Mormon Convert to Catholicism: Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith

Source: whyimcatholic.com

Thomas was a former Mormon missionary turned Protestant minister who was received into the Catholic Church in 1996. Thomas lives on his family ranch in southeastern Idaho.

Born a 6th generation Mormon (LDS), I was convinced I was part of the "only true Church on the face of the earth" (Doctors & Covenants 1:30). As we believed that only Mormons had the gift of the Holy Spirit and that the rest of the world was groping in the darkness for truth, I was equally convinced I was responsible to share our faith at every opportunity. Like many 19-year-old men, I was called by the Mormon prophet to be a missionary for two years in the southern United States, the buckle of the Bible belt, and was excited about winning converts to my faith. In the end, my missionary experience, led me to the conclusion that the Mormon claims could not stand the scrutiny of reason and Divine Revelation.

www.NEWS.va is now ONLINE!

Now it's officially online. Visit http://www.news.va/ for an update on the Pope and the Vatican. Make sure to BOOKMARK it and follow it on Twitter.

The First CHRISTIAN CHURCH in Qatar is a Catholic Church

Catholic Faithful attending Holy Mass in Doha (All photo Source: Daijiworld News)

The Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is a Roman Catholic church in Doha, Qatar, and the first Christian church in Qatar. In a simple function on March 15, 2008, the ₤7.5M saucer-shaped church was opened by Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy and Industry, by way of cutting a ribbon in the presence of Archbishop Mounged Al Hachem, Ambassador of Vatican to the Gulf; Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia, Archbishop Giuseppe Andrea, former nuncio of Vatican to the region and several Qatari officials.

Expert: China's plan to ordain bishops without Pope's approval shows disrespect

By Marianne Medlin

Beijing, China,(CNA/EWTN News).- The state-controlled Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association sparked intense controversy on June 23 by announcing its intent to ordain up to 40 bishops without the approval of the Pope.

Joseph Kung, an expert on the persecuted Church in China, told CNA that the move indicates the Chinese government does not have “an iota of sincerity and respect” that would allow “a trustworthy relationship, be it diplomatic or spiritual, with the Holy See.”

After 93 years, Corpus Christi procession to take place in St. Petersburg, Russia

Rome, Italy, (CNA).- The mayor of St. Petersburg, Russia has granted permission for the first Corpus Christi procession to take place in the city since 1918.

The announcement was confirmed by the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, reported Vatican Radio. The procession will take place on Sunday, June 26, through the Prospettiva Nevsky Avenue, the city’s main street.

The avenue has traditionally been called the “way of confessional tolerance,” as it is lined with Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran and Armenian churches. According to archdiocesan officials, the last time a Corpus Christ procession took place on the avenue was in 1918.

Now, 93 years later, Catholics will return to the Prospettiva Nevsky Avenue led by Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of Moscow.

Similar Stories @ Russia allows first Corpus Christi procession since 1918

Pakistani Christians shocked by proposed Bible ban

By Lorna Cruz

Bishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore

Lahore, Pakistan,(CNA).- A Catholic bishop in Pakistan is expressing concern about an Islamic group's petition to ban the Bible. The extremist group says the Christian scriptures contain “blasphemy” and “pornography.”

“We Christians are in Pakistan, and we have a right to our Bible,” said Auxiliary Bishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore. On June 6, he told the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need that people were “very shocked” by the campaign.

The Islamist political party Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islami has asked Pakistan's Supreme Court to declare certain Bible passages as “blasphemous.” If their demand is not met, the political party will request that the Bible be formally banned in the country.

Christians who criticize Islam already face persecution under Pakistan's “blasphemy law.”

But Lahore's auxiliary bishop does not expect the Bible itself to be condemned officially. He said most Muslims respect the Bible more than the members of Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islami.

Iraqi sister founding religious order to serve Boston's spiritually poor

By Marianne Medlin

Sr. Olga Yaqob (أخت أولغا يعقوب)

Boston, Mass., Jun 23, 2011 / 06:05 am (CNA).- Iraqi Sister Olga Yaqob is beginning a women's religious order in the Boston archdiocese this year, to carry out the Church's mission to evangelize.

“Our main spirituality will focus on Jesus, and then carry His presence out into the world,” Sr. Olga of the Eucharist told CNA on June 21.

“I have seen a lot of spiritual poverty in our country – people who are spiritually hungry,” she said. “They don't know what kind of loving Father we have, what kind of beautiful faith our Catholic Church has.”

The 44 year-old sister – known for her tireless energy and beloved by her students – responded to an invitation from Cardinal Sean O'Malley to start the new order and is leaving her current post as chaplain at Boston University.

A local church founded for Filipinos in Hawaii

Iglesia ni Cristo (Manalo) in Waipahu, Hawaii (Source: Wikipedia) Pop. in Hawaii: Unknown

As of the 2000 Philippine census by the National Statistics Office, Iglesia ni Cristo had 1,762,845 members, making it the third largest religious denomination in the Philippines after the Roman Catholic Church and Islam, respectively.^[68] A 2009 estimate by Brace puts it between 4 to 9 million. The Iglesia ni Cristo does not publish official membership figures.^[3] Majority of its members are Filipino ex-Catholics while most non-Filipino members converted prior to marrying Iglesia ni Cristo people.^[23] The earliest non-Filipino converts were American soldiers stationed in the Philippines. The INC teaches that its members constitute the "elect of God". There is no salvation outside the church.^[33][21] Faith alone is insufficient for salvation.^[2][34]

Iglesia ni Cristo Ministry: Is it Global?

From Network54.com

FACT: The Iglesia ni Cristo was founded by Felix Manalo and registered his church in July 27, 1914 as a Corporation Sole.

PASUGO Agosto-Setyembre 1964, p. 5
“Kailan napatala sa Pamahalaan o narehistro ang INK sa Pilipinas? Noong Hulyo 27, 1914. Tunay nga na sinasabi sa rehistro na si Kapatid na F. Manalo ang nagtatag ng INK."

  

FACT: In July 27, 2014, INC of Felix Manalo will celebrate it's Centenial (100 years existence), thereby they do not have direct lineage from the First Century Christians.

PASUGO Abril 1966, p. 46: “Ang Iglesia Katolika na sa pasimula ay siyang Iglesia ni Cristo."

Communion of Saints

Many Christians misunderstand devotion to the saints, those holy men and women who have lived exemplary Christian lives. Just as our life does not end with death, so too our relationships with our fellow members of the Body of Christ continue after their deaths. This Communion of Saints is so important that it is an article of faith in all Christian creeds, from the time of the Apostles' Creed.

-Saints 101

Church' Two Lungs Breathing Together

Patriarch Bartholomew I and Pope Benedict XVI (Source: Taylor Marshall's Blog)

ROME, JUNE 23, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople will send a delegation to Rome on June 29, feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

The visit takes place as part of what has become a traditional exchange of delegations between the Orthodox Church and the Vatican for the respective feasts of their holy patrons.

The Holy See always sends a delegation to Istanbul on Nov. 30, feast of St. Andrew.

The Orthodox delegation will be made up by Metropolitan Emmanuel of France and director of the Orthodox Church's office in the European Union; Bishop Athenagoras of Sinope, auxiliary bishop of the Ecumenical Patriarchate serving in Belgium; and Archimandrite Maximos Pothos, the vicar-general in Switzerland.

On June 28, Benedict XVI will receive the delegation in audience, and on June 29, it will attend the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Pope in St. Peter's.

The delegation will also meet with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

The exchange of delegations between Rome and Constantinople began in 1969, with Cardinal Johannes Willebrands' visit to Constantinople for the feast of St. Andrew. At the time, the cardinal was president of the Secretariat for Christian Unity.

List of Catholic Priests who Contributed to Sciences

List of Roman Catholic cleric–scientists
Source: Wikipedia

Can we make it this way? Instead of biting those anti-Catholics propaganda using priestly abuses to confront Catholics, I think the only anti-thesis is the opposite of it-- highlighting the good ones.

The Catholic Church has too much good priests never mentioned often in the media.  And still there were a lot more who have contributed their God-given intelligence for the development of our human existence and for the advancement of scientific knowledge which leads us all to the Creator.

Catholic Augustinian Monk Gregor Mendel, Father of Modern Genetics

Here are some I thought worthy of posting, taken from Wikipedia, to the Glory of God:

• José de Acosta (1539–1600) – Jesuit missionary and naturalist who wrote one of the very first detailed and realistic descriptions of the new world
• François d'Aguilon (1567–1617) – Belgian Jesuit mathematician, physicist, and architect.
• Albert of Saxony (philosopher) (c. 1320–1390) – German bishop known for his contributions to logic and physics; with Buridan he helped develop the theory that was a precursor to the modern theory of inertia

Paschal Uche to Pope Benedict XVI: "Now we behold you face to face"

"For many of us before today you were a face on television or a picture in a church.

"But today we behold you face to face, and on behalf of the Catholic youth of this great nation I would like to express my profound and heartfelt gratitude for your visit."

-Paschal Uche, 21, from east London during Pope Benedict XVI's visit at Westminsters's Cathedral, London

Out of Frustration, a Catholic Priest Converted to Iglesia ni Cristo of Manalo

Former Catholic Priest Theophilus Darku

Note:  The word "Iglesia ni Cristo" is the Tagalog for "Church of Christ."  It cannot stand-alone in its English translation because of a possible violation of Patented and Registered Trademarks.  According to the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, this church's name is registered as "Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)" [formerly known as Iglesia ni Kristo (INK)].  And it shall be known that Felix M. Ysagun who also changed his name to Felix Y. Manalo signed its registration as "its founder".

Much to the rejoicing of the Iglesia ni Cristo, a certain “catholic” priest was said to had been converted to the cult of Felix Manalo—the Iglesia ni Cristo in the early 70s after he was enraged against his own local bishop in his native land in Ghana, Africa. His said conversion was published in Pasugo March-April 1979.

Fr. Theophilus Darku was a priest from Ghana as he claimed. The story of his name says all the truth about his family’s deep Christian faith received from courageous Catholic Missionary priests who converted much of the Africans to Christianity—not a single of any Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo braved that risky missionary task that Catholics did to proclaim the Gospel to all walks of life-- even to Africans. (Today Catholics in Ghana is 15.1% of the total population and no local Ghanaian has been registered to be INC member).

Baptist Converted to Catholicism

Stacy Trasancos

From Why I'm Catholic

Stacy is a Catholic convert from the Baptist tradition. A former chemist, Stacy is now a stay at home mom pursuing a MA in Theology at Holy Apostle's College and Seminary.

I am Catholic, simply, because I am alive. I began conversion in 2004 and entered into Communion with the Catholic Church in 2006. That I know of, I have a full decade of children to remember when I pray the Rosary, seven whom I am raising and three whom I never held in my arms. My life these 42 years has been full of self-induced pain. Today I know deep joy and peace because I am accepting the abundances of Truth and Love. I'm telling my story because as shameful as it is, it is real and needs to be told so others will know the dangers of life without a moral compass.

I grew up as the oldest of three in Texas with a loving family and wonderful parents. Some people say that babies are born atheists because they can't believe in God, but my first memories were naturally of God, of being awed by the world and my ability to do new things, and of loving my family with all my heart. I spent a lot of time outdoors and on my paternal grandparents' farm with their young daughter who was like a big sister to me. There was never any doubt that I was loved and that I could make people happy. Those are my first memories.

VATICAN CITY: The Smallest Country in the World yet has One of the Most Powerful Leader

Forgive me if this sounds bragging to non-Catholics but it's a FACT that the Vatican City State is considered the smallest country in the world and it's a member of the United Nations.

Many Catholics do not know that the Vatican State is an Independent State within the City of Rome that is considered a “country” by the United Nations.

Its official name in English is The State of the Vatican City (Stato della Città del Vaticano) and is the smallest country in the world having only around 1,000 population mostly non-Italian citizens.

Here are some facts about the Vatican City State mostly taken from CIA The World Fact Book:

• The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world with the smallest population mostly religious priest, nuns and Catholic laity. It measures 44 hectares ( 110 acres) and has a population of about 1000 people.
• The Vatican has its own radio station which is located in a tower inside the Vatican Gardens and broadcasts in 20 languages throughout the world where you can update yourself about the Pope and the Vatican.
• The Vatican City has its own railway station which was opened in 1930 and is mostly used for freight.
• St Peter's Square and the colonnade were designed and built by Bernini which was completed in 1667. At 314 meters long and 240 meters wide it is the largest square in Rome. Bernini (with the help of his pupils) designed the 140 statues of saints which decorate the colonnade.
• The Vatican has its own Post office independent from Rome and issues its own stamps to the delight of many stamp collectors. The Vatican mail system is widely used by Romans as in most cases is a lot quicker than Italian mail.
• The Vatican City issues its own passports; the Pope, cardinals, members of the Swiss guard and clergy being the recipients.
• The Vatican City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the only site to encompass a whole country. 
• The Vatican stamps its own coins. The €1 coin which has a portrait of the present Pope is in high demand with collectors. 
• The Vatican museums are over 9 miles (14,5 kilometers) long, and it is said that if you spent only 1 minute admiring each painting it would take you 4 years to complete the circuit!
• As an independent state, it has its own Flag and National Anthem.
• The Vatican City's official language is Latin, apart from Italian and other major world languages.
• The Pope is the Head of State and Head of the the 1.1 billion Catholics in the world.
• It has its own set of laws called The Canon Law.
• St. Simon Peter was buried beneath the St. Peter's Cathedral.

Why the smallest country and considered having one of the most powerful leaders of the world? It's because the Vatican is the residence of the Pope, head of the Catholic Church which is now 1.1 billion.

The Pope was named No. 5 Most Powerful World Leader by Forbes in 2010.

The top 10 most powerful people are:

1. Chinese President Hu Jintao
2. U.S. President Barack Obama
3. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia 
4. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin 
5. Pope Benedict XVI, leader of World's 1.1 billion Catholics 
6. German Chancellor Angela Merkel
7. British Prime Minister David Cameron
8. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke
9. Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi
10. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

According to the magazine, the Pope was named the “highest earthly authority for 1.1 billion souls,” which represents one-sixth of the world's population. He was noted for “healing old wounds” in September when he became the first modern pope to visit London's Westminster Abbey, where he shook the hand of a clergywoman.

Pope, Roman Catholic Church: Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd after he presided over a Mass at Westminster Cathedral in central London, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI said Saturday he was ashamed of the "unspeakable" sexual abuse of children by priests, telling the British faithful during Mass in Westminster Cathedral that he was deeply sorry and hoped the church's humiliation would help victims heal. Benedict also said he hoped the church would be able to use its contrition to purify itself from the "sins" of its ministers and be able to renew its commitment to educating the young.

So the next time you visit Rome, try to visit the Smallest Country in the world and if you have the chance to shake hands with 5th World's Most Powerful Leader would be a bonus. Don't forget to pray for his health and safety too, and pray for the Church he is representing on earth.

Islamic group seeks place in a democratic Egypt

In this Wednesday, May 18, 2011 picture, supporters attend a Muslim Brotherhood electoral rally in the Munib neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt. Once forced underground, the Brotherhood is likely to be part of Egypt's new government, fueling fears of Islamic rule. But the Brotherhood's own identity is on the line, and there is pressure from inside and out for it not to go down a sharp-right Islamic road. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

CAIRO (AP) — The night breeze blew foul wafts from a nearby canal black with garbage and pollution. The streets jammed with trucks and motorized rickshaws were so shattered that they hardly seemed paved at all.

It was to Cairo's slum of Munib on a recent evening that the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's biggest Islamic group, brought its election campaign message: The country must turn to Islam to rebuild.

"Muslims around the world expect great things from you," Essam el-Erian, deputy head of the Brotherhood's new political party, told supporters crowded into a tent, with men across the aisle from women in headscarves or black veils. "We have to build a nation of freedom and equality, a nation of the true Islam."

Where there are Filipinos, there the Iglesia ni Cristo is

Another proof that shows that the INC or Iglesia ni Cristo sect is exclusively a Filipino-founded sect. Its name is always in FILIPINO -- Iglesia ni Cristo-- and the assigned Minister is always a Filipino.  Wherever there are Filipino communities, there its locality is found. Proudly Philippine Made!

NEW YORK CITY - Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) or Church of Christ, one of the fastest growing international Christian organizations, will thank residents of Long Island City on Sunday, June 26 for their continuous support and hospitality throughout its growth, at its inaugural Neighborhood Appreciation Day hosted at the New York house of worship on 45-33 21 St. in Long Island City, Queens...

“...The services we’re offering our neighbors are strategically aligned with the needs of the region to ensure we’re providing children and families everyday resources not often supplied free of cost,” said Manuel Palad, Iglesia ni Cristo District Minister of Northeastern Seaboard. “More nonprofits are unfortunately closing their doors with the downturn of the economy, but even after nearly 100 years, the INC is still growing internationally; it’s our way of saying thank you to our neighbors and opening our doors to those who’ve welcomed us on their street every week for the last 39 years...”

Read more at Asian Journal

An Atheist Converted to the Catholic Faith

Why I’m Catholic

By Jennifer Fulwiler

I am asked with increasing frequency why I converted to Catholicism as opposed to one of the other Christian denominations. Though this blog is sort of one long conversion story, I’ve never put together a post summarizing that part of my journey because that subject matter can be a hot (and divisive) topic. 

Also, these types of posts are often interpreted to have an implication that people who have had different experiences and have come to different conclusions about religion and God are wrong and therefore not going to be saved. I want to make it really clear that that is not what I believe (nor what the Church believes — in fact, one of the many things that resonated as true about Catholic teaching is the belief that non-Catholics and non-Christians could also go to heaven). 

Catholic Revert: Russ Rentler

By Russ Rentler

Born and raised Catholic, Russ left the Church as a teenager and became a devout evangelical Christian for many years. His journey of faith has taken many dramatic twists and turns culminating in his joyful reception back to the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

About 35 years ago as a young teen, I strayed from my Catholic faith and began to look into the occult and the rock and roll culture for answers and peace in my life. My parents brought me to Church faithfully but didn't allow their faith to help them with their personal problems. They had a troubled marriage and alcohol abuse was a chronic unspoken demon in their lives. As a teenager my Catholicism meant little to me, though I do remember praying the rosary at night to help me sleep when I was troubled by something.

One night, I went to Bible study hosted by a friend of mine whose parents were ex-Catholics. There was tremendous joy and peace in the folks we met and I knew they had something I needed and wanted. That night I asked Jesus to forgive me and come into my life. I recited a prayer known as the Sinner's Prayer. God heard my prayers and I was set free from many vices in just one night. I had a very emotional experience and remember it as "better than any high that was out there." I was "born again" and my life took an abrupt and markedly different course. My parents reacted very negatively since they had no idea of the secret life I was living and my Mom kept saying "Why do you need to be born again? You are good kids."

Ambassador says Padre Pio miraculously cured his son

St. Padre Pio, pray for us.

Redemptionis Sacramentum Prevents Qur’an Reading at Catholic Mass

Thanks to Lisa Graas for the post and links.

Photo Source: gabriella's blog

Catholic Culture - A Jesuit parish in Charlotte has canceled plans to read the Qur’an from the pulpit on June 26, the feast of Corpus Christi.

“Just having something public is not going to be a big, big deal here, but to have someone come in and read from the Qur’an and to recognize publicly the existence of Islam and to reverence and respect is a good thing for the Church to do,” Father Patrick Earl, SJ, said on May 27. “I’ve heard from Muslim imams about what they and their congregations have suffered just from the fear, the fear of what they call Islamophobia.”

On June 7, Father Earl announced the cancellation of the event; he said that he had been unaware that 2004 Vatican instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum forbade such readings. The document states that “it is strictly to be considered an abuse to introduce into the celebration of Holy Mass elements that are contrary to the prescriptions of the liturgical books and taken from the rites of other religions.”