Antiphon: Isaiah 40: 10, 35: 5
Canticle of Simeon:Luke 2: 29-32
First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4
Psalms: Psalm 24: 7-10
Second Reading: Hebrews 2: 14-18
Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 22-40

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

   The Presentation of Jesus is also called the Purification, or Candlemass Day, since on this day the Church blesses the candles used in the procession (if there is one) and which will be used to bless throats on the next day - the feast of Saint Blase. The main focus of course is on the Presentation of Jesus which is in accordance with the old Jewish Law given from God to Moses for the Jewish women after childbirth. A mother was still considered unclean and not to appear in public for 40 days after the birth of a son, and 80 days after the birth of a daughter. At the end of this period, the first place she was to go with her husband was to the temple. There, at the door of the tabernacle she was to present a young pigeon or a turtle dove as a sin-offering. The ideal offering was a lamb, the highest immolation one could offer, as documented throughout the Old Testament - specifically with Abraham and Isaac and culminating with the Sacrifice of the Lamb - Jesus Christ on the Cross. However, very few could afford to donate a lamb for the altar. Therefore, they were allowed to substitute a second turtle-dove in lieu of a lamb. Once the high priest sacrificed these gifts to Almighty God, the woman was cleansed of the legal impurity and free to return to a normal life with all its privileges. In accordance with all this, the Blessed Mother, accompanied by her chaste husband Saint Joseph, complied, bringing Jesus with them since there was also a Hebrew code commanding the first-born be brought to the temple and presented to God. Hence, the Presentation. The Gospel Reading in Luke 2: 22-40 relates all that happened in the temple. Though the Virgin Mary was always pure she still was obedient to the law and humble in all she was asked to do by God and by man. There was also present in the mysteries of the Purification and the Presentation, a third "mystery", that of the prophecies of the holy Simeon and the prophetess Anna. Simeon knew immediately that this child was the Messiah. This was foretold by the prophet Malachi in his book of the Old Covenant and selected as the first reading in this feast's celebration of the Mass. He was also charged by God to reveal further the sorrows Mary would undergo by her fiat to God. The second reading in Hebrews 2: 14-18 reveals much of what Our Lady understood, especially verse 18 where Paul writes: "For in that He Himself has suffered and has been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted." Yes, Jesus walked in our shoes, so to speak, which allows us to follow in His footsteps.

    In the old liturgy February 1 was dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr. His feast has been moved to October 17th in the revised Liturgy. Nevertheless, today's prayer is in honor of him, taken from My Daily Prayer, from the Confraternity of the Precious Blood:

Behold our weakness, almighty God; and since the weight of our misdeeds is heavy upon us, grant that the glorious intercession of Blessed Ignatius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, may be our protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

"Spiritual refuge must be for all who would persevere in the True Faith."

   That is the theme of both the Blessed Virgin Mary's Messages of July 12 and 13 that she imparted to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart in 1993. While she talks about physical refuges, she emphasizes the need to have our spiritual abodes in order before worrying about our physical dwellings or needs. She asks us to trust in her Divine Son Jesus and give Him all reverence in the Blessed Sacrament which satan furiously tries to destroy. Our Lady urges all to pray for her beloved Pope-son John Paul II, God's bearer of truth, life and the way. Many want to silence him in these times when His Justice is so near, but Divine Mercy is still available and we must use this gift now and spread it...before Mercy is no more. For Messages 373 and 374, click on "I SOLEMNLY TELL YOU..."

Messages Three Hundred-Seventy-three and Three Hundred-Seventy-four

    Beloved Hidden Flower, I ask you to say to all of my children: Peace. God loves you, but yet you remain as immovable stones.

    My little children, the call to Refuge has not ceased because I have not spoken of it to you. Little ones, the call resounds through the Heavens. The time is now for all who, by God's Infinite Plan, are called to live as the first Christians did. Let them come together, and be of one mind and one heart.

    I solemnly tell you only those refuges which preserve the True Presence of My Divine Son, those refuges which are centered upon the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the True Eucharistic Presence, are of God, directed by the Holy Spirit.

    I solemnly tell you these are holy places. By God's Mercy they shall withstand the chastisements. They shall not perish beneath the hand of the wicked. Yes, there will be great suffering even in these refuges. But the suffering shall be a true joy, for you will understand that as chosen apostles of the end times you permit God to work in and through you to bring about the era of the Reign of the Sacred Heart.

    Let all hearts be open. Let all hearts plead for the Holy Spirit to possess them! Let those called to live as the first Christians lived - let all called to be consecrated souls as religious, both lay and those of solemn vows, come now to do that which God asks. Let those called to build my holy places hesitate no longer, but give their fiat to God. Let the Chapels and Monasteries be built first, and all else will follow. You will be guided by Heaven in every step. Prepare these places, for already many of my holy priest-sons are in hiding. Take them in for they will feed you with my Divine Son in the Blessed Sacrament.

    Do not quarrel or gossip. Speak little and be living prayers. Only in this way shall you accomplish your holy mission. I ask each of you to see the signs God is giving, and to respond by renouncing all things that are in excess of your daily needs; renounce the world and become a holy, humble, obedient Eucharistic community. I solemnly tell you Heaven shall prepare for you all that you shall need.

    Persevere! My time among you draws to a close. Stand up and speak the Truth. Do not hide, but boldly proclaim the Truth. I am with you. I lead you into battle. Arm yourselves with great faith and keep your eyes on my Divine Son, crucified for you. You will then have His Peace, and you will not fear.

    Know I love and bless you. Thank you for responding to my Call!

    Beloved Hidden Flower, I come to you this night to exhort all of my faithful little ones to persevere, for many now are my consecrated ones who are so severely persecuted, but yet the True Light may come upon them. O! How I love you, how I intercede for you, and by your faithful response many of my persecuted priest-sons are being saved. It is these, my faithful priest-sons who shall be true shepherds, for through them the True Presence of my Divine Son shall be preserved in the Blessed Sacrament in the True Sacrifice of the Mass.

    O! Little ones, God's Mercy is without limit, but He is also Justice. Therefore, I exhort each one of you to come before my Divine Son in the Tabernacle and spend silent time with Him, God and Savior. He Who Is shall speak to you in your heart; His Spirit shall pour out Divine Knowledge. O! Then how you must work, praying constantly for God to permit my Immaculate Heart to triumph.

    Pray! Be living prayers. You have nothing to fear if you remain in the state of grace.

    I beseech you to offer many prayers for my beloved holy Pope John Paul II. You do not realize that already he is in exile, a true martyr of the end times. O! Be obedient to my Holy Vicar of Christ. Do not allow yourselves to be seduced by the evil one, who would dismiss my beloved John Paul's papal authority as satan wishes to make extinct the Blessed Sacrament, thus reducing the True Sacrifice to a meaningless celebration. The Holy Father's life is in grave danger. When you least expect it, he shall be taken from you. Will you not pray and make sacrifice so that God's Mercy allows him to remain among you for yet a little while longer?

    Already the world is changing. It groans beneath satan's chains; it cries out because of the gathering Justice of the Almighty.

    I call all to come beneath my Immaculate Mantle. I call all to refuge. Spiritual refuge must be for all who would persevere in the True Faith. Physical places of refuge will be for those moved by the Holy Spirit.

    This is why I say anew: Pray! Pray! Pray! In all things God alone provides. In all things does He alone provide. Be humble, obedient children. Restore my Divine Son to His rightful place in the Church, and then come and bend your knee before Him, the King of Kings.

    I love and bless you, all of my little ones. Will you not help me? I cannot do the Divine Will if you remain arrogant and proud. Be simple, little. Know you are nothing so that He might be all. I love and bless you. Thank you for responding to my Call!

Events Today in Church History

    On this date in 772, Pope Hadrian I was elected the 95th successor of Peter. Hadrian was the pontiff who called the Second Council of Nicaea which condemned Iconoclasm. Because of its impact it is considered one of the more important Ecumenical Councils. For other pertinent events throughout the centuries that are memorable in Church history today, click on MILLENNIUM MILESTONES AND MEMORIES

Historical Events in Church Annals for February 1:

• 251 A.D.
  
• Death of Saint Pionius and his fifteen companions who were burned at the stake during the persecution of Roman emperor Decius after his soldiers discovered Pionius, a priest, celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the companions and praying for the recently martyred Saint Polycarp.

• 348 A.D.
  
• Death of Saint Severus, Bishop of Ravenna who accompanied the papal legate to the Synod of Sardica in 344 after he had been chosen bishop by the people because of a white dove which kept alighting on his shoulder despite his efforts to shoo it away. The people realized it was truly a sign from the Holy Spirit. He was married before becoming a bishop and therefore allowed to remain wed. His wife and daughter died before him and on this date in 348, after having said Holy Mass retired to their grave and died next to them. He was a weaver by trade and is considered the patron saint of weavers and hatters.

• 405 A.D.
  
• Death of Saint Paul of Troix, Bishop of Trois-Chateaux. Having been born in Rheims, he was able to escape his barbarian captors and fled to Arles where he became a hermit before being selected bishop.

• 525 A.D.
  
• Death of Saint Brigid of Kildare, eccentric saint who is said to have "bridged the gap between Christian and pagan cultures." She could be considered the first charismatic saint. There are many legends of her evangelization efforts with the people and her great love of animals, beasts that could have devoured her, but, because of her gentle manner, they were tame in her presence.

• 656 A.D.
  
• Death of Saint Sigebert, king of Austrasia in eastern France who was christened by Saint Amand at Orleans and tutored by Saint Cunibert. He founded several monasteries , churches and hospitals in the region.

• 772 A.D.
  
• Election of Pope Hadrian I, 95th successor of Peter whose pontifcate would last 23 years during which he would restore the walls of Rome and the ancient aqueducts as well as build the golden statue at the tomb of St. Peter and the silver pavement in front of the altar of the Confession. He would also convene the landmark Seventh Ecumenical Council at Nicaea which would condemn Iconoclasm.

• 1645 A.D.
  
• Death of Saint Henry Morse, Jesuit priest who was martyred by hanging at the hands of the English Protestants after celebrating Mass. He, himself a convert, was responsible for the conversions of many both during his life and after his death.

Holy Father grateful for stay of execution by Missouri Governor, prays for more to be spared

    The news was encouraging for Pope John Paul II when his plane taxied into Fiumicino Airport in Rome. He had just been notified that Governor Mel Carnahan had taken the Pontiff's words to heart and granted clemency to convicted death row murderer Darrell Mease. Perhaps Carnahan, who served as diplomat to Sierra Leone in the sixties under President John F. Kennedy could see what has happened in that country today and that violence for violence is not the answer. He says he's still for the death penalty but prayer and prudence may sway him to the Sanctity of Life because of the Holy Father's urging. For more, click on Pope grateful.

    VATICAN CITY (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II on Thursday at the end of his latest trip expressed his "great satisfaction" at the gesture of clemency by the Governor of the State of Missouri with regard to Darrell Mease, a death row inmate condemned who had been condemned to die next month.

    The clemency is the first time that a request for mercy by the Holy Father for a condemned prisoner in the US succeeded. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano said this gesture "opens new prospects."

    Less than six hour after his departure for Rome on Thursday, at the end of the Pontiff's 85th foreign journey to Mexico and the United States, the Pope learned of the decision by Gov. Mel Carnahan to commute the death sentence to life imprisonment for Darrell Mease, accused of a 1988 triple homicide and condemned to by the Supreme Court of Missouri. The sentence was originally set to be carried out last Wednesday, the last day of the papal visit to St. Louis, but was pushed back to February 10 in a December decision.

    The Holy Father who, throughout his American stay did not fail to strongly condemn the death penalty, "had personally asked the governor to take into consideration his request for clemency for Mr. Mease," according to a statement of the Holy See. Cardinal Sodano had also had "a private talk" with the Governor of Missouri "in order to present to him, in the name of the Holy Father, a request for clemency for humane reasons."

    Carnahan, commenting on his gesture in a statement, said he continued to support the death penalty but acted out of a "deep respect for the Sovereign Pontiff and all that he represents."

    Other calls by the Holy Father for cases of the death penalty in the United States had not resulted in positive outcomes. The most famous recent cases are those of Joseph O'Dell in Virginia in 1997 and Karla Faye Tucker in Texas in 1998. Cardinal Sodano, interviewed by Italian state television RAI, affirmed Friday that this gesture "opens new prospects ... and will make everyone reflect a little." He recalled the wish of the Holy See to "come to a consensus, an awakening" to find "other forms so that society can defend itself" without having to resort to the death penalty, a "cruel and useless" act, to repeat the same words of the Pope in Saint Louis.

Palestinians get support from over a thousand religious leaders in America

    The concern for Palestinians living along the Gaza Strip and on the West Bank intensified this past week when over one thousand religious leaders, including Catholic bishops, petitioned to the Clinton Administration to hold the governments of Israel and Palestine accountable for their human rights policies. They called for an investigation into alleged violations that are alarming if true. For more, click on Palestinian human rights.

    WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - More than 1,000 US Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim religious leaders called on President Bill Clinton this week to link foreign aid for Israel and the Palestinian Authority to improvements in their human rights records for Palestinians.

    The petition said federal law prohibits military or economic aid to countries "engaging in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights." The group cited reports from human rights groups that both the Israeli and Palestinian governments have violated the rights of Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank.

    They noted Israel's expansion of settlements, use of torture on prisoners, confiscation of land, and destruction of homes, as well as the Palestinian Authority's use of torture, secret trials, and press censorship. "As religious leaders ... we believe Palestinian-Israeli peace is only possible if based on justice, human rights and self-determination for Israeli Jews and Palestinian Christians and Moslems," the petition said.

    The petition also called for any peace accord to include a recognition of the unique religious significance of Jerusalem.

Catholic-bashing gays forbidden to continue sacriligeous charade in Sydney

    The Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia finally got through to the morons who wanted to promote a Catholic-bashing group of gays and lesbians who had intended to reprieve the sacriligeous stunt they performed last year by dressing as blatantly gay nuns from the fictional and highly defamatory "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" to give tours during the obscene homosexual festivities being passed off as a Mardi Gras celebration. Though the board and organizers of this travesty pushed for it, the director of the famous Opera House Trust realized what a travesty this would be and canceled plans. For more, click on No gay habit.

    SYDNEY (CWNews.com) - The world-famous Sydney Opera House announced on Friday that it will not carry out plans for homosexual men dressed as nuns to give tours of the building during next month's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

    Last year, the Opera House Trust invited the group calling itself the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to conduct the tours, in order to become more involved in the festival. The group mocks the Catholic Church for declaring the homosexual lifestyle immoral. But trust chief executive Michael Lynch said the tours had been canceled after protests by the Church and he apologized for any offense.

    Archdiocese of Sydney spokesman Father Brian Lucas said the trust's decision was very responsible, adding that the homosexual group thrives on publicity. "We regret that this controversy, of course, gives them the very publicity they seek and they're best ignored," Father Lucas said.

    Organizers of the Mardi Gras Festival called for the tours to be reinstated. "In the spirit of Mardi Gras and in the broader interests of tolerance, Mardi Gras calls on the Opera House to reinstate the Sisters' Opera House tours," president David McLachlan said.

Idea of Independence ignites insurrection in Indonesia

   Float the idea of freedom to the masses and the masses react in hysteria - some in favor of it, others against it. Such was the case in East Timor - still part of Indonesia late last week when those for independence - which are mostly Catholics, and those against - Muslims clashed again, driving many Catholics to cover in the churches as their homes were burned. For more, click on East Timor Terror

      JAKARTA (CWNews.com) - Pro- and anti-Indonesian groups in East Timor clashed on Thursday, following the floating of a proposal for Timorese independence next year, resulting in at least six deaths and the displacement of thousands from their homes.

      Fighting between the groups flared in Kovalima district on Wednesday. "I've heard reports that 4,000 people sought refuge at the church in Suai to escape the killings," according to Reuters. Suai is the Kovalima district capital. Fighting between the two factions over the last six months has resulted in at least 50 deaths.

      Mainly Muslim Indonesia invaded East Timor -- a Catholic former colony of Portugal -- in 1975 and annexed it the following year in a move not recognized by the United Nations. Decades of military oppression and human rights oppression have ignited international pressure on Jakarta to resolve the situation. Pro-Indonesia Timorese said this week they will fight to protect themselves if Indonesia grants independence. "If East Timor decides to be independent, then we are ready ... we are ready to fight," said Basilio Dias Araujo, a pro-Indonesia activist working in the governor's office. "We just don't want to die."

      Foreign Minister Ali Alatas said on Wednesday the government may ask the nation's top legislative body, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), to consider letting East Timor go after the June 7 election if Indonesia's offer of special, limited autonomy is rejected.

      Indonesian military and police officials said on Friday that the death toll on Ambon Island -- one of the Spice Islands -- from last week's Christian and Muslim riots had reached 65.

      As more bodies were pulled from destroyed buildings, authorities said damage to the area was estimated at $62.5 million. Local military commander Major-General Amir Sembiring said the city of Ambon, 1,440 miles east of Jakarta, could take up to two decades to rebuild after much of it was destroyed earlier this month in Indonesia's worst religious violence in 15 years, the official Antara news agency reported.

      Indonesia has been hit by waves of religious, ethnic, and political violence over the past year as the world's fourth most populous nation -- as well as the most populous Muslim nation -- has suffered its worst economic and social crisis in three decades.

     Today, in honor of Cardinal Bevilaqua's contributions to the Bishops' Conference we feature NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS official site, which also includes all the Holy Father's speeches from St. Louis last week as well as Ecclesia in America, his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation.

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

February 1, 1999 volume 10, no. 21   DAILY CATHOLIC