Controversial Dominican friar to face Order's head

Sabrina Borda

Mar 20th 2010, 08:18

Mr Stellini, with all due respect, the rational truth that Father Montebello speaks of is not merely misunderstood generally, what I do believe Mr Stellini is that perhaps you have misunderstood.
Some one said yesterday that we Lay people should leave these matters to the Church for we do not somehow qualify to discuss. We Lay people are more qualified than the Church my wish to believe simply because today we do our own thinking because we have to.

The Church doing our thinking for us is way outdated, so much so for the good that the Church has done and not forgotten, neither are the past or current negative goings on of the church will ever be forgotten, For a growing many it is a hypocritical way of life so refuse to be a part of it because fortunately we are not mere sheep in the flock. Some may say a good Christian must follow the bible, we I'm affraid it is not necessarily so, There is the spiritual book of LIFE. We Live it, Feel it, Open to its experiences so as we can better understand, then judge for ourselves what is right and true.

Michael Grech

Mar 20th 2010, 08:01

If the local Curia believes that Father Mark erred in any statement he uttered or stance he upheld, it should use the various means and media available to it to show where his error lies; not use her power to stifle or silence his voice. This is what responsibility ultimately entails - the courage and ability to answer and dialogue. If anything, such reaction would be respectful towards us ordinary citizens; we who are frequently and by many an institution considered to be mindless idiots that are easily confused and unable to think. "

As one can see, the text of the petition is not against anyone, but simply in favour of the values of freedom which we uphold.

Those interested in signing the petition are kindly invited to send their name and ID number to mmg752001@gmail.com

Michael Grech

Mar 20th 2010, 08:00

Together with some other friends, I am organising a petition to support Fr Montebello and pluralism in general. The text of the petition is

"We would like to express our solidarity and support to Fr Mark Montebello OP. Through his critical analysis of various institutions and authorities; including of authorities and institutions he acknowledges, accepts and loves; Fr Montebello fulfils an important role within the church and within society in general. Indeed, it is in this manner that he demonstrates his love and affection to these. This is in sharp contrast to the irresponsibility of those who want to conform at all costs; those who endorse what they know or believe is wrong so as not to rock any boat.

Anthony Grima

Mar 19th 2010, 22:38

@Anthony Mizzi
Do you really think that a stupid blog & a useless theatre are far more important issues than protecting children & others in need?? If that's the case, you really need to open your eyes my friend!! Fr. Mark is one of the few on our island, if not the only one, who works for those forgotten by the society. And I totally agree with him that prison is not a place for children. Fr. Mark is not saying that those who did bad things shouldn't get their punishment ... he's saying that by sending children to prison, they will never get better persons but only worse. They should serve their punishment in other places where they could become stronger & clean adults. Keep up the good work Fr. Mark - if it wasn't for you, many people on this island would be totally forgotten!

@c. camilleri
What is this obsession with many people on this island, like you, to ask for Fr. Mark to call it a day? I mean, are you serious? You will definitely change your opinion if you attend to Fr. Mark's Mass at Pieta' on Sunday at 12pm. I'm sure of that!

Charles J. Buttigieg

Mar 19th 2010, 19:29

@ Mario Stellini Father Mark is a good Monk certainly not a heretic. His belief does not contradict the basic principles of the church, he is however a rebel but with a genuine cause. He is different to what the majority of people expect to see in a priestly behaviour, he lacks diplomacy, unconventional and anti establishment. I ask you Mario, wasn’t the founder of Christianity also a rebel with a cause, different to what the majority of people expected to see in a Teacher’s behaviour? Moreover was Christ diplomatic, conventional and pro establishment? Please don’t come back accusing me of comparing Mark with Jesus, nobody compares with Jesus but one should try hard to follow His footsteps.

Dr. John Zammit

Mar 19th 2010, 19:16

Keep strong Fr. Mark! Come back to the Cottonera area. Cottonera needs persons like you.

Charles J. Buttigieg

Mar 19th 2010, 18:53

@ MARGARET RICHARDS I don’t see much of a difference between Cultural and Religious. People’s culture is nurtured by their religious beliefs. Whatever, I do get your point and agree with you only I always preferred the term spiritual rather than religious in this context. Symbolic icons like feathered wings on Angels, tiaras and rings, buckles on prelates’ shoes, the fish symbol, the cross as well as the swastika pre Nazism are only symbols with no intrinsic spiritual value whatsoever. The church of old had ingrained these symbols to make up for the people’s ignorance and illiteracy to create an awareness of what is good and what is evil. Angels are always depicted with beautiful faces, smiling and wearing white wings while devils are black, with horns and tails. Angels and Demons, as illustrated, do not exist, they are only religious symbols of righteousness and evil. And this is Mark Montebello’s greatest dilemma, facing a mentality which cannot distinguish what is spiritual and what is religious. The good monk is jumping in where Angels fear to tread.

D.Galea

Mar 19th 2010, 18:52

It's like I always say in the end. Those who dare to speak up for any perceived injustice are the ones who end up being harassed to silence down. I usually support Fr.Montebello with some few exceptions but just because I don't believe he's right sometimes it doesn't mean that I stand for what he does & should continue to do so no question.

Portelli James

Mar 19th 2010, 17:14

I thank you Mr. E. Cilia Debono for mentioning Mother Teresa. This Saint like others before her (such as Francis of Assisi) and our very own San Gorg Preca had to take bold decisions that initially made the church establishment uncomfortable. Some of them were also unfairly sanctioned … their reaction to this often defined their strength of character. In the case of Fr. Montabello, actions (and his contribution to the vulnerable in society) speak louder than words … let the one among us who as no sin throw the first stone or forever hold our peace. Let us reflect on giving to God what belongs to God and let the Dominican Caesar deal with what is effectively his duty to address (areas which none of us understand but should respect!)

M.Cassar

Mar 19th 2010, 17:13

The authorities in Rome should take note of the fact that in Malta we do NOT have a Parents NGO to protect the rights of the MALTESE child. Fr.Mark IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW who has the guts to speak out against the fact that about 10 children are being held in JAIL. For unknowm reasons, the Maltese church is the last one to defend Maltese childrens' rights, especially those held in detention. So please, before pasing judgement onFr. Mark, do take note of the Maltese situation - which is pathetic to say the least!

David Caruana

Mar 19th 2010, 16:29

Solidarity with Fr.Mark Montebello.

Archbishop Paul Cremona's decision is no different than Caiaphas's.

c. camilleri

Mar 19th 2010, 16:23

It is about time that Mark Montebello will call it a day and leave the priesthood for good so that he could carry on clowning about without compromising his mother church.

M Cassar

Mar 19th 2010, 15:46

The church does not need people like Mr.Montebello to misinterpret its teaching. In fact with all the attacks on the church such as Jesus was homosexual, Jesus was black, God is female, Dan Brown's controversial books, sex scandals etc people like Montebello is the last thing the church needs. Although sometimes I think Mr.Montebello is right such as fighting for prisoners rights, fighting for the poor...he is abusing his position many times by trying to promote his own ideas (especially when it comes to homosexuality) to the detriment of the scripture.
I myself am in favour of divorce but this will be provided by the state and not the church, the church can never bend its teachings.

Sabrina Borda

Mar 19th 2010, 14:56

I must reply to Mr Stellini who perhaps follows the bible to every word and says that all the priests must obey and follow the direction of the church institutions.......Which for example say that to be Gay is wrong, so how come too many priests have done pervese things to so many innocent children all over the world? Where was their bible then? They do this because they do not take the bible or humanity very seriously at all.
Well done Father Montebello for being intelligent enough to follow the right path of Jesus.

Emanuel Cilia Debono

Mar 19th 2010, 14:02

I am not in a position to comment about what went on between Fr. Montebello and the Curia or his Dominican Order. However some of the friar's recent utterances and appearances on TV carry unclear- if not ambiguous - messages and call for explanation.
The Church has a Mission to make sure that the Message entrusted to Her by Her Divine Founder is passed on to the faithful complete , unadulterated and in a clear and authentic manner. I do not think it is the competency of lay people - with insufficient knowledge of Canon Law - to criticise the Church on matters of internal discipline, the more so that the outcome of any interview Fr. Montebello may have with the superior of his Order is as yet unknown. Secondly, it is grossly unfair for some critics to hurl unfounded accusations against the Church, merely because it does not share their own views even if they may ( subjectively) regard them as 'progressive'. Saints, including among them outstanding social welfare benefactors -like Padre Pio and Mother Teresa-always had the utmost respect for our Holy Mother Church.

John Falzon

Mar 19th 2010, 12:33

Firts and foremost you would all be surprised at what is not communicated to the faithful by the Church. Only some priests have the courage to give a full and intelligent explanation of the word of God and fewer still dare to interpret the teachings within the context of modern day life and events. Fr. Mark is one such priest and consequently is automatically a target for everyone else who would prefer things to be otherwise. Let those who can understand do so.
As for the Church in Malta (as a physical organisation), just look at the Curia - it is full of ambitious people vying to enjoy the best of what life can offer and clinging to key positions. Some are even old and sick and yet continue to hold on well past their best before date. Personal ego trips are embarked on at great expense (travel, publications, etc) with little or no return on investment. Costly mistakes are quietly brushed under the carpet. The poor are many but the resources that could help them are squandered recklessly and with little control by those who should be taking a firm hand. Quo Vadis Curia?

Christine Attard

Mar 19th 2010, 12:02

I hope that he is made to think sensibly once and for all. Any adult sensible person should think before he speaks out loud his thoughts. When it comes from a public figure and a clergy one should think 3 times before he speaks. Taking into consideration that one has taken vows on certain matters.

Robert Callus

Mar 19th 2010, 11:56

It's very convenient to throw accusation on 'peadophilia' as Fr Mark agrees with the abuse of children. What Fr Mark said is that there are more effective and more humane measures to combat it than having a register. Some may not agree on this, fair enough. However by no means it does mean Fr Montebello is apoligising abuse on children.

Also, may I ask the 'sources' where has Fr Mark contradicts the teachings of Christ? Was Christ ever so arrogant to demand symbols His execution to be flaunted all over.

From what I've learned, Christ was mostly about protecting the vulnerable, even the ones people did not like such as adulterers. Fr Mark is doing no different.

jsaliba

Mar 19th 2010, 11:45

It is very difficult to agree with Fr Mark on everything he says or does. His tackling of actual social themes that others seem to fear makes him controversial but not irrelevant. This he does by word and action. Persecution strenghtens his determination and image. I like to read more from him and less about him. He makes me think. Thanks God for Fr Mark.

Mario Stellini

Mar 19th 2010, 11:10

These arguments are ridiculous. Fr. Montebello is a member of the church's clergy and his duty is to defend the church and its doctrine. The church's doctrine on issues such as divorce or abortion can never change unless a new Bible is written. Therefore as a member of the clergy he has no "right" of opinion on these matters. Neither can we as members of the Catholic church have a "right to speak" on these matters. We cannot change what Christ said. If we disagree, there is only one solution - to leave the church. Even if all members of the church disagree with a doctrine such as the sanctity of life and are in favour of abortion or divorce, the church can never change the doctrine. That is why the church cannot be "democratic". It is there to follow Christ's teachings and not popular opinion - even if there is a "dispersal of the flock".

David Gauci

Mar 19th 2010, 10:58

Minghand Kajfas ghal ghand Pilatu... what's next?

MARGARET RICHARDS

Mar 19th 2010, 09:14

There are cases and cases. It's a definite NO TO PEDOPHILIA!! But also regarding other issues such as divorce & the crucifix issue it's a BIG NO TO CENSURE!!! I myself am 100% in favour of divorce and I wholeheartedly hope that divorce will be introduced in Malta. Regarding the crucifix issue, I believe that the crucifix issue is more of a cultural issue than a religious one, especially in the wake of the good number of people wearing the crucifix only as an ornament and then blaspheming for it's worth ....!!! Grow up and realise that by trying to close people's mouths it will backfire big time both on the 'powerful church' and on the authorities who play into the hands of the power of the church. Let the people express themselves and you'll get back your dispersed flock. Try to shut down people and you'll have even more empty churches than ever.

Franco Farrugia

Mar 19th 2010, 08:55

I personally do not follow what Fr Montebello writes or says. That having been said, I think that the Dominican head would have much more serious things to face in Malta, than Mark Montebello's antics.
And who are the 'sources' from which The Times got its story? Someone who 'loves' (sic) Montebello, I am sure! So much for Christian Charity within the Church in Malta!

Anthony Mizzi

Mar 19th 2010, 08:43

Fr Mark Montebello would have been better off and not censored , tackling more "Important National CONTOVERSIAL issues” like topless theatres and the DCG blog " and refrain from "offending the sentiment of the Maltese", at least of those without a voice.