Church: Cohabiting couples cannot receive Communion

Mr jesmond Sultana

May 29th 2011, 09:41

Do YOU really need communion to live a life as Jesus Christ preached?
Does one need to get communion from a bunch of human beings who wear expensive garments and solid gold jewelery and in the mean time they preach poverty putting Christ between you and them to shield your eyes from the flashy life that they comfortably lead.

Don t take me wrong, i really do not mind these black robed human beings that are not married, but have a powerful enough propaganda machine to rule a country, they really are doing whatever the head tells them to do and they are their to protect their own skin.... like everybody else does at the end of the day

There is this invisible man, living in the sky, who watches everything you do, every minute of every day, and the invisible man has a special list , ten things he does not want you to do, and if you do any of these things he has a special place full of fire and smoke and burning and torture where he will send you to choke and scream and cry for ever and ever till the end of time....but he loves you.... and because he loves you, he sent these black robed guys to collect money from you so you can buy your way out of this infernal place.....................

I pity this nation who still lets these few lead them with a carrot ( then they apologize...publicly)
Why do people still believe in pedophiles words?
Why do people believe in poverty words coming out of rich people s mouths?

their history ( recent and old) shows you what they are, and we still have to believe in them.......

what a nation

Mario Grima

May 16th 2011, 13:41

Keep it up Maltese Church, the flock is distancing itself by the thousands. This is just pure insanity.

Joe Xuereb

May 25th 2010, 16:54

Paul Borg, what the bible, christ, god said does not matter. I wasn't there so these holy words, if they were said at all, and their interpretations are up for grabs.
Regarding people not married according to RC ritual - no, they are not valued equally especially if they are divorced and married again any number of times. Are you saying that the RC sect values these marriages, no questions asked?
As for a man and a woman becoming one - what a load of nonsense. I thought the medical world did all in its power to separate Siamese twins. OK! OK! you mean spiritually united. No. That is a lie, a huge carrot. It is sweet words to conceal a deadly stranglehold. People believe it because the union as one feels real enough in the flush of being in love. I have experienced it many, many times but I soon learned and grew up. Many(?) people are gullible still. Some are not fooled.

Bruce Roeder

May 25th 2010, 14:25

I guess fornication is still a sin that needs confessing before you eat and drink judgement upon yourself.

Sounds right. That's what I'vealways been taught. If we do not strive to behave as we believe, then we will tend to believe as we behave.

By the way, the Vatican has a yearly operating budget of just $260 million, which is pretty puny. The riches of the Church are beyond measure.

m muscat

May 24th 2010, 23:59

One reason I cant believe what the church says is;

I remember being taught, that Jesus said we have to choose between wealth or God. We can't have both, so HOW COME THE CHURCH IS ONE OF THE RICHEST ORGANISATION IN THE WORLD?????

Apart from other issues which they dont like to answer or try to avoid them by posting some words from the bible!

Who answer my question, just give me truth and no writings, I just need to what what your mind says and not what the writings say!

Mario Borg

May 24th 2010, 23:29

Another nail in the coffin of relevancy of this church.

J. Attard

May 24th 2010, 22:47

A positive outcome ............if people don't care, they wouldn't have taken this statement so hard.

Because so many have found themselves in such a situation, does in no way, mean they don't love God and His Church. ONLY GOD knows whether a marriage is null or not ..........it is not always possible for the truth to be proven.....ONLY GOD IS THE EXPERT and THUS ONLY HIM CAN BE OUR JUDGE.

This should leave all those who find themselves in such a situation, to carry responsibility of their actions together with advice from a competent spiritual director.

NEVER STOP PRAYING FOR GOD'S HELP. HE KNOWS EACH AND EVERYONE OF US LIKE NOBODY ELSE DOES.

DON'T LET ALL THIS SPOIL YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR SAVIOUR

And for all those who are mentioning Satan in this matter ........... God forgive them for they don't know what they are saying.!!!!!!!

J. Callus

May 24th 2010, 22:16

What right does the "church" have to decide whether I can recieve Holy Communion or not? The fact that I am in a cohibiting situation is definitely beyond my control. I do not consider myself to be a bad person and I am proud to have an excellent relationship with the Lord! And why are married people allowed to recieve Holy Communion even if they betray their partners? At least, I have values while some people who stay in line to recieve Holy Communion do not even know how to spell the word "values". I think the "church" should revise its philosophy. It is definitely not the same church set up by Jesus Christ who thought us not to judge others but to love and forgive.

Michael Tanti

May 24th 2010, 22:12

Time to separate CHURCH from STATE, This country is only run in the churches best interest not the peoples. the people should stand up and Revolt over such ass backwards statements.

The church: sure we will have child abusing priests, but to people that love each other cant receive holy communion what a load of crap, glad i will never get married in the church. They do more and more to hurt them selves every time they are in the news

Claire Zarb

May 24th 2010, 20:58

It hurts me that even if Jesus shared his bread with Judas knowing he was betraying him, the church is discouraging communion to couples who live together but are not married!

I know that my life and its situations are not always ideal but I seek to optimize in order to achieve my best possible paradise. Jesus preached love and acceptance, these morals radiate happiness to us humans but now I feel humiliated and saddened that I belong to a church which does not practice the example of its founder. May His Grace Monsignor Joseph Mercieca please provide us with further insight on this matter?

G Tanti

May 24th 2010, 20:57

So if cohabiting couples cannot receive Communion, they cannot even get married.
The is not the church of God, but the church of the wealthy and touristic Vatican.

charles caruana

May 24th 2010, 20:53

To the nominal cafeteria Catholics complaining here about Church teaching: you are adult and free, go join a more 'liberal' brand of Christianity (plenty around) or start one of your own, made to measure. You might feel more comfortable.

To those who are under the impression that love has nor rules or that Christ's love is a free for all, go back to the Gospel and see whether Christ has made no hard demands of those who want to love Him. If the real Christ, that preached by the Church is not to your liking, invent one for yourself, at the certain risk of creating an Idol.

To those who think that receiving Holy Communion is a matter of having your cake and eating it, think twice: received unworthily, it brings not blessing, but destruction of soul and conscience. All of us are under judgment. Think of Judas after having eaten the bread given to him by Christ himself.

Claire Zarb

May 24th 2010, 20:26

Karl Consiglio

May 24th 2010, 20:22

Truth is that these matters are irrelevant in a flood, if you get my meaning. In a flood good people try to save as many lives as they can regardless of such nonsense. And this is the flood.

Joseph Esposito

May 24th 2010, 19:47

Graham Croker: It is evident that your Christian values are at their very best when responding to comments on line!

malcolm seychell

May 24th 2010, 17:30

This morning by incident I was listening to RAdju Maria. A person phoned and said that these couples are serving Satan. Patri Damian told the lady, do not ask question. about this issue. Since the bishops said it is correct. Imbad jghidu li jemmnu fid diversita :). fid diversita jemmnu imma tal immigranti ghax hemm xeba liri available mill EU.

ray sacco

May 24th 2010, 17:21

the catholic church has a right to make it's own rules in it's own house. as long as it does not interfere with civil issues such as divorce or clergy members who break the law and get away with it, let them be! the church has been stiffening the rope around it's own neck for some time now, and i don't mind that at all! what i find amusing is how on earth will the priest, celebrating mass, tell who is cohabitating or not? maybe the 'sagristan' will stand at the church's entrance and label eveyone on entrance ...............'mizzeweg'.............'xebba'...............'pogguta'.............and who knows what else! lol!

Tanine Restall

May 24th 2010, 16:42

To Graham Crocker,
I am merely voicing my opinion in an educated manner and you really do not need to be personal or offensive. Such an attitude hardly reflects a Christian heart or values.

Christopher Grech

May 24th 2010, 16:17

Do you know why the Church speaks of sacraments? Because you can only get them there! God does not complicate matters in our lives. On Baptism: Why does the church still baptize using water? Christ baptizes using the fire of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist: Mark: 1:8 “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The above is confirmed in all 4 gospels. 1 Cor: 1:17 For Christ sent me NOT TO BAPTIZE, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. so no churches needed. On confession: wisdom 39:5. He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and will pray before The Most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and make supplication for his sins. 39:6. When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the Spirit of Understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer. So no intermediaries needed to communicate with God, and certainly only Him forgives.

C. Bartoli

May 24th 2010, 15:50

A Lauri

May 24th 2010, 15:03

Min m'ghandux dnub jitfa l'ewwel gebla... inklus il knisja

Alex Vella Falzon

May 24th 2010, 13:36

My realtionship with God is my business and this is the way it should be. Let him be the judge of me becasue only he is without sin. Everyone else is human and thus with sin. Is there anyone out there who can sincerly say he has no sin??? Is there anyone who can say he has been to confession and confessed and promised not to sin again and has managed not to do so??? Why is it a 60 year old person still goes to confession if for the past 50 years he has probably confessed the same sin over and over again??? Living with someone out of marraige might be a sin in the eyes of the church, but so is lying, stealing, swearing, desire over the belongings of others, disrespect, etc.....but it seems that only SEX makes headline news!!! Lets all agree for priests to be married so that we all can be better understood, so that they too can witness the realities that come with it and be in a better postion to listen, understand and give good guidance. Live well!!!

Maria

May 24th 2010, 12:43

I am about to marry...but I doubt whether I will do it with church. It is not headed by god any more!

Paul Borg

May 24th 2010, 12:41

@ Paul A. Vella, Christ never never never affirmed anyone in their sin. Rather he forgave sins with the direction: GO AND SIN NO MORE!!!! How many times has this to be repeated in this thread.

J Borg

May 24th 2010, 12:39

I really can't understand why such a statement? when no one has a true record of each individual i.e. whether he is cohibiting/ Single/ Married or Seperated.. i don't think that Communion is going to be ticked off according to status out of a guest list.. in my opinion i don't agree that such screening should apply and no matter what is stated everyone should be treated equally... A reason why people are afraid of marriage is FINANCIAL PROBLEMS and that is also the reason of alot of SEPERATIONS in my opinion...

S. Zerafa

May 24th 2010, 12:10

what about paedophiles? can they ?

Rose Zammit

May 24th 2010, 12:07

THIS IS JUST ONE OTHER THING ON THE CHURCHES LIST TO MAKE PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE DECENCY TO GO TO MASS ON SUNDAY THINK TWICE AND NOT GO . WHAT A SHAME !!!!!

Clifford Borg

May 24th 2010, 11:59

feels like going back to the middle ages

Chris Farrugia

May 24th 2010, 11:41

why all this controversy? I cannot understand. The Church is a CLUB which makes its own rules, you can either like them or hate them but no one has the right to try and bend those rules or try to convince the club to change its rules. If you don't like those rules just stir away from the club. (and join the bigger club of a free life away from hypocrisy)

fleur marie cilia buckett

May 24th 2010, 11:38

and I wonder why so many people are changing their religions?!

Joseph Vella

May 24th 2010, 11:19

Can someone tell me were one stands in a case were the court has annuled his civil marriage but obviously the church does not and than this person remarries again in the civil registry? Is this person , in the eye of the church still cohabiting and in this case not entitled to Holy Communion? Well this is my case and you know what I want to tell the Church about this absurd mentality -Stuff it were no sun shines.

Joseph Pisani

May 24th 2010, 11:16

I have been legally separated from my ex wife for these last 4 years... I have been happily living with my partner for these last two years... I continued to go to Mass and receive Communion, together with my partner and my 13 year old girl... I believe in the Eucharist and willing to continue doing so... I don't really give a damn what our bishops say about this matter... I sincerely feel I m a good friend of Jesus................Only He can and will judge us

simon galea

May 24th 2010, 11:11

This statement is quite disturbing. Being in sin, a person should not recieve Holy Communion. Adultery is a sin, being a racist is a sin, stealing (in so many forms) is a sin.......and so on. I would have fully understood the Church if it warned anyone in sin to refrain from recieving Holy Communion BUT will never accept a ban on cohabiting couples from recieving Holy Communion. By such a ban, the Church is judging such couples and concluding that ALL these couples are living in sin. This is 100% incorrect. Let us keep in mind that once a marriage is declared null (annuled), the marraige actually NEVER existed. That is what the same Church preaches. During the 6,7,8 or even 10 year annulment process any relationship is judged as sin and impedes the person from recieving Communion even though this person was never actually married (as declared later on by the Church)! Although this person is not responsable for any wrong doings, he/she has to wait for years for the Church's rubber stamp! Such blanket statements are extremely damaging and add more pain to such suffering couples.

o.galea

May 24th 2010, 10:25

@ cohabiting couples.... don't let it bother you. You can be a very good Christian without being a Roman Catholic.

MT Caruana

May 24th 2010, 10:16

Niftakar sew li meta kont zghira u nattendi il Muzew, kienu jejdulna li l-iktar hin importanti mil quddiesa kollha hu it-Tqarbin....so....issa b'dan kollu il-quddiesa giet bla sens ta xejn !!

Marianna Galea Xuereb

May 24th 2010, 10:03

@martin saliba Well said Sir! I got married without ever having lived with my husband but nowadays I would advice against such a practice. I think the best thing would be for a couple to live together for at least five years before contemplating marriage or –more important – begetting children. And in any case I think one ought not to co-habit before having known the partner for at least a couple of years. When I was a child we used to be taught the concept of “il-maghmudija tax-xewqa” so I believe that co-habiting couples who are living decent lives (i.e. including honouring any basic obligations they have to any previous partners and children) are as close to God as happily married couples even though the latter are officially allowed to receive Holy Communion but the former are not.

M. Bugeja

May 24th 2010, 09:48

I would rather live and love where death is king than have eternal life where love is not.
- Robert Green Ingersoll

A. Cassar Pulis

May 24th 2010, 09:38

I strongly agree with the Curia's statement.......no one can twingle the Gospel I strongly say to foreigners.......this is our Church's Law in our country..if you do not agree...feel free to leave If we have to adjust God's law to our likings...then we have to adjust even the laws of the world to our likings and that ends up to a big chaos. Jesus said ....either with me or not with me...i am full pro Christ..the rest is.....says St Paul

R. Azzopardi

May 24th 2010, 09:29

I haven't read the blogs below so please forgive me if I'm repeating anything. I am feeling really let down. In the eyes of the catholic church my sin of falling in love with a separated woman is worse than murder! A murderer can receive holy communion as far as I know. Prosit eh!

T Restall

May 24th 2010, 08:50

To all the self-righteous people, thank you for all the love, compassion and understanding you have all shown.

JOHN O SCERRI

May 24th 2010, 08:21

I ask ALL who receive Holy Communion regularly.
Is each and every one of you at peace with your family and neighbours before you walk up the isle to receive the Holy Eucharist?
Do you repent from all your sins and promise not to sin again ?
Do you go to confession? .
Do you unconditionally forgive those who harm you ?
Do you refrain from gossiping about the lifestyles of others?
Do you lend money without interest? this is scripture.
Do you see YOUR beam or the straw in other's eyes.

Walking up the isle did you ever remember that you had unsettled conflicts and you turned back ?

Why is it that you are the 99% of the congregation to receive Holy Communion while a very small % of you go to confession? Do you not believe in the sacrament of confession ? Is your religion 'A LA CARTE'?

'... it encouraged them to go to Mass and participate in the life of the Church...' is like being invited to a wedding and not allowed to eat.

Truely I say unto all of you.... God is Almighty. No one may judge except him.

Lord Jesus never liked ....IPOKRITI.....FARIZEJ.

JFenech

May 24th 2010, 08:05

The title is indeed misleading. It should read "Cohabitating Practising Roman Catholic couples, who shamelessly engage in sexual activity as god intended, should not receive communion".

Perhaps only then will the faith brigade stop being so anal retentive.

J.M.Buhagiar

May 24th 2010, 05:04

Matthew 19:9
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
The full text:

1When Jesus finished speaking, he left Galilee and traveled along the other side of the Jordan River to the territory of Judea.

2Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

3Some Pharisees came to test him. They asked, "Can a man divorce his wife for any reason?"

4Jesus answered, "Haven't you read that the Creator made them male and female in the beginning

5and that he said, 'That's why a man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one'?

6So they are no longer two but one. Therefore, don't let anyone separate what God has joined together."

7The Pharisees asked him, "Why, then, did Moses order a man to give his wife a written notice to divorce her?"

8Jesus answered them, "Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because you're heartless. It was never this way in the beginning.

9I can guarantee that whoever divorces his wife for any reason other than her unfaithfulness is committing adultery if he marries another woman."

Maria Johansson

May 24th 2010, 02:47

I cannot believe this country is a part of the European Union. I am a foreigner so I will try to be careful here but since moving here 5 years ago l still get surpried and truly amased at how hateful, judgmental and hypocrtitical some catholics can be. You people really scare me.

Paul Borg

May 24th 2010, 01:58

The sheer ignorance here continues to appal: Also, obviously people do not read previous comments.
@ John Vella and CA Miller:How many times does it have to be said:In the context of the teachings of the Church,"cohabitation" involves sexual relations,thus the sin of fornication and in some cases also adultery.Raising cases where only flat or house sharing is involved, which involves no sexual contact,is just being too smart by half.Of course the Church cannot distinguish.That is why the responsibility not to present for Holy Communion while in a state of sin,lies with the individualand if one disregards the injunction one compounds the sin.

@ Joe Xuereb:"The problem with this is that, anyone not married by the RC ritual is not married."You are wrong and there is no such teaching!The Church recognises marriages of non-Catholics contracted in most other churches.It also recognises "mixed"marriages" according to the rites of other denominations to which one of the parties belongs,provided a dispensation is granted by the Church for the purpose to the Catholic party.

@N. Lawrence:That has been regularly predicted for 2000 years already now. It has not happened! Still going strong!.

Tony Borg

May 24th 2010, 01:24

Weren't Mary and Joseph cohabiting? If cohabiting is considered a sin and therefore ban people from receiving Holy Communion than I think the church should stop delivering Holy Communion altogether because it seems everyone of us has some sort of 'fault' that we carry. Who knows who said what anyway? You only have to listen to the news and read stories on newspapers and discover that the story varies considerably between various media and we live in a very advanced technological age. The Church and the do gooders should stop making people feel guilty and miserable and let everyone get on with their lives.

Paul A Vella

May 24th 2010, 00:03

I wonder what Christ would say to this...after all He did accept someone like Mary Magdalene within His circle of close friends!!! The church needs to open up it's arms to all and change with the times!! Christ never refused touching anyones hands and heads, never did He push anyone away but nowadays with all that has happened in the past, the church keeps burying it's head in the sand, ostrich style! Let the one who is without a sin cast the first stone!! And so be it, Amen.

Mike Darmanin

May 23rd 2010, 23:09

I love such statements from the church, after all the easiest way to eliminate such a ridiculous delusion is from the inside.

Joseph Ellul

May 23rd 2010, 22:46

Even though they said this is not a punishment it strongly seems to be.Do not get me wrong I am not in favour of cohabitants, but full marriage as the Catholic Church ahs always instituted, but, this time around these couples are much less wrong than all the Catholic Priests who ahve lived on Child Molestation and yet they still received Holy Comunion, Said Mass and more so Listened to Confessions of people who trusted them with their sins.I ahve to say this is Hypocricy and the Bishops should reconsider.The Catholic Church need all the congregation and all the Catholic faithfuls to feel that they are wanted in this Religion. I strongly believe that this communique is made in Malta. I go to Church regularly here in Caanda and have never heard of such directive from our Bishops or any annoucements from the Pulpits.

H Dalli

May 23rd 2010, 22:08

The Bishops are the authority of the Catholic Church and thus have a right to decide what is to be done and what not within their church. However they are no authority over Jesus Christ or my life. As an adult I have made my choices which include Jesus Christ as part of my life but does not include the Catholic Church and the priests who run it!

Joseph Micallef

May 23rd 2010, 21:56

The Law of Moses could not impart life (2 Cor. 3: 7-18). The law was only a "schoolmaster to bring us (Jew, dm) unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (Gal. 3: 24). "But after that faith is come," Paul continued, "we are no longer under a schoolmaster" (vs. 25). Paul warned regarding any who would attempt justification by the Law of Moses. Hear him: "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" (Gal. 5: 4). One cannot be saved by a system of meritorious works that seek to earn salvation and by grace at the same time (Rom. 11: 6). John said, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (Jn. 1: 17).

I just hope that all of you quoting the Bible and rules get the message above!

CA Miller

May 23rd 2010, 21:04

How about Matthew 7:3 ??

MBorg

May 23rd 2010, 21:02

@ CA Miller
There is nothing wrong if you share an apartmnet with friends. Whatever gave you the idea that the church is against it ?

We all know and the Bishops were very clear that by " cohabiting couples " the chruch was refering to couples who are living like man and wife, so why mix things up?

Paul Attard

May 23rd 2010, 20:54

AH gotta luve the Chrisitan Taliban haven't you. 2000 years to learn and still stuck in the middle ages. What's next burning at the stake?

Stupid is as stupid does.

V Battistino

May 23rd 2010, 20:01

read Matthew 19, 3-12

These are some of the basic rules of Catholicism....take it or leave it.

You think you can do religion a la carte - forget it !

Joe Zammit

May 23rd 2010, 19:48

Christ has set up his one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on purpose to guide us with her infallible teaching on what we must do or avoid to attain eternal life here on earth and, after death, in heaven.

The Church does not invent any teaching but applies the teaching she has received from Christ to our daily life. That's why the teaching of Christ as taught to us by his one Catholic Church seeps into our daily private and public life contiuously. Every thought and every act of ours are either morally good or morally evil. There is no midway. We are either pleasing God or displeasing God to our own detriment.

Cohabitation is a continuous act of displeasing God to the detriment of the cohabitants themselves.

John Vella

May 23rd 2010, 19:21

With all due respect to the Bishops, the "Church" may not approve of couples living together but there is no good reason why not. People should not abondon their family, their spouse or their children, people should not have sexual relationships with anyone other than a spouse ... BUT there is nothing wrong with cohabiting with another human being.

I am married, but if I were single I can go and cohabit with another person or persons - I can go live with another man, woman, or multiple people (and their pets) if I choose too. I agree that it is wrong, immoral and sinful to have sexual relations with them .... but what is wrong with living in the same house with them??

The church cannot assume that all people who live in the same house are having a sexual relationship - it makes absolutely no sense. I understand what the church is trying do and teach, but this is profiling - and profiling is wrong and also illegal. In a civilized country the church would get sued over this and they would lose... again!!

C A Miller

May 23rd 2010, 18:38

What exactly is wrong with cohabiting? I have had that arrangement with several friends and acquaintances over the years? Did the church assume that I was a homosexual living in sin because I shared an apartment with male friends? If I’m not mistaken most priests (and nuns) live in a common house with other priests ….. do they receive communion, or is it only priests living alone who receive communion?

Joe Xuereb

May 23rd 2010, 17:59

Marriage, seen as an Institution, a sacrament set up by Christ(?) the Church(?). The problem with this is that, anyone not married by the RC ritual is not married. This is ridiculous and preposterous.
Marriage is a social construct with social order its main concern. Nothing to do with church or Christ. And non-RC-religious people see the Eucharist as cannibalism and therefore, not very nice. Anybody, married or not - it is not worth their while getting their underwear in a twist.

N.Lawrence

May 23rd 2010, 17:46

In a couple of thousand years, people will look back with ridicule at this Catholic mythology. Just the way the RC church looks back at Greek/Norse/Egyptian mythology. They ALL thought they were so right. What goes around, comes around

Steve Pace

May 23rd 2010, 17:15

@Joe Zammit - " Our bishops have echoed the infallible teaching of the Catholic Church." I bet MGR Gonzi'a mortal sin to vote labour was an echoe of the infalibile teaching ....

Mark Piscopo

May 23rd 2010, 16:32

BLA SENS!!

J Spiteri

May 23rd 2010, 15:51

@ Supporters of "Cohabiting couples cannot receive Communion"

Quoting the Bible, words uttered by Jesus:
"I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

DID ANYONE DECIDE TO IGNORE THE "EXCEPT" WRITTEN THERE??????

So, YES, I have a right to marry once again but the church is still ignoring my right mentioned even in the Bible.

Not only, but to add insult to injury, the Bishops are hereby asking ME to "seek conversion"!!!!!
Instead of "seeking conversion", I am seeking comprehension as it makes much more sense!!!!!

Because it's really funny how people opt to be sooooo choosy in what part to quote from the Bible!!!

K. Grixti

May 23rd 2010, 15:49

Sure! something like that the bishops will do anything to do what the lord said on to them. However parts of the Bibles which they dont like.. they wont practice that of course! like for example, "Jekk trid timxi warrajja, erfa salibek kuljum, inza hwejgek kollha u imxi warajja" however the Vatican is still fluorishing with money and full of gold. Instead of uniting the people with God and being the bridge between the two, the church is really destroying that bridge. No wonder why most people today including an increasing number of youth is turning agnostic or atheist.

Paul Borg

May 23rd 2010, 15:44

The confused thinking, ignorance, irrelevancy,emotional argument, and outright anti-Catholicsm here is appalling.

It is simple folks: anyone,who is in a state of (ANY)sin, priest or layperson, may NOT receive Holy Communion.Cohabitation (including gays) involving sexual relations means the sin of fornication: if one of the two person has contracted a valid marriage in the eyes of the Church, whether separated or not, it also becomes adultery.Those who do not accept these teaching of the Church are NOT in unity with Her and therefore deprive THEMSELVES from the right to Holy Communion.One can restore that right by repentance,(with a faithful commitment to avoid sin in the future)and a valid absolution.Those who arrogate for themselves the right to receive Holy Communion unworthily, compound their sin.They are like thieving uninvited guests who "gate crash" and help themselves to the dinner table.Of course, Jesus Christ loves everybody, however, he also insists in his love that anyone who wants to come to Him must repent of sin and "go and sin no more".In this regard He is VERY JUDGEMENTAL and did/does not affirm anyone in his/her sin. Those who do not repent from their sin(s) cut THEMSELVES from His love.

Emma Xerri

May 23rd 2010, 15:00

A word to the wise to all those cohabiting couples that this article referrs to.

Please excommunicate yourselves from the Church - do it right now. You do not need it (and it obviously does not want you).

You do not need to seek the approval and the legitimising power that the Catholic Church exerts especially in Malta, since in the Church has long ago lost any credibility and its claims to moral authority have long fallen by the wayside given the extent of heinous crimes against children and their cover-ups that have been well documented around the world.

Liberate yourselves from superstition and intrustion into your private lives. And the next step would be to insist with your elected representatives both in Malta and the EU, to remove this blithe from the public sphere as well.

Stan Chetcuti

May 23rd 2010, 14:52

"While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and 'sinners' came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and "sinners"?' On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners'" (Matthew 9:10-13).

Does the Church's behavior in this incident remind us of Jesus or the Pharisees ?

Joe Xuereb

May 23rd 2010, 13:35

Marriage, seen as an Institution, a sacrament set up by Christ(?) the Church(?). The problem with this is that, anyone not married by the RC ritual is not married. This is ridiculous and preposterous.
Marriage is a social construct with social order its main concern. Nothing to do with church or Christ. And non-RC-religious people see the Eucharist is cannibalism and therefore, not very nice. And therefore, anybody, married or not, it is not something they should get their underwear in a twist for.

Dr.Lynn Zahra L.L.D

May 23rd 2010, 13:32

Someone asked if married couples who defy the Church's rules should also be barred from Communion ?
Ah, but you see, the sin of these couples is committed secretly , behind closed doors........

Jahasra what the bishops are, in my view too blind to see when they condemn separated people living together as sinners is as Hamif Kureishi says in his book "Something to tell you" on page 45 to demand to go against emotions inbuilt in healthy human beings :

"....................of all the perversions, the strangest was celibacy, the desire to cancel all desire, to hate it.............Not that you could abolish it once and for all. Desire , like death or an unpleasant meal, keeps returning .......it was ultimately indigestible.

J Zerafa

May 23rd 2010, 12:53

...and those who cheat on their spouses? Will they be allowed to receive holy communion? And those who beat their spouses? And perhaps even their children? Those who are regularly married but discovered they have a different sexual orientation later in their lives?

Me thinks that a lot are after brownie points! All is well and good as long as turn up at mass on a sunday morning as a couple!

Nik Xuereb Conti

May 23rd 2010, 12:50

True love needs no permission. Married or not does not matter, marriage is only a pagan ritual. Reciprocal respect and trust is what counts and that is what a real family is based on. Being not married and bound by the church does not make a couple's love unworthy. I truly doubt that this statement by the church will change and one's ways. Although getting married does prove profitable for tax purposes ;)

Christopher Grech

May 23rd 2010, 12:30

Wonderful! Now this is great because these cohabiting couples would be PROHIBITED from breaking the Commandments!

Going to mass, goes exactly contrary to Christ's wishes. He came 2000 years ago to abolish religion, and it was the rabbis who killed him, fearing loss of power.

The host is an idol, and you would not find Christ in it anywhere. Churches are full of idols too, going contrary to God's will.

People wake up! The fulcrum of the church, and also Catholics/Protestants alike, all have the host/bread. Priests say that it represents Christ, but it does not.

Satan is laughing at us big time.

M Vella

May 23rd 2010, 11:59

There are many couples that are getting married and are having sex before marriage - then this goes against Catholic Faith...so basically those are ok to receive communion on their wedding day and co habiting couples are condemned! It is true that is goes against the teachings but let us not accentuate matters - i thought that confessing should remove all sins - humans are made of flesh and blood and will again sin, Like everyone in this world - priests, nuns, married couples, single persons, murderers and so forth!

Mark Casha

May 23rd 2010, 11:41

Tough luck for those who still cared. The Church has to abide by it's 'holy book' because the belief is that it is the 'word of god' and so it is immutable. This is also why religions are temporal - they have an expiry date and get replaced. Religions have always been based on the philosophy and the knowledge of the particular period in which they make their appearance. Once humankind moves forward in the fields of free thought such as the arts and the sciences, our knowledge and belief systems change too.
Religions based on scriptures written a couple of thousand years ago with hard and fast rules cannot provide the same support to society they offered when they appeared first, unless they keep that same society that supports them from evolving. This is what most religions try to do - keeping society backwards in order to remain relevant and postpone its expiry date.
Religions serve a purpose in society and it is mostly a good one. Blind faith in something, or someone however is never a good thing. We evolved with a rational mind to use it.

Edwin Formosa

May 23rd 2010, 11:12

Malta zghira u n-nies mgharufa. Xi kummentaturi la huma kattolci prattikanti u lanqas kattolci in buona fede. Huma anti-kattolci dikjarati, bl-agenda ta dawk li jiddispraw ghax Malta ghadha kattolika. Nies bla sinsla fejn jidhlu principji u jghiru ghall-maggoranza tal-Maltin li ghandhom fibra morali. U jridu jifirxu s-sodda ghal dawk il-politici li jridu jinhabbu mall-liberali barranin. Ipokriti li jridu "jghallmuna" fuq Alla billi jissuggerulna:-
* niksru l-kmandamenti tieghu,
* ninjuraw il-knisja mwaqqfa minn ibnu Gesu u mmexxija mill-Ispirtu s-Santu
* naghamlu fattina (ghax ghalihom xejn mhu xejn ) u mmorru nitqarbnu

S. De Marco

May 23rd 2010, 11:00

How will the priest know if you are cohabiting or not?? If I'm not mistaken, the words are "The Body of Christ".....

M Spiteri

May 23rd 2010, 10:52

What about the victim of the separation/marriage breakdown. Isn't this person allowed to fall in love with somebody else and start a normal life again? Instead of bringing these people who have suffered closer to the church, we are pushing them away. It isn't fair.

Paul Borg

May 23rd 2010, 10:40

@ Joseph Calleja:The answer to all of your crucial questions is: NO. Those who are in a State of Sin cannot receive Holy Communion. If they defy the provision and deceive the priest or minister into giving them Holy Communion, they not only add to their sin but they compound it with a deliberate act of deception.

"Is a priest going to deny absolution and communion to a dying man or woman because he/she is cohabiting?" You have your theology terribly mixed up. A priest may only give a valid absolution when the penitent confesses the sin, repents and promises not to sin again: that is the penitent confesses the sin of co-habitation (fornication), is genuinely sorry, repents and promises not to do it again, i.e gives up co-habitation. Without these any absolution is null and void. If the confession meets all these criteria the absolution is valid: ipso facto the individual is no longer in a state of sin and therefore entitled to receive Holy Communion.

Get rid of the"emotionalism"and it is all very logical and fair. Contrary to your claim,many people in Malta are still very uninformed!.

Joanne Micallef

May 23rd 2010, 10:21

Kullhadd ghandu jkun responsabbli ta ghemilu, nghid ghalija inhalli f'idejn il-Mulej biex jiggudikani HU.

Joseph Micallef

May 23rd 2010, 10:19

Does anyone of you commenting here REALLY believe that GOD in all his LOVE would make a distinction between those who are conhabiting and those who are legally married? Would he say "Noooooo you can't have me, you can't unite with me as you are cohabiting"! Does anyone in his right state of mind Really Actually believe that a Loving God would do that? Answer yourselves, in your heart of hearts, and give yourselves an honest answer! Rules or not, commandments or not, the Bible also tells us that we should not be living by the Law but by the spirit the Law. Maybe that's what those happily quoting the commandments and the Bible should be thinking about at the moment - the SPIRIT OF THE LAW!

Jason Attard

May 23rd 2010, 10:18

"Nicolaus Copernicus, the 16th-century astronomer whose findings were condemned by the Roman Catholic Church as heretical, was reburied by Polish priests as a hero, nearly 500 years after he was laid to rest in an unmarked grave."

maybe in 500 years somebody can read a different statement on cohabitation...

C Cassar

May 23rd 2010, 10:02

The catholic church also preaches that christ was against divorce.
I do believe that is correct, but if i pay the church i can get an annulment

N. Borg

May 23rd 2010, 09:42

If your imaginary friend is as nice as the church portrays him to be, I am sure he won't mind anyone living with his unmarried partner. Otherwise it would be rather CONTROLLING of him would it?

Simon Abela

May 23rd 2010, 09:39

Cohabiting couples cannot receive communion- Wow pretty strong words here from the Church Is this about control the people Let me ask what about priest that sexually advance on children what about that? They walk scott free and still be able to confirm sacraments.
In my opnion these men hould be punished as well irrespectable if you live in America or Mallta.
But the priest are like politicians they are not touched, if you dare to say something you are a rebel, and they condemm you.

victor vella

May 23rd 2010, 09:37

It is against the teachings of Jesus to judge others by our yardsticks. The church has no right to pass judgement on other people who choose to live together without getting married. They are breaking any law of God. They are breaking the law of God if two married couple by the church decide to leave each other without any sound reasons for their claim. Here judgement can be passed because "dak li ghaqqad Alla ma jhollux il-bniedem". If two unmarried couple are living together it is their choice to choose such a life, but they are not committed to one another. Their trust is contained unless one of the partners does not act otherwise. They are breaking any law of Moses. How could our children get married by the church when the same church is led by corrupted leaders. How could our children get married in such difficult times when trust in everybody is getting thinner? If I'm living my adolescence now I HAVE MY DOUBTS IF I GET MARRIED OR NOT.

malcolm seychell

May 23rd 2010, 09:36

What about

pedofoli
hallelin
kriminali
qattiela,
drogati
promotion tad diversita(80% tal mixed marriages fl italja ifallu)

Shall these receive the communion?

Godwin Gatt

May 23rd 2010, 09:22

"The Bishops said they were urging couples ........ and seek conversion."

'Seek conversion' presumably means 'leave your partner', AND 'your child can't live in a family with both of his parents if they are not married' AND 'he must suffer the same fate of children with seperated parents'.

You can't be part of the club if you don't want to follow its rules! Ah ... but the church here is not a normal club in a normal country. It has the welfare of the society at heart. AND, if you're not part of the club you're considered an outcast on this island of ours. And when, after Easter, the chaplain comes to bless the home (presumably 'the home' and not 'the house' he comes to bless) he'll find it a bit uneasy cause by blessing it, he would be condoning it. And much more serious, not benig part of the club means that you'll be condemned forever after this life ends!

But who said anything about not being part of the club? The church still wants cohabiting couples to 'participate in the life of the Church.' Members with reduced privilages, that's all!

I KNOW WHAT TO CHOOSE!

Joe Zammit

May 23rd 2010, 09:09

For those who would like to get more information (and formation) about the current topic, I suggest to them to read the document issued by the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH CONCERNING THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION BY THE DIVORCED AND REMARRIED MEMBERS OF THE FAITHFUL

It can be seen on: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_14091994_rec-holy-comm-by-divorced_en.html

maria aquilina

May 23rd 2010, 09:09

The best thing is for the ibshops to send for the priests and advice them on the teachings they are giving out on the media. My mind boggles. I am really scandalised when I see cohabiting couples receving holy communion. More so when these are living together after they left their wives and husbands.

Joe Zammit

May 23rd 2010, 08:53

We must not confuse the case of a priest who may have abused children and cohabitation. The priest will have committed grave sins but on repenting and confessing them, he can receive Holy Communion.

In cohabitation you have a case of continuous sin. Cohabitants are living in grave sin, separated from God and on the way to hell. Grave sin is not a joke! They can repent, but repentance requires of them to separate or get married together if they can, because as they are, they are not married before God and the Catholic Church.

So if cohabitants separate or get married, they heal their sinful life and can receive Holy Communion again.

Joe Zammit

May 23rd 2010, 08:44

Our bishops have echoed the infallible teaching of the Catholic Church. Their Word is the Word of God and the Word of God is not something, but someone: Jesus Christ.

Whoever does not listen to the Catholic Church, as the one holy and Apostolic Church, will not be listening to Christ himself.

Following Christ necessarily involves self-denial. To love Christ and thereby attain our eternal life on earth and in heaven we must do not what we wish but what Christ wants us to do.

Toni Pace

May 23rd 2010, 08:32

Maybe the Church, besides striving to be faithful to its Master's teachings, is also concerned about the suffering accompanying relationship breakdowns. And let's admit priests are in a better position than us laity to empathise with so much human suffering. All this experience, shouldn't make pastoral leaders arrogant, rather they should be more human. Let's at least 'listen' to the spiritual guidance suggested to us by the Church. As humans we all know it's not easy to 'convert'.

Denis Calleja

May 23rd 2010, 07:50

The commandments are there for everyone. For those who suffered in silence for many years,who believe God gave them another opportunity in life cannot go to holy communion.

Those, who committed artrocities, silent violence are forgiven and since they stay on their own, thats ok. We are afraid of the truth, so we refrain to one side, the ones who cohabitating part, easy.

Though shalt not commit adultary yes? But with the rejection from your partner, or better silent
violence one shold bear to the end.

Persons with clear concience, in a true personal relation with God, love their neigbour as themselves. For those who live a good life, love God, no communion.

There are people who abuse, of course, on either side. I believe that we tend to always set aside, those who have guts and stand for a new life, and who are in reality loving God too. Whilst some originators of the marriage breakdowns are given the green light.

Finally God will be our judge, and if we really believe, in him, and live a good life no one can take that away from us.

John Spiteri

May 23rd 2010, 07:15

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.
I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

This is what Jesus actually said. Read the last sentence carefully.
Matthew 19:8.9

Benjamin Bowman

May 23rd 2010, 04:29

Kelmtejn fil-qosor:

Min ma jridx ikun parti mill-Knisja Kattolika, sincerament ma nahsibx li ghandha taghmillu differenza. Min irid ikun parti mill-Knisja Kattolika, bis-sitwazzjonijiet kollha ta hajtu ghandu jipprova jhaddan it-taghlim tal-Knisja. U it-taghlim tal-Knisja fuq dak li ghandu xjaqsam ma familja u zwieg kulhadd jista jkun jafu. Kulma trid hu li tiehu ftit minuti u tidol tfittex il-kompendju tat-taghlim socjali tal-knisja anke online.

Dwar xi ideat li ssemmew fil-kummenti:

Tkun ghaqlija li ssir distinzjoni cara bejn gudizzju fuq persuna/i u gudizzju fuq azzjoni ta persuna. Il-Knisja ma tghaddix gudizzju fuq il-persuni, imma fid-dmir li turi l-verita shiha fuq l-azzjonijiet ta kulhadd. Ir-realta hi li Tqarbina twassal ghal zewg konkluzjonijiet possibli, ghall-hena eterna, u indannazzjoni eterna. Meta wiehed jitqarben qieghed jitwahhad ma Kristu u mal-Knisja kollha u ghaldaqstant it-tqarbina hi grazzja enormi. Il-problema hi hawn, jekk wiehed qed jghix konxjament fi stat kontinwu ta dnub, allura x'inhu l-iskop li wiehed jitqarben? Forsi kif ipproponew diversi nies, biex ma jiskandalizzax lil uliedu? Biex ma jhossux hazin dwar hajtu? Ma nafx. Sincerament nahseb li kulhadd irid Knisja li togghob lilu. Tlifna kull sens ta dak li hu Sewwa, Veru u Sabih. Kristu hu Wiehed, il-Verita hi Wahda, "Min ghandu widnejn ha jisma!"

Graham Crocker

May 23rd 2010, 01:08

I find some of the comments on the comment board to be rather disturbing.
Nobody is forcing anybody to be Roman Catholic. If you don't live by the teachings of a church, then why in the world would you want to be part of it?

For instance, Tanine Restall - "Jesus did not discriminate. I shall let him be my Judge".
If your religious ideals are not the same ideals of the church you are frequenting, there are an overwhelming amount of Christian sects, many sharing the beliefs of many of you so-called Roman Catholics. So instead of bitching and moaning, find a church that shares your ideals and beliefs or start a new one.

But if you only want the social part of religion, there are many alternatives which can be more beneficial to you: join a charity, a hobbyist club, learn a new subject, or do yourself wonders by training in a sport.

Do something with your lives other than warm the church benches or at least if you go, abide by their teachings, because I think many people here have misunderstood what religion is or what the belief in one entails.

G Caruana

May 23rd 2010, 01:01

Are married couples who use contraceptives allowed to recieve communion? Perhaps pharmacists can start reporting those who buy condoms or the pill to the parish priest...................

Micheal Saviour

May 23rd 2010, 00:19

I fully agree with Mr.Joseph Calleja's agrument. It is the 21st century and the catholic church needs to adapt to our changing society if it expects to maintain it's credibility and faithfull followers.

"renew their confidence in God's mercy, and seek conversion" is far from respecting the sanctity of marrige, it is a faith-veiled discrimination on grounds of maritial status! Not to mention imposing religious ideals which no longer apply in the lives of people living in 21st century maltese society.

The only sins being comitted are the church dictating the definition of what being a "good" catholics is all about. Maintaining my faith and divine relationship with God does not include going to mass to listen to these charlatan hypocrites promote a judgemental prejudice towards cohabiting couples.

Charels Grixti

May 23rd 2010, 00:18

Dear Wilfred Camilleri

It is obvious that you have not understood the bishops’ message. The Church does NOT welcome everyone, and that is the whole point of the article above. Those cohabiting couples are persona non grata when it comes to Holy Communion. Are you now contradicting the Bishops themselves?

And the power of the Church does not come from God, just because it says so. I dare you to go to any insane asylum around the world and you will find hundreds claiming to be God, Moses, Jesus Christ and every historical person in between. But that does not make them so.

Mary Smith

May 23rd 2010, 00:15

So, then, when the Church burned all those so-called 'heretics' during hundreds of years of persecution, both in Europe and in genocide of the Amerindians in the New World, it was not acting under its own rules, but under those of a 'merciful God'?

Pleeese, spare us the excuses for 1. If this is the type of God that you Catholics worship, then I want no part of him/her/it. And 2. If it was acting under its own rules and volition, I doubly want no part of the Catholic Church in any shape, way or form. As Christ himself said, by their own fruits you shall know them. Evil is as evil does.

J Attard

May 22nd 2010, 23:55

The church has every right to remind us of God's teaching but the church should also provide individual help and support to anyone in difficult situations. I feel that this very delicate and personal subject is being dealt with in a very irresponsible manner. All those who are blessed not to have, themselves or any of their family, come in such situation, would do less harm if they stop preaching....... WE ALL HAVE SINS. Hurting people's sentiments and driving them to lose their hope in God is also a sin.

This is not a matter of making our own rules in such situations but seeking help and support to carry our burden. Keeping God in our life is important as He knows our weaknesses and we should always TRUST IN HIM.

The grave sin we are all referring to is sex outside marriage. Am I right if I said, that what the church is saying also refers to individuals who are supposed to be married ,cohabiting, single, separated, widowed, divorced etc. God knows what happens behind closed doors.

I feel the church should work closer to her flock.

Edward Fenech

May 22nd 2010, 23:42

They just can't stop digging their own crater can they?

laurence schembri

May 22nd 2010, 23:35

@ Dr.G. Schembri Adami, Vet
Five years ago, at my sister`s funeral at Fareham Parish Church, UK, after explaining my situation, I`ve asked the Parish Priest if I could take Holy Communion and his answer was a firm `Yes`. So according to St. Paul`s preaching I am acondemned man.
My question to you is; was St. Paul celebate? I don`t know and neither do you.
By the way the Cathoilc Church measures her belief only, Catholics are allowed to go to heaven. So a 500 hundred million Chinese are condemned to Hell, if this is so, I would think that one would find an awful lot of empty space in the heavens.

MG Buttigieg

May 22nd 2010, 23:17

"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.
Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
For many are invited, but few are chosen (matt.22,8-14)

Yes Jesus loves all human beings. All are invited to the banquet. But beware. We cannot expect to ignore the calling of the Good Sheperd here on earth and expect to look the King in the face at the last judgment. Yes there will be a last judgment.

N.Sciberras

May 22nd 2010, 23:04

Sorry dear bishops, but I shall still receive Holy Communion tomorrow........and so will my partner !!!

Chris Fenech

May 22nd 2010, 22:56

The Catholic religion, and other religions are based on an unverifiable and unfalsifiable hypothesis, i.e. the existence of a supreme being. People have to accept the existence of such a supreme being on faith alone and they may choose to follow a religion. Religions tend to change over time and the customs and beliefs of the people may influence such changes. Therefore, if one embraces a certain religion, but feels that some of it's doctrines are unfair or contradict some of the more basic tenets, it may not be useless to make one's opinion heard. It may help to change certain customs of that religion.

However, I wouldn't base my behaviour on what some people dictate to me to be the way I'm supposed to behave. I always try to study and base my behaviour on informed thought or research. I suggest that people get more interested in the subjects of philosophy and science and broaden their knowledge.

Jean-Pierre Aquilina

May 22nd 2010, 22:10

Is cohabiting the only sin?

Marlene Debono

May 22nd 2010, 21:37

Could you please enlighten me as to where Jesus says that a couple living together cannot receive Holy Communion? As far as I know in Jesus' period his initial followers were not married to begin with, am I wrong? He still came to earth for them, and did not exclude them.....???

J.Tonna

May 22nd 2010, 20:49

MANY CONTRIBUTORS HERE SHOW THAT THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE CATHOLIC RELIGION AND HOLY COMMUNION. THEY BETTER LEARN MORE BEFORE COMMENTING.

MBorg

May 22nd 2010, 20:49

@ Joseph Calleja
Why should cohabitation be a way of life ? What about the sacrament of marriage ? Many are choosing to cohabitate to do away with the responsibilities that come with married life.

It is not the church that must change, it is the attitude of certain individuals that must change.
Some think that they can live their life the way that pleases them , doing away with the rules of God and church , and demand that the church has to change to please them.

Alfred Camilleri

May 22nd 2010, 20:35

David Buttigieg and others who think like you. You are going against what the bishops said. My, my. Horror of horrors. The latter did not tell cohabiting couples to leave the Church or join other religions as you are recommending them to do. On the contrary they invited them to go to mass and to participate in the life of the Church, stopping short of receiving Holy Communion. Nice , eh. Religion al menu.

John Farrugia

May 22nd 2010, 20:33

With no respect whatsoever to the bishops Caifas etc etc
My relatiobship with God is that personal that no living creature can judge.
SO please do spare us your ideas. They seem to be distant from Chriist s teachings more than anything

Lydia Pace Workman

May 22nd 2010, 20:30

@ P. Grima " .......the reason why the Catholic Church has remained strong throughout the ages........." Talk about burying one's head in the sand. The Catholic Church has far from remained strong throughout the ages, the last I knew is that priests are being arrested, tried and sentenced to years in prison for child sexual abuse, the numbers of priests and nuns are dwindling to next to nothing, the public opinion of Catholicism outside the Roman Catholic Church is appalling, and the one time flock with blinders has obtained a peripheral vision. We must be staying in touch with different current events dear P. Grima.

John Grech

May 22nd 2010, 20:28

Dear friends....there are models of the Church! So be careful!!
The institutional Church bans Comunion to those whoes lives are incoherent to the institution of marriage. That`s fine!
The pastoral Church (not the Canon law one because law is a fundamental structure of an institution!!) examines the situation of every person and then in dialogue with those involved comes to a conclusion about what has to be done. Just a note about the Orthodox Church ( OC) theology of marriage that is by no way claimed to be heretical by the Latin Church. Marriage in the OC is a once in a lifetime celebration while the same Church after a time of penance gives the divirced partners another chance to bless the relationship. So please dear sheperds of the Church while it is understandable that justice needs to be preserved as it is a maximum value ,compassion has also it`s toll in the equation of justice. Fr. Peter S. Inglott is right to claim that the spiritual leaders of the Church including the Parish Priests (PP) can nullify a marriage. PP`s have a moral responsability to listen to the story of cohababitating couples, help them include themselves to the Church.

Marie Claire Saliba

May 22nd 2010, 20:24

It seems the Church wants to stop society as an institution from evolving, without actually doing anything to ensure its survival. If they don't get with the times, they'll soon find their institution finally gone the same way as their thinking - extinct, like the dinosaurs and the dodo. I wonder how long it will be before its supporters will see this and realise they have to choose between drowning or swimming?

M. Grech

May 22nd 2010, 20:18

This comes from the presumption of sin, but how do we judge sin?!?! It looks like even with the passage of 2000 years nothing has changed.....there are hypocrates ready to judge others at the drop of a hat led by the ones Jesus use to dub oqbra mbajda. Don't judge, afterall receiving communion is only a symbolical way of feeling closer to God. Why deny it to those who yearn it? The church has to move with the times instead of by leading through fear, and that would be Ok too by God's standard...afterall there would be agreement that we have moved on from eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth mentality of over 3000 years ago!!

David Buttigieg

May 22nd 2010, 20:07

@ Lynn Zahra

"1. Couples who live together in Malta are only doing so because the State has no provided for Divorce. "

Not the point - even divorced people who re-marry cannot receive Holy communion, for the very simple reason that their second marriage is not recognised by the church and so according to the church are still living in sin!

An a la carte religion is a ridiculous concept!

joseph camilleri

May 22nd 2010, 19:59

Dear Bishops, do you think there is a big controversary in this statement? It is said that Church loves cohabitating couples and leave them thirsty for the word of God. It is like you invite me for supper, but I am not allowed to eat. Mass is the symbolic last supper of our lord and everybody is invited to eat the body of Christ. while I am not allowed to eat. Somewhere there is something missing. There is a lot of seperated persons out there hungry and thirsty for the word of Christ, but somehow there is a misunderstanding. It is not enough to say that the church loves you. You have to understand this situation.

angela vella

May 22nd 2010, 19:56

So couples who live together can't take holy communion, what about those who were NUNS and those who were PRIESTS ? They can get married and they are allowed to go to church and take the holy communion. That's very nice eh!

J. Mercieca

May 22nd 2010, 19:56

Kont qed nistenna dan minn ghand l-Isqfijiet taghna. Dak li qalulna mhux it-taghlim taghhom imma ta' Gesu stess. Gesu kien car fi kliemu. Lil midimba hafrila dnubietha u qallu mur titdnibx izjed. San Pawl lil Korintini qalilhom -L-ewwel in-nisrani ghandu jarbel lilu nnifsu u wara jersaq lejn il-Gisem u d-Demm ta' Kristu ghax inkellu jkun hati tal-Gisem u Demm ta' Kristu.
Dan hu t-taghlim tal-Knisja u dan jghodd mhux biss ghal min publikament juri li qed jghix kontra wiehed mill-ghaxar kmandamenti ( bhal ma hi l-kobitazzjoni ) imma ukoll ghal jghix privatament fl-isball ( bhal min ibejjet imhabba ohra f'qalbu barra miz-zwieg).
Jiena nistenna li l-awtoritajiet ekklezjastici barra minn din l-istqarija juru ukoll li hadu l-passi mehtiega ma min xandar taghlim zbaljat u ssir apologija ma dik il-persuna kuraggjuza li iddefendiet it-taghlim tal-Knisja u fis-sahna tal-argument giet umiljata minn min suppost jghati ezempju.

Louise Borg

May 22nd 2010, 19:44

Are we living in 2010....or 1010??!!!! These things make me really wonder.

James De Giorgio

May 22nd 2010, 19:39

Why all this fuss? The Church's position has always been like this, since the times of the apostles. Living outside marriage vows if one is marriage is known as adultery, and Christ condemns adultery, so do the commandments.

If anyone does not want to follow Christ's teachings, he or she can do so freely.

However it is mightily foolish to blame the Catholic Church for following Christ's teachings...

So all those here crying out foul at the Church are simply ignorant of Christ's teachings and the Church's role in safeguarding what Jesus taught us.

S. Caruana

May 22nd 2010, 19:05

Dun Gorg Dalli for Pope!!!! To hell with the 'do's' and 'dont's'!! If only everyone was taught about the unique love of our most amazingly sweet , gentle, loving and Merciful Jesus instead of being bombarded with the 'do's' and 'don'ts' only creating more anger and conflicts, I'm sure that the Church would become home to all. It is such a shame how this Catholic Church with its military style messages and teachings is distancing God's children from recieving His love and grace in their lives. I fully agree with what Dun Gorg Dalli said......'Jien nibza mill Kattoliku li mhux Kristjan' etc etc
Jesus is Unique and Compassionate Love. How can anyne ever grow to truly feel and know such an amazing truth with these military style messages?? God works in ways which amaze us. He is our Father, Father of each and every one... so please don't let your ways be an obstacle to His children's gift of divine grace in their lives.
We are born with a conscience too and I don't think that the church should ever rob anyone of it but let Jesus reach out through what He has gifted us with. Peace/Love 2 all:)

Roderick Cordina

May 22nd 2010, 18:55

I was waiting for something like this. If you are cohabiting and have kids...leave them alone with their mother so you can receive the holy communion again and if you love somebody else make your effort to start to hate her. You should not love somebody else (as if you force yourself to love). But people, priests who have like married people promised fedelty to GOD (and not a simple man) can leave that promise and find a woman and marry. That is not a problem and they can also receive the holy Communion.

Though I believe that the bishops have the right to set rules for church than it is the individual to respect them or not... what i am sure is that GOD is big and he knows inside us.

THE shameful thing is that Maltese law allows church to stop annulment process being done by the state.....therefore the church is stronger than our court..........SHAME ON OUR COUNTRY

K.Littlejohn

May 22nd 2010, 18:50

Why is it so important for all People to be Christian or Catholic? If you are cohabitating you can't receive the holy comunion. You can't have everything you want in life. Just get down to it.

In other words: Hadd ma qabad lil xi hadd u jkun Kristjan u Kattoliku bilfors.

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med.Vet.

May 22nd 2010, 18:39

The Catholic Church can never go against the teachings of its Divine Master&Founder on the sanctity&indissolubility of marriage,nor compromise or modify them to render them easier or more acceptable to society.Till the end of time,her teachings will remain unaltered from the times of the Apostles,loyal to Christ's truth:
- "Whoever breaks one Commandment is guilty of breaking them all.For the same God who said,‘Do not commit murder’&'do not steal’,also said:'Do not commit adultery'.Even if you do not commit murder or steal,you have become a breaker of God’s law if you commit adultery,just as much as one who murders or steals."(St.James)
- ”To the married,I give charge,not I but the Lord,that the wife should not separate from her husband but if she does,let her remain single or else be reconciled to her husband if this is possible,&that the husband should not divorce his wife even if he lives separated from her.”....."A married woman is bound by God’s law to her husband as long as he lives.So then, if she gives herself to another man while her husband is alive,she is an adulteress.” ...."Anyone who eats the body or drinks the blood of Christ unworthily commits a sacrilege,&is eating&drinking his own condemnation.”(St.Paul)

Richard Farrugia

May 22nd 2010, 18:38

The need to publicly declare that cohabiting couples cannot receive Communion is given by the fact that they are publicly living in contradiction to the teachings of Our Lord as regards marriage.It's contradictory to receive communion when you are not in communion, or better, not in full communion. All those who fall into grave sin cannot recieve Holy Communion because sin breaks communion with God and his Church and the grace of God's forgiveness, given ordinarily through the Sacrament of Reconciliation,restores this communion - so its not that only cohabiting couples cannot receive Communion.
Another thing we should always bear in mind is that the Church does not make its own rules. It is herself a servant of the Word of God who - by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - guides mankind towards truth. Considering the Church as just an institution is a wrong (incorrect)starting point.
The suffering of all is the suffering of the Church.In fact,also the baptized who cohabitate are members of the Church,and they are not excluded from the life of the Church.I would suggest to read,together with the bishop's declaration,what Benedict XVI writes in Sacramentum Caritatis par.29 http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html

Fabien Sant Fournier

May 22nd 2010, 18:29

wow! looks like religions divide rather than unite people :S

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace..

Patrick Apap

May 22nd 2010, 18:18

Apart from what Matthew Bugeja said.. not only are these priests who abused of children receiving Holy Communion, but what are the Bishops going to say about the Holy Communion these priests administered to people? and what are they going to say about the Sacraments administered by these priests since they performed this act of abuse on children?? are those Sacraments void because according to the Bishops "such behaviour went against Church teaching"

Joseph Calleja

May 22nd 2010, 18:13

Church: Cohabiting couples cannot receive Communion. This means that over one third of the people in Malta should not receive Holy Communion. This too shall pass. What about Gays and Lesbians cohabitation? What about married couples that cheat on their partners? . Unfortunately the church has to change with the times. People are not kept uninformed anymore, not even in Malta.Cohabitation is a way of life and nothing is going to stop that. How is the church going to stop an individual from receiving Holy Communion? This is a matter of individual choice and the priest cannot identify between one person or another? He has to offer the Holy Sacrament to who ever wishes to receive it. Is a priest going to deny absolution and communion to a dying man or woman because he/she is cohabiting? It is imperative that the government and the church in Malta allow divorce, Because a man/woman does not wear a wedding band, does not mean he/she is not married. In my opinion, one living with a partner does not make one a bad person. Let God be the judge.

Alex Tonna

May 22nd 2010, 18:06

If these Spitual leaders don’t change their archaic Canon Laws to reflect a more compassionate and realistic way of life, then this once “all encompassing” totalitarian ex-Powerhouse, is destined to shrink even further into its own self-dug grave. .. .. .. Points to ponder my friends .. .. . points to ponder .. ..

laurence schembri

May 22nd 2010, 17:59

I was married at the Registry in 1963 in Germany, I have been told by a Chaplain in Malta that Mass and Holy Communion were out of the question in my case, my wife was a Lutheran and carried on with her religion as normal, I was married for 45 years, lost my wife two-an-a-half years ago. I have been told by this same Chaplain a little while ago, that now i can attend Mass and receive Holt Communion.The moral of this little story, I had to loose my wife to become Catholic again. No thanks! The Church can keep its teaching, I look after my faith.

Rosalind Agius

May 22nd 2010, 17:57

With this kind of attitude no wonder the churches are getiing emptier and emptier.

m azzopardi

May 22nd 2010, 17:51

v mercieca.... if we had to stay quoting we shall quote "judge not", "who has no sins shall throw the first stone".

I think in our society there are much more bigger sins than co-habitating(which I beleive is no sin unless you're hurting someone)....like jealousy and envy, hate and talking about people,intolerance and judging people.

renald williams

May 22nd 2010, 17:43

Jesus promised litteral? water to the multi cohabiting Sammaritan woman (John 4:10-onwards) and did not give her any! Was he lying?
No! He was talking figuratively about the Holy Spirit! (John 7:37-onwards)

Jesus talked litteraly or figuratively/spiritually?…
Jien hu l-bieb. John 10:7. …not a wood-or-aluminium door
Jiena hu d-dawl. John 8:12. …not a torch-or-lamp
Jien hu r-raghaj it-tajjeb, u naghraf in-nghag. John 10:14.
…not us being litteral sheep, going on all fours , saying beq-beq, and eating grass
Jiena hu l-qawmien, u l-hajja. John 11:25…not that we do not die physically
Jiena t-triq, u s-sewwa, u l-hajja. John 14:6…. not an asphalt-or-tarmac road
Jiena d-dielja, intom iz-zragen. John 15:5…. not us being crops-or-fruits
Jiena hu l-hobz tal-hajja; min jigi ghandi ma jiehdu guh qatt;
u min jemmen fija ma jiehdu ghatx qatt…
Min jemmen fija ghandu l-hajja ta’ dejjem…
Hu l-Ispirtu li jaghti l-hajja: il-gisem ma jiswa xejn: il-kliem li nghidilkom huma spirtu u hajja… Mulej… Int ghandek il-kliem tal-hajja ta’ dejjem. John 6:35, 47, 55, 63, 68. …
We are still litteraly hungry and thirsty, after taking the bread and wine...
but we live spiritually by the living spiritual words of faith...
not by eating litteral flesh and blood...

J Spiteri

May 22nd 2010, 17:42

@ Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med.Vet
So do you truely believe that God has a set of written rules and regulations??? If that is so, I'm sorry to say that we're both Catholic but we believe in a different God. Because the God we have all been taught about is God of love, love and love who is the One and only who has the power to judge. He looks inside the hearts and reads each one's intentions .... so all those who prefer to make false declarations under oath to obtain Annullment, so that eventually, would be "allowed to receive Holy Communion" (!!!!) might reconsider the actual advantage they have over couples who opt to cohabitate because they opt for the truth inside their hearts!!!!!

The church is unfortunately interpreting the Bible the same way you are .... this is wrong!! This is condemning people who have already been through hell in marriage, putting them in a virtual trap, punishing them for the rest of their lives and there goes the say "Hlielha hajjitha/ Hlietlu hajtu".

AND THAT IS THE GREATES SIN ONE COULD COMMIT .... "TAHLI HAJTEK"!!!

A. Falzon

May 22nd 2010, 17:41

I fully agree with Mr. M. Bugeja. Priests that abuse children do they recieve Holy Communion? If cohabiting is sinfull(for the Church) lets have divorce made legal. A priest can leave the Church and marry, why cant married couples have divorce. Anullments carry a price in the thousands and thats a good income for the Church. Is it whats good for the goose is good for the gander??

Nicholas Balzan

May 22nd 2010, 17:37

All know what is right or wrong. So it would be wise if we do not judge.

R.A. Cilia

May 22nd 2010, 17:35

There are certain aspects of Christ's teachings that most of these posts keep overlooking. Firstly:Christian life involves being on "pilgrimage" towards God.As with all voyages, the extent of one's closeness to the goal is affected by one's commitments etc. The last in line cannot consider themselves lesser than than the rest, but are living out the journey according to their situation.

A reflection on Jesus' parable about the apologetic tax collector,who albeit his sorrow, wasn't in the "healthiest" of spiritual states&as such chose not ascend to the front of the temple but prayed at a distance, is called for, the realisation being that one ought to accept the fact that one's lifestyle may be irregular with regards to what is willed by God.Nevertheless God still invites one to take part in the liturgy (church-life) according to the limits posed by our bearings.

As regards receiving the Eucharist - every individual who is consciously at grave odds with the commandments should pass it up, not just the cohabiting, seeking God through his Word proclaimed at Mass&the presence of God in the "flesh" that, even if not consummated, is still in the Sacred space for the strengthening of all.

G. Mangion

May 22nd 2010, 17:29

Cohabiting couples cannot receive Communion is that so ehh, Lot's of these couples are living in a Very positive Way. Why judge them.

v mercieca

May 22nd 2010, 17:26

Ah! I did not realise that we had so many “made to measure” theologians.

Do you all remember these two commandments?

a) You shall not commit adultery.

b) You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour’s.”

Are we all well trained to have a good strong conscience? Or did we all stopped developing our conscience as soon as we received the confirmation?

I ask all who are in agreement with cohabitation to stop and examine their conscience and honestly and truly decide if they are not doing anything against any of the above mentioned commandments.

m azzopardi

May 22nd 2010, 17:17

v mercieca.... a couple living together but not married are not committing any adultery.

Adultery is when a one side of a married couple has a relationship while married. If a marriage is over one has to move on !!! If a couple feels good to live together and not get married why they should marry?!?!

M. Grech

May 22nd 2010, 17:17

The church, particularly in Malta, is more about religion than sipirtuality, more about public manifestation even if they cross the border of profanity as quite often happens with village feast celebrations. As far as I am concerned this is OK, after all every club is entitled to its rules, but then the church should not interefre with the state on the question of divorce which should be made avaialble to non church club members. True peace does not come from a church devoid of compassion, but rather sprirtually from within.

Afterall a couple can form a loving, faithful and most meaningful relationaship whether married with a piece of paper to show or not. Divorce is needed to ensure proper closure and give those with a failed marriage the chance to form happy unions with all rights and obligations. So I urge the bishops not to interfere with the state on the question of divorce.

Lara Boffa

May 22nd 2010, 17:10

Ridiculous. Shameful.

Jason Attard

May 22nd 2010, 17:03

It is interesting how the Bishop makes these statements, very respectable indeed, but they never talk about not giving communion to the people that spoil the environment, abuse other people, are corrupted and do many other things that God surely does not approve. Looks like they are obsessed with couples and the way they live their lives.

e borg

May 22nd 2010, 17:00

If you are really following what our Lord is saying that you will know that what the Bishops are saying is the truth... if we want to believe what the world wants us to be believe.. than it is your free choice.... we cannot believe what we want to believe because it suits us ... only the Truth can set us free and that is Jesus... you either believe what He says or you don't .. stop attacking the Church because it hurts .. no one said that being a Catholic is easy ... if you don't like it just leave .. and let the Church speak out the truth.

Yes it is difficult to remain celibate but with HIM all things are possible... you are either in or you are out.

If you choose to join a club you either adhere to its rules or you join another ... if you don't like what the Catholic church says than just leave .. but remember that one day .. when we all die and appear before the Lord ..He will say .. you had a chance and lost it... so go on choose what you think is the truth. !

G. Mangion

May 22nd 2010, 16:55

Thank you ,our Bishops. You and you alone have the right to illuminate us and teach in union with the Holy Catholic Church.
I have already pointed out to bloggers to read 1 Cor 5.
We receive the Body and Blood of Christ, the Consecrated bread and wine, as our spiritual food to change us in Him and not to change Him in us, to live by Him.We receive in our body which should be without contagion and every illicit union except the catholic marriage union, is not worthy to have union with Christ in person through the consecrated species. What do each of us pretend? To openly do his will and go unchided? And since when are all of us so defiant of God himself as to say'I do whatever seems good to me, I do whatever I like to and then I see it with God? That is not right for a Christian to to feel, say and believe. There is nocatholic christian who does not obey his superiors, even if they were to be in error. As Padre Pio.

m azzopardi

May 22nd 2010, 16:53

dottor schenbri adami..... since you like quoting from the holy books. Can you please quote me where Jesus said that co-habitating couples, who are not committing an adultery ,are not obeying his teachings??

Mark Zerafa

May 22nd 2010, 16:44

Do we care?

Dr. Geoffrey Schembri Adami Med.Vet

May 22nd 2010, 16:42

- “In the beginning God created male and female. For this reason a man leaves his parents and unites with his wife, and the two become one body. So they are no longer two, but one. So then, what God then has joined, man must not separate.”(Matthew 19: 5-6)
- “A man who leaves his wife and takes another woman commits adultery. And in the same way, if a woman leaves her husband and takes another man, she is guilty of adultery too.”(Mark 10:12)
- “The man who takes a married woman whose husband is still alive commits adultery which she too is guilty of.”(Luke 16:18).
Besides, our Lord lauded St.John the Baptist as 'the greatest man born of a woman', for having defended, not only with words but also with his own blood, the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage, as God established from the very beginning and as He wills it. The prophet admonished Herod Antipas for living with a woman who was not his own wife even though the tetrarch knew very well that persisting in adultery greatly displeasedsGod.
The bishops have said what Christ says, and it is their duty before God to do so.

Tanine Restall

May 22nd 2010, 16:40

Jesus did not discriminate. I shall let him be my Judge.

R.Abela

May 22nd 2010, 16:38

Is this breach of our privacy Mr Ebejer? Who is going to tell the priest of our privacy? After all GOD must decide who has the right for Holy Communion not the Bishops.

Matthew Bugeja

May 22nd 2010, 16:37

will the (church) persons who abuse minors or children will still recieve holy communion!!!
ohh please cmon !! I beleive in church But unfortunatley not in who runs it!!

Joseph Barbara

May 22nd 2010, 16:35

joebarbara
In Malta marriage annulments are very costly and take six to eight years. Should these couples stay away from Communion for all these years or more if they cannot afford it? Therafter it will be alright - why not before? Christ is there for people who are in need, in pain, in anger and need all the help they can get, not only for people who are perfect.

Erin Ciantar

May 22nd 2010, 16:33

The least they could do after issuing statements like these, is not be surprised when the next survey show more sharp drops in church attendance. It's almost like they WANT to alienate people.

Louise Cassar

May 22nd 2010, 16:31

@ John Grech

So basically, I can go to church 10 minutes before mass starts, go to confession and repent for living with my boyfriend, receive the holy communion and then go back to living with my boyfriend, right? And then, a week later, same thing!

John G.Micallef

May 22nd 2010, 16:28

Allura, kemm koppja kif ukoll persuni individwali li qed jighixu fliemkien illegalment (jikkohabitaw) u jjisfidaw l-ordni mahruga mill- Kurja billi jitilghu jitqarbnu, is-sacerdot li jkun qed iqarben, ikun jaf b'din il-koppja, x'jaghmel? jirrifjuta li jaghtihom l-Ostja fidejhom? Ohra. Jekk wiehed mill-koppja jasal tasal fil-pont serjissimu tal mewt u jitlob li jitqarben fil-waqt li jkun ghadu jghix illegali ma persuna ohra, u ma jichadx l-ghagir tieghu anki f'dan il-pont tal-mewt, is-sacerdot obbligat jirrifjuta li joffrilu/a l-Ostja kemm fuq l-ilsien (meta ma jistax mod iehor) kif ukoll fidejh/a.allavolja fil-pont tal-mewt? X'hinuma listruzzjonijiet tal-Kurja dan il-kaz? Is-sacerdot jista jichad l-Ewkaristija Imqaddsa jew le? jew iqarben lill din il-persuna b'mod normali?Ma ninsewx: qed nitkellmu meta persuna tkun verament waslet fit-tmiem ta hajjita - mhiex fil-hajja normali. Grazzi

John Portelli

May 22nd 2010, 16:18

I know a large number of people who cohabitate and receive communion. It's up to God not us to judge. Same with church made laws which are really similar to one's countries laws.

Michelle Cordina

May 22nd 2010, 16:09

one word...SHAMEFUL!

Nicholai Spiteri

May 22nd 2010, 16:06

@ John Misud - And what do you think confessions are there for? It is a fine way for the priests to get to know about the community. An what about the stupid village gossipers? Funnily enough we can realize that the chirch is preaching its own historic agenda and not what our Christ the lord wished. No wonder people are starting to lose faith. Our bishops already did.

Clayton Silvio

May 22nd 2010, 16:05

Il-Gimgha l-ohra, emmint illi iva hawn tama ghall-knisja. Knisja maghmula min-nies bhali u bhalek, nies li jizbaljaw, nies li f'xi waqt hassew mibgheda lejn xi hadd. Ghaliex smajt dak li skond it-taghlim ta' l-istess knisja, ghallem u wassal l-imhabba. Izdas jidher illi dan kellu jkun biss ghal ftit hin!

Mhux kompitu tieghi illi nikwalifika dak li hu tajjeb u dak li hu hazin, ghax inkun qed naghmel l-istess zball, izda jidher illi ghall-knisja huwa biss validu dak biss illi jsir skond il-formalitajiet taghha biss. Meta l-istess zwieg, bil-mod li holqot il-knisja stess maghtul iz-zmien, bdilnijlu anka il-bazi li jwassal ghan-nullita tieghu. Allura iz-zwieg x'inhu? l-imhabba jew il-formalita? min hu tajjeb? u min hu hazin? Knisja ta' nies jikkundannaw il-hajja ta' haddiehor.

Jekk l-ewkaristija hija verament il-gisem ta' Alla haj, allura l-ebda bniedem m'ghandu s-setgha li jiddeciedi min ghandu jkollu sehem minnu! U jekk l-istess ewkaristija tigbor fiha il-qawwa spiritwali, illi tnaddaf kull hazen, bhalma l-uzu tigi uzata fl-ezorcizmu, allura kull bniedem, imniggez f'din id-dinja ghandu d-dritt illi jitnaddaf permezz ta' l-ewkaristija.

L-istess knisja ghalmet u ddutrinat mil-bidu illi Alla huwa f'kelma wahda "imhabba", trid tiggudika l-istess imhabba, li tghammar fil-kuxjenza intima tal-bniedem.

Alfred Camilleri

May 22nd 2010, 16:04

I hate this hypocricy of the Church, claiming that ' the Church loved such couples in the same way as it loved its members'. Yes, real love, indeed. You invite me to your wedding, encourage me to attend and to socialize with the other guests, but forbid me to partake of the food being passed around. Some invitation , some participation, some respect, some love.

Do paedophiles - did someone mention priests -, swindlers, double-dealing business people and other fraudsters get the same treatment? Are they denied Holy Communion? Is this the way of stopping the ever increasing haemorrhage of the faithful from the Church? Is this what Christ meant when he left his flock to go in search of the lost sheep?

J. Farrugia. You would have made an excellent bishop in the time of the Inquisition. If you were a man, that is. Were you a woman, you would just barely have been conceded human status by the Church. Your comments, views and advice to the Church are hardly a faithful reflection of the teachings of Jesus Christ, who never passed judgment, but always showed mercy, compassion and love.
,

Lynn Zahra

May 22nd 2010, 16:00

1. Couples who live together in Malta are only doing so because the State has no provided for Divorce.

2. The Bishops should also barr from Holy Communion bitter spouses who continue to harbour venom in their hearts and who whilst playing the martyre, prevail upon their children to disrespect their father as long as he lives with another woman, well into their adult lives! .

G. Micallef

May 22nd 2010, 15:54

I fail to understand why many expect the Church to say things which please them, rather than what it believes in, based on the teachings of Christ and the wisdom of the Church. The Church does not seek to be popular, not even its founder’s teachings were ‘popular’. There’s nothing new about the Bishops statement, simply turn to the Church teachings.

Loren Falzon

May 22nd 2010, 15:50

It pains me to hear our archbishops argue this way.....why are you keeping us away from the church? and pls don't insult our intelligence by saying ur not....don't tell us to seek conversion ..we are not sinning....we are trying to be in a loving relationship again....something we chose for ourselves in the first place when we got married....we did not choose to be single all our lives....I can't even picture myself living my life alone without loving a special someone in my life and receiving that love back. If you can do it good luck to you but pls don't condemn us for trying to love again.....As for the communion debate, I believe this is a very personal issue...as long as I am at peace with myself and feel one with God himself, yes I will receive Holy Communion...If u think I'm sinning that is not my problem...I prefer to be judged by God himself when I appear in front of him on the day I die!

Frank Grech

May 22nd 2010, 15:43

1) who cares? who does he think he is to threaten us like that?

2) being in a relationship with someone is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from living with them. I don't agree with marriage but if anyone wants to get married do not listen to this guy, spend sometime living together (like someone said in previous comments). it will either strengthen your relationship or make you realise that he/she isn't the right one. either way, the outcome will be surely positive.

3) can you remind me what positive outcomes there are in jumping blindly into marriage like he is suggesting?

D cassar

May 22nd 2010, 15:42

What about the priest with all there sins can they recieve communion

E Compagno

May 22nd 2010, 15:35

I'm amazed at the sheer ignorance of some people. They must have been asleep during religion lessons at school and 'muzew'. I am not a religious person, I haven't been to mass in quite a while, but I have my own personal reasons and my spirituality is a private, intimate thing.

However, I remember well learning that you cannot receive holy communion before you have repented for all your sins. That's why you go to confession BEFORE mass, not after.
Now, if cohabiting is 'living in sin' (your ex-marriage still recognised by the church) according to the Church's teachings (and these are centuries old teachings, not something invented yesterday) then you cannot really say you repent and go back to doing it the very next minute. So, by this reasoning, a thieve, rapist, murderer etc.. may repent and receive holy communion.. because he's promising God to not do it again. You cannot promise to not live with someone else if you intend to keep on doing just that.

I respect the way thee church teaches, but I disagree with it. It's a take it or leave it thing. I choose to leave it.

victor pulis

May 22nd 2010, 15:33

' It would continue to offer them spiritual help and it encouraged them to go to Mass and participate in the life of the Church.'
So they are invited to the feast but at the same time are forbidden to partake of the food.
And where does this leave Fr George Dalli and I am sure other priests who think like him?

victor rodenas

May 22nd 2010, 15:30

Things will change....have patient.Most probable the Bishops have their hands tied,even if they agree they cannot say so.First it has to be promolgated from the Vatican. A few years ago the Church accepted that the capital punisment was ok with the teaching of the Church.I used to have very heated arguments with Priests about the subject,of course I was against the capital punisment.Their answer was always the same,...........look at the cathecism book page so and so,read chapter so and so and you see why the church is in favour of the capital punisment.After some time the Vatican changed its views...............now all of a sudden capital punisment became a scrouge,something bad. When I met the same Priests later on,and with a smile I asked them if they still agreed with the capital punisment,they answered.......things change,I had to obey,my hands were tied and similar words.........In my humble opinion,what the Church really needs is VATICAN COUNCIL3.I hope that a new Pope will makeit in the future,untill then only those who evade tax ,vat etc,etc,etc,etc,etc can receive Holy Communion.PICK AND CHOOSE RELIGION.

Mario Borg

May 22nd 2010, 15:21

Okay, I just won't even bother with going to church then.

Roderick Chetcuti

May 22nd 2010, 15:21

..... Get a life.... Everyone is the same in front of god... there is no discrimination..... no matter if you are gay, cohabit with someone, single parent...... everyone is the same. A question when a priest resigns from priesthood he is allowed to get married... and a separated couple can't... arent priestood and marriage a sacrament? So can't ex priests get communion as well?
Finally a word for all people here that are judging others.... remember that " Biex tiskongra trid tkun pur" and as far as I know there was only one that was pure.
Thanks

J.Tonna

May 22nd 2010, 15:19

In their joint statement the Bishops were speaking about practicing Catholics. Those who are still practicing Catholics should heed what the Bishops are saying. They could not say otherwise as those are the rules for receiving the Holy Communion. How can one receive Jesus Christ into them and then they do not heed what He preached.

Let those who have ears to listen (if they want to). Those who know nothing about the Catholic Religion should not intervene.

David Buttigieg

May 22nd 2010, 15:19

My goodness, you are all a bunch of hypocrites! (Not the bishops). If you want an a la carte religion, simply don't consider yourselves catholic. It never ceases to amaze me how people want to have their cake and eat it!

The bishops simply point out the rules of the church, if you don't like them, leave the church! Being Catholic is far from obligatory!

Jessica DeBattista

May 22nd 2010, 15:15

Picture this scenario: In a bar, a young man offers a drink to a young girl he has just met. They flirt, get tipsy and end up in bed. The next morning the girl (usually it is the girl - the boy might not even bother) goes to confession, for a confessor is provided during Sunday mass, and nonchalantly goes up to receive holy Communion.

Picture another scenario: A couple, who love each other to distraction, cohabit (one partner had been wronged). They express their love through the sexual union. Sunday morning, the woman (usually it is the woman….) goes to confession and the priest denies her Holy Communion unless she intends to leave her lover.

Think about it!

Picture this scenario: a happily married couple express their love through the sexual union. They are blessed with more than Holy Communion.

Picture another scenario: a married couple where one partner has completely lost feelings for the other (and there are reasons why). The husband (usually it is the husband) demands sex and the wife resentfully succumbs. She goes up to receive Holy Communion, pent up resentment against her husband.

Think about it.

Euchar Sultana

May 22nd 2010, 15:11

I don't get the point. If you don't believe in God and his church why all the fuss. Like in everything else there are rules. God made rules and those who believe in God should stick to them. It's either right or wrong, there's no other way round. If it "goes against the sacrament of marriage " how should one expect the church to say otherwise.

Anna Farrugia

May 22nd 2010, 15:10

The Maltese Bishops - mmm...they are telling me to remain in an abusive marriage for me to be able to receive Holy Communion. Right. I'll go up all black & blue, how lovely! The Bishops mean to say that should I leave my husband & find love, respect etc with another man & live with him, we can't receive Holy Communion. I would still receive it - I'd go to a different church, how would the priests know who I am & what I do. I'm certain that God wants me to be happy. What is important for the children to watch their father beat his wife, or for the children to be brought up in a family where the mother is living in a healthy relationship with a man who loves & respects her & her children. What a lot of hogwash! A monk here in SA managed to separate a loving couple after years of them living together, because in his eyes they were living in sin. They had unity - but he dug his fingernails in! Is he liked - NO!

m micallef

May 22nd 2010, 15:03

what next i handing in id cards to say u r not cohabiting before you receive communion
why didnt the archbishop say, paedophiles cant receive communion, or those who lie maliciously about others, or those who steal....including priests who do any of above .cant receive communion...are cohabiting couples the worst sinners??

Dylan Olliver

May 22nd 2010, 15:02

Jesus once told his disciples that if they wanted they could also leave. None of us are forced to believe and none of us are forced to be part of the Catholic Church. It is a choice we make. And this applies to priests too. But if we want to be part of this Church, because Jesus told us that He will guide it by the Holy Spirit, then we have to adhere to what the Church teaches. This is the rule. Those who don't like it may leave. It's their choice. I don't see why so many comment against what the Bishops have said.

N Camilleri

May 22nd 2010, 15:01

Well - that's wiped out half the Maltese population in one statement! I'd be hard-pressed to come up with a better statement designed to turn people away!!

This can only be a deliberate attempt on the part of the church to reduce their following - maybe they're cutting down on costs due to the recession, or maybe it's a long-term plan to become a 'boutique' church for the manically pious...

J.Zammit

May 22nd 2010, 15:01

not much to say.........a big LOOOOL!!!!!!!!! And then they argue the Maltese are getting away from the church..............its the contrary........THE CHURCH IS GETTING AWAY FROM THE MALTESE...

Sincerely............a big looooooool to the stupid statement........joint statement sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

c. camilleri

May 22nd 2010, 14:58

The Bishops said nothing new. They are only reminding us of God's teaching which no one, not even they can alter or twist to suit one's way of life. Reading the bible one can easily understand God's teaching regarding this issue. It seems to me from what is written that many do not have a good background of the catholic Church Teaching, otherwise they would not want to have the cake and eat it.
All those who are in sin cannot receive the Holy Communion not only cohabitants, unless of course they confess and promise to sin no more. In the case of the cohabitants they are permanently in sin. They are free to remain so but they have no right to make the church accommodate them by not obeying God's teaching. When Christ was told by the Apostles that the people are finding his teaching difficult and they are leaving. He just told them that they go too. Christ's teaching are clear for those who want to listen.

Daniel Vella

May 22nd 2010, 14:57

Kemm iħossni ferħan li m'għadnix Kristjan...

T.Cauchi

May 22nd 2010, 14:54

"They added that some people were paying a high price to remain in communion with the Church despite having suffered marriage breakdown, and they had stayed away from a relationship with another person outside marriage."

What i think is that those persons you are mentioning most probably are responsible for the breakdown or else they were mentally abused so much that they do not trust the other gender any more. If it is the first scenario it is simply because they were obsessed with other things rather than the family. Who ever wish to stay out of a relationship does not do that for god, idiots, they do it because they do not like relationships, thus making them the cause of a marriage fail

So what the church is saying is that, if a marriage will fail, the one suffering (cause most probably the other party is quite relieved), in order to love god, and not to hurt god's feeling, should not seek or accept a new healthy and deserved relationship, or else god's people would not allow you to receive the holiest of all sacraments!!! SHAME ON YOU!

s vella

May 22nd 2010, 14:53

Only in Malta! Religion or no religion I live my life in the way I feel is best for me! God will still love me for what I am.
I hurt no one (at least I try), I murder no one, I do not steal, I love my family and I try to live an honest life!
Shame on you all who try to judge me!

Noel Enriquez

May 22nd 2010, 14:52

"The Church set up by Christ, had to be a faithful witness of such teaching through its members," Christ also thought us how to give all you have to the poor,... That chalice in the photograph (for instance) could feed a few families in third world countries,.. why doesn't the church follow Christ's teaching too in this case? Not to mention other immense riches the church has! I am sorry but this incident further proves my point to question all ecclesiastical ethics and practices, and whether the true word of God is written black or white,.. or whether we are just reading what the church wants us to read in a highly censored Holy Bible!

Mario Mizzi

May 22nd 2010, 14:49

I had started a church annulment that took 18 years. The first tribunal, in which the Gozo bishop was then a judge took a whole 9 years. Although there was clear proof from the psychological expert, that the tribunal itself appointed, they went (the tribunal) all out to give a negative sentence. Something smelled rotten, as my x wife had stated way before the procedures started, that I would never get a church annulment . I appealed. And another psychological expert verified the same problems with my x wife. The positive sentence took ONLY ONE YEAR. In the meantime my marriage got also annulled by the state.
However the church annulment had then to be decided at the Vatican and this took another 8 years. The 3rd psychological expert was appointed at my own expense and verified the conclusions reached by the first two. However another negative sentence was given.
Today I’m happily married, attend mass, and recieve Holy Communion as we call it by the(Tqarbina tax-xewqa). The first tribunal will carry the weight on their shoulders. One day we will all appear in front of God.

Louise Cassar

May 22nd 2010, 14:46

What happened to everything that went extinct because it didn't evolve, will happen to the church as well eventually. After reading this, I can't wait...

Jason Borg

May 22nd 2010, 14:46

X'injuranza grassa! Lanqas biss ghandkom idea` tat-twemmin Kattoliku u tridu tikkumentaw.

Stephania Borg

May 22nd 2010, 14:42

Three words which our bishops should heed in every respect: ALLA HU AKBAR. Enough said.

Mario Farrugia

May 22nd 2010, 14:38

Every time I read statments like this, I realise why I am losing faith in the Roman Catholic church I was brought up beleiving in.

Keith Goodlip

May 22nd 2010, 14:31

Unlike the 60s most of the Maltese today won't be bothered with this crap. The church is shooting itself in the foot once again.

Dr Geoffrey Schembri Adami

May 22nd 2010, 14:30

The duty of any priest is to speak and defend the truth of Christ's Divine Doctrine and the Magisterum of His Church which He founded, and not what people would like to hear , find comfortable for their way of life, and comfortable to their likings. For what is best for us in life is often not the easy way out. Christ said: "Pass through the narrow gate!". If we want to be true loyal disciples of Christ , then we must abide by His Commandments and have to adapt ourselves and our way of life to His teachings and that of His Church, which He gave His authority to teach, and not expect Christ to adapt His teachings, which He continues to deliver to us through His Church, to adapt to our way of life! The Lord is very esigent and requests that we give Him the top place in our lives, before anything and anyone else, to be perseverant and coherent, yet He will never ask from us what is impossible for us, even though what He asks us is not easy at all for us to understand and abide with, for His ways are not our ways.

malcolm azzopardi

May 22nd 2010, 14:26

but went the church collects money it doesn't exclude cohabitating couples !!!

Joseph Attard

May 22nd 2010, 14:26

Who cares?

Ron Saliba

May 22nd 2010, 14:26

Ohh i see, the 'Cohabiting couples' or whatever they want to call them can STILL go to mass. And why is that? So maybe they can leave some spare change at collection?

Another thing...What about if they have kids?

Joseph N attard

May 22nd 2010, 14:22

One is indeed tempted to say: Allah Hu Akbar! Let Him be the Judge of us all.

Brian Fenech

May 22nd 2010, 14:19

oh great...!!!!! is the church encouraging people to come closer to god?? OR VICE VERSA??? cohabiting couples cannot recieve holy communion, and then we have pedophiles in church GIVING the holy communion & litsening to our sins!!!!
Live & let live... we're in 2010 for god's sake.... and as the maltese saying goes..... "MIN JOLLI IDEJH, KULHADD ANDU XI JXOMM"!!!!!!

D.Galea

May 22nd 2010, 14:13

Fl-ahhar harget din l-imbierka stqarrija. Naqbel ma' dak li intqal mill-isqfijiet. Kull bniedem li mhux dispost minhabba raguni jew ohra biex jilqa fi hdanu lil Gesu Ewkaristija ghandu l-ewwel jieqaf minn dak li jkun qed jaghmel jindem u mbaghad bl-ahjar mod jircievi lil Gesu.

L-Ewkaristija m'hiex l-ikel tal-parties, tiehu ghax ikollok aptit. Gesu jrid jigi f'qalb safja ghax verament ihobbok u jridek li tghix hajja tajba minkejja d-diffikultajiet li ggib maghha.

Carmen Pace

May 22nd 2010, 14:08

If this is not the time for the Government to declare who is in charge in Malta, then I don't know when. The state should introduce divorce as soon as possible. Who voted for the clergy in Malta anyway?

John Grech

May 22nd 2010, 14:05

I do not know why you are all getting so upset about. The Church has laws and for one to be a member of it he must obey them, just like any other institution. Holy Communion is given by the Church to its members. So, if a couple that wants to cohabitate without being married, the Church isn't saying that they cannot in their own rights as human beings, however they cannot if they want to have communion. If couples want to ignore the Church's teachings and cohabitate, why would they want to receive holy communion?

Michael Piccinino

May 22nd 2010, 14:04

Pls check what you are saying before you say it. Pedophiles and murders can recive holy communion but only after they converted and asked God for his mercy and not before. Cohabiting couples can convert and then recive communion just like any other person who did a deadly sin.

Chris Fenech

May 22nd 2010, 14:03

very very well done to the church .... seems like someone has given you instructions to alienate as many people as possible .... your credibility in these more modern times is already very low and it seems your intention is to sweep this right under the carpet ...

next step - church wardens standing next to the priest celebrating communion taking a register of who co-habits and who doesn't

just goes to re-inforce what some people think about the church .... it preaches "inclusion" but on a day to day basis practices "exclusion"

p.Grima

May 22nd 2010, 14:03

Why verbally abuse the bishops for taking a stand which reflects catholic doctrine. The reason why the catholic church has remained as strong throughout the ages is that it is principled and does not dance to the secular tune as do some other christian churches. If cohabiting couples wish to act in accordance to their conscience, as incidentally many others do (sex before marriage ,pill etc), they are free to do so and no one will forcefully prohibit them from receiving holy communion. However to expect the bishops to sanction their actions is very unfair.

MG Buttigieg

May 22nd 2010, 14:02

Many of the posts down here reek of ugly prejudice since they choose to ignore a very important message of the Bishops: "the Church loved such couples in the same way as it loved all its members. It would continue to offer them spiritual help and it encouraged them to go to Mass and participate in the life of the Church".
Please try not to be pathetic and vindictive in your advocacy. The majority of couples living in this situation, who are in good faith and really love the Church, will find your arguments hurting. Many of them know that it is not appropriate for them to receive communion and therefore they do not claim this right. Unfortunately it is persons of the cloth who take upon themselves to reinterpret Church doctrine who cause terrible harm. They sow confusion ignoring the truth that it is the salvation of souls which is at stake. In order to appear compassionate one does not need to burden the conscience of his brethren further by suggesting that they should carry on receiving communion. Holy Mother Church will never refuse comfort and support to any of her children. Christ’s teachings are not up for negotiation.

Christopher Formosa

May 22nd 2010, 14:01

Tajba din !!!! Jekk it tghalim tal knisja jghid ekk,kif jista bniedem komuni jghid li mhux ekk ??
It tghalim tal knisja ekk jghid,ma tistax titqarben,inutli tigu toqoghodu tparlaw fuq diskriminazzjoni,ugwaljanza u paroli fil vojt iehor, illum fid dnija kulhadd jghamel li jaqbillu,........
.....ara halli nara kif han nfotti lil ta hdejja,issa mmur inqerr u jahfirli,,,,,,,,u ijja,mbilli nghamel dnub,issa jigi l hadd u nergaw nibdew mill gdid, u halluna, x affarijiet daw,kemm intom ipokriti,mela nsejtuwom l axar kmandamenti jew li tghallimtu?? Ara religjonijiet ohra jekk jaccettawx MODERNIZMU bhal ma jridu l maggoranza tghakom ?? U biex tkunu tafu jien qas nemmen f alla,u f dawn l affarijiet propjament al daw l affarijiet. ax il bniedem ( nsara tal kelma bhal tlett kwarti min nies li jezistu ) huwa ipokrita mmens, ur religjon iktar tghamlek ipokrita, allura mhux vera li bniedem jkun nisrani ta vera, ftit aw,il bqija ghan numru qedin,tinsewx jin me nemminx f daw l affarijiet imma ma stajtx ma niktibx meta tara dal facciolizmu sfrenat. Ekk tamlu fil hajja ta kuljum intom? jekk ma jobukomx ir regoli taqbdu issabbtu saqajkom ? Tad dahk .

M Camllerii

May 22nd 2010, 13:59

Din l istqarrija hawditni. Allura minn ghandu ragun l-Isqifijiet jew minn deher f'Xarabank ftit ilu

Jekk l-isqfijiet, x ha jigri? Se jittiehdu passi biex jigi ikkoregut l-izball? Sa fejn ittini l memorja meta Fr Mark Montebllo esprima l-opinjoni tieghu fuq materji ohra u ma kienx hemm qbil gie ikkastigat. X jigri issa?

Joe Grima

May 22nd 2010, 13:59

With ideas such as those of our laughing Archbishop the Catholic Church is not even worth debating anymore. It has become a living anachronism , a total irrelevance in today's modern society. Belonging to a Church is not obligatory in order to lead a good life and to have a relationship with your God. The Archbishop probably thinks that we are still living in the days of his Bullettin -- a serious religious intrusion in the everyday lives of ordinary citizens and an act against people's human rights which the Church in Malta illegally practiced for decades. The Church still has to pay for such illegalities as having to show the bulletin to a Kappillan before being considered for a Government job. The Archbishop and his diktats should keep a low profile and not project himself into the front line with his ridiculous statements such as the one on journalism, which showed him completely out of his depth and this one about separated couples which clearly demonstrates the prejudices of the Malta Church. His Church of injutices, corrpution and paedophelia is not for decent law-abiding, God-loving citizens.

Aaron Nind

May 22nd 2010, 13:57

This is nonsense. So if one wishes to recieve the sacremanet of Jesus Christ, he will be refused due to his status. Who is a celebrant of the Eucharist to JUDGE & REFUSE one from recieving the BODY OF CHRIST?

I AM A BELIEVER IN GOD NOT THIS PATHETIC ADMINISTRIVE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

V Azzopardi

May 22nd 2010, 13:56

Nidubita kemm hawn min halla kumment kemm jaf dwar ir-religjon taghna! JIen mhux xi wiehed li nmur quddies nhar ta' Hadd jew nitqarben pero biex titqarben sa fejn naf jien trid tqerr, tindem. Issa l-punt hu jekk int ghandek relazjoni barra z-zwieg jigi adulterju, ksur ta wiehed mil-kmandamenti fi kliem iehor tqarbint ghal xejn! Ma nafx ghala dan il- fass kollu li min ghalikom ghax ha titqarbnu ha ssiru qaddisi! konfornt ma li tisma quddiesa tiehu it-taghlima u tiprova timxi mahha milli tirrispondi bhal papagall u igri jaddi l-hin ha titlaq il barra malli titqarben! il-valuri tal-hajja spiccaw ghax ridna ahna li jinqerdu, qridnijom ahna stess! il-pedamenti tal-hajja huma l-valuri tal-hajja imma llum xejn mhu xejn! J'Alla jaghti s-sahha lil vittmi tas-separazjoni, li huma tfal innocenti, li minajr ma jridu, jigu infuwenzati mil-gheruq tal-hajja li ghaddew, li hadd ma semma kumment li fl-ahhar mil-ahhar huma l-vittmi!

D Scicluna

May 22nd 2010, 13:55

Cohabitation is public. Not receiving communion applies for all "mortal" sins, both public and those done in the depth of our hearts. So the question is: is cohabitation a sin or not? What do you believe?

It all depends on one's relationship with Christ. Some people may call it conscience.

I do believe that if who is cohabiting, still has to understand what marriage is really about. And this comes through this relationship with Christ and knowing his Word. No more, no less. And this, in its turn, comes from being in a healthy Catholic community. (The Church at large, ie only going to mass on Sunday in the parish, is NOT 'being in a healthy Catholic community').

Having the grace to know Christ and his love for us sinners, would make the cohabitant come to terms and be at peace, with his painful situation as separated.

Unfortunately, people, (I myself the first one), don't have a formed enough conscience to decide and evaluate on their own. So the bishops have to "impose" non-communion for cohabitants as a Church teaching.

Wilfred Camilleri

May 22nd 2010, 13:53

All those commenting about double standards don't know what they're talking about. There are no double standards. It's up to an individual whether or not they receive Holy Communion since the priest administering the sacrament has no way to knowing if the person receiving the sacrament has sinned or not. So yes, adulterers and other sinners do go to receive Holy Communion but they are the ones who are sinning by doing so. The Church has the right and the obligation to tell people attending Church what is right and what is wrong and then it`s up to the individual to act accordingly.

Aldo Refalo

May 22nd 2010, 13:53

All these comments so far make me strongly believe about the great need for the church to cathechise more and more its members.... The church should invest more of its energy in educating and forming its flock rather than spending hours, days and even months in organizing church festivals like the parish feasts.... What a pity reading what some catholics think about the Church and Christ's teachings.... Its time for the Chruch to go deep into its mssion and start thinking serioursly how to be more concerned in leading the flock to the Truth!

Michael Vella

May 22nd 2010, 13:49

Does anyone really care what the church says any more???

Paul Farrugia

May 22nd 2010, 13:49

Mela blistess argument, ahna li ninsabu f din is sitwazzjoni, il knisja messna ma thallina niehdu l ebda sagrament, ghax il qrar huwwa sagrament bhal kull sagrament iehor, u jekk ma tidniebx min dnubitek mhux ha jkunu mahfura. Allura irrid nitlaq il partner biex jinhafruli dnubieti lili?????? Halluna nghajxu ghax il knisja nies bhalkom tefawa 200 sena lura.

Joseph Borg

May 22nd 2010, 13:48

WOW!!! What a joint statement! These are the same people who are urging the maltese community to belief in God and the church. So basically, if the child of a seperated couple will be celebrating his/her first holy communion, his mother or father cannot join during the celebration to receive holy communion with her/his child (if he/she did not get remarried by church). What a joke! Shame on you. That's why I admire those who do not go to church anymore. It's bloody ridiculious.!

Joseph Vassallo

May 22nd 2010, 13:47

Quote:"The Church does not impose this as a punishment, but because the way of life of such people goes against the sacrament of marriage," the bishops said.

I don't understand why "against the sacrament of marriage" because marriage is conspicuously absent, technically.

But it does go against the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, because (and "if" of course) the argument contains adultery which is against the sixth commandment under penalty of mortal sin. To receive Communion one must be free of mortal sin AND intending to remain free. Thus, cohabitants shouldn't receive ANY sacrament.

However, what about celibate relationships? Who is going to judge those? These two questions raise other pertinent ones, if one cares to read between the lines.

Of course, there are cases where the cohabitants are still validly married, in which case the situation does go against Marriage vows. (Maybe the bishops were referring to those in their statement.)

Let conscience be the guide and judge of what is in the human heart and mind; mere mortals are not competent to judge such celestial matters.

Harold D'Agostino

May 22nd 2010, 13:46

double standards...cohabitating couples - even though they may live a christian life and might be very good individuals, are not allowed to receive holy communion..no wonder the church is facing an uphill struggle against the general public..no rationality by anyone involved..a disgraceful statement...are such people so sinful that they are not worthy of christ? after all, the God is willing to listen and accept everyone..According to the church, if a person lives a life helping others, working with people to improve their lives, yet happens to live with his partner - then such person is not worthy of communion??

Jacqueline Pirrone

May 22nd 2010, 13:44

I didn't realise that Joseph and Mary got married!

WOW was it a beautiful ceremony?

Come on people lets think about this!

Really wake up and smell the roses. This is reality. People value true feelings for each other, rather than being bullied by the Catholic Religion to get a piece of paper to say " I Love you !"

Seriously, I think that it is important that our Bishops remember that it is 2010 and we no longer need to follow the rat to show respect and love for whom we choose to live with.

D.Degaetano

May 22nd 2010, 13:42

So if I'm living with my partner I cannot receive communion. What if we're not living together but still sleep together? Does that still mean we cannot receive communion? And if the answer is yes, than I seriously doubt how many people can receive communion nowadays!!

Jeremy J Camilleri

May 22nd 2010, 13:41

How confusing...one wonders why they call church goers fidili...

Frederick Attard

May 22nd 2010, 13:41

Dear Bishops, you are already making the life of these people miserable because of your stand against divorce and now you talk of loving these couples but preventing them from Holy Communion! No wonder why people are staying away from you guys and your churches!

Jon Agius

May 22nd 2010, 13:38

I don't find anything wrong with this unlike many here. If I understood well, the bishops said indirectly that you are free to do what you want and live without marrying with your partner. They are still encouraging them to attend church. But they recommend to not receive the holy communion since they are not married. Is there anything wrong with it?

The love thy neighbour quote is in the article as well... "the bishops said the Church loved such couples in the same way as it loved all its members."

I don't know why all this fuss for nothing special at all.

Ciantar Johann

May 22nd 2010, 13:37

Is this a joke?
Someone should tell this man of Christ that it is the 21st century.
Why is it then do they agree to christen children of these cohabiting couples, who are not married?
Is it to increase the Roman Catholic population?
Is it for the “Donation “that you give the Church?
Why is it, Bishop Cremona and Bishop Grech that you allow your priest to take our “Donations” when you look down on us because we choose not to have a piece of paper that society has dictated to us , for too long, that we have to have, just to prove that we love, honour, and care for each other?

Lydia Pace Workman

May 22nd 2010, 13:34

Here is another good reason why the Catholic Church is slowly becoming extinct! All circumstances are different, some worse than others and general judgement on cohabitation is wrong, independently of who makes that judgement. With no possibility of divorce on the island what choice is left to the upstanding members of this religious society who are perfectly within their legal and moral rights to live a life happily shared with a loved one? There are many other religions out there that equally teach and uphold Jesus' way of life and allow godloving and godlike individuals to partake in the body and blood of Christ and equally guarantee an afterlife of heavenly eternity. Jesus only had two commandments to love God and love your neighbour as thyself, where does cohabitation figure into those?

Geoerge Micallef

May 22nd 2010, 13:33

Hafna paroli fi vojt, hehe kulhad irrid trial qabel ma jizzewweg, u mela l-gherusija ghalxiex qedha mhux biex isiru jafu xulxin ahjar ghalkemm qatt mhu bizzejjed vera u bilhaqq gherusija mhux xi sena jew tnejn biss. Jekk int katoliku ma ghandekx issib problema ,ax ovja jekk mintiex tghix ma ragel jew mara tieghek izda flok ma persuna ohra mela minthiex tghix skond religjon tieghek , dejjem jekk int katoliku. Insomma biex nparlu fil-vojt fuq religjon nisranija u nmaqdru fuq ta quddiem nkunu ssoltu, dejjem nipuntaw subajna. Mela Kmandamenti ghalxiex qedin hemm, mhux biss biex nghixu hajja nisranija biss izda nkunu socjeta ahjar ukoll. Ghax skond hafna minkom irrdu jghixu bhall animali daqqa ma dik u ohra ma dak u mbad meta nkunu morda jew vicin il-mewt nibdew infittxu l-Alla. Insomma issa nkomplu naqraw aktar kummenti bla sugu. Gurnata tajba nies.

Shaun Grech

May 22nd 2010, 13:32

how sad, real sad... probably the dumbest marketing strategy by an institution struggling with ailing numbers and disgruntled members... who's next on the growing list of those 'not wanted'? few years and the church will be tempting people to walk in with free chocolate and a coke... seemed to work well with many...

Anthony Bugeja

May 22nd 2010, 13:32

Can the bishops please explain if unmarried couples who have a sexual relationship but do not live together can receive communion ?

EFrendo

May 22nd 2010, 13:30

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
John 8:7

Marton Saliba

May 22nd 2010, 13:30

Ok, cohabitants not receiving the holy host, no problem.

Then make sure they don't. I'm fed up of this righteousness, and yet non repentant adulterers cohabitating with their "partner" while leaving their marriage partner to rot still go up to recieve the same host.

That the problem when religion dominates faith.
Jesus was so forgiving he forgave his own [non-repentant] abusers and murderers. And my faith in Jesus' teaching will make me think that they deserve the host. He never said "Ghamlu dan, b-tifkira tieghi, hlief min qed jghix barra z-zwieg."

Callus J

May 22nd 2010, 13:27

Since we are Christians, what does out leader Christ Jesus want in this situation?
Would He approve of cohabitation?
Communion is also a public approval of a sitaution.

renald williams

May 22nd 2010, 13:24

May all of us obey! peace and health wishes

Il-Katekizmu tal-Knisja Kattolika
Pagna 348 Paragrafu 1577
Ara 1 Tim 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9.

1 Tim 3:1-13.
L-ghazla ta’ l-isqof.
Din kelma ta’ min joqghod fuqha… Jehtieg, imma, li l-isqof… li jkun ragel ta’ mara… li jkun ragel jaf imexxi tajjeb id-dar tieghu; u li jzomm lil uliedu… Ghax jekk wiehed ma jkunx jaf imexxi ‘l daru stess, kif jista’ jiehu hsieb il-Knisja ta’ Alla?
L-ghazla tad-djakni.
Hekk ukoll id-djakni… Hekk ukoll in-nisa taghhom… Id-djakni jkunu rgiel li ma jkunux mizzewgin ma’ aktar minn mara wahda, u li jkunu jafu jmexxu ‘l uliedhom u ‘l djarhom sewwa.

Titus 1:5-9.
Tahtar presbiteri f’kull belt, skond ma ordnajtlek. Kull min ikun mahtur… ikun ragel ta’ mara wahda, u jkollu uliedu jemmnu… L-isqof… ghandu jkun… bniedem li jzomm shih mal-kelma.

SIMON AMATO

May 22nd 2010, 13:23

IGIFIERI LI KRISTU JACCETTA LILL-KULLHADD HI GIDBA??? U HALLUNA!!

Patrick Bellia

May 22nd 2010, 13:20

They added that some people were paying a high price to remain in communion with the Church despite having suffered marriage breakdown, and they had stayed away from a relationship with another person outside marriage.

Therefore, separated persons who were not in a relationship with someone else, could still receive Holy Communion.

Immagina ftit missier jew omm separata ghandha tfal ha jaghmlu l pracett, grizma jew ha jizzewgila u ghax qeda f relazzjoni ma xi hadd ma tistax titqarben, mhux ta b xejn il knejjes dejjem jizvojtaw qedghin.

J Spiteri

May 22nd 2010, 13:18

Ooooh my and oooooh my! Is this the same Church believing God is love?????? Is this the same church preaching about love????????

"Therefore, separated persons who were not in a relationship with someone else, could still receive Holy Communion."

Yes, right ..... and yet still "The Church does not impose this as a punishment" .... mela ghalfejn??????

And to add insult to injury, the Church is urging couples who finally found another ray of light and hope in life after living in hell while in marriage, to "seek conversion" ... pfffff!!

On a personal note, as a person belieiving in Christ, I wish happiness, peace and love to all the persons cohabitating (because in Malta we still cannot be married once again unless you obtain annulment, so the only option is cohabitating).

To people who were lucky enough to find another person loving them and accepting them as they are after a marriage breakdown, they are the only persons who know what it means to FINALLY start living once again without waking up each and every morning asking God why you're still alive.

Bill Millam

May 22nd 2010, 13:17

I guess no chance in hell (pun intended) that the church in Malta brings itself into the 21st century! Some things just don't change. No wonder the people are dumping the Catholic "faith?" by the millions.

Bill Millam
Los Angeles

stephen camilleri

May 22nd 2010, 13:17

The church should be ashamed of what they are trying to do,i shall never go to church again,how dare you say such things and you call your selves men of god,how shamefull go back to the dark ages all of you,wat is this island coming to,i am going to write a letter to the pope and tell him that you dont want to see people go to church and then you get the sack ok.

Albert Gauci Cunningham

May 22nd 2010, 13:15

What I cannot stomach is not the church taking a stand which beggars belief and confirms that all the hogwash before the Pope arrived were only barefaced lies in order to keep the great unwashed happy before his visit, but the patronising claims of "...but we love you" and "...we respect you..". You love a person when you respect him/her for what she/he is. I am not some photocopy of the rest of humanity I am what I do, what I say, my attitude, my preferences and yes who I sleep with. That's Albert!! If the Church doesn't like it, thats its business not mine, but don't patronise me with rubbish like "I love you". You love me when you see me for who I am not for who you want me to be!!!

DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA

May 22nd 2010, 13:11

What nonesense - who says ? Who......damn it there they blow again: will no one hunt them? The Bishops are not THE CHURCH - the latter are those who appertain to this Organization which has long forgotten the teachings of its Founder,both in content and in fact.It is they who should resort to the teachings of Jesus Christ as otherwise they would be leading to what many assert that The Maltese Catholic Church is no more than a Sect which indeed it is,backward,arrogant,hypocretical and deviatory from Christ`s teachings.

As for receiving Holy Communion,the faithful are free and at liberty to follow their conscience - there are so many Churches and Chapels that anyone is at liberty to attend anywhere and there partake of the feast,to each according to one`s own.However,let these Bishops be aware that they are not being heeded to by anyone:at the end of the day for those who have any form of faith,it is the relationship with THE ALMIGHTY that counts.

Jason Borg

May 22nd 2010, 13:10

To those who think the Church is some sort of political party which changes its policies to gain popular support (no matter what), may I put forward this quotation for their consideration:

Minn dak in-nhar bosta mid-dixxipli tiegħu telquh u ma baqgħux imorru warajh. Mbagħad Ġesù qal lit-Tnax: "Tridux titilqu intom ukoll?" (Gwanni 6:66)

John Lorenz

May 22nd 2010, 13:09

Iktar ha thajjru n-nies immorru l-quddies mela.. oqghodu mela la tridu hekk!

Charles Grixti

May 22nd 2010, 12:59

Bishops, why the double-standard?

The Archbishop has recently visited the US and Canada and met many Maltese who are cohabiting and going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion. Why did he not condemn them there too? In some instances, they attend Churches manned by Maltese priests who know of the situation.

So are we to believe that there is a Roman Catholic Church and a Maltese Catholic Church? Why are the Maltese Bishops so prejudiced against the local Maltese but would not even dare to mention this to the Maltese living abroad?

I therefore urge all Maltese cohabiting couples to boycott the Church alltogether. The Church can only affect your life if you give it the power. Take the power out of its hands altogether and spend the free time that you would otherwise wile away in Church doing volunteer work or enjoying life with your families.

Gregorio Guccione

May 22nd 2010, 12:59

What about pedophiles or murders? or just simple thieves.... we have so many of them... and they are allowed to receive holy communion? I think the church should prohibit such people from receiving communion not people who cohabit and don't disturb anyone!! Where are all the "love thy neighbour" quotes gone?!?!? Im sorry but with such a church, i could only continue to live apart from it...

Neville Rizzo

May 22nd 2010, 12:58

Why does the Catholic Church keep giving me the impression that it tends to go out of its way to alienate more and more people away from it. Cohabitants are God's children like everybody else and no bishop or any other person on this earth has any right to segregate them as if they are pariahs. If you want to keep the church so exclusive - against God's teachings - you'll soon end up with just a few thousands old people attending Mass and receiving sacraments. But the solution to this problem is quite simple - just let cohabitating couples get a divorce, re-marry and live a normal life like everybody else.

Randolph De Battista

May 22nd 2010, 12:56

clap clap to the bishops! This confirms the story of the Pope's ceremony invitations!!!

C. Farrugia

May 22nd 2010, 12:56

This truly beggars belief!!!! How discriminatory!!

So, if a couple are married (on paper) but either one, or both, in adulterous relationship/s, (or in a dead one), it is ok for the offending party/ies to receive communion....

and....

If either part of a separated couple (who was the one who either committed adultery, or mistreated his spouse).... it is ok for him/her to receive it too

BUT... the Catholic church INSISTS that if a loving couple who truly respect and adore each other, (and even God himself), but happen to co-habit for ANY reason... they are NOT allowed to receive communion!!!

The Catholic church should better concern itself with the QUALITY of relationships instead! And not pieces of paper and legalities, which in the end could mean absolutely NOTHING!!!

John Carmel Navarro

May 22nd 2010, 12:50

With all the respect to our Bishops, reading between the lines all those in a relationship other than through marriage need to split up before they can carry on being full members of the Church. The implications are horrendous as there could be children involved many church goers would need to rethink their association with the Church. The issue of whether one can still be allowed to belief in God when he or she is not necessary living exactly as to what the Church demands to the latter, many would find themselves unwelcomed in the house of God. I do strongly believe that those who represent the Almighty on earth must show some compassion and try to understand that live in the real world is not a fairy tale.

J Borg

May 22nd 2010, 12:49

This statment identfies that the church is still entrapped into history! holding tight to these rules will just 'scare' more individuals leading to a more secular society.

ialamango

May 22nd 2010, 12:48

Proset Proset - Thumbs up! U halluna!!

Clayton Zahra

May 22nd 2010, 12:48

Raguni ohra biex in nies ikomplu jitbeghdu mill knisja. Jien nemmen f Alla u fil bibbja, pero b dawn l affarijiet iktar inkompli ma nemminx fil qassisin u l Kleru u l Knisja bhala bini... letteralment jaghmlu l oppost ta li ghallimhom Kristu!

J Farrugia

May 22nd 2010, 12:44

at last the Bishops have spoken. And this puts the end of any controversy to dust. and those priests who preach otherwise, had better remove their sacred clothing and join another church. They are not fit to celebrate the communion especially the holy mass. This is the teaching of the catholic church. those who dont want to abide with such teachings are free to seek pastures new. Without dictating or teaching us any other NEW WAYS. And I sincerely hope that the church will be severe with those priests and monks who are teaching and preaching another doctrine. Or they should make them undergo a refresher course in sacred theology and remove their priesthood.

arthur busuttil

May 22nd 2010, 12:44

Maltese Bishops would do well to stop priests with a mind of their own from participating in TV programs such as Xarabank.

Eric Gahn

May 22nd 2010, 12:42

"The Church does not impose this as a punishment, but because the way of life of such people goes against the sacrament of marriage," the bishops said.

So what is it? Tough love?

This 'ruling' will certainly not affect all those who are living together in a (yes) loving relationship but outside marriage. However it does show the need that the State needs to start working sooner on creating a better environment for secular living.

Robert Callus

May 22nd 2010, 12:41

"the bishops said the Church loved such couples in the same way as it loved all its members"

Is discrimination, creating unnecessary guilt feeling and stigma, and increase the psychological trauma of people who went through a separation an act of LOVE???

Deo Catania

May 22nd 2010, 12:39

Ibqghu sejrin hekk igifieri eee, vera prosit.

R.Fsadni

May 22nd 2010, 12:38

When reading this I thought I was reading a preach from a Taleban priest - not from our bishops..

martin saliba

May 22nd 2010, 12:36

If you have a partner and together you have children just walk away from each other so that you can receive communion and it doesn't matter what amount of suffering will be put on the children . God is greater than these mortals so i suggest that unmarried couples still receive communion if they wish and let god judge them when the time comes.

John Mifsud

May 22nd 2010, 12:33

Well, the priest for sure won't stop people from recieving the holy communion since he won't have a clue what the person recieving the holy communion would have in his/her background.

Antoinette Cefai

May 22nd 2010, 12:32

In today's world, I see it practical that a couple decides to live at least a few months together before marriage, since marriage, according to our Catholic preachings, is something for ever. whats wrong in having a trial? And, Once a couple got married after a period of cohabitation, could they receive the Holy Communion once again?!

John Ebejer

May 22nd 2010, 12:29

Fine. This is out of the horse's mouth. Anyway, does anyone really care?? I doubt it. In my opinion, what the Bishops say against relationships is wrong and goes against nature, and goes against civil obligations. But that's their business. And I know for a fact that many religious and priests are very unhappy with this stance.

C

May 22nd 2010, 12:27

we should be ashamed to say we form part of this "love thy neighbour" community.