Violence Against Egyptian Christians Raises Concerns

By Judith Sudilovsky
Source: Catholic News Service
Published: Monday, November 29, 2010

JERUSALEM (CNS) — Episodes of violence in Egypt that left Christian houses and businesses burned and ransacked have raised concerns among Egypt's Christian community, said a Christian worker.

The Nov. 28 elections have been seen as a possible reason for the increased violence, said the Christian, who asked that his name not be used for his safety.

"The situation is confusing. At the same time, we will (soon) have elections, and many harmful activities are taking place. The government wants to reduce the impact of the Muslim Brotherhood, and that is provoking some people to attack Christians," he told Catholic News Service.

Christians "have started to be worried. People feel something wrong in the air. They are taking more care, being more reserved, and avoiding contacts with Muslims," he said.

"It is not a very safe or healthy attitude toward each other," he added. "We want to overcome this. If it continues this way, it can be catastrophic."

Christians, mostly Orthodox, make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 83 million—predominantly Muslim —population.

In a Nov. 18 report published in Washington, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom expressed concern that incitement to violence in Egyptian media and government-funded mosques is contributing to increasing sectarian tensions between Muslims and Christians in advance of parliamentary elections.

The Christian worker noted that there has been a governmental crackdown on the candidates of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood party, whose candidates now run on Independent tickets. Banning the Brotherhood has been seen as a pro-Christian move rather than as a political maneuver by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to maintain power.

"They don't understand the other aspect of the situation, which is that the government wants to maintain its power and does not want the Brotherhood to get into parliament. It is not a concern about Christians and Muslims, but something very egotistical (for the government)," the Christian worker said.

Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood is the world's oldest and largest Islamic political group and is the largest opposition group in many Arab countries, including Egypt. An Islamist revivalist movement, it seeks to implement strict Islamic law as the sole rule of law. Though officially it opposes the use of violence to achieve its goals—except in specific instances, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—the Egyptian government has accused the movement of several violent campaigns throughout the years.

The Christian worker noted that the attacks were reserved to a few specific villages in Upper Egypt, a region south of Cairo. According to the Christian victims, the perpetrators have come from outside their villages, he said, adding that sometimes the attacks were for nonreligious reasons such as tensions between a Muslim man and a Christian woman.

"Something activates the people from outside the village," the worker said. "There is not enough security. Kind of aggressive people are coming from outside the village. They are provoked by people and they come," to the villages where the Christians are.

He refused to discuss specifics, but said, "We hope it will not turn into something like it was in Baghdad."

He said that although relations between Christians and Muslims in the villages are "gentle," the al-Qaida siege of a Syrian Catholic church in Baghdad—58 people were killed during the siege and attempted military rescue—has frightened the Christian community.

Egyptian Christian churches are currently under heavy police security, he added.

The large majority of Egyptian Muslims are opposed to the violent attacks against Christians, said the Christian worker. According to media reports, several Egyptian nongovernmental organizations have come out strongly against the most recent attack, Nov. 15.

Jason Belanger, country representative in Egypt for the U.S. bishops' Catholic Relief Services, said the recent attacks are part of the ongoing underlying tension that already existed in Upper Egypt. He said that last January, seven Christians were killed as they left their church following the Orthodox Christmas liturgy. The incident was said to be in retaliation for the rape of a Muslim girl by a Christian man.

"In Upper Egypt, you don't have the density of people (as in Cairo) and they don't have as much interaction with each other," said Belanger, noting that often other issues are involved in the conflicts. "There are land issues, water issues. There are a lot of grievances and resentment between people and they don't like to have interaction with each other. There is fighting over resources, and the religious issue is one aspect of it."

Belanger, who is based in Cairo, said he has been monitoring the situation closely but was unable to get firsthand information from several priests in Upper Egypt because they were "very uncomfortable" discussing the issue with him on the phone.

"Coptic Christians feel intimidated, like they are a minority and are made to feel like they are a minority, especially in Upper Egypt," said Belanger. "They go about (for) days living underground. Many times they do not feel comfortable leaving their homes."

The real challenge, he said, is to bring people together and build on their feelings of Egyptian national pride rather than on religious affiliation.

"Getting people to sit down and talk to each other—that is the very aspect of community work which needs to be focused on," he said.

In the past, CRS has worked with partner organizations on a micro-financing program that helped provide an opportunity for Muslim and Christian women to share their struggles and challenges, said Belanger.

He said CRS is in the process of coordinating with Caritas Egypt to cooperate on community development programs in Upper Egypt. These include literacy, health and micro-financing programs, as well as bringing together Christian and Muslim residents.

However, he said he believed more direct dialogue type of groups were needed to counter the violent attacks, and this idea was being discussed with the Egyptian branch of Caritas, the church's charitable agency.

Christian Persecution in the Middle East and Condom War in the West

Because of the callousness of the Western civilization in religious issues and instead of talking about the horrific plight of suffering Arab Christians at the hands of few Arab terrorists politicizing religion, Iraqi Christians have to do their own way to a safer place, Jordan.

Rather than talking about how they support all those who are persecuted in the name of religion, people in the West love Church and the Pope for one issue. They want the powerful Catholic Church to allow them SEX as they want.

Well at least in the United States, everyone is requesting for their freedom: Freedom to divorce, freedom to re-marry, freedom to marry same sex, freedom to marry their dogs, cats, camels, horses, and freedom to divorce them when they want. They want freedom to have sex anywhere, to anybody or anything as they wish. Life in America is all about the bad side of Freedom.

Happy 21st Birthday Fadi Awisat

Happy Birthday on your 21st birthday.  Although you are away from your family, relatives and close friends in Palestine, I am sure they are missing you especially on this day.

قد بارك الله فيك فادي. الله يحفظك دائما. الله يرزقك ، والفرح السلام والسعادة والصحة. الله يعطيك كل الأشياء الجيدة رغبات قلبك. السلام. عيد ميلاد سعيد

Could be Football's worst miss ever!

كرة القدم أسوأ من أي وقت مضى

2010 asian games quarterfinal uzbekistan vs qatar @ Yahoo! Video

Adha Mubarak to all Muslim Faithful

In behalf of Rhoda and our families, I want to greet all Muslims around the world on this day of the Festivities of the Sacrifice.  In your desire to commune with God الله whom we all worship, and to remain holy and blameless in His sight all the days of your life, my family and I, in our Catholic Faith greet you EID MUBARAK and may all your sacrifices be acceptable to God. May He grant us all the PEACE we desired for and may be truly  brothers and sisters to all for the sake of our common Father in the Faith, Abraham who desired nothing but to be one in heart, mind and faith of all his children.

 Again, happy Eid to you and you families.

Iraqis injured in church attack airlifted to Rome

By BusinessWeek from Associated Press

ROME

Italy is airlifting 26 Iraqis injured in a militant attack on one of Baghdad's main Catholic churches to Rome for treatment.

The Foreign Ministry says it is acting on the request of the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. An Italian C130 cargo plane with the injured was due to land Friday.

Sixty-eight people were killed when militants stormed the Our Lady of Salvation Church on Oct. 31 during Sunday Mass. The militants shot congregants, held others hostage, then set off bombs when Iraqi forces came to the rescue.

The Vatican denounced the attack and others that have targeted Iraq's besieged Christian community.

The injured, accompanied by 21 family members, are being treated at Rome's Gemelli hospital

33 Chilean Miners: Their Catholic Faith Made them Strong

Pope Benedict XVI (Photo Source: myfoxboston)

Today at 00:11 A.M. Chile time (6:11 A.M. Riyadh Time), the first man among the 33 trapped miners in Chile surfaced out in a capsule specially made to fit in a shaft. One rescue for each miner will take more than 30 minutes so it will take another few hours before all the 33 miners will be rescued.

The first man rescued was Florencio Avalos, 31 years old.

In August 30, 2010, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI sent his personal message to the 33 trapped minersto keep strong in their faith for they are in his prayers always.

The miners were trapped since August 5, 2010 as deep as 2,300 ft (701 m) underneath. In August 22 the miners were discovered to be alive all of them. Soon after they were sent food, water and most importantly religious objects such as the Crucifix and the image of the Blessed Mother which they fervently requested.

In October 7, a day before the Feast of the Rosary, the trapped Chilean miners sent a signed flag to the Pope expressing their deep gratitude for his personal prayers and for their safety and strength.

Headed by Jaime Coiro, the director of communications for the Episcopal Conference of Chile, he was joined by another 230 journalists who came from 85 nations, including Chile for an audience with the Pope who in turn handed over the “signed flag”.

"I gave the flag to the Pope. He was very interested. He became very happy at seeing the miners' signatures.

"The Holy Father asked me if they would be rescued on Saturday. I told him that the rescue is expected in the next few days.

"He took the flag and together with me, unfolded it, looking over the signatures. He told me that he continues to pray."

Below are the names of the Chilean miners whom I personally recommend for our prayers.

1. Florencio Avalos Silva, 31, video operator for the underground miner communications. Expected to be the first up. 
2. Mario Sepulveda Espinace, 39, the 'journalist' commentator who moderated the video broadcasts. Possibly second one up. 
3. Juan Illanes Palma, 52, served in Chilean army, possibly the third up. 
4. Carlos Mamani Solis, 23, of Bolivia, the only non-Chilean trapped, possibly number four up.  
5. Renan Avalos Silva, 29, brother of Florencio Avalos. 
6. Mario Gomez Heredia, 63, the oldest of the group who sent the first report to the surface that they were alive.  
7. Jimmy Sanchez Lagues, 19, the youngest. 
8. Ariel Ticona Yanez, 29, became a father during the ordeal. His daughter was named Esperanza, for Hope. 
9. Edison Pena Villarroel, 34, ran 10 kilometres every day in the underground mine shafts.  
10. Víctor Zamora Bugueno, 33, wrote poetry underground.  
11. Raul Bustos Ibanez, 40, survived the Chilean earthquake earlier this year, which destroyed his job as a mechanic. Found new job at mine, where he thought he would find more peace.  
12. Claudio Yanez Lagos, 34, promised he will marry his partner of 25 years and mother of his children when he emerges. The pair have grandchildren.  
13. Víctor Segovia Rojas, 48, kept a journal in the underground.  
14. Jorge Galleguillos Orellana, 56, suffers high blood pressure and is one of the complicated medical cases.  
15. Jose Henriquez Gonzalez, 54. The number 33 is his fate: married for 33 years, working at the mine for 33 years, and one of the 33 trapped men.  
16. Samuel Avalos Acuna, 43, had been a street seller of wares and had hoped for a better life in the mine.  
17. Claudio Acuna Cortes, 34, football fan who plans to greet his wife wearing his team's shirt.  
18. Franklin Lobos Ramirez, 53, avid football player who received greetings from Spain's David Villa.  
19. Osman Araya Araya, 30, experienced a nervous collapse underground. 
20. Yonni Barrios Rojas, 50, played nurse to his comrades in the mine.  
21. Alex Vega Salazar, 31 , his father is an emergency doctor and changed his name in order to help in the rescue. Family members were not supposed to be part of the rescue team.  
22. Richard Villarroel Godoy, 27 
23. Daniel Herrera Campos, 27 
24. José Ojeda Vidal, 46 
25. Luis Urzúa Iribarren, 54 
26. Carlos Barrios Contreras, 27  
27. Omar Reygada Rojas, 56  
28. Juan Carlos Aguilar Gaete, 49  
29. Carlos Bugueño Alfaro, 27 
30. Pedro Cortés Contreras, 25  
31. Pablo Rojas Villacorta, 45  
32. Darío Segovia Rojo, 48 
33. Esteban Rojas Carrizo, 44

2010 FIVB Men's World Championship - Italy

The French block is in vain as Cristian Savani scores a point for Italy.
Photo Source: FIVB

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - Italy 2010 championship will be held in Rome, Italy where 24 nations had competed.


Although my favorite teams such as EGYPT, IRAN, MEXICO, and FRANCE lost but ITALY will be brazing itself against Serbia for the Third Place while BRAZIL will be fighting against CUBA for the Championship!

Here's the current standing for each country:

CUBA vs BRAZIL (Second & First Place)
SERBIA vs ITALY (Third Place)
RUSSIA (Fourth Place)
USA (Fifth Place)
BULGARIA (Sixth Place)
GERMANY (Seventh Place)
ARGENTINA (Eigth Place)
CZECH REPUBLIC (Ninth Place)
FRANCE (Tenth Place)
SPAIN (Eleventh Place)

Here's the complete Ranking List:

Visit this year's Men's Volleyball Worl Championship OFFICIAL SITE or at Wikipedia.

Doha (Qatar) Church Celebrates Our Lady of the Rosary Feast

It's My Special Day: THANKS to your Greetings!

I cannot find any suitable words to express my sincerest THANKS to all of you who greeted me on my birthday.

I am truly richer for having quality-- genuine friends like you. Truly, you are the reason why life on earth is truly amazing and enriching. Because you freely gave me the abundance of your gift of persons, I am what God wants me to be and I wish no more than that. I wish nothing but you too may be the best that you can be.

The greatest gift you’ve ever given me on this day is the joy your greetings brought me. Tremendous and unexplainable joy I am feeling now. You are forever remembered because you resided in the deepest recesses of my heart.

That’s the reason why I want to thank each and everyone of you my friends in this post, in case I may fail to remember what you’ve told me on this special day. I want to record it for eternity and I want  the world to know that true friends are always remembered.

All of you are very very special to me. Not because some are richer than the others or some are gifted more looks or appeal than others. I do not judge according to physical appearance. I see your inmost sincerity. A true-ness in friendship always comes out. It will never be concealed.

I thank my dear parents who showed me love and care; my mother who bore me and cared for me, I love you more than any word I could say; my father who never give up amidst the difficulty of rearing 8 children (I am the youngest).

My thanks goes also to my Kuyas Mon, Romy, Juaning, Tom, Paul, thank you. To my two Ate Aida and Frena, thank you for the sisterly care; and to Ate Luzviminda wherever you are.

Thanks to my family and relatives Liz Cabitac, Kristine Vasol-Tivar, Agnes Cabitac, Mary Jane Vasol, Carlo Ivan Vasol, Michelle Vasol, John Winston Cabitac, Jessie Vasol Mangahas, Dennis Acaya Eron, Alexandro Joseph Naffa, Archy David, Fernan Palete and Joel Nedamo.

To my one and only love of my heart Rhoda I so adored. Thank you for the love and care you are so wonderfully created. Let me grow old with you. Let me see my children through you. Thanks for Tatang and Nanang for giving you to me.

For my CFC-Singles for Christ community in Camiling, Tarlac, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Doha-Ras Laffan, Qatar—thanks a lot for journeying with me. Thank you for the much needed push and for the encouragements. Truly you have brought God’s love in our midst. To T2 Bec, T2 Ogie (RIP), T2 Dennis, T2 Rany, T2 Bonnie, T2 Gerry, T2 Chris, T2 Fernan, T2, Anthony, T2 Andrew, T2 Joel, to all Titas in Jeddah and brothers SFCs; To Tito Henry and Tita Luchie, Bros. Gerard, Anthon, Delson, Patrick, Bong, Mark, Jay, Dexter, Glenn, Vioks, Yawh, Eric, Arlan, Mark Brian, all the elders in the CFC community, my brothers in Ras Laffan Household, Bros. Mike, Jacky, Mark, Bam, Jhun2x, Kuya Lenon and Kuya Albert, Herbert for calling me on my phone and CFC sister Gina Ballao in Canada, tita Aileen Reoyo-Palete wife of my brother Fernan Palete.

To Father Adam MacDonald, SVD, my former confrere in the SVD community, thank you very much for always remembering me and my family in your Masses. To my classmate Fr. Robert Laka-Plews, SVD from Papua new Guinea; To Fr. Ronaldo Manabat in Basco, Batanes Cathedral, Fr. Abe Arganiosa of Catholic Defender, my former classmate Tholitz Sardeña whose lives always fascinate me.

To Ate Bibeth, thanks for being my other ate. To Papa Eddie Palada, Mama Rosie Palada, my ading Glenn Mark , Gladys, Indang Helen, Lucy, thank you for being my other family.

To all my Muslim and non-Muslim Arab friends who are so wonderful and kindhearted, to me, you will always be my brothers because we are all under the mercy and generosity of One God, Lord of all – Ahmad Amar احمد عمر, Khaled Esso, Eyad El-Zinary, Anas Sayyed, Majd Tawil, Basel Obedat, Monty Awad, Abood Qudah, thank you.

To Ala’a (Alexandro) Naffa, my dearest Muslim brother, thank you for teaching me about the wonders of your faith. We have proven that the difference in our faith can never be a barrier to anyone’s friendship. Your Islamic faith is as wonderful as my Christian faith and we will always be the best brothers we can be in our own respective beliefs. Thanks for taking me to your family as well. My family remembers you too.

To my brothers Ahmad Hamdan Sbeih in Jordan; Abdelghani Eisa in Egypt; Hashim Ali Hashim in Saudi Arabia who is now studying in London; one of Palestine's greatest swimmers Fadi Awisat; and to Abady Alam in Saudi Arabia who forgot my birthday today, my sincerest thanks to you for the special link of friendship we have and for the trust. I will not forget you.

Kaydian ko a Ivatan – Auntie Eva Celia Agudo, Linda Valiente-Dalagan, Ate Alma Cataluña Araullo, Mark Agana, Flordeliz Estrella, Romualdo Estrella, Carina Javier my classmate, Gayle Baroña, Darling Aguto-Antalan, Ate Merlyn Gabilo, Anna Agudo-Meriel, Kathleen dela Isla, Glenda Cabal-Castaño, Anita Agudo, Babygrace See, Necitas Batin Castillejos, Lala Castillo-Tabuso, Liza Norrielen Simeon, Kuya Oscar Faeldon, Marjorie Ellen Alcantara – Ballada, Kyle Aumentado, Cynthia Agito, Aleth Agito-Lalata (and her family),  Ann Balles-Viola. To all IVATANS, Dios mamajes!

Thank you Chel Tabang, Alvin Espiritusanto, Ellain Espiritusanto, Michelle Ines, Daisy Basilio, Francis Angelo Menor, Marleen Carnaje, Chinaka Okoroafor, Yaekyum Lee, Evelyn Andal and Bryan Tamis, Jessie Malaya, to Zavis Jimenez my one-time US Military friend  before in Kuwait, thanks for the message, much appreciated, it's been six years when we first know each other lol; and Russ Miller, thanks a lot!

My co-workers here in Qatar who came and shook hands with me, Warren Vacaro (from Laguna), Nicolas Josef from Bordeaux, France, Zaw Win from Myanmar,, Marco Antonio Paz who is now working in Kentech, Tampico, Mexico; to Johnny Habchi from Lebanon but living in France, Anthony Mossmann from France and Matias Navarro from Argentina but living in Spain, all are enjoying their vacation now, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My heart is so small to contain such an ocean of love from you. I hope this year is another opportunity for us to bond more closely for this is the greatest gift we can give and share — A genuine FRIENDSHIP!

God bless you all and always be safe.

Here are the greetings I've go from friends all over the world.

Rhoda Abella (CFC-Singles Vancouver, Canada)

Happy, Happy Birthday My Darling! Words aren't enough to express how much I love you... Though we're apart, you're always in my thoughts and in my heart... You're the man of my dreams and God's gift to me. May our good Lord showers us more blessings and good health always. God bless us and our families! Enjoy your special...l day. Take care always! Miss you! I love you ling... muwah!

Jay Tongson (CFC-Singles Singapore)

"Happy Birthday Bro.er....regards sa HH natin jan.. God bless you always... more birthdays & Good health.."

Alvin Espiritusanto (Zamboanga City, Philippines)

hapy bday kuya...=)

Ava Celia Agudo (Ivana, Batanes Philippines)

Hapi bday!wish u more bday's 2 come n more blessing's

Linda Valiente Dalagan (Uyugan, Batanes, Philippines)

Happy Happy Birthday .... Pian Dios!

Alma Cataluna Araullo (Ivana, Batanes Philippines - Australia)

Kapian ka pan Dios du araw mo aya!!! Cheers!

Anthony Tabing (CFC-Singles Doha, Qatar)

Hi bro happy birthday sa iyo. May God grant you grace and courage joy and strength as a shepherd to our bros u

Mark Anthony Lara (CFC-Singles Ras Laffan, Qatar)

Bro erl happy bday i love you bro mwah mwah.sa 23 ha?handa mu ang litchon hehehe. God bless bro more blessings.

Mark Agana (Ivana, Batanes, Philippines)

happy birthday....

احمد عمر Ahmad Omar (Cairo, Egypt)

happy birthday Ernesto Vasol

in arabic kol sana wenta tayb

Flordeliz Estrella (Ivana, Batanes, Philippines)

happy birthday entol

Romualdo Estrella (Ivana, Batanes, Philippines)

Er Happy Birthday and God Bless

Michelle Ines (Camiling, Tarlac)

Happy birthday sir.

Liz Cabitac (Ivana, Batanes, Philippines)

Happy birthday, uncle Er! ^_^

Bette Biag-Go (Camiling, Tarlac, Philipines - USA)

‎"... on the wings of prayer we [Kevin and yours truly] send our warmest greetings...may your faith in God keep you safe from harm and may you be rewarded with abundant blessings..." LOVE-full day to you!

Bong Cabaluna (CFC-Singles Doha Qatar)

happy b-day kapatid! san ba kame pupunta sa thursday anu oras?

Abdelghani Eisa (Alexandria, Egypt)

Halo ernesto. happy birthday my dear friend. i miss qatar. your birthdya is 20 and me in 30. we are the same birthday in september. i am so happy coz we are friends. salam. ♥

Carina Javier (Ivana, Batanes - Brunei Darrusalam)

happy2 b-day classmate.wish u d best!ara va daw!

Gayle Marcela Hornedo Baroña (Ivana, Batanes Philippines)

happy bday kuya er...Godbless always..;)

Daisy Basilio Lucaten (San Clemente, Tarlac, Philippines)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

From Home (Bulacan)

happy birthday anak.

Glenn Lucero (CFC-Singles Doha, Qatar)

happy bday brod!

Francis Angelo Go Menor (Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines)

happy birthday!

Kristine Vasol Tivar (Virac, Catanduanes, Philipipnes)

happy birthday tito..godbless always..

Agnes Cabitac (Manila)

Happy Birthday uncle Er!..Godbless...:D

Maryjane Duguran Vasol (Ivana, Batanes, Canada)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! i WISH YOU ALL THE BEST ... A LOT OF BLESSINGS AND GOOD HEALTH AND PROSPERTY... TAKE CARE ALWAYS AND BE IN GOOD CHEER...

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD (Chicago, USA)

Greetings from your friend for a Happy, Happy Birthday! Did you change your Facebook page??? I no longer see you in my Friends' list. Please know that you're being remembered in my thoughts and prayers as you give thanks to God today for the gift of life. Take care and God bless!".

Marleen Carnaje (Silay City & Doha, Qatar)

happy happy birthday bro :)

Mark Brian Macabagdal (CFC-Singles Doha, Qatar)

Happy Birthday Bro! May the good Lord always bless and take care of you. have a great day today!

Chinaka Okoroafor (Ras Laffan, Qatar - Nigeria)

Happy Birthday Ernesto! I hope u r organizing a party for us. I wish u God's abundant blessings and many better years ahead. Enjoy your day!

Darling Aguto Antalan (Ivana, Batanes - USA)

happy birthday! :) imu maparara changuraw su red wine aw :)

Anthony Pacetes (CFC-Singles Jeddah, KSA)

Happy birthday tito..God bless po..ingat palage..

Merlyn Gabilo (Ivana, Batanes)

On ur b'day, some words of wisdom... ...smile while u still have teeth.

happy b'day!!!!

Anna Agudo-Meriel (Ivana, Batanes)

happy happy birthday kakteh!!!

Ellain Espiritusanto (Zamboanga City)

Happy birthday sir... :))

Yaekyum Lee (Seoul, South Korea, Ras Laffan, Qatar, Paris, France)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Kathleen Acedo Dela Isla (Ivana, Batanes)

Happy Birthday ...

Anita Agudo (Ivana, Batanes)

HAPPY B-DAY!!!! GOD BLESS....

Khaled Esso (Alexandria, Egypt)

happy happyyyy birthday to you my dearest friend ERNOO

enjoyyyyyyyyyyy it to max ;)

Glenda Cabal Castano (Ivana, Batanes)

Happy Birthday mu kakteh....Many more b-days 2 come...God Bless!!!

Carlo Ivan Barona Vasol (Ivana, Batanes)

happy birthday uncle er..may u have more birthdays 2 come..god bless!

Vioks Rallos (CFC-Singles Doha, Qatar)

Maligayang bati sa iyong kaarawan kapatid! Pagpalain ka ng ating panginoon kasama ang iyong mga mahal sa buhay. :)

Yahweh Balondo (CFC-Singles Doha, Qatar)

Happy Happy Bday kapatid!!,..

Eric Mojares (CFC-Singles Doha, Qatar)

Maligayang kaawarawan brad!

John Winston Cabitac (Ivana, Batanes)

happy birthday cle er!

Babygrace See (Ivana, Batanes, Philippines0

Happy birthday! More birthdays 2 come, enjoy ur day, Godbles!

Ahmad Hamdan Sbeih ʚϊɞ (Amman, Jordan)

heeey happpppy birth dayyyy dude , wish alllllll allll the best for u bro.

have fun bro ;) ♥ ♥ ♥

Bryan Tamis (Camiling, Tarlac)

sir happy happy b-day,san tau ngaun,inuman na ah!

Liz Cabitac (Ivana, Batanes)

gift ko sayo, uncle er, am uved, yellow rice, kan payi. turuh ko nanchi an maynahu tad vatan. hahaha... dawa kelangan am mirwa kamu mamatan... taytu kud manila ya changuri... kapya kamu na daw. pray ko for a rain of blessings for u, uncle. ^_^

Eyad El-Zinary (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

happy birthday :D

Alexandro Naffa (Beirut-Lebanon, Texas, USA)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERNESTOOOOOOO

You know this is a very special day for me as it was my late beloved brother's birthday and as I told you I would NEVER forget this day.

I wish you the best wishes there is in the world, I pray that you and your family will always be safe with good health and wealth. Maybe you are not with yo......ur family now to celebrate this very special and important day of your life but remember that they love you and are depend on you all the time. Brother I want to thank you for always being there for me when needed and again wish you the best of luck in Life and I really hope to see you soon maybe when u come to Canada you can also pay a visit to your family here in HOUSTON...

Salam to you and to all of your family and your fiance

Necitas Batin Castillejos (Ivana, Batanes)

happy birthday!

Arlan M. Valdeabella (CFC-Singles Doha, Qatar)

Happy birthday Ernest!

Lala Castillo Tabuso (Basco, Batanes)

Happy birthday! Makawawa ka pirmi. God bless.

Liza Norrielene Simeon (Basco, Batanes, Philippines)

happy happy birthday po. . .more birthday's and blessing's to come......Godbless u always

Christopher S. Pangan (CFC-Couples Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Happy Birthday tito!God Bless

Evelyn Andal (Milan, Italy)

Happy Birthday po, Have a very nice day, May God bless you always, pray for me too, thanks a lot po.

Jacky Alcoriza (CFC-Singles Ras Laffan, Qatar)

Michael Mitu (CFC-Singles Ras Laffan, Qatar)

ALLTOGETHER, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO IR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maagang pa-burger naman dyan mamamaya sa JK Plaza (Kung makakapasok, hehehehehe)

Gladys Palada (Milan, Italy)

happy birthday -mama

Oscar Faeldon Happy (Mahatao, Batanes, Philippines)

Birthday Kaydian!

Anas Sayyed (Palestine)

Happy birthday ernesto

Chel P Tabang

Happy birthday Er,may God grant u peace,love,and joy,mor bdays 2 come! Be d best of wat u r...god bless!

Leonora Salac

Happy birthday pinsan! muzta kna dyan?

Marjorie Ellen Alcantara-Ballada

happy birthday er! makawawa ka daw

enjoy your bday and take care alwa

Fernan Palete (CFC Jeddah, Doha)

hello po tito..

happy2x birthday lang po sa iyo dyan. i know medyo hindi rin maganda ang news na dumating satin but i hope somehow you enjoy din your birthday with your friends dyan. lets just continue praying for tito ogie as well as sa kanyang family. Hes really a good servant, a good leader, a brother and really a ve...ry good friend to us. i remember nga the times na andun pa tayo sa jeddah na naging bahay na rin natin ang bahay nya esp during weekend. basta ingat lang po lagi dyan to. God bless po sa ating lahat. have a very happy2x birthday to you..ys.

Gina Ballao (CFC Vancouver, Canada)

BIRTHDAY... pareng errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!! wishing u all the best inlyf,more bdays to cme and alwys gudhealth thogh....godblesss!

Boneng Villamil (CFC Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Happy Birthday T2 Er! God bless.

Jessie Mangahas (Norzagaray, Bulacan)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY .....uncle we mis you and we love you saw much.. take care always..god bless

Majd Tawil (Palestine)
Happy birthday ernesto :d

Basel Obedat (Palestine)
Happy birthday ernesto

Monty Awad (Cairo, Egypt)
"happy birth day"

Abood Qudah (Amman, Jordan)
happy birthday my best friend

Julius Battuing (Sabtang, Batanes)
hapi bday n God bless

Zavis Jimenez (USA)
Bon anniversaire, alles Gute zum Geburtstag, 生日快乐, buon compleanno, с днем рождения, 축 생일, feliz cumpleaños, happy birthday to you in french, german, chinese, italian, russian, korean and spanish hope your birthday is a wonderfully filled with many fond memories as you begin a new year of your life. Take and love of love.

Jhun-Jhun Echon (CFC-Singles Ras Laffan, Qatar)
Good afternoon Brad,
hahahaha...ba't late na kayo nag-email at nag-greet kay kuya Ir, hinintay ko message ninyo hanggang 9am para magsecond the motion lang ako...hehehe


Kuya Ir, happy birthday birthday! More Blessings at Pagpapasalamat sa Poong Maykapal.. Alas-4 pa lang naman, puede pa bumati.. hehe


God bless sa lahat...


Zaw Thomaszakaria Zaw (Myanmar)
Happy B'day my online fri ..............
I would like to sent u wonderful e B'day card .......... but later...........

Jessie Malaya (Cavite, Philippines)
happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rommel Pulpulaan (CFC- Singles Doha, Qatar)
Maligayang Bati Kapatid! May you feel the Lord's love all year round! God bless!

Xtian Cataluña Vaso (Ivana, Batanes, Philippines)
happy birthday po :)

Marco Antonio Paz (Kentech, Tampico, Mexico)
happy birthday!!!

A Rc H David
kuya i suddenly thought n bday mo today, i was reading sumthing then it hit me. happy birthday kuya!! gbu!

Kyle Aumentado
Happy Birthday!!! ara kana mangu? angu paybirthdeyan camel hehehe joke...take care:)

Aileen Reoyo-Palete (Iloilo, Philippines)
hi t2 happy birthday.

Cynthia Agito (Ivana, Batanes)
hi! Er, happy birthday, more blessings to come and hev a great day...cheers:)

Dexter Carreon (CFC-Singles Doha, Qatar)
Happy Birthday Bro! God bless

Ann Balles-Viola
HAppy HaPpY 25 (th) birthday Kaidian! kabday mo rin sis, pamangkin at Auntie ko. . . . God Bless u all and God bless you more

Fadi Awisat (Palestine)
happy birthday er ,, wish u all the best man:)
enjoy it maaaaaxx ,,have a great day
ur friend
fodyxo

Dennis Acaya (Ivana, Batanes)
Happy B-day uncle....

Droidz Red (CFC-Singles Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
Happy birthday T2 Er. May you receive all you heart's desire the whole year through! We miss you here sa Jeddah!

Russ Miller (Cumberland, MD, USA)
Happy Birthday Ernesto. Hope you enjoyed your day. God Bless.

IN MEMORIAM: Brother Ogie Guererro (CFC Jeddah Unit Head - SOLD) R.I.P.

OGIE GUERERRO (R.I.P.)

I am saddened by the news that came to me today through Bro. Anthony, a brother in the CFC Community in Jeddah, KSA that Bro. Ogie Guererro passed away yesterday while he and some companions were enjoying the weekends yesterday, 17-September-2010 in Obhur.

I cannot explain the sadness I am feeling right now.  I wanted to share my grief to my community in Jeddah.  I can only comfort myself by contemplating about the good memories we shared in the community while I was in Jeddah from 2006-2007. Our encounter may be very short but his personal witnessing to Christ and his exemplary service to the CFC Community will be remembered forever.

Tito Ogie's residence was just a few walks away from my house. He use to pick me and drop me home when there were big gatherings like teachings and celebration of the Holy Mass. He invites me to some dinner or just for bonding with other community members like Tito Fernan Palete with Tito Dennis Lee Rivera. We hold Tito Ogie on high esteem for his Christ-like leadership.

How could I forget Tito Ogie when he was there all the time when I needed his brotherly care. On the eve of my supposed deportation (after my sponsor failed to issue my Iqama) he and two other Titos (Andrew and Dennis) patiently waited for me at McDonalds. He ensured that I have everything I needed before the "raid" would take place. 

Three days while I hiddenly housed by a Filipino muttawas inside a "safe-house" in Sarafia Street, he and Tito Dennis use to drop by and treat me with my favorite "biryani."

Tito Ogie gave me hope and strength while I was patiently waiting for my flight from the Jawasat for 18 days.  He assured me of our community's constant prayers in my behalf encouraging me to have faith in the Lord and to be patient. 

Tito Ogie was God's ultimate instrument for flowing His blessings when I was totally dependent and in need of financial assistance. Thanks to Tito Rany Constantitno who became our father in the community that blessings start pouring in from our brethren in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

During one of his vacation in the Philippines, I visited him with his family in Marilao, Bulacan. His house is just two rides away from my brother's house. I met his family and shared good times together.

I had always hoped to meet him again in Jeddah or in Bulacan if there would be any chance but that hope vanished when I learned of his death.

The feeling of sadness I felt was very personal to me. I had cousins and relatives who died before but I didn't grieved that much. In Tito Ogie's death I was deeply mourning. I was moved to tears but I couldn't. I was feeling frustrated. Yes I was a bit angry.

But then, I have to remind myself of the fact that life on earth is just temporary and that we have to be prepared anytime.

I maybe sad for losing a dear brother and a loving and trusted friend but our faith in the Lord should give me the reason to rejoice for he is now with the Lord.

I will always miss you Tito Ogie. Through our prayers and sacrifices, may the Lord cleanse you from your sins and receive you in Paradise. May your soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

To his family, may your faith sustains you during this difficult times. May you find shelter and strength in the Lord who is the source of our life.

May you be strengthened by our community and may you always find joy and peace in Christ the Lord.

In his letter to the Romans (8:38-39), St. Paul has a very beautiful reminder for all of us pilgrims that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, 10 nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Our KSA CFC Community is mourning. In behalf of our CFC Qatar Community, I join you brethren in your grief for the loss of our dear brother Ogie Gurerro.

Here is a letter from Bro. Andrew for those who wish to extend their condolences to his bereaved family.

Brethren,

Siguro naman po nakaabot na sa inyo na wala na po si Tito Ogie Guerrero, ang Unit Head ng SOLD Jeddah at Coordinator for SOLDWR, who died while scuba diving sa Obhur area ng Jeddah yesterday, 17 Sept 2010. Nalunod po si T2 Ogie, naubusan ng oxygen.

Ang SFCWR po will definitely organize a day para po sabay-sabay na bumisita dun ang mga Tito/Tita na nasa Pilipinas na for good or on vacation, to show our solidarity with the bereaved family. Please coordinate with our contact person, si T2 Thony Bencalo, +639065285581.

Eto po ang home address ni T2 Ogie:

BLK 31 LOT 13 HERITAGE HOMES
LOMA DE GATO, MARILAO BULACAN
LANDLINE 044 7201988

Ang sister-wife nya po ay si Tita Grace Guerrero. So far, hindi pa po natin alam kung saan ibuburol kasi po andito pa po sa Jeddah ang bangkay.

Sana po ay be ready to visit the family kapag dumating na po ang bangkay dyan.

God bless!
T2 Droidz

With T2 Bec, another T2,  T2 Rany & T2 Ogie

Jeddah, KSA photo in 2006 before our beach outing (CFC-Singles for Christ members with Tito Ogie)

I WILL BE MISSING YOU TITO OGIE! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!

What is so good about being Catholics?

Sense of Awe and Holiness at Mass Celebration at Westminster Cathedral with the Pope and priests in the Eastern Rites (wearing black)

Here's is a blog entirely dedicated to the Papal UK Trip. One of the fascinating questions being asked is What’s so good about being Catholic? (Part One).

I wonder what’s on the head of the 1.9 billion Catholics worldwide and why they are Catholics?

In response to this blog intended for the Papal UK Trip (the first EVER State Visit by a Pope), let me rephrase the comment I’ve posted there:

I am so proud that I belong to the TRUE CHURCH of CHRIST founded upon Cephas (Simon Peter- the First Pope). And because Christ promised “hell shall NOT prevail” (Mt. 16) so SHALL it be.

For more than 2,000 years now, the Catholic Church has stood many wars and schisms. The Church survived attacks from all sides – from non-Christians, non-Catholics and Catholics themselves, the Universal Church has never wavered and is now 2,010 years old as we all see in our calendars (see Catholic Church Timeline).

I must admit I really love the Catholic Church and I love the Pope. I haven’t been so proud for being part of this Universal Church.

Among the many good reasons why I love Catholicism is that WE HAVE IT ALL!

We have variations of worship. We have what the Pentecostal Christians have—the Catholic Charismatic groups in various name but belonging to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ. We praise God in dance, trumpets, lyre, lutes, harps, drums, guitar, piano, bass – we have great Charismatic preachers in good numbers in different tongues and races.

We have the contemplatives where we can praise God in total silence and solitude. We have the monks, the hermits, the monateries, convents, retreat houses etc.

But the focal and highest form of worship is the Holy Mass where we all meet as one Church. Said in different rites richly coming from the 21 Eastern Catholic Tradition Rites and the Latin Rite, and the soon-to-be Anglican Catholic Rite in the making.

We have the Sacraments COMPLETE. Other Christians have 4 or 5 or 3 but in the Catholic Church we have the 7 Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Penance or Reconciliation, Matrimony or Marriage, Holy Orders, Last Rite or the Anointing of the Sick.

We recognize three VOCATIONS: Married Life, Consecrated Life, and Single Blessedness.

We have a COMPLETE BIBLE which includes the Deuterocanonicals as CANONICAL. Protestants consider these books "less important" so that you cannot find them in any Protestant versions of the Bible.

We believe in Jesus Christ BOTH GOD and MAN as oppose to some Protestants who believed Jesus as God ONLY and to some who believed he’s a Man ONLY.

We accept all the 21 Ecumenical Councils (see Summary here) which our separated brethren in the Orthrodox Church recognized only some. In the Protestant Church, some totally recognized none of them.

We stand on what is TRUE. We do not succumb to secularism or political correctness.

We stand on what the Apostles stood for. We do not conform to modern cultures. We do not exist on popularity.

We promote UNITY. We initiate dialogue to other faiths. We promoted Ecumenism among Christian communities and Religious Dialogue among non-Christian faiths.

We meddle between the growing hatred between our elder brethren, the JEWS and our younger brethren, the MUSLIMS even at some point some infringe groups hated us most.

We promote PEACE. We build bridges to UNDERSTANDING. We unite cultures. We unite peoples. We heal wounds of division. We promote friendship. We let them walk inside our “houses of worship” even some religions do not allow us to enter theirs.

We LOVE LIFE. We PROTECT it. We detest abortion. We fight for the rights of every unborn child. We detest euthanasia. We care our elderly. We DO NOT agree on Capital Punishment. We stand for the promotion of HUMAN PERSON’S DIGNITY. We give and share Life, NOT to take it away. Only God can. We see the SANCTITY of Life.

We promote FAMILY VALUES. We oppose against unnatural family planning. We condemn the use of condoms, abortificient pills. We oppose against masturbation, same sex “marriage”, adoption of children by gay “couples” and promotion of sex. We view sex as something sacred that we promote celibacy, self-control, purity and virginity and marital respect for copulation. (see THE CHURCH TEACHINGS ABOUT BIRTH CONTROL)

We oppose DIVORCE, “what God has joined, no man can separate” thus making the Sacrament of Marriage SACRED and INDISOLUBLE.

We hated sin but not the sinner. We forgive repentant sinners (and apply justice to everyone who sinned) and give them a chance to amend their lives just as God has given us again and again the needed opportunity to correct our mistakes. We also elevate virtuous people who lived a saintly life. We promote emulating the saints who are heroes of the Church—friends of Christ whom they all looked up to.

We promote ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. We see the grave sin of destroying nature which God created it so “good.” We are stewards of Creation.

We stand on what is true and what is moral. We don’t change our teachings; we stick to what is TRUE according to Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

We celebrate the Holy Eucharist as our common and highest form of worship. We have the same readings all over the world everyday in the Mass. We celebrate the life of Jesus from Conception to Resurrection until he comes again.

We are united under the leadership of the Pope, the successor of Peter, our Central authoritative figure. There are no dissenters. When you say you are a Catholic you should adhere to what the Catholic Church teaches. If you don’t then you ceased to bear the name.

I thank God for I am a Catholic.

Catholic Church Greet Muslims a Happy Eid

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

Christians and Muslims:

Together in overcoming violence among followers of different religions

MESSAGE FOR THE END OF RAMADAN

‘Id al-Fitr 1431 H. / 2010 a.d.

Vatican City

Dear Muslim Friends,

1. ‘Id Al-Fitr, which concludes Ramadan, presents, once again, a favorable occasion to convey to you the heartfelt wishes of serenity and joy on behalf of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Throughout this month, you have committed yourselves to prayer, fasting, helping the neediest and strengthening relations of family and friendship. God will not fail to reward these efforts!

2. I am delighted to note that believers of other religions, especially Christians, are spiritually close to you during these days, as is testified by the various friendly meetings which often lead to exchanges of a religious nature. It is pleasing to me also to think that this Message could be a positive contribution to your reflections.

3. The theme proposed this year by the Pontifical Council, Christians and Muslims: Together in overcoming violence among followers of different religions, is, unfortunately, a pressing subject, at least in certain areas of the world. The Joint Committee for Dialogue instituted by the Pontifical Council and al-Azhar Permanent Committee for Dialogue among the Monotheistic Religions had also chosen this topic as a subject of study, reflection and exchange during its last annual meeting (Cairo, 23 - February 24, 2010). Permit me to share with you some of the conclusions published at the end of this meeting.

4. There are many causes for violence among believers of different religious traditions, including: the manipulation of the religion for political or other ends; discrimination based on ethnicity or religious identity; divisions and social tensions. Ignorance, poverty, underdevelopment are also direct or indirect sources of violence among as well as within religious communities. May the civil and religious authorities offer their contributions in order to remedy so many situations for the sake of the common good of all society! May the civil authorities safeguard the primacy of the law by ensuring true justice to put a stop to the authors and promoters of violence!

5. There are important recommendations also given in the above mentioned text: to open our hearts to mutual forgiveness and reconciliation, for a peaceful and fruitful coexistence; to recognize what we have in common and to respect differences, as a basis for a culture of dialogue; to recognize and respect the dignity and the rights of each human being without any bias related to ethnicity or religious affiliation; necessity to promulgate just laws which guarantee the fundamental equality of all; to recall the importance of education towards respect, dialogue and fraternity in the various educational arenas: at home, in the school, in churches and mosques. Thus we will be able to oppose violence among followers of different religions and promote peace and harmony among the various religious communities. Teaching by religious leaders, as well as school books which present religions in an objective way, have, along with teaching in general, a decisive impact on the education and the formation of younger generations.

6. I hope that these considerations, as well as the responses which they elicit within your communities, and with your Christian friends, will contribute to the continuation of a dialogue, growing in respect and serenity, upon which I call the blessings of God!

Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran
President


Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata
Secretary

Cloistered Nuns Share Recording Label with Elton John

Lovely choir with heavenly music that can transport your soul before the throne of the Almighty. A must for Catholics and all who love sacred music.

Learning Arabic is Fun

“Worm-like writings, how could you read such a difficult script?’ exclaimed my Filipino friend.

It’s easy.

First have the passion to learn.

Dedicate some time, not your spare time.

Daily set a targeted plan.

Learn it for a purpose.

Inculturate!

I have been working in the Middle East for almost 10 years now and most of the people I encountered were expats speaking in English. There were Arabs but they too were speaking in a language we all understand—it’s English.

Outside the office, English is not the language being spoken by local people. It’s Arabic. When you buy simple stuffs, you need to speak Arabic. When you ask for a receipt, it’s all written in Arabic. When someone asks a question, how could I politely reply if I don’t understand the language they’re speaking?

Just a simple answer to a simple question what my name was, I couldn’t even answer. The usual gesture, ignore and turn your back and pretend as if you didn’t hear any. But in my opinion, that’s rude. Of course, our inability to understand their language is inexcusable but failure to learn their own language is a gross laxity on our part.

I was challenged. I had the passion. So it all started by learning the basic A-B-C (although they do not have the A-B-C alphabets just as we use the Roman letters). Arabic script is heavily depended to phonetics, not the spelling (See Arabic Alphabet)

Let’s say for example, the name of Islam’s prophet (pbuh)*, محمد. The equivalent letters we can extract from this Arabic script are ‘mhmd’ which is read to be the name of their prophet. That’s the reason why you can read lots of Muslim names spelled differently such as Muhammad, Muhammed, Mohamed, Muhamad but when it’s written in Arabic, they are all the same محمد.

Our own ignorance of the Arabic culture hinders us from learning the Arabic script. Our own prejudices prevent us from giving a try. For most of us, the Arabic script is equated to Muslims and Islam since their Holy Book called Qu’ran is written in classical Arabic. We forget that before the advent of Islam, Arab Christians and Jews lived in the present Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Egypt etc. and they speak Arabic The expansion of Arabic script was introduced widely altogether with the Muslim conquest of the present Arab countries. However, Arab Christians do write Arabic, pray in Arabic, read the Bible in Arabic. They call God “Allah” just as our Muslim brethren calls God “Allah”. In other words, I can learn Arabic without surrendering my Christian faith. I can speak Arabic, yet a Christian. My Arab Muslim friends respect that—and they show much amount of support if they see in you the enthusiasm learning what they love to do.

Now, I can write and read Arabic script. Although I can read, I still need more time understanding what I am reading. Of course, I am not aiming to perfect it but at least I have proven something to myself that no matter how difficult learning the Arabic script could be, it’s fun and it’s worth it. This is inculturation which means appreciating, learning, loving the Arabic language, its script and its entire culture.

Here’s a simple translation of my birthplace.

My country: Philippines = الفلبين

My Province: Batanes = بتانيس

My town: Ivana = إفانا (note: in Arabic script, they do not have the equivalent letter “v” instead they use the letter /f/ sound. The same is used instead of the sound /p/, such as “Papa (Pope), they say al-Baba البابا.)

My barangay: Radiwan = رديون

أنا أرنستو. أنا من بتانيس و الفلبين. زيارة مكاني هل هي موضع ترحيب.

Thanks to all those Arabic speaking friends who contributed to my learning.

Mohammed Elmasry (Palestinian - London, UK)

Hamza Al-Zyadat (Jordanian - Dubai, UAE)

Hashim Ali Hashim (Saudi - London, UK)

Randa & Tamara (Saudi – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Hisham Rababa’h (Jordanian – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Abedlrhman Al-Ghanem (Jordanian - Amman, Jordan)

Mohammad Samara (Jordanian - Dubai, UAE)

Tariq Amin (Pakistani - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) father of Hassan

Mohammad Saggaf (Yemeni – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi (Yemeni - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Abdelghany Eisa (Egyptian – Alexandria, Egypt)

Mahmoud Nassar (Egyptian – Cairo, Egypt)
Mohammad Goma (Egyptian - Alexandria, Egypt)
Mohammad Gaber (Egyptian - Alexandria, Egypt)

And the rest of my Arab friends whom I’ve conversed daily. Thanks to you.

(*PBUH is an abbreviated Peace be upon him—usually said right after Muslim mentions the name of their prophet or any other prophet in that respect. Learning its Islamic culture fosters respect in their belief. See here for more information.)

Catholic Talibans

I didn't mean those who pathetically blew up buildings or detonates deadly explosives in parked trucks and cars. I mean those who forbid you to express yourself positively and constructively without undermining set Catholic rules on modesty.

I call these extremist guys "Catholic Talibans."

OK don't get me wrong. Before someone frets out, let me justify my point here.

One beautiful thing why I am always fascinated with the Catholic Church is because it has a unified set of rules as a church--body of Christ or as an individual.

The official Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Code of Canon Law, the Magisterium, the Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, etc, they never oppose with one another. They're the surest guide for each Catholic whether he or she is an ordinary faithful or member or any Catholic community or a religious or priest. Everyone acts according to what the Church is expecting us to live.

The Catholic Church directs our lives from conception to death (and even after death until everyone reunites with God in Heaven by praying those poor souls in Purgatory).

I use to wear one earring. I wore it for a purpose. And I know perfectly why I wore that piece of metal. Every time I wear it, I feel good about myself. I feel much positive inner joy in me that I became more productive, friendly, prayerful, honest, helpful, helping, charitable. I feel am a better person-- a better Christian. Actually it's not about the piece of metal. It's about what I feel about myself.

Still trapped in his prejudices against men wearing ea rings, I was told to remove it like a military commander. I thought he was joking but no he wasn't. His face shows he really was serious.

Why should I?

Look. There are a lot of Catholic Talibans everywhere. They impose their own self standards. And they judge according to appearance. That's one reason why in many Catholic communities, we find many members unable to cope up with their specific cultures. After sessions, instead of talking about what to give up for charity, they would talk about the latest expensive gadgets showcasing what they've got not to mention what they wearing-- signatured shirts, pants, shoes etc. Those can't-afford members would be left out or they would feel insignificant because they couldn't ride on the conversation anymore.. and so they quit.

I use to listen anyone even how insignificant his story may be. I don't judge. I listen. I never threat. I sympathize. I never impose my own set rules. And I never give unsolicited advise. I think that's one good reason why I hear all those stories about Catholic communities.

Why are we having Catholic Talibans in our communities? Are those men wearing ea rings or having tattoo in their bodies unable to love as Christ requires each of us? Are they incapable of doing charity? Did they lose their Catholic identity? Did they sin? Or did they violate any of the Ten Commandments or went against any of the Catechism of the Catholic Church? Did they lose their souls or had they lost the chance to be saved?

No.

Those men with tattoos or one earring still have their souls intact. They are still capable of loving and they can still perform charitable acts. They can still call Jesus as their Lord and God. They can still receive the Holy Communion (under the state of grace) and they can still the best Catholic that they could.

Now I understand. When we focus on our self-righteousness or judge people by their appearances, we loose our identities as channels of peace and love and we became "Taliban" unable to accept that there "what's essential is invisible to the eye."

But now, I removed my earring. I did it as I pleased. I am concern of anyone's sensitivity in my community and perhaps giving-up my pride and practice obedience is more self-fulfilling than wearing my earring at all.

I hope Catholic Talibans may realize that above all-- it's LOVE that counts. For this is what the Law requires us.