'Blasphemous' church nativity scene featuring two mothers of Jesus sparks controversy

New Vatican Document Urges Caution Over Supernatural Events

New Vatican Document , Urges Caution Over , Supernatural Events. Reuters reports that the Vatican has issued new guidelines regarding supernatural events, including weeping Madonnas and crucifixes dripping blood. . The new guidelines replace rules first put in place back in 1978. . According to the Vatican's doctrinal office (DFF), supernatural incidents should be assessed cautiously, as they could be fraudulent or exploited for financial gain. According to the Vatican's doctrinal office (DFF), supernatural incidents should be assessed cautiously, as they could be fraudulent or exploited for financial gain. The discernment may also deal with problems, such as delicts (wrongdoing), manipulation, damage to the unity of the Church, undue financial gain, and serious doctrinal errors that could cause scandals and undermine the credibility of the Church, Vatican DDF document, via Reuters. Supernatural incidents have often become the basis for Catholic shrines and pilgrimages. . These incidents include "stigmata," which are crucifixion wounds appearing on the hands and feet of Jesus appearing on saintly people or statues. Reuters reports that the DDF document suggests that in such cases bishops should issue a "nihil obstat.". Nihil obstat essentially allows for worship, while leaving the issue open for the Vatican to determine if it is "supernatural" in nature. . The document stresses that the purported supernatural events at the heart of many places of pilgrimage have not been authenticated by the Vatican. An example of this would be the Bosnian shrine of Medjugorje, where multiple apparitions of the Virgin Mary have been reported since 1981. . An example of this would be the Bosnian shrine of Medjugorje, where multiple apparitions of the Virgin Mary have been reported since 1981.

How Religions Around the World View Solar Eclipses

How Religions , Around the World , View Solar Eclipses. With the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse quickly approaching, Fox News offered readers an overview of how religions traditionally view eclipses. Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism suggests that the karmic results of positive and negative actions are magnified during major astronomical events, including solar eclipses. Christianity, Christian tradition connects eclipses with a number of significant events, including the death of Jesus and the "end times.". Hinduism, In Hinduism, eclipses both solar and lunar are generally regarded as bad omens. Islam, Muslims see a solar eclipse as a time for prayer and contemplating God. The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah and they do not eclipse because of the death of someone... Whenever you see these eclipses pray and invoke (Allah), Kaiser Aslam, Muslim chaplain at the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University, via Fox News. Judaism, Similarly to Hinduism, Judaism views eclipses as "an ill omen for the world.". Eclipses should be opportunities to increase in prayer and introspection — as opposed to prompting joyous blessings. It is a sign that we really could and should be doing better, Rabbi Menachem Posner, via Fox News. Fox News reports that Rabbi Mordechai Becher cited Judaism's longstanding connections with astronomy and the heavenly message eclipses deliver. He created a system that would remind us regularly that our choices can create darkness, even at times when there should be light. Our free will choices can create a barrier between us and the Divine light, but can also allow Divine light to be seen here, Rabbi Mordechai Becher, via Fox News

Watch: Czech town's historic passion play draws hundreds in spectacular Easter display

In the lead-up to Easter Sunday, the town of Zdar nad Sazavou in the Czech Republic hosted its annual passion play, depicting the final days of the life of Jesus Christ.

5 Easter Traditions From Around the World

5 Easter Traditions , From Around the World. Every culture has its own unique holiday traditions rooted in that region's folklore and history. Here are five popular Easter traditions from different locations around the world. 1. Florence, Italy. The firework-packed cart is paraded through the city and set off by the Archbishop during Easter mass. 2. Sweden and Finland. It is common for children to dress up as witches and beg for chocolate in the streets. 3. Corfu, Greece. The tradition welcomes spring by disposing of old pots so new ones can be used to gather the season's crops. 4. Bessières, France. The tradition is said to have begun when Napoleon passed through the town and ordered the townspeople to make a giant Omelette for his army. 5. Jerusalem, Israel. Some who participate in the walk carry a large cross to symbolize Jesus’ painful journey

This Is Why We Eat Chocolate Bunnies for Easter

This Is Why We Eat Chocolate Bunnies for Easter. Though Easter is celebrated by Christians remembering Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. chocolate bunnies can be found everywhere. But according to the 'Encyclopedia of Religion,' "the Easter bunny has never received any specific Christian interpretation.". That's because much of the Easter bunny tradition is derived from Ostara, the Germanic pre-Christian fertility goddess. The word "Easter" stems from her name, and it is said that she used to have a pet rabbit. Her name spawned a fictional character, Oschter Haws, a rabbit who gave children eggs on Easter. During the Industrial Revolution, smooth, solid chocolate was developed. Meanwhile, Germany started perfecting chocolate molds, including the form of rabbits. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the chocolate bunny made its way to America. One of the best-known first sightings was a five-foot chocolate rabbit outside a drugstore in Pennsylvania around 1890. The trend caught on, and the rest — is history

Ebrahim Raisi Helicopter Crash: Will President’s Death Change Iran’s Policy Towards Moscow?

With the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s tragic demise, a lot is expected to change especially given the current geopolitical situation. Oneindia News talks to Ambassador K. P. Fabian, who served in the Indian Foreign Service between 1964 and 2000, during which time he was posted to Madagascar, Austria, Iran, Sri Lanka, Canada, Finland, Qatar, and Italy. He talks about how Raisi’s death would change Iran and Moscow’s relation and more. Watch #EbrahimRaisi #KPFabian #RaisiDeath #CrashSite #Visuals #RescueEfforts #HelicopterCrash #IranianTragedy #BreakingNews #IranianPresident #Investigation #Condolences #NationalMourning #NewsUpdate #EmergingDetails #VideoFootage ~HT.99~PR.152~ED.155~

Protesters rally against Spain's right-wing VOX party's conference in Madrid

About 1,000 demonstrators voiced concern about the rise of ultra conservative ideology in Europe, as right-wing leaders and politicians from countries including Argentina, France, Italy, and Hungary, took part in the Europa Viva 24 conference in Madrid, organised by Spain's conservative VOX party.