Tuesday, June 10, 2003 9:44 AM
Bishop Ramon C. Arguelles
Here is a testimony which is included in the new Volume of messages recently published by Trinitas. A photograph of the original signed letter is attached.
Below the letter, Lucien Lombard gives some background on a correction made to the version appearing in the Trinitas Volume.
Bishop Ramon C. Arguelles, DD
Titular Bishop of Ros Cre
Military Bishop
On November 21, 2002, on the request of several devout faithful, all of whom are my friends and acquaintances and deeply faithful to God and dedicated to Holy Mother Church, I allowed Ms.VASSULA RYDEN to speak in the St. Ignatius of Loyola Military Cathedral after the 17:15 Holy Eucharist that I myself presided. Afier the Mass, I remained to listen to Ms. Ryden, who everyone knows belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church.
Like the numerous faithful who filled my Cathedral, I was impressed by the sincere and inspiring words of Vassula. Many priests and active lay leaders can testify together with me that Ms. Ryden spoke well of Christian Unity and of our Catholic faith and practices. Moreover, she led us into deep prayer. I am convinced that Ms. Ryden is under the influence of God’s grace in her words and efforts to promote love for Christ, our Blessed Mother and Holy Mother Church.
I write this letter in the hope that many will soon recognize with gratitude and joy that the Spirit is very much at work in many of our lay people, especially those who prayerfully work hard for Christian Unity. Vassula has no personal motives in doing what she does. I know that she, too, wonders why God uses her.
Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Bishop Ramon C. Arguelles
April 29, 2003
Dear TLIG Family,
The last paragraph of Bishop Ramon C. Arguelles’ letter dated December 18, 2002, reproduced in TLIG Volume 12, on page VII, could be misundestood by some readers somehow.
For this reason, Bishop Arguelles has made a minor change to his letter and edited a new version which he signed on April 29, 2003, as well as a French translation of the same letter.
Please find herewith the new English letter which cancels and replaces his former letter.
This minor change has a story.
When I saw that the last paragraph of Bishop Arguelles’ letter could be misunderstood, I contacted Vassula.
She advised me to ask Cecilia Lutz (who lives in Switzerland) to try to contact Bishop Arguelles in the Philippines and ask him for his advice.
She did it immediately and Bishop Arguelles told her that he was on the road to Manilla Airport for flying to a 2-day meeting of the International Catholic Migration Commission. Cecilia asked him where this meeting was held.
He told her that it was held in a Conference Centre in Morges, Switzerland. It appears that this Centre is located …just 10 minutes driving from Cecilia’s home !
The next day, as soon as Bishop Arguelles arrived in Switzerland, Cecilia could arrange an appointment with him in the Conference Centre.
Later, Cecilia, her husband Servais and Lucien met Bishop Arguelles and asked him for his advice. He immediately acknowledged that his letter’s wording could be misundestood, and he proposed the change.
His own Bishop’s office paper was available, and on the next day, just before getting his plane for his flight back from Switzerland to Philippines, he was able to sign the new version of his letter, with the date of the day, April 29, 2003, together with a French translation Servais had made during the night.
Praised be the Lord
Lucien Lombard
e-mail : [email protected]
