Bishop of Roseau welcomes new Pope

Francis I
Francis I

Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, Gabriel Malzaire, has welcomed the election of Pope Francis as leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

“It is with great joy that we welcome the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Francis I,” the bishop said. “The clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Roseau rejoice in the election and pray that God will bless with abundance his pontificate.”

The new Pope, Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected on Wednesday as leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics. He is the 266th pontiff of the church and is the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years, to lead it.

Bishop Malzaire described this as ‘a truly historic moment.’

“This certainly represents a new era in the life of the church,” he said.

He stated that the new Pope’s choice of name is significant. “Choosing the name Francis is no doubt an expression of the Pope’s simplicity and also his awareness of the church’s responsibility to the poorest among us,” he said. “His reputation of being a strong voice on many significant social issues, his deep personal spirituality and a great sense of prayer makes him an appropriate leader for the church in our time.”

Bishop Malzaire said the faithful in Dominica are praying that under the new Pope’s leadership, the “church universally, will find a new inspiration and zeal to proclaim the gospel in word and action.”

Francis is known as a humble man who spoke out for the poor and led an austere life in Buenos Aires.

He was born in 1938 and later joined the religious congregation The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. He was made archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and named cardinal in 2001.

In Buenos Aires, Francis chose to live in an apartment rather than the archbishop’s palace, refused a chauffeured limousine, took the bus to work and cooked his own meals.

After he was elected Pope, he declined the papal car that had been prepared for him for the ride to the papal residence and took the bus with the other cardinals instead.

“May God forgive you for what you have done,” he jokingly told the cardinals over dinner.

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31 Comments

  1. March 16, 2013

    Justice and truth..
    You are taking up all the space,what’s wrong with you…You are commentting on everything…You gotta allow somethings to pass..
    Dominica Woman..
    Once one sticks too and speaks on the authority of GOD’s word,he or she can’t go wrong..
    Yes..Prays on behalf of all is good,since GOD asked to even pray for ones enemy.
    However do not forget JESUS said,”If one is ashame to confess him before men,HE(JESUS) will be ashame to confess him before HIS FATHER..
    And so,when one is caught up in error,especially in the things of GOD.It’s the duty of the believer to call it out,by way of correction.Then it is left to the one who is at error what he or she does with the correct information.
    Like my friend Justice And Truth…

  2. March 15, 2013

    Dominica has as far as I know One Bishop for the Islands and it really pissed me off when the news and the papers say ” THE BISHOP OF ROSEAU” pLEASE SOME ONE start working on that heading The BISHOP is the Bishop of Dominica. Thank You

  3. Dominicawoman
    March 15, 2013

    What strenght does any of our comments have on God’s work. Sometimes it is better that we remain silent and pray for mercy and blessings. Pay heed that we do not offend God. Read Numbers Chapter 12. Peace and love

    • Justice and Truth
      March 16, 2013

      Your writing and the writing of others will reflect whether we offend God or not. This entails respect for the religious beliefs, teachings and devotions of others. A genuine godly person will know this and exercise this trait towards others. In view of this, whoever practices it will please God most.
      Our Lord said, The First Commandment is, “Love God with all your heart and soul” and the Second is like it, “Love one another as you love yourself.”
      As also faith and works, both go together. One cannot be separated from thhe other. If we love others and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve, as you expect of them towards you, we love God. If we fail to do this, we do not love God.
      I do not see much of this “Love” directed at the Catholic Church of which I am a member and the Pope, by some people who comment on this Website. This Church has not harmed such people. They project downright hatred for it.
      Many need to cultivate the virtue of love. If we do not practice this Commandment, we offend God and stand a good chance of eternal banishment and punishment into the fires of Hell. Even a punishment while we are on earth prior to the greater one in eternity.
      Always do good to others in words and deeds. If people cannot state something good, they should refrain from stating nothing lest they offend others and most of all God.

  4. March 15, 2013

    Justice and Truth..
    Are you a nun????

    • Justice and Truth
      March 15, 2013

      Thank you for asking. To appease your curiosity and any other, :) I am a Catholic Christian, a member of the laity, not a nun, who is strong in my faith as a practicing Catholic. I have thought of becoming a nun. If per chance I ever do, it will be a cloistered one where I would not be out in the world and will only pray and make penance and sacrifice. I do not think this is what God wants for me. He knows that I can do much in the world.
      I had excellent Catholic upbringing and teaching, religious instructions, thanks to the Redemptorist Fathers, my parents and the Convent High School I attended. I have not deviated from the teaching of the Catholic Church.
      The Blessed Trinity is at the helm. Always thanks and praise to Him, The Three Persons in One. He helps me to write too including The Mother of God, Our Dear Blessed Lady who I have a great devotion to. We pay “homage” to God. We “honor” the Mother of God. Notice the difference between ‘homage’ and ‘honor’? We ask her “to pray and intercede” for us before Her Blessed Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary? Her prayers are more powerful than anyone on this earth.
      When we practice the faith, do not doubt its Dogmas, believe all what it teaches, respect the Hierarchy of the Catholic Church, the priests, attend Holy Mass and other prayerful Catholic gatherings, perform good deeds cheerfully, especially when the circumstances call for it, propagate the faith, mail and give religious matters as received to others without counting the cost and time, taking the time to do so, read religious matters, listen to Catholic Radio and TV, know the faith, defend it, pass it on, keep company with those of likewise mind, do our utmost to live up to God’s Commandments and the teachings of the Catholic Church, etc., etc., etc., God who is not blind, deaf or sleeping, blesses and graces us for these efforts. We will become fervent and be steadfast in the faith. No one will be able to turn our heads and minds against it, falsely indoctrinate us, speak ill of its Catholic devotions, be aggressive to us and cause us to leave our faith.
      God enlightens us and makes us knowledgeable, wise and strong in our Catholic faith. As it is stated in Holy Scriptures: “We will climb, run, fly and never grow tired… and able to defend it.” We are the Church.
      This is what makes a good Catholic. Thanks be to God, I do attribute this to my parents. Parents are the primary educators of their children and by examples.
      One does not have to be a priest or nun to know the faith to be able to speak and write about it and to advise others accordingly. It is the obligation of the laity. If we love our faith, everything is put in place. Our lifestyle will also depend on that. He expects this of each and everyone of us. The more good we do in that godly spirit, the more godly things we are able to do in Jesus Name. God multiplies our talents.
      As a wise person stated, “God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the call.”
      So you see, you do not have to leave the Catholic Church. We have it all in the Catholic Church and some are not aware of that. I hope this will assist others to remain in the Catholic faith, build it up and their faith. It is the One, Only Catholic and Apostolic Chhurch which Our Lord Jesus Christ founded on this earth for us, as a preparation for obtaining eternal salvation. We are to respect the faith of others without watering down ours.
      St. Paul said, “Proclaim the faith whether it is convenient or inconvenient…” Our directives are also contained in Holy Scriptures, specifically the New Testament. As I always say, much more could be stated about that.

      • Metatron
        March 15, 2013

        And that was the reading of chapter 1 verses 1 to 25 from the epistle of Justice and Truth to Chris Mann.

  5. river
    March 14, 2013

    God bless our new Pope We all love you

  6. wells
    March 14, 2013

    i am asking any catholic in this times to do only one thing for me .ask your priest to explain revelation chapter 17 for you and you will see the true beast colour of him please just ask him please please please faithfull catholic im not really blaming some of them because they have been blind by this great harlot but some of them know and they refuse to be moved because their parents raised them up im this institution.remember what the bible says to come out of her

    • Justice and Truth
      March 16, 2013

      You are judging. Judge no one but yourself. God knows that you have much to be judged about.
      You know what Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Judge not that you may not be judged accordingly and two-fold.” The measure in which you measure to others, it will be measured to you two-fold. You are lacking in religious instructions.
      Go and learn the meaning of love and respect for others, their religon and devotions. You are sadly lacking them. :twisted: :mrgreen:

  7. March 14, 2013

    what holy pope :-x :twisted:

  8. Justice and Truth
    March 14, 2013

    Catholics were sad that former, Pope Benedict XVI resigned. We took it in stride, knowing that a loving God knows best and that it was necessary for his health.
    From Tuesday it was an exciting time in eager anticipation for another pope, wondering who will be pope. When the time arrived, the white smoke indicated to the entire world that a pope was elected. Wow! I was elated! Then another anticipation of who is the elected pope. Catholics in North America, Canada, thought that one of our Cardinals would be fortunate. Those in North America, the U.S. thought that one of their Cardinals would have been chosen. Obviously others in Europe and other parts of the world thought likewise. God is in control and will always have his way.
    When the name of the new pope was announced, well, we were all surprised; not disappointed. As the Holy Spirit took charge, wherever we were, all of us clapped, laughed, prayed and welcomed our new pope. Some cried. I could not have been happier to welcome him as our Catholic leader.
    God gave us a great pope, a humble person who loves the poor and who encourages us to embrace them and to help them, especially for those who ignore them, those who are in need of.
    How happy are all genuine Catholics worldwide to have such a pope. We all prayed for this. The Blessed Trinity did not disappoint His Church, His people.
    Are you aware of that “a white bird” flew over the Sistine Chapel where the smoke would be later seen? As heard on Catholic Media and having reflected on it, the Holy Spirit showed us a sign that something significant would occur and which has his mark of approval. Another person on Catholic TV and Radio said that he observed the plumes of white smoke which was more than usual and that he thought something significant would occur. They were correct. God gave us a holy and humble pope who also has a sense of humor. At this point, I must say the two previous popes excelled in their own way and we still love them.
    A tradition hymn which I recalled from childhood, a few words are as contained in that hymnal which some of you may know:

    Full in the Panting Heart of Rome, Beneath the Apostles’ crowning dome,
    From pilgrims’ lips that kiss the ground,
    Breathes in all tongues one only sound!

    God bless our Pope, the great, the good!
    God bless our Pope, the great, the good!

    This is for Pope Francis I. May God grant him long life, health and strength.

    The Blessed Trinity, how great Thou art! Praised be You!

    .

  9. T mama
    March 14, 2013

    God bless our papa Pope Francis…they can say what they want about the Catholic Church we are the true followers of Jesus Christ…true christians..and we have leadership just like in the Bible, Pope Francis is the Head Bishop the the Church….

    • Metatron
      March 15, 2013

      So all it comes down to is a feud to decide who is the ‘true’ this or that. smh this is why religion is so useless.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 15, 2013

      God bless you T Mama. As Our Lord said to Peter, “God has revealed this to you.” :)
      The truth must be known and must always be told. The enemies are jealous. No exception Satan who imbeds this in them to cause division, disunity, lack of love and peace, turmoil and confusion among believers.
      Sometime ago I recall reading on DNO that someone stated, Catholics do not know God. I was not able to respond to the person’s comments since DNO did not allow it. There was no “Reply to this comment” I have a good memory of the comments that I read or most of them. This person insulted us, the Catholic Church. The devil is at work even in the hearts and minds of those who claim to be born again Christians, who renounced their Catholic faith to join other churches.
      If we did not know God we would not be consistently, daily, celebrating the Holy Mass and participating in same. As one example, Our Lord said, “…Do this in memory of Me…” We would not have devotions to Our Lord which they criticize. I will not elaborate further on this.
      It is high time that those people comprehend that the Catholic Church is 2000 years old, founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is superior to all other churches because Our Lord established it and approves of it and its devotions.
      When Our Lord came to earth, some accepted him, others rejected him. Our Lord had the same problem when he became preaching. The disciples also had the same problem to the point of being stoned, beheaded and burned at the stake.
      After the Catholic Church was formed some people through disobedience, stubbornness and pride to mention a few, renounced their Catholic faith. They and their followers are doing exactly what those people did to Our Lord Jesus and the Disciples and they are too ignorant to know it as they go about saying that they love God, preaching the Gospel and saving souls. Oh my! Thanks be to God, I know better than that. They have contributed to disunity. They got the Holy Bible from the Catholic Church, watered it down to suit their mentality and beliefs and are preaching and teaching against this same Church.
      Down through the ages others established their church. All we have to do is look back on the history of how those religions were established, commencing with Luther and Henry VIII.
      those of today, are criticizing the Catholic Church and speaking ill of it. We know what true love is all about. Surely, they cannot love God with all their heart and soul and love others if they project such evil mannerisms to us. They will not leave us Catholics and Catholics alone to worship as we please, as established by God Himself, the Holy Spirit. In this case, their love for God and for neighbor is a fake – not genuine. God knows it too. Therefore, as genuine practicing Catholics, we must know our faith, grow in faith and stand up for our Church, for our faith and its devotions. As the words of a Catholic song, “…Heaven is our passion and prize…”
      Our Lord said, “By their fruits you will know them.” You know the words of the hymn, “….And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

  10. Che'
    March 14, 2013

    Not even Gabriel knows the name of the Pope… He is “Pope Francis” and NOT “Pope Francis I”

    • possie long time
      March 15, 2013

      stupid he is the first one to pick francis..hence “Pope Francis I” smh

      • Justice and Truth
        March 16, 2013

        You note how ignorant they are? I thought of Heaven and that Heaven was very much involved in it. As God looked on and blest the Cardinals in the Conclave, the saints were praying in Heaven and then rejoiced when a new Pope was chosen. God, his archangels, angels and saints were present with them.
        On Catholic TV and Radio, throughout the weekend and those days during the Conclave, Holy Mass was celebrated for that purpose. Prayers were said for the Cardinals and for choosing a new Pope. The same occurred in all Catholic Churches and Catholic homes throughout the world. God answered our prayers.

  11. Say what?
    March 14, 2013

    Why are they calling him the Holy father? If he is,
    I hope he is really going to condemm all the evil that the priest’s have been doing to the innocent children. The Bible say all men in these positions should have a wife. If they were allowed to be married, there would be less children being molested by so called Priests. The Catholic churches have a lot of monies, so they should be compensitating for all these issues.

    • hmmm
      March 14, 2013

      the bible says no such thing smh

      • Justice and Truth
        March 15, 2013

        Say what should read the writings of St. Paul in the New Testament. How ignorant are some of them.

        St. Paul wrote and taught: “…I would like you to remain as I am…” Furthermore, Our Lord Jesus Christ was not married. This is why the Catholic Church in these times do not allow the priests to get married.
        In addition, Our Lord said, “You cannot serve God and man, also money.” You will either love one and hate the other.”
        St. Paul also wrote about a married wife, husband, their concern for each other and a single person, the concern for God. It makes good sense. Will get back to this another time.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 15, 2013

      Since you are not a Catholic or a practicing one, he is not your Holy Father. He is our Holy Father, Catholics who practice the faith and who believe all what the Catholic Church believes and teaches. Therefore, put a lid on it and keep quiet. It does not conern you and should not concern you.
      Who are you? Have you not done evil to others, you hypocrite? I bet as you live you will continue to do evil. Therefore, examine yourself and your conscience before God and mind your own business. Save your soul. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  12. March 14, 2013

    A humble man who spoke out for the poor and led an austere life in Buenos Aires…
    JESUS is not only interested in talks but most important;action got to back up the talks.
    And JESUS said unto him(The rich young man),If thou wilt be perfect,”go and sell that thou hast,and give to the poor,and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven:and come and follow me.”
    He went away sorrowful:for he had great possessions.
    You can fool some of the people for some time;but not all of the people for all of the time..
    The water which thou(Paul)sawest,where the whore sitteth,are people,and multitudes,and nations,and tongues.
    And the ten(kings) horns which thou(Paul)sawest upon the beast,these shall hate the whore,and shall make her desolate and naked,and shall eat her flesh,and burn her with fire.
    For GOD hath put in their hearts to fufill his will,and to agree,and give their kingdom unto the beast,until the words of GOD shall be fulfilled.
    And the woman which thou(Paul)sawest is that great city,which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
    That great city!That great city!Its’days are numbered…

    • Justice and Truth
      March 14, 2013

      Whose side are you on? People as you make me laugh and shake my head in disgust, you who are always critical/negative of everything. What are you doing for God that if at this moment you die or in the future you will have something godly spiritual to present to him that you will be welcomed into Heaven? When you criticize, ensure that your soul is right with God and that you are pleasing in his sight. You hypocritical person. You act as if you are perfect. God knows better. You should know that He has you covered for your type of lifestyle. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  13. Tell Me
    March 14, 2013

    DNO,please note that The Pope is calledFrancis not Francis 1,only after there is a second Francis will there be a first!

    Admin: Thanks but if you look closely you will notice that he was only referred to as Pope Francis 1 in a quote by the Bishop. Everywhere else in the article, he is referred to as Pope Francis.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 14, 2013

      You are wrong. He has chosen the name “Francis” and since there is no other pope with this name, He is called “Pope Francis I”. He should not be called only “Pope Francis”. Remember Pope John Paul II? There was previously a Pope John Paul I.
      If you are a Catholic, do your Catholic research. The Catholic Church is rich in history. If you take time out to get to know the real, true facts, you will be a better learned and fervent Catholic.
      When Catholics are not knowledgeable in the faith, they could be swayed by non-Catholic indoctrination. Know your faith, knowledge of same and what has transpired in the Church in ancient times.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 15, 2013

      Pope Francis 1 is his official name. This does not mean we cannt say simply Pope Francis. It takes no feat to give him his full honor of Pope Francis 1. However, I do believe most people even in the Catholic Church will refer to him as Pope Francis but I reiterate that officially he is Pope Francis 1. During the Holy Mass when we pray for him, it will surely be Pope Francis 1.
      You know as after the name of some children, 1, 11 and 111 and Senior (Sr.) and Junior (Jr.) are named.

  14. Truth Seeker
    March 14, 2013

    Oh, slavery days!

    Until the Roman Catholic church repents for its sins – aka, its deep involvement and sanctioning of the trading in Africans, raped from their homeland, priced and sold as free labor without pay, to build the West, we ought not believe.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 14, 2013

      Do you realize that you are speaking about 1.2 billion Catholics? You are generalizing and committing a grievous sin by judging them – all of them and offending God. You repent! God knows that you have a lot to repent about.
      Only fools and those who lack godly graces and enlightenment make such stupid statements.
      When are you going to repent of your sins? Look around you in your house, are you and anyone else in there sinless? How stupid could you get? Let the Church handle its business and you handles yours. You deserve -:twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

      • Metatron
        March 15, 2013

        Funny how you talk so religiously then put up those devil horn/rage emoticons. Is that what you’re really trying to express or are you just that badly off. Or are you just a really elaborate troll?

  15. Proud Catholic
    March 14, 2013

    God Bless you Pope Francis I.

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