Monday thru Friday at www.DailyCatholic.org See why so many consider the Daily CATHOLIC as the "USA Today for CATHOLICS!" e-mail: DailyCatholic@dailycatholic.org

Ordained by Pope Paul VI, the Archbishop of Genoa Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi is one of the newest Italian cardinals

    Our one-hundred-thirty-eight red-hat we feature, in alphabetical order is the 65 year-old Italian Archbishop of Genoa Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, who taught Theology to seminarians for thirty years before being pegged as Archbishop of Ancona in 1989 and then in 1995 to Genoa. Ordained in 1957 by Pope Paul VI, then archbishop of Milan, he was elevated to the cardinalate during Pope John Paul II's most recent Consistory of February 21, 1997. For more on Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, click on COLLEGE OF CARDINALS COLLECTION

138.   Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi

    One of the newer cardinals of the Church Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi was born in Renate Italy on March 14, 1934 and ordained a Diocesan priest on June 28, 1957 in the Diocese of Milan where he was ordained by Archbishop Giovanni Montini who would go on to become Pope Paul VI. Father Tettamanzi was sent back to school where he received his Doctorate in Theology and then Archbishop Montini assigned him to teach fundamental Theology at the major seminary in Lower Venegono. From there he was transferred to teach Pastoral Theology at the Priestly Institute of Mary Immaculate as well as the Lombard Regional Institute of Pastoral Ministry. From there he was appointed Rector of the Pontifical Lombard Seminary in Rome where he remained until the summer of 1989 when Pope John Paul II made him the new Archbishop of Ancona-Osimo and he was ordained and installed on July 1, 1989. He resigned this post in 1991 to become General Secretary of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

    He held that position until being elected Vice President of the Italian Episcopal Conference in 1995. At the same time the Holy Father named Archbishop Tettamanzi the new Archbishop of Genoa on April 20, 1995. He remains in that post today. One further honor was due him and that came in the Holy Father's most recent Consistory of February 21, 1998 when he named Archbishop Tettamanzi to the cardinalate, bestowing on him the titular church of Sts. Ambrose and Charles. He was also assigned curial membership in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation for Catholic Education as well as the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. At 65 he remains strongly involved in the Church and popular with his flock in the northern see of Genoa where he resides at Piazza Matteotti 4, 16123 in Genoa, Italy. Because of his lack of curial and international experience, he is not considered a serious candidate for the next papal election.

SIMPLY SHEEN: Misery loves company

    They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the words of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen have been known to launch a thousand images in one's mind, one of the ways this late luminary did so much to evangelize the faith. Because of the urgency of the times and because few there are today who possess the wisdom, simplicity and insight than the late Archbishop who touched millions, we are bringing you daily gems from his writings. The good bishop makes it so simple that we have dubbed this daily series: "SIMPLY SHEEN".

" The first effect of not receiving love because one is generous and loving toward others is cynicism and even hostility. Never a good word can be said for anyone. Because one is unloved one tries to make everyone else unlovable. Characters are assassinated, the noblest motives reduced to the basest, and slanders believed and propagated. When others do show them kindness they look 'for the catch in it'; even gifts are viewed with suspicion and the sincerest of compliments acknowledged with a charge of insincerity. Because such egotists are so miserable they seek to make everyone else miserable. Never once do they see that they are the cause of their own unhappiness. Someone else is always to blame."

   Today we observe the Final Wednesday of Late Advent and tomorrow the Final Thursday of Late Advent in addition to the optional feast of the Polish priest Saint John of Kanty, For the readings, liturgies, meditations, and vignette on St. John of Kanty, click on DAILY LITURGY.

Wednesday December 22:
Wednesday in Late Advent

Violet vestments

First Reading: 1 Samuel 1: 24-28
Psalms: 1 Samuel 2: 1, 4-8
Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 46-56

ANTIPHON:

   O King of the Gentiles, yea, and desire thereof! O Corner-stone, that makest of two one, come to save man, whom Thou hast made out of the dust of the earth!

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)

Thursday December 23:
Thursday in Late Advent and the optional
Feast of Saint John of Kanty, Priest

Violet vestments

First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4, 23-24
Psalms: Psalm 25: 4-5, 8-10, 14
Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 57-66

ANTIPHON:

    O Emmanuel, our King and our Law-giver, Longing of the Gentiles, yea, and salvation thereof, come to save us, O Lord our God!

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)

   This Polish-born priest, also known as John of Cantiusstudied at the University of Cracow before his ordination, then returned to teach Sacred Scripture. Because of his fame as a preacher and great teacher a coup was formed to oust him from his tenure at the University. Nevertheless, his chief interest was souls and therefore he forgave his accusers and tended to the spiritual care of the poor in Cracow until he died on this date in 1473. Pope Clement XII proclaimed him Patron of Poland and Lithuania in 1737 and Pope Clement XIII canonized John in 1767.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem reports that the Holy Father insists on no political escorts while in Holy Land

    The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah confirmed yesterday that he has been informed the Holy Father, while accepting Israeli security forces to excort him, will not allow any Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Ehud Barak, to accompany him in order to emphasize that this special "Jubilee Journey," in which he will retrace the footsteps of Christ and the Apostles, is strictly spiritual and no political or national intent should be read into it for as the Vicar of Christ he represents all nations in this journey. For more, click on Jubilee Journey in the Holy Land.

    JERUSALEM (CWNews.com) - When Pope John Paul II visits the Holy Land next March, he will be accompanied by Israeli security guards, but not by Israeli politicians, according to the Latin-rite Patriarch of Jerusalem.

    Patriarch Michel Sabbah said on Tuesday that the Holy Father will travel alone to emphasize that his trip is spiritual in nature and not political. The patriarch pointed out that if the Pope were to visit east Jerusalem, a disputed area claimed by both Palestinians and Israelis, accompanied by Israeli leaders that might send a message that he supports Israel's political claims.

    Israel captured east Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war and the semi-autonomous Palestinian Authority has vowed to make the capital of a future Palestinian state there, a major sticking point in peace negotiations for the region.

    "During the visit of the Holy Father inside the holy city, he will not be escorted by any political authority," Patriarch Sabbah said. "He will be just escorted by religious people who will pray with him." Yoav Koren, an adviser to Israeli Cabinet Minister Haim Ramon -- the Israeli government liaison for the Pope's visit -- said the final details had not yet been worked out, but that in principle it was up to the Pope to decide who would accompany him.

Pope reminisces and looks ahead during Curia Christmas Party in Rome

    Reaffirming his metaphor of the door, the Holy Father once again referred to crossing the threshold of the new millennium in recalling the contributions of his predecessors over the century from Pope Leo XIII to Pope John Paul I's brief 33 day pontificate. He assured the curia members that The Holy Father was grateful for their contributions to him and the universal Church and urged them to recommit to provide a greater platform for all the flock to benefit from their labors on behalf of the Church. He blessed them all and thanked them and asked them all to join him in continuing to prepare the Church for what lies ahead in the third millennium including cooperation with whoever comes after him. For more, click on Pope looks back and to the future while reflecting on present with presents.

    VATICAN CITY, DEC 21 (ZENIT).- In addressing his collaborators in the Curia this morning, John Paul II concentrated on the ministry and service of the vocation of Peter's successor. Commenting on Christ's words to Peter: "Confirm your brothers," the Pope stressed the dramatic context of this phrase. He spent some time reflecting on it in order to absorb the full meaning of Peter's vocation in the Church. Thanks to the strength of Christ, Peter can confirm his brothers in spite of his personal frailty.

    The Holy Father embraced the memory of all the Popes of this millennium and all those who collaborated with them. "May this, today's meditation, cross the threshold of the third millennium and be accepted by those who will come after us, who will take up after us, as Peter's successors and collaborators, the Petrine ministry, and exercise it according to Christ's will. This is the wish I articulate to all my dear brothers and sisters of the great community we belong to, constantly giving thanks to each and every one for their support, help, and the generous collaboration they give me."

    The Pope made a quick evaluation of the plan of preparation for the Great Jubilee, thanking the Holy Trinity, whose glory we will sing during the coming Holy Year. He referred to the innumerable preparations being made in local Churches and, at the universal level, through the continental Synods. Highlights of the year that is ending were ecumenical undertakings and his trips to Rumania and Georgia, as well as progress in relations with members of the Lutheran tradition, with the signing of the joint document on justification. The Holy Father also referred to last October's meeting with representatives of the different world religions, organized by the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue.

    "In face of great world problems, this year the Apostolic See has also been concerned in order that the evangelical leaven not be lacking. The road of the People of God has been supported in its local pastoral situations, which in a thousand ways have taken charge of human needs and service to the neediest." The Holy Father emphasized "the promotion of a 'culture of charity,' capable of making relations among men mature in solidarity, to do away with prejudices and predispose spirits to the humility of meeting and dialogue."

    Various dicasteries of the Roman Curia are very meritorious in this respect, "especially those most involved in this area. A few days ago, I offered some lines for reflection in the annual message for the World Day of Peace," the Pope continued.

    "We must quicken the pace toward the Jubilee, an extraordinary year of grace, expressed especially in the gift of the indulgence. Far from being a discount for the Christian's change of life, it exacts even greater efforts from him. The spiritual commitment that up to now has been profuse, and that we must continue to develop, even in the realms of competence of the respective dicasteries and, especially, in the realm of the Committee for the Holy Year, attempts to help all believers to be aware of the real meaning of the Jubilee event. 'Be converted and believe in the Gospel.' This is the message that must vibrate with growing intensity in the course of the next months," stressed the Holy Father.

    John Paul II concluded his Christmas greetings to the Curia by wishing the Cardinals and all his collaborators that "they may feel Emmanuel's presence, God with us, in the joy of having been chosen to work closely with the ministry of Peter's successor, as heralds of his Kingdom of love and peace. I bless you all affectionately. Merry Christmas! Fruitful Holy Year!" ZE99122107

Terrible natural disaster floods claim lives of thousands in Venezuela, leave hundreds of thousands homeless and a nation at the mercy of the whole world

    What horror befell the poor people of Venezuela this week when devastating floods from the effects of La Nina rushed through the northern and coastal sections of this highly Catholic country, washing away homes, belongings, and most devastatingly - lives. The hardest hit were the poor whose hoveled shanties on the hillsides were washed into newly made rushing gorges that left the entire country devastated and the bishops of Venezuela calling for help in any way, any form for the damage has been one of the worst in the history of South America. The Pope has sent his condolences and, if you can help in any way to assist the charity foundations established to help these poor beleaguered people, please do so. For more, click on Tragedy in and around Caracas

    CARACAS, DEC 21 (ZENIT).- The end of the millennium has brought a tragic Christmas to Venezuela, a country rich in natural resources, but brought to its knees after decades of corruption and poor management, forcefully manifested during the current natural disaster. This tragedy was not altogether unpredictable, as the rainy season always entails mudslides in the areas surrounding Caracas. These natural conditions were aggravated by illegal construction, human invasion of gullies, and the natural lack of foresight of people who live for the present, impoverished by the irresponsibility of so many governments.

    This catastrophe hit Venezuelans just at the moment when they were experiencing the uncertainty of a 180 degree turn in the political rudder, steered by Hugo Chavez, a charismatic president who is supported by the people's desire for change from a situation of exhaustion and exploitation. The President has taken command of the situation, and with all his military energy, crowned by a red beret, sleeps in the devastated Maiquetia airport, from where he directs all the rescue and assistance operations.

    President Chavez is tapping all his charismatic charm, dancing among the homeless, embracing those who weep, and singing with the volunteers, in order to restore the people's morale. "The worst is over," the 45 year old former parachutist said. "Now we must begin the reconstruction." This populist leftist, who calls himself a friend of Castro and who appointed Jose Rangel, a prestigious man of the left ,as his Foreign Affairs Minister, has said time and time again that the disaster will make possible social planning on a large scale, and has blamed decades of poor urban administration for the present loss of human lives, because the poor were precariously balanced on the hills surrounding the capital in shanties devoid of foundations.

    The unpredictable President has made a novel announcement: this drama could spell a new life for many if they agree to go south, where the land is rich and needs hands to cultivate it. Rivers and streams continue to flood their banks, sweeping away everything in sight. There are areas of the state of Vargas, east of Caracas, where people have remained buried by 7 meters of mud, and where excavators cannot operate. It is the worst catastrophe of the century for Venezuelans.

    Bishop Francisco de Guruceaga of La Guaira, a locality next to the capital's airport hit by the full force of the floods, lost his mother, sister and residence. The Mayor of La Guaira, Lenin Marcano, has confirmed a list of some 25,000 dead.

    The towns of Caraballeda and Carmen de Uria are utterly devastated. The majority of people have been evacuated and they look like veritable ghost towns. The homeless are being sheltered in sports centers, churches, schools and military barracks, where doctors and volunteers give assistance and distribute aid. The religious were among the first to mobilize, opening their centers and houses to shelter the homeless, especially orphans. Venezuela is in need of the world's help this Christmas. Caritas has already announced aid centers, as have other humanitarian organizations and Venezuela's embassies throughout the world. ZE99122108

What's in a name? In England it's the Gospel-truth according to John as most popular name for newborn boys

    Following the example of Zachary when he announced his wife Elizabeth's son's name would be John, newborn boys named after the Apostles grew in popularity in Britain this past year according to the British Office of National Statistics with saints' names in the majority such as John, Thomas, and James as number one through three. Four and five represent two prophets from Old Testament times in Joshua and Daniel. Because there weren't as many women in Sacred Scripture, newborn girls did not reflect the same emulation for saints with only Sophie - after Saint Sophia being in the top five at number five preceded by Chloe, Emily, Megan, and Olivia. The name Mary, after the Blessed Mother of God, was the most popular a century ago followed by the biblical name Sarah. So much for women's lib. For more, click on His name will be John.

    LONDON (CWNews.com) - Apostles and Old Testament prophets are still the inspiration behind the most popular boys' names in Britain, it was announced on Tuesday, although girls are less likely to be named after saints than they were 100 years ago.

    Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that Jack (John) was the most popular name for baby boys for the fifth year running, followed by Thomas and James. Fourth place goes to Joshua and fifth goes to Daniel. Girls, however, are most likely to be named Chloe, followed by Emily, Megan, Olivia, and Sophie.

    A century ago, Mary was the most popular name for girls and the Old Testament Sarah has remained common for most of the last 100 years. Boys of the period were more likely to be named after monarchs with William, George and Edward topping the list. Proving the British public's fascination with all things royal, the names of William and Harry are as popular now as they were this time last century.

For more headlines and articles, we suggest you go to the Catholic World News site at the CWN home page and Church News at Noticias Eclesiales and the features, dossiers and Daily Dispatches at ZENIT International News Agency. CWN, NE and ZENIT are not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC but provide this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.

• Total number of visits to the DAILY CATHOLIC thus far in 1999 (as of December 20, 1999):       5,130,206
• Total number of visits since this daily publication went on line November 1, 1997:                          7,017,646

Click here to return to SECTION ONE or click here to return to the graphics front page of this issue.

December 22, 1999 volume 10, no. 243  DAILY CATHOLIC