Three men sentenced to death denied last Sacraments in Indonesia

Asia News ^ | September 21, 2006 | Benteng Reges

[NYer]

Palu (AsiaNews) – Indonesian authorities have denied the three Catholic men sentenced to death the right to attend mass one last time before they are executed tonight by a firing squad. The Prosecutor’s Office in Palu has decided that Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu and Dominggus da Silva cannot receive the “spiritual guidance” hitherto provided by Fr Jimmy Tumbelaka in Petobo Prison, this according to Father Tumbelaka himself, who is also parish priest at Poso’s Saint Therese Parish church. The clergyman added that the prosecutor also banned a chapel of rest in Palu St Mary’s Cathedral for the three men as they had requested.

“I am deeply disappointed that the Prosecutor’s Office rejected their demand to be confessed and receive the Sacraments one last time,” he said.

The negative decision violates Indonesian law which grants death row convicts the right to have their last wishes properly addressed.

Father Tumbelaka is not discouraged though. In late afternoon he celebrated mass in Petobo Prison, where the families of the three Catholic men were able to attend.

In the meantime, the authorities have set up tight security around the prison in Palu, government buildings, Mutiara Airport and St Mary’s Church.

Tibo and his fellow prisoners were scheduled to die yesterday but the execution was postponed. Although no information is forthcoming, it seems almost certain that they will be executed by firing squad around midnight local time (GMT + 08:00) at an undisclosed location.

According to anonymous sources, a few hours before the “deadline” the three men will be moved to another detention facility before finally reaching their “death scene”—usually an open-air space far from residential areas.

“There are no more tears in our family . . . we have lost the power to cry,” said Robert Tibo, Fabianus’s eldest son. In his last public statement, Robert’s father, Fabianus, said he was “not afraid of dying.” Instead, he said: “I am praying that my family be able to provide for themselves and forgive me for not being with them all these years.”

“My hands are clean. We are innocent,” said Riwu. “It is a political plot to cover 16 names we denounced as the real culprits,” he added. Similarly, for da Silva, the “law is against us. For years we tried to tell the truth but they silenced us”.

As the hours ticked away, several human rights groups, Christian organisations and prominent religious and lay leaders have tried to intervene in Jakarta , calling on the authorities not to carry out the death sentence. For many people, Tibo and his fellow inmates are victims of an unfair trial that was exploited by Islamic fundamentalists for their own purposes.

The three men were found guilty in the massacre of 70 Muslims in the 2000 Poso sectarian clashes, but no one else was tried for the crime.

[NYer]

For many people, Tibo and his fellow inmates are victims of an unfair trial that was exploited by Islamic fundamentalists for their own purposes.

[Suzy Quzy]

Disgusting barbarians.

[Suzy Quzy]

Off topic, but can a Roman Catholic go to a Greek Orthodox or eastern Rite Mass and fulfill their Sunday Mass duty?

[BipolarBob]

"For years we tried to tell the truth but they silenced us"

Well there you go. Coming to a country near you.

[Talking_Mouse]

Three new martyr's crowns to be worn in heaven.

[mckenzie7]

My understanding is that yes, you can, if there is no Roman Catholic church available.

Perhaps NYer can correct me if I am wrong.

[wideawake]

Yes, if they cannot get to a Catholic Church, an Orthodox divine liturgy is acceptable.

An Eastern Rite mass always fulfills a Sunday obligation.

[Juana la Loca]

A Roman Catholic can go to an Eastern Rite Catholic church as those churches are in communion with Rome. My understanding is that the the Eucharist at Greek Orthodox churches is considered a valid sacrament by the RCC, but a Roman Catholic should only participate in the Greek Orthodox liturgy if they have no access to a Catholic service (Latin or Eastern).

[mckenzie7]

Is Indonesia under the Geneva Convention?

[Francis McClobber]

Martyrs only if they are truly innocent. The story does not get into the facts of the crime, or of the three people's role.

[Young Werther]

Pre-1966 when I was a Catholic Pup I was taught that the first choice was Lutheran since their service was similar to ours. Next in line was Eastern Rite or Greek Orthodox. Mother Superior said that the big difference was the sign of the cross which was reversed from Home Plate, Second Base, third Base, first base, (forehead, heart, left shoulder then right shoulder) to Home Plate, Second Base, First Base, Third Base!

The service counted but we were not..NOT! to attend communion since the priests were not "blessed" to offer that sacrement.

While in the service Chaplains of all faiths said the same thing. "God watches and understands the circumstances and observes your deeds. In fact, one Catholic chaplain suggested that we might attend other services to "observe and see how the others worship"

[Dominick]

Martyrs only if they are truly innocent. The story does not get into the facts of the crime, or of the three people's role.

It seems they have been railroaded. I can't prove that, and they are not going to get the chance. Even if guilty, they should not be denied the chance to worship before being executed.

[gafusa]

As if any body follows it. Not worth the paper it was printed on.

[Talking_Mouse]

“My hands are clean. We are innocent,” said Riwu. “It is a political plot to cover 16 names we denounced as the real culprits,” he added. Similarly, for da Silva, the “law is against us. For years we tried to tell the truth but they silenced us”.

For many people, Tibo and his fellow inmates are victims of an unfair trial that was exploited by Islamic fundamentalists for their own purposes.

The three men were found guilty in the massacre of 70 Muslims in the 2000 Poso sectarian clashes, but no one else was tried for the crime.

This is my own prejudice showing, I realize. However, when I hear that three Christians are being held for a massacre of 70 Muslims, when said three claim to have denounced 16 others, but only said three Christians are to be executed, and the words Islamic fundamentalists are bandied about, I tend to believe the Christians. With full understanding that it is my prejudics on display, and in total agreement that if they are guilty of this crime (of killing 70 Muslims) or even helping in it they are not worthy of a martyrs crown (and God alone will be the Judge on that), I tend towards thinking that they will be martyrs.

[Suzy Quzy]

Thanks....I am not even sure what Eastern Rite is....can't remmber even seeing one of their Churches.

[incredulous joe]

I'm no expert in Lutheranism, but I am fairly certain that they do not believe in the concept of the Eucharist, which is pretty essential to receiving the Sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church.

I went to a funeral service a few years ago in a Lutheran Church and had asked my pastor if it mattered one way or the other if I took communion. I was told not to.

Greek Orthodox believe in the teaching of transubstantiation - that the bread and wine become the body and blood of our Lord.

Still, I got lots of great friends in the Lutheran and Greek denominations - I like to stress the things that we share in common, not the things which divide us,...and I would never ask them to compromise their faith on my account.

I always remembered this particular quote from Flannery O'Connor regarding the treatment of the Eucharist as a "symbol" - I guess not so ecumenical, but still very compelling, which is why I remember it:

"Well, toward morning the conversation turned on the Eucharist, which I, being the Catholic, was obviously supposed to defend. Mrs. Broadwater said when she was a child and received the host, she thought of it as the Holy Ghost, He being the most portable person of the Trinity; now she thought of it as a symbol and implied that it was a pretty good one. I then said, in a very shaky voice, Well, if it's a symbol, to hell with it."

[incredulous joe]

Eastern Rite is Greek Orthodox it is referred to as "rite" because the ritual of their liturgy is different. I'm not certain what the Catholic version of this is. i could look it up, bit I'm going to take a stab at Western Rite - we are in the western portion of what used to be called Christendom.

We have Latin Rite churches in our area, but these are different from the standard Catholic liturgy in that the Mass is said in Latin in a Latin Rite Church.

[incredulous joe]

I'm way of the thread here. Prayers should be offered for these poor souls. It's a disgrace that they were not allowed to the Sacrament one last time.

[franky]

The problem faced is the reception of the Eucharist. As the Mass is two fold, Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, anyone can participate in the Liturgy but receing is the problem. In extreme cases and this is, the local Bishop should give approval.

Closed communion is the practice of restricting the serving of the elements of communion (also called Eucharist, The Lord's Supper) to those who are members of a particular church, denomination, sect, or congregation.

Though the meaning of the term varies slightly in different Christian theological traditions, it generally means a church or denomination limits participation either to members of their own church, members of their own denomination, or members of some specific class (e.g., baptized members of evangelical churches). See also intercommunion.

A closed-communion Church is one that (perhaps with exceptions in unusual circumstances) excludes non-members from receiving communion.

The Roman Catholic Church (including all its component particular Churches, whether of Latin or Eastern Rite) practises closed communion. Christians that do not share its theology of the Eucharist (such as those who follow Protestant teaching on the matter) are absolutely excluded. Those who do personally share Catholic belief in the Eucharist are permitted to receive the sacrament in accordance with norms established by the episcopal conference and on condition that "the person be unable to have recourse for the sacrament to a minister of his or her own Church or ecclesial Community, ask for the sacrament of his or her own initiative manifest Catholic faith in the sacrament and be properly disposed" (Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism, 131).

In the case of members of the Eastern Churches, which have the same belief in the Eucharist, the conditions are only that they "ask for the sacrament of their own free will and are properly disposed", but the Directory warns in the same context (125) that "due consideration should be given to the discipline of the Eastern Churches for their own faithful and any suggestion of proselytism should be avoided."

The Eastern Orthodox Church, comprising 14 or 15 autocephalous Orthodox hierarchical churches, is another closed-communion church. Thus, a member of the Russian Orthodox Church attending the Divine Liturgy in a Greek Orthodox Church will be allowed to receive communion and vice versa, but a Protestant or a Roman Catholic attending a Greek Orthodox liturgy will be excluded from communion. In either case, non-Christians are also excluded.

Read the Canons of the Church on the subject:

http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/

[franky]

That should read "anyone can participate in the Liturgy of the Word but receiving is the problem

[Talking_Mouse]

From this thread it looks like they were able to meet with their priest one last time before they were executed.

[NYer]

Off topic, but can a Roman Catholic go to a Greek Orthodox or eastern Rite Mass and fulfill their Sunday Mass duty?

A Roman Catholic may attend anyone of the 22 Churches that make up the One, Holy, Catholic Church, but not an Orthodox Church.

[Suzy Quzy]

Thanks!! 22 ????? Wow what are they??

[lastchance]

How sad. But I am sure they received the sacrament in spiritual if not temporal form. I think it is called the sacrament of desire.

What will it take to convince the secular West that Islam is the enemy of peace, religous freedom and respect for others?

[technochick99]

We have Latin Rite churches in our area, but these are different from the standard Catholic liturgy in that the Mass is said in Latin in a Latin Rite Church.

Actually, we Roman Catholics are Latin Rite Catholics. Someone like NYer is a Maronite, which is an Eastern Rite. The Eastern Rite Catholics are in Communion with Rome. Lutherans are not in communion. Eastern Rite (not Orthodox) will satisfy the Sunday Sunday requirement.

[vrwcagent0498]

I think the Lord will bless them as if they had been allowed to receive the Sacraments.

These people (Muslims) are going to have a lot to answer for to the Lord.

[Dominick]

I think the Lord will bless them as if they had been allowed to receive the Sacraments.

Intent counts. St. Charles Lwanga and Companions count as saints as they were captured at a catechism class before their martyrdom.

[NYer]

My understanding is that yes, you can, if there is no Roman Catholic church available.

That is not true. Catholic is catholic.

All Catholics share three important things:

• Apostolic Faith
• Mysteries/Sacraments
• Unity with Pope (Successor of Peter)

A Church is not the same as a rite. Within the Catholic Church there are 22 autonomous churches, each of which follows one of the 6 major rites.

Each Church has its own:

Liturgy: Activity for accomplishing God's work of salvation

Theology: Study of relations between God and humans

Spirituality: The living out of a faith experience

Law: The principle for ordering church life

A church is a universal community of faith having a distinct tradition founded by an apostle or successor and guided by an autonomous hierarchy by which various nations and peoples have been converted to and nurtured by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Each church encompasses a unique liturgy, theology, spirituality and law, and is characterized by its own cultural and linguistic influences. Each church enjoys an autonomy from its sister churches and is guided by its patriarch and bishops in unity with the Successor of Peter.

All the churches of the Catholic Church are one by their unity in faith, mysteries (Sacraments) and hierarchy. Each church of the Catholic Church has its own specific form of liturgy, theology, spirituality and law.

The Vatican II Council declared that "all should realize it is of supreme importance to understand, venerate, preserve, and foster the exceedingly rich liturgical and spiritual heritage of the Eastern churches, in order faithfully to preserve the fullness of Christian tradition" (Unitatis Redintegrato, 15).

A Roman rite Catholic may attend any Eastern Catholic Liturgy and fulfill his of her obligations at any Eastern Catholic Parish. A Roman rite Catholic may join any Eastern Catholic Parish and receive any sacrament from an Eastern Catholic priest, since all belong to the Catholic Church as a whole. I am a Roman Catholic practicing my faith at a Maronite Catholic Church.

To learn more about the "two lungs" of the Catholic Church, visit this link:

CATHOLIC RITES AND CHURCHES

[NYer]

Eastern Rite is Greek Orthodox

Wrong! Please refer to my post #29.

[SaltyJoe]

Catholics have been, are being, will be denied the Sacraments. But this should not cause the soul to fret.

Jesus makes His Graces available to all souls in spite of pain and suffering and even physical barriers. He does not ignore the slave who is cleaved from the physical availability of the Church's mission.

That's why God invented Purgatory. He is the One who holds final Judgement. No mortal or supernatural has Authority to bar a soul from Salvation or force souls into hell. Free will is entirely our own.

With this said, it's better to invest oneself in the Sacramental Life well before a pre-determined end is forced upon us.

[NYer]

Someone like NYer is a Maronite

Only in my heart, dear friend :-). I am a Roman Catholic but I practice my faith in a Maronite Catholic Church. I have not switched rites. There is no need to do so. Catholic is catholic. In our parish, we also have Melkite Catholics (Byzantine) who celebrate the Maronite Divine Liturgy because there is no Melkite Catholic Church in our area. Catholic is catholic. Apologies for not pinging you to my post #29.

A church is a universal community of faith having a distinct tradition founded by an apostle or successor and guided by an autonomous hierarchy by which various nations and peoples have been converted to and nurtured by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Each church encompasses a unique liturgy, theology, spirituality and law, and is characterized by its own cultural and linguistic influences. Each church enjoys an autonomy from its sister churches and is guided by its patriarch and bishops in unity with the Successor of Peter.

All the churches of the Catholic Church are one by their unity in faith, mysteries (Sacraments) and hierarchy. Each church of the Catholic Church has its own specific form of liturgy, theology, spirituality and law.

FWIW, I ended up in the Maronite Church after witnessing systematic liturgical abuses at my RC parish. When a EMHC dropped a consecrated host on the floor of the Sancturary, then bent over, picked it up and replaced it in her Pyrex glass communion cup, I pleaded with our Lord to guide me to a holy priest, a reverent liturgy and a community where my God given gifts could be of service. I compiled a list of other RC parishes in my community and a fellow freeper reminded me of the Eastern Catholic Churches. There were two and I added them to my list.

Each week, I attended Mass at a different RC parish asking our Lord for His guidance. One Sunday, the Maronite Catholic Church surfaced on the list. From the minute I walked into that church, I "knew" I was home. Like ALL of the Eastern Catholic Churches, the Maronite Church uses incense at ALL liturgies. Communion is by intinction and ONLY on the tongue. ONLY the priest (bishop or deacon) may administer communion. There are no EMHCs.

The Maronite Church is one of only two that retain Aramaic (the language of Christ) and His Words of Institution, for the consecration. The first time I heard the priest chant those words in the language of Christ, tears welled up in my eyes. I was at the Last Supper.

My 'Maronite" pastor is bi-ritual - both Maronite and Latin Rite. (He volunteers his services to the local RC diocese, where he is called upon to offer the NO Mass uring the week at the priestless parishes, in order to consecrate a sufficient number of hosts for their weekend services). He also serves as Chaplain at a local catholic hospital where he has taken the nun in charge and several of her EMHCs to task for their mishandling of consecrated hosts. Father also speaks 8 languages fluently and reads Koine Greek, Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic, as well.

In seminary, one of his professors told the students that they must always be doing the work of God; "idle hands are those of the devil". The professor taught his students how to knit, cook, sew, and multi-task. It is not unusual for us to see Father on the roof of the current (falling apart) church, doing repairs or at the future (150 year old former Methodist) church, doing repairs.

As if that is not enough, Father is also a third degree Knight and recently volunteered to serve as Chaplain for a local K of C Council that had gone two years without a chaplain (i.e. the death knell).

For anyone who resides in a diocese such as this one, misguided by a bishop who believes that women are equal to men and should run parishes (hence the formation of Lay Ecclesial Ministers), I would STRONGLY suggest that you explore any of the Eastern Catholic Churches in your community. There you will find a reverent liturgy, steeped in the history of our Catholic Church, and a welcoming community, usually quite small.

To locate an Eastern Catholic Church in your community, follow the following link:

Eastern Catholic Churches in the U.S.

[kittymyrib]

If the US really cared about human rights and religious liberty, we would send their ambassador home and recall our man from Jakarta. But we don't.

[pointsal]

A well managed germ warfare operation really has a place in the sphere of current affairs....

If you get my drift.

[NYer]

With this said, it's better to invest oneself in the Sacramental Life well before a pre-determined end is forced upon us.

Amen to that! When Father was assigned to our parish 5 years ago, it had gone 3 years without a permanently assigned priest. During that time, the Parish Council took command and used parishioner donations frivolously. When Father arrived, he asked to see an accounting of the parish finances and immediately took hold of these to salvage what was left of the parish.

Resentment took hold of those who felt they were 'good administrators'. They were reluctant to turn the parish over to this priest and left. Father did everything possible to reassure them that running the parish was HIS responsibility and that he needed a full accounting of the monies in order to assess the state of the church, and establish a budget. Pride prevented them from listening and some of them left.

As it turns out, they are the ones now suffering the loss of their faith community. One was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, met with the priest, asked to make a confession and return to the parish. Father recently commented in passing that it was so tragic to see faithful catholics leave only to return when they recognized that their end was near.

BTW - the current building that serves as a church is collapsing and falling apart. Father has gone to extraordinary means to raise monies to repair this building because it means so much to the old parishioners. Meanwhile, he acquired a 150 year old former Methodist Church that was boarded up for the past 40 years. It requires money to restore its structure and also to convert it into a Catholic Church. The bishop is adamant that monies collected go towards the future church but Father recognizes the 'emotional' need to also maintain the current building that was intended to be a shrine and not a church.

He turns no one away! Not even those who squandered church finances, so desperately needed now to maintain the old shrine as a church.

[Thorin]

>>>>Disgusting barbarians.

You are exactly right.

[wideawake]

As I said, you can attend an Orthodox church if there is no Catholic church accessible to you, and you can always attend an Eastern Catholic church whenever you want.

[incredulous joe]

Thanks for the note, and the clarification, NYer. Sorry to muddy the water on the matter of Greek Orthodox and Eastern Rite. That's fascinating info on the Maronites, as well as your own personal observations. Your Church and pastor sound wonderful!

Lot's of interesting material on the Maronites here on the web. Your list of churches includes a Byzantine Rite Church not so far (40 miles) from my home. I may do a little research and attend some day. Curiously, my pastor was to be transferred to this same parish 2 years ago, however our church burned down in 2004 and he has been left to guide us through the building process. Today we are forced to celebrate Mass in our Parish Center - it's not for creating the best of possible environments, but our parish community is together and tightly knit by faith.

I've always been interested in the variations and nuances in different Liturgies and, yes, I am concerned that there are churches and priests who are lax in their reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. I'm annoyed by a number of progressive alterations in my Diocese; moving Ascension Thursday to a Sunday, even my wife, a Methodist, had to snicker about a general dispensation regarding the consumtion of ham for a St. Patrick's Day that fell on a Friday. The Irish can't eat fish and chips??

I realize the Cardinal is working to do what he believes is right, but I really don't like some of the changes. If people don't want to attend Mass on the appointed Holy Days I believe they should stay home, or play football or watch TV , or whatever else they think is more important. Not that I'm bitter.

I'm fortunate to live in a parish with a faithful and holy pastor, and an equally fervent associate pastor,

As previously stated, I understand that Latin Rite refers to Roman Catholic, but here in Maryland, there are people who attend a "Latin Rite" Liturgy and they use the term "Latin Rite" as a matter of distinction between a Mass in English and a Mass celebrated in Latin, I believe there are some additional pre-Vatican II elements to their Mass. I believe they may face the altar? They would not receive the Eucharist in hand and I'm quite certain they do not have EMHCs. Liturgy is in Latin, while sermons are given in English. The folks that I know personally would refuse to participate in the Eucharist in my parish.

[TWfromTEXAS]

If the US really cared about human rights and religious liberty, we would send their ambassador home and recall our man from Jakarta. But we don't.

Has Rome done so?

[NYer]

Your list of churches includes a Byzantine Rite Church not so far (40 miles) from my home. I may do a little research and attend some day.

Excellent! You can begin learning more about the Byzantine Church at this link:

Byzantine Catholic Church .

Once you have done some research and are ready to attend, please plan to do so at least 3 times. No matter how well prepared you are, the first visit is disorienting. There is so much to take in - icons, incense, chant - that it can become a distraction. The 2nd visit will be more comfortable. You will recognize some of the chant and recall portions of the liturgy. By the 3rd visit, you will be able to delve deeper into and participate in the liturgy.

Also plan on staying after the service. In ALL of the Eastern Churches, the community gathers first for prayer and then for conversation with refreshments. Community is like family. The priest will want to welcome you to his church and answer any questions you may have. You will also notice that the majority of parishioners come dressed appropriately for worship in the House of God.

There are two other freepers (pinged above) who, like you, decided to test the waters of the Byzantine Catholic Church and are now active in their respective parishes. I have called them to this thread in hopes that they can enlighten you on their initial concerns and how the experience of attending a Byzantine liturgy.

I'm annoyed by a number of progressive alterations in my Diocese; moving Ascension Thursday to a Sunday, even my wife, a Methodist, had to snicker about a general dispensation regarding the consumtion of ham for a St. Patrick's Day that fell on a Friday. The Irish can't eat fish and chips??

Fasting and Abstinence were once associated with the Latin Church. Most Catholics think that Vatican II did away with the requirement of not eating meat on any Friday of the year. Most think it is now just Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent that we cannot eat meat.

This is what the new Code of Canon Law brought out in 1983 says about the matter:

Canon 1251
Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Canon Law still requires that Catholics not eat meat on Fridays!

Of course, most Episcopal Conferences have determined that, instead of abstaining from meat, Catholics may perform an act of penance of their choosing. But, do you ever remember to abstain from a particular food or do some other penance on Fridays? And, at any rate, the main rule is still to abstain from meat on Fridays, the performance of another penance instead is an optional alternative.

Fasting and abstinence should come from the heart. It would be better if the Church would remind Catholics about this discipline. It's a personal choice you can make, beginning now. Even the Irish can eat fish and chips on Friday ;-)

I understand that Latin Rite refers to Roman Catholic, but here in Maryland, there are people who attend a "Latin Rite" Liturgy and they use the term "Latin Rite" as a matter of distinction between a Mass in English and a Mass celebrated in Latin

Good point! It can get confusing. Latin, as used in this post, refers to all the 'flavors' of the Roman Catholic Church.