Showing posts with label Catholic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Ban of crucifix in classrooms in Italy infuriates Catholics & other Christian denominations

11/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


It is the sobering message of the times. If one is not paying attention, the anti-Christians, the secularists and those against faith-based beliefs have been assaulting religion again. In a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, the crucifix, the symbol of the suffering Jesus Christ revered by Christians, has been banned in Italian schools. The court rationalized its caustic decision by saying that faith-based symbols are “breach of religious rights of children.”

The case against the crucifix was lodged by atheists----Soile Lautsi, a Finnish immigrant and her Italian husband who protested that the classroom display of the cross violated the freedom and religious rights of their two children. For their complaint, they were awarded EU$5,000 as damages. Seven judges of the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg upheld their argument adding:

"The presence of the crucifix could easily be interpreted by pupils of all ages as a religious sign and they would feel that they were being educated in a school environment bearing the stamp of a given religion.

This could be encouraging for religious pupils, but also disturbing for pupils who practised other religions or were atheists, particularly if they belonged to religious minorities." ---MailOnline (11/04/09, Pisa, N.)

The Italians, the Vatican authorities along with many Christian believers worldwide expressed their outrage over the ruling. Angry reactions came from abroad. In cyberspace, Catholics and other denominational Christians expressed dissatisfaction. All over Italy, mayors pledged to disobey the unfriendly ruling.

Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, a conservative, asserted the removal of the symbol of Jesus in classrooms "denies the rights and roots of Europeans." He said banning the crucifix is not acceptable to Italians. Msgr. Vincenzo Paglia, the head of the Italian bishop’s intercultural dialogue commission commented the court's decision was "irresponsible".

“They are creating a Europe without identity and tradition,” said Alessandra Mussolini, the granddaughter of Benito Mussolini, who in his time ordered the display of the crucifix.

Foreign minister Franco Frattini said the prohibition is a death blow to “a Europe of values and rights.” Agriculture minister Luca Zaia remarked the crucifix’s removal is shameful. Antonio Mazzocchi, a Berlusconi ally, noted Europe is forgetting its Christian heritage.

Mara Bizzoto, a parliamentarian, asked why the European court only ruled against the crucifix but spared Islamc symbols such as veils, burqas, and niqabs. Are the court members afraid of the Islamic faith? Is it clear that there is double standard in antagonizing Christians while avoiding the ire of Muslims, a growing immigrant ethnic group with known violent minority in their ranks?

Christians must stand up and be resolute in countering the growing anti-Christian hostility of radical secularists, agnostics, and atheists who wish to throw away faith and social traditions of believers. The controversial ban on crucifixes in the classroom is reminiscent of the persecution of early Christians. Prejudice against the Christians has gone overboard and must be rejected. (Photo Credit: giftscatholic.com) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Viva La Virgen! Viva Divino Rostro!

8/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


En Septiembre 11 hasta Septiembre 19 hoy ano, con orgullo, celebramos la fiesta del Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia, la patrona del Bicol en Filipinas. Rogamos para gozo, bondad, y paz. Felicidades a todos!

PENAFRANCIA FIESTA 2009
New York, New Jersey & Connecticut
September 11 to September 19, 2009


“It must be the same date, rain or shine, that fiestas had been recalled in many states and cities across the continental United States. With all the Bicolanos and their respective organizations from California to Chicago to Hawaii to Virginia to New York, one might wonder how many Filipino-Americans paid tribute to the patroness of the Bicol region.

As the chills of autumn set in and the soft slanted rays of the sun become more apparent in the early evening, a pork roast, a bottle of cold San Miguel beer, and line dancing can well define the Penafrancia fun.“ ----Penafrancia in America by Augusto F. Mesia, M.D.

(Photo Credit: maberry)

RELATED BLOG: "OLPDA unveils schedule of 2009 Penafrancia Fiesta in Northeast" posted by mesiamd at 7/29/2009

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PostHeaderIcon BACS Meet revival in Naga City

8/07/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




Those who studied in Catholic school about 50 years ago in Bicol cannot forget the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) meet----a dazzling sports and socio-cultural event that brought schools, students, teachers and parents in a merry celebration of Catholic education. In a week, activities that included parades, academic contests, and sports were held to instill pride, competitiveness, and teamwork among the young.

For reasons that include budget constraints, BACS Meet was discontinued. But through the years, many clamored for its restoration. After 30 years, Bicol Mail reported the event’s come back on August 13-15, 2009 in Naga City under the leadership of the new BACS president, Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ of the Ateneo de Naga University.

“More than a thousand college, elementary and high school students from the six catholic educational associations of Virac, Caceres and Libmanan, Daet, Libmanan, Sorsogon and Masbate are expected to take part in this biennial event. “---Bicol Mail (08/07/09)

The BACS Meet is certainly a part of the education and formation of Bicolanos. Coordinators of the activities include is Mr. Joseph Eric “Jec” Claro, Athletics Director of Ateneo de Naga University. Mr. Marcelino Lagoda of Naga Parochial School, Mr. Silver Caoili of Universidad de Sta. Isabel and Mr. Bong Plantado of St. Joseph School. More information can be obtained from Ateneo Athletics Office at 495-5069 or e-mail at jeclaro@yahoo.com. (Photo Credit: www.adenu.edu.ph) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA & the San Lorenzo Mass in Manhattan

8/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Leading the devotees of the Our Lady of Penafrancia (OLPDA,) Fr. Joseph G. Marabe celebrated the San Lorenzo Ruiz Mass on Saturday, August1, 2009 in the SLR chapel located at 378 Broom Street, New York, New York.

Boy Cabaero, chairman of OLPDA and wife Dina coordinated the event attended by the officers, members and supporters of the association. A simple but lively fellowship followed after the mass.

The solemn celebration predates the onset of the annual Penafrancia celebration from September 11 to 19, 2009 in the Our Lady of Victories Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo Credit: Elmer I Nocheseda ng Pateros) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Ika sanang Namomotan---"No Mas Amor” sa Bikol

8/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Ngonian na nagadan na si Presidente Corazon Aquino, naguiromdoman ko an amiga kong si Joceline Losa Masauding kan Carolina Sur na kan sarong bulan nag-email sakuya. Sabi niya tabangan ko da'a siya maghanap nin Bikol na kanta kan “No Mas Amor”---an madahom na kansiyon na kinakanta ta sa pag-pangadie sa Sagrada Corazon (Sacred Heart.) Sa mati ko, hale sa Sagrada Corazon, an pangaran ni Cory---guikan sa mapag-mo’ot na puso ni Jesu Kristo.

Sa preparasyon kan pangadie para ki Nuestra Senor de Penafrancia sa Charleston ngonian na maabot sa Septiembre, muya ni Joceline na mag-guibo nin bag’ong folyeto nin novena. Sa pag-pugay sa puso ni Jesus, gusto niyang i-ayon an No Mas Amor Que El Tuyo.

No Mas Amor Que El Tuyo

No mas amor que el tuyo
O Corazon divino
El Pueblo Filipino
Te da su Corazon
En templos y en hogares
Te invoque nuestra lengua
Tu reinaras sin mengua
De Aparri hasta Jolo

Coro:
Ha tiempo que esperamos
Tu imperio en el Oriente
La Fe de Filipinas
Es como el sol ardiente,
Como la roca firme
Inmensa como el mar
La iniquidad no puewde
Ser de estas Islas duenas
Que izada en nuestros montes
Tu celestial ensena
Las puertas del infierno
No prevaleceran.

Haloy kaming naghanap kan kantang Bikol na iyan. Maski ang mga pading hinapotan mi, dae aram. Sa kahurian, si Joceline man sana an naka-kua kan hinahanap niya. Sa kabo’otan ni Fr. O. Largoza kan Nabua, Camarines Sur, nataw’an siya nin kopya kan kantang kan sadit pa tanda niya. Dae naghaloy, kan nagbisita si Joceline sa Nueva York kan sarong bulan, kinanta mi ang Bikol na No Mas Amor. Magayonon! (Photo Credit: Inspirational)

Uya tabi an No Mas Amor in Bikol---na satong sa bo’ot na kinakanta para ipagpugay ang kalinigan kan puso ni Jesus.

Ika Sanang Namomotan

Ika sanang Namomotan
O Diosnon na puso
An banwang Pilipino
Dusay sa puso mo
Sa simbahan sa harong man
Dila mi ika ina-arang
Namaghade kang tunay
Sa Aparri sagcod Jolo.

Coro:
Haloy mi nang pinagmawot
Paghade mo sa Siragnan
An Pagtubod niamo
Siring sa mainit na aldaw
Gapo baga kapusog
Dagat baga kahiwas
Di mangyari an karatan
Maghade sa kaporoan
Kun tindog sa Kabukiran
Langitnon mong tanda'an
An bilog na infierno
Di mangyari nanggad. =0=
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PostHeaderIcon St. Lorenzo Ruiz Mass in New York

7/29/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA) is sponsoring the 6:30 pm mass @ the Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz this coming Saturday, August 1. The group is inviting everyone to join the celebration at the chapel located in Chinatown at 378 Broome St., New York, New York (between Mulberry & Mott Streets) Tel No. 212-966-1019. Website: www.chapelofsanlorenzoruiz.org.

Please advise if you're coming so we can prepare enough refreshments for everyoone. Hoping to see you there. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Prayers pour in for ailing Pres. Cory Aquino

7/24/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


From simple Filipino folks to no less that Pope Benedict XVI, many are praying for the healing and comfort of Pres. Cory Aquino who is stricken ill by terminal colonic cancer. The former President, who is a pillar of fortitude, honesty, and grace, has been diagnosed with the deadly malignant abdominal disease last year.

Apostolic Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope’s secretary of state, sent a message as follows:

“The Holy Father has asked that you be informed that he is remembering you in his prayers. At the same time, he invokes upon you the blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in pledge of healing and comfort.” ----Philstar (07/24/09, Macairan, E.)

Having refused further treatment, Aquino, the 76-year old devout Catholic who led the country during the dark days when Pres. Ferdinand Marcos was kicked out from office, is confined at the Makati Medical Center. She was reported to have lost appetite and weight.

Her daughter Kris Aquino said, she had been suffering pain as a result of the cancer. On her hospital bed at one point, she summoned her 5 children to be with her. Yellow ribbons hang outside the hospital and elsewhere in Manila to pay homage to Ninoy Aquino's widow--- reminiscent of her days when she led the country from the tyranny of Marcos rule. The ailing president was erroneously reported as dead, obviously by irresponsible person(s) not authorize to speak for the Aquino family. (Photo Credit: ManilaRyce/ Time) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Libmanan raised as 57th diocese

6/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


On March 25, 2009, Libmanan in Camarines Sur had been established as the 57th diocese of the Philippines. According to Most Rev. Msgr. Jose R. Rojas, Jr., the declaration by the Vatican coincided with the feast of the Annunciation, making Libmanan the 5th diocese in the Archdiocese of Caceres.

The Canonical Erection of the Diocese of Libmanan is scheduled on June 19, 2009 to be held at Cathedral of St. James the Apostle, Libmanan, Camarines Sur with Naga Metropolitan Archibishop Msgr. Leonardo Legaspi presiding.

Msgr. Rojas is the first bishop of the newly created diocese over which he supervises 36 priests. Before its elevation, Libmanan became a prelature through a decree by then Pope John Paul II with 16 parishes in towns of Sipocot, Cabusao, Ragay, Del Gallego, Lupi, Libmanan, Pasacao, Pamaplona, San Fernando , Milaor, and Minalabac. (Photo Credit: Libmanantowards20decades) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Obama addresses Notre Dame University amid protests

5/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Pres. Barack Obama finally was able to attend the commencement exercises of Notre Dame University on March 17, 2009 amid protests for his stance against abortion. In what many Catholic bishops consider as a scandal, the school went on to give the president an honorary degree which offended many.

There were at least 27 protesters arrested during the graduation rites who believe that terminating the life of the unborn is intrinsically wrong. They believe having Obama in the Catholic university receiving an honorary degree damages the moral teaching of the Church.

“Obama entered the arena to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from many in the crowd of 12,000. But as the president began his commencement address, at least three protesters interrupted it. One yelled, 'Stop killing our children'"--YahooNews.com/ AP (05/17/09, Pace, J)

To assuage his audience, Obama, a staunch abortion advocate called for understanding saying that willful termination of pregnancy should be rare. But many of his opponents who know how the president had used words to his advantage doubt if this will be true. (Photo Credit: Supernova)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Pope Benedict XVI draws a crowd of 20,000 in a mass in Jordan

5/10/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


On his third day of his visit to Jordan, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated holy mass in an open-air stadium, drawing Christian minorities to the capital city of Amman and from neighboring countries like Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon.

The pontiff who calls for reconciliation and peace among Christians, Jews, and Muslims was thanked by a top Jordanian Muslim official for expressing regrets on his comments in 2006 which quoted Islam in derogatory terms. For the Sunday mass on May 10, 2009, Catholics from various places in Muslim-dominated Middle East attend including 500 young children who will receive their first holy communion. (Photo Credit: Jari Kurittu)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Protesters send 300,000 signatures versus Obama speaking in Notre Dame University graduation

5/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The first 300,000 signatories against honoring Pres. Barack Obama and opposing his presence in the Notre Dame University’s commencement exercises have been delivered to the university president Fr. John Jenkins and the individual members of the school’s board of trustees.

Spearheaded by the Cardinal Newman Society, the signature campaign with the blessing of about 50 bishops is on time for Friday’s deliberation to reconsider the decision.

“Copies of the petitions are also being rushed by The Cardinal Newman Society, which sponsored the petition, to Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education; Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican ambassador) to the United States; Francis Cardinal George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); Bishop John D’Arcy, of Fort Wayne-South Bend, who presides over Notre Dame; and Bishop Robert McManus, Chairman of the USCCB Education Committee.” ---- Patrick J. Reilly, President, The Cardinal Newman Society

It's the first time this year since 1883 that no recipient of the award will be honored. The invitation of Obama to address the graduation has caused bitter divisions among Catholics. The university’s charter prescribes against inviting people with Obama's pro-abortion stand. In part, is says says:

"The essential character of the University as a Catholic institution of higher learning shall at all times be maintained, it being the stated intention and desire of the present Fellows of the University that the University shall retain in perpetuity its identity as such an institution."

As this develops, the university decided not to give its top graduation honor to Mary Ann Glendon, a Harvard University law professor and anti-abortion scholar who rejected the award, saying the school shouldn't be honoring Obama for propagating abortion and stem cell research. Replacing Glendon speak, the school invited a federal judge John T. Noonan Jr., a federal judge and former recipient of the award. (Photo Credit: Hogan27's world) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19, 2009

4/19/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


“Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

Amidst the chaotic reality of the world today, Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy on April 19, 2009, the first Sunday after Easter. (Photo Credit: Jim Fores)=0=

RELATED BLOG: "Divine Mercy Pilgrimage at Stockbridge, Massachusetts" Posted by mesiamd at 3/13/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Caroline Kennedy’s support for abortion disqualifies her as US ambassador to the Vatican

4/15/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

After her failed bid to become the New York senator replacement of Hillary Clinton, Caroline Kennedy, 53, the only surviving child of the Pres. John F. Kennedy was considered unfit to serve as ambassador to the Holy See. According to Vatican sources, Kennedy’s staunch support abortion (just like the support of other Obama nominees) disqualifies her for the position.

Obama's endorsement of Caroline to the post had been perceived as a reward for the Kennedy's support to his presidential election. Many Catholics believe it is an insult to their faith to send in a woman who accepts the killing of unborn human beings.

The embarrassing rejection which the White House didn’t comment on, was upheld by Raymond Flynn, a former US ambassador to the Vatican, who said the well-connected Kennedy who espouses secular-liberal values contrary to Roman Catholic teaching wasn’t a good choice.

"It's imperative, it's essential that the person who represents us to the Holy See be a person who has pro-life values. I hope the President doesn't make that mistake," he told the Boston Herald. "She said she was pro-choice. I don't assume she's going to change that, which is problematic."----Telegraph.co. uk.(04/11/09, Spillius, A)

It’s just right that the Roman Catholic Church must assert what it teaches. A religion doesn’t have to bow down to the dictates of the secular society---especially if such dictates are contrary to its beliefs and traditions. Caroline's faulty nomination to the Holy See is just one among several in Obama administration who accepted positions with questionable qualifications. Photo Credit: photo240779) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Caroline Kennedy backs out from New York US Senate race" Posted by mesiamd at 1/22/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Happy Easter!

4/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


"Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness."---Floyd W. Tomkins

With hope that poverty, armed conflicts, and economic uncertainty must end, UP Ibalon Bicol joins the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI and the entire Christian world in bringing the message of reconciliation and peace to all people. May God bless us all.(Photo Credit: Slew30)=0=
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PostHeaderIcon Holy Week Recollection

4/11/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Easter Light
by The Rev. Dr. Paul S. Nancarrow

Out of the darkness, light shines.

Out of the chaos waste and void,
when storm raged over the yet uncreated earth,
and the darkness lay on the face of the deep—
God acted,
and the light of creation burst forth,
and the world began to be.

Out of the dark night at the shores of the Red Sea,
as the children of Israel fled from the armies of Pharaoh,
as they saw the joy of their liberation from bondage and slavery
turn into terror at the approaching revenge of a bitter tyrant,
as they cried out to Moses to save them from the enemy—
God acted,
and the light kindled into a pillar of fire
which stood before the Israelites to protect them,
and a strong east wind blew back the waters of the sea,
so that God’s people could cross on dry land,
and there they were saved.

Out of the dark of the garden tomb,
the new tomb were no one had yet been laid,
where Joseph of Arimathea
and Nicodemus the Pharisee
had put Jesus’ body
when Pilate gave them permission to have it taken down from the cross,

Out of the darkness sealed in stone and heavy with the nothingness of death—
God acted,
and light flared forth in an unimaginable glory,
and the tomb was empty,
empty,
the graveclothes folded where the body had been laid
and was laid no longer;
the stone rolled back and open to the gentle dawn air,
letting in the first light of the sunrise
of the day when the whole Creation
was made new.

Out of the dark of a shadowed church,
where the faithful are gathered to remember God’s mighty acts,
where the long fast of Lent is coming to its end,
where the story of God’s love is being rehearsed
and remembered
and reconnected to people’s lives
in their here
and in their now—
God acts,
and a new fire is kindled,
and the Paschal Candle is lighted,
and the people chant
“The Light of Christ! Thanks be to God!”
and Easter has begun.

Out of the darkness of sin and grief,

out of the shadows of pain
and suffering
and ill will
that so often shroud our human lives—
God acts,
and the light of Christ comes to us,
blazing forth in new glory
that is redemption
and re-creation
and resurrection
and eternal life.
This is Easter,
this our Feast of Feasts.

Out of the darkness, light shines.

(Photo Credit: Dr. Ashra Fekry)

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PostHeaderIcon Bizarre Holy Week Tradition: Crucifixion in Pampanga

4/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


About 2,000 years have passed since the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and crucifixion is still being practiced in Pampanga. Supervised by the government, the villages of San Pedro Cutud, Sta. Lucia, and San Juan observe the Lenten tradition with ceremonial flagellations and the nailing of the cross watched by crowds of curious spectators. The reenactment of Jesus’ suffering is preceded by a “pabasa” and way of the cross recalling the Christ's passion.

The practice of crucifixion might have originated in 1962 when Artemio Anoza, a faith-healer who agreed to be nailed on the cross. From then on, a growing crowd of penitents, about 500-600 “repentant" human beings parade the street, whipping themselves in atonement for their sins.

As a culmination of a Calvary-like imitation of Jesus, the people get to see about 10 to 15 people undergo nailing in Cutud. In addition Sta Lucia, and San Juan have 9 and 5 people respectively are put on the stake to be crucified. More than 70,000 to 80,000 spectators troop to these rituals.

"A man who paints houses and makes streamers for a living, Enaje will be nailed to the cross for the 23rd year. He took to the cross as a thanksgiving after he survived a fall from a three-story building in 1986.”----Inquirer (04/07/09, Oreias, T)

Village leaders say the crucifixions are acts of repentance and expressions of thanks. For a special favor penitents fulfull their promises of being nailed on the tree on their own volition. Contrary to the allegations of others, people say the flagellants (Mandarame) don't get crucified for a fee.

The crucifixion isn’t part of the Catholic religious observance that dates back in pagan times. The primitive practice is discouraged by the modern Catholic Church. Yet in Pampanga, it has been a compelling tradition.

A macabre source of tourist curiosity, this bloody observance of Jesus Christ’s death has drawn criticisms from various segments of society. The public complains this Lenten observance is primitively gruesome. Diluting the significance of the Holy Week, the crucifixion has lost it's solemnity with the crowds. It has become commercialized.

To keep peace and order, about 200 police officers will be deployed on Good Friday. Local government officials regard the crucifixion as a tourist attraction from which part its income comes from. (Photo Credits: Caroline Butler; LA Times/ Mark Boster; Michel Detay x 2; Caroline Butler) =0=



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PostHeaderIcon Bishop Rojas named as head of new diocese in Camarines Sur

3/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The prelature of Libmanan, Camarines Sur which was canonically created by the late Pope John Paul II in March 19, 1990 had been designated a new diocese by Pope Benedict XVI and appointed Jose Rojas, Jr. as its bishop. This was announced by the pontiff’s envoy to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams. ---CBCP News (03/25/09, Lagarde, R)

Together with 51 priests, Bishop Rojas, 52, who is from Naga City serves the new diocese with about 500,000 Catholics in 27 parishes.

For this significant milestone, UP Ibalon Bicol and its members joyously congratulate Bishop Rojas and the entire Libmanan Diocese. (Photo Credit: Libmanantowards20decade)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA holds Lenten Recollection

3/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Associaton (OLPDA) of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut invites Ina’s devotees to a day of prayer at the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Jersey City, NJ on Saturday, March 21, 2009.

Boy Cabaero, chairman of the association extends the free invitation to all and requests those attending to call him at 201-566-8424 or Genevieve del Rosario at 201-424-4435 on or before Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The whole-day religious event has the following schedule: (Photo Credits: Groenling x 2) =0=


PROGRAM

I. HOLY MASS – 10:00 - 11:00 A.M.

II. STATIONS OF THE CROSS – 11:00 – 11:45 A.M.

III. LUNCH – 12:00 – 12:45 P.M.

IV. FIRST TALK – 12:50 – 1:20 P.M.

V. BREAK – 1:20 – 1:30 P.M.

VI. SECOND TALK – 1:30 – 2:00 P.M.

VII. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – 2:00 – 2:30 P. M.

VIII. CONFESSIONS – 2:30 – 3:00 P.M.

Presider, Homilist, and Speaker: Rev. Joe Saltarin, Pastor, St. Anne’s Church, New Jersey



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PostHeaderIcon Survey says a rising number of Americans have “no religion”

3/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The poll made by Program of Public Virtues of Trinity College in Hartford, CT between February and November last year reported that only 76.7% of Americans identified themselves as Christians, a 9.5% decline from the 86.2% in the 1990’s. Most of the attrition comes from non-Catholic denominations. The percentage of Catholics has significantly increased in the Southwest, greater than in the Northeast, shifting attention to the needs of Hispanics in the Roman Catholic Church.

Additional findings of the American Religious Identification Survey include:
1. Americans claiming “no religion” is up from 8.8% in 1990 to 14.2% in 2001 and 15% in 2008
2. Between 2001 and 2008, 4.7 million Americans claimed to have “no religion”
3. Northern New England is ahead of the Pacific Northwest as the least religious section of the country, with Vermont, at 34% with “no religion” leading all other states by 9 points.
4. 90% of the decline among Christians comes from the non-Catholic segment of the Christian population, mostly from mainline denominations, including Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians/Anglicans, and the United Church of Christ. Source: http://usnews.com/ (03/09/0, Gilgoff. D)

This may represent a changing culture---- the rising secularization of United States where having “no religion” has turned to be more socially acceptable than a decade ago. The demographic shift among believers and non-believers may affect the way Americans think, vote, and live on issues like abortion, stem cell research, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and education among others as liberals, leftists, and secular progressives veer away from the Judeo-Christian tradition which is the cornerstone of the moral and cultural values of America since it was established. (Photo Credit emardaalvinbabista) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Recalling Fr. Damien of Molokai, Hawaii

2/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Vatican announced that Fr. Damien de Veuster (1840-1889), the late 19th century Belgian priest who selflessly ministered to leprosy-stricken people in a settlement in Kalaupapa, Hawaii will be declared saint on October 11, 2009. Considered a “martyr of charity,” Fr. Damien served the quarantined patients in Molokai, Hawaii where he contracted Hansen’s disease (leprosy) until he died at the age of 49.

“Damien's life was suffused with horror, yet he refused to be broken by it and refused to permit his little flock to be swept into despair. He ran foot races for the sports-loving lepers, even though some of them had no feet. He formed a band, even though some had few fingers to play the instruments. One witness reported two organists who played at the same time, managing ten fingers between them.”---Damien, the leper (www.ewtn.com/library/)

A protector of those shunned by society because of disease affliction, the Roman Catholic priest and member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, a missionary religious group, was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 4, 1995. He had been identified as a champion of the outcasts---those with HIV-AIDS, leprosy, and other contagious diseases.

The remembrance of Fr. Damien is timely as the Catholic Church observes Ash Wednesday on February 25, 2009, the onset of lent, the days of fasting, penance, and reconciliation. (Photo Credit: Hawaii State Archives x 2 PD) =0=



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