[JOYnet] Suicide closely linked Unpleasant Sufferings
Dear Brothers Sisters In jesus The suicide cases that i have come across are the people who find it very difficult to cope the sufferings ,frustrations disappointments etc .The case that Jennifer mentioned was really a sad one ..I am sure the boy would be alive today if the parents would have said Son we would still love you, even if u fail the exam . Well this calls to my own testimony :Ya there were times in my life where i considered myself worthless i felt was i better dead cos there i was doing nothing good for my own self others around.There were times i thought i was just living for no rhyme or reason .I couldn't bear the daily crosses as it was just too heavy for me . But once I started my walk with the Jesus .I was never alone .HE was is there in all that i did do.The funniest part being ,the severity of sufferings have increased more than it was before I met the LORD ,but the difference now is that my Easter Lord gives me the grace to accept the! cross cheerfully.I keep my eyes(hope) on the glorious rainbow that is to follow after the dark clouds.Only HIS LOVE keeps me strong. There are times when people come to me saying ..I am suffering ..I wanna DIE . What have I done to deserve this !!.All that I say to them that if u r a Christian ..Suffering is a Part Parcel of it. The challenge for us Christians is to follow the foot steps of our Master. Its not Jesus intention to cancel our sufferings in our lives.When HE gives the call Come to me all u who work hard carry heavy burden .HE doesn't mean unloading the burden but HE gives us HIS yoke that helps us to balance carry the heavy load . I hope this mail of mine administers as a Healing balm to all those who need it this day. In HIS Healing Hands Welchy Sharjah Here is a simple formula: Unpleasant Sufferings =Suicidal thoughts Unpleasant Sufferings + Jesus Suicidal thoughts JESUS made the difference Yahoo! Health - Feel better, live better This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] A SIMPLE BAG ....BORE HIS LOVE !!!!!!!!!!
As I started knitting a crochet bag for my Friends wedding , I continuously mulled on whether she is gonna like it or not .I didn't even know her choice of colors textures .It took me a long time get the right thread .Once that was over the first step was over , I bogged down on what pattern to choose !!!Then came the sizing part .I went to different shops over again again , asking others on what handle lining would befit it. All that was there at the back of my mind was that, I wanted to give it THE BEST LOOK ..cos it was very specially made for my dear friend who I loved so much. Alas !!! the physical exertion was over the mental started .Now I kept wondering would she like appreciate it.what if she says it not worth it ?? Ohh yes I am really gonna feel bad cos she wouldn't know how much efforts have gone into it.Anyway I prayed that she might just apprize it to make me happy . Anyway , the day I gave it to her with some money (as the custom goes) she! looked at it with huge tears in her eyes.For a while ,I thought ohh all my efforts are in Vain ..but then when she spoke thru her sobs .I got to know that thru my Simple Bag God had answered her plea.She prayed that God may send some one special with the token money for her wedding . She said God had indeed heard her prayers ,cos the money came all the way from Mumbai from the family she held dear .Well ,we both got so emotional that we both sobbed hugging each other praising GOD for all the wonderful things HE had done in our lives.Infact the next day THE BAG was the talk of the town . So you see my friends ...My simple bag was a Carrier of Gods Blessing to her at the wedding . In fact God is weaving The BEST Bag for each of us when it is given to us we need to appreciate that .There are times in my life when people have walked to me saying Welchy God has blest you abundantly we have nothing they crib over that .If only we had seen of all that Pain our Ab! ba Father has been taking for HIS children ,we would have appreciated his gift with LOVE. There was another thought that came to my mind.As I unknowingly engaged to answer my friends plea ,Gods wants each of us to be the BEARER Of HIS LOVE . In The Weavers Mighty Hands Welchy Sharjah Do pray for me to get the right type of Job according to HIS plan ! New! SBC Yahoo! Dial - 1st Month Free unlimited access This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Celebrate Fathers Day .....Everyday!!!!
Dear all Here is something nice for u esp. for all those who think that their fathers are heartless.Click here http://www.ishaah.com/Fathers1.htm pay close attention to what the LORD has to say to you today Enjoy every word with its splendid music Yours Welchy Sign-up for Video Highlights of 2002 FIFA World Cup This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Pls pray for the tense situ in kalyan
Curfew was imposed in riot-hit Kalyan following group clashes on Tuesday night in which two Bajrang dal were stabbed to death and one died of shock. The situation is tense but under control Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Glorious Easter to u all
I know i am quite early but i didnt want to be late :-) This easter season may the eternal blessings that r found in Jesus bless u your family over over again With love prayers Welchy Whisper a small prayer for me jennifer as we attend the pasch this holy week Yahoo! Movies - coverage of the 74th Academy Awards® This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [JOYnet] Why good things happen to bad people?
The answer that i found to this reflection was something different, unlike what has been discussed ealier Here is the answer Matthew 9:12 On hearing this, Jesus said, It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. Yours In jesus Welchy Mumbai Try FREE Yahoo! Mail - the world's greatest free email! This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Message From jennifer for her dad
Pls pray for Jennifer's Dad.He has succumbed to a gangrene now his leg is amputated.The Drs are hoping that this doesnt not spread futher more .The family needs a lot of your prayer support .Jennifer has specifically asked me to place a prayer req on Joynet Prayerfully WelchyMumbai Yahoo! Sports - Coverage of the 2002 Olympic Games This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [JOYnet] DOUBTS- IDOL WORSHIP
I remember when I was Kid my parents used to carry me to venerate a statue in the church . I used to think that Jesus Mary resides in the statue . at times I used to struggle to get to the same .Sometimes when the church was crowded we almost trampled over each other to get to the statue Praise God its not the same anymore . If I cant get to venerate the statue ..its ok with me now as I know the Place where God resides :-) Yes it is very difficult to make people understand that ..Times are changing so are we .Thanks to the renewal happening all over... People are getting to know God more personally rather than The God on the altar. Anyway ..I just want to narrate an incident with my late uncle who had left the church then . I always escaped him cos he used to qt me on the statues concept..I had no answer for it ...I hardly read scriptures too at that time .So I knew I wasn't in a position to answer to any of his cross-questions. One fine day he happened to get hold of me ..he threw the same Qt on me again ...(by the way I was the Favorite of all nieces ) He asked me are u venerating the Photograph/sculptor for their marvelous work ??? Well I was zapped wasn't prepared for the answer ..but ..I quietly prayed to the holy spirit to guide me as I was praying my eyes fell on his wife snap on the wall. I asked him ...uncle y have u kept your snap in the house ,to this he replied Welchy this house belongs to me ...I am the owner of the house ..that's y the snap Ohh I see!!! I replied ...if u can keep your snap there on the way to glorify yourself...y not the Lords picture then I looked at his daughter (who stayed in the house alone when her parents were in Goa .) then to my uncle I said Glenes (that's His daughter ) is at times frustrated when she does not find both her parents around. She has to do everything on her own in Mumbai It sad for a Gal to stay lonely here without here parents She feels so lost bogged down But something marvelous happens each time she looks at the parents snap..she is up-lifted ..Your snap consoles speaks to her. She feels that she is no longer alone .Its her parents love always with her Its the same with our statues in the church they are reminders that we are not alone ..There is some one who cares for us . at the Death Bed of my Uncle ,,,I heard him reciting the Hail Mary after years together . Many a times as I look at the picture of the agony in the Garden ..I am reminded of Jesus agony then . his agony now How painful it must be to the lord at the Garden !! his sweat turning into blood ...Science says is the when the person is extreme pain...that's what happens Ohh my what tormenting pain for Jesus . By the way We had the statute of Ol of Fatima at my place yesterday.My neighbors family came over prayed together . the end of it we relished ourselves with Chana . That it!!! Good day God bless Welchy Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] My comments on RAVI VAZ !!!!!!!!!!!
Yes ...Its high time got out of my Hiding hole to comment on some mail..I guess the winter in Mumbai has got to me so i have got lazy . As I was thinking on what to write on Joynet ,the day before yesterday ...I happen to see a smiling face at the prayer meeting with his Proud parents. there clicked my Subject for Joynet. My comments on RAVI VAZ .. Cos it was none other than our own Ravi with his parents People used to say the world is small .. I agreed to the same ..when I first met Ravi Vaz I used to hear abt him from different people all the time yes i meet him in an exotic way.Busy practicing Hymns at Irma's wedding. He looked a snob at first sight..I perceived to keep a distance from him such a character . But when he invited me for the Wedding March all my fears dimished then .Poor Guy had to bear up with me stamping his shoes all the time That taught me another bIg lesson in life ..No Judging a person on looks . He then came on joynet .marveled us all with his inspiring comments . Praise God!! This young Boy was Officially commissioned last Sunday along with another Joynetter Irma to preach Gods Word. Lets congratulate him for the great responsibility God has placed on his shoulders also assure him of all our prayers . He promised me for a Treat if anyone desires for the same should contact him on [EMAIL PROTECTED] ... cos he says Ask it should be given unto u Your Sister WELCHY Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] A very happy feast To all Young In Jesus!!!
Lord you called John Bosco to be a teacher and father to the young. Fill us with love like his: may we give ourselves completely to your service and to the salvation of mankind. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Love WELCHY Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Re:what the stars foretell !!!
I remember those days in college when I bought Midday just to read my stars for the day When some once asked me ,y do u believe in horoscope ..I used to say just for fun not knowing this was Funny thing kept ringing in my mind all the time making me a slave of the same . I freaked out on Birthstones in those days too ...Being a gemology student ..I loved playing around with Gemstones . I kept my birthday stone with me so that it could bring me Good luck on my moms birthday ,I gifted her a cute pendant with her birth stone engrafted on it. (Little did I know at that time that stones don't really bring good things.) Once a Hindu Friend also printed a computerized horoscope depending on my birth timings etc i treasured that too . Any way, the first thing I did after the retreat was to dispose away all these so called lucky things . Yes today the CROSS the Word Of GOD has replaced Stars Stones in my life . Praise God I dont need these so called Luck Bearers anymore .I am doing much better without them . In Jesus His Glorious Cross WELCHY F Mumbai This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] BLESSED CHRISTMAS
Dear All JYS Wishing u all a Great CHRISTMAS a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR With Love Fernandes Family Mumbai Send your FREE holiday greetings online! http://greetings.yahoo.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Trousseau Or Dowry !!!!!
Well I dont know how far the discussion reg dowry has reached as I still have many unread mails due to heavy work schedule .But I still wanna add a few pts of to this Topic ..thank u Priya joy ,,,she has been asking me to write at Jy esp. abt this very topic. She says wants to hear from the Goan Gal of Jy . So my dear Jys Here I Open my big mouth : We Goenkars (goans ) have something called DENE (Konkani word).English Word trousseauGetup of the Bride The Real meaning being(at least for me ) : Dowry Goan gals at a very young age are taught to collect things for Dene .Every small thing is collected for the Dene There is something else that accompanies Dene called BOL.A sweet given to the husbands folks as that they can distribute the same to whole village after marriage (hey guys I am talking abt village ok) In Mumbai no one has the time for this.Accompanying Bols (which r Jaggerey coconut flour sweets) are given bananas Hey whats the big deal one may say???Only sweets na ??? BOL bananas make a great Deal when they are demanded in thousands Imagine thousands of Bananas Bols .What a pity !This is no cheesy affair But Dene is a compulsory part of the tradition of the wedding .So it remains standard every where .Its usually taken a day before the marriage that the gals take it to her to be in laws place.Her things are then displayed ..,,,relatives friends are invited to have a look at the things .The things that are displayed are from Gold to beauty aids ..clothes ..furniture sanitary ware etc.There are various comments passed out there . .Some old aunty will then pass a comment.. This chocker seems to be light .Ohh just 6 bangles.Then the money on the Table kept is closely observed by many .KAI VORNO NA (..she taken nothing ) is heard most of the time . Some young gals will come to check out for the latest things ..Pattern of the dress.. What make up kit??? The number of Pillow covers the bride is taking ..what pattern for the crochet ???The things are then taken to her husbands place .Its the same displayable procedure there too .In fact here is where the real scrutiny takes place If there is match in the demands the brides people are taken inside a room given a Mouth Full: What a pity!I have seen this happening in my family too .In fact there are instances where I have seen my uncles crying for the same .Anyway this is as far demands are not met. But In case of the things are up to the satisfactory level the Brides folks can expect some respect from the Groom side. When I look back think on all this .. I often ask find me asking my ownself.Does this type of behavior beseem us Christians -the followers of Christ . I ask my people around y this show .They tell me its not a dowry system its Just Trousseau all this is for the Gal na . For me ..there is no difference betn a Trousseau (dene) dowry . If this so called Trousseau or dowry (what soever it may be) can cause pain grudges fights at the weddings ,, ,does this at all comes from GOD Hey I personally feel that this comes from none other then DEVIL ,,,yaar The mails, I read earlier talked a lot abt things happening in Kerela.Whether its Kearla or Goa its ..is the same Parents pain tears everywhere. Well I am not against any tradition Or culture ..They are good as long as there is there is peace joy.. (the gifts of the Holy Spirit) around . As for me.. I think it a high time to break these Sickening Rules .MY personal things are mine ..no one has the right to comment abt what I am taking to my new House .I have taken the first step against practice ..pls keep me in your prayers ..i need them ..cos its not so easy as I think to break a Tradition . (Jesus also had a hard time breaking evil traditions too) What all I have written is a just a general my personal view ..I know of Guys gals who have Had The courage To say NO to this system.. Praise God for the same!!1 But All boils down to one Fact . ITS THE MAN the WOMAN in marriage .They are the one who can MAKE or MAR the sanctity of marriage . In Jesus Welchy Mumbai (Hey I am open to corrections ..) Send your FREE holiday greetings online! http://greetings.yahoo.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] Trousseau Or Dowry
Well I dont know how far the discussion reg dowry has reached as I still have many unread mails due to heavy work schedule .But I still wanna add a few pts of to this Topic ..thank u Priya joy ,,,she has been asking me to write at Jy esp. abt this very topic. She says wants to hear from the Goan Gal of Jy . So my dear Jys Here I Open my big mouth : We Goenkars (goans ) have something called DENE (Konkani word).English Word trousseauGetup of the Bride The Real meaning being(at least for me ) : Dowry Goan gals at a very young age are taught to collect things for Dene .Every small thing is collected for the Dene There is something else that accompanies Dene called BOL.A sweet given to the husbands folks as that they can distribute the same to whole village after marriage (hey guys I am talking abt village ok) In Mumbai no one has the time for this.Accompanying Bols (which r Jaggerey coconut flour sweets) are given bananas Hey whats the big deal one may say???Only sweets na ??? BOL bananas make a great Deal when they are demanded in thousands Imagine thousands of Bananas Bols .What a pity !This is no cheesy affair But Dene is a compulsory part of the tradition of the wedding .So it remains standard every where .Its usually taken a day before the marriage that the gals take it to her to be in laws place.Her things are then displayed ..,,,relatives friends are invited to have a look at the things .The things that are displayed are from Gold to beauty aids ..clothes ..furniture sanitary ware etc.There are various comments passed out there . .Some old aunty will then pass a comment.. This chocker seems to be light .Ohh just 6 bangles.Then the money on the Table kept is closely observed by many .KAI VORNO NA (..she taken nothing ) is heard most of the time . Some young gals will come to check out for the latest things ..Pattern of the dress.. What make up kit??? The number of Pillow covers the bride is taking ..what pattern for the crochet ???The things are then taken to her husbands place .Its the same displayable procedure there too .In fact here is where the real scrutiny takes place If there is match in the demands the brides people are taken inside a room given a Mouth Full: What a pity!I have seen this happening in my family too .In fact there are instances where I have seen my uncles crying for the same .Anyway this is as far demands are not met. But In case of the things are up to the satisfactory level the Brides folks can expect some respect from the Groom side. When I look back think on all this .. I often ask find me asking my ownself.Does this type of behavior beseem us Christians -the followers of Christ . I ask my people around y this show .They tell me its not a dowry system its Just Trousseau all this is for the Gal na . For me ..there is no difference betn a Trousseau (dene) dowry . If this so called Trousseau or dowry (what soever it may be) can cause pain grudges fights at the weddings ,, ,does this at all comes from GOD Hey I personally feel that this comes from none other then DEVIL ,,,yaar The mails, I read earlier talked a lot abt things happening in Kerela.Whether its Kearla or Goa its ..is the same Parents pain tears everywhere. Well I am not against any tradition Or culture ..They are good as long as there is there is peace joy.. (the gifts of the Holy Spirit) around . As for me.. I think it a high time to break these Sickening Rules .MY personal things are mine ..no one has the right to comment abt what I am taking to my new House .I have taken the first step against practice ..pls keep me in your prayers ..i need them ..cos its not so easy as I think to break a Tradition . (Jesus also had a hard time breaking evil traditions too) What all I have written is a just a general my personal view ..I know of Guys gals who have Had The courage To say NO to this system.. Praise God for the same!!1 But All boils down to one Fact . ITS THE MAN the WOMAN in marriage .They are the one who can MAKE or MAR the sanctity of marriage . In Jesus Welchy Mumbai (Hey I am open to corrections ..) Send your FREE holiday greetings online! http://greetings.yahoo.com This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to this mailing list, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[JOYnet] World DAY of FASTING FOR PEACE
Fighting Against Terrorism -- with Prayer and Fasting Vatican Office Publishes Document to Prepare for Jan. 24 VATICAN CITY, DEC. 7, 2001 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican has published guidelines on the fast and prayer for peace, stating that it is hard to see how terrorism will be tackled at its roots without a conversion of hearts. With this spirit, the Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff published a document Thursday entitled Liturgical -- Pastoral Guidelines on the Fast and Prayer for Peace in Preparation for the Assisi Meeting of January 24, 2002. The text also offers specific suggestions for the Dec. 14 day of fast, called by John Paul II, in conjunction with the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. After the grievous terrorist attacks in the United States of America on September 11, the Holy Father has, on a number of occasions, deplored such violence and expressed his concern for the consequences of the military action taking place in Afghanistan, the document explains in the introduction. The Church prays and invites everyone to ensure that love will prevail over hatred, peace over war, truth over falsehood, and forgiveness over revenge, the text of the guidelines adds, which is addressed to all dioceses. The Holy Father wishes the fast to become a cry of hearts to the Lord, because without his help it will not be possible to find a solution to the tragic situation now facing the world. The Vatican document explains that the day of fasting involves all the faithful freely: children, who willingly make sacrifices to help other poor children; young people, who are especially sensitive to the cause of justice and peace; all adults, excluding the sick but including the elderly. Local tradition will suggest the best form of fasting to adopt: eating only one meal, or taking only 'bread and water,' or waiting until sundown before eating, the document states. In addition, it will be the responsibility of the Bishop to determine a simple and effective way of placing whatever is saved through fasting at the disposal of the poor, especially those who at present are suffering the consequences of terrorism and war. The novelty proposed by John Paul II is that the fast should be coupled with a pilgrimage. Dec. 14 will be the start of a spiritual and physical journey of believers toward an interior change. Bishops will establish places for prayer from Dec. 14 until the vigil of Jan. 23, eve of the Assisi event. Thus, this pilgrimage of preparation will extend over Christmas and Jan. 1, the World Day of Peace, which this year has the following motto established by the Pope: No Peace Without Justice, No Justice Without Forgiveness. ZE01120708 * Holy See´s Guidelines for Fast and Prayer for Peace Issued by Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff VATICAN CITY, DEC. 7, 2001 (ZENIT.org).- Here are liturgical and pastoral guidelines for the fast and prayer for peace, in preparation for the Jan. 24 event in Assisi, Italy. The Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff issued the guidelines. * * * LITURGICAL-PASTORAL GUIDELINES ON THE FAST AND PRAYER FOR PEACE IN PREPARATION FOR THE ASSISI MEETING OF 24 JANUARY 2002 After the grievous terrorist attacks in the United States of America on 11 September, the Holy Father has on a number of occasions deplored such violence and expressed his concern for the consequences of the military action taking place in Afghanistan. The Church prays and invites everyone to ensure that love will prevail over hatred, peace over war, truth over falsehood, and forgiveness over revenge. More than two months after the attacks of 11 September, the situation remains serious, tension is very high, and people everywhere are still greatly distressed. For this reason, at the Angelus Prayer of 18 November 2001 His Holiness asked that for Catholics 14 December be a day of fasting, during which they should pray fervently that God will grant the world a stable peace, based upon justice.1 He added that it was his intention to invite representatives of the religions of the world to come to Assisi on 24 January 2002 in order to pray for an end to hostilities and the advancement of true peace.2 Responding to this pastoral initiative by the Holy Father, this Note seeks to offer some thoughts on Christian fasting (14 December 2001), as well as on aspects of the Prayer Vigil of 23 January and the Pilgrimage of Prayer of 24 January 2002). Some practical suggestions are also given as to how these days might best be benefited from. 1. CHRISTIAN FASTING 1.1 The Essence of Christian Fasting Fasting has an important place in all the great religions. The Old Testament lists fasting among the corner-stones of the spirituality of Israel: Prayer is good when accompanied by fasting, almsgiving and justice (Tob 12:8).3 Fasting implies an attitude
