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     This weekend we celebrate the glorious Solemnity of All Saints on Sunday after observing the Thirtieth Friday and Saturday in Ordinary Time along with observance of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday. Monday, of course, we commemorate All Souls Day. For the liturgies, readings, meditations and vignettes on the above feasts for this weekend, click on LITURGY

Friday October 30:
Thirtieth Friday in Ordinary Time

Green vestments

First Reading: Philippians 1: 1-11
Psalms: Psalm 111: 1-6
Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 1-6

Saturday October 31:
Thirtieth Saturday in Ordinary Time and
Observance of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday
All Hallows Eve

Green or white vestments

First Reading: Philippians 1: 18-26
Psalms: Psalm 42: 2-3, 5
Gospel Reading: Luke 14: 1, 7-11

      Honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary is a custom first promoted by the Benedictine Monk Saint Alcuin back in the days of Charlemagne (see archives December 23, no. 25 issue). He composed different formulas for Votive Masses for each day of the week, with two set aside to honor Our Lady on Saturday. This practice caught on with great enthusiasm and eventually the Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday became the Common of the Blessed Virgin. This Mass was a favorite with retired priests and those whose sight was failing for most had memorized this Mass and were able to say it by heart without having to read the Lectionary or Sacramentary. One reason Saturday was dedicated to Mary was that Saturday held a special meaning in Mariology. First of all, as Genesis accounts for, God rested on the seventh day. In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was Saturday. Jesus, Son of God rested in the womb and then, when He became incarnate, in the loving arms of Mary from birth until she held His lifeless body at the foot of the Cross. Thus the God-head rested in Mary. It was also on Saturday after Good Friday that Jesus gave His Mother a special gift and reward for keeping her faith in His Divinity intact by making an exceptional appearance to her. Thus, because of these reasons, the devotion spread by St. Alcuin and other liturgies that evolved within the Church, Saturday took on a special Marian significance. Saturday took on even more significance in honoring Mary when Our Lady imparted to visionary Lucia in her third apparition at Fatima on July 13, 1917, "Our Lord wishes that devotion to my Immaculate Heart be established in the world. If what I tell you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace; the war will end...I ask the consecration of the world to my Immaculate Heart and Communion of reparation on the First Saturday of each month...If my requests are granted, Russia will be converted and there will be peace...In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph, and an era of peace will be conceded to humanity." As we draw nearer to that wonderful event, it is more important than ever to honor Mary's request on the First Saturday as well as each Saturday that her feast is commemorated in the Church calendar, not to mention responding to her call daily with the Rosary and attending Daily Mass, nourished by her Divine Son present body and blood, soul and Divinity in the Blessed Sacrament. It is in the Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary where she remains in the background in the liturgy of the Word so that her Divine Son's words and His Presence take the spotlight as He should while Mary remains the chief intercessor before the Holy Trinity as she should and serves as the ideal for all Catholics to strive for, as we should. The Dictionary of Mary states quite succinctly, "Through these liturgical acts, (honoring Mary on Saturday) Christians exalt the person of Mary in the action that renews the sacrifice of Christ and in the action that prolongs His prayer."

SUNDAY November 1:
SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS

White vestments

First Reading: Revelation/Apocalypse 7: 2-4, 9-14
Psalms: Psalm 24: 1-6
Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12

      Many believe this feast originated in Ireland with the Martyrology of Tallaght with April 17 set aside to commemorate all the martyrs and April 20 was earmarked to celebrate all the saints of Europe. However, at the end of the 8th Century and beginning of the 9th Century, St. Bede's Martyrology in England notated the feast of All Saints on November 1. Saint Alcuin around the year 800 celebrated All Saints on this date. Rome first began celebrating this feast with a vigil as well as a fast. Thus, evolved the term "All Hallow's Eve" which eventually translated into Halloween. Unfortunately Halloween today is not what it was meant to be, but rather a day given over to evil spirits. We need to return to the true meaning of what "All Hallows" means - gaining inspiration from the heroic example of the saints who intercede for us. Originally the Holy See celebrated All Saints Day on May 13, the same date as it was commemorated in the East as decreed by Pope Boniface IV around 615. This feast was commemorated during the Easter season, in order to bring home the paschal triumph of the martyrs and the golden-voiced Saint John Chrysostom, from his writings, indicated this feast was held on the First Sunday following Pentecost. In 731 Pope Gregory III consecrated a chapel to all the saints in St. Peter's Basilica and established the date found in St. Bede's Martyrology. It is considered a Holy Day of Obligation in many countries, especially here in the United States. Celebrating this feast is part of the Triduum of the Communion of Saints for on this day we celebrate the Church Triumphant - all those in Heaven who we pray to for intercession and who, in turn can pray for the Church Militant on earth. It is left to the Church Militant to pray for the Church Suffering - those souls in Purgatory whose feast is commemorated the following day.

Monday November 2:
COMMEMORATION OF ALL SOULS

White, Violet or Black vestments

First Reading: Daniel 12: 1-3
Psalms: Psalm 103: 8, 10, 13-18
Second Reading: Romans 14: 7-9, 10-12
Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 1-13

     The Feast of All Souls is a continuum of the Triduum of the Communion of Saints with this day set aside to remember the Church Suffering, the poor souls in Purgatory who desperately need the Prayers of the Church Militant here on earth for the Church Suffering in Purgatory - the Poor Souls. Through our prayers the souls in Purgatory can be released into Heaven and, having joined the Church Triumphant, can then intercede before the Throne of God for those on earth, especially remembering those who remembered to pray for them. This feast originated in the 7th Century in the Benedictine abbeys of Europe. Saint Odilo around the end of the first millennium, instituted All Souls Day be celebrated immediately after All Saints day and by the 14th Century Rome had established November 2 as the official feast for the universal Church. A century later the Dominicans began the custom of saying three Masses on that day to accommodate all the requests but this privilege was not extended to the entire Church until August 10, 1915 when Pope Benedict XV gave permission to all priests to celebrate three Masses on this day - one for the faithful departed, one for the intentions of the Holy Father and the third for the priest's own personal intentions. The main reason for his actions were to accommodate and pray for all those who had died during World War I. Today if All Souls Day falls on a Sunday, then the day is transferable to November 3rd. Also, the difference today in the Novus Ordo Mass vs. the Latin Tridentine Mass is that the Mass of the Dead is not commemorated with black vestments in the former, rather white vestments and purple vestments are used celebrating "our resurrection through the Victory of Christ."

     In honor of All Souls Day on Monday, we present special Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory. Click on PRAYERS FOR ALL SOULS

Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory

     The following verse, taken from 2 Machabees 12: 46 affirms what Our Lady said that if we pray the prayer "we'll deliver many souls": "It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." The Blessed Mother asks that we pray the words "I BELIEVE IN GOD" five times, and then say a Hail Holy Queen, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be once followed by the prayer: Grant eternal rest unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them that they may rest in peace. Amen.

FATIMA PRAYER FOR SOULS

O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell.
Lead all souls to Heaven, Especially those most need of Thy Mercy.

     There is also the special prayer that in honor of the poor souls in Purgatory. When one prays this prayer from the heart countless souls are released from Purgatory at God's will. It is an excellent way as members of the Church Militant to fulfill our role in the Communion of Saints:

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son Jesus in union with all the Masses said throughout the world today; for the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, in my home and in my family. Amen.

It is recommended we pray this after every decade of the Rosary. Our Lady also imparted to Hungarian visionary Mrs. Elizabeth Szanto Erzebet, (mother of six who died in 1985), the following message on October 13, 1962 on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the last apparition at Fatima. Proclaiming herself as "The Flame of Love", Our Lady said: "My Daughter, your compassion for suffering souls moved my Motherly heart so much that I will grant the grace that if anyone anywhere will say Three Hail Mary's in reference to my Flame of Love, then on each occasion a soul will be freed from Purgatory. Furthermore, "In the month of the Holy Souls (November) TEN SOULS WILL BE FREED FROM PURGATORY FOR EACH HAIL MARY...Suffering souls will also feel the effect of the grace coming from my Motherly Flame of Love."

This is our opportunity to storm Heaven with our Rosaries during this month. Think of the number of souls you will all be able to deliver from Purgatory into the Glory of Heaven through your Hail Mary's. They won't forget you!!!

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WORLDWIDE NEWS & VIEWS
with a Catholic slant provided by
Catholic World News Service

HEADLINES:

Inquisition on the Inquisition begins with Vatican Symposium

      The Symposium on the Inquisition officially commenced at the Vatican this weekend in preparation for Jubilee 2000. Many have been somewhat surprised at the Holy Father's candor in calling for a self-examination of the Church's policy over the years, especially in respect to the Inquisition which was abused by many but the Pope is confident this conference will prove that most of the aberrations that many think was the work of the hierarchy actually came from the hands of the secular governing bodies such as the Spanish Inquisition which was ruled by the Spanish monarch and which used the Church as a cover to carry out many of the policies of the royal agenda. Regardless of the findings the Pope has insisted that we seek pardon for any transgressions to wipe the slate clean in preparation for the new millennium and peace with God and our fellow man as He deigns. For more, click on Inquisition on the Inquisition

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, the president of the committee preparing for the Jubilee Year 2000, today opened a symposium on the Inquisition by observing that the term itself-- the Inquisition-- refers to one ecclesial reality, although many different tribunals were involved, at different times and in different countries.

      Some historians speak of "Inquisitions" in the plural, Cardinal Etchegaray, in order to help categorize the different historical events. But he said that such a system of classification could be misleading, since the Church did not delegate power to different national governments; the Inquisition was a single entity, he said, with under ecclesial authority. Underlining the point, he refused to use "apologetic" argument that Spanish Inquisition, for example, was a creature of that country's government, under lay rather than ecclesial control.

      To be sure, the French-born prelate continued, the Inquisition took different forms and followed different practiced in the course of its long history, which stretched from the 13th to the 17th centuries. He argued that the phenomenon should be studied with all its variations, in different times and places. For his own purposes he saw two different periods: one covering the Middle Ages, and the other the modern era-- especially in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Latin America.

      The cardinal's address was the first of a three-day conference in Rome, at which historians are discussing the history and organization of the Inquisition. The conference is a response to the challenge issued by Pope John Paul II for an "examination of conscience" by the Church in preparation for the coming millennium.

      The history of the Inquisition, Cardinal Etchegaray suggested, is replete with errors, inconsistencies, and offenses against charity. He welcomed the historians who will reflect on the history of the institution, saying that the Church asked nothing of them but to examine the Inquisition carefully, rigorously, and freely. "The Church does not fear passing under the judgment of historians," he said.

      Father Georges Cottier, OP, the theologian for the papal household, delivered the next major address at the conference. He explained the Pope's call for an "examination of conscience" as a matter of seeking "purification of memory."

      Recognizing that the Pope's call "surprised more than a few people," the theologian pointed out that Christians must keep in mind "the certainly of God's pardon." Requests for pardon are appropriate, he continued-- citing the Pope's words-- whenever the faithful of the Church acted in ways that are inconsistent with the Gospel, in effect giving scandal rather than evangelical witness.

      Specifically, in the case of the Inquisition, Father Cottier pointed to the "methods of intolerance and even of violence in the service of the truth" as offenses as Christian charity.

      In examining the past, Father Cottier added, the faithful should not fail to notice the implications for the future and for the present. In this examination of conscience, he said, Christians "must put ourselves humbly in the presence of the Lord to ask about our responsibilities, too, for the evils of our own time." He added: "The judgment of the past cannot be disassociated from the examination of conscience about the present."

Another new ambassador received by the Holy Father

     Just a few days after receiving the new Irish and French Ambassadors to the Holy See, the Holy Father met with Javier Guerra Laspiur the newly appointed Ambassador to the Vatican from Costa Rica in Central America. The Pope lauded Laspiur's country for opting for economic welfare of the people over military buildup and for striving always to achieve and maintain peace in an area where there is so little peace. For more, click on Costa Rica

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Pope John Paul II today greeted the new ambassador to the Vatican from Costa Rica, and praised that country for making the choice to forego military development in favor of economic welfare and interventions on behalf of peace in the Latin American region.

      The Pope noted that the Church in Costa Rica has undertaken a number of projects in social development: on behalf of orphans, homeless children, AIDS victims, and women dealing with problem pregnancies. Recognizing the government's efforts to spur economic growth, the Pontiff said that "a better economic situation will benefit the poorest people most of all." He lauded Costa Rica's history as a country committed to the cause of peace, and a refuge for those who have been oppressed in neighboring lands.

      The new ambassador, Javier Guerra Laspiur, has served at previous diplomatic postings in Madrid, London, Paris, and Tirane.

Vietnam in the spotlight over religious persecution

     Less than a week after the Vietnamese Catholic Bishops petitioned the Communist Viet government to invite the Holy Father to visit their land in 1999 for the bicentennial anniversary of Our Lady of La Vang, the government is pulling a "China" and curtailing access to UN observers in regard religious persecution. Even though the country's constitution assures religious freedom this does not compute with the way communist leaders are treating the UN's special envoy for religious affairs who is visiting many countries before presenting a report to the UN Human Rights Committee. Hopefully they will relax restrictions which are vital in the Pope including Southeast Asia in his itinerary next year. For more, click on What are they hiding? .

      HANOI (CWNews.com) - The UN special envoy for religious affairs complained on Wednesday that the Communist government of Vietnam is interfering with his visit to the country to examine the state of religious persecution.

      Adelfattah Amor said that the government has allowed him to meet with select leaders of state-run groups, but has kept him from seeing Catholic, Buddhist, and other leaders. "The special rapporteur regrets that he was not able to hold meetings with certain officials, with representatives of (some) religious communities -- Hoa Hao, Taoist, Confucionist, Hindu," Amor said in a statement released after he left Hanoi.

      While Vietnam's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the government places severe restrictions on appointment of clergy, movement for religious purposes, and ties to foreign bodies including the Vatican. Amor said officials refused to allow him to talk privately with some people and directly prevented him from meeting others during the 10-day trip, which took three years to arrange. He is due to present a full report at the next session of the UN Human Rights Commission next year.

Signs scarier than Halloween as those opposing God's laws raise their ugly heads!

     Should we be surprised that pro-abort Attorney General Janet Reno is giving comfort to advocates of the culture of death with assurance that she will crack down on pro-lifers? Should we be surprised that Planned Parenthood is using MTV to promote condoms and the concept that abstinence is for sissies? Should we be surprised that the Gay agenda is trying to claim they are a church and therefore anyone who refuses their demands will face the wrath of lawsuits? And finally, should we be surprised that a Christian law officer is being disciplined and harassed because he wants to wear a small cross on his uniform? These are all signs that the world is topsy-turvy and that satan has taken control. For more, click on Satan's signs.

      WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - US Attorney General Janet Reno met with abortion supporters on Wednesday, and reassured them the Justice Department would step up its activities ensuring access to abortion.

      The meeting between Reno and about 20 representatives of abortionists and abortion lobbying groups took place five days after a gunmen shot and killed Buffalo, New York, abortionist Barnett Slepian.

      "It was an extremely productive meeting. We came away from it very optimistic that the attorney general, who has always been very responsive, is going to be even more so and is prepared to take on some vigorous and coordinated work," said Gloria Feldt, president of Planned Parenthood, which lobbies for abortion rights. "She understands the urgency and the fact that although we have freedom of access and that the Justice Department has certainly stepped up its activities, she clearly understands how dire the situation is right now."

      Meanwhile, in Washington D.C. a teen pro-life group criticized the MTV cable music network on Wednesday for a new "safe sex" program that it says actually encourages teens to engage in sexual activity.

      MTV, in association with Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, has launched a multi-million dollar ad campaign and toll-free phone number to promote their new teen sex guide, "It's Your (Sex) Life." The program promises to mail teens information on abortion, abortifacients, and contraception in a plain white envelope, "in an effort to undermine concerned parents," said the Rock for Life group.

      "Our nation's youth are being told that it is okay to carry on sexual relationships as long as they use a condom," the group said in a statement. It also claimed MTV is taking over parents' role in forming the moral values of their children. "It is outrageous for MTV to think that they can take over the role of parents and to push the 'sex without consequences' mentality onto young people. When this 'safe sex' lie fails, they simply direct their victims to Planned Parenthood to erase their so-called 'mistake' with an abortion," said Bryan Kemper, founder of Rock For Life.

      At the same time in Dallas, the Cathedral of Hope church, which caters mainly to homosexuals, filed a lawsuit against a nationally-syndicated Chicago television station this week, saying the station broke a contract to show a half-hour infomercial on the church.

      The lawsuit said WGN accepted a $12,000 check from the church for the first broadcast of the show which portrays the worship life at the largest homosexual-specific church in the country. But, the lawsuit says, the station returned the money, claiming the infomercial was "not appropriate content for this station." Christopher Wolf, a lawyer for the church, said: "I think those are code words for homophobia and for anti-gay discrimination." Lawyers for the station had no comment on the lawsuit.

      The church said in a statement that the infomercial was intended to counter recent newspaper ads by Christian groups that encouraged homosexuals that they can be freed from their lifestyle.

      Also in the Metroplex area, an Arlington, Texas, police officer gained nationwide support this week in his effort to be allowed to wear a small cross on his uniform.

      Sgt. George Daniels, a 13-year veteran, has appealed his dismissal by Chief David Kunkle for violating the department's uniform policy and for insubordination. An appeal hearing is scheduled for November 9. Daniels asked for permission to wear the small gold pin in July and Kunkle rejected the request. Daniels continued to wear the cross and an investigation by the department found he had violated the uniform policy and was insubordinate for failing to comply with Kunkle's order.

      The Rutherford Institute, a group that supports legal fights over religious rights, has said it will back Daniels if he is not reinstated after the hearing, saying Daniels has a constitutional right to wear the cross on his uniform. Robert Boston, a spokesman for the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, said a police officer must remain neutral in the enforcement of the law and the cross might raise questions.

For more headlines and articles, we suggest you go to the Catholic World News site. CWN is not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC but provides this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.

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PROVERB OF THE DAY

"The stronghold of evil men will be demolished, but the root of the just is enduring. "

Proverbs 12: 12

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October 30 - November 1, 1998 volume 9, no. 213   DAILY CATHOLIC