(IN BOX)
The decision by Pope Francis to empower priests to forgive the grave sin of abortion is a welcome relief for Catholic women who undergo double trauma after a successful abortion, of the guilt of killing the foetus and the fear of having to confess their sin to a bishop. The matter, however, does not end there, because, according to Canon 1398, a person who procures a successful abortion also incurs automatic excommunication. This not only includes Catholic doctors and nurses, but all those who have encouraged the woman to make it possible for her to undergo abortion. Absolution for both the sins is therefore necessary. While absolution for the sin of abortion can now be given by a priest, there is no mention whether this also includes the lifting of the automatic excommunication. However, those women who are unaware of this law, and those below the age of 16 years and women forced into abortion by an abusive husband, are exempted under canon 1323 from incurring automatic excommunication.
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
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Let us not write letters in newspapers to hurt the saddened sentiments of the grieving and loved family members of late Fr Bismarque Dias which reminds them of the brave soldier who fought corruption without fear. More than a year has passed since his body has been lying in the GMC morgue at Bambolim, with the case being sub judice. We cannot take law into our hands to show our might for what is right. However, we can pacify his family by consoling them to perform a deserving funeral service with honour by engaging a brass musical instrument band and burning fire crackers in his St Estevam village while laying him to rest in the cemetery. We shall tirelessly fight the issue, and force the government to pursue the case in fast track courts, while hoping for a proper and fair trial to Fr. Bismarque to the satisfaction of his bereaved family and his legion of followers.
Luis Carlos Roncon, St Cruz
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In a democracy, the people must know and understand what the government is doing in their name. It is incomprehensible why Rs 2,000 notes are flooded when there is no change available to utilise it for our daily use. Why the Telagana CM and his son need bulletproof bathrooms in a new palatial bungalow constructed at great cost when they are provided with round the clock heavily armed security personnel, mine proof cars, etc. To fight black money hoarded in Swiss banks, the government will be able to receive information on accounts held by Indians only from September 2019 onwards! Plenty of time for arrangements to be worked out by the big fish. Who is taking whom for a ride?
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
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