MANGALORE: Laity Theology Course 2006

Laity Theology Course 2006

New Batch of Laity Theology Course at St. Joseph's Seminary, Mangalore

Our Seminary will begin a fresh batch of Theology Course for the Laity. We invite applications from the Laity who seek to deepen their Christian Faith and religious knowledge. The Professors of the Seminary offer in English competent explanation and supply notes on Holy Bible and various theological subjects.

The full Course is of two years duration. The classes are conducted in the Seminary on Saturdays from 2.45 - 6.00 p.m. commencing from July 2006. The first year classes will end in March 2007, with holidays in December. The Course fee is Rs.1,500/== per year.

Those who are above 25 years with working knowledge of English and feel interested to take up the Course need to apply with the recommendation of the Parish Priest. The application forms are available in your Parish Office or you may contact the Seminary. The last date for registering your name for the Course is 20th June 2006. The registration fee Rs.100/== only.

Address: St. Joseph's Seminary (Interdiocesan)
Jeppu, Mangalore - 575 002.

Tel.: 0824-2437056, 2437074, 2437134, 2437055, 2437054

UK: HSI Discipleship Program at London

Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI) Displeship Program in London (UK) in June 2006

The HSI Discipleship Program: London, UK

This is the schedule as it currently exists. Please keep checking this page to see additions of more programs as they get arranged. For more information call Leila at 020 8423 4084 or Lalini at 020 8683 1209.

Friday, June 2nd 2006, 8pm

Polish Church of Divine Mercy

Pitts Road, Off Farnham Road
Slough, Berks

Saturday, June 3rd 2006, 1:30pm

St. Anne’s Church

Fawley Court, Marlow Road
Henley – on – Thames
Oxon RG9 3AE

Tuesday, June 6th 2006, 7pm

Our Lady of Reparation Church (St.Mary’s)

70 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR0 2AR

Wednesday, June 7th, 7:30pm

Our Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury Church

22 Roxborough Park
Harrow – on – the – Hill HA1 3BE

Thursday, June 8th 2006, 8pm

St Stephen’s Church

Bushhill Park, 3A Village Way
Enfield EN1 2ET

Friday, June 9th 2006, 1:30pm

St. Mathew’s Church Hall

Hallowell Road
Northwood, Middx HA6 1DW

GOA: Konkani Bible; release on June 4, 2006

Now read Bible in Konkani; release on June 4

By Gilbert D'Mello

OLD GOA, MAY 27 - While the liturgy and other documents of the Church in Goa have been available in Konkani since Vatican II, the church, however, still found itself in need of bringing out the entire Bible in the maim-bhas.

This sacred book will now be available to the Konkani-speaking community, after the translation of the entire Bible in Konkani in the Roman script was completed recently.

The Konkani Bible (Old and New Testament) will be released by Archbishop-Patriarch Felipe Neri Ferrao at the Pontifical Mass in Se Cathedral, Old Goa at 10 am on June 4.

"The process for the compilation of the entire Bible in Konkani was set in motion in 1990, when Archbishop-Emeritus Raul Gonsalves entrusted the task to the liturgical committee," Fr Manuel Gomes, secretary of Diocesan Commission for Biblical Apostolate (DCBA) told Herald.

In 1993, Archbishop emeritus Gonsalves constituted the DCBA, entrusting it with the job of bringing out the entire Bible in Konkani. Though the New Testament in the Roman script of Konkani was already available, the DCBA revised the edition, while bringing out the Old Testament in Konkani in one entire edition.

The translation of different books of the Bible was undertaken by a team of 15 experts, comprising priests and laity, which were then edited by Fr Gomes and assisted by Fr Ave Maria Afonso.

The Diocesan Synod 2002 had asked the DCBA to expedite the work of bringing out the Konkani edition of the entire Bible. As a follow-up to the Synod, Archbishop Gonsalves appointed a "full-timer" to the job in June 2002.

As many as 60,000 copies of the Bible are printed, of which 40,000 copies are subsidised at Rs 150 per copy. The remaining 20,000 copies will be sold at Rs 300 per copy.

"The Bible contains 2,300 pages, which are of special imported Bible paper, and the total cost of printing has been Rs 1.8 crore," informed Fr Gomes.

The existing practice and style in the Roman Script Konkani has been retained in a perfect form, in order to make the reading lucid.

Names of persons in Hebrew or Greek have been retained, while those names, which are in use among the Konkani-speaking people (e.g Moizes, Isaias, Jeremias, etc) have been untouched.

Wherever necessary, detailed meanings of words or events have been given on the right side of each page. Meanings and explanations of complex words are provided in Konkani and English in the glossary section.

"Process is also underway to bring out the Bible in the Devanagri script of Konkani," Fr Gomes added.

Source: oHeraldo.in

Also See:

• Goans To Get Bible In Local Language
• The Bible's Answer To Your Problems
• Catholics Don't Read Bible?
• Goa to get Konkani Bible

Forgiveness, the Key to Healing

Forgiveness - The Path Towards Healing

Rohan F. Britto

"Could any one nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord?"
(Sirach 28:3)

"Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight."
(Sirach 27:30)

The book of Sirach tells us not to hold on to wrath and anger. An injury done to us cannot be allowed to grow into hatred and revenge, which can become an addiction, putting the person in prison in his or her own person. Which means some very good emotions are blocked as anger and wrath take over, when anger oversteps its legitimate bounds of expression? The injured person can add injury to him or herself more by developing anger and revenge, and creating a devious battle in their heart and mind.

Depending on the depth and nature of the injury forgiveness can be very hard to give. Sirach offers a motivation. Continue reading...

Also See:

• May - The Month of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Cardinal Dias On Conversions and the Pope's Statement

"Legislation Against Genuine Conversion An Unwarranted Interference In God's Unique Competence": Cardinal Dias

Mumbai, May 23, 2006 (CBCI News):

There have been mixed responses to Pope Benedict XVI's remarks regarding "attempt to legislate clearly discriminatory restrictions on the fundamental right of religious freedom" in some parts of India. The following is a response from Cardinal Ivan Dias who has been very recently appointed as a Vatican official:

Apropos Certain Reactions To Pope Benedict XVI's Remarks On Religious Freedom In India

During the audience which His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI recently granted to India's new Ambassador to the Holy See, he made the following observation on religious freedom in India: "The disturbing signs of religious intolerance which have troubled some regions of the nation, including the reprehensible attempt to legislate clearly discriminatory restrictions on the fundamental right of religious freedom, must be firmly rejected as not only unconstitutional, but also as contrary to the highest ideals of India's founding fathers, who believed in a nation of peaceful coexistence and mutual tolerance between different religions and ethnic groups".

In the wake of some criticism to this statement by a tiny politico-religious fraction (unrepresentative) of the religious majority in India, the following points are worth noting:

Conversion from one religious belief to another is a strictly personal matter between God and the individual concerned. The freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise and propagate one's religion have been enshrined in the Constitution of India. This is but an affirmation of the human rights to which every man, woman and child is entitled. Conversions, however, should never be induced by force, fraud or allurement: the Catholic Church considers all such conversions as invalid. But, any opposition by law or de facto to a genuine conversion, besides being a grave violation of the code of human rights and of the spirit of the Indian Constitution, is, above all, an unwarranted interference in God's unique competence in the matter.

It is, therefore, imperative that the said group be asked to produce factual evidence proving a single forced conversion to the Catholic Church in India as a sign of its bonafide intentions. All allegations made in this regard in the past have proved to be utterly false, like the one made last year by a Government education officer against a Catholic school in Nashik, when he was refused a favour he was demanding very arrogantly. When questioned by his superiors at Mantralaya and asked to produce proof of his complaint, he was quick to retract his accusation and he publicly apologised for his haughty behaviour.

The Christians in India number only 2.3% of the total population: of these 1.8% belong to the Catholic Church. Despite being such a tiny minority, the Christians cater to 20% of all the primary education in the country, 10% of the literacy and community health care programmes, 25% of the care of the orphans and widows, and 30% of the care of the handicapped, lepers and AIDS patients. The vast majority of those who avail themselves of these institutions belong to faiths other than Christian. These institutions are much appreciated by Hindus, Muslims and persons of other faiths or of no faith at all, who admire the Christians for their selfless service of the suffering, the marginalised, the illiterate and the downtrodden.

The aforementioned group would do well to examine how much it is doing in favour of the educational, health and social uplift of the Indian people, and should not take it amiss that some members of the religious majority in India (and of other communities as well) feel attracted to follow a religion whose founder, Our Lord Jesus Christ, told His followers that He had come, not to be served, but to serve and who commanded them to love one another as He had loved them. The group can also ask itself why so many persons of other faiths, including even government officials, insist on their children being educated in so-called "convent schools" or on admitting their sick and aged relatives in Catholic hospitals or homes.

The same group could also make a survey as to how many of the millions of persons who have passed through the Catholic educational, health or social institutions in India from time immemorial - and these include, interalia, renowned judges and advocates, medical practitioners and nurses, political and religious leaders, and even some prominent members of the group itself! - have been converted or were asked to convert to Christianity. They would thus find the reason why, after two thousand years of Christian presence in India and the zealous activity of its members in favour of the local population, the number of Christians remains exceedingly small in the country.

If the said group is unable to answer these points satisfactorily, it would do well to re-consider its profoundly biased attitude towards the Christian community, and be ashamed of the attacks, both verbal and physical, which some of its members make on Christian personalities and institutions in several States in the country. Such a behaviour is indeed unbecoming of civilised persons and seriously endangers the secular and democratic fabric of our beloved Motherland, to which Catholics in India are proud to belong as law-abiding citizens.

+ Ivan Cardinal Dias

Source: CBCIsite.com
Also See:

Bombay Archbishop Urges Prayer Crusade Against Anti-Christian Films

Cardinal Dias Appointed Prefect of Congregation of Evangelization of Peoples

MUMBAI: Cardinal Dias Deplores Offensive Movies

Bombay Archdiocesen Healing Ministry

Bombay Archdiocese Pastoral Letter 2006

Cardinal Ivan Dias on Recent Attacks

BANGALORE: Archbishop's Circular on Da Vinci Code

A PASTORAL CHALLENGE CAUSED BY THE FILM: THE DA VINCI CODE

Dear Rev. Fathers / Sisters / Brothers / Lay Faithful

You would have known by now that the film The Da Vinci Code, based on Dan Brown's novel of the same title, will be released in India tomorrow. The Catholic Bishops of India have already protested against the release of this movie as it affects the religious sentiments of all Christians in India. But the Government on Thursday allowed the screening of this controversial film without any cuts. But, after taking into consideration, the views expressed by the CBCI, it has given this movie an 'Adults Only' certification and with a 'disclaimer' (This film is a work of pure fiction and has no correspondence to historical facts of the Christian religion) to be exhibited at the beginning and the end of the film.

I have already expressed my concerns in the print and electronic media regarding this movie, which is causing tremendous confusions in the minds of the people, and I even labeled it as the Devil's Code. "It tries to present fiction as truth and there is a likelihood that many people could end up with a distorted and erroneous view of the Church and Christianity" as one of the dailies published.

As you are fully aware, this film has caused a pastoral challenge for us to guide our people either to totally boycott it or view it with utmost care and critical-mind. It is also an opportunity for a deeper catechesis and to proclaim the true reality of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

We can see that this novel has caused a stir all over the world. Of course, here in India everything sensational makes a stir and quickly blows over. I suspect this will be true of the Da Vinci Code. Yes, it is blasphemous and it is a diabolical attack on our Lord Jesus who has sustained and overcome diabolical attacks before. I'm sure he will do it again. However, it is also a diabolical attack on our faith and what we believe Jesus to be. There are so many people who are simple and unfortunately they will be influenced by this book and film. In the light of the existing controversy and requests from different quarters for proper direction, I am giving a few guidelines, which I want you to read out to the people on Sunday, 28th May at all the Masses.

1. The film Da Vinci Code is based on a novel and it is not based on history. The true life of Jesus Christ is depicted in the Gospels.

2. People must not become gullible and believe whatever they see in the film as media create false realities and have the power to 'make believe facts'.

3. To clarify people's doubt, a study group in the parish should be formed. A few learned persons who have made a through study of the film could guide the people, especially the youth in the parish.

4. Special prayers to be offered for media personnel that they may not exploit the simple faith of the common people and that people who view this movie may not be misguided and/or lose faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ.

5. The faithful should be helped to foster their personal relationship with Jesus by conducting regularly the Bible Classes with special focus on the Gospels, and by the screening of the movies: Jesus of Nazareth, the Passion of the Christ etc.

I am also enclosing my Press Release and a few points on this film: The Da Vinci Code for your information and sharing.

With every good wish and God's blessings,
Yours sincerely in Christ,

Sd/-
Bernard Moras
Archbishop of Bangalore

Also See:

• BANGALORE: Archbishop Calls DVC the Devil's Code
• The Da Vinci Code (DVC) - Catholic Resources
• Declare Da Vinci Code fiction: Christian leaders
• INDIA: Bishops Demand Ban on Controversial Movies
• MUMBAI: Cardinal Dias Deplores Offensive Movies
• Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops Conference (KRCBC)
• Karnataka Bishops Pastoral Letter
• Bangalore Archdiocese to host CBCI-GBM

"Tree of Life" Bags Award at International Catholic Film Festival

"Tree of Life" by Leo Thaddeus awarded Second in feature film category at 21st International Catholic Film Festival at Niepokalanow, Poland

May 23.: "Tree of Life", a prolife documentary film by Kerala based film director Leo Thaddeus has been awarded the Second Prize in the feature film category at the XXI International Catholic Film and Multimedia Festival, NIEPOKALANOV 2006, held at Niepokalanow, Poland.

Produced by the Mampillil Brothers and presented by Jesus Youth, it revolves around an abortion dilemma that portrays relationships, career, decisions and the value of life in the struggle faced by a modern nuclear family and their 10 year old son.

The film has been broadcast on channels like Asianet, Jeevan TV and Shalom TV and was previously adjudged the best tele-film in the State. It has also received the prestigious 2005 "Yuva Prathibha" award from the Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC), and the Film Critics Television Award for the best screen play and the best videography.

The International Catholic Film festival organized by SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication, from 17-21 May this year, received 114 entries from 11 countries of which 26 were selected. "Definitely this is a great honor for the producers and Jesus Youth" an elated Thaddeus remarked.

Leo Thaddeus, who earned his Diploma in Mass Communication with a specialization in film from the Gregorian University, Italy, has been a prominent name in the theatre and movie industry. A former Jesus Youth Central Team Member and one of the pioneers of the Jesus Youth Audio Visual Ministry, Leo has already directed various short films, ad films and documentaries. He credits the success of "Tree of Life" to the support and encouragment of the Jesus Youth family and the special intercession of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, an Italian Physician-Mother who bore heroic witness to the sacredness of life.

The festival at Niepokalanow preceedes the visit of Pope Benedict XVI's pilgrimage to Poland from May 25-28.

END

Also See:

• Saint (St.) Gianna Beretta Molla

GOA Archdiocese: Transfers and Appointments

TRANSFERS AND APPOINTMENTS IN GOA ARCHDIOCESE

The following is the list of transfers and appointments of priests in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman made by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao. It will take effect from June 1, 2006.

INSTITUTIONS

Fr Victor C Rodrigues as Financial Administrator of the Archdiocese.
Fr Caetano da Costa as Director of the Clergy Home, Margao.
Fr Romeu Godinho as Prefect of Discipline at Rachol Seminary.
Fr Alex D'Souza as In-Charge of St Xavier's Hostel, Mapusa.
Fr George Rato as Assistant to the In-Charge of St Xavier's Hostel, Mapusa.

PARISH PRIESTS

Fr Luis Coutinho to Varca.
Fr Ubaldo da Cunha to Betalbatim.
Fr Arlino de Melo to Reis Magos.
Fr Jose Roque Gonsalves to Verna.
Fr Brito Furtado to Siolim.
Fr Jose Antonio da Costa to Vasco da Gama.
Fr Leonardo Moraes to Navelim.
Fr Anthony Vaz to Holy Trinity, Benaulim.
Fr Pascoal Afonso to Desterro, Vasco da Gama.
Fr Nelson Colaço to Cavelossim.
Fr John Philip Menezes to Cansaulim.
Fr Dominic Noronha to Paroda.
Fr Joseph John Fernandes to Corgao.
Fr Erodiano Fernandes to Neura.
Fr Querobino Baptista to Tollecanto, Velim.
Fr Caetano Piedade Cardozo to Cunchelim.
Fr Dominic da Costa to Mardol.
Fr Pedro Miranda to Sao Bras.
Fr Gabriel Coutinho to S Bartolomeo, Chorao.
Fr Luis Alvares to Dabal, Fr Michael Fernandes to Batim.
Fr Nevel Gracias to Utorda.
Fr Manuel Fernandes to Canacona.
Fr Leonardo Correia to Old Goa.
Fr Urbano Menezes to Majorda.
Fr Nelson Rodrigues, SAC, to Pernem.
Fr Michael Almeida, SAC, to Sarzora.
Fr Aleixinho Rodrigues, SDB, to Tuem.
Fr Tadeo D'silva, SFX, to Vaddem Kurdi.
Fr Jose Vaz, SFX, to Rivona.

PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATORS

Fr Gabriel Coutinho to Graca, Chorao.
Fr Aleixinho Rodrigues, SDB to Vaidongor.
Fr Jacinto Rodrigues to São Jacinto.
Fr Planton Faria to Curca.
Fr Simão Rodrigues to Nagoa de Bardez.

CHAPLAINS

Fr Ave Maria Alphonso to O.L. Candelaria Chapel, Porvorim.
Fr Joe Rodrigues to Guirdolim, Chandor.
Fr Victor Viegas to Patrocinio, Benaulim.
Fr Anthony Rodrigues to OL of Carmel, Curtorim.
Fr Ricardo Pinheiro to Borda (Margao).

ASSISTANT PARISH PRIESTS

Fr Floriano Rodrigues SFX, to Our Lady of Remedios, Moti Daman.
Fr Manuel Rodrigues, SFX, to Holy Name, Moti Daman.
Fr Ashley Alphonso to Majorda.
Fr Edson Fernandes to Chorão.
Fr Bolmax Pereira to Mapusa.
Fr Isidoro Dias to Holy Trinity, Benaulim.
Fr Marcelino De Souza to Holy Spirit, Margao.
Fr Savio Fernandes to Verna.
Fr Jorge Fernandes to Vasco da Gama.
Fr Santana D'Souza to St John the Baptist, Benaulim.
Fr Cajetan Dourado to Merces.
Fr Mario Costa to Sanvordem.
Fr Rocklin D'Costa to Carmona.
Fr Saluzinho Vaz to Agasaim.
Fr Caetano Crasto, SAC, to Pernem.
Fr Felix Mendes, MSFS, to Cotto de Fatorpa.
Fr Mario Leitão to Aldona.
Fr Caetano Fernandes to Vasco da Gama.
Fr Rolland Fernandes to Assolna.
Fr Peter Raj to Calangute.
Fr Jeronimo Fernandes to Paroda.
Fr Vitor Rodrigues to Arambol.
Fr Jean da Cruz Fernandes to Curtorim.
Fr Mario Vaz to Siolim.
Fr Augusto Dias, SFX, to Agonda.

NEW RESPONSIBILITIES

Fr Ivo da Conceicao Souza as In-Charge of the Biblical Apostolate in the Holy Spirit Parish, Margao, with residence in the Church.
Fr Arnolfo Mazarello has been authorised to reside at the Capela do Monte, Margao, and administer to the sick in hospitals.
Fr Walter de Sa has been authorised to reside at Navelim Church, assisting in the pastoral ministry.
Fr Elias D'Souza has been authorised to reside at Goa Velha Church, assisting its Parish Priest.
Fr Oscar Quadros has been authorised to reside at Jesus Mary and Joseph Church, Nuvem.

RELIEVED FROM SERVICE

Fr Adolfo Viegas as parish priest of Old Goa.
Fr Lourdino Pereira as parish priest of Colvale.
Fr Francisco Miranda as parish priest of Neura (on health grounds).
Fr Brito Fernandes as parish priest of Dabal (on health grounds).
Fr Thomas Justus de Sousa as parish priest of Batim (on health grounds).
Fr Polly Lobo as Chaplain of Borda, in order to pursue higher ecclesiastical studies.
Fr Boniface Furtado as Asst Parish priest of Holy Trinity, Benaulim, in order to pursue higher ecclesiastical studies.
Fr Tomas d'Aquino Sequeira as Parish priest of Utorda, on appointment to the CBCI, New Delhi.
Fr Pedro Camilo Gama as Asst Parish priest of Sanvordem.

Compiled from the information published by Herald News Bureau on May 21
Source: Oheraldo.in

Also See:

• Goans To Get Bible In Local Language
• GOA: Cross-Marked Crabs Boost Faith
• GOA: Blessed Joseph Vaz Biography Released
• Goa, Salesians and Sports
• Goa Archbishop's Easter Message - 2006
• Margao: "Praise Adonai" Gospel Concert - March 31-April 1, 2006
• GOA: Fr Eusebio Ferrao found murdered
• GOA: Macasana Parish Priest Murdered
• Lenten Konkani Hymns - Goan and Mangalorean
• Goa: Cross vandalised at Aldona
• Goa: Tabernacle Stolen, Hosts Defiled

GOA: Archbishop Asks to Stay Away From "Harmful And Blasphemous Entertainment"

Goa Archbishop Urges People To Refrain From "Harmful And Blasphemous Entertainment"

New Delhi, May 12, 2006:

In his letter titled 'Message from the Archbishop of Goa' on May 11 Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman urges all pastors and lay leaders in the parishes to acquaint themselves as well as the people under their care with the dangers and risks that can result from harmful and blasphemous entertainment.

"Every author or movie maker knows that the surest way to 'strike it rich' is to take up an issue that will generate controversy and create division among people," the Archbishop said.

He has asked all faithful to refrain from watching the soon to be released movie, 'Da Vinci Code'.

The movie which is based on a book by the same title shows Jesus in a totally different light than what has been portrayed in the Gospels and taught in the Church.

Slated to be released worldwide on May 19th, this movie can influence the many unsuspecting viewers, who cannot sift fact from fiction.

We are facing an attack on the Church, the Defender of the Truth. The Archbishop appeals the faithful "not to remain silent against what comes across as a diabolical scheme to destabilize the very foundations on which Christian faith is based as well as to undermine the vital structures that sustain humanity on earth."

However, such schemes do not work for long and ultimately only the Eternal Truth shall prevail, he added.

Source: www.cbcisite.com

Cardinal Dias Appointed Prefect of Congregation of Evangelization of Peoples

Pope Appoints Cardinal Ivan Dias Head of Vatican's Congregation For The Evangelization Of Peoples (Propaganda Fide)

The Konkani Catholics family congratulates Cardinal Ivan Dias on becoming the first Asian to take charge of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples as its Prefect.

NEWS:
Indian Cardinal appointed head of Vatican’s Propaganda Fide
Pope Appoints Bombay Cardinal Head of Vatican's Congregation For The Evangelization Of Peoples

Also See:

• Bombay Archbishop Urges Prayer Crusade Against Anti-Christian Films
• Bombay Archdiocesan Healing Ministry
• MUMBAI: Cardinal Dias Deplores Offensive Movies
• Bombay Archdiocese Pastoral Letter 2006
• Cardinal Ivan Dias on Recent Attacks

Tags: Mumbai Bombay Archbishop Archdiocese Cardinal Catholic Vatican Rome Pope Asian Indian

BANGALORE: JY Nurses Conference 2006

Bangalore: Jesus Youth (JY) Nurses Conference 2006

May 18, 2006

Catholic Nurses Vow To Resist Pressure To Assist In Abortion

BANGALORE, India (UCAN) -- When 1,400 young Catholic nurses gathered for the first time at a national Catholic convention in India, they found strength in numbers to stand against abortion and any other practices against Catholic ethics.

"Called to be His Healing Hands" was the theme of the three-day convention that ended May 14 in Bangalore, capital of Karnataka state, 2,060 kilometers south of New Delhi.

Jesus Youth, a movement that promotes a Catholic lifestyle among youths in the face of modern-day challenges, brought together the young professionals, who mostly work in secular institutions.

In hospitals, nurses are forced to assist in abortions, according to Siji K. Mathew, Karnataka coordinator of the movement among nurses, who said the convention focused on the "strong pro-life stand" Catholic nurses should take in such situations.

"Some of us had to resign our jobs when we were pressured by the management to assist in abortion procedures," Mathew told UCA News, emphasizing the need for "spiritual strength" to withstand such pressure.

At the convention, the nurses recited a special prayer for the unborn child, and promised to propagate the concept of spiritually adopting such children.

"Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I beg you to spare the life of the unborn baby that I have spiritually adopted and who is in danger of being aborted," they prayed together, as they also resolved to conscientize couples against abortion.

Nurses at the convention unanimously vowed not to be involved in any breach of medical ethics or bow to pressure from doctors or management to take part in any practices or procedures that violate their conscience, she reported.

They also unanimously agreed to fight abortion and to act as "counselors" to women or couples who come for abortions.

Catholic nurses joined the Jesus Youth movement in 1995, 10 years after its inception in Kerala, the state just south of Karnataka. Currently, the nurses have their own units in most schools of nursing across India, said Mathew, who works as a tutor at a nursing school in Bangalore.

Nurses of Kerala met together for the first time in 1997. Mathew said one of the proposals emerging from that meeting, which about 1,200 nurses attended, was to hold a national convention focusing on faith formation for nurses.

Speakers at the Bangalore convention pointed out that for Catholic nurses, nursing is a form of mission.

Retired Archbishop Ignatius Paul Pinto, previous archbishop of Bangalore, had sounded this note in his opening remarks, when he reminded the nurses that they are "specially called servants in the healing ministry of Jesus." Each nurse has to be "an evangelizer and missionary," he said, asking them not to view their profession as "a career, but always see it as mission."

His predecessor, retired Archbishop Alphonsus Mathias, carried the theme through to the concluding Mass, which he celebrated. He encouraged the nurses to be the "hands" of Christ and to serve the sick as "angels of God."

Several convention participants told UCA News their attitude toward their job changed after joining the Jesus Youth movement.

Reena Rodrigues, a delegate from the western city of Mumbai, said she now sees her job as a "specialized vocation to serve God" and herself as "an instrument in the healing ministry of the Church." This outlook helps her "never to get involved in any activity that destroys life," she added.

Shinto Chacko, a male nurse, said he realized the nobility of the nursing profession after joining the movement. "It is a life-giving profession and not a life-taking profession," he said.

Mathew observed that in several schools of nursing and medical facilities with commercial motives that have appeared in India, nurses are reduced to being part of a moneymaking system. Catholic nurses hardly have any "faith formation" programs in those institutions, she said, underlining the need for more conventions like the one in Bangalore.

The nursing tutor and Jesus Youth activist also pointed out that while most students nursing schools in Karnataka are Christians, people of other religions manage more than 90 percent of these schools.

Bangalore alone has nearly 200 nursing schools with an estimated 5,000 students. "Where is the scope for spiritual and faith formation for such a large crowd who are in the hands of non-Christian management?" she asked.

Carmelite Father Antony Puthenangady, who counsels nurses, confirmed to UCA News that he too sees the absence of faith formation as a major problem, and that Jesus Youth and other Church movements help to provide such formation. He added that school managements do not oppose prayer programs among nurses, since they find that these help instill discipline among students and staff.

END

Source: http://www.ucanews.com/

Also See:

• Bangalore: "Destination Christ" by JY Professionals' Ministry
• Bangalore: JY Organizes CrossRoads '06
• Bangalore: CrossRoads '06 by Jesus Youth Professionals' Ministry
• Bangalore: Saturday Night Vigil Fourth Anniversary Celebration
• Thailand: Revival '06 - Youth Retreat
• Bangalore: "Go Forth" by Jesus Youth Professionals' Ministry

Tags: Jesus Youth Bangalore Nurses Ministry

Declare Da Vinci Code fiction: Christian leaders

May 18, 2006

Declare Da Vinci Code fiction: Christian leaders

New Delhi (ICNS) -- Christian leaders who watched The Da Vinci Code said they cannot accept the movie's storyline and if released in India it should have a bold disclaimer saying it is a fiction having no historical truth.

"No doubt the movie “The Da Vinci Code” has a storyline, unacceptable to the Christian Community," said a recommendation that the Christian leaders submitted to the government on Thursday.

It said the movie tries to present fiction as truth and there is a likelihood that many people could end up with a distorted and erroneous view of Church and Christianity.

The recommendation addressed to Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi thanked him personally "for showing great concern for the sensibility of the Christian Community in the country."

Dasmunshi arranged a special screening yesterday for Christian leaders seeking their views on the controversial movie to help the government decide on its release on May 19.

The Christian leaders recommended to display "a bold and lingering disclaimer, lasting at least 15 seconds, both at the beginning of the film and at the end, stating that this film is a work of pure fiction and has no correspondence to historical facts of the Christian religion."

They also said the film should be given an “A” Certificate restricting it for viewing only among adults.

Unlike the book, the movie does not claim that "all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals are accurate," they said.

Besides, the chief protagonist symbologist Robert Langdon is shown being skeptical about the interpretations of Christianity that Teabing presents. It "is a redeeming feature amidst the many disturbing utterances and scenes in the film," the leaders said.

They also said the Christian Community "stands by freedom of faith and expression as well as the duty to respect the inviolability of the sacred."

Those who presented the recommendations include Auxiliary Bishop Anil Couto of Delhi, Reverend Valson Thampu, member of National Integration Council and Father Donald H. R. De Souza, Deputy Secretary General of Catholic Bishops Conference of India.

Fr. Henry D’Souza, secretary of the CBCI Commission for Social Communications, Fr. Alex Vadakumthala, secretary of CBCI Commission for Health Care and Fr. John Noronha, Former Executive Director of Caritas India were the other members in the team.

Source: www.theindiancatholic.com

BANGALORE: Archbishop Calls DVC the Devil's Code

Bangalore Archbishop Brands Da Vinci Code As Devil’s Code

Bangalore, May 17, 2008 (Fr S. Jayanathan):

Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras added his voice to the growing opposition to "The Da Vinci Code", a movie which will be shown worldwide this week.

On the eve of the release of the film The Da Vinci Code, Archbishop Moras branded it as a vicious attack on the divinity of Jesus Christ and as such it is diabolic. This novel is nonetheless another way to attack the divinity of Jesus Christ.

“Anything that distorts the long cherished truth and affects the religious sentiments has to be condemned outright, and this novel unfortunately builds erroneous impressions against the Catholic Church and the Christian faith.” declares Archbishop.

“It cannot be denied that fiction shapes the imagination, stirs emotions and forms mental associations. Dan Brown has created the impression that his fiction is historical fact,” added Archbishop Moras.

Archbishop also said that Brown "immensely fabricated great lies by making it appear that he indeed made a thorough research to convince his readers. He employs the tool of unraveling the alleged secrets of the Catholic Church through the interpretation of symbols and codes hidden in works of art notably of Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.”

As this film is going to affect the religious beliefs and sentiments of Christ’s believers, Archbishop earnestly requests to ban this movie in India and appeals all the Christians to boycott the film.

Archbishop Moras, 65, considers the novel/film as a challenge for the Catholic Church to be more zealous in sharing the Good News of Christ and take this occasion to convert the cinema industry's money-motive production into a Christian challenge to re-affirm one’s faith in Jesus Christ –the Son of God.

Archbishop of the ‘Garden City’ also issued guidelines to Catholics in his Archdiocese. Among the guidelines are: “Equipping the people with the Holy Scriptures not only in their homes but also in schools, ecclesial communities and Church organizations; appealing to publishers and people in media to practice their profession responsibly with uncompromising respect for the truth, especially about persons and beliefs that are dear to various religions and faith communities; to collaborate with historians, scholars of the arts, and scientists in shaping a culture with depth and integrity; and imbue the evangelizing mission with renewed vigour, methods and expressions so that people who are earnestly seeking the truth about Jesus may encounter Him in word, worship, prayer and humble service".

Source: www.cbcisite.com

Goans To Get Bible In Local Language

May 16, 2006

Goans To Get Bible In Local Language

PANAJI, India (UCAN) -- The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has undertaken an 18-million-rupee (US$4 million) project to print the Bible in Konkani, the official language of Goa state.

Father Manuel Gomes, head of the archdiocese's commission for the biblical apostolate, told UCA News that they hope to bring out the first copies in June.

The 2,300-page hardbound translation in Roman script will have a retail price of 300 rupees (US$6.67), but the archdiocese is selling it at half price for advance orders. It plans an initial print run of 60,000 copies and already has received orders for 40,000 copies through its parishes, Father Gomes said.

Natives of Goa, a coastal state in western India, have waited 450 years to get the Bible translated into Konkani, even though Jesuits established Asia's first printing press there in 1556. India has 22 officially recognized languages and 1,630 dialects, 33 of these spoken by at least 100,000 people. The Bible has been translated into many of these tongues.

Father Francis Caldeira, who earlier headed the archdiocesan biblical commission, blames lack of encouragement from the Portuguese for the delay in printing the Bible in Konkani.

The Portuguese ruled Goa from 1510 until India took control through military action in 1961. Panaji, the state capital, is about 1,910 kilometers southwest of New Delhi.

Father Caetano Cruz Fernandes, a theologian, said that until 1961, "there was no scope for translation" of the Bible into Konkani. The archdiocese began to use Konkani from 1965, following a demand for Mass in the local language. It used a translation from the Latin text.

According to Father Gomes, the "real impetus" for the translation came after the archdiocesan synod in February 2000, which "made a forceful demand for a Konkani Bible."

Father Caldeira, who now directs St. Pius X Pastoral Institute, said the first portion of the Bible translated into Konkani was Psalms, in 1920. A translation of the New Testament was completed in 1974.

Father Ave Maria Afonso, who was also involved in the translation, said translation of the Old Testament took almost 15 years. The committee used the Jerusalem Bible as the standard for translation, but it ran into difficulty and had to make reference to different versions of the Bibles.

Translators also had to consult other references in some cases, Father Caldeira said. "This is a slow process and cannot be hurried," he told UCA News. The priest also pointed out that Konkani became a popular reading language only after Goa adopted it as the state's official language in 1987.

END

Source: http://www.ucanews.com/

Mangalore: Bishop Aloysius' Episcopal Decennial

Celebrating 10 Fruitful Years As Bishop

Aloysius Paul D'Souza

Bishop of Mangalore

Today, i.e., 15 May 2006, Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza will completes 10 years as Bishop.

Most. Rev. Aloysius Paul D'Souza who hails from Bantwal was born on 21st June 1941. His priestly ordination took place on 3rd December 1966, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, Apostle of the Indies. 30 years into his priesthood, he was ordained Bishop on 15th May 1996 and served as the Auxilliary Bishop of Mangalore. Following the sudden and untimely demise of Bishop Basil Salvadore D'Souza on teacher's day (5th September) the same year, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D'Souza was appointed Mangalore Bishop on 18th December, 1996.

Bishop Aloysius D'Souza, a doctorate in Canon Law, has the distinction of being the first Indian Priest to serve as advocate in the Sacred Roman Rota, the highest appeals court in the Church.

The personality of Bishop Aloysius is best summed up in his own motto, "With the Compassion of Jesus Christ".

The Konkani Catholics family wishes the Bishop a happy decennial episcopal jubilee.

MUMBAI: Catholics Stop Offensive Movie

India: Catholics protesting films "offensive to Christianity" score first victory with assurance of removal of objectionable scenes

May 13, 2006

Mumbai Catholics stop movie denigrating faith

Mumbai (ICNS) -- Catholic protests in Mumbai have forced India’s film censoring authorities to promise removal of all offensive scenes from the controversial movie Tickle My Funny Bone.

The Censor Board of Film Certification in a letter to the Catholic Secular Forum (CSF), which held massive protests against the movie, promised to assuage the hurt feelings of the community.

The movie, which claimed to be saying the story of "a sexy nun," was opposed by CSF and other Catholics saying it was a deliberate move to denigrate Catholic faith and its symbols.

Following the persistent protests, the censor board wrote to CSF promising to remove all visuals of Christian symbols from the movie, said a CSF press note on May 13.

Such symbols include church, rosary cross, clergy or even a woman dressed as a nun, the press note said. In promos, the movie’s lead lady role was portrayed wearing a nun’s dress in sexy manner.

Any vulgar and obscene display also would be removed and a preliminary show would be conducted for a gathering including a bishop and representatives of Religious nuns to assure that objectionable portions are removed. A vigilance team would check for interpolation.

The offensive posters and advertisements of uncensored portions of the film would be taken off and would not be allowed. A detective agency was appointed to keep vigil and report, the press note said.

The CSF, which has been protesting the movie more than a month now, had gathered thousands of people, including 500 nuns in protests attract the attention of authorities.

The producers of the movie KBC Pictures, was made to apologize and stated in a letter that "We had no intention of hurting the sentiments of any community."

The producers apologized and assured that the offensive "posters will not be used in the future," said the CSF press note.

The Censor Board’s letter came after CSF General Secretary Joseph Dias discussed the issue with Information & Broadcasting Ministry officials in New Delhi and met with the Board’s Regional Officer Vinayak Azad.

Source: www.theindiancatholic.com

Tags: India Indian Bishops Bishop Cardinal Catholic Movies Mumbai

Bangalore: "Marian Celebration" by Hosanna Youth

Hosanna Youth plans Marian Celebration

Hosanna Youth, a Catholic Charismatic youth group in Bangalore will be having a "MARIAN CELEBRATION" on Saturday, May 13, 2006 in collaboration with the Holy Cross Family Ministries. "The Family that Prays together, stays together" will be the theme of this celebration which coincides with the feast of our Lady of Fatima.

Among the highlights of the evening are skits, dances, a candle light rosary and a Eucharistic celebration by Most Rev. Bernard Moras, the Archbishop of Banglaore.

The event which begins at 6pm, will be held at Sacred Heart Church grounds on Richmond Road and is expected to get over by 8pm.

"Marian Celebration" - Programme Details

Date: 13 May, 2006
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Place: Sacred Heart Church grounds, Richmond Road, Bangalore - 25

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Tags: Hosanna Youth Bangalore Marian Celebration Catholic Charismatic

The Da Vinci Code (DVC) - Catholic Resources

The Da Vinci Code (DVC) Catholic Resources - Articles, Interviews, Reviews, Blogs and Websites

Catholic Articles

Amy Welborn

Explaining the Gullibility of The Da Vinci Code

The Da Vinci Code: The facts behind the fiction

Dan Brown, Theologian

People who take The Da Vinci Code's claims seriously need to crack open a Good Book.

Another Perspective: Kook Bestseller

Barbara Nicolosi

Let's "Othercott" Da Vinci

Many Christians see The Da Vinci Code as an opportunity for evangelism; others say it's a chance to engage the culture. Rubbish. Da Vinci is dangerous, so I'd like to suggest a better alternative.

Carl Olson:

Seeing (Code) Red: Answering The Da Vinci Code Bullies

"The 'It's Just Fiction!' Doctrine

A Da Vinci De-Coder

A controversial best-selling novel tries to undermine the foundations of the Christian faith and of the Catholic Church in particular. How should Catholics respond?

Seeing (Code) Red: Answering The Da Vinci Code Bullies

Are you a Christian who has a problem with The Da Vinci Code? Does Dan Brown’s novel upset you? If so, you just might be an ignorant jerk. Or a frightened man of little faith. Or perhaps a crazed zealot.

Anti-Catholic Passions

Relative Revelations

Dan Brown’s Code should be Left Behind.

Believing In Seeking, Not In Believing

Fiction Isn’t Just Fiction Anymore

Pulp thrillers are becoming the new Bibles of our time.

"Just" Fiction?

Catholic Answers

Cracking The Da Vinci Code

Catholic Encyclopedia

St. Mary Magdalen

The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci - Biography, History

Charles Colson

The Da Vinci Hoax: A Tour de Distortion

Elizabeth Lev

Lateran Museums; Debunking "The Da Vinci Code"

A Tradition Rises From the Ashes; Da Vinci Decoder

In this ZENIT article, Elizabeth Lev, who teaches art history at Duquesne University's Rome campus, refutes the idea, popularized by the novel, The Da Vinci Code, that the figure of the Apostle John, in Leonardi Da Vinci's Last Supper, is really Mary Magdalene.

Gabriel Garnica

Lies with Wings

Jesus, Mary & DaVinci with Elizabeth Vargas to be telecast tonight on ABC, is living proof that some in the media will stop at nothing to generate controversy in the drive to capture viewer interest. Based on the best-selling novel, The DaVinci Code, the program claims to "investigate" the controversial contentions of that Dan Brown book.

George Weigel:

The Da Vinci Code opportunity - George Weigel

Why do intelligent people think that The Da Vinci Code has some basis in historical fact? Why do Catholics imagine that a novel which suggests (and not so subtly) that the entire structure of faith is a lie is, well, no big deal? The Da Vinci Doubt - Our Faith in Action. The Da Vinci Code, written by Dan Brown, may not be as smart a hoax as the devil’s lie in the garden, but it has confused many people. (Our Faith in Action is a current events and issued based program comprised of monthly lessons that help teens understand and live out the Catholic Faith and Christian virtues.)

Dealing with Da Vinci

With sales of The Da Vinci Code now topping seven million, it's a safe bet that Dan Brown's Catholic readership is well into seven figures. Anecdotal evidence from around the Catholic scene confirms the hunch that a lot of Catholics have read the book — and more than a few have been disturbed by it. The question is: Why?

Resurrection vs. DaVinci

Dan Brown’s blockbuster novel, The DaVinci Code, will certainly outsell N.T. Wright’s The Resurrection of the Son of God by a factor of 10,000:1, and probably more. Quite unintentionally, though, Dr. Wright’s book is the perfect response to The DaVinci Code.

James Hitchcock, Dr.

Gnostics Are Back

This has been "the summer of Mary Magdalene," according to Time magazine. One of the things that made it so is a best-selling novel called The DaVinci Code, by Dan Brown.

Inventing a Religion of Intolerance

The Summer of Mary Magdalene

John Jalsevac

The Da Vinci Code: Hoodwinking the World

A quick perusal through the “religious” section at any local bookstore today reveals that a surprising number of people are pre-occupied with debunking The Da Vinci Code. Unsurprisingly the opposing sides of the debate have different explanations for this phenomenon.

John J. Miller

Seeking Truth at the Movies

John Wauck, Fr.

The Da Vinci Code Catechism

Kevin J. Symonds

Dan Brown: Sensationalist, Not Researcher

Dan Brown has placed a novel entitled The Da Vinci Code before the Catholic world. The book has sparked a lot of criticism, not least among Catholic apologists. Why has this book caused such controversy?

Laura Miller

The Da Vinci crock

A fascinating conspiracy about Jesus transformed the cheesy thriller, "The Da Vinci Code," into a phenomenal bestseller. Too bad it comes from "Holy Blood, Holy Grail," a masterpiece of bogus history.

Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.

New Age and the Da Vinci Code: Revisiting Gnosticism

For nearly a generation, the New Age movement has been importing exotic religious ideas from the East into middle-class America. For the past couple of years, a best-selling novel, supposedly based on the authority of a secret tradition, has painted for many a picture of Jesus far different than what we read in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Nothing New Under the Sun

Marcellino D'Ambrosio explains why the ideas found in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and the New Age movement are nothing new, in fact they go all the way back to the second century, to a loose but widespread religious movement in the ancient world — Gnosticism. The author summarizes the essence of Gnosticism, the basic ideas that people called Gnostics held in common.

Mark Shea

Book Reviews on the DaVinci Code Provide Helpful Discernment

The Da Vinci Deception

Massimo Introvigne

The Da Vinci Code FAQ, or Will the Real Priory of Sion Please Stand Up?

Beyond The Da Vinci Code: History and Myth of the Priory of Sion

Matt C. Abbott and Mary Kochan

Reacting to TheDaVinciChallenge.com

In a crafty marketing move, Sony, along with Grace Hill Media, launched a new website on February 9th, 2006. TheDaVinciChallenge.com claims to be a site “offering informative essays by a broad array of leading Christian scholars, pastors and educators addressing many of the historical and theological issues touched on in The Da Vinci Code. The essay writers represent an eclectic group of experts from Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions.”

Michael Whitcraft

Rejecting the Da-Vinci Code

Olson & Miesel

On The Da Vinci Hoax

Carl E. Olson and Sandra Miesel comment on their book, "The Da Vinci Hoax: Exposing the Errors in The Da Vinci Code."

Part 1 of a Special Planet Envoy Critique of The Da Vinci Code

Part 2 of a Special Planet Envoy Critique of The Da Vinci Code

Opus Dei

Press statement on The Da Vinci Code

The Opus Dei Communications Office in Rome released the following statement regarding The Da Vinci Code film.

Theological issues raised in the Da Vinci Code

Although this book was published as a work of fiction, claims have been made that it is "meticulously researched" and useful as a tool for theological reflection. We wish to alert readers to the fact that it many of its claims about Christian history and theology are contrary to the conclusions of mainstream Christian scholarship.

The Da Vinci Code, the Catholic Church and Opus Dei

Randall Murphree

TV Review: Jesus, Mary and Da Vinci

ABC "Jesus" Special Surprises Viewers

Richard Bernier

A Brief Response to Some Claims of The Da Vinci Code

Sandra Miesel

Dismantling the Da Vinci Code

'The Da Vinci Code' is one of the most virulently anti-Catholic novels to be written in years, and it’s gaining influence among those unschooled in the history it claims to present.

The Real History of the Holy Grail

Sandra Miesel traces the true origin of the Holy Grail story beyond the legends and mythology.

Stanley E. Porter

The Da Vinci Code, Conspiracy Theory and Biblical Canon

Steve Kellmeyer

Dan Brown and His Books of Renown

Before he wrote The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown wrote another novel, Angels and Demons. Anyone who has read the two will immediately notice the similarities: both are conspiracy novels, both describe nefarious Catholic bishops, in both the protagonists make the same points, sometimes even in the same words. So why was the first book a moderately successful also-ran while the second turned into a runaway best-seller?

Pain: Da Vinci Code Versus The Passion

“What kind of God would want that kind of pain inflicted on someone?” This is one of the central questions posed in Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code. It is also the question posed by Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Mr. Brown’s answer is simple: God, whoever he or she might be, does not want the scourging and Cross that Jesus embraces. Thus, Jesus cannot be God.

Toni Collins

Jumping Over the Hedge: Going a Da Vinci Boycott One Better

“SEEK THE TRUTH,” says Sony’s trailer for The Da Vinci Code. “The Da Vinci Code describes history as I have come to understand it,” says author Dan Brown. “I left the Catholic Church, and now that I’ve read The Da Vinci Code, I know I did the right thing,” said a neighbor to one of my daughters.

William P. Saunders, Fr.

Mary Magdalene

Time magazine (8/11/03) published an article about Mary Magdalene, which denied that she is the same as the prostitute in the gospels, the woman who anointed Jesus, and the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Also, the article accuses the Church of a smear campaign against Mary Magdalene, identifying her as the prostitute. I always thought otherwise. Can you help me? — A reader in Sterling

Gnostic gospels

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Interviews

THE DA VINCI CODE Author Roundtable

FaithfulReader.com has brought together 11 authors who have all written books in response to Dan Brown's controversial 2003 novel, THE DA VINCI CODE. Richard Abanes, Darrell L. Bock, Dan Burstein, James L. Garlow, Peter Jones, Steve Kellmeyer, Erwin W. Lutzer, Sandra Miesel, Carl E. Olson, Amy Welborn and Ben Witherington III discuss why they believe so many people have accepted this fictional thriller as fact. They also address some of the claims Brown makes in the book about Christianity and explain the potential damage that his conclusions could inflict on a person's faith.

Interview with Carl E. Olson, co-author of The Da Vinci Hoax

Interview with Sandra Miesel, co-author of The Da Vinci Hoax

Decoding The Da Vinci Code By Kristin Deasy - An interview with Carl Olson

Transcript of CNBC segment on The Da Vinci Code

The Truth Behind "The Da Vinci Code" - Carl Olson Analyzes the Controversial, Confusing Best Seller

Dissecting "The Da Vinci Code" - Interview With Apologist Mark Shea

The Da Vinci Fallacy - Interview With Columnist and Author Amy Welborn

"Da Vinci Code" -- a Blessing for Opus Dei? - Use the Lemon to Make Lemonade, Says Spokesman

Da Vinci's Secret Christian Message - Interview With Giuseppe Fornari

Opus Dei on John Allen's New Book - We're "Neither Angels nor Demons," Says Spokesman

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Reviews

Argument Masquerades as Truth in 'The Da Vinci Code' - Reviewed by Joseph R. Thomas

Book Review: The DaVinci Code - By Amy Welborn

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Blogs

The Da Vinci Code & Opus Dei

The Da Vinci Code, The Gospel of Judas and Other Nonsense

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Websites

Jesus Decoded

Jesus Decoded, sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is an attempt to provide a solid Catholic response to the false statements made about the Church in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, soon to be released in theaters as a feature-length film. The site includes contributions from historians, an Opus Dei priest, Bishop Gerald Kicanas, the U.S. bishops’ communications office, and other experts. Overall, this site is beautifully executed and will provide Catholics and non-Catholics with the needed ammunition to counteract the falsehoods being promoted under the guise of historical fact.

Da Vinci Outreach

A coalition of Catholics, including Ascension Press, Catholic Exchange, and Catholic Outreach, has formed an initiative called DaVinci Outreach to help readers and moviegoers navigate their way through the web of bogus history and outright lies conjured up by Dan Brown and brought to life by Imagine Entertainment and Sony Pictures.

The Da Vinci Outreach campaign hopes to clear up the historical and theological confusion that surrounds The Da Vinci Code. The outreach effort provides concerned individuals with the resources they need to seek the real truth and equip themselves for the inevitable watercooler conversations that will attack the principles of Christianity, the Catholic Church, and the Person of Jesus Christ.

The website offers various ways of combatting this blasphemous film. A book, The Da Vinci Deception may be purchased and free study guides may be downloaded from the site.

DavinciFacts

A guide to accurate facts about The Davinci Code movie and book, the history of Christianity, and the Catholic Church.

Other-Cott

Boycotts rarely achieve desired results. PR campaigns can work, but they require extensive time and resources. But is there anything else can we do?

The answer is “Yes!” Hollywood, meet the first-ever organized Christian Other-cott.

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Would you like to suggest an article, review, interview, blog or website for inclusion? Let us know in the comments.

Tags: Da Vinci Code Leonardo Catholic Church Opus Dei Jesus Mary Magdalene John

INDIA: Bishops Demand Ban on Controversial Movies

May 11, 2006

Indian bishops demand ban on two controversial movies

New Delhi (ICNS) -- The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India today demanded a ban on the release of two controversial movies in India saying they "belittle what is at the heart of Christian faith."

The movies are The Da Vinci Code by Sony Pictures and Tickle My Funny Bone, the directorial debut of Marathi theatre actor Yogesh Konkar.

Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, the conference Secretary General, in a press statement demanded immediate withdrawal of the proposed release of these movies in India.

Both the movies are "offensive" as they deeply hurt the sentiments of the Christian Community, the bishops' conference said. Both movies should be banned in India, demanded the release issued by Conference Spokesperson Fr Babu Joseph.

The Da Vinci Code is based on the best-selling novel of Dan Browns by the same name. The novel twists history and facts to conclude that Christianity engaged in a 2,000-year-old cover-up.

The novel that soled 40-million copies makes several blasphemous statements. Among them is the suggestion that Jesus had a child by Mary Magdalene and that Christ's bloodline survives to this day.

The bishops' statement said Da Vinci Code movie "is a false and an irreverent portrayal of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, as a married man and having progeny, which insidiously attacks the very root of Christian Faith."

The other controversial movie, also set for release this month, is offensive to Christian life as it shows nuns in a poor light, say Christians who have been opposing it.

Promotion of the movie showed the female lead of the movie in the foreground of a church, wearing a nun's habit that has been designed to look skimpy.

It makes "caricature of religious persons of the Church, who sacrifice their life in the service of God and people," said the release issued by Conference Spokesperson Fr Babu Joseph.

These movies "belittle what is at the heart of Christian Faith and cherished in Christian Life, they hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian Community."

They are "blasphemous and totally unacceptable to the Christian community." Besides the movies are bound to bring into disesteem the Christian Community in the country and create misgivings about the minority Christian community in the country, it said.

Archbishop Fernandes said Christians take "strong exception to the release of these movies" in secular India, where "every individual has a right to his religious beliefs."

Both movies are based on falsehoods about Christian faith and life and will hurt the faith of individual Christians and bring Christian Communities into disrepute among people of other religions.

The bishops also urged the Board of Film Censors of India to ban such movies, which are based on the wrong notion of Christianity and its teachings.

The release said bishops join all groups that appeal for immediate action in this matter by the Board of Film Censors and Civic Authorities.

Any reference to the Religious tenets and traditions should be referred to the respective leaders of the religion, the release said.

Source: www.theindiancatholic.com

Also See:

• Bombay Archbishop Urges Prayer Crusade Against Anti-Christian Films
• MUMBAI: Cardinal Dias Deplores Offensive Movies

Tags: India Indian Bishops Bishop Cardinal Catholic Movies

Bombay Archbishop Urges Prayer Crusade Against Anti-Christian Films

PRAYER CRUSADE AGAINST ANTI-CHRISTIAN FILMS

In recent times big and small screen films on Christianity have been produced which distort history and are extremely offensive to Christian principles and practices. Some gratuitously fabricate tales about the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is most dear to the heart of every Christian and is respected even by persons of other faiths, or treat with ridicule those who are laudably giving selfless and a much appreciated service to God and humanity.

We strongly deplore the tendentious nature of these films, which sadly reveal the morose mindset of those responsible for their production. It is indeed amazing that in today’s civilised society there should be persons who, with devilish glee, take pride in blaspheming against the sacred person of Christ Jesus Our Lord or in smearing the good reputation of persons consecrated in His service. However, we are confident that the members of the competent Film Censor Board will not ignore the sentiments and reactions of those many who are deeply pained by the scandalous presentations, also because they can negatively affect the harmonious relations existing between Christians and the other religious communities which make up our beloved Motherland.

Believing that “more things are wrought by prayer than the world can dream of”, we exhort the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Bombay to present the aforementioned film producers and their troupes to the Lord during the parish Masses, at meetings of ecclesial associations and communities, and in their family and personal prayer. Let us earnestly implore Him to forgive those who do not realise the seriousness of their offences against Him and their fellow-citizens, and to enlighten those who are evil-minded so that they may change their behaviour well before they appear at the judgement seat of God who alone knows the secrets of the human heart.

+ Ivan Cardinal Dias
Archbishop of Bombay
April 30, 2006

Also See:

• Cardinal Dias Appointed Prefect of Congregation of Evangelization of Peoples
• Bombay Archdiocesan Healing Ministry
• MUMBAI: Cardinal Dias Deplores Offensive Movies
• Cardinal Ivan Dias on Recent Attacks
• Deacons of Bombay Archdiocese
• First Ordinations to the Permanent Diaconate
• Bombay Archdiocese Pastoral Letter 2006

Tags: Mumbai Bombay Archbishop Archdiocese Cardinal Catholic

The Bible, Christ, Church and Pope Benedict XVI

A New Scriptural Springtime: The Biblical Theology of Pope Benedict XVI

Scott Hann

Scott Hann, an Episcopalian Minister who converted to Catholicism, is a brilliant Bible Scholar. In this article he talks about "A New Scriptural Springtime" for the Church. He notes:

"In the year since his elevation, I’ve found myself rereading and meditating intensely upon his collected writings. And I’m willing to venture a prediction: that history will remember this as a time in which the Church was led by one of the world’s great biblical theologians."

Read the full article:

A New Scriptural Springtime: The Biblical Theology of Pope Benedict XVI

Also See:

• Catholic Church View on Birth Control
• Holy Spirit Interactive Blogs
• Pope Benedict XVI Myths
• Catholics Don't Read Bible?
• Clerical Celibacy OR Married Priests?

Tags: Holy Spirit Interactive Catholic Catholics Blog Birth Control Teaching Church

Renewal Retreat Centre (RRC), Bangalore

Details of Retreats and Programmes at the Charismatic, "Renewal Retreat Centre" (RRC), Bangalore

Director: Rev. Fr. George Jacob Poothakuzhy CST

About the Centre

The Renewal Retreat Center (RRC) had its genesis in the April of 1994 when Rev. Fr. George Jacob Poothakuzhy CST was the novice master for the CST novices. Every Saturday, prayer meetings called Vachana Sahyanam, were conducted for the seminarians. Soon, word about these meetings spread all around and through gradual developments, the present retreat auditorium was finally blessed on the 22nd March 1997 on a one acre land belonging to the Vidya Bhavan community provided by the Provincial of the St. Joseph province of the CST congregation.

RETREATS AND PROGRAMME SCHEDULES

ENGLISH

Day: Friday to Sunday (Every Week)
Time: 9:30 AM TO 5:30 PM
Main Speakers: Rev. Fr. George Jacob Poothakuzhy CST, Br. D. Jayanand, Br. Stephen Lobo, Cynthia Lobo, Dr. Arul Francis Xavier
Coordinators: Mr. Peter Prabhu & Mrs Carmel Prabhu, Ph: (080)22215335

KANNADA

Day: Sunday to Thursday (Every Week)
Time: 9:00AM to 2:00PM
Main Speakers: Rev. Fr. Zacharias MST, Mr. V.P. Mathew, Mr.Mathew Punnapadam Br. J.X. Peter, Br. Mathew Punnapadam, Mr.M K Thomas.Mr.Jayaraj
Coordinators: Mr.V. P. Mathew, Ph: (080) 25546384

KONKANI

Day: Friday To Sunday (Every Week)
Time: 9:15 AM TO 5:00 PM
Main Speakers: Mr. Paul D. Almeida, Mr. Stephen Lobo, Mr. James Rodrigues
Coordinator: Mr. Paul D. Almeida, Ph: (080) 57744296, 51106836

MALAYALAM (Residential)

Schedule: Starts at 5:00 PM on Sunday and ends by Breakfast on the following Friday (Every Week)
Main Speakers: Rev. Fr. George Jacob Poothakuzhy CST, Rev. Fr. Jose Ezhanikatt CST, Rev. Fr. Boniface CST, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kochupurackal, Rev.Fr.Joseph Kurialassery, HGN, Dr. Paul Chalissery, Mr. Joy Kottackal, Mr.Babu
Coordinator: Mr.Babu, Ph: (080) 56692700

TAMIL

Day: Friday To Sunday (Every Week)
Time: 9:30 AM TO 5:00 PM
Main Speakers: L.S. Fernandez, S. Nesaraj, Dr. Arul Francis Xavier, Sr. Prakashini, Mr. R.J.T. Roche
Coordinator: Mr.L.S.Fernandez, Ph: (080) 25228496

TAPAS RETREAT

(The Sanskrit word Tapas means concentrated prayer effort under extreme abstinence over a prolonged period of time)

During Tapas retreat, retreatants take No food or other nourishments except water, and concentrate only on praying and seeking God and his will and gifts in their lives.

Schedule: Every First Friday to Sunday of every month

AKHANDA JAPAMALA

(Akhanda means uninterrupted or continuous in Sanskrit, Japamala means Rosary in Malayalam)

These are uninterrupted or continuous Rosaries offered to the Blessed mother, continuously for 24 hours, every last Friday of the month

Schedule: 24 hrs Rosary on every last Friday 6:00 PM to Saturday 6:00 PM

FASTING, ADORATION AND HEALING SERVICES

Day: Every Friday

Time: 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM

Concludes with HOLY MASS

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Malayalam - Daily - 10:00AM to 12:00PM

Konkani - Sunday - 11:00AM to 01:00PM

Tamil - Tuesday - 12:00PM to 02:00PM

English - Monday - 11:00AM to 01:00PM

Kannada - Saturday - 03:00PM to 05:00PM

The Intercessory Prayer will be held in the Cellar chapel at the convention hall. It is desirable that batches of minimum 3 people spend time in intercession by rotation for 2 hour periods from 07:00 AM to 08:00 PM when the retreats are on.

REGULAR SERVICES at the Renewal Retreat Centre

Fasting, Adoration and Healing Service concluding with Holy Mass

Every Friday, 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Adoration and special service on Gifts and Charisms of the Holy Spirit

Every Saturday, 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Bible convention and Healing services for nurses, nursing students and hospital staff

Every Second Saturday, 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM

Program for Seminarians

Every third Saturday, 09:00 AM to 03:30 PM

Bible convention and Healing services in Malayalam

Every Sunday, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Bible convention and Healing services in English

Every first Sunday, 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM

Bible convention and Healing services in Kannada

Every Second Sunday, 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM

Bible convention and Healing services in Tamil

Every Third Sunday, 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM

Retreat for the Religious and the leaders in Malayalam

Every Last Sunday, 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Novena and Adoration

Every Tuesday, 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM

Families or individuals from prayer groups are invited to come forward in groups of minimum of 3 person each to participate in the ALL DAY/ALL NIGHT daily intercession and adoration in different languages: Kannada, English, Malayalam, Konkani, Tamil, at the Renewal Retreat Center, Cellar chapel, Convention Hall (especially those who can commit themselves to once a month or once a week of night vigil – adoration and intercession) Interested groups, families, individuals, contact RRC, phone: 080-6683988, Malayalam Phone: 080-5450187, Kannada Phone - 080-8538684, Konkani Phone: 080-5269346, English Phone : 080-5533482, Tamil Phone: 080-5278496, 080-5588142.

NIGHT VIGIL

During Night Vigil, one keeps awake and prays in the presence of the Lord, in the form of the Blessed Sacrament. Scripture says- Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! (Lamentations 2:19)

Time: 9:30PM to 5:00AM

English

All Tuesdays
Healing service will be conducted in English on every 2 nd and 4th Tuesday, every month from 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM (Night vigil continues till 5:00 AM there-after)
(Every Saturday for Youth)

Kannada

Every First Saturday

Konkani

Every First Sunday and Third Monday

Malayalam

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Third Saturday, Every Monday, except third Monday

Tamil

Every Second Saturday

All those who are participating in the Night Vigil are requested to be within the RRC premises by 10:00 PM

Prayer Requests by Email

Requests for prayers may be emailed to: prayers@rrcbangalore.net

REACHING THE CENTRE

The Renewal Retreat Center is located on the Christ school road, behind the Dharmaram College. The Christ school road is off the Bannerghatta road, next to the Sagar Automobiles building. It is inside the CST Vidhya Bhavan compound. To reach the centre, alight at the Bangalore Diary circle and take the first left cross (Christ school road), off Bannerghatta road.

Bus numbers of buses to reach RRC

From Majestic:
341 D; 342 F; 162; 162 A; 162 C; 165; 165 B; 165 C; 165 D; 165 E; 168 D; 168 E; 171; 171 A; 171 B; 171 C; 171 D; 171 E; 171 F; 171 H; 360 to 375

From Shivajinagar:
161; 161 D; 166; 168 D; 54; 340 F; 365

From K. R. Market:
340 to 375; 163 B

From Yeshwanthpur:
173; 175; 38

From Jeevanbheemanagar and Indiranagar:
7 D; 7 F Jayanagar

RRC CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: Renewal Retreat Center
Post Box No. 2911, Christ School Road
Off Bannerghatta Road
Bangalore - 560 029

Phones: (080) 6683988, 6687674, 6685568

Email: info@rrcbangalore.net

Website: http://www.rrcbangalore.net

Also See:

• Divine Call Centre Mulky - Retreats and Programmes

Tags: Renewal Centre Retreat Retreats Catholic Charismatic Kannada Konkani English Bangalore Karnataka Intercession Adoration Chapel