Newspaper Blog

Balanced News

The Change of Guard in the Catholic Church

By

images (52)

 

After the whole Catholic Church was rocked by surprise with the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, it rejoiced soon after when Pope Francis I was elected on the second day of the conclave.  The change of guard in the Catholic Church is expected to bring changes in the church that has been facing problems related to scandals involving priests.  This is the very first in modern times when a previous Pope still lives while a new one has been elected.

The Resignation

It all started with the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI due to his failing health.  The issue about his health has been known for quite some time and was somewhat expected considering his advanced age.  The Vatican denies the question of external pressure, explaining that the Pope had the right as well as the duty to resign if he feels he can no longer perform the duties expected of him.  He stepped down last February 28 to make way for the election of the new Pope.

The Election

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th Pope of the roman Catholic Church on the second day of the Conclave.  Taking the name of Pope Francis I, he comes with many firsts including being the first Jesuit Pope and the first Pope coming from the Southern Hemisphere.  He was born in Argentina but is of Italian descent. It is to be noted that he was the closest competitor during Pope Benedict XVI’s election before he reportedly bowed out of the election.

The Two Popes

Pope Francis I is the official Pope of the Catholic Church while Pope Benedict XVI takes the title of Pope Emeritus.  Although the latter will still be given all the honor befitting a Pope, he is expected to be away from the limelight to allow the current Pope to perform all his official functions accordingly.  One of the first things that Pope Francis I did was to visit his predecessor.  The meeting of the two Popes is considered a historical event.  Both Popes continue to wear white.

The New Direction

Many are in the belief that Pope Francis I’s papacy will be more or less an extension of his predecessor’s especially with regards to the basic Catholic doctrines.  However, there is reason to believe that the Catholic Church will be headed towards a new direction because of a sensed difference in approach that goes beyond papal vestments.  At this time, the change of guard in the Catholic Church brings new hope to its followers.

Teresa is a researcher-writer who covers a wide range of topics in search of useful information.

Image: aljazeera.com

St. Innocent Found After Almost 20 Years

By

sainti59Well, not the real St. Innocent – he’s been dead for hundreds of years now. What I am referring to is his statue, which was stolen from a church in Italy in 1990. So where did he turn up?

Almost two decades after the heist, the bust of St. Innocent was recently found in the home of a couple residing in North Caroline. The bust is 350 years old, and is intricately carved. The antique is actually only one of the items that were stolen from the church in November of 1990. The other things that were lifted during the heist include 16 other statues (similar to the one just discovered) and two oil paintings.

Some facts about the stolen statue of St. Innocent:

-it is made of wood and painted with gold
-it was made by Diego da Careri, a 17th century Franciscan artist
-the current bust is not worth much by now since the head is missing, as well as part of the cross that the saint is holding.

So how did the American authorities get wind of the stolen bust? They were informed by certain officials in Rome that an Italian citizen had sold a statue to a dealer in antiques from Greensboro. This dealer then sold the statue to Neal Johnson from Charlotte, who then sold it to the couple.

Needless to say, the bust will be returned to the Italian church where it belongs. What about the money that the couple paid? I have no idea.

Would You Give a Cheating Wife Another Chance?

By

We all know that in this world, infidelity would usually be instigated by husbands. But coming across this article where a wife would cheat and decide to go with another man, would the hubby give her a second chance despite moving on?

Adultery or Bigamy

Women are always given the benefit of the doubt of being categorized under being battered but cheating on their part and then suddenly wanting to get back to their old lives is like walking on a thin line. In most cases, husbands would close the door and would rather carry on what is left. Focusing on career and the children is what mature men would normally do, not leaving any room for reconciliation between them?

It is in these cases where a man would decide. Should he choose his heart or just leave it to God�s Will. Whatever the decision would be, the final one made would be for the best of everyone. Lost trust is something that cannot be easily rebuilt and mature men know this all too well.

Cat Stevens Blasts Back From The Past

By

No, that’s not the latest guy on George Bush’s hit list, its Cat Stevens. Well, actually he was mistakenly put on the terror watch list on a flight to Washington from London…..could it have been the beard?
The famous 60’s and 70’s singer, known for his international hits like “Father and Son” and “Wild World” is returning to the pop scene on the eve of the release of his first commercial album in narly 30 years.

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, traded in his guitar in 1977 and converted into Islam after receiving a copy of the Koran. Millions of this Swedish-Greek post-hippy star were disappointed as Cat announced his retirement and pledged to devote his life to Islam. Since then, he has become one of the leading voices in the British Muslim community, even starting a Muslim school for children.
Now 58, he announced that he is releasing a new album, with the first single due out in the UK in November called “An Other Cup” which promises to be true to his old classic style. When asked about the criticisms of fellow Muslims on his choice to return to the mainstream music industry, Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens explained:

“Whilst I agree that some songs and musical influences are haram (prohibited), this judgment does not apply to every singer or every single note and crotchet played…..The truth is that most of those who buy my records as Cat Stevens are not Muslims. But many who listen to those old songs recognize that they represent the poetic inspiration of a seeker, someone thirsting for peace, and trying to understand the unexplained mysteries of life”

Categories

Featured

Recent Posts