Sri Lanka; Asia; Eurasia: Tamil Tigers shoot nuns, and civilians- nuns escaping war Zone

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters (British; Independent; Secular) 12 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Reuters has reported harrowing stories about the Sri Lankan War: whereby LTTE Rebels ("Tamil Tigers"): have been accused of shooting at civilians who have attempted to flee the war zone. Those shot include nuns.

The Tigers have been careful to attempt good relations with the Church: releasing ten Catholic Orphanage children which were kidnapped to be child soldiers last year. A nun, who had been moving 2 000 civilians from village to village: was told that she could leave: as long as only religious (nuns) left with her. The nuns in this case: stayed with the civilians. This nun, and five others escaped with the aid of the so-called "Red Cross" humanitarian and aid relief grouping.

The Catholic church, and other global voices have called both sides to insure the safety of civilians. Sri Lanka's army claims it is doing such: although a civilian building was earlier hit by artillery.

The Tamil Tigers have ignored repeated requests to let civilians out of the war zone. The group could well believe that having to avoid civilians, may prevent the government from immediately destroying the Tigers. The Tigers are listed as terrorists on several international lists: and the Catholic church has repeatedly in the past worried about civilians who have been in their vicinity.

Mexican Bishops Distrustful of politicians

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit: Spanish Edition (American; Catholic; Independent) 11 / Feb / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Mexico's Bishops: have made a release: calling for a lack of empty promises at elections, which could increase voter apathy, and have asked for a responsible program to combat the Credit Crisis. The Bishops have asked for all players in the economy to act responsibly to get Mexico through the coming times in a healthy or better manner, than if the players were to act irresponsibly about the entire situation.

EU, Europe: Caritas Spain, Germany: to help Street Children in Ukraine, etc

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit: Spanish (Catholic; Independent; American) 11 / feb / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Spanish arm of Caritas International, and the German Arm: are attempting a three year finance plan for efforts to reintegrate street children in Ukraine, back into society. These face multiple issues, including sexual exploitation. Other focusses of the Spanish Arm of Caritas Internationalis include projects with Caritas in Armenia and Albania.

Some of the Effortis in collaboration with the Ukrainian arm of Caritas, and will focus on children in Kiev, Lviv, Ternopil, Donetsk and Kmelntsky.

The Armenian arm has a special program needing funding to care for the sick and elderly.

Vatican to EU: stop ignoring African human Rights

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit News Service (American; Independent; Catholic): French Edition 11 / 02 / 2009; Zenit: here: quotes L'Osservatore Romano)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal "Tarcisio Bertone", on Tuesday (10th February), in an effort promoted by the "Czech Republic" Ambassador, met with ambassadors from the European Union (EU), to the Holy See (Vatican). He showed the Vatican's deep concerns for Africa, and the Middle east. He begged Europe to no longer ignore other continents, and asked that they see and focus on human rights, and crying issues, weeping out of Africa and the Middle East in particular.

His ultimate request: that Europe help the delicate situation in the Middle east comprehensively; and that it deal with Africa: not as though sucking the marrow from the bones: but in a manner which is also best for Africa.

Former Communist Block Bishops: called to co-operate to spread Gospel

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Zenit News: Spanish Edition (Independent; American; Catholic) 11 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Zenit News, Spanish Edition: is reporting that Benedict XVI, has asked bishops in the former communist block, in Eastern Europe: to work together, in order to overcome situations caused by past injustice: and to bring the message; that is the Gospel: more fully into their societies.

The theme of the conference was:

"Mission of the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, twenty years after the collapse of communism (1989-2009).""

(Zenit News: Spanish Edition (Independent; American; Catholic) 11 / 02 / 2009))

The statements asking for co-operation: were made two days ago on Tuesday: by Cardinal: Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State. They were given to the bishops: at a meeting in Croatia: in: Zagreb. It was seemingly sent: in letter form, in a letter written by the Vatican Secretary of state. The meeting seems to have been by the Bishops in Central Europe, bearing the theme given above.

Benedict XVI: emphasized, that whatever the circumstances encountered after the fall of atheistic communism: the mission of the church remains evangelization. Communism stifled the church: and made missionary activity dangerous: as communist nations still do today.

Priests in South Africa in schism?

(Altered Persuasion)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As possibly guessed by some: Altered Persuasion, is where we ask controversial questions, and write articles, which may be controversial, and may have no result, except to question.

We were alerted to a program, airing on SABC (Government Broadcaster) 2 recently (Feb 1st bout 9 o'clock): by the Bishops Conference in charge of Southern Africa: "The Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference" (SACBC). The Program in question was: "ISSUES OF FAITH: Catholic Priesthood to be repeated on SABC 2, 09:00 on 1st February 2009.
"
(mentioned in: South African Catholic: archive: 1/20/2009)

The Program was by "Patrica Proctor.
"

(mentioned in: South African Catholic: archive: 1/20/2009)

The program was produced by a woman: claimed by a source of ours to have in former times have been connected with the church in a religious order, we have not verified this. The program: looks at the Catholic priesthood, and interviews local priests. 

It is a defined dogma of the church: that no section of it will ever have authority to ordain Women Priests: i.e. that the sacrament would not work. Therefore: to ordain a woman priest is an act of schism, and heresy: an automatic excommunication.

The SABC 2 Documentary:on "Issues of Faith": suggested that the doors to "Woman" "Priests", should be swung wide open: and quotes allot of local priests to justify this.

Any actions which encourage such an ordination: also would incur such: by the nature of such excommunication: if without such: an ordination were not to take place. More than such: asserting the possibility of Women Priests: itself: could incur fears of an automatic excommunication (Canon 1364 excommunicates intentional heretics, schismatics):therefore the airing of a program, wherein many priests in South Africa believe in the needs for women priests: a sentiment, which other parishioners at the parish I attend affirm: that our new priest shares: whereby the question is to be asked: are all these priests excommunicated: and therefore in the same boat as the SSPX entered into in 1988?

Further: why has no action been taken against those guilty of inciting disobedience against the Holy See, and why is it that a work this service sent into the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, for imprimatur: wasn't either accepted or rejected, simply entirely ignored? Why also: are accusations of heresy by authority figures, not dealt with?

Often, this (, the one above: not our further argument/question) argument is used by my sources in SSPX, they say that the local South African church, or large sections of it: is/are in schism, and that often the mass is invalidated by local priests, who they claim often change formulae: they say that they are in the same situation as local Catholics: therefore: they choose the "better" option: of more "orthodox" priests, and more "Valid" masses. Of course, they believe the SSPX is on a mission sent by "God", and that normal Catholics are in the wrong.

Now, the problem with attending SSPX masses, according to the Vatican: lies not in the suspended status of their priests, but in the personal statement, and the state of the personal soul in attending. Often attendance of SSPX church: leads parishioners to enter material heresy, by denying Vatican II for instance. Except in confession, marriage etc: where they have no authority to perform these sacraments: whereby in attending: one is only strongly discouraged in a very strong sense: from attending: in the cases of holy Orders, marriage, confession, and possibly other cases: those involved in procuring such from the SSPX: are doing something canonically illicit: even perhaps invalid: in the case of marriages.

The local church, or to be more accurate: sections of it, because the argument calling it all priests is absurd: while possibly partly materially schismatic, or herectical: is not formally declared such: further: Archbishop Buthi of Johannesburg, is formally against Women priests: and the interviews were obviously not shown in full. The Southern African Bishops: also: do not seem to be propagating such a view as a conference, perhaps: they may play a part in promoting disobedience in Shareholdership in the Southern Cross, and selling such things in parishes, and promoting such service, but it would be charitably acceptable, and I hope those reading will accept: while possibly complicit: their actions do not not directly en masse seem to promote with their own statements: any sort of disobedience: even as a paper partly controlled by them has been cited for promoting disobedience against the Holy See.

Unlike myself: the SABC (Government Station), does not seem to produce full text of what people say: or necessarily seem to give context. The situation is furthered, by possible negligence on the part of the Priests: they may well have been taught heresy in seminary. There is certainly a marked difference between recently trained South African Priests, and foreign trained priests: the Local Priests, seem hardly as capable of doing the most basic jobs: as though inadequately trained in their work, something not mimicked by older, experienced, and professional priests, trained at an earlier stage of our development.

Opus Dei, also: certainly is not in Schism, therefore: even if the diocese, or conference were to en masse enter Schism, the Opus Dei would not be affected, they are not under the authority of local bishops.

Thereby: while disconcerting that so many in the local church have not only publically promoted heresy, and disobedience against the Roman Pontiff, but have also created animosity towards the Vatican: such seems to be a culture: whereby many may believe they are obeying what they think is the Catholic religion, when actualy obeying principles of a sort of "Secular Humanist", "counter-society".

The argument of those in SSPX therefore has weight, but not enough to be a calculated or correct decision. SSPX is a group formally associated with Schism, or at least suspension: attending a mismanaged, or politically motivated mainstream parish, on the other hand, while unwise if there is a better mainstream parish in the Area: is not generally: a statement of schism, except in certain cases, where one may be attending some parishes, such as Saint Mary's in Australia, or in recent cases possibly locally: one may be making a statement of Heresy and Schism.

As such (Attending most "mainstream" parishes) is not in general a statement of schism: such therefore is mostly a valid option: further, because there have been few if any public trials, of dissenting priests, and hierarchy sources: many who are spiritually excommunicated and suspended, have not formally been declared such: whereby one cannot say with certainty whether it has taken hold? Whereby one should attempt to find a loyal local parish: which will help them grow: avoiding occasions of sin, but knowing that not attending Mass on Sundays and days of Obligation: is itself sin, if intentional, and if there are not certain acceptable circumstances, as defined by the Catechism, and church regulations.

The best thing to do: keep attending a parish at which: you are comfortable: but if you know your priest is publicly apposing the Vatican, or know him to be in heresy: then it may be best to mfind another parish, also to not to confess to him, but another priest: both due to his possible suspension, and due to the likely poor advice you will receive. Further: you are putting yourself in his power, and telling him secrets: rather find a more Orthodox priest to do this with: he may have as little respect for the excommunication associated with sharing your sins with the general public, sometimes possibly in danger of them announcing this at mass: as he does for that ex communication: associated with public heresy. Also: rather marry, and attend church and register: where the priest is one who you can trust is orthodox. As to normal mass: if ordained validly: local priests do perform the sacrifice of the mass, if they say certain wrods right, and over the right species. For now, we must simply wait, hope and see.

It is still better to belong to the mainstream: and if possible, attend mass at your local Cathedral: if your bishop is Orthodox, as they often are: or at Opus Dei: which is known for fidelity.

There are many issues in South Africa: but most seem to come from an inherent heterodoxy, which is likely the culprit, the core and real reason: that nine out of ten Johannesburg Catholics reportedly skip mass.

Ultimately: one needs to remain loyal to the papacy, and within the structural church. It is our boat: if there are holes: we must help to plug them up, even if the captain is making them, at our local parish. The way forward lies in our own actions, what we say and do: and how we approach the situation. If many letters were sent to the bishops, and much more were done: if loyal Catholic media were promoted, and if one forfeited their weekly Heterodox "Southern Cross": at the parish level:

...perhaps then: something could happen.

You are the change: and it is by you and your influence: that loyalty and fidelity to the Magisterium will be regained. We are not traditionalists: ...we are Catholics: who support the papacy: if we support our pope. Personally: I am liberal in all but falsehood, and acts of falsehood. This is why I stand by the church on every moral and doctrinal point, and not by the ulter-religion propagated by some misguided, or misinformed, or intentionally heretical/disobedient sections of the church.

We would not publish the dispatches of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference, and send emails to mny people on what they think and say: if we believed that all was lost, or if we though it unbeneficial. The real hope: we need to become apologists: to educate ourselves, and others on the true situation.

Communications with Pope Benedict XVI

Access and communication with the Pope is difficult and very few have access to him, this was his choice and preference unlike his previous successor, but vital information which should be communicated to him can be missed or not relayed at all ... the Vatican admits this is the worst form of non-communication they can ever remember in history. Pope Benedict XVI lifted an ex-communicaton ban before he had all his ducks lined up and not enough facts given to him to make this type of ruling. He was not given any information on this at all.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090211.wpope11/BNStory/International/home?cid=al_gam_mostview

Eluana Englaro Death Sparks Outrage

Eluana Englaro, 38, died last night at a clinic in Udine in Northeastern Italy, where she had been for the past week, as the previous posts have tried to keep on top of the developments of this case, hoping and praying for a miracle. This debate has rocked Italy and caused huge debates between pro-life and pro-death activists.

Her father briefly spoke out and confirmed that she had died and said he had nothing to say but that he would prefer to be alone at this time.

After a battle to let his daughter die by removing her survival needs of food and water for the last 10 years claiming it was the wishes of his daughter Eluana Englaro, her father, Beppino Englaro, won his case within Italy’s top court authorizing in November 2008 his right-to-die case that has Italy in a total uproar along with opinions from all over the world.

Eluana Englaro, died 4 days after her feeding tubes and hydration apparatus was slowly removed in a private hospital. This outrage and inhuman case will absolutely most definitely always stay in the minds of many and will likely be used as a benchmark to finalize changes to laws regarding euthanasia. The Englaro case has been compared to that of American Terri Schiavo, who spent 15 years in a vegetative state and was allowed to die in 2005 after a long court battle.

While in the midst of debating a bill and a vote that would have saved her life and her feeding tube re-instated Englaro died.

Although no cause of death has been announced news reports have indicated because of such a quick death were doses of sedatives given to her? Palliative medication in high does causes premature death.

The moving of Englaro’s to a private hospital and her dehydration death was met with angry protesters throughout Italy during the weekend and over the past few weeks. She became part of all pro-life catholic supporters and everyone’s hopes and prayers.

Emergency legislation through the Italian Parliament to save Englaro’s life after an earlier attempt was blocked by the country’s president, a former communist. However, the legislation was still in process when Englaro’s death was announced sadly.

It seems now there are a lot of questions as to the surprise quickness of her death according to the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International.

“To intensely dehydrate a person to death dehumanizes them because it denies them the basic care due to a human person. We turn them into an object,” he told LifeSiteNews. “Everybody deserves basic care, which includes food, fluid, and warmth as long as it is necessary to sustain life. This is not extraordinary treatment.”

“We ask the question, how did she actually die? She wouldn’t have died in just a few days of dehydration,” he added. What was the cause of death?

Despite court rulings in favor of removing her tubes, Italy’s government issued an emergency decree Friday to help her or anyone in a vegetative state from having tubes disconnected.

They had the decree issued despite court rulings and a warning from Italy's president that the government shouldn't intervene in the case. This decree passed at Cabinet on Friday stating feeding and giving water to the incapacitated or those who depend on it cannot be taken away.

The issue of this decree was against the advice of Giorgio Napolitano, who as Italy's president is the country's top official. His argument was that the decree would violate a final ruling by a court.

Since Mr. Napolitano has to sign any government decree, the Cabinet decision to move ahead despite the president's recommendation might lead to a bitter battle between two of the country's most senior officials.

Italian Prime Minister, Berlusconi, tried desperately to expedite the decree claiming it was urgent and crucial for her survival and to disconnect Ms. Englaro's feeding tube which the process had begun last Friday wasnothing less than slow murder .... he was unsuccessful time wise in saving this particular woman, god bless her and everyone who tried to save her from the tragic life she led here.

SSPX sidelines Holocaust Deniers

(Altered Persuasion; c.f. Rorate Calei ("Catholic"; Independent; Traditional) 09 / 02 / 2009: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2009/02/confirmed-by-sspx-south-america.html; 08 / 02 / 2009: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2009/02/for-record-turning-tide-case-closed.html; Zenit News Service (Catholic; Independent; American): Italian edition 08 / 02 / 2009; BBC World News (Secular; British; Governmental) 22 / 11 / 2005)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Rorate Caeli: one of the most efficient sources on the SSPX schismatic / suspended movement: is reporting firm actions by the society against an SSPX/FSSPX Bishop, who denied the extent of the holocaust. Bishop Williamson, having been illicitly ordained as a bishop, a man who along with his companions in the "Society of st. Pius X", is still suspended under canon law: has been removed from his noted post of director: at an SSPX seminary: "La Reja"; something which was apparently done for the "Good" (extrapolation by us: "not want to hurt the society", would be a better translation) of the society, an action reportedly accepted by Williamson as necessary. Meanwhile, a Zenit Report, in Italian: on Sunday: covered the expulsion of a: Father Don Floriano Abrahamowicz, from the society.

While Zenit sees this (the expulsion of a: Father Don Floriano Abrahamowicz, from the society) to possibly be linked to other events: as a rebuke of his shared views: with Williamson on the Holocaust: not killing 6 million Jews: at least one source within SSPX parishioners' ranks: is claiming: that the man in question was expelled: not for his view on the Jews and concentration camps, but alleges that he was expelled for a separate matter involving suspicions of the man: involving sedevacanism. Sedevacanism, the view that the See of Peter (Papacy) is "vacant": is denounced by mainstream catholicism: and is something that the SSPX, not only does not officially believe: but rather: officially apposes, as wrong.

The SSPX claimed that the second decision: while "painful" (possible English translation): was necessary to prevent the image of the SSPX, from being "distorted" (another possible translation).

Meanwhile: the Vatican and the German Chancellor: Angela Merkel, a member of the "Christian Democratic Union" (CDU) Party: which traditionally was lead by Catholics, and, in contrast to that previous norm: Protestant in her system of belief: have (The Vatican and German Chancellor) reportedly had a cordial telephone conversation. Allegations against Benedict XVI's name: by the German Chancellor: Angela Merkel; that he had not strongly enough rebuked Bishop Williamson: were followed by a Vatican statement: that Bishop Williamson would not have his current suspension of powers: lifted unless he publicly altered his views on the Holocaust. The conversation reportedly involved mutual discussion on the importants of seeing the Holocaust as a warning. Both apparently hold the same view of the Holocaust. The Vatican's press office: has reportedly noted that benedict XVI: allegedly had no knowledge of the statements of SSPX Bishop Williamson: at the time he lifted the man's excommunication: in order to pass an impasse in negotiations with the "Society" (SSPX).

Catholics are discouraged from attending SSPX masses. Sedivacanism, also mentioned: can be consiodered an act of Schism: while disagreeing with the Papacy: the Society, still claims to serve the papacy, and church.

Social Justice: Central Africa: Bishops blame governments for starvation, and destitution of people

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit News (Catholic; Independent; American: Spanish Edition) 09 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to a release, in a Spanish Language article on Monday by a Catholic news agency : Zenit News: the Bishops conference of Central Africa: Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa Region (Acronym of: ACERAC): has placed the blame for poverty: which often includes starvation: on a lack of transparency, on corruption, and in the lack of adequate systems dealing with corruption, and protecting the environment, and peoples of the region: in Resource Rich Central African Regions: according to Zenit: the countries encapsulated by the Central African bishops conference: include: Gabon, Congo, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea.

Italy appoints first female judge of Canon Law

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Zenit News Service (Catholic; American; Independent: Italian Edition) 08 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to Zenit News Agency's Italian Language edition: which on Sunday the 8th of February, reported on the issues: Italy has appointed its first female canon law judge: a 46 year old: Zuanazzi Ilaria, who is a professor in the subject of Canon Law. She was appointed to the Diocese of Turin, where it is hoped that the female touch will help in cases involving women and marriage.

A Very Cool Media Commercial or Advertisement !!

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Turmoil continues as Protesters Injured in Madagascar

Deadly gunfire has left at least 28 people dead and more than 200 wounded.

With security forces opening fire on anti-government protesters in Madagascar's capital city this past weekend, hospitals are filled with wounded survivors. Media claiming (local) that it is the worst bloodbaths since this country's independence in 1960.

Another brutal chapter in a saga of power struggles, violent disputes and political battles which plague this nation.

The world's fourth-biggest island, a natural habitat and home to creatures found nowhere else in the world, this place called paradise by tourists is in turmoil again.

On one side is a 59-year-old President, Marc Ravalomanana, owns the biggest domestic business empire in the country, plus a monopoly on diary and oil products with a chain of radio and television stations.

He won the 2001 presidential election against Didier Ratsiraka, which set off a violent campaign against his victor.

This seems to have left the country divided, with two governments and two capitals. That conflict did not end until 2002.

With this recent trouble we have Andry Rajoelina, the 34-year-old former mayor of Tananarive, the national capital, a charismatic man, who also owns a private television station and has constantly maintained the government is run as a dictatorship.

Since becoming mayor in 2007, he has been blatant with his attacks on the President, Marc Ravalomana. When Rajoelina’s TV station was taken off the air for broadcasting an interview with Mr. Ratsiraka, he then accused the government of suppressing free speech.

For months, Mr. Rajoelina, campaigns suggest the President is exploiting popular discontent and is a thief and a tyrant. After the clashes turned violent, Mr. Rajoelina, has declared himself the ruler of Madagascar.

Mr. Ravalomanana, retaliated by dismissing Mr. Rajoelina as position as mayor, which just escalated his fury and another mayor was appointed.

Madagascar being a very poor country but the richest in minerals and natural resources has always had the eye of Canadian investors seeking their fortune.

Canada's top mining company, Sherritt International has huge investments in this island. The Toronto-based company owns 40 per cent of the $3.3-billion Ambatovy nickel mine in Madagascar.

Niko Resources Ltd., a Calgary-based Canadian company, is also mounting offshore oil and gas fields in Madagascar.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090209.wmadagascar09/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090209.wmadagascar09

Madagascar : Mayor continues campagn: government's "riot police" kill protestors: aiming at violently removing their government

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. CNA (Catholic; Independent; American) 30 / Jan / 2009; Zenit News (French Edition: Catholic; Independent; American) 05 / Feb / 2009; Vatican radio: 15 / 06 / 2009; Agenzia Fides/ Fides Service (Catholic; Independent; Italian) 02 / 02 / 2009; 05 / 02 / 2009; Fides: info on Madagascar; 25 / 11 / 2004; Reuters (Secular; independent; British) 07 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

A few days ago: Mayor: Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar's capital Antananarivo: was removed from his position, by Madagascar's president: after attempting to have the well known island's President: Marc Ravalomanana: removed. Rajoelina challenged his removal: was reinstated, and stepped down: his attempt to have the country's constitutional court remove their president: failed. Rajoelina supporters have consistently looted, and have held several violent protests. Up to 25 people died: at the hands of police: after his supporters were told to remove the country's president from the "Presidential" ("Ambohitsorohitra") Palace: causing police loyal to the President: to eventually open fire with live bullets. Original riot police fled in fear, but others resorted to live fire: preventing the removal of the president from his home. Rajoelina, had promised to give Ravalomanana's: "Ambohitsorohitra" presidential palace: to his new "Prime Minister": Roindefo Monja: who he has declared as such without an election, while the Madagascan president still has yet to be defeated.

Andry Rajoelina, has banked on poverty, and controversial foreign economic deals: and the manner in which the Madagascan economy has grown since Ravalomanana, its president: was elected: without much improvement in quality of life for many Madagascans. His means have largely been violent protests, as well as the airing of an interview with an ex-president/dictator of Madagascar: who is in exile, and the government also: has finally responded in a noticeably violent manner. The anti-government protestors: have attacked properties owned by they Island's president, and have shut down, apparently: all but Radio Don Bosco in Antananarivo: the Catholic Radio station, which has somehow survived: despite questioning the anti-governmental claims, of victory: as incorrect.

The protesters, however: accuse Madagascar's president of being a dictator, and at least 68 people have died, at the hands, apparently: of protesters, who broke into riots: deaths because of looting, and violence by protesters: has not been an unusual situation since their violent protests, often involving looting: began. They say that the Madagascan Government has prevented media initiatives: and objected after the sacked mayor: Andry Rajoelina's TV station: was shut down: having aired an interview: with exiled Marxist dictator: then president, then ex-president: "Didier Ratsiraka".

The UN has called on Madagascar's president to protect civilians, and Ban Ki-moom, UN Secretary General: had on Thursday: determined to send an envoy: "Haile Menkerios"; to assess how the UN (United nations): can encourage peace in the troubled nation.

Radio Don Bosco, and Fides News: both believe that the protests are losing power. Claims exist that tensions still are there: but people need to work.

While the sacked mayor: has proclaimed that he controls the Island: the government still: clearly controls the riot police. The Madagascan situation is rife with controversy and with complexity. Both sides have now resorted in some measure: to violence. Foreign nations: have expressed distress over the situation. There are hopes to cause dialogue between the sides. Madagascar's president was legitimately elected, and the Madagascan Parliament: largely consisting of his supporters: since his being elected: is the only body: which could impeach the president under the Madagascan constitution: it seems: from the ruling of their constitutional court.

It is thought that Madagascar's violent upstart, by a sacked mayor: may well have been overplayed: that there is not enough support to remove the country's president. An attempt to set up a second authority, apposing Madagascar's presidency, and government: has resulted in a power vacuum, according to the anti-government group: whose leader: has cited this as a reason to call himself leader of the country. He has said that a transitional government would contain representation from all the regions of the Island. The damage of his efforts: on the people of Madagascar: who are angry: already because of economic issues: and the effects of the global downturn: could well mean that this is a situation: that Madagascar could be better without.

Whether or not accusations about mismanagement of Madagascar are true: the Large Island nation: could soon need extensive international aid: with commerce, and communication centers having been attacked by the insurgency.

It is not the first time: that Madagascar has had two rival governments: 2002 saw violence: due to doubt as to whether or not its current president, or the Marxist predecessor: was president. When the situation was cleared up: the current: embattled President of Madagascasr: was declared the winner. There was already the visibility of signs of the current struggle of personality: in July last year.

Vatican Library Renovations: Video from Vatican on these

Introduction by Marc Aupiais

While the Vatican discusses renovatrions to the Vatican Library, A Group has provided 800 Jewish Manuscripts for the Library also.

Benedict XVI, the current Pope, also: has salvaged a bad situation with Italian jewish Leaders: via his firm actions on Williamson. These will resume dialogue:

Renovations:

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vatican
February 07, 2009

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Renovation work in the Rooms of the Vaticans Apostolic Library is going ahead according to schedule. For the record it began in 2007 and is estimated to be completed next year. Among specific projects underway are the strengthening, redecoration and installation of air-conditioning in the areas dedicated to Restoration, Photographic and Digital workshops as well as in the Photographic Archive. Furthermore an external elevator is being installed to better connect different areas, and the storage space dedicated to manuscripts and magazines entirely restored. This work is part of a broader renovation project to take place in the years to come, conceived so as to avoid closing the Library do ...

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6gwlYEt8Mo

Hebrew Manuascripts:

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vatican
February 06, 2009

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In recent days the Catalog of Hebrew Manuscripts was presented at the Vatican Library, created by Institute of Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, which collects microfilms of ancient Jewish documents from all parts of the world including the National and University Library in Jerusalem. This is a catalog of almost 800 pages with detailed descriptions of 813 manuscripts, dating mainly from the eleventh and the sixteenth centuries. There are over 50 Biblical codes, many liturgical manuals, philosophical treatises, and Kabbalist texts, as well as volumes of medicine and astronomy. Among the treasures of the collection is what is probably the oldest known Hebrew code, a copy of a Rabbinic commentary to Le ...

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God  Jesus  Jesus Christ  Pope Benedict XVI  Vatican  Holy See  Catholic Church  Christianity "

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6gwlYEt8Mo

Talks resume:

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL736288720090207
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