ministry at the service of unity (cf. Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops, 63). This diaconia of communion entails more than simply respecting linguistic diversity, promoting sound traditions, and providing much-needed social programs and services. It also calls for a commitment to ongoing preaching, catechesis and pastoral activity aimed at inspiring in all the faithful a deeper sense of their communion in the apostolic faith and their responsibility for the Church’s mission in the United States. Nor can the significance of this challenge be underestimated: the immense promise and the vibrant energies of a new generation of Catholics are waiting to be tapped for the renewal of the Church’s life and the rebuilding of the fabric of American society."

_______________________________________________

For those who have noticed he have said it on the visiting Eastern Rite Catholic Bishops of the United States, at the same time it has coincided with a slight uproar because of the Comments of the Prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Church on regards of Celibacy. Nevertheless it is important here that His Holiness Pope Benedict deeply stress the importance of Eastern Church on regards of Spirituality

May the Good lord grant His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI many years

Pope Benedict XVI with His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Major Archbishop of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church 

Pope Benedict XVI with His Beatitude Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church

Pope Benedict XVI with His Beatitude Gregorios III Laham, Patriarch of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church

Pope Benedict XVI with His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church

Pope Benedict XVI with His Beatitude Ignace Joseph III Younan, Patriarch of the Syrian Catholic Church

Read more...

Year 2011

2011 was a year of joy and hope in the Eastern Churches with these new leaders:

- Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk (UGCC)

- Major Archbishop Mar George Alencherry (Syro-Malabar Catholic Church)

- Patriarch Bechara Al Rahi (Maronite)

Let us pray for good health, for strength, and for the inspiration for them that they may fulfill their duties in the office as leaders of the Ukrainian, Syro-Malabar and Maronite Churches who are in communion with the Pope of Rome.

Let us pray for the Churches around the world that they may fulfill in their mission to spread the Good News to those who didn't hear it and strength to face challenges inside and outside the Church.

2011 for me is a year mixed with joys and sadness, a colorful year for the Catholics around the world. Let us pray that the year 2012 will be a year of getting started with plans, strategies and projects for the good of the Church and the people around the world.

Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior save us!

Read more...

LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI TO HIS BEATITUDE BÉCHARA BOUTROS RAÏ, PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH FOR MARONITES ACCEPTING HIS REQUEST FOR ECCLESIASTICAL COMMUNION

To His Beatitude
Béchara Boutros Raï
Patriarch of Antioch for Maronites

The election of Your Beatitude to the Patriarchal See of Antioch for Maronites is a very special event for the whole Church and I receive your request for Ecclesiastical Communion with great joy. The whole Church, particularly the Maronite Church, gives thanks to the Blessed Trinity for the gift she has been granted in you, Your Beatitude.

I address to you my most fraternal and cordial congratulations. My fervent prayer is raised to Christ Our Lord and our God, that he may accompany you in carrying out this new mission.

I wholeheartedly grant to you, venerable Brother, the Ecclesiastical Communion, in conformity with the Tradition and the wishes of the Catholic Church. Being united with the Successor of Peter from the beginning is a cause of pride for your Church. Peter was called by Jesus to keep his One Church in unity, truth and love. In accordance with a beautiful and ancient tradition, the name of Peter has been added to the Patriarch’s first name.

I am certain, Your Beatitude, that with the good advice of your Predecessor, H.B. Cardinal Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir, and the collaboration of the Fathers of your Patriarchal Synod, in communion with the Episcopal College and above all with the power of Christ who, with his Resurrection triumphed over evil and death, you will have all the zeal, illuminated by wisdom and tempered by prudence, that you need to guide the Maronite Church. She will be able to go forth to the encounter with her Spouse, Our Saviour, clad in the glory of St Maron and of the throngs of Lebanese Saints, St Charbel, St Nimatullah, St Rafqa and Bl. Estéphan.

May the Lord help you in your ministry as “Father and Head” to proclaim the word that saves, so that it may be lived and celebrated in accordance with ancient spiritual and liturgical traditions of the Maronite Church! May all the faithful who are entrusted to you find consolation in your fatherly care!

May the Holy Mother of God, Our Lady of Lebanon, the Virgin of the Annunciation whose baptismal name you bear, make you a herald of unity so that the Lebanese nation — also thanks to the contribution of all the religious communities present in your country and with ecumenical and interreligious enthusiasm — may play its role of solidarity and peace in the East and throughout the world.

I greet you, Your Beatitude, “with the kiss of love” (1 Pt 5:14), in the Lord Jesus, the Good and Eternal Shepherd, and, as I assure my prayers for the whole Church entrusted to your care, I impart to you and to everyone, Bishops, priests, men and women religious and the faithful, my Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican 24 March 2011

BENEDICTUS P P. XVI

Read more...