Filippino Bishops advises use of iPad.
Bishop advises use of iPad, tablet in lieu of Missal only during ‘emergency’
MANILA, August 10, 2012—Even if the Catholic Church is gradually espousing the use of the internet and social media in its evangelization work, Church leaders are still hesitant in embracing technologies and innovation in the conduct of sacraments and rituals, like using the iPad or tablet computers in lieu of the Missal during the celebration of the Mass.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has not yet officially issued its policy on the use of the gadgets, which features electronic Catholic Bible or Missal applications, to replace the tangible Missal, a liturgical book containing instructions and texts necessary for the celebration of Mass.
But for his part, Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon personally discourages his fellow priests from using electronic Bible or Missal from iPad or tablet computers to replace the Holy Books.
In an interview with YouthPinoy …More

Priest's new film says physics help prove existence of God.
Priest's new film says physics help prove existence of God
By Makena Clawson
Irvine, Calif., Aug 11, 2012 (CNA).- A new film by philosopher, priest and producer Father Robert Spitzer aims to integrate faith and reason by making the claim that God's existence can be proved through scientific evidence.
“We thought the whole story wasn’t being told in the media about the evidence for God from physics,” the Jesuit priest told CNA.
“We’re utterly convinced that the evidence from physics shows the existence of God and certainly does not take away from it.”
The 49-minute documentary, titled “Cosmic Origins,” features eight physicists who discuss the big bang theory, theories of modern physics, and eventually discuss the need for a creator.
Along with Fr. Spitzer, a former Gonzaga University President and founder of the Magis Center for Faith and Reason, the film features Michael Heller of the Vatican Observatory, Nobel Laureate Arno …More

Knights of Columbus and Masons Have Pancake Breakfast!
Knights of Columbus and Masons Have Pancake Breakfast!
Update: State Advocate for the Minnesota Knights of Columbus made the following disingenuous statement: "We would allow Gay and lesbian use of the KC Hall as long as they were not publicly opposing church teaching."
Perhaps the folks at CPCSM would be interested in renting a hall in the future, or perhaps the Ku Klux Klan?
Edit: Isn't it great when two fraternal organizations whose mutual association would be frowned upon by the Catholic Church, look past all that to break bread in an official capacity?
FYI, from then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger via here:
It has been asked whether there has been any change in the Church’s decision in regard to Masonic associations since the new Code of Canon Law does not mention them expressly, unlike the previous code.
This sacred congregation is in a position to reply that this circumstance is due to an editorial criterion which was followed also …More

Boy Scouts lauded for continuing ban on openly gay members.
Boy Scouts lauded for continuing ban on openly gay members
Washington D.C., Jul 24, 2012 (CNA).- The Boy Scouts of America has drawn praise for upholding a policy of prohibiting openly homosexual leaders and members, in order to align with its founding principles and respect the role of parents in educating their own children.
“The vast majority of the parents of youth we serve value their right to address issues of same-sex orientation within their family, with spiritual advisers, and at the appropriate time and in the right setting,” said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive.
On July 17, the Boy Scouts announced that it would continue its long-standing policy of banning “open or avowed homosexuals” in order to support the group’s values, avoid distractions from its mission and respect parental rights.
The decision came after a two-year evaluation of the policy, which determined that upholding the current membership rule would …More

Catholics to mark opening of Olympic Games with Masses.
Catholics to mark opening of Olympic Games with Masses
London, England, Jul 22, 2012 (CNA/EWTN News).- The Catholic Church in England and Wales will celebrate special Masses to open the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games, which begin on July 27.
James Parker, Catholic Executive Coordinator for the 2012 Games, said many past Olympians and sports professionals from across the world and the London area are Catholics who “take in the thrill of the games.”
“These men and women better than most know the importance of keeping God firmly positioned within their sporting journey,” he said.
“They are being invited to join the rest of the Catholic community in giving thanks to God for the many opportunities that the Games present not only to our nation but to the whole world at this time.”
A July 28 Mass at Westminster Cathedral will celebrate the start of the 30th Olympic Games.
A Mass for the start of the 14th Paralympic Games will take …More

La coraggiosa conversione cattolica dell’islamico Ilyas Khan.
La coraggiosa conversione cattolica dell’islamico Ilyas Khan
21 luglio, 2012
E’ giunta a noi grazie al National Catholic Register una storia assai gradita: la conversione di Ilyas Khan. Quest’uomo, nato da genitori musulmani, cresciuto in Gran Bretagna, tuttora proprietario della squadra di calcio Accrington Stanley ha deciso di abbracciare il cattolicesimo. Quanti sono i mussulmani che vorrebbero rinunciare alla loro fede per accogliere Gesù Cristo come Dio, ma che per paura dei loro correligionari scelgono di non aderirvi! Ebbene quest’uomo ha invece deciso di uscire allo scoperto e racconta la sua storia al sito citato poc’anzi.
Alla prima domanda dell’intervistatore su cosa lo abbia portato alla fede così risponde Khan: «Alla mia fede ha contribuito molto l’educazione avuta fino ai 4 anni. Mia madre era molto malata così fu una mia nonna, che era profondamente cattolica, ad accudirmi nei primi anni; non potevo non considerarmi …More

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

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