Fr Mark Montebello disciplined for 'offending Maltese sentiment'

Michel Zampa

Mar 28th 2010, 19:28

If there were more priests like Fr Mark, I would have never left the awful catholic church.

Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Nov 30th 2009, 02:20

Good on you Mark. If there is one thing that is stable in the Christian tradition it is dissidence. The dissidents are the real hereoes not those cowards who toe the line because they do not have a mind of their own. Theology has to be free to speculate without the interference of those who think they know better. So what if a theologian is "wrong"? Present an alternative argument. Have a debate. As for those who speak of the Church as if it were a club, let them ask the faithful to pay entrance and subscription fees and let them stop claiming that it is a divine institution. Christians should live out their faith. Their dependence on crosses in public buildings and expectation that governments have to promote their faith is the clearest admission of their failure.

Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

david calleja-urry

Nov 28th 2009, 17:50

@ Joseph Cauchi - as far as i am aware, we have never met, never discussed religion, and i'm sure you don't know me.... so, how dare you throw labels at me?... just because i happen to have a different opinion to yours - you decide i'm an atheist? - You're as bad as the the inquisitors who burned thousand of innocent women - in God's name - because they decided they were withches!!! . I have a right to my opinion, and as long as i don't insult you personally (for your opinions) - then please have the courtesy to do the same!

Steve Pace

Nov 28th 2009, 16:44

@Fr.Mark. There were times when i did not agree with you , Fr. Mark. Maybe your way of saying things is too rough .
I must admit though that seeing how the Maltese catholic church 's reacts to whatever you say makes me start to wonder what would happen If Jesus had to come again and speak in the way he did 2000 years ago , would His own church recognize him or would it try to shut him up as well, call him an heretic, and apologize for the confusion he would bring about in people's minds.

I have a feeling history would repeat itself and Our Lord would be treated in the same way he was treated by the Pharisees way back. Many could not take Jesus's outspoken character.

He was not afraid of stepping on anyone's toes . For this he paid the ultimate price with his life.

Pam Muscat

Nov 28th 2009, 15:31

If only there were more priests like this, the churches would be full of believers who would see the love of Christ in one another. The spirit of Jesus Christ lives within those who diligently seek Him and not on a crucifix. Mark Montebello, thank you for being a true Christian!

Ernest Vella

Nov 28th 2009, 12:13

Yes, as a maltese I was offended by Father Mark and this is not the first time this is happening. I am offended when someone like him who is so capable and has what it takes to put some sense in people's mind, and some compassion in people's hearts, does not do and talk and speak like he just did lately, more frequently and fervently. If he measures with others he is doing good, but if he measures with his inner strength this is only the beginning. Well done so far!

C. Micallef

Nov 28th 2009, 12:06

Father Mark represents what priesthood should be like. Instead of preaching Jesus Christ's scripture, he actively engages in the teachings of Christ in a manner which many people won't even dream of doing. He has given hope and shown love to people who are abhorred in society and opened his arms to people who are otherwise unwelcome in the Catholic Church unless they 'abide by the rules'. I am not surprised to learn that he was doing some maintenance work for a family in need. How many priests do that?

Ironically, the Catholic church is not encouraging people to love Jesus Christ and His scripture. On the contrary. People who seek to do that like Father Mark attempt to have their mouths sealed.

Well done Father Mark. You don't have to be approved by the Church to follow the steps of Jesus Christ.

In any case, you don't have to be a priest either. The good you do is invaluable.

Charles Miceli

Nov 28th 2009, 11:09

I am Maltese and Roman Catholic, although at times I also consider myself Indian and Hindu, Arab and Muslim, American and Protestant, a European and Atheist.
After stating my "credentials", I would like to point out that according to my Bible in the end we are judged not by our words or our intellectualizing but by our actions. By how many times we fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, gave clothes to the naked person, visited the inmates in prison, visited the sick and welcomed the stranger.
May the Lord/Allah be with Fr. Mark, the Curia and the Domenican Province.

Franco Farrugia

Nov 28th 2009, 09:22

@ Tony Zammit: But it suits us, to shout OBEDIENCE when we feel threatened. Little do we know what the vow of Obedience is, today, within religious life.

anthony formosa

Nov 28th 2009, 08:13

il-knisja imissa titkellem fuq il-korruzzjoni u s-serq u l-faqar li hawn fil-pajjiz imma ma taghmlux ghax turta l-gvern. Mela nattakkaw patri ghax jghid il-verita. IL-maltin ihobbu l-Alla imma ma ma jghixux kliemu ghax tqil wisq.

carmelo aquilina

Nov 28th 2009, 07:14

I am Maltese and I was not offended by Fr Montebello's comments

Joe Portelli

Nov 28th 2009, 06:13

Whenever we as humanbeing decide to say something it comes from thought which is driven by our own choice either for good intent or not so good (bad?)

Father Montebello must make sure that whatever he is stating in public must be driven from good thoughts. If not he should stop.

The Church like any organisation ahs a right to control what is released by the priests. The Church body , also must ensure that this control measure is driven by good intent and never as some form of punishment.

Flaunting Crucifxes in a Catholic country should be the norm.
Flaunting cricifixes in a Muslim country should not be encouraged.
What God binds together thorugh our promises is not disolved the minute a partner becomes unbearable.
Humble priests should wear suitable attire particularly when photographed.
Learn from Thachter who enjoyed a galss of bubbly but the press never had a photo of her with glass in her hand - because she represented a serious office - same applies to the Roman Catholic Soldiers representing the office of Christ our Lord and not their own opinions.

Joseph Cauchi

Nov 27th 2009, 23:37

Isn’t it strange, that most of those who are supporting Mark Montebello are either declared atheists, agnostics, anticlerical or have a chip on their shoulder against the Roman Catholic Church?

You do not have to be an Einstein or a rocket scientist to discover this!

JC.

Tony Zammit

Nov 27th 2009, 21:56

@ MBorg
Yes to your answer 22 years, and in the modern army forces, superiors can be question with respect for their actions, if one feels one's action are wrong. There is nothing wrong with expressing ones views what ever the organization they belong to. There is nothing wrong with freedom of speech. Malta is not a police state neither is the Church. So get a life and move with the times.

Franco Farrugia

Nov 27th 2009, 21:43

@ MBorg: I rarely ever agreed with Montebello's writings and beliefs. However, to nail him to a cross as most of you are doing, to me, is hypocritical! Very much so! Doesn't the good Book say something about being the first to thrown stones, and not to judge? Or do we hug that Book only when it suits us?? And no, I do not agree with many teachings of the Church but that's up to me and to my consciens and so, beside the point!

William P Flynn

Nov 27th 2009, 21:26

Jesus never mentioned the cross. His disciples never glorified, wore or displayed their master’s symbol of torture and death.
The Christians in the catacombs never saw a crucifix and the cross was not their symbol.
No archaeological evidence exists of any relationship between the cross and Christianity until the 5th century.
The crucifix came hundreds of years later when Christianity became a power-death-cult and its main use was to control, invade, steal, oppress and kill.

One of the first massacres happened when the Christian Cathars refused, amongst other things, to adore the very symbol of Christ’s torture. The Cathars believed in love, order and peace whilst, by then, the church institution had already become addicted to the worldly power, wealth, and opulence the church feeds on at all costs to this day.

These comments show the church is unable to fool people any more.

Ruby Jenner

Nov 27th 2009, 20:58

I am not Maltese or Catholic and I find Fr Mark's views very refreshing. Here is someone who is not afraid to speak out and seems very much a "man of the people". I hope he continues to air his opinions in public.

MBorg

Nov 27th 2009, 20:36

@ Tony Zammit
" As an ex service man, where I spent most of my life in discipline ,speaking one's views is not an offence."

Were you really in the service ? Is it really normal pratise for service personnel to question their superiors ? Surly " Speaking your views " were of no use when it came to obeying orders.

There is nothing Medival about rthe church in Malta. Just as you had to obey orders when in the service , so must Fr Mark obey the orders of his superiors.

Louise Chircop

Nov 27th 2009, 20:16

I am maltese and was not offended. On the other hand, I was very offended by those pseudo-catholics. In their hysterical declarations in defence of the crucifix, they failed to realise that their own words are divisive, uncharitable and certainly fruit of their ignorance and fear of those who are different. If anything they go against the teachings of the man whose cross they are so heartily defending. Well done Patri Mark .

Tony Zammit

Nov 27th 2009, 19:54

It is amazing that the Catholic church is still in Medival times, no freedom of speech. As a ex- service man, where I spent most of life in discipline, speaking one's views is not an offendance but in the church it is, in Malta it is. Is it about time that we move on with the modern times. I am proud to be Maltese but I feel that the Maltese are behind when It come to these things. Malta needs people like this monk. Fr Mark, you got my support.

Karl Callus

Nov 27th 2009, 19:54

I, karl Callus am proud to be Maltese and proud of Fr Montebello that puts some sense in the heads of those who don't seem to have it!

MBorg

Nov 27th 2009, 19:53

@ Franco Farrugia
" I, Franco Farrugia, am Maltese and was not offended."

You forgot to add that maybe you are against the teaching of the Catholic church. Could that be the true reason why you were not offended ? Could it be that in Fr Mark you see somebody who is going against the church and that is why you agree with him ?

If you answered in the affirmative to any of the above questions you will know why it was right for him to be dicciplined.

Ian De Cesare

Nov 27th 2009, 19:52

This week we have had two priests commenting on the controversy regarding the display of the Cross. One, Fr. Camilleri states we should put the cross in our windows and doors for all to see and continues to say that 'In fact, many Maltese don't go to Mass'; only this does not stir him into action. Displaying the cross and showing we are Christians does.

On the other hand we have Fr Montebello who says that displaying the cross is not a big deal, he says "All Christians should be more content with the spread of Jesus's spirituality and values than by the consolidation of its institutionalisation....." Fr Mark spoke to the Times's journalist while fixing drainpipes for a family that couldn't afford a plumber. Tell me who appears to you to be following Christ's teachings. I first met Fr Mark many years ago in Bromla covering in white dust as he was chasing a wall to help install electricty at a house aptly called Dar it-Tama; a home that once converted would be used to assist people who also couldn't afford help. Fr Mark asked nothing for himself, only for others; in my opinion his actions are truely Christian.

Charles DeMicoli

Nov 27th 2009, 19:42

I guess Fra Mark marches to a different beat, but to oppose a pedophile register is sending the wrong message. Maybe in his piety he is trying to defend the rights of the criminals, but who's defending the rights of their past and future victims?

Ralph Cassar

Nov 27th 2009, 19:19

I am Maltese and I was NOT offended.

MBorg

Nov 27th 2009, 19:00

" I am part of a church that is much larger than this. My allegiance is not to bishops and Popes but to Christ.

If Fr Mark were in the army he would have been court martialled on the spot. Who does Fr Mark think he is ? He certainly thinks BIG not a trace of humbleness in his words.

If Fr Mark thinks that he is helping Catholics with his remarks , he is very much mistaken. All he is doing is casting doubts about our catholic religion, the very opposite of what he should do.

Why is it that people who are against the Catholic church or who have a chip on their shoulders are the only ones to applaud his views ? If he thinks that he knows better than his superiors and that he cannot follow the teaching of the church anymore it would do everybody, but more so him, a world of good if he were to leave the priesthood.

Is he maybe planing to form a sect away from the Catholic Church ? You just cannot be a priest and say openly that the orders of bishops and Popes mean nothing to you.

Robert Callus

Nov 27th 2009, 18:47

In most cases, Fr Montebello disagrees with the church when the church itself disagrees with the teachings of Christ.
Apart from that I know priests and nuns who silently agree with Fr Mark but admit they do not have the courage to come out. I don't blame them, but would like to encourage them no to be afraid to talk about what they honestly believe in

Franco Farrugia

Nov 27th 2009, 17:57

@ Schembri Adami - Oh, yes, right. Escriva .... founder of Opus Dei!!

david calleja-urry

Nov 27th 2009, 17:28

If the Church was made up of Father Mark Montebellos - the world would be a much better place - this is a person who practices what the Church preaches - regilion and what a person believes in is a complex matter this is hardly the place to discuss it, however i will say that my beliefs and spirituality are my own and nobody else's - i dislike discussing with brainwashed people who just repeat parrotlike ''their'' beliefs - but again that is their perogative, just don't force it down my throat... I don't agree with Mark Montebello sometimes - but i know for sure his heart is in the right place - and that, my friends, is so much more than can be said for many - institutions included. I'm equally sure that he'll still be helping people long after this episode has faded.... God bless you Mark...

J Farrugia

Nov 27th 2009, 17:23

No mr mark montebello, Your allegiance is to the bishops who are representing Christ on earth. The Bishops are directly consecrated from Peter the Apostle. ANd the vows you took when you entered the priesthood, was to obey your earthly principles, namely the Pope, the Bishops, and your Order's superior. Everyone says that God is his master, but I ask: WHICH GOD? Your philosphical god? I earnestly urge you to read the book The Shoes of the Fisherman by Morris West. You are in Fr Telemond's shoes. Open your eyes before it will be too late for you.

A Attard

Nov 27th 2009, 16:36

Sur (Fr) Montebello, I envy you.You have got the guts to speak out straight and your heart's truth.
Please don' t loose faith and keep up the good work. You are to be encouraged not scoldered or treatened. I hope that our man made "G"od finds your GOD.

Joseph Calleja

Nov 27th 2009, 16:33

Fr Montebello I applaud you. Since when is it a crime to disagree or question authority. Only a dictatorship invokes such things. My way or the highway. Maybe in the 1900. Well sometimes it is better to take the highway. Constructive criticism is a very healthy thing.

mario borg

Nov 27th 2009, 16:06

Unfortunately the gagging of free-thinkers is becoming a sign of the times. I would like to support Fr Montebello for being a real priest, one for the people and daring to speak his mind. Maybe if there were more like him the flock would not have got lost.

Joe Tabone-Adami

Nov 27th 2009, 16:02

Re "my allegiance et seq" It seems the poor friar has long forgotten the promises he had made to his ordaining bishop on the day he was consecrated as a priest forever!!

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Nov 27th 2009, 15:17

“To dissent from the teaching of the Church in any important matter of faith or morals is to automatically separate oneself from Christ, to lose one’s communion with Him, and to violate, nullify and loose one’s Catholic identity. Whoever is in this situation cannot call himself a Catholic, nor consider himself as a disciple of Christ.” – Saint John Mary Vianney.

“There are no dogmas in temporal affairs. To try and set up absolute rules in matters where the individual has to try to see things from his own point of view, in terms of his own interest, his cultural preference and his own experience, this insults the dignity of man. But in matters of faith and morals (which includes the sanctity and indissolubility of the great sacrament of marriage, between one man and one woman, as God Himself established from the beginning) there is only an indisputable standard, which is the only truth: that found in the teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ as taught by the Magisterum of our Mother the Church, of which Christ Himself is the Head and Founder.” - Saint Josemaría Escrivá De Balaguer

g. scerri

Nov 27th 2009, 14:51

Every organization needs rebels if it is to remain relevant. Being a rebel is not a rewarding activity as we all know but it all depends on how it is conducted. There are those who chip quietly away until change happens. There are others who think change should only be brought about by setting up the barricades. Mark seems to be one of these. Didn't it occur to him that he was invited on Xarabank on the assumption he would probably create controversy and so enhance the programme' rating? Does he stop to think that even while being right, certain things have to be said with great care for not everybody holds a doctorate in theology. I remember him once saying that he had got into trouble because he was used. He doesn't seem to have learned the lesson.

D Galea

Nov 27th 2009, 14:44

Fr Mark Montebello said: "My allegiance is not to bishops and Popes but to Christ, as brought to me by the Church."

Three words to say about that ... "Amen, Amen, Amen"

Claire Borg

Nov 27th 2009, 14:36

There is a huge difference between religion and the church... but is it suppose to be that way? The church is one political institution and I fully agree with Fr Mark Montebello's statement. He was being a good samaritan by helping citizens in need.. but at the same time freedom of speech is not accepted in anyway in Malta.. especially about religion. This is because if you have views against the church institution you will go to hell! Ridiculous! When is malta / the church going to wake up to 2009??? Well done Fr. Mark..

renald williams

Nov 27th 2009, 14:21

the apostles answered the priests - we must obey God rather than men - Acts 5:29, 4:19 www.justforcatholics.org

Maria Vella

Nov 27th 2009, 14:06

Not all Maltese were offended by what Fr. Mark said. I am more offended when some member of the clergy abuses a child. Dont worry Fr. Mark we are taught that the same Christ suffered because he was true. That makes you a better image of Him than many others.

Gordon Pace Bonello

Nov 27th 2009, 14:05

Prosit Fr Montebello, however except one thing. I agree that there should be a paedophile register.

About time divorce should of course be introduced. I believe that familly unity is what keeps the Church Co Ltd. well financed and they will loose 'business'as family unity begins to 'disintegrate' so this is of course a big threat to them

Re the cross, I totally agree. After all their are people of different religions ...so as we may not want to have to look at their icons, why should they have to look at ours, whether in Malta or wherever.

E. Scerri

Nov 27th 2009, 13:55

I'm not offended by his comments at all. I wish the establishment would stop thinking we are all ignorant and living in such small worlds we are threatened by anything that doesn't tow traditional lines. It's important for the church to have dissenters and reformers, nothing can exist without evolving and changing. It sounds like he offended the sentiments of the establishment, not the people at all.

john falzon

Nov 27th 2009, 13:47

How about someone start an e-mail petition supporting Fr. Mark's right to express his opinions in public ? No more and no less than just that so as not to go beyond this case. How many of you would sign such a petition complete with ID card?

P.Sammut

Nov 27th 2009, 13:18

Sorry people, if you are a priest you have to abide with what the church says... you cannot say I only believe in Christ, not the archbishops or the pope! Id he doesn't agree with them then he is with the wrong religion .... that's why there is the protestants & that's how they came about. And also on an other note about divcorce if this so called priest nows his bible there is a passage (sorry cannot quote exactly where), where Jesus states that no one can split what God has put together (i.e marriage) & that God gave Moses divorce because the people wanted it & kept complaining about it. Jesus actually removed it!

Erin Ciantar

Nov 27th 2009, 13:16

If anyone was offended by Fr Mark's comments he needs to grow up. Why should someone who has a different opinion to you offend you? I don't get it. Well done Fr Mark on speaking out. Please keep saying what you think and don't let them silence you.

MVella

Nov 27th 2009, 13:16

The truth does not need to be loud! Fr. Mark is right about the cross/crucifix. Do Maltese Catholics flaunt their beliefs or just their symbols? I was not offended, don't speak in my name.

David Wain

Nov 27th 2009, 13:11

I am not in the least offended by Fr. Montebello's views...but then again, the Church is under the misguided impression that it does represent all Maltese.

If the archbishop believes that the banning of crucifixes is reprehensible because it is a form of censorship, what may I ask is the disciplining of someone who honestly speaks his mind and the vetting of everything he says with the hope of silencing him?

What about the humiliating treatment meted out by the church to Fr Joe Abela, the church's own film classification board chairman and his removal from the board? By the way, that is because he gave evidence in court expressing a view (under oath) that contrasted with the Church's view that Stitching should be censored.

I feel that of all institutions in this country, the Curia is the least entitled of all to step onto a pedestal (pulpit?) and preach about censorship!!

John Portelli

Nov 27th 2009, 13:06

Fr Montebello YOU ARE RIGHT!! The reason why I no longer practise religion is because it is used to control the minds of the masses and it's used as a means to an end for political purposes not just in Malta but all over the world.Hence I find religion to be mankind's biggest flaw. In Malta the establishments speak of Christian values yet those who differ are shut down,but at the same time we're forced to accept imposed multiculturism .

Brian Azzopardi

Nov 27th 2009, 13:05

Fr Mark you are a beacon in the night, a voice to those who can't and aren't able to talk, a wall of refuge to those who cannot find solice anywhere. Obey superiors because that's what you vowed to do but never let them and the system break you. I was awestruck with the courage you showed and I wish so much that in Malta there are more brave people like you.

Ian Chetcuti

Nov 27th 2009, 13:05

Me too. I'm Maltese but not offended.

Joe Grima

Nov 27th 2009, 13:00

Fr Mark did not offend my sentiments and I am also Maltese. To the comtrary. I found his reasoning deep and indeed edifying. Many contributors here have taken the Dominicans back to the time of the inquisition, a shameful part of the Order's history that we should not forget. It seems that the sentiments of reprisal against those they disapprove of are ingrained within the Domincan psyche. I admire Fr Mark's intelligence and the way he dissects problems but I also admire his humility in accepting his "punishment". I wouldn't have. I ahae always wondered what has kept Fr Mark in the Domincan community. When he had his first troubles after a broadcast about homosexuality on my radio station Live FM I pleaded with him to kick his tormentors in the butt and leave. His tenacity in holding on to the Order has always baffled me.

C.ZARB

Nov 27th 2009, 12:48

I helped an elderly woman to cross the street today. Should I state that whenever I post in here?

S Vella

Nov 27th 2009, 12:46

I was not offended, or confused, or angered by Fr. Mark's writings... indeed I agreed with him and admired him for speaking out his mind in a very intelligent and open-minded way, so untypical of other church officials. What really offended me and confused me and angered me is the Church's reaction and censorship of Fr. Montebello. Keep it up Fr. Mark!!!

Franco Farrugia

Nov 27th 2009, 12:44

I, Franco Farrugia, am Maltese and was not offended!

Joseph Cauchi

Nov 27th 2009, 12:34

1) "I am part of a Church that is much larger than this. My allegiance is not to bishops and Popes but to Christ, as brought to me by the Church."
The above quotation as attributed to Fr. Mark Montebello is very disturbing as it shows that this “monk” has no respect to his superiors.

Didn’t Mark Montebello on becoming a “monk” with the Dominican Order take the oath of OBEDIENCE?

2) "Even now, we are like we were under the other Archbishop... that there is only one way of being Catholic and only one way of understanding theology. Opinions that are alternative to official opinions are not accepted, full stop."

Doesn’t this kind of statement show disrespect to his superiors, even considering that Archbishop Paul Cremona also belongs to the same Order as that of Fr. Mark Montebello?

When considering the above, one tends to conclude that this “monk” is just another attention-seeker and relishes in being in the limelight; or is he perhaps in the wrong “vocation”!

One of the greatest virtues is HUMILITY!

JC.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med. Vet

Nov 27th 2009, 12:20

“I am very saddened. Jesus has all of His wounds open another time. His Beloved Mother suffers intensively. You well know, and disgracefully this is not a secret, that the Church is very disturbed, there is much heretical propaganda within the Church of God. There are many persons, including several priests and religious, who are creating scandal; people who should be light and certainty, who should promote faith but instead sow doubt, who should inspire value but instead create confusion in people’s minds. Millions of souls are confused. There is great danger that, in practice, the Sacraments, all of them, will be emptied of their content, and that the very commandments of God’s law will lose their meaning for consciences. A flock is in good shape when the shepherds are concerned for the sheep, when they do not bring the flock to graze in areas where the grass is poisonous, but where they can find nourishing foliage. The same thing happens with souls.”- Saint Josemaría Escrivá De Balaguer.

“There are severe signs of decomposition, for the smoke of Satan has made its way into the Church of God.” – Pope Paul VI

Emanuel Cilia Debono

Nov 27th 2009, 11:38

Who does Fr. Montebello think he is? The Pope!
If he feels that it is not necessary to flaunt the crucifix in public places, why did he feel the need to flaunt it publicly on Xarabank? I would expect more respect from his for the Church and for the Order to which he belongs.

J.Tonna

Nov 27th 2009, 11:33

QED TARA LIL MIN QED JGHOGOB PATRI MARK?? LIL DAWL LI JITAHRU LI MHUMIEX INSARA.

a.muscat

Nov 27th 2009, 11:22

Is Fr Mark Montebello Malta’s Galileo?
Is keeping mum and think illogical what the Church want? veru tal misthija!
Welcome to the inquisition! Say the truth and you either end up on a stake or get a punishment. The countdown of the Church by minute.

Christian Colombo

Nov 27th 2009, 11:21

What a contrast to the words "People did not think enough these days and when independent thought was abandoned they risked absorbing what others fed them, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech warned." http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091126/local/gozo-bishop-stresses-love-for-truth

D.Micallef

Nov 27th 2009, 11:04

i am Maltese, and i was not offended!

L.Attard Bezzina

Nov 27th 2009, 10:57

Whilst you are at it, why not bring in the Inquisition again? Or burn him at the stake...would that appease the pundits?! Obviously there are occasions when I don't agree with Fr. Montebello's views, but he should be encouraged to air his views. Being a non-Catholic frees me of the shackles "they" want to impose on a secular (sic) society.

J.Tanti

Nov 27th 2009, 10:44

Once again lets stop those who might be actually be speaking some truth .... most probably a threat to those who think and believe otherwise. Once again human kind has a person who has a different view is not allowed to speak freely, who just happened to be well educated, well informed, well trained and in touch with the real problems real people out there face. So let’s stop and think ... are we letting the truth surface or a false truth stuffed down our throat? A country that fails once again to see a truth and a reality because it is afraid of independent thought? ... and on the other hand an abuse of control from the other side of the boat. How sadder can it ever become!! Keep up the good work Fr. Montebello … maybe there may be instances that you might reconsider but others you should never stop fighting for … who knows maybe after a 100 years or so, the church would have the courage regret her mistakes (once again and again and again … ) and bless you as a saint then when it would be too late to say thank you!

Miguel Micallef

Nov 27th 2009, 10:34

Kuragg Fr Montebello, jien minix Kattoliku imma nies bhalek huma l unici ftit li jzommuli l ahhar qatra fiducja fin nies tal knisja.

Int titkellem b'intelligenza u sens, avolja ma naqbilx mieghek fuq ir-religjon.

CFarrugia

Nov 27th 2009, 10:30

"as he was fixing the drainpipes of a family who could not afford a plumber" that says it all, Fr Montebello needs no lawyer to defend him, his deeds suffice....

Karl Abela

Nov 27th 2009, 10:22

Who said that the Maltese sentiment was offended?

Did the church make a survey to find this out?

A. Mamo

Nov 27th 2009, 10:09

Church is like any other political institution. Either agree with the line of the party, otherwise you will be punished. Well done Fr. Mark. Don't be afraid to continue expressing your views. Sincerely I do not agree with many of your views, but I least I appreciate your guts to speak out.

Silvan Mifsud

Nov 27th 2009, 09:41

Fr.Mark, if Christ came back to earth this very day, he would probably would not want to be associated with the present institution of Roman Catholic Church.....thus maybe you are in good company.