"The Christianity of history is not Protestantism. If ever there were a safe truth it is this, and Protestantism has ever felt it so; to be deep in history is to cease to be a Protestant." (-John Henry Newman, An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine).

"Where the bishop is, there let the people gather; just as where ever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church". -St. Ignatius of Antioch (ca 110 AD)a martyr later thrown to the lions, wrote to a church in Asia Minor. Antioch was also where the term "Christian" was first used.

“But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

"This is the sole Church of Christ, which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic." -CCC 811
Showing posts with label Religious Men/Women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religious Men/Women. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Another deception by the Iglesia Ni Cristo® Media of a Certain Ferdinand Mendez

A certain "Fr. Ferdinand Mendez" was featured in one of Iglesia Ni Cristo®'s Church News. And according to them, Mr. Ferdinand Mendez was a "former" Catholic priest of the "Eastern Order of Saint Basil Lady of Fatima Missions" which is nonexistent according to registered Catholic orders and congregations available in the internet.


An "eastern" Catholic wearing a "Western" priestly garments?????????????????!

According to this Tweeter user @aprilkaygardose (Nhonoy@yahoo.com), he is a member of such non-existent Easter Order of Saint Basil:


He posted his intention to MEET THE CATHOLIC POPE (FRANCIS) whom he considers HOLY!


He even followed POPE FRANCIS's Tweeter and Our Lady of Fatima Missions (OLFMissions) which are all WESTERN, not easterm.


Here are OFFICIAL LISTS of CATHOLIC ORDERS and CONGREGATIONS from Catholic-Hierarchy:

Religious Orders


Jump to: Institutes of Consecrated Life | Societies of Apostolic Life

Institutes of Consecrated Life

NameAbbreviationNicknameType
Agostiniani ScalziO.A.D.Discalced AugustiniansMendicant Order
Antonian Order of Saint Ormizda of the Chaldeans (Chaldean)O.A.O.C.
Monastic Order
Antonin Maronite Order (Maronite)O.A.M.
Monastic Order
Arrouhbaniat Albassiliat Almoukhalissiat (Melkite Greek)B.S.Basilian Salvatorian OrderMonastic Order
Ar-Rouhbanyat Al-Marounyat Liltoubawyat Mariam Al-Azra (Maronite)O.M.M.AleppiansMonastic Order
Augustinians of the AssumptionA.A.AssumptionistsClerical Religious Congregation
Basilian Chouerite Order of Saint John the Baptist (Melkite Greek)B.C.
Monastic Order
Basilian Order of Saint Josaphat (Order of St. Basil the Great)O.S.B.M.Order of St. Basil the GreatMonastic Order
Brothers of Our Lady of MercyLay Religious Congregation
Brothers of the Sacred HeartS.C.
Lay Religious Congregation
Camaldolese Hermits of Mount CoronaE.C.M.C.CamaldoleseMonastic Order
Canons Regular of Saint Augustine of the Congregation of WindesheimC.R.V.
Order of Canons Regular
Canons Regular of the Congregation of Saint VictorC.R.S.V.
Order of Canons Regular
Canons Regular of the Congregation of the Brothers of Community LifeOrder of Canons Regular
Canons Regular of the Congregation of the Most Holy Saviour of the LateranC.R.L.
Order of Canons Regular
Canons Regular of the Hospitaller Congregation of Great Saint BernardC.R.B.
Order of Canons Regular
Canons Regular of the Immaculate ConceptionC.R.I.C.
Order of Canons Regular
Canons Regular of the Lateran Congregation of AustriaC.R.L.A.
Order of Canons Regular
Canons Regular of the Mother of GodC.R.M.G.
Order of Canons Regular
Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy CrossO.S.C.Crosier FathersOrder of Canons Regular
Capuchin Tertiary Religious of Our Lady of SorrowsT.C.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Carmelites of Mary ImmaculateC.M.I.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Carthusian OrderO. Cart.
Monastic Order
Chemin Neuf InstituteI.C.N.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Clerics of Saint ViatorC.S.V.ViatoriansClerical Religious Congregation
Clerics Regular MinorC.R.M.CaraccioliniOrder of Clerics Regular
Clerics Regular of St. PaulB.BarnabitesOrder of Clerics Regular
Clerics Regular of the Mother of GodO.M.D.
Order of Clerics Regular
Clerks Regular of SomascaC.R.S.Padri SomachiOrder of Clerics Regular
Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of JesusM.C.C.I.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Company of Mary for the Education of the DeafS. M.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Confederation of Canons Regular of St. AugustineC.R.S.A.
Order of Canons Regular
Congregación de San Pedro ad-VinculaS.P. ad V.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congrégation du Sacré-CoeurS.C.J.Pères de Timon DavidClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Christian DoctrineD.C.DottrinariClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Christian Workers of Saint Joseph CalasanzC.Op.CalasantiniClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Clerics RegularC.R.TheatinesOrder of Clerics Regular
Congregration of Jesus the PriestC.G.S.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin MaryM.I.C.Marian FathersClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Mariannhill MissionariesC.M.M.Marianhiller MissionareClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Missionaries of the Holy FamilyM.S.F.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Saint John the Baptist PrecursorC.S.I.B.P.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Saint JosephC.S.I.Giuseppini del MurialdoClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Saint Michael the ArchangelC.S.M.A.MichaelitesClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus “Little Flower”C.S.T.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Servants of CharityS.d.C.Guanellian Priests and BrothersClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of St. BasilC.S.B.Basilian FathersClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Blessed SacramentS.S.S.Blessed Sacrament FathersClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of Holy CrossC.S.C.Holy Cross FathersClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth of Blessed Father PiamartaF.N.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Holy SpiritC.S.Sp.Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans)Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of MaryC.I.C.M.ScheutistsClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Legionaries of ChristL.C.Legionaries of ChristClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Missionaries of Saint Charles BorromeoC.S.ScalabriniansClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Most Holy RedeemerC.SS.R.RedemptoristsClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the PassionC.P.PassionistsClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Priestly FraternityC.F.S.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred HeartS.C.I.DehoniansClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus ChristC. R.ResurrectionistsClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and MarySS.CC.Picpus FathersClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Sacred StigmataC.S.S.Stigmatine FathersClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Schools of CharityC.S.Ch.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Sons of Mary ImmaculateF. M. I.PavoniansClerical Religious Congregation
Congregation of the Sons of Merciful LoveF.A.M.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Congregazione dei Figli dell’Immacolata ConcezioneC.F.I.C.ConcezionistiLay Religious Congregation
Congregazione MechitaristaC.A.M.MechitaristsMonastic Order
Congregazione Sacra Famiglia di BergamoC.S.F.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Consolata MissionariesI.M.C.Consolata MissionariesClerical Religious Congregation
Discalced MercedariansO. M. D.
Mendicant Order
Fathers of MercyC.P.M.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Fils de Marie ImmaculéeF.M.I.Pères de ChavagnesClerical Religious Congregation
Franciscan Friars of the AtonementS.A.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Franciscan Friars of the ImmaculateF.I.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Fraternity of Saint Vincent FerrerF.S.V.F.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Hijos de la Sagrada FamiliaS.F.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Indian Missionary SocietyI.M.S.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Institut du Clergé Patriarcal de BzommarI.C.P.B.
Institute of CharityI.C.RosminiansClerical Religious Congregation
Institute of Schönstatt FathersP. SchönstattSchönstatt FathersClerical Secular Institute
Institute of the Josephites of BelgiumC.J.Josephites of BelgiumClerical Religious Congregation
Istituto del PradoIst. del PradoPrado InstituteClerical Secular Institute
Knights of the Cross with the Red StarO.Cr.
Order of Canons Regular
Little Brothers of JesusP.F.J.FoucauldLay Religious Congregation
Little Mission for the Deaf and DumbP.M.S.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Misioneros de la Natividad de MaríaM.N.M.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionari dei PoveriM.O.P.
Mendicant Order
Missionari di S. Giuseppe nel MessicoM.J.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of Our Lady of La SaletteM.S.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales d’AnnecyM.S.F.S.FransaliansClerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of the Company of MaryS.M.M.Montfort MissionariesClerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of the Divine RedeemerM.D.R.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of the Holy SpiritM.Sp.S.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception of LourdesM. I. C.Fathers of GaraisonClerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and Saint Mary of GuadalupeM. S. C.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of JesusM.S.C.Sacred Heart MissionariesClerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and MaryM.SS.CC.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Mallorca)M. SS. CC.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionaries of WorkersM.O.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionary Brothers of the CountrysideF.M.R.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionary Congregation of the Blessed SacramentM.C.B.S.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionary Servants of the Most Holy TrinityS.T.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionary Servants of the PoorS.d.P.Morsel of the PoorClerical Religious Congregation
Missionary Servants of the WordM. S. P.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Missionary Society of St. PaulM.S.S.P.Paulist MissionariesClerical Religious Congregation
Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of MaryC.M.F.ClaretiansClerical Religious Congregation
Montfort Brothers of Saint GabrielS.G.
Lay Religious Congregation
Oblates of Mary ImmaculateO.M.I.Oblates of Mary ImmaculateClerical Religious Congregation
Oblates of Saint JosephO.S.I.Josephines of AstiClerical Religious Congregation
Oblates of St. Francis de SalesO.S.F.S.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Oblates of the Virgin MaryO.M.V.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Orden de San JerónimoO.S.H.Monjes JerónimosMonastic Order
Order of Augustinian RecollectsO.A.R.Augustinian RecollectsMendicant Order
Order of CisterciansO. Cist.CisterciansMonastic Order
Order of Cistercians of the Strict ObservanceO.C.S.O.TrappistsMonastic Order
Order of Discalced CarmelitesO.C.D.Discalced CarmelitesMendicant Order
Order of Friar Servants of MaryO.S.M.ServitesMendicant Order
Order of Friars MinorO.F.M.FranciscansMendicant Order
Order of Friars Minor CapuchinO.F.M. Cap.CapuchinsMendicant Order
Order of Friars Minor ConventualO.F.M. Conv.Conventual FranciscansMendicant Order
Order of Friars PreachersO.P.DominicansMendicant Order
Order of the Pious SchoolsSch. P.PiaristsOrder of Clerics Regular
Order of Imitation of ChristO.I.C.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Order of Lebanese Maronite (Maronite)O.L.M.BaladitesMonastic Order
Order of Our Lady of MercyO. de M.MercedariansMendicant Order
Order of Our Lady of Mt. CarmelO. Carm.CarmelitesMendicant Order
Order of Saint BenedictO.S.B.BenedictinesMonastic Order
Order of Saint Paul the First HermitO.S.P.P.E.Pauline FathersMonastic Order
Order of St. AugustineO.S.A.AugustiniansMendicant Order
Order of the Canons Regular of Premontre; NorbertinesO. Praem.PremonstratensiansOrder of Canons Regular
Order of the Holy CrossO.R.C.
Order of Canons Regular
Order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of GodO.H.
Mendicant Order
Order of the MinimsO.M.MinimiMendicant Order
Order of the Ministers of the SickM.I.CamilliansOrder of Clerics Regular
Order of the Most Holy TrinityO.SS.T.TrinitariansMendicant Order
Order of the Teutonic Knights of Saint Mary’s Hospital in JerusalemO.T.Teutonic OrderOrder of Canons Regular
Ordine Basiliano Italiano di GrottaferrataO.S.B.I.
Monastic Order
Ordre Basilien Alépin (Melkite Greek)B.A.
Monastic Order
Parochial Cooperators of Christ the KingC.P.C.R.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Pious Workers Rural CatechistsP.O.C.R.Ardorini MissionariesClerical Religious Congregation
Poveri Servi della Divina ProvvidenzaP.S.D.P.Don CalabriaClerical Religious Congregation
Priests of Saint Mary of TinchebrayP.S.M.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of BétharramS.C.I. di Béth.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Religieux de Saint Vincent de PaulR.S.V.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Rogationists of the Heart of JesusR.C.J.RogationistsClerical Religious Congregation
Rosarian FathersC.S.R.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Salesians of Saint John BoscoS.D.B.Salesians of St. John BoscoClerical Religious Congregation
Servants of Jesus and MaryS.I.M.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Servants of the Holy ParacleteS.P.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Society of Christ for Polish ImmigrantsS. Chr.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Society of Divine VocationsS.D.V.VocationistsClerical Religious Congregation
Society of JesusS.J.JesuitsOrder of Clerics Regular
Society of MaryS.M.Marist FathersClerical Religious Congregation
Society of MaryS. M.Marianist FathersClerical Religious Congregation
Society of Saint CajetanP.S.S.G.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Society of Saint EdmundS.S.E.EdmunditesClerical Religious Congregation
Society of St. PaulS.S.P.PaulinesClerical Religious Congregation
Society of the Divine SaviorS.D.S.SalvatoriansClerical Religious Congregation
Society of the Divine WordS.V.D.Divine Word MissionariesClerical Religious Congregation
Sons of CharityF.C.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Sons of CharityF.d.C.C.CanossiansClerical Religious Congregation
Sons of Divine ProvidenceF.D.P.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Sons of Saint Mary ImmaculateF.S.M.I.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Swiss Congregation of Canons Regular of Saint Maurice of AgauneC.R.A.
Order of Canons Regular
Third Order Regular of St. Francis of PenanceT.O.R.Franciscan Friars (T.O.R.)Mendicant Order
Ukrainian Studite Monks (Ukrainian)M.S.U.
Monastic Order
Vincentian Congregation (Syro-Malabar)C.V.
Clerical Religious Congregation
Xaverian Missionary FathersS.X.XaveriansClerical Religious Congregation
Other

Societies of Apostolic Life

NameAbbreviationNickname
Catholic Foreign Mission Society of AmericaM.M.Maryknoll
Clerical Society of the Missionaries of the Holy ApostlesM.S.A.
Clerical Society of Virgo Flos CarmeliE.P.
Companions of the CrossC.C.
Confederation of Oratorians of St. Philip NeriC.O.Oratorians
Congregation of Jesus and MaryC.I.M.Eudists
Congregation of the Lebanese Maronite Missionaries (Maronite)M.L.Kremisti
Congregation of the MissionC.M.Vincentians/Lazarists
Emmanuel CommunityComm. l'Emm.
Fraternità Sacerdotale dei Missionari di San Carlo BorromeoF.S.C.B.Fraternity of St. Charles
Glenmary Home MissionersG.H.M.
Heralds of Good NewsH.G.N.
Instituto Español de San Francisco Javier para Misiones ExtranjerasI.E.M.E.
Misioneros de GuadalupeM.G.Guadalupe Missionaries
Misioneros Javerianos de YarumalM.X.Y.
Missionari della Santa CroceM.H.C.
Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers)M. Afr.White Fathers
Missionários da Boa NovaS.M.P.Portuguese Missionary Society
Missionary Society of Saint Paul of NigeriaM.S.P.N.
Missionary Society of St. ColumbanS.S.C.M.E.Columban Missionaries
Mission Society of the PhilippinesM.S.P.
Oblates of Saints Ambrose and CharlesO.Ss.C.A.
Paulist FathersC.S.P.Paulists
Pontifical Institute for Foreign MissionsP.I.M.E.
Priestly Fraternity of Saint PeterF.S.S.P.
Priestly Society of Saint JacquesS.P.S.J.
Priestly Society of St. Joseph Benedict CottolengoS.S.C.Cottelengo Congregation
Scarboro Foreign Mission SocietyS.F.M.
Società dei Missionari di San Paolo (Melkite Greek)S.M.S.P.Pères Paulistes
Société de l’Oratoire de JésusC.O.I.Oratorians of France
La Société des Missions EtrangèresM.E.P.
Société des Missions-ÉtrangèresP.M.E.
Society of African MissionsS.M.A.
Society of Bethlehem Mission ImmenseeS.M.B.
Society of Precious BloodC.Pp.S.
Society of Priests of Saint SulpiceP.S.S.Sulpicians
Society of the Catholic ApostolateS.A.C.Pallottines
Society of the Missionaries of Saint Francis XavierS.F.X.Pilar Fathers
Sodalicio de Vida CristianaS.C.V.
St. Joseph’s Missionary Society of Mill HillM.H.M.Mill Hill Missionaries
St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred HeartS.S.J.Josephite Fathers
St. Patrick’s Society for the Foreign MissionsS.P.S.Kiltegan Fathers
Workers of the Kingdom of ChristC.O.R.C.

Here are the List of Eastern Catholic Churches


Jump to Tradition: Alexandrian | Byzantine | Chaldean | Western | Antiochian | Armenian

Alexandrian Tradition


Byzantine Tradition


Chaldean Tradition


Western Tradition

  • Latin (or Roman)

Antiochian Tradition


Armenian Tradition

Armenian Catholic Church

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Aleteia: Franciscan Friars Open New Community in Muslim Country

First new friary in Turkey since Istanbul

Source: Aleteia
By John Burger
Posted in April 7, 2016

St. Francis of Assisi traveled to Egypt in 1219 to meet with the Sultan. In 2016, some of his spiritual sons have established a new community in another predominantly Muslim country: Turkey.

A new friary in the Turkish city of Izmir represents the hope of several friars to witness to the Gospel, promote ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and dialogue with Turkish culture, according to a report Wednesday by the Fides news agency.

It is the first new Franciscan community in Turkey since the establishment of one in Istanbul, an hour by air to the north. But its planning goes back to 1995, when then-minister general Father Hermann Schalück and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who resides in Istanbul, discussed the formation of an international Franciscan presence. In the following years the first fraternity for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue in Istanbul was formed.

Among the annual activities envisioned are celebrations of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, exchange and visits to Muslims during Ramadan, a permanent formation course on ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and an interfaith prayer meeting in the spirit of the Assisi meetings that were called by Pope St. John Paul II.

With a population of some 2.8 million people, Izmir is Turkey’s third most populous city, after Istanbul and Ankara, the capital. The friars may have a chance to see the flow of migrants and refugees trying to get to Europe, as the city is close to the Aegean Sea.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

AP: Philadelphia’s Pink Sisters have prayed nonstop for 100 years

December 28, 2015

PHILADELPHIA — For more than 100 years, the cloistered nuns known as the Pink Sisters have worked in shifts to ensure nonstop prayer in Philadelphia’s Chapel of Divine Love.

Now, to address their shrinking numbers and ensure their prayers continue for another century, the Roman Catholic Holy Spirit Adoration sisters have begun quietly reaching out, seeking to grow their order while carefully maintaining their secluded life.

In the last year, they hung a banner outside their chapel and convent as a way to let other people know about their daily public Masses. They’ve granted more interviews with news reporters. And they have begun inviting Catholic women’s organizations and schools to speak to the sisters — with all conversations taking place through the grille in the convent visiting room, of course.

There’s even a subtle recruitment flier hanging just inside the front door of the chapel. It encourages visitors to ask themselves three questions: Do you love Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Do you realize the power of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament? Is Jesus calling you to say “yes” to a life of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament?

“We rarely reached out for vocation promotion before the centennial. But now we want young ladies to see how beautiful the life is and how truer the joy when it is without the trappings of material things,” said Sister Maria Clarissa, 55. “We do our part in addressing these challenges, but at the same time, we leave it to the Lord. He’s the one who calls.”

The order was founded in Holland in 1896 with a focus on the perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated bread they uphold as the body and blood of Christ. The rose-hued habits are meant to symbolize the joy the sisters feel honoring the Holy Spirit.

In 1915, nine of the original sisters left the motherhouse and came to Philadelphia, where they were invited to open the order’s second convent.

Today there are about 420 Holy Spirit Adoration sisters living in 22 convents in 12 countries. There are three other US convents — in St. Louis; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Lincoln, Nebraska.

It may come as a surprise to some that a group of 20 nuns live a contemplative, secluded life not far from Philadelphia’s famed museums, historic landmarks and government. The sisters leave the cloister only for emergencies, such as medical appointments. When they do venture out, the sisters wear gray so as not to draw too much attention to themselves.

It is a selfless life, focused on offering intercessory prayers on behalf of people they will never meet living in places they will never see. They pray most of the day, together and individually in shifts before the Blessed Sacrament, generally waking up at 5:15 a.m. to prepare for the first daily service, going to bed after the 8 p.m. final prayers.

All the sisters have jobs. Some craft Mass cards and rosaries, the sales of which support the convent. Other sisters respond to letters and answer the phones. Some callers are lonely; others are suicidal. Just listening, the sisters say, seems to make a difference.

The sisters get one hour of free time and one hour of recreation each day. They are allowed visits from family and friends three times a year.

Sister Mary Angelica, 55, said she wants people who have lost touch with their faith to know there is always someone praying for them, “no matter what their need may be.”

The sisters follow current events, but the newspapers they receive don’t include the sports or entertainment sections.

“We try to be as simple as possible so we can focus on the Lord,” explained Mary Angelica. “We are simple in everything, even meals — though on special occasions, we have ice cream.”

Sunday, April 10, 2016

CBCP News: Nuns find new home atop Zambales hill

From CBCP News

The view from the Carmelite nuns' new home in Barangay Looc, Castillejos town (Photo: Raymond A. Sebastián)
CASTILLEJOS, Zambales, Apr. 10, 2016 – The Carmelite nuns of Zambales have finally settled down in their new home on top of a hill in Barangay Looc, Castillejos town.

It was “Ascent of Mount Carmel” made physically real as visitors climbed their way up the monastery overlooking the Zambales mountains.

“On behalf of my community, the Carmel of the Holy Spirit of Looc, Castillejos, Zambales, and the whole Carmelite order, we thank God for His mercy, and love,” said Prioress Marianne Binarao, OCD, in her speech.

According to her, their new monastery is a “concrete expression of thanksgiving to the greatest gift of all,” Jesus Christ risen, the Eucharist.

Thanksgiving

“We will continue to speak about Jesus Christ, to praise Him, thank Him, and worship Him. It was He whom we have heard, seen, and touched,” added the Bicolana Carmelite.

Monday, March 28, 2016

BREAKING: Fr. Thomas Uzhunnalil was crucified by ISIS on Good Friday ~ Cardinal Schönborn confirmed the priest's martyrdom during the Easter Vigil

All forces of Darkness are now merging together against the Catholic Church-- Muslims and even fellow Christians (various Protestant churches), Masons, Agnostics, Atheists, Leftists, Pro-Choice,LGBT, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Ang Dating Daan, Mormons, secular governments etc. are persecuting the Church and Catholics. MAY FR. THOMAS REST IN PEACE! -CD2000

Source: Toronto Catholic Witness Blog

Austrian media is reporting that Cardinal Schönborn of Vienna confirmed last night, during the Easter Vigil at Stephansdom that the Salesian priest, Fr. Thomas Uzhunnalil was crucified by ISIS on Good Friday. Polonia Christiana is also carrying the news, based on the Austrian reports.

Fr. Tom is now in Paradise with Our Blessed Lord and His Mother. May his murderers repent and come to believe in the Gospel.


"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke, 23:34)


Prayer of St. Francis Xavier for the Conversion of the Infidels

Eternal God, Creator of all things, remember that Thou alone didst create the souls of infidels, framing them to Thine own image and likeness; behold, O Lord, how, to Thy dishonor, hell is daily replenished with them. Remember, O Lord, Thine only Son, Jesus Christ, Who suffered for them, most bountifully shedding His precious blood. Suffer not, O Lord, Thy Son and our Lord to be any longer despised by infidels. But, rather, being appeased by the entreaties and prayers of the elect, the saints, and of the Church, the most blessed spouse of Thy Son; be mindful of Thy mercy, yet forgetful of their idolatry and infidelity. Cause all to know Him Whom Thou didst send, Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who is our health, life, and resurrection, through Whom we are freed and saved, to Whom be all glory forever. Amen.


Saturday, March 19, 2016

NCR: Eyewitness Account of ISIS [Muslim Terrorists] Attack on Mother Teresa's Sisters in Yemen

'I’m amazed by the faith reflected in those words,' said Auxiliary Bishop Edward Rice of St. Louis on March 14. 'Because of their faithfulness, they were in the right place at the right time and were ready when the Bridegroom came.'

by JOAN FRAWLEY DESMOND 
Posted 03/17/2016 National Catholic Register

Clockwise from upper right: Sister Anselm, Sister Reginette, Sister Judith and Sister Marguerite, the Missionaries of Charity sisters who were killed in Aden, Yemen, by two gunmen who attacked their convent on March 4.

– Courtesy of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia
On March 4, following the ISIS attack on a Missionaries of Charity home for the elderly and disabled in Aden, Yemen, the sole survivor member of the order, Sister Sally, conveyed her testimony of the massacre to Sister Rio. Sister Rio’s account was recorded by another Missionary of Charity, Sister Adriana.

This testimony was circulated to religious communities in the United States as Secretary of State John Kerry was considering whether to declare that the Islamic State’s actions in the Middle East constituted genocide against Christians and other religious minorities. On March 17, Secretary Kerry designated the terrorist organization's actions as genocide

During a March 14 Mass that honored the four Missionaries of Charity who died in Aden, Bishop Edward Rice, an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, quoted Sister Rio’s powerful statement regarding the death of her fellow sisters: “Because of their faithfulness they were in the right place at the right time and were ready when the Bridegroom came.”

“I’m amazed by the faith reflected in those words,” said Bishop Rice. “The Holy Father speculates that, at the moment of their death, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was waiting for her sisters, to bring them to the Lord,” Bishop Rice said. “But not to disagree with Pope Francis, I think even more so, at the moment of their death, Christ himself was there to greet them and proclaimed, ‘Well done, good and faithful servants. Come, receive your Master’s joy.’”

Images of the three pages of photocopied handwritten testimony are available here: Page 1, Page 2 and Page 3. A PDF containing all three pages can be downloaded here. Following is the text of the testimony, with emphases added in bold:

* * * * * * * * * *

SISTER RIO’S WORDS TO SISTER ADRIANA, MC: Friday, midday, March 4, 2016


Sisters had Mass, breakfast as usual. As usual, Father stays back in chapel to say prayers, then to fix things around the compound.

8:00am: Said apostolate prayer and all 5 went to home.

8:30am: ISIS dressed in blue came in, killed guard and driver.

5 young Ethiopian men (Christian) began running to tell the sisters ISIS was here to kill them. They were killed one by one. They tied them to trees, shot them in the head and smashed their heads.

The sisters ran 2 by 2 in different directions, as they have mens and ladies home. 4 working women were screaming, “Don’t kill the sisters! Don’t kill the sisters!” One was the cook for 15 years. They killed them as well.

They caught Sr. Judith and Sr. Reginette first, tied them up, shot them in the head and smashed their heads. When the sisters ran in different directions, the Superior ran to the convent to try to warn Father Tom.

They caught Sr. Anselm and Sr. Marguerite, tied them, shot them in the head and smashed their heads in the sand.

Meanwhile, the Superior could not get to the convent. It is not clear how many ISIS men were there.

She saw all the sisters and helpers killed. The ISIS men were already getting to the convent so she went into the refridgerator room, since the door was open. These ISIS men were everywhere, searching for her, as they knew there were 5. At least three times they came into the fridgerator room. She did not hide, but remained standing behind the door – they never saw her. This is miraculous.

Meanwhile, at the convent, Father had heard the screaming and consumed all the Hosts. He had no time to consume the large Host, so he threw the oil out of the sanctuary lamp and dissolved it in the water.

A neighbor saw them put Father Tom in their car. They did not find any trace of Father anywhere. All the religious articles were smashed and destroyed – Our Lady, crucifix, altar, tabernacle, lectionary stand – even their prayer books and Bibles.

10:00 or 10:15am: The ISIS men finished and left.


Sr. Sally came to get the bodies of the sisters. She got them all. She went to the patients to each one individually to see if they were OK. All were OK. Not one was hurt.

The son of the woman who was the cook (who was killed) was calling her on her cellphone. Since she was not answering, he called the police, and he went with the police there and found this great massacre. The police and the son arrived at about 10:30am.

The police tried to take Sr. Sally out of there — she refused to leave the people who were crying, “Don’t leave us; stay with us.” But the police forced her to go with them because the ISIS knew there were 5 sisters, and they were convinced they will not stop until they kill her too. So finally she had to leave. She took one set of clothes and the sisters’ bodies, and the police brought them to an international hospital called “Doctors Without Borders” for protection. As there was not enough room in the mortuary of that hospital for the sisters’ bodies, the police brought their bodies to a bigger hospital mortuary.

Sr. Sally told Sr. Rio she is so sad because she is alone and did not die with her sisters. Sr. Rio told her God wanted a witness and told her, “Who would have found the sisters’ bodies and who would ever tell us what happened? God wants us to know.”

Pope Francis had his secretary contact the Yemen Secretary of State very often – about once a week to check up on the sisters and reassure them of his closeness. Today, the Pope’s secretary sent the message: “I thank them — Little M.C. martyrs.He said he is offering the 40-hour First Friday devotion for them.

Sr. Sally told Sr. Rio that Fr. Tom tells them every day, “Let us be ready for martyrdom.”

Sr. Judith — they were trying so hard to take her for senior course, but they were not able to get her out.

Sr. Reginette — they were trying to send her for junior course but could not get her out.

God wanted them there.

Aden is rich city – a port city. Aden wanted to be its own state, so they got ISIS in to help them fight against Yemen. So ISIS won for Aden. That was the war last year, with all the bombing. They won, so that is over, but ISIS won’t leave. They want to take over and exterminate any Christian presence. They did not kill the sisters in the war because they had no political reason to waste time on them. But now, they are the only Christian presence, and ISIS wants to get rid of all Christianity. So they are real martyrs — died because they are Christians. They could have died so many times in the war, but God wanted it to be clear they are martyrs for the faith.

Sr. Rio said Sr. Sally is fully surrendered. The police are trying to get her out because they will just keep after her until they kill her. She is fully surrendered and told Sr. Rio – whatever God wants. She said the other Muslims are so respectful of them. She said to pray that their blood will be the seeds for peace in the Middle East and to stop the ISIS.

She said that if they kidnapped Father Tom most probably they will wait 2 days, then ask in exchange for Father Tom either money or the release of their members held in prison.

Sr. Rio said they were so faithful – ISIS knew exactly when they leave and when to break in. And because of their faithfulness, they were in the right place at the right time and were ready when the Bridegroom came.

Sr. Adriana said she thinks the crushing of the heads has some evil connection with “She will crush head of the serpent,” some kind of mockery or evil meaning.

CORRECT NAMES:
Sister M. Sally, MC (Superior)
Sister M. Anselm, MC (Bihar)
Sister M. Marguerite, MC (Rwanda)
Sister M. Judith, MC (Kenya)
Sister M. Reginette, MC (Rwanda)

Friday, March 18, 2016

How Pope Francis opened doors for this seminarian

Seminarian Kenneth Parsad (Photo Source: PhilNews)
Source: The Philippine Star
By Boy Abunda | Posted March 17, 2016

When seminarian Kenneth Parsad sang the Responsorial Psalm at a Mass for Pope Francis during his visit to the country in January last year, there were a lot of things he never expected to happen.

For one, he didn’t count on becoming a viral sensation. And second, he didn’t think that becoming one would open up more opportunities, and in mainstream entertainment at that. Thanks to all the publicity his singing for the Papal Mass generated, Kenneth — who now also teaches Theology at his Alma Mater, the University of Santo Tomas — was recently signed up by Universal Records and has released an album titled Still. The album contains inspirational tracks like Kenneth’s cover of Gary Valenciano’s Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos, Far Greater Love, My Soul Finds Rest, Ang Ganda, I Will Be Here For You and God Gave Me You.

Actually, prior to the offer, Kenneth and one of his spiritual and musical mentors, identified only as Ferdinand Bautista, planned to make an album of his psalm compositions. But when Bautista suddenly had to leave for France, the plans came to an unexpected halt. That was when the UR offer landed on the table. It was like God was giving him a second chance to go out and reach more people. “I eventually saw it as God’s re-offer for evangelization.”

In the beginning, says Kenneth, doing this sort of thing didn’t even cross his mind. “During the Papal Mass at the Cathedral, I just desired to deliver the message of the psalm. But it generated many things such as this (album). I feel happy and blessed for all the opportunities that have opened up for me, most especially the friends I have met. They are amazing. God truly reveals himself through the people and events in our life!”

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Custodia Terrae Sanctae: Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal has “congratulated” the Missionaries of Charity on their four new martyrs in Yemen

Source: Custodia Terrae Sanctae

The Holy Land prays for and with the four nuns who were murdered in Yemen

On Friday, March 11, the Patriarch of Jerusalem presided over a mass in memory of the four sisters of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Charity who were murdered in Yemen. Saint Savior’s Church was packed for the ceremony. Many local Christians wanted to show the sisters their affection. With them, were men and women religious, as well as Mahesh Kumar, the Indian representative to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and representatives of the Greek-Orthodox, Armenian, Syriac, Coptic and Ethiopian churches.

The procession of the 60 concelebrants, including apostolic delegate Monsignor Giuseppe Lazzarotto, auxiliary bishop for Galilee Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Monsignor Salim Sayegh Bishop, auxiliary bishop and patriarchal vicar emeritus for Jordan, and Custos Pierbarttista Pizzaballa passed through the aisles where the missionary sisters of Charity from Nablus, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, surrounded their provincial from Amman and the superior general of the congregation, Mother Mary Prema Pierick, who had come from Calcutta (India) for the occasion.

A large poster with a picture of Mother Teresa smiling and an invitation to prayer had been placed near the choir in addition to the photo of the four sisters: Sister Anselm from India, Sister Margaret and Sister Reginette from Rwanda, and Sister Judith from Kenya.

The mass in Arabic was collected but not gloomy. Moreover, the Patriarch in his English homily emphasized the glory of martyrdom and even concluded by saying, “We do not send our condolences, we congratulate you for the gift of their lives and yours, for all that you do to serve the poorest of the poor.”

After the celebration, in a joyful atmosphere, all those present were able to congratulate the sisters.
The Missionary Sisters of Charity came to the diocese in 1970. They are present in Gaza, Jerusalem, Nablus, Bethlehem, as well as in Jordan, Amman, Ermaimim and Rusaifeh.

In the Holy Land, the sisters run several welcome centers for the elderly and people with physical or mental disabilities. Some communities are more involved in visiting families, supporting the poor or teaching Sunday school.

Living in exemplary poverty so as “to be poor among the poor,” one can often see them going two by two.

The Holy Land is also home to a community of contemplative branch of friars of the Missionaries of Charity in Nazareth.

One week ago, on March 4, 16 people including four nuns were murdered in the complex of the Missionaries of Charity in Aden, in southern Yemen.

The available evidence shows that the attack was anti-religious and anti-Christian in nature, whereas Aden, the capital, is usually the target of attacks perpetrated by Al Qaeda or the self-proclaimed Islamic state of the Levant.

The practice of religions other than Islam has declined steadily since the unification of Yemen in 1990. The fate of thousands of Christians has been totally eclipsed, since tensions are high between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, who make up 99 percent of the population.

In recent years, Christians in Yemen have consisted mainly of foreigners, refugees or temporary residents.

Monsignor José Rodríguez Carballo—the former Minister General of the Friars Minor and the now Secretary of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life—talked to the friars of the Custody about his experience during one of his recent visits, and he said that the sisters of Mother Teresa are now the sole Christian presence in Yemen.

ALETEIA: A Habit of Visual Witness in a Noisy, Distracted World

Personally, I am in favor of religious men and women being seen in their religious habit. This article below explains it why a religious men or woman wearing his/her habit should wear it out of humility. Seeing one in the public reminds us of their presence anywhere. If someone gives them special treatment, it's not because they are wearing the "uniform" but because people recognize that "holy presence" in their habit. -CD2000

Source: Aleteia
By Elizabeth Scalia 

Photo by Jeffrey Bruno
Around 1970, when we students asked about her move from an updated habit to ordinary clothing, the teaching sister who ran our parish CCD program declared that the shedding of religious habits was a good thing because it emphasized that sisters were “nothing special, that we are all special in God’s eyes.”

This sister gave an example: “When we were in our habits, a fellow with an Italian ice barrow would always insist on giving us free ices, but why should he? Why shouldn’t we pay like anyone else? Why should we deprive him of his living because we were in a costume?”

Putting aside how unlikely it would be for an Italian ice seller to “go broke” because he gave away a few free scoops of sugar-water, it is striking, almost 40 years on, to comprehend how fully horizontal and earthbound was her thinking; it had some breadth, but neither height nor depth. As with the “horizontally focused” masses and hymns that overemphasized the humanity of the church while diminishing the transcendence of its liturgy and purpose, Sister was embracing the beam of the cross — humanity and church reaching toward each other — without considering that the stationary vertical, heaven-focused post is vital, if anyone is to be raised up.

Sister was operating under a willful delusion; she justified forsaking the habit with appeals to solidarity, compassion and humility, but her story illustrated egoism and presumption. She bemoaned a possibility of cheating a man out of his wages. In fact, she was cheating that man, but not in the way she imagined.

The ice-barrow man was never giving Sister a free ice because she wore a habit but because a man who revered (or at least respected) God saw an opportunity to demonstrate his regard in a little way that St. Therese might have applauded.

And she was cheating others too. Her habit was a reminder to the community of faith, and to everyone else as well, that we are all called to simplicity and sacrifice — that for all of our Martha-instincts to work ourselves to death and carve our identities from what we “do,” we must cultivate our inner Marys as well, and embrace the challenge to simply be. Sister might correctly say that she was “nobody special,” but her habit was a witness to “being,” and it confirmed Christ’s covenanted life among us with a reassuring immediacy.

Perfectae Caritatis, the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life, wisely counseled in favor of adapting religious habits in practical ways, but never decreed that habits should be discarded.

The religious habit, an outward mark of consecration to God, should be simple and modest, poor and at the same becoming. In addition it must meet the requirements of health and be suited to the circumstances of time and place and to the needs of the ministry involved. The habits of both men and women religious which do not conform to these norms must be changed.

The “outward mark of consecration” was meant to be a sign, but the habits were also a means of self-effacement. They were paradoxically meant to obliterate a sister’s uniqueness and make her one of many, one part of a collective hive. In truth, religious life is socialism the only way it can truly work: on a small and voluntary scale.

Taking off the habit may have (in the parlance of the day) helped sisters “celebrate their individuality” — and that is not a terrible thing in and of itself; we are each fearfully, wonderfully made — but the embrace of ordinary dress over the religious habit also made the ordinary world more ordinary. Suddenly, there were no daily outward indications that anyone was praying at all, no reminders that we could and should pray, too. Suddenly, there was nothing to make a workingman remember Christ, and share some frozen sugar-water in gratitude.

When she eschewed the habit, the ice man lost a marker that brought his awareness to God at random moments of his workday. Sister thus helped the man become substantially poorer.

Desiring fellow-kinship, humility and “unspecialness,” Sister Nobody Special ironically wound up thinking about herself quite a lot. The Italian ice was for God, after all, not for her.

Habits are not necessary to the life of a religious; sometimes, in fact, they can be a hindrence to a community’s overall mission. But perhaps when sister referred to the garb as “a costume,” it was a clue that she had lost touch with the deeper meaning of such a powerful social identifier. In doing so, she cheated herself of the privilege of reminding the world, by her mere presence, that all creation is extraordinary and beloved. She cheated the rest of us too, because we loved being reminded of that; it meant we each really were special, after all.

Habits may be worth reconsidering, now, even by the most “progressive” of communities. The scratchy and starched architectural gear of past eras is impractical to the twenty-first century, but at a time when Christian witness is either received cynically — as caricature or hysteria — or with the malice that brings persecution and genocide, the adopting of the simplest of habits would give silent testimony of lives unified in purpose, being lived in simplicity and dignity, for something greater than material or political concerns.

Such witness may well be necessary for the life of the world.

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