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Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Vidal threatens ex-communion
In a mass for the feast of Blessed Pedro Calungsod yesterday, Vidal said he might impose “ex-communion” against those who persist in sinning gravely, referring to those who take part in the government’s Ligtas Buntis program.
He clarified ex-communion is not the same as ex-communication, a penalty that severs one’s membership with the Catholic Church.
The cardinal earlier said he does not discount the possibility of excommunicating government health workers participating in the program, but only if he gets the nod of the church hierarchy.
Contraception
Vidal believes the program promotes the “culture of death” by endorsing contraception, sterilization and abortifacients.
“Since it is a Church’s law that those who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion, it is my right and duty as archbishop of Cebu to advise those who refuse to understand not to take Holy Communion,” Vidal said yesterday.
“From the fact that their state and condition of life objectively contradict that union of love between Christ and the church signified and effected by the Eucharist, mahimo kana nga tawgon og ex-communion apan dili ex-communication,” he said.
Senators, congressmen and health workers should recognize and respect the church where they belong, Vidal said. They can’t justify their position by using “human freedom” as excuse.
‘Just do it’
“In the name of human freedom, they say and do anything they want. ‘Just do it,’ one said. Some would even dare tell the Church, ‘What do you care?” Vidal said.
Vidal appealed to the faithful and devotees of Blessed Pedro Calungsod to nurture their faith and stand up for what is true with the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Eucharist.
“I shall stand up for what is true even if I’m standing alone,” he said. (JST)
(March 15, 2005 issue)
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