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Blessings on you all
Thursday, December 31, 2020
134 COUNTRIES ARE FOLLOWING LUMIERE CHARITY BLOGS
Friday, December 25, 2020
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL LUMIERE CHARITY READERS
Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year
to all Lumiere Charity readers.
May blessings be with you and your loved ones
at this time of peace, joy and goodwill.
We pray for safeguarding from Covid-19.
A candle has been lit by Lumiere in
remembrance of all who are suffering
or have lost their lives since the beginning
of the pandemic. Our thoughts are with
their families, colleagues and friends.
Sunday, December 20, 2020
GRANDPARENTS ARE WITNESSES OF THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUES OF LIFE
GRANDPARENTS ARE WITNESSES
OF THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUES OF LIFE
26 JULY 2009
On Sunday 26 July 2009, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gave the reminder to honour grandparents and the elderly. The pontiff commented on the liturgical commemoration of Sts Joachim and Anne [the Western feast day is July 26, the Eastern feast day is July 25].
Jesus' grandparents
Pope Benedict XVI said: "A second point for reflection comes from (the) liturgical commemoration of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of Our Lady, and therefore, grandparents of Jesus."
Grandparents are depositories and witnesses
"This occasion makes us think of the subject of education which has an important place in the pastoral work of the Church. In particular, it invites us to pray for grandparents, who, in the family, are the depositories and often witnesses of the fundamental values of life."
Educational task of grandparents
"The educational task of grandparents is always very important, and it becomes even more so when, for various reasons, the parents are unable to provide their children with an adequate presence while they are growing up."
Special blessing for grandparents
"I entrust to the protection of St Anne and St Joachim all the grandparents of the world and bestow on them a special blessing. May the Virgin Mary who - according to a beautiful iconography - learned to read the Sacred Scriptures at he rmother Anne's knee, help them always to nourish their faith and hope at the sources of the Word of God." [1]
Family in society
Paul Zalonski observed that "considering the place of the family in our society, the Pope mentioned Saints Joachim and Anne . . . Careful observers of (Pope) Benedict's work will notice that he comes back to a constant theme with the vital importance he places on education in Church's pastoral care program." [2]
Difficulties experienced by elderly
Mr Zalonski also noted that the Holy Father also mentioned "all elderly people, especially those who are alone or experiencing moments of difficulty." [2]
Vital role
Catherine Wiley, founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association, stressed the important role grandparents can play in passing on the faith and keeping prayer at the heart of family life. [3]
Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
A Vatican conference on pastoral care of the elderly entitled, "The Richness of Many Years of Life" took place in Rome in early 2020. Catherine Wiley was one of the participants.
The event, organized by Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life looked at how to deal with the culture of 'discarding' the elderly, as well as their role in the family and their particular vocation in the church. [3]
Vital role of elderly in church life
Catherine emphasized the vital role of the elderly and grandparents can play in the life of the church. There is an opportunity, she said, to look at ages and stages of grandparents and the elderly and how they fit into the community. "We need in every community and in every parish a ministry for grandparents and the elderly, not just somebody who's slotted into the role because they have nothing else to do; somebody who is part and parcel, who's competent, who's professional, who can see the needs in the parish a mile off." [3]
Loneliness and depression
Catherine pointed out that some of the elderly can experience loneliness and depression. She stressed that there are so many older lay people who have the wisdom, experience and the skills to be a vital asset in the community and it is important to 'get them on board.' [3]
Storytelling
One of the most important and often underestimated qualities the elderly possess is the ability to tell a story. Passing the faith on from grandparents to grandchildren through storytelling is vital ministry.
Role of the elderly
The role of the elderly is to be treasured in society. Many a disaster has been avoided due to wise guidance from a grandparent or elder. The Scriptures tell us God will soften our juedgement when we show kindness to the elderly.
12 "My child, help your father in his old age,
and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
13 even if his mind fails, be patient with him;
because you have all your faculties do not despise him.
14 For kindness to a father wil not be forgotten,
and will be credited to you against your sins." Sirach 3:12-14
[1] L'Osservatore Romano. Vatican City, Roma. Forty-second year, number 30 (2015), Wednesday, 29 July 2009
[2] Zalonski, Paul A. Communio: Pope Benedict XVI: July 2009 archives. "Benedict reminds us to honor grandparents, and the elderly"
http://communio.stblogs.org/pope-benedict-xvi/2009/07/
[3] Vatican News. The vital role of grandparents in church and family life
With thanks to L'Osservatore Romano, communio.stblogs.org and vaticannews.va
Sunday, December 13, 2020
AUSTRALIA DROPS COVID-19 VACCINE AFTER VOLUNTEERS FALSELY TESTED POSITIVE FOR HIV; ALLEGED NEWS
THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ABANDONED A COVID-19 VACCINE DEVELOPED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND AND BIOTECH FIRM CSL AFTER PARTICIPANTS IN A CLINICAL TRIAL FALSELY TESTED POSITIVE FOR HIV; ALLEGED NEWS. [1]
Scientists warned participants that the vaccine could possibly generate a partial immune response to a protein fragment used to stabilize the vaccine, which is also found in HIV; Alleged News. [1]
This is not the first time a Covid-19 vaccine has given cause to worry about HIV; Alleged News. [1] In October 2020, a group of researchers warned that some vaccines currently in development could cause an increased risk of recipients acquiring HIV; Alleged News. [1]
[1] Australia drops promising Covid-19 vaccine after volunteers falsely tested positive for HIV, Alleged News
With thanks to forbes.com
Thursday, November 12, 2020
IRELAND: MR DECLAN GANLEY HAS BEGUN COURT CHALLENGE TO BAN ON PUBLIC MASS; ALLEGED NEWS
 |
| Declan Ganley speaking in Ireland at a Pro-life event attended by Lumiere Charity and Supportlife Group |
IRELAND: Irish entrepreneur Declan Ganley has begun a High Court challenge to the ban on attending Mass and other religious ceremonies, Alleged News. [1] and [2]
Declan is well-known as an ardent pro-lifer, son of Erin and man of honour to the people of Ireland and abroad.
County Galway-based Mr Ganley initiated judicial review proceedings against Minister for Health Stephen Donnolly and the State; Alleged News. [1]
Archbishop Eamon Martin
All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin used a column in The Irish Catholic to urge Catholics to write to their elected representatives calling for restrictions on Masses and other religious ceremonies to be eased; Alleged News. [1]
Archbishop Eamon affirmed that "In making the case for public worship at all stages of lockdown we are not claiming special privilege over other places - like gyms, restaurants or sports. We are simply stating the fact that, for Christians, gathering to worship God is not an optional extra - it is a profound expression of who we are as individual spiritual beings and as Church," Alleged News. [1]
Matter adjourned to December 8th 2020
The judge, Justice Charles Meenan, directed the application for permission to bring the challenge be heard on notice to the State and adjourned the matter to December 8th when he said circumstances can be reassessed; Alleged News. [2] Mr Ganley's lawyers said the matter was urgent; Alleged News. [2]
In his action, Mr Ganley represented by Neil Steen SC and Darren Lehane SC, instructed by solicitor Eamonn Cunningham of Gateley Tweed, seeks various orders and declarations, including an order that certain temporary regulations introduced as part of the Government’s efforts to deal with the pandemic – Regulation 5(1) and (3) of the 1947 Health Act – are quashed; Alleged News. [2]
He also seeks declarations the regulations at issue are incompatible with various articles of the Constitution, including article 44 where the State acknowledges the right of persons to freely practise their religion; Alleged News. [2]
In the alternative, Mr Ganley seeks a declaration the regulations do not prevent him from leaving his residence for the purpose of practising his religion, including participation in public worship; Alleged News. [2]
Mr Steen said the issue was extremely important for his client; Alleged News. [2] It was accepted the vast majority of religious services, including Catholic Masses, have been cancelled by church leaders due to the pandemic; Alleged News. [2] The regulations did not appear to prevent services like Masses but Catholic priests cannot leave their homes to perform a Mass nor can persons like Mr Ganley attend such services; Alleged News. [2]
Uproar
There was uproar in Ireland after warning that priests could go to prison for celebrating Mass, Alleged News. [3] In the wake of new laws which Catholics in Ireland are comparing to penal times and the persecution of the Catholic Church, an increasing number of priests and lay people are demanding the return of Mass and the sacraments, Alleged News. [3]
According to the Iona Institute, the new penalties apply to any minister of religion who holds a public act of worship, not just priests; Alleged News. [3]
A group representing Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal and New churches from all over Ireland, Irish Church Together, said that it supported the appeal made by 70 Pentecostal church leaders in an open letter to Taoiseach Martin, within which the religious leaders described the closure of places of worship as "counterproductive" at a time when people "desperately need the hope and community that so many find in church life and public worship; Alleged News. [3]
International horror
Countless abroad have expressed horror at the plight of the people of Ireland unable to worship in cathedral, mosque, church or temple.
WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?
LIFT THE BAN ON PUBLIC WORSHIP IN IRELAND; ALLEGED NEWS
https://www.change.org/p/taoiseach-miche%C3%A1l-martin-lift-the-ban-on-public-worship-in-ireland
[1] Court challenge to ban on public Mass, Alleged News
https://www.irishcatholic.com/breaking-news-court-challenge-to-ban-on-public-mass/
[2] Ganley takes legal challenge to Level 5 ban on attending Mass; Alleged News
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/ganley-takes-legal-challenge-to-level-5-ban-on-attending-mass-1.4402319
[3] Ireland; Uproar after warning that priests could go to prison for celebrating Mass, Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.com/2020/11/ireland-uproar-after-warning-that.html
With thanks to irishcatholic.com and irishtimes.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
IRELAND; UPROAR AFTER WARNING THAT PRIESTS COULD GO TO PRISON FOR CELEBRATING MASS; ALLEGED NEWS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCGnewQn-Ks
IRELAND; THERE HAS BEEN UPROAR AFTER WARNING THAT PRIESTS COULD GO TO PRISON FOR CELEBRATING MASS, ALLEGED NEWS. [1] In the wake of new laws which Catholics in Ireland are comparing to penal times and the persecution of the Catholic Church, an increasing number of priests and lay people are demanding the return of Mass and the sacraments; Alleged News. [1]
Warning by Deputy McNamara
Deputy Michael McNamara, a politician who chairs the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee warned that a priest could be imprisoned or fined for celebrating the Holy Mass in public under new restrictions passed into Irish law during October 2020; Alleged News. [2]
Deputy McNamara, an independent TD for County Clare, raised his concerns as the Dail debated the extension of public health emergency legislation restricting individual rights from 9 November 2020 until 9th June 2021, with the view to curbing the spread of Covid-19 virus; Alleged News. [2]
Article 8
Article 8 of the regulations prohibits various events, including religious services, with an exception for funerals; Alleged News. [2] Contravention of the prohibition is an offence with a penal provision which allows for the imposition of criminal penalties on the event organizer, such as a priest who celebrates a Mass attended by any members of the public; Alleged News. [2] The penalties include a fine, imprisonment, or both.[2]
Criminal offence
Addressing the Minister for Health in the Dail, Deputy McNamara cautioned that under the new provisions, priests will be committing a criminal offence if they open the doors of their churches for Mass; Alleged News. [2]
Deputy McNamara said, "I am not a Mass-goer. but I know how important it is in the community I represent for people to go to Mass or to a church or mosque. The government is denying them that. Is the government going to send gardai after priests who decide to say Mass? If the government is thinking of that, I have one word to say, "Don't"; Alleged News. [3] [Gardai are the police].
Deputy McNamara emphasized that Regulation 5[1] precludes people leaving their home without reasonable excuse and that under Regulation 5[2] saying Mass in public is not a reasonable excuse and that therefore there is a penal provision for any priest who does; Alleged News. [3]
The law is in violation
The law is in direct violation of Article 44 of the Irish Constitution which states, "The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His Name in reverence, and shall respect and honour religion. Freedom of conscience and the free profession and practice of religion are, subject to public order and morality, guaranteed to every citizen." [1]
All ministers of religion
According to the Iona Institute, the new penalties apply to any minister of religion who holds a public act of worship, not just priests; Alleged News. [2] A number of church leaders have issued statements which call upon the government to allow churches to reopen for public worship; Alleged News. [2]
A group representing Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal and New churches from all over Ireland, Irish Church Together, said that it supported the appeal made by 70 Irish Pentecostal church leaders in an open letter to Taoiseach Martin, within which the religious leaders described the closure of places of worship as "counterproductive" at a time when people "desperately need the hope and community that so many find in church life and public worship", Alleged News. [2]
Archbishops meet Taoiseach
Taoiseach Martin met with Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Kieran O'Reilly and Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell during October 2020, Alleged News. [4]
Penal restrictions for all ministers of religion
Penal laws are laws which were passed against Roman Catholics in Britain and Ireland that penalized the practice of the Roman Catholic religion and imposed civil disabilities on Catholics. [5]
Various acts passed in the 16th and 17th centuries prescribed fines and imprisonment for participation in Catholic worship and severe penalties, including death, for Catholic priests who practised their ministry in Britain or Ireland. [5]
When our forefathers marched and suffered for independence, they proudly thought of the generations of Irish to come who would have access to freedom and protection. Little did they know that the 21st century would bring restrictions not only for Catholics but for all ministers of religion.
Are the dying to remain without the last sacraments?
What will the results be? Are the dying to remain unshriven and without the solace of the last sacraments? Are believers to be denied the comfort of worship (with due Covid-19 restrictions being faithfully adhered to) in cathedral, church, mosque or temple? Are respected leaders of religion to be criminalized for following their God-given call to minister to the spiritual flocks God Himself has entrusted into their care?
An account will be required of us all at our Last Judgement. Will it be said that our people were allowed to shop for fruit and vegetables to sustain life but were denied the Bread of Life for their eternal salvation?
WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?
LIFT THE BAN ON PUBLIC WORSHIP IN IRELAND; ALLEGED NEWS
https://www.change.org/p/taoiseach-miche%C3%A1l-martin-lift-the-ban-on-public-worship-in-ireland
[1] Irish Catholics in uproar after warning that priests could go to prison for celebrating Mass, Alleged News https://thecatholicuniverse.com/irish-catholics-in-uproar-after-warning-that-priests-could-go-to-prison-for-celebrating-mass/
[2] Priests 'face prison' for saying Mass in public, Alleged News
https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/13520/priests-face-prison-for-saying-mass-in-public
[3] Clergy who hold acts of public worship can go to prison under new Covid measures: Alleged News
[4] Restrictions on religious services to stay after archbishops meet Taoiseach, Alleged News
[5] Penal laws; British and Irish history
https://www.britannica.com/event/Penal-Laws
With thanks to youtube, thecatholicuniverse.com, thetablet.co.uk, ionainstute.ie, brittanica.com, irishtimes.com and change.org
Friday, October 23, 2020
NAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE - INTERNATIONAL PRO-LIFE SUMMIT
FIVE KEY SPEAKERS HELD THE PLATFORM DURING THE NAL (NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR LIFE) INTERNATIONAL PRO-LIFE VIRTUAL SUMMIT WHICH WAS HELD ON 3rd OCTOBER 2020. Pro-lifers from countries such as South Africa, Ghana, Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia, Kenya, Israel and India attended the conference. Reverend Jeremy Smyth highlighted the fact that unborn children are dying daily . The truth is that the abortion industry is destroying generations and making money out of it. Through abortion we are facing murder on an industrial scale.
International speakers
Speakers were President Bert van Dorenbos (Schreeuw om Leven Netherlands), Mr Brad Mattes (Life Issues Institute USA), Mrs Vinita Shaw (Disha Pro-Life India,), Mrs Sandy Shoshani (Be'ad Chaim Israel) and Dr Jean Kargia (Kenyan Pro-Life Organisation Kenya).
War within the womb
President van Dorenbos highlighted that abortion is a world war raging within the mother's womb. Mrs Vinita Shaw explained that the pro-life movement is growing in India.
Abortion until birth
Mrs Sandy Shoshani explained that Israel finances abortion. Abortion is legal until birth in Israel. Approximately 40 000 abortions take place annually in Israel. About half of these abortions are funded by the government with the approval of the Committee for Termination of Pregnancy.
Pro-life President
Mr Brad Mattes stated that President Trump is the most pro-life president ever. Both President Trump and Vice-President Pence are pro-life. The challenge from Mr Mattes to attendees was that future generations should not be able to ask why pro-lifers weren't there to stop this abortion holocaust.
Unplanned pregnancy social problem
Dr Jean Kargia noted that 85% of Kenyans are pro-life. Kenya has a pro-life constitution. Doctor explained that unplanned pregnancies are a social problem, not a medical one. Kiota Rescue Centre in Kenya assists pregnant girls who have been rejected by their families.
Dr van Eeden
Dr Albu van Eeden, CEO for Doctors for Life International, emphasized that embryological textbooks state that life starts at fertilization. He said that fertilization refers to the moment the male sperm fuses with a female egg to form a zygote (fertilized egg). Conception is however ambiguous in its meaning because it sometimes refers to fertilization and other times it is used to refer to implantation of the fertilized egg. It is therefore safer to refer to fertilization as the beginning of life.
Supportlife Group
Interaction between facilitator Mr Martus de Wet, Dr van Eeden, the speakers and attendees was facilitated during the summit. International pro-life group "Supportlife Group" attended the summit. Supportlife found that the breadth of information was excellent, the calibre of speakers world class, and that the support was very strengthening.
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