00 26/02/2013 13:19



Tuesday, February 26, Second Week of Lent

Photos on the left and right from the Church of St. Porphyrius in Gaza.
ST. PORPHYRIUS OF GAZA (b Thessalonica 353, d Gaza 421), Bishop and Confessor
Born on the European mainland, he came to Jerusalem where he was ordained a priest at the age of 40.
Before that, he had spent much time living in the desert and in caves as an ascetic, and had a reputation
for generosity to the poor. At age 45, he was elected unexpectedly by the tiny Christian community in
Gaza to be their bishop. Gaza in the early 5th century was a center of paganism. With patient work,
Porphyrius tended his flock and preached to pagans, and some time in 401-402, he went to Constantinople
to ask the Emperor for a decree ordering the destruction of the pagan temples in the city. He served for
another 20 years. A Life of Porphyrius written by his deacon Mark survives today in modern
editions.
Readings for today's Mass: www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022613.cfm


AT THE VATICAN TODAY

No events announced for the Holy Father, but an important determination has been made. Fr. Federico Lombardi announced that

1) After February 28, Benedict XVI will have the title of Emeritus Pope or Emeritus Roman Pontiff, and will continue to be addressed as 'Your Holiness'.
2) He will continue to wear a white cassock but without the capelet (mozzetta).

Clearly, he will no longer wear the Ring of the Fisherman - his ring bearing his seal will be destroyed after February 28, as it is when a Pope dies. Nor will he use red shoes any more.

Another tidbit from Fr. Lombardi's briefing, according to La Stampa: After 8:00 p.m. February 28, when Benedict XVI will no longer Pope but will already have arrived in Castel Gandolfo, the Swiss Guard will leave Castel Gandolfo, because their service is intended only for the reigning Pope.


[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 26/02/2013 14:00]