Germany: abuse, Dbk, “a problem that concerns all society”A workshop with all social players to tackle the issue of abuse: this is the wish of mgr. Robert Zollitsch, president of the German Bishops Conference (Dbk). In an interview published on February 28th by Welt am Sonntag, mgr. Zollitsch pointed out that “the sexual abuse of children is not a specific problem of the Catholic church. Although any crime committed by priests is a particularly serious breach of trust, abuse is a problem that concerns all society. Of the about 1,500 cases reported every year to the authorities, a minority happens in the ecclesial spheres. This is no excuse for us”, insisted Zollitsch. “However, it proves that the Church alone can contribute only a small part of the solution”. The president of Dbk expressed his wish for a social debate on the extension of statute-barring terms but rejected the idea of making an exception to confessional secrecy.Portugal: the theme of the visit of Benedict XVIThe Church of Portugal hopes the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, due next May 11-14, will “mobilize Catholics and positively affect future developments”. This is the wish expressed by Msgr. Carlos Azevedo, in his capacities as coordinator of the organizing committee, during the press conference held a few days ago to present the theme of the Pontiff’s ceremonial services: “With You We Walk in Hope – Wisdom and Mission”. The primary purpose of the Papal visit regards celebrations for the tenth anniversary of the Beatification of the shepherd children in Fatima. Open-air Masses in the Marian Sanctuaries of Lisbona and Porto are the highlights of the Pontiff’s visit. Some 150 -250 thousand faithful are expected to gather in Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio, and in Porto’s Avenida dos Aliados. “When a Pope visits a Country his humble and solid proposal is addressed to all citizens, in the awareness that in a pluralist society some will be more receptive and others will be less interested”, claimed Msgr. Azevedo. During the meeting the prelate also commented on the official image of the event, highlighting the reference to the Cross portrayed in the letters, and a graphic design. Msgr. Azevedo pointed out that the visual depiction, including its shapes and colors, seeks to communicate “a spiritual experience, whilst valuing the mission of the Holy Father as head of the Church”. “The image illustrates the reservedness and amiability of Pope Benedict XVI, sublimely conveyed in the way he draws near us, blesses us and greets us”. The updated program of the Papal visit can be viewed by logging on the official website: www.bentoxviportugal.pt.Austria: more respect for the RomaOne every four children in Eastern Europe live in a state of extreme poverty: these children can expect a better future only through access to good education. Austrian Caritas President Franz Küberl underlined this point in Vienna, upon his return from Slovakia and Romania a few days ago. Küberl and a group of journalists visited the Roma village of Lomnicka in Eastern Slovakia and the Caritas projects in Satu Mare, in the North-West region of Romania. “For decades the Roma people were socially marginalized. It will take a long time, no less than one-two generations, before they achieve full integration”, Küberl said. “But this is not possible if the Roma people and their cultural traditions fail to be appreciated and respected”. Austria’s Caritas has been supporting Lominka’s population since 2006. Aids were initially granted thanks to the support of two priests living in the village. Then four Franciscan nuns arrived, who have been assisting 270 Roma children with their homework. Free-time activities are also proposed, such as music lessons, theatre and soccer. “Each child has the right to access options for a better future. Without the help of the priests, the nuns and of Caritas workers, the children would have no opportunities, since education is not considered a priority for the Roma community. In this area a lot of work still needs to be done and a lot of time is needed to build public awareness”, he underlined. Long implementation times are also envisaged for the Romanian village of Ardud, where over the past 20 years the local Caritas has been engaged in the Roma’s integration with the support of the diocese of Innsbruck. “Efforts pay back and help is possible. Ardud is an example that it’s worthwhile being committed to tear down barriers and work for a better future. Together we can work small miracles for the children living in conditions of severe poverty. It’s a miracle for them even to have a hot meal when there’s no more food at home or to receive books and/or school stationary when their parents can’t afford it”.
