BUKAS NA LIHAM PARA SA LAHAT NG OBISPO AT PARI SA BUONG PILIPINAS…
Ika-13 ng Enero taong 2013 Kapistahan ng Pagbibinyag ng Panginoon, PL: 001 series 2013
MINAMAHAL NA BAYAN NG DIYOS,
Ang kapayapaan ay sumainyong lahat…!
Sa Ebanghelyo ni San Markos, Sinabi kay Jesus, “ Guro, Nakakita po kami ng isang nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo sa pamamagitan ng pangalan mo at pinagbawalan namin sapagkat hindi natin siya kasamahan”. Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus, “ Huwag ninyo siyang pagbawalan, sapagkat walang matapos gumawa na kababalaghan sa Pangalan ko ang agad magsasalita laban sa akin sapagkat ang HINDI LABAN SA ATIN AY PANIG SA ATIN”.
(Mk 9:38-40)
Bilang Obispo, malinaw sa akin na kaming Pastol na kawan ng Panginoon ay dapat maging sanhi ng PAGKAKAISA AT HINDI PAGKAKAHATI-HATI at PAGBABANGALAN. Isa sa malaking eskandalo sa loob mismo ng Kristyanismo ang pag-awayan ng mga Kristiyano. Ang hangad ng Panginoong Jesus ay PAGKAKA-ISA (Jn 17:21)
Noong nakaraang taong Disyembre, 2012, may lumapit sa aking isang Pari at kanyang binalita noong Oktubre 2012 dalawang buwan nakalipas, na ang mga Obispong Romano Katoliko ay naglabas ng Sulat na nakapaloob sa sulat na iyon ay nagsasabi na meron mga Obispo at Kongregasyon na mga “Schismatic” (na ang ibig sabihin ay Humiwalay sa kanila) at nakasama ang Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira. Hindi ko sana hangad na pansinin ito upang ang pagkakaisa ng mga mananampalataya, sa loob ng Kristiyanismo, ay mabuo sa iisang Diyos sa diwa ng “ DEUS CARITAS EST” o ” DIYOS AY PAG-IBIG” kaya po ako nanahimik. Ngunit hangad ko rin na maiparating sa inyo ang MATUWID in the Spirit of Ecumenism.
Una, kung ang mga Obispo ay may Problema sa amin sana ay hindi muna sila naglabas ng pahayag laban sa amin ICAB. Sana ay nagbigay sila ng panahon na dingin ang aming panig. Nawa ay tingnan din ninyo ang aking Apostolic Succession.
Ikalawa, Ang mga ORTHODOX ay Katoliko. Ang Simbahang Katoliko ay hindi lamang ang ROMAN Catholic. Ang Salitang “ CATHOLIC” ay nangangahulugan ng Pangkalahatan. Ang tunay na Katoliko ay hindi “EXCLUSIVE” kundi “INCLUSIVE”… Si Pope Benedict XVI ang nagsabi, “EASTERN CATHOLIC SHOULD BE CATHOLICS, they have no need to become Latins (ROMAN)”.
Sinasabi ng Decree on Ecumenism No. 15 tungkol sa Eastern Catholics, “ These Churches although separated from Us, yet possess true sacraments, above all by Apostolic Succession- the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us in closest intimacy”.
“The Churches which, while not existing in Perfect Communion with the Catholic Church remain united to Her by means of the bonds, that is, by Apostolic Succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches. Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the Catholic Church. (DOMINUS IEUS no. 17)
Ikatlo, Sinasabi ko na noon pa na kami ay Orthodox pero hindi Greek Orthodox Kundi Brazilian in lineage. Ang aming Apostolic Succession o lineage ay mula kay:
St. Peter- through Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa ( Rebiba Apostolic Succession)
St. Andrew- through Russian Orthodox Bishop John Maximovitch
St. Thomas-Through Syro Chaldean Heritage
Bukod sa St. John Chrysostom Liturgy, ginagamit naming ang NOVUS ORDO o ROMAN RITE. Hindi panggagaya dahil ito po ay hango sa Eastern Liturgy at ang Rite na ito ay Ecumenical. Anim na protestante ang kumatha nito, Drs. Georges, Jasper, Separd, Konneth, Smith at Thurian.
Ikaapat, Si San Carlos Duarte Costa ay Hindi nga kinikilalang Santo ng Roman Catholic Particular ng Papa sa Roma pero ay itinanghal na Santo sa ICAB, dahil sa kanyang pagtatanggol sa mga dukha sa Brasil. Ito ay dapat Respetuhin ng Roman Catholic Church Ang Roman Catholic ay may mga santo din na hindi Romanong Katoliko, Halimbawa ang Mahal na Birhen Maria at San Jose maging si Juan Bautista.
Ikalima, Kung may mga paring Romano na tinanggalan ng mga Obispo ng “FACULTY” na galing sa Roman Catholic at gustong sumama sa amin at ibig nilang ipagpatuloy ang paglilingkod bilang pari dahil ang “INDELIBLE MARK” ay hindi nabubura bilang pari. Sila po ay kinukupkop naming dahil “OUR CHURCH IS NOT OF INTIMIDITION AND FEAR BUT OF COMPASSION AND LOVE” sabi ni San Carlos Duarte Costa ng Brasil.
WE SERVE THE UNSERVED CATHOLICS. Ang aming mga Pari ay nagmimisa kahit walang sundo at walang stipend. May Offering man o wala. Bakit kami ang binabatikos na wala kaming ibang doktrina na Taliwas sa Pananampalataya. Bakit hindi iyong mga sekta na umaayaw sa kanya.
Panghuli, sa Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira nas Filipinas (ICABF) ang Celibacy ay Optional. Ang pari ay Hindi Bawal ang PAG-AASAWA. Ang Celibacy ay Likha lamang ng Council of Elvira nuong 300A.D.
Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga humusga at humuhusga sa amin. Sabi nga ni Hesus, “ PINAGPALA KAYO KAPAG DAHIL SA AKI’Y INALIMURA KAYO NG MGA TAO, PINAG-UUSIG at, PINAGWIWIKAAN NG LAHAT NG URI NG KASAMAAN NA PAWANG KASINUNGALINGAN. MAGDIWANG KAYO AT MAGALAK SAPAGKAT MALAKI ANG INYONG GANTIMPALA SA LANGIT”.
(Mateo 5: 11-12)
Pagpalain kayo ng Poong Maykapal!
Ang inyong Tagapaglingkod kay Kristo,
Most Reverend JOSEPH VERZOSA GALAROZA, C.S.C., D.D.
Bishop-Primate
AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS
AND CLERGIES OF THE PHILIPPINES
13 January 2013 Sunday of Baptism of Our Lord PL: 001 series 2013
Dear Brother Bishops and priests:
Since the Advent of Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira nas Filipinas (ICABF) here in the Philippines, in November 8, 1988 by Bishop Forest Earnest Barber and succeeded by Bishop Harold James Donovan in 1992, it’s Bishops and Priests were not exempted from persecution coming from some of your rank and file. Last December 2012, we were informed that there were Bishops and Congregation that were branded “Schismatic” by the Roman Catholic last October 2012, which includes, Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira. I remain silent and now, as Pastor of our flock, it is also our duty to educate our people. I would like to reiterate of what I have written last March 08, 2007 (An open Letter to all the ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS and CLERGY of the Philippines). Yet, we must be careful enough in doing this.
Ignorance is the reason why we are attack unfairly. Hence Proper information about ICABFmust be disseminated. Thus. We are writing you so that you may not sinned by feeding the people of God with the wrong information.
In the Declaration issued by the Sacred congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, “ DOMINUS IEUS” ( August 6, 2000) signed by the present Pope Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as prefect recognized the value and validity of those churches which maintained Apostolic Succession and proper Eucharist, I quote:
“Therefore, there exist a single Church of Christ which subsists in the ROMAN Catholic Church, governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him. The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the ROMAN Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by Apostolic Succession and valid Eucharist, are true particular churches. Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the ROMAN Catholic Church, since they do not accept the ROMAN catholic doctrine of the Primacy, which according to the will of God, the Bishop of Rome objectively has and exercises over the entire Church.”
For your information, The Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira nas Filipinas, or the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church in the Philippines, derived her Apostolic Succession from the Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa, Diocesan Bishop of Botucato, Brazil. Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa, in speaking out against the greedy aristocracy in that country, the misappropriation of that country’s wealth, the extreme poverty of the ordinary people and the use of Vatican Passports to allow passage of Nazis into Brazil, earned the anger of those he spoke against. His protests, bringing reprisals, resulted in his leaving the Roman Catholic Church, and establishing the “Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira” in July of 1945. After Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa left the Roman Catholic Church and established the Brazilian Church, The Vatican Issued an Excommunion “Ad Vitando” against the Bishop. This is a matter of public record covered by many news services around the world.
As the ICAB began to grow, Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa consecrated and ordained Bishops, Priests and Deacons for this new Church. It is important to note two of these Bishops. Who later left the Brazilian Church and reconciled with the Roman Catholic Church were accepted into Roman Catholic Church and recognized as validly consecrated Bishops.
Bishop Salomao Barbosa Ferraz
Bishop Salomao Barbosa Ferraz was a former Roman Catholic Priest was consecrated a Bishop by Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa for ICAB in 1958, during the late Pontificate of Pope Pius XII, he reconciled with the Roman Catholic Church. Bishop Ferraz was named by the Holy See to be Titular Bishop of Eleuterna on May 12, 1963. Although he was married, Bishop Ferraz was later appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Rio de Janeiro by Pope Paul VI to serve on a working commission of the Second Vatican council and addressed the Council Fathers in session.
It is notable that bishop Ferraz was never re-consecrated by the Roman Catholic Church, not even conditionally (sub conditione), and later was buried with full honors accorded Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Church by accepting Bishop Ferraz in this manner, without any reconsecration, affirm de jure and de facto the sacramental validity of Duarte Costa Apostolic Succession of what is commonly known as the “ Rebiba Apostolic Succession.”
Bishop Orlando Arce-Moya
Bishop Moya was Fourth bishop consecrated by Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa on November 30, 1956, with the title of Bishop of Santiago, Chile, for the Chilean Catholic National Church (Igreja Nacional Chilena). Bishop Moya left the Church Apostolic National many years later, and was received by the Patriarch of the West, Pope John XXIII of the Roman Catholic Church, Bishop Moya was not re-consecrated, not even sub-conditione, and he was accepted as having fully valid Episcopal Orders. He was appointed by the Vatican as Auxiliary Bishop to the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Spain. Bishop Moya died some years later.
These examples are only two of many, which indicate the validity of the Apostolic Succession of our communion. All Bishops in every church of our communion around the world have Holy Orders which originate from the same source, and all having been from our inception, consecrated strictly according to the Roman Pontifical. Having valid Apostolic Succession, it is incorrect to state that the clergy of the Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira nas Filipianas do not have a valid Mass or Eucharist. Their Holy Orders are as valid and effective as those of their counterparts within the Roman Catholic Church. The Bishops of the Church have the same Valid, Effective Apostolic Succession as you do.
And So Let us promote Christian Unity between Our Two Communion. Instead of destructively criticizing us. We Love you and we love your Holy Father too. His Holiness Benedict XVI. We are always praying for him at the Eucharist and in our daily Prayers. We are also praying for you. The late Patriarch of our communion, His Beatitude, Dom Luis Fernando Castillo Mendez, successor of Dom Carlos Duarte Costa, Corresponded periodically with the late Pope John Paul II and hope for eventual unity between our two families of faith. If you think it is impossible for us to be perfectly united or reconciled in the near future at least let us be one in the spirit of Ecumenism (John 17:21). We beg you to respect our rights to express our faith and to exist as guaranteed by our Philippine Constitution. Instead of insulting one another, let us devote our effort in helping the poor and marginalized in our country. Dialogue, and not insult, is the way to Christian Unity.
Teacher, said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop. because he was not one of us”. Do not stop him, Jesus said, no one who does a miracle my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us”. (Mk 9:38-40)
Jesus said. “… Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven...”
(Matthew 5:11-12)
Your bond-servant in Christ,
Most Reverend JOSEPH VERZOSA GALAROZA, C.S.C., D.D.
Bishop-Primate
Vatican warns CBCP against schismatic group in PHILIPPINES
MANILA, Nov. 5, 2012— The Vatican sounded warning against two schismatic communities, one of which is present in the Philippines, which are not in full communion with Rome.
The Holy See told the Filipino bishops that it does not recognize the Roman Catholic Society of Pope Leo XIII and the Igreja Catolica Apostolica Brasileria (ICAB) as legitimate Catholic Church organizations.
The Vatican relayed the information to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) last month through a communiqué from the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines.
Msgr. Gabor Pinter, chargé d’affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, said that the RCSPLXIII is led by Mr. David G. Bell, “a schismatic group not recognized in anyway by the Catholic Church.”
He said that the bishops ordained in the RCSPLXIII “cannot exercise any ministry within the Catholic Church, which does not recognize their ordination.”
“All organizations and associations connected with the Society must be regarded in the same manner as other non Catholic institutions are,” said Gabor.
“Furthermore, since Mr. Bell has committed the crime of schism, all who have received ordination from him have incurred, for their part, the sanction prescribed by can. 1364 of the CIC: that is excommunication latae sententiae,” he said.
Gabor said that the same considerations are also extended to the ICAB, a schismatic community founded by Mr. Carlos Duarte Costa, who died in 1961, and was succeeded by Mr. Luis Fernando Castillo Mendes, who in turn passed away in 2009.
In the Philippines, a certain Sacred Cruces Franciscanum (Sacred Cross Franciscans), an offshoot of the ICAB, is present in at least three dioceses.
The SCF is currently headed by Mr. Rogelio del Rosario Martinez, who according to Gabor, has tried to integrate himself into the CBCP and to enroll his community to the Catholic Directory of the Philippines.
Msgr. Joselito Asis, CBCP secretary general, said all the dioceses were already notified about the matter although SCF members are only present within the Dioceses of Malolos, Novaliches and Antipolo.
A schismatic is one who separates himself from the unity of the Church by refusing to submit to the Pope or those under him according to the hierarchy of the Church.
Regardless of adherence to every other law of the Church, rejection of the pontiff is cause to be named schismatic.
Schism, according to the canon law, is one of the offenses that a carry a penalty of automatic excommunication. (RL/CBCPNews)
If the issue came from the Vatican…meaning the Pope is not true to his mission…here it is…
Dominus Iesus
At the Vatican on 16 June 2000, Pope John Paul II ratified and ordered the publication of Dominus Iesus. This Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was signed and published by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger in August of the same year.
In this Declaration, the Roman Catholic Church recognizes the validity of Orders and Sacraments of Old Catholic denominations: "The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the [Roman] Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches."
"Therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such ... have by no means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church."
Catholic Almanac - 1974
"The Roman Church recognizes the validity of Old Catholic Orders and other sacraments." (Felician A. Roy, OFM, p. 368)
Separated Brethren
"We have no reason to doubt that the Old Catholic Orders are valid. The Apostolic Succession does not depend on obedience to the See of Peter, but rather on the objective line of succession from Apostolic sources, the proper matter and form, and the proper intention ... likewise Old Catholic bishops are bishops in Apostolic Succession ... The Old Catholics, like the Orthodox, possess a valid priesthood." (William J. Whalan, pp. 204,248)
Rights and Responsibilities: A Catholic's Guide to the New Code of Canon Law
"When a Catholic sacred minister is unavailable and there is urgent spiritual necessity, Catholics may receive the Eucharist, penance, or anointing from sacred ministers of non-Catholic denominations whose Holy Orders are considered valid by the Catholic Church. This includes all Eastern Orthodox priests, as well as priests of the Old Catholic or Polish National Church." (Thomas P. Doyle, O.P., p. 44) OUR RESPONSE:
ICABF BELONGS HERE...
www.orthodoxchurchofamerica.org
The Standing Episcopal Conference of Orthodox Bishops was fully established in March of 1951 (10 years before the founding of present day SCOBA or Ecumenical Assembly) with the Blessings of the Holy Synod of the American Holy Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Eastern Church, which was established by the Moscow Patriarchate in 1921.
The SEC is under the spiritual protection of the Patriarchate of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine.
The SEC is a "BLESSED BROTHERHOOD" of God- Loving Hierarchs and Jurisdictions holding true to the Valid Apostolic Succession and Holy Orthodox Faith.
Hierarchs are "equals among equals" -- pares inter pares -- in status and dignity, regardless of Liturgical Rite or Tradition.
Membership in the SEC includes: Moderator for the SEC His Grace +MICHAEL
UKRAINIAN AUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX CHURCH - CANONICAL
His Holiness +MOSES, Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine
His Eminence Metropolitan +DANIEL, Exarch of Mexico and All Latin-America
His Grace +OLEKSANDR, Chor-Bishop and Vicar of Kyiv, Ukraine
His Grace +VASYLIY, Chor-Bishop and Vicar of Kyiv, Ukraine
His Grace +VASYLIY, Chor-Bishop of Uzhgorod and Transcarpathian Region, Ukraine
His Grace +THEODOROS, Bihsop of Eracleas, Italy
His Grace +ANDRIY, Bihsop of Pereira and All Columbia
His Grace +SERAPHIM, Bishop of Athens and Attica, Greece
His Grace +SERAPHIM, Chor-Bishop of Ecatepec, Vicar of Metropolis of Mexico
His Grace +EUGENE, Bishop of Chicago and State of Illinois
His Grace +LAZARUS, Chor-Bishop of Coastal Bend and State of Texas
His Grace +AFANASIJ, Bishop of Guadalajara and All Jalisco, Vicar Metropolis of Mexico
His Grace +MICHAEL, Bishop of Columbus and State of Ohio
His Eminence +ATHANASIOS, Archbishop, Vicar Bishop of Sens, France
SLAVIC BYELORUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH - UAOCc - IGREJA ORTODOXA BIELORUSSA ESLAVA -UAOCc (Igreja Catholica Apostólica Orthodoxa de Rito Bizantino Eslavo nas Americas)
His Beatitude Mar +ATHANASIOS I, Luiz Antonio do Nascimento, Greater Metropolitan Archbishop, Primate (locum tenens) and President of the Holy Synod of the Slavic Byelorussian Orthodox Church - IOBE
His Eminence Mar +JACOB, O.C. Lopes, Coadjutor Archbishop in Brazil and Secretary General of the Church
His Grace Dom +ELIAS, Carlos J.J. Piern, Auxiliary Bishop of Sao Paulo
His Eminence Mar +NAGUI, Youssef Zayat, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro and Apostolic Administrator
(Sedes Vecante), Bishop of Salvador and Apostolic Adminstrator
His Eminence Dom +FRANC, Primozic, Archbishop of Sao Vincent Province of Buenos Aires and Argentina
His Grace Dom +TEOPHANIS, Juan Manuel Garayalde, Coadjutor Bishop Province of Buenos Aires and Argentina
His Grace Dom +SERAFIM, Ezequiel Guadarrama Jaines, Bishop of Toluca Mexico
His Grace Dom +HENRYK, Marciniak, Bishop of Tarnagora Polonia
His Grace Dom +ANDREW, Kamalu, Bishop of Owerri - Nigeria
His Eminence Mar +VALERIAN, Alfredo, Archbishop - Visitor of Portugal
His Grace Dom +OSCAR, Camino, Bishop of Misiones Argentina
ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CANADA - UAOCc
His Eminence +YAROSLAW, Metropolitan, Canada and USA
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN MEXICO - UAOCc
His Beatitude +DANIEL, Metropolitan and Exarch of Mexico and All Latin-America
His Eminence +MATTHEW, Igumen of the Society for Jesus Realization, Archbishop - Morrison, Florida USA
His Grace +ANDRIY, Eparch of Pereira and All Columbia
His Grace +AFANASIJ, Eparch of Guadalajara and All Jalisco
His Grace +CLAUDIO, Igumen of Urbanitas Monks - Seville, Spain
His Grace +SERAPHIM, Chor-Bishop of Ecatepec, Mexico
OLD CATHOLIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
(R.I.P.) His Eminence +JORGE, Archbishop Primate
UKRAINAIN AUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX CHURCH
His Grace +STEPHEN His Grace +SAVA
AMERICAN CATHOLIC ORTHODOX MISSION
Igreja Catolica Apostolica Brasileira His Eminence +EUSEBIO, Metropolitan
(R.I.P.) His Beatitude Patriarch Dom +LUIS-FERNANDO
NATIONAL CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH
His Eminence +DONALD, Prime Bishop His Excellency +THEODORE, Auxiliary Bishop
CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC PHILIPPINE CHURCH CONGREGATION OF SAINT CHARLES OF BRAZIL (CSC)
Diocese of Manila and the Philippines His Eminence +JOSEPH, Archbishop
EPARCHY OF THE OLD DOMINION
His Grace Bishop +SERAPHIM
EPARCHY GALLICAN CHRIST MEDICAL
His Grace +ROGERIO
CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAITH OF THE CHRISTIAN EAST
His Eminence +JAIRO, Archbishop Primate, Western Rite
His Grace +GONZALO, Auxiliary Bishop for Columbia
Oct 23, 2012 The Sanctuario de Sto. Nino of Carissa 1C - San Jose del Monte established by Rev. Fr. Robert Nicolas, CSC is experiencing a great turmoil. The president of pastoral council, Renato Pedroche, a military personnel under the G7 command of Camp Aguinaldo has taken over the Church...He takes control over the church...its administration and even liturgical celebration. There is an undergoing negotiation. The Church hope for a win-win situation.
Dominus Iesus
At the Vatican on 16 June 2000, Pope John Paul II ratified and ordered the publication of Dominus Iesus. This Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was signed and published by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger in August of the same year.
In this Declaration, the Roman Catholic Church recognizes the validity of Orders and Sacraments of Old Catholic denominations: "The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the [Roman] Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches."
"Therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such ... have by no means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church."
Catholic Almanac - 1974
"The Roman Church recognizes the validity of Old Catholic Orders and other sacraments." (Felician A. Roy, OFM, p. 368)
Separated Brethren
"We have no reason to doubt that the Old Catholic Orders are valid. The Apostolic Succession does not depend on obedience to the See of Peter, but rather on the objective line of succession from Apostolic sources, the proper matter and form, and the proper intention ... likewise Old Catholic bishops are bishops in Apostolic Succession ... The Old Catholics, like the Orthodox, possess a valid priesthood." (William J. Whalan, pp. 204,248)
Rights and Responsibilities: A Catholic's Guide to the New Code of Canon Law
"When a Catholic sacred minister is unavailable and there is urgent spiritual necessity, Catholics may receive the Eucharist, penance, or anointing from sacred ministers of non-Catholic denominations whose Holy Orders are considered valid by the Catholic Church. This includes all Eastern Orthodox priests, as well as priests of the Old Catholic or Polish National Church." (Thomas P. Doyle, O.P., p. 44)
Articles of Belief
1. The head of the Church. The Foundation of the Church is our Lord Jesus Christ, from Whom all Bishops and Pastors derive their spiritual powers and jurisdiction.
2. The Way of Salvation. Eternal Salvation is promised to mankind through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ.
3. The Church. Jesus, the Christ established the Church upon the earth, and committed to it the guardianship of the Holy Scriptures and of Holy Tradition.
4. The Creed. We believe: The Supreme Being is eternal, without beginning or end; is all, is in all and created all. We are made in our Creator's image. Worship of the Creator is not confined to any dwelling, structure, house or organization.
We believe the Church has set forth the principal Doctrines of the Christian Faith in the Nicene Creed, and we accept both the Nicene Creed and the Apostles' Creed.
Nicene Creed
I. We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all that is seen and unseen;
II. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
III. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
IV. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried.
V. On the third day He rose again, in fulfillment of the Scriptures.
VI. He ascended into heaven and is seated on the right hand of the Father.
VII. He shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
VIII. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son). With the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
IX. We believe in one holy catholic, and apostolic Church.
X. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
XI. We look for the resurrection of the dead,
XII. And the Life of the world to come. Amen.
Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting. Amen.
5. The Sacraments. The fundamental ordinances of the Gospel, instituted by Jesus, the Christ as a special means of conveying Divine Grace, which are commonly called Sacraments, are Seven in number, namely Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick.
(a) Baptism is the rite of sprinkling, pouring or immersion with water, which symbolizes the washing away of the celebrant's sins, and the death and rebirth of the celebrant.
(b) Confirmation is the rite of anointing with Chrism and the laying on of hands by one possessing Apostolic Succession to impart the Holy Spirit to the celebrant.
(c) The Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper or Communion, was instituted by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, and in the ecumenical spirit is to be shared with ALL who profess the Christian Faith.
(d) Matrimony is a voluntary union of one man and one woman representing the union between Christ and His Church.
(e) Holy Orders is the ordination of a minister by the laying-on of hands, which imparts spiritual gifts. Bishops, who have an unbroken succession from the Apostles via the laying on of hands, consecrate and ordain the pastors and ministers chosen to serve in the Church. God's mercy and grace are extended to all people, but everyone is not suited for the ministry.
(f) Reconciliation is private or public confession and absolution.
(g) Anointing of the Sick is the traditional rite for the healing of the sick.
The efficacy of the Sacraments depends upon the promise and appointment of God; nevertheless, they benefit only those who receive them worthily with faith, and with due preparation and disposition of mind.
6. Holy Scripture. The Scriptures are writings inspired by God, and given to the Church for her instruction and edification.
7. Tradition. The Apostolic and Ecclesiastical Traditions received from the seven General Councils and the early Fathers of the Church are to be received as being both agreeable to Holy Scripture and to that Authority with which Christ endowed His Church.
8. The Communion of the Saints. The Communion of Saints is the Providence of God, where the souls of the righteous individuals of all ages are united with Christ in the bond of faith and love.
9. Religious Symbols. The relics and representations of the Saints are worthy of honor, as are also all other religious emblems; that our minds may be encouraged to devotion and to imitation of the deeds of the just. Honor shown to such objects does not imply a confusion of the symbols with the elements or entities signified.
10. Ministerial Authority. Our Lord Jesus Christ committed rule and authority within the Church only to the Apostles and to their successors.
11. Apostolic Succession. The Bishops of the Church are the true successors of the Apostles and receive the office of the Episcopate by the laying on of hands from other Bishops, who were likewise consecrated in an unbroken lineage from the Apostles, who received the laying on of hands directly from our Lord Jesus Christ.
12. Church Councils. There have been seven General Councils, which are recognized by the whole of Christendom, held respectively in Nicea (AD-325), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451), Constantinople (553), Constantinople (680), and Nicea (787).
Attacks Against the Philippine Church Worsen
Archbishop Joseph Verzosa Galaroza, Primate of the Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira Nas Filipinas, (ICABF) has written an “Open Letter To all Of the Roman Catholic Bishops and Clergy of the Philippines” and circulated it also to his fellow Primates of our ICAN Communion as well. In the letter, he asks for Christian Unity and peace, as opposed to the attacks on the church that they have suffered from the Roman Church there. The Church has suffered from malicious statements against the bishops and clergy there, attempts at lawsuits and now a recent prolific publication of “Pastoral Letters” from various Roman Catholic Bishops there, who claim, among other things, that the sacraments of the Church are not valid. Obviously untrue, Archbishop Galaroza refutes these and other claims in his open letter.
The Apostolic Delegate to the United States Defends The Philippine Church
Bishop Andre Queen, Apostolic Delegate to the United States, for the Patriarch, His Beatitude, Dom Luis Fernando Castillo Mendez, defends Archbishop Joseph Galaroza and the Philippine Church against the vicious attacks by the Roman Catholic Bishops in the Philippines. In a letter communicated to Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Roman Catholic Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, he filed an official ecclesiastical protest to the treatment of the Church in the Philippines by Roman Catholic Bishops there, and expressed his concern at the growing acrimony against the church there, and his concern that such acrimony could erupt into physical attacks and acts of intolerance against the church there. He has also contacted the ICAN Communion Primates from around the world, and asked them to reach out to the hierarchy of the Roman Church in their country and ensure that our voice is clearly heard.