A reading from the koran at Christmas Mass

Yep, you guessed it! This man is a priest. His name is don Giusto della Valle.

His parish is San Martino di Rebbio (Como), Italy.

Don della Valle is a lover of the Islamic faith.  Like Francis, della Valle also has a big soft spot for “refugees” whether they come from Africa, the Middle East, or Asia.  Want to practice your heretical faith but don't have a building?  Don Giusto will make an arrangement with you.  Not only does he fast during Ramadan with moslems he also celebrated Eid al-Fitr.  He has even coined a term for doing this and calls himself a “Ramadan Catholic”.  In 2011 he requested the city of Como to, “reopen the mosque”.  He feels he is correct and has said in the past,  

“that Christmas should be a time of meeting between people, between the representatives of different religions in full mutual respect.They can build bridges of dialogue freely between people and religions, using a time that you could use to create peace in our surroundings.”  

After all don Guisto sees an ally in Francis,

“It seems to me that the lines of Pope Francis on integration indicate exactly which path to follow.”

Don Giusto della Valle in 2012 spending the Christmas season with Turkish Moslems.

He is on the left eating from a plate between the women

On the blog for the Parish of St. Martin of Rebbio - Como there is post for Christmas Day titled,
un Buon Natale speciale alla comunità di Rebbio, nel segno del dialogo interreligioso.  Below we translate the introduction to the post and then cover some of what was said.

A special Merry Christmas to the community of Rebbio, under the banner of interreligious dialogue

This morning at the end at the end of the celebration of Christmas Mass of 10am, the parish community of Rebbio upheld the cultural association  Assirat (COMO), Associazione Culturale that takes care of the Lebanese Shiite Muslim community in Italy.

It was, in my opinion, thanks to the work carried out by don Giusto in recent years, a great moment of dialogue with his eyes on the horizon always directed towards peace, very important in this period of religious misunderstandings. (Ed. opinion of Marco Ponte)

Nour Fayed reading from the koran from the pulpit.

Nour Fayad read this:

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
When the angels said: "O Mary, Allah gives you good tidings of a Word from Him: his name is the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the hereafter, and one of the closest.
Holy Quran 3-45

Abdul Aziz giving a speech from the pulpit.

Nour Fayad was followed by Abdul Aziz who gave a speech. Excerpts below:

[...]This year the date of his birth coincides with that of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

In recent times all conflicts in the world have brought division and mistrust between peoples and religions. But God willed that these holy days coincided to make it a symbol of closeness and brotherhood and to indicate to us that there is no distance or difference in the way to God.

I come from Lebanon ... the land of the cedars, the village of Cana, where Jesus did the first miracle, where there have been miraculous transformations, and we hope for a prominent appearance of the Messiah to this world to transform the whole 'hatred into love and enmity in brotherhood,

I am honored to be with you, as a Muslim, in this church to homage on the occasion of this holy celebration, because we are brothers in creation.

[...]And as God Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an: "Take hold together to the rope of Allah and be not divided among yourselves ...". (Qur'an 3-103)

We cling to the rope of God and from there proclaim our message that there is no compulsion in religion and that religion of God on earth is love, coexistence and peace.

Who says he has no other religion.

Accepting our presence between you, your party, it's a sign that, God willing, we all cling to His rope, and we set off together on His straight path.

Thank you, don Giusto for over three years ago he opens the doors of this parish to celebrate the events and cultural rituals of our faith and for giving me a chance to be here to bring our message...

source for the words spoken by Nour Fayed & Abdul Aziz: un Buon Natale speciale alla comunità di Rebbio, nel segno del dialogo interreligioso

So is don della Valle correct in saying he believes he is following Francis on the path he set?  We at Call Me Jorge... would have to say yes.  In Francis’ apostolic letter, Misericordiae Vultus, in section 23 one reads:

23. There is an aspect of mercy that goes beyond the confines of the Church. It relates us to Judaism and Islam, both of which consider mercy to be one of God’s most important attributes. Israel was the first to receive this revelation which continues in history as the source of an inexhaustible  richness meant to be shared with all mankind. As we have seen, the pages of the Old Testament are steeped in mercy, because they narrate the works that the Lord performed in favour of his people at the most trying moments of their history. Among the privileged names that Islam attributes to the Creator are “Merciful and Kind”. This invocation is often on the lips of faithful Muslims who feel themselves accompanied and sustained by mercy in their daily weakness. They too believe that no one can place a limit on divine mercy because its doors are always open. 

I trust that this Jubilee year celebrating the mercy of God will foster an encounter with these religions and with other noble religious traditions; may it open us to even more fervent dialogue so that we might know and understand one another better; may it eliminate every form of closed-mindedness and disrespect, and drive out every form of violence and discrimination.

Happy whatever don Guisto & his “Ramadan Catholics” call it!

Francis continues his revolutionary pontificate...

...spiritual hugs & kisses for all

Francis asks Patriarch Bartholomew I to bless him 

and “the Church of Rome”

"Brothers in Hope"

The hermeneutic of continuity, praying towards Mecca...

Francis 

Benedict XVI 

Don't forget, Francis believes he prays to the same 

Allah as the Moslems do!

• An apostate says what

What's the prescription for dearth of Catholics in Turkey?

...more dialogue!

In his first address the Pope said Turkey was 'precious to every Christian' because of its history

Below: the English translation of the Pope’s first address in Turkey given at the presidential palace. (Credit: National Catholic Register.)
—
Mr President
Mr Prime Minister,
Distinguished Authorities,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to visit your country so rich in natural beauty and history, and filled with vestiges of ancient civilisations. It is a natural bridge between two continents and diverse cultures. This land is precious to every Christian for being the birthplace of St Paul, who founded various Christian communities here, and for hosting the first seven Councils of the Church. It is also renowned for the site near Ephesus which a venerable tradition holds to be the “Home of Mary”, the place where the Mother of Jesus lived for some years. It is now a place of devotion for innumerable pilgrims from all over the world, not only for Christians, but also for Muslims.

Yet, the reasons why Turkey is held with such regard and appreciation are not only linked to its past and ancient monuments, but also have to do with the vitality of its present, the hard work and generosity of its people, and its role in the concert of nations.

It brings me great joy to have this opportunity to pursue with you a dialogue of friendship, esteem and respect, in the footsteps of my predecessors Blessed Paul VI, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI. This dialogue was prepared for and supported by the work of the then Apostolic Delegate, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who went on to become Saint John XXIII, and by the Second Vatican Council.

Today what is needed is a dialogue which can deepen the understanding and appreciation of the many things which we hold in common. Such a dialogue will allow us to reflect sensibly and serenely on our differences, and to learn from them.

There is a need to move forward patiently in the task of building a lasting peace, one founded on respect for the fundamental rights and duties rooted in the dignity of each person. In this way, we can overcome prejudices and unwarranted fears, leaving room for respect, encounter, and the release of more positive energies for the good of all.

To this end, it is essential that all citizens – Muslim, Jewish and Christian – both in the provision and practice of the law, enjoy the same rights and respect the same duties. They will then find it easier to see each other as brothers and sisters who are travelling the same path, seeking always to reject misunderstandings while promoting cooperation and concord. Freedom of religion and freedom of expression, when truly guaranteed to each person, will help friendship to flourish and thus become an eloquent sign of peace.

The Middle East, Europe and the world all await this maturing of friendship. The Middle East, in particular, has for too long been a theatre of fratricidal wars, one born of the other, as if the only possible response to war and violence must be new wars and further acts of violence.

How much longer must the Middle East suffer the consequences of this lack of peace? We must not resign ourselves to ongoing conflicts as if the situation can never change for the better! With the help of God, we can and we must renew the courage of peace! Such courage will lead to a just, patient and determined use of all available means of negotiation, and in this way achieve the concrete goals of peace and sustainable development.

Mr President, interreligious and intercultural dialogue can make an important contribution to attaining this lofty and urgent goal, so that there will be an end to all forms of fundamentalism and terrorism which gravely demean the dignity of every man and woman and exploit religion.

Fanaticism and fundamentalism, as well as irrational fears which foster misunderstanding and discrimination, need to be countered by the solidarity of all believers. This solidarity must rest on the following pillars: respect for human life and for religious freedom, that is the freedom to worship and to live according to the moral teachings of one’s religion; commitment to ensuring what each person requires for a dignified life; and care for the natural environment. The peoples and the states of the Middle East stand in urgent need of such solidarity, so that they can “reverse the trend” and successfully advance a peace process, repudiating war and violence and pursuing dialogue, the rule of law, and justice.

Sadly, to date, we are still witnessing grave conflicts. In Syria and Iraq, particularly, terrorist violence shows no signs of abating. Prisoners and entire ethnic populations are experiencing the violation of the most basic humanitarian laws. Grave persecutions have taken place in the past and still continue today to the detriment of minorities, especially – though not only – Christians and Yazidis. Hundreds of thousands of persons have been forced to abandon their homes and countries in order to survive and remain faithful to their religious beliefs.

Turkey, which has generously welcomed a great number of refugees, is directly affected by this tragic situation on its borders; the international community has the moral obligation to assist Turkey in taking care of these refugees. In addition to providing much needed assistance and humanitarian aid, we cannot remain indifferent to the causes of these tragedies. In reaffirming that it is licit, while always respecting international law, to stop an unjust aggressor, I wish to reiterate, moreover, that the problem cannot be resolved solely through a military response.

What is required is a concerted commitment on the part of all, based on mutual trust, which can pave the way to lasting peace, and enable resources to be directed, not to weaponry, but to the other noble battles worthy of man: the fight against hunger and sickness, the promotion of sustainable development and the protection of creation, and the relief of the many forms of poverty and marginalization of which there is no shortage in the world today.

Turkey, by virtue of its history, geographical position and regional influence, has a great responsibility: the choices which Turkey makes and its example are especially significant and can be of considerable help in promoting an encounter of civilizations and in identifying viable paths of peace and authentic progress.

May the Most High bless and protect Turkey, and help the nation to be a strong and fervent peacemaker!

full video of visit to Atatürk Mausoleum & speech

Francis is going to a mosque!

During his trip to Turkey at the end of November, Francis will:

• visit the tomb of Kemal Atatürk, the freemasonic founder of the modern day state of Turkey

• meet with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu

• visit the Blue Mosque, as has his predecessor Benedict XVI

• preside over a Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

• attend an ecumenical prayer service with Patriarch Bartholomew I

• celebrate the feast of Saint Andrew at the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

This trip to Turkey has many similarities to the trip which took place earlier in the year to Israel. 

What a way to kick off the season of Advent!

Catholics must atone!

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis at his induction and predecessor Lord Sacks

Catholics must atone for their anti-Semitism

Hatred of the Jews has never gone away, and we must do everything to resist its return

By FR ALEXANDER LUCIE-SMITH on Friday, 29 August 2014

I am not Jewish, but when the Chief Rabbi speaks, I listen.

The former Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, had some cogent things to say about, for example, gay marriage: his statement on the subject was the best I read, and left me wishing I had said that myself. He was a consistent and convincing exponent of the value of marriage and family life for the well-being of society, something that everyone, Jew and Gentile, should appreciate. Moreover, Lord Sacks spoke eloquently about the plight of the Christians in the Middle East, a subject on which others have elected to keep silent.

Now his successor, Chief Rabbi Mirvis, has spoken about the rise of anti-Semitism, and this too commands our attention.  His reasoned and reasonable approach to the question makes points that no one can seriously disagree with; but herein lies the problem. Anti-Semitism has never been a reasoned creed; it is in fact a psychosis, which contradicts and rejects all reasoned approaches. The anti-Semite is never interested in evidence, but only interested in wild and unfounded conspiracy theories.

One interesting (if that is the word) sign of this is how anti-Semitism is often to be found in countries were there are few Jews, and among people who have never known a Jew. I myself was once handed anti-Semitic literature outside a mosque in Turkey, which has a small Jewish population of roughly 17,000 . We have recently been told that the world’s most anti-Semitic country is Greece, which has an estimated Jewish population of 4,500, and which, sadly, was the locus of one of the worst episodes in the Holocaust, the wholesale extermination of the Jewish population of Thessalonica.

Why should this interest readers of The Catholic Herald?

First of all, when Chief Rabbi Mirvis speaks of the Jews as canaries down the mineshaft, he is correct. If we sit back and let the anti-Semites set the agenda then we legitimise the worst type of national discourse, and we legitimise, tacitly, the demonisation of other minorities, such as ourselves. It is worth remembering the famous poem by Pastor Niemoller, because it is as relevant now as when it was first written:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

We Catholics often complain about the way we are misrepresented, and others complain that we complain. But we can hardly claim misrepresentation for ourselves and ignore the way the Jews are being treated by certain elements. If we are against lies, then we have to be against the lies told about everyone. We cannot be selective. We have to stand up for truth. Truth is not bound by space and time.

Given that Catholics have suffered persecution in Britain, this should make us particularly sympathetic to other religious groups who might be suffering in the same way.

There is another reason too. Historically, there have been Catholic anti-Semites. We need to repent for this, and we have done so, not least through the words of St John Paul II.  We must be clear that this is one Catholic tradition that we do not hold to, and we need to remember that the Church evaluates traditions critically: only good traditions are normative. Moreover, even today, there are Catholic anti-Semites, and we need to tell these fellow Catholics of ours that their anti-Semitism is not rational, but rather deeply sinful. Hatred is never good.

Who are the Catholic anti-Semites? Here we must tread with caution. Some of them are people who, for whatever reason, are tempted to give way to irrational explanations for the way the world is, as a way of holding reality at bay. These will often be the same people who have ideas about the Freemasons, the Bilderburg group, the CIA, and so on. They do not have hostility to Jews as such (they don’t know any) but they have a hostility to the world, and seek some grand unifying theory to explain their sense of alienation from the world. They are not bad people as such (though their views are bad and can do great damage) but they are deluded and do need help.

Moreover, there are some splinter groups, some of which are in a dubious canonical position, which seem to be wedded to anti-Semitism. The Church needs to treat these splinter groups with the very greatest of caution. It is always difficult to name names, because to accuse someone of anti-Semitism is a serious matter, but the actor Mel Gibson has been recorded as making anti-Semitic statements, and is often identified as a Catholic, though his canonical status looks questionable to me, to say the least. Mr Gibson, who has distanced himself from his remarks, strikes me as an exponent of a tendency on the fringes of Catholicism that must be strongly discouraged. Again, we can ask legitimately why the Society of St Pius X provided a funeral for the notorious war criminal Erich Priebke?

All this raises the question what the institutional Church can do about people who call themselves Catholic but over whom the bishops have no authority. I suppose the only answer is that we must make clear our abhorrence of anti-Semitism in all its forms and anything that seems to smell of anti-Semitism. We must drown out lies with the water of truth. And we must be extremely careful in our own utterances, to make sure that we do not give way to this irrational psychosis.