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Sunday, April 29, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
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?
Sunday, April 22, 2007
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.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
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)
***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.
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.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
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.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
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.
Monday, April 16, 2007
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.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
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."
Saturday, April 14, 2007
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".
Friday, April 13, 2007
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.
Blogged with Flock
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.
Blogged with Flock
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.
Blogged with Flock
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.
Blogged with Flock
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.
Blogged with Flock
Thursday, April 12, 2007
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.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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:
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.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
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.
Monday, April 9, 2007
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.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
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:
In English, this is the translation:
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...
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.
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.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, April 6, 2007
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.
Lesbian couple in Wyoming denied Communion
Lesbian couple in Wyoming denied Communion
GILLETTE, Wyo. - Leah Vader and Lynne Huskinson, a lesbian couple who got married in Canada last August, sent a letter recently to their state legislator decrying a Wyoming bill that would deny recognition of same-sex marriages. The lawmaker read the letter on the floor of the Legislature.
***If this is religion, then Christ died in vain. Christianity is not about "No-sinners-admitted-here". Christ dined with public sinners. How dare. I think Christ's Church should think about its actions.
Giulani Defends Abortion Stance
Giuliani Defends Abortion Stance in S.C.
Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani on Thursday defended his record favoring the use of public money for abortions, saying he wouldn't try to undo a Supreme Court ruling allowing the procedures.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Pope decries the plundering of Africa
Pope's Book Decries Plundering of Africa
Pope Benedict XVI has decried the spiritual and material "plundering" of Africa by the wealthy in his first book as pontiff, and he says humanity must rediscover how to be good.
Pope reminds priests to be pure
Pope, on Holy Thursday, reminds priests to be pure (Reuters)
Reuters - Pope Benedict, starting four days of hectic activity leading up to Easter, said on Thursday priests should recognize the faults in their own lives and seek purity from God.
CBCP to sinners: You can spread Christ's good news too
CBCP to sinners: You can spread Christ's good news too
Sinners should have hope as they observe the Holy Week, because they can be used as instruments to spread the Good News of Christ's passion and resurrection.
GodTube
Well, Now We Have GodTube
We wrote about the YouTube clones for pornography, so to even out our karma level we need to mention GodTube, a YouTube like Flash video sharing site focusing on using “technology to connect Christians for the purpose of encouraging and advancing the Gospel worldwide.” So when they say God, they specifically mean Jesus Christ and Christianity and not just any God that someone might believe in.
Don’t try to upload non-Christian video to the site. GodTube relies on the “vigilance” of members to quickly flag inappropriate content. That, combined with their “proprietary technology” helps them enforce their community standards.
I think niche social networks and other services like this are great - it gives people who share beliefs and lifestyles a place to hang out. I think JesusTube would have been a better name choice, though. See also a discussion of MyChurch, a “Facebook for Christians” on the TechCrunch Forums.
Crunch Network: CrunchGear drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware.
Beep for Christ!
Shop hangs, "Beep for Christ" sign, neighbor hangs "Beep for Satan!"
The first shot in the spiritual warfare now underway in a small shopping plaza in Naugatauck, Conn., began when Claudette Soden, a devout Christian and owner of Photos Onto DVD, posted a sign at the front of the parking lot proclaiming, "Easter: Beep for Christ."
Our brains are built to believe in God
Are Humans Hard-Wired to Believe in a Higher Being?
Some scientists are calling religion the great equalizer and point out that similar areas of the brain are affected during prayer and meditation. Newberg suggests that these brain scans may provide proof that our brains are built to believe in God.
Convicted pastor denied leadership post
Convicted pastor denied leadership post (AP)
AP - The former head of a national organization of black Baptist churches, who spent four years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from the group, lost his bid Wednesday to lead the group's Florida chapter.
SC Ultrasound Bill Causes Questions
S.C. Ultrasound Bill Causes Questions
Requiring doctors to show women seeking an abortion an ultrasound image of their fetus could be declared unconstitutional if it is interpreted as forcing an unwilling patient, the state attorney general told legislators Wednesday in a letter.
*** Showing the ultrasound image is not unconstitutional. Just let them see what they are trying to kill, damn it.
Holy Dealbreaker!
Holy Dealbreaker, John Goodman?
John Goodman's decision not to don a papal hat for a film role has earned him a new suit.
A German production company has filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the actor for allegedly reneging on a deal to star in the upcoming film "Pope Joan," which was slated to begin filming next month.
According to court documents filed Monday by Constantin Film Produktion, the erstwhile "Roseanne" star agreed to a $500,000 payday to appear in the film, but later backed out of the deal.
Goodman's rep called the suit "frivolous."
Collins: I am a scientist, I believe in God.
Collins: I'm a scientist; I believe in God
I am a scientist and a believer, and I find no conflict between those world views.
Police probe decomposing bodies awaiting resurrection
Japanese police probe decomposing bodies (AP)
AP - Police in western Japan are investigating five badly decomposed human bodies found lying in a house, apparently because of a belief in resurrection, officials and a news report said Wednesday.
Joan of Arc relics deemed a fake
Joan of Arc relics deemed a fake (Reuters)
Reuters - Relics advertised as being remains of St. Joan of Arc are no such thing and may in fact be parts of an Egyptian mummy, Nature magazine reported on Wednesday.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Cardinal's dream now complete
Cardinal Sin’s dream prayer markers project now complete
MANILA, Philippines -- The dream project of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and the first of its kind in the world, the Way of Mary, a network of 20 prayer markers depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, was finally completed in time for Holy Week this year.
CBCP goes online!
YouTube - holy week series # 1
YouTube - holy week series # 2
Subscribe in its channel : http://www.youtube.com/cbcpmedia
I am the tenth subscriber! What am I saying? Really, I am. And the 13th viewer of the videos. I made a comment on the holy week series #2. I just hope they don't erase it.
The comment on comparing Jesus' suffering with Martial Law victims' suffering is not needed. It raises more questions, and some people are not ready to deal with them - balancing between what we grew up with, Jesus having more than 2000 wounds in the scourging, and what science and reason tell us. Anyway. Let our yes be a yes, our no be a no. All else is from the devil. Or something like that.
Pope's Book on Jesus
Pope's book on Jesus out April 16
VATICAN CITY -- The first volume of a work on Jesus written by Pope Benedict XVI will be published this month on the pope's 80th birthday, the Vatican announced on Wednesday.
Christ Getting in Shape for Second Coming
Christ Getting In Shape For Second Coming | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
HEAVEN—Emerging from a grueling 90 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and light lifting for tone, Son of God Jesus Christ said Monday that He is "definitely on track" to achieve peak fitness condition for the Second Coming.
An acceptable fact?
Mistresses an acceptable fact of life in RP
MANILA, Philippines -- In this conservative Roman Catholic nation of 87 million where divorce is still banned, it appears that mistresses -- being one and having one -- have gained a degree of acceptability.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Papal car for sale
Pope's car goes on sale for charity (Reuters)
Reuters - For the second time in two years, a car that once belonged to Pope Benedict is up for sale.
Bathe on Good Friday
Priests to Pinoys: Please bathe on Good Friday
Get rid of that foul smell, do bathe, even if it’s Good Friday. This is the appeal of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to Filipinos who still believe that it is forbidden to bathe during Good Friday when Jesus Christ died on the cross.
Old Church Becomes Mosque in Britain
Old Church Becomes Mosque in Uneasy Britain
A battle to turn a former Christian church into a mosque underscored Britain’s unease with its Muslim minority.
Did the Red Sea Part?
North Sinai Journal: Did the Red Sea Part? No Evidence, Archaeologists Say
Egyptian archaeologists who have worked in the North Sinai say they have never turned up evidence to support the story of the Exodus in the Bible.
Assisted-Suicide Bill?
Cardinal Blasts Assisted-Suicide Bill
The head of the nation's largest Roman Catholic archdiocese called on his members Monday to defeat a proposal to legalize assisted suicide for the terminally ill in California.
Sculpture of Obama as Jesus causes stir
Sculpture of Obama as Jesus causes stir (AP)
AP - He wears Jesus' robes and a neon blue halo, looks like Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and is causing a stir at a Chicago art school.
Monday, April 2, 2007
St. Pope coming
John Paul sainthood reaches milestone
VATICAN CITY -- Catholic Church officials reach a key milestone in the drive to make Pope John Paul II a saint Monday, closing an investigation into his life and handing over a dossier detailing the purported miraculous cure of a nun who prayed to him.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Summa Theologica
Summa Theologica is a book that is considered to be worthy enough to be placed side by side with the Holy Bible. During the Middle Ages, it was placed side by side in tabernacles.
It was left unfinished by its author, St. Thomas Aquinas. The latter died in March 7, 1274, and is considered the greatest Catholic theologian. He is one of the thirty three doctors of the Church, which includes Gregory the Great, Albert the Great, Catherine of Sienna and Teresa of Avila.
The Summa Theologica is famous for its quinquae viae or "Five Ways": five arguments for the existence of God. Aquinas' death in 1274 left the work, considered by many to be the greatest theological statement of the Middle Ages, incomplete. (www.en.wikipedia.org)
Will Durant, a staunch critic of the Church, wrote that Metaphysics has its humble beginnings in Aristotle, and it reached its "encyclopedic completion in Thomas Aquinas". (History of Philosophy).
Pope celebrates Palm Sunday Mass
Pope celebrates Palm Sunday Mass (AP)
AP - Pope Benedict XVI, in his Palm Sunday Mass, opened the Roman Catholic Church's most solemn week by urging young people to live pure, innocent lives.
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