WYD: setting into motion “Today we undertake the path leading to the WYD, an extraordinary event that will enable us to experience the universality of the Church in union with the Pope – the tender Christ on earth, in the words of Saint Catherine of Siena – along with over one thousand world bishops (almost one third of world episcopates), thousands of priests, religious, parents, children and youth from all corners of the globe”. Thus declared Cardinal Antonio Mª Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid, whilst imparting his blessing to the WYD organizing committee offices in Saint John of the Cross Street in Madrid. His Eminence called upon attendants, that included all local WYD coordinators, collaborators and volunteers, to undertake this path with a “Pauline attitude”, marked by the willingness to endure with joy the efforts and the crosses on the way towards the final objective. The Cardinal said the WYD aims at “promoting a large meeting of youth with the Lord” and at “showing to the world the youth’s religious witness, in acknowledgement that the path that follows the footsteps of Christ is the path which gives meaning to life, leading to true happiness”. The WYD, he added, is “a grace and a major challenge for Madrid that we accept with enthusiasm, spirit of service and humbleness”. After the blessing, His Eminence held a brief press meeting where he conveyed the positive and cooperative atmosphere marking relations with the public administration. “This week’s meeting of the mixed Commission of public authorities, national government and Madrid township representatives with the WYD organizing Committee resulted in full cooperation and support aimed at the event’s success”. The Cardinal also announced the WYD organizing committee that will be coordinated by Msgr. César Franco.Saint Francis Borgia: V centenary of his birth On October 25th a solemn Mass officiated by the archbishop of Valencia Msgr. Carlos Osoro in the Church of the Ducal Palace in Gandia, celebrated the opening of the Jubilee Year in the archdiocese of Valencia, marking the 5th centenary of the birth of Saint Francis Borgia. (Gandia, 1510 – Rome, 1572). The closing of the Jubilee year, scheduled for October 28 2010, will be presided over by the superior general of the Society of Jesus father Adolfo Nicolas. On October 28, the day of the Saint’s birth in 1510, was presented the program of the celebrations. Past September 8 a decree of the Holy See endorsed the celebration of the Jubilee Year. The decree also lists the names of the six Churches in the cities of Gandia and Llombai where faithful can avail themselves, given the required conditions, of the plenary indulgence granted for the occasion. Saint Francis Borgia, born in Gandia (Valencia) in 1510, was among the major personalities in Carlos I Spain. Once a widower, after having provided to his children’s wellbeing he left his Country and was received in Rome by Saint Ignatius as candidate Jesuit priest. He carried out remarkable assignments on behalf of his superiors and of the Holy See. In 1965 he was elected superior general at the age of 54. Social communications: the 2009 Bravo awards A jury of experts chaired by Msgr. Joan-Enric Vives Sicilia, bishop of Urgell, appointed by the Bishops’ Commission for Social Communication Media (CEMCS), presented the “Bravo Awards 2009”. The prize established in 1971 is awarded in recognition of the best media engagement, in compliance with Christian humanism, professionalism and service to the dignity of man, human rights and evangelical values. The awards will be conferred with a public ceremony on January 24, on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Francis of Sales, Patron Saint of journalists. The “Bravo special” prize was awarded to José Mª Javierre, “Press Bravo” to “Alfa y Omega”, “Radio Bravo” to Radio 5 Todo Noticias, “Television Bravo” to “Madrid opina” (Telemadrid), “Cinema Bravo” to “Pantalla grande” (Popular TV), “Music Bravo” to Inma Shara, “New Technologies Bravo” to www.clerus.org, “Diocesan engagement in the media Bravo” to the diocese of Cordova and the “Advertising Bravo” prize was awarded to the Madrid Metro for the banner on maternity.
