Sorry

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After a whirlwind weekend, the negotiations that produced a landmark $660 million settlement between the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and more than 500 alleged victims of clergy abuse are moving from the cathedral to the courthouse.

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Vatican issued "Ten Commandments" for drivers

Vatican's 10 Commandments for drivers (AP)

AP - The Vatican on Tuesday issued a set of "Ten Commandments" for drivers, telling motorists not to kill, not to drink and drive, and to help fellow travelers in case of accidents.

Pope urges end to Mideast wars

Pope, in Assisi, urges end to Mideast wars, terror (Reuters)

Reuters - Pope Benedict on Sunday made one of his strongest peace appeals, calling for an end to all wars and saying the people of the Middle East have had enough of "the horrors of combat, terrorism and blind violence."

Fundamental Mormons seek recognition for polygamy

Fundamental Mormons seek recognition for polygamy (Reuters)

Reuters - When Ephraim Hammon returns home from a day of working construction near Arizona's border with Utah, he's greeted by his wife SherylLynne. And then by his wife Leah.

Man tries to jump into the popemobile

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A man tried to jump into Pope Benedict XVI's uncovered popemobile as the pontiff began his general audience Wednesday, June 6, 2007, in St. Peter's Square and was wrestled to the ground by security officers. (AP)

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German man tries to jump into the popemobile

Man tries to jump into popemobile (AP)

AP - A German man tried to jump into Pope Benedict XVI's uncovered popemobile as the pontiff began his general audience Wednesday and held onto it for a few seconds before being wrestled to the ground by security officers.

Vatican plans to tap solar energy

Vatican plans to tap solar energy (AP)

AP - Some Holy See buildings will start using solar energy, reflecting Pope Benedict XVI's concern about conserving the Earth's resources, a Vatican engineer said Tuesday. The roof of the Paul VI auditorium will be redone next year, with its cement panels replaced with photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, engineer Pier Carlo Cuscianna said.

Old Testament manuscript 1,300 years old

Israel Museum displays rare manuscript (AP)

AP - A rare Old Testament manuscript some 1,300 years old is finally on display for the first time, after making its way from a secret room in a Cairo synagogue to the hands of an American collector.

What if God had a myspace?

Wrong organ

Musician canned for focus on wrong organ (AP)

AP - A Catholic priest has removed his church's organist and choir director from her duties saying her sale of sex toys was not "consistent with Church teachings."

Creationist?

I Believe In Evolution, Except For The Whole Triassic Period | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

I consider myself a rational person. When I have a question, I turn to science and logic to find the answer. Regarding the origins of life, science tells us that humans evolved from single-celled organisms to our current form through a process of natural selection that took billions of years.

This much is clear to anyone with any background in modern thinking. We can look at the fossil record and trace many of our genetic traits back to ancient species. In fact, scientific reasoning can explain nearly every stage of life from the Big Bang to the present day. I say "nearly" because the period that scientists claim lasted from roughly 205 to 250 million years ago, commonly known as the Triassic period, was quite obviously the work of the Lord God Almighty.

This guy now advocates Noah ALSO had dinos in his ark

Newsvine - New Bible-Based Museum Has Dinosaurs

Koreans go online worship

South Koreans go online for divine

SEOUL--Online worship is thriving among South Koreans who are too busy to attend churches or temples, or who simply want to browse their preferred sermon, a news report said Monday.

Pope considers return to Latin Mass

Pope considers return to Latin mass (AP)

AP - It was one of the most radical reforms to emerge from the Second Vatican Council. The Mass, root of Roman Catholic worship, would be celebrated in the local language and not in Latin.

Vatican doctrine office needs overhaul?

Vatican doctrine office needs overhaul: theologians (Reuters)

Reuters - Pope Benedict is coming under mounting criticism from his former German theologian colleagues who liken the Catholic Church's doctrinal office, which the pontiff once headed, to a 19th century censorship bureau.

Injustices done in Colonization - Pope

Pope: Injustices Done in Colonization

Pope Benedict XVI, who has been criticized by Indian rights groups, said Wednesday the church does not gloss over the injustices that accompanied the Christian colonization of Latin America and lamented that indigenous peoples' basic rights were often trampled upon by missionaries.

Slander

Catholics say blog spreads BBC "slander" to Italy (Reuters)

Reuters - Italy's leading Roman Catholic newspaper lashed out at bloggers on Saturday for spreading "slander" by posting a BBC documentary that alleged a Church cover-up of child sexual abuse.

NY diocese loses sex abuse lawsuit

N.Y. diocese loses sex abuse lawsuit (AP)

AP - Several civil lawsuits have arisen from allegations of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic church, but few have gone to trial. Most were settled out of court.

Prayers at Ohio Legislature criticized

Prayers at Ohio Legislature criticized (AP)

AP - Guest ministers leading prayers in the Ohio House are violating guidelines by evangelizing and speaking on political topics, the House clerk warned.

Pope to relax Latin Mass rules

Cardinal: Pope to relax Latin Mass rules (AP)

AP - A Vatican official has confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI plans to loosen restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass, reviving a rite that was essentially swept away by the revolutionary reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

***Still, Econe schismatics must come back to the fold.

Russian church reunites

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AFP - The domestic and exiled branches of the Russian Orthodox Church reunited in a ceremony here Thursday in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, ending an 80-year split over communism.

HK residents want Bible reclassified as indecent

Bible drawn into sex publication controversy (Reuters)

Reuters - More than 800 Hong Kong residents have called on authorities to reclassify the Bible as "indecent" due to its sexual and violent content, following an uproar over a sex column in a university student journal.

Arrogant and Disrespectful

Brazil's Indians offended by Pope comments (Reuters)

Reuters - Outraged Indian leaders in Brazil said on Monday they were offended by Pope Benedict's "arrogant and disrespectful" comments that the Roman Catholic Church had purified them and a revival of their religions would be a backward step.

Popemobile

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Pope in Aparecida, Brazil

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An aerial view shows people attending a mass by Pope Benedict XVI at the Aparecida Basilica in Aparecida, Brazil, on Sunday, May 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Juca Varella, Agencia Estado)

Pope Benedict XVI in Brazil

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Pope Benedict XVI speaks during the inauguration ceremony of the V Conference of Latin American and the Caribbean Bishops in Aparecida, Brazil, Sunday, May 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Pope slams Latin America's drug cartels

Pope slams Latin America's drug cartels (Reuters)

Reuters - Pope Benedict warned Latin America's ruthless drugs cartels on Saturday that they would face God's harsh judgment for wrecking countless lives across the region.

Pope decries the widening gap between the poor and the rich

Pope decries rich-poor gap in Latin America (Reuters)

Reuters - Pope Benedict decried the growing gap between rich and poor in Latin America on Sunday but told priests to stay out of politics even as they fight for social justice.

Pope assails Marxism and capitalism

Pope assails Marxism and capitalism (AP)

AP - Pope Benedict XVI blamed both Marxism and unbridled capitalism for Latin America's problems on Sunday, urging bishops to mold a new generation of Roman Catholic leaders in politics to reverse the church's declining influence in the region.

God will punish drug dealers, says Pope

Pope: God will punish drug dealers (AP)

AP - Pope Benedict XVI warned drug traffickers Saturday that they would face divine justice for the scourge of illegal narcotics across Latin America, telling them that, "God will call you to account for your deeds."

Hard sell for Pope

Chastity's a hard sell for the pope in Brazil

SAO PAULO--Visiting Pope Benedict XVI's pronouncements in favor of sexual abstinence and against abortion are falling on deaf ears in Brazil, whose government hands out free condoms to schoolboys as part of a drive to curb AIDS and teenage pregnancy.

Drop Box for Unwanted babies

Japan has drop box for unwanted babies (AP)

AP - A Japanese hospital opened the country's only anonymous drop box for unwanted infants Thursday despite government admonitions against abandoning babies.

Pope rallies Catholic youth in Brazil

Pope rallies Catholic youth at Sao Paulo stadium

SAO PAULO -- Pope Benedict XVI addressed an exuberant crowd of Latin American youths at a Sao Paulo stadium Thursday, calling on them to lead by example in the fight against social ills such as violence, drugs and corruption.

Pope steadfast against abortion

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AP - Pope Benedict XVI began his first papal trip to Latin America stressing church opposition to abortion Wednesday, suggesting that Catholic politicians in Mexico had excommunicated themselves by legalizing abortion in that nation's capital.

Pope speaks on family issues

Pope speaks out on family issues as he arrives in Brazil

SAO PAULO – (UPDATE) Pope Benedict XVI spoke out on family issues, notably against abortion, as he arrived Wednesday in Sao Paulo for the first leg of a key visit to Brazil and a meeting with Latin American bishops.

Answer me Jesus

Jesus Has the Answers (Or At Least 20 Of Them)

It's a 20-sided die.  So much for the Ouija board.

Pope to excommunicate Mexican politicians?

Pope Says He Supports Excommunication

Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday he supports excommunication for politicians who backed Mexico City's decision to legalize abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

First Brazilian saint

Pope to canonize first Brazilian saint

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- The Franciscan monk who will become Brazil's first native-born saint is credited with 5,000 miracle cures, but doctors are skeptical of his works and even a former Brazilian archbishop laments the healings as fakery.

Pope begins pilgrimage in Latin America

Pope begins pilgrimage to Latin America (AP)

AP - Pope Benedict XVI departed Wednesday on his first pilgrimage to Latin America — a test of the 80-year-old pontiff's stamina and how he intends to deal with pressing challenges to his church in the region.  (AP/Yahoo!)

Herod's grave found?

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Israeli archaeologists to say Herod's tomb discovered 2 hours, 25 minutes ago

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israeli archaeologists were due to announce on Tuesday that they have discovered the tomb of King Herod, famed for expanding the Jewish second temple during his reign in first century BC, in the occupied West Bank.

Iraqi Christians attend Sunday service (AP Photo)

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Pope faces Brazilian disagreement

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Young Brazilian Catholics disagree with Vatican views on sex: poll Sat May 5, 7:32 PM ET

BRASILIA (AFP) - When Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Brazil this week, he will visit a major Roman Catholic country whose young believers disagree with the Vatican's views on condoms and pre-marital sex, a poll showed Saturday.

Friar Galvao, soon-to-be saint

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The miracle pills of Friar Galvao, Brazil's soon to be saint Mon May 7, 1:39 AM ET

SAO PAULO (AFP) - Day after day, cloistered Catholic nuns at a Sao Paulo monastery roll up thousands of tiny prayer scrolls credited with the miraculous powers of an 18th-century monk the pope will elevate to sainthood in this Brazilian city on Friday.

Pope to promote divinity of Christ

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Pope to promote divinity of Christ during Brazil visit Sun May 6, 11:07 PM ET

VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Analysts say Pope Benedict XVI will use his trip to Brazil to promote Christ's divinity over the politicised Jesus embraced by Latin America's liberation theologists.

Vatican outraged

Vatican outraged over 'terrorist' criticism of pope

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican has reacted with outrage to criticism of Pope Benedict XVI's stance on euthanasia during a traditional May Day rock concert in Rome that was carried live on Italian television.

A mystery hidded for 600 years

Musicians unlock mystery melody in Scottish chapel (Reuters)

Reuters - A Scottish church which featured in the bestselling novel "The Da Vinci Code" has revealed anothermystery hidden in secret code for almost 600 years.

Ready to sail

Creationist's new Noah's Ark ready to sail

Read full story for latest details.

You should know your Bible

Ohio judge frees man after Bible quiz (AP)

AP - A man arrested on Wednesday for allegedly trying to use a stolen credit card at a drugstore got a break from a judge after passing a sort of Bible quiz.

***Lesson.  You have to know the Bible if you steal credit cards.

Another.  God comes handy when man is in trouble.  Who is the atheist now?

Biography of Pope Benedict XVI

Biography of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, was born at Marktl am Inn, Diocese of Passau (Germany) on 16 April 1927 (Holy Saturday) and was baptised on the same day. His father, a policeman, belonged to an old family of farmers from Lower Bavaria of modest economic resources. His mother was the daughter of artisans from Rimsting on the shore of Lake Chiem, and before marrying she worked as a cook in a number of hotels.

He spent his childhood and adolescence in Traunstein, a small village near the Austrian border, thirty kilometres from Salzburg. In this environment, which he himself has defined as "Mozartian", he received his Christian, cultural and human formation.

His youthful years were not easy. His faith and the education received at home prepared him for the harsh experience of those years during which the Nazi regime pursued a hostile attitude towards the Catholic Church. The young Joseph saw how some Nazis beat the Parish Priest before the celebration of Mass.  (contd here)

In Peter's "good shadow'

L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO Weekly edition in english 18 April 2007

         On the Second Sunday of Easter, 15 April, also known as Sunday "in Albis" and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Holy Father presided at a concelebrated Holy Mass in St Peter's Square. The celebration was also a Mass of Thanksgiving in remembrance of the Pope's 80th Birthday, 16 April. The following is a translation of the Pontiff's Homily, which was delivered in Italian.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

          This Sunday is called "in Albis", in accordance with an old tradition. On this day, neophytes of the Easter Vigil were still wearing their white garment, the symbol of the light which the Lord gave them in Baptism. Later, they would take off the white garment but would have to introduce into their daily lives the new brightness communicated to them.
They were to diligently keep alight the delicate flame of truth and good which the Lord had kindled within them, in order to bring to this world a gleam of God's splendour and goodness.

           The Holy Father, John Paul II, wanted this Sunday to be celebrated as the Feast of Divine Mercy:  in the word "mercy", he summed up and interpreted anew for our time the whole mystery of Redemption. He had lived under two dictatorial regimes, and in his contact with poverty, neediness and violence he had a profound experience of the powers of darkness which also threaten the world of our time.

            But he had an equally strong experience of the presence of God who opposed all these forces with his power, which is totally different and divine:  with the power of mercy. It is mercy that puts an end to evil. In it is expressed God's special nature - his holiness, the power of truth and love.

            Two years ago now, after the First Vespers of this Feast, John Paul II ended his earthly life. In dying, he entered the light of Divine Mercy, of which, beyond death and starting from God, he now speaks to us in a new way.    (contd.)

L'Osservatore Romano

Pope gets 15k pairs of shoes

Pope visits Italy's "Shoe City", gets 15,001 pairs (Reuters)

Reuters - Pope Benedict got 15,001 pairs of shoes on Saturday.

Domestic partner bill

Wash. gov. signs domestic partner bill (AP)

AP - Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law Saturday a measure to create domestic partnerships, giving gay and lesbian couples some of the same rights that come with marriage.

Miracle Baby walks on her own

Peru's 'miracle baby' walks on her own (AP)

AP - Peru's "miracle baby" walked around her nursery school yard Friday, ducking in and out of a plastic playhouse seven months after undergoing an operation to fully separate her fused legs.

The Antichrist will preach in Guatemala

'Antichrist' to Preach in Guatemala

He calls himself the Antichrist, wears the number 666 tattooed on his arm and claims a following of 2 million people.

Pope revises limbo teaching

Pope revises 'limbo' for babies (AP)

AP - Pope Benedict XVI has revised traditional Roman Catholic teaching on so-called "limbo," approving a church report released Friday that said there was reason to hope that babies who die without baptism can go to heaven.

***Will this not go against the indefectibility of the Church?

X. INDEFECTIBILITY OF THE CHURCH

Among the prerogatives conferred on His Church by Christ is the gift of indefectibility. By this term is signified, not merely that the Church will persist to the end of time, but further, that it will preserve unimpaired its essential characteristics. The Church can never undergo any constitutional change which will make it, as a social organism, something different from what it was originally. It can never become corrupt in faith or in morals; ...

It is clear, too, that could the Church suffer substantial change, it would no longer be an instrument capable of accomplishing the work for which God called it in to being. He established it that it might be to all men the school of holiness. This it would cease to be if ever it could set up a false and corrupt moral standard. He established it to proclaim His revelation to the world, and charged it to warn all men that unless they accepted that message they must perish everlastingly. Could the Church, in defining the truths of revelation err in the smallest point, such a charge would be impossible. No body could enforce under such a penalty the acceptance of what might be erroneous. By the hierarchy and the sacraments, Christ, further, made the Church the depositary of the graces of the Passion. Were it to lose either of these, it could no longer dispense to men the treasures of grace.

*The italics are mine. The "limbo" change is a substantial change from the previous teaching of the church, although most of the theologians never really expounded on it. But the problem here is - The people in the past 1,000 or so years believed in the truth of revelation that limbo is the place where they keep the unbaptized babies. What would go next? The purgatory teaching? That will not the Church anymore. Or is this still the Church?

In writings before his election as Pope in 2005, the then Cardinal Ratzinger made it clear he believed the concept of limbo should be abandoned because it was "only a theological hypothesis" and "never a defined truth of faith."

***Still, a man like me who has read a lot of Church documents, finds it hard to differentiate between what is only a theological conjecture and what is a defined truth of faith. What more the ordinary fellow who goes to mass only for fulfilling the obligation? Sometimes, the intellectualism in the Catholic Church prompts a lot of people to depart. This should be explained to the faithful. Oh, they are so few.

Miracle is needed

Religion in the News

It's Sunday in England, and across the country many traditional stone churches are struggling to fill their pews.

Rabies scare after flagellation

Rabies scare after flagellation ritual in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines -- Up to 100 men in the Philippines may have contracted rabies after taking part in a self-flagellation ritual to celebrate Easter, doctors and local authorities said Thursday.

Court Backs Ban on Abortion Procedure

Court Backs Ban on Abortion Procedure

The Supreme Court upheld the nationwide ban on a controversial abortion procedure Wednesday, handing abortion opponents the long-awaited victory they expected from a more conservative bench.

Happy Birthday, Pope!

Pope gets huge toy bear as birthday gift (Reuters)

Reuters - Pope Benedict received a customarygift for a Pontiff on his 80th birthday on Monday -- a concertof classical music -- as well as a more unusual offering -- ahuge stuffed toy bear.

Police, Protestant Church leaders meet over killings

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has met with leaders of the Protestant Church in what a police official said could be the start of a series of dialogues with religious groups on efforts to put a stop to the spate of killings of church personalities.

Mystery in Church

Mystery Surrounds Possible Oldest Church in North America

The church may lie beneath a small town in Newfoundland. But a dead historian's notes were destroyed at her request, so no one is sure.

Papal Envoy attends Holocaust memorial event

Pope envoy ends Holocaust row

The Vatican envoy to Israel attends a Holocaust memorial event soothing a row over a museum exhibit.

Religious Strife Grows, European Atheists Seize Pulpit

As Religious Strife Grows, Europe's Atheists Seize Pulpit

Indifference to faith has left Europe's churches mostly empty. But debate over religion is more intense than its been in many decades. Religion is re-emerging as an issue because of Europe's growing and restive Muslim populations and a fear that faith is reasserting itself in politics. That is adding up to momentum for a combative brand of atheism.

No one wanted to buy the Pope car

Pope car auction ends without sale (AP)

AP - A 1999 metallic gray Volkswagen Golf believed to once belong to the pope went up for sale on eBay, but the auction ended Saturday without a winner.

Benedict XVI marks two years as pope, turns 80

Benedict XVI to mark two years as pope, and turn 80

VATICAN CITY--Benedict XVI this week celebrates two years since his election as pope -- as well as his 80th birthday -- after putting moral issues and the unity of the Roman Catholic Church at the top of his papal agenda.

Pope new book criticizes capitalism

Pope's new book criticizes capitalism

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI offers a personal meditation on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in his first book as pontiff, criticizing the "cruelty" of capitalism's exploitation of the poor but also decrying the absence of God in Marxism.

***Can't have it all.  I remember when I was young (and idealistic), I was into formulating what Ninoy once coined as Christian Socialism.  But it's like two utopian ideals marrying and getting divorced after two seconds.  Too good to be true.  When I became an employee and started earning my own money, I totally shunned the idea.  Capitalism is deeply rooted in the desires of people.  Schopenhauer said that the will is the essence of man.  Well, in Thomas Aquinas, the will moves the intellect and is an "unmoved mover".  Hence, it's hard to take it away from humans.  We tend to work for something that benefits us.  Utopias are for the philosophers.  Who don't get married, and don't send children to high-tuitioned schools.  It's hard.  But it's the reality. 

Besides, Capitalism II is my favorite game.  Come on.

Pope criticized for wearing fur

Stop wearing fur, activists tell Pope (Reuters)

Reuters - Animal rights activists in Italy have asked Pope Benedict to stop wearing fur in a sign of respect for the "sacredness of all living species."

Rediscover the real Jesus

Re-discover "real Jesus", Pope urges in new book

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict, in his first book since becoming Pontiff, shares his "personal search for the face of the Lord" and indirectly dismisses popular speculative versions of Christ's life like "The Da Vinci Code". 

Culture of Life

Bush renews call for 'culture of life' (AP)

AP - President Bush, at the national Catholic prayer breakfast, stressed his opposition to easing restrictions on federally funded embryonic stem cell research, a reference to a bill he's threatened to veto.

Pope answers Da Vinci

Pope publishes answer to 'The Da Vinci Code'

VATICAN CITY -- A book by Pope Benedict XVI to appear in Italian, German and Polish stores on Monday is billed as his answer to popular publications such as Dan Brown's best-selling "The Da Vinci Code."

Wrong way

Police gaffe makes Muslims pray in wrong direction (Reuters)

Reuters - A Dutch police station trying to help Muslim detainees face Mecca for their prayers painted arrows incells pointing in the wrong direction.

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Most Filipinos back artificial birth control -- survey

Most Filipinos back artificial birth control -- survey

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite the Catholic church’s hardline stance against artificial birth control, 92 percent of Filipinos see the need to “control fertility and plan a family” while 89 percent say government should support artificial birth control, the results of an independent survey released Friday showed.

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Ex-Priest Defrocked Amid Assault Claims

Ex-Priest Defrocked Amid Assault Claims

The Vatican has defrocked a former priest accused of sexually assaulting and whipping boys participating in Passion plays, the Philadelphia archdiocese said Thursday.

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Religion Today

Religion Today

Two years into his reign, Pope Benedict XVI is finally poised to make a major mark on American Catholicism with a string of key bishop appointments and important decisions about the future of U.S. seminaries and bishops' involvement in politics.

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Crucifixion commemorated in town

Religion News in Brief

A 19-foot cedar cross commemorating the Crucifixion was set up in the city's downtown for Easter, just months after city officials said they didn't want to offend non-Christians at a holiday fair held in the same location.

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Faith and Science

About Creation, Pope Melds Faith With Science

Science cannot fully explain the mystery of creation, Pope Benedict XVI said, but he did not reject evolutionary theory.

Divorce rate is lower for Atheists than for Christians

Atheist divorce rate is Lower than Christian

Christians believe they hold the monopoly on family values and morals, but studies now prove that they divorce at a MUCH higher rate than Atheists.

Calif. diocese threatened with contempt

Calif. diocese threatened with contempt (AP)

AP - A federal bankruptcy judge is threatening the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego with contempt for allegedly attempting to hide assets to avoid payment to clergy sexual abuse victims.

Science too narrow to explain creation

Pope says science too narrow to explain creation

PARIS (Reuters) - Pope Benedict, elaborating his views on evolution for the first time as Pontiff, says science has narrowed the way life's origins are understood and Christians should take a broader approach to the question.

****It would be better to say that Science cannot, and will not reach to the level of ultimateness, when it is asked about the origins of things.   It can only raise answers - on the grounds of sense experience, and the wings of probability - to things that are given to materiality.  And it will remain there. 

Instead of saying that science does not believe in God, it is better to say that science needs not to posit his existence.  St. Thomas' Aquinas hinted at this when he asked about the question on the Existence of God. 

"Objection 2. Further, it is superfluous to suppose that what can be accounted for by a few principles has been produced by many. But it seems that everything we see in the world can be accounted for by other principles, supposing God did not exist. For all natural things can be reduced to one principle which is nature; and all voluntary things can be reduced to one principle which is human reason, or will. Therefore there is no need to suppose God's existence."

SUMMA THEOLOGICA: The existence of God (Prima Pars, Q. 2)

To which, he answered:

Reply to Objection 2. Since nature works for a determinate end under the direction of a higher agent, whatever is done by nature must needs be traced back to God, as to its first cause. So also whatever is done voluntarily must also be traced back to some higher cause other than human reason or will, since these can change or fail; for all things that are changeable and capable of defect must be traced back to an immovable and self-necessary first principle, as was shown in the body of the Article.

Anima Christi

Anima Christi by Bukas Palad

Music by Fr Jandi Arboleda, SJ

Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, give me strength

Hear me Jesus, hide me in Thy wounds

That I may never leave Thy side

From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me

And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee

That I may praise Thee with Thy saints forever...

Based on one of St. Ignatius' favorite prayers, a prayer that Jandi learned in preparation for First Communion in second grade at the Ateneo Grade School. However, when he memorized the prayer as he was growing up, he inadvertently missed one line from the original prayer: Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Thus when he set the prayer to music in his sophomore year in college, that one line was not included. Efforts were made by others, including Jandi to insert that one line in accordance with tradition. But somehow, they all proved futile. This is how the prayer has been sung since.source: Bukas Palad

(Maria Jose)

When I was young I thought this song was composed by St Thomas Aquinas because I saw it in his novena. Then, I saw it again at a Jesuit prayerbook. My Atenean friend said it was St. Ignatius de Loyola who wrote it. Actually, the authorship is unknown although it is credited now to Pope John XXII.

It is memorable to me because it was the last song I taught to my students in FHMS Malolos. Teacher Aladin and I almost canceled it because we just taught it a day before the culminating activity. But the "Holy Spirit did His stuff" - as Teacher Aladin puts it - and it went well.

They sang it at the Culminating Activity without me, because I had to attend my daughter's "graduation".

One of my favorite songs even when I was in the choir. It's like..."We don't have a Communion Song". "Where's Fr. Perez?" (God rest his soul. He does not approve us singing this song apart from the Lenten season. Understandable.) "Not here." "Okay, we sing Anima".

Good ol'days.

Orthodox Easter

Orthodox Easter : Believers stand in front of the Holy Trinity ...

(AFP) - Orthodox Easter : Believers stand in front of the Holy Trinity Cathedral during celebration of the Orthodox Easter in Tbilisi.(AFP/Vano Shlamov)

Catholic Abuse Claims Drop

AP NewsBreak: Catholic abuse claims drop (AP)

AP - The nation's Roman Catholic bishops and religious orders received 714 clergy sex abuse claims in 2006, the second consecutive year that the number of allegations has dropped, according to a new report on the church's child protection reforms. The vast majority of claims date back decades.

Embryo Ethics: Debate Over Stem Cells

Embryo ethics: Why Stem Cells Aren't People

As the debate over stem cell research resumes in Washington this week, the moral principle on which the White House bases its position remains largely unexamined. We take a look at the arguments for and against.

Empty Tomb

CrossDaily.com - Christian Graphics - View Graphic

Happy Easter!

My Father's House

CrossDaily.com - Christian Graphics - View The Graphic of the Week

Nice Place.

Abortion Law in Portugal

Portugal abortion law in force

The Portuguese president ratifies a new law allowing abortion up until the 10th week of pregnancy.

Brazil debates on abortion

Call for Brazil abortion debate

The newly-appointed minister of health in Brazil calls for a wide-ranging debate on the issue of abortion.

Orthodox, Western Christians celebrate Easter

Orthodox, Western Christians mark Easter (AP)

AP - From Moscow to Washington, Rome to Jerusalem, Christians of the Orthodox and Western faiths celebrated Easter on Sunday, prayed for a better future and relished their ancient rituals.

Gian Easter Egg

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Zimbabwe bishops urge President to leave

Zimbabwe bishops urge Mugabe to leave (AP)

AP - In an Easter message pinned to church bulletin boards around the country, Zimbabwe's Roman Catholic bishops called on President Robert Mugabe to leave office or face "open revolt" from those suffering under his government.

Tell the World of His Love

Tell The World Of His Love

TELL THE WORLD OF HIS LOVE Chosen among 85 other Filipino songsOfficial 1995 World Youth Day Theme Song By Trina Belamide, Filipina Composer

For God so loved the world,

He gave us His only Son,

Jesus Christ our Saviour,

His Most Precious One.

He has sent us His message of love,

And sends those who hear,

To bring the message to everyone,

In a voice loud and clear.

Let us tell the world of His love,

The greatest love the world has known,

Search the world for those who have walked astray,

And lead them home.

Fill the world's darkest corners,

With His light from up above,

Walk every step, every mile, every road,

And tell the world,Tell the world of His love.

The greatest love the world has known,

Walk every step, every mile, every road,

And tell the world,

Tell the world, Tell the world of His love.

Tell the world of His love.

(from Maria Jose)

Mass hysteria at Mexican Catholic School

Mexican girls hit by 'mass hysteria' at Catholic school

MEXICO CITY -- Mexican girls studying at a strict boarding school run by a South Korean nun were to undergo psychological therapy Monday after hundreds of them were hit by a mysterious case of "mass hysteria," health officials said.

Tsunami victims fill churches on Easter

Tsunami victims fill churches on Easter (AP)

AP - Scores of villagers descended from hilltop camps to attend Easter celebrations in the Solomon Islands on Sunday, praying for the victims of last week's magnitude-8.1 earthquake and killer waves.

Urbi et Orbi

Literally, it means "To the City and to the World". To the city of Rome, and to the whole world. It used to be a Roman standard of proclamations, more like the "Hear ye, hear ye..." Of course, now, it means the papal document or pronouncements that is being announced or proclaimed to the world through the people in Vatican, specifically at St. Peter's Square.

Urbi et Orbi carries the Papal blessing, and is usually given during Eastertime or Christmas.

The blessing in Latin goes:

Sancti Apostoli Petrus et Paulus, de quorum potestate et auctoritate confidimus, ipsi intercedant pro nobis ad Dominum.

Amen.

Precibus et meritis beatæ Mariae semper Virginis, beati Michaelis Archangeli, beati Ioannis Baptistæ et sanctorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli et omnium Sanctorum misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus et dimissis omnibus peccatis vestris, perducat vos Iesus Christus ad vitam æternam.

Amen.

Indulgentiam, absolutionem et remissionem omnium peccatorum vestrorum, spatium verae et fructuosae penitentiæ, cor semper penitens et emendationem vitae, gratiam et consolationem sancti Spiritus et finalem perseverantiam in bonis operibus, tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus.

Amen.

Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis: Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper.

Amen.

In English, this is the translation:

May the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of whose power and authority we are confident, intercede for us to the Lord.

All: Amen

Through the prayers of blessed Mary ever-virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, and the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints: may God almighty have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and may Jesus Christ bring you to ever-lasting life.

All: Amen

May the almighty and merciful God grant you pardon, absolution, and remission of all your sins, a space for true and fruitful repentance, an ever-contrite heart, the virtue to improve your life, the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit, and final perseverance in good works.

All: Amen

And may the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, descend upon you and be with you always.

All: Amen

How many sufferings in the world...

Papacy and the Vatican on Yahoo! News Photos

In this photo released by the Vatican's L'Osservatore Romano newspaper, Pope Benedict XVI looks on for the 'Urbi et Orbi' ('To The City and to The World') Easter address from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, April 8, 2007. The Pontiff decried suffering in much of the world to tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, and read out a litany of troubling current events, saying he was thinking of the 'terrorism and kidnapping of people, of the thousand faces of violence which some people attempt to justify in the name of religion, of contempt for life, of the violation of human rights and the exploitation of persons.' (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO)

Urbi et Orbi message: A lamentation for slaughter in Iraq, unrest in Afghanistan

Urbi et Orbi: 'Slaughter' in Iraq, unrest in Khabul

VATICAN CITY - In his Easter message on Christianity's most joyous day, Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday decried suffering in the world, lamenting the "continual slaughter" in Iraq and expressing worry over unrest and instability in Afghanistan.

Pope: Nothing positive in Iraq

Pope: 'Nothing positive' in Iraq

Read full story for latest details.

Holy Fire Draws Crowd

Easter 'holy fire' ritual draws crowd (AP)

AP - Worshippers filled Christianity's most revered church on Saturday, lighting rows of candles, dripping hot wax on their faces and dancing in celebration of the Orthodox Easter 'holy fire' ritual.

Pope presides over Easter Mass

Pope presides over Easter Vigil Mass (AP)

AP - Pope Benedict XVI baptized eight people during a candlelit Easter Vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica early Sunday, opening the most important event of the Christian Church calendar.

Easter Sunday

Millions of Christians celebrate Easter (AFP)

AFP - Solomon Islanders prayed Sunday for tsunami victims while voters in East Timor hoped for a peaceful election day as millions of Christians in the region celebrated Easter.

Keeping the Faith

Keeping the Faith

Pope Benedict XVI says he believes that the Catholic Church in Europe faces a dire threat in secularism and that re-Christianizing the Continent is critical not only to the fate of the church but to the fate of Europe itself.

Holy Fire

Security Increased for 'Holy Fire'

Thousands of police were deployed in Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday as visitors from around the world came to mark the Orthodox Easter "holy fire" ritual at Christianity's holiest site.

Thousands of police were deployed in Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday as visitors from around the world came to mark the Orthodox Easter "holy fire" ritual at Christianity's holiest site.

Easter 'Holy Fire' Ritual Draws Crowd

Christian worshippers filled their most revered church on Saturday, lighting row upon row of candles, pouring hot wax onto their faces and dancing in celebration of the Orthodox Easter 'holy fire' ritual.

Christian worshippers filled their most revered church on Saturday, lighting row upon row of candles, pouring hot wax onto their faces and dancing in celebration of the Orthodox Easter 'holy fire' ritual.

Pope presides at Via Crucis Procession

Pope presides at Way of Cross procession | Reuters

By Phil Stewart

ROME (Reuters) - Pope Benedict led a procession around the ancient ruins of the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday and listened to meditations including one lamenting the abuse and marginalisation of women across the world.

The 79-year-old Pope led the traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession commemorating Christ's suffering and death, one of the main services ahead of Easter -- the climax of the Christian year.

Minister's Death Suspicious

Va. Minister's Death Deemed Suspicious

The minister of a tiny rural congregation was found dead in her church's parsonage, and an investigator on Friday said the death was suspicious.

Filipino devotees nailed to cross

Filipino devotees nailed to cross - Yahoo! News

By JOEAL CALUPITAN, Associated Press Writer Fri Apr 6, 4:00 AM ET

SAN PEDRO CUTUD, Philippines - Seven devotees were nailed to crosses on Good Friday in a northern Philippine village where the rites drew thousands of tourists and spectators. 

The Lenten ritual is opposed by religious leaders in the Philippines — Southeast Asia's largest predominantly Roman Catholic nation. But it has persisted to become one of the country's most-awaited summer attractions in San Fernando City's San Pedro Cutud village.

Albert Einsten and God

Albert Einstein and God

In an exclusive excerpt from Walter Isaacson's new biography, the great physicist wrestles with his faith

Easter Message of CBCP President

Easter message of CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo

MANILA, Philippines -- Following is the Easter message of Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines. The message is also posted on the archbishop’s personal blog, “In and Out of Season”. We are posting this as a service to our readers who observe the Holy Week.

Jerusalem is the destination

Pilgrims from around the world gather in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM -- Christian pilgrims from around the world gathered in Jerusalem's Old City to celebrate Good Friday, some carrying large wooden crosses through the narrow cobblestone streets as they followed the route Jesus took on the way to his crucifixion.

Top 10 Church & Religious Websites

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