Dear Ana Maria,
Thanks for your appreciation. I am briefly answering your two questions,
which are of direct interest to the Catholics (and 'believers'). There
should not be again a complaint that this is a "Catholic Forum"... Since
your "question" has been allowed by the Administration, I believe that my
"answer" is expected.
<<No1. Believers or Protestants, as we call them, are also Christians who
have gone away from us as we claim that we are the true Body of Christ. Why
do the Catholic priests criticise these believers from the pulpit and also
their Bible ? Some priests call them false prophets and ask the Catholics
not to attend their teachings on the TV. One parish priest told us not to
view Miraclenet and God-channel.
*For us there is only one Bible, one God, one Mediator. Division should be
avoided. St.Paul warns us to be careful that 'another Gospel' is not
preached (cf.2 Cor 11:4 ). That is why care should be taken. The Archbishop
is the authority in the Archdiocese. He works together with his Episcopal
Vicars and Parish-priests to ensure that sound teaching is being given to
the people. He has the duty and the right to discern what is good and what
is not good. Whatever may disturb the Faith of the people should be avoided.
You better heed the 'pastoral' calls...
<<No 2. Every year we collect lot of money towards Missions. In fact, we
have one Sunday in October as Mission Sunday. The priests call themselves
Missionaries. If that is so, why does not the Church organise mission for
the people of Goa, specially as this year is the Year dedicated to the Word
of God. People have to run here and there to get the Word of God
*In fact, the financial help goes for the work of evangelization. There are
programmes of "mission" in different parishes, particularly in the Lenten
season. There are also Seminars on Faith formation and Bible Courses. You
should "run" there "to get the Word of God"... Some people may go there only
or mainly for 'healings'... Deepening our Faith is more important. You can
suggest more ways to do it...
Regards.
Fr.Ivo
