The following is a message from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on the election of a new Pope.
On behalf of the Dominican people, I extend best wishes to His Holiness Pope Francis as he ascends to the throne of Saint Peter.
The Pope serves as a champion of the most vulnerable among us and carries forth Christ’s message of love and compassion – a simple message that has nonetheless served to inspire the world for well over two thousand years.
We are delighted with the selection of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, the first pontiff from the Americas. His selection speaks to the strength and vitality of the Latin American and Caribbean region.
The people of Dominica join with other people of faith across the globe in offering our prayers for the Holy Father as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church.
Thank God we have a Prime Minister who still possesses some etiquette and sense of protocol. The Pope is the leader of the world’s largest church,and it is fitting that our Prime Minister, himself a Catholic, should send in congratulatory wishes to the Pope. We should stop behaving like we just rolled out from under some rocks and are living in the dark ages. All people of faith wish the Holy Father well in leading us during these turbulent times. Where would we be without the Church’s moral authority on topics related to war and peace, poverty, social justice and liberty? The Church continues to be a sign of God’s saving and loving presence in the world. We are the church – we are all church, and we are that sign in today’s world – a light shining in the darkness.
There should be no problem in payig respect to anyone who has attained higher heights. The Honourable Prime Minister is prime mister of all of Dominca. The day is coming when therre will be one flock and and one shepherd. Be carefuil that you are in the loop.
the pope is a loving man who care`s for us so live him in peace and let him lead our church.
In the middle of the Catholic lentern season mister Skeritt had a big political fete in Lagoon Roseau, totally disrespecting the religious sanctity of the Popes religion. Futhermore he added insult to injury by preaching revenge instead of PEACE during this same lent.
Justice and Truth
You missed out on one article.The one from Dennis Joseph.I did not see your comment there…
Interesting the text is similar to President Obama’s statement posted on CNN. Some of it is word for word.
OBAMA:
“On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I offer our warm wishes to His Holiness Pope Francis as he ascends to the Chair of Saint Peter and begins his papacy. As a champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us, he carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than two thousand years-that in each other we see the face of God. As the first pope from the Americas, his selection also speaks to the strength and vitality of a region that is increasingly shaping our world, and alongside millions of Hispanic Americans, those of us in the United States share the joy of this historic day. Just as I appreciated our work with Pope Benedict XVI, I look forward to working with His Holiness to advance peace, security and dignity for our fellow human beings, regardless of their faith. We join with people around the world in offering our prayers for the Holy Father as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church in our modern world.
That is more than just similar..that is strikingly similar. But it’s all good..would just have preferred some originality.
This is from Bishop Massiere
In the past, he did that he respect gays, but will not condone the act
Amen PM Skerret, the time has come when we need lot’s of prayer for our people and Nation Dominica.
It’s fine if Skerrit wishes to make a congratulatory message, but no leader should presume to speak for all “the people” of a nation. We are not all Catholic, we do not all wish to congratulate any popes, and the sooner people stop assuming we are all the same the better.
Why all the ignorance? He has the right to speak on behalf of the nation as its leader…Its not a religious thing so whether or not you’re affiliated with the roman catholic church,u shouldn’t make it personal. All this religious negativity isn’t necessary..You must be a very small minded individual if u cant even congratulate someone on their achievement or their promotion ……Its time that you church going people stop being so religious and hypocritical and start behaving like Christ..we are all serving the same God whether you be a catholic , pentecostal or whatever your religious affiliation may be. we only practice our faith differently.
we dont serve the same god i serve the almighty father the one that died for my sins this is the true god that i serve. not some man made religion they only uses christian name but as a cover up didnt god said to come out of her read the 17 chapter of revelation and u will know wehich woman rides the beast the beast means government kingdom or political powers.the water also means people multitudes tongues and nations, please people come out of her if u need help please call me at 12647721759 and il let u know who this real whore the bible is talking about is
seem real ignorant.
that’s how it is said and/or done. “On behalf of the………” he cannot say on behalf of some people. sound silly
Yes he can..Don’t be an idiot.. Lets say he goes to a meeting of the Organization Eastern Caribbean States(OECS), does he go as a representative of some of the people or all?….Stop mixing politics with religion. I’m not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church in no way ,as a matter of fact I consider myself a pentecostal or Im of the Pentecostal faith but Im not so bias or small minded or even blinded by religion that i cant even recognize someone of another faith.What has Christianity come to? Are Dominicans still blinded by religious dominations that they have failed to realize that we are still children of God no matter where we worship or on what day? Christianity is of the heart.Its not how loud you pray or how often or how long you pray that gets the attention of God.There is a saying my friend and I quote…THE HANDS THAT SERVE ARE HOLIER THAN THAN THE LIPS THAT PRAYER.That’s what true Christianity is all about..Its in service to others,or have you forgotten that in Jesus’ ministry all he was doing was serving people.You wanna get Gods attention,then start serving others..If you see your brother hungry feed him..if he is naked clothe him.So while you are so focused on being a critic of the Prime Minister for congratulating the Pope on behalf of the nation,guess what he is practicing TRUE CHRISTIANITY…..giving a helping hand to the less fortunate…..
awa dominica is a catholic nation, most of the population is catholic.
I doh see the big deal. Why can’t he congratulate on behalf of the people? Do you expect each and every citizen of Dominica to reach out????
This has nothing to do with “we are not all Catholic.” The PM is the leader of this country. He extended his best wishes on behalf of nationals. What is wrong with that?
You are correct we are not all the same being from different socio-economical backgrounds, possessing different character and personality traits. We do not all think a like. Some are gracious in their mannerisms and others are not. Some are more perfect than others.
Be careful what you state according to your mentality as imbedded in your heart and mind for one day you will pay for it.
It is appropriate that the head of state congratulates another and extends his best wishes. Only ignorant people would object to it. You are showing that you possess just that.
ou sé un gaspillage!you are a waste!
On behalf of the Dominican people, we extend best wishes to his Holiness Pope Francis as he ascends to the Throne of St.Peter.We also ask you,your Holiness, to forgive the Prime Minister
what has the pm done to the pope? politics is more important than faith to so many, so whats your point?
He does not support lent.
I join the PM in congratulating the new pope. Let us hop he can demonstrate true leadership and guide the Church through the challenging times ahead.
You do not have to worry about that and concern yourself with it. You are on the outside looking in, peeking in as a peeping Tom and you do not know what is occurring within. The enemies of the Church should not concern themselves with affairs of the Church. It is none of their business. Let genuine practicing Catholics concern themselves about that.
We know who Pope Francis 1 is. We know his track record as a priest, bishop and cardinal and what he is capable of doing. We are confident that he will steer the Church on the right track with the help of The Blessed Trinity and The Mother of God, The Mother of the Church, The Ever Blessed Virgin Mary as his directors, inspiration and guide.
We Catholics have nothing to worry about. We will not waste our mind, time, effort and sleep worrying about that. We are in good hands with our Holy Father, Pope Francis 1. He is the Vicar on earth, a sincere one, chosen by the Holy Spirit who is representing Our Lord Jesus Christ in His Church. Thanks be to God.
How do you know he was chosen Truth? That “Holiness” title allu giving a MAN, allu will answer one day. There is NONE Holy or Righteous, NO, not one! Only God is.
Nice Mr. PM….Now congratulate your own Mr.Shillingford on his great performance allowing Windies to win against Zimbabwe.
You Forget PM made Shane an Ambassador last year…Shane has diplomatic Passport
That doesn’t mean he can’t congratulate him on his current achievement!!
@ ME…LOL
What type of a person are you and what is in your mind? Do you have any sense? Give the PM a break and a chance. Do not rush it. He will do so in time, when the time is right. Do you not know that everything happens in time and in strides? Be sensible and utilize your common sense if you have one. If you are capable of doing so, write something sensible and educating for a change.
There is a time for everything under heaven.
I wonder whether P.R.A endorses this message.
Pope, Bishop, others and myself let’s Repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and personal Saviour. He is very close in coming back.
I am not one of the D/can Plp who welcome the pope my leader is christ and i will keep it that way. If i am wrong please read the books of Daniel and Revelation they will tell you many things that i cannot discuss here.
Stubborn as a mule. This is how you will enter into eternity. Comprehend that there are no stubborn people in Heaven and never will be.
You are crushed right there by the criminal lawyer-priest, who believes in perversion of Justice and Truth.
Ehbeh you not going to heaven then you that Truth there.
Mr. PM the Pope does not like men who act like school yard bullies.
You all should stop these heartless coments.
I hope you Skerro take a page out of Pope Francis’ book…..humility.
Whey papa… Amen
They all have some kind of baggage, however that’s human nature, those are the one people revere, calls father, and holy!
God detest all that, because only he is holy!
FET.
Pope Francis, New Pope, New Pope Francis, Pope Francis Kidnapping, Pope Francis Kidnapping Controversy, White Smoke, White Smoke Sistine Chapel, Who Is The New Pope, World News
The election of Pope Francis, previously Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has resurfaced a decades-old controversy surrounding the kidnappings of two Jesuit priests.
Bergoglio was a high-ranking official in the Society of Jesus of Argentina when a military junta was installed in the South American country in 1976. According to the Los Angeles Times, priests Orlando Yorio and Francisco Jalics were kidnapped in May of that year by the navy. “They surfaced five months later, drugged and seminude, in a field,” the Times reported. A 2005 lawsuit accused Bergoglio of unspecified involvement in the abductions. Reuters explains that “the military government secretly jailed [Yorio and Jalics] for their work in poor neighborhoods.”
A spokesman for Bergoglio called the claims “old slander.”
Reuters has more details:
According to “The Silence,” a book written by journalist Horacio Verbitsky, Bergoglio withdrew his order’s protection of the two men after they refused to quit visiting the slums, which ultimately paved the way for their capture.
Verbitsky’s book is based on statements by Orlando Yorio, one of the kidnapped Jesuits, before he died of natural causes in 2000. Both of the abducted clergymen survived five months of imprisonment.
“History condemns him. It shows him to be opposed to all innovation in the Church and above all, during the dictatorship, it shows he was very cozy with the military,” Fortunato Mallimacci, the former dean of social sciences at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, once said.
Those who defend Bergoglio say there is no proof behind these claims and, on the contrary, they say the priest helped many dissidents escape during the military junta’s rule.
Per the Associated Press, “Yorio accused Bergoglio of effectively handing them over to the death squads by declining to tell the regime that he endorsed their work. Jalics refused to discuss it after moving into seclusion in a German monastery.” Bergoglio discussed the incident with Sergio Rubin, his authorized biographer.
More from AP:
Both men were freed after Bergoglio took extraordinary, behind-the-scenes action to save them, including persuading dictator Jorge Videla’s family priest to call in sick so that Bergoglio could say Mass in the junta leader’s home, where he privately appealed for mercy. His intervention likely saved their lives, but Bergoglio never shared the details until Rubin interviewed him for the 2010 biography.
Bergoglio told Rubin that he regularly hid people on church property during the dictatorship, and once gave his identity papers to a man with similar features, enabling him to escape across the border. But all this was done in secret, at a time when church leaders publicly endorsed the junta and called on Catholics to restore their “love for country” despite the terror in the streets.
Bergoglio testified about the matter in 2010 after twice refusing to appear in open court, but “his answers were evasive, human rights attorney Myriam Bregman said.”
Also on HuffPost:
Francisco, one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy and teachings of the Catholic Church is, “To teach the ignorant, the ill/misinformed, uneducated, naïve and so on. you are underestimating what we have stated. You do not comprehend. We Catholics never stated that Pope Francis 1 is holy. If we call him holy in that sense of holiness which pertains to God, we blaspheme against God and commit a grievous sin.
We call him Holy Father because he is our Pope, the Head of the Catholic Church. We could also say His Holiness. This does not mean we regard him as ‘a perfectly holy’ person. We are well-taught in matters of our faith.
The Pope is infallible only on matters of Catholic Dogmas/Doctrines, beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church. Some of you do not know about that, do not comprehend it and others fail to accept it.
In simple terms, God is the Head of Heaven. He is the Creator and Ruler of the world. As Pope he is answerable to God. As Catholics we are not ignorant to believe that he takes precedence over God. I hope you have learned something.
However, on earth, we Catholics have every right to call Pope Francis 1, Holy Father. What is more, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit approves of his name, his title. Let the enemies of the Catholic Church who are devoid of godly enlightenment comprehend it and take a back step. Their views do not make sense and are redundant. They teach us absolutely nothing.
I have read all what was stated against the Holy Father. The problem with some of you is, every adverse information and opinion you hear ad read about you take as Gospel truth, swallow it, smoke it in your pipe and spew it out negatively and use it to damage the good reputation of others, namely the Catholic Church in general.
Those who wrote against Pope Francis 1 will do their utmost to discredit him. They do this to every one including polticians. They fish for information whether it is not factual and print it for all to read. Whatever he did, he did it for good; not for evil. We Catholics know better. We do this with the help and inspiration of Our Lord Jesus Christ which you are devoid of.
You must put on your thinking cap and not believe all what you read and apply to one who does not deserve it. Furthermore, you are not a Catholic. Even though you have freedom of speech, if your words are not complimentary, it does not matter what you write and state against our elected, chosen Pope by God.
You have a Christian name. You may have been a baptized Catholic. Are you? If so, what happened to turn your head around? Living an ungodly life, a capitalist and materialistic one? This could do it as God knows too well. See about your soul.
Don’t know why the other Christian denominations have such a hard time understand or misrepresenting Catholicism.
dear justice and truth have u ever read the 17 chapter of the book of revelation ?you seems to be the pope p.r.o francisco is speaking the truth give the man a break to explain to blind ppl like you
you are very arrogant.
truth and justic some question to you?do u know what the word vatican means? do u know the meaning of the upside down cross in the vatican? who wears purple and scarlet in the vatican which revelation 17 talks about.who has a golden cup extending to the world?which institution calls herself the mother church? which institution is deck with gold and precious stones is this not the vatican?what is the use of the monstrance? why does the pope wears a fish god mitre.see judges16 23-24 why do u all bow down yourself to them/exodus 20=5why do this organization worship graven images or likeness?why was pope john paul buried in a trapizoid shape cuffin?isnt the trapizoid a demonic symbol?what is the use in prayin to the virgin mary when in fact she have to face her judgement just like us? there is only one madiator. wasnt catholicism began with constantine?how can god love something that speak contrary to his words?please answer me if u are so genuine.isnt rome the only country where a church sits on seven hills?if this doesnt reflect the catholic church then tell me of an other institution im willing to do the research because i cant think of anyother thing. i can give u quotation after quotation but answer this question now im watchingif iu dont its also a sin not to tell the truth.in jesus name amen and amen and amen
francisco telemaque i must compliment you for sharing this information out on dno some ppl believe that the pope is gods representative on earth the pope has to serve his judgement just like us and all those crimes this institution has committed hypocracy will always continue to be the cover up for these guys.revelation 17 please read then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowl came and talk with me sayin to me come i will show you the judgement of the great harlot who sits on many waters with whom the kings of the earth committed fornications and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication so he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness and i saw aq woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy having seven heads and ten horns the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornications and on her forehead a name was written mystery babylon the great the mother of harlots and the abominations of the earth. i saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the matyrs of jesusand when i saw her i mavelled with great amazement
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Hebrews 10:17
Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”
Daniel 9:9
The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. “
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. John 8 vs 7
…. He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone…. John 8 vs 7
LOL!!