The Morning Call, Friday, October 6, 2006
Story by Daniel Patrick Sheehan on the Pope's decision to reject the concept of limbo, a place of eternal happiness, but not quite paradise, that is reserved for unbaptized children and righteous souls who lived before Christ. In doing so, Pope Benedict endorses the conclusion of the commission formed by Pope John Paul II. Sheehan quotes Larry Chapp, professor of theology at DeSales, who said limbo has no scriptural basis, unlike purgatory, where souls that have been saved must atone for their sins and are cleansed before entering heaven. Also quoted is Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS, director of the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture at DeSales and professor of theology, who says parents of the unbaptized can take comfort and solace in the idea that baptism and other sacraments "are a necessity on our part, not on God's part." According to Father Dailey, the desire of God is for humans to live in eternal communion with God, so this allows him to say to parents that a stillborn child is in God's hands because it is not for anyone to make a determination on the child's eternal life. "Eternity is the turf of God," said Father Dailey.
Press Release: Pope expected to reject concept of limbo | Posted on: 10/6/2006
For more info:
Tom McNamara, Executive Director of Communications
DeSales University | 2255 Station Avenue | Center Valley, PA 18034
610.282.1100 x1219 | Tom.McNamara@desales.edu |
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