tagged w/ Catholicism
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The English, among other talents, are adept at nurturing their grudges. How else does one explain the enduring enmity toward Guy Fawkes, a conspirator in a plot to blow up Parliament in 1605? Some four centuries after Fawkes was caught, tortured and executed for his role in a scheme that never came to fruition, Britons still celebrate his demise each Nov. 5 by burning his likeness in effigy and setting fireworks ablaze.
One of the ironies of Fawkes' legacy is that he was a late addition to the infamous "Gunpowder Plot." Born a Protestant in 1570, Fawkes enlisted in the Spanish army in the Netherlands around 1593, shortly after converting to Catholicism. Co-conspirators Robert Catesby, Thomas Winter, Thomas Percy and John Wright enlisted Fawkes as a ringer, reasoning that his military skills — he had participated in the 1595 capture of Calais, France — and his anonymity as a foreign soldier made him an ideal candidate to help execute their plan.
Fawkes' henchmen were zealous Catholics who believed that by beheading the government, they might usher in a new era of Catholicism in Protestant England. Led by Catesby, they hatched a plan to explode gunpowder under Parliament during a state opening, when King James I, his queen, and other family members and government leaders were inside. The plot was set for Nov. 5, 1605, and in the preceding days, the conspirators rented a cellar underneath the building, where Fawkes stashed at least 20 barrels of gunpowder.
Things didn't go according to plan. The plotters sought wider support, and, as the story goes, one of the individuals to whom they reached out alerted his brother-in-law, a lord, not to attend Parliament on Nov. 5. The building was searched, and Fawkes was apprehended along with his stockpile of gunpowder. Tortured on the rack, he revealed the names of his co-conspirators. Some of them were killed while resisting arrest; others, including Fawkes, pled not guilty and went to trial, where they were convicted of high treason. In January, 1606, the remaining conspirators were hanged, drawn and quartered. Parliament immediately established Nov. 5 as a day of celebration.
Today, Guy Fawkes Day — also known as Bonfire Night — is marked across the United Kingdom by celebrations. To foot the bill for the traditional fireworks, children roam the streets in the days leading up to the event, brandishing their effigies — known as "Guys" — and ask passers-by for a "penny for the guy." Families gather for food and festivities that might seem incongruous with the event's bloody origins — although perhaps not as incongruous as lighting fireworks and bonfires to celebrate an abortive attempt at arson.
In recent years, Fawkes' legacy has broadened. He provided the inspiration for the tile character in the Wachowski brothers' V for Vendetta, in which a masked crusader embarks on a terrorist campaign against a totalitarian British dystopia. Fawkes also proved an effective fundraising rally cry for onetime U.S. presidential candidate Ron Paul, who garnered more than $4 million on the holiday in 2007 from a website commemorating Fawkes. This year, revelers will gather across Britain — most notably in Lewes, a town once known as a hotbed of anti-Catholicism sentiment that throws one of the British Isles' biggest conflagrations — and in nations ranging from South Africa and Canada to New Zealand and Australia. Guards will also perform the annual search —more pageantry than precaution—of the Houses of Parliament to ensure no would-be Fawkes is lurking. Though the animosity and rituals may merely be symbolic at this point, the celebrations still burn brightly.
The English, among other talents, are adept at nurturing their grudges. How else does... more
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Moopak
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3 years ago
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When 138 senior Muslim scholars and clergy tried to establish the common ground between Islam and Christianity last year, they said the very peace of the world hung on the outcome.
On Tuesday, a high-ranking delegation is beginning a rare visit to Rome in an effort to persuade the Pope to endorse what they say are the shared origins and values of the world's two biggest religions.
Their letter, A Common Word, cited passages from the Koran which the scholars said showed that Christianity and Islam worship the same God, and require their respective followers to show each other particular friendship.
The document examined fundamental doctrine and stressed what it said were key similarities - such as the belief in one God and the requirement for believers to "love their neighbours as themselves".
Significantly the letter acknowledged that the Prophet Muhammad was told only the same truths that had already been revealed to Jewish and Christian prophets, including Jesus himself.
After a year using the Islamic principle of seeking consensus, the letter has developed into a "manifesto" and is backed by almost 300 leaders from Sunni, Shi'ite, Sufi and other Muslim traditions.
'Out of hand'
The initiative was welcomed promptly by several Christian leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
The Vatican has, however, responded more cautiously to the prospect of identifying common beliefs.
There has been renewed urgency among Muslim leaders to forge new bonds with Christians since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.
A lecture by Pope Benedict quoting a 14th Century Byzantine emperor's accusation that Muhammad encouraged the use of violence in spreading Islam led to a furious reaction among Muslims and contributed to the sense of a widening gap between the religions.
The high-ranking delegation going to Rome includes the Grand Mufti of Bosnia, an Iranian Ayatollah, a Jordanian prince and British converts to Islam. When 138 senior Muslim scholars and clergy tried to establish the common ground... more
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The Virgin of Guadalupe is a 16th century Mexican icon of the Virgin Mary which appears on wall murals and tattoos around the streets of East LA. This pod by vc2 producer Carlos Aguilar explores this iconography with interviews of artists, academics and people from the community.The Virgin of Guadalupe is a 16th century Mexican icon of the Virgin Mary which... more
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Three churches in the United States were named after Sister Alphonsa even before her canonization by Pope Benedict XVI on October 12 in the Vatican, reports the web-based news service Rediff.com.
Sister Alphonsa lived in Bharanganam in Kottayam District in Kerala, India. Her mortal remains are buried there.
Parishioners at the Saint Alphonsa Church in San Fernando in Los Angeles claim that it is the first church to be named after her.
The church was started as a mission of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago in 2001. Sister Alphonsa was still in the blessed or beatified status and there was no indication when she would become a saint. Beatification is the last step before canonization.
Several people from the United States went to the Vatican to witness the ceremony.
Three churches in the United States were named after Sister Alphonsa even before her... more
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A Roman Catholic nun who disfigured herself to avoid marriage will become India's first woman saint when she is canonised by the Pope on Sunday.
Many Indian clergy and pilgrims are expected to attend the special mass at the Vatican for Alphonsa Muttathupadathu, who died in 1946, aged 36.
She is the second Indian to be elevated to sainthood. The first, 16th-century martyr Gonsalo Garcia, was canonised in 1862. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who died in 1997, was beatified in 2003 - the first step to sainthood.
Sister Alphonsa's pending canonisation has caused great excitement among Catholics in India and comes as the nation's Christian community is feeling under considerable threat.
About 35 people have been killed and numerous churches burned since August in anti-Christian violence in the eastern state of Orissa.
"In these times, the canonisation is an encouraging moment for those suffering in the name of Jesus," said Father Alphonse Arokiam, who heads one of the churches dedicated to the popular saint-elect.
Christians account for 2.3per cent of India's billion-plus, mostly Hindu, population.
Born in 1910, Sister Alphonsa was so determined to enter a convent that she deliberately stepped into a fire to disfigure her feet so that her aunt would stop pressuring her to marry. She was plagued by serious illness but was known for her stoicism and compassion.
After her death, numerous miracles were attributed to her and her burial place became a pilgrimage site.
The main miracle attributed to her, and approved by the Vatican, involves the reported cure in 1999 of a one-year-old boy, Jinil Joseph, who was born with a birth defect affecting his legs. After a visit to Sister Alphonsa's tomb, his legs apparently straightened.
"I pray to Sister Alphonsa every day for curing me," said Jinil, who will be at the Vatican canonisation ceremony.
"She made my life normal and I'm indebted to her for the miracle cure." A Roman Catholic nun who disfigured herself to avoid marriage will become India's... more
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Its Tuesday again, and you know what that means! It’s time for a little what’s-what on VC2!
Let’s start off with a splash! Girls Gone Grabbling by Arri provides a taste of the Southern sport of Grabblin:
http://current.com/items/89365606_girls_gone_grabbling
Grabblin is a sport in which you catch giant catfish with your bare hands…by sticking your hand into its hole and waiting for it to bite down! These girls love grabblin, and this pod follows them into the water for a day of fun.
Twitter Tweeters by Opencontent is a fantastic little piece on the Twitter phenonmenon:
http://current.com/items/89362068_twitter_tweeters
If you’re a Current viewer, you should know all about Twitter by now! Twitter was the social service that made Hack the Debates possible. This pod gives us the lowdown on Twitter and some of its most famous and prolific users.
Next up, VSiskos introductes us to Ami in Becoming a Nun:
http://current.com/items/89378361_becoming_a_nun
For the past year, Ami has been seriously thinking about becoming a Catholic nun. This piece shows us how she got to this point in her life, what she may be leaving behind, and what her friends think.
Ending this on a sweet note, andrew197 introduces us to Jelly Donut:
http://current.com/items/89376760_jelly_donut
Jelly Donut is a new rapper who comes by the dozen. The blogosphere is blowing up about Jelly Donut, especially his hit “McCain be OLD.” http://whatisthis1999.net is a fan (“This is not the first time I’ve linked a Jelly Donut video,” he says), as is good old http://laughingsquid.com. Check out this cool introductory pod that shows you how all the insanity started!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Spotlight, and I’ll be back next week with more. Happy Tuesday, Current!
Its Tuesday again, and you know what that means! It’s time for a little... more
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The international cash crisis has shown that the foundations of the financial system were shaky, Pope Benedict XVI said Monday.
Taking his cue from a famous Bible parable on false prophets, the pope said: "He who builds only on visible and tangible things like success, career and money, he builds the house of his life on sand."
"We are now seeing, in the collapse of major banks, that money vanishes, it is nothing," the pope said at a televised Bible reading.
"All these things that appear to be real are in fact secondary. Only God's words are a solid reality."
Msgr Claudia Maria Celli, head of the Vatican's culture department, told reporters the Catholic Church doesn't have solutions to the crisis because they would be outside its remit.
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Thank you, Benedict, I'm sure your boss will not fire you after this speech.
By the way, is that a solid gold cross you're holding?
The international cash crisis has shown that the foundations of the financial system... more
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Real Time comedian Bill Maher and Borat director Larry Charles are men on a mission: to destroy society's blind faith in God. The medium they chose to convey their doctrine is not a dusty old book, but an entertaining documentary which highlights the ridiculous aspects of religion, hence its name, Religulous.
In an effort to spread their brand of enlightenment, Charles and Maher embarked on a romp around the world, questioning religious beliefs in the places they began and the palaces they paid for. The duo returned from their three-month pilgrimage with oodles of often-funny footage, much of it shot guerrilla-style as with Borat. Stringing interviews together with biting commentary and incisive footnotes, (to quote Kazakhstan's most famous fake export) they present their "cultural learnings" which they ultimately hope may "make benefit" of our "glorious" globe.
I chatted with Charles, who mastered absurdity while working on Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and took the opportunity to challenge a few beliefs of his own.
Click on link above for full interview.Real Time comedian Bill Maher and Borat director Larry Charles are men on a mission:... more
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A Catholic priest is fighting for his life after he was stabbed in the throat by a man obsessed with The Da Vinci Code.
Father Canio Canistri, 68, was among three people attacked by Marco Luzi, 25, after he burst into the church following the screening of Dan Brown's blockbuster.
Police searched Luzi's house and found a picture of Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper - a vital part of the plot in the controversial thriller.
He also told detectives he had watched the film the night before.
The attack took place at the Santa Marcella church in Rome and left two other worshippers needing treatment.
Hero police officer Luca Gori, 41, who disarmed Luzi, suffered knife wounds to his stomach as he struggled with him on the floor of the church.
Witnesses said Luzi had burst in armed with two knives, and carrying a set of rosary beads.
He is said to have shouted that he was the ''Antichrist'' as well as talking about the Da Vinci Code.
They also found several notes and documents with titles like 'The Hidden Truth', 'I, the Antichrist', 'Predictions' and 'Apocalypse'.
Next to the painting of The Last Supper was a note saying:''This is the hand where the knife is hidden.''
Published in 2003, Brown's The Da Vinci Code has caused controversy around the world.
It follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he investigates a murder in the Louvre.
He then goes onto discover a battle between the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei over the possibility of Jesus having been married to and fathering children with Mary Magdalene.
Senior Cardinals critcised the book and called on Catholics to boycott it as a ''dishonest attack'' on the Church.
"There certainly seemed to be a link between the film and the attack. He said he had seen the Da Vinci Code on TV the night before. Then he said he had heard voices in his head telling him to carry out his mission, and we also found a copy of Da Vinci's Last Supper at his home."
Vittorio Rizzi, of Rome's flying squadA Catholic priest is fighting for his life after he was stabbed in the throat by a man... more
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A Catholic school is to block the new HPV cervical cancer jabs for girls after governors expressed fears it could 'promote sexual promiscuity'.
St Monica's High in Bury will not allow pupils to be vaccinated on school grounds.
The school's stance comes despite support for the injections from the national Catholic Education Service and from the local diocese.
Across the country, girls aged 12 and 13 are receiving the vaccination for the first time this year to protect them against the sexually transmitted papilloma virus, linked to cervical cancer.
Experts believe the three injections over six months will eventually save hundreds of lives a year.A Catholic school is to block the new HPV cervical cancer jabs for girls after... more
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Pope Benedict XVI urged ailing pilgrims to accept death "at the hour chosen by God," reasserting the Vatican's opposition to euthanasia on Monday at an open-air Mass for the sick in Lourdes.
Pope Benedict XVI urged ailing pilgrims to accept death "at the hour chosen by... more
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Priest at University of Illinois admits and pleads guilty to selling cocaine from the rectory.Priest at University of Illinois admits and pleads guilty to selling cocaine from the... more
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Raised by Buddhist and Taoist grandparents, but born to a Catholic mother made me adopt a hybrid approach to my catholicism. Raised by Buddhist and Taoist grandparents, but born to a Catholic mother made me... more
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The Italian priest who was planning to organize the first ever beauty contest for NUNS, has decided to cancel.
He received complaints from senior Bishops, however he maintains that the idea was not as shallow as it seems, and not purely "a physical thing." In fact the idea of the pageant was the idea of the nuns themselves.The Italian priest who was planning to organize the first ever beauty contest for... more
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rwylie
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3 years ago
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Catholic nuns and priests in Italy have established a 98-foot-long inflatable church and a beach-convent to minister to vacationing beachgoers. Activities at the two movable venues will include opportunities to confess sins and to pray the Rosary, but not Mass.
It's official - bouncy churches are more religi-ful.Catholic nuns and priests in Italy have established a 98-foot-long inflatable church... more
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Little Mary Margaret was not the best student in Catholic School ..
Usually she slept through the class.
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>> One day her teacher, a Nun, called on her while she was sleeping.
'Tell me Mary Margaret, who created the universe?'
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>> When Mary Margaret didn't stir, little Johnny who was her friend
Sitting behind her, took his pencil and jabbed her in the rear.
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>> 'God Almighty!' shouted Mary Margaret.
>> The Nun said, 'Very good' and continued teaching her class.
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>> A little later the Nun asked Mary Margaret, 'Who is our Lord and
Savior?'
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>> But Mary didn't stir from her slumber. Once again, Johnny came to
Her rescue and stuck Mary Margaret in the butt.
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>> 'Jesus Christ!!!' shouted Mary Margaret and the Nun once again
said,'Very good,' and Mary Margaret fell back asleep.
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>> The Nun asked her a third question...'What did Eve say to Adam
after she had her twenty-third child?'
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>> Again, Johnny came to the rescue.
>> This time Mary Margaret jumped up and shouted, 'If you stick that
Damn thing in me one more time, I'll break it in half!'
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>> The nun fainted.
Little Mary Margaret was not the best student in Catholic School ..
Usually she... more
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In an article on msnbc.msn.com, John M. Broder from the New York Times discusses the swing voters that are catholics and their role in this election year. In 2004, the vast majority of catholic voters supported G.W. Bush in opposition of John Kerry's stance on abortion rights. Like Kerry, Obama supports the rights of women to choose, though it's arguable that he is a little closer to the center on the issue.
One man might make a big difference in this topic; Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. Sen. Casey's father, a catholic democrat and the then-governor of Pennsylvania, wasn't allowed to speak at the 1992 Democratic Convention because of his opposition to abortion. According to Broder, many catholics remember this and since democratic support among catholics has steadily dwindled. This year, it's rumored that Sen. Casey may get a chance to redeem the democrats in the eyes of catholics and speak at the convention in Denver.
Some of the top names in rumors about Obama's choice for vice president are also catholics; Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Sen. Joe Biden, Gov. Tim Kaine, and also Sen. Chris Dodd. The archbishop of Kansas City has said that for her support of abortion rights, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius should be denied communion while attending catholic mass.
The article cites Mr. Kmiec, a republican who served in the Justice Department under Reagan, who supports Obama "because his platform met the standard of justice and concern for the poor the church has always defended." Mr. Kmiec notes that “the proper question for Catholics to ask is not ‘Can I vote for him?’ but ‘Why shouldn’t I vote for the candidate who feels more passionately and speaks more credibly about economic fairness for the average family, who will be a true steward of the environment, and who will treat the immigrant family with respect?’ ”
Kmiec urges Sen. Obama to have Casey speak at the Denver Convention "as an answer to those who believe they cannot vote for someone who support[s] abortion rights."In an article on msnbc.msn.com, John M. Broder from the New York Times discusses the... more
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While the undersigned earnestly petition for the withdrawal of the Winnipeg Statement, we assure you, our bishops, of our constant prayers. Although our obedience and fidelity are assured, our pleas for retraction will continue year after year, if necessary, until the Bishops of Canada retract this Statement.While the undersigned earnestly petition for the withdrawal of the Winnipeg Statement,... more
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jlaws
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3 years ago
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The contraception issue is arguably a source of great conflict and division in the Church. On the 40th anniversary of the encyclical which enshrined the ban, 50 dissident Catholic groups bought a half-page advertisement on Italy's largest newspaper urging the Pope to reconsider the ban for the sake of HIV prevention.
"Published in Italian, the letter said the Catholic Church's policy has had "a catastrophic impact on the poor and powerless around the world, endangering women's lives and leaving millions at risk of HIV."
"Most Catholics use modern contraception, believing it is a moral choice while considering themselves practising Catholics, and yet the Catholic hierarchy completely denies this reality, forcing priests to remain silent about this and many other topics linked to sexuality," the letter said."
Do you think the Pope should reconsider the ban or be coherent with his predecessors' choices? The contraception issue is arguably a source of great conflict and division in the... more
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More than 50 Catholic groups published an open letter to Pope Benedict calling for the Church's ban on contraception to be lifted as it "has had a catastrophic impact on the poor and powerless around the world, endangering women's lives and leaving millions at risk of HIV."
The letter was published in Italy's largest newspaper, Corriere della Serra, on the 40th anniversary of the late Pope Paul VI's controversial encyclical "Humanae Vitae," which established the ban. While criticism of the Vatican is fairly common in articles and editorials in Italian newspapers, it is unusual for a group to take out paid advertising against the pope.
The letter stated that the encyclical continued to be "a source of great conflict and division in the Church" and because most Catholics use contraception and feel they are not sinning, the policy has been "an utter failure."
More than 50 Catholic groups published an open letter to Pope Benedict calling for the... more
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