November 9, 2007
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** DAILY READINGS:
First Reading:
Ezek 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=3621
Psalm:
Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=3622
Second Reading:
1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=3623
Gospel:
Jn 2:13-22
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/reading.php?n=3624
** SAINT OF THE DAY:
Dedication of St. John Lateran
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=650
** TOP STORIES:
- Italian journalist disputes claim of miscommunication on Bible ban
- Colorado bishops speak out against new Planned Parenthood headquarters
** MORE HEADLINES
- Priest arrested, removed from ministry for stalking Conan O'Brien
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TOP STORIES
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Italian journalist disputes claim of miscommunication on Bible ban
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=10943)
ROME, November 9 (CNA) - Over the last several days there has been quite an uproar surrounding the report of a ban on Bibles at the Beijing Olympics. In a new development, Mr. Francesco Liello, the journalist who originally reported that a ban was in place, has told CNA that a miscommunication about a Bible ban was not possible given the dossier he received.
The Beijing Olympic Planning Committee claims that the whole issue is the result of a miscommunication between Mr. Liello and a member of the organizing committee. Mr. Liello disputes that claim, saying that Bibles were banned, albeit only for one day.
A translation of Mr. Liello's letter explaining what happened follows:
Dear Mr. Director,
I am the author of the story about the Bible in the Olympics.
I do not believe that there was any "miscommunication" when a sheet of paper came attached to the appendix of the dossier that was distributed during the second "World Press Briefing".
The paper's title says: Items Prohibited and Restricted in Olympic Venues (For Accredited Personnel)
In the paragraph: "1. Items Prohibited", Number (7) reads: "Pamphlets and materials used for any religious or political activity or display."
I believe that when there is a reference to religious activity, the Bible is fully included in this. And moreover under that same [rule] even a Cross on the chest could be regarded as forbidden material.
The next day, a reviewed version arrived under the title "For Media Personnel at Venues" (and not for Accredited media, as it was in the original version.)
Number (7) is listed as (8) and now forbids: "Promotional materials used for any religious or political activity."
To the question of how the organizers understand "Promotional materials," the person responsible for security said he was not in a position to respond, referring us to the Chinese legislation. Therefore, he did not clarify if the Bible could be regarded as promotional material. Since the term "display" was eliminated, obviously crosses or other exposed symbols are not forbidden any more.
Therefore, I don't believe there was any kind of miscommunication between myself (the "Italian Journalist" mentioned, even though there were several [journalists] there and not just me) and the representative of the organizing committee.
Best regards,
Francesco LielloLa Gazzetta dello SportChina Correspondent
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Colorado bishops speak out against new Planned Parenthood headquarters
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=10942)
DENVER, November 9 (CNA) - Yesterday, the Catholic bishops of Colorado released a statement regarding Planned Parenthood's constructions plans for a new headquarters and clinic in Denver.
The bishops write, "In early November, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM) broke ground on a new headquarters and clinic in northeast Denver." They "purchased this property secretly under the guise of Fuller 38 LLC."
"Planned Parenthood told the Denver Post that PPRM planned to complete the entire project in secrecy to avoid protests and delays that other Planned Parenthood buildings have encountered around the country."
The project, which is to be completed in the summer of 2008, is located at 7155 E. 38th Ave. in Denver. The general contractor for the project is the Weitz Company LLC.
Planned Parenthood is among the leading providers of abortion in the United States. In 2005, they performed 264,943 abortions, a 29% increase since 2000. "Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains has stated that it served 125,000 patients in five states, including Colorado, last year and of those 8,800 received abortions."
"Teens and young people are the primary customers for their services and information, which include the distribution of contraception, emergency contraception and chemical and surgical abortions. Nationally 70 % of Planned Parenthoods customers are under age 25 and 27% are under age 19. Furthermore, Planned Parenthood is a supplier of graphic and educational materials."
"Planned Parenthood calls itself pro-child, pro-woman, and pro-family. Yet it is an organization based on falsehoods about the human person, the family and community life."
"When a minor comes to Planned Parenthood, she is provided information on contraception, sex education and treatment of STDs without parental notification. How can Planned Parenthood justify calling itself pro-family or pro-child when it intrudes itself between a child and parent?"
"Planned Parenthood vigorously opposes any legislation that would provide advance[d] medical information pertaining to an abortion procedure, and opposes any legislation that would provide a woman, who is seeking an abortion, knowledge of her unborn child's development or information regarding alternatives to abortion. Considering the psychological and physical effects of abortion on a woman, how can Planned Parenthood call itself pro-woman and oppose widespread access to advanced information?"
In conclusion, the Catholic bishops of Colorado, "deplore the negative impact of the actions and philosophy of PPRM. We urge the Catholic community and all people of good will to defend themselves and their beliefs against Planned Parenthood by every legal and ethical means at their disposal. We ask all Catholics to pray, within their families and parish communities, that the dignity and sanctity of every human life will be upheld at all stages of development."
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MORE HEADLINES
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Priest arrested, removed from ministry for stalking Conan O'Brien
(http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=10934)
BRIGHTON, MA, November 9 (CNA) - A priest from the Archdiocese of Boston arrested for allegedly stalking NBC late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien has been placed on leave, the Boston Globe reports.
Father David Ajemian, a 46 year-old priest from Stoneham, Massachusetts, was arrested in New York City last week on charges of stalking Conan O'Brien.
He is accused of sending threatening mail to the host's home and office, contacting his parents, and showing up at the studios in Manhattan where O'Brien's show is filmed. The charges against the priest are aggravated harassment and stalking, for which he could face up to a year in prison if convicted.
Barbara Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Manhattan district attorney's office, told the Associated Press that Father Ajemian wrote in one of the letters "I want a public confession before I ever consider giving you absolution - or a spot on your couch." He signed the letters "Padre 009."
Conan O'Brien does have a friendship with Fr. Paul B. O'Brien, who is pastor of Saint Patrick's Church in Lawrence. Though the two are unrelated, both were roommates at Harvard. Some news reports are speculating that Ajemian may also know the late-night entertainer from Harvard.
Father Ajemian was ordained in 2001. He was recently a parochial vicar at a Stoneham parish, and according to an archdiocesan spokeswoman he had been unassigned since June.
The Archdiocese of Boston released a statement announcing Father Ajemian's removal from public ministry as a result of his arrest. The archdiocese has also placed the priest on leave.
"The Archdiocese has cooperated and continues to cooperate fully with New York authorities on this matter. Further, during this difficult time, the Archdiocese will offer pastoral support to all parties affected," the statement said.
(END)
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