The Record Newspaper 17 June 2009

"Be indefatigable in your purpose and with undaunted spirit resist iniquity and try to conquer evil with good, having before your eyes the reward of those who combat for Christ." -BISHOP MATTHEW GIBNEY 1874

THE PARISH. THE NATION. THE WORLD. 11.111,9.V.

Western Australia's award-winning Catholic newspaper since 1874 - Wednesday June 17 2009

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A RECORD SPECIAL REPORT

LOVE

M

eet Chen, aged 5. Sadly, this beautiful little Chinese girl is HIV-positive. AIDS has swept across China leaving victims like Chen abandoned, cast out of society and ostracised. In March, The Record's Mark Reidy and Robert Hiini returned to China in the footsteps of Jamie O'Brien and Derek Boylen to investigate the remarkable work caring for lepers and victims of HIV-AIDS begun by pioneering Jesuit Fr Luis Ruiz SJ and his helpers. They expected to find people embittered by suffering. To their surprise, they found a people of hope, thanks to the work of the legendary Jesuit and 0 his Chinese co-workers.

look :

31°' * tailb.ow, The Record returns to China - and to one of the most Pages 5-10 inspiring stories we have ever covered. Photo: Robert Hiini

INSIDE: The happy faces below tell the story of what difference some basic love and humanity can make Vista 1 in the lives of those who have been abandoned by everyone else.

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June 17 2009, The Record

THE PARISH

Clergy appointments DEATHS AND ILLNESS Archbishop Hickey has informed the priests of the archdiocese in his occasional ad clerum newsletter of the recent death of Fr Bob Langford MSC a former parish priest of Langford. He also asked for prayers for Fr John Reynolds OPraem who is currently ill in St John of God hospital. ROME BOUND Two seminarians of the Archdiocese, Brennan Sia and Michael Cornell, will commence studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome in August this year. They will join two other Archdiocesan seminarians currently studying at the PNAC, Mark Payton and Gannon Jones. Paul Kyne will also commence studies for the priesthood in Rome this year, residing at the Pontifical Irish College. Fr Manoel Lopes will commence studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome later this year. He is currently Assistant Priest at Cottesloe Parish.

• rata J UB I L E E 2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9

Brunswick parish marks 100 Priests, religious, the faithful and students gather to look back over a century of work to build their parish.

parish, that included, after some 50 years, the foundation of the school. At the 100th anniversary celebration, parish stalwart Shirley Carbone recited tales of the early days of the church in Brunswick, when the priest travelled by sulky from other parishes every month to say Mass. Bunbury Bishop Gerard Holohan celebrated Mass with five priests including parish priest Father Bernard, assisted by three St Michael's Primary School students as altar servers and the Bunbury Diocesan Liturgical Choir, made up of both adults and children. Visitors on the day came from both neighbouring and distant parishes including some in Perth. A special welcome was extended to the Presentation Sisters, whose convent was in Brunswick for many years during their time as parish workers and helpers and

• By Margret Carbone

Joseph Cafasso 1811-1860 June 23 Born in Italy's Piedmont region, Joseph studied at a seminary near Turin. He was ordained a diocesan priest in 1833, and continued studies in theology at the Institute of St. Francis in Turin. Despite having a twisted spine, Joseph became a popular lecturer at the institute and in 1848 its rector. He was a wise mentor to his priest students, including St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians, with whom he had an enduring friendship. He was a well-known confessor and spiritual adviser, and an advocate for prisoners. accompanying more than 60 condemned men to their public execution by hanging.

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"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died" From the First Letter to the Thessalonians, 4: 1 3-1 5

IT all started in a cheese factory. In 1951, Presentation Sisters started St Michael's Primary School in an empty building in Brunswick that was soon to become a cheese factory. Their first 60 students were taught by three Sisters from the start of the 1952 school year. The building on the present site was opened in 1954 with up to 100 students. On May 3, over 250 faithful gathered to celebrate 100 years of the humble beginnings of Our Lady of the Assumption

as teachers at St Michael's Primary School. The centenary Mass was followed by the blessing of a 25-year time capsule, planted in front of the church, containing messages written by parishioners, students of St Michael's school and photographs and other memorabilia. A commemorative plaque was placed over the time capsule setting the retrieval date as September 2034. The celebration cake donated by the local supermarket was cut by local sisters Maria Princi and Angelina Frisina, daughters of the late Mr and Mrs Paddy Mafrici who were great supporters and parishioners of Brunswick parish. Both Mrs Princi and Mrs Frisina have continued this support over many years, including involvement with the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption, which has been held in the parish for over 50 years.

in brief

No changes in Perth for Swine Flu The Perth Archdiocese has not recommended any changes to the way in which Communion is received in the wake of the Swine Flu pandemic. "Because it does not appear at this stage to be worse than the many seasonal influenzas that we are exposed to, no particular instructions will be issued at this time," Archbishop Hickey said in his ad clerum letter to priests. "Normal precautions to ensure hygene - refraining from receiving Eucharist when ill and hand washing - have been advised, including a directive that priests with cold or flu use a seperate chalice than that offered to the people."

EDITOR Peter Rosengren cathrec@iinet.net.au IOURNALISTS Anthony Barich abarich@therecord.com.au Mark Reidy reiCyrec@iinet.net.au Robert Hiini rthiini@gmail.com PRODUCTION &ADVERTISING Justine Stevens production@therecord.conau ACCOUNTS Cathy Baguley recaccounts@iinetnetau ADMINISTRATION Bibiana Kwaramba administration@therecord. corri.au BOOKSHOP Caroline Radelic bookshop@therecord.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Debbie Warder Karen & Derek Boylen Anna Krohn Catherine Parish Fr Flader John Heard Christopher West Bronia Karniewicz Guy Crouchback The Record PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 587 Newcastle St, West Perth Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax: (08) 9227 7087 Website: www.therecord.com.au The Record is a weekly publication distributed throughout the parishes of the dioceses of Western Australia and by subscription. The Record is printed by Rural Press Printing Mandurah and distributed via Australia Post and CTI Couriers.

'Public or private' sets the associations apart THE emergence of new forms of religious life in the Archdiocese has led to some confusion about the status of various religious associations and the various stages of their development. The Vicar-General, Mgr Brian O'Loughlin, has explained that the Second Vatican Council made a specific acknowledgement of the freedom of Catholics to associate with one another for spiritual and social purposes. When the Code of Canon Law was rewritten in 1983 it acknowledged the various forms in which the freedom of association existed and might subsequently exist. The two major categories now are Private Associations of Christ's Faithful and Public Associations of Christ's Faithful. Examples of private associations are prayer groups or study groups which people are free to form at any time. When they want to move beyond this to form groups in a number of parishes or a number of dioceses, they require a constitution

approved by their Archbishop or Bishop and become a Public Association of Christ's Faithful Mgr O'Loughlin said longstanding organisations like the Legion of Mary, the Knights of the Southern Cross, the Catenians and others came into this category automatically when the former Code of Canon Law under which they were formed was replaced by the current Code with its provisions for associations of Christ's faithful. New associations (post 1983) such as the Disciples of Jesus or the Holy Spirit of Freedom Community were formally established as Public Associations of Christ's Faithful. Potential new religious orders faced the same process. They would start as private associations of Christ's faithful. If they succeeded in identifying their charism (gift of the Holy Spirit), spirituality and apostolate, and developed into a community living and working togeth-

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Institutes of Diocesan Right, that is, approved by the Bishop of the diocese of origin, who may erect an institute of consecrated life, provided the Holy See has been consulted (Canon 579). At present, while they look like religious, live like religious and are entitled to respect and support like religious, they have not formally achieved that status. As a public association of the faithful, the members live in view of being erected in the future as a religious institute of diocesan right. The Bishop appoints the superior and admits members to the novitiate and to profession. In the formative stage, their task is to discern the gifts of the spirit, live a spiritual life and commit to an apostolate.

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er and planning to proceed deeper into religious life, the Archbishop could establish them as a Public Association of Christ's Faithful with the status of a juridic person in Canon Law. At this point formal vows may be taken publicly and habits worn, although the vows were not as binding as those of members of Religious Institutes. There have been two such groups established in Perth in the last 12 months - the Missionaries of the Gospel, and the New Apostolate Consecrated in the Heart of the Holy Family. These groups need to grow to 40 members and demonstrate appropriate maturity and stability of life and apostolate in order to become Religious

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Page 3

THE PARISH

Concert to raise funds Archbishop thanks our Burmese for witness for drugrehab outreach Event aims to help build the vision for effective centres of rehabilitation for drug users • By Robert Hiini

FR PAUL Baczynski says that things are on track for the Cross Roads drug rehabilitation community after nearly 10 years of hard slog, as a gospel concert to support the centre draws nearer. The Cross Roads Community Gospel Concert will take place on June 28 at the Basilica of St Patrick in Fremantle. It features the South African Gospel Choir, the interdenominational a capella group PRAISE, the multicultural St Pio Choral Group and the Brownley Gospel Singers, an indigenous group made of mother Marcia Brownley and her two sons, Linden and Tyrone. All funds raised will go towards making Fr Paul's vision of establishing two live-in care centres for drug abusers a reality. The agency helps its clients to fight drug, alcohol and gambling addictions, using one-on-one and group counselling and a 40 week program examining stages of addiction and recovery. Cross Roads intend that their present Fremantle site will be redesigned to function as a centre for women and single mothers and the Oldbury site they purchased several years ago, 30 minutes south of Fremantle, will be set up to provide facilities for men. The agency operates on an annual income of $200,000, with $28,000 of that amount coming from the Archbishop of Perth's Lifelink Fund. Fr Paul says that Cross Roads takes what he calls the European/Italian model of rehabilitation. Last month, he visited Community Encounter in Amelia, south of Rome, run by 84 year old rehabilitation veteran, Fr Don Pierino Gelmini, who has 250 services operating throughout the world, 80

Archbishop Hickey blesses a child during the Mass on June 7. He also congratulated Burmese Catholics for their witness asnd example of spirituality.

Marcia Brownley with sons Linden and Tyrone are the Brownley Gospel Singers. They will perform at the Cross Roads concert on June 28.

Perth's Burmese Catholics raise whopping $25,000 for Cathedral • By Anthony Barich

of which operate outside Italy. Cross Roads has contact with about 4500 people on average every year, reaching a peak in 2004 when Fr Paul estimates that 10,000 - 11,000 were assisted by the agency. Although these numbers are large, Fr Paul says that an average of 12 people complete their 40 week intensive course every year along with family and friends who complete a parallel course for people journeying with the addicted. Harm minimisation has been the dominant approach to rehabilitation in Australia since the approach was embraced by thenFederal Health Minister, Neil Blewett, in 1984 with 12-week courses being the norm. While he has respect for the good work of others, he says that such an approach "creates a lot of unnecessary confusion about boundaries and information" and that Cross Roads has always been about "offering something more substantial:' The organisation has four paid staff and contracts the services of a male and female pyschologist. Seventy per cent of its clients are male and eighty-five per cent of clients are single with sixty per cent of clients coming from sin-

gle-parent family backgrounds. Although the majority of clients are poly-drug users, Fr Paul says that for the past couple of years, methamphetamine or "ice" - a stimulant that can result in violent psychotic episodes has been the drug of choice. With an escalating need for services, fundraising events such as the upcoming Cross Roads Gospel concert, remain very important for the agency. The concert has been organised by Cross Roads fundraising officer Connie Handcock and and experienced singer-songwriter Carmel Charlton and her husband, Eric. Mrs Charlton, who runs a music club in Woodlands and performed most recently in Tamworth, says that the fifth annual concert will be the best yet. Fr Paul is appreciative of the work of all the participants and the support Cross Roads has received from Catholics throughout Perth. "We are starting to see the dawn light on the horizon:' Fr Paul said. "Thank you to the people of the Perth Archdiocese for their ongoing support:' For Gospel Concert tickets, call Connie on 0411 115 147 or Carmel on 9446 1558.

ARCHBISHOP Barry Hickey praised Perth's Burmese Catholic Community for its strength of faith and for promoting a prayerful family environment. The Archbishop made the comments during a June 7 thanksgiving Mass at St Mary's Church Leederville for the Burmese Catholic Community raising $25,138.30 at an April 12 dinner dance fundraiser for St Mary's Cathedral by charging 1200 people $15 a head. The food at the fundraiser was entirely contributed by families of the community. One person alone contributed 65kg of pork - and cooked it; another provided 1200 pieces of chicken as the guests at the dinner dance were treated to chicken, pork, beef, egg and vegetable dishes cooked in Burmese style. The Archbishop said that communities like the Burmese, who have left a coutry in which religious belief is persecuted, are a sign of hope for the future in Australia. "Looking at society, I see young Catholics not going to Mass, not going anywhere in life, even not believing in God; I see laws passed contrary to the Gospel:' the Archbishop said. "ThenIsee Burmese people from a country of faith, where prayer and family life is strong, who have

brought it here. It is a sign of hope against secularism. "When there are strong numbers, where you pass on the faith to your children, the Church will remain strong:' He urged the Burmese families gathered at St Mary's Church to continue saying prayers in their families, and take them to Mass, especially while their children are still little, to strengthen them to avoid pressures that would lead them away from the faith later in life, so they can grow in the faith. Burmese Catholic The Community, which prayed a prayer for vocations in Burmese during the Mass, meets once a month at St Mary's Church, though many more - some 300 families - are scattered around the Archdiocese of Perth. The Mass was concelebrated by Burmese priests based in Western Australia - Frs Richard Ye Mynt, Noel Htun Latt, Joseph Kum Htoi and Ossie Lewis, the chaplain of the Burmese Catholic Community and parish priest of Leederville. Catholic The Burmese Community embraced the sung Latin responses during the thanksgiving Mass, held on the feast of the Blessed Trinity, as Latin was still used in the liturgy before many of them migrated to Australia. Richard Anthony, secretary of the Burmese Catholic Community, said that his community's example shows what can easily be done by other ethnic communities in bonding and faith-building.

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June 17 2009, The Record

THE PARISH

Agency supports climate-change push Catholic Mission agency sees climate change as key issue confronting all. • By Robert Hiini CATHOLIC Mission and its supporters attended National Climate Emergency Rallies held across the country last Saturday demanding that Australia take immediate action to reduce its carbon emmissions, support "green" jobs and reject nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels. The protests were an initiative of Australia's Climate Action Summit, a left-aligned network of groups and individuals arising out of the Climate Action Summit held in Canberra on 31 January-3 February this year. The Perth protest took place in Forrest Place on Saturday June 13 and attracted nearly 500 people according to organisers. The local rally featured speakers from the Wilderness Society, the Anti-Nuclear Alliance of WA and speeches from two WA Green MPs. WA Green Senator Rachel Siewert was reported in Perth media as calling for immediate action: "The science is absolutely clear - if we are to have any hope of preventing runaway climate change and the chaos that will bring, we need to bring global emissions down rapidly and begin removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. "That means that rich countries like Australia need to move towards zero emissions as fast as possible, and the minimum target by 2020 has to be 40 per cent," she was reported as saying. In Perth, the agency did not participate in the Perth rally but it

is understood that the organisation did participate in most capital city centres. "At Catholic Mission we realise the importance of understanding and addressing climate change," said Jenny Collins-White, Catholic Missions Education Officer in the organisation's national office. "We support, the Catholic Bishops and their call to change our ways of seeing, thinking and behaving as we accept our responsibility to protect the earth," she said, describing Saturday's rallies as "important for us to get behind as an organisation and as individuals." Francis Leong, Perth Director of Catholic Mission, told The Record that the organisation received a directive from Australian Regligious that Catholic Mission use their media resources to highlight climate change and bring it to the attention of catholic and secular media. Catholic Mission's Village Space program - an interactive performance educating school students on social justice issues - is this year focussed on climate change and its effect on people in the majority or developing world. The initiative will give examples of the effects of climate change from Mexico, Kiribati, the Arctic Circle, Bangladesh and Australia to more than 15,000 students in Catholic schools across Australia, with about 10 minutes of its one hour and ten minute performance time dedicated to opposing views. Mr Leong said that the organisation's efforts have shown the Australian community that the Catholic Church "is not behind the times" and are a reflection of Catholic Mission's grassroots proximity to the world's poor in its more than 160 development projects. "We are often the first to know that it is the poor that are the first

While climate change is seen as an issue by bodies such as Catholic Mission as being of pressing concern for the world's poor - the people it aims to help - not all organisations with broadly Catholic membership concur.

victims of climate change. They're the ones who drown, whereas the rich can choose," Mr Leong said, adding "What are we, if not a church for the poor?" While the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has thrown its weight behind the idea that human-driven climate change is a real phenomenon it has stopped short of demanding immediate and unilateral cuts to emmissions. However organisations with a broadly Catholic membership are by no means uniform in their view and approach to climate change. John Morrissey from the Australian Family Association (AFA) says that his organisation is "diametrcially opposed" to the dominant understanding of climate change as a result of humandriven carbon emissions and the proposal that Australia unilaterally reduce emissions. "People who regard it as a moral crusade are dressing up pseudo science," Mr Morrissey told The

PRINCIPALSHIPS SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL HIGHGATE Sacred Heart Primary School was established in 1897 by the Our Lady of the Mission Sisters. Today, Sacred Heart is an inner-city, multicultural, single-stream co-educational primary school catering for the families of Sacred Heart parish and surrounding areas for students from pre-kindergarten to Year 6. The school has an excellent reputation for providing a welcoming, involved and academically diverse environment for all students. A committed staff works together as a team to maximise learning outcomes for all students. Sacred Heart was a foundation school in the implementation of the Raising Achievement in Schools (RAISe) program, which focuses on improving student outcomes in literacy and numeracy. A range of early intervention and enrichment programs operate at the school and professional development for staff is connected to school priorities to ensure that initiatives are implemented effectively. A well-resourced library, support staff for literacy and numeracy and specialist teachers in library, music, physical education and LOTE (Italian) support the rich and diverse education provided. Pastoral care of students is a priority and the Providing Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) program is currently being implemented. The school works collaboratively with the parish priest in the sacramental program, which is parish-based, familycentred and school-supported. A strong community spirit thrives with the excellent support of the parish priest, school board and Parents and Friends' Association. Sacred Heart seeks a creative, effective leader to implement an educational vision which continues to strengthen the relationship between family, school, parish and the wider community, sharing the mission of the Church to educate the whole child. The successful applicant will commence on 1 lanuary 2010.

Record, adding that there were other more pressing 'crusades' such as the 90,000 lives lost to abortion in Australia each year. "The story about consensus is an absolute nonsense. The science isn't definitive and is mainly based on computer modelling. "What's more, it is absolutely ridiculous to expect Australia to do anything before the greatest carbon producers. Our less-than two per cent of emmissions would be a token sacrifice but would do so much damage to the Australian economy. From a family point of view, with a significant loss of jobs, so many would suffer needlessly with so little environmental benefit." However Mr Leong said the economic argument is a a smoke screen for the issues Christians should be concerned about. "The economic argument is always the one that is presented as the reason why we shouldn't do anything. It's the most unchristian of arguments. Jobs may in fact be gained," he said. "The stance of the Church is about our solidarity with the poor and they're the ones who are not only going to lose jobs but also their lives and what little subsist-

ence agriculture they do have." He said the key proponents of economic arguments against reducing Australia's emissions usually come from big business and that Christians should instead choose to "live simply so that others may simply live." Catholic Mission's national education officer Jenny Collins-White concurred. "I feel for people who's jobs are threatened but we have to be sustainable, moving away from industries taking us to a future we cannot afford." The AFA's John Morrissey said he doesn't doubt the sincerity of emission reduction proponents but that their analysis of the problem and their proposed solutions have obvious problems. "Most people [pushing for reductions] are doing it with the best will in the world. They are willing converts to climate change possibly because of their quitereasonable concern about pollution - a huge problem - but people can easily mix their issues; he said. "Cleaning up pollution is laudable but the single issue focus on climate change is an article of faith rather than an article of science." "There is however, some agreement that renewable energy sources and technologies must be developed and continually improved. "Given that resources are going to be depleted, if we can improve solar and wave power - windpower being too inefficient - we will achieve a far less polluted environment," he said. Disagreement remains when it comes to a proposed solution that the recent climate change rallies explicitly rejected. "The elephant in the room is the absolute superiority of nuclear power over fossil fuel power. Particularly given that the only two countries who met their emission reductions under the Kyoto Treaty were Sweden and France, both of which use nuclear power extensively." "Because of the nature of our organisation we are predominantly concerned with the global community and supporting the most marginalised groups in the world."

A NNUAL RETREAT 2009

KOLBE CATHOLIC COLLEGE, ROCKINGHAM Kolbe Catholic College is a co-educational secondary Catholic college with 960 students from Year 7-12 serving the parish communities of Rockingham, Port Kennedy and Kwinana. The college is currently five-stream, with a sixth stream to be introduced in 2010. Kolbe is located in the educational precinct that encompasses Murdoch University and Challenger TAFE. The college is known for its high quality pastoral care that permeates all aspects of school life, with a focus on vertical Year 7-12 pastoral care groups and a rich variety of inter-house competitions. The middle school and senior school structures cater effectively for the specific educational needs of students. The new principal will be a visionary leader who will continue a strategic capital development plan that encompasses a number of educational initiatives. This includes continuation of the college's progress as a leading digital school with fully-integrated information and communication technology and online learning programs across all years, as well as a 1:1 laptop program. The new principal will also continue the development of educational programs that cater for students who wish to pursue challenging university or VET courses in the senior years, and inclusive practices that cater for students with diverse educational and pastoral needs. The successful applicant will commence in Term 4, 2009.

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Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies, together with an appropriate four year minimum tertiary qualification, - and will have completed Accreditation for Leadership of the Religious Education Area or its equivalent. A current WACOT registration number must also be included. The official application form, referee assessment forms and instructions can be accessed on the Catholic Education Office website www.ceo.wa.edu.au. Enquiries regarding these positions should be directed to Helen Brennan, Consultant, Workforce Relations Team on (08) 6380 5237 or email wrd@ceo.wa.edu.au. All applications, on the official form, should reach The Director of Catholic Education, Catholic Education Office of Western Australia, PO Box 198, Leederville 6903 no later than Monday 29 June 2009.

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June 17 2009, The Record

Special report

Page 5

In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

In 2006 two Record journalists, Derek Boy/en and Jamie O'Brien, travelled to Macau and China to report on the remarkable story of pioneering Jesuit priest Fr Luis Ruiz SJ. There, they found that over decades Fr Ruiz and a small group of helpers had begun an astonishing and almost unknown work - caring for thousands of lepers rejected by their families and communities all over China. In a country where leprosy officially does not exist, Fr Ruiz and friends had established centres for the care of those suffering the dreaded disease and, in the process, transformed the lives of thousands by loving them and treating them as human beings when no-one else was prepared to do so. One result was that Record readers touched by the story donated tens of thousands of dollars to support this relentless old priest and his work. One sign of a good idea is that it spreads: we can now report that the work of Fr Ruiz has grown and continues to spread, caring for the unwanted victims of HIV-AIDS - many of whom are children. In March Record journalists Robert Hiini and Mark Reidy revisited the work of Fr Ruiz and his Casa Ricci Social Services to find how a new generation has taken up the Ruiz legacy. There, they found many inspiring stories that are part of one story that is much bigger: the power of love really is irresistible.

Old warhorse: Fr Luis Ruiz Si, now 95, may be slowing but still personally signs all c orrespondence from the simple desk in his office in PHOTO: ROBERT HIINI Macau.

God had other plans An eight-year-old girl, five Chinese Sisters and a handful of dedicated charity workers turn the tide against overwhelming odds. • By Robert Hiini

W

e were told the girl in this photo had only days to live. What those caring for her thought was a stomach perforation turned out to be cancer. Her stomach was riddled with it. The doctors sewed her back up saying there was no point continuing with the operation. The only thing to do was to make her comfortable and to prepare for the end. Her name is Zou Qian (in China, the surname comes first. Her first name is pronounced "Chee-aan.") She has the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV for short, a victim of the HIV/AIDS pandemic; China's "new leprosy." She is eight years old. Little Qian had been hospitalised the day before we arrived: the first day of our week-long stint at the Hongjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre in the country's south-east. This centre was the second stop of The Record's two-week visit to report on the difference Casa Ricci Social Services founded by the beloved Spanish priest, Fr Luis Ruiz SJ - is making in the lives of leprosy and AIDS sufferers throughout China. Qian likely contracted the virus while in utero or through her mother's breast milk shortly after birth - a tragically avoidable occurence (less than one per cent of children born to HIV-infected women contract the disease when delivered by caesarian and given formula milk from birth). Born into crippling rural poverty in a country of nearly 1.5 billion people, the eight-year-old Qian seemed destined, with the premature demise of her parents, for an early, painful and lonely death. It could have been the way things turned out. But it isn't. Instead, she is surrounded in the hospital by five women whose maternal love for Qian is palpable - five women in their 20s and 30s, Sisters of Divine Providence, who, for the past week, have taken turns to be with the slightly-built child for every hour of wake and sleep. Ever since Qian's mother died as a result of the disease in 2005, Qian has called the Hongjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre "home," but the state-owned facility is only made so by the Sisters and her fellow HIV/AIDS carriers who form a tight-knit and empathetic community. The Sisters have been looking after live-in and dying HIV/ AIDS patients at the centre since 2003 thanks to the support of Casa Ricci Social Services which pays for their food and living expenses and provides the centre's patients with food and a small income. With only six staff, the Macau-based charity supports over 100 such projects caring for HIV/AIDS and leprosy patients throughout mainland China. My colleague Mark had inadvertedly seen the Sisters' leader, Sr Pan, weeping in the kitchen, because of Qian's wrenching pain and impending death. A warm and savvy 36-year-old, Sr Pan has already journeyed with 34 AIDS carriers to their final release. The doctors at the Hongjiang Hospital where Qian was taken had laboured for a week prior, trying to work out what was wrong with her after she started complaining of severe stomach pain. Her father, a farmer who had himself sustained head injuries in a traffic accident shortly after his wife died, was contacted and advised to make the three-day journey to the hospital to decide what should be done. Due to the dismantling of universal healthcare from the late 1970s, all options for little Qian included considerable cost, such as a 2000 Yuan (AUD $380) private ambulance ride to a better-equipped hospital in Changsha, two hours away. Her condition worsening, the doctors in Hongjiang

Daughter of many: Zou Qian, above, an unconscious eight-year-old resident of the Hongjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre awaits diagnosis at Changsha Hospital surrounded by the centre's Sisters who love and care for her (bottom left). Doctors at the centre had tried unsuccessfully to diagnose her at the centre prior to her admittance (bottom right).

decided to operate immediately and were confronted with the discovery of a large inoperable tumor and several smaller ones. After we had returned to Australia, we sent our consolations by email, knowing that one of the sisters, Sr Jacqueline Guo CDP (Congregation of Divine Providence), who helped translate for us, would be able to relate to the Sisters and patients, our feelings of sorrow. Then we received news we were not expecting. Qing had made a miraculous recovery and was back with the Sisters and her community at the Loving Care Centre. Whether a supernatural answer to anguished nights of the Sisters' prayers or a staggering case of misdiagnosis, faith, hope and love had been rewarded with life. This was news which encapsulated our experience of China. Against overwhelming odds, where good will

and and openness to God's Spirit abide, great, unexpected and life-affirming things can happen. But Qian's physical recovery is not the only miracle in China. The work of the Sisters at the Han Zhong Leprosy Centre, our other stop, who look after 273 leprosy sufferers in the north-west, provided us with countless other examples. In 2009, Jesus Christ may be suffering but he is at the same time alive and well in China, in the lives of those who are shunned and those who seek to follow him. In a country of harsh realities and epic challenges, the human vocation to love can be seen in its full splendour; in the embrace and support of outcast communities, in the care of leprosy and AIDS sufferers like Zou Qian and in the ongoing work of Casa Ricci Social Services, the humble charity outfit that makes it all happen.

June 17 2009, The Record

Page 6

IS ecial report In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

The art of making others happy One step at a time is the basic approach that has created a remarkable outreach. • By Robert Hiini and Mark Reidy

W

hen Fr Luis Ruiz SJ first stepped onto Dajin Island in the Guangdong province of China in 1985 the horror he encountered there drove him to establish an enduring legacy. On the island he discovered over 200 leprosy patients living in appalling conditions, without electricity or running water, who had been abandoned decades before by a society that feared and misunderstood the disease that had ravavd them. "We must help them,' he told his colleagues at Caritas Macau. And so, at the age of 70, he embarked on a mission of love that would make him a household name in many parts of China. He had already spent a lifetime of helping others. Based in Macau since 1951, a semiautonomous former Portugeuse colony that was handed back to China in 1999, Fr Ruiz gave himself over to helping the mutlitude of refugees he found there - from mainland China, Indonesia and Burma - housing and feeding them as well as providing a place for them to go to Mass. He knew something of what it meant to flee from upheaval and persecution. In 1937, seven years after beginning his studies to be a Jesuit priest in his native Spain, a violent regime change forced all Jesuits from the country. After completing his studies that same year in Belgium, he was sent to Cuba to teach until 1941 when he was posted to Anking, China, for missionary work. That work and Fr Ruiz's studies to learn Mandarin were interupted by the second world war. From 1942, he spent four years in Shanghai, finally being able to return to Anking in 1946. He was arrested by the new communist administration in 1951, contracting typhoid while in a revolutionary jail. Expelled from the country, he resigned himself to working in the Philippines but was directed by his superior to stop off in Macau, en route, to continue his recovery. He never left. After the flow of refugees into Macau slowed after 1969, Fr Ruiz turned his attention to Macau's abandoned and homeless elderly as well as dejected young people with mental disabilities, establishing five centres in partnership with the Sisters of Charity of St Anne - centres which continue today. His epic mission of caring for China's lepers began when a fellow priest wrote to him about inhuman conditions he had witnessed at the Tai Kam leper colony. In 2006, Record journalists Jamie O'Brien and Derek Boylen visited the living legend in Macau and the Tai Kam leper community on Dajin Island he first visited 24 years ago - the first of more than 140 leprosariums he would go on to help.

Casa Ricci Social Services: the legacy continues Fast forward to 2009, Fr Ruiz is 95 years old and is still dedicated to his extended family of lepers and the growing number of HIV/AIDS carriers that Casa Ricci Social Services has reached out to in the past four years. He was attempting to visit lepers and AIDS patients on the mainland when we arrived but had been waylaid by illness. "This is what my life means to me," Fr Ruiz says. "As long as I can still move and serve others, I will keep on working. I never think about retiring." He is surrounded by a talented staff of six who, somewhat amazingly, make AUS $3.5m stretch over 88 ongoing projects to improve the lives of stigmatised leprosy and HIV/AIDS patients, training their carers, educating disadvantaged children and maintaining a centre to rehabilitate sex workers near the Burmese border.

The legend and his work: The Record's Mark Reidy sits with Fr Luis Ruiz Si, above, a priest who's work looking after victims of fear, both old (a former leprosy sufferer, below right) and new (children with HIV/AIDS, below left) continues to go from strength to strength.

The organisation also employs doctors and nurses in its mobile unit who perform hundreds of operations to correct cataracts and to attend to the eyelids of lepers where the disease has eaten away at their skin, leaving their eyes permanently exposed to the elements. Back in 1985, Fr Ruiz began helping that first leper community on the island of Tai Kam after seeing the dire conditions of its inhabitants for himself - grime-blackened faces, sores that hadn't been cleaned for years and housing that was crumbling around residents. He immediately sent financial aid then, gradually, with the approval of local government authorities, began to rebuild the leprosariums and their dilapidated buildings. After 20 years of only having rice to eat three times a day, Fr Ruiz arranged for meat and vegetables to be delivered to the island, as well as paying for health workers to cook it. When local authorities and leper communities throughout the country heard about the work being done on Dajin, he received many more requests for assistance. This exposed him to a hidden world of hundreds of leprosariums and over 200,000 people afflicted with the disease, most of whom had been exiled in the 1950s and '60s when their infection was first detected. Due to the introduction of a multitherapy antibiotic treatment, leprosy was officially eradicated in China by the early eighties (infection rates fell below one per 10,000 persons) However those who had been affected in the past remained virtual prisoners in their centres. Despite having been cured of the disease, the stigma of their disfigured faces and bodies meant that they would never be accepted by the world outside, even their own families. As a result of the immense and specific need, Fr Ruiz left Caritas Macau and established Casa Ricci Social Services in 1994. This organisation now reaches out

to over 8000 patients and their children. Most of these have been established in the most remote regions of the country, often extremely difficult to access. This isolation, Fr Ruiz says, highlights the sense of emotional and physical neglect that afflicts sufferers. To overcome the sense of abandonment Casa Ricci has contributed to the creation of 15 roads, five bridges, 17 schools, 35 buildings, 25 clean water drinking systems and 21 electricity generating systems to improve living standards and to link these forgotten people with the world outside. Seven mobile medical units are also operating, allowing much-needed medical assistance into the most remote areas. After meeting their physical and material needs, Fr Ruiz noticed that, although thankful for the assistance, the lepers were still dejected and emotionally distraught from three decades of isolation and neglect. Fr Ruiz began asking Religious orders to consider providing Sisters to live and work in the communities; sisters whom Casa Ricci Social Services would support by providing for the housing and living expenses. Returning to Tai Kam only a month after three Sisters of St Anne of Charity went to live amongst its inhabitants, Fr Ruiz discovered that the whole community had a completely new atmosphere. The selfless and dedicated nuns working in leprosy communities that Casa Ricci assist have embraced the hardships and isolation of these places to bring love, hope and joy to people who have been deprived of such emotion. Along with providing assistance with cleaning, cooking, washing and tending to the wounds of those who are physically unable to do so, the sisters provide a loving presence and have become family to these ostracised people. The conditions of the 20 villages that now have nuns living amongst them has dramatically improved the lives of the inhabitants. However these constitute only a small percentage of the total population

of leprosy sufferers. Many of these communities exist in isolated, inhospitable regions - a legacy of government intervention in the 1950s to quarantine those afflicted from the broader community. Even today there are villages to which travel is arduous and often dangerous and can only be accessed by boat, foot or horseback. Those who live in them, along with their descendants, have become lifelong prisoners despite the fact that Chinese authorities ceased institutionalising leprosy sufferers in the 1980s. According to China's National Leprosy Recording and Reporting System there were 6,460 active cases throughout the country in 2006 with over 97 per cent being treated with Multi Drug Therapy, an effective intervention that has ensured a consistent decline in prevalence of the disease over the past few decades. Despite the gradual eradication of the disease, the fear and stigma attached to those who were physically disfigured prior to adequate medical treatment - despite the fact that they no longer carried the disease - ensures that they have little or no hope of integration. In addition to attending to the plight of lepers in China, Casa Ricci has turned its attention in more recent times to China's "new leprosy": the HIV/AIDS pandemic sweeping across China. The widespread fear, born of ignorance, and the resulting ostracism that lepers experience is being felt by HIV/AIDS carriers too. It is estimated that HIV/AIDS affects between 800,000 to 1.2 million people on the mainland. At the invitation of government authorities, Fr Ruiz and Casa Ricci opened the Hongjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre in 2005 in the south-eastern province of Hunan. Casa Ricci provided the funds to rennovate an abandoned school, building a centre that provides palliative services and live-in care for HIV carriers who, because of prejudice, cannot get work. The Loving Care Centre currently houses 10 adults and six children who are looked after by government nursing staff and five Sisters of Divine Providence who bolster community life and lovingly accompany patients to their deaths. The initiative is one of several that Casa Ricci is pioneering in its outreach to AIDS sufferers. They support the Te-Le Children's Home in Guangxi, in collaboration with AIDS Care China, to give shelter to HIVpositive children, supporting two Sisters and child care workers, as well as supporting the nutrition program of the Longchuang Mother's Hospital to prevent the transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. In 2006, Fr Ruiz passed on the mantle of director to his fellow Jesuit, Fr Fernando Azpinoz SJ, freeing him up to make the trips that make him and the lepers and HIV/AIDS patients he meets, so happy. He continues to personally attend to Casa Ricci's correspondence with hundreds of benefactors throughout Europe, the US, Australia and the Asia-Pacific area. "Never underestimate the power of communication," he tells us. This slight Spanish man, now hunched over in a wheel chair, has managed to impact the most populated land mass on earth, changing the lives of the people whom he loves and yet, he gives the credit entirely to God. "It's not good to think too much. Don't think about anything." "Just take things one step at a time and do the work at hand. God will take care of everything else." Fr Ruiz clearly recalls the distressed expressions on the faces of those he first met on Dajin Island 25 years ago and the joy and gratitude that they exuded when they realised that they were no longer forgotten. It is a goal Casa Ricci hopes to repeat in many more places in the future. "There is nothing happier than to make others happy", he says in his thick, Spanish accent, and his huge smile indicates that he is living out his motto.

June 17 2009, The Record

Special report

Page 7

In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

Into the valley of darkness These young Chinese Sisters accompany those in their care to the very end. As they do, they radiate light and love in the face of death - but it has been a struggle. By Robert Hiini

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hen the first child died at the Honjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre it shook the Sisters who live there - and the staff of Casa Ricci Social Services who support them - to the core. It was a dark time for everyone. Casa Ricci, the Macau-based charity that is trying to meet the human challenges of the HIV/AIDS pandemic head-on, worked with the local government to establish the centre back in 2003, arranging for female Religious from the Sisters of Divine Providence to be sent there to provide emotional, spiritual and practical care for its HIV/AIDS patients. "That child ta4ht us a very important lesson," Casa Ricci s Director, Fr Fernando Azpinoz SJ says. "We are here to celebrate life, not to await death. This is not a place of death. It is a place for the living." Their grieving period was brief. For the sake of the other patients, it had to be. They said goodbye to the boy and got on with the everyday tasks of showering and feeding the dying adult patients and being loving, stand-in parents to the centre's other HIV-positive children. When The Record visited in March, the centre was home to ten adults and six children, some of whom have full-blown AIDS and are dying but most of whom are HIVpositive, preferring the safe environment at the centre, away from the stares and the rejection of the outside world. Having relocated from its original site on the outskirts of Hongjiang, the centre has occupied a once-abandoned elementary school in the centre of the port city since 2005. Using donations received from donors in Spain, Canada, the US and Australia, Casa Ricci provided the funds to refurbish the school to make it suitable for residential care. "We wanted to help set up a place where people could live with dignity in a loving atmosphere," Casa Ricci's founder Fr Luis Ruiz SJ has said. "Especially when their bodies become weak and helpless." Before its relocation, the local government spent a considerable sum providing surrounding residents with the facts about the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and its precursor, the Human Immunodefiency Virus. HIV attacks the body's immune system, reducing the body's helper T cells that fight infection, eventually developing into full-blown AIDS, a state of complete vulnerability to infection, eventually resulting in death. The government explained exhaustively that HIV could only be contracted through blood or sexual transmission. While some were resistent, fearing a disease that, in China, is often thought to be contracted through basic social interaction, initial anxiety has dissipated over time through the practical example of the Sisters who live with the patients and yet do not suffer any effects. To date, 76 people have come through its gates; some to return to their families while others have chosen to make the centre their permanent home. The Sisters have accompanied 34 of those patients to their deaths and although not overt or aggressive in their evangelism, the Sisters tell us that 32 were baptised before the end. Government nurses and doctors provide for the patients' medical needs but the human and spiritual touch is provided by the Sisters - five warm and savvy young women in their 20s and 30s from the country's north-east, near Beijing. When the Sisters' superior, Sr Pan Yu Mei, came here in 2005 at the relatively

His hands and feet: Above, Srs Mi and Guo, from left, with their leader, Sr Pan Yu Mei, and Srs Wang and Qing, above right with three of the Hongjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre's HIV-positive children. Below, three-and-a-half-year-old, Hu Bao Yun, the centre's youngest child patient, PHOTOS ROBERT HIINI, MARK REIDY, HONGJIANG AIDS CENTRE who's happy face belies family tragedy, losing his mother to AIDS and his father to suicide. young age of 33, she had no experience of death and dying. Before taking final vows she had undergone training in Chinese medicine - in massage and acccupuncture - but not in palliative care or in coping with her own grief resulting from the very practical hands-on work she does at the centre. She had not even experienced death in her own family. That first death, she says, made its mark. "It was so hard to bear when that happened. I had to force myself to remember that he is now enjoying eternal happiness in heaven," Sr Pan says.

"For the first year, I was too terrified to take the night shift for fear of experiencing that again." "For the first year, I was too terrified to take the night shift for fear of experiencing that again:' After that year, she also overcame her fear of dead bodies and was able to join the other sisters in clothing them and preparing them for their funeral and cremation (in China, it is a legal requirement that the bodies of AIDS victims be burned). Many of the patients' families are still so terrified of the disease that, even after death, the ashes of dead loved ones regularly end up in landfill. These days, Sr Pan says she is very happy doing this work and counts it a privilege to be so close to Christ in the patients she attends to, particularly the children for whom the Sisters have an obvious abundance of affection. The adult members of the community also love and guard the children as they play games and do the very ordinary things that kids do, around the centre's basketball court. They too, feel the loss of a child keenly. "Children don't usually have the resistance of adults:' Sr Pan says, explaining that the seven year old He Ju, a confident and energetic young boy, might make it to his tenth birthday but is unlikely to live past his twentieth. With her other Sisters, Sr Ma says she is sustained through morning and evening prayer and daily reception of the Blessed Sacrament. There are no priests around for more than 100km so the Sisters only get to Mass on major feast days although occasionally a priest will make an extended visit from Macau. It is not a life for everyone, Sr Pan says, but as a 36-year-old woman who has recovered from being thrown in the deep end of human suffering and palliative care, she says she looks forward to continuing and improving the Sisters' contribution to the lives and wellbeing of their patients.

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Special report

In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

June 17 2009, The Record

Separation is virus's other suffering A patient at the Hongjiang AIDS Centre describes the pain of being seperated from his son. • By Mark Reidy

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wo years ago Du Chang Qo was working as a surveyor, happily married with a newborn son and life could not have been better. Today he is alone, dying and is forced to visit his son under a veil of secrecy. Du Chang's tragic transformation began when, at 35, he was diagnosed with HIV and his life began to systematically fall apart. He could no longer work. People who knew of his illness would cross the road when they saw him coming. He was forced to leave his one-yearold in the care of his elderly parents and he was ostracised to the point where he could only find refuge at the Hongjiang AIDS Centre, many hours travel from his home town. It was a time of great darkness. The only light in his life came from the nuns at the centre who showed him love when all others had abandoned him. "There is serious misunderstanding and discrimination regarding AIDS in my hometown", he said. "People have no knowledge of the virus and this ignorance leads to fear." The greatest pain he has to endure, he says, is the minimal contact he has with his child because of the cost of travel. He is only able to visit every two or three months - and then he must sneak in undetected so that his son will not be stigmatised by his contact. There is a common perception in rural areas of China that the virus can be trans-

Making a go of it: Du Chang Qo, 35, above left, speaks to The Record in a workshop where he and other patients make religious gifts for sale, earning a small income and taking his mind off the difficulty of being separated from his son. Above right, Mr Du prepares gifts for packaging with fellow patients (from left) He Ju and Tan Yen Chun and Sr Guo Fu Nin, the craft workshop's founder and coordinator. PHOTOS: ROBERT HIINI

ferred through ordinary physical or social interaction; this misconception results in the isolation of carriers. It is an ignorance that Du Chong hopes will be conquered through public education, so that the dignity of sufferers will be restored. Such understanding, he believes, will evoke sympathy rather than fear and will create a better future for the next generation who will not be ostracised by misunderstanding. Despite the sense of abandonment Du Chong feels as he discusses his life, he is grateful that he has somewhere to belong and is accepted for the person he is and

that he is not judged by his illness. He acknowledges the wonderful sacrifice of the nuns and of the medical support he is able to receive at the Hongjiang Centre, but says that he finds that there is too much time doing nothing. This exacerbates his sense of sadness and loneliness. He hopes that the Sisters will one day receive more funds so that they can organise more activities and social outings. He says that a craft program begun in recent times has allowed him to utilise his time and talents, but the lack of visitors and reluctance of the local people to visit the Centre means that sales of patients' products are minimal. He is hoping that

as the Sisters presence encourages more interaction with the outside world, he will be able to make more sales and visit his son more regularly. On top of all else, Du Chong also carries a burden for his elderly parents who are going blind and struggling with the responsibility of caring for his young child. He has no idea what the future will hold for himself or his son, as he knows the reality of death is never far away. But he does live with the hope that the world that his son will grow up in, will be far more understanding than the one he lives in today.

Yen Chun dreams of homecoming Getting the appropriate healthcare and being safe from community reprisals has its drawbacks, woman tells The Record. • By Robert Hiini

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should have known better. When I asked Tan Yen Chun, 36, what it was like to be seperated from her husband her reply could not have been more natural and heartfelt. She burst into tears and I wished, not for the first or last time in The Record's two week journey through China, that I spoke Mandarin. Mrs Tan has lived as a patient at the Hongjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre with her daughter and only child, Tan Chen Dan, 5, since May 2007. She cannot afford to travel home. The two-day trip by train - the only economical option for Mrs Chun - costs 100 Yuan or $18 AUS return. While she receives 218 Yuan ($39 AUS) per month from the government, most of her income goes towards paying a teacher for her HIV-positive daughter who, because the community's continued fear and ignorance, is unable to safely attend a public school with her peers. As is common in households throughout China, her husband's invalid father and brother live in the family home and are supported by the couple; there is no universal health coverage and institutionalised aged-care is not only unheard of, but culturally unthinkable. "Idon't want to be a burden," Mrs Chun told us. "My father-in-law needs help. I save as much as I can to send back." In an ideal world, she says that she would love to be out shopping for small trinkets with her daughter but is instead left to worry about the psychological impact poverty will have on her child.

Contentment and longing: Tan Yen Chun, 36, and her daughter, Tan Chen Dan, 5, are both HIVpositive residents at the Hongjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre who are thankful for the medical care and refuge the centre provides but who also find it difficult to be seperated from their husband and father, two days train journey away. PHOTOS: ROBERT HIINI, MARK REIDY.

Sister Guo Fu Nin, the 32-year-old Divine Providence Sister who looks after the centre's adult HIV/AIDS patients, says that if she could improve one thing, it would be the psychological care of patients. With her fellow Sisters, she helps centre staff with showering the female patients who cannot shower themselves (the men are assisted by their able-bodied fellows) as well as handling and preparing the bodies of those who have died for funerals.

The challenging circumstances of patients such as Mrs Chun, however, require a different kind of attention, she says, lamenting the lack of counsellors and pyschologists in the area. The expertise and the funding simply aren't available. Instead, the Sisters have created the most hopeful and loving atmosphere they can. Sr Guo told us that they are often faced with the problematic situation of housing patients who feel dejected with those who have a more optimistic or contented

outlook. Like her superior, Sr Pan Yu Mei, Sr Guo had never dealt with dying and its associated mental anguish in her life prior to being assigned to the centre. The calm and collected Sister began a craft workshop for patients in July 2007 as much to keep their minds agile and diverted from their disease as to provide patients with an avenue for earning a small income. With no previous experience, Sr Guo convinced an elderly gentleman selling craft in the town to teach her the ins and outs of producing gift items for sale - skills which she has since passed-on to the centre's patients. Tan Yen Chun makes holy items - hanging lanterns, flower arrangements and inspiring placards - with two other patients. She's fighting back against her sense of confinement and with this means of earning, hopes to be able to see her family at home again, sooner rather than later.

June 17 2009, The Record

Special report

In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

VISTA 1

Home is where the heart is For children with HIV-AIDS, a Centre is home and the Sisters are mothers • By Mark Reidy

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here are some aspects of life that we may never adequately understand, but none is more inconceivable than the death of a child. How can one weave together the innocence and joy of childhood with the abruptness and irreversibility of death? It is a tragedy that challenges our humanity like no other, but it is a reality that the Sisters who work at the Hongjiang AIDS Centre in southern China must contend with everyday. In their care, amongst a group of adults, live six children, ranging in age from three to eight. They are full of joy and laughter and they clamour for attention. They are noisy and lively and love to be picked up and tossed around. Their eyes sparkle, their faces shine and their energy seems boundless. They remind me of my own children... except for the time bomb they carry within. You would never know by looking at them, but they could all be dead by the time my own children reach high school. It is a concept I cannot fathom, but that doesn't alter the reality. Living with HIV/AIDS is a tragedy for any person, but for these children, the heartbreak seems more profound. He Ju is seven years old and arrived at the Centre five years ago. He was found abandoned under a bridge; no one knows whether his parents are still alive. Zuo Liu is five, her father also carries the virus and she watched as her mother slowly died at the Centre. Six year old, Tang Hui now has only the Sisters to care for him as does the youngest resident, three year old, Hu Bao, whose mother became a victim of AIDS within a year of his birth and whose father took his own life soon after. Tan Chen's mother is with her at the Centre but has to contend with her own illness as well as coping with her daughter's. We didn't see much of eight-year-old Zou Qian who spent most of our visit lying painfully in her bed. The day we left doctors discovered a huge tumour in her stomach and realised there was nothing more they could do for her. This is life for those who live at the Centre, where the shadow of death is always lingering. It is a tragic reality that the sisters who work here have had to accept. "While there is a breath of life in their bodies we will provide love and comfort", says Superior, Sr Pan, "But when a person dies, we must move on to the living." There is no harshness or coldness in these words, it is simply a reality that is essential for those who remain. In fact it is only the sacrifice of the Sisters that has maintained any semblance of normality within the lives of these children. It is their love that has kept alive the joy, hope and laughter. The world outside, sadly, is not so understanding.

A perilous future: Hu BaoYun, 3, peers out of a stairwell at strange-looking visitors to the Hongjiang AIDS Loving Care Centre -journalists from The Record. He is one of six children who call the centre home. Five of them have lost at least one parent to AIDS.

Want to help? Here's how...

Zuo Liu Liu, 6, and Tan Chen Dan, 5, above at play, are two normal little girls in every respect bar their health.

Record journalist Mark Reidy speaks the universal language of childhood with three of the Hongjiang AIDS Centre's patients, above, which doesn't prevent him from being turned into a rabbit by one of them.

In 2006, The Record sent two of its journalists - Derek Boylen and Jamie O'Brien - to investigate the work of a 94 year old Spanish Jesuit amongst lepers in China. News of the scale and intensity of his love for some of the most shunned and dejected people, whose ancient ailment is no less feared in China than in biblical times, has reached the four corners of the earth. In response to The Record's report about the life-embracing work of Fr Luis Ruiz SJ and Casa Ricci Social Services, the Catholic Faithful of Perth dug deep to donate almost $70,000 to the cause. At the time, we were advised that the amount was almost enough to build two new leprosariums. In the three intervening years, the cost of building as well as food and medicine have increased markedly, particularly in the wake of last year's earthquake that killed over 68,000 people and the global financial crisis which has put a severe dampener on donations. Fr Ruiz says he never worries about money but trusts in the Lord. "It's not good to think too much," he says with a smile. "We just take things one step at a time and do the work at hand. God will take care of everything else." His belief in the goodness of God is striking. "When you are not afraid of death," he says, "you are not afraid of anything." He says that the people he has worked with and the people who, through their donations, make the work possible, are like members of his own family. Casa Ricci staff and Fr Ruiz pray for their donors, volunteers and workers everyday. Fr Ruiz still signs and sends all of his letters and donor updates personally. "Communication is the key," he says, desirous that donors know what Casa Ricci Social Services have done with their money. He supports over 88 initiatives throughout China and I ask Fr Ruiz how they do so much with the money they receive. "The answer is, 'I don't know' We are really in the hands of the Lord." Donations to the work of Fr Ruiz and Casa Ricci Social Service can be made to: For Casa Ricci CO/- Fr Phil Crotty Jesuit Missions PO Box 193 North Sydney NSW 2059 PH: 02 9955 8585

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VISTA 2 Special report

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June 17 2ooa The Record

The Meaning of LOVE following In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

Sisters have made all the difference in a village walled off from the outside world for decades by bricks - and fear. • By Mark Reidy

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s, sit in the main street of a leprosy village in the Shaanxi Province of central China, a brightly-dressed young girl skips merrily out from between the colourless, communist-inspired accommodation blocks, hands me a stem of fresh flowering blossom and then, just as quickly, disappears into the shadows. . It is almost a surreal moment, but one that is symbolic of the transformation that is taking place at the Han Zhong leprosarium, a village walled off by authorities form the outside world decades ago. Eight-year-old Ta Yo Har, represents a new springtime for the 273 leprosy sufferers who are slowly emerging from a winter that has imprisoned them for nearly six decades. Ta Yo lives with relatives and attends school in a distant village but returns regularly to Han Zhong to stay with her leprosy affected parents for the weekend. While the family must still surround Ta Yo with a cloak of secrecy so that she will not be ostracised by her association with the disease, she is at least able to spend time with her parents, a luxury that has not been afforded to the generations before her. It is a life-giving season that began when Sisters from the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary arrived in 2003 at the invitation of Spanish Jesuit, Fr Luis Ruiz. There are currently six sisters, all Chinese born, who dedicate their lives to providing the love and care that has eluded these forgotten people for so long. Meanwhile, one resident, Jou Hu An, is 85 and has been afflicted with leprosy for almost 50 years. He recalls the fear he experienced when he was transported to Han Zhong when no one else in his family was willing or able to care for him. Isolated from society and thrust amongst 3000 fellow sufferers, he had little idea that this would become the place in which he would spend the remainder of his life. These were decades of suffering and hardship that were driven as much by a lack of medical knowledge as by an ignorance and misunderstanding of the disease. But today he says that the horrors of the past, of patients not washing or changing clothes for years at a time, of living with the stench of rotting flesh and the trauma of emotional and physical isolation from the outside world, have become a distant memory. Since the involvement of Casa Ricci, which includes the introduction of Sr Ma Ching Ling and the five Sisters in her charge, Jou Hu says that the lives of the patients have been dramatically transformed. Bandages that had in the past been recycled, often reinfecting wounds, can now be discarded and replaced with fresh ones and newly constructed buildings have provided suitable toilet and washing facilities. But more important, he emphasised, has been the physical and emotional bridge that the Sisters have helped create. Their practical love, the washing of bodies and clothes, the cooking for those physically incapable and the treatment of onceneglected wounds, is gradually restoring dignity and fulfilling the need for love that had been missing during the long years of abandonment and neglect. But there are still many areas of need. The Sisters begin each day with prayer at 6am before attending to the sores and ulcerated wounds in a bare and primitive dispensary. So small is the concrete room that, weather permitting, the Sisters more often minister outdoors to those who require attention. When they first arrived at Han Zhong, Sr Ma said that over half of the village's residents were afflicted with wounds that needed medical intervention. In the past, government officials had provided basic medication, but fear ensured that physical attention was virtually nonexistent and patients often had to attend to their own wounds - a difficult task for many whose fingers, hands and eyes had been distorted or destroyed as a result of their disease. Due to the nature of leprosy (the protective sheath covering the nerves is damaged and patients have no sense of pain in the affected areas) there is a need for constant surveillance of all body parts to ensure that any cuts or scratches are detected and treated early. Untreated wounds lead to the deterioration of extremities such as fingers, toes, eyes and ears and this can lead to disfigured features and missing digits and limbs. The arrival of the Sisters has led to the healing of most of these wounds. However the severity of neglect from the past and the vulnerability to new wounds ensures that there will always be a daily need for care and vigilance. The Sisters have also been able to focus on those most in need, ensuring that they are adequately clothed, fed and cleaned, and allowing the more able-bodied patients, who had cared for their fellow sufferers in the past, to focus on their own needs. Jou Hu says that he praises God for sending the Sisters. Their presence, he believes, has ensured that once-fearful locals, who in the past took great measures to avoid any contact or association with those living in the walled village, are now becoming more open to interaction. Canola oil, which is grown and produced within the Han Zhong leprosarium, is now being traded to locals and a small but increasing number of young men have also been employed for work outside. It seems that the witness of Sr Ma and her dedicated team is slowly eroding the wall of fear and ignorance that has shrouded leprosy. Their love has formed a bridge to the outside world. But for the thousands of other sufferers across China, there is still a long way to go.

Free and industrious: Since the advent of multi-drug therapy and with the help of Casa Ricci and the Sisters, able-bodied lepers, above, are able to grow their own food.

Making do with what's at hand: A mar who lost his feet to leprosy walks on his knees with the aid of two refashioned truck tyres. a

the government owned centre is supported by Fr Luis Ruiz's Casa Ricci Social Services, Macau.

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Below: Fan Jo Chun, 73, centre, andYi Won Chin, 63, share a joke with Fr Francis Zhang OSC. Although leprosy has caLsed suffering, they are upbeat about the future.

ALL PHOTOS: ROBERT HIINI AND MARK REIDY.

Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae that inhibits the skin from sweating, causing deterioration.

The Record's Mark Reidy, centre, and Robert Hiini, back right, with two gentlemen patients and Sr Ma Ching Ling.

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Special report I

In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

June 17 2009, The Record

Dignity is priceless Love can make loneliness turn into peace • By Robert Hiini

IF

rom out of the darkness shone two high beams of light as a large truck loaded with building materials and it was coming straight at us. Sr Ma Qing, our driver and provincial leader of the Sisters at the Honjiang Leprosy Communtiy we had come to visit, was overtaking the car in front and she would not be beaten. We careered closer and closer, my colleague in the back of the van and I, increasingly anxious, in the front. Convinced we were about to die - an entirely unsatisfactory way to end an investigatory trip we had only just begun - I let out a small yelp just before Sr Ma pulled into our lane, metres away from the truck that was faithfulljr forging ahead. Ignorant of the complex myriad of horn and highbeam signals Sr Ma had used and their significance to driving in China, I was at that stage unaware of the passage Sr Ma had negotiated for our van as the truck approached. Having noticed my pathetic and evidently unnecessary attempt to draw attention to the truck steamrolling towards us, Sr Ma asked our travelling companion and translator, Luis Pan, to tell me the year in which she passed her licence and how long she had been driving. Not the way to hit it off with one's host but after our two weeks were up, it serves to illus-

trate how surreal the Sisters' experience of normal life would be to us. The next day, I was sitting in a rundown courtyard next to a leper, taking photographs of the centre's five Sisters and the patients whose wounds they were dressing. The man I sat next to was Lui Chei Chang. He is 71 years old and has been here since 1959. The label "leper" is incorrect; he hasn't had active leprosy for decades. But his face gives a vivid account of the difficulty and struggle of those years. He contracted leprosy while living in his family home when he was 20. The family tried unsuccessfully to hide the fact from surrounding villagers for three years - a common practice driven by the fear and stigma that could engulf entire families - before finally being committed to the isolated Han Zhong leper colony, in the rural outskirts of Hunan Province. His parents have never been back although one of his grandfathers has visited twice during his 50-year stay. A fter an hour or so, Mr Lui showed me around his room and gave me an apple to eat, clearly excited at the prospect of being able to share his home and his story with the wider world. For many years he felt dejected and profoundly hurt at being left at Han Zhong, as well as desperate at the thought of never being able to go outside of the leprosarium's walls. But, he says, his anxieties have been calmed by the community that has developed at Han

Zhong. "Basically, we have a good community here," he says. "All of us are concerned for one another." Three years ago, he became a Catholic, citing the caring work of the Sisters who have been living at the community since 2003 by the arrangement and support of Casa Ricci Social Services. As a proud and dignified man, it was hard for him to be so dependent on them when they first arrived, owing to cataracts in his remaining eye (he lost the first to leprosy decades ago.) An operation in 2006 gave him the ability to see clearly again and he has felt an upsurge of joy at not being a "burden" to others, a concern expressed by most of the community members to whom we spoke. He remembers shouting "praise the Lord" at the top of his voice when the bandages were being removed and thanking the doctor and nurses emphatically. Like any elderly gentleman anywhere in the world, he says that he enjoys the renewed independence the operation has given him, being able to cook and clean for himself- an indication that no matter how "other" I expected a leprosarium to be, it is remarkable how "everyday" Mr Lui's feelings and sentiments were. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and watching television with his friends. When asked whether he ever gets depressed at seeing the world outside on TV, a world he is prevented from being a part of, he says he doesn't mind so much anymore. "I know it is likely that I will die here but that's ok. We

Lui Chei Chang, 71, has lived through decades of neglect at the Han Zhong Leprosy Centre but has a recently rediscovered a sense of independence.

just like to see what's going on outside." We left Han Zhong leprosarium five days later but I don't think meeting Lui Chei Chang will ever leave me. Where I expected to find peo-

ple with an understandable sense of injustice, indignation and suspicion I found instead a charming and upbeat old battler, ushering me into his house, insisting that I try one of his apples. Surreal indeed.

Touch restores sense of humanity It's the simple things that make people feel human again. • By Mark Reidy

D

espite her lack of knowledge regarding leprosy, Sister Ma Ching Ling did not hesitate to respond to her Provincial's request to lead a team of Sisters in living within the walls of a leprosarium in the remote corner of the Shaanxi Province. She believed it to be an honour to follow in the footsteps of Christ who had also reached out to those who had been ostracised to the fringes of society. Sr Ma, 43, was born in the central Chinese city of Xian and had felt called to a consecrated life during her final years at high school. She was drawn to the spirituality of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, a French Order that had arrived in China in 1899, and entered their convent in 1991 at the age of 25. The Chinese branch of this Order was literally founded on the blood of martyrs as the seven Sisters who arrived in China in 1899 were murdered during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 and were canonised by Pope John Paul II in October 2000. Sr Ma's already strong faith was consoli-

Leader of six Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sisters, Sr Ma Qing Ling, second from left, sits to prepare the next day's bandages with a visiting Religious, left, and her fellow Srs Jia Ma Na and Zhou Hua Xia.

dated during her time of formation and she believes that this gave her the courage to unite her life with the people living within the Han Zhong leprosarium, many of whom had been there since the 1950s. Sr Ma was, however, shocked at the appalling living conditions that confronted her when she first arrived. She immediately set out, along

with the other sisters who later joined her, to rectify the medical, emotional and social neglect that was prevalent. She recalls the words of an 80 year-old-man who, after being washed by the Sisters, said that he had never felt so clean and comfortable in his whole life. She remembers the horrific sores that afflicted more that half of the 280 inhabitants, many of

whom were incapable of independently washing, cleaning, feeding, dressing wounds and toileting. She recalls the psychological and emotional pain carried by those who had been separated from their families for so long, especially mothers who rarely, if ever, were able to see their children. It was a place of sadness and

suffering, she says. But she is excited by the transformation that has taken place over the past six years. Local farmers, who once kept their distance are beginning to trade with those in the village; washing and toileting facilities have improved and ulcerated wounds are being treated before any further permanent damage can take place. According to all the patients that were spoken to, one of the greatest healings that the Sisters brought with them was the willingness to hold, touch and talk to them, which, after decades of neglect, reminded them once again that they were human. It was this love, gentleness and nurturing that gave them life as much as the practicalities of washing, cooking and nursing, they said. But Sr Ma will not become complacent in her drive to improve the lives of these onceforgotten people, as she knows that their needs are constant. Each day - which begins with singing and praying in the early hours and often finishes with the laughter shared by this joyous community of sisters - is filled with Christ-inspired spirituality and works. United with their martyred predecessors, these Sisters of Han Zhong will continue to live out the Gospel message and inspire others by the sacrifices that they are making with their own lives.

June 17 2009, The Record

Special report

Page 9

In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

Sisters make the difference Despite the pain, community life prospers • By Robert Hiini

I

nitially, his face is sombre when I ask one of the men hovering around a TV if he is pained when he sees images of the outside - not just the usual glamour and unreality of Chinese soaps and celebrities, but of happy families, big cities, desirable destinations and projected possibilities. "No, not anymore," he remarks, his face returning to contented resignation. "We know it's unlikely we'll ever get out of here. We know we will probably die here and that's alright." The lepers at Hon Zhang aren't in search of a community. They already have one. We spoke to the leprosarium's manager to ask him how the community was travelling. Xiang Lee is a manager who has "been there:' The 63 year old father of one came here as a patient in 1980 and has been overseeing the daily running of the Han Zhong Leprosy Centre for the past so/en years. He met his wife here (she arrived at the centre in 1983). They got married in 1989, the year Mr Xiang was declared free of leprosy. Their son has only just left the centre to study computer science at Xi'an University, six hours away, having spent his entire childhood in the leprosarium (Fr Luis Ruiz SJ and his Casa Ricci Social Services are supporting the young man in his studies.) Mr Xiang and his family are a living testimony to the strong community life that has developed at the centre since the dark days of the 60s and 70s when the lepers were effectively left to fend for themselves while the country slid into political and economic chaos. Since its establishment in 1954, the people in this rural outpost have helped each other face what could otherwise be a soul-crushing existence. Patients with their hands and feet relatively intact help those without. The younger patients grow vegetables to eat

Vibrant community life: A man makes rope to be used in the community's food production as his wife looks on. Above, right members of the Han Zhong leper community play Chinese checkers, a common passtime

and canola to sell and the rest of the time, community members play lively games of cards and Chinese chess or watch TV images of the outside world in each other's rooms. In spite of the relatively mild outward effects of the leprosy he suffered 20 years ago ("if your face is not good, people are afraid but your hand you can hide") Xiang Lee says he would never leave the leprosarium. "The neighbours are family now and I have worked hard to attain my position," Mr Xiang says. He is the leprosarium's chief executive officer and personnel manager, having trained as an accountant when he was 16. He also acts as Han Zhong Leprosarium's postal officer. Though life inside the leprosarium has brought a sense of acceptance, the Xiangs have been careful to shield their son from the fearful and caustic reaction of the outside world.

Nobody on the outside, apart from Mr Xiang's immediate family, know that anyone in the family once suffered from leprosy. While their son was going to school, they took great care that no-one found out where he lived, for fear of alienating him. Instead, the brother of Mr Xiang's wife took him in and out of the leprosarium in great secrecy. There are five families in the leprosarium with children. The other four have three children each, some of whom stay with relatives while the others live with their parents in the leprosarium. Mr Xiang is emphatic in telling us about the difference the presence of five Franciscan Missionaries of Mary has made to the life and well-being of the community. The sisters have been here since 2003 at the initiative of Casa Ricci Social Services who also provide 50 Yuan (AUD $9) per patient per month (there

are 273 patients in total) for food, clothing, bandages and medicine against the government's 100 yuan ($18) a month. Mr Xiang categorises the history of the place into "before" and "after the sisters came:' He says that bandages to cover the lepers' seeping wounds, which many of the patients have even decades after being cured of the disease, would be washed and reused, before the sisters came, for lack of funds. Unlike paid medical staff in the bad old days, the sisters go to the bedridden lepers who can't gather in the courtyard to have their wounds re-dressed. They help community members with their washing of their clothes, their rooms and of themselves. But most importantly, he says, the sisters brought a lot of joy and affection with them when they arrived; attributes which have a lasting effect.

Priest is minister, and friend Priest, doctor, friend: Fr Zhang does it all. in By Robert Hiini

A

s a host, Fr Zhang would make most westerners look criminally negligent. As The Record arrives at the Hanzhong Leprosy Centre, he's here on his week off. Whenever he is able, he makes the six-hour journey to Hanzhong from Xi'an Cathedral where he is stationed, to provide moral, spiritual and practical support to the centre's 278 leprosy patients and the five nuns who look after them. Getting up at Sam, Fr Zhang offers Mass every morning and makes a short walk down a dusty laneway with the Sisters to remove the bandages on the lepers' "battle" scars and replace them with new ones. Although none of the lepers in this area are infectious - there is a seperate section for new cases - the wounds and deformities caused when the disease was active require daily attention. It is a need the Sisters and Fr Zhang are happy to meet, wearing face masks, which they wear

Fr Francis Zhang OSC, priest and doctor, above left, visits the Han Zhong Leprosy Centre whenever he can get spare time from his post in Xi'an's cathedral, six hours away. Above right, Fr Zhang, translates a local dialect into Mandarin and English for Casa Ricci's Luis Feng and The Record's Mark Reidy. not to protect them from leprosy, but to guard against the general unpleasantness of weeping sores. A native of the Shaanxi province, Fr Zhang chats away merrily with his leper friends as he cleans out the cuts and sores on the lepers' hands and feet, stopping regularly to crack a joke and bellow his signature cheeky laugh. His affinity with the people here is not surprising. The 39-year-old priest is one of eight

children born into a farming family 50km west of Xi'an. His father and mother also worked as a secretary and as a primary school teacher, respectively, to earn enough to raise their five boys and three girls (Fr Zhang was the fourth child). The years of Fr Zhang's childhood were dark times for Roman Catholics and people of religion in China. The Cultural Revolution which Chairman Mao Zedong

unleashed caused a period of political anarchy characterised by internal purges orchestrated to consolidate his power andbrought with it extreme antireligious persecution and continuing poverty for China's rural populace. But they got through it and Fr Zhang says that since the early 1980s things have been a lot better for Christians. Fr Zhang might have been a builder, a carpenter or a driver

like his three brothers but was instead ordained priest in 1991 - the first Chinese member of the Camillian Order - entering a minor seminary as a boy. He became a doctor in 2002 after study and practicum has been using his medical skills around the Zhouzhi diocese ever since. He says he enjoys what he is doing. "I enjoy helping the people here and I look forward to continuing to do so for years to come."

June 17 2009, The Record

Page 10

Special report

In the footsteps of Father Ruiz

Sisters become lepers' family Internal exile to the remotest parts of China and being f orced to live in the harshest c onditions are the standard policy for leprosy sufferers. The consequences: lifelong separation from family and normal human society. But the arrival of Franciscan Sisters has also meant a new experience for lepers - family. • By Mark Reidy

T

he tragic thread that has run throughout the life of Yi Won Chin has been abandonment. Having never known his parents, he spent his childhood years in an orphanage where no one from the world outside ever came to see him. It was a pattern that would continue for the rest of his life. At 15, before he could take his first steps of independence, he was diagnosed with leprosy and shut away within the walls of the Han Zhong Leprosarium. He is 63 now and knows that this is where he will spend his final days, never having been accepted as a member of Society. Yi Won still clearly remembers the fear that he felt upon learning of his diagnosis, not only of the physical destruction that he would inevitably endure, but also of the emotional and social isolation that would come with it. In a society that had no medical answers,

No longer alone: Yi Won Chin, 63, who spent his childhood in an orphanage and has been at the Han Zhong Leprosy Centre since his late adolescence says that conditions and life in general have improved markedly since the arrival of six Franciscan Sisters. it was a fear that was well founded, as the

only response to the condition was to exile sufferers to the most remote corners of the country. Yi Won found himself at the foothills of a large mountain range, far from civilisation, living within high concrete barriers that he was not permitted to cross. He shared a small, damp room with four other sufferers, without electricity or running water, with only one set of clothes, barely enough food to survive on and a disease that soon began to wreak havoc on his body.

With visits from government doctors being infrequent and often rendered ineffective by medical and financial limitations, the sores that ensued usually became ulcerated and gangrenous and led to the loss of patients' digits, limbs and eyesight. Yi Won has lost all of his fingers and the gradual deterioration of his leg led to an eventual amputation below the knee. Life was miserable, winter months were particularly harsh and patients had no idea what was occurring in the world outside. Time was spent trying to survive on meagre government rations that had to be

supplemented by food produced in communal gardens. But life has taken a turn for the better in recent years. Yi Won has his own room, a prosthetic limb and now makes money by collecting bottles, travelling around on a motorbike that was given to him by supporters of the community. They have been sent from God, he exclaims, when asked about the arrival of the Franciscan Mary Mission sisters. When they arrived, he said with a sparkle in his eye, he knew that he had finally found the family that he had never known.

Even basic care gives new life The appalling conditions those sent to leprosariums are forced to live in are revolutionised when the arrival of Fr Ruiz's Sisters brings simple care and medication for its long suffering inhabitants. • By Mark Reidy

T

he stump at the end of one of Fan Jo Chun's arms slaps against his other hand as he chatters excitedly and a broad smile breaks across his weather-beaten face. "He is saying, 'Thank you for your concern," our interpreter explains as we walk towards him. Fan Jo, 73, has called the Han Zhong Leprosarium his home for the past 54 years and explains that he is always overjoyed when visitors enter the walls. He says that it helps him forget the many years when the only people he saw from the outside world were impersonal government medical staff who did their best to avoid any physical or emotional interaction. It was a depressing existence, he says, in which the patients who were the least incapacitated often had to look after those who were totally incapable. This meant that people such as Fan Jo, who has no fingers on on hand, was rarely washed and stayed in the same clothes for up to three years at a time. In such an environment people became despondent and less vigilant for scratches and sores, which meant, because of a lack of sensation in the infected areas, that wounds would become ulcerated, leading to the destruction of the tissue and inevitably the loss of digits and limbs. This lack of constant monitoring, combined with inadequate medical supervision, led to the rapid physical deterioration of many and untold mental anguish for the leprosarium's residents. Crowded,

Comrades: Lui Chei Chang, 71, and Fan Jo Chun, 73, remember the bad old days. Since Casa Ricci Social Service's involvement in the centre, the availability of medical supplies and prosthetic limbs has increased.

unhygienic and rat-infested accommodation, along with the use of recycled bandages, contributed to this cycle of infection and reinfection. Ill-fitting prosthetic limbs and inadequate footwear also exacerbated wounds, and drooping eyelids - a common trait of leprosy - caused many to lose their sight. It was like living in a nightmare, Fan Jo said, as he held up his fingerless hand, but a nightmare from which he and all those in Han Zhong have finally awoken. With the arrival of the Sisters six years ago came new prosthetics, appropriate footwear, simple surgical procedures which renew sight, clean living conditions, suitable medical attention and a loving touch - and, he says, still smiling broadly,

If you're interested, you can support Casa Ricci's outreach The daily nightmare that Fan Jo described is still a reality for tens of thousands. It is an ongoing human tragedy that the small team at Casa Ricci Social Services addresses on a daily basis. To date they have been able to invite, accommodate and support Catholic sisters from various congregations into 20 leprosariums and also financially con-

tribute to 119 others, directly assisting over 8000 sufferers. When organising our visit to China through Casa Ricci, The Record requested that we be taken to the most needy of these leprosariums to witness firsthand the conditions that many of those afflicted are currently enduring. If any readers are able to financially assist the work of Casa Ricci to reach out to those who continue to be alienated from society, as well as helping them continue their support for current projects, details regarding donations can be found in this edition of The Record on Vista 1

June 17 2009, The Record

Page 11

THE WORLD

Cardinal calls laity to get behind der Year for Priests: Prayers not enough; clergy need love, support, says Cardinal. • By Cindy Wooden

TOTAL NUMBER OF PRIESTS WORLDWIDE stands at 408,000. lhat's one priest for about every 2,800 Catholics. CATHOLICS PER PRIEST IN 2007

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AFRICA 4,759

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Each and every one of the world's 408,000 priests should feel loved, respected, valued and supported in his vocation to bring the Gospel to an increasingly secular - but still open - world, said Cardinal Claudio Hummes. The Brazilian cardinal, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, said the 2009-2010 Year for Priests, which begins June 19, must recognize the new challenges and possibilities Catholic priests face. Pope Benedict XVI called for the special year to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St John Vianney, who was famed for his priestly ministry. The aim, however, is not to organise a historical commemoration, but to look realistically at the world in which priests live and work and to recognise that the horrible abuse perpetrated by some priests has harmed the reputation of all priests, Cardinal Hummes said. "Many priests in the world have been wounded by what has happened in recent times - pedophilia and other crimes that the media has publicized and that are true and extremely serious, especially pedophilia in which the victims are minors whose lives often are damaged forever," Cardinal Hummes told CNS in early June. "These are terrible crimes that must be judged and punished," he said. But justice also requires people to recognise that the vast majority

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Year for Priests web site up on net • By Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) - The US bishops' Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations has set up a Web site to mark the Year for Priests, a worldwide celebration from June 19 of this year to June 19, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI chose to begin the Year for Priests on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a day of prayer for the sanctification of all priests. The Pope also designated St John Vianney as the universal patron of all priests on the 150th anniversary of the saint's death. The saint, who is also known as the Cure of Ars, is the patron of parish priests. The Year for Priests Web site is www.usccb.org/yearforpriests. The site includes the pope's message for the occasion and the announcement of the plenary indulgence in conjunction with the celebration. The site also offers specially commissioned prayers for priests and laity. of the world's priests have never been involved in any kind of abuse, and instead give their lives to Jesus and to serving the church and humanity, he said. "We must say to priests that we are proud of them and that we recognise they are a group that is

very special for the Church and society," the cardinal said. "We must recognise who they are and what they do and tell them that we love them and want to be alongside them to support them." Cardinal Hummes is not looking for a yearlong commitment to

New school for Ellenbrook Holy Cross College will open in 2010. PERTH'S newest Catholic high school is taking enrolments as building proceeds on schedule. The classrooms and specialist facilities of Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook, are taking shape in a multi-stage process that began in October 2008. Stage one, which will be complete when the school opens for its first intake of year 7 and 8 students next year, encompasses a third of the school's eventual buildings. These will include general learning areas, 'Information Centre' (library); food tech, science, art and design labs; and a cafeteria with dining facilities that, according to the school's website will bring 'a more adult approach' to student life. The school was named by Archbishop Barry Hickey in 2008, providing a link between the school and the Parish of St Helena who's namesake had a strong devotion to the Cross. In addition to opening student enrolments, the college will invite applications from educators at the start of term three this year to join foundation staff headed by foundation Principal Mandy Connor. The school, which will have wireless internet access acrosscampus, is promising learning reflecting the latest thinking in education and will eventually cater for six-streams of students from

smiling at priests more than usual; he's looking for study and discussions and meetings and laypeople rolling up their sleeves to work alongside their priests. "The post-modern, urban, relativistic, secularised culture is the dominant culture," he said, and the temptation is to say, "Oh, it is impossible to engage this society. We should remain in our corner, with our little group, closing ourselves into a ghetto," the 74-yearold cardinal said. the But still world is the place where priests are called to live with joy and "to evangelise with the certainty that it is possible Cardinal to bring the Gospel to this Hummes new society and not demonise it, not ignore it and not be discouraged by it," he said. Cardinal Hummes is convinced that men and women still are looking for the love of God and salvation in Jesus, but "maybe not with an approach that starts with doctrine and morals." Once people meet Jesus, he said, "then come doctrine and morality as a form of following that Jesus who attracted me, enchanted me, enlightened me. It is then that you begin talking about what it means to follow Jesus in practice; that's morality." Cardinal Hummes said that showing support for priests includes sharing responsibility with them for parish life and for mission. "Sometimes laypeople help their priests, but think that if things

year 7 to year 12. Jeff Thorne, business manager and chair of the school's board, says that a focus on science and technology has been and will continue to be integral to every aspect of the school's design and operation, providing a more interactive and experiential learning experience than in schools past. He is excited about the Da Vinci Program, the college's academic extension program that will start at its principal feeder school St Helena's Catholic Primary School next term. The program will provide extra intellectual stimulus for children who exhibit a giftedness in science and technology. Mr Thorne says that it has been a long building process since architectural plans were finalised in

April 2007 and even longer since the land was purchased by the archdiocese ten years ago but that construction is proceeding on time and according to blueprint. He says that annual fees per student will be in the vicinity of $2800 but this is subject to review. Enrolments are open to all Catholic and non-Catholic students. While the school has a formal partnership with the local St Helena Catholic Primary School it also expects to welcome students from St Brigid's in Middle Swan, Good Shepherd in Lockridge and Mary MacKillop in Ballajura as well as from local state schools. More information about Holy Cross College can be found at www.holycross.wa.edu.au or by calling 9297 7504 or 9297 7500.

405,058.

The yearbook also provided tables illustrating Cardinal Hummes' point about the increased number of priests not keeping up with the increasing population. According to the yearbook, there were 2,810 Catholics for each priest in the world at the end of 2007, while there were only 2,642 Catholics per priest at the end of 2002. While the significant growth in the number of priests in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe may mean some of those men would be available to minister in Western Europe and North America, Cardinal Hummes said local communities should give rise to local vocations. "A local church having its own priests is a sign of vitality," he said.

Conferences will prepare way for new Mass translation World liturgy expert to instruct Catholics in Perth

Stage one of building for Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook, is on schedule according to Jeff Thorne, chair of the school's board.

don't go well, it's the priest's responsibility - it's his church. But, no, the Church is all of ours," he said. Obviously, any discussion about the world's priests includes talk about the priest shortage, a situation the cardinal insists is not exaggerated. "We have too few priests," he said. "Several countries face a very worrying, very difficult future because the number of priests has fallen so drastically." Vatican statistics have reported an increase in the number of priests in the world in the past few years, but that increase has not kept pace with the increased number of Catholics in the world, not to mention the world's growing population. The Statistical Yearbook of the Holy See, recently released with figures gathered up to December 31, 2007, reported that there were 408,024 priests in the world. Five years earlier, the number was

A CONFERENCE held in anticipation of the new missal's introduction, expected before the end of 2010, will take place in August featuring Fr Keith Picklers SJ, Professor of Liturgy at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. "New Translations and Implementation/Catechesis on the New Missal," will be held at the Vietnamese Community Centre in Westminster on August 26 and will also take place on August 25 at a venue that is yet to be announced. Fr Picklers is a member of the Jesuit's New York province and holds a licentiate and doctorate from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute where he is currently Professor of Liturgical History. The conference is being convened by the Archdiocesan Centre for Liturgy and all diocesan priests have been advised of the event. Fr Pecklers will also present in issues "Contemporary Catholic Worship and Future Challenges" at Notre Dame

University, Fremantle, on the evening of August 25. According to promotional material, it promises "reflection on liturgical adaptation, inculturation and contextualisation; the implications of the reform of liturgy and social justice, ecumenical liturgical cooperation and the challenge of liturgical translation, and questions around the ability of liturgy to adapt and speak to the postmodern world." The International Commission on English in the Liturgy had been engaged to produce a new translation of liturgical texts in 2002. The new Order of the Mass it produced received recognition from the Holy See in June 2008 and has been released to bishops of the English speaking world for comment and local adaptation with the bishops of Australia voting to approve key liturgical texts in November last year. More information on the conference can be obtained by calling the Centre for Liturgy on 9207 3350. The new translation of the Mass and formation materials can be viewed by following the link at www.usccb.org/liturgy

Page 12

Peru Bishop asks Canadian body to end funding Canada's bishops unwittingly funding groups promoting abortion in Peru, nation's bishops' head says. • By Ramon Gonzalez

LIMA, Peru (CNS) -- The president of the Episcopal Commission on Family, Childhood and Life of the Peruvian bishops' conference said Canada's bishops are funding activities of groups that support abortion in Peru. Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren of Piura said in a letter to the president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops that funding provided through the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace is aiding three organizations that are "very committed with the abortion movement here in Peru." "I'm personally concerned about any funding from Catholics of Canada to pro-abortion groups in Peru," Archbishop Eguren said in a May 28 letter to Winnipeg Archbishop James Weisgerber, president of the Canadian bishops' conference. The Peruvian archbishop's letter identifies the National Community Radio Coordinating Agency, the Peruvian Economic Solidarity Network and the Federation of Women Organised in Popular Kitchens as the groups receiving aid from the development organisation even though they support abortion. "As you will see, each group either explicitly endorses abortion and/or contraception, either by name or by its various euphemisms like sexual and reproductive rights' or some derivation thereof," Archbishop Eguren wrote. "In that sense, we would respectfully like to formally request that the funding for the pro-abortion groups in Peru by the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace be halted." The letter's authenticity was confirmed by Carlos Polo, a lay member of the family, childhood and life commission. Although the letter is dated May 28, it was not sent until June -9, he said. Archbishop Weisgerber could not be reached for comment. Michael Casey, executive director of Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, said on June 10 he was aware of Archbishop Eguren's letter but declined comment until both the Canadian bishops' conference and his office received the correspondence. Casey confirmed that the organisations identified by the Peruvian archbishop have partnered with the Canadian development organisation for several years. "We were just made aware of this letter so people that are involved with our Peru program will be doing follow up on this," Casey said from his Montreal office. "We just need more information. All we have is just the news that this letter was written to the (Canadian) bishops' conference but it hasn't been received yet and so we are not in a position to comment on it:' he said. Archbishop Eguren was the only Peruvian bishop who signed the letter.

June 17 2009, The Record

WORLD

Pope reveals new encyclical is close Pope, papal foundation urge more equitable economic model • By Sarah Delaney

ROME (CNS) - Pope Benedict XVI called for a new world economic culture that gives priority to solidarity, ethics and human dignity. The crisis that has affected industrialised and developing nations alike shows that "certain economic-financial paradigms that have been dominant in recent years need to be rethought," he said on June 13 to members of a papal foundation. The Pope spoke to members of the "Centesimus Annus" Foundation in a special Vatican audience at the conclusion of a conference in Rome on "Values and Rules for a New Model of Development." He praised the group for seeking to promote a new economic model "that pays more attention to solidarity and is more respectful of human dignity," than the one that has led to the current crisis and increased disparity between rich and poor. "Centesimus Annus," Latin for the 100th year, refers to a 1991 encyclical by Pope John Paul II marked the centenary of "Rerum Novarem", Pope Leo XIII's original encyclical, that dealt with the economy and society. Pope Benedict will soon issue his own encyclical on social and economic justice, tentatively titled "Caritas in Veritate" ("Love in

Pope Benedict XVI elevates the chalice as he celebrates Mass on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ outside the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome on June 14. PHOTO:EMANUELA DE MEO, CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO

Truth"). He told the group that it would address "the vast theme of economy and work." It will list "those objectives that we Christians must pursue and the values we must tirelessly promote in order for people to truly live together in freedom and solidarity," he said. Michel Camdessus, former head of the Bank of France and managing director of the International Monetary Fund until 2000, was one of the keynote speakers at the conference held at the Pontifical Gregorian University on June 12. He blamed a system of "individual and collective greed and a desire to have more" that led to an inevitable breakdown of the economy. The crisis of 2008-09 occurred

"in a cultural context in which we were totally blinded:' he said." All rules and regulations were abandoned, and money made the world go around, Camdessus said. But many trillions of dollars of that money have been lost, he said, "creating poverty the likes of which we have never seen before:' Governments are working to stabilise the global economy, but only a "radical change in behaviour from the top down" can bring a lasting improvement, Camdessus said. "We can only win with the sacrifice of the cross, through brotherhood and working for the common good." He proposed a sort of "world governance group" with much stronger rules and regulations in

economy and finance. In an ideal system, he said, there would be no speculation, tax havens or conflicts of interest. Instead there would be greater transparency in tracking the flow of money and a culture of ethics at the executive level. Camdessus, who ran the IMF from 1987 to 2000, also warned that enough consideration is not being given to the great economic upheaval that will result from climate change. "We close our eyes to the fact that there will be between 75 (million) to 200 million new migrants:' mostly from Africa, which he said "is the only continent that is not contributing to the current crisis:' Italian economist Alberto Quadrio Curzio referred in the conference to Catholic social doctrine as a guide for a new economic paradigm. In the short term, he said, governments were responding as best they could to keep the world economy afloat, "but in the long range, we must reflect on new means of development." He proposed a formula that includes creative solidarity for weaker elements of society, incisive instruments to stimulate the economy and sustainable development. Andrea Goldstein, a senior economist at the OECD, also proposed a form of "global governance:' He told conference participants that a "coherent, effective system" was needed to deal with the changing role of developing nations and challenges in climate change, resource security, failure of states, terrorism and corruption:'

Superiors take aim at trafficking Women's religious orders vow to extend anti-human trafficking programs, say priests are key in helping. • By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - With the global financial crisis and the increased desperation of the poor, human trafficking appears to be on the increase and the International Union of Superiors General is committed to extending its networks to fight the problem. The international organisation of superiors of Catholic orders of women is sponsoring a conference in Rome which ran from June 15-18 to evaluate what has been accomplished and identify ways to strengthen international cooperation among the hundreds of women's orders in the world. The sisters also are putting pressure on Catholic orders of men to get involved in the dayto-day work to prevent trafficking for sexual exploitation, for slavelike labor or for harvesting organs for transplant, said Salesian Sister Bernadette Sangma. "The logic of the market tells us that there is no supply without demand," said Sister Sangma, who coordinates the anti-trafficking project of the International Union of Superiors General. She spoke on June 12 at a Vatican press conference. "Without the collaboration of the men's congregations and dioc-

An internally displaced girl, who fled a military offensive in Pakistan's Swat Valley region, carries her ration of bread atop her head at a UN camp. Such people are key targets of human traffickers. PHOTO: /AKHTAR SOOMRO, REUTERS

esan clergy, we cannot reach a very significant category of persons involved (in trafficking): that is men," who frequent the prostitutes who are the victims of human trafficking, Sister Sangma said. Through their ministry as pastors, confessors, preachers and teachers, priests have an opportunity to help men and boys see not only the sinfulness of having sex with a prostitute, but the deep violation of the God-given dignity of the women and children trafficked for sexual purposes, she said. "The participation of religious congregations of men is urgent for beginning a process of educating boys and men to a different

view of women and girls, one that does not reduce them to objects of pleasure, exploitation, abuse," she said. The June conference was financed by the US State Department and conducted in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration; both agencies have been working with the superiors of women's orders over the past five years to train sisters to identify and assist victims and potential victims of trafficking. Stefano Volpicelli, an International Organisation for Migration official who has been working with the sisters, said the fact that human trafficking often is controlled by sophisticated

international criminal organisations and increasingly relies on the ever-changing routes of clandestine immigration means there are no firm figures on the number of victims. The US State Department has estimated 800,000 women, children and men are trafficked each year, while the European Union's justice commission puts the figure at 2.5 million people, he said. Carmela Godeau, assistant director of the migration organisation's Rome office, said, "We have seen an increase in the number of people who arrive in another country illegally and who, after being interviewed, we believe are victims of trafficking. Obviously, in the midst of an economic crisis, it becomes more difficult to migrate legally as countries close their borders. But that does not mean people are not crossing borders." As an example, she said that her organization identified 160 Nigerian women in Italy as victims of trafficking in 2007; in 2008, they identified 1,800 Nigerian women as victims. Volpicelli said that since 2004 the joint project of his organisation and the superiors general has established 15 networks of women religious from 252 different orders in 36 countries to combat trafficking. The religious educate and warn potential victims, work to combat the poverty that feeds the trade in human beings, rescue and provide shelter and rehabilitation for the victims and assist them in returning home if that is what they desire, he said.

June 17 2009, The Record

Page 13

REVIEWS

Chesterton classic makes a comeback The Ballad of The White Horse was GK Chesterton's epic poem, both in length and in ideas. He spent more time over its composition than any of his other verse, much of which, in comparison, was quickly composed. Now it has been re-issued by Ignatius Press.*

Red giants of the age of raids, In the thornland of Ethandune. Still Alfred's forces attack. Harald, Eldred, Elf, and Mark are all slain, and the Danes, inspired by Ogier, come charging on: "Down from the dome of the world we come, Rivers on rivers down! Under us swirl the sects and hoardes, And the high dooms we drown ... It is not Alfred's dwarfish sword Nor Egbert's pigmy crown, Shall stay us now that descend in thunder Rending the realms and the realms thereunder, Down through the world and down!"

• Reviewed by Hal G. P. Colebatch

W

e would do well to remember this inspiring poem set a thousand years ago. While some scholars have begun meeting at Oxford to discuss the Cause of his eventual Sainthood, G.K. Chesterton is remembered largely today by the reading public as the creator of the Father Brown detective stories, in which a humble Catholic priest solves crimes largely because his experiences in the confessional makes him exceptionally informed about the real nature of good and evil. But beyond Father Brown, Chesterton was an enormously versatile writer of poetry, history, novels, biographies and devotional works as well as literally countless articles (They have never been definitively collected). What is perhaps his greatest imaginative book, The Ballad of the White Horse, has recently been re-issued by Ignatius Press in San Francisco In its style, though not in its ultimate concerns, The Ballad of the White Horse is a rather different work to the adventures of Father Brown. It is not perfect as poetry but it is one of those works - there are not very many - that can actually change the reader's life and is a perennial source of inspiration and hope. Some say Chesterton wrote it in inspired haste over a few days, though the introduction to the present edition says it took ten years. It was published in 1911, and is a vast (173-page), sweeping, heroic account in ballad form of King Alfred the Great's hopeless war, crushing defeat and final "eucastrophic" victory over the Great Army of the marauding Danes in "the Thornland of Ethandune" about a thousand years ago, a victory which saved English-speaking civilization from being murdered in its cradle, and saved us, as Chesterton put it earlier, "from being savages forever." A book-length poem is not the most likely of publishing propositions, but for those in the know about it, The Ballad of the White Horse has enjoyed sales for nearly a hundred years. The present edition is embellished with wood-cut illustraG. K. Chesterton tions and notes, though the latter seem hardly necessary: the poem speaks for itself. It is a poem that can be read by anyone in need of inspiration and encouragement in dark times. It begins with the king, defeated and hiding in the marshes of Athelney. The Christianised kingdom of Wessex (whose symbol was a golden dragon) has been shattered by Viking attacks, both open invasion and the treacherous betrayal of Chippenham:

There was not English armour left Nor any English thing When Alfred came to Athelney To be an English king ... And the God of the Golden Dragon Was dumb upon his throne, And the lord of the golden Dragon Ran in the woods alone ... Slowly the king, inspired by a Holy vision, at first wandering alone, recruits a guerilla army. The first leader he approaches, Eldred, an old battle-scarred Saxon Lord, tells Alfred over his drink they have lost too often and

Alfred's forces fight desperately but are swept away: Did it happen here? Modern-day Edington, in Great Britain, where a white horse is carved in chalk upon a hillside, could perhaps be the site of the famous battle won against overwhelming odds by Alfred the Great and recounted in GK Chesterton's Ballad of the White Horse.

resistance is hopeless: Come not to me, King Alfred, Save always for the ale; Why should me harmless hinds be slain, Because the chiefs cry once again As in allfights, that we shall gain, And in all fights we fail?

Prince Colan slew a score of them, And was stricken to his knee; Kimg Alfred slew a score and seven, And was borne back on a tree ...

Your skalds still thunder and prophesy That crown that never comes; Friend,Ishall watch the certain things, Swine, and slow moons like silver rings, And the ripening of the plums." Alfred replies that this time he offers no hope or promise of success. However, there is no alternative but to fight. Otherwise nothing will survive: "Ibring you naught for your comfort, Naught for your desire, Save that the sky grows darker yet, And the sea rises higher" Then silence sank. And slowly Arose the sea-land lord. Like some vast beast for mystery, He filled the room and porch and sky, Andfrom a cobwebbed nail on high Unhooked his heavy sword. With the same counsel he gathers a Christianised Roman magnate, Mark, and a Celtic chief, Colan - as in so many epics, up to The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, the forces called to resist evil are an ill-assorted lot. As well as being a military-political story the ballad evokes, as only poetry can, what seems like the authenticly strange, haunted atmosphere of that time when, beset by deadly attacks on every side, a new civilization had slowly and partly arisen from the shadow of the Dark Ages and the cataclysmic fall of Rome: And the man was come like a shadow From the shadow of Druid trees Where Usk with might murmurings, Past Caerleon of the fallen kings Goes out to ghostly seas. Last of a race in ruins He spoke the speech of the Gaels; His kin were in Holy Ireland, Or up in the crags of Wales ... His harp was carved and cunning As the Celtic craftsman makes, Graven all over with twisting shapes, Like many headless snakes ... Having arranged for the chiefs to meet him as soon as they can gather their forces, Alfred wanders on alone in thought over the "shrill sea-downs", through the ruined landscape towards the meeting-place, playing his harp in the dusk )"The rook croaked homeward heavily, the West was clear and wan ..."). He is captured by a party of relatively good-humored, drunken Danes, who, admiring his harp-playing, bring him before their chief, Guthrum of the Northern Sea, the Emperor of the Great Army, and three of his principal Earls. Each, after listening to

Vainly the sword of Colan, And the axe of Alfred plied The Danes poured in like a brainless plague, And knew not when they died.

Alfred's playing, takes the harp and makes a song on it, and Alfred learns that despite their power and terror they are actually despairing and terrified of death. The young Earl Harald consoles himself with the excitement of battle and plunder. He tells Alfred: "Doubtless your sires were sword-swingers, When they waded fresh from foam, Before they were turned to women By the God of the nails from Rome; But since you bent to the shaven men, Who neither lust nor smite, Thunder of Thor! We hunt you, A hare on the mountain height!" Elf, the Viking minstrel, consoles himself with music and artistic tragedy: As he sang of Balder beautiful, Whom the heavens could not save, Till the world was like a sea of tears And every soul a wave ... The dreadful Earl Ogier's consolation in the face of death is destruction ("The barest branch is beautiful, one moment, as it breaks"), but beyond them is Guthrum, who has passed even through that and is staring into a universe of despair too absolute even for Nihilism: "When a man shall read what is written So plain in clouds and clods; When he shall hunger without hope Even for evil gods ..." The nameless, shabby "rhymester without a home" who is Alfred replies to this Pagan hopelessness: "Our God hath blessed creation, Calling it good.Iknow The spirit with which you blindly band Hath blessed destruction with his hand; Yet by God's death the stars still stand And the small apples grow ..." Next day the armies meet. Alfred's makeshift Army, having had their courage raised in the night by Alfred's inspired speech, despair at the sight of the overwhelming forces against them, and see the "high folly" of what they are attempting. The Vikings march out in savage magnificence: The Earls of the Great Army Lay in a long half-moon, Ten poles before their palisades, With wide-winged helms and runic blades,

Hopelessly beaten, Alfred points out to the fleeing remnant of his army that all the future has for them is slavery and starvation. It is better to die fighting on the right side. They launch a last hopeless counter-attack and sweep everything before them. Ogier dies under Alfred's axe, the great Viking banner of the Raven of Odin falls, "And the eyes of Guthrum altered, for the first time since dawn." In the final part, describing the years of peace that follow, the king warns the fight will go on: barbarians will come in the future armed not only with warships and burning torches but also with books, with "the sign of the dying fire," and: "By this sign shall you know them: that they ruin and make dark." C. S. Lewis has said that The Ballad of the White Horse is: "permanent and dateless ... does not the central theme of the ballad ... embody the feeling, and the only possible feeling, with which in any age almost defeated men take up such arms as are left them and win?" It is good to read The Ballad of the White Horse, and also to reflect that it is basically true. There really was a climatic battle at Ethandune (possibly modern Edington, where a white horse is carved on the chalk hillside, possibly originally in memory of the battle), and where, against all odds, the nascent Anglic civilization and its noble and undaunted king, after years of defeats and betrayals, really won the day, and where the barbarians really were not only defeated but Christianised: Guthrum, with Alfred as his Godfather, took the Baptismal name Athelstan and kept the peace for the rest of his life. In England learning, culture and civilization were revived under Alfred's rule, and we really were saved from being savages forever. Thank you, G. K. Chesterton. *Editor's note: There are two version

of The Ballad of the White Horse available

through The Record Bookshop. The Ignatius Press re-issue referred to

by Hal Colebatch has

231 pages (pictured

ar right with white cover) but is more expensive and can be ordered through The Record for $35.95+postage and handling. The Record will shortly have in stock the 2007 Book Jungle edition (at right) (116 pages) for $23.95+postage and handling. Call Caroline on (08) 9227 7080 for details.

Page 14

PANORAMA

June 17 2009, The Record

A roundup of events in the Archdiocese

Panorama entries must be in by 12pm Monday. Contributions may be emailed to administration@therecord.com.au, faxed to 9227 7087, or mailed to PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902. Submissions over 55 words will be edited. Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 will be a put into classifieds and charged accordingly. The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment. Sunday June 21 NORTH SUNDAY SESH! 5.30pm Mass, at Holy Spirit, City Beach, followed at 6.45pm, Sunday Sesh. Don't miss out! Open for youth of ages, 15-35. Guest Speaker: Fr John O'Reilly, presenting "Bread or Jesus?" The night includes, music, activities, talk, prayer time and group discussions. Bring money for supper. Eng: www.cym.com.au or 9422 7912. Sunday June 21 DOMINICAN LAITY OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY 10am at Doubleview Parish, Mass in the church, and then continuing in the priory. All welcome for a day of reflection. Eng: Jeff 9446 3655. Sunday June 21 TAIZE STYLE PRAYER 7pm - 8pm at Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York Street, South Perth. Everyone is welcome to join in the Meditative Prayer. Time to be still and listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart. There will be scripture and singing of the chants, intercessory prayer in a beautiful candlelight chapel in an atmosphere of silence and prayer. Bring a friend and a torch. Eng: Sr Maree 0414 683 926. Friday June 26 MEDJUGORJE EVENING OF PRAYER 7pm at Our Lady of the Mission, 270 Camberwarra Drive, Craigie. Adoration, Rosary, followed by Holy Mass. Free inspirational DVD on conversion of Fr Calloway given. All welcome. Eng: 9402 2480. Saturday June 27 VOICE OF THE VOICELESS MINISTRY OF POPE JOHN PAUL II 12noon at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Corfield Street and lsdell Place, Gosnells. Adoration and Healing Mass, with the Voice of the Voiceless Music Ministry.All are welcome to attend. Eng: John 0437 286 301. Saturday June 27 MORNING RETREAT Inner Freedom and Healing 9am to 12noon at John XXIII College, McKillop Room Multi-Purpose, presented by Murray Graham, 'nig° Centre Director. Cost: Donation for Inigo Centre. Eng: Murray 9383 0444. Saturday June 27 ST PAUL RETREAT 9.30am at St Thomas More, Parish Hall, Dean Road, Bateman, concluding with Mass at 6.30pm. Finish the Year of St. Paul well with a day of retreat. Conducted by Redemptorist Fathers Hugh Thomas and Dominic Savio. Cost $25 includes lunch. Eng: Fr. Michael 0417 956 573 or 9223 1334. Sunday June 28 BULLSBROOK SHRINE PILGRIMS MASS 2pm at the Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook with Holy Rosary and Benediction. Reconciliation is available in English and Italian before every celebration. The side entrance to church and shrine is open daily between 9am and 5pm. Eng: SACRI: 9447 3292. Sunday June 28 GOSPEL CONCERT 1.30pm to 4.15pm at St Patrick's Basilica, Fremantle. Western Australia's finest gospel performers will come together for a traditional, ecumenical concert, providing quality, uplifting spiritual music with opportunity to participate. Profits will support Cross Roads Community in providing drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Tickets: $15 adults and $3 children. Only available, advance purchase. Eng: erichancock@swiftdsl.com.au or 9446 1558. Tuesday June 30 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE TIMELINE Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles This 20-week study tells the story of the earliest days of the Church and shows how Christ's work continues

through us in the Church today. Young women are invited to join the group who already meet on Tuesday nights at 8 San Miguel Drive, Leeming. Eng: Sr Ann 0409 602 927. Friday July 3 PRO-LIFE WITNESS 9.30am, at St Brigid's Midland, Mass, followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at abortion clinic, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Eng: Helen 9402 0349. Friday July 3 PRAISE AND WORSHIP 7pm at St Peter's Church, 93 Wood Street, Inglewood, followed by Healing Mass, celebrant, Fr Roy Pereira and fellowship. Bring a plate, optional. All are welcome. Eng: Priscilla 0433 457 352 or Catherine 0433 923 083. Saturday July 4 WITNESS FOR LIFE 8.30am at St Augustine's, Gladstone Road, Rivervale, Mass followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at abortion clinic, led by Columban Missionary priest, Fr Paul Carey Eng: Helen 9402 0349.

Thursday July 16 INTRODUCTION TO PASTORAL CARE 9am to 12.30pm at Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation, 8 week course covering people skills, different behaviours. Principles of Christian counselling and, applying theory in diverse pastoral care situations. Eng: Jane 0401 692 690. Thursday July 16 CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP 9am to 12.30pm Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation, 8 week course exploring basic principles of Christian Leadership and how to grow in leadership. Practical aspects and dynamics of living in the Body of Christ, how to grow in participation and service in the life of a Christian Community. Eng: Jane 0401 692 690. Thursday July 16 YOUTH MINISTRY 9am to 12.30pm Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation, 8 week course covers the 5 key aspects in ministering to young people today. Learn strategies that help to evangelise youth, how to provide opportunities for fellowship and discipleship. Investigate how to engage young people in active ministry to their peers. Eng: Jane 0401 692 690.

PICTORIAL EXHIBITION The Norbertine Golden Jubilee of Presence in Australia is being displayed at the Chapter Room of the Priory at 135 Treasure Road, Queens Park until 13 June, after which it will move to the Parish of York for another two weeks display. Eng: 9458 2729 or 9514 5586. EVERY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Oblates of St Benedict Meeting 2pm, St Joseph's Convent, York Street, South Perth. Oblates affiliated with the Benedictine Abbey of New Norcia invite all who are interested in studying the rule of St Benedict and its relevance to the everyday life of today for lay people. Vespers and tea conclude meetings. Eng: 9457 5758. SPARE SUNDAY LECTIONARY Thomas Perrott Village and Joseph Cooke House have Mass celebrated each weekend for the residents. Some of the residents have difficulty reading the small print in the ordinary missals. Would any parish have spare Sunday Lectionary they could pass on to us and we could collect in the metropolitan area? Phone Rosemary 9259 4859 or Glenis 9259 5761.

Saturday July 4 DAY WITH MARY 9am to 5pm at Good Shepherd Church, 215 Morley Drive East, Kiara, 9am Video on Fatima. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. Reconciliation, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Eng: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Thursday July 16 MID -YEAR INTAKE FULL TIME COURSE Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation, Certificate IV in Christian Ministry. Learn more about the Catholic faith, evangelisation, communication, your spiritual gifts and sacred scripture. This is a life changing experience. Eng: Jane 0401 692 690.

ARCHBISHOP GOODY AWARD The Archbishop Goody Award was established in 1983 by The Most Reverend Sir Launcelot Goody, KBE. The Award aims to further the lay apostolate in the Archdiocese of Perth by financing the formation, education and training of lay people to serve the Church according to their particular calling and talents. Applications are to be submitted before July 31. Eng: Kim 9384 0598 or claremont@perthcatholic.org.au.

Sunday July 5 DIVINE MERCY 1.30pm at St Joachim's Church Shepperton Road and Harper Street, Victoria Park. Rosary and Reconciliation, Sermon on St Thomas the Apostle, with Fr Anthony Van Dyke OP, followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. Refreshments, followed by Video/DVD to be selected. Eng: 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

Saturday July 18 ST PADRE PIO DAY OF PRAYER - ITALIAN 8.30am at St Lawrence Church, 392 Albert Street, Balcatta, St Padre Pio DVD, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent Adoration and Benediction. llam Holy Mass using St Padre Pio Liturgy, celebrant Fr Tiziano Bogoni. Confessions available. BYO shared lunch. Tea and coffee supplied. Eng: Des 6278 1540.

PERPETUAL ADORATION Started at Highgate Parish March 2003, the Blessed Sacrament has been exposed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be willing to spend one hour a week with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament so that Jesus is never left alone. There are vacant hours, come be with Jesus. Eng: Helen 9444 7962 or 0413 845 893.

Thursday July 9 to Sunday July 12 MARIAPOLIS 2009 - LOVE CREATES WISDOM 2pm at the Institute of Agriculture, Curtin University Campus, Muresk, Northam. Come for spiritual renewal. Emphasis will be on living the Gospel together and learning to build relationships based on Jesus' New Commandment, so as to take that experience back to our environment. Eng: 9349 4052 or www.focolare.org.

Monday July 20 to Tuesday July 21 ELECTIONS AND FRATERNAL VISIT Fr Michael Brown OFM, WA Regional Minister and a member of the WA Regional Executive of the Secular Franciscans will be in Geraldton for elections and on fraternal visit. Anyone interested in learning more about the Franciscan way of life should contact, Helen 08 9937 1052 or Colleen 08 9921 3315.

Saturday July 11 ST PADRE PIO DAY OF PRAYER 8.30am at St Mary's, 40 Franklin Street, Leederville, St Padre Pio DVD, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent Adoration and Benediction. llam Holy Mass using St Padre Pio Liturgy, celebrant Fr Tiziano Bogoni. Confessions available. BYO shared lunch. Tea and coffee supplied. Eng: Des 6278 1540.

Saturday July 25 to Sunday July 26 400 YEARS CELEBRATION FOR LORETO SISTERS Three Springs Parish 6.30pm Saturday at Three Springs Shire Hall, dinner. llam Sunday Mass held in St Paul's Church followed by BBQ lunch. Accommodation, Three Springs Tourist Lodge 9954 1065 or Commercial Hotel: 9954 104. Those wishing to attend these celebrations, please advice ASAP by June 31. Eng: Convent: 9954 1010 or Myrtle 9954 1135, or jackkeogh@wn.com.au

Tuesday July 14 to Wednesday 22 July DIVINE WILL LIVED BY LUISA PICCARRETA -TALKS Fr Carlos Massieu, a gifted international speaker, will be giving talks in the Archdiocese of Perth. Come and hear, be enlightened as to Our Heavenly Father's Plan for the fulfilment of the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Times and venues TBA closer to the date. Eng: Jenny 9494 2604.

Thursday July 28 PRAYER DAY Reflecting on Hope with Mary MacKillop, 9.30am at Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York Street, South Perth, from 10am to 1pm, talk on, facilitated by, Dora Maguire, RSJ. RSVP: Monday 20 July. Cost, donation. Eng: marymackillopcentre@sosjwa.org.au or 9334 0999.

Wednesday July 15 to Sunday July 19 CYM HOPE CONFERENCE Chisholm Catholic College, 1104 Beaufort Street, Bedford. Based on the WYD09 Theme from 1Tim 4:10 and the Pope's 2007 Encyclical 'Spe Salvil The conference will include seminars, workshops, guest speakers, music, drama and other activities to inspire and empower our youth. Open for youth teenagers to 35 years. Eng: admin@cym.com.au or 9422 7912.

Friday July 31 MEDJUGORJE - EVENING OF PRAYER 7pm at St Anne's Catholic Church, Stirling Highway and Alfred Road, North Fremantle. All are invited to an evening of prayer with Our Lady Queen of Peace. Evening commences with Adoration, Rosary, and Benediction, followed by Holy Mass. Free DVD on conversion of Don Calloway who was drug addict, committing felonies but later became a Catholic priest. Eng: 9402 2480.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS - PIONEERS Any Pioneers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus out there in society who would like to meet other members in prayer and reflection, we offer an invitation. Eng: John 9457 7771. Every Tuesday BIBLE TEACHING WITH A DIFFERENCE 7.30pm, St Joachim's Parish Hall, Shepperton Road, Victoria Park. Come and hear. Light refreshments will follow. Bring along your Bible, a notebook and a friend. Eng: Jan 9284 1662. Every Wednesday CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY - HOLY HOUR 5.30pm Mass at Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary Street, Highgate. 6.30pm Holy Hour and adoration. Dinner available at $5 donation. Eng: www.cym.com.au or call 9422 7912. Every Sunday DIVINE MERCY NOVENA 3pm, St Aloysius Church, Shenton Park. Every Friday EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 7.30pm, Holy Family Church, Lot 375, Alcock Street, Maddington. Prayers for healing and deliverance. Eng: 9381 5383. Every 4th Sunday of the Month HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE 2-3pm, Morley Parish Church, 47 Wellington Road, Morley. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Come and reflect on the grace of being called to serve God in consecrated life. Prayer works! All Welcome. Eng: 9276 8500.

Vat

June 17 2009, The Record

Page 15

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Missionary reflections for this Sunday's Gospel In many parts of the developing world afflicted by war and poverty, the presence of Jesus through the work of our Catholic missionaries provides the calm and peace that 'weather the storms'. In Mozambique for example, it was Catholic missionaries from the St Egidio community in Rome, and not any UN envoy, who brokered the talks between the warring factions that ended 17 years of civil war. Catholic missionaries are at the forefront of many Peace initiatives using the intimate relationship they have with people, acting as trusted go-betweens and doing all this quietly, out of the media spot-light and with very little, if any, recognition from the international community for their efforts.

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June 17 2009, The Record

THEVRECORD

Bookshop

Page 16

June Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus SHORTER

1

PETER J ELLIOTT

M ORNING E VENING

ITURGICAL

P RAYER

ANSWERS TO C

MON QUESTION S ABOUT THE MODERN L/TURGY

10.11‘1411.A•

WYD 2008

WYD 2008

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

A SHORTER MORNING & EVENING PRAYER

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An edited form of the Catholic order for morning and evening prayer. "Shorter Morning and Evening Prayer" is part of the Divine Office range, and is an edited version of "Morning and Evening Prayer". It is designed specifically for people who want to pray alone and are seeking a regular, structured cycle of prayer. RRP $26.95 + P/H

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