B'lore: Archbishop Moras Cautions Devotees against Seven New Deadly Sins
Report and Pics: Jessie Rodrigues
for Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (AF)
Bangalore, Mar 20: Archbishop Bernard Moras appealed the citizens to avoid committing the 'Seven New Deadly Sins' while delivering the annual Good Friday message at his residence in Benson Town here on Wednesday March 19.
In his welcome address he said that there is no better time than the Holy Week to ponder on the deadly sins and consider bringing a change with our involvement. He mentioned that Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday for the salvation of humankind and Christians believe that He rose on Saturday (Holy Saturday) morning, being victorious over death and satan bringing peace to the world, forgiveness of sins, love and peace in the family, in the society and in the world.
Fr Jayanathan, parish priest of St Patricks also briefed the press people about the deadly sins and said that today, in the west and also in the developing countries, a number of people are trying to live without God and are giving less importance to their spiritual needs. Prioritizing temporal needs has resulted in selfishness, exploitation and social disorder causing disparity and degradation in our society. Hedonism and consumerism have even invaded the bosom of the church itself, deeply undermining the Christian faith from within and undermining the lifestyle and behaviour of believers.
On March 8 Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti, second in command at the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican body responsible for confessions and absolutions, had released a new listing of 7 Deadly Sins. Although it does not reflect a change in official doctrine, the expansion of sins brought on by technology and science aligns with Pope Benedict XVI’s emphasis on communal rather than individual piety.
Monsignor Girotti, in his L’Osservatore interview, said, 'Priest must take into account new sins which have appeared on the horizon of humanity as corollary to the unstoppable process of globalization. Pollution and genetic engineering, as well as drug dealing, abortion, pedophilia, social injustice and extreme wealth are now on record as mortal sins, which the church deems most offensive to God and incur his punishment.'
The new deadly sins are: environmental pollution, genetic manipulation, accumulating excessive wealth, inflicting poverty, drug trafficking and consumption, morally debatable experiments on humans and violation of fundamental rights of human nature causing social injustice.
Fr Luis Vedakumar, secretary to the Archbishop, Fr Michael, chancellor of Archdiocese, Fr C Francis, finance officer of the Archdiocese were present. Fr Anthony Swamy PRO for the Archdiocese and the parish priest of St Mary’s Basilica proposed the vote of thanks.
Also Read: