News

Sends Message to Seminar on Climate Change

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI joined his voice to those encouraging the protection of creation and respect for the environment.

The Pope's appeal came in a telegram signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, and sent to participants in a seminar sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

The conference, being held today and Friday, is examining "Climate Change and Development."

The Holy Father invited everyone to adopt "a way of living, models of production and consumption marked by respect for creation and the need for sustainable development of peoples, keeping in mind the universal distribution of goods, as is so often mentioned in the Church's social doctrine."

The Pontiff's message expressed "sincere appreciation" for this meeting, which will study the "problems relating to the environment, ethics, economics and the political and social life with repercussions for the weakest members of society."

Disinterested research

Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, inaugurated the seminar. Some 80 scholars and experts from 20 countries are participating.

Cardinal Martino expressed his wish for "a fruitful exchange of experiences, in a climate of serenity and composure, and an in-depth dialogue and disinterested research."

The 74-year-old cardinal spoke about the necessary balance between environmental education and the development of needy populations. He said the Church's social doctrine and the "very pertinent and instructive" lesson of the first few chapters of the Bible can aid in finding that balance.

According to the cardinal, humanity's dominion over creation, willed by God, must not be despotic or irresponsible. Reklama: klasikinių paveikslų reprodukcijos bei paveikslai is nuotraukų ant drobės internetu The person must "cultivate and guard" the goods of creation.

"Cultivate to develop man, all of man, all men: This is the challenge that we are faced with as we reflect upon climatic changes," Cardinal Martino said.

He added that "The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church," published by the same dicastery, underlines that environmental education is everyone's responsibility, inasmuch as the environment is a collective good made for everyone.

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Teachings of Christ

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44 ESV)

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Saints and Martyrs

Adorned with the blood of Your Martyrs throughout the world, * as with purple and fine linen, * Your Church cries out to You through them: * "Send down Your compassions upon Your people. * Grant peace to Your commonwealth and great mercy to our souls." (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

As the first-fruits of nature to the Planter of Creation, * the whole world offers to You, O Lord, the God-bearing martyrs. * Through their prayers and the intercession of the Mother of God * preserve Your commonwealth, the Church, in profound peace, O Most Merciful One. (Kontakion - Tone 8)

Pentecost

Blessed are You, O Christ our God, * Who has shown the fishermen to be all wise, * by sending down to them the Holy Spirit, * and through them You have caught the whole world in Your net. * O Lover of Mankind, glory to You. (Troparion - Tone 8)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

When the Most High descended, confusing tongues, * He divided the nations; * but when He distributed the tongues of fire, * He called all to unity; * and, with one voice, * we glorify the Most Holy Spirit. (Kontakion - Tone 8)

Random Proverb

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (Proverbs 3:9,10 ESV)

Pray Without Ceasing

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Wisdom from the Church Fathers

Even a pious person is not immune to spiritual sickness if he does not have a wise guide -- either a living person or a spiritual writer. This sickness is called _prelest_, or spiritual delusion, imagining oneself to be near to God and to the realm of the divine and supernatural. Even zealous ascetics in monasteries are sometimes subject to this delusion, but of course, laymen who are zealous in external struggles (podvigi) undergo it much more frequently. Surpassing their acquaintances in struggles of prayer and fasting, they imagine that they are seers of divine visions, or at least of dreams inspired by grace. In every event of their lives, they see special intentional directions from God or their guardian angel. And then they start imagining that they are God's elect, and often try to foretell the future. The Holy Fathers armed themselves against nothing so fiercely as against this sickness -- prelest.

Metropolitan Anthony Khrapovitsky