Church expels priest for sexual abuse of minors

Pere Barceló Rigo

MALLORCA (Agencies) The Ecclesiastical Court of Mallorca has declared Pere Barceló Rigo, parish priest at Can Picafort guilty of abusing several underage girls in the 1990s, and sentenced him to the maximum canonical penalty of expulsion from the clergy and his ministry. In a statement, the Bishopric of Mallorca said that his crimes were 'very serious'. The sentence will be ratified by the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (once known as the Inquisition). Barceló can appeal against his sentence in Rome. The process began when a girl reported that she had been raped on several occasions by the parish priest at Can Picafort when she was ten. Another similar report was dismissed for lack of evidence in 1998. The priest was suspended in March 2011 after another woman from a nearby village came forward to denounce him for sexual abuse.

Junta removes grants for conservation of Church and municipal heritage

Work in progress at Jimena castle
(Photo: buceite.com)

Culture department targets buildings used as stages, archaeology activity and acts in historical premises

ANDALUCÍA Once again it is the country's heritage and arts that suffer under the tragic cutbacks resulting from Spain's financial crisis and a consequent 'lack of credit', according to the Junta's official bulletin (BOJA). Thus, grants or subsidies requested by town halls throughout the region to maintain their heritage, carry out archaeological research (in an area that is heavy with Roman, Phoenician and Moorish remains, among others) or renovate their historic scenery have disappeared, together with help given to the Church for the same purpose. At a stroke, the department headed by Luciano Alonso (PP) has ordered the suspension (read 'elimination') of a series of activities and events that have delighted residents and tourists for years.

Who does the Mosque in Córdoba belong to? An interesting viewpoint

CÓRDOBA We received this by e-mail from someone we know, but it could have been floating around in the ether for a long time. We don't know how true it is, and, yes, it is a bit of propaganda. But it is still interesting. The beautiful Mosque in Córdoba was built between 780 and 785 AD by Abderraman I. Twelve centuries later, on March 2, 2006, the Catholic Church registered it in its name at Property Registry 4 in that city (Tome 2381, Book 155, Folio 198). It cost a mere €30. This 'robbery', says our source, was possible thanks to two 'miracles'.>>>

Semi-nude protest in church

MADRID (Agencies) Police arrested and questioned four student activists from Madrid's Complutense University on Friday over an anti-church protest at the institution's chapel. Demonstrators burst into the chapel on March 10, shouting slogans and stripping off down to the waist, in protest against the "Catholic Church's oppression of women and the lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual community." The archbishop's office in Madrid described the protest as "an act of profanity" against the chapel and held a "healing mass" for 1,000 worshippers there on Sunday.>

It happens only once every five years

JIMENA The image of Our Lady Queen of the Angels (photo), patron saint of the municipality, will follow a tradition that takes her from her sanctuary in Estación up to the main village. This happens once every five years, when the year ends in 0 or 5. She is brought to the village to be closer to the faithful, and is subject to several religious events. This time, three Masses at San Francisco Church. On Friday at 7pm the Rosary will be prayed there in front of Her image. A day later, on Saturday, at 7.30, there will be a Mass in her presence. But the big day for the faithful is on Sunday 3rd, when Our Lady is in procession through the Old Quarter of Jimena, starting at 6pm with a Rosary at San Francisco, followed by the procession on the shoulders of her porters up to the Victoria Church, where a Mass will be held on her arrival. (There will therefore not be the usual Mass at 10am on Sunday at Victoria.)

Former Gibraltar Bishop Caruana critically ill

GIBRALTAR (Source: Gibraltar Chronicle) Former Bishop of Gibraltar Charles Caruana continues to be in a serious condition in St Bernard’s Hospital. Bishop Emeritus Caruana who has been poorly for a number of months is believed to have deteriorated rapidly following a fall earlier this week. His condition at the time of going to press was said to be critical. Special prayers were yesterday being said at all Masses in all the Catholic Churches on the Rock which will continue today. Bishop Emeritus Caruana who last year celebrated 50 years in the priesthood retired as Bishop of Gibraltar in May this year.

New Catholic bishop for Gibraltar

GIBRALTAR

Bishop Emeritus Charles Caruana and most of the clergy of Gibraltar eagerly await the arrival of the next Catholic Bishop of Gibraltar, Ralph Heskett, whom many have known since he first visited Gibraltar in 1984. Bishop Caruana announced the appointment of the new bishop yesterday, according to The Gibraltar Chronicle. As Bishop Emeritus, Charles Caruana took on the role of Diocesan Administrator, making the announcement at which most of the local clergy were present. He spoke highly of this humble priest who has many friends on the Rock. "It is a delight to have someone we know and are familiar with. He is a very nice, humble, approachable man and a good listener," he said. "I hope the people of Gibraltar will be as open with him and supportive as they have always been with me. I am very grateful to everyone for the support they have given me." (Read the whole story by Alice Mascarhenas.)