Fátima to become interfaith shrine

The Portugese News ^ | 11/01/03

[Land of the Irish]

Delegates attending the Vatican and United Nations (UN) inspired annual interfaith congress "The Future of God", held during October in Fátima, heard how the Shrine is to be developed into a centre where all the religions of the world will gather to pay homage to their various gods. The Congress was held in the Paul VI Pastoral Centre and presided over by the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon José de Cruz Policarpo.

The Shrine's rector, Monsignor Luciano Guerra, told the Congress that Fátima "will change for the better." Addressing Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, Buddhist and African Pagan representatives he stated: "The future of Fátima, or the adoration of God and His mother at this holy Shrine, must pass through the creation of a shrine where different religions can mingle. The inter-religious dialogue in Portugal, and in the Catholic Church, is still in an embryonic phase, but the Shrine of Fátima is not indifferent to this fact and is already open to being a universalistic place of vocation."

The Hindu representative Ansshok Ansraj, described how already in the Far East millions of Hindus are getting "positive vibrations" from visiting Marian shrines without endangering their faith.

Monsignor Guerra pointed out that the very fact that Fátima is the name of a Muslim and Mohammed's daughter, is indicative that the Shrine must be open to the co-existence of various faiths and beliefs. According to the Monsignor: "Therefore we must assume that it was the will of the Blessed Virgin Mary that this comes about this way." Traditional Catholics opposed to the Congress were described by the Monsignor as "old fashioned, narrow minded, fanatic extremists and provocateurs."

For the first time in the 86-year history of Fátima all of the Pagan and Christian delegates were invited to participate in the Ecumenical celebrations. One of the principle speakers, the Jesuit theologian Father Jacques Dupuis, was insistent that the religions of the world must unite. "The religion of the future will be a general converging of religions in a universal Christ that will satisfy all", he said.

The Belgium born theologian argued: "The other religious traditions in the world are part of God's plan for humanity and the Holy Spirit is operating and present in Buddhist, Hindu and other sacred writings of Christian and non-Christian faiths as well." In an impassioned plea he said: "The universality of God's kingdom permits this, and this is nothing more than a diversified form of sharing in the same mystery of salvation. In the end it is hoped that the Christian will become a better Christian and each Hindu a better Hindu."

An official statement put out by the Congress called for a non-proselytising approach by all religions. "No one religion can irradiate another", it said "or strengthen itself by downplaying others and an open dialogue is the way to building bridges and tearing down walls of centuries of hate. What is needed is that each religion be true to its faith integrally and treat each religion on the same footing of equality with no inferior or superiority complexes." It emphasised that the secret to peace amongst all religions is admitting that contradictions exist between creeds but to concentrate on what unites them as opposed to what separates them.

Delegates agreed that religious shrines, including Fátima, should be revamped every 25 years to reflect modern day trends and beliefs. The Shrine of Fátima is about to undergo a complete reconstruction with a new stadium-like basilica being erected close by the existing one built in 1921.

[Land of the Irish]

Ping

[Fifthmark]

"The religion of the future will be a general converging of religions in a universal Christ that will satisfy all", he said.

This is absolutely satanic. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

[Domestic Church]

"Delegates agreed that religious shrines, including Fátima, should be revamped every 25 years to reflect modern day trends and beliefs"

I got nauseous reading this. Since when do Catholics revamp every 25 years to keep up with modern day trends?(I know... since Vat.II.)

Since Portugal is the one place where the faith was to remain intact I guess we are very near the end.

[drstevej]

Should this be viewed as a fruit of Vatican II?

[Maeve]

"Work of the Devil" ALERT

[Maximilian]

This is beyond parody. I am shocked and flabbergasted. Does anyone have any background information or context for this?

[Maeve]

Work of the Devil ALERT

[Domestic Church]

Does anyone have that Fr. Gruner Fatima link? I would like to glance at it in light of this fiasco.

[franky]

." Traditional Catholics opposed to the Congress were described by the Monsignor as "old fashioned, narrow minded, fanatic extremists and provocateurs"

Reads like it is out of a 1940's movie.

I guess we should drop our financial aid to the missions, right?

[8mmMauser]

In recent years, we frequently visited Lourdes and kept track of things with the resident SSPX priest, watching as they initiated the changes to make Lourdes an interfaith site. Last time I was there, the plans were up for walks for the many faiths, for interfaith conferences and the like. Meanwhile, St. Michael was stripped from his place and the Basilica of Saint Pius X was allowed to deteriorate. "They" also sought to straighten the river, making access to the grotto much more restricted.

Clearly the intent at Lourdes was to strip it of its true meaning and replace it as a convention site. Haven't been back since 1997 though.

[attagirl]

fatima.org

However, this is not posted. I had heard about this nauseating development. Satan is well represented in the Church.

[attagirl]

fatima.org

However, this is not posted. I had heard about this nauseating development. Satan is well represented in the Church.

[steve86]

Traditional Catholics opposed to the Congress were described by the Monsignor as "old fashioned, narrow minded, fanatic extremists and provocateurs."

Count me as one of the most fanatic of the fanatics.

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

(gasping)

[Petronski]

I am physically sickened by this report.

[nickcarraway]

Maeve! Where have you been hiding? Good to see you. How is your Mother?

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

Please tell me this is really the Portugese version of the Onion or something. That Jesuit's statement is beyond words.

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

Please tell me this is really the Portugese version of the Onion or something. That Jesuit's statement is beyond words.

[steve86]

I am not opposed to say, Hindus, visiting Catholic shrines. In India, where my wife is from, this has been going on for a long time. Nothing wrong with that and many of them feel enriched by the experience. But this is entirely different from multiple religions being represented on the Board of Directors of a Catholic Shrine.