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Cardinal Roman Henryk Gulbinowicz, an expert on moral theology, has been Archbishop of Wroclaw in Poland for the past 23 years

      Our fifty-fourth red hat we feature, in alphabetical order is the 71 year-old year-old Lithuanian-born Cardinal Roman Henryk Gulbinowicz Archbishop of Wroclaw in Poland who was elevated to the cardinalate on May 25, 1985 during the third Consistory held by Pope John Paul II. For more on Cardinal Gulbinowicz, click on COLLEGE OF CARDINALS COLLECTION

54.   Cardinal Roman Henryk Gulbinowicz

      Born in Lithuania after World War I in Szukiski in the Archdiocese of Vilnius, Cardinal Roman Henryk Gulbinowicz attended minor seminary there at the young age of 16 and was ordained at the unusually youthful age of 22 on June 18, 1950 during the pontificate of Pope Pius XII. In order to continue his studied in theology he transfered to the Catholic University in Lublin where he received his doctorate in Moral Theology five years later. Four years after that he was appointed to the faculty of the Seminary at Warmia in Poland where he taught until Pope Paul VI named him a bishop on January 12, 1970 assigning him as titular bishop of Acci and apostolic administrator of the Polish territory in the Lithuanian diocese of Vilnius, which Roman assumed on February 8, 1970. During his six year duties there he built numerous new parishes as the Church flourished in Vilnius where he had grown up.

      On January 3, 1976, Paul VI promoted him to Archbishop of Wroclaw where he still remains today. On May 25, 1985 he was named to the Consistory by his fellow countryman Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Gulbinowicz received his red-hat and the titular church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary a Grottarosa. As cardinal he has been involved in various offices of the curia including the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Congregation for the Clergy and the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. In addition he has used his life-long expertise in moral theology to write numerous works on molding and forming the clergy. During his twenty-three years as Archbishop of Wroclaw he has resided at ul. Katedralna 11, 50-328 Wroclaw in Poland.

Message to the Americas:
The Path to Communion begins with those builders descended from the apostles

      Following up a year after the Bishops of North, Central and South America, along with the Caribbean contingent, met for the month-long Synod of the Americas in Rome at the end of 1997, Pope John Paul II officially closed the Synod with his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Mexico City in January 1999. Because of its significance for all Americans, we bring you this important document in several installments over the next few months. For those wanting to read the entire encyclical or check footnotes, go to Ecclesia in America For the twelfth installment on Chapter Four: The Path to Communion - The bishops as builders of communion , click on THE VICAR OF CHRIST SPEAKS.

Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America

From Pope John Paul II to the Bishops, Priests and Deacons, Men and Women Religious, and all the Lay Faithful on the encounter with the Living Jesus Christ: The Way to Conversion, Communion and Solidarity in America

The bishops as builders of communion

36. Precisely because it signifies life, communion in the Church must constantly increase. Therefore, the Bishops, remembering that “each of them is the visible principle and foundation of the unity of his particular Church”, (116) cannot but feel duty-bound to promote communion in their dioceses, so that the drive for a new evangelization in America may be more effective. Working in favor of this communion are the structures which the Second Vatican Council called for as a means of supporting the diocesan Bishop's work, and which post-conciliar legislation has spelled out in greater detail. (117) “It is up to the Bishop, with the help of the priests, deacons, religious and lay people to implement a coordinated pastoral plan, which is systematic and participatory, involving all the members of the Church and awakening in them a missionary consciousness”. (118)

      Each Ordinary will make sure to promote among priests and lay faithful the sense that the diocese is the visible expression of the Church's communion, which is formed at the table of the Word and of the Eucharist, around the Bishop in union with the College of Bishops and under its head, the Roman Pontiff. As a particular Church, the diocese is charged with initiating and deepening the encounter of all the members of God's People with Jesus Christ, (119) respecting and fostering that plurality and diversivification which are not obstacles to unity but which give it the character of communion. (120) The spirit of participation and shared responsibility in the working of diocesan structures will certainly be strengthened if the nature of the particular Church is better known and appreciated. (121)

Deeper communion between the particular Churches

37. The Special Assembly for America of the Synod of Bishops was the first ever to have gathered Bishops from the entire continent, and it was seen by all as a special grace of the Lord to the pilgrim Church in America. It strengthened the communion which must exist among the ecclesial communities of the continent, making clear to all the need for this communion to grow. Experiences of episcopal communion, more frequent since the Second Vatican Council as a result of the growth of Bishops' Conferences, should be seen as encounters with the living Christ, present in the brothers gathered in his name (cf. Mt 18:20).

      The experience of the Synod showed just as clearly the value of a communion transcending individual Conferences of Bishops. Even though structures for dialogue between Conferences already exist, the Synod Fathers underlined the benefit of inter-American gatherings, such as those sponsored by the Episcopal Conferences of various American countries, as an expression of practical solidarity and a chance to study common challenges to evangelization in America. (122) It would be helpful to specify more exactly the nature of these meetings, so that they may become a better expression of communion among all Bishops. Beyond these more inclusive meetings, it could be useful, whenever circumstances require it, to establish special commissions to explore more deeply issues which concern America as a whole. Areas in which it seems especially necessary “to strengthen cooperation are the sharing of information on pastoral matters, missionary collaboration, education, immigration and ecumenism”. (123)

      The Bishops, whose duty it is to promote communion among the particular Churches, should encourage the faithful to live this communion more and more, and to assume the “responsibility of developing bonds of communion with the local Churches in other areas of America through education, the exchange of information, fraternal ties between parishes and dioceses, and projects involving cooperation and joint intervention in questions of greater importance, especially those affecting the poor”. (124)

Fraternal communion with the Eastern Catholic Churches

38. The recent phenomenon of the establishment and development in America of Eastern Catholic particular Churches, with their own hierarchy, was a matter of special attention on the part of some Synod Fathers. A genuine desire to embrace, in ways both cordial and practical, these brethren in the faith and in hierarchical communion under the Successor of Peter led the Synod to propose concrete ways for the particular Churches of the Latin rite to offer fraternal assistance to the Eastern Catholic Churches throughout the continent. Thus, for example, the possibility was raised that Latin rite priests, especially those with Eastern roots, might offer liturgical assistance to Eastern communities which do not have enough priests of their own. Likewise, with regard to sacred buildings, the Eastern faithful could use Latin rite Churches wherever this seems appropriate.

      In this spirit of communion, it is worth considering a few proposals of the Synod Fathers: namely, that — where necessary — mixed commissions charged with studying common pastoral problems be created in national Episcopal Conferences and in international agencies for cooperation among Bishops; that catechesis and theological formation for lay people and seminarians of the Latin Church include knowledge of the living tradition of the Christian East; that the Bishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches participate in the Latin Episcopal Conferences of the different countries. (125) This fraternal cooperation, while offering valuable help to the Eastern Churches of recent foundation in America, will certainly also enrich the particular Churches of the Latin rite with the spiritual heritage of the Eastern Christian tradition.

NEXT MONDAY: Installment thirteen - Chapter Four: The priesthood as a sign of unity

The Holy Spirit alights on the Apostles

      In Chapter 15, Touched by the Spirit we see, through interior vision, the stirring account of Pentecost Sunday in the upper room as Our Lord fulfills His promise to send His Spirit - the Holy Spirit and is most appropriate as we countdown to the Solemnity of Pentecost at the end of this week. since. These meditative lessons, imparted by Our Lady to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart after Pentecost 1993, are meant to inspire and prompt a greater understanding of the Glorious Mysteries. For part one of Chapter 15, click on "MY LORD AND MY GOD!"

      Dear Father, the writing of these glorious events has been for me one long pain of suffering which remains ever evident in my mortal body, but for which the doctors can find no name, or cure, or remedy. But it is joy, nonetheless, for there are so many minutes which become hours and days when I have nothing to give Him but the pain, out of love alone. On this feast day of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, Our Lady comes to ask me to write again. She tells me this is truly an important date, and we must pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. Having tested the voice, I begin, giving all to God for His Honor and Glory!

      The room where our Dear Lord celebrated the Last Supper and gave to us His Own Body and Blood in the Blessed Sacrament has become the main room where the Apostles meet, pray, and grow in their faith. It is here where our Blessed other comes from the solitude of her tiny room, to offer to the Trinity her prayers in unison with the Apostles. The holy women and disciples have remained faithful to their calling and come at the appointed times of prayer.

      I understand that for a few days now, a week, perhaps, the Apostles have felt a deep interior need to fast and intensify their prayer. The Mother of God has joined them in their prayers and fast, and has encouraged when any spirit felt weakened by the demands of the flesh to persevere.

      She alone among all those gathered knows that the Great Paraclete is coming, and that these followers of her Divine Son who still struggle so with their human frailties, shall soon find themselves filled with the Sanctifier, and their souls shall become true beacons of light as God intended for them. Thus does she doubles her prayers and fasting, joining it to her Son's Heart where the offering is wholly pleasing before the Throne of God.

      I am given to understand that only shortly before this interior vision begins, the Apostles, led by their true head, Peter, have again fulfilled Our Lord's command. There have been psalms, prayers of praise, and petition, and then, just in the exact manner Jesus had done, Peter consecrates the bread and the wine and they have all received the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

      There is a profoundly deep silence in the large room of the Last Supper, and the number crowded into this room is incredible. The holy women are not in this room, but in the room where the Apostles had concealed themselves in fear after the Passion of Our Lord. Other disciples are scattered throughout the house, filling the corridors; wherever a space can be found; a person of faith fills it.

      And Our Lady allows me to understand that at this moment all who are gathered here are of one mind and heart through the graces bestowed upon them. They offer great praise to God, bless the name of Jesus with all their beings, call upon Him, and grow still to listen as He speaks to their souls. He comforts, consoles, and constantly strengthens.

      So profoundly moved are all within the house that they are not immediately aware of the intense sound which has suddenly arisen and seems to be coming from outside.

      I am taken in interior vision out of the house and held securely in our Blessed Mother's arms. I am able to hear this sound. I find no words to describe it. A mighty wind - yes! But O! so much more. If I were to describe the effects of all the thunderstorms I have experienced, and combined them into one sound, it would fall short of the true sound. It is Heaven descending to earth with a rush that could almost be called violent. The citizens of Jerusalem are not unaware of the sound.

      I watch as many of them rush from their homes, poor, and rich alike. They shield their eyes from the hot sun and look up into a cloudless sky on a bright, sunny afternoon. The sun is intense and the heat suffocating, yet this wind is blowing their clothes. The women grab their veils to hold them on. This is, therefore, a "visible" sound that has no known origin, and the majority of the people are terrified. Most of them recall only too clearly the dreadful storm, earthquake, and other supernatural events of the day when Jesus of Nazareth was crucified.

      The force of the wind can be felt but it does no harm as it gathers in intensity and gathers around the House where Our Blessed Mother and the Apostles are gathered.

      Then I return to the interior of the Room, and standing beside our Blessed Mother, notice as the sound literally bursts into the dwelling, the shutters over the windows are blown open and brilliant daylight pours in. It is the entire dwelling that is filled with this wind which I describe, humbly, but feebly, as the very breath of God. It is magnificent. There is Power, Majesty, and tremendous Peace in Its sound, for as I watch the faces of the Apostles, I see that they lift their faces and gaze heavenward, transfixed as if this "Breath of God" spoke to each of them, lifting them from their mortal bodies into the celestial realm of God.

      In this moment, I notice that the mighty rushing sound of wind has ceased, and now I see the entire room illuminated by a most glorious light. It is a dancing fire of orange and red, and to my eyes, it looks as if the whole room is afire.

      But this tremendous fire separates and it forms what I see as the flames one would see upon a lighted candle. These flames separate and move, one settling above the upturned, transfixed face of each Apostle and of Our Blessed Mother. I am permitted to see that above her head is the largest flame, it seems to flow to her heart, and she herself becomes radiant. The flames dance above the apostles' heads and then with, again, the sound of a rushing wind, the flames penetrate the individual Apostles and they turn their eyes upward in a prayer of praise that they have never before uttered in such perfect harmony.

      They are truly filled with the Holy Spirit. It is evident. It shines from their eyes, but its source is their hearts.

      All at once, everyone begins to speak, or rather to pray, and each is totally unconscious of the other's prayer. O! The beauty of their prayer, for it is spoken not by mortal lips, but by the Holy Spirit. This prayer goes on for some time and its beauty increases all the while. How their souls are lifted up to God!

      Then, as I watch, there comes a time of silence, in which I understand that each Apostle, disciple is being filled with courage, wisdom, knowledge, all that the Holy Spirit wishes to do for each and every soul, and which on this First Pentecost, it is with abundance that the Holy Spirit comes and gives.

      This period of instruction is, I am given to understand, an instantaneous inpouring accepted, desired, and humbly received by all present.

      Then, this moment of supernatural instruction completed, I find myself looking at transformed men. All the human fear has vanished, and has been replaced by a fire, a light in their eyes, which radiates beauty and Truth. These men are firm. All have become rocks and the foundation of Christ'' Church is firmly cemented. The roots of faith have grown deep, entwined in the Cross of Jesus. Their trust is absolute; their questioning minds have been silenced by the Truth placed in their hearts. Their love is purified, not yet perfected, but purified. These men are now the Apostles Jesus spoke to, loved, lived with, ate with, and died for, and they in turn are bound to Him in His Eternal Bond of Love.

      The transformation I behold is so beautiful. O! Forgive me, God, for my poor ability to describe that which You, my God, so graciously permit me to see and understand in the intellect of my poor, miserable heart.

      O! The Holy Spirit is Love, Fire, and Truth. Truly the Sanctifier, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity Whose work is always to bring all souls into perfect union with the Divine Will, by transforming each soul into the very image of Jesus Christ.

      Yes, the Apostles whom stand before me are transformed. Or rather, the true transformation has begun and each one resembles more and more our Beloved Savior.

      Love is the Fire, which propels them into action. It is Peter who proclaims in the name of all assembled that He Who Jesus promised to send has come, and they must do now what the Spirit of God directs them.

      There is not one word spoken besides Peter's testimony, but led by the Spirit these holy men, putting on their mantles, make haste to depart this room, this house. They rush outside to face the world, not as mere men who face fellow men, but ambassadors of Jesus Christ. They are eager, unafraid, and when they pour out of the door into the street, the large crowd, which has gathered, is astounded! The Apostles, directed by the Spirit, go in many directions, and finding a stairwell, porch, or balcony, begins to speak. They tell all who hear, and there are thousands of the promise fulfilled by God in His Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. To the ears of the people who are from many regions, the full story of the Good News is given. And because they speak not with the tongues of mortal men, but with the words of the Spirit, the people hear in their own language and their hearts are opened.

      There is a cry, loud and clear, which rises from the assembled listeners. They want more, more of the life of this Jesus, and with the authority given them by Christ, the Apostles, with arms opened wide in an embrace of love, welcome them. These people are duly baptized and from the frightened but prayerful cenacle, the Church has blossomed, and new fruit is born. Fruit that throughout all ages shall continue and multiply until that time when a Second Pentecost shall come, casting away all division and bringing to unity the Mystical Body of God.

      And throughout all the glory, which God has bestowed upon His people, the Mother of God keeps vigil in her silent prayer joined to her Son's Sacred Heart!

NEXT INSTALLMENT: Part two: Touched by the Spirit

Events Today in Church History

     On this date in 352, which is 1,647 years ago, Pope Saint Liberius was chosen the 36th successor of Peter. It was Liberius who laid the foundations for the Basilica of St. Mary Major tracing out the perimeter after a miraculous snowfall in the heat of the summer on August 15th. 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 May 17:

352 A.D.


Pope Saint Liberius becomes the 36th successor of Peter. Throughout his papacy he was shadowed by the Arian heresy and Arian sympathizers who elected the antipope Felix II. It was St. Liberius who laid the foundations for the Basilica of Saint Mary Major tracing out the perimeter of the church in the snow after a miraculous snowfall on August 15 in Rome. This is where Our Lady of Snows originated.

884 A.D.


Pope Saint Adrian III becomes the 109th successor of Peter. Little is known of this holy pontiff who died a year and a half later on his journey to San Cesario on his way to France at the invitation of Charles the Gross.

1198 A.D.


Frederick II Hohenstaufen is crowned King of Sicily at the tender age of four. His mother would turn him over as a ward of the Vatican court but he would come back to be a true thorn in the Holy See throughout his life as well as his son Conrad and grandson Conradin the last of the Hohenstaufen line.

1592 A.D.


Death of Saint Pascal Baylon, a Franciscan Lay Brother who was purported to have supernatural gifts. He is the patron saint of Eucharistic confraternities and congresses.

     Today is the final Monday of Easter Season while tomorrow is the final Tuesday and the Feast of the 53rd successor of Peter Pope Saint John I who was martyred at the hands of the barbaric King Theodoric. For the readings, liturgies, meditations and vignette on St. John I, click on DAILY LITURGY.

Monday, May 17, 1999

Monday, May 17:
Seventh Monday of Easter

White vestments

First Reading: Acts 19: 1-8
Psalms: Psalm 68: 2-7, 33
Gospel Reading: John 16: 29-33

Tuesday, May 18:
Seventh Tuesday of Easter and
Feast of Pope Saint John I, martyr

White or red vestments

First Reading: Acts 20: 17-27
Psalms: Psalm 68: 10-11, 20-21, 33
Gospel Reading: John 17: 1-11

      The 53rd successor of Peter, Pope Saint John I was born in Tuscany and became a priest and then bishop before being elected Pope on August 13, 523. John was asked to go to Constantinople to settle issues regarding the Arians for the Arianism heresy was running rampant. He became the first pope to visit Constantinople and while there he crowned Justinian emperor. This did not sit well with his rival, the ribald Theodoric who retaliated violently by invading Italy and imprisoning the Pope, accusing John of treason and threw him into shackles in Ravenna where he died on this day in 526 of neglect and starvation.

Ascension to Pentecost Novena of Rosaries for Peace begins

      In conjunction with the Worldwide Rosary Crusade Novena, we continue to promote the nine-day novena of Rosaries for peace between Ascension Thursday and the Solemnity of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church and the day of the Holy Spirit - dove of Peace. Today is the 5th day of the Novena.

    Dear children! Also today I call you to prayer. Little children, be joyful carriers of peace and love in this peaceless world. By fasting and prayer, witness that you are mine and that you live my messages. Pray and seek! I am praying and interceding for you before God that you convert; that your life and behavior always be Christian. Thank you for having responded to my call.
For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE AND MORE

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THE DAILY WORD

" These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have affliction. But take courage, I have overcome the world."

John 16: 33

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May 17, 1999 volume 10, no. 95   DAILY CATHOLIC