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SIMPLY SHEEN: We reap what we sow!

    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".

"Nothing so much encourages a merciful judgment of others as the Divine warning that as we judge others, so shall we be judged. As we show mercy, we shall receive mercy. We harvest what we sow. Most people demand of their neighbor much more than God demands of them."

   Today is the Twenty-second Thursday in Ordinary Time while tomorrow is the Feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, the 64th successor of Peter For the readings, liturgies, meditations and vignette for Pope St. Gregory I, click on DAILY LITURGY.

Thursday September 2:
Twenty-second Thursday in Ordinary Time

Green vestments

First Reading: Colossians 1: 9-14
Psalms: Psalm 98: 2-6
Gospel Reading: Luke 5: 1-11

Friday September 3:
Feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, Doctor of the Church

White vestments

First Reading: Colossians 1: 15-20
Psalms: Psalm 100: 1-5
Gospel Reading: Luke 5: 33-39

     The same barbarian ransacking that Augustine faced in the early 400's revisited in the early 600's while Pope Saint Gregory the Great was guiding Holy Mother Church as the 64th successor of Saint Peter. Born in Rome in 540 to a Roman Senator, Gregory began his career following in the footsteps of his father by becoming prefect of Rome from 573-578. After the death of his father, Gregory gave it all up for God. He gave everything he had to an assortment of monasteries, building six monasteries in Sicily and even turned his own palatial home in Rome into a monastery. In 579 Pope Pelagius II ordained Gregory a deacon, sending him as an emissary to Constantinople amid the opulence in the court of the Emperor there. But Gregory disdained these perks, opting to continue living the monastic way of life while still carrying out his duties. In 586 Pope Pelagius recalled him to Rome where Gregory was given the position of abbot of St. Andrew's Monastery, while performing the full time duties of the Holy Father's Secretary. It was an important step in his grooming for four years later he was chosen to succeed Pelagius who had died from the plague on February 7, 590. Seven months later on September 3, 590 Gregory became Pope. This Benedictine was the first monk in the history of the Church to be elevated to pontiff and continued his contemplative ways while still maintaining a busy, active schedule as the leader of his people, calling himself the "Servant of the servants of God." His first official act was forming penitential processions to the seven churches in Rome to petition God to end the deadly plague ravaging the city. Gregory's and the people's prayers were answered as the plague was diminished. Gregory knew this from the vision he received of an angel in a castle at the Vatican which, from that time on, became Castel Sant'Angelo near the river Tiber. During his fourteen year reign Gregory reaffirmed the civil authority of the pope, thus beginning the "temporal power." He was a pope who called for great reform within the Church unifying her with disciplinary measures necessary to expand the mission of the Church. That mission included England, France, Spain and Africa where he sent numerous missionaries to evangelize the true faith. Gregory was creative and original in his administration as Pope and his actions became the benchmark for how the Holy Father would rule from the Vatican to the entire world. He became an ideal role model for priests, bishops, religious and lay people throughout the world. Gregory also revised the Sacramentary and the liturgy of the Mass, introducing chants in the Mass which would become the celebrated Gregorian Chant. He was given the moniker "Great" seven hundred years later by Pope Boniface VIII and was proclaimed one of the great Doctors of the Church along with Saints Ambrose, Jerome, and Augustine...all from the same era of the early centuries. Like our Holy Father Pope John Paul II today, the Canticle of Mary responsory proclaims that "Gregory put into practice all that he preached so that he might be a living example of the spiritual message he proclaimed."

Noted theologian Father Rene Laurentin equates trial of Rwandan Bishop Misago to a witch hunt

    Recently renowned theologian and the world's foremost Mariologist Father Rene Laurentin was interviewed by the Catholic FIDES news service. He expressed shock and dismay at the way the president of Rwanda is presuming Bishop Augustin Misago of Ginkongoro, Rwanda is guilty of genocide with no proof, only a deep-seated prejudice and hate for the Catholic Church. A concentrated effort is under way, according to Fr. Rene to totally discredit and destroy the Church in Rwanda through this trial by portraying the Church as evil. Our Lady foretold of this persecution when she appeared at Kibeho in the Bishop's diocese in the eighties. For more, click on Kangaroo Court

    The public trial of a Rwandan bishop has been described as a scandal, and a direct assault on the Catholic faith, by a noted theologian.

    Father Rene Laurentin told the FIDES news service that the trial of Bishop Augustin Misago of Ginkongoro, Rwanda, is part of "a campaign against the Catholic Church, to make her appear as the cause of an evil which she sought tin every possible way to prevent and to stop."

    Bishop Misago is facing charges of genocide, in connection with the mass killings that occurred in Rwanda in 1994. His trial began on August 20, but has been recessed until September 14 at the request of the defense.

    Bishop Misago of Gikongoro was arrested on April 14 in Kigali, a week after Rwanda's President Pasteur Bizimungu accused the bishop of complicity in the 1994 genocide. The president made the accusation during an April 7 memorial celebration marking the 5th anniversary of the genocide. Government circles accuse the bishop of being directly involved in the slaughtering of 150,000 Tutsi in his diocese, and in particular the killing of 30 girl students who were under his protection.

    FIDES recently interviewed Father Laurentin, a French theologian who has developed a worldwide reputation as a Marian scholar. Father Laurentin became acquainted with Bishop Misago-- and with the overall situation in Rwanda-- when he was called in for advice about reported Marian apparitions in the town of Kibeho in 1986.

    The text of the FIDES interview with Father Laurentin follows:

FIDES: How did you come to meet Bishop Misago?

FATHER LAURENTIN: I first met him in 1986 when I visited Butare, his home diocese, at the invitation of Bishop Gahamanyi, to express my opinion, as a theologian, on the Kibeho apparitions. I was there during the third-last apparition, on November 28 of that year. At the time Misago was rector of Butare's major seminar,y which he directed in perfect harmony with other members of the staff.

    Misago is a Hutu and Frederic-- the chairman of the Kibeho enquiry commission-- is a Tutsi. I saw that there was a good relationship between the two and also between the bishops of both ethnic groups. They were supported by the democratic government of those times, which furthered the spread of justice and reconciliation. This enabled them to promote the faith, and peace and reconciliation.

    I saw in Bishop Misago a man of intelligence, culture, a good theologian and historian. He was the leading member of the Kibeho inquiry commission. He had written an admirable report, representative of the best African theology. Later, in Zaire, he published a sizeable book on the apparitions. I appreciated Misago above all as man of balance and a lover of peace. He ran the seminary admirably despite the scarcity of means. I was delighted when I heard, in June 1992, that he had been appointed first bishop of the newly established diocese of Gikongoro, in which the Shrine of Kibeho is situated.

FIDES: Then the genocide began. Did you see him change in any way?

FATHER LAURENTIN: During the genocide a thousand people, in flight, took refuge in the church at Kibeho. The building was set on fire and all those who had sought refuge inside the church died. Then a second wave of refugees, less numerous, was massacred on that holy ground-- which had been recognized as a place of worship on August 15, 1988. I admired the lessons Bishop Misago drew from those scandalous and terrifying events: that the most important thing is prayer and work for peace: to seek ever deeper conversion of heart, and to have complete confidence in God and constructive hope.

    I met Misago last year. He asked for the meeting. I noted a spiritual growth produced by the deep suffering he had experienced.

FIDES: What do you think about the tragedy of the Rwandan people which began in 1994?

FATHER LAURENTIN: I was horrified to see violence and death take hold in a people whom I had encountered during a period of authentic peace, in which-- slowly but surely-- justice was making headway. The Hutu revolt provoked the hardening of heart among the Tutsis and acts of vengeance against the bishops and against the Catholic Church, which the authorities are trying to blame for the genocide, whereas the Church has always been a promoter of peace. Those who have orchestrated this activity criticize the Church for being subject to Rome, to a foreign power. They say, like all dictatorships, that the Church should be under the state.

FIDES: How do you reckon with the fact the Bishop Misago is to stand trial?

FATHER LAURENTIN: I think it is scandalous from every point of view. A major French lawyer told La Croix that the trial is "a deadly mixture of justice and revenge." I find it preposterous that the President of Rwanda should say Bishop Misago is guilty, before any inquiry or judgment was undertaken, and that, defiant of justice, he should declare: "even if he were proved innocent, I do not want him in the country." Misago is condemned to exile even before the trial.

FIDES: Why is this?

FATHER LAURENTIN: His personality, his qualities, his influence overshadow those in power.

    Here is a significant fact. In 1959 Bishop Perraudin [at that time the bishop of Kabgayi: now retired and living in Switzerland] called, unsuccessfully, for social and democratic reforms to proceed despite the privileges accorded to one ethnic group. On April 4, ten days before Misago was arrested, on the occasion of the 60 anniversary of Bishop Perraudin's ordination, Rwandan emigrants in Switzerland staged a demonstration; they accused the elderly bishop of genocide. In Switzerland, as in Rwanda, there is a campaign against the Catholic Church to make her appear as the cause of the evil which she sought in every way possible to prevent and to stop. The same scene was repeated on April 18 against the bishop of Kigali. How can this campaign be stopped?

Indonesia Bishops Conference puts pressure on Jakarta to recognize Independence for East Timor

   Anticipating the vote taken Monday in East Timor will be overwhelmingly pro-independence, the Indonesia Episcopal Conference issued a statement in which they call on the government of Indonesia, specifically the military, to honor the vox populi and back off from any intimidation or violence that has blighted this land. They call on all to respect the human dignity of each individual and their sovereign rights to live in peace. The UN-sponsored voting results in East Timor may take at least a week to be determined fully, but the longer it takes, Church authorities fear contamination of the votes. For more, click on Honor the vote.

    YAKARTA, AUG 31 (ZENIT).- The Indonesian Bishops' Conference, in a message issued on August 17 to commemorate the 54th anniversary of independence of that country, has criticized political leaders for failing to serve the peoples' aspirations and interests, ignoring their very existence and their future.

    The document was signed on August 12th by Bishop Joseph Suwatan of Manadao, President, and Bishop Johannes Hadiwikarta of Surabaya, Secretary of the Episcopal conference.

    The text, made public by the Vatican news agency, FIDES, states: "We reprimand and strongly warn the political elite, who have failed to behave for the people's good. Certain narrow group interests, and worse, selfish personal interests, should not become the leaders' way of thinking because they harm peace and the just course of social development and the future of our people."

    The document, entitled "Moral and political appeal and statement of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference," calls on politicians to serve all the peoples' interests, either in short or long term policies, and to "avoid using the money of the people and of the state to manipulate and support unjust political structures, harmful to the people."

    The bishops also demand of government officials, political leaders and business people to give priority to a more humanitarian approach towards the people, particularly to the plight of malnourished children, education for the youth, and assistance for suffering poor people, instead of swindling the peoples' wealth in banking corruption and manipulation of public service offices.

    The Church leaders call for attention to the establishment of a rule of law and stressed the importance of the principle of equality of all people before the law. "Stern and consistent implementation of the rule of law should become the commitment of everyone," the text continues. "The nation's leaders should not make unclear statements confusing the people, or worse, tell lies thus impairing the people's confidence and their efforts to live and to strive for upright living."

    It is very clear, the bishops point out, that for the progress of the nation the people's sovereignty and basic rights as citizens, openness and togetherness towards achieving the nation's interests, should be the criteria for the political leaders' conduct.

    The text also recalls the troubled region of Aceh, riot-torn Ambon and violence-rocked East Timor. The Bishops say they are "deeply concerned" with the recurrent tragedy in the region of Aceh, the northern tip of Sumatra; that loss of life and security and peace must be stopped.

    Regarding the situation of East Timor, the Indonesian Bishops summoned the government to bide by its promises whatever the cost and give the suffering people a just opportunity to self-determination in peace. ZE99083105

St. Peter's face-lift almost complete as scaffolding will completely disappear by the end of the month

    Peeling away the centuries of corrosion, the facade of St. Peter's Basilica is taking on a new look as renovations wrap up and the scaffolding begins to come down in preparation for Jubilee 2000 revealing once again the majestic facade of this great Basilica as it is restored to its original lustre. This painstaking project, which has taken years as a labor of meticulous love by Vatican artisans, is nearly finished and all scaffolding should be removed by the end of this month. For more, click on Basilica Face-lift.

    VATICAN CITY, AUG 31, 1999 (ZENIT).- Like wrapping paper from an important gift that is opened little by little to reveal its contents, the majestic baroque façade of St. Peter's Basilica is beginning to free itself of the scaffolding which has hidden it from pilgrims for over a year. In the next few weeks, the complete restoration will reach its culmination and the most famous holy building of Christianity will once again reveal all its splendor to the world, just in time for the Jubilee.

    According to professor Sandro Benedetti, chief architect of the "Fabbrica di San Pietro" (St. Peter's Workshop), the Vatican department in charge of the upkeep of the Basilica, "the restoration of St. Peter's was anything but simple compared to other buildings made of 'travertino.' Even though St. Peter's façade is also made of the typical Roman stone employed in numerous churches in the city, Carlo Maderno -- who designed and built the structure in 1612 -- finished off the façade with a unique coat of color. The difficulty of the restoration process was trying to clean the surface without removing the original paint, which itself is an integral part of the façade."

    Mainly because of this factor, the work of restoration was not entrusted to the normal companies who specialize in this field. "It was done first-hand by the personnel of St. Peter's Workshop who carried out the long and laborious work, dedicating as much time as necessary," Benedetti explained.

    If all goes according to schedule, the scaffolding should be completely removed from the façade by the end of September.

    Contrary to what has appeared recently in the Italian press, Michelangelo had nothing to do with the design and construction of the majestic façade, in fact, he never would have allowed it since it would have hidden his greatest masterpiece, the "cupula" or dome of St. Peter's. The Italian artist died in 1564, three decades before work on the façade even began. ZE99083104

Students and players intent on keeping God on the gridiron this fall

    In football terms a "Hail Mary" is a desperation long pass, but while high school gridiron players in Texas may be able to attempt it late in the game, they can't say it. ACLU and atheist interests have infiltrated the school system, outlawing prayer in school which also includes high school events which includes the only events in the fall - Texas high school football - in itself a religion in the lone star state. But students and players aren't sitting still, they are defying the law by standing up for God and expressing their own communication with God and school officials are befuddled. Texas Governor George W. Bush, who is for prayer in schools, has pledged to fight for legislation that will allow prayer before games. For more, click on God on the gridiron .

    DALLAS, AUG 31, 1999 (ZENIT).- Many would argue that it's hard to find something more sacred to Texans than high school football, and as schools throughout the state kicked off their football season this past week, tensions rose, not on the playing field, but among parents, school administrators and students who reluctantly agreed to follow a recent federal court order which prohibits pregame prayers because they violate the constitutional separation of church and state.

    In the aftermath of the controversial ruling, even Governor George Bush is backing an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate pregame prayers which has been a tradition in the Lone Star State for as long as football itself.

    Some school officials have sought to accommodate acceptable alternatives. In New Braunfels, for example, just outside San Antonio, a moment of silence before the kickoff will substitute a formal prayer. In other places, the students have taken matters into their own hands.

    According to the Stephenville "Empire-Tribune," a group of 15 students, led by juniors Joel Allen and Alan Ward, defied the federal court judge's ruling by leading the fans in a voluntary prayer.

    "This was not about football, it was about God. We decided to pray for God." Ward said.

    In the afternoon before the opening game, the students spoke with school superintendent Dr. Larry Butler and Stephenville High School principal Curtis Rhodes, who informed them that, even though they were sympathetic to their cause, it would be best not to carry out any type of prayer and risk a possible lawsuit.

    In order to avoid direct involvement of the school in their "protest", the students obtained a portable speaker system from a local church and were careful not to inform the school's administration of their final plans.

    Dr. Butler later said: "I applaud them for doing something that they feel really strongly about. I think the entire community of Stephenville believes in school prayer ... as a private citizen, I feel a lot of the things that have happened at schools around the country, like at Columbine (Littleton, Colo.), is because what has been taken out of the schools. I believe there are a few in authority who are attempting to make decisions for the masses and I don't think that is right. It is debasing the morals that our country was founded upon," Butler told "The Empire-Tribune."

    No one really seems to recall what the final outcome of the game was last Friday night at Tarleton's Memorial Stadium, but everyone remembers the moment of silence before the game, and the prayer. ZE99083120

Quest for Reconciliation should be theme of Jubilee 2000 Pope tells Wednesday audience

    With the millennium just four months away, the Holy Father highlighted the theme of the quest for reconciliation as paramount for all Christians during the first year of the new millenium in his regular weekly Wednesday papal audience at Paul VI hall where 8,000 pilgrims packed the airconditioned auditorium to hear and see the Sovereign Pontiff who will return to the Vatican after staying at his summer residence in Castel Gondolfo during the hot summer months. For more, click on Reconciliation theme.

    VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- At his weekly public audience on Wednesday, September 1, Pope John Paul I concentrated on the topic of reconciliation, and the need for the Church to ask pardon for the sins of her members.

    This request for pardon, the Holy Father told a crowd of 8,000 people at the Vatican's Paul VI auditorium, is in line with the directives of the Second Vatican Council. He also repeated his own observation that the quest for reconciliation should be a major theme of the Jubilee Year celebration.

    Among the offenses that have been committed in the name of the Church, the Pope spoke first about "the sad reality of division among Christians." Noting that the responsibility for past schisms must be broadly shared, he insisted that the result-- the continuing divisions among the Christian faithful-- constitute "a scandal in the eyes of the world."

    Next the Pontiff spoke about the historic "use of methods of intolerance, and even of violence, in the service of the truth." Even if the people who used those methods were motivated by the desire to strengthen the Christian faith, he said, "it was certainly not in line with the Gospel to think that truth can be imposed by force."

    Finally, the Pope spoke of "the lack of discernment among some Christians" when they were faced with "situations in which fundamental human rights were being violated." Some of the offense in that category, he said, could include acts of omission or weakness, and indecisive or inappropriate responses to injustice.

    The proper recognition of such historical failings, the Pope continued, requires Christians today to see the past in the proper context. The goal of such historical study, he said, is to construct a complete and accurate picture of the past, taking into account the cultural realities of the times in which certain actions occurred. Only when that study is complete, he said, can we assign moral responsibility to the proper individuals. He cautioned strongly against "generalized sentences of absolution of condemnation with respect to certain historical eras," as well as judgments based on "confessional or ideological prejudices."

    Pope John Paul insisted that a properly penitential attitude must not be mistaken for "false humility" or for abandonment of the "two- millennium history, which is certainly rich in merits in the works of charity, culture, and holiness." Rather, he said, Christians should take a lesson from history, so that they might offer "a witness that is even more pure," at a time when the Church turns "a new page in her history."

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.

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September 2, 1999 volume 10, no. 166   DAILY CATHOLIC