Ang pagkakaiba ng Tunay na Iglesia (Katolika) at ang Pekeng Iglesia (INC™)

While our Catholic missionaries survived all hardships bringing the Good News to every people on earth including the continent of Africa, WOLVES come and snatch souls to Satan. Missionaries of Felix Y. Manalo's church the Iglesia Ni Cristo® - 1914 should go to places and countries NOT YET "CHRISTIANIZED" and bring their fake version of Christianity there and not to places we Catholics already labored.  We Catholics tirelessly toiled to bring souls to Christ while INC™  just come and harvest what they never labored ~ wolves in sheep' clothing indeed!

Participants of the Inter-Diocesan Conference on Cross-border Peace and Eevangelisation, Lodwar in Kenya 

The Catholic Church in Eastern Africa to spearhead disarmament

Bishops and participants attending the 6th Annual Inter-Diocesan Conference on Cross-Border Peace and Evangelization held at St. Teresa Pastoral Centre, Turkana, Kenya have resolved to begin a peaceful disarmament process of small arms and light weapons mostly used by pastoralists around Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan borders.

Rose Achiego – Nairobi, Kenya

Vatican News

In a press statement issued to the media this week, Kenya’s Bishop of Maralal Diocese, Virgilio Pante, who is also the Chairperson for the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB)-Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers announced that that the process of peaceful disarmament would soon begin. The initiative would be an effort to wean-off pastoralist communities of their small arms that have caused so much havoc and suffering in the border areas of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Church committed to disarmament

“We will no longer remain silent. We will no longer remain indecisive, and we will no longer be fearful. We are committed to highlighting the suffering caused by small arms in the daily lives of our people,” said Bishop Pante. He was flanked by the Bishop of Lodwar, Dominic Kimeng’ich, who is the Vice Chairperson of the KCCB-Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers.

According to the Bishops, peaceful disarmament can only be done in an environment of trust, collaboration and commitment for the respect and protection of human life.

Governments need to provide alternative livelihoods

While acknowledging the efforts of the governments of Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia in their continuous peacebuilding initiatives both at the national level and across the borders, the Bishops of Maralal and Lodwar called on governments in the region to do more in sensitising pastoral communities on the need to embrace peaceful co-existence and peaceful disarmament.

“The governments should ultimately provide alternative or complementary livelihoods for the citizens living in the conflict-affected areas,” Bishop Pante and Kimengi’ch said

Religious leaders and civil society should address the root causes

The Bishops further other invited religious leaders and members of Civil Society Organisations in the region to identify and address the root causes of what has been ailing communities of the border areas over the years.

They also called upon grassroots communities to collectively reject the attraction of armed violence as a solution to their problems.

“We encourage you to work with all stakeholders to reaffirm the value of human life and work together to counter the pervasive culture of violence. It will be for the benefit of all of us to commit to peaceful disarmament,” the prelates said.

Small arms in the hands of communities have caused destruction

As reported by Regional Centre for Small Arms (RECSA) the region hosts 8 million out of an estimated 36 million small arms and light weapons. The weapons are in the hands of civilians.

As a result of the endemic conflicts, the border regions host the highest number of refugees and displaced persons on the African continent.

The proliferation of small arms heighten insecurity

According to the statement, demand for Small Arms and Light Weapons is driven by the ineffective provision of security by governments, commercialisation and politicisation of livestock raiding, marginalisation by governments, a need for the disarmed to rearm; and, cultural practices.

The proliferation of these small arms has caused thousands of deaths and injuries, displacement and forced migration of people, hampered development, loss of hundreds of livestock among pastoralist communities, heightened insecurity, loss of productivity, reduced economic output and insurgencies.

A young member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo questions the teachings she has grown up with

INC and the mentality of exclusivity

A young member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo questions the teachings she has grown up with

by Malaya dela Cruz* [Rappler]

Published 12:00 PM, August 14, 2014 

I’ve been an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member since I was born and my father is a minister. My siblings and I were raised to behold as absolute truth all doctrines without question. As kids, we’re brazen to tell our friends “Mag-Iglesia ka na kundi mapupunta ka sa dagat-dagatang apoy.” (Convert to Iglesia; otherwise, you'll end up in hell)

We’re flying with wings of righteousness holding the light to guide those lost in the darkness, we call sanlibutan; completely convinced that we’re indeed the chosen ones come judgment day. All we have to do is follow like sheep and salvation is certain. This is my myopic reality.

Into the darkness

Coming of age, I learned our creationist view is indubitably wrong given the insurmountable evidences against it, yet I find this mistake tolerable; assuming perhaps a scientifically-informed interpretation of the bible isn’t necessary for salvation. I was indifferent about this just as I am in overriding any of my rights for the sake of unity; trusting that it’s always for the good of the church.

What became unbearable is having my consciousness raised about the multi-dimensional causes of poverty. I cannot unlearn what I know now - that the terrible social realities we dismiss right before our eyes as normal is caused by injustice from existing power structures in society.

It was alarming for I was undeniably guilty of being part of a church responsible for reinforcing structures that sustain poverty through our social attitude and practice of ‘unity.’

We are INC first before we are Filipinos

It is our faith, albeit fatalistic, that the world will inevitably perish and no developmental agenda by man could prevent it; we are only travelers here for our true residence is the kingdom of heaven. Hence, we resign concern about matters outside our kingdom unless it might undermine doctrines or the church administration.

We show power in numbers through bloc-voting and secure key positions in the government in order to protect the interests of the church, never mind whether it’s a corrupt official as long as the church is secured. This is why INC was indifferent during the People Power I despite all the atrocious harm done towards the Filipino people - all because we allied with former president Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator.

Culture of apathy

Since our primary concern is the good of the church and not of the people in general, an apathetic attitude towards social issues is fostered among members.

We’re prohibited to participate in any form of social mobilization or unions because it’s against the unity of the church, even if such actions addresses concerns that directly affect the welfare of members.

Greedy corporations who operate with inhumane policies are fortunate as INC members are willing allies to preserve an unfair system. We abstain claiming accountability from power-holders in the name of ‘peace.’ - a peace that is oblivious of its implications.

Yes, we’re an obedient flock of docile sheep but we’re also subtle criminals and dignified perpetrators of injustices against our fellowmen. With brilliant pride we take the side of the oppressors.

Our brand of humanitarianism

The provision of generous aid to millions of non-members through medical missions, relief distributions and housing projects are token gestures, for “conversion” is our utmost motivation by exploiting the sense of utang na loob (debt of gratitude).

INC’s brand of humanitarianism does not involve championing the interest and welfare of the poor by addressing root causes of social issues. Our humanitarian cause is the 'noblest' of all: to save your soul from damnation by converting you to the one true Church of Christ.

Masters of mobilization

We’re taught that hardships and misfortunes in life are either caused by sin or are trials we must endure. However, evidence suggests that societal structures and how its citizens participate in shaping it in the course of history is the concrete reason for the everyday struggles of today. Poverty is avoidable, development is a choice.

The public witnessed INC’s power to amass more than a million people in its administrations’ behest. If the church could use its clout to truly help the nation by addressing long term needs and root causes of perennial social issues – such as lobbying and supporting genuine agrarian reform, a fair wage and other issues that affect the marginalized majority, where many of its own members come from, we shall contribute to societal change.

Aren't we humans first?

My conscience is disturbed when I saw my fellow brethren exalte upon news of famine, war, destruction and calamities where thousands of people lay dead. Some even said, “Makasalanan kasi ang sanlibutan, matuwa tayo dahil nalalapit ang kaligtasan natin.” (The people are sinful. We should be happy because our salvation is near.) They seem to forget we’re humans first before we even subscribe to any religion.

'Saving your soul' as a single mission is quite selfish in the face of human suffering. I understand it stems from fear and existential uncertainties, but It’s wrong to choose a convenient personal escape and say “kung gusto niyo rin maligtas, umanib na kayo” (if you want to be saved, join us) instead of engaging in collective action driven by empathy and compassion.

We glory over the Philippine Arena, Guinness records, and the thousands of congregations we’ve built like the elite ruler gloating over his empire.

There is harm in a mentality of exclusivity when we operate in the context of a larger society. Imagining a fragmented reality wherein we are only travelers goes against the truth that we have a responsibility to contribute and cooperate in facilitating change in the world. We can do this by renouncing apathy and using our power to mobilize for the good of people. - Rappler.com

*Malaya dela Cruz is a pseudonym. Rappler verified the identity of the writer, who asked her real name be concealed for her protection. She is a university student.

iSpeak is Rappler's platform for sharing ideas, sparking discussions, and taking action! Share your iSpeak articles with us: move.ph@rappler.com.

Iglesia Ni Cristo: The controverisal Filipino sect targeting Africa (Asia by Africa)

Mula sa Asia by Africa

Described as a cult by its detractors, Iglesia Ni Cristo has been implicated in criminal activity, including assassinations in the Philippines: now it’s setting its sights on Africa.

Just the Basics

• Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is a Filipino megachurch founded over a century ago whose founder claims to be God’s last messenger
• The INC has been implicated in criminal activities and murders and maintains strict control over the lives of its adherents
• The church has spread across the world and is focusing its attention on Africa, presenting potential dangers to local communities

On Sunday mornings in South Africa churches across the country are packed with the faithful. In one neighbourhood in Cape Town, parishioners make the journey to the local church. Devoid of a steeple and surrounded by a white picket fence, the church exudes an unassuming air. Donning their Sunday best, worshippers file into the church, passing under a large seal emblazoned with the words Iglesia ni Cristo.

To anyone casting a casual glance, the phrase might be in Latin, a common enough occurence in many churches. Closer observation reveals something surprising: the writing is not in Latin, not even in Spanish - it’s Tagalog, the main language of the Philippines. Inside, the Southeast Asian hints are even more visible - the preacher leading the congregation is Filipino; one of many who have travelled to South Africa (and beyond) to spread the good news.

Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) - or the Church of Christ in English - is a sect from the Philippines that has set its sights on global expansion, with Africa seen as a key growth market. Despite being relative newcomers to Africa, back in the Philippines, the INC is a force to be reckoned with, boasting millions of followers and wielding considerable ecclesiastical and political power. The first INC congregation in South Africa was founded in 1977 by Rogelio M. Rafals, a doctor with the UN Development Program. Initially seeking out fellow Filipinos in the area, Rafals eventually received permission from the INC back in the Philippines to minister to the local population as well.

By 2015, the INC had a presence in nine African countries, with that number jumping to sixteen just a year later. 2018 has seen further rapid growth, with INC General Auditor Gilcerio B. Santos Jr. stating that “we’re sweeping both Northern and Southern Africa as we reach out to INC members and non-members alike.” Whereas the activities of Iglesia Ni Cristo look like yet another wave of foreign missionary work in Africa, the INC’s controversial reputation makes their expansion into Africa of particular concern.

Iglesia Ni Cristo and the personality cult of its Executive Minister

In order to understand the INC’s background and why its overseas expansion is viewed with suspicion by some, we need to leave Africa for the time being and return to the Philippines. The brainchild of one Felix Y. Manalo, the INC came into being in 1914 with Manalo as the church’s executive minister. INC teaching exalts Manalo as God’s last messenger, and that only members of the Church will be saved come the Rapture, for (in the INC’s view) all other Christian denominations have watered down Christ’s teachings.

“It’s comforting to know that we have salvation already promised because we are part of [Iglesia Ni Cristo],” says Johannesburg INC member Jabulile Mbonambi. “If I was told tomorrow that I have to go to a very deserted area just so that I could be a part of anything to do with the Church, it doesn’t matter. I won’t even think twice. I’ll just go because my membership mean my life to me.”

Hindi si Cristo ang nasa Iglesia Ni "Cristo"®?!

Photo Credit: SherLock / FBPage

Sa post ng Catholic Defender petsa Aug. 1, 2014, tinumbok na noon ang malabis na pagpupuri at pagbibigay karangalan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo® -1914 sa mga MANALO. 

Sa katunayan, sa kanilang pagpapangalan ng kanilang mga samahan, foundations at iba pang mga korporasyon ay umiikot lamang ito kay Felix Manalo at sa mga anak nito.

Halimbawa ang NEW ERA UNIVERSITY (fmr New Era College), ito ay hango sa pangalan ng Ka ERAÑO (ERA NEW) ~ anak ng nagtatag ng INC™.

Ang CIUDAD DE VICTORIA. Ang salitang 'Victoria' ay Español ng MANALO (Victory).

Ang MALIGAYA DEVELOPMENT CORP. ni Ginoong Santos ay hango sa pangalan ni FELIX (Latin) na ibig sabihin ay 'Maligaya'.

Ang FELIX Y. MANALO FOUNDATION ay para sa parangal sa nagtatag.

Ang EAGLE NEWS ay mula sa self-title ni Ginoong Felix Manalo na "IBONG MANDARAGIT"!

Ang kanilang 'Housing Project' sa Nueva Ecija na pinangalanang 'BARRIO MALIGAYA' ay hango pa rin sa pangalan ni FELIX (Latin) na ibig sabihin ay Maligaya.

Ang kanilang housing project sa Tacloban na 'SITIO NEW ERA' ay hango kay G. Eraño G. Manalo.

Ang kanilang opisyal na magasing PASUGO ay mula sa self-title ni Felix Manalo bilang 'huling sugo' raw ng Diyos .

At ang pinasikat na EVANGELICAL MISSION na may sadyang pinalaking titik na EVM ay para sa kapurihan ng kasalukuyang Executive Minister na si Eduardo V. Manalo ~ siya na TUMIWALAG sa kanyang INA, at mga KAPATID. Siya na nagpakulong sa kanyang mga kapatid. Siya na TUMAKWIL sa kanyang angkan at pamilya.

Sa 'IGLESIA NI CRISTO® 1914, WALA si Cristo sa kanila! WALA ang Diyos! Wala ang KAPURIHAN ng PANGINOON. 

Tunay ngang ito ay nararapat lamang na tawaging IGLESIA NI MANALO!

Ang Pag-Anib sa Iglesia Katolika ay Karapat-dapat at Tama!

Ang tunay na PAGBABALIK-LOOB sa Diyos ay hindi ang SISIRAAN ang dating kinaaniban iglesia tulad ng mga dating katoliko na umanib sa samahang tatag ni Ginoong Felix Manalo na walang bukambibig kundi ang siraan ang Iglesia Katolika.

Ang mga UMANIB sa Iglesia Katolika na sa "pasimula ay siyang [tunay] Iglesia ni Cristo." (Pasugo Abril 1966, p. 6) ay umanib dahil nakita nila ang KATOTOHANAN rito. Nakita nila ang tunay na kaligtasan rito at nadama nila ang tunay na pagmamahal ng IISA at TUNAY NA DIYOS ~ ang BANAL NA TRINIDAD ~ Ama, Anak at Espiritu Santo! Dito nila nasumpungan ang totoong PAMILYA NG DIYOS na kinaaniban ng mga banal. At ayon sa kasaysayan ay SIYANG NAG-IISA, TUNAY na Iglesiang TATAG ni Cristo at hindi ang nagpapanggap ng Iglesiang tatag lamang noong 1914 sa Pilipinas.

STORY SOURCE: BY REILLY COSGROVE for AMERICAN MAGAZINE

I didn’t need a degree in theology to convert. Being Catholic just felt right.

Worshippers hold candles during the Easter Vigil at St. James Church in Setauket, N.Y., in 2014. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic)

While most people my age are leaving the churches of their childhood or declaring themselves “spiritual but not religious,” I decided, during my freshman year of college, to join a centuries-old hierarchical church. When I tell people about my choice to become Catholic four years ago, reactions vary from shocked facial expressions to genuine congratulations to complete disgust—even from people raised in the church. But there is one question nearly everyone asks me when I tell them I decided to join the Catholic Church when I was 19: “Why?”

It is a question I am not sure I have a satisfying answer to. I was recently out at a bar with friends from my graduate school and mentioned my conversion. A stranger who overheard this leaned over the crowded table to ask me what drew me to the Catholic Church. I laughed at the question, a bit taken aback that this man did not realize how personal the question was. I joked that “I was jealous of all the kids in my neighborhood that had first Communion parties growing up!”

If I had given this stranger a real answer, however, I would have had to tell him a drawn-out story of how God slowly worked in my life to pull me toward experiencing him in the Eucharist.

KUNG SINO ANG INUUSIG ANG SIYANG TUNAY NA IGLESIA!

Ayon sa pamantayan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo® na tatag ni Ginoong Felix Y. Manalo sa Pilipinas noong 1914, kung SINO ANG INUUSIG na Iglesia ay SIYANG TUNAY!

PASUGO Nobyembre 1954, p. 2,:

“Hindi kailangang patunayan pa kung hindi tunay na Iglesia, kung ito'y kay Cristo o hindi. Ang pag-uusig na nagaganap sa INK, na siyang katuparan ng pinagpauna ng Panginoon ay siyang malinaw na katunayan na ang INK ay tunay na Iglesia at kay Cristo. Anu-ano ang mga kinathang kasinungalingan na ipinaparatang kay Jesus an nakasisirang puri! Hindi lamang nila sinasabing siya'y may demonyo, kundi pinaparatangang siya'y nauulol (Juan 15:20). Kung siya'y inusig tao man ay uusigin din. Ang pag-uusig sa Ulo at tagos hanggang sa katawan. Siya ang ulo, tayo ang mga sangkap, na siyang Iglesia."

IGLESIA KATOLIKA ang INUUSIG na IGLESIA sa buong mundo! Kung gayon ang IGLESIA KATOLIKA nga ang TUNAY na IGLESIA NI CRISTO at hindi ang tatag ni G. Felix Manalo.

HOLY MARTYRS, PRAY FOR US!

Minutes after Sunday School class said they would die for Christ, half killed in Sri Lankan bomb blast

By Leonardo Blair for Christian Post

Children during a Sunday School session at Zion Church in Batticaloa Sri Lanka. | Twitter/danishkanavin

Just minutes after expressing their willingness to die for Christ, half the children from one Sunday School class at Zion Church in Batticaloa were reportedly killed in the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka.

“Today was an Easter Sunday school at the church and we asked the children how many of you willing to die for Christ? Everyone raised their hands," Caroline Mahendran, a Sunday School teacher at the church, said, according to Israeli public figure Hananya Naftali. "Minutes later, they came down to the main service and the blast happened. Half of the children died on the spot.”

The report comes as the death toll from the bomb attacks on several churches and luxury hotels in the island nation, where Christians make up less than 10 percent of the 20 million population, rose to nearly 300 Monday with at least 500 wounded.

Fr. Kumaran, a pastor at Zion Church, told Times of India that he witnessed the death of many of the children shortly after arguing with the suicide bombing suspect he did not recognize.

It was about 8:30 a.m., Kumaran said, when he saw the suicide bombing suspect carrying a bag at the steps of the church already filled with worshipers.

"I asked him who he was and his name. He said he was a Muslim and wanted to visit the church," Kumaran said.

Inside Zion Church in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, in the aftermath of a suicide bombing there on April 21, 2019. | Twitter/danishkanavin

Kumaran said he was ushered away from the encounter by other priests because it was getting late for Mass. As he walked toward the podium he heard an explosion. When he turned around, the blood of his congregants, including many from the children’s Sunday School class, was splattered on the church walls.

"Twenty-eight people were killed, among them 12 children. Two are critical," a distressed Kumaran told the publication.

Arasaratnam Verl, 41, said his 13-year-old son, V. Jackson, who is also his only child, was standing near the church entrance after attending the Sunday School class. Jackson was killed instantly.

"My elder sister was killed too. My two younger sisters and my brother-in-law are critical," Verl, a taxi driver, told Times of India.

Sa Gawa Sila'y Kalaban ni Cristo

Karapatan ninomang angkinin na sila ay ang "tunay" na Iglesiang tatag ni Cristo ngunit sa kasaysayan at sa kanilang mga baluktot na gawa, nahahayag ang katotohanang ang IGLESIA NI CRISTO® na tatag ni G. Felix Y. Manalo noong 1914 sa Sitio Punta Sta. Ana Maynila, Pilipinas at HINDI kay Cristo ay ito'y isang HUWAD lamang.

PASUGO Mayo 1968, p. 7:

“Ang tunay na INK ay iisa lamang. Ito ang Iglesiyang itinayo ni Cristo. Kung mayroon mang nagsisibangon ngayong mga Iglesia at sasabihing sila man ay Iglesia ni Cristo rin, ang mga ito ay hindi tunay na Iglesia ni Cristo kundi huwad lamang."

HUWAD! Sapagkat sila'y natutuwa sa kasamaan at nagagalak sa kapighatian ng kanilang kapwa-tao!

LIVE: Easter Vigil at St. Peter Vatican City

37,000+ to Become Catholic at Easter Vigil Mass in the USA

No match for much publicized "conversions" in the fake Iglesia Ni Cristo® 1914.

Image source: Google Images - Fr. Broom

News Source: Catholic News World

WASHINGTON— Dioceses across the country will be welcoming thousands of people into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil Masses on the evening of April 20th. As the culmination of the Easter Triduum, the Vigil celebrates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While people can become Catholic at any time of the year, the Easter Vigil is a particularly appropriate moment for adult catechumens to be baptized and for already-baptized Christians to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Many of the dioceses across the nation have reported their numbers of people who intend to become Catholic on Saturday to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Based on these reports, more than 37,000 people are expected to be welcomed into the Church at Easter Vigil Masses.

Celebration of the Passion of the Lord (Vatican City)

CHRISM MASS HOLY THURSDAY @VATICAN CITY

Di Natitinag ang Pananampalataya ng mga Katoliko!

Our Hearts are Burning for Our Catholic Faith

The Notre Dame fire burns a hole in our hearts, yet cannot consume our faith

Aleteia

Anadolu Agency

Disbelief and shock are uniting Catholics and the French nation.
PARIS — There are very few words to sum up the emotions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike as we watch the fire sweeping through the rooftops of Notre Dame. Crowds gather in silence to stare in disbelief, in prayer, and perhaps with a glimmer of hope that the firefighters can get control of the fire before it destroys one of France’s greatest treasures any further.

The cathedral that stands so prominently along the banks of the River Seine is not only the symbol of Paris but a refuge for its citizens, offering Masses and support through major events, including the terrorist attacks in 2015. And now as we see its famous spire falling, there are tears in the eyes of many of those gathered — regardless of their faith.

The shock of the blaze runs so deep perhaps because we’ve taken this imposing cathedral for granted for so long. An 856-year-old monument is collapsing before our eyes, incredibly at a time that major restoration work had only just started. A solid structure that seemed to replicate the strength of the many French Catholics, a cathedral that survived bombings, floods, and terrorist plots over centuries has now succumbed to a fire, which may have started accidentally due to the present renovation project.

PALM SUNDAY THE VATICAN CITY

Watch! Pope Francis Warm Welcome in Morroco

ABS-CBN News: Iglesia Ni Cristo was Founded by Felix Manalo

"Iglesia ni Cristo refers to a Christian religious organization in the Philippines founded by Felix Manalo." ABS-CBN News (March 7, 2019)

Still Catholic Converts are Rising Despite Scandals

"I will build MY CHURCH" says the Lord Jesus Christ, the FOUNDER of the CATHOLIC CHURCH ~ the real, only CHURCH OF CHRIST on earth. A Church not founded by fallen men and women. A Church that has been tested in the past 2000 years. The Devil is trying hard to infiltrate His Church but these evil men and women who are IN His Church will be exposed in fulfillment of His promise that "the gates of hell shall not prevail"! (Mt. 16:16-18)

Despite scandals, over 1,000 British to become Catholic at Easter

Catechumens and candidates at the Rite of Election (Diocese of Westminster / Flick)

WESTMINSTER, England, March 19, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) – Despite the clerical abuse and cover-up scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church, over 1,000 people in England and Wales are expected to join the Church this Easter.

The UK’s Tablet reported last week that 419 catechumens (converts awaiting baptism) and candidates (baptized Christians seeking to be received into the Church) participated in the Rite of Election in Westminster Cathedral in London on March 9 and 10. Representing the largest group of converts, they came from 93 parishes. In Birmingham, 181 candidates and catechumens participated in their diocesan Rite of Election. In Nottingham, there were 151; in Portsmouth, 115; in the Diocese of East Anglia, 62; in Clifton, 47; in Lancaster, 32; and in Middlesbrough, 23.

In addition to these English figures, 37 prospective Catholics took part in the Rites of Election held in Cardiff, Wales.

At Westminster Cathedral in London, Cardinal Vincent Nichols addressed the 200 catechumens and 219 candidates, saying: “These ceremonies are among the largest gatherings of people from parishes across the diocese who join me in giving thanks for the great work that God is carrying out in your lives.”

“We give thanks to God for the ways in which our parishes and diocesan family will be enriched by you, and we promise to continue to support you and your families with our prayers and the example of Christian life that you experience in our parish communities,” he continued.

In St. John’s Cathedral in Norwich, 30 catechumens and 32 candidates from across the Diocese of East Anglia gathered for their Rites of Election on Sunday, March 10.

In his homily, Bishop Alan Hopes told the prospective Catholics, “Today is a celebration of your hope and trust in Jesus Christ, to whom you turn for salvation. Today you are being elected, chosen, called to salvation. The Church rejoices with you as she numbers you amongst all those who have been called and chosen.”

“During Lent, together with the whole Church, you are being called to turn to the Lord. You are being called to deepen your commitment to Him and so grow in holiness. You are being called to become saints of God,” Hopes continued.

“This call is not just for special people, but for everyone. We are all called to become like Jesus Christ.”

The Catholic Church in Scotland, which is overseen by the Scottish Bishops’ Conference, expects to welcome dozens more into the fold this Easter. According to Peter Kearney, the director of Scotland’s Catholic Media Office, this year there are 57 catechumens and candidates for the Diocese of Glasgow and 22 for the Diocese of Motherwell.

The other Scottish dioceses had not yet responded to a request for information by press time.

Iglesia Ni Cristo® 1914 EVM (EVangelical Mission) to Convert the Vatican City

In your dreams...

Photo Source: Facebook Account

ChurchPop: Pentecostal Benny Hinn Says Catholics Have More Miracles, Credits Eucharist

Sa kasaysayan ng tunay na Iglesia ni Cristo, maraming himala na ang naitala sa mahabang kasaysayan nito mula 33 A.D. Sa mga nagpapanggap na Iglesia raw ni Cristo (1914), may naitala na ba silang himala? Hanggang ngayon WALA!

Source: ChurchPOP

This is a bit unexpected.

A video is being shared around on social media (watch it at the bottom of this article) of Pentecostal preacher and supposed faith-healer Benny Hinn telling a Pentecostal audience that Catholics experience more miracles than Pentecostals. Amazingly, he credits this to the Catholic belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, which Hinn says he also affirms (at least a version of it). He also credits the fact that Catholics don’t “church hop” (or jump for church to church) as much as Pentecostals.

“They just released a study that more people are healed in a Catholic church than in Pentecostal churches,” Hinn tells his audience. It’s not clear what study he is referring to. “The studies have proven it,” he declares.

He then explains why he thinks that is the case: “Because Catholic people revere the Eucharist.

“More people get healed in a Catholic church during communion than Pentecostals… because to us it’s symbolic.”

He then defends the doctrine of the real presence: “Well Jesus didn’t say, ‘This is symbolic of body,’ he said, ‘This is my body’; [he didn’t say,] ‘This is symbolic of my blood,’ he said, ‘This is my blood.'”

“And I believe, I always have believed, that in the Spirit it is his body, in the Spirit its hid blood, so you revere it. There’s healing in communion. Absolutely, I’ve seen it happen in my own ministry.”

It’s important to note that Catholics believe in transubstantiation, which says that the bread and wine truly become Jesus in substance, not simply spiritually. In saying he believes the bread and wine becomes Jesus’ body and blood “in the Spirit,” Hinn appears to be affirming something different than the Catholic doctrine.

He then points to the relative lack of “church hopping” among Catholics: “And there’s healing in the Catholic churches because these people are devoted and show up every Sunday. They don’t church hop. We hop, they don’t. That’s why we’re sick, and many of them are healed.”

He then goes on to talk about miracles he’s seen in Coptic Christian communities, saying that they have miracles for similar reasons as Catholics.

Other than the fact that he’s addressing a Pentecostal audience, it’s not clear when or where the video was taken.

Eli Soriano vs Eli Soriano (on the Trinity)

Eli Soriano: "Pantay ba 'yon?" (Running time 2:05) referring to the Father as greater than the Son (John 20:29). Elie Soriano rejects the Doctrine of the Trinity saying the Father and the Son are NOT equal.

Eli Soriano: "Magkapantay sila, magka-uri sila..." (Running time: 5:07) referring to the Father and the Son as equals (Phil. 2:6)