Showing posts with label Vatican. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vatican. 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 Pope John Paul II may be beatified next year

11/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | 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 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 Cristina Enrile quits Vatican post

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


Citing poor health, Cristina Enrile, wife of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile resigned from her post as Philippine ambassador to the Vatican which she held for barely six months. The easily tired lady had been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS,) a nebulous medical condition whose diagnosis is as challenging as its treatment.

Prior to Cristina's assumption as envoy, there were some criticisms on the aptness of her selection. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales (Mount Balatucan Monitor) and Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran (tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com) expressed it could have been better if the Catholic clergy was consulted about her appointment.

According to Juan Ponce, his wife complained of muscle pains, difficulty of breathing, dizziness, and tiredness, prompting Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo to accept her resignation.

Many of CFS sufferers complain of perplexing signs and symptoms that require thorough medical evaluation. A sizeable fraction of CFS sufferers have psychological overlays. It is uncertain if this holds true with the resigned lady envoy.

Replacing Cristina is Ma. Mercedes “Mercy” Reinares Arrastia-Tuason, the wife of a cousin of Pres. Arroyo’s husband. Tuason, a pro-lifer, is said to work with charitable organizations including those that minister to the poor and the sick.

It had been reported that another Philippine leader, Sen. Miriam D. Santiago suffers from the same medical condition as Cristina's. (Photo Credit: DFA) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” and Sen. Miriam D. Santiago’s tiredness" Posted by mesiamd at 2/07/2009

Chronic Fatigue Synrdome (CFS)

"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a hard diagnosis to make because there are no specific tests or laboratory markers to pinpoint the ailment; many illnesses have fatigue as among their prominent symptoms and a good fraction of patients looks well. The manifestations of CFS vary in severity and its course is characterized by periods of remissions and exacerbations."---UP Ibalon Bicol Blog (02/07/09, mesiamd)

A CFS diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with six months or more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
• malaise or exhaustion lasting > 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
• unrestful sleep
• joint pain without signs of inflammation
• persistent musculo-skeletal pain
• depression
• mood swings
• headaches
• tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
• sore throat
• cardiac and respiratory symptoms

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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 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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PostHeaderIcon 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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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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PostHeaderIcon 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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PostHeaderIcon 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=

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