Fr Mark Montebello: 'Not happy, not angry' over Church decision
Fr Mark Montebello said this afternoon that he was not happy, but not angry, after the Dominican Province issued a statement dissociating itself from statements he had made. ( http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091126/local/fr-mark-montebello ) .
Fr Montebello said that a letter he had received from the Province raised three issues: his article in it-Torca about divorce, his participation in a programme on One TV where he said he disagreed with a paedophile register, and his comments about the crucifix on The Times, Xarabank and Net TV.
He said he had been told to give his superiors prior copies of contributions he made to the press and to inform them beforehand of invitations to participate in TV programmes.
Fr Montebello said that in his views, opinions that were alternative to official opinions were still not acceptable in Malta. Again - the Church was back to where it was under Archbishop Joseph Mercieca and there was only one way of being Catholic, one way to understand theology and Church philosophy.
Fr Montebello said he would continue to work within the Church and the parameters it set.
In its statement earlier today the Dominican Province said that it regretted any confusion and anger caused by the views aired in the media and elsewhere by Fr Montebello OP and dissociated itself from them when they were not in line with the official teachings of the Catholic Church or with any of its policies.
"Unfortunately, on various occasions, his views tend to offend the sentiments of many, particularly, but not only, of practising Catholics, either because the views expressed do not always conform to the official teaching of the Catholic Church or because of lack of sensitivity shown when dealing with certain issue," the Dominicans said.
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Ludwig Flask
Dec 13th 2009, 08:26
I won't comment of Fr Mark's comments or actions, but from the little I know of him I compare him to Marcellino in 'Marcellino pane e vino '. Fr Mark keep it up!
m.portelli
Dec 6th 2009, 23:12
@ F. Saliba
Sir one cannot but note the curious lengths you go to misinterpret plain English. It was a question of your expectations not of what you actually accomplish linguistically or otherwise. I certainly have no difficulty in letting others express their opinion. I gag no one’s mouth. As to your great desire to uphold the status quo, where would the Dominican spirit be without the creative impulse of countermovement, a fossilised charisma that looks at its glorious past and rests on its laurels? The contemplation of VERITAS sometimes requires a little courage to go against the flow. It is that action which may present new possibilities to reconnect to a Faith, which professes belief in a crucified, but most significantly, a risen and living Christ. I would rather that every member of the Ordo Praedicatorum works tirelessly so that ultimately it is the ‘living Christ’ that doesn’t fade from our community. Hence the usefulness to the souls of others.
Dr Francis Saliba
Dec 4th 2009, 19:51
@MPortelli I am sorry that my English “flummoxes” you – I wish that I could do something to help you out. Incidentally, I expect my opinions to be contested - but only by reasoned argument and not by an attack on my command of the English, such as it is. I rely more on the superiors of the Dominican Order for guidance about its role in to-day’s society. May I? You should realize that Fr Montebello did not “pose any question” for discussion – he made a most categorical statement. His concept of how to promote the well-being of Malta’s Catholic souls was that we should not bother so much about the removal of the crucifix from Malta’s classrooms, at the behest of a Finnish atheist and the interpretation of Human Rights as given by the ECHR. That concept differs radically from that expressed by many others who are equally entitled to express a different opinion and who are much more competent and authoritative than I am. You should have no difficulty to allow us to express our different opinion during our own contemplation of ‘veritas”. You see, I am not at all flummoxed by your lapse into Latin!
m.portelli
Dec 4th 2009, 16:34
@ Francis Saliba Well you expect everyone else to be 'flummoxed' by your propensity for semantic fencing. You make declarations on the length and breadth of your knowledge and expect everyone else to be silent! Scientist , philosopher , theologian, student, scholar or not, you make your thoughts public sir, you should be aware that they may be contested. May I also point out that the Dominican way cherishes tradition but doesn't rest solely on it, it looks for and embraces the possibility of renewal. The contemplation of 'veritas' also looks at the whole breadth of human experience. Fr. Montebello is in the Dominican tradition, being very useful to the souls of others essentially by posing the question 'Is it the display of the crucifix that which makes you a Catholic'?
Dr Francis Saliba
Dec 3rd 2009, 16:01
@MPortelli
Before some malicious individual defames me, please note that It is you not I who are trying to label me as a "scholar".
Dr Francis Saliba
Dec 3rd 2009, 15:30
@Mportelli
What is relevant is that neither “Science” nor “Thomistic Philosophy” have anything to do with Fr Montebello’s attitude to the proposal that the crucifix be removed from the schoolrooms of Malta. Someone must have hoped that I would be awe-struck and become dumbfounded if they were mentioned.
By now it should be obvious that Fr Montebello hurt the sentiments of his bishops, his superiors in the Dominican Order, our political leaders and most of the Maltese observant Catholics. I do not agree with you that these are all “Catholics keen on displays of misguided fervour.” I will not be scared into silence by the false accusation that I judge others or that I label as “atheist” anyone who has not misguidedly boasted to be one.
m.portelli
Dec 3rd 2009, 13:01
@ Francis Saliba
You are well aware then, as a scholar of science, philosophy and Thomism that the Summa Theologica precedes Google by over 700 years therefore it is to be found in libraries all over the world and in other Universities and Thomistic centres not necessarily frequented by yourself. Why do you assume that you are the sole proprietor of this knowledge be it scientific, philosophical or theological? 'Scientists' from different disciplines other than yourself all over the world are indebted to Aquinas for more than one reason. Father Mark Montebello hurts the sentiments of none but those Catholics keen on displays of misguided fervour. Your greatest disservice to the Church is the assumption that yours is the only legitimate love for the Church. Public display of faith in Christ does not rest with the passive display of symbols but lies in action, that I think is Fr. Mark Montebello's example. What should bring Catholics together in Christ is action not effigies. You are quick to judge others as irreligious atheists I should think that Christ is slightly more universal than that.
Dr Francis Saliba
Dec 2nd 2009, 18:31
@MPortelli
I beg you; please try not to stoop to personal attacks but to confine yourself to solid arguments to which I could give civil replies. Before you venture to do so I must warn you that I have studied both science and Thomistic Philosophy academically and not by any desperate and hurried Google search.
I do not assume the role of any “Fidei defensor”. I know that the most notorious possessor of that title became the apostate founder of Protestantism in England and ended his miserable life attempting some form of rapprochement with the Catholic faith.
Dr Francis Saliba
Dec 2nd 2009, 18:12
The greatest disservice to Fr Mark Montebello is not being done by those of us who are pleading with him to “toe the line” taken by his religious superiors, all the leaders of Maltese society and the simple Catholics of this country to defend their traditional religious and cultural right to hang the Holy Crucifix in our public places. Fr Montebello could show his zeal for a more intense demonstration of our Christian charity obligations without hurting the sentiments of Maltese Catholics who genuinely cherish Christ not only in their hearts but also in public. Fr Mark Montebello is not being well served by those atheists and the anti-religious who, to serve their hidden agenda, pounce on his zeal for greater Christian commitment so as to undermine our Christian faith. He is intelligent enough to understand this and he should have the courage to act on it.
m.portelli
Dec 2nd 2009, 14:31
The Archbishop as a member of the preaching order, could also perhaps put Maltese Catholics out of their misery and explicitly state where Father Montebello is in error or is it just a case where Father Montebello happens not to serve the purposes of temporal power and the status quo?The Bishops are utilising a confusing strategy. Having whipped up moral indignation at the ECHR ruling to a frenzy they seem to demand profession of the faith based on outrage. It risks being a case of false enthusiasm. Their excellencies have embarked at the wrong port for true reChristianisation. The Dominicans are also running the danger of expelling a "Dominican charisma" from their ranks, fossilisation is not the Dominican way, Had Aquinas followed the dictates of the first Dominican Constitution ( 1221) he would not have written his summa theologica barely 20 years later. Nor would Albert the Great have insisted on knowledge of the secular sciences. Fr. Mark the Dominican with his 'presence au monde' as his calling requires takes the risk of living and being seen as a real human being who not only speaks words of the gospel but struggles to live them with others.
m.portelli
Dec 2nd 2009, 13:54
@ Francis Saliba
You flatter yourself by assuming the role of 'Fidei defensor' however what in reality you wholeheartedly defend is the preservation of the status quo. You do the Church no favours. In the innumerable times the Church has had to adjust its teaching in the face of incontrovertible evidence eg. from Science it is the Summa Theologica that provides the tools for this to happen. Therefore it is Thomistic reasoning and not I that prove you wrong.
Matthew Agius
Dec 1st 2009, 22:07
When you're a representing member of a club, and talking this way and that way...creates worries.
One has to remember what he is representing. Some responsibility.
Unless you're out of the club ... its not nice.
Christopher Grech
Dec 1st 2009, 17:07
It is only natural that when reading the Bible, one finds too many inconsistencies between what the Church says, and what the Bible says. Mark Montebello may have these dilemmas.
I go one step further and say, that Christ says some things in the Bible, and the Church says other things!
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 30th 2009, 19:30
@OFarrugia It is because I know where to find the source of correct information that I direct your attention to John Chapter 11 verses 47-50 for proof that the Jewish establishment decided that Christ should be sacrificed so as the prevent any violent reaction by the Romans against the Jewish nation. For proof that Christ said that his kingdom was not of this earth please read John Chapter 18 verse 36. There are others.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 30th 2009, 19:09
@MPortelli Your style of writing makes it difficult to be certain whom you are addressing and what you are saying exactly. I presume that this is your third or fourth attempt to argue a point I made about four days ago. Catholic theologians are all the time dissenting between themselves with the blessing of the Church and the result of these disputes become incorporated within the official teaching of the Church. This does not conflict in any way with my statement that the mission of the Church is to welcome back to its fold other different dissenters who had cut themselves off from it. If you understand that simple statement it follows that you have not proved me wrong at all.
O Farrugia
Nov 30th 2009, 17:37
@ Dr Francis Saliba I agree that Jesus did not set out to defy anyone’s temporal power, but He did when he faced Pontius Pilate: you know where to find what Jesus said to him at that moment. The Jewish establishment and their followers were all expecting a fighting warrior for a Messiah to save them from the Romans. So I cannot see why the Jewish establishment would think Jesus, a man who only spoke of peace and love for one another, would lead a revolt against the Romans and sacrifice Him to save the populace. It is true that many people like Judas Iscariot were doubtful that he was truly the Messiah and the people’s minds were really getting messed up. So what the Jewish establishment preferred to do was to shut him up by being seen as saving their followers and their religion. And yes, history keeps repeating itself everywhere but with different people.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 30th 2009, 16:04
@Kenneth Cassar
This discussion has been distracted into irrelevant side issues. No one has contested Fr Montebello’s undisputed record of putting into practice the Christian commitment to love one’s neighbour especially the underdog. The Dominican community has stated this unequivocally. No one contests that, in common with the rest of frail humanity, Christians often sadly fail to reach the high standard demanded of them by Christ and by his Church. The real point at issue is that acquiescing to the atheist demand for the removal of the crucifix from schoolroom walls, and adopting a stance in open confrontation with the policy adopted by the Catholic Church, does not conduce to any improvement in the defective behaviour of any Catholics. It discourages them and makes them fear that the Church is no longer “UNAM, Sanctam, Catholicam Ecclesia.
This open defiance of one’s superiors in Christ only provides a platform for an atheist attack not only against Catholicism, but against all religions. A brief glance at many of the comments “in aid of” Fr Montebello proves this conclusively.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 30th 2009, 13:15
@OFarrugia
Relevant points:
Christ did not set out to defy anybody’s temporal power. What He actually said was: “Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and give unto God what is God’s” and "My KIngdom is not of this earth"
The Jewish establishment delivered Christ into the hands of a pagan civil authority because they feared that Christ’s increasing following would be assumed to be another revolt against Rome and therefore it would be better that “one person” (Christ) should be sacrificed rather than the whole populace would suffer at the hands of the Romans.
m.portelli
Nov 30th 2009, 12:31
You are always it seems smithen with word blindness on reading what you yourself write. I wonder what you did not mean then ! I'll remind you :
"it does not aim to be popular because its mission is to attract dissenters back to its fold not to modify its teaching to appease dissenters, even assuming that this were possible"
Some 'dissenters' were proven right ergo the Church then had to modify its teaching. History and St. Thomas Aquinas prove you wrong. You do the Church no favours. You defend an exclusive Church.
Kenneth Cassar
Nov 30th 2009, 12:27
Any lover of truth would be dismayed by the company coming out against Fr Montebello, their arguments and their motivation!
Christine Xuereb
Nov 29th 2009, 10:33
From the little that I read about Fr Montebello, he follows the true Christian faith and not the Roman Catholic faith . So why not follow Pentecostal / Baptist practices of just following Christ- like virtues ? He doesn't follow wordly mundane things like THE CHURCH but Jesus' spirit which i really commend in him!
O Farrugia
Nov 29th 2009, 00:46
Just an interesting reference story:
Jesus took on the two most powerful INSTITUTIONS of his time - The ROMAN EMPIRE and THE JEWISH RELIGION.
The Governor Pontius Pilate had the power to destroy the body but washed his hands when his temporal power was defied by Jesus. The High Priest Caiaphas could declare that Jesus’ teachings or his life was not in conformity with the Jewish religious texts and therefore, could bring accusations of blasphemy and thereby have him executed.
Caiphas could not wash his hands because JESUS was making his religious group irrelevant with his teachings, sermons and through his disciples. They bring in the religious laws and interpret them according to their understanding or convenience. They threaten, they insult, they disparage Him, but JESUS stands SUPREME AND ALONE, despite all the physical limitations!
So even Jesus acted on his agenda to serve His Father's will as a single individual ! Jesus only had SPIRITUAL POWER. From beginning to end. He changed the pre-existing laws of retribution to those of COMPASSION and SACRIFICE and Christianity was born.
Would anyone recognize Jesus were He to walk this Earth again?
Stephen Borg Cardona
Nov 28th 2009, 23:12
I must say, that i think Fr Montebello comes across as having got his priorities right.
C.Busuttil
Nov 28th 2009, 23:10
@William P Flynn
Your John Cornwell is no historian, his theories in that novel he has written and that you consider as some sort of revelation have been destroyed piece by piece by REAL historians. the author himself has retracted many of his theories. As Your Cornwell has always failed to produce a single piece of paper as evidence to an extent that a Jewish conservative rabbi David G Dalin has written a book to counter Cornwell's ridiculous theories
Please Don't mistake novels for history.
M. Grech
Nov 28th 2009, 19:16
After watching the Xarabank program on the village feasts I think we, and the church, need people like Fr Mark Montebello to re-direct our path to the real teaching of Christ and the basics or early Christianity the truth of which got a little bit twisted and perhaps even turned over through the millenia.
But then the church is a power house and of course power doers not allow dissent from the establishment. It doesn't mean that the Church is right.
Tony Bonello
Nov 28th 2009, 19:11
Come join this group on Facebook to show solidarity with Fr.Mark Montebello http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=204249522480 the more we are the better.
MBorg
Nov 28th 2009, 16:20
@ Pam Muscat
"True Christianity has very little to do with the establishment ".
In this case the " establishment " is the Catholic church, the Catholic religion, the Pope,bishops and his superiors. A priest just has to obey his "establishment " The vow he took in joining the order was a vow of obdience and he is not giveing any sign that he is fulfilling his vows. We see no obdience just plain arrogance.
If he now thinks that he has grown above the " establishment " he should leave.
Pam Muscat
Nov 28th 2009, 15:47
When Jesus said, "he who has no sin cast the first stone"...He showed great wisdom apart from compassion. True Christianity has very little to do with establishment..it's to do with a personal relationship with Christ, a genuine love towards one another, and a call, a mission to spread all of that with the lost and the hurting. I see Mark Montebello doing plenty of that :))))))...I pray he continues to abide in the Grace of the Lord to endure this senseless persecution. A vow to follow Christ is a vow to LOVE.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 28th 2009, 10:02
@JosephMMeli
I am certain that Fr Montebello would not thank you for your: "Above the State there is NOTHING and NOBODY !!!". That statement befits an atheist secularist - and I am certain that Fr Montebello would not like to be included in that category!
m. borg (another)
Nov 27th 2009, 23:14
I believe Christ Himself took a stand against the then established religion and went so far as to call the Jewish clergy as white washed tombs and hypocrites especially those who take the front seats in church.
What is wrong that a priest takes the church to task on certain materials.?
Let us not hide our heads in the sand and believe that issues like pedophilia within the church in Malta does not excist or excisted.
Or confuse sexual behavior with sex orientation.
After all the Inquisition, I believe was started by the Dominicans.
MBorg
Nov 27th 2009, 22:40
@ Joseph M Meli.
The curia is not above the church. However in this case freedom of expression has nothing to do with the Freedom of expression " as expressed in the constitution of Malta."
Here we are referring to the teaching of the catholic church and the constitution plays no part in it. While still a priest Fr Mark has to obey the rules of the order which he freely joined.
If his wants to exercise his freedom of speech and challenge the teaching of the catholic church and the right to disobey the Pope and the bishop he should leave the order. As it is by using " his freedom of speech " as you put it , he is only making a sorry spectacle of himself.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 27th 2009, 22:26
@Joseph M Meli
No one is disputing Fr Montebello’s civil right to express any opinion whatsoever – he is doing it all the time provocatively and outrageously. What you must not assume is that additionally he is immune from ecclesiastical sanctions because of the civil right to freedom of expression. He is knowingly bringing down on his head the criticism of his superiors in a Church to which he has voluntarily sworn obedience. Even a club member is supposed to abide by the club rules or be admonished or expelled. You are pretending that he should have the cake and eat it!
P.S. Wrong assumptions are not surprising from someone who assumes that all Dr are lawyers.
Anthony Grima
Nov 27th 2009, 22:14
@MBorg
Your comments reflect exactly the church's mentality and unfortunately, because of this mentality, many people are dissociating themselves from the church! And who can blame them? No-one!
You say, 'his shows of disrespect' .. but why? Because he expressed his opinion on the matter? If someone expresses his/her opinion and is not like yours, you think that that someone is disrespecting you? If that's the case, you have a serious problem my friend - just like the church!
The way you've put it, seems like because of what Fr. Mark said, he should be executed! Is this the way to move forward? Is this what God wants from us? I don't think so! What he said makes sense, a lot of sense. Because true - it's not a nice thing that the Holy Cross has been removed - however, IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD as long as we keep the Holy Cross in our hearts.
One last thing .. I spent years without going to church. Once I went to Fr. Mark's Mass and thanks to him and his unique way of preaching, I am close to God once again. Thanks Fr. Mark - KEEP IT UP.
Joseph M. Meli
Nov 27th 2009, 21:15
Dr Saliba's input "The Catholic Church is not meant to be a democratic organization. It does not aim to be popular because its mission is to attract dissenters back to its fold not to modify its teaching to appease dissenters, even assuming that this were possible." is an affront to the Democratic Principles of the Republic of Malta.
Above the State there is NOTHING and NOBODY !!!
If the Curia, via the Domenican Community, bars Fr Mark Montebello from expressing his views / opinion freely, then it is breaking Protection of freedom of expression as expressed in the Constitution of the Republic of Malta.
Is the Curia above the Law ???
As a Lawyer Dr Saliba you should KNOW !!!
SGrima
Nov 27th 2009, 20:38
@MBorg
Really great way of looking at the Catholic Church! Compared to an army...haha! Infact, apparently it's exactly how it's expected to be....DO AS I SAY or else you are in trouble! 'The Church teachings are not there to be twisted' - maybe not, BUT shouldn't the church be more open minded and move on with time as is everything in life? They're using the same philosophies of ages ago! And then complain how come the new generation is against church and its teachings!
It's all nonsense. I am not one to agree with every word Fr. Mark says...but one thing I know for sure...ten years ago it took ONE phrase from ONE priest to keep me 8 years out of church, and to my surprise, thanks to FR. MARK, I found God again in my heart and in my life!
Thanks & Keep it up Fr. Mark!
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 27th 2009, 20:24
@MPortelli I never said anything like " .... the Church never 'modified' its teaching" . Putting words in my mind that I never said annuls your argument. I see no need to answer your question.
Simon Galea
Nov 27th 2009, 20:07
While not always agreeing with Fr.Mark Montebello 's views, I strongly admire him. Unfortunately the vast majority prefer to go mainstream even if this means being insensitive to others. On the contrary Fr.Mak is always prompt to comment and exert pressure whenever his conscious tells him so. I find no reason why he should be cencorsed by the Church. The role of any church is to provide people with spiritual and moral guidlines and not to impose. Having different views is not the end of the world, after all I am convinced that both sides mean good. We are all heading towards the same destination but maybe taking a different path. The intention is what counts. Keep it up Fr.Mark.
MBorg
Nov 27th 2009, 19:42
@Anthony Grima " Where is freedom of speech?" Freedom of speech has nothing to do with the teaching of the Church. The Church teachings are not there to be twisted about according to the will of individual priests. For Fr Mark to say " My allegiance is not to bishop and Popes but to Christ " is a show of disrespect to his superiors. If he were in the army he would have been court martialled on the spot. He is only casting doubts about the catholic religion when he should be doing the opposite. Nobody forced Fr Mark to become a priest. If he now thinks that he has grown too big for the Catholic church and that he now feels that he can question the Pope maybe the time has come for him to leave the order. As things stand he is only doing the chuch and himself harm. No good can come out of his shows of disrespect.
Anthony Grima
Nov 27th 2009, 19:09
This is totally insane .. I don't agree with the Dominican Province AT ALL. Fr Mark is a great priest - I listen to his Mass every Sunday in Pieta' and every Sunday it's a wonderful experience. He makes it in such a unique way that the Mass is not boring like Masses from other priests. And I admit, should for some reason Fr Mark is not allowed to do the Mass any more, I will STOP going to church because I believe he is the best priest around. And mind you, I don't know him personally. I just love the way he talks, the way he expresses himself - I like his opinions. This dissociation by the Dominicans is totally non-sense .. where is the freedom of speech? We're in 2009 for God's sake! Why can't the church be more 'modern'? Everybody thought that with Archbishop Cremona things were gonna be different - but it's not the case. The church still has 'oldish' opinions which are incompatible with today's world, excluding Fr. Mark of course. I totally agree with Fr Mark regarding the Crucifix - MOST IMPORTANTLY, it should be kept in our hearts. Keep it up Fr Mark.
Joseph Schembri
Nov 27th 2009, 19:02
What a better world it would be if we had more men of the cloth who were like Fr. Mark.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 27th 2009, 18:59
@DanielVella
Christ did not recommend that anyone should commit suicide by drowning. He said that the fate of those who gave scandal would be worse than that of anyone who committed suicide by jumping into the sea with a millstone round his neck.
MBorg
Nov 27th 2009, 17:52
@ Daniel Vella
I was not implying anything. I was just quoting what Christ said in the Bible. Fr Mark is surly not giving a good example by his actions.
M. Avellino
Nov 27th 2009, 17:49
Dear Fr Montebello, As I see it you always come up with something which attracts attention and camers. You like being in the news.
Amen!
kevin farrugia
Nov 27th 2009, 17:41
i m not a person who always agree with fr mark, but i totaly agree with the arguments he was making lately.
yes, all religious symbols should be removed from public places. is it so hard to understand that it s not true that
religions are bringing peace on this planet? everyone should be free to practice any religion he want, but privately or
in their respective churches or temples. if fr mark's remarks are offending some people, i cant see why the church is
not understanding why some other people are offended with crusifix or other symbols in public places
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 27th 2009, 17:19
Any Catholic priest would be dismayed by the company coming out in the support of Fr Montebello's rebellion against all his religious superiors, their arguments and their motivation!
Ernest Vella
Nov 27th 2009, 16:43
Fr.Mark Montebello as a Domincian has the votes of poverty, obedience and chastity. Obedience not just to his order but also to the Roman Catholic Church...none the less he must show respect to his brother the Archbishop his brother in the same order.
Fr.M.Montebello as a priest must follow the church thoughts and teachings with respect towards the tradition, the scriptures and the Magisterium....you can not believe in what the church teaches but yet you cannot say the Christ and the Church are opposite poles...ites easy to attack the Church in her weak points using a so powerful medium....Fr.Mark must also stay to what the Church says if he is part of it....if you're not don't place your nose in things you don't understand
Kurt Mifsud
Nov 27th 2009, 15:04
@MBorg - "I do " study, listen ,learn and absorb."
Yet last time you didn't even want to read any of the links I posted for you
laurence schembri
Nov 27th 2009, 14:57
Daniel Vella, that is exactly what a participant near enough suggested on Xarabank. Hypocrits.
Neville Debattista
Nov 27th 2009, 14:34
You are a unique person in what you say and practice dear friend. You remind me of St.Joan of Arc who was innocently burnt at the stake by the Catholic Church in 1431. Twentyfour years later the ecclesiastical court found her innocent and declared her a martyr. Time will tell.
K Vella
Nov 27th 2009, 13:04
Ezekiel 25:17.
"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the
inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in
the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of
darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost
children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious
anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know
my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."
m.portelli
Nov 27th 2009, 12:16
@ F.Saliba
"It does not aim to be popular because its mission is to attract dissenters back to its fold not to modify its teaching to appease dissenters, even assuming that this were possible"
Are you sure the Church never 'modified' its teaching? Perhaps the Dominican St.Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica is wasted on you. Eg. The Church had to modify its teaching that in humans the male is the sole procreator when it came to light that females possess ovaries and ova. That is one instance where through the writings of a Dominican, reason guided faith and the Church had to modify its teaching with all the implications. In this case, specifically that there was more to women than being empty vessles. That must have been a heavy blow for some purists to accept then I am sure.
Daniel Vella
Nov 27th 2009, 11:41
@ MBorg
Are you implying that Fr Montebello should tie a rock around his neck and drown? Oh how I love Christian values!
Christopher Grech
Nov 27th 2009, 11:11
There are too many issues to point out in this debate. I will summarize them here:
1) Taking an oath to the Church, and that of obiedience is Breaking the First Commandment, and that is to Obey and Love God ONLY;
2) The Church and Christ are two opposing poles. Christ says one thing, and the Church does another;
3) Mark Montebello should read the Bible without the utter confusion that the Church Magisterum proposes, (breaking yet Commandments)
Ephesians: 5:6
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
2 Thessalonians
2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of the Destroyer;
2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God (the Holy Father).
Ian Galea
Nov 27th 2009, 11:09
This proves to me that the so called church is nothing better then a political party, which tries not to lose votes, in this case the church tries to look nice with people so that people say nothing against the church. All these things keep pushing me away. I agree with Fr. Montebello, and I cannot understand why he should not say his opinion freely, in a so called FREE COUNTRY LIKE MALTA. I thought Mons. Cremona was going to get some fresh air to the Maltese church but i was mistaken.
Keep it up Fr. Montebello
William P Flynn
Nov 27th 2009, 10:49
@M.Borg
My friend, may I suggest it’s hard to say "open mind" and "I will never agree" in the same breathe and maintain clarity and credibility?
@all
The majority of these comments and FM's only strengthens the logic of secularism. If there is this much disagreement within one church, just imagine the disagreement among all religions and the sects within them.
Kenneth Cassar
Nov 27th 2009, 10:22
Vow of obedience - very convenient for shutting people up. However - correct me if I'm wrong - but wasn't there someone called Francis of Assisi who also apparently broke the "vow of obedience" because he believed there is a higher moral duty than obedience - truth?
laurence schembri
Nov 27th 2009, 08:43
Shutting (or trying to) Father Mark`s ideology is what is wrong with the church in Malta.
carmelo aquilina
Nov 27th 2009, 08:29
@ Mario Zammit
You accuse Fr Montebello of being a narcissist. What are your professional qualifications and on what grounds do you make such a personal attack disguised as a clinical opinion.
Fr Montebello deserves an apology.
He has always distingished himself as stating courageus, honest, iviews which do not chime well with the monolithic etsablishment. Most of his critics probably would have welcomed the views of persecutred dissidents in the time of the USSR but seem reluctant to welcome independent and fresh thinking when it comes to other insitutions.
B Aquilina
Nov 27th 2009, 06:15
On the one hand, I find it amazing that decent spiritual people like Mark Montelbello think they can take on a conservative and archaic institution like the Catholic Church that is interested only in power and control of the masses. Why does he bother staying in an anachronistic institution like that? On the other hand, I find it even more amazing that there are so many sad people in Malta who care so much about upholding a bunch of rules and regulations dictated to them by a bunch of men who purport themselves to be somehow holier than everyone else. For a people who love to tell everyone else they are European, Maltese are remarkably short of the ideals that Europe represents and incredibly mediaeval.
Charles Briffa
Nov 27th 2009, 06:04
Dear Fr. Mark I will pray for you, in order that God will show you the way. God Bless you.
To all bloggers kindly show respect in your comments, who are we to pass any judegement?.
thanks
Oscar Cassar
Nov 27th 2009, 00:51
Naqbel ma dawk li qed jaghdu li partikolarment persuni religjuzi ghandhom jkunu ubbidjenti lejn il-Knisja. IZDA huwa fatt li l-Knisja f'Malta hija Ultra Konservattiva u xejn ma qed tiprova tkun umli u izzerred il-Paci. Ghalkemm nifem ghala Fr Mark ghandu certu oppinjoni dwar ir-registru tal-Pedofeli, nemmen li l-Knisja semmiet dan is-sugget biex ittaffi l-impatt ta artikli ohra dwar il-Kurcifiss u d-Divorzju li fihom jintqal li l-puzizzjoni tal-Knisja f'Malta u certu persuni fi hdana huma biss biex jintrabtu ma puzizzjoni li taghti Poter socjali. Dan huwa minnu... u filwaqt li Kristu issallab biex il-bnedmin jaghmlu bih dak li riedu, l-bniedem illum ghadu jaghmel bih dak li jrid u juzah ghal skopijiet ulterjuri minn l-Imhabba li Kristu kellu ghal bniedem... Dan jinkludi kif kiteb Fr Mark, li nuzaw il-Kurcifiss u satus sucjali bhala simboli jew puzizzjoni ta poter.
Ghalkemm hija xi haga stramba li certu kritika hija gejja minn religjus, zgur hemm ohrajn li jahsbuha bhalu... Kemm minn fost ir-religjuzi kif ukoll fost l-poplu inklus dawk Insara.
William P Flynn
Nov 27th 2009, 00:02
The Vatican is a dictatorship. The Vatican controls bishops who control priests who control the people.
But more and more people don’t want to be brainwashed and controlled any more and more priests like Frank Montebello are now coming to the fore world wide. That’s what makes him interesting to modern Catholics and abhorred by the establishment.
People who think that the church hierarchy is going to allow this type of priest to speak his conscience have not learned the lessons of history.
The Vatican was even prepared to sign a concordat with Hitler to suppress the freedom of German Bishops and bring them under the absolute and total control of the Vatican.
“Hitler’s Pope” by John Cornwell has many of the Vatican’s own documented details and references to this issue.
Frances Abela
Nov 26th 2009, 23:53
Fr Montebello should do the right thing and request a dispention from his vows - he clearly is in conflict with his church and if one does not like the club - just don't join - simple. He can resign and do whatever he likes but not under the cloak of the church which he clearly does not represent it's views anymore.
MBorg
Nov 26th 2009, 23:06
@ Franco Farrugia
It is not, and never was, sinful to just say what is on your mind. However when you are a priest you hve to weigh your words before you utter them. Why is it that it is always the same people who either have a chip on their shoulders or are against the church who agree with Fr. Mark? Could it be that in Fr Mark they see someone who thinks like them?
You portray yourself as a "Big one" . I can assure you that although I refered to church followers as " little ones" I have anything but a closed mind. I do " study, listen ,learn and absorb. That is why Fr Mark's pathetic shows leave me cold. I am not easily impressed..
Fr Mark is doing a disservice to the church . If he thinks that he cannot obey or follow the teaching of his bishop or superiors I repeat he should leave the priesthood. As things stand he is only doing harm and a show of himself. My "open mind " will never let me agree with Fr Mark.
Mario Zammit
Nov 26th 2009, 22:49
To my mind Mark Montebello is a a serious case of narcissism. He does so by constantly airing outrageous opinions just to be in the limelight. Church authorites should rein in these kind of indvidulals to avoid harm being done to its faithful. If Mark Montebello is so keen to push for a secualr state, he must admit that he has taken the wrong affiliation when he chose the dominican order. I can still recall the spiteful remarks he made on the death of John Paul II in a TV debate, adding that 'allahres jilhaq Papa il-kardinal Ratzinger!'.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 26th 2009, 22:05
@JosephDBorg
The problem of the crucifix in schoolrooms did not exist in Christ’s time and it is ridiculous to expect that he would have discussed it with his disciples. The problem has been raised now and His Church is the nearest thing we have got nowadays to advise us about the prudence or imprudence of removing the crucifix from classrooms. That official attitude is worthy of acceptance by the faithful much more than that of a rebellious priest. The Church is not deliberately “aiming for unpopularity”. It is only taking decisions that it deems to be correct even if they are unpopular.
Lina Caruana
Nov 26th 2009, 19:55
Fr. Montebello may genuinely think that by supporting those who have a grudge with Church religious practice he would be bringing them to the fold. Fr. Mark we all need to see such people as brethren in the Catholic Church . because they have a problem we should be helpful as far as possible but we cannot change Christ's teaching in any way. Fr. Mark you are going too far out of your way if you think of helping people with such problem this way.Is it the only
way ?. May I comment to Fr. Mark as a Christian Catholic who believes that Fr. Mark is also part of the Church. Please re think your position. Remember the well known Maltese wisdom " Min jittarraf jiggarraf. "
Franco Farrugia
Nov 26th 2009, 19:51
@ M Borg: Since when was it sinful for people to speak their minds? Why? Does it hurt you to have people around you speaking their minds? It is a positive characteristic, man!
Excuse me, if you portray yourself as 'the little one', then I am sorry, there is something wrong with you. Perhaps, you need to open your mind, and learn, study, listen, absorb!
Charles J. Buttigieg
Nov 26th 2009, 19:04
@_Joseph_Seisun
IF_we_remove_the_crucifix_from_our_classrooms, religious artefacts from the streets and there’ll be no more religious celebrations in public we will still be free to think and live a life according to the teachings of Christ. If one covers their entire home with religious artefacts and doesn’t live a good life their soul would not be saved. If one is totally against the propagation of religious symbols but lives a good spiritual life their soul will be saved.
Getting on a bus with religious slogans like ‘Verbum Dei Caro Factum Est.’ etc. doesn’t guarantee us a safer ride; it just goes to show that some of us live in religious ignorance.
Our own church, in spite of its conservative nature, had over the years done away with a lot of traditional religious symbols, manifestations and rituals that were only the symbolic remnants which were inherited by the old Christians from paganism. Our clergy had put away its dog collar to wear a tie and tal MUSEUM stopped shaving their heads.
Am I in favour of removing the crucifix from our classrooms? No I am not but please let’s keep things in their proper perspective.
Joseph D Borg
Nov 26th 2009, 19:01
@ Dr. Francis Saliba
I have to agree with you that the Church does not aim to be popular and if there is one thing that the church is doing successfully is that be unpopular. When disciples disagreed did Jesus Christ told them to hang a crucifix in every class room and in every public building? It’s not about the teachings of Christ here it’s about the teachings of the Church in Malta and if they keep going like this well soon reach what they are aiming for unpopularity just buildings and no followers
Franco Farrugia
Nov 26th 2009, 18:54
@ Francis Saliba: 'The Catholic Church is not meant to be a democratic organization. It does not aim to be popular' >>>> and it is doing just that, and very well too. Go into: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8381119.stm#top
and find out for yourself how well the CChurch is doing in once-Catholic Ireland! THESE are the problems that the CChurch needs to face, not some Montebello!
Alfred Grech
Nov 26th 2009, 18:53
The fault lies with the fact that Fr Montebello should not have spoken the way he did now that there is a storm brewing about the Crucifixes in school. His point was a moral point which makes some sense but I still do not agree with him.
Think before you speak.
Joseph D Borg
Nov 26th 2009, 17:50
@ C. Camilleri
Are you joking ???? Political priests???? Where were you Mr. Camilleri in the 60’s? when Archbishop Gonzi made it a mortal sin to vote for the MLP do you think that started what you called the traditional anti clerical ???
Joseph Camilleri
Nov 26th 2009, 17:48
I agree that Fr Montebello's views tend to offend many Maltese especially practising Catholics. However, the fault is not Fr Montebello's. This priest is an asset to the Maltese Catholic Church, one of the few priests who combine love of the Church with love of fellow human beings, who can stick to principles without falling into arid dogmatism, who has the knowledge of an academic and the sensitivity of the 'pastor'. So long as there are people within the Catholic Church like Fr Mark Montebello, the Church will remain a moral force (not just a religious institution) in a changing society.
c. camilleri
Nov 26th 2009, 17:36
If FR Montebello is not happy about the way things are going in his church which he has bound himself to obey, then he knows as everyone else what he should do. Why continue to form part of a society when he is always a loggerheads with it.
MBorg
Nov 26th 2009, 17:33
@ Charles Sammut
The Dominican Province is right in stopping Fr Mark Montebello. Fr.Mark just likes to speak his mind ,just like a spoilt child,he likes to be a rebel. He must realize that nobody forced him to become a priest, however once he chose to be one he must obey the rules of the church.
His writings and TV apperances only serve to get somthing like your contribution, which is clearly against the church. His "job" is to pull people to the church, not the opposite.
@Joseph Caruana.
You wish him to go on in his way "even if he had to be excommunicated ". We are taught that God said " It is better for the person who scandalize the little ones to tie a rock around his neck and drown ". We are the little ones who want ot follow the teaching of the church.
Fr Mark Montebello is not giving a good example. It would be a different matter if he were a lay person, but he is not, he is a priest and he should behave like one.or else leave the priesthood he cant have it both ways.
Vince Buhagiar
Nov 26th 2009, 17:31
Just for the history: Giordano Bruno was admired long after his cruel death.
Fr Mark Montebello: will be admired when his soul was for long reunited with our Lord.
I suggest to all kind people like Fr.Montebello to be more explicate when coming to teach other’s.
Or you may experience the same adventure of Giordano Bruno, in our modern style.
May God be with you
Franco Farrugia
Nov 26th 2009, 17:27
@ c.camilleri - But don't you understand? That is not 'damage to the Church'. The Church is all the richer with people like Montebello. Many people do not understand and do not appreciate the fact that it is important to have various views, to have exchanghes and even crisis. Crisis is important, even in the religious sense, because it brings change with it and without change, we remain stuck in a rut. Where are Montebello's fellow-priests in this matter?
I repeat: I rarely ever agreed with Montebello's writings and beliefs, but to 'silence' him and to make him a scapegoat ... expiation and that kind of thing, I am sorry, to me, this is evil. Many comments being expressed against him, all come from the fact that the commentators don't agree with what he stands for, with what he says. There are too many religious people who do nothing, sit in the corner within the safety of their convents and are never guilty of having trasngressed. I trust Montebello is not one of them.
Too many condemnations and negative remarks, and I must warn: don't think that you are being perceived as defending the Church.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 26th 2009, 17:06
@Joseph D Borg et al
The Catholic Church is not meant to be a democratic organization. It does not aim to be popular because its mission is to attract dissenters back to its fold not to modify its teaching to appease dissenters, even assuming that this were possible. When disciples of Christ disagreed with what he was saying, he did not accommodate them. He asked them if they too wanted to leave. But being genuine disciples they only asked where could they go if it was He who had the words of life.
C.ZARB
Nov 26th 2009, 16:55
@ Martin Saliba
If I was a priest in the 60s, then the first thing I would have done was to get out of it. You don't fight something that you are bound to REPRESENT and OBEY. That's hypocritical at best!
Alfred Camilleri
Nov 26th 2009, 16:42
Why is Fr. Mark Montebello being censored for his views on the crucifix issue, but Frs. P. Serracino Inglott and Joe Borg are encountering no disapproval for expressing practically his same views on the subject?
martin saliba
Nov 26th 2009, 16:40
To those who ar agreeing with the church to shut up a priest , did you or would have you done the same in the 1960's ? If the church wants the Maltese public to futher distance itself from it , it is going in the right direction.
C.ZARB
Nov 26th 2009, 16:35
Fr Montebello represents a society which is 2000 years old. He joined it out of his free will and he can leave it out of his free will.
I find some of the posts in here pretty offensive. The Church have been helping thousands of people. In Malta alone, many of the schools, elderly's, orphan's and people with special needs homes are owned and run by the Church and there are hundreds of priests and nuns working there day and night. Madre Theresa herself had helped thousands of people without ever critizing the church. You don't have to be the James Dean of society to perform good deeds, quite contrary, Jesus was against such type of people.
Honestly I can't understand why Fr Montebello is still a priest, considering that he seems to constantly clash with the church's teaching and their decisions. I suggest that he should open a new religion himself.
c. camilleri
Nov 26th 2009, 16:07
Fr. Montebello has done enough damage to the church by his uttering. He has caused confusion amongst the faithful as result many of them are no longer interested in the teaching of the church. His constant opposition to the church leadership must be stopped before further damage is done. Unless something is done by the church leadership to curb the activities of a small number of priests who are more interested in things (such as politics) outside their religious sphere, i am afraid that the remaining faithful will join the traditional anti clerical. I think that enough is enough. Such political minded priests have brought disrespect to priesthood.
Joseph D Borg
Nov 26th 2009, 15:48
The only unfortunate thing in this matter is that Fr. Mark Montebello is a part of the Maltese Church the most antidemocratic organization. It seems that the Church can interdict people for there political views and can blackmail people with mortal sins but Fr. Montebello cant say what he thinks. Welcome to the inquisition
j n ebejer
Nov 26th 2009, 15:46
I believe the Christian community needs to have discussions on such matters. It needs to educate itself in, first how to discuss and be knowledgable on the issues affecting it.
It cannot fail to partecipate and contribute in what is forming the society of which is makes part.
The question at this point is - how many occasions have we thrived for to be knowledgable on important matters so as to be able to discuss these and how much is being done to create duscussion amongst the Maltese Christian community and with the rest of the larger Malta community?
Both stand to loose if this is not done. Such incidents should get us get involved in a responsible way in what is the public debate.
Joseph Seisun
Nov 26th 2009, 15:41
As Christians we should first and foremost attend to our inward relations with God and all people. No doubt about that. God looks at the heart. And here I agree with Fr. Montebello.
Yet, this does not automatically mean that we have to remove the crucifix from public places. That is also part of our Christian culture. We must look to what is happening in other countries, especially in the USA, where there is a constant attack to eradicate all that is Christian. Inch by inch, they are trying to force Christian communities to do what they have to do secluded within the four walls of their church.
First it may be the crucifix in classrooms. Next all religious artifacts from the streets. Then no more religious celebrations in the public. And all because some one cannot tolerate to see anything or anyone Christian and might get offended!
I believe the Church, under the leadership of Archbishop Cremona, is looking at the long term effect of such a law to remove the crucifix from state classrooms.
There are many things that the Church authorities needs to address. I hope that outdoor feasts is just the beginning.
Joe Micallef
Nov 26th 2009, 15:21
Sacerdot iwieghed ubbidjenza lejn it-Taghlim ta' Kristu u tal-Magisteru tal-Knisja. Minn sacerdot il-poplu Nisrani irid jisma' mhux l-opinjoni personali tieghu imma t-Taghlim ufficcjali tal-Knisja. Inkella isir aktar deni milli gid. Min jobdi dejjem ma jizbalja qatt. Jizbalja min jipprova jasal ghand Kristu u jghajjar lill-Knisja li waqqaf Hu.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Nov 26th 2009, 15:19
It’s the values of Fr. Mark and the very few other Maltese priests who share them which keeps me in the Catholic Church. Sadly I find it extremely hard to follow the example of many of our clergy; in fact I would refuse to follow their example.
Dr Joseph Mizzi
Nov 26th 2009, 15:18
Reminds me of another monk, who when asked to revoke his writings, answered:
"Unless I am convicted [convinced] of error by the testimony of Scripture or (since I put no trust in the unsupported authority of Pope or councils, since it is plain that they have often erred and often contradicted themselves) by manifest reasoning, I stand convicted [convinced] by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God's word, I cannot and will not recant anything, for to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me."
Charles J. Buttigieg
Nov 26th 2009, 14:52
@ Joseph Cauchi
Perhaps you should have a look at Fr. Joe Borg’s current blog and read some of the articles by Fr. Peter Serracino Inglot before you remark on ‘obedience’
Charles J. Buttigieg
Nov 26th 2009, 14:47
Perhaps the Dominicans should tell us where Father Mark offended the teachings of Christ. A priest’s mission is not to entertain the antiquated notions of the conservative and the fundamentalist Maltese Catholic. As far as I’m concerned this priest is for real and he is one of the very few priests who won my admiration. I have no problem to follow him. Keep it Fr. Mark.
J. Borg
Nov 26th 2009, 14:45
Fr. Mark
Somehow I associate yourself more with Christ's core values than the whole bombastic and pretentous Church put together
Keep up your sterling work and sincere unselfish opinions.
Joseph Caruana
Nov 26th 2009, 14:45
Keep it up! Think for yourself all the time!
Worse that could happen is that you get excommunicated. But that would not affect you the least in your spiritual journey.
Mark Galea
Nov 26th 2009, 14:42
@ Marylou.....sorry....but you're wrong. The Church has a message to teach, and nobody has the authority to challenge that message. Nobody can expect to manipulate and change the Church's message to make it personally acceptable to him. Especially not a priest. And especially not in public....using the media. I personally think that Fr Montebello seems to really enjoy being in the news all the time, and is very much of an attention seeker. You talk of double standards by the Church? I see a lot of tolerance, and patience being taught by the Church in this. A little bit too much, in fact. Had I been the bishop, I would have removed Fr Montebello from office, by now....but maybe that's why I'm not a bishop.
Charles Sammut
Nov 26th 2009, 14:22
Fr Montebello may be accused of many things but certainly not hypocrisy.
On the crucifix issue he is consistent in contrast to the rest of the local church, from the Archbishop down. This increasingly discredited institution has been falling over itself to convince us that welcoming people from different cultures/religions/ethnicities is good for us. How we all worship the same god and so on. How 'diversity' makes us strong. How we must be tolerant.
It should now put its money where its mouth is, just like Fr Montebello did, and accept the removal of religious icons from public and official premises. It should also proclaim its stand on such issues as Sharia law which will inevitably gradually become more in demand by the growing Muslim community in Malta.
Joe Sammut
Nov 26th 2009, 14:22
Times have changed but the Church seems anchored in the past. Fr Mark is doing remarkable and unimaginable service to society through his voluntary organisation. He works on the toughest and roughest fringes of humanity. And I don't think there a need to state whence he takes his cue from. This is a krucjata reminiscent of those of 600 years ago. Is the Church going that way? If yes, a very bad omen indeed.
NOEL DARMANIN
Nov 26th 2009, 14:20
FR MARK KOMPLI SEJJER HEKK U TKELLEM KIF THOSS GHAX INTI VERA TITKELLEM IL VERITA FIL HAJJA,MA TANTX ISSIB PATRIJIET KURAGGUZI DAQSEK,KEEP IT UP.
Kenneth Zammit Tabona
Nov 26th 2009, 14:20
I have always admired Mark Montebello for his courage in stating that niether the Church or the State should be our religious nannies but that true spirituality and holiness come from within and no matter what if you are a convinced Catholic and a real Christian you will all understand precisely why Fr Mark thinks and writes as he does.
We are airing so many issues at present that are linked up with traditional religion and custom and muddling them up with our innermost beleifs.
We have the crucifix issue, the censorship issue and the threat of Islam taking over where Christianity left off should it weaken because of internal strife. Malta is between Scylla and Charybdis. On one hand many people would like Malta to be properly secular and on the other the weakening of Christianity could lead to a domination that is at present uninmaginable but there all the same.
Fr Mark's religion, his belief, his writinbgs all indicate that the man is far more real and spiritual than those of his detractors.
For shame
Stephanie Abood
Nov 26th 2009, 14:08
Fr Mark, Having an open mind and and open heart doesn't work in this country. I understand your views and appreciate them although I do not fully concur. Howcome people are angry and intolerate in your regards and at the same time are adamant to keep the cruxifices on our walls? Isn't it supposed to reflect love and tolerance........... are they not tolerant in principle but intolerant in practice? my mind boggles........
a.attard
Nov 26th 2009, 14:06
@Marylu
Fr Mark once made a choice freely and according to THAT choice he has to answer and live according to.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 26th 2009, 14:02
@ Mr Cauchi - How convenient it is, to shut up a religious person with the vow of Obedience. But you seem to be in the dark as to what that vow means today. It is not a question of shutting up a religious person by telling him to be obedient - that is a very negative way of looking at it. The vow of Obedience also entails being faithful and obedient to your spriitual and inner being, that voice which tells you what is right and what is wrong, and yes, sticking to your guns if, after due reflection, you feel that you are in the right.
Don't comment about things that are beyond you, particularly since you don't agree with Montebello's message. How can you quote vows when you are trying to stifle up someone for expressing himself? Imagine if Montebello was saying things which were according to YOUR beliefs and opinions - you would have jumped up in his defence.
Hypocrisy everywhere!
Matthew Galea
Nov 26th 2009, 13:58
I would not have minded Fr. Montebello's comments were he any Jack in the street. But I do not think he spoke appropriately being a man of the cloth. I think he should rather encourage the liberty people have to express their faith rather then embrace others by withholding one's own. Compare and analyse the reasoning made by Justice Emeritus, Dr. Mifsud Bonnici, Fr. Joe Borg and his Excellence Fr. Cremona.
Dr Francis Saliba
Nov 26th 2009, 13:52
The problem is not about the acceptability of "opinions that were ALTERNATIVE to official opinions". It is about opinions that are directly OPPOSED to official Church opinions, opinions that predictably give comfort to those who are habitually hostile to our Church and its official teaching, and when these outrageous opinions are expressed publicity by those who are supposed to be under the vow of obedience.
renald williams
Nov 26th 2009, 13:43
it is not the christ of wood, or the christ of plaster, nor the christ of images that saves, but the True Christ of the New Testament, His Word, that saves www.justforcatholics.org
Ronald Cauchi
Nov 26th 2009, 13:43
The Inquisition is alive and well and thriving in the Dominican province. Nothing ever changes . One either agrees to diktat or one shuts up. Such are the ways of the church. There is no room for reason, logic or free thought, only dogma and blind faith!
T.gauci
Nov 26th 2009, 13:42
his views regarding pedophilia are disgusting. pedophiles destroys children's life for Christ sake how can one defend them
vincent magri
Nov 26th 2009, 13:42
Keep it up Fr. Mark. I only managed to hear part of your discussion on Super One and from what I heard, you really have an open and unbiased view, not typical of your fellow Catholic colleagues. To the open minded person, your arguments are solid and you are truly one of the sincere and honest voices. Let those who have ears listen.
Aleks Farrugia
Nov 26th 2009, 13:29
The Church in Malta is back in the Middle Ages... what a big disappointment! Wouldn't be surprising if we see the Book Index next. What happened at Uni is just a feeble taster....
CFarrugia
Nov 26th 2009, 13:28
Fr Mark Montebello
I would complain with the Vatican about this
the Maltese church does not have to write to stop you, after all what you said is coherent with catholic teaching in general
I already complained to a German parish priest about the way Catholic teachings are thwarted in Malta, he said the Bishop of the respective country has the control over everything that is taught in the respective country, please do address yourself to the Vatican
Marylu Alosia d'Agostino
Nov 26th 2009, 13:24
Once again we see the double standards of the church . . . Removing a crucifix from a classroom is considered as censorship whereas asking someone with a different understanding to shut up, to submit his writings in advance and to get clearance to appear on radio or TV is not censorship.
Joseph Cauchi
Nov 26th 2009, 13:22
@ Fr. Mark Montebello,
Isn’t it one of the vows that a monk takes, is the one of OBEDIENCE?
JC.