Saint Joseph's Oratory Moments

I had no idea there were pilgrims who would climb the stairs to an Oratory on their knees. Do they feel like they get closer to God by doing this? If He wanted us to go through such pain, why did He send Jesus to us? On the other hand, if you still want to show your humility and remorse, I'd better see you on a cross, with blood gushing from your hands and feet.
When did it become fashionable to have your picture taken while you light candles for the ones you love? I know the votive chapel was mesmerizing, I did take some pictures myself, but I didn't feel the need to appear in them! While you're at it, why not take pictures of you hi-fiving Jesus's statue or french kissing Virgin Mary's icons?
Among other things that impressed me (the whole Oratory is breathtaking), there were two places where you could get guidebooks with information about the Oratory's history and attractions, to say so. The amazing thing is that they weren't sold by anyone. You could take them freely, but you were kindly asked by a few written signs to put 2 dollars in the box next to the case. I saw some people taking a leaflet and leaving one toonie, and I saw many more grabbing the book and continuing their way without becoming 2 dollars poorer. Maybe they missed the signs. Or maybe they didn't.

Petition for the Release of Sayed Pervez Kambaksh

From Nicole I found out about the 23-year old journalist from Afghanistan who was sentenced to death for having militated for women's rights, thus defying the Muslim fundamentalists. Sayed Pervez Kambaksh afirmed that the teachings of Mohamed did in no way encourage the extreme treatment applied to women. About three months ago he desired to oprganize a group discussion on this matter at his university, but instead he got arrested, was judged without legal representation and is now waiting to be executed.

The British newspaper The Independent created a petition which anyone can sign, so that we can all contribute to the Western pressure against these extremist, shameful acts. Other related articles can be found on Javno World , Gulf Times or BBC News.

Pomelnice & co. Inc. S.A. S.R.L. etc.

Am trait s-o aud si pe-asta! Dintr-un clip cu Mircea Badea aflu despre site-ul pomelnice.ro, care ii ajuta pe bietii credinciosi sa-si trimita pomelnicele la diferite manastiri din tara, oferind pachete ce contin intre 1 si 3 pomelnice care pot ajunge in locurile alese. Uite-asa ni-l aduc acesti facatori... de bine, desigur, mai aproape pe Dumnezeu. Si-asa ne-aducem noi aminte de Dumnezeu foarte des si ne rugam la el numai cand ne merge bine, pentru a-i multumi din inima noastra pioasa pentru milostivirea Sa, acum putem sa luam legatura cu El si prin internet. De ce sa ma duc la biserica din colt si sa depun un acatist, cand oamenii astia mi-l pot trimite ei la nu stiu ce sfant calugar, de-a carui rugaciune sigur asculta Dumnezeu mai mult decat de cea a parintelui de-aici?
M-a impresionat si ceea ce-am citit pe site cu referire la partea financiara. Saracii crestini (dintre care cica unul e baiatul unui prefect de undeva) ar fi dorit sa ofere un serviciu gratuit, dar cazna si abnegatia angajatilor, plus taxele pentru serviciul de curierat si diferite procesari nu au permis un astfel de proiect. Din lista lor de cheltuieli, am inteles ca nu le ramane nimic de pus deoparte pentru zile negre :-(. M-as fi bagat si eu, dar nu am gasit Putna pe lista, si in alta manastire nu prea am incredere...

Followers of the 12 Greek Gods

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6285397.stm

A group of people have adhered to a new religion revolving around the 12 ancient Greek gods, and their first ceremony took place at the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. The Orthodox Church believes this to be an expression of paganism and has not neglected to address this event by using not so religious terms.
As far as I know, Greece is still a conservatory country, no matter how modern of a state it may be. We still have the old generations who are not so ready to accept the first thing that comes in discordance with their strong beliefs. On the same note, the Orthodox and Catholic Churches are not exactly known for their openness to minoritary cults. I believe this to be one of the reasons that had people draw away from the church: its leaders fail to show exactly what they preach - understanding, compassion, equality and love. Isn't this what religion is supposed to be about? I'm not saying I agree with the new cult's beliefs; I see it as an attempt to manifest themselves in a special way, to search for new preocupations. I also don't think that they should be asking for too many rights right now; they need to prove in time that their beliefs are strong and that they bring something new to the world, preferably something better. But everyone should be allowed to believe in what they choose, as long as they don't try to manipulate the others into believing the same thing.