In a press release, the Curia of Malta stated that it is taking the opportunity to reiterate its message vis-�-vis Dan Brown�s bestselling book The Da Vinci Code and the film to be released worldwide on May 19. The Catholic Church said that although the book in itself is fictitious, it has provoked in its readers questioning on Jesus.
The Church, through the Istitut ta� Formazzjoni Pastorali, will be offering a manual of useful information regarding the questions raised by this book.
The manual is expected to be published in mid-May 2006. The Istitut ta� Formazzjoni Pastorali will be offering this manual to pastoral operators for their use. The said institute will also be launching a series of public initiatives in order to shed more light on the book�s themes.
Meanwhile, on Thursday The Times of Malta reported that KRS Film Distributors is forging ahead to bring The Da Vinci Code for release in all cinemas next month. In the meantime a petition to pile pressure on the authorities to ban the film is currently making the rounds. Well over 500 people have signed the petition according to Vince Marshall, who is spearheading the campaign. A protest/pilgrimage with Our Lady of Fatima is being planned for May 20, the day after the film's worldwide release.
The controversy that has dogged the book since its release promises to be repeated with the film, which was partially filmed in Malta last summer and stars award-winning actor Tom Hanks. Vince Marshall told The Times of Malta that the petition started two months ago and as it is now gaining momentum. The first meeting of the committee will be held next week. Following this, they will start sending letters to parish priests and cinemas to support the campaign. He continued saying to The Times that "This is a disgusting film and as Catholics we cannot remain passive in the light of such insults against our religion," he said, admitting that he only read parts of the book, skipping the bits that disgusted him. The petition will then be submitted to the Prime Minister.
According to The Times of Malta Mr Marshall insisted that no violence will be tolerated and that "if people get out of hand, they would be invited to leave immediately. Heated discussions with people who agree with blasphemy are useless and should be avoided�. Their only weapon will be the rosary.
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
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