Saturday, 30 May 2009

[See What We See News Archive] Ibreviary Priest comes out with Facebook Gadget!!!!!!!!!!

[Additional note by Editor of "South African Catholic": c.f. http://pope2you.net/

Available in French, German, Spanish, English, Italian: this application was brought to you by the same priest, who invented  IbreviaryFather Paolo Padrini. It is unconfirmed, to my knowledge, whether or not the pope knows about the application. ]


Cool; Vatican announces Facebook application !!
(Secular; American; Independent)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/22/AR2009052200609_2.html?hpid=sec-religion

--
Posted By Friend of a Saint to See What We See News Archive at 5/23/2009 09:42:00 AM

[See What We See News Archive] Cool Stuff I Read this Week ...

(See What We See: News Archive)


New virus found in Africa...
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/05/29/lujo-virus.html?ref=rss


Four million hits to Pope2You Website since launched.
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=3064


Catholic Priest, Father Cutie, of Miami, leaves catholic church...

Father Cutie, who has recently been the talk of much debate regarding pictures shown of him on a public beach with a woman he claims he has fallen in love with raised huge controversy over the celebacy of Catholic priests has made his decision to step away from the Catholic faith, sadly.
The Episcopalian church is part of the Anglican Communion, which traces its roots to the Church of England, formed when King Henry VIII split from the Roman Catholic Church in order to divorce and remarry. They have men and women, married or single priests, and controversy over gay priests within.

This has saddened some Catholics and has others claiming it might be time to end the celibacy rule.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/11/florida.priest.affair


Very cool fossil hunter, from Keyna, Richard Leakey, comes to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) this weekend in Toronto....
http://www.thestar.com/article/641653


Canadian Hockey rituals vs Religion ... dunno, craziness, it could only be Canada!!
http://www.thestar.com/article/640935


Gaia Politics: climatologists predict .... our earth, turn our lights off, Mr. Editor :-) ???
http://www.thestar.com/article/638387
http://www.thestar.com/article/638386

I was driving on the 401 (highway in TO) and all of a sudden I was surrounded by cops, everywhere ... absolutely, no mission from God, I think God is shaking his head sometimes... Bush had arrived.
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/642352

Sadly, at 44, Peter Zezel has died. Lots of Canadians, dads and oh yeah, moms too, are into hockey for all the wrong reasons, I avoid the political side to this as much as possible and hate more than anything the trashing of kids in this sport.
But because my favourite little men in this world are very involved in it, thats difficult. I liked this coach, he was kind and liked my son, unfortunately we declined his offer. This is one coach who strongly stood up and said how horrible parents can be by slandering children and trashing them verbally anonymously on the infamous N54 site. This site was temporarily suspended this week and as of today the owner has deleted it permanetly, say good bye to the trash site, Peter I'm sure you are smiling from above, what will these parents do with all their time now??
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/642644

--
Posted By Friend of a Saint to See What We See News Archive at 5/30/2009 04:38:00 AM

Friday, 29 May 2009

"Americas" News: "Obama" nominates pro-"abortionists", self-proclaimed "pro-life" "professor" "Miguel H. Diaz" for position of new "USA" "Ambassador" to the "Vatican"

(Social Justice South Africa ; c.f. "Creative Minority Report" (Catholic; Independent; American) 28 / 05 (May) / 2009, which quotes an article by the "AP" ("Associated Press": "American"; Secular; Independent) ; "Catholic Culture" (Catholic; Independent; American) 29 / 05 (May) / 2009 ; "Inside Catholic" (Independent; American; Catholic) 16/ 03 / 2009 ; "Cardinal Newman Society" (Catholic; Independent; American) 03 / 03 (March) / 2009 )

Note, in accordance with general policy: names, titles, places etc: placed in inverted commas, quotations explicitly noted as quotations.

Article by Marc Aupiais

"Catholic Culture" ("Catholic Culture" (Catholic; Independent; American) 29 / 05 (May) / 2009 ) reports: that: "Archbishop" "Pietro Sambi", the "Vatican's" "Nuncio" ("ambassador"), to the "United States of America" ("U.S.A"), has praised the nomination by the "US" "President" for the appointment, of "Miguel H. Diaz": as "U.S." "Ambassador" to the "Holy See"/"Vatican City State". The appointment, which had yet to be accepted by the "Vatican" officially, has been made by " "pro"-"abortion", "Democrat Party", "U.S." ("United States of America") "President", "Barack Hussein Obama". According to "Catholic Culture", the "Archbishop", who holds the position: of the "Vatican's" "Nuncio" in the "U.S." jurisdiction: has called the appointment of "Professor" "Miguel H. Diaz", a "funder" of "Obama's" electoral campaign  "an excellent choice" (ibid).

The "Vatican", according to some news services, including source(s) quoted by the "BBC", has apparently rejected multiple candidates for the job, which were reportedly unofficially put to the "papacy"/"Holy See". The reason given by these sources: was that the "Candidates", were not "pro"-"life".

The suggested appointment, by the "Obama" "Administration":

"Cuban-American" "Hispanic": "Miguel H. Diaz", a funder of, and according to another source, an advisor to "Barack Obama's" election campaign: has purportedly claimed in "January" "2009", to a "Spanish" language paper (ibid), that he was "pro"-"life", from "conception" until "death". "Diaz", was among 26 ("twenty-Six") "Catholics", who signed a written statement: in support of the  "nomination of ["U.S."] Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, a Catholic whose support for [so-called] abortion rights was criticized by conservative Catholics." ("Creative Minority Report" (Catholic; Independent; American)28 / 05 (May) / 2009, the quote here is from an article by the "AP" ("Associated Press": "American"; Secular; Independent)).

"Kathleen Sebelius", has been noted for her "honoring" of "Late Term" "Abortionist", "Dr. George Tiller", who stood trial on 19 ("Nineteen") counts of the "misdemeanor" of allegedly performing "Late term" "Abortions", without a "mandatory", "independent": "second opinion" (according to "Inside Catholic" (Independent; American; Catholic) 16/ 03 / 2009). She apparently threw a "party" (ibid) in honour of the "Late Term" "Abortionist" which was attended "[o]nly"(ibid) by the "Late Term Abortionist", his "wife" (ibid), and "clinic staff" (ibid), seemingly from his "Abortion" "Clinic".


 According to "Inside Catholic" , she ("Kathleen Sebelius"), whom "Professor" "Miguel H. Diaz", publically supported recently, had allegedly made use of her "veto" "right", as "Governor" of "Kansas", in order to "protect"(ibid) those practising "Late Term Abortions" (ibid): vetoing two bills: the first of which would allow "Late Term Abortionists" to be "sued" via "private lawsuits" (ibid), and the second bill, which she purportedly vetoed: requiring "explicit medical reasons" (ibid) for performing these "Abortions". She has been advised by a "Catholic" "Bishop" ("Archbishop" "Joseph Naumann"(ibid)), not to take communion.

"Miguel H. Diaz", (whom "Vatican" "nuncio" to the "USA", "Archbishop" "Pietro Sambi", has publicly praised as an "excellent choice" (quote by "Catholic Culture"), as "U.S.A" "Ambassador" to the "Vatican": as noted above,) had reportedly, voiced definite support for "Kathleen Sebelius", seemingly: for her to become the "Obama" "Administration's": "Health and Human Services Secretary"..

"Miguel H. Diaz", has seemingly slurred the "Conservatives", by saying that he wants to move past what he terms as "politics of fear" ("Creative Minority Report" (Catholic; Independent; American)28 / 05 (May) / 2009, which quotes here an article by the "AP" ("Associated Press": "American"; Secular; Independent) ), and towards: "the politics of hope" (ibid). He has further refused to give his positions on issues, saying it would be "inappropriate" (quote ibid).

Called an "Hispanic Roman Catholic Theologian" (quote: ibid), by the "Associated Press" ("AP") , "Professor" "Miguel H. Diaz", received his "PHD" ("Doctorate"), from the "Indiana", "U.S.A": "University of Notre Dame" (which recently disobeyed regulations by the "USCCB" ("U.S." "Bishops'" "Conference"). "Notre Dame" did so, in  giving "Obama" an honorary "Law" "Doctorate", and the position of "Commencement Speaker", at an important function, despite his support of legalising "infanticide", and making "abortion" easier, and his pre-election claim that he would take away restrictions, which have in the past allowed "medical" "doctors" to refuse to perform "abortions"). "AP" notes that he ("Miguel H. Diaz") acted in an advisory role, in the "Barack Hussein Obama" electoral campaign.

"Miguel H. Diaz" (affiliated with: "College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University (Minnesota)", according to "Cardinal Newman Society" (Catholic; Independent; American) 03 / 03 (March) / 2009), has himself, gained criticism, by the "pro"-"life"/"anti"-"abortion" demographic, with the "President" of the "Cardinal Newman Society", "Patrick J. Reilly", noting him and others as one of:

“These professors [that are] are giving comfort and aid to those whose stated goals are to advance policies directly opposed to Catholic teachings on life issues, and [and of "Miguel H. Diaz" and others mentiond: that] they do it under the guise of fidelity to Jesus Christ."
("Creative Minority Report" (Catholic; Independent; American) 28 / 05 (May) / 2009; "Cardinal Newman Society" (Catholic; Independent; American) 03 / 03 (March) / 2009 )


Friday, 1 May 2009

Vatican vetted Jesuit Paper: "La Civiltà Cattolica" attacks credibility of the "Times", "New York Times" and "The Washington Post", "Le Monde", "the Italian press."

(See What We See news Archive ; c.f. Pope Benedict XVI, letter/speech on Vatican site (Catholic; Hierarchical; Vatican based) 17 / 02 (February) / 2006 ; American Papist (Catholic; Independent; American) 22 / 05 (May) / 2006; Catholic Culture (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009; La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the Vatican) issue "3813")

Article by Marc Aupiais

Known for it's defense of the Catholic position against the use of condoms, purportedly to fight the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, and for being a journal which is purportedly vetted by Vatican officials, the Jesuit La Civiltà Cattolica (The Catholic Civilization) Journal, is known for something modern Jesuits, are not generally known for in recent times, if Catholic watchdogs are to be believed: perceived fidelity to the Catholic Faith.

The La Civiltà Cattolica journal, was noted on the 17th of February 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI:

"I am pleased to welcome you with all those who collaborate with you in various capacities. I know and appreciate the work that the Journal has carried out at the Church's service since 1850, when Bl. Pius IX, my Predecessor of venerable memory, founded it. He then endowed it with a permanent special statute that established its special connection with the Holy See."
(Pope Benedict XVI, letter/speech on Vatican site (Catholic; Hierarchical; Vatican based) 17 / 02 (February) / 2006 )

This same journal, which American Papist, a prominent Catholic service notes, via a quotation: is vetted by the Vatican (American Papist (Catholic; Independent; American) 22 / 05 (May) / 2006), when it was then defending the position of the church against the use of Condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS, has again taken a stand, which is news making.

In an article, seemingly by La Civiltà Cattolica, which seemingly laments, that Catholics still are perceived as funding some press organizations:

"La Civiltà Cattolica", has been noted by a "Catholic Culture" news brief, as ("Catholic Culture" (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009) apparently claiming severe media bias, against the Catholic Church in some Western Media : as seen in this English translation, as taken off "Catholic Culture" (additions by this service in "[]"):

"[these press organizations are part of an anti-Catholic campaign] which, at a universal level, tends to discredit the Catholic Church: "
(Catholic Culture (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009)

Those mentioned by name, include: (The British/London) "Times", (The American) "New York Times" and (The American) "The Washington Post", (The French) "Le Monde", and "the Italian press".

In summarizing their article in English on their online site: La Civiltà Cattolica, writes [sections between [] are notes by us):

"[...]The article aims at demonstrating the evangelical purity of a scholarly, vigilant and attentive teaching ready to plug the possible leaks arising from the osmosis between Church and contemporary society. The lay front in Italy has certainly radicalized its position towards the Church. Moreover, the “lay” are always silent in regard to social services that would not exist if it were not for the contribution of the Catholic lay."
(La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the Vatican) issue "3813")

The word "lay": refers to "laity": to Catholics; who do not hold Holy Orders in the Catholic church. The so-called "lay front", seemingly refers largely to those attacking Pope Benedict XVI, or Catholic Doctrine, that is: in Europe or Italy, or to those supporting publications which do. The article is titled: "AN INCONVENIENT POPE?". The Full summary by the organization is accessible at (La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the "Vatican") issue "3813").

Tuesday, 17 March 2009

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, My Irish Compatriots!

(Journey In A Broken World ; Tridentine South (And Southern) Africa )

Article by Marc Aupiais

Yes, it's that time of year, no I am not getting drunk (not just Irish, also Catholic). Today is the 17th of March: and us with Irish Heritage: are hitting the streets in an Irish Pride Parade: location: your office, lecture hall, or classroom. Personally, I have no green clothes: so I celotaped a three leafed clover to the left side of my jeans.

Have a Happy Saint Patrick's day: and if in Ireland: attend church: as is compulsory for those in that group of diocese, and living there.

And remember: Patrick was always loyal to the pope: so should you be.

God Bless,

Marc Aupiais

Editor


Friday, 13 March 2009

Part of Why I cannot see how abortion: can possibly be anything but Legally Defined Genocide: however you view it!

(Social Justice South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to The Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights: for the United Nation, in the:
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

Approved and proposed for signature and ratification or accession by
General Assembly resolution 260 A (III) of 9 December 1948

entry into force 12 January 1951, in accordance with article XIII

"Article 2

In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:

(a) Killing members of the group;

(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;

(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;

(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;

(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group."

9 December 1948;
12 January 1951;

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/p_genoci.htm

These are genocide.

Acticle 2, section d: obviously refers to the destruction of potential population. The declaration does to refer to the prevention of one, or a million births: only to preventing births.

Legal abortion: whatever its' other intents: intends to prevent some, if not many future citizens of humanity, and of the countries where it is legal: from being born.

Thus: it destroys part of a future population: via imposed laws: which prevent citizens from stopping abortion, and which cause people to be allowed to perfrom abortions.

Therefore: whether or not the child is a person: does not make Abortion by state, or aided by state anything but Genocide in my possibly uneducated opinion.

How then: do so many governments throughout the world: so easily ignore what the World has declared as genocide?



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Canada: North America: Development and Peace (Caritas Canada)/ Canadian bishops: Funding Abortionist groups in mexico: LifesiteNews

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. archive: 28th of September 2008; LifeSiteNews (Catholic; Independent; Canadian) 12 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

--Yesterday--2009: 12th day of March--Canada/Mexico--Church organization helps fund abortionist activists--

Those who were shocked when the Australian Government allegedly lifted a ban on giving taxpayers money to abortionistic groupings, will be more shocked to hear that those supporting abortion, and aiming to legitimize it in Mexico, are receiving money given to "Development and Peace" (Caritas Canada): in good conscience. Development and Peace: in the fundraising body of the Canadian Bishops' Conference.

Caritas' Canadian Arm: not only doesn't deny or dispute evidence, that it its supporting pro-abortionist groupings: who are attempting to widen the noose over Mexico: but further admits to having no policy on the issue of abortion: and it is not an issue as to funding an organization, as to whether or not they partake in the killing of unborn children: according to Caritas' Canadian Arm: "Development and peace": who have given money given in good conscience: to the cause of allowing widespread killing of unborn infants in Mexico, Latin America.

"Catholic" support of what the church sees as a Genocide against the rights of the unborn: is often pivotal to the success of abortionists in killing the unborn child. The money given to these organizations, and prestige of working with the church: undoubtedly allows them to donate more resources to legalizing the rip[ping apart, or burning to death of unborn babies.

That many of the worst agents in the world: of the so-called "Culture of Death", are church-going "Catholics" is not surprising. That An SSPX bishop is banned from many churches: while abortionists receive, and desecrate our lord and Savior, at Mass: is shocking and disgusting.

This is not the first time that Canada's Catholic Bishops have directly aided abortionists' agendas. Previously: the Canadian church supported a Canadian march: supporting abortion, and homosexual unions. The "Catholic Womens' League" leadership in Canada: also partook in such, via the same march (archive: 28th of September 2008).

In South Africa: "The Southern Cross", an organization partly owned by the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC): not only regularly attacks the Vatican: when secular news praises it: but has also been caught out fronting abortionist arguments, and supporting contraception, and gay priests.

Aiding abortion: is an activity: which very likely results in the automatic excommunication from the Catholic church: preventing absolution in confession: such spiritual excommunication: needs a special confession and absolution to be lifted.




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Polish Politicians: to try dislodge Opposition TV head, via new legislation

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. See What We See News Archive 13 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

--Yesterday--2009: 12th day of March--Poland--Politics--

Polish state media, is set to lose its independence. TVP, the polish television organization, is headed by an ex-neo-Nazi, and current Catholic: Piotr Farfal, who has renounced his neo-Nazi youth, in which he had edited a magazine for the said movement.

Like in South Africa, it is hard to dislodge a head of state television, due to apposing views expressed than yours. A bill, set to be passed in Poland in June, and likely to be apposed by Polish President: President "Lech Kaczynski", who blocked a similar bill before, is to be attempted again by political opportunists, in June: they hope to get a majority to overrule the Veto, of Poland's President. In many countries: State Television becomes a government spokesperson, rather than reporting actual events: this is why somewhat independent state broadcasting can be important to the life of democracy.

"Prime Minister Donald Tusk", of Poland: is attempting to use the bill, to oust: Polish Television's head, a member of, what Reuters names: the staunchly Roman Catholic "League of Polish Families (LPR)", a political opponent of the "center-right", as well as the left leaning SLD, and of the current Prime Minister: in Poland: "Prime Minister Donald Tusk".








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Thursday, 12 March 2009

South Africa: South Africans Abroad (Expatriots): May Vote: Const. Court

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. BBC World News (Governmental; British; Secular) 12 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

--Johannesburg, South Africa -- Thursday 12th March 2009--

Under ANC leadership, millions of South Africans have left, either due to openly racially based policies: designed to "transform" the workplace (replace white people with Black people: often irrespective of skills levels), get rid of "elitist" education, such as Advanced program Mathematics, and to conduct other forms of social engineering, and the like. Corruption, and crime have also caused an exodus, with the chief of police suspected of aiding organized crime: the organization investigating this disbanded, and South Africa's mooted next president: facing over 700 (Seven Hundred)charges of corruption from the same disbanded organization. To say nothing of electoral violence, murders, widely noted voter intimidation, incitement of political and ethnic violence, to say just some of the things, which have caused South Africans to leave, while the ANC (African national Congress) has "cared", for South Africa, these past 15 or more or less years.

Today, the Constitutional Court, in Johannesburg, upheld a plea, launched by an opposition party, to allow South Africans abroad to be able to vote, if registered.

Some of those who voted with their legs, perhaps: now can help keep South African Democracy safe. Mr Jacob Zuma, the ANC candidate for the election, has not even completed his schooling. Many ANC candidates have been caught in corruption, and those in power currently, kicked South Africa's previous president out of office, before his term was complete.

Fortunately, the Constitutional court, has ruled, and just some of the South Africans abroad, will be able to vote.

The IEC (Independent Electoral Board (of South Africa)), has said that it is prepared to take on foreign based voters. They must inform them of an intent to vote before March 27th 2009. It is very likely that Foreign based voters, who are registered, will be able to vote at South African Embassies overseas, however, we do not have the exact details of the plan with certainty as yet.

The ANC, is widely thought to be those who will win the next election, despite corruption, and a rise in unemployment. 2 000 000 (Two Million) South Africans are living abroad. Often Crime, and fears for job security, are sited as reasons for leaving South Africa. Many skilled workers have left the country.

At least now those expats (expatriots) who are warned in time, will not be disenfranchised this election (prevented from voting), rather, they shall have suffrage to help shape South Africa's future.

Tridentine SA: LETTER ON REMISSION OF EXCOMMUNICATION LEFEBVRE BISHOPS

(Tridentine South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As Predicted, by Rorate Caeli, the Papacy has announced Benedict XVI's intentions, and feelings on the Williamson issue.

Here is the release:



LETTER ON REMISSION OF EXCOMMUNICATION LEFEBVRE BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, 12 MAR 2009 (VIS) - Made public today was the Letter of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the bishops of the Catholic Church concerning the remission of the excommunication of the four bishops consecrated by Archbishop Lefebvre.
  
The Letter is dated 10 March and has been published in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese. The complete text of the English-language version is given below:
  
"Dear brothers in the episcopal ministry.

 VATICAN CITY, 12 MAR 2009 (VIS) - Made public today was the Letter of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the bishops of the Catholic Church concerning the remission of the excommunication of the four bishops consecrated by Archbishop Lefebvre.

The Letter is dated 10 March and has been published in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese. The complete text of the English-language version is given below:

"Dear brothers in the episcopal ministry.

"The remission of the excommunication of the four Bishops consecrated in 1988 by Archbishop Lefebvre without a mandate of the Holy See has for many reasons caused, both within and beyond the Catholic Church, a discussion more heated than any we have seen for a long time. Many bishops felt perplexed by an event which came about unexpectedly and was difficult to view positively in the light of the issues and tasks facing the Church today. Even though many bishops and members of the faithful were disposed in principle to take a positive view of the Pope's concern for reconciliation, the question remained whether such a gesture was fitting in view of the genuinely urgent demands of the life of faith in our time. Some groups, on the other hand, openly accused the Pope of wanting to turn back the clock to before the Council: as a result, an avalanche of protests was unleashed, whose bitterness laid bare wounds deeper than those of the present moment. I therefore feel obliged to offer you, dear brothers, a word of clarification, which ought to help you understand the concerns which led me and the competent offices of the Holy See to take this step. In this way I hope to contribute to peace in the Church.

"An unforeseen mishap for me was the fact that the Williamson case came on top of the remission of the excommunication. The discreet gesture of mercy towards four bishops ordained validly but not legitimately suddenly appeared as something completely different: as the repudiation of reconciliation between Christians and Jews, and thus as the reversal of what the Council had laid down in this regard to guide the Church's path. A gesture of reconciliation with an ecclesial group engaged in a process of separation thus turned into its very antithesis: an apparent step backwards with regard to all the steps of reconciliation between Christians and Jews taken since the Council - steps which my own work as a theologian had sought from the beginning to take part in and support. That this overlapping of two opposed processes took place and momentarily upset peace between Christians and Jews, as well as peace within the Church, is something which I can only deeply deplore. I have been told that consulting the information available on the internet would have made it possible to perceive the problem early on. I have learned the lesson that in the future in the Holy See we will have to pay greater attention to that source of news. I was saddened by the fact that even Catholics who, after all, might have had a better knowledge of the situation, thought they had to attack me with open hostility. Precisely for this reason I thank all the more our Jewish friends, who quickly helped to clear up the misunderstanding and to restore the atmosphere of friendship and trust which - as in the days of Pope John Paul II - has also existed throughout my pontificate and, thank God, continues to exist.

"Another mistake, which I deeply regret, is the fact that the extent and limits of the provision of 21 January 2009 were not clearly and adequately explained at the moment of its publication. The excommunication affects individuals, not institutions. An episcopal ordination lacking a pontifical mandate raises the danger of a schism, since it jeopardises the unity of the College of Bishops with the Pope. Consequently the Church must react by employing her most severe punishment - excommunication - with the aim of calling those thus punished to repent and to return to unity. Twenty years after the ordinations, this goal has sadly not yet been attained. The remission of the excommunication has the same aim as that of the punishment: namely, to invite the four bishops once more to return. This gesture was possible once the interested parties had expressed their recognition in principle of the Pope and his authority as Pastor, albeit with some reservations in the area of obedience to his doctrinal authority and to the authority of the Council. Here I return to the distinction between individuals and institutions. The remission of the excommunication was a measure taken in the field of ecclesiastical discipline: the individuals were freed from the burden of conscience constituted by the most serious of ecclesiastical penalties. This disciplinary level needs to be distinguished from the doctrinal level. The fact that the Society of Saint Pius X does not possess a canonical status in the Church is not, in the end, based on disciplinary but on doctrinal reasons. As long as the society does not have a canonical status in the Church, its ministers do not exercise legitimate ministries in the Church. There needs to be a distinction, then, between the disciplinary level, which deals with individuals as such, and the doctrinal level, at which ministry and institution are involved. In order to make this clear once again: until the doctrinal questions are clarified, the society has no canonical status in the Church, and its ministers - even though they have been freed of the ecclesiastical penalty - do not legitimately exercise any ministry in the Church.

"In light of this situation, it is my intention henceforth to join the Pontifical Commission 'Ecclesia Dei' - the body which has been competent since 1988 for those communities and persons who, coming from the Society of Saint Pius X or from similar groups, wish to return to full communion with the Pope - to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This will make it clear that the problems now to be addressed are essentially doctrinal in nature and concern primarily the acceptance of the Vatican Council II and the post-conciliar Magisterium of the Popes. The collegial bodies with which the congregation studies questions which arise (especially the ordinary Wednesday meeting of cardinals and the annual or biennial plenary session) ensure the involvement of the prefects of the different Roman congregations and representatives from the world's bishops in the process of decision-making. The Church's teaching authority cannot be frozen in the year 1962 - this must be quite clear to the Society. But some of those who put themselves forward as great defenders of the Council also need to be reminded that Vatican II embraces the entire doctrinal history of the Church. Anyone who wishes to be obedient to the Council has to accept the faith professed over the centuries, and cannot sever the roots from which the tree draws its life.

"I hope, dear brothers, that this serves to clarify the positive significance and also the limits of the provision of 21 January 2009. But the question still remains: Was this measure needed? Was it really a priority? Aren't other things perhaps more important? Of course there are more important and urgent matters. I believe that I set forth clearly the priorities of my pontificate in the addresses which I gave at its beginning. Everything that I said then continues unchanged as my plan of action. The first priority for the Successor of Peter was laid down by the Lord in the Upper Room in the clearest of terms: 'You ... strengthen your brothers'. Peter himself formulated this priority anew in his first Letter: 'Always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you'. In our days, when in vast areas of the world the faith is in danger of dying out like a flame which no longer has fuel, the overriding priority is to make God present in this world and to show men and women the way to God. Not just any god, but the God Who spoke on Sinai; to that God Whose face we recognise in a love which presses 'to the end' - in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. The real problem at this moment of our history is that God is disappearing from the human horizon, and, with the dimming of the light which comes from God, humanity is losing its bearings, with increasingly evident destructive effects.

"Leading men and women to God, to the God Who speaks in the Bible: this is the supreme and fundamental priority of the Church and of the Successor of Peter at the present time. A logical consequence of this is that we must have at heart the unity of all believers. Their disunity, their disagreement among themselves, calls into question the credibility of their talk of God. Hence the effort to promote a common witness by Christians to their faith - ecumenism - is part of the supreme priority. Added to this is the need for all those who believe in God to join in seeking peace, to attempt to draw closer to one another, and to journey together, even with their differing images of God, towards the source of Light - this is inter-religious dialogue. Whoever proclaims that God is Love 'to the end' has to bear witness to love: in loving devotion to the suffering, in the rejection of hatred and enmity - this is the social dimension of the Christian faith, of which I spoke in the Encyclical 'Deus caritas est'.

"So if the arduous task of working for faith, hope and love in the world is presently (and, in various ways, always) the Church's real priority, then part of this is also made up of acts of reconciliation, small and not so small. That the quiet gesture of extending a hand gave rise to a huge uproar, and thus became exactly the opposite of a gesture of reconciliation, is a fact which we must accept. But I ask now: Was it, and is it, truly wrong in this case to meet half-way the brother who 'has something against you' and to seek reconciliation? Should not civil society also try to forestall forms of extremism and to incorporate their eventual adherents - to the extent possible - in the great currents shaping social life, and thus avoid their being segregated, with all its consequences? Can it be completely mistaken to work to break down obstinacy and narrowness, and to make space for what is positive and retrievable for the whole? I myself saw, in the years after 1988, how the return of communities which had been separated from Rome changed their interior attitudes; I saw how returning to the bigger and broader Church enabled them to move beyond one-sided positions and broke down rigidity so that positive energies could emerge for the whole. Can we be totally indifferent about a community which has 491 priests, 215 seminarians, 6 seminaries, 88 schools, 2 university-level institutes, 117 religious brothers, 164 religious sisters and thousands of lay faithful? Should we casually let them drift farther from the Church? I think for example of the 491 priests. We cannot know how mixed their motives may be. All the same, I do not think that they would have chosen the priesthood if, alongside various distorted and unhealthy elements, they did not have a love for Christ and a desire to proclaim Him and, with Him, the living God. Can we simply exclude them, as representatives of a radical fringe, from our pursuit of reconciliation and unity? What would then become of them?

"Certainly, for some time now, and once again on this specific occasion, we have heard from some representatives of that community many unpleasant things - arrogance and presumptuousness, an obsession with one-sided positions, etc. Yet to tell the truth, I must add that I have also received a number of touching testimonials of gratitude which clearly showed an openness of heart. But should not the great Church also allow herself to be generous in the knowledge of her great breadth, in the knowledge of the promise made to her? Should not we, as good educators, also be capable of overlooking various faults and making every effort to open up broader vistas? And should we not admit that some unpleasant things have also emerged in Church circles? At times one gets the impression that our society needs to have at least one group to which no tolerance may be shown; which one can easily attack and hate. And should someone dare to approach them - in this case the Pope - he too loses any right to tolerance; he too can be treated hatefully, without misgiving or restraint.

"Dear Brothers, during the days when I first had the idea of writing this letter, by chance, during a visit to the Roman Seminary, I had to interpret and comment on Galatians 5:13-15. I was surprised at the directness with which that passage speaks to us about the present moment: 'Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another'. I am always tempted to see these words as another of the rhetorical excesses which we occasionally find in St. Paul. To some extent that may also be the case. But sad to say, this 'biting and devouring' also exists in the Church today, as expression of a poorly understood freedom. Should we be surprised that we too are no better than the Galatians? That at the very least we are threatened by the same temptations? That we must always learn anew the proper use of freedom? And that we must always learn anew the supreme priority, which is love? The day I spoke about this at the Major Seminary, the feast of Our Lady of Trust was being celebrated in Rome. And so it is: Mary teaches us trust. She leads us to her Son, in Whom all of us can put our trust. He will be our guide - even in turbulent times. And so I would like to offer heartfelt thanks to all the many bishops who have lately offered me touching tokens of trust and affection, and above all assured me of their prayers. My thanks also go to all the faithful who in these days have given me testimony of their constant fidelity to the Successor of St. Peter. May the Lord protect all of us and guide our steps along the way of peace. This is the prayer that rises up instinctively from my heart at the beginning of this Lent, a liturgical season particularly suited to interior purification, one which invites all of us to look with renewed hope to the light which awaits us at Easter

"With a special Apostolic Blessing, I remain Yours in the Lord".

BXVI-LETTER/EXCOMMUNICATION BISHOPS/... VIS 090312 (2540)

Wednesday, 11 March 2009

Pope on renewed Violence in Northern Ireland

Pope on renewed Violence in Northern Ireland:

POPE CONDEMNS NORTHERN IRELAND ATTACKS

VATICAN CITY, 11 MAR 2009 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience the Holy Father made an appeal for an end to violence in Northern Ireland, where recent attacks have left two soldiers and a policeman dead.

"It was with deep sorrow that I learned of the murders of two young British soldiers and a policeman in Northern Ireland. As I assure the families of the victims and the injured of my spiritual closeness, I condemn in the strongest terms these abominable acts of terrorism which, apart from desecrating human life, seriously endanger the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland and risk destroying the great hopes generated by this process in the region and throughout the world. I ask the Lord that no one will again give in to the horrendous temptation of violence and that all will increase their efforts to continue building - through the patient effort of dialogue - a peaceful, just and reconciled society".
AG/APPEAL/NORTHERN IRELAND VIS 090311 (170)

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: "Fr Lionel Sham: Obituary": Basically what he did for the church

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Article by Marc Aupiais



Details of message received, and our forwarding:

I am privileged to forward the following message from the SACBC, it concerns the obituary of a recently deceased priest: Fr Sham:
Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:
The following is nothing, but a quotation of a source, that being an email we directly received from Father Townsend, of the SACBC, as a press release:
Received at: 15:19 (3 hours ago)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/11
Subject: Fr Lionel Sham: Obituary
To:
Contents:

"The Very Reverend Father Lionel Sham.


Lionel John Sham was born 23 May 1943 of Keralla (Kay) and Janie (nee Boles) in Johannesburg. He has 2 Brothers (Peter and Reggie) and 1 sister (Vicky)


In 1959, at the age of 15, Lionel went to Sacred Heart Minor Seminary in Boksburg to discern his vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood. He spent 2 years there and completed his Matric at Christian Brothers College in Boksburg.


In 1961 he commenced his studies at St John Vianney seminary in Pretoria. He was ordained priest on 9 September 1967 at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Bez Valley by Bishop Hugh Boyle.


His first appointment was to the Cathedral of Christ the King where he worked from 1968 to 1971. He started studies through UNISA and completed an Honours Degree in Social Science in 1973.


In 1972, he joined Fr (Later Bishop) Reginald Orsmond at Boys Town in Magaliesburg and served the parish of St James and Hekpoort. He remained in Magaliesburg until 1986. He was Dean of the West Rand Deanery, a position he would fill again from 2006 to 2008.


Fr Lionel was appointed Bishop’s Vicar for Vocations in 1986 and moved to the Cathedral of Christ the King. In this role, he was responsible for accompanying many young men in their discernment of the call to Priesthood. He remained Vicar until 1999.


He was appointed Bishop’s Vicar for Youth in 1987 where touched the lives of many youth.


He was appointed Bishop’s Vicar for Funding and development from 1988 to 1999.


From 1992 to 1993 he was Priest-in-charge of Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church in Kempton Park.


In 1994, he was appointed as Administrator of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, a position he held until 1999.


He was second Vicar General for Bishop Orsmond from 1995 to 2000.


In 2000, Fr Lionel Sham was appointed as Rector of the Orientation Seminary in Welkom. The Seminary moved under Fr Lionel’s direction to Oakford in KZN. Fr Lionel remained Rector until the end of 2005. During this time, he was responsible for many young men beginning their studies for the Catholic Priesthood in Southern Africa. He also looked after his mother until her death in January 2006.


In 2006, Fr Lionel returned to the Diocese of Johannesburg and was asked to look after four parishes on the West Rand in Johannesburg – St Paul of the Cross – Bekkersdal, Our Lady of Africa, Mohlakeng, St Martin de Porres – Toekomsrus and Immaculate Conception in Westonaria. He remained Parish Priest of Our Lady of Africa when he was murdered.


Fr Lionel had also served on the Southern African Council of Priests, the South African Council for Catholic Social Services, the World Lebanese Cultural Union and the Knights of Da Gama. Fr Sham was also responsible for the fundraising and development of the Sacred Heart pastoral Centre in Walkerville. Fr Lionel was Bishop’s Vicar for SPRED and Catechetics at his death.


Fr Chris Townsend – Johannesburg – 11 March 2009


Fr Chris Townsend

Information Officer

Office for Communication and Media.

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)

P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa

Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001

Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458

Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218

Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729

www.sacbc.org.za


P Please consider the environment before printing this email"


Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: SACBC Secretary General's clarification: Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference authorised to proceed with the implementation of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal.

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Introduction by Marc Aupiais


Details of message received, and our forwarding:

I am privileged to forward the following message from the SACBC, it concerns the  introduction of the new liturgical changes in Southern Africa:

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:
The following is nothing, but a quotation of a source, that being an email we directly received from Father Townsend, of the SACBC, as a press release:


Received at: 14:59 (2 hours ago)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/11
Subject: SACBC Secretary General's clarification: Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference authorised to proceed with the implementation of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal.
To:

Contents:
"Statement issued by Fr Vincent Brennan SMA, Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Pretoria
11 March 2009.

For Immediate Release.

STARTS>

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has accepted the explanation by the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference regarding the early implementation of the new translation in English of the People's parts of the Roman Missal.

The Congregation has agreed that the implementation continue along with continued catechesis explaining the changes. This catechesis should include preparation of music for singing the new texts.

The other approved texts of the mass (e.g. the Eucharistic Prayers) will be implemented when the rest of the English Speaking world implements the changes.

A fuller statement may be issued by the President on his return from Rome.

Fr Vincent Brennan SMA
Secretary General

ENDS>

Issued on behalf of the Secretary General by Fr Chris Townsend.



Fr Chris Townsend
Information Officer
Office for Communication and Media.
Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)
P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa
Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458
Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218
Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729
www.sacbc.org.za
P Please consider the environment before printing this email"



Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: "Johannesburg Archdiocese: Funeral Details: Very Rev. Fr Lionel Sham."

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases )

Article by Marc Aupiais



Details of message received, and our forwarding:

I am privileged to forward the following message from the SACBC, it concerns the funeral of a recently deceased priest: Fr Sham:

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:
The following is nothing, but a quotation of a source, that being an email we directly received from Father Townsend, of the SACBC, as a press release:


Received at: 15:30 (5 minutes ago).

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/10
Subject: Johannesburg Archdiocese: Funeral Details: Very Rev. Fr Lionel Sham.
To:


Contents of message received:


"Funeral Arrangements
Very Rev. Fr Lionel John Sham (1943 to 2009)
Memorial Services:

Wednesday 11 March 2009                          St John Vianney Seminary
                                                                                179 Main Street
                                                                                Waterkloof
                                                                                17.30


Sunday 15 March 2009                                   Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church
                                                                              
                                                                                14.00


Monday 16 March 2009                                 Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King
                                                                                cnr Saratoga & End street.
                                                                                Doornfontein

                                                                                18.00
Monday 16 March 2009                                 Maronite Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon.
Western Service Rd
Wendywood

                                                                                18.30

Funeral Service:                                                Tuesday 17 March 2009
                                                                                Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King.
cnr. Saratoga and End Street.
Doornfontein.

                                                                                Office of the Dead                           09.30
                                                                                Requiem Mass                                  10.00
                                                                                Prior to Private Cremation.
Clergy Instructions:                                         The Office of the Dead will start at 9.30am.All priests are invited to concelebrate. The Requiem Vestments will be Purple. Please try to share transport as parking at the Cathedral is severely restricted due to Construction.

One week Mass:                                              Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon
22 March 2009.
09.30



Fr Chris Townsend
Information Officer
Office for Communication and Media.
Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)
P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa
Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458
Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218
Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729
www.sacbc.org.za
P Please consider the environment before printing this email"




"Funeral arrangements of the Late Fr Lionel Sham"...

The following is an email, I am forwarding, concerning a certain: Fr Sham, who died recently.

(name excluded) invited you to "Funeral arrangements of the Late Fr Lionel Sham" on Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00am.

Event: Funeral arrangements of the Late Fr Lionel Sham
What: Ceremony
Host: Fr Lionel Sham a Life in our Time
Start Time: Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00am
End Time: Tuesday, March 17 at 3:00pm
Where: Cathedral of Christ the King

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=54834507595&mid=2042abG28ca5d0fG168e674G7

Thanks,
The Facebook Team


South Africa: DA Leaders office denies any pro-civil-union discrimination

(Scripturelink Voters guide)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In response to a request for clarity on seeming insinuation of DA discrimination for Homosexual candidates, the DA, has responded to our concerns. Gavin Davis, the Chief of Staff of the Da's Office of The Leader, whom I have corresponded with in the past, has responded to our concerns on behalf of Christian voters. The following is an email reply we received from him today:



2009/3/10 Gavin Davis 
Dear Marc

Thank you for your email.
As I mentioned in previous correspondence, DA public representatives have a free vote on issues of conscience including civil unions. To my knowledge, Mr Ollis has never said that the DA is for civil unions. He has expressed his personal view, which he has every right to do. But it does not represent the view of the party.

As far as the DA’s lists are concerned, there is no discrimination either for or against people from any particular group, whether based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

I hope this answers your question.

Kind regards
Gavin


We have asked that the DA monitor their facebook group better, and are pleased that their national policy seems the same. It does seem odd, that Ian Ollis, should make such a point, as he did, and that he seems to have insinuated certain things, which would make the DA a less acceptable party to vote for.

As it is, they maintain their status on our acceptable vote list. Due to the positions of their leadership. We do hope that the DA will look into the claims by Ian Ollis, involving the Gauteng list, and sexual orientation.

South Africa: DA's SA Christian voters lose say?

(Scripturelink Voters Guide)

Note: the DA's leader's office's head of staff replied to our request: http://southafricancatholic.blogspot.com/2009/03/south-africa-da-leaders-office-denies.html

Article By Marc Aupiais

Recently, we came accross the following:

"


Post #1
Ian Ollis wroteon February 25, 2009 at 1:49pm

Ok, so huge numbers of people have been asking about the gay thing, so I decided we should start a discussion on the board! Currently, the DA has a large number of gay (LGBTI) people as public rep's either as MP's MPL's and Councillors around the country. Yes, I am one of them! On our election lists for the 2009 general elections, I was extremely happy to see the number of gay people that have been chosen on the lists for parliament and the various provinces as candidates. A case in point is the Gauteng Parliamentary Candidates list. I am currently one of 5(that I know of) gay or lesbian people in the top 16 positions on the list. That is a huge plus for the party and for our representivity. Show me one other party in SA that has that many? An many of us, like myself, Mike Waters, Paul Willemburg are very out about our sexuality. we are not a pink party however. We support equal rights for gay people, just as we support say, the equal rights of both genders, all races and each language group in the country. For those of you out there who are thinking of voting DA and for whom this is an issue, rest assured, the DA is the party that most represents the rights and views of gay people and not just in words. we have actions that support what we say! Viva Helen Viva!"

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2226300562&topic=7506

Ian Ollis, is the 11th member listed on the DA's GAUTENG NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LIST listing. I see no reason to discount that the person speaking is him.

 Last year, when asking the DA, whether or not they had altered their policy on gay marriage, their answer to our organization was no: they still had no policy. This was after a decision involving Internation Politics, which technically favored "Gay Marriage".

We have requested a reply from the Democratic alliance, on this issue, since, having seen this admittal by a potential MP.

This was posted on their facebook group.

The DA, has also refused to alter the constitution, so that abortion is clearly relegated to the criminal arena, as any South African, no matter their age, can legally request an abortion. The only restrictions in South Africa, seem to focus on protecting the mother's health. The Judiciary, largely seems to have a certain view of the Constitution, and some believe that if South Africa's abortion laws are overturned, they will overturn the nullification of ANC: African National Congress: policy. This trial has yet to occur however.

Such moves either mean nothing, or everything. The DA would not have succeeded in changing the constitution, and so their choice had no effect, but they seemed to say that the constitution was over in 1994.

If the DA values their Pro-life, pro-family, pro-catechism voters, I suggest that they clarify this issue: as one of their representatives seems to be saying that they have purposely placed a large portion of homosexual voters on their parliamentary list high up. Such would mean a pragmatic change in a possibly neutral vote on a pro-life issue: marriage.

Such calls into account: how does the DA stand on other issues of policy, such as abortion: another issue, of importance to Christians voting. If they are that sort of "liberals" now, leaving what I would have thought was the PFP behind, then: where else are they liberal. America's Democratic Party has jumped on both issues, so have many others. Such concern lies not in homosexual ideas, which generally may change from each to each: but what is considered liberalism in many nations.

Both support of "Gay Marriage", and support of abortionist policies, are issues which make a party very unlikely to be the best for Catholic voters. The question is whether or not the DA is still neutral on these issues, or if they simply are officially neutral, but have hidden practical policies.

I would like it if the DA were to reply to my request.

Can the DA say that it is still neutral on these morally concerning issues to Christian voters?

If the man above is not Ian Ollis, I request that the DA inform us, as it is, I suspect it is the DA potential Parliamentarian, and I hope that the DA, is not discriminating against heterosexuals in their representation in parliament.

Monday, 9 March 2009

Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference: releases more details on deaths of two priests

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Article by Marc Aupiais


I am privileged to forward the following message from the SACBC, it concerns the deaths of two priests, one we have just reported to you yesterday, via the message they sent us:

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:

The following is nothing, but a quotation of a source, that being an email we directly received from Father Townsend, of the SACBC, as a press release:
Contents of forwarded message :


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/9
Subject: Church Mourns murdered priests
To: (list excluded by South African catholic)

Message we received at 16:15 (3 hours ago), from the bishops Conference:

"Immediate
Pretoria
9 March 2009.

STARTS>
Church Mourns Murdered priests.

Fr Lionel Sham, Parish Priest of Mohlakeng (Johannesburg Archdiocese) was killed on Saturday 7th March 2009, after being abducted from his home in Mohlakeng. He was the second catholic priest to be murdered in one week in South Africa. Father Daniel Matsela Mahula, from Klerksdorp Diocese, was killed on 27th February.

The body of Fr Lionel Sham, 66 years old, has been recovered by the Police on Sunday, few hours after the priest disappeared from his parish. Fr Lionel Sham was well known to be open to all and generous with people in the need.

“All we can do now is pray with the family, the parish of Mohlakeng and the many people who loved and knew Lionel” said Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, on the 7th March. “I wish to express my own gratitude to the countless people who have looked for Fr Lionel and who have prayed for his safe return.”

On Friday 27th February 2009, Father Daniel Matsela Mahula was killed will driving his car, by four hitch-hikers, near Bloemhof. Father Matsela was a young priest, born on the 6th of June 1975 and ordained to the Priesthood on 22 December 2002. He ministered at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jouberton at the time of his death.

In October 2007, Oblate of Mary Immaculate Father Allard Mmako, 42 years old, died in Nelspruit after being shot by carjackers.

Funeral Details for Father Lionel Sham will be announced as soon as they are finalised.

ENDS
Issued by Fr Chris Townsend

Fr Chris Townsend
Information Officer
Office for Communication and Media.
Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)
P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa
Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458
Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218
Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729
www.sacbc.org.za
P Please consider the environment before printing this email"

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Sunday, 8 March 2009

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: Archbishop announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest

Introduction by Marc Aupiais

Rebroadcasting, or forwarding, or publishing this message does not imply endorsement of the Bishops conference, or any person mentioned in the contents of this dispatch/article, nor does it imply any endorsement of the accuracy, or content of views expressed in the forwarded content, which was sent to us by the Southern African catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). We do not guarantee the accuracy, nor content, nor orthodoxy or fidelity of views expressed by the bishops conference, by emails sent to us via them, and by views recorded by them. These are not necessarily our views, nor do we necessarily express, or ascent to the views expressed in the message we are representing here for you:
Contents of forwarded message :
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/8
Subject: SAPA PR: Archbishop announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest
To: (list excluded on publication)
Time: 16:52 (2 hours ago)

Forwarded message:
Immediate
Johannesburg
Sunday 8 March 2009
STARTS
Archbishop Announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest.
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Catholic Archbishop of Johannesburg, regrets to announce that the SAPS have found the Body of Fr Lionel Sham. Fr Sham, Parish Priest of Mohlakeng, had been missing since Friday night. The SAPS has recovered the missing car at an accident scene in Denysville in the Free State this morning. Suspects were apprehended and questioned.
Archbishop Buti spoke of the great Love Father Lionel shared with those he came into contact with. He was a friend and mentor to many people. He had worked at Boys Town, in various Parish Assignments, as Administrator of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, Rector of the Orientation Seminary in Welkom, Secretary of the Seminary Department of the Bishops Conference, Vocation Director and Vicar General.
“All we can do now is pray with the family, the parish of Mohlakeng and the many people who loved and knew Lionel” said the Archbishop. “I wish to express my own gratitude to the countless people who have looked for Fr Lionel and who have prayed for his safe return.”
Further details will be released when they are available .
Ends
Released By Fr Chris Townsend on behalf of Archbishop Tlhagale.
Fr Chris Townsend
Information Officer
Office for Communication and Media.
Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)
P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa
Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458
Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218
Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729
www.sacbc.org.za
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Zimbabwe; SADC Region; Africa: Mrs Tsvangirai "assasinated", Morgan in foreign hospital?

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Google News Search (assorted, diverse sources) __/__/__; IOL (South African; Secular; Independent) 08 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Governmental; British; Secular) 07 / 03 / 2009; AP (Independent; Secular; American) 08 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Secular; British; Governmental) 06 / 03 / 2009; 07 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It was a car crash, and the MDC, who have changed their tune of late, were once sticking to that story, about how, Susan Tsvangirai died, and Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, and the leader of the MDC ("Movement of Democratic Change"), landed in hospital, before allegidly being shipped off to Botswana for some reason. Whether or not the accident resulted from "foul play", Tsvangirai, had had a two car escort, but somehow still got hit by a truck/lorry, controlled by a partner of USAID, operating in Zimbabwe. The lack of a police escort is odd, it is even more odd, that Tsvangirai, who has allegedly, repeatedly in the past, had his human rights abused by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, managed to get himself into a car accident, something other trouble persons in Zimbabwe's President's eyes, have gotten into in the past.

Mugabe appeared at the hospital to visit his arch rival in politics, and seemed disappointed, either by the incident, or by some other thing. Repeatedly, the "Unity Government", forced on the MDC, by SADC ("Southern African Development Community"), mediations, called biased and partisan by the MDC, has began to look more and more like an oddity.

One of the MDC's officials, Roy Bennett, is still in jail, after his bail on "terrorism" charges, was appealed again, with a magistrate who ordered his release from jail: arrested on Friday. It is widely thought that the charges are trumped up, and that the judiciary are acting as oddly as Mugabe's henchmen in an election.

The "Masvingo-Harare" Road, where Susan Tsvangirai, called the pillar, of Morgan Tsvangirai's strength, met her sudden end, has two lanes. Morgan had a car in front and behind himself, and still, they got hit by a truck. Morgan Tsvangirai is in a Stable condition, his wife is stably dead.

Deputy Mines Minister "Murisi Zwizwayi", who is a member of the MDC, does not buy into police reports involving humps in the road and potholes. He says the road was clear. An independent investigation is already being demanded, and the MDC, has also realized that they probably need to investigate the facts.

All these again put a shadow over Zimbabwe's Neighbor, South Africa: seen as instrumental in keeping Mugabe in power, the same nation, whose efforts to keep Sudan's president out of the International Criminal Court, and whose efforts to keep Saddam Hussein in Iraq, in power, are noted internationally.

Few signs of stability in Zimbabwe, if any

While Mugabe's opponents, have a history of "convenient" car crashes, according to an American source, the fact, that it was a truck, from a Zimbabwean partner of USAID, a governmental organization, seems highly odd; especially, as it allegedly is the truck, which hit the Tsvangirai car. America has extended sanctions against Zimbabwe, and continues to refuse to acknowledge the new "unity government", as currently capable of bringing any real hope to Zimbabwe. Western nations, don't have any change of opinion of Zimbabwe, since South African lead mediation organized a "Unity" Government, which maintained much of Mugabe's stranglehold. The MDC, was disappointed when sections of government, in the past: used to kill MDC members, or hold them, were not given into their control. These same apparatus, seem to still be used against their human rights.

Tsvangirai, has reportedly been flown to Botswana, the only SADC region government, to strongly appose Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, and his Zanu PF. Botswana, has been giving aid to Zimbabweans, via the Catholic Charity "Caritas Zimbabwe", of "Caritas Internationalis": Caritas Internationalis, is known for getting aid to those in need of it. Other gifts of funding, by other nations, have been fraught with accusations, that such funding went straight to Mugabe.

Botswana's assistance to Zimbabweans

Botswana, and the Catholic church, have both been critics of Zimbabwe's government. The "Republic of South Africa", has still not cut off Zimbabwe's electricity, and has taken no real action against Robert Mugabe. 4 000 (Four thousand), Zimbabweans, are dead, having had Cholera. 80 000 to 90 000 (Eighty Thousand, to Ninety Thousand), Zimbabwean people, have the disease currently.

In South Africa

Due to a lack of compensation, meanwhile: the city of Cape Town, in South Africa, has recently moved to have refugees in state run areas evicted. This follows other closings of camps set up to protect foreigners, after multiple murders and acts of hate against them in Xenophobic attacks. Zimbabweans seeking asylum, were recently shipped off, from northern South Africa's Musina, in Limpopo Province: to Johannesburg, where a Christian church, has been caring for them. The Government has far from welcomed the refugees, but many have had to enter the country: in order to get basic care for cholera, or avoid death, or untenable standards of living. Cape Town, claims that the National government has not reimbursed them for care of refugees. The opposition stronghold, does not plan to follow other areas, in forcibly removing refugees, but rather: has taken a legal route.

The Cape Town action, in South Africa's south, under South Africa's Opposition, the DA (Democratic Alliance), is much later than that of Pretoria, which has already bulldozed away any refugee sanctuary.

The Musina outpost, in Limpopo, to the north of the country (South Africa), near the Zimbabwean border, to deal with refugees from Zimbabwe, has meanwhile, also been closed.

The SANDF (South African National Defense Force), meanwhile may take its own action to remove refugees from SANDF properties. The government in Cape Town has said, that their action to have refugees removed from public/municipal property: does not effect those on SANDF properties.

Meanwhile, the murder trial, in which a South African singer (Lucky Dube) was killed in a botched hijacking: some time ago, also showed what foreigners in Zimbabwe faced. Criminals are more likely to kill a foreigner, than a South African: and many in South Africa, are openly xenophobic. Those in the refugee camps, set up, at the hight of attacks on non-South African Africans, at least those in Cape Town: are likely refusing assistance, at reintegration into South Africa, due to fear, as the burning images, of one famous torched foreigner: likely still remain in their minds.

In Zimbabwe

Suspicions, that the car crash, was an assassination attempt, on Zimbabwe's own opposition leader, will likely further divide the political scene there.

Foreign governments, will likely be even more suspician of the Zimbabwean government than before.

A report on ENEWSCHANNEL, shortly after Zimbabwe's elections, said that due to the suspension of a runoff, Tsvangirai, had legitimately won the elections with a legitimate majority.

Tsvangirai is Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, under mediation brokered in Pretoria. Whether this was an assassination attempt or not: Mugabe will have one less voice in parliament to deal with. Echoes of political suppression in Zimbabwe, are not far from many memories: and continuing seeming human rights abuses in the Sub Saharan Nation, mean that most eyes viewing this situation from afar, are unlikely to take the politically convenient, whether false of true: view, that anything about Zimbabwe has changed much.

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