Posted on 10/15/2004 7:07:00 PM PDT by Land of the Irish
The Bishop of Leiria-Fátima, D. Serafim Ferreira e Silva, has this week admitted to the existence of enemies of Fátima, saying many emanate from within the Catholic Church. Speaking at a press conference held at the Sanctuary, the Bishop preferred not to identify these enemies, saying only that some of them are involved in science or pseudo-science. He added he has personal instructions from the Pope to promote interfaith dialogue.
The Bishop used the conference to highlight the fact that the Fátima Sanctuary is open to all, including the Dalai Lama or an agnostic, and to those who believe and to those who do not.
He further explained that he has personal instructions from the Pope regarding inter-religious dialogue.
The Bishop was reacting to recent news reports that stated the Vatican had reacted negatively to visits at the Sanctuary by the Dalai Lama and Hindu priests, along with the staging of an interfaith congress at Fátima a year ago.
The Bishop also reiterated his full confidence in the Rector of the Sanctuary, Luciano Guerra, during the press conference, shortly before the two clergymen prepared to lead the annual October 13 procession to the Sanctuary.
Furthermore, D. Serafim Ferreira e Silva also presented the minutes of the 2003 congress, citing the introduction of Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who wrote: It is obvious that the a Sanctuary such as Fátima, founded on an experience of faith, has to open itself to all categories of people.
Ping
What is he talking about...Evolution?
Who is the bishop referring to?
I'm certain he doesn't like traditionalists but I don't see the science reference.
My first thought was that he was referring to those few Catholics who still believe in miracles, visions and prophecies.
That would make sense.
Sure the shrine is open to all--but this does not mean people of other faiths may pray to false deities at Catholic altars. They are welcome to venerate the mother of Jesus just as we do--but they are not welcome to commit blashpemies. If this bishop doesn't understand how Hindu priests praying to their gods at a Fatima altar violates the first commandment--then why was he made a bishop in the first place? If Rome doesn't understand this--then the real problem is located in the Vatican.
Am I mistaken or didn't I read somewhere that Ferreira e Silva and Guerra both got canned recently? I think asked to resign was the euphemism used.
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