"I never thought there could be people like that who cannot tell the difference between right and wrong and are only driven by desire to make money," said retired Archbishop Oscar Crux of Lingayen-Dagupan.

"It's called amorality not immorality," the prelate said. He also expressed disappointment that some Filipinos seem to approve of the singer's behavior.

Another Catholic bishop in the Philippines earlier called for a boycott of Madonna's "Rebel Heart" concert in Manila, describing it as "subtle attacks of the evil one."

Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa called on Filipinos to "pray for our country that the devil will not succeed to draw anyone … to his evil ways."

Madonna has been known for performances that feature in the past pole-dancing nuns and large crosses.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is looking at possible violations committed by the singer who danced on stage with a Philippine flag during her two-day performance.

The commission said it might recommend the banning of the artist from future performances in the country for violating a law that prohibits the wearing of the Filipino flag as costume.

Local organizers of the concert will also face penalties and one-year imprisonment if found guilty of condoning the use of the national color. Foreign organizers of the show can also face deportation for disrespecting the Philippine flag.

Source

UCAN
Reuters
Daily Mail
Image: Reuters

In a statement released on February 20, Archbishop William Goh reminded Catholics of their "moral obligation not to support those who denigrate and insult religions . . .".

Archbishop Goh added that "'pseudo arts that promote sensuality, rebellion, disrespect, pornography, contamination of the mind of the young, abusive freedom, individualism at the expense of the common good, vulgarity, lies and half-truths", should not be supported.

"In multi-racial, multi-religious Singapore," he said, "we cannot afford to be overly permissive in favour of artistic expression at the expense of one's religion."

Madonna's music and performances were described as blasphemous and disrespectful because of her use of Catholic and Christian symbols.

There is no neutrality in faith, Archbishop Goh said.

"Being present at these events is itself a counter-witness."

The archbishop added: "Obedience to God and his commandments must come before the arts."

According to the statement, Singapore authorities have assured Archbishop Goh restrictions have been put in place to ensure that religiously-offensive content that breaches local guidelines will not be allowed on stage.

Madonna, who is touring Asia on her Rebel Heart tour, will perform at the National Stadium in Singapore on Sunday, February 28.

Last month, the Media Development Authority (MDA) in Singapore said that the concert had been given an R18 rating as it contains sexually suggestive content.

The authority stated that religiously-sensitive content, like the song "Holy Water", would not be performed.

A bishop in the Philippines called for Catholics to boycott Madonna concerts there earlier this week.

Madonna was raised as a Catholic in the United States, but later in life converted to a type of Judaism.

Sources

• Asia One
• Reuters
• Hollowverse
• Image: South China Morning Post

Porsche enthusiasts paid 5000 Euros each for a multi-day tour of Rome, which included an exclusive concert inside the Sistine Chapel and a dinner in the Vatican Museums on Saturday.

The "Art for Charity" initiative, aimed at big companies, aims to support the charitable activities of the Pope.

Vatican Museums' managing director Msgr Paolo Nicolini rejected suggestions the chapel was available for rent.

"The Sistine Chapel can never be rented because it is not a commercial place," he told reporters.

Nearly 6 million people a year visit the chapel, with as many as 20,000 in a single day.

The Vatican has been undertaking a major refurbishment of the chapel's air conditioning and lighting system.

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The Waikato Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee Charitable Trust will hold a concert "Hear and Care" on August 30.

The current chaplaincy team at Waikato Hospital is made up of three ecumenical chaplains, one Catholic chaplain, one Maori chaplain and 26 volunteer chaplaincy assistants.

The trust aims to raise 50 per cent of the chaplains' stipends each year through charitable grants and donations from fundraising events like this concert.

St Paul's Collegiate School's Chapel of Christ the King in Hamilton will host the "Hear and Care", which will feature more than 100 performers from 10 local acts.

Per Christe Canimus, which is the St John's College and Sacred Heart Girls' College combined choir, with soloist Ben Stucki, is one of the acts.

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