Muslim Leaders Pressured Kidnappers to Relent
MANILA, Philippines, NOV. 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Columban Father Michael Sinnott, who was abducted Oct. 11 from his home in the Philippines, was released early today by the intervention of a Muslim group.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a Muslim rebel group, answered an appeal for help from the Filipino government, with which it had been locked in violent conflict resulting in hundreds of deaths only months ago.
Leaders from the group found the kidnappers and pressured them to release the missionary priest, who was being held for a ransom that was set at $2 million. The captors did not receive any money, and authorities are working to verify their identities.
The 79-year-old priest, who came from Ireland to serve in the Philippines 40 years ago, has been frail and in need of medication since an open heart surgery he underwent in July.
Despite this experience, Father Sinnott is stating that he wants to remain working in the Philippines.
Father Patrick O'Donoghue, regional director of the Columban missionaries, expressed his "great joy and gratitude to God" for the release of his confrere.
In an article published by the Filipino bishops' conference, Father O'Donoghue affirmed his congregation's appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim leaders.
The bishops' conference president, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro, echoed this appreciation, and expressed the desire for continued peaceful collaboration between the government and the Islamic group.
The prelate affirmed: "We are also hoping that a similar situation will not happen again. We have to treasure and be grateful to the missionaries working with the people in Mindanao."
Friday, 13 November 2009
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Celibacy as a Rule Still in Force for Anglicans
Ordination of Married Men to Come Case by Case
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 9, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's apostolic constitution establishing personal ordinariates for Anglicans in communion with Rome does not alter the discipline of clerical celibacy nor the esteem the Church has for this practice, the Vatican clarified.
This clarification was given today in a statement from the Vatican announcing "Anglicanorum Coetibus," Benedict XVI's apostolic constitution for Anglicans who want to enter the Catholic Church. Complementary norms and an official commentary were also published.
The constitution states: "Those who ministered as Anglican deacons, priests, or bishops, and who fulfill the requisites established by canon law and are not impeded by irregularities or other impediments may be accepted by the Ordinary as candidates for Holy Orders in the Catholic Church.
"In the case of married ministers, the norms established in the Encyclical Letter of Pope Paul VI 'Sacerdotalis coelibatus,' n. 4215 and in the Statement 'In June' are to be observed. Unmarried ministers must submit to the norm of clerical celibacy of CIC can. 277, §1."
This practice is nothing new and has already been in use for Anglican priests who have come into communion with Rome on an individual basis.
The question nevertheless arose after last month's announcement of the constitution whether married seminarians would be able to become priests.
The document clarifies: "The Ordinary, in full observance of the discipline of celibate clergy in the Latin Church, as a rule (pro regula) will admit only celibate men to the order of presbyter. He may also petition the Roman Pontiff, as a derogation from can. 277, §1, for the admission of married men to the order of presbyter on a case by case basis, according to objective criteria approved by the Holy See."
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 9, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's apostolic constitution establishing personal ordinariates for Anglicans in communion with Rome does not alter the discipline of clerical celibacy nor the esteem the Church has for this practice, the Vatican clarified.
This clarification was given today in a statement from the Vatican announcing "Anglicanorum Coetibus," Benedict XVI's apostolic constitution for Anglicans who want to enter the Catholic Church. Complementary norms and an official commentary were also published.
The constitution states: "Those who ministered as Anglican deacons, priests, or bishops, and who fulfill the requisites established by canon law and are not impeded by irregularities or other impediments may be accepted by the Ordinary as candidates for Holy Orders in the Catholic Church.
"In the case of married ministers, the norms established in the Encyclical Letter of Pope Paul VI 'Sacerdotalis coelibatus,' n. 4215 and in the Statement 'In June' are to be observed. Unmarried ministers must submit to the norm of clerical celibacy of CIC can. 277, §1."
This practice is nothing new and has already been in use for Anglican priests who have come into communion with Rome on an individual basis.
The question nevertheless arose after last month's announcement of the constitution whether married seminarians would be able to become priests.
The document clarifies: "The Ordinary, in full observance of the discipline of celibate clergy in the Latin Church, as a rule (pro regula) will admit only celibate men to the order of presbyter. He may also petition the Roman Pontiff, as a derogation from can. 277, §1, for the admission of married men to the order of presbyter on a case by case basis, according to objective criteria approved by the Holy See."
Monday, 9 November 2009
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"It is more important to know where you are going than to get
there quickly. Do not mistake activity for achievement."
-- Mabel Newcomber
"It is more important to know where you are going than to get
there quickly. Do not mistake activity for achievement."
-- Mabel Newcomber
Pope Recalls Paul VI's Marian Devotion
Proclaimed Mary as Mother of Church
BRESCIA, Italy, NOV. 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Pope Paul VI's priesthood was under the protection of Mary and devotion to her accompanied him for his whole life, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope spoke of his predecessor today before praying the midday Angelus with crowds who attended a Mass the Holy Father celebrated in Brescia, where Giovanni Montini was born. Benedict XVI made a one-day trip to Paul VI's birthplace today.
With a brief discourse, the German Pontiff highlighted a particular contribution Paul VI made to marian devotion.
"[H]is Nov. 21, 1964, address at the closing of the third session of the Second Vatican Council is memorable," the Pope said. "During that session of the council the Constitution on the Church, 'Lumen Gentium,' was promulgated. The document had, as Paul VI noted, 'an entire chapter dedicated to the Madonna as its apex and crown.'
"[Paul VI] noted that it contained the largest synthesis of marian doctrine ever elaborated by an ecumenical council, with the purpose of 'manifesting the countenance of the Church to which Mary is intimately joined.'"
It was in this context that Paul VI proclaimed Mary Most Holy Mother of the Church, Benedict XVI recalled, "underscoring with lively ecumenical sensitivity that 'devotion to Mary … is a means essentially ordained to orient souls to Christ and thus join them to the Father, in the love of the Holy Spirit.'"
"Echoing the words of Paul VI," the Holy Father concluded, "we too today pray: O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to you we commend this Church of Brescia and all the people of this region. Remember all your children; bring their prayers before God; keep their faith firm; strengthen their hope; make their charity grow. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary."
--- --- ---
BRESCIA, Italy, NOV. 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Pope Paul VI's priesthood was under the protection of Mary and devotion to her accompanied him for his whole life, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope spoke of his predecessor today before praying the midday Angelus with crowds who attended a Mass the Holy Father celebrated in Brescia, where Giovanni Montini was born. Benedict XVI made a one-day trip to Paul VI's birthplace today.
With a brief discourse, the German Pontiff highlighted a particular contribution Paul VI made to marian devotion.
"[H]is Nov. 21, 1964, address at the closing of the third session of the Second Vatican Council is memorable," the Pope said. "During that session of the council the Constitution on the Church, 'Lumen Gentium,' was promulgated. The document had, as Paul VI noted, 'an entire chapter dedicated to the Madonna as its apex and crown.'
"[Paul VI] noted that it contained the largest synthesis of marian doctrine ever elaborated by an ecumenical council, with the purpose of 'manifesting the countenance of the Church to which Mary is intimately joined.'"
It was in this context that Paul VI proclaimed Mary Most Holy Mother of the Church, Benedict XVI recalled, "underscoring with lively ecumenical sensitivity that 'devotion to Mary … is a means essentially ordained to orient souls to Christ and thus join them to the Father, in the love of the Holy Spirit.'"
"Echoing the words of Paul VI," the Holy Father concluded, "we too today pray: O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to you we commend this Church of Brescia and all the people of this region. Remember all your children; bring their prayers before God; keep their faith firm; strengthen their hope; make their charity grow. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary."
--- --- ---
Friday, 6 November 2009
Malaysia withholds 'Allah Bibles'
By Robert Pigott
BBC News, Religious affairs correspondent
Muslims take part in Friday prayer at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur
About two-thirds of Malaysia's population is Muslim
The Malaysian government has refused to release 10,000 Bibles which it seized because they contained the word Allah to refer to God.
The government, which is dominated by Muslim Malays, claims that the word Allah is Islamic and that its use in Bibles could upset Muslims.
The Roman Catholic Church is challenging the ban in court.
Religion has become highly sensitive in Malaysia, where about two-thirds of the population is Muslim.
Religious minorities have accused the government of undermining their rights.
The government has impounded Bibles before, intercepting 5,000 in March as they were imported from Indonesia.
Church officials say that although the word Allah originated in Arabic, Malays have used it for centuries to refer generally to God, and Arabic-speaking Christians used it before Islam was founded.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia said the religious freedom guaranteed by the Malaysian constitution was meaningless if people were denied Bibles which used their own language.
BBC News, Religious affairs correspondent
Muslims take part in Friday prayer at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur
About two-thirds of Malaysia's population is Muslim
The Malaysian government has refused to release 10,000 Bibles which it seized because they contained the word Allah to refer to God.
The government, which is dominated by Muslim Malays, claims that the word Allah is Islamic and that its use in Bibles could upset Muslims.
The Roman Catholic Church is challenging the ban in court.
Religion has become highly sensitive in Malaysia, where about two-thirds of the population is Muslim.
Religious minorities have accused the government of undermining their rights.
The government has impounded Bibles before, intercepting 5,000 in March as they were imported from Indonesia.
Church officials say that although the word Allah originated in Arabic, Malays have used it for centuries to refer generally to God, and Arabic-speaking Christians used it before Islam was founded.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia said the religious freedom guaranteed by the Malaysian constitution was meaningless if people were denied Bibles which used their own language.
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