In October 2019, the Heralds of the Gospel press sector was contacted by The Nueva magazine of Spain, as it intended to publish a story about the Institution. To this end, the aforementioned magazine sent a series of very generic questions concerning slander from which the Heralds have been objected.
The Heralds of the Gospel answered the questions through an article, which we will reproduce here in two parts. In this, the institution takes advantage of the occasion to express its perplexity at the stylistic similarity of the theme proposed by the magazine with the current anti-religious defamation campaign that has been promoted against the Association.
On October 21, 2019, Vida Nueva magazine published its article, entitled "Heraldos del Evangelio: examen vaticano a fondo", dedicating numerous pages to the theme. According to the journal, the arguments would justify the commissioner of the aforementioned Association. In the same issue of the journal, the article that the Heralds of the Gospel had sent was also published.
However, given the generic nature of the questions that had been asked, the Heralds observed that it was necessary to make further clarification, dedicated specifically to the facts presented by the magazine. This second article of the Heralds will be the subject of another later publication (see here).
Given the timeliness of the subject, we publish the continuation to Part I of the first article, translated into Portuguese for the readers of Heralds Vérites.
The Heralds of the Gospel defend themselves after Vatican intervention: "There are no abuses"
Darío Menor (Rome)
Parental alienation, abuses of power, practice of irregular exorcism, ecclesiological deviations with lack of acceptance of the Pope, collection of donations without authorization from the diocesan bishop, deficiencies in academic training offered in his schools, intimidation to those who wish to abandon the institution and fanatical worship of the founder. The Heralds of the Gospel reject all these accusations, for the apostolic visit found "nothing contrary to morals, sound doctrine or ecclesiastical and civil laws." Consulted by Vida Nueva, the institution denies them in detail. Next, we publish in full the argument sent to this journal by the press department of the Heralds of the Gospel of Brazil:
Parental alienation
The formation that the Heralds of the Gospel want to give to their members contemplates a variety of themes. One of them is the love of the family as an institution and as a fundamental part of the human person. The good relationship of the vast majority of the families of the Heralds of the Gospel with their children is attested by countless written declarations of families.
In response to one of the eight questions that the members of the Apostolic Visit asked, it was stated that, as regards the relationship of the members of the Heralds of the Gospel with their families, they sometimes arise – due to a disparity in criteria by some families in the appreciation of the Catholic formation provided by the Institution, as well as the lack of understanding of what is a vocation for consecrated life – some divergences. It has been clarified that the Heralds seek to promote a healthy relationship between their members and their families, and there are several statements from families who express their satisfaction with the training received by their children, which has also been documented in responding to visitors .
Abuse of power
Authority is exercised in the Heralds of the Gospel by those who hold positions of responsibility with one goal: the greatest glory of God and the salvation of souls. This is easily be found by those who visit our homes and large numbers of prelates and priests who have been there have proven it. In fact there is a discipline that helps the formation and development of personality, but always with respect and benerency. Countless members of the Association who came out of it attested to him in the most diverse countries where we operate.
Cult of founder sands and relics
This question was answered widely in a chapter of the 570-page study cited above, in response to the eight questions of the members of the Apostolic Visit held to the Heralds of the Gospel. The first to be emphasized is the difference between public worship (the one that takes place in an official way by and on behalf of the Church) and private worship that any faithful can accomplish.
Theology, Canon law and the Church's own life consider that respect and veneration for superiors, especially those consecrated to its founders, is (sic) legitimate and even morally binding, as is the case of Dr. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira or Mons. John S. Clá Dias.
As for the possession of relics or memories, it has been shown that it is a common custom in the Church concerning people who raise veneration because of their consecration to Jesus Christ.
And its particular distribution is convenient, since the reputation sanctitatis – arising in the private sphere both during life and after the death of someone – is the assumption that allows the opening of a process of canonization. Therefore, this does not advance the judgment of the Church, whenever it is not an act of public worship, that is, strictly liturgical, as this expression is understood in Theology and Canon law. In this regard, recent documents from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints were annexed in response to visitors. In view of this, nothing illegitimate can be seen in the manifestations of veneration of the people mentioned, excluding, without embargo, the manifestations recorded in falsified or distorted reports with the aim of attacking the honor and good fame of these people .
Collection of donations without counting the authorization of the diocesan bishop
Like countless associations, the Heralds of the Gospel receive donations from all kinds of people. It's something normal and widespread around the world. These donations are given by people who belong to the Association, or who have had contact with it. There are dioceses in which the bishop himself is a collaborator of the Association. It is fair to recognize that in Brazil, for example, there is the Mercy Aid Fund, organized and directed by the Heralds of the Gospel, which distributes to diocesan donation projects collected by the Heralds of the Gospel for this purpose. That is, we collaborate with other institutions like others collaborate with us. It's a common practice that has nothing strange.
(continue reading Part II)