Cultural respect - CathNews New Zealand

'Jesus Ken' and ' Barbie Mary' dolls sparks outrage

denisohagan — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:59:24 +0000

in 2014 artists who created The Plastic Religion Exhibition received death threats due to its portrayal of religious figures such as Catholic saints and the Virgin Mary in the form of dolls.

Now with the release of Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" movie Argentinian artists Emiliano Pool Paolini and Marianela Perelli are planning to bring back their controversial line of Barbie dolls with religious themes.

The announcement of the upcoming re-release of Barbie dolls with religious themes named "Barbie Virgin Mary" and "Jesus Ken," has caused an uproar worldwide, particularly among Catholic organisations in Buenos Aires.

Despite facing threats, at least one toy store in Argentina has agreed to carry some versions of the new collection. The artists behind the dolls plan to exhibit them at an art show in December. Read more

‘Jesus Ken' and ‘ Barbie Mary' dolls sparks outrage

Tourists treating Italy as a personal theme park

denisohagan — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:59:34 +0000

Some tourists this northern summer have been treating Italy as if it's their personal theme park. Following a Czech tourist sunbathing topless on a war memorial and Americans skinny dipping in Venice's canals, three visitors to the Amalfi Coast look set to be charged with "obscene acts" after a woman was caught staging an impromptu naked photoshoot on the steps of the cathedral of Amalfi. The cathedral — which dates back to the ninth century — is dedicated to the apostle St Andrew, with his relics said to be kept there since 1206. Read more

Tourists treating Italy as a personal theme park

Man allowed to use "Im God" licence plate

denisohagan — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 07:20:47 +0000

Ben Hart says no one can prove he's not God.

Hart won a four-year legal battle and was able to pick up the long-awaited "Im God" licence plate and place it on the back of his Jeep. Read more

Man allowed to use "Im God" licence plate

Neocatechumenal Way members must go - and respect other cultures

Juliet Palmer — Mon, 07 May 2018 08:06:58 +0000

A Neocatechumenal Way rally involving 150,000 representatives from 135 countries gathered together on Saturday to thank God for the 50 years of their presence in Rome.

"Only a Church that renounces the world announces the Lord well. Only a Church free from power and money, free from triumphalism and clericalism, testifies in a credible way that Christ liberates man," Pope Francis told the group.

He then sent 34 new "mission ad gentes" (mission to nations) to proclaim the Gospel in various parts of the world.

He warned them not to dictate to others or follow pre-ordained scripts, but to accompany the faithful patiently.

During the rally Francis also sent another 25 communities to parishes of Rome Diocese.

"Go!" he said. The heart of the mission is to witness that God loves us.

At the same time, the missionary movement must respect different cultures and not try to conquer souls as it spreads the faith around the world.

Francis said when a missionary goes out, he leaves with "only the baggage of trust" in the poor Jesus who did not have anywhere to lay His head.

"To go, you must be light. To proclaim, it is necessary to renounce," he said.

He told members that a heart freed of attachments broadens and becomes available to God and to others. One who renounces transitory things out of love, embraces the great treasure of freedom."

The Neocatechumenal Way began in Madrid in 1964. It is dedicated to post- and pre-baptismal formation of Christians, based on the word of God, the Eucharist and the Christian community.

It engages families who through their witness and life help establish the Church's presence in countries where it is absent or tiny. The group also seeks to revive and strengthen the presence of Catholic communities in difficult and ‎highly secularised areas.

Source

Neocatechumenal Way members must go - and respect other cultures