Where once monks prayed, orchids bloom

Orchids bloom beneath the Cistercian vaults of Vaucelles - Holidays and Weekends in Nord-Pas de Calais:

"For more than 20 years, orchid growers from across the world have been meeting every March at the international festival that takes place in the atmospheric surroundings of Vaucelles Abbey near Cambrai.  Fans of this iconic flower come from as far away as Peru, Taiwan and Malaysia, as well as from all corners of Europe.  But a trip to this extraordinary garden isn’t just a chance to share their passion – it also helps to safeguard this historic abbey, founded in 1145 by Saint Bernard."

Spanish bishop taken to court for criticising homosexuality- case dismissed

KATH.NET - Katholischer Nachrichtendienst

A Spanish court has dismissed the complaint of left-wing politicians and gay organizations against a bishop who had criticized homosexuality. The testimony of the bishop was protected by freedom of religion.

A judge in Alcala de Henares has dismissed the complaint against Juan Antonio Reig Plá, the bishop of the same diocese. After the bishop's statements critical of homosexuality in his sermon on Good Friday this year, he was attacked massively. Homosexual organizations and leftist politicians accused the bishop.

"While the words of the Bishop show a critical view of homosexuality, properly understood, they cause homosexuals no damage and are also not a call for discrimination based on sexual orientation," the judge explained in his decision. As Bishop Reig Plá based his comments on the teaching of the Church, his statements were protected by the principle of religious freedom, he added.

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