Thursday, Nov. 12
St. Josaphat (b Lithuania 1584, d Russia, 1623
Bishop and Martyr, Patron Saint of the Ukraine
Born around the time that the Church of Ruthenia split, with some
Orthodox returning to communion with Rome (Uniates), he grew up
a Uniate, with a reputation for holiness even as a boy. He became
a Basilian priest, well-schooled and ardent in preaching the Catholic
faith. After heading many monasteries, he became Bishop of Vitebsk
at age 38. His preaching converted many orthodox to Catholicism,
including Ignatius, Patriarch of Moscow, and a descendant of the
Paleologue emperors. He was murdered by a mob in Vitebsk who
supported a dissident hierarchy that had developed against him.
Lying in state, his body had the odor of sanctity and was incorrupt
when it was exhumed five years later. His remains were later taken
to Rome where he is buried in St. Peter's Basilica. Hos body was
exposed intact in 1797. In 1867, he became the first Eastern saint
to be canonized in the Latin rite.
OR today.
At the General Audience, the Pope describes the monastic experience of Cluny:
Humanism and the future of Europe
He also appeals for rapid pacification and humanitarian help to victims of Sri Lanka's long civil war
Other Page 1 stories: The FAO reports that food prices are too high in the poor countries; and President Obama considering
four options for moving forward in Afghanistan. Inside, there are excerpts from lectures given by two leading Curial prelates
at a seminar revisiting John Paul II's encyclical Fides et ratio.
THE POPE'S DAY
The Holy Father met today with
- H.E. Stjepan Mesić, President of the Republic of Croatia, and his delegation
- Bishops of Brazil on ad-limina visit (Group 3 of the second batch; the first batch were seen in September
before the Pope's visit to the Czech Republic)
- Professors and students of the Universita Libera Maria Santissima Assunta (LUMSA) in Rome on the 70th
anniversary of its foundation. Address in Italian.
Yesterday, after the General Audience, the Pope met with
- Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum