DECEMBER 2010, MAY 2012

GRACE MINISTRIES, MANGALORE

DR. BRO. G. ANDREW RICHARD, AND HIS WIFE, SISTER HANNA RICHARD

GRACE MINISTRIES, PRAYING FOR THE WORLD, Reaching the multitude (sic) http://www.graceministry.org/

e-mail: info@graceministry.org, Mobile telephone: 9900488302 / 9880606790

The ministry’s web home page greets one with pictures of the Divine Mercy Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, a quotation from the Bible – St. Jhon (sic) 3:16, and what misleads viewers to believe is a message to Grace Ministries from the Pope:

“I am very much looking forward to being with you. I want to know (sic) that even if my itinerary is very short with just a few engagements, my heart is close to all of you, especially to the sick, the weak, the lonely”- Pope Benedict, XVI (sic)

Grace Ministries meet every Friday at Don Bosco Hall, Balmatta, Mangalore, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=about_us&about=1:

Grace ministry is an international Catholic charismatic ministry which was started in the year 1996 by Bro Dr Andrew Richard, who was born in a Roman Catholic family. With the vision of Divine mercy of Jesus, he was commissioned by the Almighty God to proclaim the good news to the people all over the world. The Holy Spirit led him radiate god’s love and compassion in the hearts of innumerable people. Bro Andrew Richard was called as an apostle of the five-fold ministry of the church and as a light of Asia. Today, the Lord Jesus is executing his power through Bro Andrew Richard by performing signs and wonders and an instrument for realizing the mission Jesus Christ.

Bro Richard had surrendered to the will of God to begin a mission that is known as Grace Ministry in India. He travels all over Asia, America, Europe and Africa in preaching the goods news of the Lord and emphasizing Christian values, virtuous life by consoling magnitude of people to find light in their sufferings on earth.

Bro Richard was married to Sr Hanna in 1993 who were blessed with 2 sons christened as Isaac and Moses. Bro Richard has been granted spiritual gifts of deliverance, prophecy, vision and the word of revelation, in order to build the mystic body of Jesus Christ by bringing millions of people to the graces Our Lord. He has been engaged in this task by conducting indoor and outdoor crusades’, retreats and Bible studies, family counseling, television media programme and hospital ministry, free medical camps, telephone ministry, web-site ministry, and taking care of the orphaned children and other social welfare activities.

People all over India come in large numbers to listen to the prophetic messages of Bro Richard at the various prayer meetings and counseling services. They experience true transformation, salvation and physical healing in their lives. In order to reach out to the people across the nation, Bro Richard brings the Good News of Jesus through TV programmes everyday in regional languages of South India.

God has brought forth his powers through Bro Richard by the miracles and healings that he performs every day. It has inspired thousands of people to commit themselves to Christ. You can too. Together, we can build a kingdom of triumphant Christians – Kingdom of God.

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=ashraya_inner&type=1:

“started an orphanage for the street children in 2003 at Bangalore which was later shifted to Mysore.”

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=about_us&about=2:

Dr. Bro. Andrew Richard:

‘Each day announces it to the following day; each night repeats it to the next. No speech or words are used, no sound is heard; yet their message goes out to the entire world, and is heard to the ends of the earth’ (Psalm 19:2-3).

The divine words have come true with Grace Ministry, as the preaching of Word of God by Dr Bro Richard can be heard and viewed the TV channels and internet across the world. Grace Ministry is one among such organizations which serves the people thirst for Word of God. It has been organizing conventions in major metros in 8 continents of the globe.

Grace Ministry is founded by Dr Bro Andrew Richard and Sr Hanna Richard who dedicated their lives for service of God. ‘You’re my witnesses,’ says the Lord, and my servant whom have chosen,’ (Isaiah 43:10), hence, both Bro Andrew and Sr Hanna were instrumental in carrying out the divine call of Almighty God.

Dr Bro Andrew Richard was born on July 16 1963, in a Catholic family to Xavier Gokula and Mary Philomena couple. He was the third son in the family. He had his early education at St Joseph’s Indian High school and Pre-University College, Bangalore. He secured his Diploma in mechanical engineering.

Although Bro Andrew was a qualified technician, he had to work in private firms with a meager salary. The twist in his career graph arrived in the form of death of his father Xavier in 1989 due to throat cancer. When his father was in death bed and sure to breathe his last, a Servant of God visited the cancer hospital and he prayed with tears for Xavier. As a miracle, Xavier did not die on the same day; instead he lived for 8 more months, like King Hezekiah got an extra life of 15 years by merciful God (2nd Kings 20:6). This incident changed the perspective of Andrew Richard. He began to spend many hours on meditations over the mysteries of Jesus Christ at the church reading Holy Gospel. He got married to Sr Hanna at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Bangalore in 1993. However, it was during 1994, Bro Andrew miraculously got a job in the Indian Armed Forces at army base 515 workshop. Further. The divine call to serve God came when he was praying with many days of fasting, he saw a vision in which Jesus said, ‘Do not be afraid, I have formed you in the mother’s womb and I know you before you were born, I sanctified you and I ordained you as a prophet to the nations,’ (Jeremiah 1:5). He felt the miraculous hands of Jesus to usher him to spread the Word of God. His life changed completely and held onto his call for spiritual bliss. The Holy Spirit prompted him to resign from his job with armed forces and began to full time preaching the Word of God.

In accordance with the command of Almighty God and anointed by Holy Spirit, Bro Andrew Richard had started his first ministry, preaching about the love of God to the downtrodden in remote village areas. He recalls how he used to walk 12 to 15 kilometers daily and never felt tired, as he was sustained by the graces of Devine Merc. (sic) (Jehovah Shammah, Ezek: 48:35).

Bro Richard and Sr Hannah couple got the gift of a son on June 16 1994 whom they christened as Isaac. Meanwhile, Bro Richard had a vision on January 14 1996, wherein the Lord gave a clarion call to become an instrument for International Ministry in spreading the Word of God to the entire mankind. During this period of upheaval, God blessed Bro Richard and family with another son whom they christened as Moses on May 23 1998.

God blessed Bro Richard and family abundantly, and he recalls how his journey of upheavals for the sake of Jesus Christ were richly rewarded by the Lord. He derived inner strength to face any difficulties on his mission to preach the Gospel to the brethrens in the society. He grew steadily from bicycle to a scooter and automobile and other necessary equipments to serve the Lord in spreading His message to entire mankind. ‘So nothing is impossible to God’ (Luke 1:37) says Bro Richard.

Bro Richard rented a small house at Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore and began prayer meeting and worshiping the Lord by fasting twice a week. The neighbouring people began to come for prayer meeting and share fellowship. Their numbers grew over the years that led him to christen the facility as Grace Ministry. Bro Richard organized conventions and prayer meetings in the neighbouring districts including Uttar Karnataka. He was already reckoned by his followers in Mysore as Servant of God with healing powers to bless the faithful with spiritual bliss.

Encouraged with presence of God with him, he started the Television Ministry and preached about the word of God, through several TV Programmes known as Blessing Time and also released many video cassettes upon the Word of God. It brought about change in spiritual life of innumerable people who were touched by the sermons of Bro Richard, in order to lead worthy lives. The sick and ailing brethrens were healed by applying the prayer oil of Grace Ministries, which is a gift of God in return to the long continued fasting and relentless prayers of Bro Richards, with tears say the believers. (please refer the article on prayer oil for full info)

Well engaged in the Ministry of God at old Mysore city and Uttar Karnataka district, Bro Richard traveled to metros and cities across India to deliver his sermons on the Word of God. His quest to fulfill the divine call to spread the Word of God to the entire mankind taken him to many countries across the globe.

During the course of Bro Richard’s visits to the length and breadth of India, he observed that there are innumerable helpless poverty-stricken ailing sick, orphans and abandoned elderly in our country. Moved by the plight of their miserable, he started an Orphanage and Old age at Mysore where the marginalized orphans from wide section of the society are housed and taken care of where they lead life of human dignity.

The miraculous healing powers of Bro Richard reached the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, wherein a devotee from Malpe in Udupi district of coastal Karnataka who has invited Br Richard to visit his family during 2002.

Br Richard paid a visit to his family and prayed fervently for the recovery of their family member who was suffering from leukemia. The divine spirit dwelt on her and she recovered to lead normal life in a short while.

This Miracle increased the Christian faith in God and the healing powers of Bro Richard among the faithful in across Udupi district. He held prayer meetings and sermons, where he prayed for the recovery of sick, demon possessed, depressed and downtrodden. He also visited many families in distress both in Udupi and Mangalore, besides appeared on TV Programmes – Blessing Time through local TV Channels.

It was on August 15, 2006, Lord Jesus appeared to Bro. Andrew in a vision during his stay at a Hotel in Udupi, whereby the Lord informed him to settle down in Mangalore. He was enlightened that the people of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are thirsty for listening to the Word of God and seek salvation of their souls. Accordingly, Bro Richard and family moved to Mangalore in 2009 and continued their noble task of quenching the spiritual thirst of Mangaloreans through prayer meetings combined with fasting on every Fridays. The initial gathering of 70 people progressed to over 1,000 to listen to the Word of God and be touched by His divine graces. Several people who were chronically depressed and burden with debts recovered to lead prosperous lives.

Today Bro Richard is involved in the following ministries:

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR MINISTRY

COUNSELLING MINISTRIES

ORPHANAGE MINISTRY

WOMEN’S WELFARE MINISTRY

YOUTH MINISTRY

TELEPHONE PRAYER MINISTRY

WEB-SITE MINISTRY

DIVINE MERCY INTERCESSORY MINISTRY

With an intention to serve the people in a better way through conducting the retreats and counseling, for meeting the needs of the poor and downtrodden in the society, Bro Richard have entered into an agreement to purchase a plot of land at Vamanjoor, in the outskirts of Mangalore city. The people have strong faith in the Word of God that the infrastructure will be available for public service shortly.

It’s the God’s plan to avail the divine blessings through Bro Richard to the entire populace of coastal Karnataka. It’s the will of God that we should look unto Him and be saved for all ends of the earth, He is only God and no one else, His promise is true and will remain forever (Isaiah 45:22-23), say the believers in thanksgiving to Lord Our Shepherd (psalm 23:1)

May the name of Lord Jesus be lifted up the most High, Amen.

WITH MOST REV. ALOYSIUS PAUL D’SOUZA, BISHOP OF MANGALORE, DECEMBER 2009

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=dispgallery

MORE PICTURES WITH THE BISHOP AT
http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=gallery&gallery=5

1. LETTER FROM A MEMBER TO MANGALOREAN CATHOLICS YAHOOOGROUP, NOT PUBLISHED BY THE MODERATOR ANCY D’SOUZA, NOVEMBER 26, 2010

Subject: Grace Ministries: Bro Andrew with Bishop of Mangalore

Andrew is setting up a base at Mangalore. He is marketing well through media, especially through daijiworld*. The vulnerable among Mangalorean Catholics are easily swayed by his false propaganda including various pictures. Andrew is also highlighting the picture of him with Bishop Aloysius!!! Is the Bishop aware of this? The Bishop… is busy cozying up with self-styled spiritual leaders!!! *daijiworld is owned by Catholics- Michael
Check the link http://thegraceministry.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=79

Dev Borem Korum, SM,
Mangalore

2. Dear Michael, First thing Br. Andrew Richard is not a Catholic. He came to Mangalore from Bangalore and was staying in a rented apartment. Earlier he used to give programs in Kannada TV channels. Later he moved to Mangalore. He is planning to build a retreat centre in Mangalore. Earlier on his website there was no Catholic information. Now he is portraying himself as Catholic. FL, Bangalore

3. Dear Mike, The one you are talking about is Andrew Richards. Yes, the Bishop has been informed. From the pulpit Fr. Nn. has declared that Andrew is not Catholic. Andrew in response registered himself in the Bendore parish. Andrew has been given a call to fall in line. At the parish he is being watched. Two weeks ago he came with his family for mass. Awaiting further news. He is fooling people. He knows that he has been announced as not Catholic. No representation to the contrary, only Bendore parish registration. Circulars are pending, otherwise people have been informed that he is not catholic and has a hidden agenda. Yes he is trying to build his own prayer hall and this is also informed to the people.

Some people have lodged a complaint that he is asking for money to pray. If you are working abroad, the demand is higher. He goes around and then takes pictures and publishes it. No doubt that it is his trick. IL,
Mangalore

4. Hi Michael, Fr Nn. told us about this man. Many have complained to Father also. The man arrives with his big van, cameras and all and has misused the pictures with the Bishop to imply things favourably for him. Fr Nn. has informed the bishop of the same. I believe he tried the same thing with Fr Nn., but he just refused to see him or be caught with him on camera. I have information from CD that he has registered under the Bendore parish as a Catholic. They did not know about his situation so I think didn’t check his baptism records etc. After I told CD about him she said she will check into the same. He was using Don Bosco hall, not heard much about him lately. This is all I know. AL,
Mangalore

5. Dear Michael, thanks for the information about Andrew Richards. I am aware of this and I have warned the people that he is false prophet. Before this he tried his best to visit me and offer a flower bouquet and click photos and publish it as he did with our Bishop. I categorically denied as I knew his hidden agenda. His matter is taken up in the Senate of priests and we hope soon the action will be taken and faithful will be informed officially. I will let you know about the course of action taken. I have brought to the notice of Bishop about the Emperor Emmanuel cult too. With love and regards

PRIEST, Mangalore

On the pages of his web site, “Brother” Andrew Richard takes suspiciously inordinate pains to stress his Catholic background, but fails to make a confession of his Catholic Faith anywhere. My gut feeling, and the view of others, is that he is not Catholic but is making a pretense of being one. He is apparently using the pictures taken of him and his family with the Bishop of Mangalore to promote his ministry among Catholics, even as he has prominently quoted Pope Benedict XVI’s alleged words along with the picture of the Pope on every page of his site, conveying the impression that he has received a personal letter from the Pope himself. His use of the Don Bosco Hall for his weekly meetings in Mangalore lends further credibility to the impression that he is approved by the Diocese of Mangalore.

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=contactus:

Administration, Emiliana Mansion, Suvarna Lane, 4th Cross, Valencia, Kankanady, Mangalore P.O. 575002, India

Landline Phone: 0824-2432790, 0824-24365116

MY LETTER TO THE BISHOP OF MANGALORE

[along with the section of this article from page 3 middle (with the Bishop’s picture) till my comments in green colour]

From:
prabhu
To:
Bishop; bp.aloysiuspaul@gmail.com
Cc:
Salu Soz ; Ancy D’Souza [Owner, MangaloreanCatholics]

Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 8:01 AM Subject: GRACE MINISTRIES, MANGALORE – BRO. ANDREW RICHARD

Your Grace,

What is your opinion of this preacher who says that he is Catholic charismatic, is using a supposed message from the Pope to him, and is publishing your photographs taken along with his family?

Does he include Marian devotions in his ministry and attend other Church services apart from Sunday Mass which I believe he is doing only since recently?

Is he functioning in submission to the ecclesiastical authorities or independently of them?

The Archbishop of Bangalore and the Bishop of Mysore will be able to enlighten you as to what exactly he has been doing in their jurisdictions over the past decade and a half.

Are there any reasons other than what he claims for his suddenly shifting his base from Bangalore to Mangalore?

I am in the process of releasing a report on him to caution Catholics against attending his meetings which are being held weekly on the premises of a Catholic institution in Mangalore.

With kind regards, Michael Prabhu, Chennai www.ephesians-511.net

MY LETTER TO THE BISHOP OF MYSORE  

From:
prabhu
To:
bishmysore@rediffmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 8:47 AM

Subject: ASHRAYA DHAMA, GRACE MINISTRIES, MYSORE – BRO. ANDREW RICHARD

KIND ATTENTION: MOST REV. THOMAS ANTONY VAZHAPILLY, BISHOP OF MYSORE

ASHRAYA DHAMA, GRACE MINISTRIES, MYSORE – BRO. ANDREW RICHARD

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=ashraya_inner&type=1.

Your Grace,

What is your opinion of this preacher who says that he is Catholic charismatic and is using a supposed message from the Pope to him, on his web site http://thegraceministry.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=79.

Does he include Marian devotions in his ministry and attend other Church services apart from Sunday Mass, which I believe he is doing only since very recently after he moved to Mangalore and commenced operations there?

In Mysore, was he functioning in submission to the ecclesiastical authorities or independently of them?

The Archbishop of Bangalore will be able to enlighten you as to what exactly he has been doing in his jurisdiction over the past decade and a half.

Are there any reasons other than what he claims for his suddenly shifting his base from Bangalore/Mysore to Mangalore?

I am in the process of releasing a report on him to caution Catholics against attending his meetings which are being held weekly on the premises of a Catholic institution in Mangalore, so I would be grateful to hear from you.

With kind regards, Michael Prabhu, Chennai www.ephesians-511.net

MY LETTER TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF BANGALORE 

From:
prabhu
To:
archbishop@bangalorearchdiocese.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 8:51 AM

Subject: GRACE MINISTRIES, BANGALORE – BRO. ANDREW RICHARD

KIND ATTENTION: MOST REV. BERNARD MORAS, ARCHBISHOP OF BANGALORE

GRACE MINISTRIES, BANGALORE – BRO. ANDREW RICHARD

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=ashraya_inner&type=1.

Your Grace,

What is your opinion of this preacher who says that he is Catholic charismatic and is using a supposed message from the Pope to him, on his web site http://thegraceministry.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=79.

Does he include Marian devotions in his ministry and attend other Church services apart from Sunday Mass, which I believe he is doing only since very recently after he moved to Mangalore and commenced operations there?

In Bangalore, where he ministered for nearly a decade and a half, was he functioning in submission to the ecclesiastical authorities or independently of them?

The Bishop of Mysore will be able to enlighten you as to what exactly he has been doing in his jurisdiction where he started an orphanage.

Are there any reasons other than what he claims for his suddenly shifting his base from Bangalore/Mysore to Mangalore?

I am in the process of releasing a report on him to caution Catholics against attending his meetings which are being held weekly on the premises of a Catholic institution in Mangalore, so I would be grateful to hear from you.

With kind regards, Michael Prabhu, Chennai www.ephesians-511.net

THE BISHOP OF MANGALORE, THE ARCHBISHOP OF BANGALORE AND THE BISHOP OF MYSORE DID NOT RESPOND TO MY LETTERS.

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=donbosco&type=12

Christmas celebration will be celebrated at Don Bosco Hall 17 the Friday Dec. 10 to 2 pm.

Inspire Christmas song and drama will be held during this occasion. New Year calendar and prizes will be distributed

Come join and celebrate Christmas with us!

http://www.graceministry.org/index.php?action=visits_inner&type=3

Br Andrew Richard leaving Doha Qatar on Dec. 12 to Dec. 15 for counseling and deliverance programme
Please contact: 00974-55384347/00974-44356225 Mr Sebastian D’Souza and Philomena D’Souza

Grace Ministries Mangalore

Posted by: “Larry SM” MangaloreanCatholics@gmail.com 
Fri Mar 23, 2012 10:22 am (PDT)

Grace Ministries http://www.gracemin istry.org/ and Andrew are misusing the good faith of local Catholics. Local Bishop seem to be rather busy in commercial interests than look after the flock. Shocking!
Daijiworld website is also supporting this tragic happening.
What can be done? Any suggestions? Dev Borem Korum

There was a response in MangaloreanCatholics Digest 2585

About Grace Ministry Mangalore

Posted by: “Spy Kid” spykidmnglr@yahoo.com,
Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:29 am (PDT)

From:
prabhu
To:
bishopaloysius@yahoo.com ; Aloysius Paul D’ Souza
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 8:15 AM

Subject: BRO. ANDREW RICHARD AND GRACE MINISTRIES

KIND ATTENTION:

MOST REV. ALOYSIUS PAUL D’SOUZA

BISHOP OF MANGALORE

Dear Bishop Aloysius,

On November 30, 2010, I had written to you [see below] about this preacher who is ministering to Catholics at Catholic institutions like the Don Bosco Hall in your diocese of Mangalore. You had not deigned to reply to me.

I have published a report on my website:

BRO. ANDREW RICHARD, GRACE MINISTRIES, MANGALORE-CATHOLIC OR PROTESTANT?

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/GRACE_MINISTRIES_-MANGALORE_CATHOLIC_OR_PROTESTANT.doc.

I am fairly confident that once he has collected enough of Catholic followers who will remain faithful to him and not the teachings of the Church, he will come out openly with his own protestant “church”.

Please also read a letter from “Spy Kid”, Mangalore about his first-hand experience of how this “Bro” Andrew is exploiting gullible Catholics financially. I am sure that you understand that he is also cheating them SPIRITUALLY, and it is your pastoral duty to warn the faithful of your diocese about this man and his “ministry”.

Yours obediently,

Michael Prabhu

Catholic apologist

THE BISHOP DID NOT RESPOND, BUT I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL ON MAY 15, 2012:

Received your letter on Br. Andrew Richards.

I had the opportunity to being on the board when Andrew requested for permission to preach in the Catholic Church.

The issue is being handled by Fr. N at the request of the Bishop of Mangalore.

We requested Andrew to furnish the following

1. All records pertaining to him and his family being Catholics. e.g. baptism certificates etc.

2. His certificates that he has with regard to his training.

3. His line of activity since he began his ministry and his catholic history. e.g. which church [parish] he has belonged to etc.

4. He was clearly instructed that pending investigation he is not to conduct any catholic activity.

5. He should report to the parish and all activity be done in the premises of the church.

6. E.g. help in parish activity etc.

Findings

1. Andrew has submitted a few documents that are suspect.

2. Andrew not reporting or submitting to authority.

3. Despite being clearly told that if he wanted to be called a Catholic he had to move or conduct meetings only on written permission granted by the Catholic Church he has not done so.

4. He was clearly told to suspend all activity till findings were clear. He has not done so but continued.

On a particular occasion for a public meeting the police were clearly informed that his activity was not part of the Catholic Church and he was not authorised by the church and he was not part of the Catholic Church.

Public Opinion

Some of the people who supported and spoke against us and argued with us are now backing out and supporting us.

Work done and to be done

We have a lot of material to state that he not Catholic and his approach to ministry is non-Christian.

The certificates of training that he has in his custody are not from Catholic institutions.

Today in the Bishops house a paper was presented on the findings.

A letter will be issued to all parishes to state keep away from Andrew he is not Catholic.

The problem with the public

Enamoured by miracles and healing.

Well hope you find this information useful.

Signed.

Suspect Lay Preachers

http://www.dioceseofmangalore.org/default.asp

To Rev. Parish Priests/Religious/Deacons and Lay faithful,
It has been brought to my notice that an alarming number of suspect lay preachers have started preaching, in public places like rented halls, Hotels, and private homes. They claim, that they have healing power, secret knowledge, and visions. They attract people through websites, advertisements and some of them by telecasting their services though TV channels. People who have gone to them were deceived, mislead and a large majority of them have lost their faith and left the Catholic Church.
I also understand that these are the signs of the times which reveal many things. Positively it shows that our people have a strong desire for the Word of God. But it is unfortunate that our people are deprived of an authentic and genuine instructions and Catecheses on the Word of God. Our homilies and sermons have become superficial, routine and monotonous.
Hence I appeal to all Priests, Religious and Deacons to give prime importance to the mission of preaching the Word of God. Upgrade your knowledge on the Scriptures; equip with latest techniques and ways of communicating skills on the Word of God, give sufficient time to prepare your homilies; make relevant the Word of God to your congregation through your life and deeds. You must take all the pains and efforts and make use of all the opportunities in preaching the Word of God in the Small Christian Communities in particular and to the Children, youth and elders of your parish and communities at large.
I wish to bring to your notice the following teaching of the Church regarding the ministry of preaching:
1. As regards other forms of preaching, if necessity demands it in particular circumstances, or if usefulness suggests it in special cases, lay members of Christ’s faithful may be allowed to preach in a church or in an oratory outside Mass in accordance with the norm of law.[261] This may be done only on account of a scarcity of sacred ministers in certain places, in order to meet the need, and it may not be transformed from an exceptional measure into an ordinary practice, nor may it be understood as an authentic form of the advancement of the laity.[262] All must remember besides that the faculty for giving such permission belongs to the local Ordinary, and this as regards individual instances; this permission is not the competence of anyone else, even if they are Priests or Deacons. (Redemptionis Sacramentum) [261] Cf. ibidem, can. 766. [262] Cf. Congregation for the Clergy et al., Instruction, Ecclesiae de mysterio, Practical Provisions, art. 2 §§ 3-4: AAS 89 (1997) p. 865.
2. The Homily should be ordinarily be given by the priest celebrant. He may entrust it to a priest or, according to circumstances also at times to a deacon, but never to a lay person. (General Instructions to the Roman Missal, no. 66, 2002)
+ Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza
Bishop of Mangalore
[From the Bishop’s Circular, April 2011] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KonkaniCatholics/message/24443

Categories: PROTESTANTISM