Friday, November 16, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Pope to Visit Ground Zero and Celebrate Mass at Yankee Stadium
By Sewell Chan
Benedict XVI’s visit to the United States in April will be his first as pope. (Photo: Alessia Giuliani/AFP/Getty Images)
Updated, 2:12 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI will make his first visit to the United States as pontiff over six days in April, and he plans to visit ground zero, address the United Nations and celebrate Masses at National Stadium in Washington and St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Yankee Stadium in New York, officials at the Vatican and the Archdiocese of New York announced today.
The papal visit will be only the fourth in New York City’s history. Pope Paul VI visited in October 1965, during the first-ever papal visit to the United States. Pope John Paul II visited New York in October 1979 and October 1995.
Citing remarks by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Associated Press reported that Pope Benedict will travel to Washington and New York.
The pope will be in Washington from April 15 to 17 and in New York from April 18 to 20. He is to attend a reception at the White House on April 16 and celebrate Mass at the new National Stadium in Washington on April 17. On April 18, he is to address the United Nations and participate in an Ecumenical Service at a New York parish. On April 19, he will celebrate a morning Mass with priests, deacons and members of religious orders at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by a visit to Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, where the pope will participate in an event with youth and young people.
On April 20, the final day of his visit, Pope Benedict is to visit Ground Zero and celebrate a Mass in Yankee Stadium. He is scheduled to return to Rome that evening.
Cardinal Edward M. Egan, the archbishop of New York, said in a statement:
When our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, told me last July that he would be visiting New York this coming April, I was delighted with the news and shared it with the People of God of the Archdiocese of New York and the entire community of Greater New York. The response of all was both rejoicing and thanksgiving to the Lord for the great grace of the presence of the Successor of Saint Peter in our midst. I have assured the Holy Father of a warm and prayerful welcome. We all look forward to his visit with pleasure and anticipation.
As City Room reported in July, this will Pope Benedict’s first visit to New York since he was elected in 2005, but not his first visit to New York City. In January 1988, when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany and the Roman Catholic Church’s top theologian, he attended a theological conference in Manhattan. During that visit, several rabbis refused to attend a meeting with Cardinal Ratzinger because he had maintained that Judaism finds its fulfillment in Christianity. Gay demonstrators, angered by the cleric’s contention that homosexuality is a “moral disorder,” heckled him.
Many New Yorkers have memories of the papal visits of 1965, 1979 and 1995, which were major events in the life of the city.
Benedict XVI’s visit to the United States in April will be his first as pope. (Photo: Alessia Giuliani/AFP/Getty Images)
Updated, 2:12 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI will make his first visit to the United States as pontiff over six days in April, and he plans to visit ground zero, address the United Nations and celebrate Masses at National Stadium in Washington and St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Yankee Stadium in New York, officials at the Vatican and the Archdiocese of New York announced today.
The papal visit will be only the fourth in New York City’s history. Pope Paul VI visited in October 1965, during the first-ever papal visit to the United States. Pope John Paul II visited New York in October 1979 and October 1995.
Citing remarks by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Associated Press reported that Pope Benedict will travel to Washington and New York.
The pope will be in Washington from April 15 to 17 and in New York from April 18 to 20. He is to attend a reception at the White House on April 16 and celebrate Mass at the new National Stadium in Washington on April 17. On April 18, he is to address the United Nations and participate in an Ecumenical Service at a New York parish. On April 19, he will celebrate a morning Mass with priests, deacons and members of religious orders at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by a visit to Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, where the pope will participate in an event with youth and young people.
On April 20, the final day of his visit, Pope Benedict is to visit Ground Zero and celebrate a Mass in Yankee Stadium. He is scheduled to return to Rome that evening.
Cardinal Edward M. Egan, the archbishop of New York, said in a statement:
When our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, told me last July that he would be visiting New York this coming April, I was delighted with the news and shared it with the People of God of the Archdiocese of New York and the entire community of Greater New York. The response of all was both rejoicing and thanksgiving to the Lord for the great grace of the presence of the Successor of Saint Peter in our midst. I have assured the Holy Father of a warm and prayerful welcome. We all look forward to his visit with pleasure and anticipation.
As City Room reported in July, this will Pope Benedict’s first visit to New York since he was elected in 2005, but not his first visit to New York City. In January 1988, when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany and the Roman Catholic Church’s top theologian, he attended a theological conference in Manhattan. During that visit, several rabbis refused to attend a meeting with Cardinal Ratzinger because he had maintained that Judaism finds its fulfillment in Christianity. Gay demonstrators, angered by the cleric’s contention that homosexuality is a “moral disorder,” heckled him.
Many New Yorkers have memories of the papal visits of 1965, 1979 and 1995, which were major events in the life of the city.
I posted this article b/c it interests me on how followers of religions are so intrigued and excited about a visit from another human being. Grant it I am aware of the Roman Catholic Religion as I was raised as so. I just never understood the concept of why individuals praise another. The pope is basiclly appointed "POPE" by the vatican. Why is it that just because this person is appointed as such that Catholics praise him as so Divine. I just never really understood the concept Im not saying its wrong or saying anything negative about doing so I just never really understood it. As I stated earlier I was raised roman Catholic but since growing up and having a say for myself I chose to be a spiritual individual not labeling myself in any religion just a person who believes that there is a GOD and thats basically it. So, if you have any input please comment.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Judaism
Sukkot Festival
The most recognized symbol of Judaism is the six pointed Star of David. Jewish legend says that a Hebrew king named David went into battle with the hexagram on his shield. When Jews were minorities in Christian and Muslim nations, they were forced to wear the star on their clothing to identify themselves.
Beleifs of Judaism is God, Commandments, Covenants, Humanity, Marriage, Sin, the "Messiah", on Earth, After-death, Creed of the Jews. The Torah is the most holy book of Judaism The Talmud is another holy book in Judaism. The Talmud is a collection of the laws and customs of the Jewish people. Their holiest period is the weekly Shabbat, which lasts from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday other important Jewish holidays include Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (a Day of Atonement or confession), Simchat Torah (celebrating receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai), Chanukah (a celebration of a military victory), and Passover (a remembrance of the time the Hebrews lived in Egypt).
I think Orthodox Judaism is a very strict religion. I can not believe they actually follow all 613 laws. I feel like i could never convert into Orthodox Judaism. It would be to hard for me to try and follow all the laws when I have been living my way for years. It would be a definate culture shock and totally different way of living. I have alot more respect for them now than i did. To know they obide by so many laws and follow through on a daily basis deserves the utmost respect.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
The Hindu temple Chonte and I went to is called BAPS Shri Swaminharayan Mandir, located at 556 Yonkers Ave in Yonkers, NY. We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived it was a new building very nicely kept and very quiet. Once we entered we introduced ourselves to the clergy man Sudhil Patel. We were instructed that if we were to go into the temple we needed to take our shoes off.
The temple was very vibrant, colorful, and quiet. Straight ahead were two statues of spirit gods, Lord Sami Nariyan and Bjatjumahraj they were dressed in bright yellow clothing, They are consider saints or guru’s and they are never associated with money or women. The other gods that are praised are Bhagatju Manharaj, Shashtriji Manharaj, Xogiji Manaraj, and the most important Pramukhswami Maharaj because he is still alive. He is in the picture above and is 87 years old. We were informed he stayed in America for 120 days this year and showed in the temple in Yonkers.
The clergyman also informed us that in the morning the saints get bathed, teeth brushed, clothing change and fed breakfast, lunch, and dinner they also get water every hour and offered fruits at 3:30pm everyday. On the stage where the saints were located were three individuals on the floor playing mini drums. They were chanting songs and chanting the gods names, the woman on the floor were bowing their heads and clapping in tune. The smells are calming like inscents burning and colorful flowers all over.
Women are not allowed to sit with the men during a ritual or any kind of service. The men are located closest to the stage and the women sit behind them between a divider on the floor. While we spoke with the clergy the ritual was in process. He informed us that the priest lives in the temple and they have a service everyday one at 7am and one at 4:30pm. Inside the temple was like a mini community they had a convenient store, like a thrift shop that sold books, food, and clothing.
What amazed me is when we were leaving the clergyman’s grand-daughter looked at us as if we were monsters and asked him what we were doing there. He stated to her we were there for a school project and wanted to know about Hindu religion. She asked him why we wanted to learn and ran off. I got a sense that this religion is very accepting but overall not many “outsiders” or people who look different are a part of this congregation.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Funeral Protests Cost Church $11 Million
By ALEX DOMINGUEZ,
Posted: 2007-11-01 09:59:46
Filed Under: Nation News
BALTIMORE (Nov. 1) -Members of a fundamentalist Kansas church ordered to pay nearly $11 million in damages to a grieving father smiled as they walked out of the courtroom, vowing that the verdict would not deter them from protesting at military funerals.
Posted: 2007-11-01 09:59:46
Filed Under: Nation News
BALTIMORE (Nov. 1) -Members of a fundamentalist Kansas church ordered to pay nearly $11 million in damages to a grieving father smiled as they walked out of the courtroom, vowing that the verdict would not deter them from protesting at military funerals.
"Absolutely, don't you understand this was an act in futility?" said Shirley Phelps-Roper, whose father founded the Westboro Baptist Church.Members promised to picket future funerals with placards bearing such slogans as "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "God hates fags."They believe that U.S. deaths in the Iraq war are punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality. They say they are entitled to protest at funerals under the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and religion.Albert Snyder sued the Topeka, Kan., church after a protest last year at the funeral of his son, Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq. He claimed the protests intruded upon what should have been a private ceremony and sullied his memory of the event.A jury agreed. On Wednesday, the church and three of its leaders — Fred Phelps and his two daughters, Phelps-Roper and Rebekah Phelps-Davis — were found liable for invasion of privacy and intent to inflict emotional distress.
Jurors awarded Snyder $2.9 million in compensatory damages and $8 million in punitive damages.It's unclear whether Snyder will be able to collect the damages.The assets of the church and the defendants are less than a million dollars, mainly in homes, cars and retirement accounts, defense attorney Jonathan Katz said. The church has about 75 members and is funded by tithing.Craig Trebilcock, one of Snyder's lawyers, had asked jurors to question the truthfulness of the defendants' financial documents, one of which show Phelps-Davis having only $306 in the bank. He noted that Phelps-Davis is a practicing attorney, who could afford to travel to spread the church's message."Rebekah Phelps-Davis has $306? She must be using Priceline.com. It doesn't make any sense," Trebilcock said.The attorney had urged jurors to award damages that would send a message to the church: "Do not bring your circus of hate to Maryland again."Trebilcock later called the verdict "Judgment Day for the Westboro Baptist Church.""They're always talking about other people's Judgment Day. Well, this is theirs," he said.Snyder sobbed when he heard the verdict, while members of the church greeted the news with tightlipped smiles.They are confident the award will be overturned on appeal, Phelps said."Oh, it will take about five minutes to get that thing reversed," he said.Another of Snyder's attorneys, Sean Summers, said he would tirelessly seek payment of the award."We will chase them forever if it takes that long," he said.A number of states have passed laws regarding funeral protests, and Congress has passed a law prohibiting such protests at federal cemeteries. Snyder's lawsuit is believed to be the first filed by the family of a fallen serviceman.Snyder, of York, Pa., said he hoped other families would consider suing."The goal wasn't about the money, it was to set a precedent so other people could do the same thing," he said.Earlier in the day, church members staged a demonstration outside the federal courthouse, while passing motorists honked and shouted insults.Phelps held a sign emblazoned with "God is your enemy," while Phelps-Roper stood on an American flag as she carried a sign that proclaimed "God hates fag enablers." Members of the group also sang "God Hates America," to the tune of "God Bless America."
Jurors awarded Snyder $2.9 million in compensatory damages and $8 million in punitive damages.It's unclear whether Snyder will be able to collect the damages.The assets of the church and the defendants are less than a million dollars, mainly in homes, cars and retirement accounts, defense attorney Jonathan Katz said. The church has about 75 members and is funded by tithing.Craig Trebilcock, one of Snyder's lawyers, had asked jurors to question the truthfulness of the defendants' financial documents, one of which show Phelps-Davis having only $306 in the bank. He noted that Phelps-Davis is a practicing attorney, who could afford to travel to spread the church's message."Rebekah Phelps-Davis has $306? She must be using Priceline.com. It doesn't make any sense," Trebilcock said.The attorney had urged jurors to award damages that would send a message to the church: "Do not bring your circus of hate to Maryland again."Trebilcock later called the verdict "Judgment Day for the Westboro Baptist Church.""They're always talking about other people's Judgment Day. Well, this is theirs," he said.Snyder sobbed when he heard the verdict, while members of the church greeted the news with tightlipped smiles.They are confident the award will be overturned on appeal, Phelps said."Oh, it will take about five minutes to get that thing reversed," he said.Another of Snyder's attorneys, Sean Summers, said he would tirelessly seek payment of the award."We will chase them forever if it takes that long," he said.A number of states have passed laws regarding funeral protests, and Congress has passed a law prohibiting such protests at federal cemeteries. Snyder's lawsuit is believed to be the first filed by the family of a fallen serviceman.Snyder, of York, Pa., said he hoped other families would consider suing."The goal wasn't about the money, it was to set a precedent so other people could do the same thing," he said.Earlier in the day, church members staged a demonstration outside the federal courthouse, while passing motorists honked and shouted insults.Phelps held a sign emblazoned with "God is your enemy," while Phelps-Roper stood on an American flag as she carried a sign that proclaimed "God hates fag enablers." Members of the group also sang "God Hates America," to the tune of "God Bless America."
I do not understand why this group would invade this mans sons funeral. This is a time for him to mourn his loved one and they come and scream hateful things and hold hateful signs. Why do people waste there time with HATE? They should put all there energy into something useful. If they do not like whats going on in America then get out of it!!! we are not all going to agree but to make matters worse than they are. It just makes no sense to me. I am glad they were found liable ? I have never heard of a "CHURCH" preaching hate I know they have there beleifs but preaching hate is a whole other ball game.
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