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

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

11/05/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | 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 Pope John Paul II may be beatified next year

11/03/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


During the visit of Rome mayor Gianni Alemmano to Pope John Paul II’s native town of Krakow, Poland, he said that the beatification processs of the holy pontiff might come early next year in April, the fifth anniversary of the Pope’s death. If so, the process of Pope John Paul II’s canonization could turn out to be the fastest, surpassing that of Mother Teresa known for her charity work among the poorest in Calcutta, India. Pope John Paul II was succeeded by the current Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI who started the Polish pontiff's beatification two months after he died in April 5, 2005.

The beatification which leads to sainthood involves a close scrutiny of the life of the candidate including a consideration of a miracle attributed to his intercession. Oftentimes it involves a complete recovery from an incurable medical condition documented scientifically. In the case of Pope John Paul II, Vatican authorities are looking into a reported cure of a French nun from Parkinson’s disease.

The correspondence of Pope John Paul with a Polish woman Wanda Poltawska, 88 years old, whom he met in 1962 is an interesting aspect of his life which will be examined in his path for sainthood. A book based on excerpts from their letters will be published early next year in Italy. Vatican officials believe there is no romantic link between Poltawska and the pope. (Photo Credit: mycousinthesaint) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Archbishop Legaspi airs opposition versus 5th district creation in Camarines Sur

11/02/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


Reminding the laity of the maneuvers done by elected officials to push their political agenda, Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi expressed criticism in his pulpit message on October 25, 2009 in the division of Camarines Sur from 4 to 5 districts.

Made possible by legislation RA 9716, the redistricting of Camarines Sur into 5 districts will make it possible for pro-administration politicians like Dato Arroyo (son of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo) and Rolando Andaya (known supporter of the president) to pursue congressional seats without having to compete with each other as they run for office in the coming 2010 election. --- Vox Bikol (11/01/09)

Sponsored by old time politician Luis Villafuerte, the legislative move is looked upon by Msgr. Legaspi as self-serving and does not benefit the public well. Many citizens expressed similar opposition for the questionable creation of a congressional district which does not satisfy “constitutional requirements.”

In his homily, Legaspi reminds the people to be watchful of clever reelectionist politicians----Have they accomplished something good for the community? Have they used their positions to enrich themselves? Are these politicians greedy, arrogant, and self-serving to the detriment of the people? Did these politicians improve the peace and order of the community or did they make the people less safe? (Photo Credit: www.cbconline.org) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon First Pinoy diocesan priest in Kuwait

10/25/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


On October 9, 2009, Fr. Ruben Barrameda of the Legazpi Diocese in Bicol was designated to serve in the Apostolic Vicariate of Kuwait. Supposed to be the first diocesan priest to take official religious duty in the Middle East and Gulf area, the Bicolano clergyman would be under the jurisdiction of the vicariate of Kuwait.

A mass in tribute to Our Lady of Penafrancia was celebrated by Fr. Barrameda together with Bishop Lucio B. Quiambao of Legazpi City. Joined by Fr. Rolando Panesa and Fr. Angelos, the solemn Eucharistic celebration was attended by the Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo Endaya, government dignitaries, and about 1,000 members of the Catholic congregation.

Bishop Quiambao invited guests to attend Bicol's 300th year of veneration of Mother Mary as the Virgin of Penafrancia next year in September. (Photo Credit: Gianni Muratore) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Remembering Mother Mary on the Feast of the Assumption

8/15/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


Posted by mesiamd at 8/14/2009

Feast of the Assumption of Mary to Heaven
Saturday, August 15, 2009

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.”

(Photo Credit: Lawrence OP)

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PostHeaderIcon Pope Benedict XVI breaks wrist

7/17/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | 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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PostHeaderIcon Libmanan raised as 57th diocese

6/14/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | 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 Anonymous | 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 Anonymous | 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 Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19, 2009

4/19/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | 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 Anonymous | 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 Bizarre Holy Week Tradition: Crucifixion in Pampanga

4/09/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | 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 Anonymous | 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 Pope Benedict XVI's lenten visit to Africa

3/19/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | 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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PostHeaderIcon OLPDA holds Lenten Recollection

3/12/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | 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 Cory’s EDSA II apology opens controversies & distrust among Filipinos

12/24/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Calling the EDSA II revolution a mistake, Corazon (Cory) Aquino, one of the leaders of the movement which ousted former Pres. Joseph (Erap) Estrada from power has brought the nation into new controversies. The sudden confession of the ailing former president opened wounds--- sowing confusion among doubting Filipinos who bewailed the endemic poor leadership in the national government.

Rather than bridging the often-repeated "reconciliation” among warring political parties, the demure housewife and former chief executive unwittingly exposed the short-sightedness and immaturity of leaders who stood as huge obstacles to the progress of the country. There were those who surmised if cancer and treatment had put her on tremendous strain; her ability to think sanely as before might have taken a beating.



As a devout practitioner of Catholicism, the former president who’s trying to define her legacy as an infuential public servant may have scored high on matters of faith, but she has placed the people in a void of uncertainty whose damage is too early to quantify. The effects are likely to cause lasting shockwaves on how politics will be played in government affairs like the next presidential election. They will cut across the way people will view what is morally right and wrong as they rule over the scandals that see no end.

By seeking Estrada’s forgiveness, Cory repudiated the collective action of her party and those who pushed for an end of blatant thievery, corruption and ineptness during and after Estrada’s administration. The damning evidence of incompetence and plunder laid bare during the 6 years of trial reduced the public to docility and silent acquiescence---- a treacherous problem of Filipinos no wanted to touch.

Like a modern-day soap opera, Estrada’s dizzying legal battle and his privileged imprisonment shown in TVs, radios, and newspapers ended in a conviction hailed by the people. But it was quickly reversed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA)--- herself, a sore symbol of almost all things that had gone wrong with the country. Many believed GMA, the current prexy with an outrageously low approval rating of negative (-30) cleverly pardoned Estrada for political convenience. It was unclear though whether Cory's apology to Estrada was linked to her frustraion over GMA's mishandling the government. Cory called on her to resign amidst uncurbed corruption as the wagons of Estrada's political come-back had rolled in from the first station.

Because of Cory’s change of heart, there are deepening doubts on whether Filipino leaders are up for the job of steering the country to better times. In spite of the early justifications and defense for the widow of Benigno (Ninoy) Aquino, her position strengthens the chance of the come-back of the Estrada and his "weather-weather" gang. The Filipinos are left in an impasse: Wala na ba talagang ibang mga magagaling at matitino?

The demoralizing effect of Cory’s declaration puts the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) leadership, a staunch supporter of EDSA II on the defensive. It revives anew the questions on church-state separation and the constitutionality of the power take-overs which left a serious lingering leadership vacuum in all political fronts.

Most of all, it irreparably damaged the Cory brand of uprightness and wisdom she shared with her martyred husband Ninoy Aquino, leaving Filipinos one less of a person to trust and emulate. (Photo Credits: Joe Galvez; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21; gmaresign; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21)=0=



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PostHeaderIcon Simbang Gabi Sa Nueva York

12/19/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


Halina, Jesus, Halina!
Sa simula’y sinaloob mo
O Diyos, kaligtasan ng tao
Sa takdang panahon ay tinatawag mo
Isang bayang lingkod sa iyo.

On a frigid early evening of Saturday, December 6, 2008, Filipinos of New York came in droves to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and joined the celebration of Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a traditional mass in celebration of the Christmas holiday. In the packed gothic church along Fifth Avenue, prayerful songs distinctly from the country filled air.

In spite of the chill, there was the warm glow of kababayans wishing each other the peace and love of the season. Among the merry attendees were some members of the Ateneo de Naga Northeast Alumni and Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA.) The holy celebration was led by the Simbang Gabi Sa Katedral, Inc. under the guidance of Rev. Joseph G. Marabe, JCD. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Cardinal Avery Dulles, SJ, 90, defender of the unborn & the dying

12/13/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


America’s champion of the unborn, Cardinal Avery Dulles of the Society of Jesus died at the age of 90 on Friday, December 12, 2008 in the infirmary of Fordham University in New York where he served as professor for 20 years.

A former disbeliever of God and convert to Catholicism, he served the Navy before he was ordained as a Jesuit in 1956. Fr. Dulles was appointed in the College of Cardinals by the late John Paul II in 2001. Considered by many as the dean of American Catholic theologians, the humble Jesus follower had strong opinion on abortion and euthanasia:

“Many politicians, like much of the American public, seem to be unaware that abortion and euthanasia are serious violations of the inalienable right to life. These are not just 'Church' issues but are governed by the natural law of God, which is binding upon all human beings. The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights, since a person deprived of life has no other rights.” Photo Credit: AP/ Massimo Sambucetti) =0=

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

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PostHeaderIcon Religion tailored to one's liking---an alternative to Catholicism?

11/26/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post




Those who can’t take the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) may have a lesson from the members the Universal Fellowship Metropolitan Community Church (MCC,) the 40-year old American church of gays and lesbians who has established a chapter in Manila. The founding of the gay church has practical applications to those who campaign against other religions for the sake of changing their teachings.

It’s often suggested by some leaders of RCC that those who cannot abide with its teachings has the option to make their own congregation just like any protestant denomination. That’s exactly what the MCC has done for the gay community. Providing support for the homosexuals, the MCC enjoys peace in the Christian ministry instead of wrangling with the RCC to change its age-old doctrines.

TJ Agbayani, the local pastor of MCC said that since the founding of his church in September 2006, twelve (12) gay and lesbian members entered in the “holy matrimony.” The main tenet of his church is that every member of the community can serve God through ”holy service.” Diverging from RCC’s teaching, Agbayani and his church members believe anyone can interpret the Bible so long as he follows “guidelines.” So far, no one seems intent to bother them on this belief.



Divisions among religions have been spawned by age-old conflicts. In more modern times, the cultures of secularism and relativism have something to do with the bitter quarrels over religious convictions and traditions. That’s why more and more churches are established, creating splits even among the believers of Jesus Christ. A gay life-style is considered aberrant and sinful by the RCC, a belief carried through its 200 centuries of existence.

Spreading peace and avoiding antipathy towards other faiths seem to be the immediate windfall of being part of a sect like MCC which is tailored to one’s belief. The separate congregation is an alternative for those who doubt and cannot find a common ground with the church they belong.

Can there be a time when believers of abortion, contraception, euthanasia, stem-cell research, thievery, murder or corruption will have their own churches too? Maybe.(Photo CRedit: GoldenCalf; CaloricoHermoso;Blazeip1) =0=




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