Curia 'not involved' in Zebbug anti-divorce billboard
The Curia was not asked for its blessing to the anti-divorce billboard set up by the parish of Żebbuġ, hometown of pro-divorce Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando.
However, when questioned, the Church's leaders stopped short of saying they were distancing themselves from the parish's move.
"This was a parish initiative. The Curia was not asked for its opinion so the responsibility falls totally on the parish," a Curia spokesman told The Times when contacted.
The billboard which surprised Dr Pullicino Orlando when he attended Mass at the village band club on Sunday, reads: "Divorce: God doesn't want it."
It was set up by parish priest Fr Daniel Cardona after an internal discussion.
Fr Cardona said the billboard was partly a reaction to the divisive debate sparked by Dr Pullicino Orlando through his Private Member's Bill on divorce, but was "not only" aimed at him.
The billboard was part of a larger anti-divorce campaign the parish had decided to launch to target churchgoers and non-believers.
"For those who believe in God, we are asking them if they are going t o consider what God thinks about this issue," Fr Cardona has said.
Meanwhile, the story sparked a strong online reaction yesterday as readers questioned whether this was the start of a harsh anti-divorce campaign by the Church.
"What's next... the return of the Interdett?" one reader asked, referring to 1961 when the Church interdicted the Labour Party's national executive. Some argued that the Church had every right to put forward its opinions on the matter while others said divorce did not apply to practising Catholics so its position was superfluous.
Meanwhile, other people who commented on timesofmalta.com pointed out that the billboard's sponsor - an electronics company - got more advertising mileage than it had bargained for but may face a boycott by the pro-divorce lobby.
The sticklers for detail wondered whether the planning authority had given the parish the green light through a permit. However, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority did not reply to questions sent by The Times before going to print.
Dr Pullicino Orlando said he "totally understands" the position of the Church on this issue.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
227 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Joe Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 21:35
We must remember that the Church did not invent marriage, God did. He made marriage between a man and woman and for life.
However, after the Fall of Adam and Eve God tolerated divorce because of human weakness. Without the grace which came through Christ, mankind could not keep the moral law and the original plan of God we read about in Genesis 2 and 3.
When Jesus came, He both restored the Father's plan for marriage, as well as provided the grace for us to live it. You can read about this in Matthew chapter 19.
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!
ray sacco
Jul 23rd 2010, 15:00
@joe zammit:
"after adam and eve"????????? are you refering to the naked lady who had a chat with a snake? and i guess you believe that story?!?!?! lol! mind you, you have every right to do so, just as children have every right to believe in cinderella. but than, how can you make comments about important matters and be taken seriously!
ray sacco
Jul 22nd 2010, 19:46
"dak li ghaqqad alla, il bniedem ma jistax ihollu"....that's what the catholic church keeps saying, but it is also what the same catholic church keeps doing! for what is annulment, after all? it's just a daft stupid excuse for the catholic church to dissolve marriages itself! annulments have been granted for ridiculous reasons which lawyers come up with. so, what is more logical: that a marriage is annulled, as if never existed; or that a marriage actually took place and broke up. and what are the children from an annulled marriage called? crop which should not have been propagated? from which marriage were they consumed? so what is the difference between divorce and annulment, apart from common sense? maybe it's just where the cash flows to!
charles philip zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 17:11
la ma hemmx il partit laburista mdahhal il kurja tahsel idejha, la il glieda hi bejn zewgt ihbieb. kieku holl xaghrek u gib iz-zejt.
Joe Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 21:25
Charles, kliemek qed joffendi lill-magguranza laburisti li huma kontra d-divorzju!
Joe Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 16:43
Padre Pio, who had regular contacts with God, the devil, saints and angels, said more that once that "divorce is a passport to hell". He knew what he was saying and no one could belie him.
DIVORCE NEVER!
Emma Xerri
Jul 22nd 2010, 17:15
@Joe Zammit
Never say “NEVER”. This word might come back to haunt you.
Having said that, it is true some people will never divorce because they are happily married - but the rest should be able to follow their own conscience and ives. After all, nobody is interfering in your own belief-system which you were indoctrinated in before your mind was formed and could think logically, so please do not be a demagogue.
Alex Tonna
Jul 22nd 2010, 17:20
Mr. Zammit, why is it that you have to stuff all our throats with your religious mumbo –jumbo? - Your sanctified quotes from men long dead and buried will do nothing to help Marriages that have already broken down. You seem to be one of those fervent brain-washed Catholics who will yield to no one and feel holier than the Pope himself. However you display a very common and predictable trait when you discuss Divorce. You do not seem to realise that Divorce has nothing to do with your Catholic Marriages. So please leave your Ecclesiastical prowess out of our CIVIL LAWS!! With all your deep Catholic knowledge you are surely aware that your Church doesn’t allow anyone to question its Canon Laws . Consequently, although the Catholic Church has every right to impose on ECCLESIASTICAL Marriage, it cannot be allowed to interfere with a CIVIL Marriage. Does that make sense? Well to a sensible person it should!
As I repeated elsewhere:
1. Divorce is an OPTIONAL CIVIL TOOL.
2. To be used, ONLY & EXCLUSIVLY in the case of a CIVIL MARRIAGE
3. that has already been irretrievably broken down FOR AT LEAST 4 YERARS
l.azzopardi
Jul 22nd 2010, 13:11
So I said to myself, let me have a look at the Bible cos in this day and age you cannot trust all those saying that they are quoting form it.....
So these are the words of the LORD JESUS CHRIST,
Mt 19:4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’1d 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’2 ?e 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
Mt 19:7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”f
Matthew 19:8
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."
.....except for marital unfaithfulness ??!! .......mmmmmmmm
Joe Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 16:41
Mr Azzopardi, you are wrong. The Greek word is ‘porneia’ which means fornication. Christ is not saying that in case of marital unfaithfulness you can divorce. No Sir. You are completely wrong.
St Mark repeats the same prohibition and does not mention this phrase including 'porneia' as in St Matthew.
In Greek as in Maltese the word for wife and woman is the same. So Christ is saying one has to leave his woman, NOT WIFE, in case of fornication. And fornication does not include marriage at all. It is done between two unmarried persons.
I don't know if you know Greek or not. But I can argue it in more detail if necessary. The Catholic Church in her 2000-year history, coming directly from Christ and the Apostles have NEVER resorted to divorce in case of a marriage 'ratum et consummatum".
malcolm seychell
Jul 21st 2010, 22:08
While I do not agree with FR cordina I find it even more amazing the stand by the curia
So the curia has no stand on divorce?
Give us a break please.
Qed idahqu id dinja bikhom.
Victor Vella
Jul 21st 2010, 19:23
The Curia said that that it is not invollved in Zebbug anti-divorce billboard. Where is the curia then involved? To invove itself in things that are not in the bible such as the sound of bombs in festas, to curb band marches, to outright condemn homosexuality and lesbiansism, to get monies that are not theirs, wearing of condoms.... and many other things that are not in the descretion of the church. It is the time that St Paul will come again to Malta and use the sword to eradicate the corruption of the church itself and the ministers of God to preach the word of God without fear or favour.
Joseph M. Meli (Valletta)
Jul 21st 2010, 18:39
@Ian Vassallo "It seems more the Pagan's persecution against Christianity."
The Roman Empire, and elsewhere for that matter, had all their right to impose Law and Order in their respective Empire / State. for the Christians, like modern day Mr Joseph Zammit, stated that the Laws of their"God" was supreem to that of the Empire / State.
That was NOT persecution but a way to despose of subsersive element in their Society.
For Rome the christians were "impious and atheistic who have apostatized from the customs of our ancestors through which every nation and city is sustained"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians_in_the_Roman_Empire
Ivan Vassallo
Jul 22nd 2010, 08:27
I don't need Mr. Meli to lecture me on the Roman Empire what seems to me is that there is an apriori bias against the church in all arguments, that's the result of almost 100 years of cultural and linguistic Anglicization, Nerik was totally right, we have been denationalized e denatured culturally.
Mikiel Sciberras
Jul 22nd 2010, 14:19
@Ian Vassallo
The Catholic Church is the Roman Empire - it never really went away. It took a Jewish man, Joshua (Jesus) and turned him into Sol Invictus/Mithras, and even took all the old pagan festivals and made them into Catholic holidays, including blood sacrifices(such as the Mass - a symbolic blood and cannibalistic rite), something which was and still is anathema to the Jews to this day and ergo to Christ himself.
Your so called Anglicisation by which I gather you mean Protestant, means that the Protestants took the Bible and showed the wide gap between what Christ said and taught and what the Church preaches - worlds apart I assure you.
susan galea
Jul 21st 2010, 18:21
For the self-professed Catholic democrats who then lambast the Zebbug priest for his billboard exclaiming that God is against divorce I would ask them: were you unaware of the teaching of your church? Have you just awoken to the fact that the Catholic church is not in favour of divorce? This is to reveal an ignorance of stark proportions. In a democracy the church has every right to hire a billboard and declare the beliefs it espouses and, apparently, its flock is in abject ignorance of . Or is it the notion that the church has a voice that is valid like any other that grates with these uninformed reactionaries? I am an avowed atheist and hold no candle (ha) for the church but will defend its right to spout its point of view like any other. I just wish it was as good at embracing the open society when it comes to the raping of children and protection of priestly pederasts that it has indulged in for decades, that we know about. Surely then it would have a more charismatic and respected voice? The discredit to its reputation is now huge.
m.abela
Jul 21st 2010, 17:19
Paganism,anti Christianity.bla bla bla.Those of you who have a loving, caring relationship... AMEN to that! God Bless.CONGRATULATIONS, We who after marriage found that their partner had changed from day to dark..let us live/love be loved.let our children have a UNITED FAMILY.A mother to come home to a father to consult with.How many parents are there that have equal visitation rights to see the kids... and yet by choice only see their child when it suits them?Why shouldn't that particular child be able to come home to a person (who is taking over the father or mother figure role) and have a family environment ?Is it ok to say..ommi jew misieri pogguti? mhux ahjar we say ommi jew missieri mizewgin?And even if there where no children involved.Why can't that particular person have a second chance to be happy?I have nothing against the Catholic church, Im RC,BUT I can not for the life of me imagine such a humble and forgiving God not to want me happy ! Its ok for the Curia to Give me an annulment against such a hefty expense, and i can remarry. But its not ok for me to get a divorce and remarry !
Joe Zammit
Jul 21st 2010, 11:50
Christ spoke clearly about divorce. It is against the Law of God which is supreme. God's Law is above all national laws and above EU laws.
Christ told us that a man a woman enter marriage for life. What God has united let no man put asunder. This was true in the past, it is true now and will remain true for ever. Divorce is a grievous sin and entering into a second invalid marriage means living in adultery.
No MP can vote for divorce without sinning seriously against God. And, please, let no one think that God is asleep! Time will tell!
dvella
Jul 21st 2010, 17:17
Pullicino never asked permission and that includes mepa etc etc to speak out his ideas!! Why should the parish priest ask for a permit!! May all parish priests do the same!!!
Joe Brincat
Jul 21st 2010, 20:02
Joe, you state what you believe in, never attacking others. You deserve respect. I would like to draw your attention to the website of the Diocese of Southwark, under Archbishop Peter Smith, just installed this year. He is a Doctor of Canon Law from Aquinas in Rome. These are the guidelines how to start an annulment : "First of all, speak to one of the priests or deacons in your parish, or perhaps to another priest or deacon known to you. He should be able to give you a preliminary enquiry form, in which you are asked to set out the principal facts concerning your marriage. It is the usual practice of the tribunal to require a couple to have obtained a divorce absolute decree before the annulment process begins.
This form, together with copies of your baptism and divorce certificates, is then sent to your local tribunal office." (www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/nullity.html) . The Catholic Church in England requires a prior divorce before proceedings with a Church annulment. How do you explain that ? (The Reason : divorce touches the civil obligations of marriage, not its sacramental aspect or otherwise)
A.Attard
Jul 21st 2010, 10:54
It is amazing how some people that don't believe in the church and want to turn this country into a modern Island by introducing divorce just don't realize ,that we are a catholic country so yes the church has all the right to make such billboards.So please instead of whining about how catholic we are why not organise a lovely little trip to somewhere more atheist then here?.Apart from all that if I am not mistaken on other articles some of us here agreed on freedom of speach, well this is the church's FREEDOM OF SPEACH! enjoy it!
Alex Tonna
Jul 21st 2010, 11:42
@A.Attard
“ Freedom of Speech” is a CIVIL right coming from a secular constitution and certainly not matched by the Catholic Church.
Does the Catholic Church give us mortals any “Freedom of Speech” to contest their Canon Laws ? Certainly not!! Then it follows that the Catholic Church should not interfere with a purely CIVIL matter.
As I repeated elsewhere:
1. Divorce is an OPTIONAL CIVIL TOOL.
2. To be used, ONLY & EXCLUSIVLY in the case of a CIVIL MARRIAGE
3. that has already been irretrievably broken down FOR AT LEAST 4 YERARS
In other words, The Catholic Church has every right to impose on ECCLESIASTICAL Marriage, but it cannot be allowed to interfere with a CIVIL Marriage
A.Attard
Jul 21st 2010, 12:14
Are you living in the same world I am living ?.Who spoke about civil marriage?.Do you realy expect the church to be in favour of divorce?.Yes the church has the right to preach what it feels. The church is not interfering with anything ,cool down . Civil marriage is just a legal contract here we are discussing bigger stuff. Thanks
P. Borg
Jul 22nd 2010, 07:53
Yes it has all the right to speak and preach its' believings but sorry to tell you that it doesn't have any right to impose on this country what it wants. We are not in the 50s and 60s where everyone was catholic. Things have changed over the years and people learned to use their mind and think and not just take in whatever the church said. One simple thing: full catholic believers should just not take a divorce whatever happens. No one will be putting to them a gun forcing them to use divorce. There are cigarettes around us and they are legal and accepted but no forces someone to smoke!!!
A.Attard
Jul 22nd 2010, 13:33
Great you have named the exact example I wanted to point out!.No one forces you to smoke, that is very right and I also stated above that the church is in no way impossing on us.Anyway If we were in a room of people and I would start smoking don't you think that at least one of the other guys would start smoking?.Hence if people start divorcing ,a little bit of temptation to blow a marriage after the first argumnet would be higher then having divorce illegal where reconcilation is also possible. It will all become a question of trial and error ,anyway if this marriage won't work maybe the next will or the next? or the next?.....
Alex Tonna
Jul 22nd 2010, 17:44
@ A.Attard.
I must admit that at the moment, I’m not too sure what YOU are discussing here, but just in case, we are discussing a possible CIVIL remedy being scoffed off by a Religious Outfit
Has the Catholic Church any right to speak out on any ramification concerning Catholic Marriages? YES, of course it does !!
Does the Catholic Church accept any interference to its own archaic Canon Laws? NO ( of course) it doesn’t ! – you must be joking !!
Hence, Has the Catholic Church any right to speak out on any ramification concerning CIVIL Marriages ? NO it doesn’t !- especially when you are aware of their stand on their own Canon Laws
Consequently, when the Church displays a notice concerning a possible CIVIL remedy for an ALREADY BROKEN DOWN CIVIL MARRIAGE, then it should make sense to all fair-minded mature human beings, to assume ,that the Church is interfering with matters that do not fall within its jurisdiction.
Always keep in mind that Divorce has NOTHING to do with Catholic Marriages. It is an optional Civil remedy for a Civil marriage that has already broken down 4 years beforehand.
JOe VELLa
Jul 21st 2010, 09:21
@Joe Grima (Malta)
Joe, you always have been my ideal , you still the same as in the past. i.e. do not mince words, this will find others who will defer.
You said in a sense, Divorce has nothing to do with belief in God, especially the God of the autocratic catholic church, that some left disgusted, these souls still communicate with their God that they believe in.
Joe, there is a GOOD and a BAD GOD (pagan believe) some get close by referring to the Creator as OMNIPOTENT and we humble ourselves for our limitations. HE gave us a covenant the '10 commandments' the last one is 'Thou shall not covet your neighbor's wife', Jesus said if you even look at one with lust you brake the covenant .
Divorce has to do with the covenant given to us by the Omnipotent Creator.
Having said that, it is said, if one commit adultery the other partner can leave. So there are times when divorce is permissible and yes it is part of our belief too. But Divorce a la carte is WRONG!
By the way I agree the Church is sometimes autocratic.
P. Attard
Jul 21st 2010, 08:35
@Mr. Joe Grima Brussels
Jekk inti daqshekk fanatiku tal-bibbja jien nissuggerilek li se taghmel segwiha. Hawnhekk had mhux qed jaghmel kif sejjahtilha int "rage". Int ghedt li min jiehu id-divorzju u qabel kien vjolenti ghandu cans li jkun vjolenti ma xi haddiehor. Prosit vera forsi, imma 1. Min se jiehdu wara ghandu kull cans li jinduna x'inhu minn qabel, 2. Il-persuna l-ohra forsi terga tibda tghix mill-gdid ghax kulhadd jixtieq ikollu partner li jhobbu ta vera, minflok tibqa kundannata ghal ghomorha issofri. Skond kif tirraguna int min jaghmel zball darba irid ibatih sakemm imut. U toqghodx tikwotali l-iskrittura please dik zommha ghalik ghax int temmen biha. F'malta mhawnx int u kull min jemmen bhalek biss.
S. Degabriele
Jul 21st 2010, 08:26
U by the way Mr. Joe Grima Brussels
Jaqaw kont hemm u smajtu jitkellem lil gesu xi 2000 sena ilu??? Ma nahsibx, jien iktar nahseb li flok tuza mohhok biex tahseb, tuza dak kollu li bellawlek over the years il-qassisin li ghandna Malta. Thank you imma jien ghandi mohh u nuzah u hadd mhu se jbellali ir-ross bil-labra, la int u l-ebda qassis jew billboard. X'batejt f'hajti jien nafu u mhux int mil-fairytales li qed tghix fihom.
S. Degabriele
Jul 21st 2010, 08:23
@Joe Grima Bussels
Ihossbu aktar milli tahseb int sur grima. Jien ma ninponix fuq haddiehor dak li irrid jien ghax kristu ma gieghel lil hadd imur warajh. Jekk ma jogbokx tiehdux id-divorzju, hadd mhu igelek. Il-qassisin ukoll suppost ihobbuh lil sidhom u ghafguh taht saqajhom aktar minn kulhadd. Mintix se tkun int li taghllem lili ta Mr Brussels. Meta tkun ghaddejt minn xi relazzjoni li tkissrek u tnehhilek kull aptit li tghix kellimni imbaghad. Dan l-ghageb kollu fuq id-divorzju qieghed isir minhabba mentalitajiet ritretti bhalek. Jekk int kuntent ma jfissirx li kulhadd bhalek. Nahseb int xi wiehed minn dawk li jidhlu id-dar u ma jimpurtahhomx x'qed jigri barra mill-bieb u l-anqas jinteressahhom. Dak il-kattolicizmu li tiftahru bih sur!!!!!!!1
P. Attard Said
Jul 21st 2010, 08:18
@C.Busuttil
Dalwaqt nahfer l-adulterju, ma tarax, mela jien xi barri sur Busuttil. Sa fejn naf jien meta tizzewweg taghmel il-weghdha li tkun ghal dejjem u thobb lil persuna fit-tajjeb u fil-hazin. Mela issa sirna musulmani f'daqqa wahda fejn jista jkollom aktar minn mara wahda. Imma kif iddawwru kollox kif jaqblilkom? Le sur Busuttil, il-knisja li tikkwota int u li skond alla batilhom xi sms jordnalhom xi jrid, ma tippermettix li jkollok aktar minn mara/ragel wiehed. Jew se izzomm mat-taghllim tal-knisja kollu inkella se tawweg fejn jaqbillek. MIN JAF KIKU TKUN INT U IL-PARTNER TIEGHEK JIBDLEK X'TAGHMEL? TIDHER LI MA GHADDEJTX MINNHA. Mhux talli ma nahfirlux, talli nixkupah il-barra dak il-hin stess. M'ghandix x'nambi ipokriti mieghi.
Alexander Morana
Jul 20th 2010, 20:01
This photo says it all the state the Malta RC has come to? A billboard sponsored by a High Tech retail shop - proclaiming God's wishes, against the will of man, in the middle of the village square adorned with paper machete saintly statues. Are we in the real world or what?
Aghax tal-biki.
F. Borg
Jul 20th 2010, 19:22
Sa fejn naf jien ahna qed nghixu f'demokrazzija u allura kulhadd ghandu d-dritt ghal-liberta ta l-espresjoni! Ma nafx ghalfejn dan l-aaa kollu! Mhux kulhadd jaf li l-knisja kontra id-divorzju! Jien mhux xi wiehed favur id-diforzju imma bhal issa qed nighxu fi zmien fejn hawn minn ma jemminx, mela allura divorzju jista jkun parti minn twegiba. Jekk ma tridx tiddevorzja mela iz-zewweg bil-knisja!
victor pulis
Jul 20th 2010, 19:15
Has it ever occured to you that a divorcee can marry an unmarried person?
B. Cachia
Jul 21st 2010, 09:38
So?
Raymond Bezzina
Jul 20th 2010, 18:16
Divorce is wrong even from a logical point of view, because divorce gives one
the right to take another person's spouse, and divorce also gives one the right
to break multiple families.
Divorce is an untisocial measure.
A Chircop
Jul 20th 2010, 19:00
As an argument against divorce this is a total logical fallacy.
People have been straying out of the matrimonial bed since always. If a couple grow apart and take on extra-marital relationships, they will do that irrespective of divorce. It has always happened and is happening right now as we speak. Such cases are in fact often causes for people seeking a divorce, not the other way round.
Ironically, since there is no divorce here, spouses who grow apart and find new relationships cannot make a clean cut and start afresh with the new partner. They are forced to remain married even if living under separate roofs (which is what separation is), and continue living in what is theoretically an adulterous situation.
So one could also say, in reply to your argument, that divorce may actually bring clarity and legitimacy to many of these situations.
Besides, it's total nonsense to say that divorce gives one the RIGHT to take another person's spouse! Do you actually know what divorce is, legally? What does it have to do with someone else's spouse? Or do you think that divorce is some sort of legalised partner swapping game?
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 20:39
A Chircop.
Yes, unfortunately in many cases divorce IS a legalized partner swapping game! I know of a few sad cases myself. A livlier 'bird' happens to come along, and....poof!
Gone are the bold words: "I take thee to be my.......for better and for worse.....till we both shall live."
With your logic, you should add....."till we both shall live,....but I believe in divorce, so you are DISPOSABLE!" Paljazza, in popular Maltese!
A Chircop
Jul 21st 2010, 14:11
That's certainly possible, Mr Grima. And I'm not saying that divorce does not have its serious implications. We also have to consider how fairly it would be implemented. For example, american divorce courts have become extremely biased against men. It's a multi billion dollar industry to legally rob people of all they have. Let that be a warning to any men who think that divorce would be a panacea, and let's hope that if it is introduced, it will be used fairly.
However, couldn't we say that in the cases you mentioned, divorce is only the symptom? As I said in my previous comment, 'partner swapping' regularly happens even while couples remain legally married, whether in the open or behind one's back.
And couldn't we also say that there are many other cases where divorce really IS the lesser of two evils when the situation has become untenable?
After all, even the church aknowledges that some partnerships can be defective (through annulment), even if the words 'till death do us part' were pronounced.
Should then a formal way to end a marriage be denied to everyone else? That's the moral dilemma we have to face.
D. Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 17:01
U jekk Alla ma jezistix, x'naghmlu f'dak il-kaz???!!! Jekk jezisti, min ahna biex nghidu xi jrid u ma jridx??!!!
J. Bonnici
Jul 20th 2010, 16:43
Quote: "However, when questioned, the Church's leaders stopped short of saying they were distancing themselves from the parish's move." Unquote.
Is our holy mother church pro or against divorce? All Roman Catholics know the answer to that! The Roman Catholic Church following the teachings of Christ is against divorce. Jesus Christ, the second person of the Holy Trinity, condemned divorce (Mk:10, 1-12; Mt:19, 1-12; Lk:16, 8). So God does not want divorce, hence the billboard is right no matter what anyone says. So how come the Church leaders come out with such a statement as the above? We Catholics ask for an explanation please.
Paedophile priests and cohabiting priests do not come into the equation -TWO WRONGS DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT.
victor pulis
Jul 20th 2010, 17:33
Another quote attributed to Jesus is found in Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be condemned."
That means that most of humanity shall end up in hell not including the baptised who lead a sinful life.
Alex Tonna
Jul 20th 2010, 17:45
@J Bonnici
Catholics, just like any otther religioius motivated individuals, do not have a right to interfere or impose their spritual beliefs onto an OPTIONAL CIVIL TOOL for a CIVIL MARRIAGE.
CIVIL Divorce has NOTHING to do with Catholic Marriage, so please keep YOUR "Holy" quotes from YOUR Holy Book to yourself. Other people have their own "Holy Book" and do not need people like you stuffing their beliefs down their throats.
martin saliba
Jul 20th 2010, 15:27
Most of you who are insisting that divorce is against the teachings of the church have two wieghts and two measures. The use of contraceptive devices is also against the teachings of the church.
David Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 16:37
"The use of contraceptive devices is also against the teachings of the church"
We are aware of that - we are also aware that Ratzinger demonises condoms in Africa - a country were 1 child every 3 seconds dies from AIDS.
But why care of children's lives?! What matter is the teachings, right?
victor caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 15:24
Can I ask Fr Cardona if God spoke to him directly.
What God abhors for sure is paedophilia.
Those for divorce could counter any silly campaign by the church with a parallel capaign on paedophilia within the church. People in glass houses should not throw....
Ivan Vassallo
Jul 20th 2010, 16:17
In america they have similar problems with physical education teacher ... maybe they ought to stop practicing sports and condemn all educational insitutions as intrisically paedophilic as you are describing the Church.
http://www.cesnur.org/2010/mi_preti_pedofili_en.html
read this its much more healthier.
victor caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 17:51
At ian vassallo
just one physical education teacher ...the case against the church is univerally distributed. Dark ages have to be resisted...more so in malta eu.
Ivan Vassallo
Jul 20th 2010, 20:28
Dark Ages? It seems more the Pagan's persecution against Christianity.
Now call me retrograde!
dvella
Jul 21st 2010, 17:22
What God abhors for sure is paedophilia - if you believe that,then you must believe God is against divorce!! If you don't, your "What God abhors for sure is paedophilia" makes nosense!! Commonsense!!
Ivan Vassallo
Jul 22nd 2010, 08:23
I hope you are not implying that all priests are paedophiles because you are saying a monstrous inaccuracy if not a lie!
Ivan Vassallo
Jul 22nd 2010, 08:30
Just one? Did you read that article for God's sake? !
Michael Aquilina
Jul 20th 2010, 15:22
Your being featured on Kotaku guys!
http://kotaku.com/5591397/this-anti+divorce-message-brought-to-you-by
Tracy Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 14:49
Bhala wiehed li jitkellem xi jrid Alla, nissugerixxi lil Fr, Daniel Cardona li jigi sa Triq San Guzepp Tal-Pieta u jwahhal iehor fejn jghid: Ko-Abitazzjoni--Alla ma jridx li patrijiet jikkoabitaw.
Alex Ciantar
Jul 20th 2010, 14:22
I think it is about time the church is put in its place and be told not to interfere in peoples and state affair..... after all it will let no one else interfere in its internal affairs.........
J.Xuereb
Jul 20th 2010, 14:20
IL-PEDOFELIJJA ALLA MA JRIDIEX!
C.Busuttil
Jul 20th 2010, 17:49
L-anqas ma jrid divorzju. U jekk ir-raguni tad-divorzju kif hija f'hafna mill-kazi adulterju, Alla jghidlek biex tahfer.
L. Dimech
Jul 20th 2010, 14:20
Even though there are thousands of separations, not everyone files for annulment either civil or church. So why is the perception that everybody will file for divorce? It is either those who are already cohabitating (and you can even be sure that many of them prefer to stay as they are) or those who anyway are not in a christian marriage, having married at the registry only.
With regards to priesthood - I consider an offering of oneself to GOD should mean something right? Probably wrong.......... the priest who married me left the priesthood and is now married himself. That's cool eh ! But these priests are devested hush hush. How about if we start putting up mega billboards against this, or against paedophile priests, what would the Curia say.
I also ask the Curia, who is very fast losing points, would JESUS HAVE WASHED HIS HANDS FROM TAKING A POSITION WITH REGARDS TO THE BILLBOARD?
Joseph Calleja
Jul 20th 2010, 14:16
It seems like the only one that gained anything is the Mega Game Store who sponsored the billboard. This is a public place and I am sure Fr Cardona and the Mega store have the necessary permits to put that sign up. If not they are both breaking the law and both should be cited. It is very odd that the Curia is distancing itself from Fr Cardona, after all no matter what you always protect your own. The church is very good at that, look how they protect pedophile priests. The square is open to the public and that makes it a public place. If no permits were issued by Mepa I think the police should take down that billboard. Fr Cardona can always move the billboard inside the church.
Ronald Cauchi
Jul 20th 2010, 14:13
Will someone explain to me why catholics get so excited over divorce. After all it is of no interest to them. Unless they all are frustrated potential divorcees. A case of sour grapes?
Alex Ciantar
Jul 20th 2010, 14:13
if god came to earth today he would not last five minutes........................
Joseph Galea
Jul 20th 2010, 14:02
@Joe Grima
Very well said Joe Grima! Such people communicate with their god. But the truth is that "their god" is not the true God but a god they have themselves invented.
Joe Grima (malta)
Jul 20th 2010, 17:55
And do you have an instrument, that the rest of the world doesn't know of, by which you distinguish which God is the real God? God is in your heart. If you beleive in your God, then that's the One.
Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Jul 20th 2010, 13:56
A billboard by the church reading "God does not approve of paedophilia" would have been more appropriate .
JOSEPH BOUVETT
Jul 20th 2010, 13:50
I FULL Y SUPPORT FR.DANIEL ,AND AS SO LONG AS I AM A CHRISTIAN I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT HIM. IT SEEMS THAT SOMETHING OF VALUE HAS TO ORRIGINATE FROM ZEBBUG. THANKS FOR YOU SUPPORT AND COURAGE
David Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 16:12
Yes, something, or someone of value did originate from Zebbug - Jeoffrey Pullicino Orlando!
David Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 16:33
Yes, something, or someone of value did originate from Zebbug - Jeoffrey Pullicino Orlando!
Michael Spiteri
Jul 21st 2010, 07:38
Taf sakemm Sur Bouvett, sakemm tmur id-dar u issib il-mara fis-sodda ma ragel iehor! Taf nahseb tqied idejk fuq qalbek u tghid "Hekk Alla Jrid"!
mario camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 13:46
ID-DIVORZJU - ALLA MA JRIDUX! ALLA UKOLL MA JRIDTX PATRIJIET IMISSU T-TFAL U PATRIJIET POGGUTI. IL-POGGUT IL-KNISJA MA TTIH L-EBDA SAGRAMENT, U L-PATRI POGGUT JIKKONSAGRA S-SAGRAMENT KULLJUM.
joe gatt
Jul 20th 2010, 13:39
@J Farrugia
God in His infinite mercy gave human beings the freedom to decide what's good and bad for them, He gave them HIS commandments
God gave us freedom of choice, then he took away that option, you say. Pls explain the contradiction here, Freedom, and Laws negating the options
If you are hapilly married & of sound character with strong principles, & strong in your convictions, Why worry??
I cannot see you rushing to get your divorce once introduced. But you know that in marriage it usually takes two to Tango, one partner may decide to Cha Cha instead, one`s partner may not uphold such strong values, & Cha Cha, (not always partner`s fault)
Then what? What would be your solution?
Commit suicide, Stay celibate, Change religion? Change country, Change Goverment? Change 2000 yrs rules, Become a pervert? Change sex? Become a Monk, all possible,
What would you do? What would be your way out of a failed marriage?
a) marriage without children &
b) with children.
Should lady luck smile upon you and a decent person comes along, what would you do?
Hope you do not suggest hiring a hit man, (till death do us part!!!)
Joseph Casha
Jul 20th 2010, 13:36
Divorzu: Alla Ma Jridux!!............Pedofili: ALLA ZGUR MA JRIDHOMX, pero xorta hemm qeghdin.
Can't always get what you want in life!
Albert Fenech
Jul 20th 2010, 13:20
This is dedicated to all the numbskulls out there who "feel" the Roman Catholic Church should "bend" its edicts and beliefs to be tailor-made to their own personal requirements i.e. homosexual, lesbian, separated, living with a "partner" etc. This will not and should not happen. In today's valueless era where anything goes and where everyone feels they are personally at the centre of the Universe, the Church has a sacrosanct right to maintain and fight for its shared values. If you don't want a share, then butt out. Let's face it, the bottom-line of all these deviations is not "rights" but sexual practices. So, do as you please but don't expect the Church to do as YOU please. And just in case there are any liberal, free-thinking do-gooders reading this, I am NOT a churchgoer and I am a Non-confirmist but please don't expect me to take your bullshit. Some guy even went back to 500 years of history to bring up Lucrezia Borgia!!! Good God, it's Like Mugabe of Zimbabwe bringing up British Colonial history to justify his legacy of thousands of murdered Zimbabwan citizens to justify his own theft and tyranny in Zimbabwe.
Sean Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 13:17
JPO has always been a cowboy!
dvella
Jul 21st 2010, 17:24
Firing blanks!!!!
M Agius
Jul 20th 2010, 13:12
Dan biss wiehed minn sensilla ta' billboards li kellna fuq iz-zuntier b'messagi differenti, nahseb ghandhom kull dritt jghidu taghhom u jhallu lil haddiehor jghid tieghu, ovjament.
m farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 13:04
@joe grima
with the same reasoning one can boycott all the advertisers who advertise on your incontri if one is of a different opinion as onetv
grow up please instead of being the first to comment on each and every article on the times trying to give the false impression that everyone is pro PL now
Joe Brincat
Jul 20th 2010, 16:07
Is the square in front of the Zebbug Parish Church an urban conservation area ? Does Policy 4.1 apply ? Is the design cutely blended in the environment ? Are there "any features of
environmental, architectural or historic interest in the vicinity" ?
"6.4 Billboards will only be considered if: Within the designated sites as indicated in the relative maps". Is the square one of the designated sites ?
Who is responsible for the Billboards Policy Guidelines 2007 ? I"m not.
Joe Grima (malta)
Jul 20th 2010, 18:07
M Farrugia. Boycotts do happen and they have happened., Do you remember when the PN issued a national boycott on all advertisers who put their commercials on Xandir Malta as it was then? So as a PN supporter, you should be an expert on boycotts.
And where does the LP enter in all this? Only in your warped imagination, frustrated a you must be, seeing everything that you may have beleived in all your life crumbling before your very eyes. Nothing is sacred anymore Mr Farrugia and people now think with their brains not through a hoop in their noses Tough times for your PN buddy!
m farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 13:00
issa ma mmorrux fl estrem li nippretendu li l-knisja ma tistax tesprimi l-opinjoni taghha bhall haddiehor
mela ghandna xi hadd gharef li kull nhar ta hadd imur jiftahar li hu favur id-divorzju(ghalkemm b'hekk m'hemm l-ebda garanzija li se jdahhal id-divorzju bhal m'hu qed jipprova ibellaghha lin-nies) u l-knisja ma tistax tiftah halqha
Joe grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 12:57
Many commentators advised the Church to include 'No to paedophile priest' and 'God does not want paedophilia' on the same board. Yes, I agree that paedophilia is the most horrendous thing the church had to face recently. But, the fact that some priests are accused of paedophilia, does that mean that divorce is good? Or is it that they KNOW that divorce is bad, and they are trying to 'hide' it behind another 'bad'?
James Formosa
Jul 20th 2010, 12:53
Alla ma jridux? Mela ghalfejn il-knisja taccettah? - u kif allura il-Papa jista jaghti id-divorjzu f'kazijiet ta zwieg mhux ikkunsmat?? Jew iridu jew ma jridux? U wara kollox Alla qad ma qal xejn dwar iz-zwieg u d-divorzju bic-civil!! Ghax Alla m'ghandhux x'jaqsam. Halluh barra minn din il-kwestjoni.
martin saliba
Jul 20th 2010, 12:49
I now expect that this priest displays a big billboard with a big condom which says that god is against contraception. If god dose not want divorce and the church is defending his wishes then too they should crusade against artificial contraception as it is also against gods will.
JOe VELLa
Jul 20th 2010, 12:42
What scare me is not a Bill Board, it is a voice without muscle.
It is the hate mail towards the church that is worrying! To all those writing, do you really think the church is wrong? Do you believe you are wiser than the church and became today little Gods? Someone has to lead, I assure you your logic scare me!
Like the statement of JM who although he criticize others of arrogance of authority, to which I agree, he said he will get a vote on divorce,and added that the question is not how, but when it will come into law. Wow, Joseph you are a bit fast to call your subjects, I want to be done, and it will be done!
Some divorce cases deserve to be heard and acted upon according to the merit and principal of Christian Love towards each other, BUT an open and shut case DIVORCE FOR ALL IS WRONG!
d. borg
Jul 20th 2010, 12:35
Dan kif ma ha permess la tal-Mepa u l-anqas tal-Kurja. Mela dan jaghmel li jfettillu?
Toni Borda
Jul 20th 2010, 12:18
It comes as no surprise that the Curia has distanced itself from this... After all the Church itself has a long history of divorces and plots... Take a look at Lucrezia Borgia's biography on wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucrezia_Borgia - the daughter of a Pope who also bore HIS son.
Edwin Mifsud
Jul 20th 2010, 12:52
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sexually_active_popes
Alexander Wright
Jul 20th 2010, 12:15
How very Machiavellian of this parish priest to stir commotion.
All we need is another half a dozen priests to evidence how spiteful the Church in Malta can be and Divorce will be in our Law books very soon.
Divorce is a reality despite all we say, it is available and is being made use of, by those that can afford it, of course. The rest, oh well, tough luck, Then again in life it is always like that, some are born under a lucky star and some are bound to lump it.
The Church and Religion may have a lot to say but its human relations we are talking about here and we all know that you can never draw a line and put all in the same pan.
Marriages succeed and marriages fail.
We all deserve a second chance, maybe even a third or fourth.
And for all Catholics - focus on Jesus Christ - what HE said and did counts, the rest is pure subjectivity.
Ivan Vassallo
Jul 20th 2010, 12:15
I hope that any journalist isn't thinking or worse implying that the Church doesn't have the right to speak up its values.
David Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 12:47
I hope that you are not implying that a journalist cannot do his / her job.
Your comment is reminiscent to the ones made by the Vatican when all the sex abuse cases came out just before the pontiff visited our island - that is that the issue was a smear campaign by the media. Truth is, all the media did was to bring the facts to the public. This was too much to bear for the Vatican and its apologists so they tried to turn it over the journalists.
Ivan Vassallo
Jul 20th 2010, 16:13
Journalists many times act arrogantly in intimidating people and in denying their beliefs to appear more "presentable" ... maybe it's time journalists taste their own medicine.
Antoinette Cilia
Jul 20th 2010, 12:11
Well done Fr. Cardona.The church is duty bound to do her bit. Each and every one of us will one day be held accountable for our actions in front of the Almighty God.
George Cassar
Jul 20th 2010, 14:00
I find it ironic that you refer to such a woman-fearing institution as 'her'...
David Gatt
Jul 20th 2010, 12:01
Can anyone in his right senses illuminate our society as to how can we annull a contract of immovable property acquisition, nullify Priesthoods with the sacraments they incur, annul rents, sales of movables and immovables etc etc, and one expects not to erase a mistake made by contracting marriage?? In such cases one should go and sign marriages trembling and shaking knowing its a 'cul de sac', one way ticket!
Ivan Vassallo
Jul 20th 2010, 12:19
Nullyfing priesthood? With all due respect do you know canon law? Priests may be divested from their duties, and barred from officng mass but techincally still have the authority of making transubstantiation, though in those cases it would be considered a sacriledge.
Mike farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 12:29
Every Holy Sacrament has its conditions for example you can receive the sacrament of reconciliation as many times as you feel the need. As for those who choose priesthood they know that they can dissolve the votes should they feel that they are not in a position to fulfill that particular sacrament, as for marriage this sacrament does not contemplate divorce, so you may choose not to get married with Catholic rites.
Richard Sammut
Jul 20th 2010, 11:59
The advert under the billboard reminds me of when Jesus went to the temple He threw out the money changers and sellers, noting that the House of prayer had been converted into a market!!!
If the priest wanted to do a billboard, it should at least been done without adverts!!
Secondly however, the church should have done another one on pedophile priests!! God does not want that either!!!
Charles Briffa
Jul 20th 2010, 11:57
Well done to Zebbug Parish. We should follow these example and affix the same signs near each Church. On the other hand those in favour of divorce no one is judging you and only God is the Judge who decides who is entiled to be sent to hell or Heaven it depends on how you choose to live. You shouldn't be afraid of a billboard as whenever you see a cross that should remind you that Jesus in order to defend what he taught was put on the cross.
As for JPO I feel he presented this bill in order to get revenge on what happeaned during the Pope's visit, maybe his next private member bill will be to exclude Mistra from ODZ?
ALBERT FENECH
Jul 20th 2010, 11:49
"For those who believe in God, we are asking them if they are going t o consider what God thinks about this issue," Fr Cardona has said.
Meanwhile, the story sparked a strong online reaction yesterday as readers questioned whether this was the start of a harsh anti-divorce campaign by the Church.
The above are quotes from your article.
"The story sparked a strong online reaction yesterday..." So now, according to your "strong online" reactors, the Church now should not have a voice; should not react; should be passive and accept everything that is thrown at it?
You also stated in the article that Dr. Pullicino Orlando was "surprised" by the billboard? Please tell me - did he pull out his hankie (or maybe a soft tissue paper) and shed a tear or two?
Joe Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 12:18
Divorce has nothing to do with belief in God. Most of those who left teh Catholic Churcvh in disgust beleive in God and communicate with their God i a way that they cannot communicate with the autocratic Catholic Church so don't mix up teh two.
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 13:41
Joe Grima,
for Christians, divorce HAS A LOT TO DO WITH BELIEF IN GOD! For those who believe and love God, they HAVE TO ACCEPT EVERYTHING that He wants, NOT what one pleases!
Christians who abandon the Church, and state that they STILL believe in God, probably feel uncomfortable with what the Church (founded by Jesus to be HIS voice) tells them. They believe that if they do not 'hear' what the church tells them, they are innocent.
Joe Grima (malta)
Jul 20th 2010, 17:53
Joe Grima (Brussels). Divorce has nothing to do with the church, religion or belief. It is a civil right that Governments have a duty to amke available to citizens whose marriages will have broken down. Ask around the legal community in Brussels. They will tell you how wrong you are to put this issue on a religious footing but then. I guess, the Taliban mentality has little to do with either intelligence or advancement.
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 20:30
Joe Grima (Malta),
Please read carefully what I wrote earlier:
"For christians, divorce has a lot to do with belief in God." A christian is one who lives according to Jesus' teachings. So, since Jesus says NO TO DIVORCE, a true christian MUST live accordingly.
And is'nt one's religious belief ANOTHER HUMAN RIGHT? That is made very clear here, in Brussels.
Another fact: Mere humans tell me that divorce is a human right! The One who tells me that divorce is a human 'wrong' is Jesus himself. As a christian, I am bound to take heed of Jesus, no one else.
And please stop comparing the church to the Talibans, especially when you do not have more convincing arguments. You see, I do not recur to insults, because I believe that Jesus' teaching are valid.
John Micallef
Jul 20th 2010, 11:49
Il Fr Daniel ilni nafu sa min meta konna tfal. Kien bniedem ta principju!!
Ghlakemm f'din il- haga ma naqbilx mieghu 100%, xorta nahseb li bhall ma hawn nies/ ghaqdiet li qed jghamlu krucjati favur l-introduzjoni tad- divorzju, nemmen li Fr Cardona ghamel pass tajjeb ghal- edeal tieghu.
Aktar nara haga bla sens u verament ironika li tigi il- knisja u tghid li ma kelliex x'taqsam. X'riedet tghid biha din il- knisja tghid? Ghax jekk tidistanza ruhek min minn jahdem mieghek bhala parti minnek, ihalli hafna mistoqsijiet mhux imwiegba.
Well done father, you always excelled!!!
joe gatt
Jul 20th 2010, 12:53
Il Fr Daniel ilni nafu sa min meta konna tfal. Kien bniedem ta principju!! (Meaning: I have known Fr Daniel since we were kids. He is a man of principles)
No person really knows another person as we would like to think, especially when very young and spirited.
Time changes people, and people change with time.
Yet it seems for some of us, time stops, period.
I remember climbing trees with my cousin, to get at the sparrow hatchllings. Poor creatures, we now know better.
John, hope you do not mind be being personal by asking you. How long has it been?? Did you two climb the trees to get at the nests, or maybe you did not have to? Perhaps chasing DoDo birdie chicks, (hopefully two legged chicks too) was fashionable at the time. no offence meant, brother.
We are the children of the Sun, created by our almighty God, no mortal has the right to claim God as his own. Whoever dares, this may be considered gross arrogance, & one may not reach lower than so low.
John Micallef
Jul 20th 2010, 15:37
0 points siehbi, out of subject.
I don't agree with him, but i respect him. This is something that lags a let in our lovely island
Aqra sew dak li ktibt jien pls
C.Cauchi
Jul 20th 2010, 11:44
KONTIJIET TAD-DAWL GHOLJIN LI JGHAKSU L-POPLU : ALLA MA JRIDOMX
forsi ma tafx kif jithajru u jsir xi haga.........
joe muscat
Jul 20th 2010, 11:39
Just asked Sony if they have any clue about this topic . Honestly i think Sony will be surprised with this issue !!!!
joe gatt
Jul 20th 2010, 11:25
A volontary member of a club (say Pigeon club) has sets of rules, it is expected that members have to strictly abide by these rules. Most born on these Island, were baptized, parents choice, it was only natural, we grew up and married within the catholic church, was a way of life, we were carried along by the current, without any other option. Once baptized one was officially enrolled, (registered, documented etc) Fair enough.
Logically then the first step out of such a situation is to officially divorce the club.
There should also be a formal way, procedure where one may disassociate formally from the club.(de-registered, documented etc) Once this is done then the club rules do not apply.
Does it make sence for a motor racing club member to be controlled by pigeon club rules??
& vice versa
"For those who believe in God, we are asking them if they are going t o consider what God thinks about this issue," Fr Cardona has said"
Pls do not patronize our `God Almighty`, we are mere, insignificant mortals, living on borrowed time. Your mentality and era is long gone, expired.
Only current way back in the middle ages.
S. Degabriele
Jul 20th 2010, 11:15
I would like to say one thing to this priest from Zebbug. YES I BELIEVE IN GOD, I BELIEVE IN JESUS AND IN THE LOVE HE GAVE US ALL BY SACRIFICING HIMSELF. HE CHOSE TO DIE TO SET US FREE. He sets us free from people who woud like to oppress us with their one way believing. Yes I am in favour of divorce and I love jesus. Instead of going in the streets with this bla bla I live by not harming anyone, that is my order of the day. Live and let live and accept other people. Jesus didn't make distinctions when he loved because he doesn't want us to suffer.
Who said that if divorce is introduced everyone will rush to get one? who is happy will remain so because no one is prepared to lose something good in his life. There are already broken families especially because of your close mind. Whoever wants to leave his wife/her husband will do so no matter whther it is written on paper or not. I must say your's is just racism and dispersement of hatred.
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 13:28
Do you really love Jesus for ALL He stands for: his teachings, His redemption,.....? If you really do, you CANNOT be in favour of divorce, because He expressed HIS opinion on divorce more that once! As we say in Maltese: 'Min ma jhobbx il-kelb, ma jhobbx lil sidu'.
It's no good doing nobody any harm, then being in favour of divorce, because He is not.
Paul Galea
Jul 20th 2010, 11:15
Thanks to the article in the Times of Malta, not only " the billboard's sponsor - an electronics company - got more advertising mileage than it had bargained for, but more so, the same Notice "ID-DIVORZJU: ALLA MA JRIDUX" i.e. "Divorce: God doesn't want it" got more advertising mileage than it had bargained for.
Joe Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 12:25
The advertising will do the company a lot more harm than the benefits it may reap. That company is now on the taboo list of all people who are in favour of divorce. We dont approve of Taliban companies -not in Afghanistan and not in Malta. Perhaps, as his company slowly goes bust, the owner can apply to the curia for a refund for lost revenue, or better still, to his mentor Fr. Daniel Cardona. the Church is rich enough to repay him.
josianne den ridder
Jul 20th 2010, 11:03
DEAR, DEAR, a storm in a teacup.
victor rodenas
Jul 20th 2010, 11:00
I wonder why, that....`.HIJJA LA TIDGHIX`..`brother do not swear`, are written on very small notices...and against divorce they made a billboard......perhaps sponsors would be found for the `HIJJA LA TIDGHIX` warnings too ,so they will be made as big as the anti divorce one .
ray sacco
Jul 20th 2010, 10:50
and how does the parish priest or anyone know what god wants? for people to speak in the name of god and believe they know what god wants is simply arrogant! i guess the bill board should have read:
"DIVORCE: WE WANT GOD NOT TO WANT IT"
MT Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 10:44
@Fr Cardona ,
Mela la Alla kontra divorzju, id-divorzju huwa dnub......u naghmlu bill board halli nies jifthu mohhhom....
Alla certissima li kontra l-abbuz tat tfal.....dak dnub ukoll, ghaliex ma ghamiltx billborad ukoll halli tikundanna l-abbuzi li saru??????
mary Pace
Jul 20th 2010, 10:43
@joe grima brussels
ok you answer me about priests, but what about nuns, Once I went to a friend who become nun, she was dressed like a bride, because so they said she's marrying GOD, they even wore ring ( speci ta wedding ring) so why a nun can resgn & GET MARRIED, wasn't she married to GOD?? I think the church makes law & change them as they suit them!!
S. Degabriele
Jul 20th 2010, 11:07
Kelli habiba tieghi li ghamlet disa snin fil-qorti biex tissepara. Ir-ragel li kellha sa quddiem il-qorti stess hebb ghaliha u ipprova isawwatha. Xi tghid sur zammit u dawk kontra id-divorzju? Tibqa mieghu u ittih xi tarbija ukoll? Hekk tghidlek il-bibbja biex tibqa mieghu sakemm joqtlok? Imissek tirrispondi sur zammit ghal mistoqsijiet li ilhom jaghmlulek hafna nies hawnhekk mhux dejjem iddoqq l-istess diska. Ma tafx tirrispondi ghalhekk taghzel li ma tismax x'jghid haddiehor. Egoist dak li int, ghax int tajjeb tahseb li kulhadd bhalek. Nies hekk vera nixtieq li jigu bzonnu id-divorzju halli xi darba jifhmu l-martirju ta haddiehor.
Joe grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 12:35
There is a difference between the priesthood and women becoming nuns. Nuns do not receive Holy Orders, and they do not administer the Sacraments. When they are MARRIED to God, it is not the 'Sacrament' of marriage, but a relationship in prayer, meditation and dedication.
As I said earlier regarding the Holy Orders: a Nun can get despensation, meaning that she can DISCONTINUE living her life in a Convent. Taken on the same level, by divorse one must mean: one asks for a dispensation SO THAT HE/SHE WILL DISCONTINUE LIVING THE MARRIED LIFE! That is NOT what divorcees want, they want to change lovers.
S. Degabriele
Jul 20th 2010, 12:52
U kieku stess la kelli problema u is-sitwazzjoni matrimonjali tieghi ma marridtx tajba, x'naghmel allura Mr. Grima immur nintrema? M'ghandix dritt nipprova nkun kuntenta sahha wahda marritli hazin?. Forsi l-ewwel ragel haqarni u it-tieni wiehed ikun jirrispettani. Se tnehhili dan id-dritt sur grima? Ma tridnix inkun kuntenta forsi Sur Grima? Tieghek biss hu dan id-dritt Sur Grima? Forsi Ma kontx lucky u sibt ir-ragel it-tajjeb ma l-ewwel darba sur Grima. Se nibqa inbati hajti kollha Sur Grima?
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 16:00
Dear S Degabriele.
It's useless to vex your rage on me. I just echoed what one finds in the Holy Scriptures. You can check that yourself, by going through the Book yourself.
First: Divorce is not a 'right', actually it's a 'wrong'.
Second: It's useless blaming me for taking away that 'right/wrong', because that is Jesus'
teachings.
Third: No, you don't have to suffer all your life, but divorce is not the solution. If, as you
state, one's partner's conduct is violent, by divorce he/she gets the right to remarry,
and be brutal to the 'next' partner.
Martin Triganza
Jul 20th 2010, 10:29
Jien u l-familjari tieghi nohorgu bi hgarna favur id-divorzju ghax jien naf minn xiex ghaddejt fil-proceduri quddiem il-Kurja. Kelli nistenna 18 il-sena biex finalment gie decis il-kaz taghna. Tal-misthija !!! Kulhadd ghandu dritt ghad-divorzju. Minn jiskrupla jew hu tal-Knisja u ma jaqbilx mad-divorzju ma jiehdux pero minn jaqbel u minn iridu ghandu d-dritt li jiehdu minghajr ebda indhil ta hadd. Viva d-divorzju !!!
MT Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 12:26
U hallina Sur Farrugia, gej bil hama!!!
Christopher Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 12:34
J. Farrugia! Issa int fejn taf x'ghamel u x'ma ghamilx is-sur Triganza. Int u Joe Zammit misskom tinghaqdu u tkomplu fuq ix-xoghol ta' Heinrich Kramer u Jacob Sprenger ta' meta kitbu "Malleus Maleficarum". Misskom tahdmu fuq verzjoni aktar moderna ta' dan il-ktieb u nimmagina li ssiru famuzi mal-fundamentalist nsara kollha. Min jaf ... forsi nafu narawkom papiet ukoll :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malleus_maleficarum
Tony Gatt
Jul 20th 2010, 10:26
Since God doesn't want divorce there's only going to be Maltese and the people of the Philippines going to heaven being the only two nations who agrees with God's wishes and the way things are going the Maltese might be dropping out soon so while the Philippines don't rule the earth they might be ruling the heavens!
A Sciberras
Jul 20th 2010, 10:19
Mela fuq id-divorzju splodejna u fuq affarijiet ohra, li huma daqs tant jekk mhux aktar tal-misthija, kaxkarna saqajna kemm flahna.
Mela z-zintier tal-Knisja mhux projeta' tal-Kurja?
CARMELO BRIFFA
Jul 20th 2010, 10:18
Sewwa ghamlu
Prosit u kuragg.
Hawn il-maggoranza taqbel ma dak li nkiteb.
Il- kurja ghanda theggeg biex isiru madwar Malta w Ghawdex kollu.
Karmnu.
S. Degabriele
Jul 20th 2010, 11:18
Fil-kaz ghamel wiehed mal-galarija tad-dar halli turina in-nuqqas ta toleranza u l-egoismu fejn qieghed. Jekk int kuntent ma jfissirx li kulhadd bhalek. Ma nawgura lil hadd li jiskopri li il-mara tieghu isibha ma ragel iehor imma hafna minnkom hekk ghandhm bzonn halli jhossu fuq il-gilda taghhm xi tfisser dik it-tbatija. Min jaf kieku tkun int x'tghid?
m.ellul
Jul 20th 2010, 11:46
x'maggoranza!!! ghandek provi ?? tisparax bl-addocc kummenti bla sens.... qrajtu l-artiklu ? niddubita, l-anqas il-kurja innifisa ma approvat il-billboard.
Da hu argument li irid jigi diskuss b'reqqa u b'serjeta b'liema bhala u mhux nagixxu b'dan il-mod daqshekk diletantesk.
Edwin Mifsud
Jul 20th 2010, 10:16
@ Mary Camilleri
"Jesus came into this world to save us, teach us the New Testament and bring religion's teaching up to date (2000 years ago)."
If 2000 years old is up to date for you, then we already differ in what up to date is.
@ Joe Grima Brussels
"You will remember, that Moses conceded the pressure of his people, because as is happening today, MANY PEOPLE WERE IN FAVOUR."
If many people are in favour today, then as happened in Moses's time the Church should conceded to the pressure.
This verse is in the Bible. If the Old testament is no longer valid, it should no longer be read during mass.
It is simple if you do not agree with divorce and your marrage breaks down, DON'T GET A DIVORCE. Who are you to stop anybody else from doing it?
Joe grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 12:47
Yes, Moses accepted divorce because many people were in favour, like today. BUT THEN Jesus came over, AND CONDEMNED divorce!!!!!! I believe that Jesus HAS THE AUTHORITY to rebut what Moses, God's SERVANT had done before, because of their stubborness. But again, you accept only what is convenient to yourself.
There are sections in the Old Testament WHICH JESUS CORRECTED, so we are to accept Jesus' last words. But what Moses conceded is more 'convenient' for you!
Joseph Galea
Jul 20th 2010, 10:15
Why is the Curia afraid to back such an initiative of the Zebbug parish? When the people at the Curia are only there in order to receive praise, then they are surely not fit to be called Jesus´ disciples. Jesus had acted surely differently from the Maltese Curia. He was prepared, and actually did, give his life for the truth!
Antoine Attard
Jul 20th 2010, 10:14
Everyone has the duty and the right to inform and to be informed. God forbids if we resort to insults and hotheadedness on such a sensitive issue. Let everyone has his say calmly, and then one can decide with an informed mind what is best for him.
Ed Cardona
Jul 20th 2010, 10:13
It is interesting to note that the colors used in the billboard are the colors of the European flag. If my memory serves me right the church of Malta kept silent on the Malta EU issue on accesion, even when confronted with the citizen's right to divorce once members in the EU. Seems like the chickens are coming home to roost!
m vella
Jul 20th 2010, 10:11
so NOW we have Talibans in Zebbug thats interesting
Franco Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 10:11
I don't believe this. The Archpriest will have never taken this decision without having referred to the Curia beforhand. I am quite sure of this.
Kenneth Cassar
Jul 20th 2010, 10:05
The question is: Was a permit obtained for the billboard? Does "God" want people to break the law?
J Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 12:11
Exactly Kenneth you hit the nail on its head. God does not want humanity to break His life giving laws. God does not want divorce. What God has united let no Kenneth break asunder. God in His infinite mercy gave human beings the freedom to decide what's good and bad for them. He gave them HIS commandments, which man has betrayed for the umpteenth time. But at the end of the day, God will win.
Kenneth Cassar
Jul 20th 2010, 12:58
@ J Farrugia:
"God does not want humanity to break His life giving laws. God does not want divorce".
Correction: A Catholic minority believes that God does not want humanity to break what they believe to be "God's laws".
"What God has united let no Kenneth break asunder".
Therefore, where "God" has NOT united (civil weddings), the Church should not object to divorce.
"God in His infinite mercy gave human beings the freedom to decide what's good and bad for them".
And some of his followers, in their infinite arrogance, deny other people that freedom.
"He gave them HIS commandments, which man has betrayed for the umpteenth time. But at the end of the day, God will win".
I'll bet on a draw ;)
G.Portelli
Jul 20th 2010, 10:04
All this hassle for a bill board. The church's teachings are clear. It has every right to put up bill boards. Really annoying are the bill boards advertising pagan feasts where the church is not even depicted.
The church stand can never be pro divorce.
Well done to this parish and may others follow.
Peter Korsten
Jul 20th 2010, 10:21
If you're a staunch Catholic, don't get divorced. But don't impose your views on others. If someone wants to get divorced, it's none of your business.
S. Degabriele
Jul 20th 2010, 11:19
Prosit peter, very well said.
D. A . Agius
Jul 20th 2010, 09:57
Dear Catholics,
If you want to live out your catholic life, please do so.
Not at the expense of other's.
Divorce is an option. You simply don't go for it if you don't agree. No need for 60s billboards and interdictions.
For the rest of the non-believers, divorce may be an option they unfortunately may have to go for. It's a fact of (seems to be non-christian) life. PERIOD.
Charles Sammut
Jul 20th 2010, 09:57
Liema "Alla"? Hadd m'ghandu monopolju la fuq Alla u lanqas fuq dak li huwa kkonsidrat "tajjeb u sewwa". Skond dawn il-fundamentalisti, kulhadd ghal gon-nirien tal-infern ghall-eternita, barra Malta u l-Filippini.
Frederick Attard
Jul 20th 2010, 09:54
So . . . . . . The Curia has nothing to do with this billboard and hecne they wash it off their hands.
Why is it OK for Fr Daniel Cardona to to speak up about divorce and IT IS NOT OK for Fr Mark Montebello to speak up on several social matters because he is immediately silenced by the Church??????
Mons Cremona - When you were appointed as head of our church, I had faith that you could make a difference. Not only you did not make a difference for the better, but things are getting worse day by day.
If you and your fellow priests are truly the men of God - who preaches Love, Family and values, you would immediately consent to divorce. Hundreds of cohabiting couples are desperate to have their Love for eachother declared in the House of God and Blessed by God.
I bet you that once Divorce is made legal, you and your fellow priests will have to work overtime to cope wih the sudden increase in marriage celebrations IN CHURCH!
M Vella
Jul 20th 2010, 09:54
We need more politicians like JPO and the rest of Parliament should learn from him
Joe Zammit
Jul 20th 2010, 09:53
What the Zebbug parish has done against divorce is morally good. There is no need for permission for every spiritual and religious activity carried out in each parish.
As far as I know the curia did not order the Zebbug parish priest to take it off. In case, obedience is to reign supreme. God blesses our work done in obedience, and he blesses it abundantly. Disobedience is the means used by the devil and his followers.
I am sure that other parishes in Malta and Gozo have already started planning to enlighten their parishioners on the evil of divorce and the bad effects it will have on the whole of society.
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!
Steve Pace
Jul 20th 2010, 10:05
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!
The more i hear this the more i think about Talibans and religous fundamentalism . The only interests of a pseudo catholic to win a holy war.
victor pulis
Jul 20th 2010, 10:19
Joe has a new mantra! Fight the good fight.Join in the battle between God(presumably him) and the devil (Presumably us!)!
I prefer to base my god if I had to, on one who wouldn't punish me for having loved and lost and dared to love again. The days of fire and brimstone are over Joe. There are far worse sins than love between two persons. Look around you and you'll see them.
And i ask you again. Are children of annulled couples negatively affected? And where in the gospels is annullment mentioned?
Ramon Casha
Jul 20th 2010, 10:59
"The victory is ours, it's already guaranteed!"
So why even make an effort? All you have to do is sit back and watch while your god comes down on a fiery chariot and smites us down with bolts of lightning or something.
I'll even wear a lightning rod.
P. Borg
Jul 20th 2010, 11:03
U int kollox tajjeb ghalik basta thalli lil kulhadd injorant u mhux kapaci jiddeciedi ghalih innifsu. X'se tissuggerixxi minn hawn u erba tijiem ohra li in-nisa jibdew jilbsu il-burka ukoll halli ma jkunx hemm xi cans li jintogbu minn ragel iehor u jitilqu lil dak li jkollom? Ajma int u dawk bhalek tqabduni qtugh ta nifs. Li kont minnek ghalaq lil mara id-dar u armi ic-cavetta li ma tmurx issib xi ragel iehor u titilqek u tigi bzonn id-divrozju sur expert tal-knisja u il-bibbja. Mela ghax int qieghed tajjeb mal-mara (u ghandi id-dubju ta xinhu tajjeb skond int) ifisser li kulhadd bhalek? Mur l-Afghanistan, hemmhekk li jghid wiehed irid jaghmlu kulhadd bilfors ezatt kif tirraguna int.
S. Degabriele
Jul 20th 2010, 11:22
All your fairytales once again. By any chance do you have any barbie or mazinga somewhere there? I still feel the 80's. I strongly believe that you were even in favour of interdiction. Am I right?
P. Attard
Jul 20th 2010, 11:23
I would bargain you with the devil if it means getting rid of your old minded opinions. You made us tired.
Martin Felice
Jul 20th 2010, 09:52
Besides the sponsor for playstation advert, who is after this billboard? Are they going to try repeat a similar situation, for a dispute by the church and who beliefs in Divorce.
JOe VELLa
Jul 20th 2010, 09:52
I appreciate most of the mail posted. In the past I wrote I am against divorce, but if a vote is taken by the people in favor I will support it!
Sort of the old saying: Vote of the majority is the word of God.
I think who ever put that board up should be applauded after all JPO live in Zebbug, work in Zebbug, and was helped to be elected by the people of Zebbug.
If he represent Zebbug it would have only been decent and just if he heard the silent majority first, after all he did not consult the voters who elected him to act as he did as their representative.
Well done those responsible for that board after all we live in a democracy.
As another saying goes: To be afraid of the dark it only make things worse.
P. Attard
Jul 20th 2010, 11:26
So, we are free to do a billboard in favour of divorce right Mr. Vella? I will b getting the permits for three, one near your house, one near the zebbug church and another near Joe Zammit house. After all we live in democracy...............
Albert Buttigieg
Jul 20th 2010, 09:47
How easy it is to label others who do not agree with us sur grima? Hope you are not mr. joe grima ex ministru because if so, you cant really talk about democracy no???!!! If you have the right to express your opinion, why not the Zebbug parish priest and God....who made it very clearly His views about the subject!
Joe Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 11:32
Yes I am the former Minister and I certainly can talk democracy and shout democracy at the top of my voice. If you know something that other people don't, why don,t you state it here? And where is your argument other than that of persoanlizing the issue?
M Busuttil
Jul 20th 2010, 09:44
Il-Kappilan ghandu permes tal-MEPA u ta' l-Awtorita tat-Trasport? Anki jekk qighed fil propjeta tieghu xorta jried il-permes tal-MEPA.
Alison Bezzina
Jul 20th 2010, 09:43
God doesn’t want divorce, but it seems that God doesn’t mind being sponsored by mind numbing game consoles, some of which sport games like Resident Evil where finding the corpse of a woman pinned up on a wall by a pitchfork through the face is totally fair game. OR Grand Theft Auto where the player recovers his health by visiting prostitutes then recovers funds by beating them to death and taking their money. Or God of War, where the prisoners are burned alive and torn apart, or even worse Narc where to enhance his abilities, the player takes pot, ecstasy, LSD which gives him super powers!!! Ignorance is bliss or very convenient!
Why oh Why do we still care what the Church thinks? no one is fighting for eccleclestial divorce!!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/blogs/view/20100710/alison-bezzina/unhappily-ever-after
Christopher Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 09:55
Hi Alison!
I have played and sometimes still play both the Resident Evil and Grand Theft Auto series and I find it interesting to see that you are well aware of these games. Have you played them? Or perhaps you watched your children or friends playing them? If you played them, you should also be criticizing yourself if these games disgust you.
Alison Bezzina
Jul 20th 2010, 10:16
@ Christopher Camilleri
They do disgust me but I don't think that they should be made illegal.
Just like divorce....they are optional. You play only if you want to!
And for the record I don't have children, I don't own a playstation.... is it that hard to figure out how I might know about these games?:)
Christopher Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 10:43
Well ... since you're aware of the details, i'm sure that you watched these games quite thoroughly. The one where you mentioned about the woman pinned to a wall with a pitchfork, that detail is only seen in the early stages of the game and not in the game as a whole.
Ivan Calamatta
Jul 20th 2010, 09:38
BACK TO THE 60'SSSSSSSSSSSSS.
P. Vincenti
Jul 20th 2010, 09:37
@Joe Grima and the likes of
You claim that the curia should order the parish to take the billboard down. That smacks of the sort of logic the anti family movement accuse the Church of having. Mr Grima sounds a little like the inquisition if you ask me.
Joe Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 11:25
P.Vincenti. far from what you're saying. In a democracy all opinions should be respected. The church is
the only organization I know of that is proud that it is not a democracy. Well it has to learn to be one and to respect all shdes of opinion if it wanbts to earn the respect of those who no longer care for it.
Charles Sammut
Jul 20th 2010, 09:33
If what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, I have every right to put up a billboard saying: "IT-TBGHABIS TAT-TFAL MILL-QASSISIN: ALLA MA JRIDUX!"
Manuel Mangani
Jul 20th 2010, 12:56
Indeed, Mr, Sammut, you have every right to propagate such a message. The whole Church would be be in full agreement with it, especially if you spell all words correctly i.e. TBAGĦBIS.
jsammut
Jul 20th 2010, 09:30
GODD DONT WANT........... CHILD ABUSE!..... MR
dvella
Jul 21st 2010, 17:25
Fejn tridu tafu xi jrid Alla!!
mary Pace
Jul 20th 2010, 09:29
I'm not going in the merit of ,if its good or bad divorce, but I like to ask this question, it's been on my mind ages, nobody answer me when i ask it, so maybe this parish priest or someone will, Marriage is a sacrament,we cannot break (there are 7 sacrament, so the church taught us ) so why is a priest or nun , can resign & get married , i'snt that a sacrament too?? we say it in maltese ORDNI SAGRI, so why for them ok & for marriage ''NO'',if one is a sacrament ,the other is too, if its good for the goose ,its good for the gander, so they say it in english!!
please I do really ,really someone answer me that ,
Frederick Attard
Jul 20th 2010, 10:08
Prosit Mary!
That shows you the double standards of the Church! You are absolutely 100% correct and right to ask that question.
If you or anyone can afford it, you should place another Billboard in front of the Zebbug Church with your question!
Ibqa certa li kieku l-MEPA tnehhilek il-billboard fi zmien siegha ghax jghidulek li bla permess u ibqa certa li Fr Cardona ta Haz-Zebbug mhux se jwiegbek :)
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 10:13
Dear Mary,
I believe you made this same question a couple of months ago, and I answered in my best knowledge then.
It is true that both are Sacraments. However, when a priest gets a Dispensation, HE REMAINS A PRIEST FOREVER, only that now he CANNOT PRACTICE any more as a priest.
Divorce is different! With divorce, you don't get a 'dispensation' from the Sacrament, but from your partner. Jesus made it quite clear to the woman at the well: 'the man you are with is NOT your husband...'
If you had to compare both, you would have to accept that when one applies for divorce, HE WILL HAVE TO REFRAIN from married life, just as a priest refrains from administering the sacraments. However, THAT is not what those pro divorce want: they just want a means of switching partners. We call that CONVENIENCE.
Patrick Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 12:25
Dear Ms Pace.
As far as I know Christ did not instruct priests not to marry. Infact, it is likely that most of the apostles were married. So it is just Church policy that a priest cannot marry and this policy can change with time. On the other hand, it is clearly stated in Bible that marriage cannot be broken (unless it is a case of annulment; i.e. a case where it is 'proven' that a proper marriage did not happen in the first place). I am no expert but I think this is a correct answer that should be clear for every Catholic.
t.agius
Jul 20th 2010, 09:27
il parrocca hija maghmula mill parruccani .... li huma awtomatikament il votanti tal lokal....
JPO qatt ma semma xej meta kien jigi l house visits ... issa x jipretendi li tellajnih u johrog b dil farsa ?? just semmajna lehhinha bhala cittadini nisranija
P. Attard
Jul 20th 2010, 11:29
ehe, u bhala nies li ma jimpurtakomx minn dak li jbati haddiehor. Dawk insara istra................
J.Debono
Jul 20th 2010, 13:51
@ P.Attard.
Ahna bhala Nsara l-isbah haga li qatt nistghu nixtiequ lill-haddiehor hija l-Genna. Allura jekk nemmnu li d-divorzju huwa dnub mejjet kif nistghu qatt naccettawh, jew ma nippruvawx nifthu ghajnejn hutna. Semmejt it-tbatija....kullhadd ibaghti u kullhadd jghaddi minn ingustizzji f'din id-dinja. L-unika soluzzjoni hi li norbtu t-tbatijiet taghna mas-Salib ta' Sidna Gesu Kristu. Hu biss s-Soluzzjoni. L-ebda bniedem bhalek u bhali ma' jista jtaffilek l-ugigh ta' qalb. Anzi hafna drabi ahna l-bnedmin inwieghdu t-tlelliex li malajr jispicca fix-xejn. Ma'nixtieqx niggudika lill-hadd ghax-kullhadd ihoss it-tbatija tieghu. Izda ahna wahedna m'ahniex kapaci ngorru t-tbatija taghna, l-Mulej irid jkun ghalina. U fuq kollox naghmlu kif qaltilna Ommna Maria fit-tieg ta'Kana, " Ghamlu dak li jghidilkom Hu."
Brian Azzopardi
Jul 20th 2010, 09:24
The repercussion following the action by this priest and whoever was with him to come up with this 'brilliant idea' is to convince more people that its high time that divorce is finally introduced in Malta. The invocation of God is synonymous with catastrophic mistakes done by the Church. History is riddled with them. Was God also behind the atrocities done by the crusaders, by the inquisition, by the conquistadores, during the mortal sin if you voted labour? All these barbaric episodes were done in the name of God! Its a very simple straight forward logic. If you are a true believer do not file for divorce but do not hinder and forbid others to obtain and get a what is their right................. a CIVIL divorce!
FN Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 10:05
Ma stajtx tkun iktar précis. min ma jridx juzah , ma juzahx.. da mux sagrament.
Marija Falzon
Jul 20th 2010, 09:19
I cannot imagine what Sony would say to see their logo on such a billboard.
jscerri
Jul 20th 2010, 09:19
However invested in this must have a direct line with God, he must have told him so Himself!
Claude Falzon
Jul 20th 2010, 09:18
God allowed free will to everyone. God does not take decisions on behalf of anyone, be it a priest, politician or citizen. The parish tried to portray what they believe through a higher power, which of course cannot be asked directly what he (God) thinks about it. On the other hand it seems that according to the parish God supports electronics sponsorships so that the parish wouldnt have to pay a cent to put up the billboard.
Satire anyone?!?!?!?!
dvella
Jul 21st 2010, 17:28
God created men without men's permission, but will save men with men's permission!! Like this satire.
Patrick Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 09:16
Well done Fr. Cardona.
The Church has every right to use available media and sponsors to show it's position.
Joe Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 09:09
The Taliban are alive and well and settlling comfortably in Zebbug. If the church is not involved then it should order the parish priest to remove the billboard. If the billboiard remains there, that will be one more clear demonstration to the the rest of the world as to the kind of fundumentalist country we are living in.
marco meli
Jul 20th 2010, 09:06
very funny!! Go and ask those who are victims of abuse what they think!
g.c.Forte
Jul 20th 2010, 09:04
Is Curia being afraid that the story of the sixties will repeat itself ? I am a Roman Catholic, but I hardly know where the Church door is. I am in favor of divorce, but I respect others opinion. But still I believe that the Church should do its` homework very well. What confusing me is that somehow our Church/Religion is incorporated in our Constitution, so I believe ( subject to correction ) that IF a Referendum will be held, this matter first has to go through an agreement between the State and the Church.This means that if the Church agree to go to a Referendum,it will be easy to say that divorce will accepted. Mind you, I still say that to get divorced, it won`t be easy as it seems, especially if children are involved. We have to take in consideration that because it will be something new, it will take more time.
G. Grech
Jul 20th 2010, 09:04
So, what's wrong with that? Everybody has the right to voice his opinion including the Zebbug Parish.
A.Grech
Jul 20th 2010, 09:34
Can you imagine the outrage and fuss that would be made if a pro-divorce billboard was put up ????
The church has to remember that not everyone on this island is catholic !!
Joshua G Giordimaina
Jul 20th 2010, 09:04
The church or any parish have the full right to launch any sort of anti-divorce campaign they deem fit. Everyone has to right to express their opinion out loud. However, this does not give anyone the right to single out people that have different beliefs and/or have taken the initiative of sparking a debate which is long overdue.
The timing of the billboard to coincide with Dr Pullicino Orlando's attendance at the band club says a lot about it being "part of a larger anti-divorce campaign"!
I wonder what God thinks about our kids knocking themselves into numbess infront of playstations and video games!! But I guess some people think that the end justifies the means.
Edwin Mifsud
Jul 20th 2010, 08:59
If you do not agree with the below, you do not agree with the word of GOD.
Deuteronomy 24:1-2
When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand and send her out of his house.
And when she is departed out of his house, SHE MAY GO AND BE ANOTHER MAN'S WIFE.
M Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 09:32
Mose tahom id-divorzju minhabba l-eghbusija ta qalbhom - Dan huwa kliem Gesu.
mela il-Maltin huma qalbhom iebsa, ghax iridu id-divorzju
Mary Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 09:44
Dear Mr Mifsud, you are quoting from the Old Testament. Jesus came into this world to save us, teach us the New Testament and bring religion's teaching up to date (2000 years ago). 'What God has joined, let no man pull asunder'. If this teaching does not please your ears, fine, ignore it, but the Church has a duty to express its' teachings and make them clear. For those being physically or otherwise abused, escape the abuse, but divorce is not a solution. Look at the situation in countries where divorce is rife, children are damaged and confused, the family unit is still strong in Malta, let us not lose this to being 'modern'
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 09:45
Dear Edwin,
It seems that you are well wersed with God's Word! However, you use ONLY what suits YOU!!
It seems that YOUR Bible knowledge stops just as the New Testament starts. You will remember, that Moses conceded the pressure of his people, because as is happening today, MANY PEOPLE WERE IN FAVOUR. You will remember that the Pharesees put this wuestion to Jesus, to trap Him. However, He made it clear to them that GOD HATES DIVORCE, and that it was because of their stubborness that Moses had conceded
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 09:55
Dear Edwin.
It seems that you are well versed in God's Word, although you only quote what YOU like! It seems that your Bible does not include the New Testament, where Jesus Himself told us what He wants from us. You know well that Moses conceded to the people's demands because of their stubborness. The Pharesees grilled Jesus about divorce, using this text, but He made it VERY CLEAR that GOD HATES DIVORCE, and that Moses had given in to their stubborness. The same is happening right now: the stubborn want divorce at all cost, and if they look up what Jesus said about divorce, they have their answer very clearly. So I suggest that you invest in a complete Bible, one which includes the New Testament as well.
Edwin Mifsud
Jul 20th 2010, 10:09
@ Mary Camilleri
"Jesus came into this world to save us, teach us the New Testament and bring religion's teaching up to date (2000 years ago)."
If 2000 years old is up to date for you, then we already differ in what up to date is.
@ Joe Grima Brussels
"You will remember, that Moses conceded the pressure of his people, because as is happening today, MANY PEOPLE WERE IN FAVOUR."
If many people are in favour today, then as happened in Moses's time the Church should conceded to the pressure.
This verse is in the Bible. If the Old testament is no longer valid, it should no longer be read during mass.
It is simple if you do not agree with divorce and your marrage breaks down, DON'T GET A DIVORCE. Who are you to stop anybody else from doing it?
J.Debono
Jul 20th 2010, 10:23
NEW Testament:
Luke 16:18 " Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery."
Luqa 16:18 " Kull min jibghat 'il martu u jizzewweg ohra, jizni; u min jizzewweg il-mibghuta minn zewgha, jizni. "
Mary Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 11:13
I am quoting New Testament as 'up to date' and you are revelling in the Old Testament, which you should know was written long before - so by comparison, yes, my quotation is up to date!
D.Galea
Jul 20th 2010, 08:53
Who remembers the Benny Hill Show!??
M Pace
Jul 20th 2010, 08:53
Medjevali with a "tech" twist. Only in the sacred land of Malta.
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 10:02
Dear M Pace,
If you think that the Church is 'medjevali' because of its belief, think again. Those in favour of divorce think that this is a 'modern' trend! However, they are not even 'medjevali', as divorce was introduced by Moses himself. I prefer to live in 'medjevali', rather then 'Exodus'!
Joe Galea
Jul 20th 2010, 08:52
Mela jekk il-knisja ma approvatx dan il-billboard, u mhux tiehu reposnsabilita' , ifisser li taqbel mad-divorzju? X'ghamlet hazin il-Parocca ta' Zebbug li esprimit l-opinjoni Nisranija taghha? Jew issa l-Knisja trid tidher sabiha mal-Gvern ukoll u tghid yes sir f'kollox
g.c.Forte
Jul 20th 2010, 09:48
Ghamilt zewg punti tajbin.....................Iva, min jaf li kieku kien hemm il Partit l-ahmar fil gvern, kienetx tkun istorja ohra. Jien nahseb li iva.
RMangion
Jul 20th 2010, 08:51
Dawn bis-serjeta ? ejja naqbdu naghmlu referendum ha nehilsu ...
M Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 08:49
I fully agree with the Church campain! And if I were the bishop, I would not allow people living in adultery to get into church before they stop living with their partner.
Either you belive of you dont. God is not something to turn him around to suit your needs. SIN IS ALWAYS SIN.. If you don't redeem for your sin in this world, you're gonna redeem for it in the next.
Joe Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 10:51
U min qakllek li wara dwan l'insulti kolha f'wicc kullhadd, is separati u dawk li ghandhom partners ohra wara li zwieghom falla, ghadhom jaghtiu kaz tal Knisja kattolika?. Illum hafna qraw dwar il passat mhallat mal prezent moqziez tal Knisja pedofila, u sari jafu f'xi kwalita ta knisja dahhluhom meta kienu ghadhom jitwieldu. Ghal eluf ta Maltin l'Arcisqof u l-Knisja , bit teatrini ta kuljum taghhom, saru elementi irrilevanti f'hajjithom wara li tghallmu li relazzjoni diretta ma Alla tal hniena perfetta u tal moghdrija bla qies m'ghanda bzonn ebda intermedjarji libsin tal karnival.
J Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 12:18
@ Joe Grima - u inti li qatt ma rajt wicc Alla, kif tista qatt thobb lil Alla u tobghod iKnisja tieghu? Kif tista qatt tpingi lilek innifsek li Alla ser ihenn ghalik u l-mibgheda li qed tiggenera kontra l-Knisja tieghu? Mela ma qrajtx fil-Vangelu meta Gesu Kristu kkmanda li min jisma lilkom (ghas-sacerdoti kollha) jisma lilHi u min jisma Lili jisma lil daK li bghatni. Huwa veru li Alla huwa hanin imma tabbuzax mill-hniena t'Alla. Ftakar li lil mara midinba Gesu Kristu qalilha Mur u tidnibx iktar. Ma qalliex mur kompli fid-dnub! F'kelma wahda ibdel hajtek. U hekk ghamlet. Imma dan ghalik huwa kliem fil-vojt ghax min huwa mormi, mormi ser jibqa' ghax hekk jaqbillu. L-egoizmu tieghu ma jhallihx jara l-hazin li jkun qed jaghmel ghar-ragunijiet tieghu. Ara hadd ma jahseb li ghax jghid talba f'qalbu jew irodd salib bil-mohbi ser ikollu l-hajja ta' dejjem. L-unika haga posittiva f'diskorsok huwa li inti almenu ghadek temmen f'Alla li huwa mimli hniena u mghodrija ghal min huwa midneb. U li hemm cans li wiehed jirredimi ruhu.
Joe Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 14:18
J Farrugia. Jiena ma bqajtx nemmen il fairy tales wara li qbizt is seba snin. Int xjeht u ghadek tibla l-fantasiji li temghuk meta kont tifel. Ir rabta bejn Alla u l-Knisja jippropagaha min irid ikompli jisfrutta lill injurant bil fairy tales. Ir realta tal Knisja hija ferm differenti. Jekk din hija l-Knisja t'Alla mela kif kellha papiet korrotti, qattiela, incestuzi u hatja ta krimini serji ohra? Kif kellha kardinali bhal Marcinkus li spekula miljuni f'isem il Knisja u li hu suspettat fil qtil tal bankier Roberto Calvi? Kif kellha kardinal li miet waqt li qed jghamel is sess ma prostituta u iehor li rabba familja shiha ma sehibtu?Jekk din hija l-knisja t"Alla kif inhija mizghuda b'qassinin pedofili li hlew il hajjiet ta mijiet ta eluf ta nies? Din mhix il Knijsja t"Alla. Din hija l'knisja li bil flus u bil poter baqghet ghaddejja s'issa u li tikkowota l-Kelma t'Alla kif jaqblilha. Fuq in naha l'ohra tal munita hemm Alla l-Kbir, il Hallieq il fonti ta kull gustizzja , hniena u mghodrija. Dak huwa l-Alla tal bnedmin u biex wiehed jasal ghandu m'ghandu bzonn l-ebda ntervent, la mill kleru, la minn xi predikatur lajk u lanqas mill brainwashed.
Joe Grima
Jul 20th 2010, 15:25
Ma kontx naf li"hajja ta Dejjem" qieghda f'idejk u taghzel int lill min trid. Dawk li jroddu saklib bil mohbi u jghidu talba lill Alla nibda nibghathom ghandek halli forsi ddahhalhom il genna. Hallina sur Fantasiji wahdek!
J.Debono
Jul 20th 2010, 16:31
@ Joe Grima
Il-Knisja maghmula minn midinbin u zbalji kien hemm u ghad jibqa' jkun hemm. Pero jien inhobb nara ukoll il-gid kbir li johrog minnha u mhux niggranfa mal-izbalji taghha. J'Alla trattab qalbek
Joe Grima (Malta)
Jul 20th 2010, 18:28
J Debono. Alla hares il Knisja kienet kollha bhall tal Papiet korrotti u qattiela, imma storikament mexxewha dawk ukoll. Facli li tghid li kulhadd jizbalja. Il krucjati, li hallew mijiet ta eluf mejta f'Isem Alla kienu zball ukoll? Il pogroms immexxija mill inkwizizzjoni li baghtu mijiet ta eluf ta nies innocenti ghall hruq jew ghal mewt iktar krudili kienu zball ukoll? Mela kemm ghamlet zbalji horox din il Knisja li issa jigi xi hadd jippretendi li dawn il mijiet ta eluf ta nies li gew maqtula mill fanatizmu klerikali issa nghodduhom bhala zball iehor? Jien ma rridx min ibellghali izjed. Naqra u nistudja u naghraf li dak li bellghuli meta ma kontx f'eta li ma stajtx niddistingwi, hafna minnu kien fanatizmu u l-bqija kien falz. Jiddispjacini, ma nsib l-ebda xebh bejn il knisja Kattolika, la tal bierah u lanqas tal lum fl'attitudni taghha u iktar u iktar fl-agir taghha, ma dak li jiena nistma li huwa Alla , il fonti ta kull tjubija ta kull hniena u ta kull imhabba li ma jghamel l-ebda distinzjoni bejn il bnedmin ta din id dinja.
A Chircop
Jul 20th 2010, 18:35
Jekk bniedem komuni jikkommetti reat kriminali kullhadd jaqbel li ghandu jiehu dak li haqqu.
Jekk l-istess reat kriminali jwettqu qassis, f'daqqa wahda ma jibqax att kriminali imma jsir "ZBALL"!
"Heqq ... hadt zbal' hux! Mhux kullhadd jista' jiehu zball? Issa nghidlek sorry!"
Ipokrizija li thallik imnixxef!
J.Debono
Jul 20th 2010, 19:39
@Joe Grima
Tassew hekk hu, huwa facli li wiehed jghid li kullhadd jizbalja pero' dik hi r-realta'. U l-izbalji u dnubiet ta' whud minnha jgorru piz tqil immens, ghax ikunu qeghdin jaghtu skandlu lill-hafna u hafna nies. Hija weggha ta' qalb kbira. Izda jien dawn l-izbalji, sejhulhom li tridu, ma' rridhomx inhallihom ibieghduni mill-prezenza ta' Gesu fis-Sagramenti. Ikun prezz gholi wisq.
Ghaziz Sur Grima, minn qalbi, nixtieqlek kull gid, barka u l-paci tal-Mulej.
Matthew Bugeja
Jul 20th 2010, 08:46
it should read aswell
CHILD ABUSE!
GOD DOESNT WANT IT ESPECIALLY FROM THE PERSONS THAT PREACH HIS WORDS!!!!
RGatt
Jul 20th 2010, 15:14
Well put Matthew.
The catholic church is hypocracy at it's worst.
j.spiteri
Jul 20th 2010, 08:39
And the church agrees on what goes on the play station and Xbox games? What about the 'Blood and Guts' game or 'Trill Kill', 'Man Hunt' to mention but a few. Those are horrendous and violent games, not to mention the programmed swearing! Does God want this advert splashed on His billboard?
KZarb
Jul 20th 2010, 08:39
Congratulations Fr. Daniel Cardona. Don't let the Curia backstabbing discourage you.
John Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 08:39
The Church should not interfere with issues of the State. To be honest I do not understand why all these alarms are being triggered. It is a fact that many couples are legally separated or had their marriage annulled. The Church seems to have no issue with this so why all this fuss that divorce will break up marriages. When a marriage is shattered the couple immediately seek for legal separation and it is over. So is GOD in accordance with separation (as the Church does not make a stand on this) but not with Divorce ???? Can Fr Daniel or any of his fellow preachers enlighten us ?
Noel Zarb
Jul 20th 2010, 08:35
Nahseb jien mhux the Curia they should ask. Ahjar they ask VisionTech, seems like he has all the answers.
victor pulis
Jul 20th 2010, 08:34
How is the church going to target non believers? It can quote the only reference to divorce in the gospels to practising Catholics but non believers look at the matter from a totally different point of view. The church can order its flock not to support divorce but it holds no sway over the rest.
emmanuel zammit
Jul 20th 2010, 08:28
IF Some one will do the same but on the priest cases !!! will they accept it or call the police!!
haluna..qadna lura dak li hu zgur !!
carmel grixti
Jul 20th 2010, 08:22
Isn't curia responsible for its members, since when does a preist take any kind of action, and the curia says it has nothing to do with it ????????? unbelievable
Ramon Casha
Jul 20th 2010, 10:51
Unless, of course, that priest is Mark Montebello, in which case the church acts in quite a different way.
Karl Consiglio
Jul 20th 2010, 08:21
How funny, check out the Playstation sponsor at the bottom.
A Cardona
Jul 20th 2010, 08:42
That is just to remind us all that .... life is short and to play more :D
P. Schembri
Jul 20th 2010, 08:45
Fejn ? jien mhux narah ! ...
Ramon Casha
Jul 20th 2010, 09:10
As part of the deal, the parish will start instructing parishioners to play certain games as part of their penance at confession. Also, software copying has now become a mortal sin.