Healing of Colombian man could pave way for John Paul II canonization.
Healing of Colombian man could pave way for John Paul II canonization
(Credit: El Tiempo news agency).
Bogotá, Colombia, Jul 17, 2012 / 10:30 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The testimony of a Colombian man who says he was “miraculously cured” of Parkinson's Disease through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II could allow for the canonization of the Polish pope.
According to the newspaper El Tiempo, the case involves Marco Fidel Rojas, the former mayor of the town of Huila, whose testimony has now been sent to the Vatican office heading the sainthood cause for the late pontiff.
Recounting his story to the Colombian paper, Fidel remembers experiencing the first symptoms of the disease in December of 2005. After a series of examinations, doctors determined he had suffered a stroke, which led to the development of Parkinson's.
Little by little the disease began to get worse. “I felt like I could collapse at any moment. Various …More

Bishop consecrates priests, seminarians for renewed fight vs RH Bill.
Bishop consecrates priests, seminarians for renewed fight vs RH Bill
SAN PABLO City, July 17, 2012―San Pablo Bishop Leo Drona on Monday has consecrated his priests, religious and seminarians to prepare them for a renewed battle against the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill which Congress wants railroaded and passed.
During the Monthly Clergy Recollection which fell on the Feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel, the bishop gathered over 300 priests, religious and seminarians inside the San Pablo Cathedral to pray the Holy Rosary and consecrate them to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Drona told the Clergy and seminarians after the consecration that during the Feast of Mount Carmel we recall the Blessed Mother’s role and inspiration in battling against enemies of Christianity. The fight against idolatry and evils in the world and society through prayer and penance with the help of the Holy …More

Philippine Gov’t urged to regulate sale of condoms.
Gov’t urged to regulate sale of condoms
MANILA, July 17, 2012— A former legislator said there is a need for the government to strictly regulate the sale of contraceptives that are available over the counter.
Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., said that such measure is needed so as not to make them easily accessible to just anyone especially the youth.
“Convenience stores sell condoms left and right. If at all it should really be regulated to high risk patients who have to use condoms within the bounds of their matrimony,” said Pimentel.
“It should not be allowed to be sold just anywhere because even children can have access to these things,” he said.
He cited a group of children that he saw along Edsa playing with condoms as if they were plastic balloons as an example. “You see the danger of that permissive kind of policy that the government might be tolerating or turning a blind eye to?” he said.
Pimentel then called on the Food …More

12 habambuhay hatol sa lider ng kulto.
12 habambuhay hatol sa lider ng kulto
Ni Danilo Garcia (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated June 28, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Hinatulan ng dalawang huwes sa Marikina City Regional Trial Court ng 12-habambuhay na pagkakulong ang lider ng isang kulto makaraang mapatunayan sa kasong panggagahasa sa 15 nitong babaeng kasapi kabilang ang ilang menor-de-edad.
Sa inilabas na hatol nina Judge Marie Lyn Andal ng Marikina Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 92 at Judge Lorna Catriz-Cheng Chua ng Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 168, napatunayan na nagkasala ang akusadong si Antonio Dumala Faelnar, founder ng Global Empire Covenant of the Divine Government sa panggagahasa sa kanyang mga miyembrong babae.
Nabatid sa rekord ng korte na bukod sa panggagahasa, dumanas din ng matinding pagpapahirap ang mga menor-de-edad na miyembro, tulad ng pagsasailalim sa ilang ritwal kung saan pinapalo ng kahoy sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng katawan habang pinupuwersa naman ang iba na …More

Karachi: from encounter with Franciscans a vocation to the priesthood.
Karachi: from encounter with Franciscans a vocation to the priesthood
KARACHI, Pakistan, June 26, 2012--"I was impressed with the three values of the Franciscans: poverty, chastity and obedience", says 27 year old Christian Asif Shafique, a civil engineer and physical therapist speaking to AsiaNews about his encounter with the Order and the desire to respond to the call to the priesthood. He recently participated in a day of vocation promotion, organized by the Franciscans in the Archdiocese of Karachi, along with 28 other young people from 22 different parishes. "My family," added the future priest, "is finding it difficult in the current economic crisis, but accepted my decision with great joy." Shafiq adds a note of pride that his parents "have given me their blessing and made the best wishes for my future consecrated life".
At the end of vocations day, the 27 year-old Pakistani Christian (pictured, in white, middle …More

Nigerian bishops say anger, hatred after bombings is at dangerous level.
Nigerian bishops say anger, hatred after bombings is at dangerous level
Vatican Radio (June 27, 2012)
Nigeria's Catholic bishops expressed concern that anger and hatred are growing among Christian and Muslim communities and have reached a dangerous level, following a spate of church bombings believed to be carried out by a fundamentalist Islamic sect. "These are sad days for Nigeria and for all Nigerians," the bishops said in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday. "We feel greatly pained by the violent events which have become almost daily occurrences" they added. The statement, signed by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, and Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos, lamented the lack of security for Christians despite mounting attacks. Calling upon all Nigerians to defuse the rising tensions, the bishops also urged the government to step up its actions …More

Pope Announces Series of New Curial Appointments.
Pope Announces Series of New Curial Appointments
by Edward Pentin
In the first of a number of senior Vatican appointments expected this summer, Pope Benedict XVI has nominated American Archbishop Augustine Di Noia as vice president of the commission charged with helping to bring the Society of St. Pius X back into full communion with Rome.
The Vatican announced today that the 68 year-old Dominican archbishop will become vice president of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, and that his current position, as Secretary to the Congregation for Divine Worship, will be filled by Bishop Arthur Roche of Leeds, England. Bishop Roche will be raised to the rank of archbishop.
The Holy Father has also appointed a new president for the Pontifical Council for the Family: Bishop Vincenzo Paglia of Terni-Narni-Amelia, 67, will take over the role from Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, 75, and will be elevated to archbishop. Bishop Paglia, well known as one …More

4 Pinoy archbishops to receive 'pallium' in Rome.
4 Pinoy archbishops to receive 'pallium' in Rome
MANILA, June 26, 2012— Four Filipino bishops will be in Rome this week to receive the Pallium from the hand of Pope Benedict XVI.
Archbishops Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Jose Advincula of Capiz, John Du of Palo and Romulo Valles of Davao will be among those who will receive the pallium, which is the last stage of an archbishop’s appointment.
Benedict XVI will confer the pallium on a number of metropolitan archbishops appointed in 2011 in a concelebrated Mass at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica on June 29.
The papal pallium is a liturgical insignia of the archbishop made of white wool, which symbolizes the office of archbishop, particularly their bond and shared responsibility with the pope to be pastors in their regions.
The four Filipino prelates left for Rome yesterday. They will be joined by some of their priests and close relatives.
Each year on the Feast of Sts. Peter and …More

Vatican releases guidelines on promoting vocations.
Vatican releases guidelines on promoting vocations
By Carol Glatz on Monday, 25 June 2012/www.new Advent.org/catholic herald.co.uk
In an effort to respond to a “clear and pressing” need for priests, the Vatican has released a set of guidelines to help bishops and Church communities promote, recruit and educate a new generation of men for the priesthood.
The Church needs “suitable” candidates and must avoid men who “show signs of being profoundly fragile personalities”, while helping others heal from any possible “individual deviations” from their vocations, the document said.
“The witness of Christian communities giving account of the faith that is in them becomes even more necessary,” because it’s a community of believers committed to passing on God’s love that “prepares the Lord’s call that invites people to consecration and mission,” it said.
Based on responses to a questionnaire sent to bishops’ conferences and directors of national …More

Pope calls for continued renewal amid liturgical abuses.
Pope calls for continued renewal amid liturgical abuses
By David Kerr
Dublin, Ireland, Jun 18, 2012 / 10:22 am (CNA/EWTN News).- At the conclusion of the 50th Eucharistic Congress in Ireland, Pope Benedict urged ongoing liturgical renewal – as outlined by the Second Vatican Council – amid current misunderstandings and abuses.
“At our distance today from the Council Fathers' expressed desires regarding liturgical renewal, and in the light of the universal Church’s experience in the intervening period, it is clear that a great deal has been achieved; but it is equally clear that there have been many misunderstandings and irregularities,” he said in a video message to over 75,000 pilgrims in Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium on June 17.
“Not infrequently,” he added, “the revision of liturgical forms has remained at an external level, and 'active participation' has been confused with external activity. Hence much still remains to be done on …More

Beatification bid launched for historic Opus Dei member.
Beatification bid launched for historic Opus Dei member
By David Kerr
Rome, Italy, Jun 18, 2012 / 06:12 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The cause for the beatification of Dora del Hoyo, one of the first collaborators of the founder of Opus Dei, has been announced in Rome on June 18.
“Dora was of great importance for Opus Dei, for her fidelity and her work perfectly finished, which was always accompanied by her humility of passing unnoticed. This is why she was so effective until the end of her life,” said Bishop Javier Echevarria, the Prelate of Opus Dei, who announced the cause at Rome’s Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.
Born in Spain in 1914, Dora del Hoyo first came into contact with Opus Dei’s founder, Saint Josemaria Escriva, at the age of 29 when she was employed as a member of the domestic staff in a Madrid student residence run by the Catholic organization.
In 1946 she became the first woman to join Opus Dei as a “numerary …More

Philippine Bishops hit ‘Ban God bill’
Bishops hit ‘Ban God bill’
MANILA, June 19, 2012— Why ban something that would remind people to be good Christians?
Catholic bishops raised the question as a reaction to a proposed measure filed in Congress, which seeks to ban prayer services and religious symbols in government offices.
According to church officials, such things do not violate any law and there is no reason for banning them in public offices.
“Majority of our employers and employees are Catholics. The small crucifix and a short prayer will remind them to be good, honest and just employers and employees,” said Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
“It has many positive and advantageous results. I hope our legislators will be more discreet,” said the former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said the people have always the right to express their faith “because of its social dimension.” “Since majority of our people are Catholics,…More

House bill vs religious rites sa gov't offices haharangin.
House bill vs religious rites sa gov't offices haharangin
Ni Butch Quejada (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated June 20, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Haharangin ni Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez ang ‘ban God’ bill na inihain kamakailan sa Kamara ng kapwa niya kongresista na naglalayon ipagbawal ang pagdaraos ng religious ceremonies at paglalagay ng religious symbol sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno.
Sinabi ni Golez na paglabag umano sa Konstitusyon ang panukala ni Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino.
Sinabi ni Golez, maging sa sesyon ng Kongreso ay nagsisimula sa pagdarasal matapos ang pagpapatugtog ng Lupang Hinirang at gayundin aniya sa mga ahensiya ng gobyerno.
Sa House bill 6330 ni Palatino, ipagbabawal na ang paglalagay ng krus, santo at maging bibliya sa alinmang ahensya ng gobyerno.
Sinabi ni Palatino na wala dapat binibigyan ng pabor na relihiyon ang gobyerno kaya dapat ipagbawal ang pagdaraos ng religious ceremonies at paglalagay ng religious …More

Marian event answer to threats vs. life, practice of faith.
Marian event answer to threats vs. life, practice of faith
MANILA, June 18, 2012—As the moves to uphold life and the faith must always be accompanied by the Blessed Mother, a Marian Congress on Faith & Life has been organized as the Catholic faithful’s answer to the current threats against life and the practice of faith.
The two-day event, sponsored by Human Life International (HLI) Pilipinas and revolving around the theme “You Have Been Warned: Marian Messages from Fatima to Lipa,” will take place on July 13 to 14 at the Sacred Heart Center, Jakosalem Street, Cebu City.
Organizers aim to inform, challenge and ignite the commitments of religious and lay Catholic leaders to make strong, urgent and concerted efforts to respond to the current moral and spiritual challenges confronting the country. All lay and religious leaders not only from Cebu but from other parts of the Visayas and the whole country are invited to take part in …More

Magnitude 6 quake strongly felt in Zambales,Philippines.
Magnitude 6 quake strongly felt in Zambales
By Helen Flores The Philippine Star Updated June 18, 2012 12:00 AM 0 comment to this post
MANILA, Philippines - Residents of Candelaria, Zambales were awakened by a magnitude 6 earthquake early yesterday morning, but state seismologists said no damage was expected from the tremor.
Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the tremor occurred at around 6:18 a.m. yesterday with its epicenter traced at 80 kilometers southwest of Candelaria town where it was strongly felt at Intensity 4.
The quake, which had a depth of four kms, was also felt at Intensity 4 in Iba, Zambales; Dagupan City, Bugallon, Villasis and Bolinao, all in Pangasinan; and Makati City; Intensity 3 in San Fernando, La Union; and Quezon City; Intensity 2 in Bacoor, Cavite and Plaridel, Bulacan; and Intensity 1 in Tagaytay City.
In an interview with GMA News TV Channel …More

Vatican looks online as it retools its communications strategy.
Vatican looks online as it retools its communications strategy
By David Kerr
Vatican City, Jun 13, 2012 / 01:56 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican has announced that it wants to create a “.catholic” domain name as a way of validating official Catholic institutions online – just one day after rolling out a major shift in its communications strategy.
“Our idea is that those communities that make up the Church will be able to apply to have this ‘dot catholic’ web address as a way of authenticating their presence in the web space,” said Monsignor Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, in an interview with Vatican Radio.
The online suffix would be granted by the Vatican to Catholic bodies across the world so that internet users “can be certain that it’s coming from a genuinely Catholic source,” he said.
The Vatican is just one of nearly 2,000 new applications to the Internet Corporation for …More

HAURIETIS AQUAS di Papa PIoXII per la festa del Sacro Cuore di Gesù.
PIO XII
LETTERA ENCICLICA
HAURIETIS AQUAS
SULLA DEVOZIONE AL SACRO CUORE DI GESÙ
Ai Venerabili Fratelli Patriarchi, Primati, Arcivescovi, Vescovi e agli altri Ordinari locali
che hanno pace e comunione con la Sede Apostolica.
Venerabili Fratelli, salute e Apostolica Benedizione. «Voi attingerete con gaudio le acque dalle fonti del Salvatore »(1). Queste parole, con le quali il profeta Isaia simbolicamente preannunziava le molteplici e abbondanti benedizioni di Dio, che l’era messianica avrebbe apportato, spontanee ritornano sulle Nostre labbra, allorché diamo uno sguardo ai cento anni che sono trascorsi da quando il Nostro Predecessore di imm. mem. Pio IX, ben lieto di assecondare i voti del mondo cattolico, si compiaceva di estendere e rendere obbligatoria per la Chiesa intera la Festa del Cuore Sacratissimo di Gesù. Innumerevoli, infatti, sono le grazie celesti che il culto tributato al Cuore Sacratissimo di Gesù ha …More