Updated: Billboard sponsoring company has no position on divorce
The parish priest of Zebbug in a statement today expressed regret for any incovenience caused to an electronics company which sponsored the anti-divorce billboard erected on the parvis of the parish church last Friday.
Fr Daniel Cardona said the billboard was part of a years-long campaign by the parish in favour of family unity and, therefore, against divorce.
The campaign had included literature on the parish leaflet and the billboards which the parish puts up on the parvis. The billbard is changed periodically.
Fr Cardona said the company which helped the parish cover part of the costs did not know about the contents of the billboard beforehand.
"The parish wishes to thank this company and other companies which regularly give financial help to the parish in its various publications," the parish priest said.
Meanwhile, the name of the sponsoring company on the anti-divorce billboard, Vision Tech, has been removed.
When contacted, Vision Tech manager Jason Grech did not seem too pleased with the free advertising he got when The Times published a photo of the billboard on its front page on Monday.
“I did not know The Times would publish it. You could have removed it. I never asked for free advertising. If things become more complicated and we need to take legal steps, we will,” he said.
He stressed he was not aware of the content of the billboard and was simply approached by the parish to help it financially, something his company and many others did on a regular basis.
He would not take a position on the divorce issue. “I’m not in favour or against divorce. It’s not something I need to deal with. There are decision makers for that. I was just asked to sponsor a billboard and I did not know what the content would be.”
He pointed out that cigarette manufacturer Rothmans used to sponsor football but it did not mean smoking was good for footballers.
He said he was surprised by the reaction to the advert. “How was I meant to know it would turn into such a hot issue?”
Meanwhile, the planning authority has confirmed the billboard was legal because socio-religious billboards are exempt from requiring a permit, as long as they were not erected for more than 21 days. Since it was placed last Friday it can remain there until August 5.
199 Comments
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Teresa Pace
Jul 23rd 2010, 10:49
And then no fuss about the many negative billboards we get all around Malta! I'm flabbergasted! As if Church and its teachings hurt...but all in the name of liberalisation, freedom of expression, negativity is ok, is acceptable. Guess what? Negativity hurts a good number of people as well.
Teresa Pace
Jul 23rd 2010, 06:23
What fuss over a billboard! The Curia declined that it had anything to do with it. The sponsoring company as well. Hellooo! The parish priest had everyright to voice what the Church teaches, the parish priest being like a sheperd for his sheep, looking out for the sheep placed in his responsability. This is what the Church teaches, why on earth did the Curia have to decline like saying we agree that this was a mistake and we wash our hands from it! The parish priest did what he thought was right, what's this fuss about? It is like the message is something blasphemous or something which hurts the people. The message is not intended to impose, it just intends to remind what the Church teaches then it is up to be people to follow their conscience.
Joe Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 21:20
Sabrina Borda, don't trouble trouble till trouble troubles you! Don't let Einstein troubles you! So the conclusion is easy:
DIVORCE NEVER!
Sabrina Borda
Jul 31st 2010, 06:47
Oh... Mr Zammit, your are so admirable as a Christian, how complementary you are in attempting to set the example of your Christian faith. The Church must be so proud to have you as their fervant follower and speaker on their behalf.
But yet people are driven away, do you ever wonder why?
Sabrina Borda
Jul 22nd 2010, 19:43
Albert Einstein was right when he said; " The problems of today will not be solved by the same thinking that produced the problems in the first place"
H Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 18:55
Xi dwejjaq! Dan l-ahhar hlief fuq divorzju mahniex naqraw, Imn'Alla kien hawn il-World Cup biex neghdew.
dvella
Jul 22nd 2010, 22:49
Jekk izzomm ma l inglizi jew mat taljani, ma nafx fhiex stajt theda!!!
Teresa Pace
Jul 23rd 2010, 14:38
@ dvella
:-)
Joe Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 16:30
The teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage excluding divorce is based on the infallible words of Christ. Christ knows more than all of us what is good and bad for us. He told us clearly not to resort to divorce and spoke limpidly as well when he said that those who divorce and enter a second marriage are adulterers and adulteresses.
To speak in favour of divorce is irresponsible.
No MP can vote for divorce without sinning grievously. Christ forbids us to resort to divorce because what God has united let no man, no State put asunder! The great majority of Maltese and Gozitans who form the Maltese State are against divorce!
DIVORCE NEVER!
ray sacco
Jul 22nd 2010, 20:21
@joe zammit:
who cares what your catholic church's teachings say! if you believe in those teachings, it's best for you to abide by them. but you and your church CANNOT impose them on others who have other beliefs! doesn't your church also teach to give what is god's to god and what is ceaser's to ceaser! this is entirely a civil matter. divorce will be introduced only for civil marriages. so what has your catholic church and god got to do with it?
Ms Rita Smith
Apr 25th 2011, 12:37
Ray Sacco the Church is not imposing anything on people. the Church is conveying the teaching of Ghrist to the faithful. Is that imposition? God gave us the liberty to choose the good over the bad and that is what we are supposed to do on the 28th May the month dedicated to Our Lady!
Rita Smith
Sandro Agius
Jul 22nd 2010, 15:53
@ Joe Fenech...m'ghandek l-ebda dritt tghajjar lil Haz-Zebbug - Belt Rohan u liz-Zebbugin...u jekk ma tridx tigi, tigiex...nghaddu minghajrek. Haz-Zebbug hija belt l-eroj malti Dun Mikiel Xerri u l-Poeta Nazzjonali Dun Karm Psaila...u l-patrijott malti l-Isqof Saverju Caruana u Mikiel Anton Vassalli, missier il-lingwa maltija, Lazzru Pisani, u Antonio Sciortino, belt omm il-baned maltin (Zewg baned ghandna fl-ewwel u t-tieni post).
Dak il-Billboard ghaz-Zebbugin huwa ta' unur ghax ahna nieqfu lil min irid ikisser lil familji taghna. Appogg shih lill-Arcipriet u l-Kleru kollu Zebbugi..tista ma taqbilx...jekk ma joghgbokx tharrisx, imma l-verita li hemm miktuba qatt mhu ser tiskot tixxandar
Dwar ir-riklam...kemm ahna childish...mela tista ma tixtri xejn ghax il-prodotti kemm fuq in-Net u kemm fuq is-Super One jirriklamawhom...lol...Kif jghidu; "Take it with a pinch of salt".
Fejn jidhol l-annulament....Annullament ifisser li z-zwieg ma sarx skond il-ligi kanonika jew kien hemm impediment serju li l-parti l-ohra ma kienitx taf qabel iz-zwieg, F'dan il-kaz iz-zwieg daqs li kieku qatt ma sar. Il-kliem ezatt fil-bibbja imma jghid "Id-divorzju nobghodu, jghid il-Mulej Alla ta' Israel" (Malakija 2;16)
cazahra
Jul 22nd 2010, 16:44
well said
Joe Fenech
Jul 22nd 2010, 10:59
Did they have a permit to put that board up? That's so ugly and embarassing. I would never touch such a backwards village! If the people weren't backwards and didn't fear the Church, they would do anything to have that eyesore removed!
Joe Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 16:27
Joe, how beautiful and encourging that billboard is! Only those with sore eyes see it ugly. Ugliness is in the eye of the beholder!
Joe Fenech
Jul 22nd 2010, 09:27
On the same lines, could they have a board saying:
Alla ma jridx annullament!
It will lose the Church a lot of cash, but, then, so what!
dvella
Jul 22nd 2010, 12:27
Joe - annullament - huwa zwieg li Alla ma jkunx ghaqqad fir rieda tieghu ghall koppja minn qabel, ghax hu jaghraf il qlub taghhom, allura lekk wiehed mill koppja mhux committed al ragunijiet varji, Alla dan ga jafu!! Allura xoghol il knisja huwa li tiskopri jekk hemmx ragunijiet validi ghaliex Alla dan iz zwieg ma jirrikonoxxiehx!! B'hekk hemm bzonn ta xhieda valida biex dan jista jsir!!
C Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 13:26
Tajba Ms/Sur Vella! u allura dawn il-koppji (li donnok int taf fic-cert li Alla kien diga jaf li kellhomx rieda tajba) dan Alla kif bghatillhom it-tfal? u dawn it-tfal wara l-annulament x'jissejhu? B.......? u l-hsara li jaghmel l-annulament lit-tfal tal-koppji annullati mhux l-istess bhal hsara li ssir lil koppji iddivorzjati? U halluna, ghax ma tghidux u tammettu li wasal iz-zmien li jidhol id-divorzju bhal kumplament tad-dinja? iva allura id-dinja kollha hija hazina u injoranta u ahna l-Maltin intelligenti hafna?!!
Kevin Cassar
Jul 22nd 2010, 14:57
@ D Vella
Bhalma diga ghedt darb' ohra u nerga nirrepeti, - Jekk temmen f'Alla li jaf kollox (inkluz il futur) allura jkollok tammetti li Alla lanqas ma jirrikonoxxi zwieg li fih wiehed jew iz-zewg membri tal-koppja, ikunu sejrin jonqsu mill-weghdiet taghhom fil futur. Ghalhekk ghandu jinghata annullament dejjem f'kaz ta'
Infedelta'
Trattament hazin
Nuqqas ta mhabba
Dawn kollha huma nuqqasijiet ghal weghdiet taz-zwieg fejn wiehed iwieghed li jhobb, jirrispetta u jkun fidil ghas-siehba tieghu ghal dejjem. Mela Alla ma jistax ikun li jirrikonoxxi zwieg bejn koppja meta hu jaf li din mhux ser tibqa fidila lejn il weghdiet taghha. Ma tistax temmen xi haga u mbaghad tinjora li trid meta jaqbillek biss. Jekk Alla jaf kollox u huwa twajjeb, allura wahda biss tista tkun il verita - Alla jirrikonoxxi BISS zwgijiet li jirnexxu u li jibqghu sal mewt. L-ohrajn jistghu jinhallu ghaliex huwa OVVJU li Alla ma jirrikonoxxihomx (dejjem jekk temmen li Alla jaf kollox u huwa twajjeb)
dvella
Jul 22nd 2010, 15:29
To C and K
Alla halla kollox liberu ghall bniedem anke l process naturali! Anke prostituti jippermetti jkollom it tfal, mela le! Mela dawk aghar minna!! Matarax!! It tfal lkollhom konsegwenzi futuri ta hafna forom li jirrizulta minn nuqqas ta mhabba minn naha tal-genituri (anke single mothers) meta jiddivorzjaw, jisseparw, jannullaw etc!! L-mewt ta genitur hija hafna u hafna anqas trawma futura f'dan il kaz ghat tfal, - ax Alla jaf x qed jamel!!
Allura ddivorzju xorta mhix soluzzjoni! Int semmejt l kumplament tad dinja!! Ma semmejtx mill liema martirji ghaddejjin minnhom dawn!! Hares lejn ir rati ta suicidji habib fit tfal u zaghzagh!! abbuzi ta droga, vjolenza etc etc etc!! Trid Malta b dan il futur!!
Ftit huma ntitolati ghall annullament u zgur dawn ir ragunijiet li semmejt, mhumiex assolutament validi!! - Infedelta'
Trattament hazin
Nuqqas ta mhabba.
Min qallek li zwieg li rnexxa kellu kollox ward u zahar!! Ghandek cans!!! Saqsi lil dawn il koppji u jtuk l esperjenzi taghhom!! Biss haga nghidlek habib, dawn kienu vicin t Alla permezz tat talb!!
Joe Fenech
Jul 22nd 2010, 09:18
"He stressed he was not aware of the content of the billboard and was simply approached by the parish to help it financially, something his company and many others did on a regular basis."
This shows the naivety of certain sponsors. If you sponsor the Church it means you believe in its preachings. Imagine sponsoring the activities of a drug baron! Isn't obvious that you're going to be associated with his business?!
ray sammut
Jul 21st 2010, 23:12
joe zammit ,jien u eluf ohra bhali , li jahdmu u jistinkaw ghall familja, inhallsu it taxxa dejjem
[ mhux bhall hafna min nies li int tadura] nghixu hajja tajba fis sens teduka lil uliedek biex huma wkoll ghall anqas tipprova turiehom it triq tajba, ma nixtiequx dak li mhux taghna, ma nobodu lil hadd[ specjalment lil dawk ta oppinjoni differenti min taghna] ma narax kif alla jista jiggudika kontrijja ghax jien ghandi zwieg felici, ma naqbilx li haddiehor jista jinhall min tieghu jekk ikun falla. sincirament nghidlek li aktar turi ipokresija kull darba li tikteb. ghamel pjacir lil alla u dabbar rasek ghax anke lilu qed iggalu jisthi!
Joe Zammit
Jul 22nd 2010, 11:42
Ray, Kristu, mhux jien, igħidlek li dak li Alla ghaqqad ma jifirdux il-bniedem. Kristu jikkmanda lili, lilek u lil kulħadd biex qatt ma niddiforzjaw. Kristu jghidlek li min jidhol fit-tieni zwieg ikun qed ighix fid-dnub il-mejjet, mifrud minn Alla u jekk imut f'dak l-istat ikrah imur dritt l-infern. Ray, l-infern hu għal dejjem u min imur hemm jishet id-divorzju li jkun ha għal dejjem!
Teresa Pace
Jul 21st 2010, 17:22
@ Andrew Farrugia
No worry they try to throw mud at people that's all. They seem to forget the thousands upon thousands of religious people who do good work...they tend to focus on the small fraction who fall into the trap of doing these things. But then since ALL humans are under the effect of sin it is only natural that people look at the negative side only and not the positve side. Wouldn't worry that much about their negative comments.
J.Debono
Jul 22nd 2010, 12:40
@ Teresa Pace
@ Andrew Farrugia
Jiena bhala Kattolika obbligata li nimxi skond it-taghlim KOLLU tal-Knisja u dan hu gej mill-Kelma t'Alla. MA NISTAX noqoghd naghzel skond dak li rrid u jidirli jien. Hija cara daqs il-kristall li Gesù ma jridux id-divorzju. Allura jekk jien naqbel mad-divorzju, anke jekk mhux ghalija nnifsi izda ghall-haddiehor, pratikament lill-Mulej inkun qieghda nghidlu li jien nifhem aktar minnu. L-imhabba lejn Alla ghandha twassalna ghal-fiducja TOTALI FIH. U jekk l-bniedem jafda f'Alla jaf illi l-Mulej jixtieqielna dak li hu TAJJEB BISS ghalina.
KULLHADD ghandu s-salib tieghu f'din id-dinja, IVA KULLHADD, u jekk mhux zwieg bi problemi, tkun xi haga ohra. Pero l-unika mod li nsibu l-paci f'qalbna huwa biss li nintelqu f'idejn Gesu u NAFDAW FIH, u naghmlu kif qaltilna Ommna Maria fit-tieg ta'Kana, "GHAMLU DAK LI JGHIDILKOM HU". Fit-tieg ta'Kana ghamlu dak li qalilhom Sidna Gesu Kristu, u l-ilma biddlu go inbid...
Teresa Pace
Jul 22nd 2010, 13:26
@ J Debono
Nahseb li fhimt lili u lil Andrew Farrugia hazin ta. Ahna konna qeghdin niddeffendu l punt li hemm hafna nies twajba li jmexxu fil Knisja u mhux kif kien hemm min qal li hemm numru kbir enormi li jaghmlu hafna hsara. Dak kien il punt taghna pero napprezza li ddeffendejt il Knisja. Naf Kristu stess qal le ghad divorzju. Grazzi talli fakkartna
J.Debono
Jul 22nd 2010, 16:40
Ghaziza Teresa, le ma kontx fhimtkom hazin, naf li kontu qeghdin diddefendu lill-dawk l-eluf u eluf ta'rwieh tajba li jaghtu hajjithom biex jaqdu lill-ghirhom. Pero ghall xi raguni jew ohra il-messagg hassejjt li kelli nindirizzah lilkom bit-tama li jaqrawh ukoll dawk li jahsbuha mod iehor...Hija tassew weggha ta' qalb taqra certu kummenti hawnhekk. U meta taqra kummenti bhall-tieghek u ta'Andrew, jinhassu bhal-ziffa friska ta' arja pura. Nkomplu nitolbu u nfittxu kenn fil-qalb Immakulata ta'Ommna Maria, niftakru x'qaltilna go Fatima. Nixtieq ukoll nheggeg id-devozzjoni tal-ewwel Sibt tax-xahar ghall-hames xhur konsekuttivi li tikkonsisti f' li wiehed iqerr almenu gimgha qabel l'ewwel Sibt tax-xahar, jisma quddies u jitqarben, jitlob ir-Ruzarju u li wiehed jimedita ghall-xi 15-il minuta fuq il-Misteri.
Il-paci maghkom.
Andrew Farrugia
Jul 21st 2010, 16:54
@ Mr Joe Grima
Talk is cheap and you of all people should know better than to throw mud. You stated that the Church "harbours THOUSANDS of paedophile priests". It is a fact that some priests have committed heinous crimes against innocent children, but thousands, you say? Provide evidence, and name these thousands; otherwise you are merely indulging in what some politicians know how to do best, ie to vilify perceived opponents/ enemies and utter inanities. We all remember how you once referred to Dr Fenech Adami.
Joe Zammit
Jul 21st 2010, 16:04
A simple argument:
What is negative cannot be a right.
Divorce is negative (divorce means ONLY the dissolution of marriage = negative).
Therefore, divorce can never be a right!
DIVORCE NEVER!
Jesmond Mifsud
Jul 21st 2010, 16:27
Mr Zammit,
I've told you before and I'll tell you again. You have a very limited view of the world. It's not all as simple as black and white. You cannot just rely on an old book for guidance of 'right' and 'wrong'. There are lots of arbitrary variables which you, and many people like you, choose to disregard. You said that divorce is a negative thing. When you state that, you choose to ignore that for many people, divorce would give closure to traumatic relationships. It would allow them to move on with their lives. You obviously don't care about that. I'll let you come to your own conclusion as to what that says about your character....that is if thinking is something that you're capable of. You've proven otherwise so far.
Joe Zammit
Jul 21st 2010, 19:52
Jesmond, you are forgetting the meaning of divorce, which is the dissolution of marriage. No man, no State can dissolve marriage for any reason whatsoever. Christ knows about those who have failed in marriage. Notwithstanding this, he orders me, you and everyone never to resort to divorce because what God has joined together let no man, no State put asunder. There is no mid-way. Either with Christ and against divorce, or favouring divorce and against Christ.
Philip Serracino Inglott
Jul 22nd 2010, 15:20
A simple argument:
What is negative cannot be a right.
Joe Zammit's argument is negative (the argument is AGAINST divorce = negative).
Therefore, if Joe's argument is right, Joe is wrong!
LOGIC NEVER!
c spiteri
Jul 22nd 2010, 16:22
u dont divorce sur joe zammit imma tindahalx xjamel hattihor int ibqa kif int
Jesmond Mifsud
Jul 21st 2010, 12:43
I don't have anything against this billboard or against the people who decided to show it in public. I do wonder, though, if a billboard with an atheist message, such as the ones recently displayed on buses in London, would have been allowed.
Jay Galea
Jul 21st 2010, 13:12
And even in London they made a fuss about it!!! So not only in Malta.com!!!!!!!!
Jesmond Mifsud
Jul 21st 2010, 15:56
I'm not talking about the fuss people would do if their beliefs are questioned. I'm simply stating that in London, the atheist billboards were allowed to be displayed in public. This cannot happen in Malta because the church has a constitutional right to stop it from happening.
mike grima
Jul 21st 2010, 16:39
Jesmond, are you sure the church has the right to prevent an atheist billboard from being put up? It would be interesting to test the limits of Malta's freedom of speech in this direction.
From reading this article, I would have thought that an atheist billboard wouldn't even need a permit for 21 days because it is of a 'socio-religious' nature. Now that's something to try out!
Jesmond Mifsud
Jul 21st 2010, 17:02
Mike,
As far as I know malta has laws against the vilification of religion.
Yes, I agree, it would be interesting to 'test the limits'...maybe we should try this out and order a billboard to counter what has been put on display. Something like "Fairies don't care about divorce, and neither do unicorns."
R Vella
Jul 21st 2010, 12:06
X'andhom x'jaqsmu il-kumpanija tal-Billboad??.....kem qed jsir fuss fuqha....kulhadt andu dritt jaqsam l-opinjoni tieghu, u dawn iddecidew li jghamluh fuq bilboard. Meta jaghmlu il-campaigns matul l-elezzjonijiet, ma jfissirx li dik il-kumpanja tal-bilboards jzomm ma dak il-partit!!!................Hello ahna fid-2010 qedin!!
M. Ellul
Jul 21st 2010, 13:05
Naqbel mieghek R.Vella. Jigifieri issa gejjin fi stat illi ma nistghux nesprimu ruhna u nuru twemmina jew opinjoni? Lilkom xi hadd waqqafkom? Fr Daniel m'ghandux ghalfejn ihossu guilty ... sewwa ghamel ghax dak huwa t-twemmin tieghu. L-isponsor haqqu apprezzament mela boycott???? Din gdida!! Mela jien nisponsorja screen lil xi hadd biex nghinu, u ghax igib affarijiet mhux xierqa (ezempju) nehel jien!! Tajba wkoll! U ejja ibdew ighixu f'dan is-seklu!! Fr Daniel ghandu l-appogg taghna kollha wkoll u ghandna bzonn ta hafna sponsors bhalu li ma jiddejqux jghinu!
Eman Grech
Jul 21st 2010, 11:17
Enough of imposing oneself on everyone else! This is the kind of billboard Malta needs right now:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7681914.stm
Jay Galea
Jul 21st 2010, 14:43
and isn't this London billboard imposing on others too??!!!
mike grima
Jul 21st 2010, 16:27
No Jay. The posters are simply expressing a point of view. Imposing on others is legislating against divorce so that those who want to avail themselves of it can't.
Jay Galea
Jul 22nd 2010, 10:52
They are not expressing a point of view. They are saying that however has a religious belief is all the time worrying and doesn't enjoy life! They are telling people to stop wrrying about something which they think propably does not exist.
M Grima
Jul 21st 2010, 11:00
Thank goodness for Joe Zammit.The more he writes the more I am convinced for the need of a Secular State.The more he writes the less we believe and the more we question.I actually look forward to his joke(s) a day,it makes for an otherwise usually dull day.
Keep it up,if you can, Joe:)
victor pulis
Jul 21st 2010, 10:36
Joe kick it, the needle is stuck! Why don't you quote the parts where god orders the israelites to massacre whole nations including women, babies, old people and even their livestock?
Contrry to what you may be thinking I also read the bile but I amdiscerning and I question what I read. The lord put forth his hand and touched his mouth! Please give me a break!!
At the risk of emulating you and turning this question into a mantra (I've asked it a hundred times already) Where is annullment mentioned in the gospel? Do children suffer when their parents are annulled?
Dennis Agius
Jul 21st 2010, 10:34
U minn qal li id divorzju ma jezistiex f'Malta? Barra xtutna dan jissejjah Divorzju, u f'Malta jsejhulu Annullament! Staqsu lill Kurja w araw kemm trid flus biex t'annulla? Staqsu lill Kurja kemm qed t'annulla zwiegijiet? Staqsu lill Kurja kemm qed idahhal flus minn dawn l-annulamenti? Tghid din glieda ohra Qaddisa biex il Kurja tibqa bil monopolju? Nixtieq li nkun naf ha nitghallem!
D Vella
Jul 21st 2010, 10:33
Same follows for all those well trusting people who give huge amounts to Church charities and never ask to see audited accounts.Goodness knows how much money is wasted or goes astray.
S.Zammit
Jul 21st 2010, 10:33
Why all this fuss about a billboard and its sponsor???If you don't agree with what is written LOOK THE OTHER WAY...it isn't like the billboard is in a main road.
It is just 10.30 in the morning, I just walk up, opened the times to read the news and already the usual people writing against the Church....no one has anything better to do it seems....no comment
victor pulis
Jul 21st 2010, 10:30
It is now official! according to Joe Zammit all those who are not baptised are condemned to hell. Incredibly, this man has condemned to everlasting fire most of humanity simply because they are not christians. Who cares if some of them are living more saintly lives than most christians? I bet Joe will write in and tell us that Jesus himself said this.But what is the church's offical teaching in this regard. Does the Pope tell the muslims to convert otherwise they will be lost? No, of course not.
Maria Aquilina
Jul 21st 2010, 10:23
Dear all,
That God is love is accepted by many! If one does not believe in God may have still experienced true human love when forgiven, even though not able to forgive self. When cared for during life crises of helplessness. When greeted with cordiality even when one curses those who disagree with own point of view! Thus, I believe in goodness because it feels so good when I receive or give goodness. I truly appreciate people who bring goodness to all irrespective of race or believe. Fr. Cardona is a person who dedicated his life to bring goodness to others. I invite all those who have negative feelings towards the bill board to get to know the person behind the bill board. As a leader of a community he has a duty to care and promote the teachings of an institution that he represents and many others respect. One may also need to note that THE CHURCH is at the front line in helping families in distressin our communities. This is done without pomp or prejudice. This is the church I know and the people that I love to share my life with.
victor pulis
Jul 21st 2010, 09:59
Chalk another one down for only in Malta! How we manage to create these sort of situations simply amazes me. Can't anybody do anything right on this piece of insignificant rock in the middle of the sea? The fault lies both with the parish priest who should have informed the sponsor of the nature of the billboard and the sponsor should have asked how his money iswas being spent.
James Farrugia
Jul 21st 2010, 11:32
I am not going to say a word about this article, and I don't need to; just a little thought about your comment. If you feel this island is insignificant, please, leave us. We are so insignifact in fact that we have given you the right to simply leave. Or maybe you are insignificant actually, because no one will be crying if you vanish. Thanks.
S. Saliba Vella
Jul 21st 2010, 09:48
Ha nghidlek haga Joe Zammit, dahhala f'rasek DIVORCE IS HERE FOR EVER. U jekk ma ghogbokx missek ma ivvutajtx favur l-EU. Dak pakkett shih kien u stajt timmagina li kull haga li hemm fl-EU kienet se tigi hawn ukoll. U jekk int daqshekk bravu irrspondi ghal mistoqsijiet li ghamlulek hawnhekk hafna nies mhux dejjem l-istess kantalina biss u turi li int trux ghal l-opinjoni u dak kollu li jhoss haddiehor.
MBusuttil
Jul 21st 2010, 09:46
Iz-zwieg huwa Sagrament u majistax jinhal! Ghax dak li jaqqad Alla m'ghandux ihollu l-bniedem. L-Ordni Sagri (Sacerdozju) mhux Sagrament? Dak mhux Alla jghaqdu. Is-Sacerdot jista jinhal, jiehu id-dispenza (divorzju) jitlaq wara li jkun ijjlu Sacerdot is-snien jisma l-qrar u jizzeweg. Dan jista jghamlu INT MA TISTAX. Halluna!
Miguel Micallef
Jul 21st 2010, 09:35
He has no position on divorce? Is he so devoid of thinking power? He cannot even make up his mind on such an important and critical thing? OR is it that he is afraid to speak the truth in fear of persecution from the 'loving church'?
Either way, he has made it clear what he is made of.
Ian Pace
Jul 21st 2010, 10:04
Who do you think you are to judge another person? It is his right not to express an opinion and also his right not to have one!! How arrogant we have become. His only mistake was that he did not enquire what the contents of the billboard would be. I would never finance something without knowing what it is. Would he sponsor a billboard encouraging drug use (just an example)? We need to learn to tolerate and never judge others. @ Zebbug Parish Priest: May I ask who did you address that billboard to? True believers would not resort to divorce. Non-believers though would. So it seems you wasted quite a lot of money. It would have been more productive to use the billboard to strengthen family unity and respect, hence indirectly reducing the need for divorce which should be a right to who needs it (non-believers).
Miguel Micallef
Jul 21st 2010, 11:28
I am not judging, but merely making an observation. It seems to me to be impossible not to have an opinion on divorce. It just shows how irresponsible (OR AFRAID) some people have become.
Divorce is a human right and to not have an opinion corresponds to being in favour. Just like with slavery, child porn, priest abuse etc...
You are either against it, or you are morally wrong. I'm sorry.
Ian Pace
Jul 21st 2010, 12:12
So it seems most of our politicians are always in favour of the issues coz they always refrain from commenting LOL! I see your point but I cannot consider not making one's opinion public as being in favour, or against an issue. It all means he kept his opinion private. He should not be made in a position to make his opinion public unless HE wants to. He is a business man who just learnt a hard lesson, the hard way. We should stop imposing on others and this including the church. The church has the moral obligation to GUIDE and not impose. Jesus NEVER imposed anything. It is about time to stop 'smiling' at cameras and start doing something concrete and effective. As someone already said, this little rock is in shambles and I shudder to think how possibly could we get any worse!
M Grima
Jul 21st 2010, 09:01
So Religious billboards are exempted from a permit .Yet another example of the divide between them and us. The Church should be subject to exactly the same laws as the rest of us. A secular State and nothing short of that will do. The more I hear of these inequalities the more I dislike these charlatans.
Joe Zammit
Jul 21st 2010, 08:56
In the first chapter of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, we read:
“Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet unto the nations.
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for you shall go to all that I shall send you, and whatsoever I command you, you shall speak.
BE NOT AFRAID of their faces: for I AM WITH YOU to deliver you, said the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.”
Join in the battle between God and the devil! Fight the good fight! The victory is ours, it’s already guaranteed!
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jul 21st 2010, 09:33
Joe Zammit..Regarding your battle...does that mean that good has lost in ALL the other countries bar Malta and the Philippines?
Joe Zammit
Jul 21st 2010, 12:08
Jeremy, for God there are no countries. There is only humanity. Humanity is divided only into two: good and bad, with God or against God. There is no mid-way. Jeremy, if you are with God you must be against divorce. If you are in favour of divorce you are against God, and so you are already the loser. The victory is guaranteed for those, living wherever they are, who are faithful to God and remain faithful until the end.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jul 21st 2010, 23:04
Good is subjective..look it up...Drowning a planet is bad...and yet...some believe that GOd did it...
Raymond Calleja
Jul 21st 2010, 08:55
Jista dal Kappilan jghamel ghanki billbord kontra il Pedofilija mixhuta mien dawk li jghalmu il Kelma ta Alla ? Kief tippretendu intom li id dnub tghakom huwwa tant kbier biex tindahlu lill dawk li iriedu jiehdu id divorce,mien xiex tibzaw? Li forsi ghanki intom ghandkom bzonnu.Divorce is a must for all and not for only those who have the money to get it from outside.Qum mien hemm sur Prim ministru u hares madwarek.Dahalna fewropa imma ghad jonqosna biex forsi naraw xaqq dawl.
R Borg
Jul 21st 2010, 08:43
I am for divorce....
But this is a storm in a tea cup. The Zebbug parish church had every right to mount the billboard with this message. I applaud the parish church for taking a stand even if I disagree with their principle.
As for the advertisement I think that the firm sponsoring the parish church knows the principles of the church, anti-divorce is one of them..... So what's the problem?
K. Pullicino
Jul 21st 2010, 08:39
I really am quite baffled by the people who are suggesting boycotting the company. Isn't that a sign of close-mindedness and "I'm absolutely right and no one else is surely not"? There's nothing in this world that makes divorce a definite right, not even the fact that everyone one else has it.
J.Debono
Jul 21st 2010, 10:03
Suggesting to boycott this company is a form of intimidation.
Alison Bezzina
Jul 21st 2010, 08:28
With all due respect to the sponsor, who must have acted in good faith and now learns that the Church too can decieve..... may I ask for an explanation or interpretation of this pls:
"He pointed out that cigarette manufacturer Rothmans used to sponsor football but it did not mean smoking was good for footballers."
So in this case does it stand to reason to assume that..... Vision Tech sponsored an anti divorce billboard, but it does not mean that playing these games is good for married couples?
PS. once again - who is asking for eccleclestial divorce? no one, not even JPO.... so why do we need to ASSUME out what 'God' wants....
http://www.timesofmalta.com.mt/blogs/view/20100710/alison-bezzina/unhappily-ever-after
John Micallef
Jul 21st 2010, 08:18
Lilli ma tghamilli l-ebda differenza!!
Hasra li f'din l-art helwa li niftahru bil- liberta u demokrazija, ikollok tihu din il- pozizjoni.
Kos hum tghid fl-2010 din taqa taht l-injoranza?
KARL CASSAR
Jul 21st 2010, 08:09
JIEN HA NAGHMEL BILBOARD HDEJN IL KURJA "Alla ma jridx il pedofoli " TAGHID INSIB XI SPONSORER ?????
miriam grech
Jul 21st 2010, 15:11
Issa la gejna ghal Billboards ma nafx kif hadt mu jinduna bil consumizmu ta dawn il facilitajiet ta reklamar. KULHADD SABU SEWWA JINPRESJONA BIL PORKERIJA TA PUZIZJONI TA MARA U RAGEL LI MID DEHRA JKUNU DIVORZJATI ( ha ha ha ha.......) biex jbigh xi prodott .............. GHAX KOPPJA MIZZEWGA MIBNIJA FUQ IT TAGHLIM TA GESU KRISTU LI HU R RAS TAL KNISJA TAF BIR RABTA QADDISA TAZ ZWIEG SAGRAMENT.
J Farrugia
Jul 21st 2010, 07:39
Jidher li l-media irnexxielha taghmel hsara bizzejjed lil min kien tant generus li sponsorja billboard u issa dan il-mezz ukoll gie nnegat lill-Knisja kattolika. Imma ara hadd ma jahseb lli ghamiltu xi rebha. Kemms er taraw iktar billboards minn dawn. Sponsors u bla sponsors. L-ghajta ser tibqa': Le Alla ma jridx id-divorzju taht ebda forma. U d-divorzju hsara jaghmel lill familji taghna. In-nies u t-tfal igibhom il-foqra ta' ghada. Ifirhu ghejjun tal-hsara bir-rebha zghira li ghamiltu. Ghad tridu tibku bir-rebha kbira li ghad trid issir fuq il-forzi tal-hazen, fosthom il-media manipulattiva.
R.Brincat
Jul 21st 2010, 10:04
Il hsara fis zwieg mhux idivorzju igibu imma dawk il kopji li jizzewgu u jibqaw johoru mal hbieb separatament min xulxin ghax dawn l affarijiet igibu lok ghal abuzzi. Jew dawk l ommijiet li jkollom iz zaghzagh jejxu mahhom u ma jqabduhom jamlu xejn imbad jizewgu u jarawhom koroh biex joqodu jahslu l hwejjeg, jahslu l art, jaddu l hwejjeg, isajjru, imorru jixtru u hafna u hafna affarijiet ohra.
victor pulis
Jul 21st 2010, 11:01
M'hemm xejn hazin li taghmel billboard kontra d-divorzju. Li hemm hazin hu meta dan il billboard ma jirnexxilu jikkonvinci lill hadd. Priedka lill konvertiti hi kliem fil vojt. Ikkonvincuna l-d-divorzju u hazin mhux bil kwotazzjonijiet mill bibbja imma bil fatti u bir realta tal lum u mhux ta' elfejn sena ilu meta fost ohrajn l-iskjavitu kien permess (aqra lil Pawlu ta' Tarsu) X'soluzzjoni qed toffri l-knisja lill dawk l-eluf li qed jghixu fl-infern tal art ghax iz-zwieg taghhom tkisser irevokabbilment? id-dinja nbidlet J. Farrugia.
Kenneth Cassar
Jul 21st 2010, 07:38
So is MEPA saying that it is legal to block the view of residents by placing a huge billboard right in front of their balcony as long as the billboard's message is "socio-religious"?
Roderick Micallef
Jul 21st 2010, 07:22
I am simply amazed at how many people are convinced of what God wants and what does not want, what do these people have some direct connection with God himself? Can't these people realize that these systems will NOT work any longer? What are these people thinking that we are still in the middle ages and that people will believe anything that is labelled under the name of God?
IF we will be thruly judged by God, let it be, but I will ONLY be judged by God and by no one else. These intimidation tactics are not effective any more, it seems most people are not realizing that Divorce already exists and recognized if you can afford it abroad so why shouldn't it be available in Malta?
This is a social issue and not a religious one, if there are people that have an unhappy marriage but are not willing to divorce just to live by the book then so be it, but they have NO RIGHT to impose that same principle on others. Any messages on billboards and other propaganda media are obviously coming from people like you and me and not from God!
Ramon Casha
Jul 21st 2010, 06:23
It is reasonable to assume that the sponsors of a billboard, event or anything else agree with the thing being sponsored. I think the priest should have informed the sponsors if he intended to put their names on a topic that is highly controversial. All it takes is a phone call.
S, Vella
Jul 21st 2010, 08:33
It is a marketing lesson that VisionTech will not forget.
On another note - "socio-religious billboards are exempt from requiring a permit, ..". I wonder if that counts for all religions.
Joe Grima
Jul 21st 2010, 08:54
When I wrote yesterday in these columns I was under the impression that the company in question wanted to make a statement by sponsoring that billboard. Now I know that the company and its owner had nothig to do with the issue and in fact the owner has no position of his own on divroce. This empahasises even more the arrogance of the oarish priest who used the company to support his controversial poster without consulting the owner. The company should not be held resposnible for what happened and I hope that its business will not be affected by all this.
r.cutajar
Jul 21st 2010, 04:46
Please may I ?,-Divorce ,Cohabitation, Gays / Lesbians marriege and any sort of one's own choice of Bond to another person or persons is becoming an expected and sancrosanct right ,bothe by definition and facts
As an Undisputed mostly Stable Social Institution The CHURCH IS more than convinced that there is absolutely NO OTHER MEANS for a Stable Society.than a Stable traditional family environment between Man and Wife with children For Life .
Are Not All Societies moulded along that sole Principile as has been for the last hundreds of years ?
Please Do Not skew things up like Priests Abusing Kids THAT SHOULD BE CONDEMED and in my op. outright priests' fold exclusion and the metted punishment should be practiced
Intellectuals from all Strata of society yes Gays and Lesbians included has to come together sudy as carefull other societies' pitfalls and stoollifts where Divorce has been practiced for years so as to get a clear picture what Maltese Society would be like then
Unfortunately the raminification of Divorce usually are dire but on the other hand the kind of lifestyle in this century there are many reasons why A Married couple simply cannot carry on
SorryButThisIsTooShortAspaceToExpressOneself- tbc
Clemens Hasengschwandtner
Jul 21st 2010, 02:25
I really think it is blasphemy that any human being imposes himself to speak in the name of god. Who is the church, who is the pope, who is this parish priest who thinks that he speaks in the name of god. If I would be god I would be really pissed off - not that I would ever say that I speak in his name but then again, I am still a human being - like the others who pretent to know the truth.
I tell you something people - all this people who speak in his name. If there is a hell it will be you who ends up there. God forgives people for their mistakes, he forgives if you get divorced, if you had an abortion - he is a god of love. Not sure if he as kindly to people who in his name made other peoples lifes miserable. Most probably he will - but you are lucky that I have as little knowledge and influence to his doings as do you.
G.Portelli
Jul 21st 2010, 08:46
Are you so sure that you kill an unborn person and you're so easily lifted of this grave sin? This is MURDER. And in our society you have to pay for killing.
Let's be clear. Some people NEED divorce. It is a necessity since life can turn sour sometimes. But others WANT divorce to be able to plan when and how. This is also MURDER because the other person's life was put in jeopardy. A depression may ensue with all its consequences. A life has been MURDERED.
A last thing. Fashions last only a few days. After that even divorce cannot be enough. We may start to discuss polygamy. After all some states around the world do have polygamy. Why not us? What if a member of parliament decides to present a private members bill on polygamy?
Joe Zammit
Jul 21st 2010, 09:10
Clemens, how wrong you are! Christ has set up one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church and ordered (not advised!) her to go and teach all nations in the name of God. He told his Apostles and their successors, the bishops: "Whoever hears you, hears me; whoever persecutes you, persecutes me".
If you are not faithful to the Catholic Church of Christ, you are not faithful to God. And hell is for those who are not faithful to God.
It is the duty of the Catholic Church to speak in the name of God and it is our duty to obey her. She has been doing this since the time of Christ, 2000 years, and she shall continue to do it until the end of time. No Clemens is going to stop her, not even the whole of hell can prevail against her! DIVORCE NEVER!
Charles Grixti
Jul 22nd 2010, 14:08
@Joe Zammit
You are wrong! God almighty does NOT need anyone to speak for him.
That a mere mortal, who by the way shares 98% of the genes of the great apes (Primates) should even hazard the thought, let along proclaim that they know what the creator of the Universe, seen and unseen thinks and wants, is the sheer height of pomposity and arrogance. And yes, it is BLASPHEMY indeed. What more proof do you guys need that all religions are man-made concoctions to serve the priestly hierarchy and class?
As far as Divorce and the local church goes, it is plain as they that what they are really interested is in that nobody will cut into their annulment business – they have a great monopoly going. And for your information, even people who got married in the Catholic Church can get Divorced, for the simple reason that the Catholic wedding rite is just a ceremony, whereas the civil contract is legally binding. If you need proof, go and try to get a child-custody or support order from your local parish priest.
Mary Smith
Jul 22nd 2010, 15:01
@Joe Zammit
If the Church is so against Divorce, can you please then explain to us why, the Universal Roman Cathoic Church in North America, INSISTS that a couple first obtain a DIVORCE before they would even consider them for a Church annulment?
Or is the local Catholic branch a renegade faction?
Tim Vella
Jul 21st 2010, 00:52
It's 2010 and this queer little island is still embroiled in medieval pastimes of gods and the likes/dislikes of men wearing silly dresses... when do I wake up from this neverending nightmare?
Charles Sammut NY USA
Jul 20th 2010, 23:25
I would like to ask these folks who think that they are qualified to quote "God". If God is so much against Divorce why did he not include his wish in the ten Commandments? I cannot believe he would leave it out so cavalierly. Surely if it was that important to Him he would have it in there somewhere. He has "though should not covet thy neighbour's wife". So while on the subject of marriage surely it would occur to Him to include You must not Divorce your Wife or your Husband. Could it be that he knew so well that many marriages are doomed to fail and it is for both parties best interest to divorce each other and hopefully have better luck the second time around?
Teresa Pace
Jul 21st 2010, 17:25
He sent His Son Jesus to tell us. Jesus came to fulfill the law of the Old Testament and He did just that...one of His fulfillments of the law is no to divorce.
s schembri
Jul 20th 2010, 23:20
Il-knisja Maltija donna rieqda raqda profonda. Kellu bzonn li l-parocci kolla jikkuppjaw dan il poster u jaghmlu wiehed hdejn kull knisja. Prosit lil dan il-kappillan tal inizzjattiva.
Charles Busuttil
Jul 21st 2010, 09:11
Tahseb li kieku jsir hekk din il-kwistjoni kollha tieqaf hawn? Meta ser nikbru?!!
malcolm seychell
Jul 20th 2010, 23:09
Mhux ahjar ghamell billboard
Alla ma jridx il pedofoli
Kien jixraq iktar
jcamilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 23:06
@john pisani
Aqra l-kelma t'Alla, habib. Jekk temmen f'Alla, temmen il-Kelma tieghu.
victor pulis
Jul 21st 2010, 10:17
Dak il punt J camilleri. Mhux kulhadd jemmen li l-bibbja hi l-kelma t'Alla u ma taghtihomx tort ghax meta taqra li Alla ordna lill lhud biex ihaggru l-adulteri, jimmssakraw nazzjonijiet shah biex jehdulhom arthom, jaharqu s-shahar, jemarginaw lill lebbruzi. Dawn kollha ordnijiet li nghataw minn Alla. Il bibbja mkitbet minn nies bhal Mose' u l-leviti li riedu jimmanipulaw poplu ghal skopijiet taghhom.
Matthew Agius
Jul 20th 2010, 22:49
The Church has its right and duty to express itself and to promote its ideas, like everyone else. We should not point fingers. It is then up to each one of us to decide what to take in; but why are so many afraid of the Church preaching?
The same people who express such opinions, often believe themselves paladins of democracy...whatever that means!
Tracy Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 21:51
Ara kemm qed ihammbqu n-nies. Jien nghid li l-kurja ma tgholliex difer wiehed la kontra l-kleru pedofil,u l-anqas il-patrijiet li jghixu f'koabitazzjoni u li l-kurja stess ghandha r-rapporti fuqhom. LI jaghmlu qed jaghmluh fl-apert ghax jafu li hadd ma jiehu passi.
Joe Micallef
Jul 20th 2010, 21:26
The Church has a duty to preach the word of God. It is God himself who does not want divorce. We live in a pluralist and democratic society. We flatter ourselves that we have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Political parties voice their message on billboards, commercial entities advertise their products on billboards. So what's wrong for having the Church passing on God's teachings on divorce on a billboard ON ITS OWN PROPERTY? Christ and his teachings are a sign of contradiction - for those who wish to follow Christ and His teachings, it's time to stand up and be counted.
David Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 23:30
Kif jghid il-Malti, "aqqas tghoddhom fuq zewg idejn"
Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jul 21st 2010, 01:23
It's your funny God who does not believe in divorce. It is this funny God who does not understand that people make mistakes and that people change over time. There is nothing wrong with the Church saying what it thinks but it should not mislead the public by suggesting that others think along the same lines. That is why the parish priest apologized.
j grech
Jul 21st 2010, 01:45
@joe micallef
ON ITS OWN PROPERTY? sorry joe but the church belongs to the people not the catholic society it is a house of god and anyone is welcome even criminals, i am a catholic but i agree with divorce, this small island is seeing more and more couples cohabitating rather than entering into marriage,i personally would like for example to see 10 weddings and perhaps 3 ending in divorce than 10 couples cohabitating,we all make and break promises at some stage even our promises made on our wedding day, other contracts that are binding have a cooling down period or get out clause and if couples have been raised in a certain unstable family enviroment with no get out clause then they will be reluctant to make the same life sentence for themselves should the marriage turn sour and prefer to live together, how long will it be before the next generation will be asking what is marriage because they wont have the pleasure of seeing couples emerge from the church in wedding refinery just like my children used to ask me what is a record and now my grandchildren ask their parents what is a tape move on
Ramon Casha
Jul 21st 2010, 06:24
According to the Bible, God (and even Jesus in person) accepted divorce, and in some cases (old testament only), even required it.
John Pisani
Jul 20th 2010, 21:24
Ahna l-gurnalisti meta ma jkollnix il-provi kollha generalment nuzaw il-kelma "allegatament". Jidher imma li l-Kappillan ta' Haz-Zebbug jew huwa l-kelliem ufficjal ta’ Alla ghax kif ghamel dan il-billboard jidher li jaf CERT li Alla hekk irid. Imma bhala Kappillan jaf ghandu "sorsi" tajbin hafna hemm fuq.
SScerri
Jul 20th 2010, 22:05
@ John Pisani. Ma tafx li Arcipriet huwa kelliem t'Alla....... ????? Ma tafx li kull min li jaqra il-Bibbja ( l-aktar ktieb li jinbieh f'id-dinja) ghadhu f'idejh it-taghlim VERU ta dak li jrid Alla????? . Issa tipruvax tghidilna li-Bibbja hija storja ghax kien huwn hafna aktar intelligenti minnhek li ippruvaw jghidu hekk u s'issa wara 2000 sena il-Bibbja ghada meqjusa bhala il-kelma t'Alla.
Joseph Abdilla
Jul 20th 2010, 22:31
Sur Pisani Iva s-sacerdot huwa r-rappresentant ta' Kristu fuq din l-art. Jekk ma temminx dan, affarik. Mohhok biss biex tizra d-dubji. Wara kollox ghad idduq din il-verita' ghax ahna mahniex ghal hawn.
s schembri
Jul 20th 2010, 23:24
Forsi int wiehed min dawk li huma nsara li ma ghandhomx ideja ta x'inhi ir-religjon li 'allegatament' jemmnu fiha. Ara veru li l-kontinent ewropew spicca art tal missjoni.
Joe Grima
Jul 21st 2010, 08:49
S.Scerri. Jiena ltqajt u ntervistajt diversi Maltin li jghixu u jghallmu l'Bibbja kuljum, li kienu kattolici u m'ghandhomx u li jiddeskrivu l-religjon Kattolika bhala religjon falza. Jekk min jaqra l'bibbja, kif qed tghid int, " ghandu f'idejh it taghlim veru" mela kif hawn Maltin, studjuzi kbar tal bibbja, li jaghtu nterpretazzjoni totalment differenti minn dik li taghti l'knisja kattolika dwar dak li fiha l'bibbja? Meta kkkonfrontajt lill dawn it talin mhux kattolici ma qassis kattoliku mgharraf sew, il pozizzjoni tal qassis kienet li l'bibbja nkitbet fuq tul kbir ta snin u allura mhix ghal kollox reliable. Il qassis qal li hemm partijiet li huma l- esperjenza diretta ta min ktitibhom u hemm ohrajn li huma detto del detto, jigifierti stejjer li mxew minn generazzjoni ghall ohra u xi darba xi hadd kitibhom. Skond xi qassisin kattolici il bibbja, li fuqha jibbazaw kollox xi religjonijiet mhux kattolici bhall born again christians, mhux ta min jorbot fuqha.
mpace2
Jul 20th 2010, 21:24
Are we back to the sixties were the local church try to control the souls please - the answer is NO - the new generation got different ideas from those days and do;nt be surprise a modern revolt will occur and beware all Curia heads not to create any conservative war with the nation- lets the nation decide with their minds
Joseph Abdilla
Jul 20th 2010, 22:46
The catholic church has a right to be heard and to voice its opinion. and no one will deny it its constitutional right. The church is made up by us, its members and we have our rights and we shall fight for our rights.
s schembri
Jul 20th 2010, 23:30
'the new generation got different ideas' ... perhaps they do have ... but have you ever asked yourself whether that is what God wants? .. "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven", we better change it to, "our will be done on earth" !
Antoine Sant
Jul 20th 2010, 21:11
I think Fr Cardona's so-called apology smells of hypocrisy. No more, no less. Seems he's just covering his back, and trying to ensure the sponsor will continue subsidising his parish billboards, leaflets and whatnot. The way I see it, by sponsoring this billboard, the sponsor has given his unconditional support for the message contained therein, and should therefore bear the consequences, to wit, possible lack of support or boycott of his products by those who disagree with the contents. Perhaps next time, he will not be too hasty to fork out for something without having fore-knowledge of the message being imparted.
david debattista
Jul 20th 2010, 20:57
Look lets make one thing clear, the church has the best of intentions at heart. We should be concentrating on the number of disturbed children and adults we have due to the present
situation in our country. I am talking about all the addicts, criminals and mentally ill resulting from matrimonial problems in the past, so lets stop all this bla bla bla and work on it for the common good. Life is hard enough as it is for most of us. Why not look up the Word Borderline and reflect on it , what it is and how it feels to suffer from it. Will a second chance help the situation to improve in a normal environment for the children. What if a mother abused by her husband in full view of her children finds a man who loves her and wants to marry. Do you know the kind of pain that woman goes through with the present situation we have in Malta. So let us start to work at it in a responsible way and leave the church to do her part too.
malcolm seychell
Jul 20th 2010, 20:47
The shop owner should make a public statement and inform the public that he has nothing to do with this if he wants to achieve some credibility and get some clients back
Shame on Fr Cordina if he did not inform the owner of this comedy he was setting up.
Forsi il Fr induna li llum mhux is 60s u jaghmel li jrid bil gahan.
Andrea Portelli
Jul 20th 2010, 20:42
The church and its typical holier than thou attitude ....
Etienne Zammit Lupi
Jul 20th 2010, 20:26
@all in favor of a boycott…
It is not my intention to get involved in anyway in this debate… but please read my lips…”The mentioned sponsor has absolutely no connotation with the message or the contents on the billboard.” So why boycott? For all I know the owner of this outlet may be in favor of divorce! It is not my business or anyone else’s. I am a regular client of Vision Tech and will continue to be. Like all other publications and/or magazines, parish monthly publications and newsletters also depend on sponsors to cover expenses… so once articles in favor of the family and hence against divorce start to appear, will the general public and parishioners also launch a boycott on these sponsors? What rubbish and childlike behavior! Is this your idea of freedom of speech?
Kenneth Cassar
Jul 21st 2010, 07:42
The owner said he does not care about divorce. A lame excuse in my opinion. Unless he takes legal action against the parish priest, his words after realising the repercussions of the silly billboard (too late) count for nothing.
Karl Consiglio
Jul 20th 2010, 20:03
Sorry, but If that company is against divorce I'm not going to buy from them.
S. Caruana
Jul 21st 2010, 09:54
It shows what a closed miind you have!!!!!
What is wrong if the company were to be against divorce - isn't this a supposedly democratic country where everybody can voice his opinions.
P.S. We would appreciate if you could enlighten us as to how many times you actually bought from this company. A sincere answer would be appreciated.
Next time before you comment, please take note of the potential harm you can do with your statement to the people/company you are criticising and to your goodself.
J.Cachia
Jul 21st 2010, 11:28
Karl Consiglio must be a liberal. LOL
M.Ellul
Jul 21st 2010, 15:47
X'injoranza ta ragunar!! "Ghax ma jemminx fid-divorzju ma nixtrix minn ghandu aktar!" Xieraq kull minn ghandu hanut (specjalment tal-ikel u xorb) ma jaqbilx mad-divorzju! X'taghmel int? Tmut bil-guh? Ragunar ta bniedem immatur jiddispjacini. Ghaliex kullhadd ghandu jiifhimha bhalek inkella tibbojkottjah? U ohra ... min qallek illi l-bejjiegh jew sponsor ma jaqbilx mad-divorzju? Huwa stess qal illi mhux fl-interess tieghu. Aqra sew qabel tikteb. U jekk ried jghin lil Knisja hadd ma jista jindahallu! Issa baqax tindahlu lil min nghinu bi flusna? Anzi intom dejjem tirricpaw bid-demokrazija ... u l-anqas tafu x'inhi ... lollll!!
Anthony Bugeja
Jul 20th 2010, 19:51
My humble opinion is that it stinks of ignorance and arrogance to quote God. Would have been more humble to say Divorce is against the teachings of the Catholic church. And that advertisement beneath the message really is the icing on the cake. Shame on you many times over Archipriet. Shame............
Adrian Camenzuli
Jul 20th 2010, 19:48
Allura Sur Arcipriet, allijista jkun staqsejtu l-alla jridx pedofeli, jew ahjar qassisin jabbuzaw mit-tfal. MA NAFX TA IMMA NIXTIEQ INSAQSIK
Ernest Vella
Jul 20th 2010, 22:47
@ John Pisani....nahseb qieghed turi n-nuqqas ta informazzjoni li ghandek...dik is-sentenza l-Iskrittura (Il-Bibbja) tghida fil-ktieb tal-Profeta Malakija...insomma jekk ma tafx x'inhi l-Bibbja ghalxejn ha nispjegalek
@ Andrew Camenzuli...il-Bibbja tghid li min jaghti skandlu lil wiehed min dawn iz-zghar, ahjar jekk idawwar gebla mghonnqu u jitha gol-bahar...cara li Alla ma jridx nies li jabbuzaw...jekk qed tallega xi haga kun kurraguz u mur irraporta minflok tigi titfa t-tajn hawnhekk
I. Galea
Jul 20th 2010, 19:46
"hi, um...hello? yeah hi Pete, I'd to speak with God, please. ok, i'll hold. ..........Hi there God! Fr. Daniel here. How's it going up there! nice and breezy i bet huh. Listen, I need to ask you something. yeah i know you're busy, sorry boss. Just a quick one: Divorce. for or against? oh come on, just give me an answer already! hello..? God.....? hey boss, you still there.....?"
I wonder how much Melita charges the Zebbug church for direct calls to God? I mean, how else are they going to know what the big man wants?
S.Zammit
Jul 20th 2010, 20:47
Hahaha what a funny comment NOT...Mr. Galea don't you have anything better to do then make fun or our Church?
Maybe I really find the statement a very strong one especially at these times but come on what did you expext the Billboard to say?The Church can never agree with divorce.Full stop. I personally disagree with divorce but everyone has his/her opinion.
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 20:52
I. Galea, the usual I. Galea.........
If you do not have a better answer, stop ridiculing everybody else, please. Can't your mind build an argument, like other bloggers?
The priest does not have to call God on any line, and Melita are not doing any money out of it. There is something called the Holy Bible, written by people more competent than yourself (at least they don't insult those who are against!), which shows us what God says about divorse. But you find it convenient to ridicule those you cannot beat by a simple argument.
I suppose that you know what the Bible is, so just borrow one, and look up 'DIVORCE'. If, on the other hand, you should find that God is in favour, please send us the quotation, without insults, this time.
I. Galea
Jul 20th 2010, 22:15
I am not the "usual l. Galea", as you both so wrongly assumed. and it's MISS Galea, to you! I rarely comment under these articles. but when I do, i certainly don't do it to strike an argument with the likes of you. Another wrong assumption. I actually have a tendency to strike proper arguments with intelligent people who are open to think abstractly, and also enjoy a sense of humour.
As for insulting, I'm not the one calling people incompetent. (borrow a dictionary, look up the word "insult"). Personally I do not believe in bible stories, they were written by people like you and me. So please, do not impose your beliefs on me, and let me enjoy my own sense of humour. Oh, and while you still have that dictionary, you might want to look up the words "relax", "joke", and "opinion". Then if you can, borrow and encyclopaedia and see if you find anything about people being allowed to have differing beliefs in Malta.
On a serious note, the the slogan on that billboard is in my opinion a very sloppy job of convincing catholics to turn against divorce. Talk about presenting an argument!
S.Zammit
Jul 21st 2010, 22:28
Excuse me for assuming that you were the usual Igalea, whom is also regular blogger .
Please Miss.Galea please keep these shallow and pointless comments to yourself. I am against divorce and you are in favour. I will ALWAYS respect your opinion but you honestly cannot make fun of things you do not agree with it in such a silly way. The least you could have done is post a reasonable argument.
Maria Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 19:38
TO ALL CHURCH BASHERS, ATHEISTS, MOANERS AND GROANERS.
Hurry up, hurry up! Here s an article mentioning the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH! Quickly!.......Sit on your behind and work your keyboard happy fingers to spew venom and bile against the Church. MY GOD, all you same names, same people haven't you got anything better to do than sending comments EVERY time, every single article that mentions the Church!!!!!!!! Are you so boring and miserable that you get your kicks by humiliating, putting down , thrashing and bashing the Roman Catholic Church, AD NAUSEAM!!!!! The same people....same names.... over and over and over again...every day... every day. You have nothing else to do . The Church is there to stay!!! Get a life!!!!
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 20:51
Not really into turning the other cheek are you?
Check out the adjectives you use...another Church supporter who doesnt really know what Catholicism is about...
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 21:16
That's right, Maria. And the enemies of Jesus and His Church will be around forever. They were around from the Church's foundation, remember? From the very beginning there were enemies. The mighty Roman Empire, to name one. Who is still around today? The mighty Roman Empire is gone, but Jesus' fragile church is still here.
Many of the bloggers of church hate have only one wish: to silence the church. I admit that the church has a 'nasty' habit: that of showing the truth that God wants. Now THAT makes them feel very uncomfortable, so they believe that if they do not listen to such words, they are not guilty.
martin saliba
Jul 20th 2010, 21:50
you had me worried for a moment. I thouight that nobody reads my comments. I was wrong , sorry. At least now , with freedom of speach , i will not be sent to a mental institution for writing against the church and as long as this paper publishes what i write i will continue to do so without the fear of being burnt at the stake or having an inquisitor knock at my door.
Joseph Abdilla
Jul 20th 2010, 22:35
Sur Jeremy il-kattolici qatt mhuma ser idawru wicchom in-naha l-ohra meta jaraw lil Malta qed titfarrak mill-partit tieghek bil-proposta bazwija li kien ghamel Joseph u li issa hareg biha JPO.. Ma jkun qatt li ahna nhallu l-minoranza ta' nies jkomplu jfarrku lil Malta taghna biex jissodisfaw l-ezigenzi mmorali taghhom. Jekk hemm bzonn anke gwerra qaddisa naghmulkom. Mal-principji morali u l-valuri nsara mhu ser inhallu l hadd jilghabilna maghhom.
Maria Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 23:26
Mr. Camilleri.. 'turn the other cheek?'. Is that what you want me to do? No sir, I m afraid NOT this time. Because I'm sick of you toppling on each other to degrade and humiliate my faith, my religion and my heritage. What's your point, tell us?Oh yes...you're so strong and mighty you don't need our God. But you told us that a hundred, thousand, million times now!! Shame on me to feature my name and protest, no??
And I shall add another adjective for you. PATHETIC. That's what I call it when people are strapped to their PCs with nothing better to do than to mock other people's faith. That's what I call a 'downward spiral' as some here put it (Miguel Micallef). It's when you're addicted to your PC only to inflict degradation to a particular religion. Then it's that SAME person who is spiraling downwards!!! Pitiful situation.
Enough said.
Mr Grima,
Thanks for adding to my comment. Yes Jesus's Church stood for over 2000 years now. Unfortunately for some, His Church will not 'cease to exist' as some may wish, at least not in their lifetimes, they won't enjoy that privilege.
David Caruana
Jul 20th 2010, 23:28
Yes, I can never forgive an institution which killed people and destroyed cultures only for its power hungry machine to prosper.
Look up "the Cathars", for one - that is one mortal sin which every pope and every Roman Catholic has to pay the price for. Yes, the Roman Catholic church is here to stay, only for a handful though.
The day of reckoning is drawing near.
K. Pullicino
Jul 21st 2010, 08:42
@David Caruana:
In the past people were killed in the name of religion. These day people are killed in the name of Justice and even Peace! But we don't see anyone disagreeing with Justice and Peace, do we?
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jul 21st 2010, 09:36
Maria..I don'twant you to do anything...I couldn;t care less.....I m not the one who uttered those words...
ray sacco
Jul 22nd 2010, 15:53
@maria caruana:
MAMMA MIA maria!!!!!! take it easy! why are reading boring and miserable comments in the first place? don't have any thing better to do? don't you have a life? no one is humiliating your catholic church dear mrs.caruana. the catholic church is just humiliating itself time and time again. we, moaners and groaners, are just making observations about it! of course. the roman catholic church is there to stay, and so will other religions! i never dream of a perfect world without religions and greed to provoke wars! this world was never perfect, and i guess it never will be!
Alfred Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 19:13
J Galea. Qed nara illi inti wiehed minn dawk - nammetti huma hafna li jahsbuha bhalek f'dal miskin pajjiz - li arrogantament jahsbuj li ghandhom xi kariga minn Alla biex jitkellmu f'ismu.
A. Grech
Jul 20th 2010, 19:10
Iwa dal hafna paroli fuq divorzju u mhux divorzju. Ahna fil-maggoranza taghna mhux ghalekk ivvotajna meta webbluna bl-Ewropa. Dawk ilkoll ghandhom divorzju u ahna la issa Ewropej daqshom ukoll ghad irridu u ma rridux din il-kanna ghad nibilghuha wkoll.
Henry Spiteri
Jul 20th 2010, 21:54
@A.Grech: L-Unjoni Ewropea m'għandha ebda kompetenza fejn tidħol il-liġi tal-familja.Huwa l-gvern tal-pajjiż li għandu s-setgħa li jdaħħal id-divorzju wara li jingħata mandat mill-poplu.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 20th 2010, 19:08
1. This billboard is reminiscent of the Church's stance in the 60s.
2. This billboard is an emphatic NO to discussion. The billboard's message states quite clearly that there can be no discussion about divorce. Which is unacceptable.
3. Biblical scholars find the assertion in the billboard erroneous. They dispute how emphatic the anti-divorce message of Christ is. (That having been said, everyone will agree that divorce is a sign of FAILURE on the part of the couple - we must not illude ourselves.)
4. This billboard also shows what generation of priests are leaving the Seminary. As far as I am told, the Archpriest is quite young.
5. The billboard's posiiton, as well as its message, are like the Archpriest coming out of the Church and screaming abuse at JPO.
6. The billboard is not, as the Archpriest asserts, a product of years-long campaign and this can be seen by the timing and the exact position of the billboard itself.
7. I think that the less the Archpriest says about the matter, is better.
marco farrugia
Jul 22nd 2010, 16:31
"This billboard is an emphatic NO to discussion. The billboard's message states quite clearly that there can be no discussion about divorce. Which is unacceptable."
Fil-Bibbja hemm miktub car: "Għax jiena d-divorzju nobogħdu?" jgħid il-Mulej, Alla ta' Iżrael.
Mela il knisja ma tistax thalli lok ghad-diskussjoni ghax inkella tkun qeda tmur kontra dak li hemm fil kotba imqaddsa.
Nicholas Schembri
Jul 20th 2010, 19:06
Bir-rispett kollu. Jekk taqbel mad-divorzju ghandek kull dritt kif ghandu dritt wkoll minn ma jaqbilx li jitkellem u jghid xi jhoss. Imma COME ON ejja nikbru ftit u ma noqodux niddiskutu billboard b'messagg li forsi ma joghgobx lill kulhadd u li qieghed fil-propjeta tal-Knisja.
Jekk il-messagg ma jghoddx ghall-ghajnejna ma nharsux lejh... Basta suppost ahna tant moderni li naccettaw lil kulhadd u kollox... u sa naqilghu panik fuq billboard. Jaqaw fejn iridu biss moderni?
charles philip zammit
Jul 20th 2010, 19:00
apart but i beleive more important than the points mentioned by mr pace i would add
a) the exorbitant utility bills for water, electricity and gas
b) the nearly out of reach property prices that are making couples sweat it out throughout their lives to make ends meet.
c)unemployment
d)employment with minimum wages
have we seen any of these on billboards erected by the zebbug parish priest. of course not and the reason is....a penny for your thoughs
E. Micallef
Jul 20th 2010, 18:52
Fr Daniel
Without doubt you have the good of the village, the families therein and your duty as a priest to preach that 'what God has joined together let no man put asunder'. Those who made the promise in good faith and now wish to break that promise made before God have decided to follow their own rules and they have the freedom of choice to do so. They are right in saying that we, the common people, are in no position to judge them and no, absolutely, we are not their God. However, let us hope that those among them who are believers do sincerely believe that God WILL judge them as indeed he will judge all of us and let us hope that on that day of reckoning they will be as outspoken before their God as they are in their comments to the newspaper.
It is good to have a parish priest who is not afraid to stand up and be counted.
E. Vassallo
Jul 20th 2010, 18:50
Dan il-hanut ghandu klijent gdid ghax ma niflahx ghall-ipokrezija ta' xi whud
Stephen Saliba
Jul 20th 2010, 18:44
Fr Daniel Cardona is very much respected at Zebbug and what he did was nothing wrong. I don't agree with the church's position but i respect it and respect Fr Daniel since he has served the parish very well and he is still very young!
Please stop mentioning child abuse since 99% of priests have done nothing wrong and they do so much good for the Maltese society and abroad.
Steve Pace
Jul 20th 2010, 20:25
It's the inconsistency which is bothering most people and not the good or bad the parish priest has done. I agree with you totally that a lot of priests do sterling work in their parishes. I attend mass just like you and i see it with my own eyes, but as i meant in my comment earlier. The Maltese church uses two weights and two measures on too many issues. It is chewing at it's very own credibility .
Steve Pace
Jul 20th 2010, 18:16
Fr Daniel Cardona said the billboard was part of a years-long campaign by the parish in favour of family unity and, therefore, against divorce
Sure...... Strange how only this one made it to the newspapers.... Maybe there were other billboards with the following messages and we missed them
" Dik L'art mhux tieghek, Alla Ma jridekx tisraq"
" Abuzz fuq tfal: Alla ma jridux"
" Dagha: alla ma jridux"
" Skartar: Alla ma jridux"
" Serq ta Dawl: Alla ma jridux"
If Fr.Cardona wats to be believed, then he should have focused on many issues which are shattering families !
Mario Mifsud
Jul 20th 2010, 18:56
I am a practicing Catholic and do not believe in divorce myself, however I do not feel I have the right to 'impose' my beliefs on others. Not everybody in Malta has the same beliefs and it is unchristianlike not to offer choice to all.
Joe Savona
Jul 20th 2010, 19:26
The next poster should read:
Il-Gambling: Alla ma jridux!!!
As long as the money from gambling goes to the Church or government
it is not a sin. What hypocrites!!!!!!
Teresa Pace
Jul 21st 2010, 06:21
@ Mario Mifsud
The Church does not impose...it just reminds the teachings; then it is up to the person to do what in the conscience feels right.
P. Vincenti
Jul 20th 2010, 18:10
It seems that the anti-family lobby are now in the game of blackmail. Terrible behavior from secularism and pluralism supporters. Intolerance is what they often accuse the Church of, yet here they are trying to pressure a shop owner into submission with empty threats. Shameful behavior more akin to the mafia than honest citizens in a tolerant inclusive society
Steve Pace
Jul 20th 2010, 18:48
Your comment reminds me of fanatical football fan who's team has just lost a match !
wally vella-zarb
Jul 20th 2010, 19:04
"a tolerant inclusive society" would not launch or support a crusade against divorce - something that would be optional and which they would in no way be forced to resort to.
As for your quip about 'blackmail' I seem to recall tactics, much more deserving of this adjective, that were aimed at browbeating MP's on the question of abortion...
K.Anastasi
Jul 20th 2010, 19:16
There was a time when you were told that if you vote for Labour you would go to hell. Isn't that blackmail too... people are free to take their custom where they deem fit. Business should not get involved in such matters.
Gerry Cowie
Jul 20th 2010, 20:00
Well said, P Vincenti.
Somebody has to stand up for those who have no say in things.
Not surprisingly the word blackmail is conveniently banded about when it comes to defending human life from the abortionists!
wally vella-zarb
Jul 20th 2010, 23:21
Mr Cowie, the first person to use the word ‘blackmail’ in this thread was Mr Vincenti himself. On my part I wrote “As for your quip about 'blackmail' I seem to recall tactics, much more deserving of this adjective, that were aimed at browbeating MP's on the question of abortion...”
On your part you chose to write “Not surprisingly the word blackmail is conveniently banded about when it comes to defending human life from the abortionists!”
At this stage I suggest that you now categorically state publicly, on this thread, that you are NOT including me as being one of “the abortionists” that you refer to. Failure to do this I would suggest that you get yourself a good lawyer as I will not hesitate to sue you for libel.
victor pulis
Jul 20th 2010, 23:42
Gerry who mentioned abortion? you're in the wrong place.We're discussing divorce.
Leonard Gauci
Jul 20th 2010, 18:08
Looks like this parish priest is out of his depth.
Joseph Calleja
Jul 20th 2010, 18:03
"Fr Cardona said the company which helped the parish cover part of the costs did not know about the contents of the billboard beforehand." On the other hand I don't see the sponsor tell
FR Cardona to take the sign down either. This company is getting more publicity than their moneys worth. What the church does inside of the church is nobody's business but what it does in a public place is. This happens to be a public place because everybody has access to it. If this billboard has been there without the proper permit, then it's time to go. Companies that sponsor ads are responsible for the contents. Maybe the sponsoring company should pull their ad from the billboard now that they know. How convenient
" Fr Daniel Cardona said the billboard was part of a years-long campaign by the parish in favour of family unity and, therefore, against divorce. Why all of a sudden it appeared now, among this controversy?
R.Borg
Jul 20th 2010, 17:48
Dear Fr.Cardona,
Defending the family is not an inconvenience.
The Electronic Company should not be ashamed.
Going against the current of this new pagan society is everyone's responsability even if it means losing financially but gaining credibility, especially before God and His Church.
We all have to face HIM at the end of our lives.
If our human days are counted, will we go against God's Will, His Commandments, His Gospel?
Where are the values we preach about? Or is this another exercise in hypocrisy?
S.Vella
Jul 20th 2010, 18:10
Dear R. Borg,
How I face "HIM" is none of your or anyone's business. It's my choice - you are are not my god.
Point to ponder: If this god will punish YOU for my choices, then frankly he's not worth following.
Robert Attard
Jul 20th 2010, 18:16
There is still to ascertain whether it is the will of God we are going against
.... could it be the will of men still clinging to medieval concepts?
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 17:46
Well, I can say that whatever the Archpriest says, that shop, which I have patronised before,won't be getting a cent of my cash.
A. Zahra
Jul 20th 2010, 18:09
So you aprove of boycotts after all. Since when?
simon amato
Jul 20th 2010, 18:15
agree with you jeremy 100%
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 18:32
A Zahra Never recall saying I didnt believe in boycotts. There are a number of establishments I have decided not to help finance for various reasons.
In this case I shall not help finance a campaign I do not believe in. Very simple really.
S.Zammit
Jul 20th 2010, 18:45
Skuzawni biex nghidilkhom imma vera iskhom tfal zghar. Ghandkhom kull dritt ghal-opinjoni taghkhom imma biex tghid sur. Camillieri ''be getting a cent of my cash'' imhabba bicca billboard ma taghmilx sens. Hemm hafna affarijiet li jien ma naqbilx maghhom allura l-isponsors ta' dawn l-affarijiet ma nibqax nixtri minn ghandhom??
K.Anastasi
Jul 20th 2010, 19:10
Me too
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jul 20th 2010, 20:05
S Zammit..x taghmel int u kif izzomm mal principji tieghek affarik...
dwar tfal zghar, qas ha nindenja ruhi nwiegeb...ghax niddejjaq naqa fil livell ta haddiehor.
Miguel Micallef
Jul 20th 2010, 17:44
Not knowing was never a good excuse. The shop should have checked that what it was sponsoring was something that is morally OK, not an out of this world (literally), logic-defying, intelligence-insulting statement such as this one.
Well, they both get what they deserve - the church and the shop.
I take the opportunity to congratulate the church on its downward spiral. We were all waiting for it.
simon amato
Jul 20th 2010, 17:44
i wish to put a question......so if a company sponsor a billboard in favour of divorce,the curia will order a boycott to that company? and now to the Zebbug parish priest...IDDAHHAQNIEX PLS!!
Stephen Baldacchino
Jul 20th 2010, 17:43
This billboard says.......God doesn't want divorce.....but I think it should say ........God doesn't want priests to sexually abuse children.......or I'm wrong ??????
Steve Zammit
Jul 20th 2010, 18:36
The issue here is about divorce and NOT the priest-abuse issues. Stop trying to ridicule the Church Mr.Baldacchino. You should know that everyone makes mistakes and the Church has taken action against some of its priests regarding the abuse.
Keep to the topic please-Divorce
Stephen Baldacchino
Jul 20th 2010, 23:31
The topic is Divorce.......so what .....but what the people do the church bounces and tries to play like she never does anything wrong but when she does ooooooo......we ask forgiveness because god tells us to forgive. Divorce is nothing wrong if a married couple doesn't find happiness, and just the same people are getting separated and living with other partners so whats the difference with divorce introduced???? under stand what I'm saying before answering pls.
Joseph Attard
Jul 21st 2010, 08:50
Ok I agree that the topic is not about priest abusing from choldren... but i believe that first you have to be PURE to judge others!!!! If someone's marrage has went wrong, and it's not his fault, should he remain alone for his whole life?? Why he could not love someone else?? You'll say that God is love... and you're deniying some minor people in society to practice their love to someone.... Get Alive!!!!
Joe Grima (Malta)
Jul 21st 2010, 09:09
Steve Zammit. We are discussing the same church, teh one that is vehemently agianst divorce and at the same time, one that harbours thousands of pedophile priests who havie ruined the lives of hundreds of thousands throughoutt an entire world. What's good for the goose is good for the gander
Stephen Baldacchino
Jul 22nd 2010, 00:42
thank you Joseph & Joe for at lest you understanding my point. and to the rest........from the sky under every one is subject for mistakes only God is perfect.....including priest....like the Maltese saying says........Everyone has some thing to smell under his arms :-)))
Silvan Cutajar
Jul 20th 2010, 17:39
It seems the parish priest got an unpleasant call from the shop! Anyways, the parish of zebbug has no direct line with God. I hear of many priests who debate the theology and some argue that divorce is theologically permitted in some cases. Most other religions, with the same God, allow religious forms of divorce. Talaq in Islam and Get in Judaism. Thus this parish should not have made such a sweeping statement. It could have perhaps instead said "When civil divorce is introduced, catholic believers are encouraged to not consider it." That would be a much more acceptable statement.
D Vella
Jul 20th 2010, 17:29
No business should involve itself in matters of politics and church,in this case it involved itself twice over. Personally I would not support this business ever.
As for the priest and his hare brained idea's,perhaps he would do well to resign his parish.It's either God or Mammon,not both. The days of the Catholic Church as a force is diminishing and rightly so. Let those who believe carry on believing but as for the rest of us,leave us as masters of our own destinies. The separation of Church and State is long overdue. This latest twerpy idea is bit another example.
martin saliba
Jul 20th 2010, 17:28
I would still not buy from this shop unless the owner is in favour of divorce and publicliy declares it. Why should i believe the priest when he says that the owner of the shop didn't know about the advert ?
Alfred Cassar
Jul 20th 2010, 19:36
Martin, I think your argument is ridiculous. For example if a shop owner is Labourite and I am a Nationalist, should I boycott him? OR if a shop owner is a hunter and I'm against hunting, should I boycott him as well.
Let's grow up and be reasonable. I don't see why those people in favour of divorce should boycott this company. I am in favour of divorce (if introduced in a fair way) but still I won't boycott this company.
John Micallef
Jul 20th 2010, 17:27
Ara fuq il-billbords tal-partiti ma tarax issem l-isponsor.
Min jaf ghalfejn u kif jithallsu hux???
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 17:26
I don't think that there is any reason to be regretful, Fr Cordina. The sponsors KNOW that if they sponsor a church's billboard, the Church is DUTY BOUND to use it to spread God's Word. Many commentators seemed 'disturbed' that you used the billboard, bearing the sponsor's name, for showing God's views on divorce. If the sponsors wanted the billboard to advertise real estate, cruise trips, or car sales, they would have given the sponsorship to someone else.
Obviously, many of the bloggers who criticized your using the sponsor's billboard, were actually hurt by the truth portrayed on it!
So please, Fr, don't feel any regret for doing your duty, and doing it well.
martin saliba
Jul 20th 2010, 18:21
How can he assume that the sponser is against divorce or that he gave his sponsorship because he believes in the church ? as far as we all know it was just a normal buisness deal which unfortunaltley went wrong because of the assumpions of others. Allthough i am in favour of divorce i scincierly hope that this person dissassociates himself from this billboard so that his biusness will go on as normal.
Joe Grima Brussels
Jul 20th 2010, 18:59
Martin,
I believe I was quite clear in my argument! If someone sponsors a billboard to be used by the Church, he is authorizing her to put HER teachings on the billboard. Unless it was agreed beforehand that no church beliefs should be used! It's plain logic! If I sponsor a board for, say, Birdlife, there is no need to tell them not to put anything in favour of hunting, do I?
What does the sponsor expect the church to put on the board, that Jesus gave in to the Pharisees' demands?
martin saliba
Jul 20th 2010, 20:59
Mr. Grima. The priest knows that there are many good practising catholics that are in favour of divorce. The mistake was that it was assumed that this shop owner is against. Why dosnt this priest put up a billboard against the half truths , or lies , that the people are being and have been , fed by our polititians which in turn splits our island with hatred for each other come election time ? That would be a service to the people and the church and i am sure it would also please your god.
Joe Grima (Malta)
Jul 21st 2010, 09:00
What you are suggesting is that sponsors shoudl keep away from givign money to the Church because the Church has a right to use that sposnorsp any way it wants even without consulting the donor. What absolute arrogance, sympomatic of the Church itself. I hope that Malta's generous sponsors will heed your words and will starve your cash-strapped church out of sponsorship funds as of right now.
David Aquilina
Jul 22nd 2010, 11:46
@Martin Saliba, if a person is a good practising Catholic then s/he should be against divorce. If you're a follower of the Church then you should abide by the Church's rules, although you might not agree with them. The Church's teachings (which essentially should be Jesus' teachings) focus on the Sacraments, one of which is marriage, and as others have said, we cannot undo what God has tied. If you're up for divorce it means you don't believe that marriage should be a lifelong bond as it should be, in which case you would not be a practising Catholic. To illustrate with a parallel situation, if you play football, you might say "oh there's nothing wrong in catching the ball with my hand if I don't get it with my foot" - but the rules in football say that you cannot do that - so although you might not agree with that, it's what you have to do, otherwise you're out of the game!
joe muscat
Jul 20th 2010, 17:17
Allura sur arcipriet ALLA hekk irid ? taqbad u tikteb minghajr ma tinforma lil min qieghed jaghtik sponsor .
Darren Galea
Jul 20th 2010, 17:11
Anyone who thinks he/she knows what god wants, if such an entity exists, is either a lair or severely deluded.
Katherine Azzopardi
Jul 20th 2010, 17:08
billboard tal-misthija! Arroganza tal-ftit li jahsbu li huma l-unici li ghandhom id-dritt jitkellmu f'isem Alla!.
jgalea
Jul 20th 2010, 17:57
lets make a rferendum to see KEMM huma il ftit
Joseph Abdilla
Jul 20th 2010, 22:36
arroganza tal-ftit li jridu jkissru lill-pajjizna u lill-familji taghna. Ma jkun qatt li Malta tigi f'idejn il-minoranza mahmuga li ghandna.
Carmel Garcia
Jul 21st 2010, 08:20
Tal-Misthija ghax il-knisja taghllem li iz-zwieg huwa sagrament? Tal-Misthija ghax Sidna Gesu' Kristu qal li dak li jghaqqad Alla m'ghandux jifirdu l-Bniedem? Jew tal-misthija ghax fuq kull haga ta' xejn nisseparaw jew niddivorzjaw? Jekk inti ms Azzopardi ghandek dritt tikkritika jew li tkun favur id-divorzju il-ftit li semmejt inti u li naf fi zgur li huma hafna u mhux ftit iridu l-ghaqda tal-familja u ghnadhom kull dritt bhal ma ghandek inti li jesprimu ruhhom jew ma jaqblux mieghek.
tony abela
Jul 20th 2010, 17:04
Very strange! It looks that the Parish Priest is more worried about losing a sponsor than a parishioner.
L Zammit
Jul 20th 2010, 17:04
seems this divorce debate will regale us with a good number of hilarious incidents at a tangent...
we'll wait and see...
L Zammit
Jul 20th 2010, 17:00
good one...
sponsor the messenger but not the message...