UP Ibalon Bicol: Pope Benedict XVI

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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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Labels: cancer, Catholic, colon, colon cancer, Cory Aquino, illness, Kris Aquino, Makati, malignancy, Pope Benedict XVI, prayers, Totie Mesia, treatment, Vatican, yellow ribbons

Pope Benedict XVI breaks wrist

7/17/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In an accidental fall, during a vacation in the Italian Alps, Pope Benedict XVI, the Roman Catholic supreme pontiff figured in a fall. He broke his right wrist and is being treated for it.

According to Rev. Federico Lombardi, the 82 year-old German church leader who appears in good health is in no serious danger. However, he has to be treated at the Umberto Parini Hospital in Aosta, Italy for a bone injury that was visualized in an x-ray. (Photo Credit: Jari Kurittu) =0=

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Labels: accident, fracture, injury, Pope Benedict XVI, Roman Catholic Church, Totie, treatment

Pope speaks against terrorism and calls for a Palestinian state

5/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Since his arrival on Friday in the Middle East, Pope Benedict XVI has visited Jordan and Israel. He reached the Aida Refugee camp in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Wednesday on May 13, 2009 to meet with the Palestinians.

The 82-year Pope Benedict who supports for the creation of a separate Palestinian state, passed through the gate of the 25-foot-high concrete wall which was built by Israel in the West Bank as part of its security.

In the refugee camp where about 5,000 Palestinians reside, the holy pontiff spoke of the towering barrier that divides the Palestinian from Israel. He asked young Palestinians to avoid taking revenge and have courage to resist violence in solving conflicts. He advised peaceful means in pursuing the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspiration to have an independent state.

The pope hoped that the massive wall which sequesters the Palestinians from the Israelis will be demolished someday. In a reaction, Mark Regev, an Israeli spokesman said, "We did not want to build a security barrier. We were forced to by the continuous infiltration of suicide bombers entering our country and murdering our people. We wish the reality were different."----Yahoo News/ AP (05/13/09, Hadid, Namari, D. et al)

The Christians in Middle East is a minority and suffers attrition because of continued violence and war. Many of those who live among nearly 4 million Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza have immigrated abroad to seek better opportunities and escape the cycles of hostilities that characterize these troubled places. (Photo Credit: AP/ New York Times (05/13/09 Todras-Whitehill, T) =0=

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Labels: diplomacy, Gaza, hope, Middle East, Palestine, Palestinian, peace, Pope Benedict XVI, refugees, terrorism, Totie Mesia, Visit, West Bank

Christians worldwide marks Palm Sunday

4/06/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

There is always grief as the Christian world enters the Holy Week to observe the passion and death of Jesus Christ. This Sunday, April 5, 2009, commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus to Jerusalem in a donkey --- a prelude to the observance of his way to Calvary and the crucifixion, 2,000 years ago.

With branches of olives and palms, Catholics remember the crowd that welcomed Jesus during the Jewish passover. Catholics retraces the path of the cross till His death on Good Friday and the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

In Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI led the celebration attended by thousands of pilgrims in the Square of St. Peter’s Basilica. In a clear day abundant sun, the pontiff and the people solemnly prayed for the African migrants who where lost at sea crossing the Mediterranean Sea on their way to a better place in Europe. The day is also offered to the youth who will celebrate the next youth day in Spain. (Photo Credit: KregSteppe; Newsbreaker) =0=

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Labels: Christians, Holy Week, Jerusalem, Palm Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI, religion, Totie Mesia, tradition, Vatican

Pope Benedict XVI's lenten visit to Africa

3/19/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In his first visit to Cameroon, Africa, Pope Benedict VI renewed his calls to all believers of the Roman Catholic Church to help the impoverished people of the world.

He underscores the need to protect and defend the poor African family from the snares of secularization that is fraying traditional values, causing a lot of misunderstanding and suffering in many nations. Cameroon is listed as among the poorest countries of the world where hunger is prevalent.

Amidst criticism versus the Vatican for preaching against artificial contraception, the German-born pontiff stresses his opposition against the use of condom. He says condoms distract people from personal discipline and proper sexual behavior. His long-standing religious perspective upheld by Catholics is contrary to the United Nation’s (UN) belief that condoms are necessary tools to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Catholic Opposition to the UN Declaration of gay rights

In another vein, the Catholic Church along with the Islamic faith opposes UN’s position on gay rights----the decriminalization of homosexuality. It is expected that under Barack Obama’s secular leadership, USA will a signatory to the declaration.

This is a complete reversal from the conservative position espoused by former Pres. George W. Bush, a perspective supported by many of America's 76% Christians who are against abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and stem cell research. In December last year, 66 of U.N.'s 192 members signed the decriminalization of homosexual acts, but 70 countries continue to outlaw the practice which they believe lead to deplorable sexual acts in society. (Photo Credit: DMalantic) =0=

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Labels: Africa, Cameroon, condoms, contraception, gay rights, Lent, moral religion, Pope Benedict XVI, Roman Catholic Church, Totie Mesia, Vatican

Israeli air strikes leave 200+ dead in Gaza Strip

12/28/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

As Pope Benedict XVI calls for renunciation of violence during the holy season of Christmas, Israelis and Palestinians are on a bloody confrontation again in the Gaza Strip leaving at least 200 dead and injuring about 400 more. This is the result of heavy air strikes conducted by Israeli troops against militant Palestinian targets in Hamas-dominated territory a week after a 6-month ceasefire truce expired.

The resumption of bombings and killings on Saturday, December 27, 2008, is supposed to be Israel’s retaliation to months of Hamas’ mortar fires and indiscriminate rocket launches which terrorize about ¼ million Israelis who live in the area.

Hamas infrastructures and installations had been destroyed and many security officers were killed or hurt. Gaza residents had been on the state of panic as the death toll rose and the wounded victims flooded hospitals and clinics.

“The offensive sparked angry protests throughout the Arab world, and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Vatican, the U.N. secretary-general and special Mideast envoy Tony Blair all called for an immediate restoration of calm. The Arab League scheduled an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the situation.”--- YahooNews.com; AP (12/28/08 Barzak, Brahim)

Hamas, the radical group considered by Israel as a terrorist organization, called for revenge, but Isreali military authorities had been firm in their stance. In spite of the call for calm, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak vowed to widen the military offensive if needed. Israel did not set a time-line on when the air strikes would end.

The long-standing conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians has taxed peace-makers for decades, but a solution has been consistently elusive. Extremist Arabs and Muslims in the Middle East who support the Palestinians call for the annihilation of the State of Israel. (Photo Credits: AP/ Mohammed Zastari; AP/ Mohammed Zastari; AFP; AP/ Mohammed Zastari) =0=

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Labels: air strike, conflict, Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Middle East, Palestine, peace, Pope Benedict XVI, terrorism, Totie Mesia, United Nations, Vatican, war

Pope Benedict XVI pleads for unity in the face of economic crisis

12/26/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Amidst the message of joy and hope on Christmas day, December 25, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the world with a reminder of difficulties that lie ahead as people across the globe face the economic downturn.

From the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the supreme leader of Catholics warned against greed which could exacerbate the massive job lay-offs, house forfeitures, and poverty sweeping many nations. He pleaded for poor and rich nations alike to set aside selfishness and work together in unity.

“Wherever the selfishness of individuals and groups prevails over the common good … may the light of Christmas shine forth and encourage all people to do their part in a spirit of authentic solidarity…. If people look only to their own interests, our world will certainly fall apart,” said the Pope.---PDI/AP/AFP (12/25/08}

On celebration of Jesus’ birthday, he touched on the suffering of the African people particularly in trouble-riddled countries like Zimbabwe, Congo, Sudan, and Somalia where political upheavals and socio-economic hardships persist. He denounced terrorism and violence. Heard by thousands who gathered at the basilica’s square, he lamented the unresolved conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.

At the Christmas midnight mass he officiated, the pontiff recalled the neglected poor children who fall victims of abuse and he prayed for those left on the streets to fend for themselves or forced to fight in wars. He said the world must do all it can to stop the suffering of the unfortunate people of the world. (Photo Credits: Reuters/ Osservatore Romano; Sam_herd)=0=

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Labels: Christians, Christmas, economy, Pope Benedict XVI, Totie Mesia, Unity

India’s 911 & the reminder of the ugly nature of terrorism

11/30/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

“Terrorist activity is continually recurring in various parts of the world, sowing death and destruction and plunging many of our brothers and sisters into grief and despair.”---Pope Benedict XVI

The gruesome killing spree by militant Islamic radicals in the financial district of India on November 27, 2008 brought a toll of at least 195 dead and more than 300 injured. Many lives were lost senselessly; many homes were broken. After a 60-hour bloody rampage, one could ask if these terrorists could be expected to follow the standards of Western justice and fair play.

Suspected to be Muslim extremists from neighboring Pakistan, the brutal killers left 22 foreigners and 15 Indian security officers among the dead. Their barbarity is their hallmark; their cruelty is incomprehensible.

“Terrorism is carried out purposefully, in a cold-blooded, calculated fashion. The declared goals of the terrorist may change from place to place. He supposedly fights to remedy wrongs -- social, religious, national, racial. But for all these problems his only solution is the demolition of the whole structure of society. No partial solution, not even the total redressing of the grievance he complains of, will satisfy him -- until our social system is destroyed or delivered into his hands.

“When I say that terrorism is war against civilization, I may be met by the objection that terrorists are often idealists pursuing worthy ultimate aims -- national or regional independence, and so forth. I do not accept this argument. I cannot agree that a terrorist can ever be an idealist, or that the objects sought can ever justify terrorism. The impact of terrorism, not merely on individual nations, but on humanity as a whole, is intrinsically evil, necessarily evil and w holly evil.”---Benjamin Netanyahu

The question about justice and fair play of terrorists is more significant as Pres. George W. Bush, the leader of the war on terror leaves office. In spite of his gains with America’s allies, many people forget his credit of foiling of reckless radicals who want to bomb US cities as they did with India. Demonized in a greater scale than his shortcomings, Bush still reminds the world of complacency, the evil of terrorism, and the costly war required in stopping it.

“Never give in. Never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” ---Sir Winston Churchill

Terrorists are determined to strike in a date, time and place of their choosing. They will do it in their own terms. Security and safety can only be achieved if they are vanquished and eradicated.

It appears this is a battle that can last longer than the lifetimes of people of the present generation. Changing a warped and immoral ideology takes time especially if linked with radical religious beliefs among people with failing governments and cultures.

"We can't accommodate terrorism. When someone uses the slaughter of innocent people to advance a so-called political cause, at that point the political cause becomes immoral and unjust and they should be eliminated from any serious discussion, any serious debate." ---Mayor Rudolf Guiliani

There are those who think that the terrorists are reasonable and fair. They believe they can be made to embrace peace and be taught good moral conduct. Yet by choosing violence and seeking the destruction of their enemies (i.e. Israel and USA) how can they be trusted? The people of the world are caught between their freedoms and living in a bubble of a society on edge, raising security to avoid an attack.

“This might sound arrogant, but I told the terrorist, 'You can harm my body, you can harm my mind, but you can't harm my soul. That is mine.' ---Terry Waite

It’s at this juncture that President-elect Barack Obama thinks deeply on how he’ll deal with cold-bloodied killers whose basic belief is to spread hatred and cause destruction of Western world. It is increasingly clear that those who want to destroy civilization will not stop at causing damage and physical harm. They are bent to inflict suffering, confront the world, until they gain control.

“The Republic was not established by cowards; and cowards will not preserve it ... This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.---Elmer Davis

The war on terror isn’t an electoral campaign issue anymore. Rather, it’s a problem that all Americans and their allies have to tackle with undiminished resolve. Obama needs to balance diplomacy, the use of force, pragmatism, and rational judgment. It remains to be seen whether his diplomacy will open a future world order that is peaceful and prosperous.

"While we must remain determined to defeat terrorism, it isn't only terrorism we are fighting. It's the beliefs that motivate terrorists. A new ideology of hatred and intolerance has arisen to challenge America and liberal democracy."--- Sen. John Kerry

To expect enemies to abandon their violent agenda in a diplomatic negotiation table is naïve and foolhardy. Not to use force against them when it is necessary may be courting defeat. The terrorists know how to exploit any sign of weakness. With the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attack, those who are soft on the radicals have something serious to think about. (Photo Credits: Madalena Pestena; Reuters/Stringer; AP/Gurinder Osan; AFP/Pedro Ugarte; Harpagonis; AFP/Indrabil Muherjee; AFP/Prakash Singh) =0=

Labels: 911, Benjamin Netanyahu, India, Islam, militant, Mumbai, Mumbai Terror, Muslim, Pope Benedict XVI, Rudolf Guliani, Sen. John Kerry, terrorism, Terry Waite, Totie Mesia, Winston Churchill

Science and the Mind of God

11/01/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

There is equanimity between Pope Benedict XVI and British cosmologist Stephen Hawkings when they briefly met on Friday, October 31, 2008 in a conference sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. In the meeting whose theme was "Scientific Insights into the Evolution of the Universe and of Life," the 81 year-old supreme leader of the Catholic Church and the reknown astro-physics professor of Cambridge seem to agree on God.

Wheel-chair bound and stricken by a severe debilitating neuro-muscular disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS,) Hawkings, author of the book “A Brief History of Time” said:

“"I believe the universe is governed by the laws of science….The laws may have been decreed by God, but God does not intervene to break the laws."

For his part Pope Benedict XVI said, ""There is no opposition between faith's understanding of creation and the evidence of the empirical sciences." Reuters-Yahoo.com (10/31/08 Stewarts, P; Bosley E)

The continuing dialogue of religion and science continues as humanity tries to understand its origin and the purpose of the cosmos. The Catholic Church accepts the theory of evolution as part of God’s plan for the universe and maintains there is no contradiction between faith and empirical science.

By itself, science is profound and has done astounding progress to advance mankind through the ages, yet the concept of God can even be greater. For all the wonders of human discovery, the mind of God may be way beyond what science can possibly comprehend. (Photo Credits: by www.joysf; Vatican; Ossevatore Romano; Reuters)=0=

Labels: cosmos, faith, God, origin, Pope Benedict XVI, religion, science, Stephen Hawkings, Totie Mesia, Universe

Godless world puts Christian identity in peril

10/06/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In a three-week gathering of 250 bishops from America, Europe, Asia, Pacific, and Africa, Pope Benedict XVI in his Sunday October 5, 2008 mass celebration in the Roman Basilica of St. Paul sounded again the perils faith is facing in the increasing secular society.

The 81-year old pope in his homily said, there are those who say that “God is dead and declare themselves to be the only creator of their own fate, the absolute owner of the world."

He asked, “"When men proclaim themselves absolute owners of themselves and the only masters of creation, are they really going to be able to construct a society where freedom, justice and peace reign? Is it not more likely -- as demonstrated by news headlines every day -- that the arbitrary rule of power, selfish interests, injustice and exploitation, and violence in all its forms, will extend their grip?" AFP (10/06/08)

“The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church," is the theme of the meeting, the second after Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005 into the papacy. The gathering makes the consultations among bishops all over the globe possible. It is attended by Greek Orthodox Church head Bartholomew I, Israeli Rabbi Shear-Yashuv Cohen and Protestant and Anglican prelates. The bishops from China who represent 8 to 12 million Christian believers are unable to attend because of restrictions imposed by the communist state.

The pope’s comment against loss of the Christian identity is an expression of the urgent need for moral values to return to the world, in particular, in Europe’s secular affairs where Christianity has been barren for years. The weakened religious faith may be part of the increasing secularism, relativism, selfishness, and injustice that trouble many nations worldwide. (Photo Credits: Totie Mesia)=0=

Labels: Catholic, Christian body politic, Christians, faith, Pope Benedict XVI, religion, Synod, Vatican

Miss Sister 2008 courts one of Christianity’s deadliest sins?

8/26/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

“Vanity is so secure in the heart of man that everyone wants to be admired: even I who write this, and you who read this.”-Blaise Pascal

Like the movie Sister Act, it’s an amusing tale that comes with the shaking of the head and a smile. As we get serious about organizing beauty contests for nuns, Fr. Antonio Rungi’s idea of an “inner” beauty derby for nuns seems very secular, even raunchy, especially if Christians consider vanity, along with pride, as one of humanity’s deadliest sins.

Fr. Rungi, a theologian and school teacher in Naples, Italy, believes nuns need a boost in visibility and an online voting contest may be the answer.

“The "Miss Sister 2008" contest will start in September on a blog run by the Rev. Antonio Rungi and will give nuns from around the world a chance to showcase their work and their image....Nuns will fill out a profile including information about their life and vocation as well as a photograph.

We are not going to parade nuns in bathing suits," Rungi said. "But being ugly is not a requirement for becoming a nun. External beauty is gift from God, and we mustn't hide it." AP (O8/25/08)

The controversial beauty contest gets mixed reactions. There are those who ask if there's really a need to improve a nun's visibility and if it needs a competition to do that. The liberals think the "pageant," a part of modern life, is just fine, but some suspect it can can lead to a non-religious a business franchise like the Miss Universe contest.

Evil-conscious Christians fear the derby is Satan’s way of wagging its tail into the nunnery’s door. The beauty competition can become a butt of jokes and a topic of wild speculations. Another thinks beauty contests among the religious can be "habit-forming" and may be addicting.

"It's an initiative that belittles the role of nuns who have dedicated themselves to God," says president of Association of Catholic Teachers, Alberto Giannino, told Italy's ANSA news agency on Sunday. AP (08/42/08)

The line separating propriety and vulgarity is thin. Whatever goes on in the minds of Catholics, Fr. Rungi might be subliminally touched by secularism, making him a bit cozy with the world. With Vatican’s traditionally conservative stance many wonder what the late Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI think of his idea. (PhotoCredits: Lovemetwee;Bsidez)=0=

Update: Facing strong pressure from the clergy and lay people against the nun beauty contest, on August 28, 2008, Fr. Rungi decided to stop the plan. Interested in projecting the inner beauty of nuns, he said he didn't mean to have the nuns do a catwalk, like in a physical beauty pageant. He claimed he was misunderstood. =0=

Labels: beauty contest, Catholic, Fr. Rungi, human interest, Italy, Miss Sister 2008, Miss Universe 2008, Mother Teresa, nuns, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John Paul II, religion, sisters

UP Ibalon Bicol

Prayers pour in for ailing Pres. Cory Aquino

Pope Benedict XVI breaks wrist

Pope speaks against terrorism and calls for a Palestinian state

Christians worldwide marks Palm Sunday

Pope Benedict XVI's lenten visit to Africa

Israeli air strikes leave 200+ dead in Gaza Strip

Pope Benedict XVI pleads for unity in the face of economic crisis

India’s 911 & the reminder of the ugly nature of terrorism

Science and the Mind of God

Godless world puts Christian identity in peril

Miss Sister 2008 courts one of Christianity’s deadliest sins?

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