Dr. Joseph Karikkassery Appointed as the Bishop of Kottapuram 18 December 2010, Kochi, Kerala, India: Pope Benedict XVI appointed Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Karikkassery Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Verapoly, the bishop of Kottapuram diocese of Latin Rite, Kerala, India. The Papal decree was made public in the Verapoly Metropolitan Latin Archbishop’s House Kochi on 18th December 2010 at 4.30pm by the Most Rev. Dr. Francis Kallarakal the Metropolitan Archbishop of VerapolyBefore specially invited delegates and presbyteral as well as pastoral council members of the Archdiocese. Simultaneously the declaration was also made in the Kottapuram Bishop’s House at Kodungalloor in Trichur district of Kerala by Rev. Dr. Nixon Kattassery the chancellor of the diocese. His Excellency, Rt. Rev. Joseph Karikkassery hails from Karthedom, one of the largest parishes in the island of Vypin. He was born on 13th February 1946. On May 31st, 1960 he joined the minor seminary at Ernakulam. Later, having completed the philosophical studies of three years at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Aluva, he started theological studies at Mangalapuzha Pontifical Seminary that lasted another four years. On December 19, 1973 he was ordained priest by the then Archbishop of Verapoly Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Kelanthara. He served as assistant parish priest at Kottapuram St. Micheal’s Church for three years and as vicar at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Elamkulam for five years. Then he was appointed Director of the Holy Angel Institute, Kalamassery. These five years he lived in the orphanage attached to it, with the orphans there. Later, he rendered meritorious service as parish priest at Perumanoor, Palarivattom, Chathiyath, Cheranellor and Kuttikattukara. These are some of the largest and important parishes in the Archdiocese. He has also served as the Vice Rector of St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, where he completed his philosophical studies. In March 2002 he was made the Rector of the Minor Seminary Kalamassery. On February 1, 2006 he was made the Vicar General of Archdiocese of Verapoly. He was nominated Auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of Verapoly and titular bishop of Buxentum (Capo Della Foresta) by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on November 25th, 2006. The Episcopal ordination took place at the National Shrine – Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam on December 28, 2006. The chief celebrant of the Episcopal ordination was Archbishop Dr. Daniel Acharuparambil. He assumed the office of the Archdiocesan Administrator on October 26, 2009 at the unexpected demise of Archbishop Dr. Daniel Acharuparambil and served in this capacity till April 10, 2010 on which date Most Rev. Dr. Francis Kallarakal, the then Bishop of Kottapuram, was installed as Archbishop of Verapoly. Bishop Karikkassery is the Vice Chairman of KCBC’s Laity and Labour Commissions. He also serves as Chairman of KRLCBC’s Laity Commission.

A Pakistani woman sentenced to death for allegedly blaspheming Mohammed has been released from prison following  an international outcry that included a specific plea on her behalf from the Pope. Asia Bibi was pardoned by the president of Pakistan, the group International Christian Concern reported. Bibi, 45, was charged a year ago for blaspheming Mohammed in a conflict with fellow farm workers. She was sentenced to death earlier this month. At the conclusion of last Wednesday’s general audience, Benedict XVI appealed for her freedom.

He mentioned the plight of Pakistani Christians in general, who along with Hindus make up only a 5% minority in the Muslim country.  “In these days, the international community is following with great concern the difficult situation of Christians in Pakistan, who are often victims of violence and discrimination,” the Holy Father said.   Then he mentioned Bibi specifically: “Today I particularly express my spiritual closeness to Mrs. Asia Bibi and her family, asking that she be given full liberty as soon as possible. As well, I pray for those who find themselves in similar situations, so that their human dignity and fundamental rights be fully respected.”

Human rights groups have long decried Pakistan’s blasphemy laws as a means by which people take advantage of religious minorities. It is reported that Bibi is now in hiding out of fear for her safety. There are precedents of those accused of blasphemy in Pakistan being killed by vigilantes.

CFS

Pope Benedict has issued the post-synodal apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini [The Word of the Lord], the most important Church document devoted to Sacred Scripture since the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum), which was promulgated in 1965.

The publication of Verbum Domini follows the twelfth ordinary general assembly of the Synod Of Bishops, which took place in 2008 and was devoted to “The Word of God in the Life and the Mission of the Church.”

The document, though released on November 11, is dated September 30, the memorial of St. Jerome. The full text was made public in Latin, Italian, English, French., Spanish, German, Portuguese and Polish.

Verbum Domini is divided into three major sections. The first section, entitled Verbum Dei, explains “the Trinitarian dimension of revelation,” in which “God the Father, source and origin of the Word,” reveals Himself to mankind. This revelation is completed in Christ, and the first chapter explores the relationship between the Eucharist and revelation. The Pope goes on to explore man’s response to God’s revelation, appropriately through prayer. Next the Pontiff writes about the interpretation of Scripture, the role of Church authority in guiding that interpretation, and the need to avoid the twin dangers of fundamentalist or secularist approaches.

The second section, Verbum in Ecclesia, explains how the Word of God remains alive and active in the ministry of the Church. This section points out the heavy reliance on Scripture in the Eucharistic liturgy and the importance of regular Bible reading. The Pope notes that Christians and Jews are bound together in part because of their shared devotion to the use of the Scriptures in worship.

The third section, Verbum Mundo, reminds readers of “the duty of Christians to announce the Word of God in the world in which they live and work.” Pope Benedict writes on the universal mission of the Church to spread the Word of God, and the importance of bringing Gospel principles into the secular world.

Verbum Domini joins Dei Verbum and three papal encyclicals– Pope Leo XIII’s Providentissimus Deus (1893), Pope Benedict XV’s Spiritus Paraclitus (1920), and Venerable Pius XII’s Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943)– as a milestone in the development of Catholic teaching on Sacred Scripture, which is summarized in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (nos. 101-141).

Summary

Objective: “In this way I wish to point out certain fundamental approaches to a rediscovery of God’s word in the life of the Church as a wellspring of constant renewal. At the same time I express my hope that the word will be ever more fully at the heart of every ecclesial activity” (No. 1).

Religion of the Word: “The Christian faith is not a ‘religion of the book’: Christianity is the ‘religion of the word of God,’ not of a ‘written and mute word, but of the incarnate and living Word’” (No. 7).

Tradition: “The living Tradition is essential for enabling the Church to grow through time in the understanding of the truth revealed in the Scriptures” (No. 17).

Inspiration and truth: “Sacred Scripture is the word of God set down in writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In this way one recognizes the full importance of the human author who wrote the inspired texts and, at the same time, God himself as the true author” (No. 19).

God hears us: “Thus it is decisive, from the pastoral standpoint, to present the word of God in its capacity to enter into dialogue with the everyday problems which people face. [...] The Church’s pastoral activity needs to bring out clearly how God listens to our need and our plea for help” (No. 23).

Exegesis: “In their work of interpretation, Catholic exegetes must never forget that what they are interpreting is the word of God. Their common task is not finished when they have simply determined sources, defined forms or explained literary procedures. They arrive at the true goal of their work only when they have explained the meaning of the biblical text as God’s word for today” (No. 33).

Jews and Scripture: “I wish to state once more how much the Church values her dialogue with the Jews. Wherever it seems appropriate, it would be good to create opportunities for encounter and exchange in public as well as in private, and thus to promote growth in reciprocal knowledge, in mutual esteem and cooperation, also in the study of the sacred Scriptures” (No. 43).

Ecumenism: “Conscious that the Church has her foundation in Christ, the incarnate Word of God, the Synod wished to emphasize the centrality of biblical studies within ecumenical dialogue aimed at the full expression of the unity of all believers in Christ” (No. 46).

Bible translations and ecumenism: “Promoting common translations of the Bible is part of the ecumenical enterprise. I would like to thank all those engaged in this important work, and I encourage them to persevere in their efforts” (No. 46).

Sacred liturgy: “I encourage the Church’s pastors and all engaged in pastoral work to see that all the faithful learn to savor the deep meaning of the word of God which unfolds each year in the liturgy, revealing the fundamental mysteries of our faith” (No. 52).

The homily: “The homily is part of the liturgical action and is meant to foster a deeper understanding of the word of God, so that it can bear fruit in the lives of the faithful. [...] For this reason preachers need to be in close and constant contact with the sacred text; they should prepare for the homily by meditation and prayer, so as to preach with conviction and passion” (No. 59).

Celebrations of the Word of God: “The synod fathers encouraged all pastors to promote times devoted to the celebration of the word in the communities entrusted to their care. These celebrations are privileged occasions for an encounter with the Lord. This practice will certainly benefit the faithful, and should be considered an important element of liturgical formation” (No. 65).

Acoustics: “Concern should be shown for church acoustics, with due respect for liturgical and architectural norms” (No. 68).

Liturgical song: “As part of the enhancement of the word of God in the liturgy, attention should also be paid to the use of song at the times called for by the particular rite. Preference should be given to songs which are of clear biblical inspiration and which express, through the harmony of music and words, the beauty of God’s word. We would do well to make the most of those songs handed down to us by the Church’s tradition which respect this criterion. I think in particular of the importance of Gregorian chant” (No. 70).

Biblical apostolate: “The synod called for a particular pastoral commitment to emphasizing the centrality of the word of God in the Church’s life, and recommended a greater ‘biblical apostolate,’ not alongside other forms of pastoral work, but as a means of letting the Bible inspire all pastoral work” (No. 73).

Catechesis: “Catechetical work always entails approaching Scripture in faith and in the Church’s Tradition, so that its words can be perceived as living, just as Christ is alive today wherever two or three are gathered in his name” (No. 74).

Lectio Divina: “The documents produced before and during the Synod mentioned a number of methods for a faith-filled and fruitful approach to sacred Scripture. Yet the greatest attention was paid to lectio divina, which is truly capable of opening up to the faithful the treasures of God’s word, but also of bringing about an encounter with Christ, the living word of God” (No. 87).

Holy Land: “The synod fathers recalled the felicitous phrase which speaks of the Holy Land as ‘the Fifth Gospel.’ How important it is that in those places there be Christian communities, notwithstanding any number of hardships! The Synod of Bishops expressed profound closeness to all those Christians who dwell in the land of Jesus and bear witness to their faith in the Risen One” (No. 89).

Proclamation and the new evangelization: “Many of our brothers and sisters are ‘baptized, but insufficiently evangelized.’ In a number of cases, nations once rich in faith and in vocations are losing their identity under the influence of a secularized culture. The need for a new evangelization, so deeply felt by my venerable Predecessor, must be valiantly reaffirmed, in the certainty that God’s word is effective” (No. 96).

Justice: “God’s word inspires men and women to build relationships based on rectitude and justice, and testifies to the great value in God’s eyes of every effort to create a more just and more liveable world” (No. 100).

Reconciliation and peace: “In the present context it is more necessary than ever to rediscover the word of God as a source of reconciliation and peace, since in that word God is reconciling to himself all things: Christ ‘is our peace,’ the one who breaks down the walls of division” (No. 102).

Creation: “The arrogance of human beings who live ‘as if God did not exist’ leads them to exploit and disfigure nature, failing to see it as the handiwork of the creative Word” (No. 108).

Internet: “In the world of the internet, which enables billions of images to appear on millions of screens throughout the world, the face of Christ needs to be seen and his voice heard, for “ if there is no room for Christ, there is no room for man” (No. 113).

Interreligious dialogue: “The Church considers an essential part of the proclamation of the word to consist in encounter, dialogue and cooperation with all people of good will, particularly with the followers of the different religious traditions of humanity. This is to take place without forms of syncretism and relativism, but along the lines indicated by the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration ‘Nostra Aetate’ and subsequently developed by the magisterium of the Popes” (No. 117).

Churches and Synagogues and other places of worship that bring people together in shared belonging and mutual responsibility. Religious people, coming together to worship,  make better neighbours.

An extensive survey in the US showed that Church goers are more likely to give money to charity, regardless of whether the charity is religious or secular. They are also more likely to do voluntary work for charity, give money to homeless person, give excess change back to a shop assistant/keeper, donate blood, help neighbour with housework, spend time with someone who is depressed, allow another driver to cut in front of them, offer a seat to a stranger, or help someone find a job.

[Robert D. Putnam (Harvard University) and David E. Camdpbell (Notre Dame University), American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, New York: Simon & Scutter, 2010]:

Other Findings:

1. Young people are more opposed to abortion than their parents but more accepting of gay marriage;

2. Even fervently religious Americans believe that people in other faiths can get to heaven;

3. Religious Americans are better neighbors than secular Americans—more generous with their time and treasure, even for secular causes—but the explanation has less to do with faith than with communities of faith.

One of the authors, Robert D. Putnam became famous a decade ago when he coined the phrase “bowling alone”, for our increasingly individualistic, atomistic, self-preoccupied culture.  Things we did together, we now do alone. Our bonds of belonging – what sociologists call “social capital” were growing thin. = Robert D Putnam, Bowling Alone, New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000.

Anti-Christian repression continues in the Kandhamal district of Orissa, eastern India, despite the government’s claims of normalcy, a fact-finding team has revealed.

Although police contingents now guard several villages, Hindu radical groups’ social and economic boycott of Christians persists, the team reports.

The four-member group that visited Kandhamal district on Nov. 5 said lawlessness still prevails in villages with Christians living in fear and insecurity.

The district was the epicenter of unprecedented anti-Christian violence for seven weeks starting Aug. 24, 2008.

In Bodimunda village, the team visited a Protestant pastor who now lives as a Hindu. He said he was forced to become a Hindu to save his ailing mother.

In another village, the team found a pastor who was fined 1,051 rupees (US$24) for hiring a three-wheeler taxi to take a sick Christian to hospital. The taxi driver told the team that they were fined even after complaining to the police.

The team also met a group of distraught Christians in another house. Among them was a man whose two daughters are Catholic nuns. “We are in shock. Those slightly wealthy have moved out and others are left behind,” he said.

The man alleged that the administration and the police collude with the local members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS, national volunteers’ corps), the umbrella body of Hindu extremists.

The team also met a Hindu, who had to pay 5,000-rupee (US$112) fine for carrying housing materials for a Christian working with the Border Security Force.

The soldier’s mother told ucanews.com that his son left the village in disgust after the RSS confiscated the housing materials. “Our life is hell here,” she added.

Source: ucanews.com

Pope-Benedict-XVI

Benedict XVI announced the names of 24 prelates who will be created cardinals, 20 of whom qualify as electors in the case of a conclave for a Papal election.

The Pope made the announcement today at the end of the general audience. The cardinals will be created in a consistory on Nov. 20, the eve of the Solemnity of Christ the King.

This will be the third consistory of Benedict XVI’s pontificate, after two celebrated on March 24, 2006 and Nov. 24, 2007.

In his address, the Holy Father stated that cardinals “have the task of helping Peter’s Successor carry out his mission as permanent and visible source and foundation of the Church’s unity of faith and communion.”

The majority of the new cardinals are European (15), with 10 coming from Italy. In the group, four are from the Americas, another four are from Africa, and one is from Asia.

After this consistory, the total number of cardinals will be 203, of which 121 are electors (less than 80 years old).

The new cardinals who qualify as electors are:

– Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes

– Patriarch Antonios Naguib of Alexandria of the Copts, Egypt

– Archbishop Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum

– Archbishop Francesco Monterisi, archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

– Archbishop Fortunato Baldelli, major penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary

– Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature

– Archbishop Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity

– Archbishop Paolo Sardi, vice chamberlain of Apostolic Chamber

– Archbishop Mauro Piacenza, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy

– Archbishop Velasio De Paolis, president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See

– Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture

– Archbishop Medardo Joseph Mazombwe, retired archbishop of Lusaka, Zambia

– Archbishop Raúl Eduardo Vela Chiriboga, retired archbishop of Quito, Ecuador

– Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

– Archbishop Paolo Romeo of Palermo, Italy

– Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington

– Archbishop Raymundo Damasceno Assis of Aparecida, Brazil

– Archbishop Kazimierz Nycz of Warsaw, Poland

– Archbishop Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don of Colombo, Sri Lanka

– Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising, Germany

As well, the Pontiff elevated to the dignity of cardinal two prelates and two priests, who are over the age of 80 and are thus non-electors, for their “generosity and dedication in the service of the Church.” These include:

– Archbishop José Manuel Estepa Llaurens, retired archbishop of Spain’s military

– Bishop Elio Sgreccia, former president of the Pontifical Academy for Life

– Monsignor Walter Brandmuller, former president of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences

– Monsignor Domenico Bartolucci, former director of the Pontifical Choir(Zenit.org).

Apostolic Nuncio to India

Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, has urged young Catholics to give space to Jesus in their preoccupation with television and computers. “If Jesus were to visit you today would he find faith in Shillong, in India, in the world?” the Pope’s representatives asked some 60,000 young Catholics, many from the northeastern region, who gathered in the Meghalaya capital for a youth convention. The nuncio stressed the importance of prayer and asked the participants to place God before everything else. “How much time do we spend before television sets and computers and how much in prayer and adoration? How much time do we spend talking to friends and to Jesus?” he asked. The nuncio wants young Catholics to offer their family, work and friends to God. “Prayer is effective when it is a relationship with God; persevere in our relationship with God,” he added. He reminded the young that Christ is the “greatest treasure” that they can share with others. Archbishop Pennacchio singled out the youths from northeastern India for special praises. “You are the star of the North East. You are the strength, joy of the North East. Above all you are the dynamic presence of Jesus in the world,” he said amid thunderous claps from the massive crowd that filled city streets, lanes and rooftops. The eighth national convention of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement ended with the launch of a web portal for young people with multimedia and social networking facilities, claiming it to be the first Church site to link its content to cell phones.

‘Swamis and Sex’ stories are sure sellouts today. No matter how overplayed the theme, every author who writes on this topic is sure to find avid readers lapping up his or her story. Former Catholic priest K.P. Shibu

‘Swamis and Sex’ stories are sure sellouts today. No matter how overplayed the theme, every author who writes on this topic is sure to find avid readers lapping up his or her story. Former Catholic priest K.P. Shibufrom Kerala is the latest author all set to fill his coffers from this goldmine by publishing his book “Oru VaidikenteHridayamita” (Here is the Heart of a Priest).Shibu’s story line is familiar – priest is abused, deems other priest-companions guilty of sexual crimes, excuseshimself for not reporting such abuses to the competent authorities, sees himself blameless and above board,and, being unable to live with such sexual perverts leaves the priesthood to tell the whole world nothing but thetruth. Like every other newspaper, the Deccan Chronicle (September 2, 2010) reported the facts as seenfrom the viewpoint of ex-father Shibu. But, there are more complex issues to comprehend and contend with,which must be made public.K.P. Shibu has been a Catholic priest for 11 years. As a legitimately ordained Catholic priest he had taken vows to serve God and God’s people through his priesthood, whichincludes the celebration of sacraments (Sanskrit, sanskara) like performing pooja (known as ‘Eucharist’among Christians), listening to believers’ sins and advising them in the sacrament of reconciliation (formerlycalled ‘confession’). What is sad and shocking is that Shibu is narrating experiences of hearing ‘confessions’from fellow-priests wherein some of them confided in him that they had sexual experiences with women. Onewould imagine that in confessing their sins to ‘Father Shibu’ these priests – or, anyone else for that matter –would expect confidentiality, words of advice, counseling and an absolution so as to live life anew and accordingto the demands of their faith.Shibu also alleges in his book that certain priests and nuns in Kerala suffer from moral turpitude despite theirsolemn vow to renounce carnal pleasures and craving for material possessions. I do not wish to contest thetruth of the matter. But the issue here is, “can a priest who has taken the solemn vow to keep the confessionalmatters as secret ever disclose such very personal and private matters told to him within the sacred sacramentof confession to the public?”. As one familiar with civil law, and with basic knowledge of Church law, I seeShibu’s revelations as a serious breach of the ‘confessional secret’ that every priest is expected to fulfill.By their priestly ordination, priests pledge to keep matters that they hear during the confession as strictlysecret. Before he was ordained a priest, it was mandatory that Fr. Shibu had passed what is popularly calledthe ‘Ad Auds’ examination (from Latin ‘audire’ meaning ‘to listen’) wherein every Catholic priest is trained ‘tolisten’ to those who come for confession. There is a book called ‘Code of Canon Law’ (hereafter CCL) thatyou will find on the bookshelf of every Catholic priest wherein minute dos and don’ts are laid down so that thepropriety of the sacred office of priesthood, as well as the dignity of believers, is maintained. Without enteringinto details, a look at some so-called ‘canons’ (codified laws) will enable one to understand what Shibu hasbreached:Canon no. 969.1 of CCL reads: “Only the local bishop is competent to give to any priests whomsoever thefaculty to hear the confessions of any whomsoever of the faithful (believers).” This is meant to ensure that onlycompetent and well-trained priests hear the confessions of people. Canon 983.1 says: “The sacramental sealof confession is inviolable. Accordingly, it is absolutely wrong for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent,for any reason whatsoever, whether by word or in any other fashion.” Canon 984.1 says: “The confessor iswholly forbidden to use knowledge acquired in confession to the detriment of the penitent.”In view of the above rules, Church history has recorded instances of priests even being murdered for their firmdecision never to disclose the sins of their people heard in confession. Moreover, many other priests who haveleft the priesthood complain about inconsistencies and failings of their companions, but never ever disclosewhat they’ve heard in ‘confession’. As a former ‘Father’ to Catholics, does Shibu not know the basic rules thatgovern the Church and doesn’t he realize the importance of the inviolability of the sacramental seal of confession?Is this not a serious breach of confidentiality even if Shibu has left the priesthood? Believers place their full trustin their priests and a majority of priests genuinely love and care for their people. Sadly, Shibu seems to haveforgotten basic loyalty to his people even though he feels wronged by some among them.No matter what one’s post or one’s profession be, every person is, first and foremost, an Indian citizen. And,every Indian citizen has the duty to be loyal to his or her people and to uphold the promise one makes to them.No citizen has the right to deceive the citizens of this country irrespective of the faith they profess and practise.From a legal point of view, K.P. Shibu has seriously breached the trust that the Christian community hasdeposed in him as a priest. Because of this trust, Shibu has enjoyed the love and respect not only of theCatholic community for many years but also from Indian society, at large. Unfortunately, by his disclosure ofconfessional secrets, Shibu has also violated the people’s fundamental right to live with human dignity. On thesegrounds, he or any such priest can be challenged in a court of law for breach of trust, for defamation and evenfor cheating the people.Apart from the law, although Shibu’s book might become a bestseller on account of its supposedly sensationalsexual content, the likes of Shibu must hang their heads in shame not only in the presence of Christians, but alsobefore the human family at large, that smoothly functions on principles of honour, trust and confidence. Shibuhas made one small mistake of printing only 100 copies of his book. Were I to advise Shibu I’d say: “Father,friend, print 10,000 copies. You’re bound to be a rich, bestselling author, but, someday, sometime, you mayhave to submit an account to the Author of Life.”‘Swamis and Sex’ stories are sure sellouts today. No matter how overplayed the theme, every author whowrites on this topic is sure to find avid readers lapping up his or her story. Former Catholic priest K.P. Shibufrom Kerala is the latest author all set to fill his coffers from this goldmine by publishing his book “Oru VaidikenteHridayamita” (Here is the Heart of a Priest).Shibu’s story line is familiar – priest is abused, deems other priest-companions guilty of sexual crimes, excuseshimself for not reporting such abuses to the competent authorities, sees himself blameless and above board,and, being unable to live with such sexual perverts leaves the priesthood to tell the whole world nothing but thetruth. Like every other newspaper, the Deccan Chronicle (September 2, 2010) reported the facts as seenfrom the viewpoint of ex-father Shibu. But, there are more complex issues to comprehend and contend with,which must be made public.K.P. Shibu has been a Catholic priest for 11 years. As a legitimately ordained Catholic priest he had taken vows to serve God and God’s people through his priesthood, whichincludes the celebration of sacraments (Sanskrit, sanskara) like performing pooja (known as ‘Eucharist’among Christians), listening to believers’ sins and advising them in the sacrament of reconciliation (formerlycalled ‘confession’). What is sad and shocking is that Shibu is narrating experiences of hearing ‘confessions’from fellow-priests wherein some of them confided in him that they had sexual experiences with women. Onewould imagine that in confessing their sins to ‘Father Shibu’ these priests – or, anyone else for that matter –would expect confidentiality, words of advice, counseling and an absolution so as to live life anew and accordingto the demands of their faith.Shibu also alleges in his book that certain priests and nuns in Kerala suffer from moral turpitude despite theirsolemn vow to renounce carnal pleasures and craving for material possessions. I do not wish to contest thetruth of the matter. But the issue here is, “can a priest who has taken the solemn vow to keep the confessionalmatters as secret ever disclose such very personal and private matters told to him within the sacred sacramentof confession to the public?”. As one familiar with civil law, and with basic knowledge of Church law, I seeShibu’s revelations as a serious breach of the ‘confessional secret’ that every priest is expected to fulfill.By their priestly ordination, priests pledge to keep matters that they hear during the confession as strictlysecret. Before he was ordained a priest, it was mandatory that Fr. Shibu had passed what is popularly calledthe ‘Ad Auds’ examination (from Latin ‘audire’ meaning ‘to listen’) wherein every Catholic priest is trained ‘tolisten’ to those who come for confession. There is a book called ‘Code of Canon Law’ (hereafter CCL) thatyou will find on the bookshelf of every Catholic priest wherein minute dos and don’ts are laid down so that thepropriety of the sacred office of priesthood, as well as the dignity of believers, is maintained. Without enteringinto details, a look at some so-called ‘canons’ (codified laws) will enable one to understand what Shibu hasbreached:Canon no. 969.1 of CCL reads: “Only the local bishop is competent to give to any priests whomsoever thefaculty to hear the confessions of any whomsoever of the faithful (believers).” This is meant to ensure that onlycompetent and well-trained priests hear the confessions of people. Canon 983.1 says: “The sacramental sealof confession is inviolable. Accordingly, it is absolutely wrong for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent,for any reason whatsoever, whether by word or in any other fashion.” Canon 984.1 says: “The confessor iswholly forbidden to use knowledge acquired in confession to the detriment of the penitent.”In view of the above rules, Church history has recorded instances of priests even being murdered for their firmdecision never to disclose the sins of their people heard in confession. Moreover, many other priests who haveleft the priesthood complain about inconsistencies and failings of their companions, but never ever disclosewhat they’ve heard in ‘confession’. As a former ‘Father’ to Catholics, does Shibu not know the basic rules thatgovern the Church and doesn’t he realize the importance of the inviolability of the sacramental seal of confession?Is this not a serious breach of confidentiality even if Shibu has left the priesthood? Believers place their full trustin their priests and a majority of priests genuinely love and care for their people. Sadly, Shibu seems to haveforgotten basic loyalty to his people even though he feels wronged by some among them.No matter what one’s post or one’s profession be, every person is, first and foremost, an Indian citizen. And,every Indian citizen has the duty to be loyal to his or her people and to uphold the promise one makes to them.No citizen has the right to deceive the citizens of this country irrespective of the faith they profess and practise.From a legal point of view, K.P. Shibu has seriously breached the trust that the Christian community hasdeposed in him as a priest. Because of this trust, Shibu has enjoyed the love and respect not only of theCatholic community for many years but also from Indian society, at large. Unfortunately, by his disclosure ofconfessional secrets, Shibu has also violated the people’s fundamental right to live with human dignity. On thesegrounds, he or any such priest can be challenged in a court of law for breach of trust, for defamation and evenfor cheating the people.Apart from the law, although Shibu’s book might become a bestseller on account of its supposedly sensationalsexual content, the likes of Shibu must hang their heads in shame not only in the presence of Christians, but alsobefore the human family at large, that smoothly functions on principles of honour, trust and confidence. Shibuhas made one small mistake of printing only 100 copies of his book. Were I to advise Shibu I’d say: “Father,friend, print 10,000 copies. You’re bound to be a rich, bestselling author, but, someday, sometime, you mayhave to submit an account to the Author of Life.”

“By leading a life firmly based on the gospels, youth should be able to liberate the world and renovate the society. The youth, who is the great expectation of the Catholic Church and the catholic community should rise and shine in order to expel the social evils prevailing around us”, said Bp. Jacob Manathodath, the bishop of Diocese of Palghat. He was addressing the participants of the “Youth Parliament” in the concluding ceremony. The program was organized by KCYM Diocese of Palghat on October 1,2,3 at Yuvakshetra Palakkad. Catholic youth who are striving to liberate the world and society through their life based on Christian values are not only the future expectation of the church, they are also the present strength of the church, the Bishop added.

The closing ceremony held at Yuvakshetra was presided by Jinish Kulathinal, President KCYM, Diocese of Palghat. KCYM Diocesean youth director Fr. Anto Thaikkattil, Joint Director Fr. Tom Vadakkekara, Youth Parliament working committee chairman Mr. A. M. Raphael, vice chairman Mr. Francis Kadappara and other diocesan youth leaders addressed the gathering.

More than 200 selected youth from different parishes in the diocese attended the ‘Youth Parliament’ that began on October 1. The Parliament that spanned for three days was notable with the participation of youth and the classes. Experts from the social, cultural, political and spiritual scenario lead the classes and interacted with the youth representatives.

The KCBC Media commission today announced the awards of the drama fest held at POC, Kochi from September 19 to 30, 2010.The award for the   best performance was secured by Pala communications for its drama called “Mathuramee Jeevitham” with “A” grade. The second prize for the popular drama was secured by Ochira drama group for their drama “Ammavalsalyam”. According to the Judges the quality of the dramas selected for competition was high this year and the performance was excellent compared to previous years. There were 35 applicants this year and 12 dramas were selected for competition.

The award for the best script was secured by Cherunniyur Jayaprasad of Thiruvanadapauram Sahidi Theaters. The award for the best direction was secured by Pradeep Roy of Amala communications, Kanjirapally for its drama called “Bhoomiyile Nakshatrangal”. Mr. Alaphy Vivekandan secured the award for the best music direction in “Ammavalsalyam and Amaragatha”, the two dramas respectively. The best actor award was secured by Mr.C.K Venu for the performance in the drama called “Ivide ashokanum jeevichirunnu”. Anitha C. Manikandan secured the best actress award for the performance in “Mathuramee Jeevitham”. The best co-actor award was secured by Athirunkal Subhash for the performance in “Panchankshatram “of Kollam Assisi arts Club. The best co-actress award was secured by Valsa Ravi for the performance in “Bhoomiyilee Nakshatrangal”.

The award ceremony for the winners will be given on November 14, 2010, Sunday.in connection with  on Media day clelbrationc – Fr. Joseph Nicholas, the KCBC media commission secretary told. Shri. N.K Sebastian, Mrs. Sherly Somasundaram and Rev. Dr. Cleetus Kathirparambil were the members of Jury.